High-Entropy Configuration Strategy to Build High Performance Na-Ion Layered Oxide Cathodes Derived from Simple Techniques.

Layered transition metal oxides are commonly used as the cathode materials in sodium-ion batteries due to their low cost and easy manufacturing. However, the application is hindered by poor rate performance and complex phase transitions. To address these challenges, a new seven-component high-entropy layered oxide cathode material, O3-NaNi0.25Fe0.15Mn0.3Ti0.1Sn0.05Co0.05Li0.1O2 (HEO) has been developed. The entropy stabilization effect plays a crucial role in improving the performance of electrochemical systems and the stability of structures. The HEO exhibits a specific discharge capacity of 154.1 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C and 94.5 mA h g-1 at 7 C. In-situ and ex-situ XRD results demonstrate that the HEO effectively retards complex phase transitions. This work provides a high-entropy design for the storage materials with a high energy density. Meanwhile, it eliminates industry doubts about the performance of sodium ion layered oxide cathode materials.

Construction of a Preoxidation and Cation Doping Regeneration Strategy to Improve Rate Performance Recycling Spent LiFePO4 Materials.

Efficient recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is significant for solving environmental problems and promoting resource conservation. Economical recycling of LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries is extremely challenging due to the inexpensive production of LFP. Herein, we report a preoxidation combine with cation doping regeneration strategy to regenerate spent LiFePO4 (SLFP) with severely deteriorated. The binder, conductive agent, and residual carbon in SLFP are effectively removed through preoxidation treatment, which lays the foundation for the uniform and stable regeneration of LFP. Mg2+ doping is adopted to promote the diffusion efficiency of lithium ions, reduces the charge-transfer impedance, and further improves the electrochemical performance of the regenerated LFP. The discharge capacity of SLFP with severe deterioration recovers successfully from 43.2 to 136.9 mA h g-1 at 0.5 C. Compared with traditional methods, this technology is simple, economical, and environment-friendly. It provided an efficient way for recycling SLFP materials.

Thymectomy in thymomatous generalized myasthenia gravis: An analysis of the prognosis and risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study investigated the postthymectomy outcomes and factors affecting the prognosis of thymomatous generalized myasthenia gravis (TGMG). METHODS: Clinical records of 86 patients with TGMG who underwent thymectomy at our institution between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Predictors of complete stable remission (CSR) and exacerbation were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients achieved CSR, four achieved pharmacological remission, six exhibited deterioration, and eight died of myasthenia gravis (MG; mean follow-up = 75.1 months). Male sex (p = 0.049) and disease duration < 11.5 weeks before surgery (p = 0.003) were significant positive predictors of CSR. Onset age < 52.8 years and symptoms of ocular and limb muscle weakness had a higher CSR rate than onset age > 52.8 years (p = 0.056) and symptoms of bulbar muscles (p = 0.071). Female patients had a significant higher risk of exacerbation (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Male sex and disease duration < 11.5 weeks were independent predictors of CSR in TGMG postthymectomy. Onset age < 52.8 years and ocular and limb muscle weakness at onset were associated with a higher probability of achieving CSR than onset age > 52.8 years and bulbar muscle weakness. Female sex was an independent predictor of MG symptom exacerbation in TGMG postthymectomy.

Thymectomy in ocular myasthenia gravis-prognosis and risk factors analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several retrospective studies have identified risk factors associated with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) generalization in non-surgical patients. However, the outcomes of OMG after thymectomy have not been investigated fully. This study aimed to explore the clinical predictors of post-thymectomy OMG prognosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of OMG patients who underwent thymectomy at our institution from January 2012 to December 2021. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between clinical features and prognosis. The main outcome measures were OMG conversion, complete stable remission (CSR), and clinical improvement. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were identified for conversion analysis. Thirteen (22.4%) developed generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) at a median time of 12.7 (3-37.3) months from symptom onset. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS)-positivity was associated with increased risk of conversion to GMG (P = 0.002). Patients with histotype B2/B3 thymoma showed a higher risk of conversion (P = 0.002) than did patients with hyperplasia and AB/B1 thymoma. Fifty-two patients fulfilled the criteria for CSR and improvement. Sixteen (30.8%) achieved CSR at a median time of 28.7 (15-54) months after thymectomy. Fifteen (28.8%) showed clinical improvement at last follow up. Patients who achieved CSR showed a younger age of onset (P = 0.022), lower percentage of acetylcholine receptor antibody-seropositivity (P = 0.029). Histologically, patients with thymic hyperplasia and stage I thymoma showed a higher chance of CSR (P = 0.010) than did patients with stage II/III thymoma. Multivariate analysis revealed that RNS-positivity (hazard ratio [HR] 6.007, P = 0.021) and histotype B2/B3 thymoma (HR 4.611, P = 0.048) were associated with OMG conversion. Thymic hyperplasia and stage I thymoma (HR 0.300, P = 0.026) were associated with OMG CSR after thymectomy. CONCLUSION: For OMG patients after thymectomy, RNS-positivity and histotype B2/B3 thymoma are independent predictors of conversion to GMG. On the other hand, thymic hyperplasia and stage I thymoma independently predict CSR.

Pulmonary perfusion imaging and delayed imaging to measure pulmonary capillary permeability in pulmonary contusion.

PURPOSE: Explore the application value of pulmonary perfusion imaging and delayed imaging for evaluating pulmonary capillary permeability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After establishing a rat model of pulmonary contusion, changes in the metabolic index of technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTC-MAA) in the lungs of model rats were evaluated for two consecutive days. 99mTC-MAA metabolic indices of rat lungs with pulmonary contusion of varying severity (mild, moderate, and severe) were correlated with lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) and Evans blue extravasation. Finally, the method was validated in patients with pulmonary contusion and one healthy volunteer. RESULTS: The 99mTC-MAA metabolic index was 23.56% ± 2.44% in healthy control (HC) rat lung, 8.56% ± 3.42% immediately after lung contusion (d0), 8.35% ± 3.20% after 1 day (d1), and 17.45% ± 6.44% after 2 days (d2); indices at d0 and d1 were significantly higher than those at HC (P < 0.05). The metabolic index of 99mTC-MAA in lung had significant negative correlations with W/D (r = -0.8025; P = 0.0092) and Evans blue extravasation (r = -0.9356; P = 0.0002). Metabolic and oxygenation indices of 99mTC-MAA exhibited a significant positive linear correlation in patients with pulmonary contusion (r = 0.8925; P = 0.0416). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary perfusion and delayed imaging of 99mTC-MAA have potential value for evaluating pulmonary capillary permeability.

Mig-6 could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the expression and biological functions of mitogen-induced gene 6 (Mig-6) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: The expression of Mig-6 in ESCC tissues and normal esophageal epithelial tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. MTT test was applied to detect the proliferative ability of ESCC cells after Mig-6 was upregulated by transfection. A fluid cytology assay was used to detect apoptosis of ESCC cells. Agilent whole human genome oligo microarray was used to screen different expressed genes and the possible signaling pathways which might be involved. RESULTS: The expression of Mig-6 protein was lower in ESCC tissues compared to normal esophageal epithelial tissues. Mig-6 could restrain the ESCC cell growth and induce cell apoptosis. PPAR, CAMs and MAPK signaling pathways might be involved. CONCLUSIONS: Mig-6 might be a new tumor suppressor gene and a possible target for the specific therapy of ESCC.

Liraglutide prevents ß-cell apoptosis via inactivation of NOX2 and its related signaling pathway.

AIMS: High glucose (HG)-induced pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis may be a major contributor to the progression of diabetes mellitus (DM). NADPH oxidase (NOX2) has been considered a crucial regulator in ß-cell apoptosis. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1Ra) liraglutide on pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis in diabetes and the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: The diabetic rat models induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and a high fat diet (HFD) received 12 weeks of liraglutide treatment. Hyperglycemic clamp test was carried out to evaluate ß-cell function in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure apoptosis rates in vitro. DCFH-DA method was used to detected ROS level in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Liraglutide significantly improved islet function and morphology in diabetic rats and decreased cell apoptosis rates. Thr183/Thr185 p-JNK1/2 and NOX2 levels reduced in diabetic rats and HG-induced INS-1 cell following liraglutide treatment. In addition, liraglutide upregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKα (p-AMPKα), which prevented NOX2 activation and alleviated HG-induced ß-cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The p-AMPKα/NOX2/JNK1/2 pathway is essential for liraglutide to attenuate HG-induced ß-cell apoptosis, which further proves that GLP-1Ras may become promising therapeutics for diabetes mellitus.

Significance of B10 cell in patients with thymoma complicated with myasthenia gravis.

A subset of regulatory B cells in humans has been identified as B10 cell which has the function of secreting interleukin-10. We evaluated the significance of B10 cell in patients with thymoma complicated with myasthenia gravis. In this study, 156 patients diagnosed with thymoma were enrolled, FCM was used to detected the percentage of Breg/CD19+B cells and CD19+B cells/PBMC, ELISA to evaluate the serum concentration of the relevant immunological markers; purified CD19+B cells in tissues by MACS; gene and protein expressions of CD19 and IL-10 by Real-time PCR and Western-Blot; double immunofluorescence staining to detect the distribution of CD19 and IL-10 in thymus tissues. Thymoma patients without MG mainly display the types A and AB of thymoma, whereas the thymoma patients with MG mainly display type B (B1, B2 and B3) thymoma; AChR-Ab in Tm + MG group was the highest, with the progress of the disease, the percentage of Breg/CD19+B cells increased and B10/CD19+B cells decreased (p < 0.05); ROC curve showed that B10 had the greatest significance for the clinical directivity of Tm+MG and cut-off point = 0.55%; in accordance with the Con, Tm and Tm+MG group, the content of CD19+IL-10+B10 cells increased gradually (p < 0.05); meanwhile, the gene and protein expression levels of CD19 and IL-10 gradually increased in the same way. It is concluded that with the progress of thymoma, the infiltration of Breg in tumour tissue increases; however, as the severity of MG increases, the function of Breg (B10 cell) in peripheral blood decreases and the cut-off point is 0.55%.

Plasma microRNA-9 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose Emerging evidence indicates that circulating microRNAs (miRs) might act as noninvasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We examined the expression pattern and clinical significance of plasma miR-9 in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods Venous blood samples (6 mL) were collected from 131 patients with ESCC and 131 healthy controls, and the plasma miR-9 concentration was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The association of plasma miR-9 expression with clinicopathologic factors and survival of patients with ESCC was evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the clinical value of plasma miR-9 for ESCC diagnosis. Results The plasma miR-9 expression levels in patients with ESCC were significantly upregulated compared with normal controls. High plasma miR-9 concentrations were significantly correlated with poor tumor differentiation, large tumor size, deep local invasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and poor survival. ROC curve analysis showed that the plasma miR-9 concentration could efficiently distinguish patients with ESCC from healthy controls. Multivariate survival analysis confirmed plasma miR-9 as an independent prognostic factor for ESCC. Conclusions Plasma miR-9 expression was upregulated in ESCC and might act as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Long noncoding RNA TUG1 alleviates extracellular matrix accumulation via mediating microRNA-377 targeting of PPARγ in diabetic nephropathy.

Long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) has been reported to play a key role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the role of lncRNA TUG1 in the regulation of diabetic nephropathy remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study is to identify the regulation of lncRNA TUG1 on extracellular matrix accumulation via mediating microRNA-377 targeting of PPARγ, and investigate the underlying mechanisms in progression of DN. Microarray was performed to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in db/db DN mice. Afterwards, computational prediction programs (TargetScan, miRanda, PicTar and miRGen) was applied to predict the target gene of miRNAs. The complementary binding of miRNA and lncRNA was assessed by luciferase assays. Protein and mRNA expression were detected by western blot and real time quantitate PCR. MiRNA-377 was screened by miRNA microarray and differentially up-regulated in db/db DN mice. PPARγ was predicted to be the target of miR-377 and the prediction was verified by luciferase assays. Expression of miR-377 was up-regulated in mesangial cell treated with high glucose (25 mM), and overexpression of miR-377 inhibited PPARγ expression and promoted PAI-1 and TGF-ß1 expression. The expression of TUG1 antagonized the effect of miR-377 on the downregulation of its target PPARγ and inhibited extracellular matrix accumulation, including PAI-1, TGF-ß1, fibronectin (FN) and collagen IV (Col IV), induced by high glucose. LncRNA TUG1 acts as an endogenous sponge of miR-377 and downregulates miR-377 expression levels, and thereby relieving the inhibition of its target gene PPARγ and alleviates extracellular matrix accumulation of mesangial cells, which provides a novel insight of diabetic nephropathy pathogenesis.

Microwave Crystallization of Lithium Aluminum Germanium Phosphate Solid-State Electrolyte.

Lithium aluminum germanium phosphate (LAGP) glass-ceramics are considered as promising solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion batteries. LAGP glass was prepared via the regular conventional melt-quenching method. Thermal, chemical analyses and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to characterize the prepared glass. The crystallization of the prepared LAGP glass was done using conventional heating and high frequency microwave (MW) processing. Thirty GHz microwave (MW) processing setup were used to convert the prepared LAGP glass into glass-ceramics and compared with the conventionally crystallized LAGP glass-ceramics that were heat-treated in an electric conventional furnace. The ionic conductivities of the LAGP samples obtained from the two different routes were measured using impedance spectroscopy. These samples were also characterized using XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microwave processing was successfully used to crystallize LAGP glass into glass-ceramic without the aid of susceptors. The MW treated sample showed higher total, grains and grain boundary ionic conductivities values, lower activation energy and relatively larger-grained microstructure with less porosity compared to the corresponding conventionally treated sample at the same optimized heat-treatment conditions. The enhanced total, grains and grain boundary ionic conductivities values along with the reduced activation energy that were observed in the MW treated sample was considered as an experimental evidence for the existence of the microwave effect in LAGP crystallization process. MW processing is a promising candidate technology for the production of solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion battery.

Decreased expression of retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1 in human esophageal squamous cell cancer by DNA methylation.

BACKGROUND: To study the expression of the RIZ1 (Retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1) gene and investigate the promoter region methylation status of RIZ1 gene in the human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines of KYSE150, KYSE510, TE13, EC9706, CaEsl7, and EC109. To investigate the influence of DNMT (DNA methyltransferase) 5-aza-CdR(5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine) on the transcription of the RIZ1 gene in one cell line whose RIZ1 gene promoter region methylation was detected, and to investigate its influence on the cell proliferation. METHODS: Real-time PCR (Real-time quantitative PCR) and an immunohistochemistry technique was used to get the expression of RIZ1 in specimens from 6 human ESCC cell lines and 28 ESCC patients (tumor tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues). MSP (Methylation-specific PCR) was used to investigate the promoter region methylation status of the RIZ1 gene in the 6 ESCC cell lines. One cell line, whose RIZ1 gene promoter region methylation was detected, was chosen for the next studies in which it was treated it by with 5-aza-CdR. Real-time PCR was used to investigate its influence on the transcription of RIZ1 gene and MTT (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) was used to detect if 5-aza-CdR inhibits the proliferation of the cell line. RESULTS: In the 28 ESCC patient samples, RIZ1 expression was significantly lower in the tumor tissues than that in their adjacent non-cancerous tissues (p < 0.05). Consistently, immunohistochemistry analyses of RIZ1 protein expression showed that in the ESCC tissues RIZ1 protein expression was also significantly lower than in the adjacent tissues. In the human ESCC tissues the rate of expression accounts for 0% (0/12), and in the adjacent noncancerous tissues the rate of expression was 66.7% (8/12), the correlation was highly significant (chi2 = 12.000, p < 0.05). Promoter methylation of the RIZ1 gene was detected in TE13, CaEsl7, EC109. The cell line TE13 was chosen for the next studies. The expression of RIZ1 mRNA in TE-13 was up-regulated after having been treated with 5-aza-CdR. 5-aza-CdR inhibited cell proliferation of TE-13 in a time and concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Promoter methylation may play an important role in the epigenetic silencing of RIZ1 gene expression. Methylation of the RIZ1 promoter and loss of RIZ1 expression in human ESCC are independent biomarkers. Their determination may offer guidance for selecting appropriate diagnoses and treatments. RIZ1 may be a potential tumor suppressor in human ESCC.

Study on RIZ1 gene promoter methylation status in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

AIM: To investigate the promoter region methylation status of retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene 1 (RIZ1) in the human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines and tissues and verify the relationship between methylation of RIZ1 and oncogenesis, tumor progression and metastasis etc of ESCC. METHODS: Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to investigate the promoter region methylation status of RIZ1 in 6 ESCC cell lines. One cell line where RIZ1 promoter region methylation was detected was selected for the next study, where the cell line was treated with 5-aza-CdR. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate its influence on the transcription of RIZ1. Experiments using frozen pathological specimens from 47 ESCC patients were performed using the same MSP methodology. RESULTS: Promoter methylation of RIZ1 gene was detected in TE13, CaEs17 and EC109 cell lines and the cell line TE13 was chosen for further study. The expression of RIZ1 mRNA in TE-13 was up-regulated after treatment with 5-aza-CdR. The rate of methylation in carcinomas tissues was significantly higher than those in matched neighboring normal and distal ending normal tissue, and the deviation of data was statistically significant (χ(2) = 24.136, P < 0.01). Analysis of the gender, age familial history, tumour deviation, tumour saturation, lymph gland displacement and clinical staging of 47 samples from ESCC patients showed that the fluctuation of data was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Promoter methylation may play an important role in the epigenetic silencing of RIZ1 gene expression in human ESCC. RIZ1 is considered to be a potential tumor suppressor gene and may be a biological parameter for testing early stage human ESCC.