Evolution of the porous structure for phosphoric acid etching carbon as cathodes in Li–O_(2) batteries:Pyrolysis temperature-induced characteristics changes

Although biomass-derived carbon(biochar)has been widely used in the energy field,the relation between the carbonization condition and the physical/chemical property of the product remains elusive.Here,we revealed the carbonization condition's effect on the morphology,surface property,and electrochemical performance of the obtained carbon.An open slit pore structure with shower-puff-like nanoparticles can be obtained by finely tuning the carbonization temperature,and its unique pore structure and surface properties enable the Li–O_(2) battery with cycling longevity(221 cycles with 99.8%Coulombic efficiency at 0.2 mA cm^(−2) and controlled discharge–charge depths of 500 mAh g^(−1))and high capacity(16,334 mAh g^(−1) at 0.02 mA cm^(−2)).This work provides a greater understanding of the mechanism of the biochar carbonization procedure under various pyrolysis conditions,paving the way for future study of energy storage devices.

Achieving a superior Na storage performance of Fe-based Prussian blue cathode by coating perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride amine

Fe-based Prussian blue(Fe-PB)cathode material shows great application potential in sodium(Na)-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity,long cycle life,low cost,and simple preparation process.However,the crystalline water and vacancies of Fe-PB lattice,the low electrical conductivity,and the dissolution of metal ions lead to limited capacity and poor cycling stability.In this work,a perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride amine(PTCDA)coating layer is successfully fabricated on the surface of Fe-PB by a liquid-phase method.The aminated PTCDA(PTCA)coating not only increases the specific surface area and electronic conductivity but also effectively reduces the crystalline water and vacancies,which avoids the erosion of Fe-PB by electrolyte.Consequently,the PTCA layer reduces the charge transfer resistance,enhances the Na-ion diffusion coefficient,and improves the structure stability.The PTCA-coated Fe-PB exhibits superior Na storage performance with a first discharge capacity of 145.2 mAh g^(−1) at 100 mA g^(−1).Long cycling tests exhibit minimal capacity decay of 0.027%per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 A g^(−1).Therefore,this PTCA coating strategy has shown promising competence in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Fe-PB,which can potentially serve as a universal electrode coating strategy for Na-ion batteries.

Association between gut microbiota and hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer:A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have begun to discuss the relationship between gut microbiota and diseases,yet there is currently a lack of corresponding articles describing the association between gut microbiota and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and biliary tract cancer(BTC).This study aims to explore the relationship between them using Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis method.AIM To assess the relationship between gut microbiota and HCC and BTC.METHODS We obtained Genome-wide association study(GWAS)data for the gut microbiome from the intestinal microbiota genomic library(MiBioGen,https://mibiogen.gcc.rug.nl/).Additionally,we accessed data pertaining to HCC and BTC from the IEU open GWAS platform(https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/).Our analysis employed fundamental instrumental variable analysis methods,including inverse-variance weighted,MR and Egger.To ensure the dependability of the results,we subjected the results to tests for multiple biases and heterogeneity.RESULTS During our investigation,we discovered 11 gut microbiota linked to an increased risk to BTC and HCC.The former included the genus Eubacterium hallii group(P=0.017),Candidatus Soleaferrea(P=0.034),Flavonifractor(P=0.021),Lachnospiraceae FCS020(P=0.034),the order Victivallales(P=0.018),and the class Lentisphaeria(P=0.0.18).The latter included the genus Desulfovibrio(P=0.042),Oscillibacter(P=0.023),the family Coriobacteriaceae(P=0.048),the order Coriobacteriales(P=0.048),and the class Coriobacteriia(P=0.048).Furthermore,in BTC,we observed 2 protective gut microbiota namely the genus Dorea(P=0.041)and Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group(P=0.045).All results showed no evidence of multiplicity or heterogeneity.CONCLUSION This study explores a causal link between gut microbiota and HCC and BTC.These insights may enhance the mechanistic knowledge of microbiota-related HCC and BTC pathways,potentially informing therapeutic strategies.

Reservoir Characterization of Special Dolomite Rock of Fengcheng Formation in Junggar Basin, China

Dolomites and eruptive rocks are well-developed in the Permian Fengcheng Formation in Junggar Basin in China, in which oil and gas are accumulated extensively. Until now, high-yield industrial oil and gas flows have been obtained in the dolomitic tuff of the second unit of the Fengcheng Formation, which demonstrates the huge exploration potential of the thick layer of massive dolomitic tuff. The lithology of the second unit of the Fengcheng Formation in this area has gradually transformed from the dolomite, dolomitic tuff to siltstone from east to west. Moreover, the well testing shows that the reservoir is oil-saturated, and the production rate mainly depends on the reservoir’s physical properties and fracture development. In this study, different types of data including core data, well log and seismic data are used cooperatively to characterize the sedimentary, structure and fracture features of the Fengcheng Formation, and then characterize the promising target zone in the study area. The result indicates that hydrocarbons are most accumulated along the deep fault in the Wu-Xia fault zone, which will be the favorable zone for the next progressive exploration.

Resolution of Suspected Tank Release of Diesel Fuel Using Diagnostic Compounds and Biomarkers

During a routine inspection in a petroleum product terminal, hydrocarbon staining was found in soil along the perimeter of a diesel fuel tank. As the observation was made a few days after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake in the general area of the terminal, the hydrocarbon staining in the soil was suspected to be a result of a leak from the tank. The observation triggered an immediate tank inspection, which included examination of tank exterior, piping and connections;pressure testing;wall thickness gauging;and an inventory check. Results of the initial inspection suggested that there were no integrity issues with the tank. Before more vigorous and more disruptive inspections were conducted, chemical fingerprinting was conducted to assess the nature of soil staining and potential connection with the “suspected” tank leak. Samples were collected from the site, including a diesel fuel sample from the tank, a light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) sample from the monitoring well in the immediate vicinity, and representative soil samples from the perimeter of, and beneath, the tank. A tiered laboratory analytical approach was taken, which included initial gas chromatography-flame ionization detector carbon chain analysis and final gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or detailed fingerprint analyses. Based on the results of initial inspection, knowledge of LNAPL mobility in response to earthquake seismic waves, and chemical fingerprints of representative samples, it was determined that the soil staining was not a result of suspected tank release but remobilization of hydrocarbons from the historically impacted soil beneath the tank to the soil along the perimeter of the tank.

Imaging, pathology, and diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND A solitary fibrous tumor(SFT)is often located in the pleura,while SFT of the pancreas is extremely rare.Here,we report a case of SFT of the pancreas and discuss imaging,histopathology,and immunohistochemistry for accurate diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old man presented to our hospital with pancreatic occupancy for over a month.There were no previous complaints of discomfort.His blood pressure was normal.Blood glucose,tumor markers,and enhanced computed tomography(CT)suggested a malignant tumor.Because the CT appearance of pancreatic cancer varies,we could not confirm the diagnosis;therefore,we performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy(EUS-FNB).Pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with SFT of the pancreas.The posto-perative pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with the puncture results.The patient presented for a follow-up examination one month after discharge with no adverse effects.CONCLUSION Other diseases must be excluded in patients with a pancreatic mass that cannot be diagnosed.CT and pathological histology have diagnostic value for pancreatic tumors.Endoscopic puncture biopsy under ultrasound can help diagnose pancreatic masses that cannot be diagnosed preoperatively.Surgery is an effective treatment for SFT of the pancreas;however,long-term follow-up is strongly recommended because of the possibility of malignant transformation of the tumor.

Efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in treating cirrhotic esophageal-gastric variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Esophageal-gastric variceal bleeding(EGVB)represents a severe complication among patients with cirrhosis and often culminates in fatal outcomes.Interven-tional therapy,a rapidly developing treatment modality over the past few years,has found widespread application in clinical practice due to its minimally inva-sive characteristics.However,whether transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)treatment has an impact on patient prognosis remains controversial.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on ninety-two patients presenting with cirrhotic EGVB who were admitted to our hospital between September 2020 and September 2022.Based on the different modes of treatment,the patients were assigned to the study group(TIPS received,n=50)or the control group(per-cutaneous transhepatic varices embolization received,n=42).Comparative ana-lyses were performed between the two groups preoperatively and one month postoperatively for the following parameters:Varicosity status;hemodynamic parameters[portal vein flow velocity(PVV)and portal vein diameter(PVD);platelet count(PLT);red blood cell count;white blood cell count(WBC);and hepatic function[albumin(ALB),total bilirubin(TBIL),and aspartate transaminase(AST)].The Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 was utilized to assess quality of life in the two groups,and the 1-year postoperative rebleeding and survival rates were compared.RESULTS Following surgical intervention,there was an improvement in the incidence of varicosity compared to the preoperative status in both cohorts.Notably,the study group exhibited more pronounced enhancements than did the control group(P<0.05).PVV increased,and PVD decreased compared to the preoperative values,with the study cohort achieving better outcomes(P<0.05).PLT and WBC counts were elevated postoperatively in the two groups,with the study cohort displaying higher PLT and WBC counts(P<0.05).No differences were detected between the two groups in terms of serum ALB,TBIL,or AST levels either preoperatively or postoperatively(P<0.05).Postoperative scores across all dimensions of life quality surpassed preoperative scores,with the study cohort achieving higher scores(P<0.05).At 22.00%,the one-year postoperative rebleeding rate in the study cohort was significantly lower than that in the control group(42.86%;P<0.05);conversely,no marked difference was obser-ved in the 1-year postoperative survival rate between the two cohorts(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TIPS,which has demonstrated robust efficacy in managing cirrhotic EGVB,remarkably alleviates varicosity and improves hemodynamics in patients.This intervention not only results in a safer profile but also contributes significantly to a more favorable prognosis.

Trifunctional robust electrocatalysts based on 3D Fe/N-doped carbon nanocubes encapsulating Co4N nanoparticles for efficient battery-powered water electrolyzers

Herein,we have designed a highly active and robust trifunctional electrocatalyst derived from Prussian blue analogs,where Co_(4)N nanoparticles are encapsulated by Fe embedded in N-doped carbon nanocubes to synthesize hierarchically structured Co_(4)N@Fe/N-C for rechargeable zinc-air batteries and overall water-splitting electrolyzers.As confirmed by theoretical and experimental results,the high intrinsic oxygen reduction reaction,oxygen evolution reaction,and hydrogen evolution reaction activities of Co_(4)N@Fe/N-C were attributed to the formation of the heterointerface and the modulated local electronic structure.Moreover,Co_(4)N@Fe/N-C induced improvement in these trifunctional electrocatalytic activities owing to the hierarchical hollow nanocube structure,uniform distribution of Co_(4)N,and conductive encapsulation by Fe/N-C.Thus,the rechargeable zinc-air battery with Co_(4)N@Fe/N-C delivers a high specific capacity of 789.9 mAh g^(-1) and stable voltage profiles over 500 cycles.Furthermore,the overall water electrolyzer with Co_(4)N@Fe/N-C achieved better durability and rate performance than that with the Pt/C and IrO2 catalysts,delivering a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.4%.Along with the great potential of the integrated water electrolyzer powered by a zinc-air battery for practical applications,therefore,the mechanistic understanding and active site identification provide valuable insights into the rational design of advanced multifunctional electrocatalysts for energy storage and conversion.

A Novel Method for Linear Systems of Fractional Ordinary Differential Equations with Applications to Time-Fractional PDEs

This paper presents an efficient numerical technique for solving multi-term linear systems of fractional ordinary differential equations(FODEs)which have been widely used in modeling various phenomena in engineering and science.An approximate solution of the system is sought in the formof the finite series over the Müntz polynomials.By using the collocation procedure in the time interval,one gets the linear algebraic system for the coefficient of the expansion which can be easily solved numerically by a standard procedure.This technique also serves as the basis for solving the time-fractional partial differential equations(PDEs).The modified radial basis functions are used for spatial approximation of the solution.The collocation in the solution domain transforms the equation into a system of fractional ordinary differential equations similar to the one mentioned above.Several examples have verified the performance of the proposed novel technique with high accuracy and efficiency.

In situ high-quality LiF/Li_(3)N inorganic and phenyl-based organic solid electrolyte interphases for advanced lithium–oxygen batteries

Lithium metal shows a great advantage as the most promising anode for its unparalleled theoretical specific capacity and extremely low electrochemical potential.However,uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth and severe side reactions of the reactive intermediates and organic electrolytes still limit the broad application of lithium metal batteries.Herein,we propose 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl fluoride(NBSF)as an electrolyte additive for forming a stable organic-inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)layer on the lithium surface.The abundance of lithium fluoride and lithium nitride can guarantee the SEI layer's toughness and high ionic conductivity,achieving dendrite-free lithium deposition.Meanwhile,the phenyl group of NBSF significantly contributes to both the chemical stability of the SEI layer and the good adaptation to volume changes of the lithium anode.The lithium-oxygen batteries with NBSF exhibit prolonged cycle lives and excellent cycling stability.This simple approach is hoped to improve the development of the organic-inorganic SEI layer to stabilize the lithium anodes for lithium-oxygen batteries.

A Novel Accurate Method forMulti-Term Time-Fractional Nonlinear Diffusion Equations in Arbitrary Domains

Anovel accuratemethod is proposed to solve a broad variety of linear and nonlinear(1+1)-dimensional and(2+1)-dimensional multi-term time-fractional partial differential equations with spatial operators of anisotropic diffusivity.For(1+1)-dimensional problems,analytical solutions that satisfy the boundary requirements are derived.Such solutions are numerically calculated using the trigonometric basis approximation for(2+1)-dimensional problems.With the aid of these analytical or numerical approximations,the original problems can be converted into the fractional ordinary differential equations,and solutions to the fractional ordinary differential equations are approximated by modified radial basis functions with time-dependent coefficients.An efficient backward substitution strategy that was previously provided for a single fractional ordinary differential equation is then used to solve the corresponding systems.The straightforward quasilinearization technique is applied to handle nonlinear issues.Numerical experiments demonstrate the suggested algorithm’s superior accuracy and efficiency.

Analysis of therapeutic effect of cell reduction combined with intraperitoneal thermoperfusion chemotherapy in treatment of peritoneal pseudomyxoma

BACKGROUND Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare tumor that can produce a biological behavior similar to that of a malignant tumor.Surgical resection combined with chemo-therapy is the traditional treatment method,but the effect is not good.Cell reduction(CRS)combined with intraperitoneal thermoperfusion chemotherapy(HIPEC)has become a new method for the treatment of peritoneal pseudomy-xoma(PMP).AIM To find out if CRS and HIPEC can be used safely and effectively to treat PMP.METHODS This is an observational study.Clinical data of PMP patients treated with CRS+HIPEC at our hospital from January 2013 to June 2023 was collated and analyzed.The main outcome measures were overall survival(OS),and the secondary outcome measures were the incidence of surgical complications and serious adverse events.Complications were graded according to common adverse event evaluation criteria.Peritoneal tumor staging was performed using the peritoneal tumor index(PCI)scoring system,and a cell reduction degree(CCR)score was performed after CRS.CCR-0 and CCR-1 were considered satisfactory CRS.RESULTS A total of 186 patients with PMP were included,with a median age of 56(48-64)years,65(34.9%)years in males,and 121(65.1%)years in females.The median PCI score was 28(20-34)points.The median operative time was 300(211-430)minutes,and no significant complications occurred.91.4%(170/186)were from the appendix,53.2%(99/186)were from the low grade,and 30.6%(57/186)were from the high grade.CCR scores showed that 55 patients(29.6%)achieved satisfactory CRS,and 113 patients(60.8%)did not achieve satisfactory CRS.The fatality rate at 30 days after surgery was 2.7%(5/186),1.6%(3/186)needed a second operation,and the fatality rate at 90 days was 4.3%(8/186).The total incidence of III-IV complications was 43.0%(80/186),among which the higher incidence was mainly anemia(27.4%,51/186),electrolyte disturbance(11.6%,21/181),and albumin decrease(7.5%,14/186).The main compli-cations associated with abdominal surgery were gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage(2.2%,4/186),abdominal hemorrhage(2.2%,4/186),and abdominal infection(4.3%,8/186).The median follow-up was 38.1(95%CI:31.2-45.1)months.The 5-year OS of PMP patients treated with CRS+HIPEC was 50.3%(95%CI:40.7%-59.9%),and the median survival time was 66.1(95%CI:43.1-89.1)months.The results of the survival analysis showed that patients with a low pathological grade,a low PCI,and a satisfactory CCR score had a higher survival rate(all P<0.05).5-year OS was 88.9%(95%CI:68.3%-100.0%)in CCR-0 patients,77.6%(95%CI:62.7%-92.5%)in CCR-1 patients,and 42.0%(95%CI:29.5%-54.5%)in CCR-2/3 patients.CONCLUSION The application of CRS+HIPEC in PMP is safe and feasible,and the survival benefit is high,especially in those who achieve satisfactory CRS,which can significantly extend the OS.

Correlation between serum markers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prognosis in patients with cirrhotic ascites

BACKGROUND Individuals with refractory ascites in the context of liver cirrhosis typically face an adverse prognosis.The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is an efficacious intervention,but there is a lack of reliable tools for postoperative pro-gnosis assessment.Previously utilized clinical biochemical markers,such as the serum albumin concentration(Alb),sodium(Na+)concentration,and serum creatinine(Scr),have limited predictive value.Therefore,the quest for novel,specific biomarkers to evaluate the post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites holds significant practical importance.A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who underwent TIPS at our institution from August 2019 to August 2021.These patients were followed up regularly for two years,and the death toll was meticulously documented.The patients were allocated into a survival group(n=45 patients)or a deceased group(n=30 patients)based on their prognosis status.The clinical data of the two groups were collected,and Child-Pugh scores and MELD scores were calculated for analysis.Spearman correlation analysis was carried out to evaluate the correlation of prognosis with Child-Pugh grade,MELD score,and Cys C level.Additionally,a multiple-factor analysis utilizing the Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent risk factors affecting the post-TIPS prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)ascertained the predictive value of the Cys C concen-tration,Child-Pugh grade,and MELD score for the prognosis of liver cirrhosis with refractory ascites in post-TIPS patients.RESULTS During a 2-year follow-up period,among 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who underwent TIPS treatment,30 patients(40.00%)passed away.The deceased cohort exhibited heightened aspartate aminotrans-ferase,alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,Scr,prothrombin time,Cys C,international normalized ratio,Child-Pugh,and MELD scores compared to those of the survival cohort,while Alb and Na+levels were attenuated in the deceased group(P<0.05).Spearman analysis revealed moderate to high positive correlations between prognosis and Child-Pugh score,MELD score,and Cys C level(r=0.709,0.749,0.671,P<0.05).Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that the independent risk factors for post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites were Cys C(HR=3.802;95%CI:1.313-11.015),Child-Pugh(HR=3.030;95%CI:1.858-4.943),and MELD(HR=1.222;95%CI:1.073-1.393)scores.ROC analysis confirmed that,compared to those of the classic prognostic models for Child-Pugh and MELD scores,the predictive accuracy of Cys C for post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites was slightly lower.This analysis yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 83.33%and 82.22%,respectively.The area under the curve value at this juncture was 0.883,with an optimal cutoff value set at 1.95 mg/L.CONCLUSION Monitoring the serum Cys C concentration is valuable for assessing the post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.Predictive models based on serum Cys C levels,as opposed to Scr levels,are more beneficial for evaluating the condition and prognosis of patients with ascites due to cirrhosis.

Experimental study on the mechanical and failure behaviors of deep rock subjected to true triaxial stress:A review

It has become an inevitable trend of human development to seek resources from the deep underground.However,rock encountered in deep underground engineering is usually in an anisotropic stress state(σ_(1)>σ>σ_(3))due to the influences of geological structures and engineering disturbances.It is therefore essential to study the mechanical,seepage,and dynamic disaster behaviors of deep rock under true triaxial stress to ensure the safe operation of deep rock engineering and the efficient exploitation of deep resources.In recent years,experimental techniques and research on true triaxial rock mechanics have achieved fruitful results that have promoted the rapid development of deep rock mechanics;thus,it is necessary to systematically review and summarize these developments.This work first introduced several typical true triaxial testing apparatus and then reviewed the corresponding research progress on rock deformation,strength,failure mode,brittleness,and energy as well as the 3D volumetric fracturing(dynamic disaster)properties of deep rocks under true triaxial stress.Then,several commonly used true triaxial rock strength criteria and their applicability,the permeability characteristics and mathematical models of deep reservoir rocks,and the disaster-causing processes and mechanisms of disturbed volumetric fracturing(rockburst,compound dynamic disasters)in deep rock engineering were described.This work may provide an essential reference for addressing the true triaxial rock mechanics issues involved in deep rock engineering,especially regarding the stability of surrounding rock at depth,disaster prevention and control,and oil and gas exploitation.

Digestive tract reconstruction using isoperistaltic jejunumlater-cut overlap method after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Short-term outcomes and impact on quality of life

AIM To evaluate the short-term outcomes and quality of life(Qo L) in gastric cancer patients undergoing digestive tract construction using the isoperistaltic jejunum-latercut overlap method(IJOM) after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy(TLTG).METHODS A total of 507 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy(D2) from January 2014 to March 2016 were originally included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups to undergo digestive tract construction using either IJOM after TLTG(group T, n = 51) or Roux-en-Y anastomosis after laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy(LATG)(group A, n = 456). The short-term outcomes and Qo L were compared between the two groups after 1:2 propensity-score matching(PSM). We used a questionnaire to assess Qo L.RESULTS Before matching, age, sex, tumor size, tumor location, preoperative albumin and blood loss were significantly different between the two groups(P < 0.05). After PSM, the patients were well balanced in terms of their clinicopathological characteristics, although both blood loss and in-hospital postoperative days in group T were significantly lower than those in group A(P < 0.05). After matching, group T reported better Qo L in the domains of pain and dysphagia. Among the items evaluating pain and dysphagia, group T tended to report better Qo L("Have you felt pain" and "Have you had difficulty eating solid food")(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION The IJOM for digestive tract reconstruction after TLTG is associated with reduced blood loss and less pain and dysphagia, thus improving Qo L after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Anatomy and influence of the splenic artery in laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic lymphadenectomy

AIM: To investigate the splenic hilar vascular anatomy and the influence of splenic artery(Sp A) type in laparoscopic total gastrectomy with spleen-preserving splenic lymphadenectomy(LTGSPL).METHODS:The clinical anatomy data of 317 patients with upper- or middle-third gastric cancer who underwent LTGSPL in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2013 were collected. The patients were divided into two groups(concentrated group vs distributed group) according to the distance between the splenic artery's furcation and the splenic hilar region. Then, the anatomical layout, clinicopathologic characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative variables were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: There were 205 patients with a concentrated type(64.7%) and 112 patients with a distributed type(35.3%) Sp A. There were 22 patients(6.9%) with a single branch of the splenic lobar vessels, 250(78.9%) with 2 branches, 43(13.6%) with 3 branches, and 2 patients(0.6%) with multiple branches. Eighty sevenpatients(27.4%) had type?Ⅰ?splenic artery trunk, 211(66.6%) had type Ⅱ, 13(4.1%) had type Ⅲ, and 6(1.9%) had type Ⅳ. The mean splenic hilar lymphadenectomy time(23.15 ± 8.02 vs 26.21 ± 8.84 min; P = 0.002), mean blood loss resulting from splenic hilar lymphadenectomy(14.78 ± 11.09 vs 17.37 ± 10.62 m L; P = 0.044), and number of vascular clamps used at the splenic hilum(9.64 ± 2.88 vs 10.40 ± 3.57; P = 0.040) were significantly lower in the concentrated group than in the distributed group. However, the mean total surgical time, mean total blood loss, and the mean number of harvested splenic hilar lymph nodes were similar in both groups(P > 0.05 for each comparison). There were also no significant differences in clinicopathological and postoperative characteristics between the groups(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: It is of value for surgeons to know the splenic hilar vascular anatomy when performing LTGSPL. Patients with concentrated type Sp A may be optimal patients for training new surgeons.

Small-volume chylous ascites after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer:Results from a large population-based sample

AIM:To report the incidence and potential risk factors of small-volume chylous ascites(SVCA)following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy(LAG).METHODS:A total of 1366 consecutive gastric cancer patients who underwent LAG from January 2008 to June 2011 were enrolled in this study.We analyzed the patients based on the presence or absence of SVCA.RESULTS:SVCA was detected in 57(4.17%)patients,as determined by the small-volume drainage(range,30-100 m L/24 h)of triglyceride-rich fluid.Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the total number of resected lymph nodes(LNs),No.8 or No.9 LN metastasis and N stage were independent risk factors for SVCA following LAG(P<0.05).Regarding hospital stay,there was a significant difference between the groups with and without SVCA(P<0.001).The 3-year disease-free and overall survival rates of the patients with SVCA were 47.4%and 56.1%,respectively,which were similar to those of the patients without SVCA(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:SVCA following LAG developed significantly more frequently in the patients with≥32harvested LNs,≥3 metastatic LNs,or No.8 or No.9LN metastasis.SVCA,which was successfully treated with conservative management,was associated with a prolonged hospital stay but was not associated with the prognosis.

Equivalent efficacy study of QL1101 and bevacizumab on untreated advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients: a phase 3 randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Objective:This phase 3 study aimed to test equivalence in efficacy and safety for QL1101,a bevacizumab analogue in Chinese patients with untreated locally advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:Eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive carboplatin and paclitaxel in combination with either QL1101 or bevacizumab,15 mg/kg every 3-week for 6 cycles.This was followed by maintenance treatment with single agent QL1101 every 3-week.The primary end-point was objective response rate(ORR),with secondary end-points being progression-free survival(PFS),overall survival(OS),disease control rate(DCR),and adverse events(AEs).Results:Of 675 patients,535 eligible patients were randomized to the QL1101 group(n=269)and bevacizumab group(n=266).ORRs were 52.8%and 56.8%,respectively,for the QL1101 and bevacizumab groups,with an ORR hazard ratio 0.93(95%confidence interval:0.8-0131.1).The PFS,OS,DCR,and AEs were comparable between the 2 groups,which remained the same after stratification according to epidermal growth factor receptor mutation or smoking history.Conclusions:QL1101 showed similar efficacy and safety profiles as compared to bevacizumab among Chinese patients with untreated locally advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

Population dynamics and habitat use of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin, Tibet, China

Background:The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)is an internationally threatened crane living on the plateau, mainly in winter, in the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin in Tibet,western China. In the past five years,some economic development projects have been conducted in this area,posing potential threats to the wintering populations of the cranes and their habitats. Therefore, the current population dynamics of wintering Black-necked Cranes and habitat suitability in the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin were investigated. Methods: Twenty counties were surveyed using the line transect method in December 2017 and January 2018, and we recorded the location,flock size,number of individuals,habitat types and presence of human disturbance in which they occurred.We compared the results from the middle wintering period in this survey with those from 2014. Results: The highest number of cranes recorded was 8291,and the results showed that the cranes were mainly distributed in Lhaze, Namling, Samzhubze, and Lhunzub.A total of 577 and 495 flocks were recorded in the early and middle wintering periods, respectively. In the early wintering period,there were signi ficant differences in the number of individuals across the di fferent habitats,with crop stubble land and plowed land representing more than 30% of the total habitat utilization.In the middle wintering period, there were also signi ficant differences in the number of individuals, and the utilization of crop stubble land represented over 60% of the total. Conclusions: Wintering Black-necked Cranes mainly fed on spilled grains in stubble habitat after harvest. In the middle wintering period, some of the farmlands were plowed and irrigated,which resulted in food shortages in these areas,and the cranes tended to gather in mixed flocks of large size instead of as a single family.There were still considerable regional wintering populations decreases in Quxu,Nedong,and Sakya in 2018 compared with 2014,and these decreases were mainly due to some recently emerging threats,including farmlands being converted into areas of greenhouse cultivation,highway and railway construction, river dredging,the rapid development of the manufacturing and mining industries,and the lack of protection of important wintering sites.

Equivalent efficacy assessment of QL1101 and bevacizumab in nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer patients:A two-year follow-up data update

Objective: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) monoclonal antibodies are an effective means of treating non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Here, we aim to update the equivalent efficacy assessment between QL1101 and bevacizumab based on two-year follow-up data.Methods: In total, 535 eligible NSCLC patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the QL1101 group and the bevacizumab group. The full end time of this study was defined as 24 months after the last enrolled patient was randomized. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate(ORR);equivalence was confirmed if the two-sided 90% confidence interval(90% CI) of the relative risk was within the range of 0.75-1.33. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival(PFS) and overall survival(OS).Results: The two-year updated data showed similar ORR(QL1101 vs. bevacizumab: 53.1% vs. 54.3%;relative risk=0.977;90% CI: 0.838-1.144), PFS(235 d vs. 254 d, log-rank P=0.311), and OS(577 d vs. 641 d, log-rank P=0.099) results between the QL1101 group and the bevacizumab group. The mean shrinkage ratio of targeted lesions was also similar between the QL1101 group and the bevacizumab group(22.5% vs. 23.5%). For patients who received QL1101 maintenance therapy, similar results were shown between the QL1101 group(n=157) and the bevacizumab group(n=148)(PFS: 253 d vs. 272 d, log-rank P=0.387;OS: 673 d vs. 790 d, log-rank P=0.101;mean tumor shrinkage rate: 26.6% vs. 27.5%).Conclusions: This study reported that QL1101 had similar efficacy in treating nonsquamous NSCLC in terms of ORR, PFS and OS based on two-year updated data, providing a basis for the clinical application of QL1101.