Cholesterol metabolism in T-cell aging: Accomplices or victims.

Aging has a significant impact on the function and metabolism of T cells. Cholesterol, the most important sterol in mammals, is known as the "gold of the body" because it maintains membrane fluidity, rigidity, and signal transduction while also serving as a precursor of oxysterols, bile acids, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol homeostasis is primarily controlled by uptake, biosynthesis, efflux, and regulatory mechanisms. Previous studies have suggested that there are reciprocal interactions between cholesterol metabolism and T lymphocytes. Here, we will summarize the most recent advances in the effects of cholesterol and its derivatives on T-cell aging. We will furthermore discuss interventions that might be used to help older individuals with immune deficiencies or diminishing immune competence.

Numerical Simulation Study on the Influence of Fracture on Borehole Wave Modes: Insights from Fracture Width, Filling Condition, and Acoustic Frequency.

Unconventional reservoirs, such as shale and tight formations, have become increasingly vital contributors to oil and gas production. In these reservoirs, fractures serve as crucial spaces for fluid migration and storage, making their precise assessment essential. Array acoustic logging stands out as a pivotal method for evaluating fractures. To investigate the impact of fracture width, fracture-filling conditions, and acoustic frequency on compressional and shear waves, a three-dimensional variable mesh finite difference program was employed for acoustic logging numerical simulation. Firstly, numerical models representing fractured formations with varying fracture widths and distinct fluid-filling conditions were established, and array acoustic logging numerical simulations were conducted at different frequencies. Subsequently, the waveform data were processed to extract acoustic characteristic parameters, such as velocities and amplitude attenuations of compressional and shear waves. Finally, a quantitative analysis was conducted to examine the variation patterns of characteristic parameters of refracted compressional and shear waves in relation to fracture properties. The research results indicate that amplitude attenuation information derived from borehole wave modes is particularly sensitive to the changes in fracture properties. As fracture width increased, we observed a significant amplitude attenuation in both compressional and shear waves, proportional to the logarithm of the attenuation coefficients. Furthermore, when the fracture width was constant, gas-filled fractures exhibited more prominent amplitude attenuation than water-filled fractures, with shear wave attenuation being more sensitive to the filling material. Moreover, from a quantitative perspective, the analysis revealed that the attenuation coefficients of refracted compressional and shear waves exhibited an exponential variation with gas saturation. Notably, once fracture width and filling conditions were established, the amplitudes of compressional and shear waves at the dominant frequency of 40 kHz were significantly reduced compared to those at 8 kHz, accompanied by increased attenuation. Subsequent quantitative analysis revealed that, when the product of fracture width and dominant frequency remains constant, the corresponding attenuation coefficient ratios approach 1. This indicates that the attenuation process of acoustic propagation in fractured media follows the principle of acoustic similarity. The findings of this study provide reference for further research on fracture property evaluation methods based on array acoustic logging data.

Hemorheology and Inflammatory Marker Changes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke after Intravenous Thrombolysis with Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Objective: To investigate hemorheology and inflammatory marker changes after treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of patients with AIS (n=83) treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College between January 2021 and December 2022 (n=83). The control group consisted of 38 patients who underwent IVT alone and the observation group consisted of 45 patients who underwent IVT with MT. We compared differences in mean variables related to hemorheology, inflammatory markers, and total efficacy between the two groups. Results: We found that hemorheology values (plasma viscosity [PV], whole blood viscosity [WBV], fibrinogen [FIB], and hematocrit [HCT]), and the levels of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor ɑ [TNF-ɑ] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were higher in the control group than in the observation group after treatment (P<0.05). In addition, the total efficacy of the observation group (93.3%) was higher than that in the control group (76.3%; P=0.016). Conclusions: The clinical efficacy of combined IVT and MT in the treatment of AIS is superior to IVT alone, improving levels of hemorheology and inflammatory markers in patients with AIS.

LncRNA HOXA11-AS modulates the miR-148b-3p/MLPH axis to promote prostate cancer cell proliferation.

Prostate cancer refers to the epithelial malignant tumor of the prostate. It has a high incidence and mortality rate, seriously endangering the lives of men. In recent years, lncRNAs have become a hot topic for lots of scholars for their regulation functions on assorted cancers. Several lncRNAs have been proven they can take part in the regulation of prostate cancer development. Nevertheless, how HOXA11-AS (homeobox A11 antisense RNA)functioned in prostate cancer is not explained. In our research, the expression of HOXA11-AS in prostate cancer cells was evaluated through qRT-PCR. Colony formation experiments, EdU experiments, Tanswelland TUNEL experiments, as well as caspase-3 detection, were designed to test cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. RIP, pull down and luciferase reporter experiments examined the correlations of HOXA11-AS, miR-148b-3p and MLPH. We discovered a high level of HOXA11-AS in prostate cancer cells.HOXA11-AS silence could restrain the mentioned cell malignant behavior. Mechanically, HOXA11-AS could sponge miR-148b-3p to target MLPH. MLPH was positively associated with HOXA11-AS and overexpressed it accelerated the progression of prostate cancer. Taken together, HOXA11-AS elevated MLPH expression by sponging miR-148b-3p and accelerated prostate cancer cell proliferation.

Guillain-Barre syndrome after myocardial infarction: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barre syndrome after myocardial infarction occurs infrequently, and its occurrence following percutaneous coronary intervention is extremely rare. Due to the high mortality rate of myocardial infarction and the disability of Guillain-Barre syndrome, early identification of Guillain-Barre syndrome after myocardial infarction and early intervention can decrease the mortality rate, lead to early recovery, and provide a better outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we reported a rare case of Guillain-Barre syndrome after myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. The patient was a 75-year-old woman from China who was admitted to hospital due to sudden loss of consciousness. Electrocardiography showed acute myocardial infarction in the right ventricle and inferior and posterior walls. The patient underwent emergency percutaneous intervention of the posterior collateral artery of the right coronary artery. Soon after, her condition worsened resulting in limb weakness and numbness. Unfortunately, she continued to develop respiratory failure, and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and ventilator-assisted breathing. A physical examination showed hypotonia of all four limbs, complete quadriplegia, bulbar palsy, dysarthria, and tendon areflexia. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G anti-ganglioside antibody analysis was positive with anti-GT1a antibodies (+ +), anti-GM1 antibodies ( +), anti-GM2 antibodies ( +), and anti-GM4 antibodies ( +), and he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome after myocardial infarction. She was discharged due to poor response to treatment. The patient died two days after being discharged. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial infarction and/or percutaneous coronary intervention may activate immune-mediated response and cause severe complications. Clinician should be alert to Guillain-Barre syndrome after myocardial infarction and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Dictamnine suppresses the development of pear ring rot induced by Botryosphaeria dothidea infection by disrupting the chitin biosynthesis.

Ring rot induced by Botryosphaeria dothidea is a major cause of growth and postharvest losses in various fruits. There is an urgent need to develop green fungicides due to pesticide resistance and environmental pressure. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of dictamnine (DIC, 4-methoxyfuro [2,3-ß] quinoline, purity 98%), a compound isolated from the stems and leaves of Clausena lansium, in effectively suppressing pear ring rot by inhibiting the mycelial growth of B. dothidea. The median effective concentration of DIC was 15.48 µg/mL. Application of DIC to B. dothidea resulted in structural disruption of the cell wall and plasma membrane, leading to mycelial deformation, breakage, and cell death. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant inhibition of the synthetic pathways for fungal cell wall and membrane components by DIC. Particularly, the expression of chitin synthase, a key enzyme of chitin synthesis, was prominently down-regulated. Moreover, the chitin content in DIC-treated B. dothidea mycelia exhibited a substantial dose-dependent reduction. Based on these results, it is promising to develop DIC as an antifungal pesticide for controlling ring rot disease in pear fruits. Our study provides new insights into the underlying mechanism through which DIC inhibits the mycelial growth of B. dothidea.

Ecological footprint model of heavy metal pollution in water environment based on the potential ecological risk index.

Social heavy metal pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Heavy metals are easily adsorbed by sediments and have cumulative effects on aquatic organisms, which is different with the hypothesis of the conventional ecological footprint model that the pollutants are independently degraded by water bodies. To solve this problem, an ecological footprint for heavy metal pollution (EFHM) is constructed based on the potential ecological risk index (PERI). EFHM is defined as the sediment area to control the cumulative ecological risk of heavy metals within the allowable limit. And then, EFHM uses ecological footprint index (EFI) and ecological footprint contribution rate (EFCR) to quantify the hazard of social heavy metal load and recognize the key risk factor. EFHM is applied for assessing the heavy metal pollution of Central China. The results show that (i) the EFHM model can effectively evaluate the cumulative ecological hazards of heavy metals in sediment. (ii) The EFHM values of Central China in 2015 and 2020 are 20,764.56 and 17,358.59 km2, respectively. (iii) Compared with 2015, the EFI values of Hunan Province and Jiangxi Province in 2020 decrease from 1.53 to 0.87 to 1.23 and 0.39, respectively, both of which are improved by one grade. The EFI values of Hubei Province increases from 0.42 to 1.34, which is deteriorated by one grade. (iv) In 2020, both of the key risk factors of Hunan Province and Hubei Province are Hg, and the crucial hazard source of Jiangxi Province is Cd. (v) The mine pollution control in Central China should be further consolidated, and the wastewater treatment of electronics and machinery industries should be strengthened.

Experimental Study on Shear Wave Transmission in Fractured Media.

Unconventional oil and gas reservoirs have broad exploration and development prospects. Fracture parameters and effectiveness evaluation are two of the key tasks for the evaluation of these types of reservoirs. Array acoustic logging can be used for fracture evaluation to compensate for the deficiencies of the image logging fracture evaluation method. Therefore, to develop acoustic logging evaluation methods as well as nondestructive testing methods for fractures, experiments were conducted to study the shear wave transmission in fractured media. Experiment data demonstrate a good correlation between the shear wave attenuation coefficient and fracture width, and the shear wave attenuation coefficients rise logarithmically with the increase in the fracture width for all models with different porosities and distinct dip angles of fractures. The shear wave attenuation coefficient changes relatively faster with the fracture width when the fracture width is within 250 µm. In addition, the shear wave attenuation is affected by the core porosity and fracture dip angle. When the fracture width is constant, the shear wave attenuation caused by the 0° fracture is relatively larger and is obviously greater than that of the fractures at other angles, which is consistent with the existing experimental results. The results of this study can be used to guide further research on amplitude compensation methods for sonic signal transmission in fractured media and fracture evaluation methods.

Colorectal cancer burden, trends and risk factors in China: A review and comparison with the United States.

Objective: China and the United States (the U.S.) have the heaviest colorectal cancer (CRC) burden with considerable variations in temporal trends. This study aims to analyze the temporal patterns of CRC burden and its risk factors in China and the U.S. across the past three decades. Methods: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study in 2019, including cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), age-standardized rate (ASR), and summary exposure value (SEV) of CRC in China and the U.S. between 1990 and 2019. Annual average percentage changes (AAPCs) of CRC burden were calculated using the Joinpoint regression model. The mortality in CRC attributable to potential risk factors was characterized by countries, gender, and age groups. Results: In 2019, there were 607,900 and 227,241 CRC cases, and 261,777 and 84,026 CRC deaths in China and the U.S., respectively. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was 30.55 per 100,000 in China and 41.86 per 100,000 in the U.S., and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 13.86 per 100,000 in China and 14.77 per 100,000 in the U.S. CRC incidence, mortality, and DALY rate in the U.S. showed downward trends in the past three decades (AAPC=-0.47, -1.06, and -0.88, respectively), while upward trends were observed in China (AAPC=3.11, 1.05, and 0.91, respectively). Among the cause of CRC, the leading risk factor contributing to CRC death was low milk in China and smoking in the U.S., respectively. Conclusions: From 1990 to 2019, the burden of CRC in China increased dramatically, particularly for males and middle-aged and elderly people. The management of the major risk factors associated with the high burden of CRC should be enhanced.

Chinese newborn screening for the incidence of G6PD deficiency and variant of G6PD gene from 2013 to 2017.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common X-linked enzymopathies caused by G6PD gene variant. We aimed to provide the characteristics of G6PD deficiency and G6PD gene variant distribution in a large Chinese newborn screening population. We investigated the prevalence of G6PD in China from 2013 to 2017. Then, we examined G6PD activity and G6PD gene in representative Chinese birth cohort to explore the distribution of G6PD gene variant in 2016. We then performed multicolor melting curve analysis to classify G6PD gene variants in 10,357 neonates with activity-confirmed G6PD deficiency, and DNA Sanger sequencing for G6PD coding exons if hot site variants were not found. The screened population, organizations, and provinces of G6PD deficiency were increased from 2013 to 2017 in China. The top five frequency of G6PD gene variants were c.1376G>T, c.1388G>A, c.95A>G, c.1024C>T, and c.871G>A and varied in different provinces, with regional and ethnic features, and four pathogenic variant sites (c.152C>T, c.290A>T, c.697G>C, and c.1285A>G) were first reported. G6PD deficiency mainly occurs in South China, and the frequency of G6PD gene variant varies in different regions and ethnicities.

Tumor-associated macrophages promote prostate cancer progression via exosome-mediated miR-95 transfer.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are vital constituents in mediating cell-to-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between TAMs and tumor cells that guide cell fate are largely undetermined. Extracellular vesicles, also known as exosomes, which are derived from TAMs, are the components exerting regulatory effects. Thus, understanding the underlying mechanism of "onco-vesicles" is of crucial importance for prostate cancer (PCa) therapy. In this study, we analyzed micro RNA sequences in exosomes released by THP-1 and M2 macrophages and found a significant increase in miR-95 levels in TAM-derived exosomes, demonstrating the direct uptake of miR-95 by recipient PCa cells. In vitro and in vivo loss-of-function assays suggested that miR-95 could function as a tumor promoter by directly binding to its downstream target gene, JunB, to promote PCa cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The clinical data analyses further revealed that higher miR-95 expression results in worse clinicopathological features. Collectively, our results demonstrated that TAM-mediated PCa progression is partially attributed to the aberrant expression of miR-95 in TAM-derived exosomes, and the miR-95/JunB axis provides the groundwork for research on TAMs to further develop more-personalized therapeutic approaches for patients with PCa.

Comparison of intensity-modulated radiation therapy alone vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy in elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (aged >65 years).

PURPOSE: The efficacy and tolerability of adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy in the era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) remain controversial among older patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The present study compared IMRT alone with IMRT in combination with chemotherapy in elderly NPC patients. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2014, 102 patients aged >65 years with NPC who received IMRT alone (IMRT group) or IMRT in combination with chemotherapy (IMRT/CT group) were enrolled. Patients from both treatment arms were pair-matched (1:1 ratio) based on six clinical factors. Differences in overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models, whereas the toxicity profile was assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in OS (72.1% vs. 72.5%, p = 0.799), DFS (65.9% vs. 70.1%, p = 0.733), LRRFS (76.4% vs. 71.6%, p = 0.184), and DMFS (90.8% vs. 98.0%, p = 0.610) between the IMRT and IMRT/CT groups. Multivariate analyses showed that chemotherapy was not an independent factor for OS, DFS, LRRFS, and DMFS. However, the incidences of grade 3 vomiting/nausea (p = 0.000), leukopenia/neutropenia (p = 0.000), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.041), and anemia (p = 0.040) were significantly higher in the IMRT/CT group compared with the IMRT group. No grade 4 toxicities were observed. CONCLUSION: IMRT alone was similar to IMRT/CT in treating elderly NPC patients (age >65 years), with comparable survival outcomes and less grade 3 toxicities.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients of T4 stage who are in status of N1 stage or older than 76 years cannot benefit from cytoreductive nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify which part of the patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is not suitable for cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN). METHODS: The data of mRCC patients was acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariate cox regression analysis and nomogram were performed for selecting factors independently associated with survival. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce potential bias when comparing survival of mRCC patients treated by CN or non-surgery (NS). The survival analysis of subgroups was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank testing. The summary of subgroup analysis was showed by forest plots. RESULTS: The records of 21,411 patients with mRCC were obtained from the SEER database. After screening, a total of 6532 patients were included for further analysis, of which 6043 underwent CN and 489 underwent NS. Age, T stage, N stage and tumor size were involved in subgroup analysis by PSM according to the result of multivariate cox regression analysis and clinical experience. Survival benefit was not found in T4 stage patients. Further analysis showed that T4&N1 and T4&age ≥ 76 yr subgroups could not obtain survival benefit from CN. CONCLUSION: CN should not be performed in T4 stage mRCC patients who were in status of N1 stage or older than 76 years, because surgery cannot take significant survival benefit for them.

A unique temporary collateral pathway between carotid-vertebrobasilar arteries in a carotid dissection patient.

BACKGROUND: In adults, the anastomosis between carotid and vertebrobasilar arteries is usually the posterior communicating artery, sometimes the primitive trigeminal artery. In this case, the basilar artery fed the internal carotid artery through the pontine-to-tentorial artery anastomosis after severe stenosis from traumatic carotid dissection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old female was diagnosed with ischemic stroke caused by traumatic carotid artery dissection. Aspirin (100 mg/day) and clopidogrel (75 mg/day) were prescribed. Digital subtraction angiography performed 6 days after stroke onset showed a dissection in the cervical segment of left internal carotid artery with severe local stenosis, and a collateral pathway from BA to the cavernous segment of internal carotid artery through the lateral pontine and tentorial artery. Without interventional therapy, clinical symptoms improved significantly within 10 days after onset. At 3-month follow-up, left common carotid artery angiography showed the stenosis had been significantly improved with a residual aneurysm. There was no collateral pathway between carotid-vertebrobasilar arteries, and a residual small artery originated from the posterior vertical segment of cavernous internal carotid artery. The small artery was clearly visualized by 3-dimensional rotational angiography and identified the tentorial artery. CONCLUSION: To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of a collateral pathway between carotid vertebrobasilar arteries through the pontine-to-tentorial artery anastomosis. Meanwhile, tentorial artery origination directly from the cavernous segment of internal carotid artery is rare and easily mistaken for persistent primitive trigeminal artery. 3-dimensional rotational angiography can provide sensitive and accurate diagnostic assessment of the small artery, and may be a useful tool for screening of abnormal small arteries.

Effectiveness and safety of high dose clopidogrel plus aspirin in ischemic stroke patients with the single CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet aggregation therapy leads to better outcomes in patients with carotid artery stenosis, intracranial artery stenosis, minor strokes, or transient ischaemic attacks. However, carriers of the CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele may not experience the desired effects. We attempted to increase the clopidogrel dose to determine whether it would improve the outcomes of stroke patients who carry a single loss-of-function allele. METHODS: We recruited 131 patients with minor ischaemic stroke, within less than 7 days of stroke onset and a CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele, who had moderate-to-severe cerebral artery stenosis. Patients were divided into the high dose group (clopidogrel 150 mg per day + aspirin 100 mg per day over 21 days.) and a normal dose group (clopidogrel 75 mg per day + aspirin 100 mg per day over 21 days). The reported outcomes included any vascular or major bleeding events as the primary and safety endpoints, respectively. RESULTS: One and six vascular events occurred in the high dose and normal dose groups during the 3-months follow-up period, respectively. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups when adjusted for history of diabetes (hazard ratio, 5482; 95% confidence interval, 0.660 to 45.543; P = 0.115). No major bleeding events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ischaemic stroke who had a single CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele and moderate to severe cerebral stenosis, fewer vascular events occurred within 3 months with high dose of clopidogrel and aspirin than with normal dose of clopidogrel and aspirin. However, the difference between the two groups was not significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical study of clopidogrel in the treatment of patients with symptomatic moderate to severe cerebral artery stenosis with intermediate metabolites of CYP2C19, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/ . Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800017411 , 07/28/2018.

The feasibility and safety of complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preservation of the ileocecal junction in right-transverse colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new surgical method, complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preservation of the ileocecal junction in right-transverse colon cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed and compared the data of consecutive patients with right-transverse colon cancer who underwent complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preservation of the ileocecal junction (n = 23) and conventional complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy (n = 34) in our hospital between October 2017 to May 2019, respectively. RESULTS: The overall operation time of the ileocecal junction-preserved group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (p = 0.048). There was no difference in the number of harvested lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes, and rate of metastatic lymph nodes (p > 0.05). The ileocecal junction-preserved group showed shorter time of first flatus, lower frequency of postoperative diarrhea, and shorter duration of postoperative hospitalization. Furthermore, it also showed that the defecation frequency was lower in the ileocecal junction-preserved group than the control group on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month (p < 0.05), and the number of patients who defecated at night or defecated four times or more a day was less in the ileocecal junction-preserved group than control group on the 1st month (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preservation of the ileocecal junction promises as a safe and feasible surgical procedure for right-transverse colon cancer, associated with earlier recovery of bowel function, shorter operation time, and similar pathological outcomes when compared to the conventional laparoscopic procedure.

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to assess bowel perfusion during totally laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of intraoperative assessment of bowel perfusion in totally laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (IGFI). METHODS: From October 2017 to June 2019, consecutive patients with colon cancer who underwent totally laparoscopic surgery were enrolled retrospectively and grouped into the IGFI group (n = 84) and control group (n = 105). In the IGFI group, indocyanine green (ICG) was injected intravenously, and the bowel perfusion was observed using a fluorescence camera system prior to and after completion of the anastomosis. RESULTS: The two groups were demographically comparable. The IGFI group exhibited a significantly shorter operative time (p = 0.0374) while intraoperative blood loss did not significantly differ among the groups (p = 0.062). In the IGFI group, average time to perfusion fluorescence was 48.4 ± 14.0 s after ICG injection, and four patients (4.8%) were required to choose a more proximal point of resection due to the lack of adequate fluorescence at the point previously selected. There were no differences in terms of pathological outcomes, postoperative recovery and the postoperative complication rates between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: IGFI shows promise as a safe and feasible tool to assess bowel perfusion during a totally laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer and may reduce the operative time.

Effect of intraoperative fluid administration on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing McKeown esophagogastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Fluid therapy is one of the key components of perioperative management. However, evidence of intraoperative fluid (IOF) administration affecting clinical outcomes following McKeown esophagogastrectomy remains limited. This study investigated the impact of IOF on clinical outcomes after McKeown esophagogastrectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent McKeown esophagogastrectomy between July 2013 and July 2016 were identified. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables for each eligible patient were retrospectively collected from our electronic medical records and anesthetic records. IOF rates were determined and their relationships to postoperative clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 546 patients were enrolled in the analysis. The median IOF rate was 8.87 mL/kg/h. We divided the patients into two groups: a low fluid volume group (LFVG <8.87 mL/kg/h, n=273) and a high fluid volume group (HFVG ≥8.87 mL/kg/h, n=273). No statistically significant differences in postoperative clinical outcomes were found between LFVG and HFVG either before or after propensity score matching. CONCLUSIONS: No effect of IOF administration on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing McKeown esophagogastrectomy was identified. Further high-quality studies examining the influence of IOF administration on clinical outcomes following McKeown esophagogastrectomy are still needed.

Facile Synthesis of Ultrahigh-Surface-Area Hollow Carbon Nanospheres and their Application in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNs) with specific surface areas up to 2949 m2 g-1 and pore volume up to 2.9 cm3 g-1 were successfully synthesized from polyaniline-co-polypyrrole hollow nanospheres by carbonization and CO2 activation. The cavity diameter and wall thickness of HCNs can be easily controlled by activation time. Owing to their large inner cavity and enclosed structure, HCNs are desirable carriers for encapsulating sulfur. To better understand the effects of pore characteristics and sulfur contents on the performances of lithium-sulfur batteries, three composites of HCNs and sulfur are prepared and studied in detail. The composites of HCNs with moderate specific surface areas and suitable sulfur content present a better performance. The first discharge capacity of this composite reaches 1401 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C. Even after 200 cycles, the discharge capacity remains at 626 mAh g-1 .