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Background: Major hepatectomy is associated with high incidence of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of future remnant liver volume combined with liver function tests on predicting PHLF.Methods: Patients who underwent major hepatectomy from April 2009 to May 2017 were enrolled in the training cohort. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors of PHLF and generate a logistic regression model for the prediction of PHLF. A conditional inference tree was generated based on the optimal cutoff value of independent predictive factors of PHLF. The precedent results were validated in an independent cohort from June 2017 to March 2018.Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were included in the training cohort, while another 34 in the validation cohort. Future remnant liver volume/estimated standard total liver volume (FLV/eTV) and preoperative platelet count were independent predictive factors of PHLF (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.012, respectively). The conditional inference tree showed that patients with FLV/eTV ≤0.56 and PLT count ≤145 × 109/L were at high risk of developing PHLF.Conclusion: FLV/eTV combined with preoperative PLT count is effective in predicting PHLF after major hepatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous clinical models have been proposed to evaluate and predict recurrence and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in different stages after resection, but no model for very early-stage HCC. The data of 661 very early-stage HCC patients after curative resection in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze recurrence and survival. The risk classifications for recurrence and survival were established by using classification and regression tree analysis. The nomograms were constructed and validated using bootstrap resampling and an independent 186-patient validation cohort from the same institution. According to the results of multivariate analysis for prognosis after resection, decision trees and 3-stratification classifications that satisfactorily determined the risk of recurrence and survival were established. Based on these two risk classifications, a six-factor nomogram for predicting recurrence and a six-factor nomogram for predicting survival were created. The concordance indexes were 0.64 for recurrence nomogram, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.60–0.67, and 0.76 for survival nomogram, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.70–0.82. The calibration curves showed good agreement between the predictions made by the nomograms and the actual survival outcomes. These predicting results for recurrence and survival were better than three common classical HCC stages and were confirmed in the independent validation cohort. The 3-stratification classifications enabled satisfactory risk evaluations of recurrence and survival, and the nomograms showed considerably accurate predictions of the risk of recurrence and survival in very early-stage HCC patients after curative resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study explored to investigate whether skeletal muscle loss before concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) can predict treatment-related toxicity in this population. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the third lumbar were used to assess and calculate the SMA (skeletal muscle area), SMI (skeletal muscle index), SMD (skeletal muscle density), SMG (skeletal muscle gauge) and estimate LBM (lean body mass). Handgrip strength (HGS) and daily walk speed were evaluated. Predictive factors linked to toxicity were assessed by logistic regression models and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of treatment toxicity were reported. A total of 82 patients were evaluated (67.1% males, 45.7 ± 10.7 years). Skeletal muscle loss was not associated with severe radiotherapy toxicity. In males, sarcopenia increases the risk of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (OR: 4.00, 95% CI = 1.20–13.36, p = 0.024). DLT is associated with reduced SMA (OR: 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–1.00, p = 0.041), SMI (OR: 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84–0.99, p = 0.042) and LBM (OR: 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81–0.99, p = 0.041). Reduced HGS was significantly associated with grade 3–4 leukopenia (OR: 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86–0.98, p = 0.007), and was associated with any grade 3–4 toxicity (OR: 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89–0.99, p = 0.013). There is a strong correlation between LBM and HGS (Pearson's r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Skeletal muscle loss was not associated with severe radiation oral mucositis and dermatitis but associated with any grade 3–4 toxicity and severe gastrointestinal reactions in NPC patients. In males, sarcopenia before treatment is predictive of DLT. Increased HGS is independently associated with a reduced risk of hematological toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portal hypertension after hepatectomy is associated with impaired postoperative recovery. Terlipressin decreased portal vein pressure in patients with variceal bleeding and improved patient survival, but the role of postoperative terlipressin treatment for patients who underwent liver resection is not clear. We determined the effect of terlipressin on portal vein pressure in patients with portal vein pressure >12 mmHg after hepatectomy. If portal vein pressure was decreased (ie, Responders), a continuous infusion of terlipressin at 2 mg/day for 4 days was given. The incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure, abdominal drainage, acute kidney injury, operative complications, and side-effects of terlipressin in the Responders were compared with those whose portal vein pressure did not decrease (ie, non-Responders) and patients whose portal vein pressure was ≤12 mmHg after hepatectomy (low portal vein pressure group). We recruited 110 patients, 65 of whom were eligible for terlipressin administration. Portal vein pressure decreased in 46 patients (71%) with the mean portal vein pressure decreasing from 15.8 ± 2.6 mmHg to 14.3 ± 2.9 mmHg (P <.001). The median [interquartile range] postoperative abdominal drainage for the first 3 postoperative days was less in the Responders than in the non-Responders (350 mL [228–573] vs 730 mL [330–980]; P =.004). Incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure in the Responders was less than the non-Responders (26% vs 53%, P =.04). Acute kidney injury, operative complications, and side-effects of terlipressin were not different between groups. Terlipressin decreased posthepatectomy portal vein pressure and may decrease the incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure and postoperative abdominal drainage (NCT03352349). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via 2e- pathway is a promising approach to produce hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). Among them, single-atom catalysts are widely used for acidic ORR to generate H 2 O 2 due to some unique advantages, such as their maximum atom utilization efficiency, tunable electronic structure, and excellent catalytic performance. It is urgent to summarize the use of SACs for acidic ORR to H 2 O 2 , especially the systematic elaboration of their catalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship. Herein, the synthesis, characterization and catalytic mechanism of SACs including some noble metal and transition metal SACs for acidic ORR to H 2 O 2 are systematically described. Some important activity descriptors, especially the regulation methods for the binding energy of key oxygenated intermediates, are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and outlooks of acidic ORR to H 2 O 2 using SACs are proposed. It is hoped that this review is helpful to elucidate the important role of SACs in the electrosynthesis of H 2 O 2 and provide assistance for the design of efficient catalysts. [Display omitted] • Recent progress on SACs for acidic 2e- ORR to H 2 O 2 is systemically reviewed from an experimental and theoretical perspective. • The design and synthesis method of SACs, and some strategies for boosting 2e- ORR performance are summarized and discussed. • The importance of the regulation of the binding energy of *OOH, *OH and *O to enhance 2e- ORR performance is summarized. • The challenges and prospects of single-atom catalysts for 2e- ORR are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the prognostic values of the change of α-fetoprotein within 1 week after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative hepatectomy as primary therapy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China) from 2009 to 2011. We measured serum α-fetoprotein before (α-fetoprotein 0) and 1 week after (α-fetoprotein 7) hepatectomy, calculated change of α-fetoprotein, namely the α-fetoprotein response by the formula: AR = lgAFP 7 /lgAFP 0 (lg = log 10), analyzed the relationship between patient survival and α-fetoprotein response, and explored the potential clinical implications of the α-fetoprotein response. The results were validated in an independent cohort of patients from the same institute. A total of 841 eligible patients were analyzed. We determined that the optimal cutoff value of the α-fetoprotein response was 0.8135 and subsequently classified patients from the exploration cohort into the α-fetoprotein responder (α-fetoprotein response ≤ 0.8135; n = 452) and α-fetoprotein nonresponder (α-fetoprotein response > 0.8135; n = 146). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the α-fetoprotein response independently predicted overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) time after resection (both P <.001). In patients with a higher risk of tumor recurrence (either single tumor with microvascular invasion or multiple tumors), α-fetoprotein responders were associated with better survival than the nonresponders (P <.05). The results were validated by propensity score matched population and another independent cohort. The α-fetoprotein response is a reliable and simple predictive marker for evaluating the oncological effect of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with positive α-fetoprotein before resection, independent of tumor features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although prophylactic glucocorticoids have been used before liver resection to minimize liver dysfunction, it is unknown whether treatment with glucocorticoids will accelerates recovery from hyperbilirubinemia after liver resection. Methods In this open-label, randomized, controlled trial, patients with hyperbilirubinemia (>2.5 × and ≤5 × the upper limit of normal) within 7 days after hepatic resection were assigned randomly to the dexamethasone or control groups. For the dexamethasone group, 10 mg, 10 mg, and 5 mg dexamethasone were administered intravenously on days 0, 1, and 2, respectively, after randomization. For the control group, patients received standard treatment only. The primary outcome was time to recovery from hyperbilirubinemia defined as the period from the day of randomization to the day when serum bilirubin decreased to ≤1.5 times that of the upper limit of normal. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expense. Results Between March 2016 and December 2017, 76 participants were enrolled (38 in each group). Median time to recovery from hyperbilirubinemia was less in the dexamethasone group than in the control group (2 vs 4 days, P <.001). Serum bilirubin levels were less in the dexamethasone group on days 1–3 after randomization (P <.05). The prevalence of infection, posthepatectomy liver failure, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expense were not different between the groups. Conclusion Dexamethasone accelerated recovery from hyperbilirubinemia and decreased serum bilirubin levels without causing more side effects in patients after hepatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Molecular dynamics simulation of rubber film nano-coating on (0 0 1) CSH surface. • Efficiency of coating with TPI (1,4- trans -Polyisoprene) and CPB (1,4-cis Polybutadiene). • A drastic decrease of the surface energy to 46.3–48.4 mJ/m2, in good agreement with experiments. • A hydrophobic behavior of rubber nano-coated on CSH surface with a contact angle in the range of 92.85° and 98.11°. • Our results found the structure of –CH = is easier to adsorb onto the (0 0 1) CSH surface. The lifetime of building materials is a significant challenge and is strongly related to their surface state and impermeability. This work is dedicated to an in-depth analysis of rubber coating process on Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (CSH) surface. By means of molecular dynamics simulations and using a combination potential of a general force field (CLAYFF) and the consistent-valence force field (CVFF), it is found that the efficiency of coating with TPI (1,4- trans -Polyisoprene) and CPB (1,4- cis -Polybutadiene) than CPI (1,4- cis -Polyisoprene) and TPB (1,4- trans -Polybutadiene). The obtained surface energy of TPI and CPB coated CSH drastically drops from the range of 698–740 mJ/m2 to 46.3–48.4 mJ/m2. Consequently, the averaged contact angle between water nanodroplet and rubber coated CSH surface is obtained in the range of 92.85° and 98.11°, making hydrophobic the nano-coated CSH surface. The interfacial adhesion analysis between rubber film and CSH surface gives a work of adhesion in the range of 49.42 mJ / m 2 to 92.76 mJ / m 2 , in agreement with experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus (BP) is a rising star shining in the field of electrochemical energy storage because of its ability to react with up to three lithium to form a Li 3 P compound, giving a theoretical capacity as high as 2596 mA h g −1 . However, inherent embarrassments such as low electronic conductivity and huge volume expansion drastically deteriorate its ultimate electrochemical performances. Although hybridizing BP with a conductive matrix ( e.g. , graphene) is a fascinating concept, its extremely high chemical inertness sets obstacles for constructing reliable interfacial interactions with graphene. Herein we report, for the first time, a facile strategy for the molecular level distribution of BP quantum dots (QDs) on nitrogen-doped graphene ( N -graphene) nanosheets. The small size of the BP QDs translates into abundant active sites, short lithium diffusion pathways and little mechanical fracture, which mean excellent electrochemical kinetics. The molecular level distribution of these QDs on the N -graphene nanosheets effectively prevents their aggregation upon cycling, thereby preserving the whole structure and maintaining good stability. Besides, the N -graphene nanosheets not only buffer the mechanical stress associated with cycling, but also constitute a conductive network to ensure reversible electron transport. The synergistic superiority of the resulting van der Waals heterostructures is well demonstrated by their superior electrochemical performances, delivering a startlingly high reversible capacity of 1271 mA h g −1 at 500 mA g −1 . We believe this strategy may provide a new route to addressing the capacity deficiency which limits the progress of LIBs towards large-size power tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction chemotherapy (IC) plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and CCRT alone were the optional treatment regimens for T3-4N1M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Therefore, we established a nomogram to predict clinical prognosis and guide individualized IC in T3-4N1M0 NPC. Overall, 699 T3-4N1M0 NPC patients treated with CCRT with or without IC between January 2010 and December 2018 were examined. Overall survival (OS) was the main endpoint. A nomogram was developed that included prognostic variables selected by multivariable analysis. The risk score, which was calculated according to the nomogram, was used for risk stratification. The survival difference of patients undergoing CCRT with or without IC was then compared in risk-stratified subgroups. The nomogram yielded C-indexes of 0.708 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.682-0.734) in the training cohort and 0.670 (95% CI: 0.625-0.715) in the validation cohort. Calibration curves for 1-, 3- and 5-year OS suggested a good association between the nomogram predicted and observed probabilities. High-risk patients stratified by nomogram benefited from IC (IC + CCRT vs CCRT: 5-year OS: 77.8% vs 58.8%; P = 0.040; 5-year disease-free survival: 75.0% vs 58.2%; P = 0.017), whereas in the low-risk group, the application of IC was associated with worse locoregional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival. This nomogram can serve as a reliable model for prognostic prediction and can be used to guide individualized treatment of T3-4N1M0 NPC. High-risk patients are candidates for IC before CCRT, while the use of IC for low-risk patients should be considered carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This meta-analysis aimed to identify the incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients who have undergone dental extraction prior to radiotherapy. Methods A meta-analysis of observational studies of the incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients who have undergone pre-radiotherapy dental extraction was conducted. Two reviewers searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Embase databases to identify relevant studies. Pooled incidence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Meta-regression was conducted to identify factors associated with the incidence of osteoradionecrosis. Results Eleven studies were included in the analyses. The incidence of osteoradionecrosis in the patients who underwent pre-radiotherapy dental extraction was 4.16% (95% confidence interval, 1.17-7.16%). Radiotherapy technology, radiation dose, and prophylactic antibiotic use did not significantly affect this incidence. Conclusions The incidence of osteoradionecrosis was very low. Future research should investigate the effects of mandibular radiation dose, dose fractionation, time interval of extraction, oral health status and drug risk factors on the incidence of osteoradionecrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CuCrO2 was synthesized by a sol–gel technique. CuCrO2 anodes with common conductive agents (carbon black or acetylene black) show low discharge capacities. However, the electrochemical performances of CuCrO2 anodes are improved remarkably after replacing the ordinary conductive agent with carbon nano-tubes (CNTs). The CCO–CNTs anode possesses the 436mAhg−1 (0.2C) of discharge capacity after the 80th cycle. The addition of CNTs contributed to the formation of a 3D conductive network. Such a networks structure has pivotal effects to improve the composite conductivity and restrain the volume variations during cycling processes, which collaboratively improve the discharge specific capacity and cycling performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims to estimate the three greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (i.e. CO2, CH4, N2O) from a vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland (VSSF CW, 1000m2) and a cluster of conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the city of Changzhou, China. The two estimated emissions are set up for comparison. The results show that the WWTP system emits 7.3kg CO2-eq to remove 1kg BOD in the studied life cycle, while the VSSF system only emits 3.18kg CO2-eq, which is only half of the amount given off by the WWTP system. Especially at the treatment stage, the WWTP system''s GHG emissions are almost 7 times higher than the VSSF system''s. N2O emissions in both systems are only a minor fraction of the total emissions. Therefore, this study has concluded that the VSSF system is an effective option for GHG emissions mitigation in the wastewater sector. The study further suggests that developing countries like China should extensively build up VSSF systems for decentralized wastewater treatment, which could also potentially reduce GHG emissions by 8–17 million ton CO2-eq per year compared with the centralized scenario. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Traumatic tricuspid insufficiency (TTI) is uncommon and surgical experience is limited. We report our surgical experience with TTI in 13 patients. Methods: From January 2000 through March 2008, we operated on 13 patients with TTI (10 men 3 women; mean age, 39.8 ± 10.5 years). The intervals from trauma to diagnosis and from trauma to surgery averaged 37.4 and 54.4 months, respectively. At operation, the mechanism of TTI was due to anterior chordal rupture in 8, anterior papillary muscle rupture in 3, rupture of anterior papillary muscle and chordae in 1, and anterior leaflet defect in 1. In 7 patients the annulus was dilated. Valve repair was successful in 13 patients. Results: No early or late deaths occurred. Severe hemolysis occurred in 1 patient after tricuspid and mitral valve repairs. At follow-up extending to 9.5 years, 9 patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I, and 4 were in class II. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated no or trivial residual regurgitation in 7 patients, mild regurgitation in 4, and mild-to-moderate regurgitation in 2. A significant decrease of the right ventricular end-diastolic dimension (37.7 ± 9.7 vs 20.7 ± 4.6 mm; p < 0.001) was observed. The mean transvalvular gradient was 2.5 ± 0.8 mm Hg. Eleven patients were in sinus rhythm. Conclusions: Satisfactory early and midterm outcomes can be achieved for TTI by tricuspid valve repair. Early surgical intervention should be emphasized to achieve good functional results and preserve the right ventricular function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pre-treated LSGM starting powders decrease in particle size, leading to an increase in the LSGM relative density and electric conductivity. The starting powders are ball-milled with the assistance of absolute ethanol to reduce the particle size, dried ultrasonically to prevent the agglomeration of the powders and pre-calcined and re-balled to increase the rate of grain growth. These improvements make it possible to obtain single phase LSGM powders with small particle size at the calcination temperature of 1300°C. A large-area (9cm×9cm) LSGM electrolyte substrate has been prepared successfully by tape casting from these powders. The LSGM electrolyte exhibits a dense structure, the relative density reaches 96%, and the electrical conductivity is 0.08Scm−1 at 800°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify risk factors relevant to radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) and to determine the hepatic tolerance to radiation. Methods and Materials: The data of 109 primary liver carcinomas (PLC) treated with hypofractionated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) were analyzed. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with RILD and 13 of 17 died of it. Results: The risk factors for RILD were late T stage, large gross tumor volume, presence of portal vein thrombosis, association with Child-Pugh Grade B cirrhosis, and acute hepatic toxicity. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the severity of hepatic cirrhosis was a unique independent predictor. For Child-Pugh Grade A patients, the hepatic radiation tolerance was as follows: (1) Mean dose to normal liver (MDTNL) of 23 Gy was tolerable. (2) For cumulative dose–volume histogram, the tolerable volume percentages would be less than: V5 of 86%, V10 of 68%, V15 of 59%, V20 of 49%, V25 of 35%, V30 of 28%, V35 of 25%, and V40 of 20%. (3) Tolerable MDTNL could be estimated by MDTNL (Gy) = −1.686 + 0.023 * normal liver volume (cm3). Conclusion: The predominant risk factor for RILD was the severity of hepatic cirrhosis. The hepatic tolerance to radiation could be estimated by dosimetric parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine whether progestins counteract the cardioprotective effects of estrogen.Controlled animal study.Academic laboratory environment.Female apolipoprotein E–deficient mice.Mice were randomly assigned to groups receiving a sham operation plus placebo pellet, bilateral gonadectomy plus placebo pellet, or gonadectomy plus one of nine combinations of estrogen/progestin SC pellets.Total plasma cholesterol, body weight, fat depot weight, uterine weight and size, and the cross-sectional area of fatty streaks in the aortic sinus were measured in each animal.After 8 weeks of treatment, plasma cholesterol levels were significantly higher only in the ovariectomized and sham-operated animals that received placebo pellets. No differences in plasma cholesterol were observed relative to the type or amount of progestin administered. There was a reduction in fatty streaks in all of the hormone treatment groups as compared with both the ovariectomized and sham-operated animals that received placebo pellets.There were no significant differences in lesion area in response to estrogen alone or to estrogen plus the different types and doses of progestins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The total content of Cr in biogas residues markedly increased after composting. • Organic or inorganic functional groups contributed the binding sites for Cr. • 23–31% of Cr was removed under 60 g earthworm/kg and with worms of 0.7 ~ 1.0 g. • Co-fermentation process of biogas residues and Trichoderma was optimized. Removing pollutants and producing high value-added products are essential steps for sustainable disposal and utilization of biogas residues. Here, a coupled thermophilic composting and vermicomposting process was used to remove Cr from biogas residues, and the composting products were co-fermented with the plant growth-promoting fungus Trichoderma to produce high value-added biofertilizers. The results showed that thermophilic composting for 37 d markedly increased the total content of Cr but decreased the percentage of available Cr fractions. Synchrotron-radiation-based observations further provided direct evidence of the binding sites to support the results from traditional sequential extraction. At a density of 60 g earthworm/kg biogas residues, vermicomposting removed 23–31% of Cr from biogas residues. After vermicomposting, co-fermentation of biogas residues and Trichoderma was optimized, in which Trichoderma spores were 2–5 × 108 cfu/g substrates. Together, coupling thermophilic composting and vermicomposting processes is a promising technique to remove a portion of heavy metals from biogas residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a decent synergetic effect produced by delicate hybridization between exfoliated MoSe 2 nanosheets and high conductive Ag nanoparticles during self-assemble process. Uniformly dispersed Ag NPs on MoSe 2 nanosheets would accelerate electrons transfer as well as efficiently inhabit the stack of MoSe 2 nanosheets, exposing more active edge sites to enhance electrocatalytic activity on hydrogen reduction as well as facilitate electrochemical storage of lithium ions. • Controllable construction of Ag/MoSe 2 hybrid architectures. • The homogeneous decorated Ag NPs can greatly improve the conductivity of MoSe 2 nanosheets. • MoSe 2 nanosheets buffer the volume variation during repeated lithium ions insertion and extraction process. • Ag/MoSe 2 hybrid architectures exhibited stronger HER and lithium storage property. Tradition metal selenides have triggered extensive attentions in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Herein we propose a decent synergetic effect produced by delicate hybridization between exfoliated MoSe 2 nanosheets and high conductive Ag nanoparticles (NPs) during self-assemble process. The Ag/MoSe 2 hybrid architecture (weight ratio, 5:100) can reach 10 mA cm−2 current density at a potential as low as 0.187 V, which almost is ~3-fold lower than that for the bare MoSe 2 nanosheets. Additionally, the Ag/MoSe2 hybrid architecture also exhibits an enhanced capacity, excellent rate abilities and superior cycling stability for lithium storage than pristine MoSe 2 nanosheets. The comprehensive explorations of the synergistic effects occurring between MoSe 2 nanosheets and Ag NPs have insights for the rational constructions of low cost electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution as well as high performance electrode materials for lithium storage based on transition metal chalcogenides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The CuCrO2–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites synthesized by the in-situ hydrothermal method exhibit excellent specific capacity retention and cyclic performances. Due to the poor conductivity and large volume variation of CuCrO2, its discharge capacity only remains 304mAhg–1 (0.2C) after 140 cycles. However, the electrochemical performances of CuCrO2 anodes are improved remarkably by adding 5–20wt% CNTs. The CuCrO2–CNTs composite anodes maintain a specific capacity of 742mAhg−1 after 60 cycles (0.2C) when the CNTs proportion is over 10wt%. Even at 1C charge/discharge rates, they still exhibit high capacity retention of 530mAhg−1 after 40 cycles. The SEM micrographs show that CNTs are dispersed well within the CuCrO2 matrix to form a 3D network. Such a network structure provides good electrical conductivity and restrains the volume variations during the cycling processes, which collaboratively improve the discharge specific capacity and cycling performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The AJCC/UICC TNM classification describes anatomic extent of tumor progression and guides treatment decisions. Our comprehensive analysis of 8,834 newly diagnosed patients with non-metastatic Epstein-Barr virus related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from six Chinese centers indicates certain limitations in the current staging system. The 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM classification inadequately differentiates patient outcomes, particularly between T2 and T3 categories and within the N classification. We propose reclassifying cases of T3 NPC with early skull-base invasion as T2, and elevating N1-N2 cases with grade 3 image-identified extranodal extension (ENE) to N3. Additionally, we suggest combining T2N0 with T1N0 into a single stage IA. For de novo metastatic (M1) NPC, we propose subdivisions of M1a, defined by 1–3 metastatic lesions without liver involvement, and M1b, characterized by >3 metastatic lesions or liver involvement. This proposal better reflects responses of NPC patients to the up-to-date treatments and their evolving risk profiles. [Display omitted] • T3 NPC with early skull invasion-only is reclassified as T2 • N1-N2 with grade 3 image-identified ENE is reclassified as N3 • T2N0 and T1N0 are merged to a single stage IA • M1 subdivides to M1a (1–3 lesions, none in liver) and M1b (>3 lesions or liver met) Du et al. develop a refinement for the current 8th editor of AJCC/UICC TNM staging system for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) related nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This proposal offers several advancements including improved hazard discrimination, enhanced hazard consistency, better sample size balance, and superior outcome prediction. Additionally, it is more in line with contemporary therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, lithium−ion batteries (LIBs) are attracting great interest for energy storage applications ranging from small−size cell phones to large−size electric vehicles. Among different cathode materials which have been widely investigated, vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5) is particularly attractive because of its high specific capacity and low cost. However, drawbacks such as low electronic conductivity and poor ion diffusion kinetics restrict its further applications in large−size electric vehicles. In this work, we report a one−step hydrothermal strategy to integrate nitrogen doping, aerogel formation and V 2 O 5 loading on graphene nanosheets simultaneously. The introduction of 3D nitrogen−doped graphene (3DNG) can provide higher electronic conductivity and Li+ ion diffusion kinetics. The resulting V 2 O 5 @3DNG aerogels can be used as cathodes directly without any binders, conductive additives and metallic collectors. The free−standing and flexible cathodes can effectively promote rapid capacity response and buffer the stress generated during the high−rate charging/discharging processes, which are responsible for superior cyclability and rate capabilities. This strategy may provide new insight into the improvements of LIB performances. Graphical abstract A new concept is conceived to integrate nitrogen doping, aerogel formation and V 2 O 5 loading simultaneously (V 2 O 5 @3DNG), achieving a significant synergy for high-performance lithium storage. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although, there is no generally accepted scientific theory for the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the relative anterior spinal column overgrowth has been postulated as a mechanism of AIS progression by many morphological studies. The normal spinal growth involves both kinds of ossification: endochondral and membranous ossification. Considering the uncoupled anterior–posterior column growth of AIS patients, the uncoupled endochondral–membranous ossification could possibly play an important role in the progression of AIS. Meanwhile, other observations found that the uncoupling of ossification was not limited to the spinal column, but rather a systemic phenomenon. This consideration leads us to carefully dissect the underlying abnormal molecular pathways, cytokines or receptors of ossification, such as BMP-Smads, Runx2, FGFR-3, and will raise the hope to detect the AIS progression potentiality and help to formulate the appropriately personalized treatment strategy for patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]