IP-10 Interferes With the Antiviral Response of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

Background: Increased interferon (IFN)-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level has been shown to be associated with sustained virologic responses (SVRs) to pegylated interferon-alpha 2a/ribavirin-based therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We investigated the relationship between IP-10 and treatment response in patients with CHC treated with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy. Methods: We measured the dynamic changes of IP-10 in samples from 90 patients with CHC. The serum IP-10 levels, intrahepatic expressions of IP-10 mRNA, and protein were determined, respectively. For the in vitro experiments, the expression changes of IP-10 in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-replicating Huh-7 cells with or without non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor were analyzed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Results: Patients with chronic hepatitis C had increased baseline IP-10 levels, intrahepatic IP-10 mRNA, and protein expression. After initiating DAAs therapy, serum IP-10 levels decreased gradually in patients who achieved cure, whereas in patients who failed the therapy, IP-10 levels did not change significantly or recovered from the initial decline. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that baseline IP-10 level ≤ 450 pg/ml and decline >30% at 12 weeks independently predicted the SVR in patients with CHC who received DAAs. In vitro, the expression of IP-10 mRNA and protein in HCV-replicating Huh-7 cells increased significantly. However, such activities were downregulated by NS5A inhibitor, followed by the reduction of HCV RNA levels and a decline in IP-10 levels. Conclusion: IP-10 interfered with HCV replication in hepatocytes and the dynamic decline in IP-10 levels during DAA treatment predicted the SVR in patients with CHC.

Oxygen Plasma Modified Carbon Cloth with C=O Zincophilic Sites as a Stable Host for Zinc Metal Anodes.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are currently receiving widespread attention due to their merits of environmental-friendly properties, high safety, and low cost. However, the absence of stable zinc metal anodes severely restricts their potential applications. In this work, we demonstrate a simple oxygen plasma treatment method to modify the surface state of carbon cloth to construct an ideal substrate for zinc deposition to solve the dendrite growth problem of zinc anodes. The plasma treated carbon cloth (PTCC) electrode has lower nucleation overpotential and uniformly distributed C=O zincophilic nucleation sites, facilitating the uniform nucleation and subsequent homogeneous deposition of zinc. Benefiting from the superior properties of PTCC substrate, the enhanced zinc anodes demonstrate low voltage hysteresis (about 25 mV) and stable zinc plating/stripping behaviors (over 530 h lifespan) at 0.5 mA cm-2 with 15% depth of discharge (DOD). Besides, an extended cycling lifespan of 480 h can also be achieved at very high DOD of 60%. The potential application of the enhanced zinc anode is also confirmed in Zn|V10O24·12H2O full cell. The cells with Zn@PTCC electrode demonstrate remarkable rate capability and excellent cycling stability (95.0% capacity retention after 500 cycles).

Towards High-Energy and Anti-Self-Discharge Zn-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors with New Understanding of the Electrochemistry.

Aqueous Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSs) are increasingly being studied as a novel electrochemical energy storage system with prominent electrochemical performance, high safety and low cost. Herein, high-energy and anti-self-discharge ZHSs are realized based on the fibrous carbon cathodes with hierarchically porous surface and O/N heteroatom functional groups. Hierarchically porous surface of the fabricated free-standing fibrous carbon cathodes not only provides abundant active sites for divalent ion storage, but also optimizes ion transport kinetics. Consequently, the cathodes show a high gravimetric capacity of 156 mAh g-1, superior rate capability (79 mAh g-1 with a very short charge/discharge time of 14 s) and exceptional cycling stability. Meanwhile, hierarchical pore structure and suitable surface functional groups of the cathodes endow ZHSs with a high energy density of 127 Wh kg-1, a high power density of 15.3 kW kg-1 and good anti-self-discharge performance. Mechanism investigation reveals that ZHS electrochemistry involves cation adsorption/desorption and Zn4SO4(OH)6·5H2O formation/dissolution at low voltage and anion adsorption/desorption at high voltage on carbon cathodes. The roles of these reactions in energy storage of ZHSs are elucidated. This work not only paves a way for high-performance cathode materials of ZHSs, but also provides a deeper understanding of ZHS electrochemistry.

In-situ visualization of the space-charge-layer effect on interfacial lithium-ion transport in all-solid-state batteries.

The space charge layer (SCL) is generally considered one of the origins of the sluggish interfacial lithium-ion transport in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLIBs). However, in-situ visualization of the SCL effect on the interfacial lithium-ion transport in sulfide-based ASSLIBs is still a great challenge. Here, we directly observe the electrode/electrolyte interface lithium-ion accumulation resulting from the SCL by investigating the net-charge-density distribution across the high-voltage LiCoO2/argyrodite Li6PS5Cl interface using the in-situ differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (DPC-STEM) technique. Moreover, we further demonstrate a built-in electric field and chemical potential coupling strategy to reduce the SCL formation and boost lithium-ion transport across the electrode/electrolyte interface by the in-situ DPC-STEM technique and finite element method simulations. Our findings will strikingly advance the fundamental scientific understanding of the SCL mechanism in ASSLIBs and shed light on rational electrode/electrolyte interface design for high-rate performance ASSLIBs.

High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Realized by MOF Materials.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have been gaining increasing interest for large-scale energy storage applications due to their high safety, good rate capability, and low cost. However, the further development of ZIBs is impeded by two main challenges: Currently reported cathode materials usually suffer from rapid capacity fading or high toxicity, and meanwhile, unstable zinc stripping/plating on Zn anode seriously shortens the cycling life of ZIBs. In this paper, metal-organic framework (MOF) materials are proposed to simultaneously address these issues and realize high-performance ZIBs with Mn(BTC) MOF cathodes and ZIF-8-coated Zn (ZIF-8@Zn) anodes. Various MOF materials were synthesized, and Mn(BTC) MOF was found to exhibit the best Zn2+-storage ability with a capacity of 112 mAh g-1. Zn2+ storage mechanism of the Mn(BTC) was carefully studied. Besides, ZIF-8@Zn anodes were prepared by coating ZIF-8 MOF material on Zn foils. Unique porous structure of the ZIF-8 coating guided uniform Zn stripping/plating on the surface of Zn anodes. As a result, the ZIF-8@Zn anodes exhibited stable Zn stripping/plating behaviors, with 8 times longer cycle life than bare Zn foils. Based on the above, high-performance aqueous ZIBs were constructed using the Mn(BTC) cathodes and the ZIF-8@Zn anodes, which displayed an excellent long-cycling stability without obvious capacity fading after 900 charge/discharge cycles. This work provides a new opportunity for high-performance energy storage system.

Novel Insights into Energy Storage Mechanism of Aqueous Rechargeable Zn/MnO2 Batteries with Participation of Mn2.

Aqueous rechargeable Zn/MnO2 zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are reviving recently due to their low cost, non-toxicity, and natural abundance. However, their energy storage mechanism remains controversial due to their complicated electrochemical reactions. Meanwhile, to achieve satisfactory cyclic stability and rate performance of the Zn/MnO2 ZIBs, Mn2+ is introduced in the electrolyte (e.g., ZnSO4 solution), which leads to more complicated reactions inside the ZIBs systems. Herein, based on comprehensive analysis methods including electrochemical analysis and Pourbaix diagram, we provide novel insights into the energy storage mechanism of Zn/MnO2 batteries in the presence of Mn2+. A complex series of electrochemical reactions with the co-participation of Zn2+, H+, Mn2+, SO42-, and OH- were revealed. During the first discharge process, co-insertion of Zn2+ and H+ promotes the transformation of MnO2 into ZnxMnO4, MnOOH, and Mn2O3, accompanying with increased electrolyte pH and the formation of ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O. During the subsequent charge process, ZnxMnO4, MnOOH, and Mn2O3 revert to α-MnO2 with the extraction of Zn2+ and H+, while ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O reacts with Mn2+ to form ZnMn3O7·3H2O. In the following charge/discharge processes, besides aforementioned electrochemical reactions, Zn2+ reversibly insert into/extract from α-MnO2, ZnxMnO4, and ZnMn3O7·3H2O hosts; ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O, Zn2Mn3O8, and ZnMn2O4 convert mutually with the participation of Mn2+. This work is believed to provide theoretical guidance for further research on high-performance ZIBs.

High-Power and Ultralong-Life Aqueous Zinc-Ion Hybrid Capacitors Based on Pseudocapacitive Charge Storage.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion hybrid capacitors and zinc-ion batteries are promising safe energy storage systems. In this study, amorphous RuO2·H2O for the first time was employed to achieve fast and ultralong-life Zn2+ storage based on a pseudocapacitive storage mechanism. In the RuO2·H2O||Zn zinc-ion hybrid capacitors with Zn(CF3SO3)2 aqueous electrolyte, the RuO2·H2O cathode can reversibly store Zn2+ in a voltage window of 0.4-1.6 V (vs. Zn/Zn2+), delivering a high discharge capacity of 122 mAh g-1. In particular, the zinc-ion hybrid capacitors can be rapidly charged/discharged within 36 s with a very high power density of 16.74 kW kg-1 and a high energy density of 82 Wh kg-1. Besides, the zinc-ion hybrid capacitors demonstrate an ultralong cycle life (over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles). The kinetic analysis elucidates that the ultrafast Zn2+ storage in the RuO2·H2O cathode originates from redox pseudocapacitive reactions. This work could greatly facilitate the development of high-power and safe electrochemical energy storage.

Polymorphous Supercapacitors Constructed from Flexible Three-Dimensional Carbon Network/Polyaniline/MnO2 Composite Textiles.

Polymorphous supercapacitors were constructed from flexible three-dimensional carbon network/polyaniline (PANI)/MnO2 composite textile electrodes. The flexible textile electrodes were fabricated through a layer-by-layer construction strategy: PANI, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and MnO2 were deposited on activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) in turn through an electropolymerization process, "dipping and drying" method, and in situ chemical reaction, respectively. In the fabricated ACFC/PANI/CNTs/MnO2 textile electrodes, the ACFC/CNT hybrid framework serves as a porous and electrically conductive 3D network for the rapid transmission of electrons and electrolyte ions, where ACFC, PANI, and MnO2 are high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials. In the electrolyte of H2SO4 solution, the textile electrode-based symmetric supercapacitor delivers superior areal capacitance, energy density, and power density of 4615 mF cm-2 (for single electrode), 157 µW h cm-2, and 10372 µW cm-2, respectively, whereas asymmetric supercapacitor assembled with the prepared composite textile as the positive electrode and ACFC as the negative electrode exhibits an improved energy density of 413 µW h cm-2 and a power density of 16120 µW cm-2. On the basis of the ACFC/PANI/CNTs/MnO2 textile electrodes, symmetric and asymmetric solid-state textile supercapacitors with a PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte were also produced. These solid-state textile supercapacitors exhibit good electrochemical performance and high flexibility. Furthermore, flexible solid-state fiber-like supercapacitors were prepared with fiber bundle electrodes dismantled from the above composite textiles. Overall, this work makes a meaningful exploration of the versatile applications of textile electrodes to produce polymorphous supercapacitors.

Investigation of zinc ion storage of transition metal oxides, sulfides, and borides in zinc ion battery systems.

Zn-ion batteries have been widely investigated due to their low cost, high safety and eco-friendliness. We comprehensively evaluate the performance of oxides (MoO3, TiO2, and Fe3O4), sulfides (MoS2, WS2, and MnS) and borides (TiB2 and ZrB2) in zinc ion battery systems. It is found that MnS is a good alternative cathode material with a reversible capacity of 221 mA h g-1, while the other materials show different behaviours.

Breathable and Wearable Energy Storage Based on Highly Flexible Paper Electrodes.

Breathable and wearable energy storage is achieved based on an innovative design solution. Carbon nanotube/MnO2 -decorated air-laid paper electrodes, with outstanding flexibility and good electrochemical performances, are prepared. They are then assembled into solid-state supercapacitors. By making through-holes on the supercapacitors, breathable and flexible supercapacitors are successfully fabricated.

Simultaneous Production of High-Performance Flexible Textile Electrodes and Fiber Electrodes for Wearable Energy Storage.

High-performance flexible textile electrodes and fiber electrodes are produced simultaneously by a newly proposed effective strategy. Activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ACFC/MnO2/CNTs composites are designed as high-performance flexible textile electrodes. Theses textiles can also be easily dismantled into individual fiber bundles used as high-performance flexible fiber electrodes.

Secondary batteries with multivalent ions for energy storage.

The use of electricity generated from clean and renewable sources, such as water, wind, or sunlight, requires efficiently distributed electrical energy storage by high-power and high-energy secondary batteries using abundant, low-cost materials in sustainable processes. American Science Policy Reports state that the next-generation "beyond-lithium" battery chemistry is one feasible solution for such goals. Here we discover new "multivalent ion" battery chemistry beyond lithium battery chemistry. Through theoretic calculation and experiment confirmation, stable thermodynamics and fast kinetics are presented during the storage of multivalent ions (Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+), or La(3+) ions) in alpha type manganese dioxide. Apart from zinc ion battery, we further use multivalent Ni(2+) ion to invent another rechargeable battery, named as nickel ion battery for the first time. The nickel ion battery generally uses an alpha type manganese dioxide cathode, an electrolyte containing Ni(2+) ions, and Ni anode. The nickel ion battery delivers a high energy density (340 Wh kg(-1), close to lithium ion batteries), fast charge ability (1 minute), and long cycle life (over 2200 times).

Prevalence and characterization of hepatitis B and C virus infections in a needle-sharing population in Northern China.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiologies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in specific populations in certain areas of China are poorly understood. A pilot survey of HCV/HBV infections was carried out in villages in Kuancheng County, Heben Province, where injection of sodium benzoate or amphetamines using shared needles has been a common practice. The aims of this study were to analyze the endemicity and characterize HCV/HBV infections in this population. METHODS: Data on demographic characteristics and drug abuse were collected from individuals who signed informed consent forms. Serum HCV antibody (anti-HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) were measured in all participants. HCV RNA was measured in samples positive for anti-HCV using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Among 852 participants from 11 villages, 49.9% had used sodium benzoate or amphetamine at least once, by intravenous injection. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV, HCV RNA, anti-HBc, HBsAg, and HCV/HBV co-infection was 37.1%, 26.6%, 67.7%, 10.7%, and 30.0%, respectively. Two-hundred-twenty-three of 227 (98.2%) participants positive for HCV RNA were aged >40 years. Co-infection was related to sex, age, number of injections, and time from first injection. The rate of spontaneous HCV RNA clearance was 28.2% (89/316), and was related to the number of injections, time from first injection, and HBsAg positivity. However, HBsAg was related to the anti-HBc signal/cut-off ratio rather than to the above parameters. Trend tests demonstrated that the prevalence of anti-HCV, HCV RNA, and anti-HBc was related to the number of injections (P < 0.001), while HBsAg prevalence was not (P = 0.347). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HCV and HBV infection is likely to be high among individuals older than 40 years in areas of needle sharing, and one-time screening for HCV infection should be offered to these populations.

Flexible asymmetric supercapacitors based on ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets with outstanding electrochemical performance and aesthetic property.

Flexible asymmetric supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance and aesthetic property are realized by using ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) MnO2 and graphene nanosheets as cathode and anode materials, respectively. 2D MnO2 nanosheets (MSs) with a thickness of ca. 2 nm are synthesized with a soft template method for the first time, which achieve a high specific capacitance of 774 F g(-1) even after 10000 cycles. Asymmetric supercapacitors based on ultrathin MSs and graphene exhibit a very high energy density up to 97.2 Wh kg(-1) with no more than 3% capacitance loss after 10000 cycles in aqueous electrolyte. Most interestingly, we show that the energy storage device can have an aesthetic property. For instance, a "Chinese panda" supercapacitor is capable of lighting up a red light emitting diode. This work has another, quite different aspect that a supercapacitor is no longer a cold industry product, but could have the meaning of art.

Ultrathin amorphous manganese dioxide nanosheets synthesized with controllable width.

We present a one-step synthesis process for ultrathin non-crystalline MnO2 nanosheets. Their thickness is about 2 nm and the width varies from 5 to 20 nm. They induce a higher capacitance than zero-dimensional spheres or one-dimensional rods. When heat treated at elevated temperature MnO2 nanosheets partly grow into crystalline Mn2O3 rods.

Rheinheimera longhuensis sp. nov., isolated from a slightly alkaline lake, and emended description of genus Rheinheimera Brettar et al. 2002.

The bacterial strain LH2-2(T) was isolated from freshwater of Longhu Lake, a slightly alkaline lake (pH 8.8) in north-east China. Cells of strain LH2-2(T) were Gram-staining-negative, non-spore-forming rods, 0.3-0.5 µm wide and 2.0-4.0 µm long. Cells were motile by means of a single polar flagellum. The strain was strictly aerobic and heterotrophic and oxidase- and catalase-positive. Growth occurred at 0-36 °C (optimum, 26-34 °C), pH 6.5-11 (optimum, pH 8.0-8.6) and in the presence of 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). Strain LH2-2(T) contained Q-8 as the major respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH; 21.9%), C(17:1)ω8c (18.9%), C(18:1)ω7c (16.4%) and C(16:0) (12.7%) after growth on marine agar 2216. The DNA G+C content was 47 mol% (T(m)). The 16S rRNA gene and a conserved portion of the gyrB gene were sequenced and used for phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene and gyrB sequences showed that strain LH2-2(T) was associated with the genus Rheinheimera and closely related to the type strains of Rheinheimera species, and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Rheinheimera pacifica KMM 1406(T) (97.4%), R. aquimaris SW-353(T) (97.1%) and R. chironomi K19414(T) (96.5%). The DNA-DNA relatedness of strain LH2-2(T) to R. pacifica NBRC 103167(T), R. aquimaris JCM 14331(T) and R. chironomi LMG 23818(T) was 39, 31 and 23%, respectively. Based on these results, it is concluded that strain LH2-2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Rheinheimera, for which the name Rheinheimera longhuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LH2-2(T) ( = CGMCC 1.7003(T)  = NBRC 105632(T)). An emended description of the genus Rheinheimera is also provided.

Hydrocarboniphaga daqingensis sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater lake.

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated B2-9(T), was isolated from water of a slightly alkaline lake, Longhu Lake in Daqing, north-east China. Strain B2-9(T) was an aerobic rod, heterotrophic, catalase- and oxidase-positive and motile by means of a single polar flflagellum. The isolate grew well on n-alkanes C(9)-C(17) and weakly on C(6)-C(8), C(18) and C(19). Growth occurred at 10-37 °C (optimum 20-25 °C), at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and with ≤1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids were C(18 : 1)ω7c (41.4 %), summed feature 3 (iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)ω7c; 18.5 %) and C(16 : 0) (10.9 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain B2-9(T) belonged to the genus Hydrocarboniphaga of the class Gammaproteobacteria and shared 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Hydrocarboniphaga effusa AP103(T). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain B2-9(T) and H. effusa DSM 16095(T) was 24 %. The DNA G+C content of strain B2-9(T) was 66 mol%. Strain B2-9(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hydrocarboniphaga, for which the name Hydrocarboniphaga daqingensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B2-9(T) (=CGMCC 1.7049(T) =NBRC 104238(T)).

Catellibacterium aquatile sp. nov., isolated from fresh water, and emended description of the genus Catellibacterium Tanaka et al. 2004.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming bacterial strain that was motile by a single polar flagellum, designated A1-9(T), was isolated from Daqing reservoir in north-east China and its taxonomic position was studied using a polyphasic approach. Strain A1-9(T) was non-halophilic, strictly aerobic and heterotrophic and lacked carotenoids, internal membranes and genes for photosynthesis (puf genes). Strain A1-9(T) grew at 10-40 degrees C (optimum, 25-30 degrees C) and pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-6.5) and tolerated up to 1.0 % NaCl (w/v). Neither phototrophic nor fermentative growth was observed. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acid was C(18 : 1) ω 7c (70 %). The DNA G+C content was 64.4 mol% (T(m)). Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain A1-9(T), together with Catellibacterium nectariphilum AST4(T), formed a deep line within the 'Rhodobacter clade' of the family Rhodobacteraceae and strain A1-9(T) showed 94.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to C. nectariphilum AST4(T). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain A1-9(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Catellibacterium, for which the name Catellibacterium aquatile sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A1-9(T) (=CGMCC 1.7029(T) =NBRC 104254(T)).

Algoriphagus aquatilis sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater lake.

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile bacterium, strain A8-7(T), was isolated from fresh water of a slightly alkaline lake, Longhu Lake, in Daqing, north-east China, and its taxonomic position was studied by using a polyphasic approach. Strain A8-7(T) was aerobic, heterotrophic and positive for catalase and oxidase. It grew at 20-37 degrees C (optimum 30 degrees C) and pH 5.5-10.5 (optimum pH 7.5) and in the presence of 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl. It formed pink-pigmented, smooth and circular colonies, 1-2 mm in diameter, on R3A-V agar plates after incubation at 30 degrees C for 3 days. Cells of strain A8-7(T) were rods, 0.2-0.4 mum wide and 1.6-4.0 mum long. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C(15 : 0) (40.3 %) and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH; 12.1 %). The menaquinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content was 43 mol% (T(m)). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain A8-7(T) was phylogenetically related to members of the genus Algoriphagus, with sequence similarities of 92.6-95.2 %, the highest sequence similarity being to the sequence from Algoriphagus mannitolivorans IMSNU 14012(T). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain A8-7(T) was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Algoriphagus, for which the name Algoriphagus aquatilis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A8-7(T) (=CGMCC 1.7030(T) =NBRC 104237(T)).