Superionic Conduction in K3SbS4 Enabled by Cl-Modified Anion Lattice.

All-solid-state potassium batteries emerge as promising alternatives to lithium batteries, leveraging their high natural abundance and cost-effectiveness. Developing potassium solid electrolytes (SEs) with high room-temperature ionic conductivity is critical for realizing efficient potassium batteries. In this study, we present the synthesis of K2.98Sb0.91S3.53Cl0.47, showcasing a room-temperature ionic conductivity of 0.32 mS/cm and a low activation energy of 0.26 eV. This represents an increase of over two orders of magnitude compared to the parent compound K3SbS4, marking the highest reported ionic conductivity for non-oxide potassium SEs. Solid-state 39K magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance on K2.98Sb0.91S3.53Cl0.47 reveals an increased population of mobile K+ ions with fast dynamics. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations further confirm a delocalized K+ density and significantly enhanced K+ diffusion. This work demonstrates diversification of the anion sublattice as an effective approach to enhance ion transport and highlights K2.98Sb0.91S3.53Cl0.47 as a promising SE for all-solid-state potassium batteries.

Qiangxinyin formula protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Heart failure is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease and characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation and fibrosis. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Qiangxinyin (QXY) is effective for the treatment of heart failure while the underlying mechanism is not clear. This study aims to identify the active ingredients of QXY and explore its mechanisms protecting against cardiac hypertrophy. We found that QXY significantly protected against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in zebrafish. Eight compounds, including benzoylmesaconine (BMA), atractylenolide I (ATL I), icariin (ICA), quercitrin (QUE), psoralen (PRN), kaempferol (KMP), ferulic acid (FA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) were identified from QXY. PRN, KMP and icaritin (ICT), an active pharmaceutical ingredient of ICA, prevented ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in zebrafish. In H9c2 cardiomyocyte treated with ISO, QXY significantly blocked the calcium influx, reduced intracellular lipid peroxidative product MDA, stimulated ATP production and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. QXY also inhibited ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cytoskeleton reorganization. Mechanistically, QXY enhanced the phosphorylation of Smad family member 2 (SMAD2) and myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (MYPT1), and suppressed the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC). In conclusion, PRN, KMP and ICA are the main active ingredients of QXY that protect against ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction largely via the blockage of calcium influx and inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction as well as cytoskeleton reorganization.

Charge-clustering induced fast ion conduction in 2LiX-GaF3: A strategy for electrolyte design.

2LiX-GaF3 (X = Cl, Br, I) electrolytes offer favorable features for solid-state batteries: mechanical pliability and high conductivities. However, understanding the origin of fast ion transport in 2LiX-GaF3 has been challenging. The ionic conductivity order of 2LiCl-GaF3 (3.20 mS/cm) > 2LiBr-GaF3 (0.84 mS/cm) > 2LiI-GaF3 (0.03 mS/cm) contradicts binary LiCl (10-12 S/cm) < LiBr (10-10 S/cm) < LiI (10-7 S/cm). Using multinuclear 7Li, 71Ga, 19F solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and density functional theory simulations, we found that Ga(F,X)n polyanions boost Li+-ion transport by weakening Li+-X- interactions via charge clustering. In 2LiBr-GaF3 and 2LiI-GaF3, Ga-X coordination is reduced with decreased F participation, compared to 2LiCl-GaF3. These insights will inform electrolyte design based on charge clustering, applicable to various ion conductors. This strategy could prove effective for producing highly conductive multivalent cation conductors such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, as charge clustering of carboxylates in proteins is found to decrease their binding to Ca2+ and Mg2+.

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)-based vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron by intranasal immunization.

Despite global vaccination efforts, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve and spread globally. Currently, the development of affordable vaccine against Omicron variant of concern (VOC) is necessary. Here, we assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine consisting of a live Newcastle disease virus vector expressing the spike (S) protein of Omicron BA.1 administrated intranasally (IN) or intramuscularly (IM) in Golden Syrian hamster model. Immunogenicity studies showed that the prime-boost regimen elicited high antibody titers and the modified S antigen (Sm-F) could induce robust antibody response in low dosage immunization through IN route. Sera of the immunized hamsters provided effective cross-neutralizing activity against different Omicron variants, the prototype and delta strains of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the vaccine could provide complete immunoprotection in hamsters against the Omicron BA.1 challenge by either intranasal or intramuscular immunization. Overall, our study provides an alternative nasal vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants.

The importance of temperature monitoring in predicting wound healing.

CONCLUSION: Upon wound formation, the wound temperature rises in the first 3-4 days until reaching its peak. It then falls at about one week after wound formation. In the second week after wound formation, the wound temperature decreases steadily to the baseline indicating a good wound condition and progression towards healing. While a continuous high temperature is often a sign of excessive inflammation or infection, which indicates urgent need of intervention and treatment.

Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy with general anesthesia showed superior efficacy in the treatment of port-wine stains: a retrospective evaluation.

Background: Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for port-wine stains (PWS), and pain is the main adverse effect of this therapy. General anesthesia is commonly used for pain management during PDT, but the effect of general anesthetics on the subsequent treatment efficacy of PDT in PWS has not been reported. Objectives: To assess the use of general anesthesia combined with PDT compared with PDT alone in 207 PWS patients, and to provide further safety and efficacy data on this combined therapy. Methods: Propensity score matching (PSM) was used at a 2:1 ratio to create a general anesthetic group (n = 138) and a highly comparable nonanesthetic group (n = 69). The clinical outcomes were evaluated, and the treatment reactions and adverse effects were recorded after one treatment with PDT. Results: After matching, there was no significant difference in the demographic data of the patients in the two groups (p > 0.05), while the treatment efficacy was significantly higher in the general anesthetic group than in the nonanesthetic group (76.81 vs. 56.52%, p < 0.05). Moreover, logistic regression analysis confirmed that patients receiving general anesthesia showed an association with a good response to PDT (OR = 3.06; 95% CI, 1.57-6.00; p = 0.0011). Purpura lasted longer in the general anesthetic group, but the other treatment reactions and adverse effects were similar in the two groups (p > 0.05). No serious systemic adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: We recommend this combined therapy, which is associated with painless, as a high efficacy treatment option for PWS patients, especially for patients with a poor response to multiple PDT alone treatments.

Management of vaginal laxity through bilateral wall tightening without mucosal excision.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal tightening or vaginoplasty has been gaining popularity, while validated methods of evaluation and treatment are still lacking. Herein, we describe a bilateral wall tightening technique for vaginal laxity and evaluate the feasibility of this method. METHODS: From April 2020 to September 2021, 25 women with vaginal laxity underwent vaginal tightening, and 22 women were included in this retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: participants with at least one delivery and reported vaginal laxity, but without a history of underlying diseases. Vaginal pressure tests and questionnaires were used to evaluate vaginal laxity and sexual quality before and 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The study included 22 women (aged 29-46 years), and the follow-up period was 14.1 ± 3.3 months. The score based on the vaginal laxity questionnaire was improved as a result of surgery (preoperative median: 2.00, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.00-2.00; postoperative median: 5.00, IQR: 5.00-6.25, p < 0.001). The vaginal pressure increased from 2.3 ± 1.8 mm/Hg to 21.4 ± 3.7 mm/Hg. Sexual distress changed from 24.2 ± 8.9-16.1 ± 4.8 after surgery (p < 0.001), and sexual dysfunction with an average score of 20.1 ± 10.6 before surgery improved after the procedure (26.0 ± 10.8, p < 0.001). Women also reported improved scores in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. In addition, there were no intraoperative complications or significant events during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral vaginal tightening without mucosal excision is a feasible and effective surgical approach for the management of vaginal laxity.

Comparisons of the effects of topical anti-scar drugs on post-surgical facial scar formation: a clinical investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Scarring is a common but intricate problem, and topical anti-scarring drugs are the most widely used treatment. However, the wide range of drugs available makes it difficult for doctors and patients to choose from because of the lack of clinical comparisons. Therefore, we conducted an observational study to compare the clinical efficacy of different topical anti-scarring drugs. METHODS: Patients with post-suturing facial scars were enrolled in this study. The questionnaire was designed to record the basic characteristics of the patients. The Vancouver Scar Scale, SCAR scale, and measurements of scar width and thickness were used to evaluate scar quality. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into four groups for comparison: the silicone preparation (SP), onion extract (OE), asiaticoside (AC) groups, and the untreated blank control (BC) group. The overall data were analyzed before they were confined to the zygomatic region. RESULTS: A total of 127 eligible patients were enrolled in this study. The results of the total and zygomatic scars demonstrated that SP, OE, and AC groups resulted in narrower scars and lower scar scale scores. The SP group depicted higher melanin efficacy than the other two groups. The OE group had the best pliability, whereas the AC group had the thinnest scar. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we acquired expertise with different topical anti-scar agents: SP significantly reduced melanin levels, OE mainly benefited scar pliability, and AC was better at reducing scar thickness. These differences may be more instructive for clinical applications.

Attenuated WNV-poly(A) exerts a broad-spectrum oncolytic effect by selective virus replication and CD8+ T cell-dependent immune response.

As an emerging tumor therapy, ideal oncolytic viruses preferentially replicate in malignant cells, reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and eventually can be eliminated by the patient. It is of great significance for cancer treatment to discover new excellent oncolytic viruses. Here, we found that WNV live attenuated vaccine WNV-poly(A) could be developed as a novel ideal oncolytic agent against several types of cancers. Mechanistically, due to its high sensitivity to type Ι interferon (IFN-Ι), WNV-poly(A) could specifically kill tumor cells rather than normal cells. At the same time, WNV-poly(A) could activate Dendritic cells (DCs) and trigger tumor antigen specific response mediated by CD8 + T cell, which contributed to inhibit the propagation of original and distal tumor cells. Like intratumoral injection, intravenous injection with WNV-poly(A) also markedly delays Huh7 hepatic carcinoma (HCC) transplanted tumor progression. Most importantly, in addition to an array of mouse xenograft tumor models, WNV-poly(A) also has a significant inhibitory effect on many different types of patient-derived tumor tissues and HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models. Our studies reveal that WNV-poly(A) is a potent and excellent oncolytic agent against many types of tumors and may have a role in metastatic and recurrent tumors.

Intranasal delivery of replicating mRNA encoding hACE2-targeting antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in the hamster.

The Omicron variant is sweeping the world, which displays striking immune escape potential through mutations at key antigenic sites on the spike protein, making broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 prevention or therapeutical strategies urgently needed. Previously, we have reported a hACE2-targeting neutralizing antibody 3E8, which could efficiently block both prototype SARS-CoV-2 and Delta variant infections in prophylactic mouse models, having the potential of broad-spectrum to prevent SARS-CoV-2. However, preparation of monoclonal neutralizing antibodies is severely limited by the time-consuming process and the relative high cost. Here, we utilized a modified VEEV replicon with two subgenomic (sg) promoters engineered to express the light and heavy chains of the 3E8 mAb. The feasibility and protective efficacy of replicating mRNA encoding 3E8 against Omicron infection in the hamster were demonstrated through the lung targeting delivery with the help of VEEV-VRP. Overall, we developed a safe and cost-effective platform of broad-spectrum to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A combination treatment of drug-laser-photon for melasma: A retrospective study of clinical cases.

BACKGROUND: Combinational therapy such as taking tranexamic acid while using laser treatment has been proved potential efficacy by many experiments. However, there is few research which contains large samples and consistent observations. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated clinical efficacy and safety of a new systemic treatment of drug-laser-photon therapy. METHODS: Retrospective and randomized investigator-blinded study of 75 patients with mixed type melasma was analyzed. At each visit, standardized photographs were taken using VISIA. Modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) scores were marked using photographs by two dermatologists. RESULTS: The mMASI score decreased significantly from 6.92 to 3.84 after the treatment. The VISIA analyze right cheek data shows: Spots (from 49.67 ± 3.43 to 56.09 ± 3.31), UV spots (from 41.39 ± 24.45 to 44.56 ± 25.86), and Brown spots (from 23.97 ± 17.89 to 28.16 ± 21.28) are statistically increased (p = 0.035, p = 0.018, p = 0.07). All patients feel varying degrees of improvement, about 10.17% felt very much improved, 30.51% felt much improved (51%-75%), 45.76% felt moderately improved (26%-50%), and 13.56% felt little improved (1%-25%). LIMITATIONS: This study was no control group. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety profile of the combination of drug-laser-photon therapy systemic treatment in melasma patients has been proved. It has potential possibility to become a new, reliable, widely suitable therapy strategy.

Case Report: Improved surgical treatment for breast capsular contracture by the punctiform-incision approach through the nipple.

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications of breast implants, which often leads to secondary surgery. Patients with unconspicuous breast contracture do not need treatment, while for those with severe symptoms, a capsule revision surgery is of great necessity, including a total periprosthetic capsulectomy and replacement with a new implant. However, if the capsular contracture happens in the submuscular space, it will be very difficult to release it completely, and it may lead to more complications such as damage to surrounding tissue. The new method of pouch can create a new subpectoral plane for the insertion of a new implant instead of a total capsulectomy, but this method is unsuitable for patients who have little breast tissue or thin skin. To solve this thorny clinical problem, we invented a double-headed separating instrument and came up with a novel operation method to release the capsular contracture, which opened from the nipple by the punctiform-incision approach and caused only a mild and undetectable trauma. This operation went off without a hitch, and the postoperative breast shape was good, and the breast felt and moved naturally. In addition, there were no significant complications throughout the one-year follow-up period. This case was an excellent demonstration of the novel breast capsular contracture release surgery using our optimized double-headed capsule contracture separator.

Compared with dietary behavior and physical activity risk, sedentary behavior risk is an important factor in overweight and obesity: evidence from a study of children and adolescents aged 13-18 years in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition or insufficient physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for obesity and chronic disease in children and adolescents. Affected by different economic circumstance, ethnic, dietary behavior, physical activity and other factors, children and adolescents in Xinjiang, China are facing a severe situation of overweight and obesity prevention and control. It is necessary to analyze the dietary behavior and physical activity of children and adolescents with different nutritional status and the relationship between them. METHODS: Using a stratified cluster sampling method in Xinjiang, China, 4833 middle school students aged 13-18 were selected., and tests for height and weight were conducted. Self-assessment questionnaires were completed for Dietary Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behaviors as well. Chi-square test, Logistic regression analysis and other methods were used to analyze the relationship between Dietary Behaviors, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors and other health behavior risk factors and Weight and BMI. RESULTS: Children and adolescents aged 13-18 in Xinjiang, China, girls had a lower BMI compared with boys(19.49 VS. 20.41). The proportions of Underweight, Overweight and Obese among girls were lower (Underweight: 11.8 VS. 14.5; Overweight: 7.6 VS. 12.7; Obese 2.3 VS. 7.0).Boys with higher risk of sedentary had a 1.46-fold higher risk of developing Overweight/Obese than those with lower risk of sedentary (95%CI: 1.07-2.01).Girls with higher risky diet had a 1.56-fold higher risk of developing Underweight than those with lower risky diet (95%CI: 1.11-2.19). For all participants, the risk of Overweight/Obese in children and adolescents with higher risk of sedentary was 1.45 times more than that of children and adolescents with lower Risk sedentary (95%CI: 1.12 ~ 1.88). Overall, Weight had a significant correlation with PA risk (r = 0.076, P < 0.01) and sedentary behavior risk (r = 0.035, P < 0.05). BMI had a key correlation with PA risk (r = 0.064, P < 0.01) and sedentary behavior risk (r = 0.037, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of Underweight among children and adolescents aged 13-18 in Xinjiang, China is higher, while the detection rate of Overweight and Obese is lower than that of the whole country. Static behavior was an important factor affecting the occurrence of Overweight and Obese in children and adolescents, and the performance of boys was more obvious than that of girls.The results further improve the data on the weight status of Chinese children and adolescents and their influencing factors, and call on Chinese society and schools to continue their efforts to prevent and reduce malnutrition and obesity among children and adolescents in Xinjiang.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Identified KCNJ12 and SLC25A5 Mutations in Port-Wine Stains.

Port-wine stains (PWSs) are a congenital capillary malformed disorder and are caused by a number of somatic mutations that disrupt vascular development. However, the underlying genetic mutations in the pathogenesis of PWS have not yet been fully elucidated. To understand PWS genetic variations and investigate novel genetic mutations, we extracted genomic DNA from four sporadic PWS patients and then performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Using Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT), PolyPhen2, Mutation Assessor, MetaSVM to identify candidate genetic mutations and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to confirm the identified variants. We found a previously reported G protein subunit alpha q (GNAQ) mutation c.548G > A, p.Arg183Gln in one case, whereas no such mutation was found in the other three samples. Moreover, six novel somatic mutations in three genes, including KCNJ12, SLC25A5, POTEE, were found in these four samples. Importantly, WES also verified the KCNJ12 (c.433G > A, p.Gly145Ser) and SLC25A5 (c.413G > A, p.Arg138His) mutations in other five sporadic PWS patients, with the frequency of 60% (3 of 5) and 40% (2 of 5), respectively. Thus, we reveal in this study two novel somatic mutations, KCNJ12 and SLC25A5, in the sporadic PWS patients for the first time. These findings highlight the genetic polymorphism of PWS and provide potential clinical prediction targets for this disease.

Nanoscale Encapsulation of Hybrid Perovskites Using Hybrid Atomic Layer Deposition.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have shown tremendous potential for optoelectronic applications. Ion migration within the crystal and across heterointerfaces, however, imposed severe problems with material degradation and performance loss in devices. Encapsulating hybrid perovskite with a thin physical barrier can be essential for suppressing the undesirable interfacial reactions without inhibiting the desirable transport of charge carriers. Here, we demonstrated that nanoscale, pinhole-free Al2O3 layer can be coated directly on the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The success can be attributed to a multitude of strategies including surface molecular modification and hybrid ALD processing combining the thermal and plasma-enhanced modes. The Al2O3 films provided remarkable protection to the underlying perovskite films, surviving by hours in solvents without noticeable decays in either structural or optical properties. The results advanced the understanding of applying ALD directly on hybrid perovskite and provided new opportunities to implement stable and high-performance devices based on the perovskites.

Combustion Synthesis and Polymer Doping of Metal Oxides for High-Performance Electronic Circuitry.

ConspectusTransparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are inorganic electrical conductors with optical band gaps greater than 3.3 eV. TCOs have been extensively explored in functional windows, touch screen applications, transparent displays, solar cells, and even electronic circuits. Amorphous metal oxide (a-MO) semiconductors are a TCO class that has made impressive progress since the first 2004 demonstration of their utility as the semiconducting layer in thin-film transistors (TFTs). Their excellent counterintuitive electron mobilities in the amorphous state fill the performance gap between amorphous silicon and polysilicon, widening TFT applicability to high-value products such as high-resolution flat panel displays and emerging flexible/wearable electronics. The possibility of solution processing MO "inks" from air-stable precursors, via roll-to-roll and high-throughput printing, further expands their appeal. However, most MO TFTs fabricated using solution-processing require postdeposition film annealing at elevated temperatures (>400 °C) to ensure high-quality films and stable charge transport. Thus, MO fabrication on and TFT integration with inexpensive and typically temperature-sensitive flexible polymer substrates remains challenging, as does reducing MO processing times to those acceptable for high-throughput semiconductor circuit manufacture. Consequently, new MO film processing methodologies are being developed to meet these requirements. Among them, science-based combustion synthesis (CS) and polymer doping are promising complementary approaches to optimize materials quality and manufacturing efficiency; they are the topic of this Account.This Account summarizes the progress in CS and MO polymer doping research, made largely at Northwestern University over the past decade, to create high-performance MO TFTs. Regarding CS, we begin with an overview of combustion precursor chemistry that strongly affects the resulting film quality and device performance. Then, single fuel and dual fuel combustion syntheses for diverse MO systems are discussed. Representative examples highlight recent advances, with a focus on the relationship between (co)fuel-oxidizer types/amounts, thermal behavior, film microstructure, and TFT performance. Next, the discussion focuses on polymer doping of several MO matrices as a new approach to achieve semiconducting MO compositions with excellent performance and mechanical flexibility. Thus, the effect of the polymer architecture and content in the MO precursor formulations on the MO film composition, microstructure, electronic structure, and charge transport are discussed. The concluding remarks highlight challenges and emerging opportunities.

Copper-coordinated cellulose ion conductors for solid-state batteries.

Although solid-state lithium (Li)-metal batteries promise both high energy density and safety, existing solid ion conductors fail to satisfy the rigorous requirements of battery operations. Inorganic ion conductors allow fast ion transport, but their rigid and brittle nature prevents good interfacial contact with electrodes. Conversely, polymer ion conductors that are Li-metal-stable usually provide better interfacial compatibility and mechanical tolerance, but typically suffer from inferior ionic conductivity owing to the coupling of the ion transport with the motion of the polymer chains1-3. Here we report a general strategy for achieving high-performance solid polymer ion conductors by engineering of molecular channels. Through the coordination of copper ions (Cu2+) with one-dimensional cellulose nanofibrils, we show that the opening of molecular channels within the normally ion-insulating cellulose enables rapid transport of Li+ ions along the polymer chains. In addition to high Li+ conductivity (1.5 × 10-3 siemens per centimetre at room temperature along the molecular chain direction), the Cu2+-coordinated cellulose ion conductor also exhibits a high transference number (0.78, compared with 0.2-0.5 in other polymers2) and a wide window of electrochemical stability (0-4.5 volts) that can accommodate both the Li-metal anode and high-voltage cathodes. This one-dimensional ion conductor also allows ion percolation in thick LiFePO4 solid-state cathodes for application in batteries with a high energy density. Furthermore, we have verified the universality of this molecular-channel engineering approach with other polymers and cations, achieving similarly high conductivities, with implications that could go beyond safe, high-performance solid-state batteries.