An XPS Study of Electrolytes for Li-Ion Batteries in Full Cell LNMO vs Si/Graphite.

Two different types of electrolytes (co-solvent and multi-salt) are tested for use in high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4||Si/graphite full cells and compared against a carbonate-based standard LiPF6 containing electrolyte (baseline). Ex situ postmortem XPS analysis on both anodes and cathodes over the life span of the cells reveals a continuously growing SEI and CEI for the baseline electrolyte. The cells cycled in the co-solvent electrolyte exhibited a relatively thick and long-term stable CEI (on LNMO), while a slowly growing SEI was determined to form on the Si/graphite. The multi-salt electrolyte offers more inorganic-rich SEI/CEI while also forming the thinnest SEI/CEI observed in this study. Cross-talk is identified in the baseline electrolyte cell, where Si is detected on the cathode, and Mn is detected on the anode. Both the multi-salt and co-solvent electrolytes are observed to substantially reduce this cross-talk, where the co-solvent is found to be the most effective. In addition, Al corrosion is detected for the multi-salt electrolyte mainly at its end-of-life stage, where Al can be found on both the anode and cathode. Although the co-solvent electrolyte offers superior interface properties in terms of the limitation of cross-talk, the multi-salt electrolyte offers the best overall performance, suggesting that interface thickness plays a superior role compared to cross-talk. Together with their electrochemical cycling performance, the results suggest that multi-salt electrolyte provides a better long-term passivation of the electrodes for high-voltage cells.

Choice of medium affects PBMC quantification, cell size, and downstream respiratory analysis.

High-resolution respirometry (HRR) can assess peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) bioenergetics, but no standardized medium for PBMC preparation and HRR analysis exist. Here, we study the effect of four different media (MiR05, PBS, RPMI, Plasmax) on the count, size, and HRR (Oxygraph-O2k) of intact PBMCs. Remarkably, the cell count was 21 % higher when PBMCs were resuspended in MiR05 than in PBS or Plasmax, causing O2 flux underestimation during HRR due to inherent adjustments. Moreover, smaller cell size and cell aggregation was observed in MiR05. Based on our findings, we propose that Plasmax, PBS or RPMI is more suitable than MiR05 for HRR of intact PBMCs. We provide oxygen solubility factors for Plasmax and PBS and encourage further optimization of a standardized HRR protocol for intact PBMCs.

A proof of concept: Clinical anti-aging efficacy and safety of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R® applied topically in a double-blinded placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing age of the westernized population, there is also increasing economic and aesthetic interest in reducing the signs of skin aging. Additionally, the physical aspect of aging can be displeasing and have detrimental effects psychologically in individuals. Probiotics have shown potential as anti-aging agents, albeit proper studies are needed to confirm their potential. AIMS: Proving that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R® could alleviate aging signs relative to its placebo vehicle. PATIENTS/METHODS: In total, 46 subjects were randomly assigned either the ointment with live bacteria, L. plantarum LB244R® or its vehicle ointment, and had to use the assigned ointment twice daily for 56 days. On Day 0, Day 28, and Day 56 subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) thickness, dermal density, skin firmness and elasticity, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pH, collagen fiber visualization using confocal microscopy, Crow's feet, spot score, skin smoothness, and complexion radiance were assessed by dermatologists. RESULTS: All parameters except TEWL improved relative to their baseline (D0) for the active group. L. plantarum LB244R® improved SLEB thickness, dermal density, skin elasticity, skin hydration, and Crow's feet wrinkle score relative to the placebo vehicle ointment. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates an anti-aging effect of L. plantarum LB244R® for topical skin use in the first double-blinded, vehicle-ointment placebo-controlled clinical study.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibit increased mitochondrial respiration after adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy for early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy cause cellular damage to tumorous and healthy dividing cells. Chemotherapy has been shown to cause mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in non-tumorous tissues, but the effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) remain unknown. AIM: We aimed to investigate mitochondrial respiration of PBMCs before and after adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy in postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer (EBC) and relate these to metabolic parameters of the patients. METHODS: Twenty-three postmenopausal women diagnosed with EBC were examined before and shortly after chemotherapy with (n = 18) or without (n = 5) radiotherapy. Respiration (O2 flux per million PBMCs) was assessed by high-resolution respirometry of intact and permeabilized PBMCs. Clinical metabolic characteristics and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of PBMCs (mtDN relative to nuclear DNA) were furthermore assessed. RESULTS: Respiration of intact and permeabilized PBMCs from EBC patients significantly increased with adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy (p = 6 × 10-5 and p = 1 × 10-7 , respectively). The oxygen flux attributed to specific mitochondrial complexes and respiratory states increased by 17-43% compared to before therapy initiation. Similarly, PBMC mtDNA content increased by 40% (p = 0.002). Leukocytes (p = 0.0001), hemoglobin (p = 0.0003), and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.003) concentrations decreased whereas triglyceride (p = 0.01) and LDL (p = 0.02) concentrations increased after treatment suggesting a worsened metabolic state. None of the metabolic parameters or the mtDNA content of PBMCs correlated significantly with PBMC respiration. CONCLUSION: This study shows that mitochondrial respiration and mtDNA content in circulating PBMCs increase after adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy in postmenopausal patients with EBC. Besides the increased mtDNA content, a shift in PBMC subpopulation proportions towards cells relying on oxidative phosphorylation, who may be less sensitive to chemotherapy, might influence the increased mitochondrial respiration observed iafter chemotherapy.

Effect of Simvastatin Treatment on Mitochondrial Function and Inflammatory Status of Human White Adipose Tissue.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy has shown pleiotropic effects affecting both mitochondrial function and inflammatory status. However, few studies have investigated the concurrent effects of statin exposure on mitochondrial function and inflammatory status in human subcutaneous white adipose tissue. OBJECTIVES: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the effects of simvastatin on mitochondrial function and inflammatory status in subcutaneous white adipose tissue of 55 human participants: 38 patients (19 females/19 males) in primary prevention with simvastatin (> 40 mg/d, > 3 mo) and 17 controls (9 females/8 males) with elevated plasma cholesterol. The 2 groups were matched on age, body mass index, and maximal oxygen consumption. METHODS: Anthropometrics and fasting biochemical characteristics were measured. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was assessed in white adipose tissue by high-resolution respirometry. Subcutaneous white adipose tissue expression of the inflammatory markers IL-6, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL-5, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-10, and IL-4 was analyzed by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Simvastatin-treated patients showed lower plasma cholesterol (P < .0001), low-density lipoprotein (P < .0001), and triglyceride levels (P = .0116) than controls. Simvastatin-treated patients had a lower oxidative phosphorylation capacity of mitochondrial complex II (P = .0001 when normalized to wet weight, P < .0001 when normalized to citrate synthase activity [intrinsic]), and a lower intrinsic mitochondrial electron transport system capacity (P = .0004). Simvastatin-treated patients showed higher IL-6 expression than controls (P = .0202). CONCLUSION: Simvastatin treatment was linked to mitochondrial respiratory capacity in human subcutaneous white adipose tissue, but no clear link was found between statin exposure, respiratory changes, and inflammatory status of adipose tissue.

Targeted Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria With Antibacterial Activity Toward Staphylococcus aureus Clonal Complex Type 1 Associated With Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by an epidermal barrier impairment, as well as a Th2/Th22-skewed immune response, both favoring skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. Colonization is strongly related to severity of the disease, and a reduction of S. aureus has been found to alleviate symptoms. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce antimicrobial compounds such as organic acids and bacteriocins and are widely used as probiotics. The aim of this study was to isolate LAB and screen for antibacterial effect specifically toward S. aureus clonal complex type 1. A total of 680 LAB were isolated from fermented vegetables and swab samples from healthy volunteers (vaginal, stool and skin). Screening for antibacterial activity toward S. aureus, narrowed the field of isolates down to four LAB strains with high antibacterial activity. The activity varied according to the specific LAB strain and the origin of the strain. The results suggested different modes of action, including co-aggregation, expression of bacteriocins and production of specific organic acids. However, the ability to acidify the surroundings appeared as the main effect behind inhibition of S. aureus. Broth microdilution assays showed a significant reduction of S. aureus growth when using down to 10% cell free supernatant (CFS). Our results underline the use of specific living LAB or their CFS as potential future treatment strategies to reduce S. aureus colonization of AD skin.

Validation of Posturographic Measurements in Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present study were to validate the test-retest reliability of static posturography in healthy adolescents aged 13 to 16 years, to identify the most reliable and least variable measurements. PATIENTS: Thirty-two healthy pupils from Skåde Skole participated in this study. INTERVENTION: Static posturography. OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were tested for 32 seconds in eight trials (eyes open/eyes closed, on stable ground/foam pads, head neutral/head turned) by using a Tetrax platform. Testing included two rounds of trials and postural regulation was assessed by measuring sway during the eight trials. RESULTS: We found statistically significant lower sway scores during round two in position NO; a similar trend was seen for position NC, PO, HR, HL, and HB, but was not statistically significant. For position PC and HF an increase was seen, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The most reliable and least variable measurements include position NO, NC, PO, and PC. Influence of all three systems involved in maintaining balance is tested in these positions. Static posturography can easily be implemented in a clinical setting as the equipment does not take up much space and is easy to use and instruct the test subjects about. Finally, the costs related to the static posturography are considerably lower compared with dynamic posturography equipment. However, static posturography might not be challenging enough when testing athletic individuals.

[Examination of patients with dyspepsia in areas with a low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection]. / Udredning af dyspepsipatienter i et område med lav praevalens af Helicobacter pylori-infektion.

Examination of patients with dyspepsia is quantitatively a major task in gastroenterology. Several strategies have been used. In recent years the "test and treat strategy" has gained wide acceptance, because it is easy and without discomfort to the patient. The primary step in this strategy is a 13C-urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori. If the test is positive, the Helicobacter pylori must be eradicated. Only patients with alarm symptoms or refractory symptoms are offered gastroscopy. This strategy has been found useful in clinical trials performed in areas with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. To examine whether these results are valid in clinical practice in a low-prevalence country, we performed a one-year retrospective study of our modified strategy of 666 patients, in which gastroscopy is offered to patients who test negative--an "open access test and scope strategy". In all, 576 patients were referred and examined according to the strategy; 90 patients, of whom 43 had alarm symptoms, were referred erronously. We performed 322 breath tests, of which 66 were positive--49 in patients without alarm symptoms. Of the latter, 39 were improved by Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. These were the patients who really benefitted from the strategy. Of the 230 patients with a negative breath test, 197 agreed to have a gastroscopy done, and 31 cases of oesophagitis and 3 idiopathic ulcers were found. It is concluded that the strategy is advantageous but complicated in an open-access setting.