Outcome and Safety after 103 Radioembolizations with Yttrium-90 Resin Microspheres in 73 Patients with Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma–An Evaluation of Predictors

Trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) is increasingly evaluated for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Not all ICC patients benefit equally well from TARE. Therefore, we sought to evaluate variables predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with non-resectable ICC underwent TARE and were treated with 90Y resin microspheres. Baseline characteristics, biochemical/clinical toxicities, and response were examined for impact on PFS and OS. A total of 103 treatments were administered to 73 patients without major complications or toxicity. Mean OS was 18.9 months (95% confidence intervals (CI); 13.9–23.9 months). Mean and median PFS were 10.1 months (95% CI; 7.9–12.2) and 6.4 months (95% CI; 5.20–7.61), respectively. Median OS and PFS were significantly prolonged in patients with baseline cholinesterase (CHE) ≥4.62 kU/L (OS: 14.0 vs. 5.5 months; PFS: 6.9 vs. 3.2 months; p < 0.001). Patients with a tumor burden ≤25% had a significantly longer OS (15.2 vs. 6.6 months; p = 0.036). Median PFS was significantly longer for patients with multiple TARE cycles (24.4 vs. 5.8 months; p = 0.04). TARE is a considerable and safe option for unresectable ICC. CA-19-9, CHE, and tumor burden have predictive value for survival in patients treated with TARE. Multiple TARE treatments might further improve survival; this has to be confirmed by further studies.

Intervention in Mannerists wooden paintings representing Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy, by Belchior de Matos, constituents of a diptych of the chapel of Geraldes, in Peniche

The panels of Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy, executed after 1610 by the Portuguese mannerist painter Belchior de Matos for the main altarpiece of the chapel of Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy of Geraldes, Peniche, were subject to an intervention of conservation and restoration which aimed, in the first place, to restore the dignity indispensable to their adoption by the community and to their return to a place of worship. The works had several damages, but the most serious were the structural problems that jeopardized their stability and compromised the aesthetic value of the paintings. Therefore, it was necessary to reassemble the boards using a synthetic adhesive (PVA) with sawdust and phenolic resin microspheres. The frames, with significant lack of wood, were reconstituted with wood in the joints and with a filler paste (Araldite SV427) over a bamboo dowels structure in the grooves where the supports are inserted.

Intervention in Mannerists wooden paintings representing Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy, by Belchior de Matos, constituents of a diptych of the chapel of Geraldes, in Peniche

The panels of Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy, executed after 1610 by the Portuguese mannerist painter Belchior de Matos for the main altarpiece of the chapel of Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy of Geraldes, Peniche, were subject to an intervention of conservation and restoration which aimed, in the first place, to restore the dignity indispensable to their adoption by the community and to their return to a place of worship. The works had several damages, but the most serious were the structural problems that jeopardized their stability and compromised the aesthetic value of the paintings. Therefore, it was necessary to reassemble the boards using a synthetic adhesive (PVA) with sawdust and phenolic resin microspheres. The frames, with significant lack of wood, were reconstituted with wood in the joints and with a filler paste (Araldite SV427) over a bamboo dowels structure in the grooves where the supports are inserted.

SERRS Detection on Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Acid-Treated Melamine-Resin Microspheres

Melamine-resin microspheres were synthesized at a pH of 4.0 for 20 min and used as silver nanoparticle (AgNP) carriers for surface enhanced resonant Raman scattering (SERRS) detection. An acetic acid–treatment reaction was introduced into the fabrication of the final substrate. The SERRS performance of the substrate was effectively optimized by regulating excess formaldehyde and experimental parameters, such as acidity, number of treatments and reaction temperature in the acid-treatment reaction. Based on the SERRS detection, it was declared that a trace amount of oligomers with a certain degree of polymerization is necessary for the construction of SERRS hotspots. In addition, it is important to remove excess oligomers with reference to the synthetic reaction of the polymer materials, given the special role of oligomers and the wide application of polymer materials in SERRS detection.