[en] 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum/nano-TiO₂ composites were prepared via in situ. In order to make a better combination of the two component, Octavinyl-T8-silsesquioxane (8-vinyl POSS) was introduced into the composite system. The structure and properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, UV–visible absorption, Fluorescence spectra and Time-resolved emission-decay. These results show both β-phase and γ-phase of Alq₃ exist in the composite products. Meanwhile, the addition of nano-TiO₂ and 8-vinyl POSS does not change the crystalline and structure of as-prepared Alq₃. Interestingly, however, XPS spectra shows that two new kinds of interaction forces emerge after the addition of 8-vinyl POSS, owing to the formation of Al–O–Si and Si–O–Ti bond, presumably. Besides, the emission intensity of Alq₃/nano-TiO₂ and Alq₃/8-vinyl POSS/nano-TiO₂ increases by 22% and 33%, respectively. The addition of TiO₂ and 8-vinly POSS will not affect the position of emission peak, but will increase the transmission efficiency in electron–hole pairs. In the meantime, surprisingly, the modified Alq₃ has a longer lifetime than as-prepared Alq₃.

[en] Objective: To discuss the application of the bolus chasing DSA technology in angiography in thoracic, abdominal, common iliac and four limbs' arteries. Methods: Bolus chasing DSA with Mask Before program of the system was performed in 40 procedures in 25 patients, using the control handle to control the moving of the bed, and obtained the real time bolus chasing DSA pictures at the blood stream speed. Results: In the 40 procedures, photographing in 35 had good qualities, accounting for 87.5%, but not good in 5, accounting for 12.5%, which could still meet the request of diagnosing after non-subtraction processing. Conclusion: Bolus chasing DSA could display a large scale of anatomical skeleton and blood stream condition from chest to the four limbs exactly. It was a new method that could be taken to observe real time continuous multi-sections of blood vessel structure

[en] Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Self-assembled NiFe_2O_4/CNTs sponge was prepared by ice-templating method. • The mechanism of NiFe_2O_4 modified CNTs relied on π-π interactions and static cling. • The porous structure made for GO_x load, electrons transport and reactants diffusion. • Double catalysis and enhanced glucose sensing were achieved with elements Ni and Fe. - Abstract: In this work, self-assembled NiFe_2O_4/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) sponge was prepared by ice-templating method. The device synergized the advantageous features of both the 3D porous nanostructure and the catalytic properties of CNTs with GOx and NiFe_2O_4 nanoparticles. The porous network construction of the NiFe_2O_4/CNTs sheets offered enlarged specific surface for GOx immobilization and opened channels for facilitating the electrons transport and reactants diffusion. With the help of the abnormal-valence elements Ni and Fe, double catalysis has happened and the enhanced glucose biosensing performance has been achieved. The fabricated glucose biosensor exhibited two large linear ranges (0–3.0 and 3.2–12.4 mM) and distinct sensitivities (84.1 and 24.6 μA mM"−"1 cm"−"2).

[en] Highlights: • A MWCNTs/rGO/ZnO quantum dots intercalation nanoballs decorated 3D hierarchical architecture is fabricated on Ni foam. • Large numbers of ZnO quantum dots are intercalated by rGO sheets to construct hierarchical nanoballs. • Improved mechanical, kinetic and electrochemical properties are found. • The strong interfacial effect makes the material can be used for selective detection of dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid. - Abstract: ZnO quantum dots (QDs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are always used in sensors due to their excellent electrochemical characteristics. In this work, ZnO QDs were intercalated by rGO sheets with cross-linked MWCNTs to construct intercalation nanoballs. A MWCNTs/rGO/ZnO QDs 3D hierarchical architecture was fabricated on supporting Ni foam, which exhibited excellent mechanical, kinetic and electrochemical properties. The intercalation construction can introduce strong interfacial effects to improve the surface electronic state. The selectively determinate of uric acid, dopamine, and ascorbic acid by an electrode material using distinct applied potentials was realized.

[en] Objective: To discuss the application of MR angiography (MRA) in deciding the puncture points of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods: Preoperative MRA was performed in 59 patients with portal hypertension (study group) in order to search for the causes of portal hypertension, to observe the patterns and route of the hepatic and portal veins and to measure the vascular diameter at the scheduled puncture site. MRA was also performed in 50 healthy subjects, which was served as the control group. The results were compared between two groups. Results: The diseases in the study group included simple cirrhosis (n=49), cirrhosis accompanied with hepatocellular carcinoma (n=4), pure portal vein thrombosis (n=3), splenic vein stenosis (n=1) and Budd-Chiari syndrome (n=2). In study group the type I, II and III of the hepatic vein classification were seen in 14, 39 and 12 cases respectively,while in control group in 12, 34 and 14 cases respectively. In study group, the right, middle and left hepatic vein which had the diameter larger enough for puncturing existed in 52, 40 and 28 cases respectively, while in control group in 46, 34 and 23 cases respectively. The safe point for puncture via the right and the left branch of the portal vein was located beyond the distance of (16.2 ± 3.1) mm and (14.2 ± 3.8) mm respectively. Conclusion: MRA is a valuable non-invasive examination, which is of great value in determining the causes of portal hypertension and in planning the puncturing sites before performing TIPS. (authors)

[en] Objective: To evaluate the embolic effect of self-made copper coil in rabbits' iliac and renal arteries. Methods: In vitro study, the blood coagulative ability of the copper coil, steel coils, and silk thread were observed at 12 h and 24 h, respectively. In animal experiment, 20 rabbits were used, and either right or left renal and iliac arteries were embolized by using the copper coils. As the control, the iliac arteries on the unexperimented side were embolized by using the steel coils. After the embolization, the arteriography, the level of serum copper ions, liver and renal functions, and the tissue histology were respectively evaluated at different time intervals. Results: In vitro study, the copper coil had stronger blood coagulative ability than others (P<0.01). In animal experiment, the ability of artery occlusion and accelerative thrombosis by copper coils were more effective than that of the control groups (P<0.01). After the embolization, the level of serum copper ions was increased at the 3rd day (P<0.05), but recovered to preoperative level at 1 week (P>0.05), and the liver and renal functions were similar to that of the preoperation after 2 weeks. Conclusion: The self-made copper coil has a good embolic effect in rabbits' iliac and renal arteries, and it has no significant side and toxic effects

[en] Objective: To investigate the changes of liver function and blood biochemistry in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis after TIPS treatment. Methods: A total of 82 patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis accompanied by upper gastrointestinal bleeding from ruptured varicose veins of gastric fundus and/or refractory ascites, hypersplenism, who were encountered in the hospital during the period from Oct. 2008 to Feb. 2012, were enrolled in this study. TIPS with embolization of varicose veins and/or splenic arterial embolization were carried out in all patients. Of the 82 patients, Child-Pugh grade A was seen in 14,grade B in 43 and grade C in 25. The liver function and the main parameters of blood biochemistry were determined at one, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: Technical success was obtained in all patients (100%). Seventy-three patients were followed up for 3-24 months (mean 12.25 months). Sixty-six patients were alive so far and 16 patients died. One week after the treatment, the liver functions became deteriorated. At 2-4 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment, the liver functions were not significantly different from those determined before the treatment (P > 0.05). After TIPS the symptoms of hypersplenism such as red blood cell and platelet count showed no obvious improvement. Conclusion: Due to iatrogenic mechanical injury and portal vein shunt, the hepatic functions will be damaged for a short length of time after TIPS. However, from the viewpoint of the mid-to-long-term results, the hepatic functions are less encroached upon. TIPS procedure has no remarkable influence on the blood picture, and the changes of the blood picture caused by hypersplenism show no further deterioration after TIPS. (authors)

[en] Objective: To evaluate super-selective renal arterial embolization (SRAE) in treating severe renal hemorrhage when conservative treatment had failed. Methods: SRAE was performed in 111 patients with severe renal hemorrhage who had failed to respond the conservative management. The clinical data, the way of embolization, the medication and the follow-up findings were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Excellent results were obtained in all patients after SRAE and no serious complications occurred. The technical successful rate with single session was 95.5% (106 / 111). Gross hematuria disappeared within 1-4 days after the treatment. Two patients developed shock after renal embolization and had to receive surgery after the shock was controlled. Three patients had a recurrence of hematuria, the blood urine subsided after SRAE was employed again. A follow-up with a mean period of 37.4 months was carried out in 92 patients, and the follow-up checkups showed that the renal function was well preserved in all patients. Conclusion: Super-selective renal artery catheterization and embolization is a safe and effective treatment for severe renal hemorrhage, it can maximally preserve the healthy renal parenchyma as well as the renal function. Therefore, this technique should be regarded as the treatment of first choice for patients with severe renal hemorrhage. (authors)

[en] Objective: To evaluate the embolic effect of homemade copper coil in rabbits. Methods: Seventeen New Zealand Big Ear Rabbit was included in this study. After conventional anesthesia, one common carotid artery or subclavian artery was embolized with second-level copper coated platinum microcoils (experimental group) through a 3F catheter, and the other common carotid artery or subclavian artery was embolized with second-level platinum micro-coils (control group) as control. Angiography was processed to observe the extent of vascular occlusion 10 min, 30 min, 3 d, 1 w, 2 w, 4 w, 6 w, and 12 w after embolization respectively. The rabbits were sacrificed to observe thrombosis and pathological change of the embolic artery 3 days, 1 w, 2 w, 4 w, 6 w and 12 w after the embolization. Vascular occlusion and thrombosis were compared between experimental group and the control group by using the exact probability method and rank sum test for statistical analysis. Results: Embolization experiment was successfully implemented in 15 of 17 rabbits. Twenty-one second-level copper coated platinum micro-coils were used in the experimental group, while 19 second-level platinum micro-coils were used in the control group. Ten min and 30 min after embolization, angiography showed that vascular embolization effect was not significantly different between the two groups. The vascular embolization effect of the experiment group was superior to control group 3 d, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 w after embolization (P < 0.05). Pathological examination showed that there were a lot of blood clots around the copper coil and in the proximal and distal arterial lumen. Only a small amount of blood clots was found around the platinum coil in the control group. For every time point of observation, thrombosis was more severe in the experiment group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Second-level copper coated coil can be released with 4F catheter to embolize the vessel, showing good physical property, flexibility and medical performance. (authors)

[en] Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of preoperative multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and multi-slice computed tomography portography (MSCTP) in performing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) combined with gastric coronary vein embolization (GCVE). Methods: A total of 126 patients with cirrhosis complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding or massive ascites due to portal hypertension were enrolled in this study. The patients were arranged to receive TIPSS together with GCVE. Before the treatment, MSCT and MSCTP were performed in all patients. By using post-processing techniques, including maximum intensity projection (MIP), multiplanar reformation (MPR), volume rendering (VR) and surface shade display (SSD), the anatomy of liver was comprehensively evaluated. Results: Both MSCT and MSCTP could clearly display morphologic changes of liver, the spatial relationship of the portal and hepatic veins, the degree and extent of portal collateral circulation, and the severity of ascites, which provided important anatomical information for preoperative evaluation of TIPSS and GCVE. Conclusion: MSCT and MSCTP are non-invasive and reliable examinations for the diagnosis of cirrhosis with portal hypertension, it can further clarify the diagnosis and guide the performance of TIPSS and GCVE. (authors)