Development and psychometric evaluation of the death risk perception scale for advanced cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: An accurate perception of death risk is a prerequisite for advanced cancer patients to make informed end-of-life care decisions. However, there is to date no suitable scale to measure death risk perception. This study was to develop and psychometrically test the death risk perception scale (DRPS) for advanced cancer patients. METHODS: Process of instrument development and psychometric evaluation were used. First, qualitative research, a literature review, brainstorming, a Delphi study, and cognitive interviews were conducted to construct a pretest scale of death risk perception. Second, a scale-based survey was administered to 479 advanced cancer patients. Item, exploratory factor, and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to optimize the scale. The Cronbach's alpha was calculated as a reliability analysis. The validity analysis included construct, convergent, discriminant, and content validity values. RESULTS: A three-dimension, 12-item scale was developed, including deliberative, affective, and experiential risk perception. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor model with satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity levels. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.807 and scale-level content validity index was 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-item DRPS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the level of death risk perception in advanced cancer patients. More studies are needed to examine its structure and robustness prior to use.

In situ epitaxial growth and electrochemical conversion of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 thin layer on Ni-rich cathode materials for high voltage lithium-ion batteries.

Ni-rich LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (0.5 < x < 1) cathode materials have attracted considerable interest due to their high energy density and low cost. However, they are subject to capacity fading during cycling, such as structural degradation and irreversible oxygen release, especially under high voltage. Herein, we report an in situ epitaxial growth strategy to construct a thin layer of LiNi0.25Mn0.75O2 on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811). Both of them share the same crystal structure. Interestingly, the LiNi0.25Mn0.75O2 layer can be electrochemically converted into a stable spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNM) due to the Jahn-Teller effect under high voltage cycling. The derived LNM protective layer can effectively alleviate the harmful side reactions between the electrode and electrolyte and suppress oxygen release as well. Furthermore, the coating LNM layer can enhance Li+ ion diffusion due to its three-dimensional channels for Li+ ion transport. When used as half-cells with lithium as the anode, NCM811@LNM-1% realizes a large reversible capacity of 202.4 mA h g-1 at 0.5 C, with high capacity retention of 86.52% at 0.5 C and 82.78% at 1 C, respectively, after 200 cycles in the voltage range of 2.8-4.5 V. Moreover, the assembled pouch full-cell with NCM811@LNM-1% as cathode and commercial graphite as an anode can deliver 11.63 mA h capacity with a high capacity retention of 80.05% after 139 cycles in the same voltage range. This work demonstrates a facile approach to the fabrication of NCM811@LNM cathode materials for enhancing performance in lithium-ion batteries under high voltage, rendering its promising applications.

Regulating the Anion Redox and Suppressing the Structural Distortion of Cation-Disordered Rock-Salt Cathode Materials to Improve Cycling Durability through Chlorine Substitution.

Owing to the capacity boost from anion redox activities, cation-disordered rock-salt oxides are considered as potential candidates for the next-generation of high energy density Li-ion cathode materials. Unfortunately, the anion redox process that affords ultra-high specific capacity often triggers irreversible O2 release, which brings about structural degradation and rapid capacity decay. In this study, we present a partial chlorine (Cl) substitution strategy to synthesize a new cation-disordered rock-salt compound of Li1.225Ti0.45Mn0.325O1.9Cl0.1 and investigate the impact of Cl substitution on the oxygen redox process and the structural stability of cation-disordered rock-salt cathodes. We find that partial replacement of O2- by Cl- expands the cell volume and promotes anion redox reaction reversibility, thus increasing the Li+ ion diffusion rate and suppressing irreversible lattice oxygen loss. As a result, the Li1.225Ti0.45Mn0.325O1.9Cl0.1 cathode exhibits significantly improved cycling durability at high current densities, compared with the pristine Li1.225Ti0.45Mn0.325O2 cathode. This work demonstrates the promising feasibility of the Cl substitution process for advanced cation-disordered rock-salt cathode materials.

Efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided microwave ablation with fine needle-assisted puncture positioning technique for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In microwave ablation (MWA), although computed tomography (CT) scanning can overcome gas interference, it cannot achieve real-time localization. Therefore, the puncture technique is more important in CT-guided ablation. AIM: To compare the fine needle-assisted puncture (FNP) positioning technique and the conventional puncture (CP) technique for the safety and efficacy of CT-guided MWA in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This retrospective study included 124 patients with 166 tumor nodules from February 2018 and June 2021. Seventy patients received CT-guided MWA under the FNP technique (FNP group), and 54 patients received MWA under the CP technique (CP group). Intergroup comparisons were made regarding local tumor progression (LTP), recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and complications. The influencing variables of LTP and RFS were analyzed through univariate and multivariate regressions. RESULTS: The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative incidences of LTP in the FNP group were significantly lower than those in the CP group (7.4%, 12.7%, 21.3% vs 13.7%, 32.9%, 36.4%; P = 0.038). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year RFS rates in the FNP group were significantly higher than those in the CP group (80.6%, 73.3%, 64.0% vs 83.3%, 39.4%, and 32.5%, respectively; P = 0.008). The FNP technique independently predicted LTP and RFS. Minor complications in the FNP group were lower than those in the CP group (P < 0.001). The difference in median OS was insignificant between the FNP and CP groups (P = 0.229). CONCLUSION: The FNP technique used in CT-guided MWA may improve outcomes in terms of LTP, RFS, and procedure-related complications for HCC.

Structural Stabilization of Cation-Disordered Rock-Salt Cathode Materials: Coupling between a High-Ratio Inactive Ti4+ Cation and a Mn2+/Mn4+ Two-Electron Redox Pair.

Cation-disordered rock-salt cathode materials are featured by their extraordinarily high specific capacities in lithium-ion batteries primarily contributed by anion redox reactions. Unfortunately, anion redox reactions can trigger oxygen release in this class of materials, leading to fast capacity fading and major safety concern. Despite the capability of absorbing structural distortions, high-ratio d0 transition-metal cations are considered to be unfavorable in design of a new cation-disordered rock-salt structure because of their electrochemically inactive nature. Herein, we report a new cation-disordered rock-salt compound of Li1.2Ti0.6Mn0.2O2 with the stoichiometry of Ti4+ as high as 0.6. The capacity reducing effect by the low-ratio active transition-metal center can be balanced by using a Mn2+/Mn4+ two-electron redox couple. The strengthened networks of strong Ti-O bonds greatly retard the oxygen release and improve the structural stability of cation-disordered rock-salt cathode materials. As expected, Li1.2Ti0.6Mn0.2O2 delivers significantly improved electrochemical performances and thermal stability compared to the low-ratio Ti4+ counterpart of Li1.2Ti0.4Mn0.4O2. Theoretical simulations further reveal that the improved electrochemical performances of Li1.2Ti0.6Mn0.2O2 are attributed to its lower Li+ diffusion energy barrier and enhanced unhybridized O 2p states compared to Li1.2Ti0.4Mn0.4O2. This concept might be helpful for the improvement of structural stability and electrochemical performances of other cation-disordered rock-salt metal oxide cathode materials.

Preparation of single-crystal ternary cathode materials via recycling spent cathodes for high performance lithium-ion batteries.

With the rapid consumption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the recycling of spent LIBs is becoming imperative. However, the development of effective and environmentally friendly methods towards the recycling of spent LIBs, especially waste electrode materials, still remains a great challenge. Herein, on the basis of a Li-based molten salt, we have developed a facile and effective strategy to recycle spent polycrystalline ternary cathode materials into single-crystal cathodes. The regenerated plate-like single-crystal LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 material with exposed {010} planes achieves an excellent rate performance and outstanding cycling stability. In particular, a high capacity of 155.1 mA h g-1 and a superior capacity retention of 94.3% can be achieved by the recycled cathode material even after 240 cycles at 1 C. Meanwhile the single-crystal structure can be well reserved without any cracks or pulverization being observed. Moreover, this recycling method can be expanded to recycle other waste Ni-Co-Mn ternary cathode materials (NCM) or their mixtures for producing high-performance single-crystal cathode materials, demonstrating its versatility and flexibility in practical applications. Therefore, the strategy of converting spent NCM cathodes into single-crystal ones with satisfactory electrochemical performance may open up a cost-effective pathway for resolving the issues caused by the large amounts of spent LIBs, thus facilitating the sustainable development of LIBs.

Coupling High Rate Capability and High Capacity in an Intercalation-Type Sodium-Ion Hybrid Capacitor Anode Material of Hydrated Vanadate via Interlayer-Cation Engineering.

Layered metal vanadates with intercalation pseudocapacitive behaviors show great promise for applications in sodium-ion hybrid capacitor anode materials due to their large interlayer distances, which benefit the fast Na+ solid-state diffusion. However, their charge storage capacity is significantly constrained by the limited available sites that allow the intercalation of Na+ ions. In this work, by engineering the interlayer cations, Ni0.12Zn0.2V2O5·1.07H2O is designed as a high-performance anode material in sodium-ion hybrid capacitors. The Ni/Zn codoping in the layered vanadate leads to the integration of high rate capability and high specific capacity. Specifically, the spacious interlayer spacing and the pillaring effects of Zn ions together lead to the high rate performance and decent cycling stability, while the redox reactions of the interlayer Ni ions efficiently upgrade the charge storage capacity of this layered material. Accordingly, this work offers a promising avenue to further optimizing the Na+ storage performance of layered vanadates via interlayer-cation engineering.

An Antimony(III) Fluoride Oxalate with Large Birefringence.

Birefringent materials play a key role in modulating the polarization of light and thus in optical communication as well as in laser techniques and science. Designing new, excellent birefringent materials remains a challenge. In this work, we designed and synthesized the first antimony(III) fluoride oxalate birefringent material, KSb2 C2 O4 F5 , by a combination of delocalized π-conjugated [C2 O4 ]2- groups, stereochemical active Sb3+ cations, and the most electronegative element, fluorine. The [C2 O4 ]2- groups are not in an optimal arrangement in the crystal structure of KSb2 C2 O4 F5 ; nonetheless, KSb2 C2 O4 F5 exhibits a large birefringence (Δn=0.170 at 546 nm) that is even better than that of the well-known commercial birefringent material α-BaB2 O4 , even though the latter features an optimal arrangement of π-conjugated [B3 O6 ]3- groups. Based on first-principles calculations, this prominent birefringence should be attributed to the alliance of planar π-conjugated [C2 O4 ]2- anions, highly distorted SbO2 F2 and SbOF3 polyhedra with a stereochemically active lone pair. The combination of lone-pair electrons and π-conjugated systems boosts the birefringence to a large extent and will help the development of high-performance birefringent materials.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety among apatinib plus drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), apatinib plus conventional TACE and apatinib alone in advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of apatinib plus drug-eluting bead (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), apatinib plus conventional TACE (cTACE) and apatinib alone in advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients. We analyzed 35 advanced ICC patients retrospectively, including the apatinib plus DEB-TACE group (n=10), the apatinib plus cTACE group (n=12) and the apatinib group (n=13). Treatment response, survival data (including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)) and adverse events were assessed during the follow-up. Both the objective response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) showed trends to be the highest in the apatinib plus DEB-TACE group (ORR: 84.6%/DCR: 100.0%), followed by the apatinib plus cTACE group (ORR: 75.0%/DCR: 91.7%) and then the apatinib group (ORR: 40.0%/DCR: 80.0%). PFS and OS were both the highest in the apatinib plus DEB-TACE group, followed by the apatinib plus cTACE group, and the shortest in the apatinib group, which was also confirmed by a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The incidences of adverse events were similar between the apatinib plus DEB-TACE group and the apatinib plus cTACE group but were higher in the apatinib plus DEB-TACE group and the apatinib plus cTACE than in the apatinib group; however, all of the adverse events were tolerable in the three groups. In conclusion, apatinib plus DEB-TACE is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of advanced ICC.

Efficacy and Safety of Apatinib in Treatment of Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: An Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib for patients with unresectable ICC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 10 patients with unresectable ICC were enrolled for this single-center observational study between March 2, 2016, and August 27, 2019. Subjects received 500 mg apatinib on a daily basis. Tumor response was assessed by 1.1 response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The drug-related adverse effects were also monitored. RESULTS: Based on the follow-up computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging after treatment, 4 (40.0%), 4 (40.0%), and 2 (20.0%) patients achieved a partial response, stable disease, and progression of the disease, respectively. The response rate and disease control rate were 40.0% and 80.0%, respectively. The median PFS was 4.5 months (95% confidence interval: 3.157~5.843 months); the median OS was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval: 4.744~8.256 months). Furthermore, 3-, 6-, and 9-month OS rates were 77.5%, 61.7%, and 15.0%, respectively. The most common hematologic grade 3 adverse event was neutropenia (10%); the most common nonhematologic grade 3 adverse events were hypertension (20.0%) and hand-foot syndromes (20.0%). No treatment-related grade 4 or 5 adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Apatinib revealed to have antitumour activity in unresectable ICC patients, with manageable toxicities, and thus might be used as a new treatment option for patients with unresectable ICC.

Instant Postsynthesis Aqueous Dispersion of Sb-Doped SnO2 Nanocrystals: The Synergy between Small-Molecule Amine and Sb Dopant Ratio.

Direct printing of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) nanocrystal dispersions holds great promise in solution-processed optoelectronics due to its advantages of low material waste and direct patterning on substrates. An essential prerequisite for printable TCO colloidal solutions is the effective stabilization of TCO nanocrystals to prevent their strong aggregation. In situ stabilization uses long-chain ligands to provide interparticle steric repulsion between TCO nanocrystals during the growth of TCO nanocrystals. In sharp contrast, the postsynthesis dispersion of TCO nanocrystals is particularly challenging since the agglomeration already occurs, especially for TCO nanocrystals synthesized without protection by any organic species. Herein, we propose an instant postsynthesis strategy for aqueous colloidal dispersions of Sb-doped SnO2 (ATO) nanocrystals using small-molecule amines of propylamine, ethylenediamine, monoethanolamine, and triethylamine. The average size of ATO secondary particles in aqueous dispersions can be instantly reduced from around 400 to about 25 nm using these amines. The increased Sb dopant ratio also plays a synergistic role in the dispersion effect. The small-molecule amines are found to be preferably adsorbed onto the Sb sites exposed on ATO nanocrystal surface. A higher Sb dopant ratio would facilitate the adsorption of more amines and induce stronger surface charge repulsion that benefits the stable dispersion of ATO nanocrystals. TCO films fabricated with the ATO nanocrystal dispersions have a high transparency of 80.6% and low sheet resistance of 492 Ω/sq, showing promising application in electrochromic devices.

A review on cathode materials for advanced lithium ion batteries: microstructure designs and performance regulations.

To meet the demands in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles and stationary energy storage, it is necessary to prepare advanced lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density and fast charge and discharge capabilities. Cathode materials, which account for 40%-50% of the cost of a whole battery, play a decisive role in cell voltage and capacity. Moreover, the performances of the cathodes are also balanced by many other aspects, including cycle life, rate capability, safety, costs, and environmental benignity. Unfortunately, none of the currently available cathode materials (e.g. LiFePO4, LiNi x Co y Mn1-x-y O2 layered oxides and Li-rich layered oxides) can get all the quests in a single cell. The electrochemical performances of a cathode are closely connected with its structural features, such as the porosities, morphologies and specifically exposed surfaces, which can be tuned by delicate designs. Here, we review our work on the rational design and delicate preparation of a series of cathode materials with controllable microstructures. We reveal the synergistic effects of both reaction and mass transfer on the formation of these meso-scale structures and the improved electrochemical performances of the cathode materials. The review will provide a scientific basis for the large-scale production of meso-scale structured cathode materials, and lay theoretical and experimental foundation for the application of cathode materials in next-generation LIBs.

Near-Equilibrium Control of Li2TiO3 Nanoscale Layer Coated on LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode Materials for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance.

Ni-rich layered metal oxide of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 is a promising cathode material for next-generation lithium ion batteries because of its capability to deliver a high capacity; however, intrinsic problems, especially the side reactions between Ni4+ ions and the electrolyte, adversely affect its electrochemical and thermal stability. Surface coating by a protective and Li+-conducting Li2TiO3 layer is a strategic approach to remit those problems. The normal deposition strategies depend on the hydrolysis of titanium alkoxides, making it difficult to control the reaction equilibrium. Herein we report a near-equilibrium deposition tactic to achieve a uniform Li2TiO3 nanoscale layer coated on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 microspheres to improve electrochemical performance and thermal stability. With pH modulation and BO33- scavenger in the (NH4)2TiF6 precursor solution, the ion product for the coating layer is controlled to be slightly bigger than its solubility product. The hydrolysis reaction chemistry can thus be manipulated at a near-equilibrium condition. Within the critical pH range of 4.8-5.2, a uniform coating layer of Li2TiO3 with the thickness of about 4 nm can be successfully deposited on the surface of the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material, which greatly enhances its capacity retention to 93.5% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. The appropriate Li2TiO3 coating can increase the mobility of Li ions and suppress the side reactions between electrolytes and cathode materials, which further makes the modified cathode display the higher peak temperature in differential scanning calorimetry analysis and capacity enhancement at 60 °C, which are related to safety concerns.

Towards neat methanol operation of direct methanol fuel cells: a novel self-assembled proton exchange membrane.

We report here a novel proton exchange membrane with remarkably high methanol-permeation resistivity and excellent proton conductivity enabled by carefully designed self-assembled ionic conductive channels. A direct methanol fuel cell utilizing the membrane performs well with a 20 M methanol solution, very close to the concentration of neat methanol.

On the mechanism of catalytic hydrogenation of thiophene on hydrogen tungsten bronze.

Hydrogenation of unsaturated organosulfur compounds is an essential process through which these species are converted into cleaner and more useful compounds. Hydrogen bronze materials have been demonstrated to be efficient catalysts in hydrogenation of simple unsaturated compounds. Herein, we performed density functional theory calculations to investigate hydrogenation of thiophene on hydrogen tungsten bronze. Various reaction pathways were investigated and the most favourable routes were identified. Our results suggest that the reaction proceeds with moderate barriers, and formation of tetrahydrothiophene is facile both thermochemically and kinetically. The present study provides a useful insight into the design of hydrogenation thiophene and its derivatives and effective hydrodesulfurization catalysts.

Fabrication of highly transparent and conductive indium-tin oxide thin films with a high figure of merit via solution processing.

Deposition technology of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) thin films is critical for high performance of optoelectronic devices. Solution-based fabrication methods can result in substantial cost reduction and enable broad applicability of the TCO thin films. Here we report a simple and highly effective solution process to fabricate indium-tin oxide (ITO) thin films with high uniformity, reproducibility, and scalability. The ITO films are highly transparent (90.2%) and conductive (ρ = 7.2 × 10(-4) Ω·cm) with the highest figure of merit (1.19 × 10(-2) Ω(-1)) among all the solution-processed ITO films reported to date. The high transparency and figure of merit, low sheet resistance (30 Ω/sq), and roughness (1.14 nm) are comparable with the benchmark properties of dc sputtering and can meet the requirements for most practical applications.

An inward replacement/etching route to synthesize double-walled Cu7S4 nanoboxes and their enhanced performances in ammonia gas sensing.

Well-defined and uniform double-walled Cu(7)S(4) nanoboxes with an average edge length of about 400 nm have been successfully synthesized by using Cu(2)O nanocubes as sacrificial template based on an inward replacement/etching method. The key step of the process involves repeated formation of Cu(7)S(4) layer in Na(2)S solution and dissolution of the Cu(2)O core in ammonia solution for two consecutive cycles. Experiments show that the time of dissolving Cu(2)O core with ammonia solution plays a key role in the preparation of double-walled Cu(7)S(4). The as-prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence analysis. NH(3) sensing properties of Cu(7)S(4) nanoboxes with single and double walls have been investigated at room temperature with a simply adapted photoluminescence-type gas sensor. The results revealed that the double-walled Cu(7)S(4) nanobox sensor exhibited enhanced performances such as higher sensitivity and shorter response time in ammonia gas sensing compared with the single-walled one.