In Situ Forming Gel Polymer Electrolyte for High Energy-Density Lithium Metal Batteries.

In situ forming gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is one of the most feasible ways to improve the safety and cycle performances of lithium metal batteries with high energy density. However, most of the in situ formed GPEs are not compatible with high-voltage cathode materials. Here, this work provides a novel strategy to in situ form GPE based on the mechanism of Ritter reaction. The Ritter reaction in liquid electrolyte has the advantage of appropriate reaction temperature and no additional additives. The polymer chains are cross-linked by amide groups with the formation of GPE with superior electrochemical properties. The GPE has high ionic conductivity (1.84 mS cm-1 ), wide electrochemical stability window (>5.25 V) and high lithium ion transference number (≈0.78), compatible with high-voltage cathode materials. The Li|LiNi0.6 Co0.2 Mn0.2 O2 batteries with in situ formed GPE show excellent long-term cycle stability (93.4%, 300 cycles). The density functional theory calculation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results verify that the amide and nitrile groups are beneficial for stabilizing cathode structure and promoting uniform Li deposition on Li anode. Furthermore, the in situ formed GPE exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in Graphite|LiMn2 O4 and Graphite|LiNi0.5 Co0.2 Mn0.3 O2 pouch batteries. This approach is adaptable to current battery technologies, which will be sure to promote the development of high energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

Comparison of embryo implantation potential between time-lapse incubators and standard incubators: a randomized controlled study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the potential clinical benefits of embryo culture and assessment in a time-lapse incubator compared with a standard incubator using static assessment? DESIGN: This large multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled study included 1224 participants randomly assigned (1:1) to the time-lapse or standard incubator group. In all patients one or two embryos were transferred on day 3. The primary outcome was the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate. RESULTS: Among 1224 participants recruited, 1182 underwent embryo transfer. The number of successfully implanted embryos in the first transfer cycle was significantly higher in the time-lapse incubator group (time-lapse group: 52.35%, standard incubator group: 47.11%, P = 0.014). The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was still significantly higher in the time-lapse group than the standard incubator group after adjusting for age, body mass index, medical centre and embryo status (relative risk 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.20, P = 0.020). However, the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was significantly improved in the time-lapse group, but the effect of the time-lapse system on the cumulative implantation rate or cumulative live birth rate was not significant. The embryo assessment method offered by time-lapse systems rather than an undisturbed environment may play an important role in improving the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. These results are only applicable to young patients.

Differentiation Between Solitary Pulmonary Inflammatory Lesions and Solitary Cancer Using Gemstone Spectral Imaging.

BACKGROUND: The distinction between solitary inflammatory lesion and solitary lung cancer remains a challenge because of their considerable overlapping computed tomography (CT) imaging features. PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify whether spectral CT parameters can differentiate solitary lung cancer from solitary inflammatory lesions and to find their correlations with lesion size. METHODS: A total of 78 patients with solitary lung lesions were included in our study. All of them underwent enhanced CT scans with Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) mode, which was one of the dual-energy imaging technologies. According to maximum diameter (Dmax) of the lesion, regions of interest were collected and divided into inflammatory (group I: <3 cm [IA], n = 17; ≥3 cm [IB], n = 14) and cancer groups (group II: <3 cm [IIA], n = 20; ≥3 cm [IIB], n = 27). Computed tomography values (HU40keV, HU70keV), effective atomic number (Zeff), iodine concentration (IC), normalized IC (NIC), and spectral curve slopes (λ30, λ40) of each region of interest were calculated. The NIC was defined as the IC ratio of the lesion to the descending aorta. Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup (I vs II, IA vs IIA, IB vs IIB) and intragroup (IA vs IB, IIA vs IIB) comparisons, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. Correlation analysis was applied to find the relationship between Dmax and GSI parameters. RESULTS: No significant correlation was found between GSI parameters and Dmax in the inflammatory group, whereas inverse correlations were found in the cancer group. Gemstone spectral imaging parameters (except HU70keV) of group IIA were significantly higher than those of group IIB. There were significant differences in HU40keV, IC, NIC, λ30, and λ40 between groups IB and IIB under both arterial and venous phase (P values < 0.05), whereas the area under the curve for λ30 under venous phase was largest, and sensitivity and specificity were 96.32% and 85.71%, respectively. However, only HU40keV and HU70keV values under the arterial phase of IIA were significantly higher than those of IA. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative parameters of GSI demonstrated an inverse correlation with the lesion size of solitary lung cancer, and GSI parameters can be new ways to differentiate solitary lung cancer from solitary inflammatory lesions.

Ultrashort time-to-echo T2* and T2* relaxometry for evaluation of lumbar disc degeneration: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: To compare potential of ultrashort time-to-echo (UTE) T2* mapping and T2* values from T2*-weighted imaging for assessing lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD),with Pfirrmann grading as a reference standard. METHODS: UTE-T2* and T2* values of 366 lumbar discs (L1/2-L5/S1) in 76 subjects were measured in 3 segmented regions: anterior annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus (NP), and posterior annulus fibrosus. Lumbar intervertebral discs were divided into 3 categories based on 5-level Pfirrmann grading: normal (Pfirrmann grade I),early disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grades II-III), and advanced disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grades IV-V). Regional differences between UTE-T2* and T2* relaxometry and correlation with degeneration were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: UTE-T2* and T2*value correlated negatively with Pfirrmann grades (P < 0.001). In NP, correlations with Pfirrmann grade were high with UTE-T2* values (r = - 0.733; P < 0.001) and moderate with T2* values (r = -0.654; P < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy of detecting early IVDD was better with UTE-T2* mapping than T2* mapping (P < 0.05),with receiver operating characteristic analysis area under the curve of 0.715-0.876. CONCLUSIONS: UTE-T2* relaxometry provides another promising magnetic resonance imaging sequence for quantitatively evaluate lumbar IVDD and was more accurate than T2*mapping in the earlier stage degenerative process.

Visualization of the renal vein filled with contrast agent may indicate the renal vein injury during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous misplacement of a nephrostomy tube is a rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or percutaneous nephrostomy. The mechanism of misplacement of a nephrostomy tube into the vascular system is seldom investigated. One type of the possible mechanism is that the puncture needle penetrates a major intrarenal tributary of the renal vein and enters the collecting system. However, the guidewire is located outside the collecting system near the large branches of renal vein or perforates into the renal vein. The dilation is performed and causes a large torn injury. Subsequently, the nephrostomy tube is placed inside the vessel when radiological monitoring is not used. However, there is no imaging evidence and the scene of procedure is not demonstrated. This paper reports two cases of visualization of the renal vein filled with contrast agent during PCNL. The findings may be good evidence to support the step of renal vein injury in patients with intravenous nephrostomy tube misplacement. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented two cases with visualization of the renal vein filled with contrast agent during PCNL. In the process of injecting the contrast agent through the puncture needle, we could see the renal vein. Moreover, it was identified that the puncture needle tip was not on the optimal position. The position of puncture needle tip lay outside the collecting system, which was close to the calyceal infundibulum and branches of renal vein. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of the renal vein filled with contrast agent may be good evidence to verify the renal vein injury in patients with intravenous nephrostomy tube misplacement during PCNL or percutaneous nephrostomy. The suboptimal location of the puncture needle tip and visualization of the renal vein filled with contrast agent indicate the renal vein injury. One type of mechanism of intravenous nephrostomy tube misplacement is as following. Firstly, the guidewire stays outside the collecting system. Subsequently, dilatation directed by the guidewire results in the injury of the vein. Then, the nephrostomy tube migrates into the venous system due to prompt tube inserting and the direction of the sheath and/or the guidewire to the injured vein.

MRI-based nomogram estimates the risk of recurrence of primary nonmetastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after curative resection.

BACKGROUND: Accurate estimation of the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors help with prognosis, guide follow-up, and avoid futile treatments. PURPOSE: To investigate whether MRI features could preoperatively estimate the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and to refine a novel prognostic model through developing a nomogram incorporating various MRI features. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: In all, 81 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed nonmetastatic PNETs. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCES: 1.5 T MR, including T1 -weighted, T2 -weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. ASSESSMENT: Qualitative and quantitative MRI features of PNET were assessed by three experienced radiologists. STATISTICAL TESTS: Uni- and multivariable analyses for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. The MRI-based nomogram was then designed based on multivariable logistic analysis in our study and the performance of the nomogram was validated according to C-index, calibration, and decision curve analyses. RESULTS: MRI features, including tumor size (hazard ratio [HR]: 14.131; P = 0.034), enhancement pattern (HR: 21.821, P = 0.032), and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (HR: 0.055, P = 0.038) were significant independent predictors of RFS at multivariable analysis. The performance of the nomogram incorporating various MRI features (with a C-index of 0.910) was improved compared with that based on tumor size, enhancement pattern, and ADC alone (with C-index values of 0.672, 0.851, and 0.809, respectively). The calibration curve of the nomogram exhibited perfect consistency between estimation and observation at 0.5, 1, and 2 years after surgery. The decision curve showed that a nomogram incorporating three features had more favorable clinical predictive usefulness than any single feature. DATA CONCLUSION: MRI features can be considered effective recurrence predictors for PNETs after surgery. The preliminary nomogram incorporating various MRI features could assess the risk of recurrence in PNETs and may be used to optimize individual treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:397-409.

[Repeated superovulation induction after failure in previous IVF-ET cycles with the ultra-long protocol: Analysis of outcomes of clinical pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical outcomes of repeated superovulation induction in patients with adenomyosis or moderate to severe pelvic endometriosis after failure in previous IVF-ET cycles with the ultra-long protocol. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 37 patients with adenomyosis or moderate to severe pelvic endometriosis in our center from 2009 to 2013, who underwent repeated IVF-ET after failure in the previous cycles with the ultra-long protocol, namely by injection of 2－6 ampoules of 3.75 mg gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a). All the patients met the following requirements: hCG-negative at 14 days after transfer, within 3－7 days after menstruation, and properly down-regulated serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (<10 mIU/ml), luteinizing hormone (LH) (<10 mIU/ml), estradiol (E2) (<30 pg/ml), follicle diameter (<10 mm) and endometrial thickness, and received GnRH (Gonal-F, Serono) for ovulation induction. We compared the clinical and laboratory data and pregnancy outcomes between the first and repeated cycles before and after ovulation induction. RESULTS: The repeated cycles, as compared with previous ones, showed significant increases in the antral follicle count (AFC) on the first day of stimulation (7.55 ± 1.86 vs 6.45 ± 2.5, P<0.05), number of follicles =≥14 mm in diameter on the hCG trigger day (7.81 ± 3.6 vs 5.56 ± 3.68, P<0.05), level of E2 (ï¼»2 362.15 ± 1 210.49ï¼½ vs ï¼»1 749.22 ± 1 139.44ï¼½ pg/ml, P<0.05), and numbers of oocytes retrieved (7.51 ± 3.23 vs 4.78 ± 3.41, P<0.05) and embryos transferred (2.00 ± 0.33 vs 1.50 ± 0.67, P<0.05), exhibited a remarkably reduction in the dose of GnRH (ï¼»1 791.65 ± 1 889.41ï¼½ vs ï¼»3 439.56 ± 1 836.53ï¼½ IU, P<0.05), and achieved a clinical pregnancy rate of 62.16%. CONCLUSIONS: With proper reduction of the FSH, LH and E2 levels and follicle diameter, repeated superovulation induction for IVF-ET can improve the ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes of the patients with adenomyosis or moderate to severe pelvic endometriosis after failure in the previous IVF-ET cycles with the ultra-long protocol.

Probing interfacial properties using a poly(ethylene oxide) single crystal.

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) single crystals were grown from dilute solution using a self-seeding method. The PEO single crystals with uniform dimensions, homogeneous chemical and physical properties were used as a simplified ultrathin film system to probe the interfacial properties of different substrates. In situ studying the annealing and melting behavior of PEO single crystals on the PAA, amorphous PEO and PVA substrates were carried out using an atomic force microscope (AFM) equipped with a hot stage. The interaction force between the PEO modified probe and various substrates was measured at different temperatures, and the universal dependence of the interaction force between the probe and polymer substrate on the temperature was demonstrated. The wetting and dewetting behavior of PEO melt on the PAA and amorphous PEO and PVA substrates were observed and the spreading coefficient (S) was proposed to prejudge the spreading behavior of a polymer ultra-thin film on a solid substrate according to the interaction force. Different melting points were found and the initial melting of the PEO single crystals occurred at 51, 54 and 61 °C on the PAA, PEO and PVA substrates, respectively. How the interfacial energy affects the melting point of single crystals was demonstrated, and the theoretical prediction agrees well with the experimental results.

[Exploring the best dried processing condition of fresh Gastrodia elata].

OBJECTIVE: To study the processing conditions that influenced the contents of gastrodine in dried processing of fresh Gastrodia elata. METHODS: The optimized processing condition were established by using single-factor and orthogonal experimental design, which was guided by the contents of gastrodine. Fresh Gastrodia elata were harvested in the day, cleaned sediment, cooked in atmospheric pressure for 25 min, cut into 0.5 - 1.0 cm thick slices and dried in 105 degrees C. The gastrodine content was measured by HPLC. RESULTS: The gastrodine content was 0.532%, which was higher than that of traditional processing method. CONCLUSION: Dried processing condition can influence the content of gastrodine in Gastrodia elata significantly.

Polygalaqii, a new species of Polygalaceae from limestone landform in Southern Hunan, China.

Polygalaqii, a new species, is described and illustrated from limestone landform in southern Hunan, China. The new species resembles P.fallax and P.arillata in flower structure of the plants, but readily differs from the latter two in having erect and shorter inflorescences (0.2-1cm VS 10-15cm VS 7-10cm), and fewer flowers (1-5 flowers VS 10-30 flowers VS 10-20 flowers), and the latter two have a later flowering period (late March to mid-April VS May to August VS May to October). And it is an extremely unique new species that will hibernate in the hot summer of July and August. Following the IUCN Red List Criteria, P.qii is assessed as 'Data Deficient (DD)'.

Cross-Linkable Binders for Si Anodes in High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Although silicon (Si) has a high theoretical capacity, the large volume expansion during lithiation has greatly hindered its application in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Among the strategies for improving the performance of Si anode, the role of binders should not be underestimated. Here, a novel strategy for designing a cross-linkable binder for Si anode has been proposed. The binder with hydroxyl and nitrile groups can be in situ covalently cross-linked through the amide group in the batteries. The cross-linked binder (c-POAH) shows high elasticity and strong adhesion to Si particles and the current collector. Si||Li half coin cells using the c-POAH binder have excellent cycle performance and the capacity retention ratio is 67.1% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. Scanning electronic microscopy images show that the c-POAH binder can contribute to suppressing the pulverization of the Si anode. Moreover, the investigation with X-ray photoelectronic spectrum demonstrates that the decomposition of the liquid electrolyte on Si anode has been mitigated and the c-POAH binder can promote the formation of a more stable SEI film. Our strategy of endowing the binder with good elasticity through in situ cross-linking has opened up a new route for developing binders, which will definitely promote the application of Si anodes in high-energy-density LIBs.

Polyphyly of Boehmeria (Urticaceae) congruent with plastome structural variation.

Boehmeria is a taxonomically challenging group within the nettle family (Urticaceae). The polyphyly of the genus has been proposed by previous studies with respect to five genera (Debregeasia, Cypholophus, Sarcochlamys, Archiboehmeria, and Astrothalamus). Extensive homoplasy of morphological characters has made generic delimitation problematic. Previous studies in other plant groups suggest that plastome structural variations have the potential to provide characters useful in reconstructing evolutionary relationships. We aimed to test this across Boehmeria and its allied genera by mapping plastome structural variations onto a resolved strongly supported phylogeny. In doing so, we expanded the sampling of the plastome to include Cypholophus, Sarcochlamys, Archiboehmeria, and Astrothalamus for the first time. The results of our phylogenomic analyses provide strong support for Sarcochlamys as being more closely related to Leucosyke puya than to Boehmeria and for the clustering of Boehmeria s.l. into four subclades. The sizes of the plastomes in Boehmeria s.l. ranged from 142,627 bp to 170,958 bp. The plastomes recovered a typical quadripartite structure comprising 127~146 genes. We observe several obvious structural variations across the taxa such as gene loss and multiple gene duplication, inverted repeat (IR) contraction and wide expansions, and inversions. Moreover, we recover a trend for these variations that the early clades were relatively conserved in evolution, whereas the later diverging clades were variable. We propose that the structural variations documented may be linked to the adaptation of Boehmeria s.l. to a wide range of habitats, from moist broadleaf forests in Asia to xeric shrublands and deserts in Africa. This study confirms that variation in plastome gene loss/duplication, IR contraction/expansion, and inversions can provide evidence useful for the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships.

Mucin-producing tumors of the ovary--preoperative differentiation between metastatic ovarian mucinous carcinoma and primary mucinous malignant tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for preoperatively discriminating  primary ovarian mucinous malignant tumors (POMTs) and metastatic mucinous carcinomas involving the ovary (MOMCs). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study enrolled 61 patients with 22 POMTs and 49 MOMCs, which were pathologically proved between November 2014 to Jane 2023. The clinical and MRI features were evaluated and compared between POMTs and MOMCs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the significant variables between the two groups, which were then incorporated into a predictive nomogram, and ROC curve analysis was subsequently carried out to evaluate diagnostic performance. RESULTS: 35.9% patients with MOMCs were discovered synchronously with the primary carcinomas; 25.6% patients with MOMCs were bilateral, and all of the patients with POMTs were unilateral. The biomarker CEA was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.002). There were significant differences in the following MRI features: tumor size, configuration, enhanced pattern, the number of cysts, honeycomb sign, stained-glass appearance, ascites, size diversity ratio, signal diversity ratio. The locular size diversity ratio (p = 0.005, OR = 1.31), and signal intensity diversity ratio (p = 0.10, OR = 4.01) were independent predictors for MOMCs. The combination of above independent criteria yielded the largest area under curve of 0.922 with a sensitivity of 82.3% and specificity of 88.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MOMCs were more commonly bilaterally and having higher levels of CEA, but did not always had a malignant tumor history. For ovarian mucin-producing tumors, the uniform locular sizes and signal intensities were more predict MOMCs.

[Shock modeling of large area third-degree burn in miniature swine].

OBJECTIVE: To report a novel method of establishing a stable shock model of swine. METHODS: A total of 12 Guangxi BA-MA female miniature swines (aged 4-6 months) into A and B groups according to a random number table. Total body surface area (TBSA) was calculated according to the Meeb-Rubner formula. After intravenous anesthesia and other steps, solidified gasoline was used as burns material to establish TBSA 40% skin burn (Group A: 45 s, Group B: 50 s). Burn depth by was judged by visual and histopathological examination. Fluid resuscitation was instituted at 2 h post injury. At the same time, the hourly and pre-injury data of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), urinary volume, central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) were recorded. The actual input quantities of fluid resuscitation were assessed at the 1st and 2nd 24 h post injury. And shock condition was estimated by shock index at 2 h post injury. RESULTS: All miniature swines were successfully modeled without any mortality. The burn wound observed by visual examination and light microscope showed that Group A was of deep II burn and Group B III burn. Compared with the pre-injury data, HR (111 ± 6 vs 74 ± 9, 119 ± 13 vs 75 ± 13 beats/min) increased, urinary volume (0.99 ± 0.06 vs 1.45 ± 0.05, 0.82 ± 0.04 vs 1.47 ± 0.06 ml×kg(-1)×h(-1)), CVP and PAWP decreased at 2nd 24 h post-injury in two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). But the changes of BP (120 ± 6/93 ± 9 vs 120 ± 6/94 ± 6, 121 ± 15/90 ± 11 vs 124 ± 10/91 ± 8 mm Hg) had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The average value of HP in 48 h post-injury had no statistical significance in two groups (P > 0.05). The recovery liquid quantity in the first 24 h of Group B (1.66 ± 0.10 ml×kg(-1)×1%(-1) TBSA) was significantly more than Group A (1.53 ± 0.05 ml×kg(-1)×1%(-1) TBSA) (P < 0.05). The ratio between liquid input and output of Groups A and B showed that the comparison had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). In the second 24 h post-injury, the recovery liquid quantity (0.69 ± 0.17, 0.65 ± 0.16 ml×kg(-1)×1%(-1) TBSA) and the ratio between liquid in and out (1.48 ± 0.28, 1.52 ± 0.27)% between Groups A and B had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The shock index at 2 h post-injury showed that Groups A and B were in shock compensatory period (0.92 ± 0.07) and mild shock state (1.00 ± 0.16) respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Such a shock model is stable and dependable.

[Effects of fluid resuscitation programs on the levels of inflammatory mediators during burn shock stage].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of different methods of fluid resuscitation on the levels of inflammatory mediators during burn shock stage. METHODS: Twenty-four miniature swine were numbered from 1 to 24 and randomly divided by EXCEL 2007 into 4 groups of succinylated gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch, Parkland and allogeneic plasma (n = 6 each). Severe burn shock model was established. Succinylated gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4), Ringer's lactate and swine allogenic plasma were used as resuscitation fluid (alternative colloid) according to the burn shock recovery principles (beginning at 2 h post-injury). The parameters of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), urine volume and central venous pressure (CVP) before and within 48 h post-burn were recorded. And the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1ß and IL-8 were measured at the time of pre-injury as well as 4 h, 8 h, 24 h and 48 h post-injury. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: All swine survived the shock stage. TNF-α in succinylated gelatin group was significantly higher at 48 h post-injury than that in allogeneic plasma group ((351 ± 74) vs (215 ± 44) ng/L, P < 0.05). TNF-α in hydroxyethyl starch group was significantly higher at 8 h post-injury than that in allogeneic plasma group ((327 ± 38) vs (249 ± 29) ng/L, P < 0.05). And they were both higher than the pre-burn levels (both P < 0.05). Compared with pre-injury ((508 ± 64) ng/L), the level of IL-1ß in succinylated gelatin group increased substantially at 4 h ((563 ± 76) ng/L), 8 h ((589 ± 76) ng/L) and 48 h ((736 ± 42) ng/L) post-injury (all P < 0.05). The hydroxyethyl starch group was higher at 48 h post-injury than that at pre-injury ((574 ± 72) vs (492 ± 41) ng/L, P < 0.05). Also in Parkland group, the levels were higher at 24 h and 48 h hours post-injury than that at pre-injury ((575 ± 31), (584 ± 65) vs (498 ± 33) ng/L, both P < 0.05). Only succinylated gelatin group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) at 48 h post-injury than allogeneic plasma group ((561 ± 48) ng/L). Compared with pre-injury ((561 ± 48) ng/L), the level of IL-8 in succinylated gelatin group increased significantly at 8 h ((1012 ± 100) ng/L), 24 h post-burn ((993 ± 87) ng/L), significantly higher than allogeneic plasma group ((866 ± 99) ng/L) at 24 h (all P < 0.05). Although hydroxyethyl starch and Parkland groups increased significantly at 4 h post-injury and 8 h, 48 h post-injury versus those at pre-injury (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference at each time point compared with pre-burn (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The recovery regimens of hydroxyethyl starch and Parkland groups may restrain the levels of inflammatory mediators. And the effects are similar to those of allogeneic plasma group.

Synovial sarcoma in the prevertebral space can mimic malignant neurogenic neoplasm: Case report and literature review.

Synovial sarcoma, a rare malignant neoplasm with a poor prognosis, accounts for approximately 5%-10% of all primary soft-tissue malignancies worldwide. Typically affecting adolescents and young adults, it primarily manifests near the joints of the lower extremities. This study aimed to demonstrate that this tumor can also affect the prevertebral space. A 32-year-old male patient presented at our outpatient clinic with a 2-month history of upper limb numbness and a 1-month complaint of palpable neck mass. Imaging studies revealed a bulky, lobulated, and heterogeneous mass exhibiting heterogeneous enhancement. Furthermore, the mass caused expansion of the neuroforamen in the neck, initially suggesting a diagnosis of malignant schwannoma. However, a histopathologic examination suggested synovial sarcoma. The article provided a comprehensive review of the clinical, pathological, and radiological features of this condition. Additionally, it explored current treatment options and prognoses by referencing relevant literature.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Weighted Imaging-Based Histogram in Predicting Mesenchymal Transition High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings in predicting mesenchymal transition (MT) high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with HGSOC were enrolled from May 2017 to December 2020, who underwent pelvic MRI including DWI (b = 0,1000 s/mm2) before surgery, and were assigned to the MT HGSOC or non-MT HGSOC group according to histopathology results. Clinical characteristics and MRI features including DWI-based histogram metrics were assessed and compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the significant variables associated with MT HGSOC - these variables were then incorporated into a predictive nomogram, and ROC curve analysis was subsequently carried out to evaluate diagnostic performance. RESULTS: A total of 81 consecutive patients were recruited for pelvic MRI before surgery, including 37 (45.7%) MT patients and 44 (54.3%) non-MT patients. At univariate analysis, the features significantly related to MT HGSOC were identified as absence of discrete primary ovarian mass, pouch of Douglas implants, ovarian mass size, tumor volume, mean, SD, median, and 95th percentile apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (all p < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, the absence of discrete primary ovarian mass {odds ratio (OR): 46.477; p = 0.025}, mean ADC value ≤ 1.105 (OR: 1.023; p = 0.009), and median ADC value ≤ 1.038 (OR: 0.982; p = 0.034) were found to be independent risk factors associated with MT HGSOC. The combination of all independent criteria yielded the largest AUC of 0.82 with a sensitivity of 83.87% and specificity of 66.67%, superior to any of the single predictor alone (p ≤ 0.012). The predictive C-index nomogram performance of the combination was 0.82. CONCLUSION: The combination of absence of discrete primary ovarian mass, lower mean ADC value, and median ADC value may be helpful for preoperatively predicting MT HGSOC.

Derivation of copper water quality criteria in Bohai Bay for the protection of local aquatic life and the ecological risk assessment.

Developing effective marine water quality criteria (WQC) is crucial for controlling marine contamination and protecting marine life. The WQC for copper is urgently needed due to the toxicity and widespread of copper contamination. In this work, both short-term water quality criteria (SWQC) and long-term water quality criteria (LWQC) under 10 % effect endpoints were derived by using the model averaging of species sensitivity distribution (SSD10) method for Bohai Bay. The WQC values were obtained directly from the hazardous concentration for 5 % of species (HC5) values, which removes the influence of arbitrary assessment factor (AF). Modifications to the acute-chronic ratio (ACR) strategies and the inclusion of the test toxicity data of local species also improved the accuracy and applicability of the WQC values. The derived SWQC and LWQC were 2.21 and 0.45 µg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the overall risk level of copper in Bohai Bay was evaluated by using the risk quotient (RQ) method, and the results showed it was at a moderate-low level. This study provides a new approach for the derivation of the WQC for Cu and the risk assessment of Bohai Bay, which is essential for the protection of local aquatic life and provides guidance to the establishment of the national WQC.

[Dynamic contrast-enhanced MSCT findings of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the findings of contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography (MSCT) that characterize intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile ducts (IPNB). METHODS: The MSCT findings and clinical data of 16 cases of IPNB proven by surgical pathology were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 16 cases, nine were adenoma (multi-lesions, n = 5; single lesions, n = 4) and seven were adenocarcinoma (multi-lesions, n = 4; single lesions, n = 3). Among the nine adenoma cases, seven showed nodules or masses in the expanding intrahepatic bile ducts with asymmetrical low density on plain scan, and two showed obvious expansion of biliary ducts and the inner wall of bile ducts was rough. All seven of the adenocarcinoma cases showed nodules or masses in the expanding intrahepatic bile ducts with asymmetrical low density-like adenoma. When contrast enhancement was applied, the nine adenoma cases manifested slight-to-moderate degrees of asymmetrical enhancement. For the seven adenocarcinoma cases, two showed asymmetrical enhancement similar to that of the adenoma cases and five showed continued enhancement; one case showed malignant infiltration of the bile duct and evident damage in the adjacent hepatic tissue. The CT plain scan findings for the two groups (adenoma and adenocarcinoma) were not significantly different (t = -1.17, P = 0.2632). Significantly different findings were obtained with the MSCT imaging analysis for the arterial phase (t = 6.53, P less than 0.01) and the portal vein phase (t = 5.63, P less than 0.01). All cases showed asymmetrical expansion of intrahepatic biliary ducts, diffuse or local, and four cases showed moderate expansion of the common bile duct. One adenocarcinoma case showed intumescence in the celiac lymph node by moderate asymmetrical enhancement. CONCLUSION: MSCT is helpful for the differential diagnosis of IPNB from other hepatic lesions.

[Research the extraction and detection method of gastrodin content in Gastrodia elata].

OBJECTIVE: To improve an extraction and determination method for gastrodin in Gastrodia elata. METHODS: On the basis of single factor experiment, used the method of hot water reflux extraction and applied the response surface methodology to determine the best conditions for extracting gastrodin and using HPLC test. RESULTS: Under the boiling water condition, pure water as solvent, the solid-liquid ratio was 1:37,extraction 2 times and extraction time 126 min per times,the content of gastrodin was 0.377%. Comparison with the 2010 edition of the China pharmacopoeia of gastrodin extracted in Gastrodia elata, the result showed the gastrodin content was increased by 2. 12 times. CONCLUSION: This extraction method of gastrodin dissolution rate is high and can reflect the real content of gastrodin of Gastrodia elata.