Can radical parametrectomy be omitted in occult cervical cancer after extrafascial hysterectomy?

Background: Occult invasive cervical cancer discovered after simple hysterectomy is not common, radical parame?trectomy(RP) is a preferred option for young women. However, the morbidity of RP was high. The aim of our study is to assess the incidence of parametrial involvement in patients who underwent radical parametrectomy for occult cervical cancer or radical hysterectomy for early?stage cervical cancer and to suggest an algorithm for the triage of patients with occult cervical cancer to avoid RP.Methods: A total of 13 patients with occult cervical cancer who had undergone RP with an upper vaginectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were included in this retrospective study. Data on the clinicopathologic characteristics of the cases were collected. The published literature was also reviewed, and low risk factors for parametrial involvement in early?stage cervical cancer were analyzed.Results: Of the 13 patients, 9 had a stage IB1 lesion, and 4 had a stage IA2 lesion. There were four patients with grade 1 disease, seven with grade 2 disease, and two with grade 3 disease. The median age of the entire patients was 41 years. The most common indication for extrafascial hysterectomy was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3. Three patients had visible lesions measuring 10–30 mm, in diameter and ten patients had cervical stromal invasions with depths ranging from 4 to 9 mm; only one patient had more than 50% stromal invasion, and four patients had lymph?vascular space invasion(LVSI). Perioperative complications included intraoperative bowel injury, blood transfusion, vesico?vaginal istula, and ileus(1 case for each). Postoperative pathologic examination results did not show residual disease or parametrial involvement. One patient with positive lymph nodes received concurrent radiation therapy. Only one patient experienced recurrence.Conclusions: Perioperative complications following RP were common, whereas the incidence of parametrial involve?ment was very low among selected early?stage cervical cancer patients. Based on these results, we thought that patients with very low?risk parametrial involvement(tumor size ≤2 cm, no LVSI, less than 50% stromal invasion, nega?tive lymph nodes) may beneit from omitting RP. Further prospective data are warranted.

Extensive calcifications in portal venous system in a patient with hepatocarcinoma

Calcification of the portal venous system is a rare entity that can be incidentally discovered during computed tomography (CT). We describe a case of extensive calcifications in the portal venous system in a middle-aged male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This patient presented with epigastric pain that had no obvious origin prior to admission. Laboratory examinations were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and α-fetoprotein, and severe esophageal and gastric varices were detected during gastroscopy. Abdominal X-ray plain film showed well-defined linear and track-like calcification, with irregular margins directed along the course of the portal venous system. CT revealed extensive calcifications along the course of the portal, splenic, superior mesenteric and gastroesophageal veins. He underwent splenectomy 22 years ago due to splenomegaly and partial hepatectomy seven months before because of HCC of low-grade differentiation, confirmed by pathology. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with postoperative recurrent HCC and extensive portal venous system calcification after selective hepatic angiography under digital subtraction angiography.

Investigation of the Mechanism of Tangent Bifurcation in Current Mode Controlled Boost Converter

Tangent bifurcation is a special bifurcation in nonlinear dynamic systems. The investigation of the mechanism of the tangent bifurcation in current mode controlled boost converters operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM) is performed. The one-dimensional discrete iterative map of the boost converter is derived. Based on the tangent bifurcation theorem, the conditions of producing the tangent bifurcation in CCM boost converters are deduced mathematically. The mechanism of the tangent bifurcation in CCM boost is exposed from the viewpoint of nonlinear dynamic systems. The tangent bifurcation in the boost converter is verified by numerical simulations such as discrete iterative maps, bifurcation map and Lyapunov exponent. The simulation results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis, thus validating the correctness of the theory.

Correlation of serum STMN1 and Cath-D levels with the invasive growth of cervical cancer

Objective:To study the correlation of serum stathmin 1 (STMN1) and cathepsin D (Cath-D) levels with the invasive growth of cervical cancer.Methods: The patients with cervical cancer and those with uterine fibroids who underwent surgical resection in the Second People's Hospital of Yichang between January 2013 and November 2017 were selected and enrolled in the malignant group and the benign group of the study respectively;the serum was collected before operation to detect the contents of STMN1 and Cath-D;the cervical cancer lesion tissues were collected from the malignant group and the normal cervical tissues were collected from the benign group to measure the expression of STMN1, Cath-D, invasion genes and invasion signal molecules.Results:STMN1 and Cath-D contents in serum as well as STMN1 and Cath-D mRNA expression in lesion tissue of malignant group were significantly higher than those of benign group, and serum STMN1 and Cath-D contents of malignant group were positively correlated with STMN1 and Cath-D mRNA expression in lesion tissue;RACK1, Twist, MMP9, mTOR, S6K1, Wnt andβ-catenin mRNA expression in lesion tissue of malignant group were significantly higher than those of benign group whereas E-cadherin, GRIM19 and GSK-3β mRNA expression were significantly lower than those of benign group, and serum STMN1 and Cath-D contents of malignant group were positively correlated with RACK1, Twist, MMP9, mTOR, S6K1, Wnt andβ-catenin mRNA expression in lesion tissue, and negatively correlated with E-cadherin, GRIM19 and GSK-3β mRNA expression. Conclusion:The abnormally elevated STMN1 and Cath-D in serum of patients with cervical cancer can evaluate the invasive growth of the lesion.

A mixed-valence polyoxometalate-based 3D inorganic framework cathode material for high-efficiency rechargeable AZIBs

The global trend towards new energy storage systems has stimulated the development of electrochemical energy storage technologies.Among these technologies,rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)have attracted considerable interest as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their affordable cost,environmental compatibility and high safety standards.In this study,a high-quality electrode for AZIBs has been successfully developed using a dehydrated mixed-valence polyoxometalate-based three-dimensional(3D)inorganic framework material known as[H_6Mn_(3)V^Ⅳ_(15)V-^Ⅴ_(4O)_(46)(H_2O)_(12)](3D-MnVO).This innovative 3D-MnVO material is built from the alternate connections of{V_(19)O_(46)}"sphere-shaped"clusters andμ_(2)-{Mn(H_(2)O)_(4)}bridges,where each{V_(19)O_(46)}cluster is surrounded by three pairs of vertically distributed{Mn(H_(2)O)_(4)}units,thus resulting in the 3D interpenetrating grid-like network from the infinite[-{V_(19)O_(46)}-μ_(2)-Mn(H_(2)O)_(4)-{V_(19)O_(46)}]_∞chains in three mutually perpendicular directions.The 3D framework structure of 3D-MnVO possesses abundant oxygen vacancies,spacious and multi-level interconnected channels for ion transport,which facilitates the efficient intercalation/deintercalation of hydrated Zn^(2+)into the pores of the primary structure via the intercalation capacitance mechanism.As a result,the 3D-MnVO electrode exhibits excellent diffusion rates and minimal interfacial resistance.At a current density of 0.1 A·g^(-1),the 3D-MnVO cathode delivers a commendable discharge capacity of170.5 mAh·g^(-1)with 81.6%capacity retention after100 charge/discharge cycles.Furthermore,even at a high current density of 1.0 A·g^(-1),the 3D-MnVO electrode delivers a remarkable reversible capacity of198.9 mAh·g^(-1).Our research results provide valuable insights into the development of advanced polyoxometalate-based 3D inorganic framework electrode materials for high-performance rechargeable AZIBs.

New insights on(V_(10)O_(28))^(6-)-based electrode materials for energy storage:a brief review

Progress in humanity has intensified the demand for efficient and renewable energy storage,which warrants the development of advanced rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),sodium-ion batteries(SIBs),zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs),and lithium-sulfur batteries(Li-S batteries).Nevertheless,these batteries still suffer from certain limitations,such as the insufficient capacity and inferior stability in their electrode materials.Therefore,developing a feasible electrode material for Li/Na/Zn ion storage represents a critical challenge.Recently,polyoxovanadates(POVs)materials,particularly decavanadate anion(V_(10)O_(28))^(6-)clusters,have attracted considerate attention as promising battery electrodes,due to their rich multi-electron redox process,high structural stability,simple preparation process,and abundant ligand environment.In this review,we provide an overview of the research progress of(V_(10)O_(28))^(6-)-based materials in various metal-ion battery systems,including LIBs,SIBs,ZIBs,and Li-S batteries.We also discuss the underlying challenges associated with this type of materials,and we provide alternative strategies to overcome these issues.This review aims to facilitate the research and development of the nextgeneration(V_(10)O_(28))^(6-)-based battery materials.

NaV3O8/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composites as high-rate and long-lifespan cathode materials for reversible sodium storage

Sodium-ion batteries have received a surge of interests for the alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to their abundant reserves and low cost.The quest of reliable and high-performance cathode materials is crucial to future Na storage technologies.Herein,poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT)was successfully introduced to NaV3O8 via in situ oxidation polymerization,which can effectively enhance electron conductivity and ionic diffusion of NaV3O8 material.As a result,these NaV3O8@-PEDOT composites exhibit a significantly improved electrochemical performance including cycle stability and rate performance.In particular,NaV3O8@20 wt%PEDOT composite demonstrates better dispersibility and lower charge transfer resistance compared with bare NaV3O8,which delivers the first discharge capacity of 142 mAh-g-1and holds about 128.7 mAh·g-1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 120 mA·g-1.Even at a high current density of 300 mA·g-1,a high reversible capacity of 99.6 mAh·g-1 is revealed.All these consequences suggest that NaV3O8@20 wt%PEDOT composite may be a promising candidate to serve as a high-rate and long-lifespan cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Enhancing electrochemical performances of small quinone toward lithium and sodium energy storage

Further application of organic quinone cathodes is restricted because they are inherent in poor conductivity and tend to dissolve in aprotic electrolytes.Salinization can work on the strong solubility of quinones.Herein,the ortho-disodium salt of tetrahydroxyquinone(o-Na_(2)THBQ)was selected to promote the electrochemical properties of tetrahydroxyquinone(THBQ).Reduced dissolution of o-Na_(2)THBQ in electrolyte after salinization(replacement of two H with two Na)contributed to enhanced electrochemical performance.In sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)in ester-based electrolyte,o-Na2THBQ cathodes at 50 mA·g^(-1)exhibited a reversible discharge capacity of 107 mAh·g^(-1)after 200 cycles.Ulteriorly,in ether-based electrolyte,reversible discharge capacities of 200.4,102.2,99.5 and 88 mAh·g^(-1)were obtained at 800,1600,3200 and 4800 mA·g^(-1)after 1000,2000,5000 and 8000 cycles,respectively.The ultraviolet absorption spectra and ex situ dissolution experiments of THBQ and o-Na_(2)THBQ showed that o-Na_(2)THBQ hardly dissolved in ether-based electrolyte.In lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),graphene was selected to further enhance the conductivity of o-Na2THBQ.At 50 mA·g^(-1),o-Na_(2)THBQ and o-Na_(2)THBQ/Gr cathodes exhibited reversible discharge capacities of 124 and 131.5 mAh·g^(-1)after 200 cycles in ester-based electrolyte,respectively.At 50 mA·g^(-1),PTPAn/o-Na_(2)THBQ electrodes in an all-organic Na/Li-ion battery showed reversible charge/discharge capacities of 51/50.3 and 33.8/33.1 mAh·g^(-1)after 200 cycles.

Simple Enzyme-Free Biosensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of miR-21 Based on Multiple Signal Amplification Strategy

Due to the fact that most microRNAs are small in size,low abundance in biological samples,homologous sequence among family members,and protein enzymes-based strategies display limited practical applications,therefore,we reported a simple enzyme-free DNA sensor for microRNA detection utilizing a multiple signal amplification strategy.The sensing system termed as C-CHA-HCR includes six hairpin DNA reactants that are metastable on account of intramolecular hybridization.The DNA hairpin reactants are opened and hybridized with the corresponding complementary DNA strand in the presence of miR-21 via toehold-mediated CHA,HCR reaction,and circulation between CHA and HCR,resulting in a hugely amplifying signal output.Without introducing external protein enzymes,this sensing system showed highly sensitive and selective on the detection of miR-21.A linear response range of miR-21 from 25 pmol/L to 1 nmol/L with a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.8 pmol/L was obtained.This promising biosensor was successfully applied to the detection of microRNA in human serum samples with acceptable recovery rates,suggesting the potential applications in disease diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis.