Efficient Light Harvester Layer Prepared by Solid/Mist Interface Reaction for Perovskite Solar Cells.

A solid/mist reaction method is developed to produce well-crystallized light harvester layers without pinhole defects for perovskite solar cells. The reaction based on mist precursor can be facilely operated with low process temperature. And it can effectively control the volume of CH3NH3I solution and the reaction temperature, which affect the quality of perovskite harvester layers and the performance of perovskite solar cells remarkably. Under optimized condition, the efficiencies of devices reach 16.2% with the average efficiency of 14.9%. The solid/mist reaction is also used to fabricate planar junction solar cells and a PCE of 14.9% is obtained.

Transjugular insertion of bare-metal biliary stent for the treatment of distal malignant obstructive jaundice complicated by coagulopathy.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate retrospectively the feasibility of transjugular insertion of biliary stent (TIBS) for the treatment of distal malignant obstructive jaundice complicated by coagulopathy. METHODS: Between April 2005 and May 2010, six patients with distal malignant obstructive jaundice associated with coagulopathy that was unable to be corrected underwent TIBS at our institution for the palliation of jaundice. Patients' medical record and imaging results were reviewed to obtain information about demographics, procedure details, complications, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The intrahepatic biliary tract was successfully accessed in all six patients via transjugular approach. The procedure was technically successfully in five of six patients, with a bare-metal stent implanted after traversing the biliary strictures. One procedure failed, because the guidewire could not traverse the biliary occlusion. One week after TIBS, the mean serum bilirubin in the five successful cases had decreased from 313 µmol/L (range 203.4-369.3) to 146.2 µmol/L (range 95.8-223.3) and had further decreased to 103.6 µmol/L (range 29.5-240.9) at 1 month after the procedure. No bleeding, sepsis, or other major complications were observed after the procedure. The mean survival of these five patients was 4.5 months (range 1.9-5.8). On imaging follow-up, there was no evidence of stent stenosis or migration, with 100 % primary patency. CONCLUSIONS: When the risks of hemorrhage from percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage are high, TIBS may be an effective alternative for the treatment of distal malignant obstructive jaundice.

The amplatzer vascular plug: a review of the device and its clinical applications.

The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) is an established embolic device that can be an excellent alternative to coils or detachable balloons to embolize medium to large vessels with high flow. The device is easy to use and can be precisely deployed in the target vessel with high resistance to migration and a low recanalization rate. The technical success of this device is high, indications for use are expanding, and no absolute contraindications have been reported. Since its introduction, the AVP has grown from a single device to a group of 4 models (AVP, AVP II, AVP III, and AVP 4). Each model has a unique design and features that fit different vascular anatomies, hemodynamic situations, and clinical scenarios. Therefore, the new models cannot simply be treated as replacements for older ones. Unpredictable occlusion time remains a major shortcoming for the new models of the AVP. Large vessel size, high flow status, and coagulopathy can prolong the occlusion time, which can offset the cost benefit, reduced procedure time, and reduced radiation dose typically seen with use of the AVP alone. Coils or multiple AVPs can be used to expedite the occlusion process, and large Gelfoam particles also can be used as an adjunct to achieve rapid and reliable occlusion with minimal cost.

[The diagnostic value of digital subtraction angiography in detecting small intestinal bleeding].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in detecting small intestinal bleeding. METHODS: DSA was performed in 39 patients with suspected small intestinal bleeding. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DSA were evaluated in the 25 patients who accepted surgical treatment. RESULTS: Among the 39 patients, 33 came out with positive in DSA. Eight patients were given interventional embolization successfully. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DSA in detecting small intestinal bleeding were 91.7%, 100% and 92% respectively. The pathological results confirmed 77.3% of etiological diagnosis by DSA. CONCLUSION: DSA is an effective method for detecting small intestinal hemorrhage. The accurate diagnosis can guide the intervention with embolization.