Development of High-Performance Iron-Based Phosphate Cathodes toward Practical Na-Ion Batteries.

Iron-based phosphate cathode of Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) has been regarded as a low-cost and structurally stable cathode material for Na-ion batteries (NIBs). However, their practical application is greatly hindered by the insufficient electrochemical performance and limited energy density. Here, we report a new iron-based phosphate cathode of Na4.5Fe3.5(PO4)2.5(P2O7) with the intergrown heterostructure of the maricite-type NaFePO4 and orthorhombic Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) phases at a mole ratio of 0.5:1. Benefited from the increased composition ratio and the spontaneous activation of the maricite-type NaFePO4 phase, the as-prepared Na4.5Fe3.5(PO4)2.5(P2O7) composites deliver a reversible capacity over 130 mA h g-1 and energy density close to 400 W h kg-1, which is far beyond that of the single-phase Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) cathode (∼120 mA h g-1 and ∼350 W h kg-1). Moreover, the kg-level products from the scale-up synthesis demonstrate a stable cycling performance over 2000 times at 3 C in pouch cells. We believe that our findings could show the way forward the practical application of the iron-based phosphate cathodes for NIBs.

Reinforced erythroid differentiation inhibits leukemogenic potential of t(8;21) leukemia.

Oncoprotein AML1-ETO (AE) derived from t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocation is typically present in a portion of French-American-British-M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although these patients have relatively favorable prognoses, substantial numbers of them would relapse after conventional therapy. Here, we explored whether reinforcing the endogenous differentiation potential of t(8;21) AML cells would diminish the associated malignancy. In doing so, we noticed an expansion of immature erythroid blasts featured in both AML1-ETO9a (AE9a) and AE plus c-KIT (N822K) (AK) murine leukemic models. Interestingly, in the AE9a murine model, a spontaneous step-wise erythroid differentiation path, as characterized by the differential expression of CD43/c-Kit and the upregulation of several key erythroid transcription factors (TFs), accompanied the decline or loss of leukemia-initiating potential. Notably, overexpression of one of the key erythroid TFs, Ldb1, potently disrupted the repopulation of AE9a leukemic cells in vivo, suggesting a new promising intervention strategy of t(8;21) AML through enforcing their erythroid differentiation.

RIG-I regulates myeloid differentiation by promoting TRIM25-mediated ISGylation.

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is up-regulated during granulocytic differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). It has been reported that RIG-I recognizes virus-specific 5'-ppp-double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and activates the type I interferons signaling pathways in innate immunity. However, the functions of RIG-I in hematopoiesis remain unclear, especially regarding its possible interaction with endogenous RNAs and the associated pathways that could contribute to the cellular differentiation and maturation. Herein, we identified a number of RIG-I-binding endogenous RNAs in APL cells following ATRA treatment, including the tripartite motif-containing protein 25 (TRIM25) messenger RNA (mRNA). TRIM25 encodes the protein known as an E3 ligase for ubiquitin/interferon (IFN)-induced 15-kDa protein (ISG15) that is involved in RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling. We show that RIG-I could bind TRIM25 mRNA via its helicase domain and C-terminal regulatory domain, enhancing the stability of TRIM25 transcripts. RIG-I could increase the transcriptional expression of TRIM25 by caspase recruitment domain (CARD) domain through an IFN-stimulated response element. In addition, RIG-I activated other key genes in the ISGylation pathway by activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), including the modifier ISG15 and several enzymes responsible for the conjugation of ISG15 to protein substrates. RIG-I cooperated with STAT1/2 and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) to promote the activation of the ISGylation pathway. The integrity of ISGylation in ATRA or RIG-I-induced cell differentiation was essential given that knockdown of TRIM25 or ISG15 resulted in significant inhibition of this process. Our results provide insight into the role of the RIG-I-TRIM25-ISGylation axis in myeloid differentiation.

Surface Engineering Stabilizes Rhombohedral Sodium Manganese Hexacyanoferrates for High-Energy Na-Ion Batteries.

The rhombohedral sodium manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) only containing cheap Fe and Mn metals was regarded as a scalable, low-cost, and high-energy cathode material for Na-ion batteries. However, the unexpected Jahn-teller effect and significant phase transformation would cause Mn dissolution and anisotropic volume change, thus leading to capacity loss and structural instability. Here we report a simple room-temperature route to construct a magical Cox B skin on the surface of MnHCF. Benefited from the complete coverage and the buffer effect of Cox B layer, the modified MnHCF cathode exhibits suppressed Mn dissolution and reduced intergranular cracks inside particles, thereby demonstrating thousands-cycle level cycling lifespan. By comparing two key parameters in the real energy world, i.e., cost per kilowatt-hours and cost per cycle-life, our developed Cox B coated MnHCF cathode demonstrates more competitive application potential than the benchmarking LiFePO4 for Li-ion batteries.

Effect of gut microbiota from Henoch-Schönlein Purpura patients on acid-sensitive ion channel 3 expression and intestinal motility in germ-free rats.

BACKGROUND: It has been proven that gut microbiota alterations are involved in the development of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP). However, the pathogenesis of HSP hasn't been eluciated. This study was to investigate the impact of gut microbiota from HSP on ASIC3 expression and interactions between microbiota and ASIC3 expression in the development of HSP. METHODS: Feces collected from HSP and healthy children at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were made into fecal microbial solutions. Germ-free rats were randomly assigned to either the control or HSP groups. The HSP group of rats were administered the fecal microbiota solution of HSP children, while the control group rats were administered the fecal microbiota solution of healthy children. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) and intestinal propulsion rate of the rats were used to determine visceral sensitivity. Composition of the gut microbiota of HSP children was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ASIC3 expression in the colon was ascertained through qRT-PCR as well as western blotting analysis. RESULTS: The results showed a reduction in the number of species and abundance in the intestinal microbiota of children with HSP. Visceral sensitivity and intestinal propulsion rate of HSP group rats increased significantly, compared with the control group. Colon ASIC3 mRNA and protein levels in the HSP group were found to be upregulated. The microbiota dysbiosis of HSP patients could stimulate ASIC3 expression in the colon of Germ-free rats, which in turn affected intestinal motility. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that HSP children had intestinal microbiota disorder, which might affect gut motility by down-regulating colon ASIC3 expression in rats.

Human Neutrophil Elastase Mediates MUC5AC Hypersecretion via the Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Converting Enzyme-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signalling Pathway in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to examine the role of the tumour necrosis factor-α converting enzyme-epidermal growth factor receptor (TACE-EGFR) pathway in human neutrophil elastase (HNE)-induced MUC5AC mucin expression in mice. METHOD: Four groups of mice, treated with HNE alone (HNE group), HNE plus TACE inhibitor (HNE + TAPI-2 group), HNE plus EGFR inhibitor (HNE + AG1478 group), and untreated (control group), were used in the experiment. Histopathological changes were monitored by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. TACE, EGFR, and MUC5AC expression in the nasal mucosa were determined using immunohistochemistry. The expression of p-EGFR, EGFR, and TACE protein was analysed on Western blots, and MUC5AC protein levels were assessed via ELISA. TACE, EGFR, and MUC5AC expression in the nasal mucosa were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, HE-stained tissues from the HNE group showed an irregular epithelium as well as goblet cell and submucosal glandular hyperplasia. In the nasal mucosa, strongly positive fuchsia granules were seen in PAS staining and significant increases in TACE, EGFR, MUC5AC mRNA, and protein expression were detected (p < 0.01). The HNE + TAPI-2 and HNE + AG1478 groups had significantly less goblet cell and submucosal gland hyperplasia as well as weaker PAS staining. Compared to mice treated with HNE alone, in HNE + TAPI-2-treated mice, the levels of TACE, EGFR, and MUC5AC mRNA and protein as well as p-EGFR protein were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). In HNE + AG1478-treated mice, EGFR and MUC5AC mRNA and protein levels and p-EGFR protein expression were reduced significantly (p < 0.01), but the difference in TACE mRNA and protein expression between the HNE + AG1478 and HNE groups was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using a newly developed, stable experimental model of nasal hypersecretion in mice, we showed that TAPI-2 or AG1478 inhibited HNE-induced MUC5AC production. This suggests that MUC5AC mucin expression in vivo is mediated by a cascade involving the HNE-TACE-EGFR signalling pathway.

Viral RNA-Unprimed Rig-I Restrains Stat3 Activation in the Modulation of Regulatory T Cell/Th17 Cell Balance.

Innate immunity activation by viral RNA-primed retinoid acid inducible gene-I (Rig-I) in CD4+ T cells antagonizes TGFß signaling to suppress the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, how viral RNA-unliganded Rig-I (apo-Rig-I) modulates Treg generation remains unclear. In this article, we show that, in the absence of viral infection, Treg differentiation of Rig-I-/- CD4+ T cells was compromised, in the presence of increased generation of Th17 cells and overactivation of Stat3, a critical regulator tilting the Treg/Th17 cell balance. Mechanistically, apo-Rig-I physically associates with Stat3, thereby inhibiting Jak1's association with Stat3 while facilitating Shp2's association to inhibit p-Stat3 levels. Interestingly, inhibition of Stat3 ameliorates the Treg/Th17 imbalance and the colitis observed in Rig-I-/- mice. Collectively, these results uncover an independent functional contribution of the apo-Rig-I/Stat3 interaction in the maintenance of Treg/Th17 cell balance.

Proteomic Screening for Serum Biomarkers for Cervical Cancer and Their Clinical Significance.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to determine serum markers for cervical cancer (CC) and to provide valuable references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Serum samples were collected from age-matched healthy control women, and from female CC patients before and after surgery. Serum biomarkers were selected by comparing serum peptides profiles among the 3 groups by magnetic bead-based weak cation - exchange chromatography fractionation combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Probable serum biomarkers for cervical cancer were then further identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry system and the identified proteins were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Three peptide biomarkers were identified for distinguishing CC patients from normal individuals, and distinguishing preoperative CC patients from postoperative CC patients. Of these 3 identified protein peptide regions, 2 peptide regions - TKT (Peak 2, 2435.63 m/z, 499-524) and FGA (Peak 4, 2761.79 m/z, 603-629) - were identified as upregulated markers, and peptide region of APOA1 (Peak 9, 2575.3 m/z, 245-260) was identified as a downregulated biomarker in preoperative CC patients compared with healthy women. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides a new method for identifying potential serum biomarkers for CC patients.

Effects of oil quality and antioxidant supplementation on sow performance, milk composition and oxidative status in serum and placenta.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oil quality and antioxidant (AOX) supplementation on sow performance, milk composition and oxidative status. METHODS: A total of 80 PIC (PIC breeding, 3 ~ 5 parities) sows with similar body condition were allocated to four groups (n = 20), receiving diets including fresh corn oil, oxidized corn oil, fresh corn oil plus AOX and oxidized corn oil plus AOX, respectively, from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation. AOX was provided at 200 mg/kg diet and mixed with corn oil prior to dietary formulation. RESULTS: The results showed that sows fed oxidized corn oil had significantly lower feed intake (P < 0.05) during lactation period. Feeding oxidized corn oil markedly decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of protein and fat in colostrums and milk, but the addition of AOX in oxidized corn oil prevented the decrease on protein content of colostrums. Moreover, sows fed oxidized corn oil had significantly lower serum activities of total SOD and Mn-SOD across lactation (P < 0.05). In contrast, addition of AOX to oxidized corn oil tended to inhibit the production of MDA (P = 0.08) in sows across lactation relative to fresh oil. Intriguingly, the placental oxidative status was affected by oil quality and AOX supplementation, as indicated by the markedly increased placental gene expression of GPX and SOD (P < 0.05) in sows fed oxidized corn oil but normalized by supplementation of AOX. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, feeding oxidized corn oil did not markedly affect reproductive performance in addition to decreasing feed intake during lactation. Milk composition and systemic oxidative status were deteriorated in sows fed oxidized corn oil and partially improved by AOX supplementation. Moreover, placental antioxidant system of sows may have an adaptive response to oxidative stress, but normalized by AOX.

Superior Na-Storage Performance of Low-Temperature-Synthesized Na3(VO(1-x)PO4)2F(1+2x) (0≤x≤1) Nanoparticles for Na-Ion Batteries.

Na-ion batteries are becoming comparable to Li-ion batteries because of their similar chemical characteristics and abundant sources of sodium. However, the materials production should be cost-effective in order to meet the demand for large-scale application. Here, a series of nanosized high-performance cathode materials, Na3(VO(1-x)PO4)2F(1+2x) (0≤x≤1), has been synthesized by a solvothermal low-temperature (60-120 °C) strategy without the use of organic ligands or surfactants. The as-synthesized Na3(VOPO4)2F nanoparticles show the best Na-storage performance reported so far in terms of both high rate capability (up to 10 C rate) and long cycle stability over 1200 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, the current developed synthetic strategy for Na3(VO(1-x)PO4)2F(1+2x) is by far one of the least expensive and energy-consuming methods, much superior to the conventional high-temperature solid-state method.

Intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and safety of bimatoprost 0.03% therapy for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients in China.

BACKGROUND: To report the clinical outcomes in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension treated with bimatoprost 0.03% therapy. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-three Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension who needed initial or additional intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering were recruited in this prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical study and were treated with bimatoprost 0.03%. Patients received bimatoprost 0.03% as initial, replacement or adjunctive IOP-lowering therapy, and follow-up visits were performed at week 1, and month 1 and 3 of the bimatoprost treatment. The efficacy outcome measure was the post-treatment IOP level. The safety outcome measures included the rate of medication-related symptoms, physical signs, reported adverse events, and the level of conjunctival hyperemia. RESULTS: Among 240 patients who could be categorized by pre-existing therapies and the bimatoprost therapy regimen in the study, IOP values observed in all medication conditions showed significant IOP reduction at all study visits compared with baseline. At 3 months, 8.0 ± 3.7 mmHg (32.0%) reduction in IOP was observed in treatment-naive patients after bimatoprost monotherapy; in the patients previously on various therapy regimens, 1.9 ± 2.8 mmHg (9.5%) to 6.4 ± 6.1 mmHg (24.8%) additional IOP lowering was achieved after switching to bimatoprost monotherapy or bimatoprost combination therapy. The most common adverse event was conjunctival hyperemia, mainly of trace and mild intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that bimatoprost 0.03% was effective in lowering IOP with favorable safety in Chinese primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients.

Arsenic trioxide and microRNA-204 display contrary effects on regulating adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in aplastic anemia.

Our previous studies have demonstrated that arsenic trioxide (ATO) had the clinical efficacy in treating patients with aplastic anemia (AA). However, the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The important components of the bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), are often altered in AA patients. In this study, it was found that AA BMSCs were prone to be induced into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts. ATO treatment can at least partially restore the differentiation imbalance of AA BMSCs. We further identified miR-204 as a key regulator in AA BMSC differentiation. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-204 could directly bind to the 3'-untranslated region of Runx2 mRNA, a key transcription factor regulating osteogenesis. Moreover, adipogenic differentiation was promoted and osteogenic differentiation was inhibited in miR-204 over-expressed cells, whereas osteogenesis was enhanced and adipocyte formation was inhibited in cells that lost miR-204 function, which suggested its endogenous function. Together we showed that ATO could inhibit adipogenic differentiation, but promote osteogenic differentiation in AA BMSCs, providing a possible explanation for ATO clinical efficacy in AA patients. MiR-204 plays a key role in regulating BMSCs differentiation, and down-regulating miR-204 expression might be a novel strategy to treat AA.

Overcoming Kinetic Limitations of Polyanionic Cathode toward High-Performance Na-Ion Batteries.

Polyanionic cathodes have attracted extensive research interest for Na-ion batteries (NIBs) due to their moderate energy density and desirable cycling stability. However, these compounds suffer from visible capacity fading and significant voltage decay upon the rapid sodium storage process, even if modified through nanoengineering or carbon-coating routes, leading to limited applications in NIBs. Herein, the Na3(VOPO4)2F cathode material with dominantly exposed {001} active facets is demonstrated by a topochemical synthesis route. Owing to the rational geometrical structure design and thereby directly shortening Na diffusion distance, the electrode delivers a reversible capacity of ∼129 mA h g-1 even at a high rate of 10 C, which is very close to the theoretical capacity of 132 mA h g-1, achieving a high energy density of ∼452 W h kg-1 coupled with a high-power density of 4660 W kg-1. When further served as a cathode for nonaqueous, aqueous-based, and solid-state full NIBs, respectively, our designed Na3(VOPO4)2F always enables superior electrochemical performance due to favorable kinetics.

A "Liquid-In-Solid" Electrolyte for High-Voltage Anode-Free Rechargeable Sodium Batteries.

Developing anode-free batteries is the ultimate goal in pursuit of high energy density and safety. It is more urgent for sodium (Na)-based batteries due to its inherently low energy density and safety hazards induced by highly reactive Na metal anodes. However, there is no electrolyte that can meet the demanding Na plating-stripping Coulomb efficiency (CE) while resisting oxidative decomposition at high voltages for building stable anode-free Na batteries. Here, a "liquid-in-solid" electrolyte design strategy is proposed to integrate target performances of liquid and solid-state electrolytes. Breaking through the Na+ transport channel of Na-containing zeolite molecular sieve by ion-exchange and confining aggregated liquid ether electrolytes in the nanopore and void of zeolites, it achieves excellent high-voltage stability enabled by solid-state zeolite electrolytes, while inheriting the ultra-high CE (99.84%) from liquid ether electrolytes. When applied in a 4.25 V-class anode-free Na battery, an ultra-high energy density of 412 W h kg-1 (based on the active material of both cathodes and anodes) can be reached, which is comparable to the state-of-the-art graphite||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the assembled anode-free pouch cell exhibits excellent cycling stability, and a high capacity retention of 89.2% can be preserved after 370 cycles.

CYTOR-NFAT1 feedback loop regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) is a crucial mechanism that contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a pivotal factor leading to permanent vision impairment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators orchestrating EMT in RPE cells. In this study, we explored the function of the lncRNA CYTOR (cytoskeleton regulator RNA) in EMT of RPE cells and its underlying mechanisms. Through weighted correlation network analysis, we identified CYTOR as an EMT-related lncRNA associated with AMD. Experimental validation revealed that CYTOR orchestrates TGF-ß1-induced EMT, as well as proliferation and migration of ARPE-19 cells. Further investigation demonstrated the involvement of CYTOR in regulating the WNT5A/NFAT1 pathway and NFAT1 intranuclear translocation in the ARPE-19 cell EMT model. Mechanistically, CHIP, EMSA and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed NFAT1's direct binding to CYTOR's promoter, promoting transcription. Reciprocally, CYTOR overexpression promoted NFAT1 expression, while NFAT1 overexpression increased CYTOR transcription. These findings highlight a mutual promotion between CYTOR and NFAT1, forming a positive feedback loop that triggers the EMT phenotype in ARPE-19 cells. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of EMT and its association with AMD, offering potential avenues for targeted therapies in EMT-related conditions, including AMD.

Polyanionic Cathode Materials for Practical Na-Ion Batteries toward High Energy Density and Long Cycle Life.

Na-ion batteries (NIBs) as a supplement to Li-ion batteries deliver huge application potential in the field of grid-scale energy storage. At present, it is a particularly imperative to advance commercialization of the NIBs after ten years of intensive research. Among the exploited cathodes for NIBs, polyanionic compounds have great commercial prospects due to their favorable ion diffusion channels, high safety, and superior structure stability determined by their unique structure framework; however, there is still a long way to go before large-scale industrialization can be realized. This outlook summarizes the recent progress of polyanion-type cathodes for NIBs and includes V-based, Fe-based, and Mn-based polyanionic compounds toward high energy density and long cycle lifespan. The remaining challenges and guidelines/suggestions for the design of the practically available polyanionic cathode materials with desirable energy density and cycling performance are presented. We hope that this outlook can provide some insights into the development of polyanionic cathodes for practical NIBs toward commercialization.

Effects of the Supplementation of Essential Oil Mixtures on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Immune Status and Microbial Community in Weaned Piglets.

Since essential oils-such as cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol-have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, this study aimed to examine the supplementation of different essential oil mixtures together with 1600 mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, serum immune indices, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora structure in weaned piglets. A total of 240 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight of 8.85 ± 0.21 kg were randomly allocated to 30 pens (6 pens per diet, 4 males and 4 females per pen). Five different experimental diets were prepared and administered for 28 days: (i) a control diet (C), a corn-soybean basal diet without antibiotics, ZnO, or a supplementation of growth promoters; (ii) a control diet with 400 mg/kg essential oil mixtures 1 (EOM1); (iii) a control diet supplemented with ZnO at 1600 mg/kg (Z); (iv) a diet incorporating the Z diet with the addition of essential oil mixtures 1 at 400 mg/kg (ZOM1); and (v) a diet incorporating the Z diet with the addition of essential oil mixtures 2 at 400 mg/kg (ZOM2). During day (d) 14-28 and d 1-28 of the experiment, the average daily gain (ADG) in piglets in the ZOM1 and ZOM2 groups were higher (p < 0.05) compared to the C group. The diarrhea incidence of the Z, ZOM1, and ZOM2 groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the piglets of the ZOM1 group exhibited the lowest diarrhea incidence throughout the trial period. Additionally, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, organic matter (OM), and ether extract (EE) were higher than those fed the Z diet, and higher levels of NDF, ADF, and crude protein (CP) were observed in groups other than those fed the ZOM1 diet (p < 0.01). On d 14, the pigs fed EOM1 and ZOM2 diets showed a somewhat lower (p < 0.1) immunoglobulin G (lgG) level in serum than those fed the C diet. Additionally, the IL-8 level in serum in the ZOM1 group tended to be higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.1). The piglets fed the ZOM1 diet showed a tendency of lower (p = 0.05) acetate concentration in feces on d 14. Principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the composition of fecal microbial communities among the groups. Dietary EOM1 significantly increased the number of fecal bacteroides (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the number of Prevotella (p < 0.1). Therefore, EOM1 combined with 1600 mg/kg ZnO tends to reduce diarrhea incidence, tends to improve the fecal microbial community structure and growth performance of weaned piglets, and has the potential to replace pharmacological dosages of ZnO.

Preparation and Characterization of Screen-Printed Cu2S/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Films for Flexible Thermoelectric Power Generator.

In recent years, flexible thermoelectric generators(f-TEG), which can generate electricity by environmental temperature difference and have low cost, have been widely concerned in self-powered energy devices for underground pipe network monitoring. This paper studied the Cu2S films by screen-printing. The effects of different proportions of p-type Cu2S/poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) mixture on the thermoelectric properties of films were studied. The interfacial effect of the two materials, forming a superconducting layer on the surface of Cu2S, leads to the enhancement of film conductivity with the increase of PEDOT:PSS. In addition, the Seebeck coefficient decreases with the increase of PEDOT:PSS due to the excessive bandgap difference between the two materials. When the content ratio of Cu2S and PEDOT:PSS was 1:1.2, the prepared film had the optimal thermoelectric performance, with a maximum power factor (PF) of 20.60 µW·m-1·K-1. The conductivity reached 75% of the initial value after 1500 bending tests. In addition, a fully printed Te-free f-TEG with a fan-shaped structure by Cu2S and Ag2Se was constructed. When the temperature difference (ΔT) was 35 K, the output voltage of the f-TEG was 33.50 mV, and the maximum power was 163.20 nW. Thus, it is envisaged that large thermoelectric output can be obtained by building a multi-layer stacking f-TEG for continuous self-powered monitoring.

Case report: A rare case of acute myeloid leukemia with CPSF6-RARG fusion resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG) gene rearrangement has been reported in several acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. They resemble classical acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients in clinical features, morphology, and immunophenotype but do not carry the promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-RARA fusion gene. Importantly, almost all these APL-like AML patients show resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and no effective treatment is recommended for them. Here, we identified a case of AML resembling APL in clinical presentation and experimental findings carrying a rare cleavage and polyadenylation-specific factor 6 (CPSF6)-RARG fusion gene. The patient was insensitive to ATRA and ATO but responded well to homoharringtonine and cytarabine.

Preferential Extraction of Lithium from Spent Cathodes and the Regeneration of Layered Oxides for Li/Na-Ion Batteries.

The preferentially selective extraction of Li+ from spent layered transition metal oxide (LiMO2, M = Ni, Co, Mn, etc.) cathodes has attracted extensive interest based on economic and recycling efficiency requirements. Presently, the efficient recycling of spent LiMO2 is still challenging due to the element loss in multistep processes. Here, we developed a facile strategy to selectively extract Li+ from LiMO2 scraps with stoichiometric H2SO4. The proton exchange reaction could be driven using temperature, accompanied by the generation of soluble Li2SO4 and MOOH precipitates. The extraction mechanism includes a two-stage evolution, including dissolution and ion exchange. As a result, the extraction rate of Li+ is over 98.5% and that of M ions is less than 0.1% for S-NCM. For S-LCO, the selective extraction result is even better. Finally, Li2CO3 products with a purity of 99.68% can be prepared from the Li+-rich leachate, demonstrating lithium recovery efficiencies as high as 95 and 96.3% from NCM scraps and S-LCO scraps, respectively. In the available cases, this work also represents the highest recycling efficiency of lithium, which can be attributed to the high leaching rate and selectivity of Li+, and even demonstrates the lowest reagent cost. The regenerated LiNi0.5Co0.24Mn0.26O2 and Na1.01Li0.001Ni0.38Co0.18Mn0.44O2 cathodes also deliver a decent electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and Na-ion batteries (NIBs), respectively. Our current work offers a facile, closed-loop, and scalable strategy for recycling spent LIB cathodes based on the preferentially selective extraction of Li+, which is superior to the other leaching technology in terms of its cost and recycling yield.