Single-Crystal LiNix Mny Co1- x - y O2 Cathodes for Extreme Fast Charging.

Ni-rich layered LiNix Mny Co1- x - y O2 (NMCs, x ≥ 0.8) are poised to be the dominating cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries for the foreseeable future. Conventional polycrystalline NMCs, however, suffer from severe cracking along the grain boundaries of primary particles and capacity loss under high charge and/or discharge rates, hindering their implementation in fast-charging electric vehicular (EV) batteries. Single-crystal (SC) NMCs are attractive alternatives as they eliminate intergranular cracking and allow for grain-level surface optimization for fast Li transport. In the present study, the authors report synthetic approaches to produce SC LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 (NMC811) samples with different morphologies: Oct-SC811 with predominating (012)-family surface and Poly-SC811 with predominating (104)-family surface. Poly-SC811, representing the first experimentally synthesized NMC811 single crystals with (104) surface, delivers superior performance even at the ultra-high rate of 6 C. Through detailed X-ray analysis and electron microscopy characterization, it is shown that the enhanced performance originates from better chemical and structural stabilities, faster Li+ diffusion kinetics, suppressed side reactions with electrolyte, and excellent cracking resistance. These insights provide important design guidelines in the future development of fast-charging NMC-type cathode materials.

A High Performing Zn-Ion Battery Cathode Enabled by In Situ Transformation of V2 O5 Atomic Layers.

Developing high capacity and stable cathodes is a key to successful commercialization of aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs). Pure layered V2 O5 has a high theoretical capacity (585 mAh g-1 ), but it suffers severe capacity decay. Pre-inserting cations into V2 O5 can substantially stabilize the performance, but at an expense of lowered capacity. Here we show that an atomic layer deposition derived V2 O5 can be an excellent ZIB cathode with high capacity and exceptional cycle stability at once. We report a rapid in situ on-site transformation of V2 O5 atomic layers into Zn3 V2 O7 (OH)2 ⋅2 H2 O (ZVO) nanoflake clusters, also a known Zn-ion and proton intercalatable material. High concentration of reactive sites, strong bonding to the conductive substrate, nanosized thickness and binder-free composition facilitate ionic transport and promote the best utilization of the active material. We also provide new insights into the V2 O5 -dissolution mechanisms for different Zn-salt aqueous electrolytes and their implications to the cycle stability.

Redox-Reversible Electrode Material for Direct Hydrocarbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can directly operate on hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas; however, the widely used nickel-based anodes face grand challenges such as coking, sulfur poisoning, and redox instability. We report a novel double perovskite oxide Sr2Co0.4Fe1.2Mo0.4O6-δ (SCFM) that possesses excellent redox reversibility and can be used as both the cathode and the anode. When heat-treated at 900 °C in a reducing environment, double perovskite phase SCFM transforms into a composite of the Ruddlesden-Popper structured oxide Sr3Co0.1Fe1.3Mo0.6O7-δ (RP-SCFM) with the Co-Fe alloy nanoparticles homogeneously distributed on the surface of RP-SCFM. At 900 °C in an oxidizing atmosphere, the composite transforms back into the double perovskite phase SCFM. The excellent oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity and mixed ionic-electronic conductivity make SCFM an excellent cathode material for SOFCs. When SCFM is used as the anode, excellent performance and stability are achieved upon either direct oxidation of methane as a fuel or operation with sulfur-containing fuels. The excellent redox reversibility coupled with outstanding electrical and catalytic properties manifested by SCFM will enable a broad application in energy conversion applications.

Down-regulation of partial substitution for staple food by oat noodles on blood lipid levels: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

This clinical trial was conducted to assess the lipid-lowering activity of oat noodles by replacing partial staple food (wheat or rice noodle) in normal and mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Totally 84 healthy and mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were recruited and divided into 2 groups as experimental (oat noodles) and placebo (wheat noodles) and instructed to consume 100 g of oat noodles or wheat noodles (replacing one or two meals/day) for 10 weeks and followed by 2 weeks of follow up (without noodle consumption). Various anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were carried out during initial (baseline), 2nd, 6th, 10th and 12th week (follow-up). Consumption of oat noodles by replacing staple food for 10 weeks significantly reduced (**p < 0.01) the levels of total cholesterol (TC; 17.46%) and low-density lipoprotein LDL-c (19.03%) in both healthy and mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. However, the hypocholesterolemic effect is significantly higher in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects as compared with normal subjects. A pronounced decline (*p < 0.05) in the levels of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) markers including TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios and blood pressure (SBP; 11.09% and DBP; 7.48%) were observed in oat noodles supplemented subjects as equivalence with the placebo group. The partial replacement of staple food with oat noodle could considerably improve the health status of all subjects especially in hypercholesterolemic subjects and thus lower the risk of CVDs.

An Alternative to Lithium Metal Anodes: Non-dendritic and Highly Reversible Sodium Metal Anodes for Li-Na Hybrid Batteries.

Highly reversible, stable, and non-dendritic metal anode (Li, Na etc.) is a crucial requirement for next-generation high-energy batteries. Herein, we have built a Li-Na hybrid battery (LNHB) based on Na plating/stripping, which features a high and stable coulombic efficiency of 99.2 % after 100 cycles, low voltage hysteresis (42 mV at 2 mA cm-2 ), and fast charge transfer. As a result of the Li+ electrostatic shield layer, the Na deposition showed cubic morphology rather than dendritic, even at high current density of 5 mA cm-2 . The solvation/desolvation of Li+ and Na+ were modelled by density functional theory calculations, demonstrating the fast desolvation kinetics of Na+ . Owing to the superior performance of the Na metal anode, the LNHB coupled with LiFePO4 cathode exhibited low voltage hysteresis and stable cycling performance that demonstrates its feasibility in practical applications.

Beneficial effect of Burdock complex on asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori-infected subjects: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Burdock complex (BC) constitutes of burdock (Arctium lappa), angelica (Angelica sinensis), gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil, which are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various disorders. This study intended to examine the anti-H. pylori activity of BC on AGS cell model as well as in asymptomatic H. pylori-infected subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AGS cell incubated with H. pylori and treated with BC to evaluate the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), cell viability (MTT) anti-adhesion activity, and inflammatory markers. In case of clinical trial, H. pylori-positive subjects (urea breath test [UBT] >10%, n = 36) were enrolled and requested to intake BC (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17) for 8 weeks. Antioxidant capacity, total phenol, UBT, inflammatory markers were analyzed at the initial, 4th, 8th, and 10th weeks. Moreover, the endoscopic examination was carried out on baseline and 10th week. RESULTS: In vitro studies showed that BC treatment significantly inhibited (P < .05) the inflammatory markers and adhesion of H. pylori to AGS cell. However, H. pylori-infected subject ingested with BC for 8 weeks significantly decreased (P < .05) the UBT value, inflammatory markers with improved antioxidant activity, and phenolic levels as compared to placebo. Also, consumption of BC considerably healed the ulcer wound. CONCLUSION: Overall, the BC could attenuate H. pylori infection by inhibiting H. pylori adhesion and subsequent inflammatory response on the gastric epithelial cell (AGS) as well as clinically ameliorated UBT, antioxidant capacity, and alleviated inflammation to display its anti-H. pylori activity.

Nafion/Titanium Dioxide-Coated Lithium Anode for Stable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have shown great potential as high energy-storage devices. However, the stability of the Li metal anode is still a major concern. This is due to the formation of lithium dendrites and severe side reactions with polysulfide intermediates. We herein develop an anode protection method by coating a Nafion/TiO2 composite layer on the Li anode to solve these problems. In this architecture, Nafion suppresses the growth of Li dendrites, protects the Li anode, and prevents side reactions between polysulfides and the Li anode. Moreover, doped TiO2 further improves the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of the Nafion membrane. Li-S batteries with a Nafion/TiO2 -coated Li anode exhibit better cycling stability (776 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, 1 C=1672 mA g-1 ) and higher rate performance (787 mA h g-1 at 2 C) than those with a pristine Li anode. This work provides an alternative way to construct stable Li anodes for high-performance Li-S batteries.

Comparative studies on the hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of catechin-enriched green and oolong tea in a double-blind clinical trial.

This study aimed to compare the beneficial effect of catechin-enriched green tea and oolong tea on mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Sixty mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (180-220 mg dL-1) were enrolled and divided into three groups as catechin-enriched green tea (CEGT), catechin-enriched oolong tea (CEOT) or placebo. The subjects were instructed to drink 2 × 300 mL of CEGT (780.6 mg of catechin), CEOT (640.4 mg of catechin) or placebo beverage for 12 weeks. Drinking CEGT and CEOT significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the body weight, fat, and BMI, lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profile (TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, and TG). Also, intervention with CEGT and CEOT significantly improved (p < 0.05) the oxidative indices (TEAC and GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR). Moreover, ultrasound examination endorsed the hepatoprotective activity of CEGT and CEOT by reverting mild fatty liver to the normal hepatic condition because of antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities. To summarize, both CEGT and CEOT showed similar antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. However, CEOT displayed superior lipid-lowering activity compared to CEGT or placebo, and hence it could be used to amend the wellness condition of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Efficacy of protein rich pearl powder on antioxidant status in a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Pearl is one of the well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribed for treating various skin and bone related disorders due to its abundant proteins and mineral contents. The present investigation focused on antioxidation and life span prolonging effects from different extracts of pearl powder. During in vitro studies, various oxidative indices were evaluated, along with lifespan-prolonging effect were checked using wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans. For the clinical trial, 20 healthy middle-aged subjects were recruited and separated into 2 groups as experimental and placebo group, who received 3 g of pearl powder/d (n = 10) and 3 g of placebo/d (n = 10) for 8 weeks, respectively. During the initial, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The protein extract of pearl powder recorded maximum (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity (20-68%) as well as efficiently prolonged the life span of C. elegans by 18.87%. Pearl powder supplemented subjects showed a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity from 0.45 to 0.69 mM, total thiols from 0.23 to 0.29 mM, Glutathione content from 5.89 to 9.19 µM, enzymic antioxidant activity (SOD-1248 to 1308; Gpx-30 to 32; GR-2.4 to 2.9) as well as considerably suppressed the lipid peroxidation products from 4.95 to 3.27 µM. The outcome of both in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity inferred that protein extract of pearl powder was a potent antioxidant and thereby prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans. Hence, pearl powder could be recommended for treating various age-related degenerative disorders.

Low level of circulating basophil counts in biopsy-proven active lupus nephritis.

Basophils have been shown to be important players in promoting lupus nephritis (LN). However, the relationship between circulating basophil counts and renal pathology activity of LN remains unclear. In this retrospective study, 159 clinical and pathology samples from patients with biopsy-proven LN were analyzed. The renal activity and classification were evaluated according to renal pathology. The correlations between circulating basophil counts and renal pathology activity index were assessed. Overall, circulating basophil counts correlated with total systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score (r = - 0.31), renal SLEDAI score (r = - 0.35), activity index (AI) score(r = - 0.40), and renal histologic activity parameters (p < 0.05, respectively). Compared with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) non-LN patients, the LN group had lower basophil counts (0.007 ± 0.007 vs. 0.011 ± 0.010 × 109/L, p = 0.04). Subgroup analyses revealed that the circulating basophil counts in group B (AI > 8) were significantly lower than that in group A (AI ≤ 8) (0.004 ± 0.006 vs. 0.009 ± 0.009 × 109/L, p < 0.001). The difference was still significant when eliminating the influence of SLEDAI. Significant differences were found in circulating basophil counts among LN pathology classification groups (p < 0.01). Groups of classes III, IV, and V were more likely to have lower circulating basophil counts when compared with group of class I/II (p < 0.05). These findings suggest a potential role of circulating basophil counts as a convenient and helpful marker for renal activity of LN.

Stable Na plating/stripping electrochemistry realized by a 3D Cu current collector with thin nanowires.

Current collectors have a significant role in Na plating and stripping. Here we demonstrate that a three-dimensional (3D) Cu current collector with thin nanowires (<40 nm) can significantly promote the electrochemical deposition stability of Na via tuning a Na metal plating model, therefore contributing to a high efficiency, long lifespan, and low overpotential during electrode/battery cycling.

Regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract on the intestinal microflora and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.

In recent years, the use of fermented plant products to protect against various metabolic syndromes has been increasing enormously. The objective of this study was to check the regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract (FPE) on intestinal microflora, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Forty-four mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals (cholesterol 180-220 mg/dL) were recruited and assigned to two groups: experimental or placebo. Volunteers were requested to drink either 60 mL of FPE or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done in the initial, 4th, 8th, and 10th weeks. The anthropometric parameters such as body weight, body fat, and body mass index were markedly lowered (p<0.05) on FPE intervention participants. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity and total phenolics in plasma were considerably increased along with a reduction (p<0.05) in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) after FPE supplementation. Participants who drank FPE showed a pronounced increase (p<0.05) in the number of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., whereas the number of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens (p<0.05) were concomitantly reduced. Furthermore, the lag time of LDL oxidation was substantially ameliorated in FPE-administered group, thus indicating its antioxidative and cardioprotective properties. Treatment with FPE substantially improved the intestinal microflora and thereby positively regulated various physiological functions by lowering the anthropometric parameters, TC, and LDL-c, and remarkably elevated the antioxidant capacity and lag time of LDL oxidation. Therefore, we recommended FPE beverage for combating hypercholesterolemia.

High-Capacity and Ultrafast Na-Ion Storage of a Self-Supported 3D Porous Antimony Persulfide-Graphene Foam Architecture.

The key challenge for high-performance sodium-ion batteries is the exploitation of appropriate electrode materials with a long cycling stability and high rate capability. Here, we report Sb2S5 nanoparticles (∼5 nm) uniformly encapsulated in three-dimensional (3D) porous graphene foam, which were fabricated by a facile hydrothermal coassembly strategy, as a high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The as-prepared composite can be directly used as electrodes without adding a binder or current collector, exhibiting outstanding electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity (845 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1), ultralong cycling life (91.6% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 0.2 A g-1), and exceptional rate capability (525 mA h g-1 at 10.0 A g-1). This is attributed to fast Na+ ion diffusion from the ultrasmall nanoparticles and excellent electric transport between the active material and 3D porous graphene, which also provide an effective strategy for anchoring the nanoparticles. Experimental results show that the Sb2S5 undergoes a reversible reaction of Sb2S5 + 16Na ↔ 5Na2S + 2Na3Sb during sodiation/desodiation. Moreover, a full cell with Na3(VO0.5)2(PO4)2F2/C cathode and the as-prepared composite anode was assembled, displaying high output voltage (∼2.2 V) with a stable capacity of 828 mA h g-1 for anode material (with 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1), showing the potential for practical application.

Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers.

CONTEXT: Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr) Karst. (Polyporaceae) is an oriental medicinal fungus, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various condition or diseases such as hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hepatitis and cancer. OBJECTIVE: The current study examines whether triterpenoids and polysaccharide-enriched G. lucidum (GL) influence antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy by suppressing oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two healthy subjects (22 male and 20 female) were recruited and segregated into two groups as experimental or placebo and requested to intake GL (n = 21) or placebo (n = 21) capsule (225 mg; after lunch or dinner) for six consecutive months and vice versa with one month washout period in between. The anthropometric analysis and biochemical assays, as well as abdominal ultrasonic examination were performed. RESULTS: Consumption of GL substantially improved (p < 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity (TEAC; 79.33-84.04), total thiols and glutathione content (6-8.05) in plasma as well as significant (p < 0.05) enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Whereas, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; 3.37-2.47), 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OH-dG; 15.99-11.98) and hepatic marker enzymes (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase; GOT and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase; GPT) were concomitantly reduced (42 and 27%) on treatment with GL. Furthermore, the abdominal ultrasonic examination in GL subjects displayed a notable alteration on hepatic condition by reversing from mild fatty liver condition (initial) to normal condition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The outcome of the present intervention demonstrated the antioxidation, anti-aging and hepatoprotective nature of GL by effectively curbing oxidative stress.

Regulatory/modulatory effect of prune essence concentrate on intestinal function and blood lipids.

CONTEXT: Prunus domestica Linn (Rosaceae) has been considered a functional food, owing to its various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer. OBJECTIVE: This placebo-controlled, randomized study was framed to check the beneficial activity of prune essence concentrates (PEC) in corroboration with intestinal function and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty healthy mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomly chosen and segregated into three groups as placebo (consume 50 mL of simulated prune drink), PEC I (consume 50 mL of PEC/day) and PEC II (consume 100 mL of PEC/day) for 4 weeks with 2 weeks of follow-up without PEC consumption. RESULTS: Intake of PEC (I and II) for 4 weeks substantially ameliorated (p < 0.05) the colony number of Bifidobacterium spp. (1.18- and 1.19-fold) and Lactobacillus spp. (1.07- and 1.16-fold), but markedly lowered (p < 0.05) the colony number of Clostridium perfringens (5.97 and 8.35%) and Escherichia coli (6.25 and 9.38%). Meanwhile, the total cholesterol (TC; 5.90 and 6.99%) levels and LDL-c (6.68 and 6.53%) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), but no change in other lipid parameters. Whereas, the antioxidant capacity was also concomitantly elevated (p < 0.05) upon administration with PEC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Overall, the results suggest that the use of PEC may positively regulate the intestinal microflora and thereby effectively lower the TC levels and thus act as a hypocholesterolemic agent.

Hypocholesterolemic efficacy of royal jelly in healthy mild hypercholesterolemic adults.

CONTEXT: Royal jelly (RJ) has been reported for its health promoting factors such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering activities. OBJECTIVE: The present randomized, placebo-controlled study examines the hypolipidemic beneficial effect of RJ through evaluating anthropometric measurements, lipid profile and various hormone levels in mildly hypercholesterolemic participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia (180-200 mg/dL) were randomly selected and divided into two groups as experimental or placebo, who requested to intake nine capsules (350 mg/capsule) of RJ or placebo/day, respectively, for three months with one month of follow-up without any supplementation. RESULTS: No significant changes were noted in any of the anthropometric parameters like body weight, waist and body fat. The serum total cholesterol (TC; 207.05-183.15 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 126.44-120.31 mg/dL) levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after administration of RJ. However, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were not considerably altered. Moreover, three months of RJ consumption significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) the concentration of sex hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S; 1788.09-1992.31 ng/mL). Also, intake of RJ did not elicit any hepatic or renal damage. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Intervention with RJ for three months considerably lowered the TC and LDL-c levels through improving the levels of DHEA-S and thus alleviates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

SiO2-coated LiNi0.915Co0.075Al0.01O2 cathode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

We reported a one-step dry coating of amorphous SiO2 on spherical Ni-rich layered LiNi0.915Co0.075Al0.01O2 (NCA) cathode materials. Combined characterization of XRD, EDS mapping, and TEM indicates that a SiO2 layer with an average thickness of ∼50 nm was uniformly coated on the surface of NCA microspheres, without inducing any change of the phase structure and morphology. Electrochemical tests show that the 0.2 wt% SiO2-coated NCA material exhibits enhanced cyclability and rate properties, combining with better thermal stability compared with those of pristine NCA. For example, 0.2 wt% SiO2-coated NCA delivers a high specific capacity of 181.3 mA h g-1 with a capacity retention of 90.7% after 50 cycles at 1 C rate and 25 °C. Moreover, the capacity retention of this composite at 60 °C is 12.5% higher than that of pristine NCA at 1 C rate after 50 cycles. The effects of SiO2 coating on the electrochemical performance of NCA are investigated by EIS, CV, and DSC tests, the improved performance is attributed to the surface coating layer of amorphous SiO2, which effectively suppresses side reactions between NCA and electrolytes, decreases the SEI layer resistance, and retards the growth of charge-transfer resistance, thus enhancing structural and cycling stability of NCA.

Rechargeable Lithium-Iodine Batteries with Iodine/Nanoporous Carbon Cathode.

Rechargeable Li-iodine batteries are attractive electrochemical energy storage systems because iodine cathode provides the possibility of high energy density, wide abundance and low cost. However, the safety risk caused by low thermostability of iodine and the self-discharge reaction due to high solvency of iodine in aprotic solvent are target issues to be considered. Herein, we designed a room-temperature "solution-adsorption" method to prepare a thermostable iodine-carbon cathode by utilizing the strong adsorption of nanoporous carbon. Meanwhile, Li-iodine batteries constructed by the as-prepared cathode and ether-based electrolyte with the addition of LiNO3 showed negligible self-discharge reaction, high rate and long cycling performance. The reversible reactions of I2/LiI3 and LiI3/LiI in Li-iodine batteries were also proved with in situ Raman measurement. For the demonstration of application, soft-package batteries with Al-plastic film were assembled, displaying energy densities of 475 Wh/kg by mass of Li and iodine, and 136 Wh/kg by total mass of the battery. The use of nanoporous carbon to adsorb iodine at room-temperature represents a new and promising direction for realizing high-performance cathode for rechargeable Li-iodine batteries.

Micro-nanostructured CuO/C spheres as high-performance anode materials for Na-ion batteries.

In this paper, we report on the synthesis of micro-nanostructured CuO/C spheres by aerosol spray pyrolysis and their application as high-performance anodes in sodium-ion batteries. Micro-nanostructured CuO/C spheres with different CuO contents were synthesized through aerosol spray pyrolysis by adjusting the ratio of reactants and heat-treated by an oxidation process. The as-prepared CuO/C spheres show uniformly spherical morphology, in which CuO nanoparticles (∼10 nm) are homogeneously embedded in the carbon matrix (denoted as 10-CuO/C). The electrochemical performance of 10-CuO/C with a carbon weight of 44% was evaluated as the anode material for Na-ion batteries. It can deliver a capacity of 402 mA h g(-1) after 600 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1). Furthermore, a capacity of 304 mA h g(-1) was obtained at a high current density of 2000 mA g(-1). The superior electrochemical performance of the micro-nanostructured CuO/C spheres leads to the enhancement of the electronic conductivity of the nanocomposite and the accommodation of the volume variation of CuO/C during charge/discharge cycling.

Clinical features and mortality in Chinese with lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus: A 124-patient study.

BACKGROUND: Few investigation has focused on the patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). This study was aimed to investigate the clinical features, mortality, and the predictors for mortality of this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from 1996 to 2012. Data of demographic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and mortality was collected. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were included in our study. Thirty-five (29.1%) patients had glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), while 24 (19.4%) experienced acute kidney injury (AKI). Thirteen of the 19 American College of Rheumatology defined NPSLE syndromes were identified. The most frequent manifestation was seizure disorder (56/124, 45.2%), followed by psychosis (37/124, 29.8%) and cerebrovascular disease (35/124, 28.2%). One hundred and five (84.7%) patients had SLEDAI-2K scores ≥15, the mean of which was 21.5 ± 6.2. The mortality during hospitalization was 12.9% (16/124) with NP involvement itself being the leading cause of death (7/16, 43.8%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that age <14 years at onset of NPSLE (odds ratios [OR]: 9.95, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.43-69.36, P = 0.020), AKI (OR: 10.40, 95% CI: 2.33-46.48, P = 0.002) and pneumonia (OR: 4.52, 95% CI: 1.14-17.96, P = 0.032) were risk factors for mortality, while cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.54, P = 0.008) was a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Most of SLE patients with LN and new-onset NPSLE are in an active disease state. NP manifestation itself was the leading cause of death during hospitalization. Childhood-onset NPSLE, AKI and pneumonia might be predictors of mortality, whereas CYC treatment might improve the prognosis.