Ti─O─C Bonding at 2D Heterointerfaces of 3D Composites for Fast Sodium Ion Storage at High Mass Loading Level.

3D composite electrodes have shown extraordinary promise as high mass loading electrode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, they usually show poor rate performance due to the sluggish Na+ kinetics at the heterointerfaces of the composites. Here, a 3D MXene-reduced holey graphene oxide (MXene-RHGO) composite electrode with Ti─O─C bonding at 2D heterointerfaces of MXene and RHGO is developed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the built-in electric fields (BIEFs) are enhanced by the formation of bridged interfacial Ti─O─C bonding, that lead to not only faster diffusion of Na+ at the heterointerfaces but also faster adsorption and migration of Na+ on the MXene surfaces. As a result, the 3D composite electrodes show impressive properties for fast Na+ storage. Under high current density of 10 mA cm-2, the 3D MXene-RHGO composite electrodes with high mass loading of 10 mg cm-2 achieve a strikingly high and stable areal capacity of 3 mAh cm-2, which is same as commercial LIBs and greatly exceeds that of most reported SIBs electrode materials. The work shows that rationally designed bonding at the heterointerfaces represents an effective strategy for promoting high mass loading 3D composites electrode materials forward toward practical SIBs applications.

LncRNA SSTR5-AS1 as a Prognostic Marker Promotes Cell Proliferation and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Prostate Cancer.

This study is aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of long non-coding RNA somatostatin receptor 5 antisense RNA 1 (SSTR5-AS1) in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we found that SSTR5-AS1 expression was upregulated in PCa tissues compared with adjacent tissues using quantitative real time PCR analysis. The results from Chi-square test showed that increased SSTR5-AS1 expression levels were correlated with preoperative prostate specific antigen, tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve described patients with high SSTR5-AS1 expression level showed poor survival. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis further identified SSTR5-AS1 expression as a poor independent prognostic factor for PCa patients. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay were performed to investigate the functional role of SSTR5-AS1 in PCa cells. The in vitro results indicated that SSTR5-AS1 knockdown inhibited, while SSTR5-AS1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. At molecular level, SSTR5-AS1 knockdown downregulated the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, N-cadherin and vimentin, and upregulated E-cadherin expression in PC-3 cells. SSTR5-AS1 overexpression obtained opposite results on these protein markers in DU145 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that SSTR5-AS1 promotes PCa cell behaviors, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for PCa patients.

The relationship between bladder storage function and frequent micturition after TURP.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between preoperative bladder function and frequent micturition after transurethral resection of prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: We retrospectively included 80 eligible patients aged 54-87 years (mean age 69.8 years) who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate at our hospital from January 2019 to October 2021. Patients were divided into detrusor overactivity positive and negative groups, and according to bladder compliance, they were divided into: low (G1), normal (G2), and high (G3) bladder compliance groups. RESULTS: The incidence and score of postoperative frequent micturition in the detrusor overactivity positive group were higher than those in the detrusor overactivity negative group. The incidence and score of postoperative frequent micturition in the low bladder compliance group were higher than those in the normal and high bladder compliance groups. There was no significant difference in the score of frequent micturition between the normal and high bladder compliance groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that frequent micturition was significantly correlated with detrusor overactivity, bladder compliance, maximum cystometric capacity, and maximum flow rate. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that patients with abnormal bladder storage functions (detrusor instability and low bladder compliance) before transurethral resection of the prostate were likely to have frequent and severe urination after transurethral resection of the prostate. Therefore, preoperative urodynamic examination to evaluate the urinary storage function of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia is of great significance to predict the occurrence and degree of postoperative frequent micturition.

A systematic construction of water-electricity cogeneration and thermal membrane coupling desalination technology using the waste heat in steel industry.

The widespread use of fossil energy emits a large amount of carbon dioxide, leading to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The essence of reducing carbon emissions is to achieve higher-quality sustainable development. The recycling of waste heat in the iron and steel industry is of great significance to reducing carbon emissions. Aiming at the problem of insufficient utilization of gas in iron and steel industry and the development of seawater desalination industry, a water-electricity cogeneration and thermal membrane coupling technology is established. Low-temperature multi-effect distillation seawater desalination device is directly connected with steam turbine generator, which uses gas to generate electricity. After generating electricity, negative pressure exhaust at the end of steam turbine is used for seawater desalination. The thermal efficiency of the system is increased to over 80%, the waste heat is effectively utilized, and the carbon emission in the thermal desalination process is reduced. At the same time, the high-efficiency removal and resource utilization of salt in concentrated seawater are realized. The recovery ratio of freshwater is over 55%, the salt content of freshwater is below 500 mg/L, and the salt content of seawater concentrated by membrane method can reach 79,450 mg/L. A new comprehensive utilization and recycling system of seawater has been constructed to realize efficient recycling of energy resources and promote the development process of carbon emission reduction.

Perioperative factors influencing the difficulty of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a single-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Identifying patients in whom adrenalectomy may be more difficult can help with surgical decision-making. This study investigated the perioperative factors affecting the difficulty of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA). METHODS: Sixty-eight patients who underwent RLA at our hospital between December 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021 were included. The difficulty of RLA was assessed by operating time and intraoperative blood loss. We analyzed the relationship between surgical difficulty and patient sex, age, and body mass index, pathological type, tumor side, tumor size, distance from the lower pole of the adrenal tumor to the upper pole of the kidney (DAK), and distance from the lower pole of the adrenal tumor to the renal pedicle (DARP). RESULTS: Mean operating time was 105.38 ± 33.31 min and mean intraoperative blood loss was 32.28 ± 22.88 ml. Univariate linear regression analysis showed that age (P = 0.047), tumor size (P = 0.002), DAK (P = 0.002), and DARP (P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with a longer operating time. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that DARP (P = 0.001), DAK (P = 0.001), tumor size (P = 0.002), and age (P = 0.033) were significantly correlated with a longer operating time. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that DARP (OR 5.341; 95% CI 1.704-16.739; P = 0.004), and tumor size (OR 4.433; 95% CI 1.434-13.709; P = 0.010) were independent predictors of operating time. CONCLUSION: Age, tumor size, DAK, and DARP were predictors of the difficulty of RLA. Older age, lower DARP and DAK, and a larger tumor size were associated with a longer operating time. DARP and tumor size were independent predictors of surgical difficulty.

Rare heterotopic pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic pregnancy occurred after frozen embryo transfer with two D3 embryos, and the case had a history of bilateral salpingectomy due to salpingocyesis. An ectopic heterotopic pregnancy was implanted in the left psoas major muscle, which has not been previously reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old woman presented with left back pain after curettage due to foetal arrest in the uterus without vaginal bleeding and spotting, and painkillers relieved the pain initially. When the painkillers ceased to work, the patient returned to the hospital. The ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) level remained increased compared with the time of curettage, and a diagnosis of retroperitoneal abdominal pregnancy was suggested by ultrasonography and computerized tomography (CT) with the gestational sac implanted in the left psoas major muscle at the left hilum level. Laparotomy was performed to remove the ectopic pregnancy. During the operation, we carefully separated the adipose tissue between the space of the left kidney door and left psoas major muscle, peeled away the gestational sac that was approximately 50 mm × 40 mm with a 25-mm-long foetal bud, and gave a local injection of 10 mg of methotrexate in the psoas major muscle. Fifty days later, ß-hCG decreased to normal levels. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to pay more attention to the main complaints to exclude rare types of ectopic pregnancies of the pelvis and abdomen after embryo transfer.

Efficacy and safety of dapoxetine for premature ejaculation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials of dapoxetine for premature ejaculation. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, FDA.gov and Clinical Trials.gov for studies reporting dapoxetine in men with premature ejaculation. Efficacy endpoints included intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELT), personal distress related to ejaculation (PDRE) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was used to evaluate safety. Data were analysed using a random-effects model. Electronic search identified 276 papers. The final analysis included eight papers (n = 8422 subjects). Analysis of the pooled results indicated efficacy in both IELT (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45-1.89) and PDRE (relative risk = 1.26, 95% CI 1.18-1.35). Subgroup analysis indicated efficacy (i.e. increase in IELT) for 30- and 60-mg on-demand dapoxetine (WMD 1.38 (95% CI 1.01-1.75) and 1.62 (95% CI 1.40-1.84) respectively), as well as daily use of 60 mg dapoxetine (WMD 2.18, 95% CI 1.71-2.64). The safety profile was acceptable. Based on the different effects of magnitude of the three dosing regimens, we recommend a stepwise approach, starting with 30 mg on demand, then 60 mg on demand and finally 60 mg dapoxetine daily.

Combination of Nexrutine and docetaxel suppresses NFκB-mediated activation of c-FLIP.

Lack of effective options following failure to conventional chemotherapeutic agent such as Docetaxel (DX) is a major clinical challenge in the management of prostate cancer. These observations underscore the need for deciphering the underlying mechanism of DX resistance to enable the development of effective therapeutic approaches. We observed up regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein c-FLIP and its up stream regulators including receptor tyrosine kinase RON and transcription factor NFκB (p65) in tumors obtained from metastatic prostate cancer patients. We also observed significant downregulation of these molecules in prostate tumors isolated from patients treated with DX as first line therapy. Further, we identified the over the counter anti-inflammatory agent, Nexrutine (NX) suppresses c-FLIP protein levels, and expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Remarkably, the observed decreased levels of c-FLIP were further reduced in combination with DX. Transient expression assays coupled with electrophoretic mobility shift and DNA affinity protein assay revealed that NX and DX suppresses c-FLIP promoter activity by preventing p65 binding. Notably, NX in combination with DX abolished binding of p65 to the c-FLIP promoter sequence containing NFκB binding sites. Biologically, these alterations resulted in reduced growth of PC-3 cells. Taken together, these observations suggest the utility of RON, p65, and c-FLIP as potential markers to predict response to DX treatment. Furthermore, our results also identified NX as an agent to potentiate the therapeutic response of DX by suppressing activation of c-FLIP and its upstream regulators.

[Impacts of Chk1 and Chk2 gene expressions on sperm concentration and motility].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation of the gene expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 with sperm concentration and motility. METHODS: According to sperm concentration and motility (percentage of progressively motile sperm), we divided 80 semen samples into four groups of equal number: normal control, oligozoospermia (OS), asthenospermia (AS), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS). We detected the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and viability and determined the expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 in the sperm by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were not found in sperm DFI among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups (21.24±6.93, 19.67±7.64, 21.52±6.92, and 19.28±11.55, P>0.05), but observed in sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability between the DFI >30% and DFI ≤30% groups (P<0.01). Compared with the normal control, sperm viability was remarkably decreased in the OS, AS, and OAS groups (ï¼»83.48±9.87ï¼½% vs ï¼»63.86±9.16ï¼½%, ï¼»50.45±16.99ï¼½%, and ï¼»39.21±15.74ï¼½%, P<0.05). RT-PCR showed remarkable differences among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups in the relative expression level of Chk1 mRNA (0.73±0.22, 0.62±0.14, 1.03±0.39, and 0.92±0.071, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 80.661, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b = －19.275, P < 0.01), as well as in that of Chk2 mRNA (0.66±0.30, 0.27±0.09, 0.59±0.19, and 0.42 ± 0.11, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b = －90.809, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 27.507, P <0.01). The relative expression levels of the Chk1 protein were significantly different among the four groups (0.63±0.05, 0.42±0.03, 1.13±0.08, and 0.87±0.07, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 55.74, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b =－22.649, P<0.01), and so were those of the Chk2 protein (1.23±0.36, 0.37±0.16, 0.87±0.08, and 0.68±0.12, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b =－53.001, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 16.676, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Chk1 and Chk2 are significantly expressed in human sperm. In case of sperm DNA damage, up-regulated Chk1 expression may enhance sperm apoptosis and lead to asthenospermia, while increased Chk2 expression may inhibit spermatogenesis and result in oligospermia.

[Safety and effect of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus bipolar transurethral plasmakinetic prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effect of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in comparison with bipolar transurethral plasmakinetic prostatectomy (TUPKP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We searched the databases of PubMed, SCI, Ovid, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wangfang Data for controlled clinical trials about HoLEP versus TUPKP in the treatment of BPH published up to April 2016. The studies were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data extracted, and their quality evaluated by 2 reviewers independently, followed by a meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were included, involving 2031 cases. In comparison with TUPKP, HoLEP showed significantly longer operation time (WMD = 24.61, 95% CI 11.88, 37.34, P lt; 0.001), shorter hospital stay (WMD =－1.91, 95% CI －3.74, －0.07, P = 0.04), shorter bladder irrigation time (WMD = －21.50, 95% CI －34.95, －8.06, P = 0.002), shorter catheter-indwelling time (WMD = －27.60, 95% CI －48.17, －7.03, P = 0.009), less hemoglobin loss (WMD = － 0.42, 95% CI －0.78, －0.07, P = 0.02); lower postvoid residual urine (PVR) at 3 months (WMD = －3.35, 95% CI －4.46, －2.23, P<0.001) and 6 months after surgery (WMD =－1.11, 95% CI －2.18, －0.05, P = 0.04); higher maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) (WMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.04, 0.80, P = 0.03) and fewer urinary tract irritation symptoms (OR =0.58, 95% CI 0.41, 0.81, P = 0.002) at 12 months after surgery. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the volume of resected tissue, serum sodium reduction, urethral stricture, erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, or transient urinary incontinence (P>0.05), or in the improvement of the quality of life (QoL) at 1, 3 and 12 months, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, Qmax at 1, 3 and 6 months, or International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) at 6 months after surgery (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is preferred to TUPKP in clinical application for its advantages of higher Qmax at 12 months after surgery, lower PVR at 3 and 6 months, higher peri-operative safety, faster recovery, and fewer urinary tract irritation symptoms. However, for the quantity and quality limitations of the included publications, our findings are to be further supported by large-sample, multi-center, and high-quality prospective controlled clinical studies.

[Tea polyphenols reduces the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rats with experimental varicocele].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of tea polyphenols (TP) on the apoptosis of germ cells in rats with experimental varicocele. METHODS: Thirty-two adolescent male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into groups A (sham-operation), B (high-dose TP), C (low-dose TP), and D (experimental left varicocele). Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in the latter three groups of rats. The animals in groups A and D were fed with normal saline, while those in B and C with TP at 40 and 10 mg per kg per d, respectively, all for 4 weeks. Then, all the rats were sacrificed and the left testes harvested for determination of the expression of HIF-1, Bcl-2, Bax, CytC, and caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry and measurement of the apoptosis index (AI) of spermatogenic cells. RESULTS: The expression of Bcl-2 was higher in groups B and C than in D but lower than in A (P < 0.05), and lower in C than in B (P < 0.05). However, the expressions of HIF-1, Bax, CytC, and caspase-3 were lower in groups B and C than in D but higher than in A (P < 0.05), and higher in C than in B (P < 0.05). The AI of spermatogenic cells was the lowest in group A, higher in D than in the other groups but lower in B than in C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TP can reduce the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in a dose-dependent manner in varicocele rats.

The association between three prevalent autoimmune disorders and the likelihood of developing prostate cancer: a Mendelian randomization study.

Numerous studies establish a significant correlation between autoimmune disorders (AIDs) and prostate cancer (PCa). Our Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis investigates the potential connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and PCa, aiming to confirm causal links between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), hyperthyroidism, and PCa. Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies provided data on PCa and three AIDs. MR analysis, using IVW as the main approach, assessed causal relationships, validated by sensitivity analysis. IVW revealed a correlation between genetically anticipated RA and PCa, notably in Europeans (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p = 2*10-5). Evidence supported a lower PCa risk in individuals with SLE (OR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.97, p = 2*10-4) and hyperthyroidism (OR = 0.02; 95% CI 0.001-0.2, p = 2*10-3). Weighted mode and median confirmed these findings. No pleiotropic effects were observed, and MR heterogeneity tests indicated dataset homogeneity. Our study establishes a causal link between RA, SLE, hyperthyroidism, and PCa.

Development and validation of nomograms to predict survival of neuroendocrine carcinoma in genitourinary system: A population-based retrospective study.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare yet potentially perilous neoplasm. The objective of this study was to develop prognostic models for the survival of NEC patients in the genitourinary system and subsequently validate these models. A total of 7125 neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) patients were extracted. Comparison of survival in patients with different types of NEN before and after propensity score-matching (PSM). A total of 3057 patients with NEC, whose information was complete, were extracted. The NEC influencing factors were chosen through the utilization of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model (LASSO) and the Fine & Gary model (FGM). Furthermore, nomograms were built. To validate the accuracy of the prediction, the efficiency was verified using bootstrap self-sampling techniques and receiver operating characteristic curves. LASSO and FGM were utilized to construct three models. Confirmation of validation was achieved by conducting analyses of the area under the curve and decision curve. Moreover, the FGS (DSS analysis using FGM) model produced higher net benefits. To maximize the advantages for patients, the FGS model disregarded the influence of additional occurrences. Patients are expected to experience advantages in terms of treatment options and survival assessment through the utilization of these models.

Renal pelvis metastasis following surgery for breast angiosarcoma: a case report and literature review.

Renal metastasis of breast angiosarcoma is rare. This article reports the medical records of a patient diagnosed with breast angiosarcoma who underwent radical mastectomy and was found to have multiple lung metastases 3 years after surgery and renal pelvic metastasis 4 years after surgery. The patient underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy and sleeve resection of the intramural segment of the ureter, and postoperative pathology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of renal pelvic metastasis of breast angiosarcoma. The patient received anlotinib for lung metastases following surgery and was followed up for 4 months after surgery. Currently, the patient has symptoms of coughing and hemoptysis but no other discomfort. The diagnosis and treatment of this rare malignant tumor remain challenging.

Macroscale preparation of CoS2 nanoparticles for ultra-high fast-charging performance in sodium-ion batteries.

Improving the fast-charging capabilities and energy storage capacity of electric vehicles presents a feasible strategy for mitigating the prevalent concern of range anxiety in the market. Nanostructure electrode materials play a crucial role in this process. However, the current method of preparation is arduous and yields restricted quantities. In view of this, we have devised an innovative approach that provides convenience and efficacy, facilitating the large-scale synthesis of CoS2 nanoparticles, which exhibited exceptional performance. When the current density was 1000 mA g-1, the discharging capacity reached 760 mAh g-1 after 400 cycles. Remarkably, even at an increased current density of 5000 mA g-1, the discharging capacity of CoS2 remained at 685.5 mAh g-1. The ultra-high performance could be attributed to the specific surface area, which minimized the diffusion distance of sodium-ions during the charging and discharging processes and mitigated the extent of structural damage. Our straightforward preparation techniques facilitate the mass production and present a novel approach for the development of cost-effective and high-performing anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Development and validation of nomograms to predict survival of primary adrenal lymphoma: a population-based retrospective study.

While it is known that accurate evaluation of overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients with primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) can affect their prognosis, no stable and effective prediction model exists. This study aimed to develop prediction models to evaluate survival. This study enrolled 5448 patients with adrenal masses from the SEER Program. The influencing factors were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model (LASSO) and Fine and Gray model (FGM). In addition, nomograms were constructed. Receiver operating characteristic curves and bootstrap self-sampling methods were used to verify the discrimination and consistency of the nomograms. The independent influencing factors for PAL survival were selected by LASSO and FGM, and three models were built: the OS, DSS, and FGS (DSS analysis by FGM) model. The areas under the curve and decision curve analyses indicated that the models were valid. This study developed survival prediction models to predict OS and DSS of patients with PAL. The FGS model was more accurate than the DSS model in the short term. Above all, these models should offer benefits to patients with PAL in terms of the treatment modality choice and survival evaluation.

Lipopolysaccharide induces skin scarring through the TLR4/Myd88 inflammatory signaling pathway in dermal fibroblasts.

Skin scarring is a frequent complication of the wound healing process. Bacterial contamination and prolonged inflammation in wounds are thought to play significant roles during scar formation, but little is known about their specific mechanisms of action. In this study, hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts (HSFs) and paired normal skin derived fibroblasts (NSFs) were used to evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammation-induced skin scarring and explore the inflammation-mediated mechanism of activity of LPS on dermal fibroblasts. LPS was found to significantly upregulate the expression of the proinflammatory molecules TLR4, Myd88, TRAF6, and p65, and the fibrosis-related proteins Col I, Col III, and α-SMA, in NSFs. Blocking Myd88 expression with T6167923 downregulated the expression of Col I, Col III, and α-SMA, whereas activating Myd88 expression with CL075 significantly upregulated their expression in LPS-treated NSFs. LPS was found to delay wound healing and increase skin scarring in cell and mouse models. These results showed that LPS could induce scar formation through the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway in dermal fibroblasts, suggesting that the downregulation of excessive inflammation in wound tissues inhibits skin scarring and improves scar appearance.

Development and validation of machine-learning models for the difficulty of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy based on radiomics.

Objective: The aim is to construct machine learning (ML) prediction models for the difficulty of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RPLA) based on clinical and radiomic characteristics and to validate the models. Methods: Patients who had undergone RPLA at Shanxi Bethune Hospital between August 2014 and December 2020 were retrospectively gathered. They were then randomly split into a training set and a validation set, maintaining a ratio of 7:3. The model was constructed using the training set and validated using the validation set. Furthermore, a total of 117 patients were gathered between January and December 2021 to form a prospective set for validation. Radiomic features were extracted by drawing the region of interest using the 3D slicer image computing platform and Python. Key features were selected through LASSO, and the radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. Various ML models were constructed by combining Rad-score with clinical characteristics. The optimal models were selected based on precision, recall, the area under the curve, F1 score, calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis in the training, validation, and prospective sets. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to demonstrate the impact of each variable in the respective models. Results: After comparing the performance of 7 ML models in the training, validation, and prospective sets, it was found that the RF model had a more stable predictive performance, while xGBoost can significantly benefit patients. According to SHAP, the variable importance of the two models is similar, and both can reflect that the Rad-score has the most significant impact. At the same time, clinical characteristics such as hemoglobin, age, body mass index, gender, and diabetes mellitus also influenced the difficulty. Conclusion: This study constructed ML models for predicting the difficulty of RPLA by combining clinical and radiomic characteristics. The models can help surgeons evaluate surgical difficulty, reduce risks, and improve patient benefits.

Performance of a superamphiphobic self-cleaning passive subambient daytime radiative cooling coating on grain and oil storage structures.

The thermal performance of a novel exterior coating material for commonly used grain and food-grain oil structures was investigated. Grain structures included a concrete squat silo and a concrete warehouse while the edible oil structure was a concrete sided tank. The exterior coating provided excellent moisture runoff and solar reflectance properties and is best described as a superamphiphobic self-cleaning passive subambient daytime radiative cooling (SSC-PSDRC) coating. The coating exhibited a remarkable subambient daytime cooling effect in various structures in different climatic regions. Compared with the roof surface temperatures of a cool white-coated concrete grain silo and a gray carbon iron-based edible oil storage tank, those of the PSDRC coated top surfaces could be reduced by 37 °C and 33 °C, respectively. The roof surface temperature of a warehouse painted with a cool-white coating-with a solar reflectance of 0.9 and an emissivity of 0.85-and that of a warehouse with the roof installed with aluminised polymer waterproof membranes were 19 °C and 18 °C higher than that of the PSDRC warehouse, respectively. Consequently, the interior temperature of the wheat pile in the PSDRC grain silo was 10 °C lower than that in the control squat silo. With the inner loop flow temperature control system operating, the interior air temperatures of the PSDRC west-facing separate space were 6 °C and 3 °C higher than those of the cool-white coated and control west-facing separate spaces, respectively. Even after the application of PSDRC coating for only a few days, the interior air temperature of the PSDRC oil storage tank was reduced by 38 °C, and the interior temperature of the oil storage tank was reduced by 4 °C. Furthermore, in practical applications, the coating showed impressive superamphiphobic self-cleaning capabilities and super aging resistance. The wide applications of the coating would have far-reaching, global implications for maintaining grain and edible oil products, particularly in the sub-tropical climates.

Controllable recovery and recycling of carboxylic acid-polyalcohol deep eutectic solvent for biomass pretreatment with electronically-controlled chemical methodology.

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass using deep eutectic solvent (DES) has been demonstrated environmental and valid. Co-existing of donor and acceptor of hydrogen bond makes DES composition more complicated than traditional solvents, which limits their further scale-up utilization. Advances in biomass pretreatment using green solvent DES should excogitate efficient methodology for DES recycling. Electronically-controlled chemical methodology was first put forward to resolve recovery and recycling issue of DES lactic acid-ethylene glycol after biomass pretreatment. The methodology worked based on selectively migrating of lactate Lac- and reserving of ethylene glycol using BP-A-BP bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED). Impact of primary factors on DES recovery was carefully studied. Lowest energy consumption for specific DES recovery reached 10.4 kw·h/kg and highest DES recovery rate approached 97.6 %. Cognition acquired from this research indicated a promising and efficient strategy for carboxylic acid-polyalcohol DES recovery with novel electronically-controlled chemical methodology.