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The exploration of membrane separation materials with special wettability has been widely focused in the field of oily wastewater treatment. However, serious membrane fouling and functional singularity are still bottlenecks in existing methods. In this paper, a proanthocyanidin (PC)-Ti composite network was constructed on the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane through a layer-by-layer self-assembly process. The modified membrane exhibits superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobicity with good resistance to oil fouling. The separation flux and efficiency of the oil-in-water emulsion could reach 969.6 L·m−2h−1 and 99.2 %, respectively. After severe chemical stability, mechanical stability, and long-term exposure tests, the emulsion separation flux and efficiency still reached 841.7 L·m−2h−1 and 99 %, showing excellent stability and weatherability. In addition, the membrane can filter both oils and dyes in the water, realizing the simultaneous removal of multi-component pollutants in oily wastewater (dye removal rate exceeds 99.9 %). Through a simple desorption process, the membrane can be recycled. The preparation strategy of the special wettable membrane provided in this study has potential application in practical oily wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • The modified membrane can effectively resist the fouling caused by oils. • The modified membrane can simultaneously separate oils and dyes from wastewater. • For multi-component pollutants, the modified membrane can be recycled through a simple desorption process. • The modified membrane has excellent stability and weather resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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For unilateral Dodge Class Ⅰ optic pathway glioma (OPG-uDCⅠ) without neurofibromatosis type 1, unilateral isolated optic nerve gliomas before the optic chiasm have been confirmed to possibly cause visual deterioration and poor prognosis. For this type of highly selective localized tumor, we explored surgery as the only treatment method. This article retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical data of this case series, with the aim of exploring the main technical details and clinical prognosis. Included were patients with OPG-uDCⅠ without neurofibromatosis type 1 and experiencing vision loss on the affected side. The fronto-orbital approach was used, which was mainly divided into 3 parts: intraorbital, optic canal, and intracranial. All patients underwent prechiasmatic resection without any adjuvant treatments. The follow-up period was 3 months after surgery, and magnetic resonance imaging and contralateral visual acuity were reviewed annually after surgery. All OPG-uDCⅠ cases were completely removed without any adjuvant treatments, and there was no recurrence during the follow-up period. Pathological results showed that, except for 1 adult patient with pilomyxoid astrocytoma (World Health Organization grade Ⅱ), the others all had pilocytic astrocytoma (World Health Organization grade Ⅰ). Five patients experienced transient ptosis, and all recovered 3 months after surgery. For OPG-uDCⅠ without neurofibromatosis type 1, radical prechiasmatic resection of the tumor is possible, without the need for postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pterional approach (PA) has been used to remove cranio-orbital lesions that have communicated via the supraorbital fissure (SOF). The supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEA) has become increasingly popular as a minimally invasive approach. However, few reports have examined the SEA for cranio-orbital lesions. We assessed the relative advantages, disadvantages, and selection criteria for these 2 approaches. The data from all consecutive patients who had undergone removal of a cranio-orbital lesion that communicated via the SOF using the PA or SEA were analyzed. Of the 25 patients, 13 had undergone surgical resection using the SEA and 12 had undergone resection using the PA. The SEA provided better cosmetic satisfaction, resulted in a shorter surgical time, and required a shorter incision (P < 0.05). Proptosis had improved significantly in all the patients. No significant differences were found in the total resection rates, visual outcomes, recovery of ptosis, or other new surgically related complications between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). All the patients were followed up for an average of 21.9 months. One patient in each group had developed recurrence or progression that required radiotherapy. The disease of the other patients with subtotal resection was stable or atrophic. The SEA provided better cosmetic satisfaction, resulted in a shorter surgical time, and required a shorter incision. The SEA might be a more minimally invasive option for lesions communicating via the SOF without obvious hyperostosis. The PA might be more reasonable for lesions with obvious hyperostosis and more extensive lesions in the cavernous sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of rituximab for the treatment of active Graves' orbitopathy (GO) suggests that B cells play a critical role in intraorbital inflammation. B cell activating factor (BAFF) and its homolog a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are critical for B cell survival. However, the contribution of BAFF/APRIL to GO remains unclear. We sought to determine the role of BAFF/APRIL in the orbits of GO, and found that BAFF was markedly upregulated, while APRIL was not. Additionally, cultured GO orbital fibroblasts (GO-OFs) 2 expressing BAFF were induced to produce a large amount of BAFF. In contrast, a weak APRIL expression was detected in the OFs, and they exhibited a slight response to stimulation. Notably, pretreated GO-OFs promoted B cell survival, and this effect was significantly inhibited by a BAFF-R neutralizing antibody. This study indicates that OFs from GO can express BAFF and mediate the intraorbital survival of B cells via BAFF mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The Qingchangligan formula, a traditional Chinese medicine comprising five herbs, is useful for treatment of patients with liver failure; however, its protective and regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Aim of the study To test the hypothesis that the Qingchangligan formula protects mice against acute liver failure by inhibiting liver inflammation. Materials and methods Acute liver failure (ALF) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D -GalN (700 mg/kg) plus LPS (10 μg/kg). The Qingchangligan formula was administered to mice in three doses of 50 mg/kg (on day 1, day 2, and day 3) prior to D -GalN/LPS injection by intragastric administration. The mice in different groups were sacrificed at 6 h after D -GalN/LPS injection, and liver samples and blood were collected for analysis. Results Administration of the Qingchangligan formula not only ameliorated liver injury, as evidenced by reduced transaminase levels and well-preserved liver architecture, but also decreased the lethality in ALF mice. Moreover, in the ALF model, pretreatment with the Qingchangligan formula alleviated liver inflammation and decreased hepatocyte apoptosis. Further demonstrating the protective effects of the Qingchangligan formula, we found that pretreatment with the Qingchangligan formula reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines by decreasing the expression of components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and promoting autophagy in vitro and in vivo . Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that the Qingchangligan formula exerts a protective effect against the pathophysiology of ALF, especially in regulating liver inflammation, and provide a rationale for using the Qingchangligan formula as a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate ALF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Q-learning algorithm (QL) is proposed to solve the resource allocation problem. • A dynamic programming method and a heuristic algorithm are provided to prove the effectiveness of the QL. • Suggestions are given on how to apply the QL algorithm in practical situations. When a disaster strikes, it is important to allocate limited disaster relief resources to those in need. This paper considers the allocation of resources in humanitarian logistics using three critical performance indicators: efficiency, effectiveness and equity. Three separate costs are considered to represent these metrics, namely, the accessibility-based delivery cost, the starting state-based deprivation cost, and the terminal penalty cost. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model with multiple objectives and multiple periods is proposed. A Q-learning algorithm, a type of reinforcement learning method, is developed to address the complex optimization problem. The principles of the proposed algorithm, including the learning agent and its actions, the environment and its states, and reward functions, are presented in detail. The parameter settings of the proposed algorithm are also discussed in the experimental section. In addition, the solution quality of the proposed algorithm is compared with that of the exact dynamic programming method and a heuristic algorithm. The experimental results show that the efficiency of the algorithm is better than that of the dynamic programming method and the accuracy of the algorithm is higher than that of the heuristic algorithm. Moreover, the Q-learning algorithm provides close to or even optimal solutions to the resource allocation problem by adjusting the value of the training episode K in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A pterional-orbital or subfrontal-orbital approach is recommended as a surgical treatment in cranio-orbital lesions. We describe a less invasive approach through an eyebrow incision combined supraorbital minicraniotomy and orbital osteotomy for treating some selected cranio-orbital lesions. Methods Sixteen patients with different cranio-orbital lesions were treated using this less invasive approach. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated to shed light on specific parameters related to this approach. Results The 16 patients with cranio-orbital lesions underwent 17 operations. A total resection was achieved in 11 lesions. All the patients were followed up for 3–54 months. Postoperative proptosis improved in all cases. Five cases of visual impairment were improved, but 4 patients with blindness did not recover. One patient with bitemporal hemianopia recovered. Three patients with ocular dyskinesia did not recover. Two patients had transient cranial nerve III palsy, and 2 patients had cranial nerve VI palsy. One had delayed hydrocephalus. One died 1 year later as a result of pulmonary metastases. One recurred and the patient underwent a second operation. All the patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤1 at 12 weeks follow-up. Conclusions Some selected cranio-orbital lesions can be treated through a supraorbital eyebrow approach with orbital osteotomy. The presence of retro-ocular fat allows the orbital lesions to be classified as a lesion of the intraretro-ocular or extraretro-ocular fat. It is safe to resect the lesion of extraretro-ocular fat from the retro-ocular fat interface. However, the lesion with optic nerve and extraocular muscles involved should be removed from the intermuscular septae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]