Bilayer Interphase for Air-Stable and Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anode Cycling in Carbonate Electrolytes.

The intrinsic reactivity of lithium (Li) toward ambient air, combined with insufficient cycling stability in conventional electrolytes, hinders the practical adoption of Li metal anodes in rechargeable batteries. Here, a bilayer interphase for Li metal is introduced to address both its susceptibility to corrosion in ambient air and its deterioration during cycling in carbonate electrolytes. Initially, the Li metal anode is coated with a conformal bottom layer of polysiloxane bearing methacrylate, followed by further grafting with poly(vinyl ethylene carbonate) (PVEC) to enhance anti-corrosion capability and electrochemical stability. In contrast to single-layer applications of polysiloxane or PVEC, the bilayer design offers a highly uniform coating that effectively resists humid air and prevents dendritic Li growth. Consequently, it demonstrates stable plating/stripping behavior with only a marginal increase in overpotential over 200 cycles in carbonate electrolytes, even after exposure to ambient air with 46% relative humidity. The design concept paves the way for scalable production of high-voltage, long-cycling Li metal batteries.

Effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in children, focusing on Korean children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sensory integration intervention is highly related to the child's effective interaction with the environment and the child's development. Currently, various sensory integration interventions are being applied, but research methodological problems are arising due to unsystematic protocols. This study aims to present the optimal intervention protocol by presenting scientific standards for sensory integration intervention through meta-analysis. AIM: To prove the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy, examine the latest trend of sensory integration studies in Korea, and provide clinical evidence for sensory integration therapies. METHODS: The database of Korean search engines, including RISS, KISS, and DBpia, was used to search for related literature published from 2001 to October 2020. The keywords, "Children", "Sensory integration", "Integrated sensory", "Sensory-motor", and "Sensory stimulation" were used in this search. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted on 24 selected studiesRISS, KISS, and DBpia, was used to search for related literature published from 2001 to October 2020. The keywords, "Children", "Sensory integration", "Integrated sensory", "Sensory-motor", and "Sensory stimulation" were used in this search. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted on 24 selected studies. RESULTS: Sensory integration intervention has been proven effective in children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental disorder, and intellectual disability in relation to the diagnosis of children. Regarding sensory integration therapies, 1:1 individual treatment with a therapist or a therapy session lasting for 40 min was most effective. In terms of dependent variables, sensory integration therapy effectively promoted social skills, adaptive behavior, sensory processing, and gross motor and fine motor skills. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may be used as therapeutic evidence for sensory integration intervention in the clinical field of occupational therapy for children, and can help to present standards for sensory integration intervention protocols.

Molecular cytogenetic analysis of the olive flounder embryonic cell line FGBC8 and its applicability to biotechnology.

We explored the biotechnological applicability of a previously established olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) embryonic cell line (FGBC8). FGBC8 was transfected with pEGFP-c1 and pluripotency-related genes, then infected with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), and the expression of immune-related genes was observed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Transfected cells showed strong green fluorescence 48 h after transfection, and pluripotency-related genes were successfully transfected. In addition, FGBC8 cells were highly susceptible to VHSV and the expression of immune-related genes was induced during infection. Our results demonstrate that FGBC8 cells are valuable research tools for assessing host-pathogen interactions and biotechnological applications.

Reversible Magnesium Metal Cycling in Additive-Free Simple Salt Electrolytes Enabled by Spontaneous Chemical Activation.

Rechargeable magnesium (Mg) batteries can offer higher volumetric energy densities and be safer than their conventional counterparts, lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical implementation is impeded due to the passivation of the Mg metal anode or the severe corrosion of the cell parts in conventional electrolyte systems. Here, we present a chemical activation strategy to facilitate the Mg deposition/stripping process in additive-free simple salt electrolytes. By exploiting the simple immersion-triggered spontaneous chemical reaction between reactive organic halides and Mg metal, the activated Mg anode exhibited an overpotential below 0.2 V and a Coulombic efficiency as high as 99.5% in a Mg(TFSI)2 electrolyte. Comprehensive analyses reveal simultaneous evolution of morphology and interphasial chemistry during the activation process, through which stable Mg cycling over 990 cycles was attained. Our activation strategy enabled the efficient cycling of Mg full-cell candidates using commercially available electrolytes, thereby offering possibilities of building practical Mg batteries.

Complexation of drug and hapten-conjugated aptamer with universal hapten antibody for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Owing to a lack of reliable markers and therapeutic targets, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the most lethal malignant tumor despite numerous therapeutic advances. In this study, we utilized cell-SELEX to isolate a DNA aptamer recognizing the natural conformation of the target on the cell surface. PAp7T8, an aptamer optimized by size and chemical modification, exhibited specific targeting to pancreatic cancer cells and orthotopic xenograft pancreatic tumors. To confer therapeutic functions to the aptamer, we adopted a drug-conjugated oligobody (DOligobody) strategy. Monomethyl auristatin E was used as a cytotoxic drug, digoxigenin acted as a hapten, and the humanized anti-digoxigenin antibody served as a universal carrier of the aptamer. The resulting PAp7T8-DOligobody showed extended in vivo half-life and markedly inhibited tumor growth in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer xenograft model without causing significant toxicity. Therefore, PAp7T8-DOligobody represents a promising novel therapeutic delivery platform for PDAC.

Anatomical study of the anterior interosseous nerve.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the location of nerves that innervate the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and the pronator quadratus muscles. It also investigates the change in nerve location with hand movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 30 adult cadavers (17 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 69.5 years (range: 60-95 years). The reference line was from the humeral epicondylar line to the styloid process line of both the radius and ulnar bones. This study measured the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) branch outpoint and the innervated muscle nerve entry point to the muscle belly. It also examines nerve position changes as related to making a fist. RESULTS: The reference line mean distance was 24.1 ± 1.2 cm. The median nerve branched into the AIN at 18.0 ± 4.0%. We found the most densely distributed section of the nerves' entry point to the muscle belly to be at a distance of 30% to 40% for the FDP and from 30% to 40% for the FPL. Except for the FPL, the nerve branch outpoints and the FDP moved by 3.0%, depending upon hand movements. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that it will be necessary to consider the anatomy of the nerve location as it enters the muscle belly as well as how it changes with movement.

Establishment of Patient-derived Preclinical Models for Invasive Papillary Cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Invasive papillary cholangio-carcinoma (IPC) is a minor subtype of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, its etiology and characteristics remain unknown because of the unavailability of in vitro and in vivo models. We aimed to establish a novel preclinical model for translational research of IPC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) was engrafted in NOG mice and the cell line National Cancer Center human IPC (NCChIPC) was subsequently established from the PDX tumors. Immunohistochemistry and RNA-sequencing were used to determine the retention of original characteristics of patient tissues. RESULTS: PDX tumors showed successful amplification, and the NCChIPC-derived xenograft largely retained the histopathological features of the original tumor with CK19, MUC1 and MUC5AC expression. Transcriptome analysis showed a high correlation between patient and preclinical models. Additionally, anticancer drugs response was analyzed in the NCChIPC PDX. CONCLUSION: These novel preclinical models here will help elucidate IPC etiology and facilitate translational research.

Association of Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Who Underwent Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Various biological indicators are reportedly associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only a few studies have evaluated the association between the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and postoperative AKI. This study evaluated the association of the preoperative PNI and postoperative AKI in HCC patients. We retrospectively analyzed 817 patients who underwent open hepatectomy between December 2007 and December 2015. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the PNI and postoperative AKI. Additionally, we evaluated the association between the PNI and outcomes such as postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) and mortality. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for one-year and five-year mortality. In the multivariate analysis, high preoperative PNI was significantly associated with a lower incidence of postoperative AKI (odds ratio (OR): 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85 to 0.99, p = 0.021). Additionally, diabetes mellitus and the use of synthetic colloids were significantly associated with postoperative AKI. PNI was associated with postoperative RRT (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.98, p = 0.032) even after adjusting for other potential confounding variables. In the Cox regression analysis, high PNI was significantly associated with low one-year mortality (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.94, p < 0.001), and five-year mortality (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97, p < 0.001). High preoperative PNI was significantly associated with a lower incidence of postoperative AKI and low mortality. These results suggest that the preoperative PNI might be a predictor of postoperative AKI and surgical prognosis in HCC patients undergoing open hepatectomy.

Weakly Solvating Solution Enables Chemical Prelithiation of Graphite-SiOx Anodes for High-Energy Li-Ion Batteries.

Although often overlooked in anode research, the anode's initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) is a crucial factor dictating the energy density of a practical Li-ion battery. For next-generation anodes, a blend of graphite and Si/SiOx represents the most practical way to balance capacity and cycle life, but its low ICE limits its commercial viability. Here, we develop a chemical prelithiation method to maximize the ICE of the blend anodes using a reductive Li-arene complex solution of regulated solvation power, which enables a full cell to exhibit a near-ideal energy density. To prevent structural degradation of the blend during prelithiation, we investigate a solvation rule to direct the Li+ intercalation mechanism. Combined spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations reveal that in weakly solvating solutions, where the Li+-anion interaction is enhanced, free solvated-ion formation is inhibited during Li+ desolvation, thereby mitigating solvated-ion intercalation into graphite and allowing stable prelithiation of the blend. Given the ideal ICE of the prelithiated blend anode, a full cell exhibits an energy density of 506 Wh kg-1 (98.6% of the ideal value), with a capacity retention after 250 cycles of 87.3%. This work highlights the promise of adopting chemical prelithiation for high-capacity anodes to achieve practical high-energy batteries.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the blue runner, Caranx crysos (Mitchill, 1815) (Teleostei: Carangidae).

Caranx crysos was collected from offshore of Sierra Leone and its complete mitochondrial genome was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The circular mitogenome encoded a typical 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and 22 tRNA genes. An unusual start codon (GTG) was identified for the COX1 gene, and incomplete stop codons (T-/TA-) were found in seven genes, including ND2, ND3, ND4, COX2, COX3, ATP6, and CytB. All tRNAs were predicted to fold into the typical clover-leaf structures, except for tRNASer-GCT, which lacks the D-arm. C. crysos formed a monoclade with the tree other species belonging to the genus Caranx, apart from the others. Among them, C. crysos was most closely related to Caranx melampygus and Caranx tille. The mitogenome sequence of C. crysos provides information for a better understanding of evolutionary relationships, systemic, and mitogenomic study within the family Carangidae.

Changes in diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance during gynaecologic surgery: open laparotomy versus laparoscopy-a prospective observational study.

This study compared the effects of open versus laparoscopic radical hysterectomy on intraoperative diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance. We enrolled 20 women per group; Group O's members underwent open radical hysterectomy, while Group L's members underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. Diaphragmatic excursion was measured by assessing tidal ventilation using M-mode ultrasonography before intubation (T0), after intubation with mechanical ventilation (T1), 90 min after incision (T2), and at the end of the operation with recovery of muscle relaxation (T3). Peak inspiratory pressure and static lung compliance were measured using an anaesthesia machine combined with a ventilator. Diaphragmatic excursion was significantly lower in Group L than in Group O at T2 (5.3 ± 1.7 mm vs. 7.7 ± 2.0 mm, P < 0.001) and T3 (8.4 ± 1.9 vs. 10.4 ± 2.4, P = 0.011). Impaired diaphragmatic excursion at T3 (< 10 mm under mechanical ventilation) occurred in 15 patients (83.3%) in Group L and seven (38.9%) in Group O (P = 0.006). Changes over time in peak inspiratory pressure and static lung compliance differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.001 each). Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy decreased diaphragmatic excursion and static lung compliance significantly more than open radical hysterectomy.Korean clinical trial number: Korean Clinical Trials Registry (KCT0004477) (Date of registration: November 18 2019) ( https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=14963<ype=&rtype= ).

Comparison of electroencephalogram between propofol- and thiopental-induced anesthesia for awareness risk in pregnant women.

There have been few comparative studies using electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral characteristics during the induction of general anesthesia for cesarean section. This retrospective study investigated the differences in the depth of anesthesia through EEG analysis between propofol- and thiopental-induced anesthesia. We reviewed data of 42 patients undergoing cesarean section who received either thiopental (5 mg/kg) or propofol (2 mg/kg). EEG data were extracted from the bispectral index (BIS) monitor, and 10-second segments were selected from the following sections: 1) Stage I, BIS below 60 after induction; 2) Stage II, after intubation completion; 3) Stage III, end-tidal sevoflurane above 0 vol%. The risk of awareness was represented by the BIS and entropy measures. In Stage III, the thiopental group (n = 20) showed significantly higher BIS value than the propofol group (n = 22) (67.9 [18.66] vs 44.5 [20.63], respectively, p = 0.002). The thiopental group had decreased slow-delta oscillations and increased beta-oscillations as compared to the propofol group in Stages II and III (p < 0.05). BIS, spectral entropy, and Renyi permutation entropy were also higher in the thiopental group at Stages II and III (p < 0.05). In conclusion, frontal spectral EEG analysis demonstrated that propofol induction maintained a deeper anesthesia than thiopental in pregnant women.

Development of Patient-Derived Preclinical Platform for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: PDOX and a Subsequent Organoid Model System Using Percutaneous Biopsy Samples.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal malignant tumor and more than 50% patients are diagnosed at metastatic stage. The preclinical model systems that reflect the genetic heterogeneity of metastatic tumors are urgently needed to guide optimal treatment. This study describes the development of patient-derived preclinical platform using very small sized-percutaneous liver gun biopsy (PLB) of metastatic pancreatic cancer, based on patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-mediated tissue amplification and subsequent organoid generation. To increase the success rate and shorten the tumor growth period, patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model was developed to directly implant threadlike PLB samples into the pancreas. The engraftment success rate of PDOX samples from 35 patients with metastatic PDAC was 47%, with these samples showing the potential to metastasize to distant organs, as in patients. The PDOX models retained the genetic alterations and histopathological features of the primary tumors. Tumor organoids were subsequently generated from first passage cancer cells isolated from F1 tumor tissue of PDOX that preserve the epithelial cancer characteristics and KRAS mutations of primary tumors. The response to gemcitabine of PDOX-derived organoids correlated with clinical outcomes in corresponding patients as well as PDOX models in vivo, suggesting that this PDOX-organoid system reflects clinical conditions. Collectively, these findings indicate that the proposed PDOX-organoid platform using PLB samples assessed both in vitro and in vivo could predict drug response under conditions closer to those found in actual patients, as well as enhancing understanding of the complexity of metastatic PDAC.

PDI Knockdown Inhibits Seizure Activity in Acute Seizure and Chronic Epilepsy Rat Models via S-Nitrosylation-Independent Thiolation on NMDA Receptor.

Redox modulation and S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues are the post-translational modifications of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) to regulate its functionality. Recently, we have reported that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) reduces disulfide bond (S-S) to free thiol (-SH) on NMDAR. Since PDI is a modulator of S-nitrosylation on various proteins, it is noteworthy whether PDI affects S-nitrosylation of NMDAR in acute seizure and chronic epilepsy models. In the present study, we found that acute seizures in response to pilocarpine and spontaneous seizures in chronic epilepsy rats led to the reduction in S-nitrosylated thiol (SNO-thiol)-to-total thiol ratio on NMDAR, while they elevated nitric oxide (NO) level and S-nitrosylation on NMDAR. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a non-selective NOS inhibitor) did not affect seizure activities in both models, although it decreased SNO-thiol levels on NMDAR. However, PDI knockdown effectively inhibited pilocarpine-induced acute seizures and spontaneous seizures in chronic epilepsy rats, accompanied by increasing the SNO-thiol-to-total thiol ratio on NMDAR due to diminishing the amounts of total thiols on GluN1 and GluN2A. Therefore, these findings indicate that PDI may not be a NO donor or a denitrosylase for NMDAR, and that PDI knockdown may inhibit seizure activity by the S-nitrosylation-independent thiolation on NMDAR.

PLPP/CIN Regulates Seizure Activity by the Differential Modulation of Calsenilin Binding to GluN1 and Kv4.2 in Mice.

Calsenilin (CSEN) binds to Kv4.2 (an A-type K+ channel) as well as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and modulates their activities. However, the regulatory mechanisms for CSEN-binding to Kv4.2 or NMDAR remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate the novel role of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate phosphatase/chronophin (PLPP/CIN), one of the cofilin-mediated F-actin regulators, in the CSEN binding to Kv4.2 or GluN1 (an NMDAR subunit). PLPP/CIN dephosphorylated CSEN in competition with casein kinase 1, independent of cofilin dephosphorylation. As compared to wild-type mice, PLPP/CIN transgenic (PLPP/CINTg) mice showed the enhancement of Kv4.2-CSEN binding, but the reduction in CSEN-GluN1 binding. In addition, PLPP/CINTg mice exhibited the higher intensity (severity), duration and progression of seizures, but the longer latency of seizure on-set in response to kainic acid. PLPP/CIN knockout mice reversed these phenomena. Therefore, we suggest that PLPP/CIN-mediated CSEN dephosphorylation may play an important role in the functional coupling of NMDAR and Kv4.2, which regulates the neuronal excitability.

Anatomical changes in the East Asian midface skeleton with aging.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the aging process of the midface skeleton is considered crucial for correct facial rejuvenation. However, the canine fossa, an important morphological feature of the midface skeleton, has not yet been observed in connection with aging, despite the fact that it is the most main part of the maxillary bone. Here, the authors focus on the depression of the canine fossa to evaluate the Asian midface skeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of the facial skeleton of 114 Koreans (59 males and 55 females) were reconstructed to three-dimensional (3D) images using a 3D analysis software programme. The study subjects included 27 young males, 32 old males, 28 young females and 27 old females. The angular measurements of three bony regions were measured for each 3D model: the canine fossa angle (assessing depth of the canine fossa), the maxillary angle (assessing orientation of the lateral maxilla) and the piriform angle (assessing orientation of the medial maxilla). RESULTS: The canine fossa angle showed a statistically significant decrease with aging in both sexes, indicating the canine fossa actually becomes more concave with age. In contrast, the maxillary and piriform angle showed statistically insignificant changes with aging in female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the canine fossa may be one of the effective markers to evaluate the anatomical changes to the facial skeleton with midface aging. (.

A spectrum of segmental multicystic renal dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Multicystic renal dysplasia (MCDK) is a common anomaly well described in the literature, but less well described when involving only a portion of a kidney. OBJECTIVE: To present the imaging spectrum, natural history and associated anomalies of six kidneys with segmental MCDK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five children with segmental MCDK (one with bilateral segmental MCDK) referred to our hospital between 1989 and 1996 were reviewed. All had at least one ultrasound examination. Four had a voiding cystogram and three had renal scintigraphy. RESULTS: Four children had antenatal diagnosis of cystic renal abnormality. In two, with obvious duplex kidneys and associated ureteroceles, the diagnosis of upper moiety MCDK was obvious either antenatally or immediately postnatally. In the other three there were diagnostic difficulties. One patient had bilateral widespread cysts obscuring the functioning renal portions. Another presented in utero with a large ureterocele and a cystic upper pole that had involuted by birth. The fifth had a nephrectomy at 3 years for a multiloculated cystic mass. Varying degrees of involution occurred in the five kidneys seen early. Reflux was demonstrated into the ipsilateral functioning lower moiety and midpole. CONCLUSION: In these children as in other studies, the commonest presentation of segmental MCDK is in the upper pole of a duplex kidney associated with a ureterocele at the end of the atretic ureter. Atypical segmental MCDK may present a diagnostic dilemma and should be included in the differential diagnosis of multiloculated cystic masses and cystic kidneys.

A hospital administrator's view of the operating room.

The need for greater efficiency in OR management will become apparent as hospitals are forced to respond to a myriad of pressures imposed by the external environment. The most effective strategy in dealing with this challenge will be realized by adopting a "systems" approach to OR functions as opposed to the more traditional methodology that emphasizes a review of individual problematic components. One issue that challenges many ORs is "throughput": the backlog of patients in ORs that occurs because the recovery room is filled to capacity. The traditional approach is to focus on the recovery room's inefficiency and to expend energy on improving recovery room function. A "systems" approach would examine all factors that affect recovery room function and analyze the interdependencies that exist between the recovery room and other hospital service functions. These might include the way cases in the OR are scheduled, as well as issues that involve patient transfer from the recovery room to intensive, intermediate, and routine floor care. By establishing a dialogue with parties outside of the traditional OR community, the opportunity to solve problems that affect the OR but that are outside of its direct sphere of control, presents itself. This approach will require the acquisition of new skills by those responsible for OR management in addition to promulgating a change in the culture that dominates many ORs today. An insular approach that reinforces the concept of the OR as a microcosm unto itself is an outmoded one. The hospital community at large will benefit from the expert skills possessed by those proficient in efficient OR management, while enabling the OR to fulfill its mission in the challenging times ahead.