Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that is characterized by a thick grayish-white fibrotic membrane encasing the small bowel. SEP can be classified as idiopathic,also ...Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that is characterized by a thick grayish-white fibrotic membrane encasing the small bowel. SEP can be classified as idiopathic,also known as abdominal cocoon,or secondary. It is difficult to make a definite pre-operative diagnosis. We experienced five cases of abdominal cocoon,and the case files were reviewed retrospectively for the clinical presentation,operative findings and outcome. All the patients presented with acute,subacute and chronic intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) showed characteristic findings of small bowel loops congregated to the center of the abdomen encased by a soft-tissue density mantle in four cases. Four cases had an uneventful post-operative period,one case received second adhesiolysis due to persistent ileus. The imaging techniques may facilitate pre-operative diagnosis. Surgery is important in the management of SEP.展开更多
Carbon-based metal-free catalysts are a promising substitute for the rare and expensive platinum (Pt) used in the oxygen reduction reaction. We herein report N-doped graphene (NG) that is exquisitely integrated in...Carbon-based metal-free catalysts are a promising substitute for the rare and expensive platinum (Pt) used in the oxygen reduction reaction. We herein report N-doped graphene (NG) that is exquisitely integrated into highly conductive frameworks, simultaneously providing more active sites and higher conductivity. The NG was in situ grown on carbon fibers derived from silk cocoon (SCCf) using a simple one-step thermal treatment. The resulting product (NG-SCCf), possessing a meso-/macroporous structure with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected networks, exhibits an onset potential that is only 0.1 V less negative than that of Pt/C and shows stability and methanol tolerance superior to those of Pt/C in alkaline media. Moreover, in the absence of Pt as co-catalyst, NG-SCCf shows a photocatalytic H2 production rate of 66.0 ~tmol-h l.g 1, 4.4-fold higher than that of SCCf. This outstanding activity is intimately related to the in situ grown NG, hierarchically porous structure, and 3D interconnected networks, which not only introduce more active sites but also enable smooth electron transfer, mass transport, and effective separation of electron-hole pairs. Considering the abundance of the green raw material in combination with easy and low-cost preparation, this work contributes to the development of advanced sustainable catalysts in energy storage/conversion fields, such as electro- and photocatalysis.展开更多
Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(EPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a fibrocollagenous membrane encasing the small intestine, resulting in recurrent small bowel obstructions. EPS is most commonly asso...Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(EPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a fibrocollagenous membrane encasing the small intestine, resulting in recurrent small bowel obstructions. EPS is most commonly associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis, though medications, peritoneal infection, and systemic inflammatory disorders have been implicated. Many cases remain idiopathic. Diagnosis is often delayed given the rarity of the disorder combined with non-specific symptoms and laboratory findings. Although cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography of the abdomen can be suggestive of the disorder, many patients undergo exploratory laparotomy for diagnosis. Mortality approaches 50% one year after diagnosis. Treatment for EPS involves treating the underlying condition or eliminating possible inciting agents(i.e. peritoneal dialysis, medications, infections) and nutritional support, frequently with total parenteral nutrition. EPSspecific treatment depends on the disease stage. In the inflammatory stage, corticosteroids are the treatment of choice, while in the fibrotic stage, tamoxifen may be beneficial. In practice, distinguishing between stages may be difficult and both may be used. Surgical intervention, consisting of peritonectomy and enterolysis, is timeconsuming and high-risk and is reserved for situations in which conservative medical therapy fails in institutions with surgical expertise in this area. Herein we review the available literature of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare, but potentially devastating disease.展开更多
Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with unknown etiology. Diagnosis of this syndrome, which can be summarized as the small intestine being surrounded by a fibrous capsule not containin...Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with unknown etiology. Diagnosis of this syndrome, which can be summarized as the small intestine being surrounded by a fibrous capsule not containing the mesothelium, is difficult in the preoperative period. A 47-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for two days. The abdominal computed tomography examination detected dilated small intestinal loops containing air-fluid levels clustered in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and surrounded by a thick, saclike, contrast-enhanced membrane. During exploratory surgery, a capsular structure was identified in the upper left quadrant with a regular surface that was solid-fibrous in nature. Ab-dominal cocoon syndrome is a rarely seen condition, for which the preoperative diagnosis is difficult. The combination of physical examination and radiological signs, and the knowledge of "recurrent characteristics of the complaints" that can be learned by a careful history, may be helpful in diagnosis.展开更多
To analyze and simulate non-stationary time series with finite length, the statistical characteris- tics and auto-regressive (AR) models of non-stationary time series with finite length are discussed and stud- ied. ...To analyze and simulate non-stationary time series with finite length, the statistical characteris- tics and auto-regressive (AR) models of non-stationary time series with finite length are discussed and stud- ied. A new AR model called the time varying parameter AR model is proposed for solution of non-stationary time series with finite length. The auto-covariances of time series simulated by means of several AR models are analyzed. The result shows that the new AR model can be used to simulate and generate a new time series with the auto-covariance same as the original time series. The size curves of cocoon filaments re- garded as non-stationary time series with finite length are experimentally simulated. The simulation results are significantly better than those obtained so far, and illustrate the availability of the time varying parameter AR model. The results are useful for analyzing and simulating non-stationary time series with finite length.展开更多
Pupae inside cocoons rarely suffer from disease. It is apparent that some factors in the cocoon exert antimicrobial effects whereby the pupae inside can be protected from microbial infection. In the present study, we ...Pupae inside cocoons rarely suffer from disease. It is apparent that some factors in the cocoon exert antimicrobial effects whereby the pupae inside can be protected from microbial infection. In the present study, we investigated the expression of cocoon protease inhibitors using immunoblotting and activity staining. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cocoon proteins in vitro was performed to characterize their roles in protecting the cocoon from microbial proteases. We found that some protease inhibitors, particularly trypsin inhibitor-like (TIL)-type protease inhibitors, can be secreted into the cocoon layer during the spinning process, thereby providing effective protection to the cocoon and pupa by inhibiting the extracellular proteases that can be secreted by pathogens.展开更多
Statistical learning and recognition methods were used to extract the characteristics of size series measurements of cocoon filaments that are non-stationary in terms of mean and auto-covariance, by using the time var...Statistical learning and recognition methods were used to extract the characteristics of size series measurements of cocoon filaments that are non-stationary in terms of mean and auto-covariance, by using the time varying parameter auto-regressive (TVPAR) model. After the system was taught to recognize the size data, the system correctly recognized the size of series of cocoon filaments as much as 96.95% of the time for a single series and 98.72% of the time for the mean of two series. The correct recognition rate was higher after suitable filtering. The theory and method can be used to analyze other types of non-stationary finite length time series.展开更多
文摘Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that is characterized by a thick grayish-white fibrotic membrane encasing the small bowel. SEP can be classified as idiopathic,also known as abdominal cocoon,or secondary. It is difficult to make a definite pre-operative diagnosis. We experienced five cases of abdominal cocoon,and the case files were reviewed retrospectively for the clinical presentation,operative findings and outcome. All the patients presented with acute,subacute and chronic intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) showed characteristic findings of small bowel loops congregated to the center of the abdomen encased by a soft-tissue density mantle in four cases. Four cases had an uneventful post-operative period,one case received second adhesiolysis due to persistent ileus. The imaging techniques may facilitate pre-operative diagnosis. Surgery is important in the management of SEP.
基金The work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51203182 and 51173202), Foundation for the Author of Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of Hunan Province (No. YB2014B004), Aeronautical Science Foundation of China (No. 20143188004), Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology (Zhejiang Sci-Tech University), Ministry of Education (No. 2015001), Key Laboratory of Lightweight and Reliability Technology for Engineering Vehicle, College of Hunan Province (No. 2016kfjj01), Research Project of NUDT. We thank Tengyuan Wang for help in ORR experiment and helpful discussions.
文摘Carbon-based metal-free catalysts are a promising substitute for the rare and expensive platinum (Pt) used in the oxygen reduction reaction. We herein report N-doped graphene (NG) that is exquisitely integrated into highly conductive frameworks, simultaneously providing more active sites and higher conductivity. The NG was in situ grown on carbon fibers derived from silk cocoon (SCCf) using a simple one-step thermal treatment. The resulting product (NG-SCCf), possessing a meso-/macroporous structure with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected networks, exhibits an onset potential that is only 0.1 V less negative than that of Pt/C and shows stability and methanol tolerance superior to those of Pt/C in alkaline media. Moreover, in the absence of Pt as co-catalyst, NG-SCCf shows a photocatalytic H2 production rate of 66.0 ~tmol-h l.g 1, 4.4-fold higher than that of SCCf. This outstanding activity is intimately related to the in situ grown NG, hierarchically porous structure, and 3D interconnected networks, which not only introduce more active sites but also enable smooth electron transfer, mass transport, and effective separation of electron-hole pairs. Considering the abundance of the green raw material in combination with easy and low-cost preparation, this work contributes to the development of advanced sustainable catalysts in energy storage/conversion fields, such as electro- and photocatalysis.
文摘Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(EPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a fibrocollagenous membrane encasing the small intestine, resulting in recurrent small bowel obstructions. EPS is most commonly associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis, though medications, peritoneal infection, and systemic inflammatory disorders have been implicated. Many cases remain idiopathic. Diagnosis is often delayed given the rarity of the disorder combined with non-specific symptoms and laboratory findings. Although cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography of the abdomen can be suggestive of the disorder, many patients undergo exploratory laparotomy for diagnosis. Mortality approaches 50% one year after diagnosis. Treatment for EPS involves treating the underlying condition or eliminating possible inciting agents(i.e. peritoneal dialysis, medications, infections) and nutritional support, frequently with total parenteral nutrition. EPSspecific treatment depends on the disease stage. In the inflammatory stage, corticosteroids are the treatment of choice, while in the fibrotic stage, tamoxifen may be beneficial. In practice, distinguishing between stages may be difficult and both may be used. Surgical intervention, consisting of peritonectomy and enterolysis, is timeconsuming and high-risk and is reserved for situations in which conservative medical therapy fails in institutions with surgical expertise in this area. Herein we review the available literature of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare, but potentially devastating disease.
文摘Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with unknown etiology. Diagnosis of this syndrome, which can be summarized as the small intestine being surrounded by a fibrous capsule not containing the mesothelium, is difficult in the preoperative period. A 47-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for two days. The abdominal computed tomography examination detected dilated small intestinal loops containing air-fluid levels clustered in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and surrounded by a thick, saclike, contrast-enhanced membrane. During exploratory surgery, a capsular structure was identified in the upper left quadrant with a regular surface that was solid-fibrous in nature. Ab-dominal cocoon syndrome is a rarely seen condition, for which the preoperative diagnosis is difficult. The combination of physical examination and radiological signs, and the knowledge of "recurrent characteristics of the complaints" that can be learned by a careful history, may be helpful in diagnosis.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No. L0313419913)
文摘To analyze and simulate non-stationary time series with finite length, the statistical characteris- tics and auto-regressive (AR) models of non-stationary time series with finite length are discussed and stud- ied. A new AR model called the time varying parameter AR model is proposed for solution of non-stationary time series with finite length. The auto-covariances of time series simulated by means of several AR models are analyzed. The result shows that the new AR model can be used to simulate and generate a new time series with the auto-covariance same as the original time series. The size curves of cocoon filaments re- garded as non-stationary time series with finite length are experimentally simulated. The simulation results are significantly better than those obtained so far, and illustrate the availability of the time varying parameter AR model. The results are useful for analyzing and simulating non-stationary time series with finite length.
文摘Pupae inside cocoons rarely suffer from disease. It is apparent that some factors in the cocoon exert antimicrobial effects whereby the pupae inside can be protected from microbial infection. In the present study, we investigated the expression of cocoon protease inhibitors using immunoblotting and activity staining. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cocoon proteins in vitro was performed to characterize their roles in protecting the cocoon from microbial proteases. We found that some protease inhibitors, particularly trypsin inhibitor-like (TIL)-type protease inhibitors, can be secreted into the cocoon layer during the spinning process, thereby providing effective protection to the cocoon and pupa by inhibiting the extracellular proteases that can be secreted by pathogens.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China (No. L0313419913)
文摘Statistical learning and recognition methods were used to extract the characteristics of size series measurements of cocoon filaments that are non-stationary in terms of mean and auto-covariance, by using the time varying parameter auto-regressive (TVPAR) model. After the system was taught to recognize the size data, the system correctly recognized the size of series of cocoon filaments as much as 96.95% of the time for a single series and 98.72% of the time for the mean of two series. The correct recognition rate was higher after suitable filtering. The theory and method can be used to analyze other types of non-stationary finite length time series.