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Abstract. Background:. To address the need for immunotherapy in patients with advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), combination with radiotherapy (RT) has emerged as a promising strategy. In preclinical studies, irradiated tumors released tumor antigens to synergistically increase the antitumor effect of immunotherapy. Hence, we investigated whether RT enhances the efficacy of anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in advanced HCC in real-world practice. Methods:. Between August 2018 and June 2021, 172 patients with advanced primary HCC were enrolled in the tertiary center (Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University); 95 were treated with a combination of RT and the inhibitor of PD-1 (RT-PD1 cohort), and 77 were administered anti-PD-1 therapy (PD1 cohort). The first cycle of PD-1 inhibitors was administered within 60 days or concurrently with RT. Propensity score matching for bias reduction was used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Results:. Among 71 propensity-matched pairs, median progression-free survival was 5.7 months in the RT-PD1 cohort vs. 2.9 months in the PD1 cohort (P

Abstract The link between mantle plumes and the formation of large igneous provinces (LIPs) is well established although the anatomy of these remains equivocal. Recent experimental studies and geophysical data suggest that the mantle plume head is more likely to be irregular and asymmetric, rather than an axisymmetric flattened disk. The Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) provides a unique opportunity to test this hypothesis. According to robust petrographic, geochronologic, and geochemical evidence from the late Permian basalts in the Sichuan Basin, and in conjunction with a comprehensive compilation of geologic maps and published geochemical data from the ELIP, we identified several giant radial “fingering” structures. Based on the shallow mantle source from the center to margin in the ELIP and relief of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary, we propose a new mantle plume model to explain the evolution of the Emeishan plume periphery, where narrow finger‐like protrusions and plumelets developed outwards from the main body of the plume to the edges of the flattened plume head. Dragged fingers might have been torn apart into some plumelets, which dispersed and were trapped beneath the thinnest lithosphere relief, and eventually erupted to form small‐scale flood basalt in the Outer Zone of the ELIP.

The geochemical background value of chromium (Cr) serves as a pivotal factor in environmental assessments and mineral exploration endeavors. Traditionally, geochemical background values have been determined using statistical parameters derived from dataset analysis, though this method may possess inherent limitations. In this study, we introduce a novel equation to calculate the geochemical background value of Cr, based on the premise that major elements can effectively delineate the geochemical background for trace elements. Using a dataset encompassing 791 abundance records from rocks, soils, and sediments, we derived and fitted the equation. Our findings revealed that when treating these 791 records as representative of background samples, approximately 95% of the records lie within a logarithmic error of ±0.2 from the calculated values. Based on this observation, we propose adopting a logarithmic error threshold of ±0.2 as a criterion for identifying background samples. To further validate the equation, we tested background samples from diverse regions with varying degrees of weathering. Among the 138 samples analyzed, only two exhibited background values with a logarithmic error exceeding ±0.2 from the measured values, although all samples fell within a ±0.3 error margin. We subsequently applied this equation to the orthopyroxenite and dunite zones within the Pados-Tundra complex, located in the western Kola Peninsula, Russia. According to the ±0.2 logarithmic error criterion, mildly altered orthopyroxenite samples could be deemed as background Cr samples, where certain altered orthopyroxenite samples exhibited a logarithmic error in the ±0.2–±0.3 range. In contrast, altered and mineralized samples in the dunite zone showed a significant deviation beyond the ±0.2 error range, indicating that they should be classified as anomalous Cr samples. This innovative methodology offers a refined approach for background determination and anomaly identification, thereby enhancing mineral exploration and Cr environmental quality assessments.

This study explores novel techniques to improve the detection accuracy of skarn iron deposits using advanced image-processing methodologies. Leveraging the capabilities of ASTER image, band ratio (BR) images, and principal component analysis (PCA) alongside the power of 3D convolutional neural networks (3D-CNNs), the research aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of ore detection in complex geological environments. The proposed method employs a specific 3D-CNN architecture accepting input as a 7 × 7 × C image patch, where C represents the combined number of selected ASTER image bands, principal component (PC) bands, and computed BR images. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, five distinct image band combinations, including the proposed band combination, were tested and evaluated based on the overall accuracy (OA), average accuracy (AA), and kappa coefficient. The results demonstrated that while the incorporation of BR images alongside ASTER bands initially seemed promising, it introduced significant confusion in certain classifications, leading to unexpected misclassification rates. Surprisingly, utilizing solely ASTER bands as input parameters yielded higher accuracy rates (OA = 93.13%, AA = 91.96%, kappa = 90.91%) compared with scenarios involving the integration with band ratios (OA = 87.02%, AA = 79.15, kappa = 82.60%) or the integration of BR images to PC bands (OA = 87.78%, AA = 82.39%, kappa = 83.81%). However, the amalgamation of ASTER bands with selected PC bands showed slight improvements in accuracy (OA = 94.65%, AA = 92.93%, kappa = 93.45%), although challenges in accurately classifying certain features persisted. Ultimately, the proposed combination of ASTER bands, PC bands, and BR images (proposed band combination) presented the most visually appealing and statistically accurate results (OA = 96.95%, AA = 94.87%, kappa = 95.93%), effectively addressing misclassifications observed in the other combinations. These findings underscore the synergistic contributions of each of the ASTER bands, PC bands, and BR images, with the ASTER bands proving pivotal for optimal skarn classification, the PC bands enhancing intrusions classification accuracy, and the BR images strengthening wall rock classification accuracy. In conclusion, the proposed combination of input image bands emerges as a robust and comprehensive methodology, demonstrating unparalleled accuracy in the remote sensing detection of skarn iron minerals.

Abstract Many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to radiotherapy despite remarkable advances in treatment. A deeper insight into the mechanism of sensitivity of HCC to this therapy is urgently required. It is demonstrated that RECQL4 is upregulated in the malignant cells of patients with HCC. Elevated RECQL4 levels reduce the sensitivity of HCC to radiotherapy by repairing radiation‐induced double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragments. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effect of RECQL4 on radiotherapy is due to the reduced recruitment of dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RECQL4 disrupts the radiation‐induced transformation of the TME into a tumoricidal niche by inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway in dendritic cells. Knocking out STING in dendritic cells can block the impact of RECQL4 on HCC radiosensitivity. Notably, high RECQL4 expressions in HCC is significantly associated with poor prognosis in multiple independent cohorts. In conclusion, this study highlights how HCC‐derived RECQL4 disrupts cGAS‐STING pathway activation in dendritic cells through DNA repair, thus reducing the radiosensitivity of HCC. These findings provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of HCC.

Abstract Sedimentary carbonates are known to be carried into the deep mantle by subducted slabs, and studies on mantle‐derived magmas have attempted to trace the recycled carbonate in their mantle source. However, the final depth of storage of recycled carbonate and the role of recycled carbonate in the partial melting of mantle remain controversial. Peralkaline‐carbonatite suites are considered to have been derived from a carbonated mantle source and are windows to evaluate carbon in the mantle. In this study, we report the Zn isotopic compositions of a peralkaline‐carbonatite suite from the Tarim Large Igneous Province (Tarim LIP). The peralkaline‐carbonatite suite has heavier δ66Zn than normal mantle with δ66Zn of 0.34–0.40 ‰ for nephelinite, 0.35–0.47 ‰ for aillikite, 0.51–0.55 ‰ for nepheline syenite, 0.58–0.67 ‰ for calciocarbonatite and 0.38–0.56 ‰ for magnesiocarbonatite. The heavy Zn isotopic compositions of the peralkaline‐carbonatite suite in the Wajilitag complex suggest the incorporation of recycled carbonate‐bearing materials into the deep mantle. We infer that the calciocarbonatite was produced by the initial partial melting of subducted MgSiO3/MgO + C‐bearing carbonated eclogite, whereas the magnesiocarbonatite, aillikite, and nephelinite are considered as reacted melts between carbonated eclogite‐derived melts and peridotite. The heavy Zn isotopic compositions of the nepheline syenite are attributed to fractional crystallization from nephelinite magma in the magma reservoir. Our study highlights the incorporation of carbonated eclogite as an important agent of recycled carbon in the deep mantle and interactions between carbonated eclogite‐derived melts and peridotite lead to the complex lithological heterogeneities in the peralkaline‐carbonatite suite in Tarim LIP.

Conclusions: The prognosis of HCC patients receiving RT was worse for those with a pre-RT serum IL-6 concentration > 7.8 pg/mL than those with a pre-RT serum IL-6 concentration ≤ 7.8 pg/mL. Pre-RT IL-6 concentrations may affect the prognosis of HCC patients.

In response to the lack of accurate and reliable parameters in the discrete element simulation analysis of the sugarcane leaf crushing and return device, in this work, the actual and simulated errors of two stacking angles α and β of sugarcane leaves were used as indicators to calibrate the discrete element parameters. The second-order regression models between the important parameters and the indicators were obtained by Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test, and Box-Behnken optimization test, and the analysis of variance and interaction factors were performed. The response surface method and particle swarm optimization algorithm were used to find the best significance parameters, and the best combination of significance parameters was obtained: the static friction coefficient between sugarcane leaves was 0.306, the rolling friction coefficient between sugarcane leaves was 0.198, and the recovery coefficient of sugarcane leaf-plate collision was 0.102. The relative errors of the simulation results and the physical test stacking angle α and stacking angle β were 0.609% and 1.643%, respectively. The calibration parameters can provide a theoretical reference for the design and research of sugarcane leaf crushing and returning machines, as well as the calibration of discrete element model parameters for leaf crops with high water content.

To improve the accuracy of discrete element simulation parameters of sugarcane tail-leaf (STL) feed during dust removal and crushing, this study used a combination of physical tests and EDEM software simulations to calibrate the discrete element simulation parameters of crumbs and dust in the feed. Taking the experimental physical stacking angle (SA) as the response value, the second-order regression models of SA and significant factors were established by Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test, and Box-Behnken test. Variance analysis and interaction effect analysis were conducted. Taking the accumulation angle of 41.27° obtained by physical experiments as the target value, the significant parameters were optimized. The optimal combination of the following parameters was obtained: tail stem-dust static friction coefficient (SFC) of 0.46, tail leaf-dust coefficient of sliding friction (COSF) of 0.205, JKR surface energy of 0.26, and dust-steel collision recovery coefficient (CRC) of 0.338. Through software simulation verification, the average value was 40.81°, and the relative error of the SA with the physical experiment was 1.13%. The results showed that the calibrated parameters are real and reliable, which can provide a theoretical reference for the design optimization of the straw crushing device, feed processing device, and other related components.

In response to the lack of accurate and reliable parameters in the discrete element simulation analysis of the sugarcane leaf crushing and return device, in this work, the actual and simulated errors of two stacking angles α and β of sugarcane leaves were used as indicators to calibrate the discrete element parameters. The second-order regression models between the important parameters and the indicators were obtained by Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test, and Box-Behnken optimization test, and the analysis of variance and interaction factors were performed. The response surface method and particle swarm optimization algorithm were used to find the best significance parameters, and the best combination of significance parameters was obtained: the static friction coefficient between sugarcane leaves was 0.306, the rolling friction coefficient between sugarcane leaves was 0.198, and the recovery coefficient of sugarcane leaf-plate collision was 0.102. The relative errors of the simulation results and the physical test stacking angle α and stacking angle β were 0.609% and 1.643%, respectively. The calibration parameters can provide a theoretical reference for the design and research of sugarcane leaf crushing and returning machines, as well as the calibration of discrete element model parameters for leaf crops with high water content.

To improve the accuracy of discrete element simulation parameters of sugarcane tail-leaf (STL) feed during dust removal and crushing, this study used a combination of physical tests and EDEM software simulations to calibrate the discrete element simulation parameters of crumbs and dust in the feed. Taking the experimental physical stacking angle (SA) as the response value, the second-order regression models of SA and significant factors were established by Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test, and Box-Behnken test. Variance analysis and interaction effect analysis were conducted. Taking the accumulation angle of 41.27° obtained by physical experiments as the target value, the significant parameters were optimized. The optimal combination of the following parameters was obtained: tail stem-dust static friction coefficient (SFC) of 0.46, tail leaf-dust coefficient of sliding friction (COSF) of 0.205, JKR surface energy of 0.26, and dust-steel collision recovery coefficient (CRC) of 0.338. Through software simulation verification, the average value was 40.81°, and the relative error of the SA with the physical experiment was 1.13%. The results showed that the calibrated parameters are real and reliable, which can provide a theoretical reference for the design optimization of the straw crushing device, feed processing device, and other related components.

Abstract Background Stereotactic body radio therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a standard treatment option for nonsurgical candidates with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pathological proof is sometimes difficult to obtain in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy via helical tomotherapy (HT-SBRT) for early-stage lung cancer patients with or without a pathological diagnosis. Methods Between June 2011 and December 2016, we treated 119 lung cancer patients with HT-SBRT, including 55 with a clinical diagnosis and 64 with a pathological diagnosis. Survival outcomes, including local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS), were compared between two cohorts with and without a pathological diagnosis. Results The median follow-up for the whole group was 69 months. Patients with a clinical diagnosis were significantly older (p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between the clinical and pathological diagnosis cohorts in terms of the long-term outcome, with 5-year LC, PFS, CSS, and OS of 87% versus 83% (p = 0.58), 48% versus 45% (p = 0.82), 87% versus 84% (p = 0.65), and 60% versus 63% (p = 0.79), respectively. Recurrence patterns and toxicity were also similar. Conclusions Empiric SBRT appears to be a safe and effective treatment option in a multidisciplinary setting when patients with SPNs highly suggestive of malignancy are unable/refuse to obtain a definitive pathological diagnosis.

High-purity metal sputtering target is one of the key basic materials for integrated circuits. Self-dependence of the sputtering targets is vital for the high-quality development of the integrated circuit industry in China. This study analyzes the application demand for and development status of high-purity metal sputtering targets for integrated circuits, involving high-purity aluminum and aluminum alloys, high-purity copper and copper alloys, high-purity titanium, high-purity tantalum, high-purity cobalt, high-purity nickel platinum, and high-purity tungsten and tungsten alloys. Moreover, it summarizes the challenges regarding the key manufacturing technologies and engineering application of high-performance sputtering targets in China and proposes several major development directions based on the development goals of the field by 2030. Specifically, China needs to improve its material processing technologies, focus on the key technologies for high-performance target processing, develop high-end new materials according to frontier demands, and improve the capabilities of material analysis, testing, and application evaluation. Furthermore, the following suggestions are proposed: establishing an industry-education-research-application system, realizing the domestic manufacturing of key equipment, strengthening talent team construction, establishing an independent intellectual property system, and expanding international exchange and cooperation,thereby promoting the development quality and level of high-purity metal sputtering targets.

Discrete element simulation parameters of the tail stem and tail leaves of crushed sugarcane tail leaves (STL) were calibrated by a combination of physical experiments and simulation optimization design. First, the values or ranges of the basic physical parameters and contact parameters of crushed STL were measured using physical tests, and the results were used as the basis for the selection of the simulation parameters. Plackett-Burman testing was applied for the significance screening of the initial parameters. Then, the error values and significant parameters of stacking angle for the second-order regression models were obtained using the steepest ascent experiment and the Box-Behnken optimization test. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also performed. Finally, using 37.52° stacking angle of physical test as the validation target, the optimal combination of parameters was obtained: coefficient of static friction (COSF) for tail stem-tail stem of 0.45, COSF for tail leaf-tail leaf of 0.38, coefficient of rolling friction (CORF) for tail stem-tail stem of 0.14, and CORF for tail stem-tail leaf of 0.12. The error of stacking angle obtained from the simulation and the physical tests was 0.976%, which verifies the reliability of the optimal parameters.

To gain insight into the mechanical properties of crushed sugarcane tail leaves during stress relaxation, a self-made compression equipment was used in this study. The variation law of different factors on the stress relaxation process of crushed cane tail was explored and a stress relaxation model was established. The three-element and five-element generalized Maxwell models were selected to fit the regression analysis of the stress relaxation curve of the crushed cane tail. The comparison showed that the determination coefficient R2 of the five-element stress relaxation model was higher, and a three-factor and three-level response surface test was designed. Following the quadratic regression polynomial of the stress rapid decay time and the equilibrium elastic modulus, the final optimization results obtained are as follows: The moisture content was 60.8%, the crushing particle size was 45 mm, the feeding amount was 150 g, and the stress rapid decay time was 14.0 s. The equilibrium elastic modulus was 129 kPa.

Objective: To investigate the effect of preoperative radiotherapy in the patients with primary retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma difficult to resect or unresectable and recognize the results of radiotherapy associated with resection and the effect of treatment on prognosis. Methods: It was analyzed retrospectively with 44 cases of primary retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma difficult to resect or unresectable in Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital from May 2017 to February 2022. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and helical tomotherapy (TOMO) were used to treat the patients, and the effects of conversion to resection treatment for patients with the prognosis and complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 44 cases received radiotherapy including 30 cases with IMRT and 14 cases with TOMO. The adverse events of radiotherapy were grade 1 to 2. After preoperative radiotherapy, 12 cases achieved partial response, 26 cases remained in stable condition and 6 cases progressed. There were 26 cases treated by surgical excision after radiotherapy with the rate of conversion to resection 59.1% (26/44). The 1- and 3-year survival rates of the cases were 93% and 72% respectively. Conclusions: The preoperative radiotherapy could have improve the conversion rates of resection for the patients with primary retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma difficult to resect or unresectable. The better postoperative survival was gotten with mild adverse events.

Discrete element simulation parameters of the tail stem and tail leaves of crushed sugarcane tail leaves (STL) were calibrated by a combination of physical experiments and simulation optimization design. First, the values or ranges of the basic physical parameters and contact parameters of crushed STL were measured using physical tests, and the results were used as the basis for the selection of the simulation parameters. Plackett-Burman testing was applied for the significance screening of the initial parameters. Then, the error values and significant parameters of stacking angle for the second-order regression models were obtained using the steepest ascent experiment and the Box-Behnken optimization test. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also performed. Finally, using 37.52° stacking angle of physical test as the validation target, the optimal combination of parameters was obtained: coefficient of static friction (COSF) for tail stem-tail stem of 0.45, COSF for tail leaf-tail leaf of 0.38, coefficient of rolling friction (CORF) for tail stem-tail stem of 0.14, and CORF for tail stem-tail leaf of 0.12. The error of stacking angle obtained from the simulation and the physical tests was 0.976%, which verifies the reliability of the optimal parameters.

To gain insight into the mechanical properties of crushed sugarcane tail leaves during stress relaxation, a self-made compression equipment was used in this study. The variation law of different factors on the stress relaxation process of crushed cane tail was explored and a stress relaxation model was established. The three-element and five-element generalized Maxwell models were selected to fit the regression analysis of the stress relaxation curve of the crushed cane tail. The comparison showed that the determination coefficient R2 of the five-element stress relaxation model was higher, and a three-factor and three-level response surface test was designed. Following the quadratic regression polynomial of the stress rapid decay time and the equilibrium elastic modulus, the final optimization results obtained are as follows: The moisture content was 60.8%, the crushing particle size was 45 mm, the feeding amount was 150 g, and the stress rapid decay time was 14.0 s. The equilibrium elastic modulus was 129 kPa.

BackgroundWhile adjuvant chemotherapy has been established as standard practice following radical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the role of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) and which patients may benefit remains unclear.MethodsThis retrospective study included PDAC patients who received pancreatic surgery from April 2012 to December 2019 in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University. Patients with carcinoma in situ, distant metastasis, and without adjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. Cox proportional hazards modeling of survival were constructed to find potential prognostic factors. Propensity score matching (PSM) and exploratory subgroup analyses were used to create a balanced covariate distribution between groups and to investigate therapeutic effect of radiotherapy in certain subgroups.ResultsA total of 399 patients were finally included, 93 of them receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (C+R+) and 306 of them receiving chemotherapy only. Patients in C+R+ group were more likely to be male patients with T3-4 disease. Lymph node metastases was the only negative prognostic factor associated with overall survival (OS). Additional adjuvant RT was not associated with an OS benefit both before and after PSM. Surprisingly, a trend towards improved OS with RT among patients with either T4, N2 disease or R1 resection becomes significant in patients alive more than 1 year after surgery.ConclusionAdjuvant RT was not associated with an OS benefit across all patients, though did show a possible OS benefit for the subgroup with T4N2 disease or R1 resection at 1 year after surgery.

Al-Sc alloys containing high Sc content are employed as sputtering targets for the fabrication of high-performance piezoelectric films during magnetic sputtering. Due to the high proportion of the Al3Sc phase, their workability is quite limited, and they are often used in the as-cast state. In this study, the crystallography of Al3Sc dendrites in as-casted Al-10at.%Sc and Al-20at.%Sc samples is examined using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). With increasing Sc content, the fraction of Al3Sc also increases. The Al3Sc dendrites exhibit a cubic relationship with the Al matrix in both alloys. However, in Al-10%Sc alloys, the facets of the Al3Sc dendrites are parallel to {001} planes, while twinning is observed in Al-20at.%. The twinning plane is parallel to the {111} plane, and the dendrite growth direction aligns with the directions. The different morphologies of the dendrite structures in these two alloys are discussed in relation to thermodynamic and kinetic considerations based on the phase diagram and nucleation rate.

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very common and it plays a major role in the prognosis and clinical staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have published the first version of the guideline in 2016 and revised in 2018. Over the past several years, many new evidences for the treatment of PVTT become available, especially for the advent of new targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors which have further improved the prognosis of PVTT. So, the Chinese Association of Liver Cancer and Chinese Medical Doctor Association revised the 2018 version of the guideline to adapt to the development of PVTT treatment. Future treatment strategies for HCC with PVTT in China would depend on new evidences from more future clinical trials.

Abstract. Objective:. It remains unclear whether adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) improves survival outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients after surgery. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil (S-1)-based adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy in resected PDAC patients with defined high-risk pathological features. Methods:. We conducted a single-arm, prospective, and interventional study at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University from December 2012 to December 2019 and the last follow-up was conducted in December 2021. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University on December 27, 2012 (approval No. B2012-139). Resected PDAC patients with high-risk pathological features, including positive resection margin, pathological T3-4N1-2M0 disease, peripancreatic fat invasion, microvascular invasion, and perineural invasion, were recruited. Primary endpoint was overall survival and secondary endpoints were disease-free survival, treatment toxicity, and 2-, 5-year survival rates. Results:. A total of 54 patients were recruited. Mean age was 63.6 years old (±7.2). The distribution of T and N stages were 24.1% for T1, 46.3% for T2, 27.8% for T3, 1.9% for T4, 33.3% for N1, and 11.1% for N2. Seven patients had R1 resection. The median overall survival and disease-free survival were 27.1 and 13.7 months, respectively, while no fatal adverse events were recorded. Subgroup analyses showed differences in survival outcomes among patients with microvascular invasion, different N stages, and preoperative CA 19-9 levels. Further, a Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated associations of lymph node metastases, CA 19-9 level, and microvascular invasion with overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion:. S-1-based adjuvant CRT showed promising efficacy and manageable toxicity in resected PDAC patients with high-risk pathological features.

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that systemic inflammation indicators could predict the survival outcomes of patients with malignant tumors receiving various treatments. Radiotherapy, as a crucial treatment modality, effectively alleviates discomfort in patients with bone metastasis (BM) and greatly improves the quality of life for them. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of systemic inflammation index in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with BM treated with radiotherapy.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data collected from HCC patients with BM who received radiotherapy in our institution between January 2017 and December 2021. The pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were derived to determine their relationship with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The optimal cut-off value of the systemic inflammation indicators for predicting prognosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to ultimately evaluate the factors associated with survival.ResultsThe study included 239 patients with a median 14-month follow-up. The median OS was 18 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.0-24.0) and the median PFS was 8.5 months (95% CI = 6.5-9.5). The optimal cut-off values for the patients were determined by ROC curve analysis as follows: SII =395.05, NLR=5.43 and PLR = 108.23. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for SII, NLR and PLR in disease control prediction were 0.750, 0.665 and 0.676, respectively. Elevated systemic immune-inflammation index (SII>395.05) and higher NLR (NLR>5.43) were independently associated with poor OS and PFS. In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh class (P = 0.038), intrahepatic tumor controlled (P = 0.019), SII (P = 0.001) and NLR (P = 0.007) were independent prognostic factors of OS and Child-Pugh class (P = 0.042), SII (P < 0.001) and NLR (P = 0.002) were independently correlated with PFS.ConclusionNLR and SII were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients with BM receiving radiotherapy and might be considered reliable and independent prognostic biomarkers for HCC patients with BM.

Background: Primary liver cancer, around 75%–85% are hepatocellular carcinoma in China, is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of tumor-related death, thereby posing a significant threat to the life and health of the Chinese people. Summary: Since the publication of Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer in China in June 2017, which were updated by the National Health Commission in December 2019, additional high-quality evidence has emerged from researchers worldwide regarding the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of liver cancer, that requires the guidelines to be updated again. The new edition (2022 Edition) was written by more than 100 experts in the field of liver cancer in China, which not only reflects the real-world situation in China, but also may re-shape the nationwide diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Key Messages: The new guideline aims to encourage the implementation of evidence-based practice, and improve the national average five-year survival rate for patients with liver cancer, as proposed in the "Health China 2030 Blueprint."

Studies of the gut–liver axis have enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of various liver diseases and the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the effectiveness of therapies. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important therapeutic option for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of the microbiome in regulating the response to RT remains unclear. The present study characterizes the gut microbiome of patients responsive or non-responsive to RT and investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences in patient response. We collected fecal samples for 16S rRNA sequencing from a prospective longitudinal trial of 24 HCC patients receiving RT. We used fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), flow cytometry, and transcriptome sequencing to explore the effects of dysbiosis on RT. We also examined the role of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in RT-associated antitumor immune responses mediated by gut microbiota in STING- (Tmem173−/−) and cGAS-knockout (Mb21d1–/–) mouse models. We propose that primary resistance to RT could be attributed to the disruption of the gut microbiome. Mechanistically, gut microbiome dysbiosis impairs antitumor immune responses by suppressing antigen presentation and inhibiting effector T cell functions through the cGAS–STING–IFN-I pathway. Cyclic-di-AMP – an emerging second messenger of bacteria – may act as a STING agonist and is thus a potential target for the prediction and modulation of responses to RT in HCC patients. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of modulating the gut microbiome in HCC patients receiving RT and provides a new strategy for the radiosensitization of liver cancer.

Background: Our preclinical research reveals that radiotherapy (RT) promoted PD-L1 upregulation in tumor tissues and that higher PD-L1 after RT worsened the prognosis through immunosuppression. We sought to validate our experimental results in clinical cohorts and promote clinical application. Patients and methods: In cohort 1, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were obtained from 46 HCC patients, 23 of whom received preoperative RT and the other 23 received direct surgery. A prospectively collected database contained 122 HCC patients treated with liver RT were enrolled in cohort 2. Blood samples were taken a day before and two weeks after RT. Patients in cohort 2 were further divided into two groups, exploration (73 patients) and validation (49 patients) groups. Results: In cohort 1, RT increased the expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissues (p = 0.001), and PD-L1 levels were associated with decreased cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and a trend toward poor prognosis (p = 0.14). Moreover, PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue positively correlated with soluble (s) PD-L1 in serum (R = 0.421, p = 0.046). Then, in cohort 2, we revealed RT increased sPD-L1 in serum (p

The initial corrosion process of dual phase (DP) steel produced by the continuous annealing process (CAP) in NaCl solution was systematically studied in this paper. The microstructure, nobility of the phases, and micro-galvanic corrosion behavior were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique, scanning Kelvin probe force (SKPFM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results indicate that there are two types of martensite, namely fresh martensite (FM) and tempered martensite (TM), embedded in the ferrite matrix. The two types of martensite are surrounded by dislocations and connect to each other as in a chain-like network at the ferrite grain boundary. Both FM and TM can act as a micro-cathode to promote the anodic dissolution of adjacent ferrite matrix since FM is up to 15 mV noble to the ferrite matrix and TM is to 30 mV noble. The initial corrosion process of DP steel can be divided into two stages. The first stage involves an increasing corrosion rate of the steel due to the successive emergence of cathodic TM and FM, while the corrosion rate decreases in the second stage because of the separation of martensite.

ObjectiveThis retrospective study compares the clinical results of cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided thermal ablation with those of helical tomotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with pulmonary metastases.MethodsA total of 110 patients undergoing thermal ablation or helical tomotherapy for pulmonary metastases from April 2014 to December 2020 were included in the study. The endpoints were local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS), overall survival (OS), and complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were conducted to identify independent factors (univariate: P < 0.1; multivariate: P < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the LTPFS and OS rates.ResultsThe results of 106 patients were taken into the final analysis. The 1- and 3-year LTPFS rates were 50 and 19% for the thermal ablation group and 65 and 25% for the helical tomotherapy group. The median LTPFS in the thermal ablation group was 12.1 months, while it was 18.8 months in the helical tomotherapy group (P = 0.25). The 1- and 3-year OS rates were 75 and 26% for the thermal ablation group and 77 and 37% for the helical tomotherapy group. The median OS was 18.0 months in the thermal ablation group and 23.4 months in the helical tomotherapy group (P = 0.38). The multivariate analyses found that α-fetoprotein (AFP) at

Background: To evaluate the potential impact of radiation time on radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) and subsequently recovery after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and to examine the associations between radiation time and with patient outcomes in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Clinical and laboratory records of subjects consisted of 115 patients who had received SBRT for early-stage NSCLC. Clinical and laboratory records were retrospective reviewed to assess the changes in total lymphocyte counts (TLCs) following SBRT. Associations of TLCs kinetics with the clinical and treatment features, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Most patients (100/115, 86.96%) experienced significantly decreased median TLCs following SBRT (1700 vs 1100 cells/µL; P

Background: Primary liver cancer, around 90% are hepatocellular carcinoma in China, is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of tumor-related death, thereby posing a significant threat to the life and health of the Chinese people. Summary: Since the publication of Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer (2017 Edition) in 2018, additional high-quality evidence has emerged with relevance to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of liver cancer in and outside China that requires the guidelines to be updated. The new edition (2019 Edition) was written by more than 70 experts in the field of liver cancer in China. They reflect the real-world situation in China regarding diagnosing and treating liver cancer in recent years. Key Messages: Most importantly, the new guidelines were endorsed and promulgated by the Bureau of Medical Administration of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China in December 2019.

Light has limited penetration depth in vivo which has led to increasing interest in NIR-II fluorophores. Here, the authors report on the design and testing of an organic aggregation induced emission fluorophore with high quantum yield and demonstrate imaging of vasculature and intestines in live mice.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and causes many cancer-related deaths worldwide; in China it is the second most prevalent cause of cancer deaths. Most patients are diagnosed clinically with advanced stage disease. Summary: For more than a decade, sorafenib, a small molecular weight tyrosine kinase-inhibitor (SMW TKI) was the only molecular targeted drug available with a survival benefit for the treatment of advanced HCC. With the development of novel TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced HCC, the management of patients has been greatly improved. However, though angiogenic-based targeted therapy remains the backbone for the systemic treatment of HCC, to date no Chinese guidelines for novel molecular targeted therapies to treat advanced HCC have been established. Our interdisciplinary panel on the treatment of advanced HCC comprising hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, oncologists，radiologists，pathologists, orthopedic surgeons, traditional Chinese medicine physicians and interventional radiologists have reviewed the literature in order to develop updated treatment regimens. Key Messages: Panel consensus statements for the appropriate use of new molecular targeted drugs including doses, combination therapies, adverse reaction management as well as efficacy evaluation and predictions for treatment of advanced HCC with evidence levels based on published data are presented, thereby providing an overview of molecular targeted therapies for healthcare professionals.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)–associated myocarditis is an uncommon and potentially fatal immune-related adverse event (irAE). Although corticosteroids are recommended as the first-line treatment by current guidelines, patients still have variable responses to it, and the guidelines vary significantly in terms of treatment strategies.Objectives: In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis of ICI-associated myocarditis in our hospital to propose a new comparative analysis to aid individualized treatment.Methods: We reviewed detailed records of 24 patients with confirmed ICI-associated myocarditis in our hospital from July 1, 2019, to April 1, 2021. Although all the cases in our study received recommended initial corticosteroid treatment according to the guidelines, different responses to corticosteroid were observed during the process of subsequent corticosteroid tapering. Basing on troponin cardiac troponin T rebound during corticosteroid tapering, we propose a new classification analysis of ICI-associated myocarditis that included two subgroups: corticosteroid-sensitive (n = 8) and corticosteroid-resistant group (n = 16).Results: Compared with corticosteroid-sensitive patients, larger doses of corticosteroid, longer period of treatment, and higher mortality rate were found in corticosteroid-resistant patients. Corticosteroid-resistant patients were characterized by more prominent ptosis, muscle weakness, elevated cardiac biomarkers, creatine kinase, and hepatic enzymes levels than that in the corticosteroid-sensitive patients. Tofacitinib (5 mg twice a day) was used in 11 corticosteroid-resistant patients, with seven patients recovered from ICI-associated myocarditis, showing a promising therapeutic effect.Conclusion: Our group analysis of corticosteroid responsiveness in patients with ICI-associated myocarditis may help clinicians to apply individualized treatment in this high-risk cohort. In addition, tofacitinib could provide clinical benefits when used early in the corticosteroid-resistant patients and may provide a new option for the treatment of ICI-associated myocarditis.

Abstract Background The relationship between serum vitamin D and atrial fibrillation (AF) or postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is still debated. It is also unclear whether there is a dose-response relationship between circulating vitamin D and the risk of AF or POAF. Methods The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies. We used a “one-stage approach” with a restricted cubic spline model to summarize the dose-specific relationships between serum vitamin D and AF. Relative risk (RR) was used to measure the effects in this meta-analysis. Results In total, 13 studies were included with a total of 6519 cases of AF among 74,885 participants. Vitamin D deficiency ( 65 years) (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52–0.89) but not among young individuals (

Abstract Background To investigate the potential impact of fractionation regimes and overall treatment time (OTT) on lymphopenia during definitive radiotherapy (RT) and its associations with patient outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Subjects consisted of 115 patients who had received definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with different doses and fractions for unresectable stage III NSCLC. Clinical and laboratory records were reviewed to assess the changes in total lymphocyte counts (TLCs) during definitive RT. The associations of the TLCs with the clinical and treatment features, and outcomes were analyzed. Results The median reduction of TLCs in the entire cohort was 1300 cells/μL (interquartile range [IQR], 950–1510 cells/μL). Of all patients, 63 (54.8%) experienced severe lymphopenia (SL) (TLC nadir

Surgery remains cornerstone for the management of thymoma. Complete surgical resection (R0), is recognized as the constant and significant factor for prognosis. However, in locally advanced (Masaoka-Koga stages III-IVa) thymomas, achieving R0 resection remains challenging due to local-regional invasion of the disease. Induction treatment, with the aim of reducing bulky tumor mass, offers new strategy to facilitate totally surgical resection. Herein, we reviewed recent progress and provided a comprehensive overview of induction strategy in locally advance thymoma.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant disease and mitochondria plays a key role in the progression in HCM. Here, we analyzed the expression pattern of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes (NMGenes) in HCM and found that the expression of NMGenes was significantly changed. A total of 316 differentially expressed NMGenes (DE-NMGenes) were identified. Pathway enrichment analyses showed that energy metabolism-related pathways such as “pyruvate metabolism” and “fatty acid degradation” were dysregulated, which highlighted the importance of energy metabolism in HCM. Next, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network based on 316 DE-NMGenes and identified thirteen hubs. Then, a total of 17 TFs (transcription factors) were predicted to potentially regulate the expression of 316 DE-NMGenes according to iRegulon, among which 8 TFs were already found involved in pathological hypertrophy. The remaining TFs (like GATA1, GATA5, and NFYA) were good candidates for further experimental verification. Finally, a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was established to validate the genes and results showed that DDIT4, TKT, CLIC1, DDOST, and SNCA were all upregulated in TAC mice. The present study represents the first effort to evaluate the global expression pattern of NMGenes in HCM and provides innovative insight into the molecular mechanism of HCM.

The differentiation process of ultrapotassic magmas is enigmatic and poorly understood. The Yaojiazhuang ultrapotassic complex is concentrically zoned by late-intruded syenite in the core and early emplaced clinopyroxenite in the periphery, combining a “bi-modal” lithology. Spatially, apatite and iron oxide-apatite (IOA) ores, glimmerite and pseudoleucite occur in the upper part of clinopyroxenite. The syenite and clinopyroxenite are composed of variable amounts of clinopyroxenite, biotite, K-feldspar, magnetite, apatite with minor analcite, titanite, and primary calcite. The pseudoleucite clinopyroxenite contains mainly clinopyroxene, biotite and garnet in the matrix, and nepheline–K-feldspar intergrowth with muscovite and minor celestine in the leucite pseudomorph. Geochemically, rocks of the Yaojiazhuang complex are significantly enriched in potassium (K), light rare earth elements (LREE), and large ion lithophile elements (LILE). Crustal contamination by Archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneisses basement may play an important role to convert the syenitic melts from silica-undersaturation to saturation. Fractionation crystallization is supported by the mineral crystallization sequence to explain the bimodal lithologies instead of silicate liquid immiscibility. During the magmatic evolution, decompression, fractionation of volatile-poor clinopyroxene and the enhancement by CO2 may result in the exsolution of an aqueous fluid. The late-stage interactions between existing minerals and magmatic fluids in the crystal mush could be a key process in the generation of both leucite pseudomorphs and apatite/IOA ores.

The origin of iron oxide-apatite deposits remains enigmatic and controversial. Here, the authors perform experiments on intermediate magmas and show that increasing aH2O and fO2 enlarges the two-liquid field thus allowing the Fe–Ca–P melt to separate easily from host silicic magma and produce iron oxide-apatite ores.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is not recommended as an approach for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma due to its significant postoperative mortality. However, it is assumed the combination of neoadjuvant chemoradiation with minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) may reduce postoperative mortality, which can revive preoperative chemoradiation. No randomized controlled studies comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE have been performed so far. The present trial is initiated to obtain valid information whether neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE yields better survival without worse postoperative morbidity and mortality in the treatment of locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(cT3-4aN0-1M0). Methods/design CMISG1701 is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, phase III clinical trial, investigating the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE. Patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (cT3-4aN0-1M0) are eligible for the study. A total of 264 patients are randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (arm A) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (arm B) with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary outcome is overall survival assessed with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Secondary outcomes are progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, postoperative pathologic stage, treatment-related complications, postoperative mortality as well as quality of life. Discussion The objective of this trial is to identify the superior protocol with regard to patient survival, treatment morbidity/mortality and quality of life between neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE and neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE. Trial registration NCT03001596 (December 17, 2016).

Object: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of consolidative chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) after induced chemotherapy (iCT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).Patients and methods: Patients with LAPC were enrolled from January 2013 to November 2018. In stage one, all patients received iCT. Those without distant metastasis proceeded to stage two, received 50.4 Gy cCRT with S-1 as radiosensitizer. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated in all patients.Results: Sixty-five patients enrolled into this study and accepted iCT. Eleven (16.9%) patients got early progressions or declined general condition, 1 (1.5%) patient quit the trial after one cycle of iCT. These 12 patients didn't receive cCRT. The remaining 53 (81.5%) patients received cCRT. After cCRT, 4 of 53 (7.5%) patients accepted radical resection. The treatment was well-tolerated. In stage one, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the most frequent toxicities, the severe toxicity (grade 3 and 4) were 26.2 and 20.0%, respectively. In stage two, fatigue (45.3%) and nausea (41.5%) were the most frequent toxic effects but most were mild. The median overall survival (OS) of whole group was 18.1 months [95% CI, 15.11–21.03 months]. The OS of patients with early progression and patients accepted cCRT were 7.6 months [95% CI, 5.22–10.02 months] and 19.5 months [95% CI, 18.08–20.95 months], respectively (P < 0.001). The PFS of the 53 patients was 10.3 months [95% CI, 8.54–11.96 months] and survival rates at 1- and 2- years were 84.8 and 24.3%, respectively.Conclusion: The current results indicate that iCT is a useful screening method to selecting LAPC patients with less-aggressive biological behavior. cCRT after iCT in patients with LAPC is an optimal treatment. The prognosis of patients who received complete treatment is significantly improved.

Background: To investigate the role of stereotactic body RT (SBRT) in decreased total peripheral lymphocyte count (TLC) in patients with early-stage lung cancer and to explore possible risk factors for RT-induced lymphopenia.Materials and Methods: We analyzed the TLCs and lymphocyte subsets of 76 patients in our prospective clinical database who received SBRT for early-stage lung cancer treatment. Relationships between clinical factors or dosimetric parameters and TLC were evaluated using Spearman's correlation analysis and Chi-square tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors. Kaplan–Meier analysis with a log-rank test and a multivariate Cox regression model were used for survival analysis.Results: Most patients (64/76, 84.2%) experienced decreased absolute lymphocyte counts following SBRT, as well as shifts in lymphocyte subset distributions. Spearman's correlation coefficients between post-SBRT TLC and the percentage of the lung and heart receiving 5 to 50 Gy (in 5 Gy increments) shown that most lung DVH parameters [V(10)-V(50)] were significantly negatively correlated with post-SBRT TLC, while only heart V(5), V(20), V(25), V(30), and V(45) were significant. Univariate analyses revealed that a lower Pre-SBRT TLC level, higher mean lung dose, longer treatment duration, and longer TBT were significantly associated with a lower Post-SBRT TLC level (all P < 0.05). Stepwise multivariate linear regression, which incorporated all of the significantly clinical variables and SBRT-related parameters in univariate analysis, revealed that lower pre -SBRT TLC (P < 0.001), higher heart V5 (P = 0.002), and longer total beam-on time (TBT) (P = 0.001) were the independent risk factors for decrease in post-SBRT TLC. Patients with lower post-SBRT TLC and longer TBT exhibited significantly inferior progression-free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013) and overall survival (P = 0.006 and P = 0.043).Conclusions: G2 and more severe lymphopenia after SBRT might be an independent prognostic factor for poorer outcome in early-stage lung cancer. Lowering heart V5 and TBT when designing SBRT plans may spare circulating lymphocytes and have the potential to further improve survival outcomes.

There are few head-to-head trials directly comparing non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) against one other. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to examine the indirect comparisons among NOACs in Asians with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). STATA 15.0 and ADDIS 1.16.8 softwares were used to perform the statistical analysis. Odds ratios with 95% credible intervals were applied to evaluate the end points. The probabilities of treatment rank were used to understand which interventions are more effective and safe, and the total rank probability was 1. In our NMA, the rank probabilities of apixaban in the case of stroke or systemic embolism, death from any cause, major bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were 0.47, 0.49, 0.42, and 0.51, respectively. For cases of myocardial infarction, the rank probabilities of rivaroxaban were 0.40. This NMA indirectly compares the main efficacy and safety end points among NOACs in Asians with NVAF, and the rank probability analysis showed that apixaban likely performs best in cases of stroke or systemic embolism, death from any cause, and ICH; rivaroxaban may have the best performance for myocardial infarction.

The deep crustal continental components and architecture of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt have long been a matter of debate [Wang et al., 2009; Kröner et al., 2014; Xiao et al., 2015; Yang et al., 2017]. We present an integrated study of geochronological and Hf-inzircon isotopic data for xenocrystic zircons from the Paleozoic granitoid rocks and associated felsic volcanic rocks of the Chinese Altai, East Junggar and nearby regions. The aim is to trace the age spatial distribution of deep old crustal components in these key parts of the western Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

The Ku’erchu granitic pluton (283±4 Ma) was exposed in the eastern part of the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt. The granites from the intrusion are mainly composed of orthoclase (~45 vol. %), plagioclase (~15 vol. %), quartz (~20 vol. %), muscovite (~10 vol. %) and biotite (~5 vol. %), with accessory minerals including garnet, zircon and Fe-Ti oxide.

The origination and differentiation of rare metalbearing, alkaline granites has attracted extensive interests because of their economic significance.

Stable, nontoxic, and aqueous Cu:ZnInSe quantum dots (QDs) have been synthesized using one-step method. Through controlling pH, the amount of 3-mercaptopro‐ pionic acid (MPA), and impurities Cu and In, high-quality Cu:ZnInSe QDs have been obtained. First, as-prepared Cu:ZnInSe QDs have better thermal stability. The photolu‐ minescence (PL) intensity and wavelength are not changed during long-time heating reflux. Besides, the synthesizing method is simple, and raw materials are green. Cu:ZnInSe QDs are perfect fluorescent powder.