AIM To evaluate disparities in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) based on gender.METHODS A retrospective database analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample(NIS) was performed between 2010 and 2013. A...AIM To evaluate disparities in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) based on gender.METHODS A retrospective database analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample(NIS) was performed between 2010 and 2013. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma determined by International Classification of Disease 9(ICD-9) codes were included. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze differences in treatment, mortality, features of decompensation, and metastatic disease based on the patient's gender.RESULTS The analysis included 62582 patients with 45908 men and 16674 women. Women were less likely to present with decompensated liver disease(OR = 0.84, P < 0.001) and had less risk of inpatient mortality when compared to men(OR = 0.75, P < 0.001). Women were more likely to receive inpatient resection(OR = 1.31, P < 0.001) or an ablation(OR = 1.22, P = 0.028) than men. There was no significant difference between men and women in regard to liver transplantation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).CONCLUSION Gender impacts treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Women are more likely to undergo an ablation or resection then men. Gender disparities in transplantation have resolved.展开更多
Despite the improvements in surgical and medical therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),recurrence still represents a major issue.Up to 70%of patients can experience HCC recurrence after liver resection(LR),as well...Despite the improvements in surgical and medical therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),recurrence still represents a major issue.Up to 70%of patients can experience HCC recurrence after liver resection(LR),as well as 20%of them even after liver transplantation(LT).The patterns of recurrence are different according to both the time and the location.Similarly,the risk factors and the management can change not only according to these patterns,but also according to the underlying liver condition and to the first treatment performed.Deep knowledge of such correlation is fundamental,since prevention and effective management of recurrence are undoubtedly the most important strategies to improve the outcomes of HCC treatment.Without adjuvant therapy,maintaining very close monitoring during the first 2 years in order to diagnose curable recurrence and continue this monitoring beyond 5 years because late recurrences exist,remains our only possibility today.Surgery represents the cornerstone treatment for HCC,including both LT and LR.However,new interesting therapeutic opportunities are coming from immunotherapy that has shown encouraging results also in the adjuvant setting.In such a complex and evolutionary scenario,the aim of this review is to summarize current strategies for the management of HCC recurrence,focusing on the different possible scenarios,as well as on future perspectives.展开更多
BACKGROUND Duodenal mucosal ablation(DMA)using irreversible electroporation(IRE)with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist has been clinically shown to reduce liver lipid deposition in non-alcoholic fatty liver d...BACKGROUND Duodenal mucosal ablation(DMA)using irreversible electroporation(IRE)with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist has been clinically shown to reduce liver lipid deposition in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).However,the specific metabolic contributions of DMA using IRE in NAFLD remain unclear.AIM To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of DMA using IRE in NAFLD rat models.METHODS Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent DMA using IRE after 8 weeks on a high-fat diet.Two weeks post-treatment,duodenal and liver tissues and blood samples were collected.We evaluated differences in the duodenal wall structure,liver lipid deposition,enteroendocrine,claudin,and zonula ocludens-1 in the duodenal mucosa.RESULTS DMA using IRE could be safely performed in rats with NAFLD without duodenal bleeding,perforation,or stenosis.The duodenum healed well 2 weeks after DMA and was characterized by slimmer villi,narrower and shallower crypts,and thicker myenterons compared with the sham-control setting.Liver lipid deposition was reduced and serum lipid index parameters were considerably improved in the DMA setting.However,these improvements were independent of food intake and weight loss.In addition,enteroendocrine parameters,such as claudin,and zonula ocludens-1 levels in the duodenal mucosa,differed between the different settings in the DMA group.CONCLUSION By altering enteroendocrine and duodenal permeability,simple DMA using IRE ameliorated liver lipid deposition and improved serum lipid parameters in NAFLD rats.展开更多
Multicomponent(Hf-Zr-Ta)B_(2)potentially provides improved ablation resistance compared with silicon-based ceramics.Here we deposited(Hf_(0.5-x/2)Zr_(0.5-x/2)Ta_(x))B_(2)(x=0,0.1,and 0.2)coatings onto C/C com-posites,...Multicomponent(Hf-Zr-Ta)B_(2)potentially provides improved ablation resistance compared with silicon-based ceramics.Here we deposited(Hf_(0.5-x/2)Zr_(0.5-x/2)Ta_(x))B_(2)(x=0,0.1,and 0.2)coatings onto C/C com-posites,and investigated their ablation behaviors under an oxyacetylene torch with a heat flux of 2.4 MW m^(-2).It was observed that the x=0.1 oxide scale bulged but was denser,and the x=0.2 oxide scale was blown away due to the formation of excessive liquid.Based on these findings,we further de-veloped a duplex(Hf-Zr-Ta)B_(2)coating that showed a linear recession rate close to zero(0.11μm s^(-1))after two 120-s ablation cycles.It is identified that the resulting oxide scale is mainly composed of(Hf,Zr)_(6)Ta_(2)O_(17)and(Hf,Zr,Ta)O_(2)by performing aberration-corrected(scanning)transmission electron microscopy.The protective mechanism is related to the peritectic transformation of orthorhombic-(Hf,Zr)_(6)Ta_(2)O_(17)to tetragonal-(Hf,Zr,Ta)O_(2)plus Ta-dominated liquid.This study contributes to the develop-ment of Ta-containing multicomponent UHTC bulk and coatings for ultra-high temperature applications.展开更多
This editorial comments on a study by Zuo et al.The focus is on the efficacy of he-patic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with camrelizumab and apatinib(the TRIPLET regimen),alongside microwave ablation therapy...This editorial comments on a study by Zuo et al.The focus is on the efficacy of he-patic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with camrelizumab and apatinib(the TRIPLET regimen),alongside microwave ablation therapy,in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The potential application of this combination therapy for patients with advanced HCC is evaluated.展开更多
To improve the compactness and properties of C/C-SiC-ZrC composites produced by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis(PIP)method,the low-temperature reactive melt infiltration(RMI)process was used to seal the composite...To improve the compactness and properties of C/C-SiC-ZrC composites produced by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis(PIP)method,the low-temperature reactive melt infiltration(RMI)process was used to seal the composites using Zr_(2)Cu as the filler.The microstructure,mechanical properties,and ablation properties of the Zr_(2)Cu packed composites were analyzed.Results show that during Zr_(2)Cu impregnation,the melt efficiently fills the large pores of the composites and is converted to ZrCu due to a partial reaction of zirconium with carbon.This results in an increase in composite density from 1.91 g/cm^(3)to 2.24 g/cm^(3)and a reduction in open porosity by 27.35%.Additionally,the flexural strength of Zr_(2)Cu packed C/C-SiC-ZrC composites is improved from 122.78±8.09 MPa to 135.53±5.40 MPa.After plasma ablation for 20 s,the modified composites demonstrate superior ablative resistance compared to PIP C/C-SiC-ZrC,with mass ablation and linear ablation rates of 2.77×10^(−3)g/s and 2.60×10^(−3)mm/s,respectively.The“selftranspiration”effect of the low-melting point copper-containing phase absorbs the heat of the plasma flame,further reducing the ablation temperature and promoting the formation of refined ZrO_(2)particles within the SiO_(2)melting layer.This provides more stable erosion protection for Zr_(2)Cu packed C/C-SiC-ZrC composites.展开更多
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation has gained popularity as treatment for malignant hepatic tumors.It was first introduced as ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis comorbidity.Recent...Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation has gained popularity as treatment for malignant hepatic tumors.It was first introduced as ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis comorbidity.Recently,this technique has also been used in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma for patients who are not eligible for surgical resection.There are several types of thermal ablation techniques.Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are two common methods that induce necrosis of the lesions.Irreversible electroporation is a relatively new non-thermal technique and is suitable in cases where thermal ablation would be ineffective or dangerous(e.g.,malignant tumors close to vascular or biliary structures).Irreversible electroporation can induce tumoral necrosis without damage to vascular and biliary structures.The aim of this minireview was to describe the safety,efficacy,and clinical indications of these techniques in the treatment of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who are ineligible for surgery.展开更多
Cryotherapy is a treatment modality that uses extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue through both immediate and delayed cellular injury.This therapy is increasingly being adopted across various medical specialties du...Cryotherapy is a treatment modality that uses extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue through both immediate and delayed cellular injury.This therapy is increasingly being adopted across various medical specialties due to its minimally invasive nature and technological advancements that have been made.In the esophagus,cryotherapy is particularly utilized for the management of Barrett esophagus.It has been demonstrated to be effective and safe with potential benefits,such as a reduction in pain,over radiofrequency ablation.Additionally,it might offer a valuable alternative for patients unresponsive to radiofrequency ablation.Cryotherapy is applied for other conditions as well,including esophageal squamous cell neoplasia and malignant dysphagia.More research is needed to gain understanding of the utility in these conditions.Interestingly,cryotherapy has shown the ability to enhance the host’s immune response in reaction to antigens left in situ after treatment.While preclinical data have demonstrated promising results,the immune response is often insufficient to induce tumor regression in the clinical setting.Therefore,there is growing interest in the combination of cryotherapy and immunotherapy where ablation creates an antigen depot,and the immune system is subsequently stimulated.This combination holds promise for the future and potentially opens new doors for a breakthrough in cancer treatment.展开更多
Microwave ablation(MWA)is emerging as a highly effective treatment for colorectal liver metastases(CRLMs).This review explores the advantages of MWA compared to other ablative techniques such as radiofrequency ablatio...Microwave ablation(MWA)is emerging as a highly effective treatment for colorectal liver metastases(CRLMs).This review explores the advantages of MWA compared to other ablative techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation and highlights its clinical efficacy,safety,and technical considerations.MWA offers significant benefits,including higher intratumoral temperatures,larger ablation zones,and reduced susceptibility to the heat-sink effect,which make it particularly suitable for tumors near large blood vessels.This review details the patient selection criteria,procedural approaches,and the use of advanced imaging techniques to improve the precision and effectiveness of MWA.Clinical outcomes indicate that MWA achieves high rates of complete tumor ablation and long-term survival with a favorable safety profile.This review is significant because it provides updated insights into the expanding role of MWA in treating unresectable CRLM and its potential as an alternative to surgical resection for resectable tumors.By summarizing recent studies and clinical trials,this review highlights the comparative effectiveness,safety,and integration with systemic therapies of MWA.In conclusion,MWA is a promising treatment option for CRLM and offers outcomes comparable to or better than those of other ablative techniques.Future research should focus on optimizing technical parameters,integrating MWA with systemic therapies,and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to establish standardized treatment protocols.Advancing our understanding of MWA will enhance its application and improve long-term survival and quality of life for patients with CRLM.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser ablation (EVLA) in the treatment of superficial varicose veins of the lower extremities. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with s...Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser ablation (EVLA) in the treatment of superficial varicose veins of the lower extremities. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with superficial varicose veins treated at a hospital between April 2022 and May 2023 were selected and divided into a radiofrequency ablation group (RFA group;39 cases) and a laser ablation group (EVLA group;39 cases) based on the treatment method. Operation time, postoperative recovery duration, venous clinical severity score (VCSS) changes, complication rates, closure rates, and recurrence rates were compared between the groups at 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The postoperative therapeutic outcomes were comprehensively evaluated. Results: No significant differences in age, gender, disease grade, or disease course were observed between the groups (P > 0.05). The superficial varicose vein closure rate was 100% in both groups at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. At 12 months, the closure rate was 94.87% in the RFA group and 97.43% in the EVLA group, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in VCSS changes or complication incidence between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety in the treatment of superficial varicose veins of the lower extremities.展开更多
BACKGROUND The feasibility and safety of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for oligometastatic colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)have been well established.However,the role of RFA in multiple metastases after first-line chem...BACKGROUND The feasibility and safety of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for oligometastatic colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)have been well established.However,the role of RFA in multiple metastases after first-line chemotherapy failure remains underexplored.AIM To assess long-term survival and factors affecting outcomes of RFA in patients with multiple refractory CRLM.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent ablation of CRLM at our institution between January 2015 and June 2024.A total of 80 patients were included,with 42 individuals receiving single-session ablation and 38 underwent repeat ablation.Enhanced computed tomography imaging was utilized to evaluate procedural efficacy 24 hours post-RFA,followed by follow-up scans every 3-4 months.Progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)rates were compared at endpoint using Kaplan-Meier curves.Cox regression was used to identify the factors associated with OS and PFS.RESULTS The technical success rate was recorded at 98.7%.At endpoint,42(52.5%)patients achieved tumor-free survival,while 28(35%)remained alive with residual tumors present.No significant OS/PFS differences existed between single-session(median follow-up 29.5 months,median PFS 24.5 months)and repeat ablation(30 months,14 months)cohorts(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that larger tumor size(P<0.001)and older age(P=0.01)were associated with worse OS.The median PFS was 13.5 months,with tumor size emerging as the only independent predictor(P=0.04).CONCLUSION For patients with multiple refractory CRLM,both single-session ablation and repeat ablation can increase the proportion of patients achieving tumor-free status.However,careful consideration is necessary for ablation of metastases larger than 2.7 cm.展开更多
The current generation of ultrahigh temperature ceramic precursors typically encounters obstacles in achieving high ceramic yields(<40 wt.%)due to the challenges in integrating significant amounts of boron,which ha...The current generation of ultrahigh temperature ceramic precursors typically encounters obstacles in achieving high ceramic yields(<40 wt.%)due to the challenges in integrating significant amounts of boron,which hampers their conversion into boride-based ultrahigh temperature ceramics.To tackle these challenges,a serious of pioneering liquid multi-component hafnium-containing ceramic SiHfCB precursors(with different Hf/Si ratios)have been developed.These novel precursors are featured with stable molec-ular structure and high ceramic yield which were successfully created through a novel one-pot polymer-ization process.They present in liquid form and their structure is characterized by C-C bonds forming its main chain with branched chains of O-Si-O,Si-O-Hf,Si-O-B,and B-O-Hf which have untapped advantages including uniform component dispersion,and excellent fluidity.The ceramic yield of SiHfCB precursor with Hf/Si of 0.2 is remarkably up to 68.6 wt.%at 1500℃,and their Hf content exceeded 50 wt.%.Of particular interest,the pyrolyzed product HfB_(2)-SiC nanopowders derived from the SiHfCB precursor with Hf/Si of 0.2,consist of nanopowders in the 40-60 nm range with a density of 5.23 g cm^(−3).Remarkably,this material demonstrates exceptional performance in ultrahigh temperature oxygen-containing environ-ments at 2500℃,showing near-zero ablation with a linear ablation rate of just 2.5×10^(−4) mm s^(−1).Post-ablation analysis of the microstructure reveals that the formation of a lava-like HfO_(2) and HfO_(2)-SiO_(2) oxide layer effectively blocks oxygen penetration and provides excellent oxidation resistance.The inno-vative SiHfCB hafnium-containing ceramic precursor offers a groundbreaking solution for the preparation of lightweight ultrahigh-temperature ceramics.This development is poised to provide robust technical support for the use of ultrahigh temperature ceramics in non-ablative thermal protective systems,partic-ularly in the construction of hypersonic vehicles,where ultrahigh temperature resilience is crucial.展开更多
Purpose:The major limitation of tumor microwave ablation(MWA)operation is the lack of predictability of the ablation zone before surgery.Operators rely on their individual experience to select a treatment plan,which i...Purpose:The major limitation of tumor microwave ablation(MWA)operation is the lack of predictability of the ablation zone before surgery.Operators rely on their individual experience to select a treatment plan,which is prone to either inadequate or excessive ablation.This paper aims to establish an ablation prediction model that guides MWA tumor surgical planning.Methods:An MWA process was first simulated by incorporating electromagnetic radiation equations,thermal equations,and optimized biological tissue parameters(dynamic dielectric and thermophysical parameters).The temperature distributions(the short/long diameters,and the total volume of the ablation zone)were then generated and verified by 60 cases ex vivo porcine liver experiments.Subsequently,a series of data were obtained from the simulated temperature distributions and to further fit the novel ablation coagulated area prediction model(ACAPM),thus rendering the ablation-dose table for the guiding surgical plan.The MWA clinical patient data and clinical devices suggested data were used to validate the accuracy and practicability of the established predicted model.Results:The 60 cases ex vivo porcine liver experiments demonstrated the accuracy of the simulated temperature distributions.Compared to traditional simulation methods,our approach reduces the long-diameter error of the ablation zone from 1.1 cm to 0.29 cm,achieving a 74%reduction in error.Further,the clinical data including the patients'operation results and devices provided values were consistent well with our predicated data,indicating the great potential of ACAPM to assist preoperative planning.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common primary liver malignancy.Ablation therapy is one of the first-line treatments for early HCC.Accurately predicting early recurrence(ER)is crucial for making pr...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common primary liver malignancy.Ablation therapy is one of the first-line treatments for early HCC.Accurately predicting early recurrence(ER)is crucial for making precise treatment plans and improving patient prognosis.AIM To establish an intratumoral and peritumoral model for predicting ER in HCC patients following curative ablation.METHODS This study included a total of 288 patients from three Centers.The patients were divided into a primary cohort(n=222)and an external cohort(n=66).Radiomics and deep learning methods were combined for feature extraction,and models were constructed following a three-step feature selection process.Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),while calibration curves and decision curve analysis(DCA)were used to assess calibration and clinical utility.Finally,Kaplan-Meier(K-M)analysis was used to stratify patients according to progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS).RESULTS The combined model,which utilizes the light gradient boosting machine learning algorithm and incorporates both intratumoral and peritumoral regions(5 mm and 10 mm),demonstrated the best predictive performance for ER following HCC ablation,achieving AUCs of 0.924 in the training set,0.899 in the internal validation set,and 0.839 in the external validation set.Calibration and DCA curves confirmed strong calibration and clinical utility,whereas K-M curves provided risk stratification for PFS and OS in HCC patients.CONCLUSION The most efficient model integrated the tumor region with the peritumoral 5 mm and 10 mm regions.This model provides a noninvasive,effective,and reliable method for predicting ER after curative ablation of HCC.展开更多
Controllable rock cracking technology is crucial for the exploration and exploitation of deep underground resources.Many existing studies have been dedicated to the laser-assisted rock-weakening technology.It has been...Controllable rock cracking technology is crucial for the exploration and exploitation of deep underground resources.Many existing studies have been dedicated to the laser-assisted rock-weakening technology.It has been proved that laser irradiation can improve drilling and blasting efficiency when combined with mechanical rock fracturing methods,which are irrelevant for borehole stabilization.To improve the latter,this study used laser ablation for borehole reinforcement.The high-power laser was applied to typical rock samples(sandstone,mudstone and coal)in both dry and saturated conditions.Multi-technique observations and measurements were used to fully understand the peculiar modifications of the specimens under laser treatment,i.e.mechanical loading,acoustic emission(AE)monitoring,digital image correlation(DIC)strain field evaluation,infrared thermography(IRT)monitoring and X-ray computed tomography(CT)scanning.The results showed that,in addition to the effects already demonstrated,laser irradiation can improve the strength of the soft rock,especially in the saturated state.The process involved a complicated phase change including melting and evaporation of the matrix under high-temperature and high-pressure to form a glassy high strength silicate material.This process is similar to the reaction between molten lava and water,or the impact of an asteroid on the earth.Inspired by the results,a conceptual path for a new borehole stabilization technology using laser ablation was outlined.展开更多
Solid organ tumors present a significant healthcare challenge,both economically and logistically,due to their high incidence and treatment complexity.In 2023,out of the 1.9 million new cancer cases in the United State...Solid organ tumors present a significant healthcare challenge,both economically and logistically,due to their high incidence and treatment complexity.In 2023,out of the 1.9 million new cancer cases in the United States,over 73%were solid organ tumors.Ablative therapies offer minimally invasive solutions for malignant tissue destruction in situ,often with reduced cost and morbidity compared to surgical resection.This review examines the current Food and Drug Administration-approved locoregional ablative therapies(radiofrequency,microwave,cryogenic,high-intensity focused ultrasound,histotripsy)and their evolving role in cancer care.Data were collected through a comprehensive survey of the PubMed-inde-xed literature on tumor ablation techniques,their clinical indications,and outco-mes.Over time,emerging clinical data will help establish these therapies as the standard of care in solid organ tumor treatment,supported by improved long-term outcomes and progression-free survival.展开更多
Pancreatic neoplasms present a significant therapeutic challenge due to their complex anatomy and poor prognosis.In recent years,endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation(EUS-RFA)has emerged as a promising ...Pancreatic neoplasms present a significant therapeutic challenge due to their complex anatomy and poor prognosis.In recent years,endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation(EUS-RFA)has emerged as a promising minimally invasive therapeutic option,aiming to provide targeted treatment with improved patients’outcomes.This review aims to shed light on current evidence about the efficacy,safety,and clinical outcomes of EUS-RFA in the management of pancreatic neoplasms.We conducted a comprehensive search of literature,reviewing studies that document the application of EUS-RFA in pancreatic masses.The key metrics for efficacy included tumor size reduction,pain relief,and overall survival,while safety outcomes focused on procedural complications and post-operative recovery.EUS-RFA has demonstrated potential in effectively managing both benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms,with several studies reporting significant reductions in tumor size and symptomatic relief.The technique is associated with a favorable safety profile,characterized by a low incidence of major complications.EUS-RFA represents a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal for pancreatic neoplasms,offering a viable alternative to surgical interventions,especially in patients with contraindications for surgery.Further studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and long-term outcomes,enhancing its applicability and success in clinical practice.展开更多
In materials science,a significant correlation often exists between material input parameters and their corresponding performance attributes.Nevertheless,the inherent challenges associated with small data obscure thes...In materials science,a significant correlation often exists between material input parameters and their corresponding performance attributes.Nevertheless,the inherent challenges associated with small data obscure these statistical correlations,impeding machine learning models from effectively capturing the underlying patterns,thereby hampering efficient optimization of material properties.This work presents a novel active learning framework that integrates generative adversarial networks(GAN)with a directionally constrained expected absolute improvement(EAI)acquisition function to accelerate the discovery of ultra-high temperature ceramics(UHTCs)using small data.The framework employs GAN for data augmentation,symbolic regression for feature weight derivation,and a self-developed EAI function that incorporates input feature importance weighting to quantify bidirectional deviations from zero ablation rate.Through only two iterations,this framework successfully identified the optimal composition of HfB_(2)-3.52SiC-5.23TaSi_(2),which exhibits robust near-zero ablation rates under plasma ablation at 2500℃ for 200 s,demonstrating superior sampling efficiency compared to conventional active learning approaches.Microstructural analysis reveals that the exceptional performance stems from the formation of a highly viscous HfO_(2)-SiO_(2)-Ta_(2)O_(5)-HfSiO_(4)-Hf_(3)(BO_(3))_(4) oxide layer,which provides effective oxygen barrier protection.This work demonstrates an efficient and universal approach for rapid materials discovery using small data.展开更多
Objective: To assess the predictors of successful inactivation of benign thyroid nodules using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the hormonal responses thereafter. Methods: A retrospective study conducted at Zhongnan ...Objective: To assess the predictors of successful inactivation of benign thyroid nodules using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the hormonal responses thereafter. Methods: A retrospective study conducted at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (January 2022 to January 2024) analysed thyroid tumor characteristics using B-mode ultrasound, colour Doppler imaging, and CEUS post-RFA. Thyroid hormone levels were also assessed before RFA and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. Results: The study involved 72 patients with benign thyroid nodules, comprising 13 males and 59 females, with a mean age of 45.8 ± 12.1 years. Complete inactivation was achieved in 70.8% of nodules, while 29.2% showed partial inactivation. Nodules with complete inactivation exhibited more calcification (p = 0.040), whereas those with partial inactivation demonstrated higher vascularity (p Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found that therapeutic RFA effectively achieves high rates of complete inactivation in benign thyroid nodules, with the degree of inactivation mainly influenced by nodule vascularity and calcifications.展开更多
Ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography(UV-NIL)is a versatile and cost-effective technique for the fabrication of micro-and nanostructures by copying master patterns in a planar or a roll-to-roll process through curing of...Ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography(UV-NIL)is a versatile and cost-effective technique for the fabrication of micro-and nanostructures by copying master patterns in a planar or a roll-to-roll process through curing of a liquid UV-sensitive precursor.For applications with a high pattern complexity,new UV-NIL process chains must be specified.Master fabrication is a challenging part of the development and often cannot be accomplished using a single master fabrication technique.Therefore,an approach combining different patterning fabrication techniques is developed here for polymer masters using laser direct writing and photolithography.The polymer masters produced in this way are molded into inverse silicone stamps that are used for roll-to-roll replication into an acrylate formulation.To fit the required roller size for large-area UV-NIL,several submasters with micrometer-sized dot and line gratings and prism arrays,which have been patterned by these different techniques,are assembled to final size of ~200×600 mm^(2) with an absolute precision of better than 50μm.The size of the submasters allows the use of standard laboratory equipment for patterning and direct writing,thus enabling the fabrication of micro-and even nanostructures when electron-beam writing is utilized.In this way,the effort,time,and costs for the fabrication of masters for UV-NIL processes are reduced,enabling further development for particular structures and applications.Using this approach,patterns fabricated with different laboratory tools are finally replicated by UV-NIL in an acrylate formulation,demonstrating the high quality of the whole process chain.展开更多
文摘AIM To evaluate disparities in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) based on gender.METHODS A retrospective database analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample(NIS) was performed between 2010 and 2013. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma determined by International Classification of Disease 9(ICD-9) codes were included. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze differences in treatment, mortality, features of decompensation, and metastatic disease based on the patient's gender.RESULTS The analysis included 62582 patients with 45908 men and 16674 women. Women were less likely to present with decompensated liver disease(OR = 0.84, P < 0.001) and had less risk of inpatient mortality when compared to men(OR = 0.75, P < 0.001). Women were more likely to receive inpatient resection(OR = 1.31, P < 0.001) or an ablation(OR = 1.22, P = 0.028) than men. There was no significant difference between men and women in regard to liver transplantation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).CONCLUSION Gender impacts treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Women are more likely to undergo an ablation or resection then men. Gender disparities in transplantation have resolved.
文摘Despite the improvements in surgical and medical therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),recurrence still represents a major issue.Up to 70%of patients can experience HCC recurrence after liver resection(LR),as well as 20%of them even after liver transplantation(LT).The patterns of recurrence are different according to both the time and the location.Similarly,the risk factors and the management can change not only according to these patterns,but also according to the underlying liver condition and to the first treatment performed.Deep knowledge of such correlation is fundamental,since prevention and effective management of recurrence are undoubtedly the most important strategies to improve the outcomes of HCC treatment.Without adjuvant therapy,maintaining very close monitoring during the first 2 years in order to diagnose curable recurrence and continue this monitoring beyond 5 years because late recurrences exist,remains our only possibility today.Surgery represents the cornerstone treatment for HCC,including both LT and LR.However,new interesting therapeutic opportunities are coming from immunotherapy that has shown encouraging results also in the adjuvant setting.In such a complex and evolutionary scenario,the aim of this review is to summarize current strategies for the management of HCC recurrence,focusing on the different possible scenarios,as well as on future perspectives.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program,No.2023YFF0713700 and No.2023YFF0713705Common Technology R&D Platform of Shaanxi Province,No.2023GXJS-01-1-2the Cyrus Tang Foundation Chung Ying Young Scholars Program.
文摘BACKGROUND Duodenal mucosal ablation(DMA)using irreversible electroporation(IRE)with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist has been clinically shown to reduce liver lipid deposition in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).However,the specific metabolic contributions of DMA using IRE in NAFLD remain unclear.AIM To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of DMA using IRE in NAFLD rat models.METHODS Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent DMA using IRE after 8 weeks on a high-fat diet.Two weeks post-treatment,duodenal and liver tissues and blood samples were collected.We evaluated differences in the duodenal wall structure,liver lipid deposition,enteroendocrine,claudin,and zonula ocludens-1 in the duodenal mucosa.RESULTS DMA using IRE could be safely performed in rats with NAFLD without duodenal bleeding,perforation,or stenosis.The duodenum healed well 2 weeks after DMA and was characterized by slimmer villi,narrower and shallower crypts,and thicker myenterons compared with the sham-control setting.Liver lipid deposition was reduced and serum lipid index parameters were considerably improved in the DMA setting.However,these improvements were independent of food intake and weight loss.In addition,enteroendocrine parameters,such as claudin,and zonula ocludens-1 levels in the duodenal mucosa,differed between the different settings in the DMA group.CONCLUSION By altering enteroendocrine and duodenal permeability,simple DMA using IRE ameliorated liver lipid deposition and improved serum lipid parameters in NAFLD rats.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Pro-gram of China(Grant No.2021YFA0715803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52293373,52130205,and 52302091)+1 种基金the Joint Fund of Henan Province Science and Technol-ogy R&D Program(No.225200810002)the ND Basic Research Funds of Northwestern Polytechnical University(No.G2022WD).
文摘Multicomponent(Hf-Zr-Ta)B_(2)potentially provides improved ablation resistance compared with silicon-based ceramics.Here we deposited(Hf_(0.5-x/2)Zr_(0.5-x/2)Ta_(x))B_(2)(x=0,0.1,and 0.2)coatings onto C/C com-posites,and investigated their ablation behaviors under an oxyacetylene torch with a heat flux of 2.4 MW m^(-2).It was observed that the x=0.1 oxide scale bulged but was denser,and the x=0.2 oxide scale was blown away due to the formation of excessive liquid.Based on these findings,we further de-veloped a duplex(Hf-Zr-Ta)B_(2)coating that showed a linear recession rate close to zero(0.11μm s^(-1))after two 120-s ablation cycles.It is identified that the resulting oxide scale is mainly composed of(Hf,Zr)_(6)Ta_(2)O_(17)and(Hf,Zr,Ta)O_(2)by performing aberration-corrected(scanning)transmission electron microscopy.The protective mechanism is related to the peritectic transformation of orthorhombic-(Hf,Zr)_(6)Ta_(2)O_(17)to tetragonal-(Hf,Zr,Ta)O_(2)plus Ta-dominated liquid.This study contributes to the develop-ment of Ta-containing multicomponent UHTC bulk and coatings for ultra-high temperature applications.
文摘This editorial comments on a study by Zuo et al.The focus is on the efficacy of he-patic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with camrelizumab and apatinib(the TRIPLET regimen),alongside microwave ablation therapy,in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The potential application of this combination therapy for patients with advanced HCC is evaluated.
基金Open Fund of Zhijian Laboratory,Rocket Force University of Engineering(2024-ZJSYS-KF02-09)National Natural Science Foundation of China(51902028,52272034)+1 种基金Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi(2023JBGS-15)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Changan University,300102313202,300102312406)。
文摘To improve the compactness and properties of C/C-SiC-ZrC composites produced by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis(PIP)method,the low-temperature reactive melt infiltration(RMI)process was used to seal the composites using Zr_(2)Cu as the filler.The microstructure,mechanical properties,and ablation properties of the Zr_(2)Cu packed composites were analyzed.Results show that during Zr_(2)Cu impregnation,the melt efficiently fills the large pores of the composites and is converted to ZrCu due to a partial reaction of zirconium with carbon.This results in an increase in composite density from 1.91 g/cm^(3)to 2.24 g/cm^(3)and a reduction in open porosity by 27.35%.Additionally,the flexural strength of Zr_(2)Cu packed C/C-SiC-ZrC composites is improved from 122.78±8.09 MPa to 135.53±5.40 MPa.After plasma ablation for 20 s,the modified composites demonstrate superior ablative resistance compared to PIP C/C-SiC-ZrC,with mass ablation and linear ablation rates of 2.77×10^(−3)g/s and 2.60×10^(−3)mm/s,respectively.The“selftranspiration”effect of the low-melting point copper-containing phase absorbs the heat of the plasma flame,further reducing the ablation temperature and promoting the formation of refined ZrO_(2)particles within the SiO_(2)melting layer.This provides more stable erosion protection for Zr_(2)Cu packed C/C-SiC-ZrC composites.
文摘Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation has gained popularity as treatment for malignant hepatic tumors.It was first introduced as ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis comorbidity.Recently,this technique has also been used in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma for patients who are not eligible for surgical resection.There are several types of thermal ablation techniques.Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are two common methods that induce necrosis of the lesions.Irreversible electroporation is a relatively new non-thermal technique and is suitable in cases where thermal ablation would be ineffective or dangerous(e.g.,malignant tumors close to vascular or biliary structures).Irreversible electroporation can induce tumoral necrosis without damage to vascular and biliary structures.The aim of this minireview was to describe the safety,efficacy,and clinical indications of these techniques in the treatment of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who are ineligible for surgery.
文摘Cryotherapy is a treatment modality that uses extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue through both immediate and delayed cellular injury.This therapy is increasingly being adopted across various medical specialties due to its minimally invasive nature and technological advancements that have been made.In the esophagus,cryotherapy is particularly utilized for the management of Barrett esophagus.It has been demonstrated to be effective and safe with potential benefits,such as a reduction in pain,over radiofrequency ablation.Additionally,it might offer a valuable alternative for patients unresponsive to radiofrequency ablation.Cryotherapy is applied for other conditions as well,including esophageal squamous cell neoplasia and malignant dysphagia.More research is needed to gain understanding of the utility in these conditions.Interestingly,cryotherapy has shown the ability to enhance the host’s immune response in reaction to antigens left in situ after treatment.While preclinical data have demonstrated promising results,the immune response is often insufficient to induce tumor regression in the clinical setting.Therefore,there is growing interest in the combination of cryotherapy and immunotherapy where ablation creates an antigen depot,and the immune system is subsequently stimulated.This combination holds promise for the future and potentially opens new doors for a breakthrough in cancer treatment.
基金Supported by the Joint Medical Scientific Research Project of Chongqing Science and Technology Committee and Chongqing Health Committee,No.2021MSXM308.
文摘Microwave ablation(MWA)is emerging as a highly effective treatment for colorectal liver metastases(CRLMs).This review explores the advantages of MWA compared to other ablative techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation and highlights its clinical efficacy,safety,and technical considerations.MWA offers significant benefits,including higher intratumoral temperatures,larger ablation zones,and reduced susceptibility to the heat-sink effect,which make it particularly suitable for tumors near large blood vessels.This review details the patient selection criteria,procedural approaches,and the use of advanced imaging techniques to improve the precision and effectiveness of MWA.Clinical outcomes indicate that MWA achieves high rates of complete tumor ablation and long-term survival with a favorable safety profile.This review is significant because it provides updated insights into the expanding role of MWA in treating unresectable CRLM and its potential as an alternative to surgical resection for resectable tumors.By summarizing recent studies and clinical trials,this review highlights the comparative effectiveness,safety,and integration with systemic therapies of MWA.In conclusion,MWA is a promising treatment option for CRLM and offers outcomes comparable to or better than those of other ablative techniques.Future research should focus on optimizing technical parameters,integrating MWA with systemic therapies,and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to establish standardized treatment protocols.Advancing our understanding of MWA will enhance its application and improve long-term survival and quality of life for patients with CRLM.
基金supported by the 2024 University Scientific Research Project of Guangzhou Education Bureau(Project No.24312286Certificate No.gd20249983112).
文摘Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser ablation (EVLA) in the treatment of superficial varicose veins of the lower extremities. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with superficial varicose veins treated at a hospital between April 2022 and May 2023 were selected and divided into a radiofrequency ablation group (RFA group;39 cases) and a laser ablation group (EVLA group;39 cases) based on the treatment method. Operation time, postoperative recovery duration, venous clinical severity score (VCSS) changes, complication rates, closure rates, and recurrence rates were compared between the groups at 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The postoperative therapeutic outcomes were comprehensively evaluated. Results: No significant differences in age, gender, disease grade, or disease course were observed between the groups (P > 0.05). The superficial varicose vein closure rate was 100% in both groups at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. At 12 months, the closure rate was 94.87% in the RFA group and 97.43% in the EVLA group, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in VCSS changes or complication incidence between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety in the treatment of superficial varicose veins of the lower extremities.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82027803 and No.81971623Key Research and Development Project of Zhejiang Province,No.2024C03092.
文摘BACKGROUND The feasibility and safety of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for oligometastatic colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)have been well established.However,the role of RFA in multiple metastases after first-line chemotherapy failure remains underexplored.AIM To assess long-term survival and factors affecting outcomes of RFA in patients with multiple refractory CRLM.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent ablation of CRLM at our institution between January 2015 and June 2024.A total of 80 patients were included,with 42 individuals receiving single-session ablation and 38 underwent repeat ablation.Enhanced computed tomography imaging was utilized to evaluate procedural efficacy 24 hours post-RFA,followed by follow-up scans every 3-4 months.Progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)rates were compared at endpoint using Kaplan-Meier curves.Cox regression was used to identify the factors associated with OS and PFS.RESULTS The technical success rate was recorded at 98.7%.At endpoint,42(52.5%)patients achieved tumor-free survival,while 28(35%)remained alive with residual tumors present.No significant OS/PFS differences existed between single-session(median follow-up 29.5 months,median PFS 24.5 months)and repeat ablation(30 months,14 months)cohorts(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that larger tumor size(P<0.001)and older age(P=0.01)were associated with worse OS.The median PFS was 13.5 months,with tumor size emerging as the only independent predictor(P=0.04).CONCLUSION For patients with multiple refractory CRLM,both single-session ablation and repeat ablation can increase the proportion of patients achieving tumor-free status.However,careful consideration is necessary for ablation of metastases larger than 2.7 cm.
基金supported by the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52032003)the Major Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52293372)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51972082)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52102093)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52172041)and the science foundation of national key laboratory of science and technology on advanced composites in special environments.
文摘The current generation of ultrahigh temperature ceramic precursors typically encounters obstacles in achieving high ceramic yields(<40 wt.%)due to the challenges in integrating significant amounts of boron,which hampers their conversion into boride-based ultrahigh temperature ceramics.To tackle these challenges,a serious of pioneering liquid multi-component hafnium-containing ceramic SiHfCB precursors(with different Hf/Si ratios)have been developed.These novel precursors are featured with stable molec-ular structure and high ceramic yield which were successfully created through a novel one-pot polymer-ization process.They present in liquid form and their structure is characterized by C-C bonds forming its main chain with branched chains of O-Si-O,Si-O-Hf,Si-O-B,and B-O-Hf which have untapped advantages including uniform component dispersion,and excellent fluidity.The ceramic yield of SiHfCB precursor with Hf/Si of 0.2 is remarkably up to 68.6 wt.%at 1500℃,and their Hf content exceeded 50 wt.%.Of particular interest,the pyrolyzed product HfB_(2)-SiC nanopowders derived from the SiHfCB precursor with Hf/Si of 0.2,consist of nanopowders in the 40-60 nm range with a density of 5.23 g cm^(−3).Remarkably,this material demonstrates exceptional performance in ultrahigh temperature oxygen-containing environ-ments at 2500℃,showing near-zero ablation with a linear ablation rate of just 2.5×10^(−4) mm s^(−1).Post-ablation analysis of the microstructure reveals that the formation of a lava-like HfO_(2) and HfO_(2)-SiO_(2) oxide layer effectively blocks oxygen penetration and provides excellent oxidation resistance.The inno-vative SiHfCB hafnium-containing ceramic precursor offers a groundbreaking solution for the preparation of lightweight ultrahigh-temperature ceramics.This development is poised to provide robust technical support for the use of ultrahigh temperature ceramics in non-ablative thermal protective systems,partic-ularly in the construction of hypersonic vehicles,where ultrahigh temperature resilience is crucial.
基金supported by the National Major Scientific Instruments and Equipment Development Project Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81827803)the Jiangsu Province Key Research and Development Program(Social Development)Project(BE2020705).
文摘Purpose:The major limitation of tumor microwave ablation(MWA)operation is the lack of predictability of the ablation zone before surgery.Operators rely on their individual experience to select a treatment plan,which is prone to either inadequate or excessive ablation.This paper aims to establish an ablation prediction model that guides MWA tumor surgical planning.Methods:An MWA process was first simulated by incorporating electromagnetic radiation equations,thermal equations,and optimized biological tissue parameters(dynamic dielectric and thermophysical parameters).The temperature distributions(the short/long diameters,and the total volume of the ablation zone)were then generated and verified by 60 cases ex vivo porcine liver experiments.Subsequently,a series of data were obtained from the simulated temperature distributions and to further fit the novel ablation coagulated area prediction model(ACAPM),thus rendering the ablation-dose table for the guiding surgical plan.The MWA clinical patient data and clinical devices suggested data were used to validate the accuracy and practicability of the established predicted model.Results:The 60 cases ex vivo porcine liver experiments demonstrated the accuracy of the simulated temperature distributions.Compared to traditional simulation methods,our approach reduces the long-diameter error of the ablation zone from 1.1 cm to 0.29 cm,achieving a 74%reduction in error.Further,the clinical data including the patients'operation results and devices provided values were consistent well with our predicated data,indicating the great potential of ACAPM to assist preoperative planning.
基金Supported by Anhui Provincial Key Research and Development Plan,No.202104j07020048.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common primary liver malignancy.Ablation therapy is one of the first-line treatments for early HCC.Accurately predicting early recurrence(ER)is crucial for making precise treatment plans and improving patient prognosis.AIM To establish an intratumoral and peritumoral model for predicting ER in HCC patients following curative ablation.METHODS This study included a total of 288 patients from three Centers.The patients were divided into a primary cohort(n=222)and an external cohort(n=66).Radiomics and deep learning methods were combined for feature extraction,and models were constructed following a three-step feature selection process.Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),while calibration curves and decision curve analysis(DCA)were used to assess calibration and clinical utility.Finally,Kaplan-Meier(K-M)analysis was used to stratify patients according to progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS).RESULTS The combined model,which utilizes the light gradient boosting machine learning algorithm and incorporates both intratumoral and peritumoral regions(5 mm and 10 mm),demonstrated the best predictive performance for ER following HCC ablation,achieving AUCs of 0.924 in the training set,0.899 in the internal validation set,and 0.839 in the external validation set.Calibration and DCA curves confirmed strong calibration and clinical utility,whereas K-M curves provided risk stratification for PFS and OS in HCC patients.CONCLUSION The most efficient model integrated the tumor region with the peritumoral 5 mm and 10 mm regions.This model provides a noninvasive,effective,and reliable method for predicting ER after curative ablation of HCC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51804296)China Scholarship Council Grant(Grant No.CSC#202006425019).
文摘Controllable rock cracking technology is crucial for the exploration and exploitation of deep underground resources.Many existing studies have been dedicated to the laser-assisted rock-weakening technology.It has been proved that laser irradiation can improve drilling and blasting efficiency when combined with mechanical rock fracturing methods,which are irrelevant for borehole stabilization.To improve the latter,this study used laser ablation for borehole reinforcement.The high-power laser was applied to typical rock samples(sandstone,mudstone and coal)in both dry and saturated conditions.Multi-technique observations and measurements were used to fully understand the peculiar modifications of the specimens under laser treatment,i.e.mechanical loading,acoustic emission(AE)monitoring,digital image correlation(DIC)strain field evaluation,infrared thermography(IRT)monitoring and X-ray computed tomography(CT)scanning.The results showed that,in addition to the effects already demonstrated,laser irradiation can improve the strength of the soft rock,especially in the saturated state.The process involved a complicated phase change including melting and evaporation of the matrix under high-temperature and high-pressure to form a glassy high strength silicate material.This process is similar to the reaction between molten lava and water,or the impact of an asteroid on the earth.Inspired by the results,a conceptual path for a new borehole stabilization technology using laser ablation was outlined.
文摘Solid organ tumors present a significant healthcare challenge,both economically and logistically,due to their high incidence and treatment complexity.In 2023,out of the 1.9 million new cancer cases in the United States,over 73%were solid organ tumors.Ablative therapies offer minimally invasive solutions for malignant tissue destruction in situ,often with reduced cost and morbidity compared to surgical resection.This review examines the current Food and Drug Administration-approved locoregional ablative therapies(radiofrequency,microwave,cryogenic,high-intensity focused ultrasound,histotripsy)and their evolving role in cancer care.Data were collected through a comprehensive survey of the PubMed-inde-xed literature on tumor ablation techniques,their clinical indications,and outco-mes.Over time,emerging clinical data will help establish these therapies as the standard of care in solid organ tumor treatment,supported by improved long-term outcomes and progression-free survival.
文摘Pancreatic neoplasms present a significant therapeutic challenge due to their complex anatomy and poor prognosis.In recent years,endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation(EUS-RFA)has emerged as a promising minimally invasive therapeutic option,aiming to provide targeted treatment with improved patients’outcomes.This review aims to shed light on current evidence about the efficacy,safety,and clinical outcomes of EUS-RFA in the management of pancreatic neoplasms.We conducted a comprehensive search of literature,reviewing studies that document the application of EUS-RFA in pancreatic masses.The key metrics for efficacy included tumor size reduction,pain relief,and overall survival,while safety outcomes focused on procedural complications and post-operative recovery.EUS-RFA has demonstrated potential in effectively managing both benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms,with several studies reporting significant reductions in tumor size and symptomatic relief.The technique is associated with a favorable safety profile,characterized by a low incidence of major complications.EUS-RFA represents a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal for pancreatic neoplasms,offering a viable alternative to surgical interventions,especially in patients with contraindications for surgery.Further studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and long-term outcomes,enhancing its applicability and success in clinical practice.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 52302093]Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province[grant numbers 20224BAB204021].
文摘In materials science,a significant correlation often exists between material input parameters and their corresponding performance attributes.Nevertheless,the inherent challenges associated with small data obscure these statistical correlations,impeding machine learning models from effectively capturing the underlying patterns,thereby hampering efficient optimization of material properties.This work presents a novel active learning framework that integrates generative adversarial networks(GAN)with a directionally constrained expected absolute improvement(EAI)acquisition function to accelerate the discovery of ultra-high temperature ceramics(UHTCs)using small data.The framework employs GAN for data augmentation,symbolic regression for feature weight derivation,and a self-developed EAI function that incorporates input feature importance weighting to quantify bidirectional deviations from zero ablation rate.Through only two iterations,this framework successfully identified the optimal composition of HfB_(2)-3.52SiC-5.23TaSi_(2),which exhibits robust near-zero ablation rates under plasma ablation at 2500℃ for 200 s,demonstrating superior sampling efficiency compared to conventional active learning approaches.Microstructural analysis reveals that the exceptional performance stems from the formation of a highly viscous HfO_(2)-SiO_(2)-Ta_(2)O_(5)-HfSiO_(4)-Hf_(3)(BO_(3))_(4) oxide layer,which provides effective oxygen barrier protection.This work demonstrates an efficient and universal approach for rapid materials discovery using small data.
文摘Objective: To assess the predictors of successful inactivation of benign thyroid nodules using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the hormonal responses thereafter. Methods: A retrospective study conducted at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (January 2022 to January 2024) analysed thyroid tumor characteristics using B-mode ultrasound, colour Doppler imaging, and CEUS post-RFA. Thyroid hormone levels were also assessed before RFA and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. Results: The study involved 72 patients with benign thyroid nodules, comprising 13 males and 59 females, with a mean age of 45.8 ± 12.1 years. Complete inactivation was achieved in 70.8% of nodules, while 29.2% showed partial inactivation. Nodules with complete inactivation exhibited more calcification (p = 0.040), whereas those with partial inactivation demonstrated higher vascularity (p Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found that therapeutic RFA effectively achieves high rates of complete inactivation in benign thyroid nodules, with the degree of inactivation mainly influenced by nodule vascularity and calcifications.
文摘Ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography(UV-NIL)is a versatile and cost-effective technique for the fabrication of micro-and nanostructures by copying master patterns in a planar or a roll-to-roll process through curing of a liquid UV-sensitive precursor.For applications with a high pattern complexity,new UV-NIL process chains must be specified.Master fabrication is a challenging part of the development and often cannot be accomplished using a single master fabrication technique.Therefore,an approach combining different patterning fabrication techniques is developed here for polymer masters using laser direct writing and photolithography.The polymer masters produced in this way are molded into inverse silicone stamps that are used for roll-to-roll replication into an acrylate formulation.To fit the required roller size for large-area UV-NIL,several submasters with micrometer-sized dot and line gratings and prism arrays,which have been patterned by these different techniques,are assembled to final size of ~200×600 mm^(2) with an absolute precision of better than 50μm.The size of the submasters allows the use of standard laboratory equipment for patterning and direct writing,thus enabling the fabrication of micro-and even nanostructures when electron-beam writing is utilized.In this way,the effort,time,and costs for the fabrication of masters for UV-NIL processes are reduced,enabling further development for particular structures and applications.Using this approach,patterns fabricated with different laboratory tools are finally replicated by UV-NIL in an acrylate formulation,demonstrating the high quality of the whole process chain.
