G4 Levels Research Articles

Theoretical study of H-abstraction reactions of di-n-propyl ether oxidation by H, CH3, HO2 and OH radicals

The H-abstraction reactions from di-n-propyl ether (DPE) by radicals are significant in the DPE oxidation process. However, corresponding rate constants only rely on either analogy from alcohols or estimation from alkanes due to the lack of experimental and theoretical studies. In current work, thermochemistry and kinetics of DPE oxidation by the H, CH3, HO2 and OH radicals have been studied using the composite methods (CBS-QB3 and G4). Four H-abstraction reaction systems have been discussed, all of them occur through energy barriers of −5.4–20.5 kcal/mol. The energy barriers increase in the order α < β < γ at CBS-QB3 and G4 levels. The hydrogen-bond reactant complexes, RCβHO2, RCαOH, RCβOH and RCγOH, are identified in the entrance channel for the H-abstraction by HO2 and OH radicals. The rate constants for target reactions are calculated with the transition state theory and canonical variational transition state theory over a broad temperature range of 400–1400 K. Rate constants and branching ratios show that the H-abstraction reaction from Cα is the dominant reaction over the investigated temperature range. The total rate constants of the DPE + OH system have been fitted as follows: k = 1105 × T 3.185 exp(1720/T) (cm3 mol−1 s−1). The G4 data well reproduce the available experimental rate constant for DPE + OH system. The rate constants of H-abstraction reactions in the kinetic model of Serinyel et al. [Fuel 263 (2020) 116554] are modified based on the current calculated results to obtain a revised model. A validation for the revised model against the jet-stirred reactor (JSR) measurements from the literature are also provided, and the modified mechanism shows good performances to predict the JSR data. Reaction pathway and sensitivity analyses are performed to identify the fuel consumption paths and key reactions in oxidation process of DPE.

Thermochemistry of the Smallest Hyperbolic Paraboloid Hydrocarbon: A High-Level Quantum Chemical Perspective

[5.5.5.5]hexaene is a [12]annulene ring with a symmetrically bound carbon atom in its center. This is the smallest hydrocarbon with a hyperbolic paraboloid shape. [5.5.5.5]hexaene and related hydrocarbons are important building blocks in organic and materials chemistry. For example, penta-graphene—a puckered 2D allotrope of carbon—is comprised of similar repeating subunits. Here, we investigate the thermochemical and kinetic properties of [5.5.5.5]hexaene at the CCSD(T) level by means of the G4 thermochemical protocol. We find that this system is energetically stable relative to its isomeric forms. For example, isomers containing a phenyl ring with one or more acetylenic side chains are higher in energy by ∆H298 = 17.5–51.4 kJ mol−1. [5.5.5.5]hexaene can undergo skeletal inversion via a completely planar transition structure; however, the activation energy for this process is ∆H‡298 = 249.2 kJ mol−1 at the G4 level. This demonstrates the high configurational stability of [5.5.5.5]hexaene towards skeletal inversion. [5.5.5.5]hexaene can also undergo a π-bond shift reaction which proceeds via a relatively low-lying transition structure with an activation energy of ∆H‡298 = 67.6 kJ mol−1. Therefore, this process is expected to proceed rapidly at room temperature.

Immunoglobulin G4-Seronegative Autoimmune Cholangiopathy With Pancreatic and Hepatic Involvement Mimicking as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Immunoglobulin G4-seronegative autoimmune cholangiopathy is a rare cause of biliary strictures. We describe a 27-year-old man presenting with elevated liver enzymes, recurrent cholangitis/bacteremia, biliary strictures, and normal immunoglobulin G4 levels, who was initially diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, and later listed for transplantation for recurrent bacteremia. Subsequent surveillance imaging demonstrated morphologic changes consistent with biliary strictures and autoimmune pancreatitis. Initiating corticosteroids resulted in liver enzyme normalization and stricture improvement. Diagnosing seronegative autoimmune cholangiopathy remains challenging given similar presentation to primary sclerosing cholangitis. This case highlights importance of a wide differential for biliary strictures, with increased suspicion in those developing pancreatic changes in this setting.

Time-resolved, Gas-phase Kinetic and Quantum Chemical Studies of the Reaction of Germylene with Hydrogen Chloride.

Time-resolved studies of germylene, GeH2 , generated by laser flash photolysis of 3,4-dimethyl-1-germacyclopent-3-ene at 193 nm and monitored by laser absorption, have been carried out to obtain rate constants for its bimolecular reaction with HCl. The reaction was studied in the gas phase, mainly at a total pressure of 10 Torr (in SF6 bath gas) at five temperatures in the range 295-558 K. Experiments at other pressures showed that these rate constants were unaffected by pressure. The second-order rate constants at 10 Torr (SF6 bath gas) fitted the Arrhenius equation: log(k/cm3 molecule-1 s-1 )=(-12.06±0.14)+(2.58±1.03 kJ mol-1 )/RTln10 where the uncertainties are single standard deviations. Quantum chemical calculations at G4 level support a mechanism in which an initial weakly bound donor-acceptor complex is formed. This can then rearrange and decompose to give H2 and HGeCl (chlorogermylene). The enthalpy barrier (36 kJ mol-1 ) is too high to allow rearrangement of the complex to GeH3 Cl (chlorogermane).

Prominent 68Ga-FAPI Uptake in Renal Parenchyma Caused by Immunoglobulin G4-Related Nephropathy.

A 57-year-old man presented with a dry cough and renal insufficiency. Serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) level was markedly elevated, and IgG4-related disease was clinically considered. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed mild uptake in salivary glands and also moderately increased activity in renal parenchyma and prostate. 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT detected prominent and evenly distributed 68Ga-FAPI uptake in the kidney, and the pancreas, salivary gland, and prostate also showed intense activity, consistent with IgG4-related disease involving the kidney, pancreas, salivary gland, and prostate.

Relationship between Food Allergy and Endotoxin Concentration and the Toleration Status at 2 Years: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study

Changes in household endotoxin concentration may affect the prognosis of food allergy (FA), but data on the association between household endotoxin concentration and an already-developed FA are scarce. Thus, we investigated the association between environmental endotoxin exposure and tolerance to hen's egg (HE) and cow's milk (CM) using data from children participating in the Japan Environment and Children's Study who had HE allergies (n = 204) and CM allergy (n = 72) in their first year of life. We grouped the endotoxin results into quartiles 1-4 (Q1-Q4). In children with HE allergy and with CM allergy, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of tolerance to HE and CM at 2 years old when comparing endotoxin levels of the children in Q1 with those in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. However, subgroup analyses by the presence of eczema and causal foods revealed that children in Q1 had a lower prevalence of tolerance to foods in some subgroup analyses and lower causal allergen-specific immunoglobulin G4 levels. Although an individually based approach against endotoxin according to background characteristics, such as eczema and causal foods, is necessary, preventing excessive endotoxin removal might contribute to FA resolution in some children.

IgG4-associated sclerosing thyroiditis: one case, two different clinical courses

Abstract IgG4 related Diseases (IgG4- RD) are characterized swelling of affected organs, elevated levels of serum IgG4, dense lymphocyte infiltration and IgG4- positive plasma cells in tissues pathologically in the involved organs. Involvement of major organs is common and IgG4-RD may lead to organ failure, particularly in the pancreas, liver and biliary tree, kidneys, thyroid gland. We present a case of changing between subtypes of IgG4-related thyroid disease—transition from GD to IgG4-related sclerosing thyroiditis for the first time in the literature. A 48-year-old female patient, who had a diagnosis of psoriasis, and asthma, was admitted to the hospital due to fatigue complaint in 9/2012. Her laboratory assessment was compatible with thyrotoxicosis. It was detected patchy hypoechoic areas within the gland and Vitti 3 blood in the parenchyma in the thyroid doppler ultrasonography (USG). The results were compatible with Graves disease (GD) and methimazole (MMI) and beta blocker treatment were started at diagnosis. Rapid changes in serum thyroid function tests (TFT) in 1–3 months of follow-up were observed under MMI treatment. The patient first described a pressure during swelling in her throat in 8/2016. Grade 3 goiter was detected in her physical examination (PE). The patient had unstable TFT and received short term-intermittent MMI treatment according to TFT results until 9/19. MMI was discontinued upon detection of TSH 29.18(0.38–5.33) µIU/mL. After approximately six months of euthyroid follow-up, she was admitted to the outpatient clinic with complaints of hypothyroidism and compression due to grade 2 goiter. The thyroid is hard on PE. Her laboratory assessments were compatible with hypothyroidism and levothyroxine (LT4) treatment was started. The thyroid volume was 38 ml, the parenchyma was markedly echogenic, no compression sign in adjacent structures on USG. Thyroid tru-cut biopsy was planned with the preliminary diagnosis of Riedel/ IgG4 related disease. Histopathological diagnosis on tru-cut biopsy of thyroid was fibrosclerosing chronic thyroiditis with severe collagen fibrosis and interstitial lymphocyte infiltration. The presence of IgG4 positive plasma cells in the fibrotic stroma was remarkable and compatible with IgG4-associated sclerosing thyroiditis (Figure 1). The serum Ig G4 level was detected as 1.27 g/L(0.04–0.86). No sign of fibrosing disease was detected in neck, thorax and abdomen imaging. The results of laboratory and autoantibody levels are summarized in Table 1 and the Figure 2 and 3. Figure 1. Cytopathological evaluation A. Thyroiditis with diffuse collagen fibrosis and interstitial lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltration (chronic thyroiditis in the sclerosing/fibrotic stage). B. Fibroinflammatory reaction/chronic thyroiditis in core needle biopsy C. Immunohistochemistry: Intense IgG staining in interstitial lymphoplasmacytic cells, D. IgG4 positivity around 30% of IgG positive cells. We present a patient who initially presented with thyrotoxicosis, which was controlled with short-term MMI therapy, then transitioned to hypothyroidism, and the final diagnosis was IgG4-induced thyroiditis. IgG4-related thyroiditis includes IgG4-related Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), Riedel's thyroiditis, fibrosing variant of HT, and GD with elevated IgG4 levels. The clinical course of these subtypes is not exactly known due to their rarity.

Characteristics of mass-forming autoimmune pancreatitis commonly misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor.

This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic cancer to prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The clinical data of patients with AIP with suspected pancreatic or bile duct malignancy and pancreatic cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors and the diagnostic value of IgG4 and Tbil levels before treatment for AIP was investigated. Moreover, the imaging features and response to hormone therapy were analyzed. AIP was commonly observed in men. Compared to patients with pancreatic cancer, the incidence of poor appetite and weight loss and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level was lower in patients with AIP, while the immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) level was higher (p < 0.05). After treatment, the IgG4 and CA19-9 levels in patients with AIP were decreased (p < 0.001). IgG4 level before treatment (OR = 2.452, 95%CI: 1.180-5.096, P = 0.016) and total bilirubin (Tbil) level before treatment (OR = 0.992, 95%CI: 0.985-0.998, P = 0.013) were independent risk factors of AIP. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of IgG4 level before treatment, Tbil level before treatment, IgG4/Tbil before treatment, and a combination of these indicators was high. Moreover, 15 (68.18%) patients with AIP had space-occupying lesions of the pancreas, and 16 (72.73%) had autoimmune cholangitis. Most patients with AIP were sensitive to hormone therapy. The Tbil and IgG4 levels, imaging findings, and hormone therapy reactivity could differentiate AIP from pancreatic cancer. A combination of IgG4, Tbil, and IgG4/Tbil before treatment might be a promising diagnostic biomarker for AIP.

Demographic profile of HIV and helminth-coinfected adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Helminth and HIV infections are endemic among poor populations. Studies investigating the socio-demographic and economic risk factors associated with dual HIV and helminth coinfection are scarce. This study aimed to describe risk factors associated with HIV and helminth coinfections among peri-urban South African adults residing in poorly developed areas with high poverty levels, lack of sanitation and a clean water supply. Adult participants (n = 414) were recruited from clinics in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants' demographic, socio-economic, sanitation and household information, anthropometric measurements and HIV status were collected. Stool samples were donated for coproscopy to detect helminths using the Kato-Katz and Mini Parasep techniques. Blood was collected to confirm participants' HIV status and to determine Ascaris lumbricoides-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels to improve microscopy sensitivity. Overall coinfection was 15%, and single helminth and HIV prevalence were 33% and 52%, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was predominant (18%). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that coinfection was 11.9% and 19.8%, respectively, among the 18-34 years and 35-59 years age groups (p = 0.0006), 16.4% and 19.9%, respectively, for the no income and < R1000.00 groups (p = 0.0358) and 22.8% and 17.1%, respectively, for the pit or public toilets and toilets not connected to sewage groups (p = 0.0007). Findings suggest that the dual infection with HIV and helminth infections among adults residing in under-resourced areas with poor sanitary conditions is frequent. Older age, poor toilet use and low income are associated with coinfection. More attention is required to break the cycle of coinfections and possible disease interactions. The study highlights the importance of determining and treating helminth infections among adult population during HIV and helminth coinfection and the influence of poor sanitation and socioeconomic status on disease transmission.

Revisiting the cytologic features of autoimmune pancreatitis: An institutional experience.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a known mimicker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma both clinically and radiologically. In this study, the authors present their institutional experience in diagnosing AIP on cytology and correlate results with the histologic findings. A 14-year computerized search for patients who had histologically confirmed AIP with concurrent or prior cytology was performed. Clinical data, cytology findings, and surgical pathology results were reviewed for analysis. Eighteen patients were identified. The patients showed a male predominance, with a mean age of 59years. Jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain were the most common clinical presentation. Five of 12 patients who were tested for serum immunoglobulin G4 had elevated levels. Cytologic findings of 16 cases that were available for review showed markedly inflamed fibrous stroma (54%) and cytologic atypia (50%). The final cytologic diagnoses were suspicious for adenocarcinoma (n=1), atypical (n=8), and benign/negative (n=9). The corresponding surgical pathology diagnoses were classified as type 1 (n=10), type 2 (n=6), and AIP, not otherwise specified (n=2). All type 2 AIP cases had at least atypical cytologic diagnoses, with one called suspicious for adenocarcinoma and another called adenocarcinoma at the time of rapid on-site evaluation. In contrast, eight of 10 type 1 AIP cases were negative/benign, and two of 10 were atypical. In these two atypical cases, the possibility of AIP was raised because of the presence of inflamed stroma. AIP is a pitfall in cytology because moderate-to-marked atypia can be present, especially in type 2 AIP. Because atypia can be severe, the presence of cellular fibrous stroma with lymphocytic stromal infiltrates and the integration of serum immunoglobulin G4 levels could be helpful in avoiding diagnostic overcall in AIP.

Omalizumab in IgE-Mediated Food Allergy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A growing number of studies have shown encouraging results with omalizumab (OMA) as monotherapy and as an adjunct to oral immunotherapy (OMA+OIT) in patients with single/multiple food allergies. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of OMA or OMA+OIT in patients with immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy. An extensive literature search (inception to December 31, 2020) was performed to identify randomized, controlled, and observational studies that assessed OMA as monotherapy or OMA+OIT in patients with IgE-mediated food allergy. The outcomes were an increase in tolerated dose of foods, successful desensitization, sustained unresponsiveness, immunological biomarkers, severity of allergic reactions to food, quality of life (QoL), and safety. A P less than .05 was considered significant. In total, 36 studies were included. The OMA monotherapy (vs pre-OMA) significantly increased the tolerated dose of multiple foods; increased the threshold of tolerated dose for milk, egg, wheat, and baked milk; improved QoL; and reduced food-induced allergic reactions (all P < .01). The OMA+OIT significantly increased the tolerated dose of multiple foods (vs placebo and pre-OMA), desensitization (vs placebo+OIT and pre-OMA) (all P ≤ .01), and improved QoL (vs pre-OMA) and immunoglobulin G4 levels (both P < .01). No major safety concerns were identified. In IgE-mediated food allergy, OMA can help patients consume multiple foods and allow for food dose escalation. As an adjunct to OIT, OMA can also support high-dose desensitization and higher maintenance doses. Further studies are warranted to empirically evaluate the effect of OMA and confirm these findings.

Enhancement of visible emission in an Ho3+-doped fluorozirconate fiber using dual-wavelength pumping at 44X nm

Optical absorption and fluorescence spectra in the visible spectral range were investigated for an Ho3+-doped fluorozirconate fiber. From the absorption spectrum, the Judd–Ofelt (J–O) intensity parameters, Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6, were calculated along with the spectroscopic parameters, including radiative decay rates (AJJ′), radiative branching ratios (βJJ′), and radiative lifetimes (τrad) for the main emission levels, including 5I7, 5I6, 5F5, 5F4+5S2, 5F3, and 3K7+5G4 of Ho3+ ions. The excited-state absorption (ESA) mechanism of blue diode-pumped visible emission for an Ho3+-doped fluorozirconate fiber was investigated for the first time under blue pumping at 44X nm. Emission bands originating from 3K7+5G4 levels at peak wavelengths of 579 and 680 nm show a two-step excitation mechanism. These two emissions are enabled by ESA for both 5I6 and 5I7 levels, and the process to the 3K7+5G4 levels after nonradiative decay from the 5G2 level is ESA from the 5I6 level, whereas the process to the 3K7+5G4 levels after nonradiative decay from the 3H6 level is ESA from the 5I7 level. It has been revealed that enhancement of visible emission was enabled by introducing the ESA at 440 nm in an Ho3+-doped fluorozirconate fiber under dual-wavelength pumping at 449 + 440 nm.

Standard enthalpies of formation of 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride

In this investigation thermochemical properties of 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride were determined. Fusion enthalpy, fusion temperature and molar heat capacity in solid phase were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. By the Knudsen effusion method, the molar enthalpy of sublimation at 298.15 K was obtained. By thermogravimetric data, it was possible to determine the molar enthalpy of sublimation and the molar enthalpy of vaporization. On the other hand, the molar enthalpy of formation in solid phase at 298.15 K was determined by combustion calorimetry. The molar enthalpy of formation in gas phase at 298.15 K was calculated from molar enthalpy of sublimation at 298.15 K and molar enthalpy of formation in solid phase at 298.15 K. This experimental value was compared both theoretical enthalpy of formation in gas phase by using Gaussian methods at the G3 and G4 levels and with an estimated value in relation to phthalic anhydride.

Clinical Images: Dacryoadenitis in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis mimicking immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

The patient, a 26-year-old woman, presented with a 2-week history of acute swelling in both lacrimal glands (A). She had recently developed uncontrolled asthma and nasal polyps. The laboratory test results were notable for an absolute eosinophil count of 5300 cells per μl (reference range 100-400 μl), exceeding 50% of circulating leukocytes. The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test result was negative. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head confirmed swelling of the bilateral lacrimal glands (B, yellow arrowheads) and rhinosinusitis. A biopsy of her lacrimal gland revealed eosinophil-rich necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with vasculitis (C). Her serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) level was slightly elevated (265 mg/dl, normal upper limit is 121 mg/dl), but IgG4 immunostaining of the biopsy specimen did not show a significant finding. A diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) was made. Treatment with 30 mg of prednisone was initiated, which was gradually tapered without glucocorticoid-sparing agents over 12 months. The swelling of her lacrimal glands resolved, and she was free of symptoms, including asthma and lacrimal gland swelling, at the 12-month follow-up. In summary, EGPA can present with lacrimal gland swelling and mimic IgG4-related Mikulicz disease (1, 2). A histopathological examination of the swollen lacrimal gland is the key to differentiating EGPA from IgG4-related Mikulicz disease in such cases. Disclosureform Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease diagnosed by prostate biopsy: a case report

BackgroundImmunoglobulin G4-related disease is characterized by swelling of various organs throughout the body and nodules/hypertrophic lesions. However, its cause remains unknown. We report a case of immunoglobulin G4-related disease that was diagnosed based on the histopathological findings of prostate biopsy.Case presentationA 72-year-old Japanese man had been treated by a nearby doctor for hypertension, but subsequently developed lower urinary tract symptoms and was prescribed an α1 blocker for 1 year. However, the patient was subsequently referred to our department because his symptoms did not improve. Prostate-specific antigen was 1.258 ng/ml; however, the nodule was palpable in the right lobe on digital rectal examination, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System category 3. Therefore, transrectal prostate needle biopsy (12 locations) under ultrasound was performed. Histopathological examination revealed no malignant findings, although infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and partial fibrosis were observed. No remarkable findings of obstructive phlebitis were observed. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease was suspected, and immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin G4 immunostaining was performed. Immunoglobulin G4 positive plasma cells were observed in a wide range, immunoglobulin G4 positive cells were noted at > 10 per high-power field, and the immunoglobulin G4 positive/immunoglobulin G positive cell ratio was > 40%. Serum immunoglobulin G4 levels were high at 1600 mg/dl. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography findings suggested periaortitis. Additionally, multiple lymphadenopathies were observed around the abdominal aorta. The patient was accordingly diagnosed with immunoglobulin G4-related disease definite, diagnosis group (definite). We proposed steroid treatment for periaortic soft tissue lesions and lower urinary tract symptoms; however, the patient was refused treatment. A computed tomography scan 6 months after diagnosis revealed no changes in the soft tissue lesions around the aorta. Follow-up computed tomography examinations will be performed every 6 months.ConclusionIf immunoglobulin G4-related disease is suspected and a highly invasive examination is required for histopathological diagnosis, this can be performed by a relatively minimally invasive prostate biopsy for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Further evidence is needed to choose an optimal candidate for prostate biopsy for lower urinary tract symptoms patients with suspicion of immunoglobulin G4-related disease. For patients with lower urinary tract symptoms with immunoglobulin G4-related disease or a history, performing a prostate biopsy may avoid unnecessary treatment. However, if steroid therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered.

Experimental and modeling study on pyrolysis of ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate mixture

Ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) are important chemical substances of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrolytes. Although the carbonate esters are regarded as a cause of the LIB fires, there are few studies on the pyrolysis/combustion characteristics of EC. This study aims to investigate the pyrolysis characteristics of EC by performing theoretical calculations and species measurements, and to propose the first EC pyrolysis sub-mechanism. The theoretical calculations performed for a gas-phase EC decomposition at the G4 level of theory indicate that a dissociation channel producing acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide, EC = CH3CHO + CO2 (R1), is an energetically and entropically preferred decomposition reaction channel. The rate constant of R1 calculated in the present study is 7.4 times higher than that of the CO2 elimination reaction of DMC, which produces dimethyl ether, DMC = DME + CO2, at 1000 K. Species measurements were performed for the pyrolysis of EC/DMC/N2 mixtures at atmospheric pressure using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph connected to a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile. Oxygenates (EC, DMC, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and DME), inorganic species (H2, CO and CO2) and hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H2, C2H4 and C2H6) were measured. Experimental results indicate that the consumption of EC occurs at a lower temperature range (Tw = 1000–1050 K) than that of DMC (Tw = 1050–1100 K), as was expected from the theoretical calculations. The measured acetaldehyde showed a rapid increase at Tw = 1000–1050 K, implying that acetaldehyde can be a good marker for the EC decomposition. One-dimensional computations using the present model involving the EC pyrolysis sub-mechanism reproduced the measured results well. Based on the reaction path analysis, R1 accounts for approximately 95% of the contribution to EC consumption at 1080 K, where 30% of EC is consumed.

Near-infrared rechargeable glass-based composites for green persistent luminescence

The fabrication of Yb3+, Tm3+ co-doped oxyfluorophosphate glass-based composites, with green persistent luminescence after being charged with near-infrared light, is demonstrated. The mechanism responsible for the green afterglow after near-infrared illumination is unveiled. The composite is prepared using a modified melting process to limit the evaporation of fluorine during melting. Intense (blue and ultraviolet) up-conversion emission is obtained by optimizing the Yb2O3 and Tm2O3 concentrations. A heat treatment promotes volume precipitation of Yb3+, Tm3+ co-doped CaF2 crystals. Although the intensity of the blue up-conversion emission from the Tm3+1G4 level is lower in the highly Yb3+-concentrated glass-ceramic due to reverse energy transfer from Tm3+ to Yb3+, the heat treatment leads to an increase of the intensity of the emissions around 346 nm, 361 nm nm and 450 nm coming from the Tm3+1I6 and 1D2 levels. By combining the Yb3+ and Tm3+ ions with SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+crystals, green afterglow can be obtained after charging with near-infrared light.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease of The Larynx Mimicking Malignancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Immunoglobulin G4–related disease is characterized by increased serum immunoglobulin G4 level, enlargement in the relevant organs and histopathologically intense storiform fibrosis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration rich in immunoglobulin G4 positive plasma cells, and obliterative phlebitis. In this report, a patient who underwent a laryngeal biopsy with a pre-diagnosis of malignancy, but had findings consistent with immunoglobulin G4–related disease in the biopsy sample, is described. Immunoglobulin G4–related disease can be seen in very rare localizations. It should be kept in mind in differential diagnosis when tissues especially containing inflammation rich in plasma cells are encountered. Clinical, laboratory and pathological correlation is extremely important in the diagnosis of an immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

Sublingual immunotherapy may be effective in reducing house dust mite allergies in children with atopic dermatitis.

We evaluated the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for children aged 5-17 years with atopic dermatitis who were allergic to house dust mites. This open-label, controlled, randomised trial from June 2015 to February 2018 comprised 60 subjects from a specialist allergy centre in South Korea. Half received sublingual immunotherapy for 12months and the other half formed the control group. The subjects were evaluated using specialist scores and specific immunoglobulin and skin prick tests. Sublingual immunotherapy significantly decreased the mean Scoring Atopic Dermatitis measurements in the sublingual group from baseline (30.2 ± 10.7) to 3 months (20.7 ± 8.5) and the effects persisted at 12months (21.5 ± 12.4). However, the control group only showed a significant difference between baseline (30.4 ± 11.9) and 12months (24.3 ± 10.2). The levels of Dermatophagoides farina-specific immunoglobulin G4 significantly increased in the treatment group from baseline (0.6 ± 0.5) to 12months (1.0 ± 0.7), with no significant changes in the control group. New sensitisations to two or more allergens between baseline and 12months were significantly lower in the sublingual group (21.4%) than controls (54.2%). Sublingual immunotherapy improved disease severity and prevented new sensitisations in children with atopic dermatitis who were allergic to dust mites.

Immunoglobulin G4-related endocrine diseases

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease has become the focus of interest in recent years. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the organs involved, often with a macroscopic appearance suggestive of a tumor, elevated immuno-globulin G4 levels, immunoglobulin G4-positive plasma cell infiltration on histological examination, fibrosis, oblit-erative phlebitis, and typically a rapid therapeutic response to corticosteroids. The disease can show a variety of organ manifestations, with frequent involvement of exocrine glands. Among the endocrine organs, symptoms may appear in the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland. The criteria for immunoglobulin G4-related hypophysitis were formu-lated in 2011. Until a few years ago, a condition formerly known as Riedel's thyroiditis was identified as immuno-globulin G4-related thyroiditis. Based on the criteria system for immunoglobulin G4-related thyroid diseases pub-lished in 2021, some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease can also be classified as immunoglobulin G4-related thyroid disease. The identification of immunoglobulin G4-related endocrine diseases and the establishment of an accurate diagnosis can modify the treatment of the patient and determine the course of the disease. Other organ manifestations should be sought in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related endocrine disease and lifelong immunological follow-up is warranted.