Unlocking the Power of Magnesium Batteries: Synergistic Effect of InSb-C Composites to Achieve Superior Electrochemical Performance.

Pure magnesium anode used in rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMB) exhibits high theoretical capacity but has been challenged by the passivation issue with conventional electrolytes. Alloy-type anodes have the potential to surpass this issue and have attracted increasing attention. However, the kinetic performance and stabilities of conventional alloy anodes are still constrained. In this study, the InSb-10%C anode is synthesized by a two-step high-energy ball milling process. The InSb-10%C anode exhibits a remarkably high capacity of up to 448 mA h g-1, significantly improved cycle performance (234 mA h g-1 at 100 cycles) and rate performance (168 mA h g-1 at 500 mA g-1). The above-mentioned superior performance of the InSb-10%C anode for RMBs is attributed to the cellular graphitized amorphous carbon composite structure (CGA) which effectively refines the particle size and restricts the volume expansion. Additionally, the reduced surface electron density of InSb combined with the high conductivity resulting from graphitization enhances the Mg2+ diffusion performance. Notably, the InSb-10%C anode demonstrates good compatibility with conventional halogen-free salt ether-based electrolytes in the full battery configuration.

Ultrasound-propelled nanomotors for efficient cancer cell ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of cell death that is dependent on the accumulation of intracellular iron that causes elevation of toxic lipid peroxides. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the levels of intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a short time. Here, we first propose ultrasound (US)-propelled Janus nanomotors (Au-FeOx/PEI/ICG, AFPI NMs) to accelerate cellular internalization and induce cancer cell ferroptosis. This nanomotor consists of a gold-iron oxide rod-like Janus nanomotor (Au-FeOx, AF NMs) and a photoactive indocyanine green (ICG) dye on the surface. It not only exhibits accelerating cellular internalization (∼4-fold) caused by its attractive US-driven propulsion but also shows good intracellular motion behavior. In addition, this Janus nanomotor shows excellent intracellular ROS generation performance due to the synergistic effect of the "Fenton or Fenton-like reaction" and the "photochemical reaction". As a result, the killing efficiency of actively moving nanomotors on cancer cells is 88% higher than that of stationary nanomotors. Unlike previous passive strategies, this work is a significant step toward accelerating cellular internalization and inducing cancer-cell ferroptosis in an active way. These novel US-propelled Janus nanomotors with strong propulsion, efficient cellular internalization and excellent ROS generation are suitable as a novel cell biology research tool.

Pneumatosis in cervical fascial space and necrotizing fasciitis of neck.

BACKGROUD: Pneumatosis in the cervical fascial space is a common imaging manifestation of cervical necrotizing fasciitis. At present, although there are some literature reports on pneumatosis in the cervical necrotizing fasciitis, there are few comparative reports. OBJECTIVE: To compare the imaging findings of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck and other cervical space infections, and explore the relationship between pneumatosis in cervical fascial space and necrotizing fasciitis of the neck. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 56 cases of cervical fascia space infection in our department from May 2015 to March 2021, including 22 cases of necrotizing fasciitis and 34 cases of non-necrotizing fasciitis. 22 cases underwent incision, debridement and catheter drainage in the necrotizing fasciitis group. 26 cases underwent incision, debridement and catheter drainage, and 8 cases underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy and catheter drainage in the non-necrotizing fasciitis group. All cases were confirmed by operation or pathological biopsy and took purulent secretions for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test during or after operation. All cases were examined by neck CT or MRI before operation. The previous history of surgical incision or puncture and the rupture of cervical space infection were excluded. RESULTS: In 22 cases of necrotizing fasciitis, there were 19 cases had air accumulation in the fascial space (86.4%); In 34 cases of non necrotizing fasciitis, 2 cases had air accumulation in the fascial space (5.9%). There was significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 36.9141, p < .01). Bacterial culture results were positive in 18 (81.8%) patients in the necrotizing fasciitis group. In the non necrotizing fasciitis group, 12 (35.3%) patients had positive bacterial culture results. There was significant difference in the positive rate of bacterial culture between the two groups (χ2 = 11.6239, p < .01). Except one death in necrotizing fasciitis group, all other patients were cured. There was no recurrence after follow-up for 3-6 months. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The pneumatosis of necrotizing fasciitis in the neck is dramatically more than that of other infectious diseases. It is suggested that pneumatosis in cervical fascial space is of great significance in the diagnosis of cervical necrosis, the gas production of bacteria may be closely related to the pathogenesis and development of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck, and early measures to block the generation and dissemination of gas is of great significance for treatment.

Study on partial discharge characteristics of C6F12O mixed gas.

The greenhouse effect of SF6 increasingly limits its application in various gas insulated equipment. C6F12O combines the advantages of insulation resistance, safety and environmental protection. When mixed with buffer gas, C6F12O is considered to have potential application prospects in medium and low voltage equipment. In this paper, about the partial discharge characteristics of the mixed gas, an experimental study was carried out. The partial discharge initiation voltage and discharge extinction voltage of mixed gas under power frequency voltage are measured and compared with the breakdown voltage. The results show that the breakdown voltage is greatly improved after adding C6F12O, with the increase of mixing ratio, the partial discharge initiation voltage and extinction voltage of mixed gas gradually increase, and the effect of gas pressure on high mixing ratio is obvious. The difference between the partial discharge inception voltage and the breakdown voltage is larger than that of pure N2. The research in this paper can provide an important reference for the application, operation and protection of C6F12O mixed gas in medium and low voltage equipment.

Single-Metal Hybrid Micromotor.

Multimode stimuli-regulated propulsions are extremely useful for artificial micro-/nanomotors in performing specialized tasks in different microscopic environments. However, it is still a great challenge to develop a simple and efficient micro/nanosystem which can operate in complicated environments, either with fuel or without fuel. Here, we report a novel hybrid micromotor which only needs one metal with a special structure: micro-spherical shell with a hole. Since we attractively combine the inherently catalytic properties of Pt for chemical propulsion with a designed concave structure for acoustic propulsion, the micromotors can not only move rapidly in H2O2 fueled environment due to the chemical reaction between Pt and H2O2 but also can exhibit excellent acoustic propulsion in a fuel-free environment due to the non-uniform stress caused by ultrasound. In addition, the attractive group motion behavior of the motors, including aggregation, group migration, and dispersion, is easily realized by acoustic field regulation. The brand-new single-metal hybrid micromotors with a dual driving mode, flexible propulsion regulation, and efficient group motion regulation, which are essential for making micro-/nanomotors compatible with different surrounding environments, are expected to advance the field of artificial nanomachines.

Growth hormone receptor gene influences mitochondrial function and chicken lipid metabolism by AMPK-PGC1α-PPAR signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is an important endocrine and energy-storage organ in organisms, and it plays a crucial role in the energy-metabolism balance. Previous studies have found that sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens generally have excessively high abdominal fat deposition during the growing period, which increases feeding costs. However, the underlying mechanism of this fat deposition during the growth of SLD chickens remains unknown. RESULTS: The Oil Red O staining showed that the lipid-droplet area of SLD chickens was larger than that of normal chickens in E15 and 14d. Consistently, TG content in the livers of SLD chickens was higher than that of normal chickens in E15 and 14d. Further, lower ΔΨm and lower ATP levels and higher MDA levels were observed in SLD chickens than normal chickens in both E15 and 14d. We also found that overexpression of GHR reduced the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (AMPK, PGC1α, PPARγ, FAS, C/EBP) and oxidative phosphorylation (CYTB, CYTC, COX1, ATP), as well as reducing ΔΨm and ATP levels and increasing MDA levels. In addition, overexpression of GHR inhibited fat deposition in CPPAs, as measured by Oil Red O staining. On the contrary, knockdown of GHR had the opposite effects in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we demonstrate that GHR promotes mitochondrial function and inhibits lipid peroxidation as well as fat deposition in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, GHR is essential for maintaining the stability of lipid metabolism and regulating mitochondrial function in chicken.

Identification of a Novel Prognostic Signature for Gastric Cancer Based on Multiple Level Integration and Global Network Optimization.

Gastric Cancer (GC) is a common cancer worldwide with a high morbidity and mortality rate in Asia. Many prognostic signatures from genes and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) levels have been identified by high-throughput expression profiling for GC. To date, there have been no reports on integrated optimization analysis based on the GC global lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and the prognostic mechanism has not been studied. In the present work, a Gastric Cancer specific lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network (GCsLMM) was constructed based on the ceRNA hypothesis by combining miRNA-target interactions and data on the expression of GC. To mine for novel prognostic signatures associated with GC, we performed topological analysis, a random walk with restart algorithm, in the GCsLMM from three levels, miRNA-, mRNA-, and lncRNA-levels. We further obtained candidate prognostic signatures by calculating the integrated score and analyzed the robustness of these signatures by combination strategy. The biological roles of key candidate signatures were also explored. Finally, we targeted the PHF10 gene and analyzed the expression patterns of PHF10 in independent datasets. The findings of this study will improve our understanding of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory mechanisms and further facilitate the discovery of novel prognostic biomarkers for GC clinical guidelines.

High expression of BCL6 inhibits the differentiation and development of hematopoietic stem cells and affects the growth and development of chickens.

BACKGROUND: B-cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a transcriptional master regulator that represses more than 1200 potential target genes. Our previous study showed that a decline in blood production in runting and stunting syndrome (RSS) affected sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens compared to SLD chickens. However, the association between BCL6 gene and hematopoietic function remains unknown in chickens. METHODS: In this study, we used RSS affected SLD (RSS-SLD) chickens, SLD chickens and normal chickens as research object and overexpression of BCL6 in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), to investigate the effect of the BCL6 on differentiation and development of HSCs. RESULTS: The results showed that comparison of RSS-SLD chickens with SLD chickens, the BCL6 was highly expressed in RSS-SLD chickens bone marrow. The bone marrow of RSS-SLD chickens was exhausted and red bone marrow was largely replaced by yellow bone marrow, bone density was reduced, and the levels of immature erythrocytes in peripheral blood were increased. At the same time, the hematopoietic function of HSCs decreased in RSS-SLD chickens, which was manifested by a decrease in the hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) EPO, SCF, TPO, and IL-3, as well as hemoglobin α1 and hemoglobin ß expression. Moreover, mitochondrial function in the HSCs of RSS-SLD chickens was damaged, including an increase in ROS production, decrease in ATP concentration, and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). The same results were also observed in SLD chickens compared with normal chickens; however, the symptoms were more serious in RSS-SLD chickens. Additionally, after overexpression of the BCL6 in primary HSCs, the secretion of HGFs (EPO, SCF, TPO and IL-3) was inhibited and the expression of hemoglobin α1 and hemoglobin ß was decreased. However, cell proliferation was accelerated, apoptosis was inhibited, and the HSCs entered a cancerous state. The function of mitochondria was also abnormal, ROS production was decreased, and ATP concentration and ΔΨm were increased, which was related to the inhibition of apoptosis of stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we conclude that the high expression of BCL6 inhibits the differentiation and development of HSCs by affecting mitochondrial function, resulting in impaired growth and development of chickens. Moreover, the abnormal expression of BCL6 might be a cause of the clinical manifestations of chicken comb, pale skin, stunted growth and development, and the tendency to appear RSS in SLD chickens.

First-Principle Insight into the Ru-Doped PtSe2 Monolayer for Detection of H2 and C2H2 in Transformer Oil.

Using first-principles theory, this paper investigates the sensing behavior of the Ru-doped PtSe2 (Ru-PtSe2) monolayer for two dominant gases, namely, H2 and C2H2, in the transformer oil to explore its potential as a gas sensor to evaluate the operation status of the electrical transformers. Ru-doping prefers to go through the S1 site with the largest E b of -3.71 eV. Chemisorption is identified in the H2 and C2H2 systems with E ad obtained as -0.83 and - 2.09 eV, respectively, indicating the stronger performance of the Ru-PtSe2 monolayer upon C2H2 adsorption. Meanwhile, the obvious improvement of bandgap in the C2H2 system suggests the potential of Ru-PtSe2 monolayer as a resistance-type gas sensor for C2H2 detection. Moreover, the applied biaxial strains ranging at 1-5% give rise to various Q T and E g in two systems, indicating the tunable sensing response of the Ru-PtSe2 monolayer for gas detection with modulated strains. Our calculation proposes a novel 2D sensing material for H2 and C2H2 detection, which would be beneficial to stimulate more edge-cutting research in the gas sensing field as well.

Mutation of TWNK Gene Is One of the Reasons of Runting and Stunting Syndrome Characterized by mtDNA Depletion in Sex-Linked Dwarf Chicken.

Runting and stunting syndrome (RSS), which is characterized by low body weight, generally occurs early in life and leads to considerable economic losses in the commercial broiler industry. Our previous study has suggested that RSS is associated with mitochondria dysfunction in sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens. However, the molecular mechanism of RSS remains unknown. Based on the molecular diagnostics of mitochondrial diseases, we identified a recessive mutation c. 409G > A (p. Ala137Thr) of Twinkle mitochondrial DNA helicase (TWNK) gene and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion in RSS chickens' livers from strain N301. Bioinformatics investigations supported the pathogenicity of the TWNK mutation that is located on the extended peptide linker of Twinkle primase domain and might further lead to mtDNA depletion in chicken. Furthermore, overexpression of wild-type TWNK increases mtDNA copy number, whereas overexpression of TWNK A137T causes mtDNA depletion in vitro. Additionally, the TWNK c. 409G > A mutation showed significant associations with body weight, daily gain, pectoralis weight, crureus weight, and abdominal fat weight. Taken together, we corroborated that the recessive TWNK c. 409G > A (p. Ala137Thr) mutation is associated with RSS characterized by mtDNA depletion in SLD chicken.

Interfacial Superassembly of Grape-Like MnO-Ni@C Frameworks for Superior Lithium Storage.

Despite the excellent electrochemical performance of MnO-based electrodes, a large capacity increase cannot be avoided during long-life cycling, which makes it difficult to seek out appropriate cathode materials to match for commercial applications. In this work, a grape-like MnO-Ni@C framework from interfacial superassembly with remarkable electrochemical properties was fabricated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical analysis indicates that the introduction of Ni not only contributes to the excellent rate capability and high specific capacity but also prevents further oxidation of MnO to the higher valence states for ultrastable long-life cycling performance. Furthermore, thermodynamic calculation proves that the ultrastable long cycling life of the Ni-Mn-O system originated from a buffer composition region to stabilize the MnO structure. Because of the unique grape-like structure and performance of the Ni-Mn-O system, the MnO-Ni@C electrode displayed an invertible specific capacity of 706 mA h g-1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and excellent cycling stability maintained a capacity of 476.8 mA h g-1 after 2100 cycles at 1.0 A g-1 without obvious capacity change. This new nanocomposite material could offer a novel fabrication strategy and insight for MnO-based materials and other metal oxides as anodes for improved electrochemical performance.

A Novel Universal Approach for Temperature Correction on Frequency Domain Spectroscopy Curve of Transformer Polymer Insulation.

It is a fact that the frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS) curve at different temperatures can be corrected by the shift factor (αT) extracted from the master curve. However, the αT and master curve reported by previous works are distinctive due to the difference in the construction algorithm. Therefore, it is of great significance to report a universal approach for extracting αT. In this work, the unaged oil-immersed pressboards with different moisture content (mc%) are firstly prepared and selected as the research specimen. Then, the αT of FDS curves on the above pressboard is extracted based upon the master curve technique. The influence mechanism under the various test temperature (T) and mc% is therefore analyzed so as to establish a universal model for predicting the αT. The present findings reveal that the αT value extracted from FDS curves is both temperature-dependent and moisture-dependent. In addition, the predicted αT is not only suitable for temperature correction on FDS curve of same type pressboard with different insulation conditions (moisture contents and aging degrees), but also maintains considerable accuracy when applied to different types of pressboard. Therefore, the obtained conclusions will provide a universal method for temperature correction on FDS curve of transformer polymer insulation.

Heat capacities and an updated thermodynamic model for the Li-Sn system.

Phase-pure Li17Sn4 and Li7Sn3 intermetallic compounds were synthesized using defined heat treatment procedures in specially designed Ta crucibles. The products were characterized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and powder X-ray diffraction (powder-XRD) techniques to determine their composition and phase purity. The heat capacities of the synthesized compounds were measured via the step method in sealed Ta crucibles using a Setaram C80 Tian-Calvet calorimeter. The experimentally determined heat capacities were then used to develop restricted Maier-Kelley models for each phase and to incorporate these data into the re-optimization of an existing thermodynamic description of the Li-Sn system. The new models for the intermetallic and liquid phases result in improved agreement between the calculated and experimental heat capacity, thermodynamic, electrochemical and phase diagram data. Since the re-optimized Gibbs free energy expressions are based on reliable heat capacity data, the models can now be used to predict emf values in the Li-Sn system at a variety of operation temperatures and active material compositions.

Application of Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of T3 or T4 Stage Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

AIM: To study the value of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of T3 or T4 stage laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, which is difficult by routine methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen cases of T3 or T4 stage laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma with abnormal pharyngeal sensitivity, severe dyspnea, submucous cancer recurrence, cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction were reviewed retrospectively from October 2012 to October 2014 in the Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University. Ultrasound-guided coarse needle biopsies were used on primary lesions after assessing the patients with neck-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan(s). The clinical value of ultrasound-guided CNB in the diagnosis of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer was analyzed. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful pathological diagnosis by ultrasound-guided CNB without any serious complications. Dyspnea, cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction did not deteriorate. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided CNB is a highly safe and efficient method for the pathological diagnosis of T3 or T4 stage laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. It should be used especially when the fiberoptic or laryngoscope biopsy are of high risk.

[The resection of the huge mediastinal schwannoma by the jugulal approach: one case report].

Neurogenic tumors located in the posterior mediastinum, generally require surgery which be confronted with greater risk,therefore, to design the best surgical approach and surgical methods is essential. A 67-year-old female patient had pharyngeal foreign body sensation and dysphagia. Thyroid ultrasound showed the right thyroid had a little nodule, and the left thyroid had a hypoechoic lumps. Neck enhanced CT showd mediastinal mass, esophageal tumor origin or stromal tumor? We used the jugular approach to resect the tumor which eventually diagnosed as schwannoma. The meditational benign tumor with an envelope easy to peel can employ the jugular approach to resect it completely.

Endoscopic Resection of Giant Ethmoid Osteomas with the Assistance of an Image-guidance System.

AIM: To investigate the minimally invasive ablation of giant osteoma of the ethmoid sinuses endonasally with the assistance of an image-guidance system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 12 patients with osteomas of ethmoid sinuses treated by endoscopic surgery with the help of a navigation system from April 2005 to October 2013. RESULTS: Osteomas in all 12 patients were giant and connected extensively with the anterior skull base, lamina papyracea, or orbital apex, and were removed successfully with the help of an endoscope and image navigation system under general anaesthesia. In two cases (one through superciliary arch incision and the other one through labiogingival incision), the procedure was combined with an external procedure to remove osteomas. All patients were followed-up for 8 to 64 months. No recurrences were found. All symptoms gradually vanished or reduced dramatically after surgery. One case of frontal mucocele was observed and was successfully removed 5 years after removal of the osteoma. Anosmia occurred in both patients who underwent crista galli resection, and no recovery was noted 9 and 26 months later. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was found in one case during surgery and was repaired with mucosa of inferior nasal concha immediately, and primary healing was successful. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ablation of giant osteomas of the ethmoid sinuses with the guidance of a navigation system is an accurate, secure, minimally invasive procedure. A careful study of the preoperative computed tomographic scan is necessary for the success of the operation. If the lesion extensively affects the frontal sinus and maxillary sinus, a combination of superciliary arch incision and labiogingval groove incision is a simple, easy and elegant option.

Complications in retrosigmoid cranial nerve surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Although microvascular decompression (MVD), facial nerve splitting (FNS) and neurectomy procedures were safe treatments for hemifacial spasm (HFS), trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) in retrosigmoid cranial nerve surgery, fatal and severe complications may occur. It is essential to pay great attention to the entire procedure to avoid these complications. OBJECTIVE: To report the complications of cranial nerve surgery via the retrosigmoid approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 516 cases of cranial nerve surgery via the retrosigmoid approach for HFS, TN and GPN. There were 208 cases of HFS, of which 117 cases underwent FNS alone and 91 cases underwent combined MVD and FNS. There were 273 cases of TN treated by MVD and selective neurectomy. There were 35 cases of GPN treated by neurectomy. RESULTS: Of the cases with complications, two (0.4%) died. Hearing impairment ranging from mild to severe occurred in 31 (6.0%) patients; 4 of these (0.8%) presented total hearing loss. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 29 (5.6%) cases.