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To compare the safety and efficacy of integrated iodine-125 (I-125) seed implantation (sequential implantation of helical I-125 seed implant into the main portal vein and of I-125 seeds into the branch tumor thrombus directly forming main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTT)) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus TACE alone for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with MPVTT. From December 2016 to January 2020, 46 HCC patients with MPVTT were analyzed. In the combination group, 21 patients received helical I-125 seed implantation in the main portal vein through a patent small portal vein branch and TACE in a single session. After 7–10 days, I-125 seeds were implanted percutaneously into the branch tumor thrombus directly forming MPVTT. In the TACE group, 25 patients received TACE alone. Thereafter, TACE was repeated as needed in both groups. Adverse events, tumor response, and overall survival (OS) of the two groups were compared. No adverse events grade ≥ 3 were observed in either group. The optimal objective response rate and disease control rate for MPVTT in the combination group and TACE group were 52.4% versus 4.0% (P

A fluorescent probe 1 based on julolidine-chalcone derivative, which can specifically recognize aluminum ion with high selectivity and anti-interference, was developed. Probe 1 has good fluorescence stability and can detect Al

Morphology and crystal phase regulation of TiO2-base semiconductors via facile green synthesis approaches is promising and challengeable. Herein the synchronous regulation of morphology and crystal phase of TiO2 was achieved in the presence of OA in an aqueous solution. TiO2 nanorod, nanosphere composed of nanoparticles, and dandelion-like microsphere were obtained with the variation of the molar ratio of OA and TTIP. Moreover, the crystal composition of anatase/rutile could be regulated via adjusting the reaction duration and temperature and the molar ratio of TTIP/OA. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity was highly associated with the morphology and crystal phase composition. The dandelion-like microspheres with crystal composition of anatase/rutile = 0.73/0.27 exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance, due to the specific architecture and optimal crystal phase composition. The specific architecture facilitates the transfer of reactants and the biphase TiO2 promotes the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes, resulting to high photocatalytic performance.

Objective: To compare the outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib versus TACE alone for treating patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: This retrospective analysis included all patients receiving either TACE plus sorafenib therapy or TACE alone for unresectable HCC between February 2008 and August 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China. Propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out to reduce bias due to confounding variables. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), calculated from the date of the first TACE treatment until the date of death of any cause. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was conducted to examine determinants of OS. Results: A total of 308 patients were included in the study: 61 receiving TACE plus sorafenib treatment and 247 receiving TACE monotherapy. The PSM cohort included 61 subjects receiving TACE plus sorafenib and 122 subjects receiving TACE alone. In the overall analysis that included all patients, the median OS in the combination group was significantly longer than that in the monotherapy group (29.0 ± 7.2 vs. 14.9 ± 1.1 months; P = 0.008). In the PCM cohort, the median OS was also significantly longer in the combination group (29.0 ± 7.2 vs. 14.9 ± 1.5 months; P = 0.018). Subgroup analysis revealed longer OS in patients receiving combination treatment in both the BCLC-B and BCLC-C subgroups (P < 0.05 for both). Multivariate analyses in the PSM cohort revealed that treatment methods (P = 0.003), number of nodules (P = 0.010), tumor size (P = 0.012), vascular invasion (P = 0.005), and number of TACE (P = 0.029) were independent prognostic factors of OS. The most common adverse events were hand-foot skin reaction (75.4%) and diarrhea (47.5%) in the combination group, and fatigue (19.0%) and liver dysfunction (18.2%) in the monotherapy group. There were no treatment-related deaths in either group. Conclusion: The combined use of TACE and sorafenib is generally well tolerated and could significantly increase OS of patients with unresectable HCC.

To compare the safety and efficacy of integrated iodine-125 (I-125) seed implantation (sequential implantation of helical I-125 seed implant into the main portal vein and of I-125 seeds into the branch tumor thrombus directly forming main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTT)) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus TACE alone for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with MPVTT.From December 2016 to January 2020, 46 HCC patients with MPVTT were analyzed. In the combination group, 21 patients received helical I-125 seed implantation in the main portal vein through a patent small portal vein branch and TACE in a single session. After 7-10 days, I-125 seeds were implanted percutaneously into the branch tumor thrombus directly forming MPVTT. In the TACE group, 25 patients received TACE alone. Thereafter, TACE was repeated as needed in both groups. Adverse events, tumor response, and overall survival (OS) of the two groups were compared.No adverse events grade ≥ 3 were observed in either group. The optimal objective response rate and disease control rate for MPVTT in the combination group and TACE group were 52.4% versus 4.0% (P 0.001) and 85.7% versus 32.0% (P 0.001), respectively. Median OS in the combination group (9.8 months) was longer than in the TACE group (5.2 months) (P = 0.024). Multivariate analysis revealed that, compared with the TACE group, the mortality risk in the combination group significantly decreased (hazard ratio: 0.444; P = 0.020).Integrated I-125 seed implantation combined with TACE is a safe and effective treatment for HCC with MPVTT.Level 3, Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

Both architecture construction and defects engineering of photocatalysts are highly vital in the photocatalytic activity. We report herein that the interface-defect-mediated photocatalytic activity of pompon-like ZnO (P-ZnO) mesocrystal photocatalyst synthesized via an aqueous approach, in the presence of sodium citrate without any other organic templates. The microstructure and defects of the diverse ZnO photocatalysts were examined with various techniques. The results indicated that the P-ZnO assemblies were composed of mesocrystal nanosheets exposed high energy (002) facet with high crystallinity. More importantly, the defects located at the interfaces among the nanocrystals in ZnO mesocrystals played an important role in the photocatalytic activity than that of interstitial zinc vacancies in bulk, which was confirmed by photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, such as methylene blue (MB) and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). The results showed that the P-ZnO exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than that of the nanosized ZnO (N-ZnO), which could be attributed to not only the unique mesocrystal structure and high energy (002) facet exposed, but also the defects located at interfaces among nanocrystals in ZnO mesocrystals. In addition, the formation mechanism of the P-ZnO was investigated via a time-dependent method. It was found that the formation of P-ZnO hierarchical architecture assembled with ZnO mesocrystals involved a nonclassical crystallization growth and Ostwald Ripening process. This study provides a perspective on the improvement in photocatalytic activity via adjusting the bulk and interface defects and construction of hierarchical architectures of semiconductors.

Several photocatalysts with different architectures were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach in the presence of diverse structure-directing reagents at varied concentrations. It was found that the concentration of the directing reagents played a crucial role in the architecture of the obtained products. Flower-like ZnO architectures were synthesized at a high concentration of PVP, while pencil-like mesocrystals (MCs) at a low concentration. The flower shaped assembly was composed of leaf-like ZnO MCs. More interestingly, the MCs were assembled with ZnO nanocrystals aligned along [111] direction. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were examined by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, and the results indicated that the flower-like architectures exhibited highest performance, compared with those of ZnO nanocrystals, pencil shaped ZnO mesocrystal, and the sheet-like ZnO MCs. This could be attributed to not only the hierarchical architecture of the assembly, high crystallinity, and large surface area, but also the unique mesoscopic structure of ZnO MCs.

To investigate the feasibility and safety of a helical iodine-125 (I-125) seed implant combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTT). From December 2016 to February 2018, 26 cases of HCC with MPVTT patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Helical I-125 seed implants were placed into the portal vein through the percutaneous transhepatic route. Subsequently, TACE was performed. Follow-up with enhanced CT was performed every 6–8 weeks and TACE was repeated if the residual or recurrent tumor was found. Treatment response was measured with the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. Complication rates and overall survival were also evaluated. Implantation and TACE were successful in all patients. There were no grade ≥ 3 complications observed in the patients. The objective response rates (ORR) and disease control rates (DCR) of MPVTT at 3 months after implantation were 42.3% and 84.6%, respectively, whereas ORR and DCR of the liver lesions were 34.6% and 46.2%, respectively. The median overall survival was 10.7 months (95% CI 6.2–15.2 months). Helical I-125 seed implants can be safely placed into the human main portal vein. Helical I-125 seed implants combined with TACE for HCC with MPVTT are safe and feasible.

This study retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of aspiration thrombectomy using a large-size catheter for acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).All patients who underwent aspiration thrombectomy using 9F or 10F catheters for acute lower extremity DVT were included and analyzed. Aspiration thrombectomy was performed in all patients. Additional intravenous thrombolysis was performed in patients with residual thrombus, and stent placement was performed in patients with iliac vein compression syndrome.From October 2010 to September 2013, the study enrolled 68 patients (37 women, 31 men) with a mean age of 61.7 ± 7.8 years (range, 24-86 years). All patients presented with lower extremity swelling and pain, and the duration of symptoms ranged from 1 to 14 days. The DVTs involved popliteal-iliofemoral veins in 29 patients, iliofemoral veins in 31, and iliac veins in 8. Endovascular procedures were performed in all patients with a technical success rate of 100%. Aspiration alone was effective in 47 patients, and additional thrombolysis was required in the remaining 21. An additional stent was required in 32 patients. Significant improvement in presenting symptoms was achieved in all patients after the procedures, with a clinical success rate of 100%. There were no procedure-related or thrombolysis-related complications. The Villalta scores were5 in 60 patients and from 5 to 9 in four patients. Primary and secondary patency rates were 89.1% (57 of 64) and 96.9% (62 of 64) at 1 year of follow-up.Aspiration thrombectomy using a large-size catheter is safe and effective for acute lower extremity DVT.

A green template-free solvothermal approach was developed to synthesize hollow microsphere TiO2-modified in situ with nickel species (Ni2+/Ni3+). Oxalic acid played a pivotal role in the formation of hollow architecture, acting as chelating agent, structure-directing reagent, and acidity-modulation reagent, while isopropyl alcohol ensured the formation of spherical structure. The microstructure and composition of the products were characterized with various techniques, and the results showed that the products exhibited not only highly crystallized anatase phase, large specific surface areas, and the mesoporous shell and hollow architecture, but also the coexistence of Ni2+/Ni3+. The unique structure and composition of the photocatalysts resulted in improved UV and visible photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine-B and 2,4-dichlorophenol.

To evaluate the feasibility of helical iodine-125 (I-125) seed portal vein implantation. Helical I-125 seed implants were placed into the portal vein of healthy pigs through the transjugular (n = 3) or percutaneous transhepatic (n = 3) route. Six pigs received follow-up at 9 weeks after implantation. Blood tests were performed preimplantation, and at 1 and 9 weeks after implantation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography combined with CT (SPECT-CT) were acquired after implantation. Post-implantation CT was imported to the treatment planning system (TPS) for dose verification. At 9 weeks after implantation, another CT was performed before histopathological examination. All implantations were successful, and the helical implants were fixed to the portal vein. CT showed no implant migration or portal vein thrombosis. The average dose to 90% of the target volume calculated from TPS was 68.4 Gy. SPECT-CT revealed an irregular isodose around the implant, in which the hottest spot was near the central portal vein lumen. All pigs were in good condition at the 9-week follow-up. Histopathology studies confirmed no portal vein thrombosis. Pigs showed no signs of bleeding, necrosis, or perforation of the peripheral tissue or organs. Intimal hyperplasia was observed at the two ends of the implant. A mild inflammatory response was detected in the bile duct and adjacent liver tissues, yet there was no apparent inflammation of the hepatic arteries. The helical I-125 seed implants can be inserted into the portal veins of healthy pigs.

Core-shell TiO2 microspheres possess a unique structure and interesting properties, and therefore, they have received much attention. The high-energy facets of TiO2 also are being widely studied for the high photocatalytic activities they are associated with. However, the synthesis of the core-shell structure is difficult to achieve and requires multiple-steps and/or is expensive. Hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is highly corrosive, is usually used in the controlling high-energy facet production. Therefore, it is still a significant challenge to develop low-temperature, template-free, shape-controlled, and relative green self-assembly routes for the formation of core-shell-structured TiO2 microspheres with high-energy facets. Here, we report a template- and hydrofluoric acid free solvothermal self-assembly approach to synthesize core-shell TiO2 microspheres covered with high-energy {116}-facet-exposed nanosheets, an approach in which 1,4-butanediamine plays a key role in the formation of nanosheets with exposed {116} facets and the doping of nitrogen in situ. In the structure, nanoparticle aggregates and nanosheets with {116} high-energy facets exposed act as core and shell, respectively. The photocatalytic activity for degradation of 2,4,6-tribromophenol and Rhodamine B under visible irradiation and UV/Vis irradiation has been examined, and improved photocatalytic activity under visible light owing to the hierarchical core-shell structure, {116}-plane-oriented nanosheets, in situ N doping, and large surface areas has been found.

Plant-based natural fibres are often used as a reinforcing material for environmentally friendly green composites. Especially, the form of slivers of natural fibres is anticipated for increasing their stiffness and strength. However, the sliver structure has fluctuations in fibre orientation, which decreases their mechanical properties. This paper describes the effects of such fibre orientation fluctuation on tensile properties of fibre-reinforced fully green composites. The composites were reinforced with slivers of high-strength flax fibres, for which a fabrication method called ‘direct method’ was applied. To quantify the morphology of the fibre orientation, fibre orientation angles were measured on fine segments, which were divided into 1 mm × 1 mm squares on a photograph of the whole composite surface. Although it is well-known that tensile strength of unidirectional composites decreases with increasing fibre orientation angle, the tensile strength obtained here did not show any appreciable relation to the statistical properties of measured fibre orientation angles such as average and standard deviation. The concept of two-dimensional (2D) autocorrelation was used in the present study to express the degree of similarity between fibre orientation angles in two different local areas. Results show that, if high 2D autocorrelation coefficients occupy more area on a composite surface, then this composite possesses more regular fibre orientation and tends to exhibit higher tensile strength. This tendency is stronger in the composites close to on-axis alignment, whereas it became weak in the off-axis composites angled more than 15° because of shear fracture.

Natural fibers are usually used as reinforcement in green composites. Especially, the use of slivers of natural fibers is anticipated for increasing composites' stiffness and strength. However the slivers have various fiber orientation angles and often involve fiber fluctuation. This paper describes effects of fiber orientation angle and fluctuation on Young's modulus and tensile strength of the so-called fully green composites. The composites were reinforced with slivers of high-strength natural fibers extracted from curaua plants. For this study, a fabrication method called ‘direct method’ was applied for obtaining sliver-based green composites with various fiber orientation angles and fluctuation. Then optical micrographs of composites with fiber fluctuation were obtained. After the micrographs were divided into many fine segments, the fiber orientation angle in each segment was measured. Results show that the tensile strength depends on autocorrelation coefficients expressing the degree of fluctuation in fiber orientation, as well as the fiber orientation angles. However, the Young's modulus was dependent only on the angles. Furthermore, the Young's modulus of the composites was predicted using classical lamination theory. In addition, a statistical concept was applied to an orthotropic analysis for prediction of the Young's modulus. The predicted Young's moduli showed better agreement with the experimental results, than that of the predicted values based on a definite orthotropic theory.

Au/TiO2 mesocrystals (Au/TMCs) were synthesized via a template-free solvothermal approach, followed with in situ photoreduction of gold chloride tetrahydrate for deposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). The microstructure and components of the photocatalysts were characterized with various techniques. The results indicated that the AuNPs selectively anchored on the (101) facet of TiO2 mesocrystals (TMCs). More interestingly, the strong interactions occurred between AuNP and TMC support, due to the formation of a close Schottky heterointerface, combined with Ti-O-Au chemical bonds partially formed. Unexpectedly, it was found that the AuNPs typically aligned with their [111] direction, parallelling to the [101] direction of TMC in many cases. Au/TMCs exhibited high selectivity and activity for the transformation of nitroarenes to corresponding azoxyarenes, which could be attributed to not only the plasmonic effect of AuNPs and the unique superstructure of TMC, but also the highly strong interaction between AuNPs and TMCs through the close Schottky heterointerface.

A winding machine with heat treatment was newly developed to strengthen ramie yarns. During the treatment process, ramie yarn in normal or wet state was wound on a winding machine and passed continu- ously through a heater at 100 and 150 � C, respectively, with different winding speeds and tensions. Higher tensile strength and stiffness of ramie yarn was achieved after heat treatment on wet yarn and winding speed had a sig- nificant influence on the tensile properties of yarns. How- ever, a little decline in tensile strength was found for ramie yarns after heat treatment in normal state. This implies that the water-swollened structure of ramie yarn during the heat treatment is crucial in strengthening yarns. In the case of heat treatment on wet yarns, the effect of winding tension on the tensile properties of yarns was studied. It was found that the tensile strengths and Young's moduli of ramie yarns first increased and then reached equilibrium as the winding tension was increased. The crystallinity calculated from X-ray diffraction dia- grams showed a slight decrease in heat-treated ramie yarns whereas the crystalline orientation factors had no appreciable change. It was considered that the improved effect was related to the more oriented molecular chains in amorphous region and optimized yarn structure. V C 2010

A system to attenuate the sound or pulsating pressure in a duct which has a noise source with a variable exciting frequency, such as a compressor or a fan, is investigated. This system consists of a Helmholtz resonator whose cavity volume is automatically controlled by a personal computer such that the system retains the antiresonance. The steady-state and transient responses are investigated theoretically. The experiments are also carried out by making use of the harmonic sound radiated from a speaker and a pulsating flow caused by a centrifugal fan. In this autoadjusting system, the volume of the resonator cavity is controlled by making use of the fact that the phase difference between the pressure in the duct and that in the cavity changes 180degrees at the antiresonance. The sound can be reduced significantly, especially in the vicinity of the resonance frequency. When the tracking for the change of exciting frequency has a delay, the system may pass through the resonance point.