Biomass-Derived Materials for Advanced Rechargeable Batteries.

Biomass-derived materials generally exhibit uniform and highly-stable hierarchical porous structures that can hardly be achieved by conventional chemical synthesis and artificial design. When used as electrodes for rechargeable batteries, these structural and compositional advantages often endow the batteries with superior electrochemical performances. This review systematically introduces the innate merits of biomass-derived materials and their applications as the electrode for advanced rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, and metal-sulfur batteries. In addition, biomass-derived materials as catalyst supports for metal-air batteries, fuel cells, and redox-flow batteries are also included. The major challenges for specific batteries and the strategies for utilizing biomass-derived materials are detailly introduced. Finally, the future development of biomass-derived materials for advanced rechargeable batteries is prospected. This review aims to promote the development of biomass-derived materials in the field of energy storage and provides effective suggestions for building advanced rechargeable batteries.

Understanding the Coupling Mechanism of Intercalation and Conversion Hybrid Storage in Lithium-Graphite Anode.

Anodes with high capacity and long lifespan play an important role in the advanced batteries. However, none of the existing anodes can meet these two requirements simultaneously. Lithium (Li)-graphite composite anode presents great potential in balancing these two requirements. Herein, the working mechanism of Li-graphite composite anode is comprehensively investigated. The capacity decay features of the composite anode are different from those of Li ion intercalation in Li ion batteries and Li metal deposition in Li metal batteries. An intercalation and conversion hybrid storage mechanism are proposed by analyzing the capacity decay ratios in the composite anode with different initial specific capacities. The capacity decay models can be divided into four stages including Capacity Retention Stage, Relatively Independent Operation Stage, Intercalation & Conversion Coupling Stage, Pure Li Intercalation Stage. When the specific capacity is between 340 and 450 mAh g-1, its capacity decay ratio is between that of pure intercalation and conversion model. These results intensify the comprehensive understandings on the working principles in Li-graphite composite anode and present novel insights in the design of high-capacity and long-lifespan anode materials for the next-generation batteries.

Pharmaceutical SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 inhibition suppresses primary and metastasized liver tumors by provoking hepatic innate immunity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (Shp2) is the first identified pro-oncogenic tyrosine phosphatase that acts downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to promote Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling. However, this phosphatase was also shown to be antitumorigenic in HCC. This study is aimed at deciphering paradoxical Shp2 functions and mechanisms in hepatocarcinogenesis and at exploring its value as a pharmaceutical target in HCC therapy. APPROACHES AND RESULTS: We took both genetic and pharmaceutical approaches to examine the effects of Shp2 inhibition on primary liver cancers driven by various oncogenes and on metastasized liver tumors. We show here that the catalytic activity of Shp2 was essential for relay of oncogenic signals from RTKs in HCC and that chemical inhibition of Shp2 robustly suppressed HCC driven by RTKs. However, in contrast to a tumor-promoting hepatic niche generated by genetically deleting Shp2 in hepatocytes, treatment with a specific Shp2 inhibitor had a tumor-suppressing effect on metastasized liver tumor progression. Mechanistically, the Shp2 inhibitor enhanced antitumor innate immunity by down-regulating inflammatory cytokines, suppressing the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 signaling axis, but up-regulating interferon-ß secretion. CONCLUSIONS: These results unveil complex mechanisms for the tumor-suppressing effect of pharmaceutical Shp2 inhibition in the liver immune environment. We provide a proof of principle for clinical trials with specific Shp2 inhibitors in patients with primary and metastasized liver cancer.

Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of programmed death ligand 1 antibody for metastasized liver cancer by overcoming hepatic immunotolerance in mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Immunotherapy with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade has shown low response rates in liver cancer patients, with the underlying mechanisms unclear. To decipher a specific impact of the liver microenvironment, we compared the effects of anti-PD-L1 antibody (αPD-L1) blockade on the same tumor grown s.c. or in the liver. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We generated s.c. tumors in mice by inoculating MC38 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells under the skin and metastatic liver tumors by portal vein or splenic injection of CRC cells. Tumor-bearing mice were treated by i.p. injection of αPD-L1, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C]), or both. αPD-L1 monotherapy significantly suppressed s.c. tumor growth, but showed no effect on metastatic liver tumors. However, the combination of αPD-L1 with poly(I:C), an innate immunity-stimulating reagent, robustly inhibited tumor progression in liver. The combination therapy effectively down-regulated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), but up-regulated ratios of M1/M2 macrophages, CD8/CD4, and CD8/regulatory T (Treg) cells infiltrated into liver tumors and whole liver. A group of long-lasting T-bet+ Eomes- PD-1- cytotoxic T cells was maintained in the combo-treated liver, leading to resistance to tumor recurrence. Depleting macrophages or blocking type Ⅰ interferon signaling abrogated the synergistic antitumor effect of αPD-L1 and poly(I:C), indicating a requirement of boosting innate immunity for optimized activation of cytotoxic T cells by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. CONCLUSIONS: The poor response of liver cancers to αPD-L1 therapy is largely attributable to a unique hepatic immunotolerant microenvironment, independent of tumor origins or types. The success of a combinatorial immunotherapy relies on coordinated inhibition or activation of various innate and adaptive immune cell activities.

Missense mutation of c.635 T > C in CAPN3 impairs muscle injury repair in a Limb-Girdel Muscular Dystropy Model.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy recessive 1 (LGMDR1), previously known as LGMD2A, is a specific LGMD caused by a gene mutation encoding the calcium-dependent neutral cysteine protease calpain-3 (CAPN3). In our study, the compound heterozygosity with two missense variants c.635 T > C (p.Leu212Pro) and c.2120A > G (p.Asp707Gly) was identified in patients with LGMDR1. However, the pathogenicity of c.635 T > C has not been investigated. To evaluate the effects of this novel likely pathogenic variant to the motor system, the mouse model with c.635 T > C variant was prepared by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique. The pathological results revealed that a limited number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the endomyocytes of certain c.635 T > C homozygous mice at 10 months of age. Compared with wild-type mice, motor function was not significantly impaired in Capn3 c. 635 T > C homozygous mice. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays further indicated that the expression levels of the Capn3 protein in muscle tissues of homozygous mice were similar to those of wild-type mice. However, the arrangement and ultrastructural alterations of the mitochondria in the muscular tissues of homozygous mice were confirmed by electron microscopy. Subsequently, muscle regeneration of LGMDR1 was simulated using cardiotoxin (CTX) to induce muscle necrosis and regeneration to trigger the injury modification process. The repair of the homozygous mice was significantly worse than that of the control mice at day 15 and day 21 following treatment, the c.635 T > C variant of Capn3 exhibited a significant effect on muscle regeneration of homozygous mice and induced mitochondrial damage. RNA-sequencing results demonstrated that the expression levels of the mitochondrial-related functional genes were significantly downregulated in the mutant mice. Taken together, the results of the present study strongly suggested that the LGMDR1 mouse model with a novel c.635 T > C variant in the Capn3 gene was significantly dysfunctional in muscle injury repair via impairment of the mitochondrial function.

Sub-Rayleigh dark-field imaging via speckle illumination.

We demonstrate sub-Rayleigh dark-field imaging via speckle illumination. Imaging is achieved with second-order autocorrelated measurement by illuminating objects with hollow conical pseudothermal light. Our scheme can work well for highly transparent amplitude objects, pure phase objects, and even more complex transparent objects. The autocorrelated dark-field images show better resolution than intensity-averaged images and an ability in filtering out low-frequency noises.

Double-slit interference experimental platform based on a Sagnac interferometer.

In this paper, we build a Young's double-slit experimental platform with adjustable multiparameters by inserting a single slit in a Sagnac interferometer. Our experiment proves that this platform can easily control the parameters related to double slits. In addition, a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of double-slit experiment is performed on the platform. Our approach provides a detailed conceptual and experimental analysis for wave-particle duality and will be useful for research on quantum optics.

Roles of lncRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Diagnosis, treatment, and the development of drug resistance.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers, primarily due to its late diagnosis, high propensity to metastasis, and the development of resistance to chemo-/radiotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are intimately involved in the treatment resistance of pancreatic cancer cells via interacting with critical signaling pathways and may serve as potential diagnostic/prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in PDAC. DATA SOURCES: We carried out a systematic review on lncRNAs-based research in the context of pancreatic cancer and presented an overview of the updated information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs-modulated pancreatic cancer progression and drug resistance, together with their potential value in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of PDAC. Literature mining was performed in PubMed with the following keywords: long non-coding RNA, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer up to January 2022. Publications relevant to the roles of lncRNAs in diagnosis, prognosis, drug resistance, and therapy of PDAC were collected and systematically reviewed. RESULTS: LncRNAs, such as HOTAIR, HOTTIP, and PVT1, play essential roles in regulating pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance, thus may serve as potential diagnostic/prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in PDAC. They participate in tumorigenesis mainly by targeting miRNAs, interacting with signaling molecules, and involving in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. CONCLUSIONS: The functional lncRNAs play essential roles in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance and have potential values in diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and treatment of PDAC.

Efficacy and safety comparison between axillary lymph node dissection with no axillary surgery in patients with sentinel node-positive breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study the evidence on the efficacy and safety of omitting axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for patients with clinically node-negative but sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive breast cancer using all the available evidence. METHODS: The Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through February 25, 2023. Original trials that compared only the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with ALND as the control group for patients with clinically node-negative but SLN-positive breast cancer were included. The primary outcomes were axillary recurrence rate, total recurrence rate, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Meta-analyses were performed to compare the odds ratio (OR) in rates and the hazard ratios (HR) in time-to-event outcomes between both interventions. Based on different study designs, tools in the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool were used for randomized trials and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions to assess the risk of bias for each included article. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used for the publication's bias assessment. RESULTS: In total, 30 reports from 26 studies were included in the systematic review (9 reports of RCTs, 21 reports of retrospective cohort studies). According to our analysis, omitting ALND in patients with clinically node-negative but SLN-positive breast cancer had a similar axillary recurrence rate (OR = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-1.20), DFS (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.89-1.16), and OS (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92-1.03), but caused a significantly lower incidence of adverse events and benefited in locoregional recurrence rate (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.97) compared with ALND. CONCLUSION: For patients with clinically node-negative but SLN-positive breast cancer (no matter the number of the positive SLN), this review showed that SLNB alone had a similar axillary recurrence rate, DFS, and OS, but caused a significantly lower incidence of adverse events and showed a benefit for the locoregional recurrence compared with ALND. An OS benefit was found in the Macro subset that used SLNB alone versus complete ALND. Therefore, omitting ALND is feasible in this setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD 42023397963.

Hepatocyte Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 7 Contributes to Restoration of the Liver Parenchyma Following Injury in Mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 7 and MKK4 are upstream activators of c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinases (JNKs) and have been shown to be required for the early development of the liver. Although it has been suggested that MKK7 might be involved in the regulation of hepatocyte proliferation, the functional role of MKK7 in the liver has remained unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Here, we examined phenotypic alterations in liver-specific or hepatocyte/hematopoietic cell-specific MKK7 knockout (KO) mice, which were generated by crossing MKK7LoxP/LoxP with albumin-cyclization recombination (Alb-Cre) or myxovirus resistance protein 1-Cre mice, respectively. The livers of Alb-Cre-/+ MKK7LoxP/LoxP mice developed without discernible tissue disorganization. MKK7 KO mice responded normally to liver injuries incurred by partial hepatectomy or injection of CCl4 . However, tissue repair following CCl4 -induced injury was delayed in MKK7 KO mice compared with that of control mice. Furthermore, after repeated injections of CCl4 for 8 weeks, the liver in MKK7 KO mice showed intense fibrosis with increased protractive hepatocyte proliferation, suggesting that MKK7 deficiency might affect regenerative responses of hepatocytes in the altered tissue microenvironment. MKK7 KO hepatocytes demonstrated normal proliferative activity when cultured in monolayers. However, MKK7 KO significantly suppressed branching morphogenesis of hepatocyte aggregates within a collagen gel matrix. Microarray analyses revealed that suppression of branching morphogenesis in MKK7 KO hepatocytes was associated with a reduction in mRNA expression of transgelin, glioma pathogenesis related 2, and plasminogen activator urokinase-type (Plau); and forced expression of these genes in MKK7 KO hepatocytes partially recovered the attenuated morphogenesis. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Plau rescued the impaired tissue repair of MKK7 KO mice following CCl4 -induced injury. CONCLUSIONS: MKK7 is dispensable for the regenerative proliferation of hepatocytes but plays important roles in repair processes following parenchymal destruction, possibly through modulation of hepatocyte-extracellular matrix interactions.

Thermally Stable Polymer-Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Safe Lithium Metal Pouch Cells.

Serious safety risks caused by the high reactivity of lithium metal against electrolytes severely hamper the practicability of lithium metal batteries. By introducing unique polymerization site and more fluoride substitution, we built an in situ formed polymer-rich solid electrolyte interphase upon lithium anode to improve battery safety. The fluorine-rich and hydrogen-free polymer exhibits high thermal stability, which effectively reduces the continuous exothermic reaction between electrolyte and anode/cathode. As a result, the critical temperature for thermal safety of 1.0 Ah lithium-LiNi0.5 Co0.2 Mn0.3 O2 pouch cell can be increased from 143.2 °C to 174.2 °C. The more dangerous "ignition" point of lithium metal batteries, the starting temperature of battery thermal runaway, has been dramatically raised from 240.0 °C to 338.0 °C. This work affords novel strategies upon electrolyte design, aiming to pave the way for high-energy-density and thermally safe lithium metal batteries.

Generation of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma through transdifferentiation and dedifferentiation in p53-knockout mice.

The two principal histological types of primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, can coexist within a tumor, comprising combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). Although the possible involvement of liver stem/progenitor cells has been proposed for the pathogenesis of cHCC-CCA, the cells might originate from transformed hepatocytes that undergo ductular transdifferentiation or dedifferentiation. We previously demonstrated that concomitant introduction of mutant HRASV12 (HRAS) and Myc into mouse hepatocytes induced dedifferentiated tumors that expressed fetal/neonatal liver genes and proteins. Here, we examine whether the phenotype of HRAS- or HRAS/Myc-induced tumors might be affected by the disruption of the Trp53 gene, which has been shown to induce biliary differentiation in mouse liver tumors. Hepatocyte-derived liver tumors were induced in heterozygous and homozygous p53-knockout (KO) mice by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of HRAS- or Myc-containing transposon cassette plasmids, which were modified by deleting loxP sites, with a transposase-expressing plasmid. The HRAS-induced and HRAS/Myc-induced tumors in the wild-type mice demonstrated histological features of HCC, whereas the phenotype of the tumors generated in the p53-KO mice was consistent with cHCC-CCA. The expression of fetal/neonatal liver proteins, including delta-like 1, was detected in the HRAS/Myc-induced but not in the HRAS-induced cHCC-CCA tissues. The dedifferentiation in the HRAS/Myc-induced tumors was more marked in the homozygous p53-KO mice than in the heterozygous p53-KO mice and was associated with activation of Myc and YAP and suppression of ERK phosphorylation. Our results suggest that the loss of p53 promotes ductular differentiation of hepatocyte-derived tumor cells through either transdifferentiation or Myc-mediated dedifferentiation.

An Efficient Combination Immunotherapy for Primary Liver Cancer by Harmonized Activation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Mice.

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors for liver cancer, while active in many clinical trials worldwide, may have uncertain outcomes due to the unique immunotolerant microenvironment of the liver. In previous experiments, we unexpectedly identified a robust liver tumor-preventive effect of a synthetic double-stranded RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyIC), in mice. Herein we further demonstrate that polyIC given at the precancer stage effectively prevented liver tumorigenesis by activating natural killer cells, macrophages, and some T-cell subsets; no inhibitory effect was observed on tumor progression if injected after tumor initiation. Nevertheless, polyIC administration potently induced programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in liver sinusoid endothelial cells, which prompted us to test a combined treatment of polyIC and PD-L1 antibody (Ab). Although injecting PD-L1 Ab alone did not show any therapeutic effect, injection of polyIC sensitized the hepatic response to PD-L1 blockade. Combination of polyIC and PD-L1 Ab resulted in sustained accumulation of active cluster of differentiation 8 cytotoxic T cells and robust liver tumor suppression and conferred a survival advantage in mice. These preclinical data in animal models suggest that, despite the low efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockade alone, careful design of mechanism-based combinatorial immunotherapeutic protocols may shift the paradigm in liver cancer treatment by coordinating maximal activation of multiple innate and adaptive immune functions. Conclusion: We provide proof of principle for the development of an efficient prevention strategy of liver tumorigenesis and a powerful combination immunotherapy for primary liver cancer.

Dark-field ghost imaging.

Ghost imaging is a promising technique for shape reconstruction using two spatially correlated beams: one beam interacts with a target and is collected with a bucket detector, and the other beam is measured with a pixelated detector. However, orthodox ghost imaging always provides unsatisfactory results for unstained samples, phase objects, or highly transparent objects. Here we present a dark-field ghost imaging technique that can work well for these "bad" targets. The only difference from orthodox ghost imaging is that the bucket signals rule out the target's unscattered beam. As experimental proof, we demonstrate images of fine copper wires, quartz fibers, scratched and damaged glass plates, a pure phase object, and biospecimens.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00460 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by targeting microRNA-503-5p.

Long non-coding RNAs are associated with the pathogenesis of cancers. Moreover, LINC00460 is involved in the development of multiple cancers. However, the function of LINC00460 in cervical cancer (CC) remains inconclusive. Herein, CC tissues and tumor-adjacent tissues were collected from patients. The effect of LINC00460 silencing in cell proliferation and apoptosis in CC was explored in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the interaction between LINC00460 and miR-503-5p was analyzed using dual luciferase reporter assay. The expression of genes and proteins was assayed using quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry, cell viability using MTT assay, cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry, cell apoptosis using Annexin V staining, Hoechst staining and TUNEL assay. LINC00460 levels in CC tissues were higher than tumor-adjacent tissues. LINC00460 silencing suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of CC cells as evidenced by decreased cell viability, inhibited proliferation-related protein and cell cycle protein expressions and G1/S transition, increased apoptotic cells and Hoechst-positive cells, and enhanced apoptosis-related protein expressions. LINC00460 could bind to miR-503-5p and LINC00460 silencing enhanced miR-503-5p expression and inhibited its target gene expressions in CC cells. MiR-503-5p inhibition reversed LINC00460 silencing-caused inhibition of cell proliferation and miR-503-5p target gene expressions, and promotion of cell apoptosis. LINC00460 silencing also attenuated tumor growth, promoted miR-503-5p levels and cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation and miR-503-5p target gene expressions in tumor tissues. Hence, LINC00460 functioned as an oncogene in CC that affected cell proliferation and apoptosis via sponging miR-503-5p. This study provides a novel therapeutic target for CC.

An anion-immobilized composite electrolyte for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes.

Lithium metal is strongly regarded as a promising electrode material in next-generation rechargeable batteries due to its extremely high theoretical specific capacity and lowest reduction potential. However, the safety issue and short lifespan induced by uncontrolled dendrite growth have hindered the practical applications of lithium metal anodes. Hence, we propose a flexible anion-immobilized ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte to inhibit lithium dendrites and construct safe batteries. Anions in the composite electrolyte are tethered by a polymer matrix and ceramic fillers, inducing a uniform distribution of space charges and lithium ions that contributes to a dendrite-free lithium deposition. The dissociation of anions and lithium ions also helps to reduce the polymer crystallinity, rendering stable and fast transportation of lithium ions. Ceramic fillers in the electrolyte extend the electrochemically stable window to as wide as 5.5 V and provide a barrier to short circuiting for realizing safe batteries at elevated temperature. The anion-immobilized electrolyte can be applied in all-solid-state batteries and exhibits a small polarization of 15 mV. Cooperated with LiFePO4 and LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathodes, the all-solid-state lithium metal batteries render excellent specific capacities of above 150 mAh⋅g-1 and well withstand mechanical bending. These results reveal a promising opportunity for safe and flexible next-generation lithium metal batteries.

Psoas hematoma as a rare complication of posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Psoas hematoma rarely occurs in patients with spondylolisthesis who undergo posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we reported a case of a 57-year-old male patient diagnosed with spondylolisthesis who underwent PLIF at the local hospital. Seven days post-surgery, abdominal pain occurred, and the pain in the right lower limb gradually increased. The computerized tomography (CT) indicated a formation of hematoma around the psoas muscle. Digital-subtraction angiography (DSA) suggested a vascular injury, a rupture of the right segmental artery of the lumbar vertebral level 4. The patient then received DSA vascular embolization, after which the lower lumbar segmental artery active bleeding was stopped. One month after discharge, the abdominal hematoma was gradually absorbed, and the pain in the waist, leg, and abdomen disappeared. CONCLUSION: Symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and exacerbation of lower limb pain, may suggest the occurrence of psoas hematoma after PLIF. DSA vascular embolization is suggested as the first treatment approach for this type of complication.

[Efficacy of Transcatheter Embolization for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in 17 Cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcatheter embolization for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. METHODS: From June 2006 to June 2019, 17 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor and who were gastrointestinal bleeding treated with transcatheter embolization due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage in our hospital were included in this study. The technical and clinical success rates and clinical success rate were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 17 patients who underwent angiography before embolotherapy, 5 patients (29.4%) showed tumor staining and contrast extravasation, 9 patients (52.9%) showed tumor staining but no significant contrast extravasation, and 3 patients (17.6%) were negative. 14 patients had with positive angiographic findings and then underwent transcatheter embolization. Technical success was achieved in 13 patients (76.5%). Of the 13 technically successful patients, 12 patients (70.6%) achieved clinical success, one patient (5.9%) suffered from repeated gastrointestinal bleeding, which was improved after conservative treatment. No embolization-related complication occurred. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter embolization for gastrointestinal stromal tumor with gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique.

[Role of Hemostatic Clips as Guidance during Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding after Endoscopic Treatment Failure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization using hemostatic clips as the guidance in the patients with peptic ulcer bleeding after endoscopic treatment failure. METHODS: From February 2009 to October 2018, 33 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding who were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization after endoscopic treatment failure were included in the study. Clinical success rate, 30-d mortality rate and complication rate were observed. RESULTS: According to Forrest grading of ulcer bleeding on endoscopy, 8 patients (24.2%) were defined as Ⅰa, 14 patients (42.5%) Ⅰb, 4 patients (12.1%) Ⅱa, and 7 patients (21.2%) Ⅱb. There were 8 patients not given endoscopic treatment due to poor vision. In 25 patients who received endoscopic treatment, 7 patients did not achieve primary endoscopic hemostasis and 18 patients had re-bleeding despite successful primary hemostasis. The mean interval time from endoscopic treatment failure to transcatheter arterial embolization was (35.42±67.54) h. All patients underwent arterial angiography, and 18 patients with positive angiographic findings were treated with embolization. Among the 15 patients with negative angiographic findings, hemostatic clip could be observed fluoroscopically in 8 patients and used as guidance for embolization. Prophylactic embolization was performed in 4 out of 7 patients without visualization of clip fluoroscopically. The clinical success rates in negative angiographic findings patients with and without clip guidance were 75.0% and 28.6% respectively. The clinical success rate with positive angiographic findings was 66.7%. The overall clinical success rate and 30-d mortality rate were 60.0% and 20.0% respectively. No complication related to embolization was observed. CONCLUSION: The preliminary clinical study demonstrates that transcatheter arterial embolization with the guidance of clips is effective and safe for patients with peptic ulcer bleeding after endoscopic treatment failure.

A Diffusion--Reaction Competition Mechanism to Tailor Lithium Deposition for Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal is recognized as one of the most promising anode materials owing to its ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and low electrochemical potential. Nonetheless, dendritic Li growth has dramatically hindered the practical applications of Li metal anodes. Realizing spherical Li deposition is an effective approach to avoid Li dendrite growth, but the mechanism of spherical deposition is unknown. Herein, a diffusion-reaction competition mechanism is proposed to reveal the rationale of different Li deposition morphologies. By controlling the rate-determining step (diffusion or reaction) of Li deposition, various Li deposition scenarios are realized, in which the diffusion-controlled process tends to lead to dendritic Li deposition while the reaction-controlled process leads to spherical Li deposition. This study sheds fresh light on the dendrite-free Li metal anode and guides to achieve safe batteries to benefit future wireless and fossil-fuel-free world.