Introducing high-valence molybdenum to stimulate lattice oxygen in a NiCo LDH cathode for chloride ion batteries.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been intensively investigated as promising cathodes for the new concept chloride ion battery (CIB) with multiple advantages of high theoretical energy density, abundant raw materials and unique dendrite-free characteristics. However, driven by the great compositional diversity, a complete understanding of interactions between metal cations, as well as a synergetic effect between metal cations and lattice oxygen on LDH host layers in terms of the reversible Cl-storage capability, is still a crucial but elusive issue. In this work, we synthesized a series of chloride-inserted trinary Mox-doped NiCo2-Cl LDH (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) with gradient oxygen vacancies as enhanced cathodes toward CIBs. The combination of advanced spectroscopic techniques and theoretical calculations reveals that the Mo dopant facilitates oxygen vacancy formation and varies the valence states of coordinated transition metals, which can not only tune the electronic structure effectively and promote Cl-ion diffusion, but improve the redox activity of LDHs. The optimized Mo0.3NiCo2-Cl LDH delivers a reversible discharge capacity of 159.7 mA h g-1 after 300 cycles at 150 mA g-1, which is almost a triple enhancement compared to that of NiCo2Cl LDH. The superior Cl-storage of trinary Mo0.3NiCo2Cl LDH is attributed to the reversible intercalation/deintercalation of chloride ions in the LDH gallery along with the oxidation state changes in Ni0/Ni2+/Ni3+, Co0/Co2+/Co3+ and Mo4+/Mo6+ couples. This simple vacancy engineering strategy provides critical insights into the significance of the chemical interaction of various components on LDH laminates and aims to effectively design more LDH-based cathodes for CIBs, which can even be extended to other halide-ion batteries like fluoride ion batteries and bromide ion batteries.

Enhanced Li-Ion Diffusion and Cycling Stability of Ni-Free High-Entropy Spinel Oxide Anodes with High-Concentration Oxygen Vacancies.

High-entropy oxide (HEO) is an emerging type of anode material for lithium-ion batteries with excellent properties, where high-concentration oxygen vacancies can effectively enhance the diffusion coefficient of lithium ions. In this study, Ni-free spinel-type HEOs ((FeCoCrMnZn)3O4 and (FeCoCrMnMg)3O4) were prepared via ball milling, and the effects of zinc and magnesium on the concentration of oxygen vacancy (OV), lithium-ion diffusion coefficient (DLi+), and electrochemical performance of HEOs were investigated. Ab initio calculations show that the addition of zinc narrows down the band gap and thus improves the electrical conductivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that (FeCoCrMnZn)3O4 (42.7%) and (FeCoCrMnMg)3O4 (42.5%) have high OV concentration. During charge/discharge, the OV concentration of (FeCoCrMnZn)3O4 is higher than that of (FeCoCrMnMg)3O4. The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) results show that the DLi+ value of (FeCoCrMnZn)3O4 is higher than that of (FeCoCrMnMg)3O4 during charge and discharge. All of that can improve its specific discharge capacity and enhance its cycle stability. (FeCoCrMnZn)3O4 achieved a discharge capacity of 828.6 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1 after 2000 cycles. This work provides a deep understanding of the structure and performance of HEO.

Epidemiology of post-transplant malignancy in Chinese renal transplant recipients: a single-center experience and literature review.

This study investigated the incidence and types of post-transplant malignancy in Chinese renal transplant recipients and the risk factors associated with malignancy. Data from 3,462 patients who underwent renal transplantation at Beijing Friendship Hospital were combined with data from 26 previous reports describing malignancy rates in 27,170 Chinese renal transplant recipients. Between 1974 and 2014, 179/3,462 (5.17 %) patients who underwent renal transplantation at our center developed malignancy. The most common site of malignancy was the urinary system, and the most common type was urothelial transitional cell carcinoma. Combined data from our center and previous reports showed malignancy in 671 (2.19 %) Chinese renal transplant recipients. The ten most common malignancies were urothelial transitional cell carcinoma (n = 283), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 68), gastrointestinal cancer (n = 63), renal cell carcinoma (n = 42), lymphoma (n = 42), lung cancer (n = 28), breast cancer (n = 19), skin cancer (n = 18), Kaposi's sarcoma (n = 12), and cervical cancer (n = 10). The incidence of post-transplant malignancy in renal transplant recipients was lower in China than the reported rates in other countries, and the most common sites of malignancy were the urinary and digestive system. The relative frequency of malignancy sites differed between northern and southern China. Renal transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy should receive careful follow-up, including annual or biannual screening for malignancy in high-risk individuals.

Changes in dendritic cells and dendritic cell subpopulations in peripheral blood of recipients during acute rejection after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Advances in transplantation immunology show that the balance between dendritic cells (DCs) and their subsets can maintain stable immune status in the induction of tolerance after transplantation. The aim of this study was to investigate if DCs and DC subpopulations in recipient peripheral blood are effective diagnostic indicators of acute rejection following kidney transplantation. METHODS: Immunofluorescent flow cytometry was used to classify white blood cells (WBCs), the levels of mononuclear cells and DCs (including the dominant subpopulations, plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and myeloid DC (mDC)) in peripheral blood at 0, 1, 7, and 28 days and 1 year after kidney transplantation in 33 patients. In addition, the blood levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 were monitored before and after surgery. Fifteen healthy volunteers served as normal controls. Patients were undertaking hemodialysis owing to uremia before surgery. RESULTS: The total number of DCs, pDC, and mDC in peripheral blood and the pDC/mDC ratio were significantly lower in patients than controls (P < 0.05). Peripheral DCs suddenly decreased at the end of day 1, then gradually increased through day 28 but remained below normal levels. After 1 year, levels were higher than before surgery but lower than normal. The mDC levels were higher in patients with acute rejection before and 1 day after surgery (P < 0.005). There was no significant difference in IL-10 and IL-12 levels between patients with and without acute rejection. CONCLUSION: The changes in DCs and DC subpopulations during the acute rejection period may serve as effective markers and referral indices for monitoring the immune state, and predicting rejection and reasonably adjusting immunosuppressants.

[Association factors analysis of diarrhea in patients receiving kidney transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors in association with colorectal disorders in adult renal transplant recipients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with clinical, microbiological and management data regarding diarrhea in 513 renal transplant recipients from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2012. RESULTS: Of the 513 patients, 118(23.00%) with no history of ulcerative colitis, were found to have diarrhea after kidney transplantation. In the 118 patients, diarrhea was probably caused by administration of immunosuppressive agents in 65 cases (55.08%), in 30 cases (25.42%) diarrhea was antibiotics associated, and in 23 cases (19.49%) it was due to infections, including bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Diarrhea occurred soon after transplantation in most cases. Of the 118 patients, the symptom of diarrhea occurred in the first 1 month in 84 cases (71.19%), and in the next 5 months in 16 cases (13.56%), and the other 18 cases (15.05%) occurred after 180 days after transplantation. Of the 118 patients, 84 cases (71.19%) were relieved or cured after proper diets, the symptomatic therapy or the adjust meat of the doses of immunosuppressive agents: 18 cases (15.25%) needed to use or adjust the antibiotics , 16 cases (13.56%) had to stop mycophenolate mofetil and convert to other drugs. CONCLUSION: Immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics and infection are the common causes of diarrhea after kidney transplantation. The outcome is good with appropriate conservative management.

Latent abnormal pathology affects long-term graft function in elder living renal allograft recipients.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the long-term effects and clinical significance of latent abnormal pathology on elder living donor kidney graft function after renal transplantation in China. METHODS: One-hundred and thirty-eight living donor renal transplantations have been carried out at our hospital in recent years. Of these, 72 Time-Zero biopsies were performed and used in this analysis. Clinical data were retrospectively measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after renal transplants. Relationships and effects from biopsy results taken from implanted donor kidney grafts were analyzed. RESULTS: Time-Zero biopsy pathology results from donor kidneys showed that 48.61% of donor kidneys had latent abnormal changes; arterial lesions of donor kidneys had significant effects on the renal function of grafts after 2 years' transplantation; correlations between donor age and arterial lesions were significant; and Time-Zero biopsy pathology results could help predict the long-term function of a renal graft. CONCLUSIONS: Existing latent pathological changes of an elder living donor kidney before transplantation could affect long-term renal function. Whether a senior donor is used should be very carefully considered.

[Urothelial carcinoma accompanied with other malignant tumor after renal transplantation: 9 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the patterns and control measures of the multiple malignancy occurring with urothelial carcinoma (UC) in patients after renal transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 3 370 renal transplant recipients. Of all the subjects, 169 developed malignancy, of whom 9 patients developed other multiple malignant tumors occurring with UC, 8 patients were female and 1 male. The median age was 55 years (49-67 years), and the median diagnosis time of tumor after surgery was 38 months (8-80 months). All of them received operation as therapy. RESULTS: In 9 patients other multiple malignancy occurred with UC: 2 urothelial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2 sarcoma, 2 colon adenocarcinoma, 1 skin SCC, 1 poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma combined with micro-papillary carcinoma of bladder and 1 renal chromophobe cell carcinoma. Of the 9 patients, 7 were alive in postoperative follow-ups for 32-172 months, of whom 2 received hemodialysis after the removal of dysfunctional allograft, and 5 were alive with functioned allograft. Two patients died of tumor metastasis in 6 months after operations. CONCLUSION: The multiple accompanying malignancy can happen in patients who have developed UC after renal transplantation. The possibility of multiple malignancy occurrences should be regarded among renal transplant recipients, since early diagnosis and treatment are essential to the improvement in the survival of the patients.

Factors potentially affecting the function of kidney grafts.

BACKGROUND: Donor and recipient risk factors on graft function have been well characterized. The contribution of demographic factors, such as age, gender, and other potential factors of donor and recipient at the time of transplantation on the function of a graft is much less well understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of factors such as age, gender, etc., on the short-term and long-term graft function in kidney transplant recipients from living donor. METHODS: A total of 335 living donors and their recipients, who had kidney transplantation in our center from May 2004 to December 2009, were included. Serum creatinine level was used as the assessment criterion (serum creatinine level lower than 115 mmol/L is normal). Factors related to graft function such as age, gender, blood relation by consanguinity, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch, ABO type, etc., were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Donor age is the key factor affecting both the short-term and long-term function of a grafted kidney from a living donor. The group with donors younger than 48 years showed the best kidney function post transplantation. Match of gender and age is another important factor that influences the function of grafted kidney from a living donor. The older donor to younger recipient group had the worst outcome after kidney transplantation. After 36 months post transplantation, female donor to male recipient group had worse kidney function compared to other groups. We also found that calcinerin inhibitor used in the maintenance period may influence the function of a grafted kidney. No significant statistical differences were found in consanguinity, blood type, and mismatch of HLA. CONCLUSIONS: Donor age is an important factor affecting the function of a grafted kidney from a living donor. We also recommend taking nephron, immunology factor, infection, and demographic information all into consideration when assessing the outcome of kidney transplantation.

The evolution and pathogenic mechanisms of the rice sheath blight pathogen.

Rhizoctonia solani is a major fungal pathogen of rice (Oryza sativa L.) that causes great yield losses in all rice-growing regions of the world. Here we report the draft genome sequence of the rice sheath blight disease pathogen, R. solani AG1 IA, assembled using next-generation Illumina Genome Analyser sequencing technologies. The genome encodes a large and diverse set of secreted proteins, enzymes of primary and secondary metabolism, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and transporters, which probably reflect an exclusive necrotrophic lifestyle. We find few repetitive elements, a closer relationship to Agaricomycotina among Basidiomycetes, and expand protein domains and families. Among the 25 candidate pathogen effectors identified according to their functionality and evolution, we validate 3 that trigger crop defence responses; hence we reveal the exclusive expression patterns of the pathogenic determinants during host infection.

[Influence of the interruption of arteria iliaca interna distal end on penile vascularity and erectile function in male renal transplant recipients].

OBJECTIVE: It is controversial whether unilateral interruption of the arteria iliaca interna distal end affects penile hemodynamics and erectile function. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate this influence by detecting the blood flow of the penile artery before and after renal transplantation. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) received renal transplantation, the grafts revascularized by end-to-end anastomosis to the right internal iliac artery. Six months before and after the surgery, we obtained the IIEF scores of the patients, recorded their penile blood flow on color Doppler ultrasonography and the levels of serum creatinine, hemoglobin and serum cholesterol, and analyzed post-transplantation immunosuppressive medication. RESULTS: The patients ranged in age from 21 to 55 years, of whom 36% had erectile dysfunction (ED) during MHD, and 33% after renal transplantation. A total of 67% of the renal transplant recipients (RTR) complained of unchanged and 15% deteriorated ED, while 18% admitted improved erectile function. The patients showed a significantly stronger sexual desire after the transplantation than before it (6.2 +/- 1.6 vs 8.9 +/- 0.9, P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the cavernous arteries after transplantation as compared with pre-transplantation (P < 0.01). Penile arterial blood flow insufficiency was found in none of the RTRs. CONCLUSION: Unilateral interruption of the internal iliac artery decreases penile arterial blood flow, but not to such a degree as to result in ED. Unilateral interruption of the arteria iliaca interna distal end does not affect the erectile function of RTRs.

[Appropriate use of immunosuppressants after renal transplantation].

Kidney transplantation has become an important method in treating advanced renal failure. Immunosuppressants play a key tool in this progress. It is important to understand the goal, mechanism, and adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy, so as to appropriately use these drugs in post-transplantation patients on a customized basis.

[Prevention and treatment of hypertension after renal transplantation].

Hypertension is a common complication after renal transplantation. Among post-transplantation patients died of cardiovascular diseases, about 41% have hypertension. Hypertension is an independent risk factor for kidney transplant failure. Post-transplantation hypertension can be caused by many factors, including the use of immunosuppressants. When the blood pressure exceeds 130/90 mmHg in a kidney transplant recipient, it is reasonable to provide active medical intervention. In summary, prevention and treatment of hypertension is important to prolong the survival of kidney transplant recipients.

[Living related donor kidney transplantation: analysis of 117 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experience in living related donor kidney transplantation. METHODS: 117 patients with different nephropathies underwent transplantation of kidneys donated by their collateral relative in three generations. All donor kidneys were removed by open nephrectomy. Immunosuppressive protocols which consisting of cyclosporine A/tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil/azathioprine/rapamycin, and steroid were used in all patients as immunosuppressors. Follow-up was conducted for 1-44 months. RESULTS: Delayed graft function recovery occurred in 2 patients. Acute rejection episodes occurred in 18 patients, and the condition was reversed by high intravenous dose of methyl-prednisolone or polyclonal anti-T-cell antibodies. Follow-up showed that all the patients survived with normal kidney function, and the donors kept good kidney function with normal life quality. Hypertension was found in 2 donors and diabetes mellitus was found in 1 donor. CONCLUSION: Careful evaluation of both psychological and physical status of the donors and optimal physical status of recipients before operation are critical for successful kidney transplantation. Injury of graft kidney should be reduced and recipients should be treated with sufficient immunosuppressive regimen in early stage after transplantation.

Prevalence and influential factors of erectile dysfunction in male renal transplant recipients: a multiple center survey.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplants can improve the quality of life for recipients, but the quality of their sexual life might not be improved. This study was conducted to research the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the influential factors in male renal transplant recipients (RTRs). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three renal transplantation centers. Structured questionnaires were administrated by trained interviewers to 824 male renal transplant patients, who had active sexual lives in the last 6 months. RESULTS: Complaints of ED were reported by 75.5% of the 809 RTRs (age range 19 - 75 years, mean age (45 +/- 10) years), whose questionnaires were completed. Mild, moderate and severe ED were reported at 53.6%, 8.3% and 13.6%, respectively. The mean age and the graft duration were significantly higher in male RTRs with ED compared to potent graft recipients (P = 0.00 and 0.04, respectively). The prevalence of ED increased with the increase in age. It was 60.7%, 65.8%, 75.2%, 87.5% and 92.2% in patients with age below 30 years, 31 - 40 years, 41 - 50 years, 51 - 60 years and over 60 years, respectively (P = 0.000). Moreover, the severity of ED increased with aging. The percentage of moderate and severe cases of ED increased from 6.7% in patients below 40 years to 28.9% in those over 40 years (P = 0.000). The prevalence of ED in the RTR who had no occupation was higher than in those who were holding a position (P = 0.001). The prevalence of ED decreased with the increase in the education level. The prevalence of ED was 94.3%, 86.4%, 74.0% and 67.8% in men with elementary school or lower, middle school, high school, and college or higher degrees, respectively (P = 0.000). Patients, whose distal end of arteria iliaca interna was interrupted and underwent iterative transplantation, worried transplanted kidney function was impacted by sexual life, and received cyclosporine (CsA)-based immunosuppressive regimens, were more likely to have ED (P = 0.000, 0.001, 0.000, 0.000, respectively). After Logistic regression analysis, only five factors, age, education level, interruption of arteria iliaca interna distal end, worrying transplanted kidney function impacted by sexual life and CsA-based immunosuppressive regimens sustained their significance. CONCLUSIONS: Renal transplant has varying effects on erectile function. ED is highly prevalent among RTRs and its influential factors are multiple. Age, education level, interruption of arteria iliaca interna distal end, worrying transplanted kidney function impacted by sexual life, CsA-based immunosuppressive regimens are the main influential factors of ED in male RTRs.