Advances In Instrumentation Research Articles

Novel machine-learning prediction tools for overall survival of patients with chondrosarcoma: Based on recursive partitioning analysis.

Chondrosarcoma (CHS), a bone malignancy, poses a significant challenge due to its heterogeneous nature and resistance to conventional treatments. There is a clear need for advanced prognostic instruments that can integrate multiple prognostic factors to deliver personalized survival predictions for individual patients. This study aimed to develop a novel prediction tool based on recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to improve the estimation of overall survival for patients with CHS. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were analyzed, including demographic, clinical, and treatment details of patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2018. Using C5.0 algorithm, decision trees were created to predict survival probabilities at 12, 24, 60, and 120 months. The performance of the models was assessed through confusion scatter plot, accuracy rate, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, and area under ROC curve (AUC). The study identified tumor histology, surgery, age, visceral (brain/liver/lung) metastasis, chemotherapy, tumor grade, and sex as critical predictors. Decision trees revealed distinct patterns for survival prediction at each time point. The models showed high accuracy (82.40%-89.09% in training group, and 82.16%-88.74% in test group) and discriminatory power (AUC: 0.806-0.894 in training group, and 0.808-0.882 in test group) in both training and testing datasets. An interactive web-based shiny APP (URL: https://yangxg1209.shinyapps.io/chondrosarcoma_survival_prediction/) was developed, simplifying the survival prediction process for clinicians. This study successfully employed RPA to develop a user-friendly tool for personalized survival predictions in CHS. The decision tree models demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, with the interactive application facilitating clinical decision-making. Future prospective studies are recommended to validate these findings and further refine the predictive model.

Preliminary study on the first book of the forensic medicine translated from Japanese Han Yi Shi Yong Fa Yi Xue Da Quan(Practical forensic medicine translated into Chinese)

In 1908, Wang You and Yang Hongtong, who studied in Japan, translated Han Yi Shi Yong Fa Yi Xue Da Quan(Practical forensic medicine translated into Chinese), which was the first book of the modern forensic medicine translated from Japanese and the first independent translation of the book of the modern forensic medicine by Chinese, playing an important role in the history of the development of modern forensic medicine and the history of scientific and technological exchanges in China. Han Yi Shi Yong Fa Yi Xue Da Quan introduced to China the advanced basic knowledge, techniques and instruments of modern forensic medicine in foreign countries in the form of textbooks, and supplemented the deficiencies of traditional Chinese forensic toxicology, forensic material evidence and other knowledge. It is found that the background of forensic science of Wang You and Yang Hongtong makes Han Yi Shi Yong Fa Yi Xue Da Quan show the characteristics of the combination of Chinese and Western and graphic combination. Han Yi Shi Yong Fa Yi Xue Da Quan has been actively spread in modern times. In the late Qing Dynasty, it was taken as the textbook of the examination and learning Institute of the capital by the Ministry of Law, and continued to be republished after the Republic of China, which had an important impact on the creation and development of modern forensic medicine.

Denoising Search doubles the number of metabolite and exposome annotations in human plasma using an Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer.

Chemical exposures may impact human metabolism and contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Identifying these small metabolites involves matching experimental spectra to reference spectra in databases. However, environmental chemicals or physiologically active metabolites are usually present at low concentrations in human specimens. The presence of noise ions can significantly degrade spectral quality, leading to false negatives and reduced identification rates. In response to this challenge, the Spectral Denoising algorithm removes both chemical and electronic noise. Spectral Denoising outperformed alternative methods in benchmarking studies on 240 tested metabolites. It improved high confident compound identifications at an average 35-fold lower concentrations than previously achievable. Spectral Denoising proved highly robust against varying levels of both chemical and electronic noise even with >150-fold higher intensity of noise ions than true fragment ions. For human plasma samples of AD patients that were analyzed on the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer, Denoising Search detected 2.3-fold more annotated compounds compared to the Exploris 240 Orbitrap instrument, including drug metabolites, household and industrial chemicals, and pesticides. This combination of advanced instrumentation with a superior denoising algorithm opens the door for precision medicine in exposome research.

Electronic Visualization Laboratory's 50th Anniversary Retrospective: Look to the Future, Build on the Past

Abstract September 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). EVL's introduction of the CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment in 1992, the first widely replicated, projection-based, walk-in, virtual-reality (VR) system in the world, put EVL at the forefront of collaborative, immersive data exploration and analytics. However, the journey did not begin then. Since its founding in 1973, EVL has been developing tools and techniques for real-time, interactive visualizations—pillars of VR. But EVL's culture is also relevant to its successes, as it has always been an interdisciplinary lab that fosters teamwork, where each person's expertise contributes to the development of the necessary tools, hardware, system software, applications, and human interface models to solve problems. Over the years, as multidisciplinary collaborations evolved and advanced scientific instruments and data resources were distributed globally, the need to access and share data and visualizations while working with colleagues, local and remote, synchronous and asynchronous, also became important fields of study. This paper is a retrospective of EVL's past 50 years that surveys the many networked, immersive, collaborative visualization and VR systems and applications it developed and deployed, as well as lessons learned and future plans.

Emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds from consumer spray products based on product type, spray method, and distance

Consumer spray products (CSPs) are widely used in daily life, yet it is challenging to find products that fully disclose all components posing health risks. Existing studies primarily focus on product components or VOC quantities emitted during use. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the VOC concentrations emitted by CSPs at varying distances. 47 CSPs available in the Korean market were selected, spanning three spray groups: antiseptics/insecticides (11), aromatic deodorants (16), and coating/polishing agents (20). VOC in air samples were collected using Tenax TA tube at a distance of 1 and 3 m from the sprayed CSPs and then analyzed by thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry system. Discrepancies were found between labeled and actual product components. Aromatic deodorants exhibited the highest total VOCs (TVOCs), while antiseptic/insecticide sprays exhibited the lowest. In the antiseptic/insecticide group and coating/polishing agent group, benzene as a propellant had a maximum concentration (30.9 ± 25.6 ppb), and as trigger, its concentration was 33.7 ± 30.7 ppb. Quantitative analysis using advanced analytical instruments only explained 26.1 ± 20.4% of toluene-equivalent TVOCs, suggesting the presence of additional substances. Concentrations varied by distance due to substance volatility and usage. Maintaining a distance of at least 1 m from CSPs is recommended.

IE-CycleGAN: improved cycle consistent adversarial network for unpaired PET image enhancement.

Technological advances in instruments have greatly promoted the development of positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. State-of-the-art PET scanners such as uEXPLORER can collect PET images of significantly higher quality. However, these scanners are not currently available in most local hospitals due to the high cost of manufacturing and maintenance. Our study aims to convert low-quality PET images acquired by common PET scanners into images of comparable quality to those obtained by state-of-the-art scanners without the need for paired low- and high-quality PET images. In this paper, we proposed an improved CycleGAN (IE-CycleGAN) model for unpaired PET image enhancement. The proposedmethod is based on CycleGAN, and the correlation coefficient loss and patient-specific prior loss were added to constrain the structure of the generated images. Furthermore, we defined a normalX-to-advanced training strategy to enhance the generalization ability of the network. The proposedmethod was validated on unpaired uEXPLORER datasets and Biograph Vision local hospital datasets. For the uEXPLORER dataset, the proposedmethod achieved betterresults than non-local mean filtering (NLM), block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D), and deep image prior (DIP), which are comparable to Unet (supervised) and CycleGAN (supervised). For the Biograph Vision local hospital datasets, the proposedmethod achieved higher contrast-to-noise ratios(CNR) and tumor-to-background SUVmax ratios (TBR) than NLM, BM3D, and DIP. In addition, the proposedmethod showed higher contrast, SUVmax,and TBR than Unet (supervised) and CycleGAN (supervised) when applied to images from different scanners. The proposed unpaired PET image enhancementmethod outperforms NLM, BM3D, and DIP. Moreover, it performs better than the Unet(supervised) and CycleGAN(supervised) when implemented on local hospital datasets, which demonstrates its excellent generalization ability.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Microscopic and Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Resection

Abstract Objectives In recent years, the transnasal endoscopic method for transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection (eTSR), alongside the conventional sublabial microscopic transsphenoidal resection (mTSR) method, has gained popularity due to advancements in imaging and instrumentation. The current study sought to elucidate whether the trend toward eTSR was associated with changes in clinical outcomes at a single institution's multidisciplinary pituitary surgery program. Setting and Participants The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Brain Tumor Database was queried for patients who underwent either transnasal or sublabial pituitary tumor resection of pituitary tumors between 2009 and 2021. Design Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Main Outcome Measures Surgical outcomes like estimated blood loss (EBL), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), and extent of resection were studied. Results A total of 93 patients (57 mTSR, 36 eTSR) underwent review, revealing that mTSR was associated with a higher average intraoperative blood loss (310.5 ± 48.6 mL) than eTSR (160.0 ± 30.7 mL; p = 0.012). eTSR demonstrated an elevated intraoperative CSF leak incidence (36.1 vs. 15.8%; p = 0.043), but no difference in postoperative CSF leak requiring intervention. Hospital LOS and extent of resection showed no significant differences between the approaches. Conclusion This single-institution, retrospective study suggests that, in experienced hands, both eTSR and mTSR approaches are effective with comparable risk profiles. The approach may be best determined by the surgical team's evaluation of the tumor's imaging features, paying attention to the patient's preoperative hematologic status due to the greater propensity for blood loss with the microscopic approach.

Porphyrin-Grafted Poly(ethylene terephthalate) as a Reusable and Highly Selective Colorimetric Probe for Mercuric Ion Contaminants in Aqueous Samples.

Heavy metals are the most hazardous water pollutants, with severe health and environmental consequences. Among these, mercuric (Hg2+) ions are known to cause detrimental health issues in both humans and aquatic life. Due to this, several analytical techniques have been devised to detect and quantify the amount of this ion. However, most of these require advanced instrumentation, prolonged analysis time, and sample preparation. In this study, a low-cost and highly reusable colorimetric probe was developed by grafting porphyrin to poly(ethylene terephthalate) sheets using an oxazoline polymer as covalent adhesive. Upon exposure to trace amounts of Hg2+ in solution, the fabricated material visually transitioned from faint brownish pink to green by the complexation mechanism. Additionally, the transparency of this probe allowed the quantitative spectrophotometric determination of the Hg2+ concentration in aqueous samples. It was also shown that the material is highly stable, which can be reused for more than 50 times without significant decline in its performance, hence, making it suitable for the onsite monitoring of mercuric ion contamination in different bodies of water.

Unveiling Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers: Harnessing Biosensor Technology for Volatile Organic Compound Detection.

Conventional screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection are mainly direct visualization and invasive methods including colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, which must be performed in a clinical setting and may be linked to adverse effects for some patients. Non-invasive CRC diagnostic tests such as computed tomography colonography and stool tests are either too costly or less reliable than invasive ones. On the other hand, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are potentially ideal non-invasive biomarkers for CRC detection and monitoring. The present review is a comprehensive presentation of the current state-of-the-art VOC-based CRC diagnostics, with a specific focus on recent advancements in biosensor design and application. Among them, breath-based chromatography pattern analysis and sampling techniques are overviewed, along with nanoparticle-based optical and electrochemical biosensor approaches. Limitations of the currently available technologies are also discussed with an outlook for improvement in combination with big data analytics and advanced instrumentation, as well as expanding the scope and specificity of CRC-related volatile biomarkers.

Suspect screening of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in paper by selective and non-selective extraction with UHPLC-Q orbitrap MS

Non-targeted analysis and suspect screening of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various matrices have gained traction with advancements in accurate mass analytical instruments. This study employed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry for PFAS suspect screening of paper grades used in the paper recycling chain. The samples were prepared using two extraction techniques; selective accelerated solvent extraction with weak anionic exchange solid-phase extraction and non-selective ultrasonic-assisted extraction. A suspect screening protocol was established to tentatively identify suspected PFAS against spectral databases using a systematic approach of peak filtering and study-specific thresholds for reporting, linked to a confidence level. The possible prevalence of previously unreported PFAS in several paper materials across the various collection sites in the paper recycling chain was inferred by the common detection of short-chain polyfluoroalkyl ketones and diketones in the paper recycling chain. The suspect screening tentatively identified 41 unique PFAS, with 3 common to both pre-treatment techniques. The detection of unique PFAS by the two sample pre-treatment techniques highlighted the significance of both selective and non-selective extraction in PFAS screening endeavours. Further, it showed the importance of understanding the acquisition mechanisms employed in mass spectrometry where data-dependent acquisition triggered fragmentation in certain identified compounds, and not in others. The tentatively identified PFAS indicated that there were several previously unreported PFAS in the paper recycling chain and that additional studies were required to investigate their abundance, possible persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity, in relation to their functional groups and carbon chains.

A bibliometric worldview of breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer from 2013 to 2023.

Over the last decade, significant advancements have been made in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer. However, there is a lack of analytical and descriptive investigations on the trajectory, essential research directions, current research scenario, pivotal investigative focuses, and forthcoming perspectives. The objective of this research is to provide a thorough update on the progress made in BCS for breast cancer over the preceding decade. Retrieved from the Web of Science database, the data span from January 1, 2013, to November 30, 2023. Utilizing a set of advanced analytical instruments, we conducted comprehensive bibliometric and visual analyses. The findings underscore the predominant influence of the USA, representing 35.77% of the overall publications and playing a pivotal role in shaping research within this field. Notable productivity was evident at various institutions, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Toronto. Annals of Surgical Oncology contributed the most publications in this field. An examination of keywords indicated a change in the concentration of research attention, transitioning from molecular subtype, ultrasonography, and intraoperative aspects to SEER, male breast cancer, and adjuvant measures. By offering a comprehensive bibliometric assessment, this study enhances our understanding of BCS for breast cancer. Consequently, this benefits both experienced researchers and newcomers alike, providing prompt access to essential information and fostering the extraction of innovative concepts within this specific field.

Efficient removal of chromate from wastewater using a one-pot synthesis of chitosan cross-linked ceria incorporated hydrous copper oxide bio-polymeric composite

Remediating hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from contaminated water systems is a significant concern due to its harmful effects on human health, aquatic life, and plants. To tackle this issue, scientists have created a chitosan cross-linked hydrous ceria incorporated cupric oxide bio-polymeric composite (CHCCO) by combining chitosan biopolymer with corresponding metal ions using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. The composite was characterized using advanced analytical instruments such as FTIR, p-XRD, SEM, XPS, etc. The synthesized composite (CHCCO) was then tested for its efficiency in removing Cr(VI) from synthetic Cr(VI) aqueous samples. The parameters examined included pH, material dose, contact time, concentration, temperature, and co-existing ions. The experimental data showed that the kinetics and equilibrium data fit well with the pseudo-second-order and the Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the investigated surface adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Except for the SO42− ion, no other species imparts adverse influence significantly on the reaction. The CHCCO bio-composite surfaces were refreshed using a dilute NaOH (1.0 M) solution and effectively recycled five times for Cr(VI) adsorption, indicating no significant surface activity deterioration. This study highlights the high effectiveness of CHCCO bio-polymeric composites in Cr(VI) remediation and the potential for this technology as an easy-to-use technique for environmental restoration.

Portable Instrumentation for Ambient Ionization and Miniature Mass Spectrometers.

We critically evaluate the current status of portable mass spectrometry (pMS), particularly where this aligns with ambient ionization. Assessing the field of pMS can be quite subjective, especially in relation to the portable aspects of design, deployment, and operation. In this review, we discuss what it means to be portable and introduce a set of criteria by which pMS and ambient ionization sources can be assessed. Moreover, we consider the recent literature in terms of the most popular and significant advances in portable instrumentation for ambient ionization and miniature mass spectrometers. Finally, emerging trends and exciting future prospects are discussed and some recommendations are offered.

Kyphoscoliotic spinal deformities associated with high risk of developing neurological deficits. Literature review

This is a literature review on kyphoscoliotic deformities with a high risk of severe primary neurological deficit. The review is integrative in nature and was conducted using medical literature databases and search resources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary. The following aspects are covered: the etiology and pathogenesis of neurological deficits caused by the natural progression of deformities, the main principles, and directions of surgical treatment for neurologically complicated spinal deformities. The scientific literature describes the primary mechanisms of neurological deficit development: mechanical compression and traction of the spinal cord, as well as impaired circulation at the apex of the deformity. Surgical methods for treating neurologically complicated kyphotic and scoliotic deformities have evolved with advancements in spinal instrumentation and approaches. In the first half of the 20th century, various spinal canal decompression methods were described, including laminectomy, costotransversectomy, spinal cord mobilization, and spinal canal remodeling. In the second half of the 20th century, the development and active use of spinal instrumentation (sublaminar hooks, pedicle screws) enabled simultaneous decompression, fixation, stabilization, and correction of spinal deformities. Combining different stabilization and deformity correction methods with concurrent spinal canal decompression creates the conditions for restoring spinal cord function, leading to a regression of neurological deficits and preventing severe patient disability.

Open-source Internet of Things (IoT)-based air pollution monitoring system with protective case for tropical environments

In recent years, the escalation of industrial activities has significantly increased natural resource pollution, with air pollution becoming a major cause of diseases affecting living organisms. To address this critical environmental challenge, this study proposes a comprehensive air pollution monitoring system utilizing advanced technological instruments based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The system’s primary objective is to provide precise, rapid, and efficient measurements, enabling detailed examinations of pollutant behaviors and facilitating data dissemination. The system includes a monitoring station equipped with sensors to measure ambient temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), suspended particles (PM2.5, PM10), and ozone (O3). Additionally, it captures meteorological variables like wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation, allowing a nuanced analysis of their correlation with air pollutants. The collected data are transmitted via the Internet and visualized on a user-friendly platform accessible from any internet-enabled device. A protective case, designed with SolidWorks CAD software and fabricated using 3D printing, was validated through simulations for extreme conditions to ensures the system’s robustness in tropical climates. The cost-effective, low-energy system offers a scalable solution for monitoring air pollution, advancing understanding of pollutant behaviors, and supporting environmental management.

Applications of zinc stable isotope analysis in environmental and biological systems: a review

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that is involved in both biotic and abiotic processes in Earth's surface environments. Over the last 20 years, advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation have enabled unprecedented high-precision Zn isotope abundance ratio determinations in natural and anthropogenic samples. Supported by a solid theoretical background inherited from the traditional non-metal stable isotopes (C, N, H, O, S), the understanding of the controlling factors of Zn isotope fractionation has rapidly evolved. In this article, we review the main applications and findings of Zn isotopes in a variety of scientific domains, including metal contamination, magmatic differentiation, plant uptake, weathering, global climate change, dietary and trophic chains, and biomedicine. The analytical aspects of Zn isotope determination in solid and water samples and the principles and mechanisms of Zn isotope fractionation are also reviewed. This work aims to provide a general yet in-depth panorama of Zn isotope chemistry and to demonstrate the versatility and potential of this isotope system for studying the biological, geological and chemical cycling of Zn.

Assessing the hazard of diesel particulate matter (DPM) in the mining industry: A review of the current state of knowledge

In the confined spaces of underground mines, the exposure of over 10,000 miners in the U.S. to diesel exhaust and diesel particulate matter (DPM) is an occupational inevitability, particularly in metal and nonmetal mineral extraction. These workers routinely operate amidst diesel-powered equipment, often outdated and highly polluting, extracting resources such as limestone, gold, and salt. The acute health effects of such exposure are significant, leading to symptoms like headaches and flu-like conditions, with the impact being more pronounced in these closed work environments. This review scrutinizes DPM’s hazard in the mining sector, consolidating the extant knowledge and exploring ongoing research. It encapsulates our understanding of DPM’s physicochemical properties, existing sampling methods, health ramifications, and mitigation technologies. Moreover, it underscores the necessity for further study in areas such as the evolution of DPM’s physicochemical attributes, from its genesis at high-pressure, high-temperature conditions within diesel engines to its emission into the mine atmosphere. A key research gap is the intricate interaction of DPM with specific characteristics of the mine environment—such as relative humidity, ambient temperature, the presence of other mineral dust, and the dynamics of ventilation air. These factors can significantly alter the physicochemical profile of DPM, influencing both its in-mine transport and its deposition behavior. Consequently, this can affect the respiratory health of miners, modifying the toxicity and the respiratory deposition of DPM particles. Identified research imperatives include (1) the advancement of instrumentation for accurate number measurement of DPM to replace or supplement traditional gravimetric methods; (2) the development of long-lasting, cost-effective control technologies tailored for the mining industry; (3) an in-depth investigation of DPM interactions within the unique mine microclimate, considering the critical components like humidity and other aerosols; and (4) understanding the differential impact of DPM in mining compared to other industries, informing the creation of mining-specific health and safety protocols. This review’s findings underscore the urgency to enhance emission control and exposure prevention strategies, paving the way for a healthier underground mining work environment.

Predictors of operative ischemic cerebrovascular complications in skull base tumor resections: Experience in low-resource setting

Abstract Background Ischemic cerebrovascular complications following skull base tumor resections remain a significant factor impacting both short-term and long-term patient outcomes. This study aims to improve risk stratification, surgical decision-making, and postoperative care protocols. Methods A retrospective cohort study on predictors of ischemic cerebrovascular complications among patients who underwent skull base tumor resection was conducted at 2 high-volume neurosurgical centers in Ethiopia from 2018 to 2023. Binary logistic analysis was performed to see the association of each predictor variable. Results The study included 266 patients, with 65.5% being female. The median age and tumor size were 37 (± IQR = 17) years and 4.9 cm (± IQR 1.5), respectively. Ischemic cerebrovascular complications occurred in 19.9% of patients. Middle cranial fossa tumors and tumors spanning both anterior and middle cranial fossa (AOR = 6.75, 95% CI: 1.66–27.54, P < .008), grades 3–5 vascular encasement (AOR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.79–14.12, P < .002), near-total resection and gross total resection (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.01–8.24, P < .048), and difficult hemostasis (AOR = 9.37, 95% CI: 3.19–27.52, P < .000) were significantly associated with iatrogenic vascular injury. Subarachnoid hemorrhage had a statistically significant association with vasospasm (AOR = 12.27, 95% CI: 1.99–75.37, P = .007). Conclusions Surgery-related ischemic cerebrovascular complications are common. Thorough perioperative risk stratification and proactive treatment planning are crucial to mitigate vascular insults associated with it. In low-resource settings, neurosurgical services are provided without advanced instruments, leading to more complications. Therefore, it is important to focus on improving neurosurgical setup to enhance patient outcomes.

Mechanisms underlying variations in pore structures and permeability in response to thermal treatment and their implications for underground coal utilization

Coal remains a predominant energy source in today's society. However, the coal mining process is associated with severe environmental hazards, and combustion for power generation leads to pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, many countries have imposed restrictions on underground coal mining. Underground coal gasification, direct combustion for heat recovery and thermal treatment provides serval promising way for cleanly and safely utilizing coal resources. However, the successful operation of these technologies needs to comprehensively understand the physical and chemical properties of coal responding to high temperature. In particular, the pore structures and permeability of coal which are closely related to the transport of gas and liquid in coal seams. Therefore, serval advanced instruments were employed to investigate the variation of the functional groups, pore structures, permeability from room temperature to 500 °C. Their connection was discussed in detail to reveal the mechanism of thermal treatment on the pore structures and permeability of coal. The variations of all physical properties with temperature demonstrated a trend of gradual change followed by a sudden change. This indicated that coal samples possess relatively good stability up to 300 °C. Experimental results revealed significant alterations in the pore structure and permeability of the coal at 400 °C and 500 °C. Correspondingly, the mass of coal samples and the CC functional groups, which constitute the main molecular structure of coal, underwent significant changes at these temperatures. This suggested that the pyrolysis of coal beyond 400 °C led to an increase in both pore volume and permeability. Moreover, observations through scanning electron microscopy indicated that the increase in pore volume at 400 °C and 500 °C also resulted from the thermal stress induced cracks between minerals and organic matters. These mechanisms significantly enhance the pore volume and permeability of coal seams, facilitating the transport of coalbed gases and liquids during the production process of underground coal utilization.

Exploring the Advantages and Techniques of Intraoperative Transcholecystic Methylene Blue Injection in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Introduction With the use of advanced instruments and techniques, the reported incidence of bile duct injury is low; however, the actual frequency might be slightly higher than reported. Most surgeons might encounter bile duct injury or bile duct-related complications in their early training days. Nevertheless, with newer techniques and technologies, cases of bile duct injuries have been mostly observed in open cholecystectomy. The predominant cause of injury is the misinterpretation of the anatomy of the bile duct, cystic duct, or aberrant right sectoral hepatic duct. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently the gold standard of therapy for cholecystitis. Materials and methods The study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna, after obtaining clearance from the ethics committee. The duration of the study was one year. Results A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study, whose ages ranged from 20 to 55 years. They were predominantly female. The mean operative time was 68.5 ± 8.7 minutes. There were no cases of conversion to an open procedure, bile duct injury, or biliary stricture. Conclusion The injection of methylene blue into the gallbladder fundus during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a practical, affordable, and simple procedure that does not require any special equipment or radiation exposure for the improved delineation of the gallbladder and biliary system. The use of intraoperative methylene blue could be a low-cost and simple alternative for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.