Capacitive-Controlled Prussian White with a Nickel Iron Hexacyanoferrate Composite Cathode for Rapid Sodium Diffusion.

Prussian blue analogues receive tremendous attention owing to their spacious three-dimensional skeleton, high theoretical specific capacity, facile synthesis procedure, and high cost-effectiveness as among the most promising candidates for cathode materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nonetheless, the practical specific capacity, especially under high current, is particularly frail due to the sluggish ion diffusion. In this study, the strategy of Ni substitution and formation of water-coordinated Fe is applied to lower the crystal field energy and elevate the active low-spin (LS) Fe content, which leads to a capacitive sodium storage mechanism, resulting in a substantial specific capacity under high current density. The delivered specific capacity of PW-325@2NiFe-55 is 95 mAh g-1 at 50 C, which is 72.5% capacity retention of the one at 0.5 C. Also, it maintains 80.2% of its initial specific capacity after 500 cycles at 5 C. Furthermore, a hypothesis of a joint diffusion-controlled and capacitive mechanism for high-spin (HS) Fe and a mere capacitive mechanism for LS Fe is put forward and verified through potentiastatic tests, operando 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and ex situ XRD, which provides a new horizon to enhance the electrochemical performance for SIBs.

Defect-Engineering-Mediated Long-Lived Charge-Transfer Excited-State in Fe-Gallate Complex Improves Iron Cycle and Enables Sustainable Fenton-Like Reaction.

Fenton reactions are inefficient because the Fe(II) catalyst cannot be recycled in time due to the lack of a rapid electron transport pathway. This results in huge H2 O2 wastage in industrial applications. Here, it is shown that a sustainable heterogeneous Fenton system is attainable by enhancing the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) excited-state lifetime in Fe-gallate complex. By engineering oxygen defects in the complex, the lifetime is improved from 10-90 ps. The lengthened lifetime ensures sufficient concentrations of excited-states for an efficient Fe cycle, realizing previously unattainable H2 O2 activation kinetics and hydroxyl radical (• OH) productivity. Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies show the cyclic reaction mechanism involves in situ Fe(II) regeneration and synchronous supply of oxygen atoms from water to recover dissociated Fe─O bonds. Trace amounts of this catalyst effectively destroy two drug-resistant bacteria even after eight reaction cycles. This work reveals the link among LMCT excited-state lifetime, Fe cycle, and catalytic activity and stability, with implications for de novo design of efficient and sustainable Fenton-like processes.

Cellular Heterogeneity of Activated Primary Human Macrophages and Associated Drug-Gene Networks: From Biology to Precision Therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Interferon-γ (IFNγ) signaling plays a complex role in atherogenesis. IFNγ stimulation of macrophages permits in vitro exploration of proinflammatory mechanisms and the development of novel immune therapies. We hypothesized that the study of macrophage subpopulations could lead to anti-inflammatory interventions. METHODS: Primary human macrophages activated by IFNγ (M(IFNγ)) underwent analyses by single-cell RNA sequencing, time-course cell-cluster proteomics, metabolite consumption, immunoassays, and functional tests (phagocytic, efferocytotic, and chemotactic). RNA-sequencing data were analyzed in LINCS (Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures) to identify compounds targeting M(IFNγ) subpopulations. The effect of compound BI-2536 was tested in human macrophages in vitro and in a murine model of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Single-cell RNA sequencing identified 2 major clusters in M(IFNγ): inflammatory (M(IFNγ)i) and phagocytic (M(IFNγ)p). M(IFNγ)i had elevated expression of inflammatory chemokines and higher amino acid consumption compared with M(IFNγ)p. M(IFNγ)p were more phagocytotic and chemotactic with higher Krebs cycle activity and less glycolysis than M(IFNγ)i. Human carotid atherosclerotic plaques contained 2 such macrophage clusters. Bioinformatic LINCS analysis using our RNA-sequencing data identified BI-2536 as a potential compound to decrease the M(IFNγ)i subpopulation. BI-2536 in vitro decreased inflammatory chemokine expression and secretion in M(IFNγ) by shrinking the M(IFNγ)i subpopulation while expanding the M(IFNγ)p subpopulation. BI-2536 in vivo shifted the phenotype of macrophages, modulated inflammation, and decreased atherosclerosis and calcification. CONCLUSIONS: We characterized 2 clusters of macrophages in atherosclerosis and combined our cellular data with a cell-signature drug library to identify a novel compound that targets a subset of macrophages in atherosclerosis. Our approach is a precision medicine strategy to identify new drugs that target atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.

Graphdiyne nanoplatforms for photothermal-ferroptosis combination therapy against glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant tumors of the central nervous system and has a poor prognosis. GBM cells are highly sensitive to ferroptosis and heat, suggesting thermotherapy-ferroptosis as a new strategy for GBM treatment. With its biocompatibility and photothermal conversion efficiency, graphdiyne (GDY) has become a high-profile nanomaterial. Here, the ferroptosis inducer FIN56 was employed to construct GDY-FIN56-RAP (GFR) polymer self-assembled nanoplatforms against GBM. GDY could effectively load FIN56 and FIN56 released from GFR in a pH-dependent manner. The GFR nanoplatforms possessed the advantages of penetrating the BBB and acidic environment-induced in situ FIN56 release. Moreover, GFR nanoplatforms induced GBM cell ferroptosis by inhibiting GPX4 expression, and 808 nm irradiation reinforced GFR-mediated ferroptosis by elevating the temperature and promoting FIN56 release from GFR. In addition, the GFR nanoplatforms were inclined to locate in tumor tissue, inhibit GBM growth, and prolong lifespan by inducing GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of GBM; meanwhile, 808 nm irradiation further improved these GFR-mediated effects. Hence, GFR may be a potential nanomedicine for cancer therapy, and GFR combined with photothermal therapy may be a promising strategy against GBM.

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy is a safer approach for lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVES: Herein, we explored the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and fenestration discectomy (FD) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: The complete clinical data of 87 LDH patients, who were admitted to the Peking University People's Hospital between May 2018 and March 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were initially separated into a control (n=39, treated with FD) and research group (n=48, treated with PTED), based on the prescribed treatments. We compared the basic operational conditions between the two groups, and assessed the surgical outcomes using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (JOA), and modified MacNab scale. Lastly, we analyzed the complication incidence and life quality of patients at 1-year follow up after surgery. RESULTS: All participants in both groups completed the operation. The amount of intraoperative blood loss, surgical duration, length of surgical incision, postoperative ambulation start time, and length of hospital stay were all significantly shorter in the research group as compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the VAS and ODI scores of the patients in the research group were lower than the control group at 3-months after surgery, while the JOA score was markedly higher (all P<0.05). In addition, the success rate was higher, and the complication rate lower, in the research group, compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Lastly, no statistical differences were observed in the quality of life of patients before the operation, or at 1-year follow up (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analyses, PTED and FD were both effective in treating LDH. However, PTED exhibited a higher success rate, faster recovery time, and was safer than FD.

Treatment of Thoracic Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament with One-Stage 360 Degree Circumferential Decompression Assisted by Piezosurgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of One-Stage 360 degree circular decompression for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (TOPLL) assisted by piezosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study enrolled 36 patients with TOPLL between August 2016 and February 2019. The average intraoperative bleeding volume of all 36 patients in this study is 1058.61 ±737.66 ml. RESULTS: All patients did not experience any intraoperative complications such as spinal cord and nerve injuries, and 22 other complications related to decompression of OPLL cited in other literature; all of which were relieved after treatment. The resection time of single laminectomy was 3.43 ±0.49 min, and circular decompression was 42.06 ±14.22 min. At the last follow-up, the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score was 8.89 ±1.56, the recovery rate of spinal cord function was 64.2 ±21.2%, and the number of cases of spinal cord function deterioration was 0 (0%). The mJOA score of the last follow-up was negatively correlated with the time of circular decompression (r = 0.368, p ＜ 0.01) and age (r = 0.412, p = 0.026). The recovery rate of the spinal cord function was negatively correlated with the operation time of circular decompression (r = -0.325, p = 0.041) and the amount of intraoperative blood loss (r = -0.555, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The use of piezosurgery can safely and effectively complete one-stage simple posterior TOPLL with 360-degree circular decompression. The incidence of complications is not high, and a good outcome can be obtained.

The Effect of Cervical Paravertebral Extensor Degeneration on Sagittal Alignment and Functional Status of Cervical Spine in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess cervical paravertebral extensor degeneration in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and its impact on the sagittal parameters and functional status of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Paravertebral extensor degeneration is well-studied in CSM; however, the effect of extensor degeneration on the sagittal balance and functional status of the cervical spine is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 52 CSM patients (CSM group) and 52 age-matched and sex-matched healthy adults (control group). The C2-C7 and C0-C2 Cobb angles (CAs), C7 slope, T1 slope, cervical arc cord distance, cervical tilt (CERT), cranial tilt (CRAT), and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. The cross-sectional areas of the deep extensors (DEA), superficial extensors (SEA), and cervical vertebral body (VBA) of C4-C7 were measured. DEA/VBA and SEA/VBA were used to quantify the extensor volume. We analyzed the fatty infiltration ratio of the deep (DFIR) and superficial extensors (SFIR). The Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores of the CSM group were calculated. RESULTS: The DEA/VBA was significantly lower and the DFIR and SFIR were significantly higher in the CSM group. The C4 DEA/VBA correlated with the C2-C7 SVA, C2-C7 CA, CERT, and the Neck Disability Index and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores (r=-0.608, 0.291, 0.335,-0.649, and 0.409, respectively). The DEA/VBA of C5 correlated with the cervical arc cord distance and CRAT (r=-0.350 and -0.356, respectively). The C4 DFIR correlated with the C2-C7 SVA, C2-C7 CA, and the Visual Analog Scale (r=0.286, -0.297, and 0.429, respectively). The SFIR of C7 correlated with the T1 slope and C7 slope (r=0.368 and 0.319, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Paravertebral extensor degeneration negatively impacts the sagittal sequence and functional status of the cervical spine in CSM patients. Our study provides an insight into understanding the significance of cervical muscular degeneration in CSM patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Iron Single Atom Catalyzed Quinoline Synthesis.

The production of high-value chemicals by single-atom catalysis is an attractive proposition for industry owing to its remarkable selectivity. Successful demonstrations to date are mostly based on gas-phase reactions, and reports on liquid-phase catalysis are relatively sparse owing to the insufficient activation of reactants by single-atom catalysts (SACs), as well as, their instability in solution. Here, mechanically strong, hierarchically porous carbon plates are developed for the immobilization of SACs to enhance catalytic activity and stability. The carbon-based SACs exhibit excellent activity and selectivity (≈68%) for the synthesis of substituted quinolines by a three-component oxidative cyclization, affording a wide assortment of quinolines (23 examples) from anilines and acetophenones feedstock in an efficient, atom-economical manner. Particularly, a Cavosonstat derivative can be synthesized through a one-step, Fe1 -catalyzed cyclization instead of traditional Suzuki coupling. The strategy is also applicable to the deuteration of quinolines at the fourth position, which is challenging by conventional methods. The synthetic utility of the carbon-based SAC, together with its reusability and scalability, renders it promising for industrial scale catalysis.

Analysis of Radiographic Spinopelvic Parameters in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Kyphoscoliosis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationships between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis (DLKS). METHODS: We enrolled 75 patients with DLKS for a radiographic study between January 2016 and September 2018. Correlations between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic radiographic parameters were analyzed. Then patients were divided into 2 groups: sagittal balanced group (SVA< = 5 cm, 30 patients) and sagittal imbalanced group (SVA >5 cm, 45 patients), and relevant parameters were compared. RESULTS: The Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis of the DLKS patients were 24.87 ± 11.59° and 17.26 ± 12.24°, respectively. The average age was 68 years old (range: 42-82), and the sex ratio was 2.6:1 (female: 54 patients; male: 21 patients). 50 patients (66.7%) located convexity of the curve at left side, while 25 patients (33.3%) at right side. The Cobb angle correlated with LL-TK (r = -0.228, p = 0.049), LL (r = -0.255, p = 0.027) and SS (r = -0.232, p = 0.045). There were significant differences in PI-LL (t = -3.484, P = 0.001), LL-TK (t = 2.354, P = 0.023), PI (t = -3201, P = 0.002) and PT (t = -2.521, P = 0.014) between sagittal balanced and imbalanced group. CONCLUSIONS: In degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis, there are some correlations between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters. Moreover, PI-LL, LL-TK, PI, PT were significantly different between sagittal balanced and imbalanced DLKS patients.

Upregulation of long-noncoding RNA PTPRG-AS1 can predict the poor prognosis and promote migration and invasion in patients with osteosarcoma.

The present study aimed to determine the expression of the long non-coding RNA PTPRG-AS1 in patients with osteosarcoma, and to explore its role on the prognosis of patients and the process of osteosarcoma cell metastasis. Reverse transcription quantitative-PCR was performed to detect PTPRG-AS1 expression in osteosarcoma tumor tissues and cells (U2OS, SJSA1 and Saos-2), and normal tissues and cells (hFOB1.19). In addition, qPCR and western blotting were also used to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively, whereas fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to locate the position of PTPRG-AS1 in osteosarcoma cells. Transwell assay was used to determine the migratory and invasive abilities of osteosarcoma cells. The results demonstrated that PTPRG-AS1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells and tissues, which was compared with normal bone cells and adjacent healthy tissues. Furthermore, PTPRG-AS1 expression level in patients with osteosarcoma and lymph node metastasis or distal metastasis was elevated compared with normal tissues. In addition, the results from univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that PTPRG-AS1 expression level was significantly associated with Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage (P=0.025), lymph node metastasis (P=0.035) and distant metastasis (P=0.016) in patients with osteosarcoma. PTPRG-AS1 expression level (odd ratio, 3.012; 95% confidence interval, 1.564-4.219) was also considered as an independent risk factor affecting the 5-year survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma. Furthermore, the 5-year overall survival rate of patients with elevated PTPRG-AS1 expression level (56.36%) was significantly lower compared with patients with low PTPRG-AS1 expression level (78.43%). In addition, PTPRG-AS1 knockdown using small interfering RNA significantly decreased the invasive and migratory abilities of osteosarcoma cells in vitro. In summary, PTPRG-AS1 high expression in patients with osteosarcoma may predict the poor prognosis of patients, as PTPRG-AS may have a promoting effect on osteosarcoma cell metastasis.

Effects of Mongolian Warm Acupuncture on iNOS/NO and Inflammatory Cytokines in the Hippocampus of Chronic Fatigue Rats.

The inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced fatigue. Studies have found that Mongolian warm acupuncture (WA) could alleviate exercise-induced fatigue. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Mongolian WA on iNOS/NO signaling pathway and proinflammatory cytokines in a chronic exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue rat model. Animals were randomly divided into Control group, Ctrl + WA group, Model group, and Model + WA group. The body weight, exhaustive swimming time test, and Morris water maze test were performed before and after the chronic exhaustive swimming. The serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and iNOS were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and iNOS in the hippocampus were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover, the protein expression of iNOS in the hippocampus was measured by western blot, and the NO productions in the serum and hippocampus were detected by Griess reaction system. Chronic exhaustive exercise significantly reduced the body weight and exhaustive swimming time, and induced impairment in learning and memory, and which were reversed by WA treatment. Chronic exhaustive exercise also increased the expressions of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines, while WA treatment significantly decreased the level of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines. However, chronic exhaustive exercise did not affect the NO production. These findings demonstrated that WA could alleviate the chronic exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue and improve the learning and memory ability, and the actions might be related to the reduction of inflammatory response and iNOS expression.

The effect of water on the microstructure and properties of benzene/[bmim][AOT]/[bmim][BF4] microemulsions.

In the present contribution, results concerning the role of small amounts of water in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis 2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate ([bmim][AOT]) based 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4])-in-benzene reverse microemulsions are emphasized. The microemulsion aggregates have demonstrated features in common with traditional aqueous systems, such as a normal microemulsion droplet size and decreased stability due to the addition of a polar component. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the size change of microemulsion with added water depends on the loaded [bmim][BF4] content in the microemulsion: when the [bmim][BF4] content is low, the microemulsion diameter first decreases and then increases, while the size remains about the same for microemulsions with a moderate [bmim][BF4] loading and a successive increase in size was found for high-loaded [bmim][BF4] microemulsions. (1)H NMR along with two-dimensional rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments (ROESY) revealed that water molecules formed wide interactions with both 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([bmim]) and bis 2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate ([AOT]), leading to a decrease in the headgroup area of [bmim][AOT], i.e. α value, which will decrease the microemulsion size. On the other hand, addition of water can simultaneously swell the microemulsions, causing an increase in the diameter. It is also deduced that the Coulomb forces between the [AOT] and [bmim] should be one of the main driving forces for the formation of [bmim][BF4]-in-benzene microemulsions.

[Comparison of allogenic versus ostetic artificial bone in double door laminoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of allogenic bone and Ostetic artificial bone in double door laminoplasty. METHODS: From June 2004 to June 2010, a total of 111 patients underwent double door laminoplasty. And allogenic (group A, n = 63) and Ostetic artificial (group B, n = 48) bones were used. They had spinal stenosis at least several levels or OPLL (Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament). Their follow-up period was 12 months. Anteroposterior compression ratio was used to evaluate the neurological status. Range-of-movement (ROM) of cervical spine and bone fusion was determined by radiography and computed tomography (CT) during the follow-ups. RESULTS: Anteroposterior compression ratio: group A improved from 0.18 preoperation to 0.43 postoperation while group B increased from 0.20 preoperation to 0.44 postoperation; ROM: group A decreased postoperatively to (22.6 ± 3.3)° from (39.5 ± 6.1)° while group B decreased postoperatively to (22.9 ± 3.7)° from (39.3 ± 6.7)°. When Groups A and B were compared, bone fusion between allograft and spinous processes was completed in 73.1% vs 64.2%, partial fusion in 22.4% vs 18.7% and failed in 6.3% vs 17.1%. CONCLUSION: Uses allogenic and Ostetic artificial bones in double door laminoplasty may achieve an excellent decompression of spinal cord. But the application of allogenic bone yields a higher bone fusion rate after surgery.