The dynamic charge density of KZnB3O6, which contains edge-sharing BO4 units, has been characterized using laboratory and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques. The experimental electron density distribution (EDD) was constructed using the maximum-entropy method (MEM) from single crystal diffraction data obtained at 81 and 298 K. Additionally, MEM-based pattern fitting (MPF) method was employed to refine the synchrotron powder diffraction data obtained at 100 K. Both the room-temperature single crystal diffraction data and the cryogenic synchrotron powder diffraction data reveal an intriguing phenomenon: the edge-shared B2O2 ring exhibits a significant charge density accumulation between the O atoms. Further analysis of high-quality single crystal diffraction data collected at 81 K, with both high resolution and large signal-to-noise ratio, reveals no direct O–O bonding within the B2O2 ring. The experimental EDD of KZnB3O6 obtained aligns with the results obtained from ab-initio calculations. Our work underscores the importance of obtaining high-quality experimental data to accurately determine EDDs.
Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is an effective therapy for allergic rhinitis and may have long-term benefits. However, these benefits have not been strictly defined for older people.
Aim: The evaluation of the effectiveness of AIT in patients over 60 with allergic rhinitis and house dust mites (HDM) allergy over a period of 7 years was performed.
Material and methods: Patients after three years of HDM-AIT were observed to assess the sustained clinical effect of treatment. The average adjusted symptom score (AAdSS) and sIgG4 were monitored for 7 years after sublingual (SLIT) and injection AIT (SCIT).
Results: After 3 years of HDM-AIT, a significant clinical effect was observed in the group after SLIT and SCIT based on AAdSS compared to the baseline and the placebo group (p < 0.05). After 7 years of follow-up, there was a sustained trend of decrease in clinical symptoms in desensitized patients relative to placebo. Serum sIgG4 was constantly present in all desensitized patients.
Conclusions: AIT may be beneficial for treating seniors with allergic rhinitis and allergies to house dust mites.