Fusion Bonding Technique for Solvent-Free Fabrication of All-Solid-State Battery with Ultrathin Sulfide Electrolyte.

For preparing next-generation sulfide all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), the solvent-free manufacturing process has huge potential for the advantages of economic, thick electrode, and avoidance of organic solvents. However, the dominating solvent-free process is based on the fibrillation of polytetrafluoroethylene, suffering from poor mechanical property and electrochemical instability. Herein, a continuously solvent-free paradigm of fusion bonding technique is developed. A percolation network of thermoplastic polyamide (TPA) binder with low viscosity in viscous state is constructed with Li6PS5Cl (LPSC) by thermocompression (≤5 MPa), facilitating the formation of ultrathin LPSC film (≤25 µm). This composite sulfide film (CSF) exhibits excellent mechanical properties, ionic conductivity (2.1 mS cm-1), and unique stress-dissipation to promote interface stabilization. Thick LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 cathode can be prepared by this solvent-free method and tightly adhered to CSF by interfacial fusion of TPA for integrated battery. This integrated ASSB shows high-energy-density feasibility (>2.5 mAh cm-2 after 1400 cycles of 9200 h and run for more than 10 000 h), and energy density of 390 Wh kg-1 and 1020 Wh L-1. More specially, high-voltage bipolar cell (≥8.5 V) and bulk-type pouch cell (326 Wh kg-1) are facilely assembled with good cycling performance. This work inspires commercialization of ASSBs by a solvent-free method and provides beneficial guiding for stable batteries.

Gut dysbiosis-derived ß-glucuronidase promotes the development of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of gut dysbiosis-derived ß-glucuronidase (GUSB) in the development of endometriosis (EMs). DESIGN: 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples from women with (n = 35) or without (n = 30) endometriosis and from a mouse model was conducted to assess gut microbiome changes and identify molecular factors influencing the development of endometriosis. Experiments in vivo in an endometriosis C57BL6 mouse model and in vitro verified the level of GUSB and its role in the development of EMs. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases. PATIENT(S): Women of reproductive age with a histological diagnosis of endometriosis were enrolled in the endometriosis group (n = 35) and infertile or healthy age-matched women who had undergone a gynecological or radiological examination in the control group (n = 30). Fecal and blood samples were taken the day before surgery. Paraffin-embedded sections from 50 bowel endometriotic lesions, 50 uterosacral lesions, 50 samples without lesions, and 50 normal endometria were collected. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Changes in the gut microbiome of patients with EMs and mice and the effect of ß-glucuronidase on the proliferation and invasion of endometrial stromal cells and the development of endometriotic lesions were assessed. RESULT(S): No difference in α and ß diversity was found between patients with EMs and controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed higher ß-glucuronidase expression in bowel lesions and uterosacral ligament lesions than in the normal endometrium (p<0.01). ß-Glucuronidase promoted the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells during cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and wound-healing assays. Macrophage levels, especially M2, were higher in bowel lesions and uterosacral ligament lesions than in controls, and ß-glucuronidase promoted the M0 to M2 transition. Medium conditioned by ß-glucuronidase-treated macrophages promoted endometrial stromal cell proliferation and migration. ß-Glucuronidase increased the number and volume of endometriotic lesions and number of macrophages present in lesions in the mouse EMs model. CONCLUSION(S): This ß-Glucuronidase promoted EMs development directly or indirectly by causing macrophage dysfunction. The characterization of the pathogenic role of ß-glucuronidase in EMs has potential therapeutic implications.

Highly efficient and selective modification of lignin towards optically designable and multifunctional lignocellulose nanopaper for green light-management applications.

Transparent lignocellulose nanopaper (LNP) has been demonstrated to be a promising candidate light-management material for next-generation optical engineering applications. Similar to its role in plant cell walls, lignin serves as a vital functional component in LNP matrices. However, its intrinsic light absorption property renders LNP undesirable for a range of optical management systems. Here, a highly efficient, controllable and ecofriendly lignin modification strategy is developed for modulating the optical performance of LNPs by taking advantage of the beneficial synergistic effect of H2O2 and UV light in selectively eliminating lignin chromophores. The obtained lignin-modified LNP features not only a high visible light transmittance (89%) but also a high haze (90%) and excellent UV-shielding capacity, owing to the well-preserved lignin aromatic skeleton structures after lignin modification. Furthermore, patterning is easily achieved on hot-pressing-induced densified LNPs through a selective lignin modification approach, which endows LNPs with intriguing optical designability. Benefitting from the multifunctionality of lignin components for nanopaper matrices, patterned LNPs demonstrate outstanding water and thermal stability, barrier properties, durability and biodegradability, which are of great significance for practical applications. Furthermore, we demonstrate the great applicability of this optically designable and multifunctional LNP as a light-management material for energy efficient buildings by highlighting its attractive sun- and indoor- light managing effects, effective thermal insulation, as well as superior durability for long-term use. In combination with its efficient, ecofriendly and controllable production, this novel high-performing LNP holds great potential in many other applications that require light-management structural materials, such as optoelectronic and sensing devices.

Unmasking Fracture Risk in Type 2 Diabetes: The Association of Longitudinal Glycemic Hemoglobin Level and Medications.

CONTEXT: Fracture risk is underestimated in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal relationship of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and common medications on fracture risk in people with T2D. METHODS: This retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using de-identified claims and electronic health record data obtained from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse for the period January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2015. For each individual, the study was conducted within a 2-year HbA1c observation period and a 2-year fracture follow-up period. A cohort of 157 439 individuals with T2D [age ≥ 55 years with mean HbA1c value ≥ 6%] were selected from 4 018 250 US Medicare Advantage/Commercial enrollees with a T2D diagnosis. All fractures and fragility fractures were measured. RESULTS: With covariates adjusted, poor glycemic control in T2D individuals was associated with an 29% increase of all fracture risk, compared with T2D individuals who had adequate glycemic control (HR: 1.29; 95% CI, 1.22-1.36). Treatment with metformin (HR: 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85-0.92) and DPP4 inhibitors (HR: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98) was associated with a reduced all fracture risk, while insulin (HR: 1.26; 95% CI, 1.21-1.32), thiazolidinediones (HR: 1.23; 95% CI, 1.18-1.29), and meglitinides (HR: 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00-1.26) were associated with an increased all fracture risk (All P value < 0.05). Bisphosphonates were associated similarly with increased fracture risk in the T2D and nondiabetic groups. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal 2-year HbA1c is independently associated with elevated all fracture risk in T2D individuals during a 2-year follow-up period. Metformin and DPP4 inhibitors can be used for management of T2D fracture risk.

Mechano-chemical regulation of bat wing bones for flight.

Distal phalanges in bat wings have been hypothesized to be cartilaginous to allow for flight. We provide new evidence on how bat wing development might facilitate flight though protein-based regulation of bone mineralization and lead to more deflection at phalanx than humerus. Between Pteropus poliocephalus and Pteropus hypomelanus, two large bat species, we detected 112 proteins including 11 associated with mineralization and analyzed their distribution between the wing bones. Here, in contrast to previous reports, we found no cartilage-specific proteins and demonstrate that distal phalanges in bat wings are in fact low density bone that contain collagen I (the main constituent of bone's organic matrix) and proteins associated with mineralization in bone such as osteomodulin, bone-specific protein osteocalcin. The functional relevance of these changes was explored by measuring changes in mineral (crystal sizes, packing and density), material (Young's modulus and hardness) and structural characteristics. Consistent with changes in proteins associated with mineralization, mineral crystal thickness and alignment decreased from humerus to phalanges, and the mineral platelets were less densely packed along the wing length. Crystal thickness was negatively correlated with proteins associated with inhibition of mineralization as well as with two types of small leucine-rich proteoglycans, indicating the mineral growth and maturity is down regulated by these proteins independent of mineral quantity. The Young's modulus decreased across the wing and was significantly correlated with bone mineral density. Thus, the results from two bat species, studied here, demonstrate progressive alterations in bone mineralization occur in concert with the changes in secretion of bone regulatory proteins along the wing length. This altered mineralization together with structural changes serve to lighten the limb bone and optimize biomechanical properties conducive to flight.

The role of extracellular matrix phosphorylation on energy dissipation in bone.

Protein phosphorylation, critical for cellular regulatory mechanisms, is implicated in various diseases. However, it remains unknown whether heterogeneity in phosphorylation of key structural proteins alters tissue integrity and organ function. Here, osteopontin phosphorylation level declined in hypo- and hyper- phosphatemia mouse models exhibiting skeletal deformities. Phosphorylation increased cohesion between osteopontin polymers, and adhesion of osteopontin to hydroxyapatite, enhancing energy dissipation. Fracture toughness, a measure of bone's mechanical competence, increased with ex-vivo phosphorylation of wildtype mouse bones and declined with ex-vivo dephosphorylation. In osteopontin-deficient mice, global matrix phosphorylation level was not associated with toughness. Our findings suggest that phosphorylated osteopontin promotes fracture toughness in a dose-dependent manner through increased interfacial bond formation. In the absence of osteopontin, phosphorylation increases electrostatic repulsion, and likely protein alignment and interfilament distance leading to decreased fracture resistance. These mechanisms may be of importance in other connective tissues, and the key to unraveling cell-matrix interactions in diseases.

[Analysis of the correlation of prevalence in allergic rhinitis and other allergic diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in different regions of northern China, to analyze the correlation and interaction between AR and bronchial asthma (BA) or atopic dermatitis (AD), and to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases such as AR. METHODS: To obtain the indexes including age, occupation, atopic physical fitness, smoking, alcohol, lifestyle and so on. To explore the correlation between AR and BA or AD. From April 2007 to May 2010, the serum specific IgE (sIgE) was investigated in different regions (rural areas of Qingxian, Hebei; coastal fishing village of Bohai Bay, Huanghua; area of Wuling Mountain, Chengde; urban areas of Tianjin) by randomly multi-stage and cluster sampling, with total population of 1524. RESULTS: The prevalence of AR, BA and AD were 9.1%, 5.4% and 6.0%. The prevalence of BA and AD were 30.9% and 29.5% in AR patients, but were 2.9% and 3.7% in non-AR, and the differences were of statistical significance (χ(2) values were 192.97 and 148.40, respectively, all P < 0.01). The risk of people with BA suffering from AR was as 8.619 times as those free from BA, the risk of people with AD suffering from AR was as 1.817 times as those free from AD and, the risk of workers suffering from AR was as 2.320 times as farmers in terms of working factor by analysis of Logistic regression for AR and BA, AD, age, occupation, atopic physical fitness and other factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AR are correlated with BA and AD. It is greater between BA and AR than AD and AR in the strength of correlation.

[Distribution of allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Hebei villagers and Tianjin citizens].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of allergic rhinitis (AR) and the distribution of allergens in villagers who lived in Hebei Province (Hebei villagers) and the citizens who lived in the city of Tianjin (Tianjin citizens). METHODS: From April 2007 to May 2010, face to face investigation and serum specific IgE (sIgE) examination were conducted among Hebei villagers and Tianjin citizens by randomly multi-stage and cluster sampling, and the results were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1524 cases were investigated, among them, 1024 cases in Hebei and 500 cases in Tianjin, the prevalence of the sIgE test was 27.2% (279/1024) and 21.2% (106/500), and the difference was of statistical significance (χ(2) = 7.13, P < 0.01). The prevalence of AR was 9.2% (94/1024) and 9.0% (45/500), the difference was of no statistical significance (χ(2) = 0.01, P > 0.05). The most common allergens were dog epithelium and cat epithelium, the next were dust mites, house dust mites, birch and forage grasses in rural areas of Hebei Province. The most common allergens in Tianjin city were dust mites and house dust mites, the next were dog epithelium, cat epithelium, birch and forage grasses. The prevalence of allergens between Hebei villagers and Tianjin citizens had significant difference, which from high to low were house dust mites, dust mites and dog epithelium (χ(2) value were 11.36, 9.14, 5.28, all P < 0.05). The incidence of AR caused by dog epithelium in Hebei was higher than that in Tianjin, however, the dust mites in Tianjin was higher than that in Hebei. CONCLUSIONS: Allergen plays an important role in the prevalence of AR. The allergens have differences not only in areas but also in urban and village. The key factor is contact with allergens frequently.

[Research on prevalence and related factors in allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the prevalence and related factors in allergic rhinitis (AR) and other allergic diseases in rural area in China through epidemiological investigation with large sample and multi-faceted survey data. METHODS: Face to face survey was conducted in different regions (rural areas of Cangzhou, Hebei, coastal fishing village of Bohai Bay, area of Wuling Mountain, Chengde, urban areas of Tianjin) from April 2007 to May 2009. In the same time, serum specific IgE (sIgE) was detected in the digits of every 0, 1or 5 in them. SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Five thousand and ten cases were investigated. There were 823 cases with the symptoms or signs of AR (16.4%). Four hundred and two cases were found to have positive serum sIgE antibody in 1576 detected cases (25.5%). One hundred and fourty-six cases with nasal allergic symptoms or signs were diagnosed as AR. The incidence of AR was 9.3% (146/1576). The occurrence of allergic symptoms or signs had a significant statistical difference with factors such as age, occupation, atopic constitution (χ(2) value were 7.96, 9.73, 16.53, 8.95 respectively, all P < 0.05), and it was closely related to lower respiratory tract allergies (ß = 2.544, P < 0.01). The most common allergens were dog and cat epithelium in rural areas and dust mites in city. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AR is higher whether in urban or rural areas, it should be taken seriously as the impact on human health. The occurrence is closely related to physical characteristics and environmental factors.