The Impact of Oxygen Content in O-Doped MoS2 on the Kinetics of Polysulfide Conversion in Li-S Batteries.

Polysulfide shuttle and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics remain key challenges in lithium-sulfur batteries. Previous researches have shown that introducing oxygen into transition metal sulfides helps to capture polysulfides and enhance their conversion kinetics. Based on this, further investigations are conducted to explore the impact of oxygen doping levels on the physical-chemical properties and electrocatalytic performance of MoS2. The findings reveal that MoS2 doped with high-content oxygen exhibits enhanced conductivity and polysulfides conversion kinetics compared to MoS2 with low-content oxygen doping, which can be attributed to the alteration of crystal structure from 2H-phase to the 1T-phase, the introduction of increased Li-O interactions, and the effect of defects resulting from high-oxygen doping. Consequently, the lithium-sulfur batteries using high-oxygen doped MoS2 as a catalyst deliver a high discharge capacity of 1015 mAh g-1 at 0.25C and maintain 78.5% capacity after 300 more cycles. Specifically, lithium-sulfur batteries employing paper-based electrodedemonstrate an areal capacity of 3.91 mAh cm-2 at 0.15C, even with sulfur loading of 4.1 mg cm-2 and electrolyte of 6.7 µL mg-1. These results indicate that oxygen doping levels can modify the properties of MoS2, and high-oxygen doped MoS2 shows promise as an efficient catalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries.

OTUB1 Catalytic-Independently Deubiquitinates TGFBI and Mediates the Angiogenesis in Infantile Hemangioma by Regulating Glycolysis.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma (IH) arises as a result of dysregulation of both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The deubiquitylase OTUB1 (OTU domain, ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1) has been reported to play an essential role in multiple cancers; however, its function in the progression of IH and the underlying mechanisms regulating angiogenesis remain unclear. METHODS: Transwell assays, EdU assays, and tube formation assays were performed to investigate the biological behavior of IH in vitro. IH animal models were established to estimate the progression of IH in vivo. Mass spectrometric analysis were conducted to detect the downstream of OTUB1 and ubiquitination sites of transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI). Half-life assays and ubiquitination test were performed to investigate the interaction between TGFBI and OTUB1. Extracellular acidification rate assays were employed to estimate the glycolysis level in IH. RESULTS: The expression of OTUB1 was obviously increased in proliferating IH as compared to the involuting and involuted IH tissues. Through in vitro experiments, the knockdown of OTUB1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human hemangioma endothelial cells, while the overexpression of OTUB1 promoted the proliferation, migration and angiogenic abilities of human hemangioma endothelial cells. The knockdown of OTUB1 significantly suppressed IH progression in vivo. Furthermore, TGFBI was predicted as a functional downstream target of OTUB1 in IH by mass spectrometry. Mechanistically, OTUB1 interacted with and deubiquitylated TGFBI on the K22 and K25 residues, which was demonstrated to be independent of the catalytic activity of OTUB1. The inhibitory effects of OTUB1 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration and tube formation ability of human hemangioma endothelial cells were reversed by TGFBI overexpression. Further, we found that OTUB1 mediated glycolysis by regulating TGFBI in infantile hemangioma. CONCLUSIONS: OTUB1 deubiquitinates TGFBI in a catalytic-independent manner and promotes angiogenesis in infantile hemangioma by regulating glycolysis. Targeting OTUB1 might be an effective therapeutic strategy for inhibiting IH progression and tumor angiogenesis.

Recent advances in nanomaterial-driven strategies for diagnosis and therapy of vascular anomalies.

Nanotechnology has demonstrated immense potential in various fields, especially in biomedical field. Among these domains, the development of nanotechnology for diagnosing and treating vascular anomalies has garnered significant attention. Vascular anomalies refer to structural and functional anomalies within the vascular system, which can result in conditions such as vascular malformations and tumors. These anomalies can significantly impact the quality of life of patients and pose significant health concerns. Nanoscale contrast agents have been developed for targeted imaging of blood vessels, enabling more precise identification and characterization of vascular anomalies. These contrast agents can be designed to bind specifically to abnormal blood vessels, providing healthcare professionals with a clearer view of the affected areas. More importantly, nanotechnology also offers promising solutions for targeted therapeutic interventions. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver drugs directly to the site of vascular anomalies, maximizing therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues. Meanwhile, by incorporating functional components into nanoparticles, such as photosensitizers, nanotechnology enables innovative treatment modalities such as photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. This review focuses on the applications and potential of nanotechnology in the imaging and therapy of vascular anomalies, as well as discusses the present challenges and future directions.

Shikonin reverses pyruvate kinase isoform M2-mediated propranolol resistance in infantile hemangioma through reactive oxygen species-induced autophagic dysfunction.

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor in infancy. Propranolol, a nonselective ß-adrenergic receptor blocker, is now the first-line therapy for IH. Recently, low sensitivity to propranolol therapy has become one major reason for the failure of IH treatment. However, the exact underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we reported that pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), an essential glycolytic enzyme, played a critical role in regulating the progression of IH and the therapeutic resistance of propranolol treatment. Shikonin reversed the propranolol resistance in hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and in hemangioma animal models. Moreover, shikonin combined with propranolol could induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and lead to autophagic dysfunction, which is essential for the enhanced therapeutic sensitivity of propranolol treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that PKM2 has a significant role in hemangiomas progression and therapeutic resistance; it could be a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for those hemangiomas with poor propranolol sensitivity combined with shikonin.

Systematic Review of the Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection with Mesenteric Malperfusion.

Background: Surgical treatment strategy for acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD) with mesenteric malperfusion (MMP) is quite challenging as it is often associated with poor patient outcomes, and optimal management strategies remain controversial. Methods: We conducted MEDLINE and EMBASE database searches up to December 31, 2021 for studies on aTAAD with MMP. Data on study design, patient demographics, patient management strategy, mortality, complications, and follow-up were extracted, analyzed, and investigated. Results: Our literature search identified 941 potentially relevant studies, of which 19 were deemed eligible for this study. A total of 352 patients, mean age: 58.4 ± 11.9 years, diagnosed with aTAAD complicated with MMP were included with an overall prevalence of 4%. Patients for which MMP was observed preoperatively were also included in this analysis. The overall in-hospital mortality amongst these patients was 43.5%, and bowel necrosis and/or multiorgan failure were the major causes of death. Four management strategies for first-line treatment were recognized and these included central aortic repair (191, 54.3%), reperfusion of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (121, 34.3%), exclusively endo-intervention (11, 3.1%), and exclusively medical intervention (29, 8.2%). These various first-line strategies showed mortality rates of 40.3%, 33.9%, 72.7% and 93.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate between central aortic repair and reperfusion of SMA as first-line therapies ( χ 2 = 1.302, p = 0.254). When compared with central aortic repair and reperfusion of SMA, exclusively medical care exhibited a significantly greater mortality rate (p < 0.01). Conclusions: aTAAD complicated with MMP is a rare complication that carries a high mortality rate. Central aortic repair and reperfusion of SMA as first-line treatment strategies appear to be associated with better outcomes compared with exclusively endo-intervention and medical care. Clinical decisions may have introduced biases as no differences were indicated in regards to the way patients were being prioritized for the central aortic repair versus reperfusion of SMA. In regards to variable clinical features and pathology of aTAAD complicated with MMP, an individualized approach is recommended.

A Salvage Strategy for the Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap Without Traditional Perforator: A Case Report of Peroneal Artery Tibialis Anterior Cutaneous Perforator Skin Paddle.

The fibula osteocutaneous flap is the most commonly used flap to repair jaw defects, which can be used for composite soft and hard tissue reconstruction. Traditionally, the skin paddle of the fibula osteocutaneous flap is based on perforators from the peroneal artery, which is affifixed to the posterior crural septum between the peroneus and the soleus. The anatomy is relatively constant, and the perforators of skin paddle variation encounter in clinical occasionally. The authors report a case of reconstruction of mandible and soft tissue with fibula osteocutaneous flap after extensive radical resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth floor. In this case, the authors raised a skin paddle based on the anterior tibial perforator of peroneal artery from the anterolateral intermuscular septum between the peroneus and the anterior calf muscles, which successfully rescued the traditional perforator absence and avoided exploration for a second donor site.

Long non-coding RNA linc00665 interacts with YB-1 and promotes angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma.

Angiogenesis is a core hallmark of advanced cancers, especially in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the underlying functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in tumor angiogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we found that linc00665 depletion could markedly depressed proliferation and capillary tube formation of HUVECs in vitro. Mechanistically, linc00665 directly interacted with YB-1 protein, enhanced its stability through inhibiting ubiquitination-dependent proteolysis and stimulated its nuclear translocation in LUAD cells. The accumulated nuclear YB-1 activated expression of ANGPT4, ANGPTL3 and VEGFA by binding to their promoters, contributing to tumor-related angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we conclude that linc00665 induces tumor-related angiogenesis in LUAD by directly interacting with YB-1 and activating YB-1-ANGPT4/ANGPTL3/VEGFA axis, which provides promising anti-angiogenic targets for cancer therapy.

Synaptotagmin 12 (SYT12) Gene Expression Promotes Cell Proliferation and Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma and Involves the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathway.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to use bioinformatics analysis to compare data from tissue microarrays from patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and normal lung tissue, and human lung adenocarcinoma cells with normal lung epithelial cells in vitro to investigate the role of synaptotagmin 12 (SYT12) gene expression in LUAD. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549, SPC-A-1, H1299, H1975, and PC9) and the normal HBE cell line were compared, and tumor xenografts were developed in mice. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) tissue microarray data were used to compare SYT12 expression and overall survival (OS). The in vivo and in vitro effects of down-regulation and upregulation of SYT12 were studied using short-interfering RNA (si-RNA) and overexpression plasmids, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway analysis, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot investigated the molecular mechanisms of SYT12 expression in LUAD. RESULTS SYT12 expression was increased in tissues from patients with LUAD from TCGA and was associated with advanced tumor stage and reduced prognosis. Knockdown of SYT12 suppressed the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells, and upregulation of SYT12 increased the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells in vitro. Phosphorylation of PIK3R3 activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In the mouse xenograft model, expression of SYT12 increased the volume and weight of the xenograft tumors. CONCLUSIONS Bioinformatics analysis, human LUAD cells, and mouse xenograft studies showed that SYT12 acted as a possible oncogene by phosphorylation of PIK3R3 to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Movement Behavior of the Pine Needle Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

The movement behavior of the pine needle gall midge (Thecodiplosis japonensis Uchida Et Inouye (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)), an invasive species in China, was determined by using a tethered flight technique and digital videography in the laboratory. The flight distance, duration, and speed of females were compared at different ages (2-10 h) and ambient temperatures (17, 21, 26, and 30°C). Female flight distance and duration at 26°C were significantly greater than those at 17°C and 21°C. The age of T. japonensis did not significantly affect the three flight characteristics. For females at 2-10 h of age at 26°C and 70% RH, the maximum flight distance was 667.59 m; the longest flight time was 6,222.34 s; and the fastest flight speed was 0.44 m·s-1. For larvae wetted with water, the highest jump was 5.7 cm; the longest jump was 9.6 cm; and the greatest distance moved in 5 min was 27.13 cm, which showed that the active dispersal potential of larvae was very low.

Autophagy-related gene expression regulated by HIF-1α in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is one of the most common malignant salivary gland tumors. Our study aims to investigate whether hypoxia-induced autophagy was up-regulated in the progression of SACC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed differentially expressed gene analysis and pathway enrichment analysis and then calculated the correlation analysis on GSE59701 and GSE28996 datasets. The expression of HIF-1ɑ and MAP1LC3B was analyzed in the paraffin-embedded specimens by immunohistochemical method and in the hypoxic SACC-LM cells by immunofluorescence. TEM microscopy was also performed to observe the formation of autophagosomes in SACC tissue and the hypoxic SACC-LM cells. RESULTS: The autophagy pathway was up-regulated in SACC datasets, and five genes including MAP1LC3B were positively correlated with HIF-1ɑ. Immunohistochemistry results showed that autophagy was activated and the expression of HIF-1ɑ and MAP1LC3B was positively correlated in SACC specimens. In hypoxic SACC-LM cells, we also identified the up-regulation of autophagy and the close correlation between HIF-1ɑ and MAP1LC3B expression. Autophagosomes were observed both in the tissue and the hypoxic SACC-LM cells by TEM microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that autophagy is up-regulated in dataset, SACC tissue, and hypoxic cell line; hypoxia-induced autophagy in SACC might play a vital role in the development of SACC.

High expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 is predictive of lymphovascular invasion and poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma.

C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 have been shown to play oncogenic role individually. This study aimed to determine the combinatorial role of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 in lung adenocarcinoma. Expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 was detected in resected tumor samples from 185 patients with lung adenocarcinoma at stage I-IIIa by immunohistochemistry. Correlations of their immunoscores with clinicopathological characteristics and disease-specific survival were retrospectively investigated. A three-dimensional capillary-like sprouting model was established to assess the effects of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 on angiogenesis in vitro. The results revealed that expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 was elevated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. The high co-expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 was significantly correlated with tumor size, tumor status, nodal status, tumor stage, and lymphovascular invasion, as well as decreased disease-specific survival. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio: 0.205, 95% confidence interval: 0.086-0.491, p < 0.0001) and co-expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 (hazard ratio: 0.293, 95% confidence interval: 0.168-0.510, p < 0.0001) were independent indicators of poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, Notch1 enhanced the effects of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 to promote angiogenesis by regulating Flt1 and Flt4 in vitro. In conclusion, co-expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 is associated with tumor progression and lymphovascular invasion and is an independent indicator of poor survival in lung adenocarcinoma. In lung adenocarcinoma patients with high C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 and Notch1 expression, simultaneous inhibition of both factors might be an effective treatment strategy.

Overexpression of ZIC5 promotes proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is therefore urgent that we identify new molecular targets to help cure NSCLC patients. Here, we identified ZIC5 as a potential novel oncogene. METHODS: We detected the expression of ZIC5 in tumor and normal tissues of NSCLC patients using quantitative real-time PCR and explored its clinical appearance. We then knocked down ZIC5 to observe changes in NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis. Nude mouse xenograft models were established to measure ZIC5's function in vivo. RESULTS: Our results revealed that ZIC5 was expressed at dramatically higher levels in NSCLC tumor tissues than in normal tissues. High levels of ZIC5 expression were associated with a higher primary tumor grade. ZIC5 expression was significantly inhibited by small interfering RNA. After silencing ZIC5, the metastatic capacity of NSCLC cells was clearly lower. Knocking down ZIC5 significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells, causing the cell cycle to be arrested in G2 phase. Xenograft tumor models showed that knocking down ZIC5 also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Q-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that ZIC5 expression was closely associated with CCNB1 and CDK1 complex expression, while other cell cycle-related genes showed no significant correlation with ZIC5. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiment show that ZIC5 is highly upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and suggest that ZIC5 may act as an oncogene by influencing CCNB1 and CDK1 complex expression. ZIC5 may therefore be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.

[Prediction Model on Net Photosynthetic Rate of Soybean Plant Groups Based on Kernel Function and Visible Light Spectrum].

The paper uses MSR-16 portable multispectral radiometer made in the USA and computes the numbers of the test units by pulling the formula on the radiometer effective observation area, which solves the problem on the uncertain numbers of computing the times on region visible light band spectral radiation ratio M_D. The paper uses CI-310 portable photosynthesis measurement system made by American CID Company and measures the net photosynthetic rate of a group of soybean plant. M_D and C_D are normalized by the normalization method [0,1]. Then, the normalization data M_D1 and C_D1 are gained . Based on the different test time, M_D1 is divided of M_D11 and M_D12. C_D1 is divided of C_D11 and C_D12. The paper uses polynomial kernel function, gauss kernel function, sigmoid kernel function and bio-selfadaption kernel function constructed by us with Support Vector Machine. Penalty parameter c and parameter g separately are optimized with optimization algorithms such as grid-search，genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. Based on the formula epsilon-SVR and the formula nu-SVR with Support Vector Machine, the paper constructs the prediction model on the net photosynthetic rate of a group of soybean plant by using of the cross combination with four kernel functions, three optimization methods and two formulas. The test results are as follows: in the condition of S=17 m2 which is the test plan area of soybean plant and the H=2 m which is the high on MSR-16 portable multispectral radiometer above the canopy of soybean plant, the prediction accuracy is up to 85% on the No.1 prediction set C_D12 and the prediction accuracy is up to 82% on the No.2 prediction set C_D12 based on the model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search. In the condition of other combinations with S and H, the prediction accuracy is up to 81% on the No.2 prediction set C_D12 based on the model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search. The model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search indicates the validity of bio-selfadaption kernel functions which is constructed by our previous research with support vector machine. The model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search indicates the rationality of the measure method on visible spectral data in the test area. The model epsilon-SVR-bio-selfadaption-grid-search indicates the feasibility of the prediction method on net photosynthetic rate of soybean plant groups by using of visible spectrum.

[Surgical management of infective endocarditis with cerebrovascular complications].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the result of surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis in patients with recent cerebrovascular events, and to evaluate the optimal indication and timing of surgical intervention. METHODS: The clinical data of 26 patients with cerebrovascular complications before surgery Between December 2007 and December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 17 male and 9 female patients, aged (42±14) years. Types of disease included single aortic valvular disease (n=8), single mitral valvular disease (n=12), multiple valvular disease (n=5), and aortic valvular disease with ventricular septal defect (n=1). Type of cerebrovascular complication included cerebral infarction (n=25) and cerebral hemorrhage (n=1). Thirty-one valves were involved in 26 patients, mechanical prosthetic valve replacement (n=25), bioprosthetic valve replacement (n=4), and mitral valve repair (n=2). RESULTS: The interval between onset of cerebrovascular event and surgical intervention was less than 14 days (n=3), 14 to 21 days (n=13), over 21 days (n=10), and the mean was (20±4) days. There were 33 vegetations found intraoperatively. The mean size of vegetations was (10±4) mm and 19 were found in mitral valve. Two patients died in hospital. One case relapsed after 1 year and underwent reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis. The remaining patients recovered with cardiac function of New York Heart Association class I to II after the period of 3 months to 5 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate surgery may effectively improve the outcome of IE patients with cerebrovascular complications. The surgical indications and risks of further neurologic deterioration after cardiac surgery should be assessed comprehensively before surgical intervention.

Fabrication and properties of hydroxyapatite/chitosan composite scaffolds loaded with periostin for bone regeneration.

This paper reports a facile fabrication method of hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HAp/CS) composite scaffold with 3D porous structure without using any chemical cross-linkers. The HAp particles had an urchin-like hollow microstructure and high surface area, which was uniformly dispersed into the pore walls of the HAp/CS scaffold. The addition of HAp can efficiently enhance the mechanical properties and bioactivity of the HAp/CS scaffold. Moreover, periostin was successfully loaded onto the HAp/CS scaffold. When applied to the repair of bone defect in a rat mandibular model, the HAp/CS scaffold loaded with periostin can enhance osteointegration and accelerate bone regeneration. Our research combines periostin with the HAp/CS composite material, which provides a novel strategy to improve bone regeneration and has great application prospect in bone repair fields.

Three-dimensional printed personalised digital guide plate for greater palatine block in trigeminal neuralgia.

The nerve block is a safe and effective method to theat trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In terms of the V2 trigeminal neuralgia, the most difficult procedure in nerve block is accurate and fast greater palatine foramen (GPF) insertion. In this study, we developed a new technique using a personalised digital tooth-supported guide plate to increase insertion accuracy and success rates and reduce the pain of patients during injection. A total of 18 patients with TN (11 female and 7 male) were enrolled and treated between September 2020 and June 2022. Before injection, the guide plate was designed via Mimics three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology and printed via 3D printer. Then, all patients underwent maxillary nerve block with a guide plate for each injection. In this study, placement of all guide plates was completed within one minute and all punctures were successful the first time. The depth of the injection needle was over 2.5 cm in all cases and the guide plate was stability-supported by the maxillary teeth. The various pain scores had an obvious improvement. No patients presented symptoms of local anaesthetic toxicity or onset of new neurological sequelae. Using this new technology, we can significantly reduce the difficulty of GPF insertion and decrease patient pain during injection. The enhanced success rate of nerve block can achieve better therapeutic effect. For surgeons, personalised digital tooth-supported guide plates make the operation easier, especially for novice surgeons.

Bottom-Up Magnesium Deposition Induced by Paper-Based Triple-Gradient Scaffolds toward Flexible Magnesium Metal Batteries.

The development of advanced magnesium metal batteries (MMBs) has been hindered by longstanding challenges, such as the inability to induce uniform magnesium (Mg) nucleation and the inefficient utilization of Mg foil. This study introduces a novel solution in the form of a flexible, lightweight, paper-based scaffold that incorporates gradient conductivity, magnesiophilicity, and pore size. This design is achieved through an industrially adaptable papermaking process in which the ratio of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes to softwood cellulose fibers is meticulously adjusted. The triple-gradient structure of the scaffold enables the regulation of Mg ion flux, promoting bottom-up Mg deposition. Owing to its high flexibility, low thickness, and reduced density, the scaffold has potential applications in flexible and wearable electronics. Accordingly, the triple-gradient electrodes exhibit stable operation for over 1200 h at 3 mA cm-2 /3 mAh cm-2 in symmetrical cells, markedly outperforming the non-gradient and metallic Mg alternatives. Notably, this study marks the first successful fabrication of a flexible MMB pouch full cell, achieving an impressive volumetric energy density of 244 Wh L-1 . The simplicity and scalability of the triple-gradient design, which uses readily available materials through an industrially compatible papermaking process, open new doors for the production of flexible, high-energy-density metal batteries.

Investigating the Influence of Diverse Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes as Conductive Fibers on Paper-Based Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are expected to be one of the next generations of high-energy-density battery systems due to their high theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg-1. Embracing the trends toward flexibility, lightweight design, and cost-effectiveness, paper-based electrodes offer a promising alternative to traditional coated cathodes in Li-S batteries. Within paper-based electrodes, conductive fibers such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) play a crucial role. They help to form a three-dimensional network within the paper matrix to ensure structural integrity over extended cycling while mitigating the shuttle effect by confining sulfur within the cathode. Herein, we explore how variously functionalized CNTs, serving as conductive fibers, impact the physical and electrochemical characteristics of paper-based sulfur cathodes in Li-S batteries. Specifically, graphitized hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (G-CNTs) exhibit remarkable capacity at low currents owing to their excellent conductivity and interaction with lithium polysulfide (LiPS), achieving the highest initial specific capacity of 1033 mAh g-1 at 0.25 C (1.1 mA cm-2). Aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-CNTs) demonstrate an enhanced affinity for LiPS due to the -NH2 groups. However, the uneven distribution of these fibers may induce electrode surface passivation during charge-discharge cycles. Notably, hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OH-CNTs) can establish a uniform and stable 3D network with plant fibers, showcasing superior mechanical properties and helping to mitigate Li2S agglomeration while preserving the electrode porosity. The paper-based electrode integrated with OH-CNTs even retains a specific capacity of approximately 800 mAh g-1 at about 1.25 C (5 mA cm-2), demonstrating good sulfur utilization and rate capacity compared to other CNT variants.

Highly Stable, Bending-Tolerant, and Sustainable Flexible Heater through a Scalable Papermaking Procedure.

Flexible electrothermal heaters have attracted abundant attention in recent years due to their wide applications, but their preparation with high efficiency remains a challenge. Here in this work, a highly stable and bending-tolerant flexible heater was fabricated with graphite nanosheets and cellulose fibers through a scalable papermaking procedure. Its electrothermal property can be enhanced by a hot-pressing treatment and introduction of cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) during the papermaking protocol. The flexible heater may quickly reach its maximum temperature of 239.8 °C in around 1 min at a voltage of 9 V. The power density was up to 375.3 °C cm2 w-1. It appeared to have a high tolerance for bending deformation with various curvatures, and the temperature remained stable even under 100 bending with frequency of around 0.17 Hz. Over 100 alternatively heating and cooling cycles, it worked stably as well. It was proved to be used as wearable heating equipment, soft heaters, and aircraft deicing devices, suggesting its great prospect in the field of heat management.

Immunization with PfGBP130 generates antibodies that inhibit RBC invasion by P. falciparum parasites.

Background: Despite decades of effort, Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a leading killer of children. The absence of a highly effective vaccine and the emergence of parasites resistant to both diagnosis as well as treatment hamper effective public health interventions. Methods and results: To discover new vaccine candidates, we used our whole proteome differential screening method and identified PfGBP130 as a parasite protein uniquely recognized by antibodies from children who had developed resistance to P. falciparum infection but not from those who remained susceptible. We formulated PfGBP130 as lipid encapsulated mRNA, DNA plasmid, and recombinant protein-based immunogens and evaluated the efficacy of murine polyclonal anti-PfGBP130 antisera to inhibit parasite growth in vitro. Immunization of mice with PfGBP130-A (aa 111-374), the region identified in our differential screen, formulated as a DNA plasmid or lipid encapsulated mRNA, but not as a recombinant protein, induced antibodies that inhibited RBC invasion in vitro. mRNA encoding the full ectodomain of PfGBP130 (aa 89-824) also generated parasite growth-inhibitory antibodies. Conclusion: We are currently advancing PfGBP130-A formulated as a lipid-encapsulated mRNA for efficacy evaluation in non-human primates.