CLK3 positively promoted colorectal cancer proliferation by activating IL-6/STAT3 signaling.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its increasing global incidence and treatment complexities. This study delved into the role of the dual-specificity protein kinase CLK3 in CRC progression and its potential as a therapeutic target. By analyzing clinical data and experimental models comprehensively, we found that CLK3 expression was markedly elevated in CRC tissues compared to normal colon tissue. High CLK3 levels were associated with advanced clinical stages and poor prognosis in CRC patients, suggesting its utility as a prognostic biomarker. Functional assays demonstrated that CLK3 overexpression boosted CRC cell proliferation and ATP production, whereas genetic CLK3 knockdown hindered cell proliferation in vitro and curbed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we uncovered that CLK3 positively influenced the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway by stabilizing JAK2 protein levels. These findings propose targeting CLK3 signaling as a promising therapeutic approach for CRC. Further investigation into CLK3's molecular mechanisms and clinical implications is necessary to fully harness its potential in managing CRC.

The application of shear wave quantitative ultrasound elastography in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem, so it is particularly important to quantitatively assess and intervene in the degree of early renal damage in CKD. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research is to establish reference values for kidney elasticity by using real-time shear wave elastography (RT-SWE) technology to quantify Young's modulus values in the renal cortex of normal adults. The intention is to provide a foundation for evaluating renal function and structural changes in patients with CKD. Furthermore, this research investigates the role of RT-SWE in the early detection of renal fibrosis in CKD, providing insights into its diagnostic value for detecting pathological changes at an early stage. METHODS: Between August 2019 and December 2021, we collected a sample of 100 healthy people (55 men with an average age of 43.5 ± 15.2 years and 45 women with an average age of 41.6 ± 19.8 years) for medical evaluations at our hospital's Department of Ultrasound Medicine. In addition, 97 individuals with CKD1-3 stage were considered. Following the removal of contraindications and relevant confounding variables, we included a final cohort of 80 individuals in the research (45 men and 35 females, with an average age of 39.1 ± 19.2 years). The RENAL mode was selected and a convex array probe S6-1 operating at a frequency of 3.5-5.5 MHz was used in the research, which made use of the French Supersonic AixPlorer ultrasonic diagnostic instrument. Renal RT-SWE elastography was performed after conventional two-dimensional and color Doppler ultrasonography. The study used RT-SWE technology to assess the mean Young's modulus of the cortex in healthy individuals (Emean), with data analysis and comparisons based on age and gender. Furthermore, the Emean values of CKD stage 1-3 patients were determined, and analyses were performed about 24-hour urine protein quantitative (24hUTP), serum creatinine concentration (SCr), and renal biopsy pathology, specifically the degree of interstitial fibrosis. RESULTS: Healthy group: a) The average kPa values of the left kidney (4.2 ± 2.3), right kidney (4.3 + 2.5) kPa, both kidneys' average kPa values (4.3 ± 2.4) kPa, and the average kPa values of the left and right kidneys do not differ statistically (p= 0.986). b) There was no difference in the kPa values of healthy male and female kidneys (4.4 + 2.1 and 4.2 + 2.6, respectively. c) There was no difference in the renal kPa values of healthy adults aged 50 (4.4 ± 2.8) kPa and renal kPa of the 50-year-old population (4.2 + 2.1) kPa (p= 0.041). Case group: a) the group of patients with CKD1-3 stage and the group did not vary in their Emean values (both p< 0.05); b) There is a difference between CKD stages 1, 2, and 3 (p< 0.05), however, there is still no difference in the pyEmean value corrected for patient age between patients in stages 1 and 2 (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study reveals no significant differences in the Emean value of bilateral kidneys in normal people and no differences in the elasticity value of kidneys and gender. However, age-based differences were statistically significant. pyEmean may be useful for comparing CKD stage 1, 2, and 3 patients, and RT-SWE can assess early renal damage.

Enhancement of Tumor Perfusion and Antiangiogenic Therapy in Murine Models of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Using Ultrasound-Stimulated Microbubbles.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of ultrasound-stimulated microbubble cavitation (USMC) on enhancing antiangiogenic therapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored the effects of USMC with different mechanical indices (MIs) on tumor perfusion, 36 786-O tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly assigned into four groups: (i) control group, (ii) USMC0.25 group (MI = 0.25), (iii) USMC1.4 group (MI = 1.4) (iv) US1.4 group (MI = 1.4). Tumor perfusion was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before the USMC treatment and 30 min, 4h and 6h after the USMC treatment, respectively. Then we evaluated vascular normalization(VN) induced by low-MI (0.25) USMC treatment, 12 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into two groups: (i) control group (ii) USMC0.25 group. USMC treatment was performed, and tumor microvascular imaging and blood perfusion were analyzed by MicroFlow imaging (MFI) and CEUS 30 min after each treatment. In combination therapy, a total of 144 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 24): (i) control group, (ii) USMC1.4 group, (iii) USMC0.25 group, (iv) bevacizumab(BEV) group, (v) USMC1.4 +BEV group, (vi) USMC0.25 +BEV group. BEV was injected on the 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th d after the tumors were inoculated, while USMC treatment was performed 24 h before and after every BEV administration. We examined the effects of the combination therapy through a series of experiments. RESULTS: Tumor blood perfusion enhanced by USMC with low MI (0.25)could last for more than 6h, inducing tumor VN and promoting drug delivery. Compared with other groups, USMC0.25+BEV combination therapy had the strongest inhibition on tumor growth, led to the longest survival time of the mice. CONCLUSION: The optimized USMC is a promising therapeutic approach that can be combined with antiangiogenic therapy to combat tumor progression.

Methane Seepage Characteristics in Coal Seams under Microwave Radiation.

Microwave radiation is an effective method for simulating the exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM). Herein, structural coal seepage is evaluated using a self-developed experiment system to explore the temperature and permeability response changes exhibited by coal samples under microwave radiation and stress loading. Microwave radiation experiments are used to conduct the numerical simulation of the microwave radiation, and the temperatures and permeability values of the coal samples under simulated and experimental conditions are compared and analyzed. The results show that the higher the microwave radiation power, the higher the temperature of coal samples within the specified time. Under the same effective stress conditions, the higher the microwave radiation power and the longer the action time, the greater the coal sample permeability. Moreover, effective stress is shown to be important for permeability. The curve change trends and numerical values of the experiment and simulation are consistent, and the accuracy of the experiment and simulation is verified in both directions. Furthermore, a numerical model of coal seams under microwave radiation is established to simulate the change law of pressure, gas seepage velocity, and free methane content of actual coal seams under microwave radiation. It is concluded that the fast heating and stable temperature resulting from microwave radiation are beneficial for the crack propagation of coal near reservoirs. The results of this study provide a new technological method for actual CBM exploitation and a new research direction for unconventional natural gas energy output.

Direct and indirect damage zone of radiofrequency ablation in porcine lumbar vertebra.

Objectives: To explore the direct and indirect heat damage zone of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in porcine vertebrae and to verify the safety of RFA in a vascularized vertebral tumor model. Methods: RFA was performed in the porcine lumbar vertebrae. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) were used to assess the extent of direct and indirect injuries after RFA. The cavity of lumbar vertebrae was made, and the adjacent muscle flap was used to fill the cavity to make a vertebrae tumor model. RFA was performed in the vascularized vertebral tumor model. Results: T1-weighted images showed a hypointensive region in the center surrounded by a more hypointensive rim on day 0 and 14. T2-weighted images showed that RFA zone was hypointensive on day 0. On day 7, hypointensity was detected in the center surrounded by a hyperintensive rim. HE showed that the RFA zone could be clearly observed on day 14. Thin bone marrow loss areas were seen around the RFA zone, which was consistent with the hyperintensive rim on the T2-weighted images. TUNEL showed a large number of apoptotic cells in the RFA zone. During RFA in the vertebral tumor model, the temperature of all monitoring positions was less than 45 °C. Conclusion: Using in vivo experiments, the effective zone of RFA was evaluated by MR imaging and pathology, and the direct and indirect damage range were obtained. The safety of RFA was verified by RFA in a vascularized vertebral tumor model.

A novel NSUN5/ENO3 pathway promotes the Warburg effect and cell growth in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by 5-methylcytosine-stabilized ENO3 mRNA.

OBJECTIVES: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells often reprogram their metabolisms. Enolase 3 (ENO3) is closely related to the Warburg effect observed in cells during tumor progression. However, the expression and function of ENO3 in ccRCC cells remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the expression and functional significance of ENO3 in the Warburg effect observed in ccRCC cells. METHODS: In this study, B-mode and microflow imaging ultrasound examinations were performed to evaluate patients with ccRCC. The extracellular acidification rate test and glucose uptake and lactate production assays were used to examine the Warburg effect in ccRCC cells. Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunochemistry were used to detect the expression of ENO3 and NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 5 (NSUN5). RESULTS: ENO3 upregulation in ccRCC tumor tissues was accompanied by an increase in tumor size. Importantly, ENO3 participated in the Warburg effect observed in ccRCC cells, and high levels of ENO3 indicated a poor prognosis for patients. Loss of ENO3 reduced glucose uptake, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate as well as inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, NSUN5 was involved in the ENO3-regulated Warburg effect and ccRCC cell progression. Mechanically, NSUN5 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues, and NSUN5 upregulation mediated 5-methylcytosine modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) in ccRCC cells to promote mRNA stability and ENO3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the destruction of the NSUN5/ENO3 axis prevents ccRCC growth in vivo and in vitro, and targeting this pathway may be an effective strategy against ccRCC progression.

Case report: A balance of survival and quality of life in long-term survival case of lung adenocarcinoma with synchronous bone metastasis.

Bone metastasis is one of the comorbidities of advanced lung cancer, eventually leading to an impaired quality of life. We present a case of a lung adenocarcinoma patient with synchronous bone metastasis. The patient possessed a superior survival time of more than five years under multidisciplinary treatment. Considering the balance of life expectancy and limb function, the metastatic site on the right humerus was successively surgically managed. Based on the present case, we emphasized the importance of treatment choice between anti-tumor and bone management in the long-term survival of cancer patients with synchronous bone metastasis.

EZH2 promotes the progression of osteosarcoma through the activation of the AKT/GSK3ß pathway.

Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) is a clarified promoter in a list of tumours, including osteosarcoma (OS). Our research was projected to define the mechanism involved in EZH2-mediated OS progression through the protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) pathway. EZH2 expression was tested in 66 OS tissues and five osteosarcoma cell lines (143B, SJSA-1, HOS, MG63, and U2OS). In HOS and U2OS cells, cellular malignant characteristics, and the markers of the AKT/GSK3ß signalling pathway were measured when EZH2 was silenced or overexpressed. Meanwhile, rescue assays were implemented to observe whether the AKT/GSK3ß signalling pathway inhibitor (MK-2206) could affect the role of overexpressed EZH2 in OS cells. EZH2 was up-regulated in tumour tissues of OS patients. OS cell lines (HOS and U2OS) showed impairments of proliferative, migratory, invasive and anti-apoptotic properties when EZH2 was silenced. Downregulated EZH2 inhibited the activation of the AKT/GSK3 signalling pathway. However, the situation in HOS and U2OS cells over-expressing EZH2 was opposite. MK-2206 erased EZH2 up-regulation-induced promotion of OS cell growth. It is demonstrated that EZH2 promotes the progression of OS via inducing the activation of the AKT/GSK3ß pathway, offering a therapeutic direction for OS treatment.

Overview of the Composition of Whole Grains' Phenolic Acids and Dietary Fibre and Their Effect on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

Chronic non-communicable diseases are the major cause of death globally. Whole grains are recommended in dietary guidelines worldwide due to increasing evidence that their consumption can improve health beyond just providing energy and nutrients. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the incorporation of whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, plays a key role in reducing one's risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cancer. Phenolic acids and dietary fibre are important components found in whole grains that are largely responsible for these health advantages. Both phenolic acids and dietary fibre, which are predominantly present in the bran layer, are abundant in whole-grain cereals and pseudo-cereals. Several studies indicate that whole grain dietary fibre and phenolic acids are linked to health regulation. The main focus of this study is two-fold. First, we provide an overview of phenolic acids and dietary fibres found in whole grains (wheat, barley, oats, rice and buckwheat). Second, we review existing literature on the linkages between the consumption of whole grains and the development of the following chronic non-communicable diseases: CVDs, obesity, T2D and cancer. Altogether, scientific evidence that the intake of whole grains reduces the risk of certain chronic non-communicable disease is encouraging but not convincing. Based on previous studies, the current review encourages further research to cover the gap between the emerging science of whole grains and human health.

Effect of Vacuum Heat Treatment on the Element Diffusion Behavior and Corrosion Resistance of Al2O3-3wt.%TiO2 Coating of Q235 Steel.

In this study, we address the effect of vacuum heat treatment on the morphology of Al2O3-3wt.%TiO2 coating, element diffusion behavior, coating hardness, and corrosion resistance. The pores, cracks, and non-liquefied particles on the as-heat treated coating surface of the vacuum-heat-treated coating were observed and compared with the as-sprayed coating using a scanning electron microscope. The diffusion behavior of the elements in the coating was demonstrated by using a line scanning of a cross-section of the coating. Hardness and corrosion-resistance test results were used to judge the effect of a vacuum heat treatment on the coating. The research results show that compared with atmospheric heat treatment, the vacuum heat treatment had less effect on the pores, cracks, and non-liquefied particles on the surface of the coating. However, in the absence of new oxide formation, the pores and cracks in the cross-section of the coating were significantly improved by the vacuum heat treatment. The surface hardness and corrosion resistance of the coating were significantly improved. The crack defects were eliminated, and the uniformity of TiO2 distribution was improved, which are the main factors that improved the coating performance after vacuum heat treatment. The combination of the coating and the substrate is strengthened, and an Al2O3 and TiO2 interdiffusion zone is formed when the coating undergoes vacuum heat treatment, which is the main mechanism improving the performance of the AT3 coating.

Multi-omic characterization of genome-wide abnormal DNA methylation reveals diagnostic and prognostic markers for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma.

This study investigates aberrant DNA methylations as potential diagnosis and prognosis markers for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC), which if diagnosed at advanced stages has <30% five-year survival rate. Comparing genome-wide methylation sites of 91 ESCC and matched adjacent normal tissues, we identified 35,577 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) and characterized their distribution patterns. Integrating whole-genome DNA and RNA-sequencing data of the same samples, we found multiple dysregulated transcription factors and ESCC-specific genomic correlates of identified DMCs. Using featured DMCs, we developed a 12-marker diagnostic panel with high accuracy in our dataset and the TCGA ESCC dataset, and a 4-marker prognostic panel distinguishing high-risk patients. In-vitro experiments validated the functions of 4 marker host genes. Together these results provide additional evidence for the important roles of aberrant DNA methylations in ESCC development and progression. Our DMC-based diagnostic and prognostic panels have potential values for clinical care of ESCC, laying foundations for developing targeted methylation assays for future non-invasive cancer detection methods.

A Retrospective Evaluation of Operative and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Metastases from a Single Center to Compare Vertebrectomy with Combined Vertebrectomy and Radiofrequency Ablation.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study was conducted at a single center and aimed to evaluate operative and postoperative outcomes in patients with spinal metastases using vertebrectomy and combined vertebrectomy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with spinal metastases between April 2009 and March 2016 (n=49) included patients who underwent vertebrectomy (n=26) and patients who underwent combined vertebrectomy and RFA (n=23). The characteristics of the 2 groups were similar in primary tumor types, comorbidities, Tomita score, vertebral involvement, preoperative bone pain, and neurologic deficit. RESULTS The results showed for the both groups that the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and the neurological status was improved after treatment. Compared with the control group (vertebrectomy only), the combination group (combined vertebrectomy and RFA) had less intraoperative blood loss (P=0.002) and shorter operation time (P<0.001). The recurrence rate was lower (P=0.003) in the patients who received combined treatment, and the period of local recurrence was prolonged (P=0.030) in the combination group. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study showed that the selective use of combined vertebrectomy and RFA significantly reduced surgical time and blood loss, improved recovery of neurologic deficit, and reduced the tumor recurrence rate in patients with spinal metastases.

The combined use of gamma-aminobutyric acid and walnut peptide enhances sleep in mice.

BACKGROUND: γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid in the nervous system and has a wide range of physiological functions in the body. Walnut peptide (WP) contains high levels of arginine, aspartic acid, and glutamate, and has been shown to improve cognitive deficits and memory impairment in mice, while restoring antioxidant enzyme levels and reducing brain inflammatory mediators. METHODS: This study investigated the effects of GABA and WP, either alone or in combination, on sleep disturbances in mice. The pentobarbital-prolonged sleep test, pentobarbital-threshold sleep test, and barbital-induced sleep test were conducted to assess the effects of GABA and WP on sleep quality by gavage for 30 days as follows: GABA (102.25 mg/kg), WP (102.25 mg/kg), GABA (33.95, 102.25, 306.75 mg/kg)/WP (102.25 mg/kg) mixture. Furthermore, neurotransmitter tests were performed using mice brain tissue to investigate the possible mechanisms of GABA and WP on sleep status. RESULTS: The results showed that the combined use of GABA and WP significantly increased sleep duration compared with single administration of either WP or GABA. Increasing doses of GABA in mice treated with combined GABA and WP elevated the sleep rate to 50.00%, 64.28%, and 64.28%, respectively, compared to mice treated with GABA alone (35.71%) or mice treated with WP alone (28.57%). In mice that received a combination of GABA and WP orally, the latency time was significantly decreased after 30 days compared to control mice (P<0.05). Additionally, in mice treated with GABA, WP, or the combination of GABA and WP, the concentrations of GABA and acetylcholine (Ach) in the brain were significantly elevated and the concentration of serotonin (5-HT) was decreased compared to untreated mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that the combined administration of GABA and WP could prolong the sleep duration, increase sleep rate, and shorten the sleep latency more effectively than the administration of either GABA or WP alone. The mechanisms of action may be related to the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain tissue by the combination of GABA and WP.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation applied in lower limbs decreases the incidence of paralytic ileus after colorectal surgery: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative paralytic ileus prolongs hospitalization duration, increases medical expenses, and is even associated with postoperative mortality; however, effective prevention of postoperative paralytic ileus is not yet available. This trial aimed to assess the preventative effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation applied in the lower limbs on postoperative paralytic ileus incidence after colorectal surgery. METHODS: After ethics approval and written informed consent, 610 patients from 10 hospitals who were scheduled for colorectal surgery between May 2018 and September 2019 were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into the transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (stimulated on bilateral Zusanli, Shangjuxu, and Sanyinjiao acupoints in lower limbs for 30 minutes each time, total 4 times) or sham (without currents delivered) group with 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was postoperative paralytic ileus incidence, defined as no flatus for >72 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Compared to the sham treatment, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation lowered the postoperative paralytic ileus incidence by 8.7% (32.3% vs 41.0%, P = .026) and decreased the risk of postoperative paralytic ileus by 32% (OR, 0.68; P = .029). Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation also shortened the recovery time to flatus, defecation, normal diet, and bowel sounds. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation treatment significantly increased median serum acetylcholine by 55% (P = .007) and interleukin-10 by 88% (P < .001), but decreased interleukin-6 by 47% (P < .001) and inducible nitric oxide synthase by 42% (P = .002) at 72 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation attenuated the postoperative paralytic ileus incidence and enhanced gastrointestinal functional recovery, which may be associated with increasing parasympathetic nerve tone and its anti-inflammatory actions.

Research Development on Anti-Microbial and Antioxidant Properties of Camel Milk and Its Role as an Anti-Cancer and Anti-Hepatitis Agent.

Camel milk is a rich source of vitamin C, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), beta-caseins and milk whey proteins, including lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, alpha-lactalbumin and immunoglobulin. The lactoferrin plays a key role in several physiological functions, such as conferring antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory functions in cells. Similarly, the camel milk alpha-lactalbumin has shown greater antioxidative activity because of its higher antioxidant amino acid residues. The antioxidant properties of camel milk have also been ascribed to the structural conformation of its beta-caseins. Upon hydrolysis, the beta-caseins lead to some bioactive peptides having antioxidant activities. Consequently, the vitamin C in camel milk has a significant antioxidant effect and can be used as a source of vitamin C when the climate is harsh. Furthermore, the lysozyme and immunoglobulins in camel milk have anti-microbial and immune regulatory properties. The LAB isolated from camel milk have a protective role against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Moreover, the LAB can be used as a probiotic and may restore the oxidative status caused by various pathogenic bacterial infections. Various diseases such as cancer and hepatitis have been associated with oxidative stress. Camel milk could increase antiproliferative effects and regulate antioxidant genes during cancer and hepatitis, hence ameliorating oxidative stress. In the current review, we have illustrated the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of camel milk in detail. In addition, the anti-cancer and anti-hepatitis properties of camel milk have also been discussed.

Formation of an Artificial Mg2+-Permeable Interphase on Mg Anodes Compatible with Ether and Carbonate Electrolytes.

Rechargeable Mg-ion batteries typically suffer from either rapid passivation of the Mg anode or severe corrosion of the current collectors by halogens within the electrolyte, limiting their practical implementation. Here, we demonstrate the broadly applicable strategy of forming an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (a-SEI) layer on Mg to address these challenges. The a-SEI layer is formed by simply soaking Mg foil in a tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether solution containing LiTFSI and AlCl3, with Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy measurements revealing spontaneous reaction with the Mg foil. The a-SEI is found to mitigate Mg passivation in Mg(TFSI)2/DME electrolytes with symmetric cells exhibiting overpotentials that are 2 V lower compared to when the a-SEI is not present. This approach is extended to Mg(ClO4)2/DME and Mg(TFSI)2/PC electrolytes to achieve reversible Mg plating and stripping, which is not achieved with bare electrodes. The interfacial resistance of the cells with a-SEI protected Mg is found to be two orders of magnitude lower than that with bare Mg in all three of the electrolytes, indicating the formation of an effective Mg-ion transporting interfacial structure. X-ray absorption and photoemission spectroscopy measurements show that the a-SEI contains minimal MgCO3, MgO, Mg(OH)2, and TFSI-, while being rich in MgCl2, MgF2, and MgS, when compared to the passivation layer formed on bare Mg in Mg(TFSI)2/DME.

Black phosphorus-modified sulfurized polyacrylonitrile with high C-rate and cycling performance in ether-based electrolyte for lithium sulfur batteries.

Black phosphorus modified sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (BP-SPAN) is reported for the first time for Li-S batteries operated in ether electrolyte. The amorphous P2S5+x in BP-SPAN is crucial to suppress the shuttling effect of polysulfides and enhance the reaction kinetics. It delivers an amazing capacity of 1086 mA h g-1 (2C) and capacity retention of 91.1% (0.1C, 100th).

Posterior Decompression Surgery and Radiofrequency Ablation Followed by Vertebroplasty in Spinal Metastases from Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND Spinal metastases can cause metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC), which can result in neurological dysfunction and impaired quality of life. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of posterior decompression surgery and radiofrequency ablation followed by vertebroplasty in spinal metastasis from lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS From June 2008 to September 2015, a retrospective analysis was conducted in 15 patients with spinal metastasis from lung cancer. All cases suffered MESCC and underwent posterior decompression surgery to relieve the compression of spinal cord, and had radiofrequency ablation followed by vertebroplasty. All patients received postoperative multidisciplinary therapy. The operative time, blood loss, complications, pain, neurologic deficit, quality of life, and survival were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS Patients were followed from 6 to 56 months. The mean time of operation was 154±50 minutes and the mean blood loss was 210±90 mL. In the pre-operation analysis found the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 7.86±0.86. In the post-operation analysis at 3 months, the mean VAS score was 3.51±1.32. The VAS improved significantly (t=7.95, P<0.01). The Frankel grade was improved 1 grade or 2 grades in 14 patients when pre-operation was compared to post-operation. Only 1 patient kept Frankel grade D after surgery. Eight patients with sphincteric dysfunction preoperatively were improved after surgery. The EORTC QLQ-C30 score was 86.13±8.51 preoperatively and 52.21±13.28 postoperatively. The quality of life was improved significantly (t=11.8, P<0.01). The median survival time was 11 months. CONCLUSIONS Through posterior decompression surgery and radiofrequency ablation followed by vertebroplasty, the quality of life was improved significantly. This palliative treatment was effective and safe in spinal metastasis from lung cancer.

Understanding the Structural Evolution and Lattice Water Movement for Rhombohedral Nickel Hexacyanoferrate upon Sodium Migration.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been regarded as prospective cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to tunable chemical composition and structure. Herein, a high-performance rhombohedral nickel hexacyanoferrate is synthesized via a controllable low-temperature reaction process. It can deliver impressive capacity retention of 87.8% after 10 000 cycles at 10C and high rate discharge capacity of 53 mAh g-1 at 40C. According to the structural evolution and lattice water movement, superior electrochemical performance is ascribed to small lattice alteration and high reversibility of rhombohedral-cubic transition upon Na+ insertion/extraction. The environment information of local- and long-range structure evolution is revealed by ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). Importantly, lattice water movement during cycling by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements offers an experimental validation about Na+ nonlinear migration path, as well as the accumulative lattice distortion effect from large-size Na(OH2)+ unit. The revealed mechanism points out the modified path for PBAs.