The Construction of Binary Phase Electrolyte Interface for Highly Stable Zinc Anodes.

Metal zinc is a promising anode candidate of aqueous zinc-ion batteries due to high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high safety. However, it often suffers from hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), dendrite growth, and formation of by-products. Herein, a triethyl phosphate (TEP)/H2 O binary phase electrolyte (BPE) interface is developed by introducing TEP-based electrolyte-wetted hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) separator onto the Zn anode surface. The equilibrium of the BPE interface depends on the comparable surface tensions of H2 O-based and TEP-based electrolytes on hydrophobic PP separator surfaces. The BPE interface induces Zn2+ solvation structure conversion from [Zn(H2 O)x ]2+ to [Zn(TEP)n (H2 O)y ]2+ , where most solvated H2 O molecules are removed. In [Zn(TEP)n (H2 O)y ]2+ , the residual H2 O molecules can be further constrained by the formation of H bonds between TEP and H2 O molecules. Consequently, the ionization of solvated H2 O molecules is effectively suppressed, and HER and by-products are effectively restricted on Zn anode surfaces in BPE. As a result, Zn anodes exhibit a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.12% and superior cycling performance of 6000 h, which is much higher than the case in single-phase aqueous electrolytes. To illustrate the feasibility of BPE in full cells, the Zn/Alx V2 O5 batteries are assembled based on the BPE and exhibited enhanced cycling performance.

Diatomic iron nanozyme with lipoxidase-like activity for efficient inactivation of enveloped virus.

Enveloped viruses encased within a lipid bilayer membrane are highly contagious and can cause many infectious diseases like influenza and COVID-19, thus calling for effective prevention and inactivation strategies. Here, we develop a diatomic iron nanozyme with lipoxidase-like (LOX-like) activity for the inactivation of enveloped virus. The diatomic iron sites can destruct the viral envelope via lipid peroxidation, thus displaying non-specific virucidal property. In contrast, natural LOX exhibits low antiviral performance, manifesting the advantage of nanozyme over the natural enzyme. Theoretical studies suggest that the Fe-O-Fe motif can match well the energy levels of Fe2 minority ß-spin d orbitals and pentadiene moiety π* orbitals, and thus significantly lower the activation barrier of cis,cis-1,4-pentadiene moiety in the vesicle membrane. We showcase that the diatomic iron nanozyme can be incorporated into air purifier to disinfect airborne flu virus. The present strategy promises a future application in comprehensive biosecurity control.

A review of pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of asiaticoside, a major active constituent of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., a potential medicinal plant, is widely used in orient traditional medicine. Its major active constituents include asiaticoside (AS), madecassoside (MS), asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Thereinto, AS is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin with a variety of pharmacological effects including antitumor, neuroprotective and wound healing effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this review, we summarize the pharmacokinetics, safety and pharmacological properties of AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We gathered information about AS from articles published up to 2022 and listed in Google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and similar databases. The keywords used in our search included "asiaticoside", "Centella asiatica", "pharmacokinetics", "nerve", "cancer", "skin", etc. RESULTS: AS appeared to degrade through a first-order reaction and had low biotoxicity. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of AS differed according to species. AS is highly blood-brain-barrier permeable without any harmful side effect. It has a variety of pharmacological effects including anti-neural inflammation and anti-cancer properties, as well as protective properties for the skin, cardiovascular system, and pulmonary system. CONCLUSION: This review comprehensively summarized current information regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of AS, and supported the pharmaceutical value of this compound. Future research should focus on improving bioavailability of AS and conducting clinical assessment.

Effect of extraction technique on chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of freeze-dried green pepper.

In this study, the yield, content of piperine, and antioxidant activity of pepper oleoresin obtained with the methods of maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-MAE (UMAE) were analyzed, and the microstructure of pepper residue was observed. For the yield and piperine content, the UMAE method had the best extraction capacity among the four methods. While, the oleoresin obtained with maceration had the highest total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activity of the oleoresin obtained by maceration was higher than that of the extracts acquired by UAE, MAE, and UMAE, and a high positive correlation was observed between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the oleoresin obtained by these extraction methods. The ideal parameters for UMAE were an 80-mesh particle size and a 1 g/10 mL solid-liquid ratio. The kinetic parameters and models of the UMAE extraction process were also compared using first- and second-order models. The second-order kinetic equation with the lowest root mean square deviation and highest adjusted correlation coefficient proved to be more suitable for describing the extraction kinetics of pepper oleoresin. This study showed that UMAE is a fast, efficient, and cost-effective technique for the extraction of green pepper oleoresin.

A review of the immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides isolated from Panax species.

Panax polysaccharides are biopolymers that are isolated and purified from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Panax L. plants, which have attracted considerable attention because of their immunomodulatory activities. In this paper, the composition and structural characteristics of purified polysaccharides are reviewed. Moreover, the immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides are described both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, Panax polysaccharides exert immunomodulatory functions mainly by activating macrophages, dendritic cells, and the complement system. In vivo, Panax polysaccharides can increase the immune organ indices and stimulate lymphocytes. In addition, this paper also discusses the membrane receptors and various signalling pathways of immune cells. Panax polysaccharides have many beneficial therapeutic effects, including enhancing or activating the immune response, and may be helpful in treating cancer, sepsis, osteoporosis, and other conditions. Panax polysaccharides have the potential for use in the development of novel therapeutic agents or adjuvants with beneficial immunomodulatory properties.

Qualitative and quantitative detection of surgical pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus based on ddPCR system.

Bacterial culture and drug susceptibility testing are used to identify pathogen infections. Nevertheless, the process requires several days from collection to the identification of bacterial species and drug-resistance patterns. The digital PCR system is a rapidly developing quantitative detection technology widely applied to molecular diagnosis, including copy number variations, single nucleotide variant analysis, cancer biomarker discovery, and pathogen identification. This study aimed to use a droplet digital PCR system to identify bacteria in blood samples and explore its ability to identify pathogen in bacteremia. Then, we designed primers and probes of SWG-9 and COA gene for E. coli and S. aureus to identify in blood samples with the ddPCR system. The system had demonstrated extremely high detection accuracy in blood samples, and the detection rate of E. coli was 13.1-21.4%, and that of S. aureus was 50-88.3%. Finally, blood samples containing both E. coli and S. aureus were tested to evaluate further the accuracy and applicability of this method, indicating the detection rates range from 18.1% to 97%. The ddPCR system is highly promising as a qualitatively and quantitatively screening method for rapidly detecting pathogen.

Engineering Active Sites of Polyaniline for AlCl2 + Storage in an Aluminum-Ion Battery.

The reversible capacity of AlCl4 - intercalation/de-intercalation in conventional cathodes of aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) is difficult to improve due to the large size of AlCl4 - anions. Therefore, it is highly desirable to realize the intercalation/de-intercalation of smaller Al-based ions. Here, we fabricated polyaniline/single-walled carbon nanotubes (PANI/SWCNTs) composite films and protonated the PANI nanorods. The protonation endows PANI with more active sites and enhanced conductivity. Hyper self-protonated PANI (PANI(H+ )) exhibits reversible AlCl2 + intercalation/de-intercalation during the discharge/charge process. As a result, the discharge capacity of the Al/PANI(H+ ) battery is twice as high as that of the initial composite films. PANI(H+ )@SWCNT electrodes also have a stable cycling life with only 0.003 % capacity decay per cycle over 8000 cycles. Owing to the excellent mechanical properties, PANI(H+ )@SWCNT composite films can act as the electrodes of flexible AIBs.

Effects of bronchial blockers on one-lung ventilation in general anesthesia: A randomized controlled trail.

BACKGROUND: Double-lumen bronchial tubes (DLBT) and bronchial blockers (BB) are commonly used in the anesthesia for clinical thoracic surgery. But there are few systematic clinical comparisons between them. In this study, the effects of BB and DLBT on one-lung ventilation (OLV) are studied. METHODS: The 200 patients with thoracic tuberculosis undergoing thoracic surgery, were randomly assigned to group A (DLBT) and group B (BB). Intubation time, hemodynamic changes (mean arterial pressure [MAP], heart rate [HR]), and arterial blood gas indicators (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PaCO2], arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2], airway plateau pressure [Pplat], and airway peak pressure [Ppeak]) at 4 time points were recorded. Complications such as hoarseness, pulmonary infection, pharyngalgia, and surgical success rate were also evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: Intubation times were shorter in group B. Both MAP and HR in group A were significantly higher 1 minute after intubation than before, but also higher than those in group B. PaO2 levels were lower in both groups during (OLV) than immediately after anesthesia and after two-lung ventilation (TLV), with PaO2 being lower after 60 minutes of OLV than after 20 minutes of OLV. Furthermore, at both points during OLV, PaO2 was lower in group A than in group B. No significant differences in PaCO2 were found between the 2 groups. Ppeak and Pplat were increased in both groups during OLV, with both being higher in group A than in group B. The incidence of postoperative hoarseness, pulmonary infection, and pharyngalgia were lower in group B. There was no significant difference in the success rate of operation between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compare with using DLBT, implementation of BB in general anesthesia has less impact on hemodynamics, PaO2 and airway pressures, and achieves lower incidence of postoperative complication.

Single Nickel Atoms on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Enabling Enhanced Kinetics of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have arousing interest because of their high theoretical energy density. However, they often suffer from sluggish conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) during the charge/discharge process. Single nickel (Ni) atoms on nitrogen-doped graphene (Ni@NG) with Ni-N4 structure are prepared and introduced to modify the separators of Li-S batteries. The oxidized Ni sites of the Ni-N4 structure act as polysulfide traps, efficiently accommodating polysulfide ion electrons by forming strong Sx 2- ⋅⋅⋅NiN bonding. Additionally, charge transfer between the LiPS and oxidized Ni sites endows the LiPS on Ni@NG with low free energy and decomposition energy barrier in an electrochemical process, accelerating the kinetic conversion of LiPS during the charge/discharge process. Furthermore, the large binding energy of LiPS on Ni@NG also shows its ability to immobilize the LiPS and further suppresses the undesirable shuttle effect. Therefore, a Li-S battery based on a Ni@NG modified separator exhibits excellent rate performance and stable cycling life with only 0.06% capacity decay per cycle. It affords fresh insights for developing single-atom catalysts to accelerate the kinetic conversion of LiPS for highly stable Li-S batteries.

A Flexible All-in-One Lithium-Sulfur Battery.

The recent boom in flexible and wearable electronic devices has increased the demand for flexible energy storage devices. The flexible lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is considered to be a promising candidate due to its high energy density and low cost. Herein, a flexible Li-S battery was fabricated based on an all-in-one integrated configuration, where a multiwalled carbon nanotubes/sulfur (MWCNTs/S) cathode, MWCNTs/manganese dioxide (MnO2) interlayer, polypropylene (PP) separator, and Li anode were integrated together by combining blade coating with vacuum evaporation methods. Each component of the all-in-one structure can be seamlessly connected with the neighboring layers. Such an optimal interfacial connection can effectively enhance electron- and/or load-transfer capacity by avoiding the relative displacement or detachment between two neighboring components at bending strain. Therefore, the flexible all-in-one Li-S batteries display fast electrochemical kinetics and have stable electrochemical performance under different bending states.

MicroRNA-188-3p is involved in sevoflurane anesthesia-induced neuroapoptosis by targeting MDM2.

Sevoflurane is a commonly used inhalation anesthetic. Sevoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis and cognitive impairments in animals are widely reported, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The results of the present study demonstrated that sevoflurane anesthesia induced spatial memory impairments in rats, as determined by the Morris water maze test. Mechanistically, the current study demonstrated that sevoflurane administration significantly enhanced the expression of microRNA (miR)­188­3p. Furthermore, inhibition of miR­188­3p using lentiviral miR­188­3p inhibitors attenuated sevoflurane­induced cognitive impairments in rats. The present study also demonstrated that miR­188­3p targeted MDM2 proto­oncogene (MDM2) and negatively regulated the expression of MDM2, as determined by luciferase assays, reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Furthermore, decreased abundance of MDM2 following transfection with miR­188­3p mimics was associated with increased stability of p53 protein. Suppression of p53 activity using the specific p53 inhibitor pifithrin­α alleviated sevoflurane­induced neuroapoptosis. These results indicate that the miR­188­3p­MDM2­p53 axis may have a critical role in sevoflurane­induced cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, miR­188­3p may be a potential target for the treatment of sevoflurane­induced cognitive impairment.

Large variations in ocular dimensions in a multiethnic population with similar genetic background.

We aimed to describe the ethnic variations in ocular dimensions among three ethnic groups with similar genetic ancestry from mainland of China. We included 2119 ethnic Bai, 2202 ethnic Yi and 2183 ethnic Han adults aged 50 years or older in the study. Ocular dimensions including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and lens thickness (LT) were measured using A-scan ultrasonography. Bai Chinese had longer ALs (P < 0.001), deeper ACDs (P < 0.001) but shallower VCDs (P < 0.001) compared with the other two ethnic groups. There were no ethnic variations in LTs. Diabetes was associated with shallower ACDs and this association was stronger in Bai Chinese compared with Yi or Han Chinese (P for interaction = 0.02). Thicker lenses were associated with younger age (P = 0.04), male gender (P < 0.001), smoking history (P = 0.01), alcohol intake (P = 0.03), the presence of cataract (P < 0.001), and the presence of diabetes (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in ocular dimensions among different ethnic groups with small differences in genetics but large variations in cultures and lifestyles.

Prevalence, awareness, medication, control, and risk factors associated with hypertension in Yi ethnic group aged 50 years and over in rural China: the Yunnan minority eye study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an important public health issue in China, but there are few studies examining hypertension in ethnic groups in Yunnan, China. This study, Yunnan Minority Eye Study (YMES), was initially designed to determine the prevalence and impact of eye diseases, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus. As a part of YMES, the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and the associated risk factors among the Yi ethnic population in rural China are reported. METHODS: A population-based survey was conducted in 2012 with adult participants over 50 from rural communities in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, located in southwest China. A random cluster sampling method was used to select a representative sample. The participants' blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, and/or current use of antihypertensive medications. RESULTS: A total of 2208 adults were assessed. The prevalence of hypertension was 38.5%, and the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence was 37.0%. The proportion of patients who were aware of their hypertension among those diagnosed with hypertension was 24.8%. Of those aware of having hypertension, 23.6% took antihypertensive drugs. Among all hypertensive patients, only 7.2% had controlled their hypertension (<140/90 mmHg). Risk factors for hypertension were older age, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of high blood pressure, overweight, and obesity. Protective factors included being slim and higher education. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was highly prevalent among this population of the Yi ethnic group in China. The ratio of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were considerately low. Hypertension education and screening programs in rural China are recommended to improve the health status of this population.

High-Performance Organic Lithium Batteries with an Ether-Based Electrolyte and 9,10-Anthraquinone (AQ)/CMK-3 Cathode.

Organic carbonyl electrode materials of lithium batteries have shown multifunctional molecule design and high capacity, but have the problems of poor cycling and low rate performance due to their high solubility in traditional carbonate-based electrolytes and low conductivity. High-performance organic lithium batteries with modified ether-based electrolyte (2 m LiN(CF3SO2)2 in 1,3-dioxolane/dimethoxyethane solvent with 1% LiNO3 additive (2m-DD-1%L)) and 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ)/CMK-3 (AQC) nanocomposite cathode are reported here. The electrochemical results manifest that 2m-DD-1%L electrolyte promotes the cycling performance due to the restraint of AQ dissolution in ether-based electrolyte with high Li salt concentration and formation of a protection film on the surface of the anode. Additionally, the AQC nanocomposite improves the rate performance because of the nanoconfinement effect of CMK-3 and the decrease of charge transfer impedance. In 2m-DD-1%L electrolyte, AQC nanocomposite delivers an initial discharge capacity of 205 mA h g-1 and a capacity of 174 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. Even at a high rate of 2 C, its capacity is 146 mA h g-1. This strategy is also used for other organic carbonyl compounds with quinone substructures and they maintain high stable capacities. This sheds light on the development of advanced organic lithium batteries with carbonyl electrode materials and ether-based electrolytes.

[Clinical application of abductor digiti minimi muscle flap].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the surgery procedure and the clinical effectiveness of repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the lateral foot and the heel with the abductor digiti minimi muscle flap. METHODS: Between July 2002 and October 2010, 8 patients with skin and soft tissue defects in the lateral foot and the heel were treated. There were 6 males and 2 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 28-65 years). The locations were the left foot in 5 cases and the right foot in 3 cases. Defects were caused by ulcer of the heel in 2 cases, by poor healing of incision after calcaneus fracture surgery in 1 case, and by crushing in 5 cases. The defect size ranged from 1.5 cmx 1.0 cm x 8.0 cm x 2.6 cm. The disease duration was 30 minutes to 26 months. The result of bacterial culture was positive in 2 cases. After 9 to 15 days of debridement and dressing change, defects were repaired with the abductor digiti minimi muscle flap of 5.6 cm x 1.5 cm to 7.6 cm x 1.8 cm at size. The donor site were sutured directly. RESULTS: Partial necrosis of muscle flap occurred in 1 case at 4 days after operation, which was cured by symptomatic treatment, and the other muscle flaps survived. All incisions of the donor sites healed by first intention. The muscle flaps survived and the granulation grew well at 9-21 days after operation, and the muscle flap wounds were repaired by free leg edge thickness skin grafting. Wounds were repaired by one-stage free skin grafting in 1 case and by two-stage free skin grafting in 7 cases; all skin flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention. Seven patients were followed up 9-18 months (mean, 11 months). The appearance, texture, and sensation were satisfactory. The two-point discrimination was 16-23 mm (mean, 19.5 mm). Epidermal abrasion occurred in 1 case of heel ulcer after weigt-bearing walking. Hallux valgus and muscle weakness occurred in 1 case of necrosis of the peroneus length tendons; and the satisfactory results were achieved in the other patients. CONCLUSION: It has satisfactory effectiveness to use the abductor digiti minimi muscle flap for repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the lateral foot and the heel, which has the advantages of easy-to-operate, safe, less injury at donor site, good appearance and texture, and good recovery of sensation.