ABSTRACT
Coxsackievirus B1 (CVB1), an enterovirus with multiple clinical presentations, has been associated with potential long-term consequences, including hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), in some patients. However, the related animal models, transmission dynamics, and long-term tissue tropism of CVB1 have not been systematically characterized. In this study, we established a model of CVB1 respiratory infection in rhesus macaques and evaluated the clinical symptoms, viral load, and immune levels during the acute phase (0-14 days) and long-term recovery phase (15-30 days). We also investigated the distribution, viral clearance, and pathology during the long-term recovery period using 35 postmortem rhesus macaque tissue samples collected at 30 days postinfection (d.p.i.). The results showed that the infected rhesus macaques were susceptible to CVB1 and exhibited HFMD symptoms, viral clearance, altered cytokine levels, and the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Autopsy revealed positive viral loads in the heart, spleen, pancreas, soft palate, and olfactory bulb tissues. HE staining demonstrated pathological damage to the liver, spleen, lung, soft palate, and tracheal epithelium. At 30 d.p.i., viral antigens were detected in visceral, immune, respiratory, and muscle tissues but not in intestinal or neural tissues. Brain tissue examination revealed viral meningitis-like changes, and CVB1 antigen expression was detected in occipital, pontine, cerebellar, and spinal cord tissues at 30 d.p.i. This study provides the first insights into CVB1 pathogenesis in a nonhuman primate model of HFMD and confirms that CVB1 exhibits tissue tropism following long-term infection.
Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Enterovirus B, Human , Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease , Macaca mulatta , Viral Load , Viral Tropism , Animals , Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/virology , Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/pathology , Enterovirus B, Human/physiology , Enterovirus B, Human/pathogenicity , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Animals, Newborn , Cytokines/metabolismABSTRACT
Interfacial engineering and elemental doping are the two parameters to enhance the catalytic behavior of cobalt nitrides for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, simultaneously combining these two parameters to improve the HER catalytic properties of cobalt nitrides in alkaline media is rarely reported and also remains challenging in acidic media. Herein, it is demonstrated that high-valence non-3d metal and non-metal integration can simultaneously achieve Co-based nitride/oxide interstitial compound phase boundaries on stainless steel mesh (denoted Mo-Co5.47 N/N-CoO) for efficient HER in alkaline and acidic media. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the unique structure does not only realize multi-active sites, enhanced water dissociation kinetics, and low hydrogen adsorption free energy in alkaline media, but also enhances the positive charge density of hydrogen ions (H+ ) to effectively allow H+ to receive electrons from the catalysts surface toward promoting the HER in acidic media. As a result, the as-prepared Mo-Co5.47 N/N-CoO demands HER overpotential of -28 mV@10 mA cm-2 in an alkaline medium, and superior to the commercial Pt/C at a current density > 44 mA cm-2 in acidic medium. This work paves a useful strategy to design efficient cobalt-based electrocatalysts for HER and beyond.
ABSTRACT
The ever-growing portable electronics and electric vehicle draws the attention of scaling up of energy storage systems with high areal-capacity. The concept of thick electrode designs has been used to improve the active mass loading toward achieving high overall energy density. However, the poor rate capabilities of electrode material owing to increasing electrode thickness significantly affect the rapid transportation of ionic and electron diffusion kinetics. Herein, a new concept named "sub-thick electrodes" is successfully introduced to mitigate the Li-ion storage performance of electrodes. This is achieved by using commercial nickel foam (NF) to develop a monolithic 3D with rich in situ heterogeneous interfaces anode (Cu3 P-Ni2 P-NiO, denoted NF-CNNOP) to reinforce the adhesive force of the active materials on NF as well as contribute additional capacity to the electrode. The as-prepared NF-CNNOP electrode displays high reversible and rate areal capacities of 6.81 and 1.50 mAh cm-2 at 0.40 and 6.0 mA cm-2 , respectively. The enhanced Li-ion storage capability is attributed to the in situ interfacial engineering within the NiO, Ni2 P, and Cu3 P and the 3D consecutive electron conductive network. In addition, cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge curves, and symmetric cell electrochemical impedance spectroscopy consistently reveal improved pseudocapacitance with enhanced transports kinetics in this sub-thick electrodes.
ABSTRACT
Momordin Ic (MI) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid enriched in various Chinese natural medicines such as the fruit of Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. Studies have shown that MI presents antitumor properties in liver and prostate cancers. However, the activity and potential mechanisms of MI against colorectal cancer remain elusive. Here, we showed that MI inhibited cell proliferation with G0/1 phase cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cells. Moreover, it was observed that MI increased apoptosis compared to untreated cells. Further investigation showed that the SUMOylation of c-Myc was enhanced by MI and led to the down-regulated protein level of c-Myc, which is involved in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. SENP1 has been demonstrated to be critical for the SUMOylation of c-Myc. Meanwhile, knockdown of SENP1 by siRNA abolished the effects of MI on c-Myc level and cell viability in colon cancer cells. Together, these results revealed that MI exerted an anti-tumor activity in colon cancer cells via SENP1/c-Myc signaling pathway. These finding provide an insight into the potential of MI for colon cancer therapy.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis/drug effects , Apoptosis/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Cysteine Endopeptidases/metabolism , G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects , G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/genetics , Oleanolic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/metabolism , Resting Phase, Cell Cycle/drug effects , Signal Transduction/genetics , Signal Transduction/physiology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic , Bassia scoparia/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Humans , Oleanolic Acid/isolation & purification , Oleanolic Acid/pharmacology , Oleanolic Acid/therapeutic use , PhytotherapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Maturation of litchi (Litchi chinensis) fruit is characterized by dramatic changes in pigments in the pericarp and flavor compounds in the aril. Among them, the biosynthesis of anthocyanins is most noticeable. Previous studies showed that LcMYB1 and LcbHLH transcription factors participated in regulating the anthocyanin biosynthesis in litchi. However, the roles of other MYB factors remain unclear. RESULTS: In this study, we cloned and characterized the function of LcMYB5, a novel R2R3-MYB identified from litchi transcriptome. Although LcMYB5 was constitutively expressed in litchi tissues and its expressions was not correlated with tissue coloration, overexpression of LcMYB5 resulted in enhanced biosynthesis of anthocyanins in tobacco and petunia concurrent with the up-regulation of their endogenous bHLHs and key structural genes in anthocyanin precursor biosynthesis. These results indicate that LcMYB5 is an R2R3 transcriptional factor regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis either by directly activating the expression of key structural genes such as DFR or by indirectly up regulating the expressions of endogenous bHLH regulators. More interestingly, the pH values in petals and leaves from transgenic lines were significant lower than those in both untransformed tobacco and petunia, indicating LcMYB5 is also associated with pH regulation. The expressions of LcMYB5 and its bHLH partner LcbHLH1 were consistent with the expression of putative tissue acidification gene LcPH1, and the changes in malic acid provided further evidence for the close relationship between LcMYB5 and tissue acidification. CONCLUSIONS: Taking together, our study indicated that LcMYB5 is involved in not only anthocyanin biosynthesis but also tissue acidification.
Subject(s)
Anthocyanins/metabolism , Litchi/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Fruit/genetics , Fruit/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Litchi/genetics , Plant Leaves/genetics , Plant Leaves/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/geneticsABSTRACT
In the work reported herein, the electrocatalytic properties of Co3 O4 in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions have been significantly enhanced by coating a shell layer of a copper-based metal-organic framework on Co3 O4 porous nanowire arrays and using the products as high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. The coating of the copper-based metal-organic framework resulted in the hybridization of the copper-embedded protective carbon shell layer with Co3 O4 to create a strong Cu-O-Co bonding interaction for efficient hydrogen adsorption. The hybridization also led to electronically induced oxygen defects and nitrogen doping to effectively enhance the electrical conductivity of Co3 O4 . The optimal as-prepared core-shell hybrid material displayed excellent overall-water-splitting catalytic activity that required overall voltages of 1.45 and 1.57â V to reach onset and a current density of 10â mA cm-2 , respectively. This is the first report to highlight the relevance of hybridizing MOF-based co-catalysts to boost the electrocatalytic performance of nonprecious transition-metal oxides.
ABSTRACT
Although methylated cyclitols constitute a major proportion of the carbohydrates in many plant species, their physiological roles and biosynthetic pathway are largely unknown. Quebrachitol (2-O-methyl-chiro-inositol) is one of the major methylated cyclitols in some plant species. In litchi, quebrachitol represents approximately 50% of soluble sugars in mature leaves and 40% of the total sugars in phloem exudate. In the present study, we identified bornesitol as a transient methylated intermediate of quebrachitol and measured the concentrations of methyl-inositols in different tissues and in tissues subjected to different treatments. 14CO2 feeding and phloem exudate experiments demonstrated that quebrachitol is one of the transportable photosynthates. In contrast to other plant species, the biosynthesis of quebrachitol in litchi is not associated with osmotic stress. High quebrachitol concentrations in tissues of the woody plant litchi might represent a unique carbon metabolic strategy that maintains osmolality under reduced-sucrose conditions. The presence of bornesitol but not ononitol in the leaves indicates a different biosynthetic pathway with pinitol. The biosynthesis of quebrachitol involves the methylation of myo-inositol and the subsequent epimerization of bornesitol. An inositol methyltransferase gene (LcIMT1) responsible for bornesitol biosynthesis was isolated and characterized for the first time, and the biosynthesis pathways of methyl-inositols are discussed.
Subject(s)
Inositol/analogs & derivatives , Litchi/metabolism , Phloem/physiology , Biological Transport , Inositol/biosynthesis , Litchi/chemistry , Methylation , Methyltransferases/genetics , Methyltransferases/metabolism , Osmotic Pressure , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolismABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The fruit of litchi (Litchi chinensis) comprises a white translucent edible aril surrounded by a pericarp. The pericarp of litchi has been the focus of studies associated with fruit size, coloration, cracking and shelf life. However, research at the molecular level has been limited by the lack of genomic and transcriptomic information. In this study, an analysis of the transcriptome of litchi pericarp was performed to obtain information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological changes in the pericarp, including those leading to fruit surface coloration. RESULTS: Coincident with the rapid break down of chlorophyll, but substantial increase of anthocyanins in litchi pericarp as fruit developed, two major physiological changes, degreening and pigmentation were visually apparent. In this study, a cDNA library of litchi pericarp with three different coloration stages was constructed. A total of 4.7 Gb of raw RNA-Seq data was generated and this was then de novo assembled into 51,089 unigenes with a mean length of 737 bp. Approximately 70% of the unigenes (34,705) could be annotated based on public protein databases and, of these, 3,649 genes were significantly differentially expressed between any two coloration stages, while 156 genes were differentially expressed among all three stages. Genes encoding enzymes involved in chlorophyll degradation and flavonoid biosynthesis were identified in the transcriptome dataset. The transcript expression patterns of the Stay Green (SGR) protein suggested a key role in chlorophyll degradation in the litchi pericarp, and this conclusion was supported by the result of an assay over-expressing LcSGR protein in tobacco leaves. We also found that the expression levels of most genes especially late anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were co-ordinated up-regulated coincident with the accumulation of anthocyanins, and that candidate MYB transcription factors that likely regulate flavonoid biosynthesis were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a large collection of transcripts and expression profiles associated with litchi fruit maturation processes, including coloration. Since most of the unigenes were annotated, they provide a platform for litchi functional genomic research within this species.
Subject(s)
Chlorophyll/metabolism , Flavonoids/biosynthesis , Fruit/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling , Litchi/genetics , Litchi/metabolism , Chlorophyll/genetics , Fruit/growth & development , Pigmentation , ProteolysisABSTRACT
Pangxidong composite granitoid pluton located in the southwestern margin of Yunkai massif. The metamorphic grade of this pluton increases from outside to inside, that is, banded-augen granitic gneisses, gneissoid granites and granites distribute in order from edge to core. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Plasma Mass Spectrometry are conducted to study the geochemical characteristics of the three types of rocks. The result shows that all the three types of rocks are peraluminous rocks and their contents of main elements and rare earth elements change gradually. From granitic gneisses to granites, the contents of Al2O3, CaO, MgO, TiO2, total rare earth elements and light rare earth elements increase, but the contents of SiO2 and heavy rare earth elements decrease. It is suggested that the phylogenetic relationship exists between granitic gneisses, gneissoid granites and granites during the multi-stage tectonic evolution process. Furthermore, the remelting of metamorphosed supracrustal rocks in Yunkai massif is probably an important cause of granitoid rocks forming. The evolutionary mechanism is probably that SiO2 and heavy rare earth elements were melt out from the protolith and gradually enriched upward, but Al2O3, CaO, MgO, TiO2 and light rare earth elements enriched downward.
ABSTRACT
The Feieling Pb-Zn deposit of skarn-type is located the in Southwest margin of Yunkai massif, China. This ore deposit can be divided into wall rock near ore, concealed rock mass, endoskarn, exoskarn and orebody. The Raman and FTIR spectrum are conducted to study the mineralogical characteristics of quartz and calcite from five types of rocks from Feieling skarn-type deposit. The analysis shows that the quartz included in the near ore wall rock, endoskarn and exoskarn, comparing with recrystallized quartz of concealed rock mass, has a tend to change into low symmetry quartz in varying degrees. The crystalinity and order degree of quartz from near ore wall rock to concealed rock mass and to endoskarn are becoming higher, but that of quartz from different exoskarn samples display no regular. The origin or the quartz microstructure changes may be related to the multi-stage evolution of skarn mineralization process. The quartz, included in near ore wall rock, endoskarn and exoskarn, become easier to recrystallize and adjust microstructure under the influence of the multi-stage hydrothermal and temperature effect. In anyone sample, the earlier crystalline calcite, showing subhedral-euhedral crystal, display higher crystalinity and order degree. On the contrary, the later crystalline calcite, showing xenomorphic crystal, display lower crystalinity and order degree. Calcite crystal of exoskarn rock contains some silica impurity, while endoskarn and orebody rock is pure. The purity of calcite crystal may relate to Multi-stage evolution of skarn mineralization process. At the early and late skarn stage, active silica-containing fluid is easier to join into calcite, which is under higher temperature environments. On the contrary, at the late quartz-surfide stage, the later crystalized calcite displays higher purity, which is under lower temperature environments. Therefore, spectral characteristics of quartz and calcite reflect multi-stage evolution of skarn mineralization process.
ABSTRACT
Fruit abscission is a severe hindrance to commercial crop production, and a lack of carbohydrates causes fruit abscission to intensify in a variety of plant species. However, the precise mechanism by which carbohydrates affect fruit setting potential has yet to be determined. In the current study, we noticed negative correlation between hexose level and fruit setting by comparing different cultivars, bearing shoots of varying diameters, and girdling and defoliation treatments. The cumulative fruit-dropping rate was significantly reduced in response to exogenous glucose dipping. These results suggested that hexose, especially glucose, is the key player in lowering litchi fruit abscission. Moreover, five putative litchi hexokinase genes (LcHXKs) were isolated and the subcellular localization as well as activity of their expressed proteins in catalyzing hexose phosphorylation were investigated. LcHXK2 was only found in mitochondria and expressed catalytic protein, whereas the other four HXKs were found in both mitochondria and nuclei and had no activity in catalyzing hexose phosphorylation. LcHXK1 and LcHXK4 were found in the same cluster as previously reported hexose sensors AtHXK1 and MdHXK1. Furthermore, VIGS-mediated silencing assay confirms that LcHXK1 suppression increases fruit abscission. These findings revealed that LcHXK1 functions as hexose sensor, negatively regulating litchi fruit abscission.
Subject(s)
Fruit , Litchi , Fruit/genetics , Fruit/metabolism , Hexokinase/genetics , Hexokinase/metabolism , Litchi/genetics , Litchi/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , GlucoseABSTRACT
Increasing evidence suggests that disorders of inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This study attempted to clarify the effect of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1), miR-34a, and ATG4B on inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy in DKD both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vivo, it was found that the levels of AIF-1, miR-34a, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors were significantly increased in blood and urine samples of DKD patients and mouse models and correlated with the level of urinary protein. In vitro, it was also found that the expressions of AIF-1, miR-34a, ROS, and inflammatory factors were increased, while ATG4B and other autophagy related proteins were decreased in human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) cultured with high concentration glucose medium (30 mmol/L). When AIF-1 gene was overexpressed, the levels of miR-34a, ROS, and inflammatory factors were significantly upregulated, and autophagy-related proteins such as ATG4B were downregulated, while downregulation of AIF-1 gene had the opposite effect. In addition, miR-34a inhibited the expression of ATG4B and autophagy-related proteins and increased the levels of ROS and inflammation. Furthermore, the result of luciferase reporter assay suggested that ATG4B was the target gene of miR-34a. When ATG4B gene was overexpressed, the level of autophagy was upregulated, and inflammatory factors were downregulated. Conversely, when ATG4B gene was inhibited, the level of autophagy was downregulated, and inflammatory factors were upregulated. Then, autophagy inducers inhibited the levels of inflammation and ROS, whereas autophagy inhibitors had the opposite function in HRGECs induced by glucose (30 mmol/L). In conclusion, the above data suggested that AIF-1 regulated the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy in HRGECs via miR-34a/ATG4B pathway to contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetic Nephropathies , MicroRNAs , Animals , Humans , Mice , Allografts , Autophagy , Autophagy-Related Proteins/genetics , Autophagy-Related Proteins/metabolism , Cysteine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus/metabolism , Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics , Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Glucose/metabolism , Inflammation/metabolism , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Oxidative Stress , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolismABSTRACT
This study explored the feasibility of Lactobacillus pentosus as a live vehicle to deliver and express antigen. First of all, L. pentosus transformed by electroporation with the plasmids pg611-6D (anchored) and pg612-6D (secretory) based on the xylose operon generated the recombinant strains rLppg611-6D and rLppg612-6D, respectively, expressing the D antigenic site of the spike (S) protein of Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), for intragastric administration in mice. Secondly, we collected serum, fecal, nasal, ophthalmic, and vaginal samples from pre-immune mice and after the first immunization (on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42) that were used to analyze the levels of immunoglobulins G and A against TGEV by using ELISA. In addition, a plaque reduction assay was performed using sera from groups pg611, pg612-6D, pg11-6D, and phosphate-buffered saline (blank control) to analyze TGEV-neutralizing antibody activity in vitro. A statistically significant difference in serum tests between groups demonstrated that rLppg612-6D induced better immunogenicity than rLppg611-6D, making rLppg612-6D the better candidate for oral vaccine. Taken together, L. pentosus possessed the potential to become a novel vector for mucosal vaccine in the future.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Viral/immunology , Lactobacillus/metabolism , Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology , Transmissible gastroenteritis virus/immunology , Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Female , Genetic Vectors , Lactobacillus/genetics , Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics , Mice , Neutralization Tests , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Transmissible gastroenteritis virus/genetics , Viral Envelope Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of transrectal real-time tissue elastography (TRTE) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Eighty-four patients with suspected PCa and scheduled for prostate biopsies underwent TRTE, digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The findings of TRTE were compared with those of other examinations and pathological findings. RESULTS: Of these 84 patients, 36 had benign lesions and 48 had PCa. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.7%, 72.2%, 83.3%, 81.5%, and 86.7% for TRTE and 85.4%ì63.9%ì76.2%, 75.9%, and 76.7% for TRUS (P>0.05), while its specificity (72.2%) was significantly higher than that of MRI (44.4%) (P=0.03). The TRTE findings were not significantly correlated with the pathological findings and serum total prostate specific antigen (P>0.05), and the diagnostic sensitivity of TRTE decreased along with the enlargement of prostate. However, the diagnostic specificity of TRTE was higher than MRI for nodules with soft to medium texture (P=0.04).For PCa, the diagnostic sensitivity of TRTE increased when the Gleanson scores of tumors increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TRTE can be used as a diagnostic test to supplement clinical diagnosis of PCa.
Subject(s)
Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Rectum/diagnostic imaging , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Enabling materials with distinct features toward achieving high-performance energy storage devices is of huge importance but highly challenging. Commercial carbon cloth (CC), because of its appealing chemical and mechanical properties, has been proven to be an excellent conductive substrate for active electrode materials. However, its performance is notably poor when directly used as an electrode in energy storage, due to its low theoretical capacity and surface area. Herein, we successfully endow the CC with enhanced storage capacity via formation of a π-π stacking interaction by integrating electrochemically activated CC (denoted CC/ACC) with biomass-derived carbon (BMDC) (denoted π-CC/ECC@BMDC). The π-CC/ECC@BMDC electrode displays excellent storage performance with a high capacity of 2.53 mAh cm-2 under 0.2 mA cm-2 when used as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Due to the induction energy, the negatively charged molecules of the CC/ACC functional groups interact with the BMDC during carbonization, creating the π-π stacking interaction. Based on first-principles calculations, the structural design of the tri-layer carbon enables the movement of electrons around the π-π stacking interaction, which significantly facilitates rapid transportation of electrons, creates three-dimensional (3D) ion tunnels for fast transportation of ions, and improves the electrode's mechanical and electronic properties.
ABSTRACT
The water dissociation step (H2O + M + e- â M - Hads + OH-) is a crucial one toward achieving high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The application of electronic conducting polymers (ECPs), such as polypyrrole (PPy), as the electrocatalyst for HER is rarely reported because of their poor adsorption energy per water molecule, which hinders the Volmer step. Herein, we strongly enrich PPy hollow microspheres (PPy-HMS) with attractive HER activity by enhancing their hydrophilic properties through hybridization with good water affinity SiO2. The as-prepared PPy-coated SiO2 (PPy@SiO2-HMS) achieves a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at -123 mV, which is lower than that of pristine PPy-HMS (-192 mV). Raman and X-ray photospectroscopy analyses reveal that the enhanced HER catalytic capability can be attributed to the strong electronic couplings between PPy and SiO2, and this improves the adsorption energy per water molecule and in turn accelerates the water dissociation kinetics on PPy. This work highlights the potential application of low-cost ECPs as promising electrocatalysts for water electrolysis.
ABSTRACT
Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) delivers a poor capacity when applied in large-sized alkali metal-ion systems such as potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). Our density functional theory calculation suggests that this is due to poor conductivity, high diffusion barrier, and weak potassium interaction. N-doped carbon can effectively attract potassium ions, improve conductivity, and reduce diffusion barriers. Through interface engineering, the properties of Co3O4 can be tuned via composite design. Herein, a Co3O4@N-doped carbon composite was designed as an advanced anode for KIBs. Due to the interfacial design of the composite, K+ were effectively transported through the Co3O4@N-C composite via multiple ionic pathways. The structural design of the composite facilitated increased Co3O4 spacing, a nitrogen-doped carbon layer reduced K-ion diffusion barrier, and improved conductivity and protected the electrode from damage. Based on the entire composite, a superior capacity of 448.7 mAh/g was delivered at 50 mA/g after 40 cycles, and moreover, 213 mAh/g was retained after 740 cycles when cycled at 500 mA/g. This performance exceeds that of most metal-oxide-based KIB anodes reported in literature.
ABSTRACT
Vanadium nitride (VN) shows promising electrochemical properties as an energy storage devices electrode, specifically in supercapacitors. However, the pseudocapacitive charge storage in aqueous electrolytes shows mediocre performance. Herein, we judiciously demonstrate an impressive pseudocapacitor performance by hybridizing VN nanowires with pseudocapacitive 2D-layered MoS2 nanosheets. Arising from the interfacial engineering and pseudocapacitive synergistic effect between the VN and MoS2, the areal capacitance of VN/MoS2 hybrid reaches 3187.30 mF cm-2, which is sevenfold higher than the pristine VN (447.28 mF cm-2) at a current density of 2.0 mA cm-2. In addition, an asymmetric pseudocapacitor assembled based on VN/MoS2 anode and TiN coated with MnO2 (TiN/MnO2) cathode achieves a remarkable volumetric capacitance of 4.52 F cm-3 and energy density of 2.24 mWh cm-3 at a current density of 6.0 mA cm-2. This work opens a new opportunity for the development of high-performance electrodes in unfavorable electrolytes towards designing high areal-capacitance electrode materials for supercapacitors and beyond.
ABSTRACT
Objective:Based on the construction of intelligent intensive care unit(ICU)in hospital,to analyze the effectiveness of intelligent ICU life support equipment in clinical decision-making assistance.Methods:The functional modules of the ICU ward interaction system,equipment management system,risk response system and intelligent ward round system were designed to collect information and data of life support equipment in diagnosis and treatment,nursing,operation and technical support in real time to provide medical auxiliary decision-making basis for the improvement of diagnosis,treatment and nursing measures for critically ill patients.115 life-support equipment in clinical use in 3 hospitals including Zhujiajiao People's Hospital of Qingpu District,Shanghai from July 1,2018 to December 31,2022 were selected,the traditional assisted decision-making management mode(referred to as traditional mode,83 sets)and intelligent assisted decision-making management mode(referred to as intelligent mode,89 sets,including 57 units of the traditional mode and 32 newly added units)were adopted respectively.The management level and management effect of life support equipment of the two management modes were compared.Results:The data collection time of the equipment of intelligent mode was(5.67±2.80)min,which was less than that of the traditional mode,the accuracy and completeness of data acquisition,as well as the effective resolution rate of equipment deployment and use,monitoring and alarm,equipment failure and emergency response were(99.02±1.14)%,(94.35±3.46)%,(98.78±0.90)%,(98.99±0.91)%,(88.26±5.31)% and(90.23±5.54)%,respectively,which were higher than those of the traditional mode,the difference between was statistically significant(t=6.504,6.474,3.574,7.620,6.784,4.522,3.719,P<0.05).The effective utilization rates of diagnostic decisions for treatment,care and rehabilitation of intelligent mode equipment were(93.83±3.12)%,(94.99±2.47)% and(91.44±4.62)%,respectively,the comprehensive scores of respiratory function support equipment,circulatory function support equipment,blood purification support equipment and emergency monitoring support equipment were(92.97±4.35)points,(94.34±2.95)points,(93.01±2.44)points and(94.11±1.89)points,respectively,which were higher than those of the traditional mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=4.169,4.875,5.159,4.069,3.033,2.757,6.893,P<0.05).Conclusion:Based on the construction of intelligent ICU,it can improve the quality of life support equipment operation data collection,solve the equipment operation problems in a timely manner,provide an effective basis for the decision-making of diagnosis and treatment,nursing and rehabilitation of critically ill patients,and improve the clinical service level of equipment.
ABSTRACT
To improve the evaluation indicators of medical quality in TCM hospitals; To realize objective, fair, and accurate evaluation of the quality of TCM. Based on relevant literature on medical quality in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals research and thematic group discussions, 21 evaluation indicators for TCM characteristics were formed. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 40 experts, and 37 were effectively collected, with a positive coefficient of 92.50%. After two rounds of expert consultation, the evaluation indicators were determined to be: the intensity of outpatient use of TCM decoction pieces (utilization rate of TCM decoction pieces, prescription number of TCM decoction pieces, dosage of TCM decoction pieces, and service price of TCM decoction pieces), the intensity of the use of TCM technology (proportion of TCM technology, number of TCM projects, cost of TCM technology, and course of treatment). Case studies were conducted on relevant data from 10 departments using the operational decision support system (BI) platform of Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to verify the rationality of indicators. The 10 departments were analyzed and evaluated, and the results obtained were basically consistent with the actual medical quality situation of the hospital. The indicators used in this study can reflect the actual medical quality situation, and have a certain degree of scientificity, feasibility, and applicability, providing reference for improving the medical quality evaluation indicators of TCM hospitals.