Splenectomy versus Partial Splenic Embolization for Massive Splenomegaly Secondary to Hepatitis B-Related Liver Cirrhosis: A Case-Control Study

Background. Both splenectomy (SP) and partial splenic embolization (PSE) are used to treat massive splenomegaly (MSM) secondary to hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis (HB-LC). This retrospective case-control study was conducted to compare the effects of SP and PSE on these patients. Methods. From July 2004 to January 2012, patients with MSM secondary to HB-LC who underwent SP or PSE were 1 : 1 : 1 matched with similar nonsurgery patients, respectively. Intraoperative situation, hematological indices, liver function, HBV DNA level, HBeAg seroconversion rate, morbidity, and mortality at 6 months postoperatively were compared. Results. Operative time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, severe pain, postoperative stay, and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) rate in the PSE group were significantly superior to the SP group, although SP and PSE were similar in liver function improvement, HBV suppression, morbidity, and mortality at 6 months postoperatively, and SP even improved WBC and PLT counts higher than PSE. Conclusion. Both SP and PSE are effective in improving liver function, increasing WBC and PLT counts, and suppressing replication of HBV for MSM secondary to HB-LC. Although postoperative improvement in WBC and PLT counts by SP can be higher than PSE, PSE is simple and minimally invasive and has a lower incidence of PVT

Broadband all-fiber optical phase modulator based on photo-thermal effect in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber

We report broadband all-fiber optical phase modulation based on the photo-thermal effect in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber. The phase modulation dynamics are studied by multi-physics simulation. A phase modulator is fabricated using a 5.6-cm-long anti-resonant hollow-core fiber with pure acetylene filling. It has a half-wave optical power of 289 mW at 100 kHz and an average insertion loss 0.6 dB over a broad wavelength range from 1450 to 1650 nm. The rise and fall time constants are 3.5 and 3.7 μs, respectively, 2–3 orders of magnitude better than the previously reported microfiber-based photo-thermal phase modulators. The gas-filled hollow-core waveguide configuration is promising for optical phase modulation from ultraviolet to mid-infrared which is challenging to achieve with solid optical fibers

Analysis of SF6 decomposed products by fibre‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for gas‐insulated switchgear diagnosis

Abstract Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) decomposed products analysis is highly critical in the early‐stage fault diagnosis of gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS). Spectrum technology outperforms traditional methods on non‐invasiveness, no sample preparation, and no consumption. Here, the authors present an improved fibre‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FERS) as a comprehensive analytical tool to detect a suite of SF6 decomposed products (SO2F2, SOF2, SO2, H2S, CF4, OCS, CO2, and CO). The FERS approach is combined with two iris diaphragms for spatial filtering and a rear‐end reflector for additional Raman signal enhancement. Limits of detection down to 1 × 10−6–8 × 10−6 are achieved for different SF6 decompositions, and quantification of an undefined multigas, sampled from an 800 kV GIS in service, is realised utilising SF6 as the internal standard gas and with a maximum error of 5.5 %. The GIS is diagnosed according to the results and confirmed by an on‐site check. The authors foresee that this technique will provide a route for trace gas analysis in the power industry

Optofluidic laser based on a hollow-core negative-curvature fiber

An optofluidic laser based on a hollow-core negative-curvature fiber (HC-NCF) is proposed and demonstrated. The submicron-thick circular capillary tubes embedded in the cladding of the HC-NCF act as antiresonant elements and are used as both a resonator and dye microfluidic channels. A stable optofluidic dye laser with a low threshold of 15.14 nJ/mm2 is achieved. The laser is compact and robust and exhibits directional output