Rethinking the role of non-selective beta blockers in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Non-selective beta blockers(NSBB) are commonly used to prevent portal hypertensive bleeding in cirrhotics.Nevertheless, in the last years, the use of NSBB in critically decompensated patients, especially in those with refractory ascites, has been questioned, mainly for an increased risk of mortality and worsening of systemic hemodynamics. Moreover, even if NSBB have been reported to correlate with a higher risk of renal failure and severe infection in patients with advanced liver disease and hypotension, their use has been associated with a reduction of risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, modification of gut permeability and reduction of bacterial translocation. This manuscript systematically reviews the published evidences about harms and benefits of the use of NSBB in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Nonselective β-blockers may induce development of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis

Currently, nonselective β-blockers (NSBBs) are commonly used for the prevention of variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis. The beneficial effects of NSBBs are primarily attributed to the reduction in cardiac output by blockade of β1 receptors and vasoconstriction of the splanchnic circulation by the blockade of β2 receptors. The prognostic value of occlusive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhotic patients has been increasingly recognized. The most important risk factor for the development of PVT in liver cirrhosis is the decreased portal vein inflow velocity. Collectively, we propose that the use of NSBBs potentially increases the development of portal vein thrombosis by reducing portal vein inflow velocity. The hypothesis should be confirmed by prospective cohort studies, in which cirrhotic patients without prior PVT treated with and without NSBBs are enrolled, and the development of PVT during follow-up is compared between the two groups. Additionally, subgroup analyses should be performed according to the dosage of NSBBs and the reduction of portal inflow velocity after use of NSBBs.

Nonselective beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices:A meta-analysis

AIM:To explore effects of nonselective beta-blockers(NSBBs) in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.METHODS:The Pub Med,EMBASE,Science Direct,and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant papers.A meta-analysis was performed using ORs with 95%CI as the effect sizes.Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the studies including patients without varices and those with small varices.RESULTS:Overall,784 papers were initially retrieved from the database searches,of which six randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis.The incidences of large varices development(OR = 1.05,95%CI:0.25-4.36;P = 0.95),first upper gastrointestinal bleeding(OR = 0.59,95%CI:0.24-1.47;P = 0.26),and death(OR = 0.70,95%CI:0.45-1.10;P = 0.12) were similar between NSBB and placebo groups.However,the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the NSBB group compared with the placebo group(OR = 3.47,95%CI:1.45-8.33;P = 0.005).The results of subgroup analyses were similar to those of overall analyses.CONCLUSION:The results of this meta-analysis indicate that NSBBs should not be recommended for cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.

Advances in selective conversion of carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Converting carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(5-HMF) is an attractive and promising route for value-added utilization of agricultural and forestry biomass resource. As an important platform compound, 5-HMF possesses high active furan structure with hydroxymethyl and aldehyde group for production of various bio-chemicals and materials, meanwhile, which suffer from low stability and poor yield during the industrial biorefinery process. Hence, selective production of 5-HMF with high-yield and low-cost has attracted extensive attention from scientific and industrial researchers. This review sorted and described the latest advanced research on solvent and catalyst system, as well as energy field effect for production of 5-HMF with different feedstock in detail, emphatically discussing the solvent effect and its synergistic effect with other aspects. Besides, the future prospects and challenges for production of 5-HMF from carbohydrates were also presented, which provide a profound insight into industrial 5-HMF process with economic and environmental feature.

Dealuminated Hβ zeolite for selective conversion of fructose to furfural and formic acid

The fructose-to-furfural transformation is facing major challenges in the selectivity and high efficiency. Herein, we have developed a simple and effective approach for the selective conversion of fructose to furfural using Hβ zeolite modified by organic acids for dealuminization to regulate its textural and acidic properties. It was found that citric acid-dealuminized Hβ zeolite possessed high specific surface areas, wide channels and high Brønsted acid amount, which facilitated the selective conversion of fructose to furfural with a maximum yield of 76.2% at433 K for 1 h in the γ-butyrolactone(GBL)-H_(2)O system, as well as the concomitant formation of 83.0% formic acid. The^(13)C-isotope labelling experiments and the mechanism revealed that the selective cleavage of C1–C2 or C5–C6 bond on fructose was firstly occurred to form pentose or C5 intermediate by weak Brønsted acid, which was then dehydrated to furfural by strong Brønsted acid. Also this dealuminized Hβ catalyst showed the great recycling performance and was active for the conversion of glucose and mannose.

Synergy of heterogeneous Co/Ni dual atoms enabling selective C-O bond scission of lignin coupling with in-situ N-functionalization

Selective cleavage of Csp^(2)-OCH_(3)bond in lignin without breaking other types of C-O bonds followed by N-functionalization is fascinating for on-purpose valorization of biomass.Here,a Co/Ni-based dual-atom catalyst CoNiDA@NC prepared by in-situ evaporation and acid-etching of metal species from tailor-made metal–organic frameworks was efficient for reductive upgrading of various lignin-derived phenols to cyclohexanols(88.5%–99.9%yields),which had ca.4 times higher reaction rate than the single-atom catalyst and was superior to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts.The synergistic catalysis of Co/Ni dual atoms facilitated both hydrogen dissociation and hydrogenolysis steps,and could optimize adsorption configuration of lignin-derived methoxylated phenols to further favor the Csp^(2)-OCH_(3)cleavage,as elaborated by theoretical calculations.Notably,the CoNi_(DA)@NC catalyst was highly recyclable,and exhibited excellent demethoxylation performance(77.1%yield)in real lignin monomer mixtures.Via in-situ cascade conversion processes assisted by dual-atom catalysis,various high-value N-containing chemicals,including caprolactams and cyclohexylamines,could be produced from lignin.

Selective leaching of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries using sulfuric acid and oxalic acid

Traditional hydrometallurgical methods for recovering spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)involve acid leaching to simultaneously extract all valuable metals into the leachate.These methods usually are followed by a series of separation steps such as precipitation,extraction,and stripping to separate the individual valuable metals.In this study,we present a process for selectively leaching lithium through the synergistic effect of sulfuric and oxalic acids.Under optimal leaching conditions(leaching time of 1.5 h,leaching temperature of 70°C,liquid-solid ratio of 4 mL/g,oxalic acid ratio of 1.3,and sulfuric acid ratio of 1.3),the lithium leaching efficiency reached89.6%,and the leaching efficiencies of Ni,Co,and Mn were 12.8%,6.5%,and 21.7%.X-ray diffraction(XRD)and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES)analyses showed that most of the Ni,Co,and Mn in the raw material remained as solid residue oxides and oxalates.This study offers a new approach to enriching the relevant theory for selectively recovering lithium from spent LIBs.

On the role of cellular microstructure in austenite reversion in selective laser melted maraging steel

Cellular microstructure is a unique feature in alloys fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM).Abundant efforts have been made to reveal the formation mechanism of cellular microstructures and its influences on mechanical performances,while its potential role in microstructure architecting during post-heat treatment is rarely explored.In this work,we investigated the features of cellular microstructures in an SLM-fabricated 18Ni(300)steel and revealed how this microstructure influences austenite reversion upon aging.Segregation of Ti and Mo is experimentally detected at cell boundaries.It is interestingly found that a distinctive reverted austenite network forms rapidly along cell boundaries during aging,whereas much less austenite is found in conventionally treated 18Ni(300)steels.The rapid austenite reversion in SLM-fabricated material proceeds mainly via the growth of retained austenite on cell boundaries while the nucleation and growth of new austenite grains is negligible.Phase-field simulations suggest austenite grows in a fast,partitionless manner along cell boundaries where the chemical driving force for austen-ite reversion is substantially enhanced by Ti and Mo segregations,but in a sluggish,partitioning manner towards cell interiors.Contrary to conventional views that austenite fraction should be confined to avoid strength reduction,current SLM-fabricated 18Ni(300)steel containing∼13%cellular austenite is found to have higher tensile strength compared to its counterparts with negligible austenite.The design of austen-ite also shows its potential to enhance fracture toughness.The current study demonstrates that cellular structures could substantially alter austenite reversion behavior,providing a new route for microstructure architecting in additively manufactured steels.

Recent developments in selective laser processes for wearable devices

Recently,the increasing interest in wearable technology for personal healthcare and smart virtual/augmented reality applications has led to the development of facile fabrication methods.Lasers have long been used to develop original solutions to such challenging technological problems due to their remote,sterile,rapid,and site-selective processing of materials.In this review,recent developments in relevant laser processes are summarized under two separate categories.First,transformative approaches,such as for laser-induced graphene,are introduced.In addition to design optimization and the alteration of a native substrate,the latest advances under a transformative approach now enable more complex material compositions and multilayer device configurations through the simultaneous transformation of heterogeneous precursors,or the sequential addition of functional layers coupled with other electronic elements.In addition,the more conventional laser techniques,such as ablation,sintering,and synthesis,can still be used to enhance the functionality of an entire system through the expansion of applicable materials and the adoption of new mechanisms.Later,various wearable device components developed through the corresponding laser processes are discussed,with an emphasis on chemical/physical sensors and energy devices.In addition,special attention is given to applications that use multiple laser sources or processes,which lay the foundation for the all-laser fabrication of wearable devices.

Selective internal radiation therapy segmentectomy:A new minimally invasive curative option for primary liver malignancies?

Transarterial radioembolization or selective internal radiation therapy(SIRT)has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of tumors.This percutaneous technique involves the local,intra-arterial delivery of radioactive microspheres directly into the tumor.Historically employed as a palliative measure for liver malignancies,SIRT has gained traction over the past decade as a potential curative option,mirroring the increasing role of radiation segmentectomy.The latest update of the BCLC hepatocellular carcinoma guidelines recognizes SIRT as an effective treatment modality comparable to other local ablative methods,particularly well-suited for patients where surgical resection or ablation is not feasible.Radiation segmentectomy is a more selective approach,aiming to deliver high-dose radiation to one to three specific hepatic segments,while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Future research efforts in radiation segmentectomy should prioritize optimizing radiation dosimetry and refining the technique for super-selective administration of radiospheres within the designated hepatic segments.

Selective his bundle pacing eliminates crochetage sign:A case report

BACKGROUND Crochetage sign is a specific electrocardiographic manifestation of ostium secundum atrial septal defects(ASDs),which is associated with the severity of the left-to-right shunt.Herein,we reported a case of selective his bundle pacing(SHBP)that eliminated crochetage sign in a patient with ostium secundum ASD.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old man was admitted with a 2-year history of chest tightness and shortness of breath.Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an ostium secundum ASD.Twelve-lead electrocardiogram revealed atrial fibrillation with a prolonged relative risk interval,incomplete right bundle branch block,and crochetage sign.The patient was diagnosed with an ostium secundum ASD,atrial fibrillation with a second-degree atrioventricular block,and heart failure.The patient was treated with selective his bundle pacemaker implantation.After the procedure,crochetage sign disappeared during his bundle pacing on the electrocardiogram.CONCLUSION S-HBP eliminated crochetage sign on electrocardiogram.Crochetage sign may be a manifestation of a conduction system disorder.

Interplay of laser power and pore characteristics in selective laser melting of ZK60 magnesium alloys:A study based on in-situ monitoring and image analysis

This study offers significant insights into the multi-physics phenomena of the SLM process and the subsequent porosity characteristics of ZK60 Magnesium(Mg)alloys.High-speed in-situ monitoring was employed to visualise process signals in real-time,elucidating the dynamics of melt pools and vapour plumes under varying laser power conditions specifically between 40 W and 60 W.Detailed morphological analysis was performed using Scanning-Electron Microscopy(SEM),demonstrating a critical correlation between laser power and pore formation.Lower laser power led to increased pore coverage,whereas a denser structure was observed at higher laser power.This laser power influence on porosity was further confirmed via Optical Microscopy(OM)conducted on both top and cross-sectional surfaces of the samples.An increase in laser power resulted in a decrease in pore coverage and pore size,potentially leading to a denser printed part of Mg alloy.X-ray Computed Tomography(XCT)augmented these findings by providing a 3D volumetric representation of the sample internal structure,revealing an inverse relationship between laser power and overall pore volume.Lower laser power appeared to favour the formation of interconnected pores,while a reduction in interconnected pores and an increase in isolated pores were observed at higher power.The interplay between melt pool size,vapour plume effects,and laser power was found to significantly influence the resulting porosity,indicating a need for effective management of these factors to optimise the SLM process of Mg alloys.

Covalency competition induced selective bond breakage and surface reconstruction in manganese cobaltite towards enhanced electrochemical charge storage

Manganese cobaltite(MnCo_(2)_(4))is a promising electrode material because of its attractive redox chemistry and excellent charge storage capability.Our previous work demonstrated that the octahedrally-coordinated Mn are prone to react with the hydroxyl ions in alkaline electrolyte upon electrochemical cycling and separates on the surface of spinel to reconstruct into d-MnO_(2) nanosheets irreversibly,thus results in a change of the reaction mechanism with Kþion intercalation.However,the low capacity has greatly limited its practical application.Herein,we found that the tetrahedrally-coordinated Co_(2) þions were leached when MnCo_(2)_(4) was equilibrated in 1 mol L^(-1) HCl solution,leading to the formation of layered CoOOH on MnCo_(2)_(4) surface which is originated from the covalency competition induced selective breakage of the CoT–O bond in CoT–O–CoO and subsequent rearrangement of free Co_(6) octahedra.The as-formed CoOOH is stable upon cycling in alkaline electrolyte,exhibits conversion reaction mechanism with facile proton diffusion and is free of massive structural evolution,thus enables utilization of the bulk electrode material and realizes enhanced specific capacity as well as facilitated charge transfer and ion diffusion.In general,our work not only offers a feasible approach to deliberate modification of MnCo_(2)_(4)'s surface structure,but also provides an in-depth understanding of its charge storage mechanism,which enables rational design of the spinel oxides with promising charge storage properties.

Thermal Stability and Degeneration Behavior of Solar Selective Absorber Based on WTi-Al_(2)O_(3)Cermet

A WTi-Al_(2)O_(3)cermet-based solar selective absorber was prepared to investigate the atomic diffusion induced spectral selectivity degeneration.The as-deposited coating exhibits superior absorptance(0.934)and low thermal emittance(0.098),as well as excellent thermal stability with a selectivity of 0.900/0.07 even after annealing at 923 K for 400 h in Ar ambient.However,the multilayer coating failed after being subjected to annealing at 923 K for 400 h in an air environment,as indicated by a decrease in solar absorptance to 0.912 and an increase in thermal emittance to 0.634.The microstructure characterizations reveal that the annealed coating exhibits a columnar morphology along the vertical direction of the substrate.The presence of abundant grain boundaries in the multilayer coating promotes the outward diffusion of Cr and Mn atoms in the stainless-steel substrate.The Mn atoms,in particular,possess the capability to migrate towards the surface of the coating and undergo an oxidation reaction with oxygen,facilitating the formation of a thick Mn_(2)O_(3)layer.The roughness of the coating surface was significantly increased in this case,adversely affecting solar absorptance due to amplified sunlight reflection.In addition,the rocketing of thermal emittance is attributed to the destabilization of W infrared reflective layer during the annealing.These findings highlight the importance of considering the outward diffusion of Mn and Cr elements in the stainless-steel substrate when optimizing solar selective absorbers.

Strategies of selective electroreduction of aqueous nitrate to N_(2) in chloride-free system:A critical review

Electroreduction of nitrate has been gaining wide attention in recent years owing to it's beneficial for converting nitrate into benign N_(2) from the perspective of electrocatalytic denitrification or into value-added ammonia from the perspective of electrocatalytic NH_(3) synthesis.By reason of the undesired formation of ammonia is dominant during electroreduction of nitrate-containing wastewater,chloride has been widely used to improve N_(2) selectivity.Nevertheless,selective electroreduction of nitrate to N2 gas in chloride-containing system poses several drawbacks.In this review,we focus on the key strategies for efficiently enhancing N_(2) selectivity of electroreduction of nitrate in chloride-free system,including optimal selection of elements,combining an active metal catalyst with another metal,manipulating the crystalline morphology and facet orientation,constructing core–shell structure catalysts,etc.Before summarizing the strategies,four possible reaction pathways of electro-reduction of nitrate to N_(2) are discussed.Overall,this review attempts to provide practical strategies for enhancing N2 selectivity without the aid of electrochlorination and highlight directions for future research for designing appropriate electrocatalyst for final electrocatalytic denitrifi-cation.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori with potassium competitive acid blockers:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infects over half the global population,causing gastrointestinal diseases like dyspepsia,gastritis,duodenitis,peptic ulcers,GMALT lymphoma,and gastric adenocarcinoma.Eradicating H.pylori is crucial for treating and preventing these conditions.While conventional proton pump inhibitor(PPI)-based triple therapy is effective,there’s growing interest in longer acid suppression therapies.Potassium competitive acid blocker(P-CAB)triple and dual therapy are new regimens for H.pylori eradication.Initially used in Asian populations,vonoprazan(VPZ)has been recently Food and Drug Administration-approved for H.pylori eradication.AIM To assess the efficacy of regimens containing P-CABs in eradicating H.pylori infection.METHODS This study,following PRISMA 2020 guidelines,conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE and Scopus libraries for randomized clinical trials(RCTs)or observational studies with the following command:[("Helicobacter pylori"OR"H pylori")AND("Treatment"OR"Therapy"OR"Eradication")AND("Vonaprazan"OR"Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker"OR"P-CAB"OR"PCAB"OR"Revaprazan"OR"Linaprazan"OR"Soraprazan"OR"Tegoprazan")].Studies comparing the efficacy of P-CABs-based treatment to classical PPIs in eradicating H.pylori were included.Exclusion criteria included case reports,case series,unpublished trials,or conference abstracts.Data variables encompassed age,diagnosis method,sample sizes,study duration,intervention and control,and H.pylori eradication method were gathered by two independent reviewers.Meta-analysis was performed in R software,and forest plots were generated.RESULTS A total of 256 references were initially retrieved through the search command.Ultimately,fifteen studies(7 RCTs,7 retrospective observational studies,and 1 comparative unique study)were included,comparing P-CAB triple therapy to PPI triple therapy.The intention-to-treat analysis involved 8049 patients,with 4471 in the P-CAB intervention group and 3578 in the PPI control group across these studies.The analysis revealed a significant difference in H.pylori eradication between VPZ triple therapy and PPI triple therapy in both RCTs and observational studies[risk ratio(RR)=1.17,95%confidence interval(CI):1.11-1.22,P<0.0001]and(RR=1.13,95%CI:1.09-1.17,P<0.0001],respectively.However,no significant difference was found between tegoprazan(TPZ)triple therapy and PPI triple therapy in both RCTs and observational studies(RR=1.04,95%CI:0.93-1.16,P=0.5)and(RR=1.03,95%CI:0.97-1.10,P=0.3),respectively.CONCLUSION VPZ-based triple therapy outperformed conventional PPI-based triple therapy in eradicating H.pylori,positioning it as a highly effective first-line regimen.Additionally,TPZ-based triple therapy was non-inferior to classical PPI triple therapy.

Cell-type resolved transcriptomic approaches for dissecting selective vulnerability in neurodgeneration

A common feature among neurodegenerative conditions is that ce rtain neuronal populations are selectively vulnerable to loss(Fu et al.,2018).By corollary,other neurons are selectively resilient,suggesting they may possess unique features that support their survival.U nderstanding the basis of neuronal resilience or vulnerability would provide a logical strategy to identify factors that could be targeted therapeutically.

Enhanced bimetallic CuCo nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped carbon for selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol through strong electronic interactions

Bimetallic CuCo catalysts with different Cu to Co ratios on N-doped porous carbon materials(N-C)were achieved using impregnation method and applied in the hydrogenation of furfural(FAL)to furfuryl alcohol(FOL).The high hydrogenation activity of FAL over Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C was originated from the synergistic interactions of Cu and Co species,where Co^(0)and Cu^(0)simultaneously adsorb and activate H_(2),and Cu^(+) served as Lewis acid sites to activate C]O.Meanwhile,electrons transfer from Cu to Co promoted the formation of Cu^(+).In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C adsorbed FAL with a tilted η^(1)-(O)configuration.The superior Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C showed excellent adsorbed ability towards H_(2) and FAL,but weak adsorption for FOL.Therefore,Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C possessed 93.1%FAL conversion and 99.0% FOL selectivity after 5 h reaction,which also exhibited satisfactory reusability in FAL hydrogenation for five cycles.

Effect of an Airbag-selective Portal Vein Blood Arrester on the Liver after Hepatectomy:A New Technique for Selective Clamping of the Portal Vein

Objective:A novel technique was explored using an airbag-selective portal vein blood arrester that circumvents the need for an intraoperative assessment of anatomical variations in patients with complex intrahepatic space-occupying lesions.Methods:Rabbits undergoing hepatectomy were randomly assigned to 4 groups:intermittent portal triad clamping(PTC),intermittent portal vein clamping(PVC),intermittent portal vein blocker with an airbag-selective portal vein blood arrester(APC),and without portal blood occlusion(control).Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury were assessed by measuring the 7-day survival rate,blood loss,liver function,hepatic pathology,hepatic inflammatory cytokine infiltration,hepatic malondialdehyde levels,and proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels.Results:Liver damage was substantially reduced in the APC and PVC groups.The APC animals exhibited transaminase levels similar to or less oxidative stress damage and inflammatory hepatocellular injury compared to those exhibited by the PVC animals.Bleeding was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups.The APC group had less bleeding than the PVC group because of the avoidance of portal vein skeletonization during hepatectomy.Thus,more operative time was saved in the APC group than in the PVC group.Moreover,the total 7-day survival rate in the APC group was higher than that in the PTC group.Conclusion:Airbag-selective portal vein blood arresters may help protect against hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rabbits undergoing partial hepatectomy.This technique may also help prevent liver damage in patients requiring hepatectomy.

Practical Privacy-Preserving ROI Encryption System for Surveillance Videos Supporting Selective Decryption

With the advancement of video recording devices and network infrastructure,we use surveillance cameras to protect our valuable assets.This paper proposes a novel system for encrypting personal information within recorded surveillance videos to enhance efficiency and security.The proposed method leverages Dlib’s CNN-based facial recognition technology to identify Regions of Interest(ROIs)within the video,linking these ROIs to generate unique IDs.These IDs are then combined with a master key to create entity-specific keys,which are used to encrypt the ROIs within the video.This system supports selective decryption,effectively protecting personal information using surveillance footage.Additionally,the system overcomes the limitations of existing ROI recognition technologies by predicting unrecognized frames through post-processing.This research validates the proposed technology through experimental evaluations of execution time and post-processing techniques,ensuring comprehensive personal information protection.Guidelines for setting the thresholds used in this process are also provided.Implementing the proposed method could serve as an effective solution to security vulnerabilities that traditional approaches fail to address.