High-entropy relaxor ferroelectric ceramics for ultrahigh energy storage.

Dielectric ceramic capacitors with ultrahigh power densities are fundamental to modern electrical devices. Nonetheless, the poor energy density confined to the low breakdown strength is a long-standing bottleneck in developing desirable dielectric materials for practical applications. In this instance, we present a high-entropy tungsten bronze-type relaxor ferroelectric achieved through an equimolar-ratio element design, which realizes a giant recoverable energy density of 11.0 J·cm-3 and a high efficiency of 81.9%. Moreover, the atomic-scale microstructural study confirms that the excellent comprehensive energy storage performance is attributed to the increased atomic-scale compositional heterogeneity from high configuration entropy, which modulates the relaxor features as well as induces lattice distortion, resulting in reduced polarization hysteresis and enhanced breakdown endurance. This study provides evidence that developing high-entropy relaxor ferroelectric material via equimolar-ratio element design is an effective strategy for achieving ultrahigh energy storage characteristics. Our results also uncover the immense potential of tetragonal tungsten bronze-type materials for advanced energy storage applications.

Positive effects of rutin on egg quality, lipid peroxidation and metabolism in post-peak laying hens.

Excessive fat deposition due to impaired fat metabolism in chickens is a major problem in the poultry industry. Nutritional interventions are effective solutions, but current options are limited. A safe phytochemical, rutin, has shown positive effects in animals, but its effect on lipid metabolism in poultry remains unknown. Hence, this study is to investigate the effects of rutin on egg quality, serum biochemistry, fat deposition, lipid peroxidation and hepatic lipid metabolism in post-peak laying hens. A total of 360 Taihang laying hens (49-week-old) were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control group, 0%) and a basal diet supplemented with 300 (0.03%), 600 (0.06%), 900 (0.09%), and 1,200 (0.12%) mg rutin/kg feed, respectively. The results showed that eggshell strength was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the dietary rutin groups, whereas yolk percentage (p < 0.05), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01) and yolk fat ratio (p < 0.01) decreased linearly (p < 0.05) in the dietary rutin groups. Importantly, dietary rutin reduced serum triglyceride (TG) and TC levels, decreased abdominal lipid deposition and liver index (p < 0.05), and which concomitantly decreased hepatic lipid (TG, TC, and free fatty acid) accumulation (p < 0.05). An increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde levels were also found. At the same time, the activities of hepatic lipase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and malic enzyme in the liver were decreased (p < 0.05). Dietary rutin also increased (p < 0.05) the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, farnesoid X receptor). Additionally, it decreased fatty acid synthesis genes (sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of rutin (0.06-0.12%) to the diet improved the fat metabolism and increased liver antioxidant capacity in post-peak laying hens, and these positive changes improved egg quality to some extent.

Effect of classical music on growth performance, stress level, antioxidant index, immune function and meat quality in broilers at different stocking densities.

High-stocking density is one of the factors that can easily cause oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction of broilers. Currently, music therapy has been proposed to help animals relieve stress to some extent. However, it is still unclear whether classical music can alleviate stress in broilers at high stocking densities. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of classical music on growth performance, stress level, antioxidant index, immune function and meat quality of broilers under different stocking densities. A total of 540 one-day-old broilers with similar body weight were randomly divided into 6 treatment groups, with 6 replicates per group, which included two feeding environments (with/without classical music) and three stocking densities (15.5, 17.9, and 20.3 birds/m2), thereby making a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. The results showed as follows: increasing stocking density decreased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain (ADG), increased feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) and mortality of broilers. Moreover, increased density resulted in an increase in serum corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. Increasing stocking density decreased spleen and bursal indices, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. Increasing stocking density elevated serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities. Increasing stocking density decreased serum total protein (TP) levels and increased total cholesterol (TC) and glucose (GLU) levels. Additionally, increasing stocking density decreased the cooking liss of pectoralis and increased the L*24h value of pectoralis. Meanwhile, playing classical music for broilers increased their ADG and decreased F/G, and decreased serum CORT, ACTH, GLU content. In addition, the bursa of Fabricius index, serum IgA and IgG contents as well as the a*24h value of pectoralis was increased under the music therapy. In conclusion, high-stocking density (20.3 birds/m2) harmed the growth performance and health of broilers, and the classical music stimulus ameliorated the negative effects to some extent.

Dietary resveratrol supplementation on growth performance, immune function and intestinal barrier function in broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide.

This study discusses the effects of resveratrol (RES) on the productive performance, immune function and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Two hundred and forty 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 replicates each, with 10 broilers per replicate. This experiment used a 2 × 2 factorial design with dietary factors (basal diets or basal diets supplemented with 400 mg/kg RES were administered from d 1 to 21) and stress factors (intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg BW of saline or LPS at 16, 18 and 20 d of age). The results showed that LPS challenge had a significant adverse effect on average daily gain (ADG) in broilers at 16 to 21 d of age (P < 0.05), whereas the addition of RES to the diet inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in ADG (P < 0.05). RES also alleviated LPS-induced immune function damage in broilers, which was manifested by the decrease of spleen index (P < 0.05) and the recovery of serum immunoglobulin M and ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content (P < 0.05). The LPS challenge also disrupts intestinal barrier function and inflammation, and RES mitigates these adverse effects in different ways. RES attenuated LPS-induced reduction of villus height in the jejunum and ileum of broilers (P < 0.05). LPS also caused an abnormal increase in plasma D-lactic acid levels in broilers (P < 0.05), which was effectively mitigated by RES (P < 0.05). LPS challenge resulted in a significant decrease in mRNA expression of occludin in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05), which was mitigated by the addition of RES (P < 0.05). RES significantly decreased the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-B and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the ileum tissue stimulated by LPS (P < 0.05). Taken together, this study shows that RES exerts its beneficial effect on broilers challenged with LPS by alleviating immune function damage, relieving intestinal inflammation and barrier damage, and thus improving growth performance.

Significantly Enhanced Electrostrain in Oriented Epitaxial Self-Assembled Aurivillius-Type Piezoelectric Films via Regulating Polarization Vectors.

High-temperature piezoelectric films with excellent piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties lay the foundation for the development of high-temperature piezo-MEMS devices. However, due to the poor piezoelectricity and strong anisotropy, it remains a challenge to obtain high quality Aurivillius-type high-temperature piezoelectric films with high performance, which impedes their practical implements. Here, a feasible polarization vector regulation strategy associated with oriented epitaxial self-assembled nanostructures for enhancing electrostrain is proposed. Guided by lattice matching relation, non-c-axis oriented epitaxial self-assembled Aurivillius-type calcium bismuth niobate (CaBi2Nb2O9, CBN) high-temperature piezoelectric films were successfully prepared on different oriented Nb-STO substrates. By the lattice matching relationship, hysteresis measurement, and piezoresponse force microscopy analysis, it is confirmed that the polarization vectors transform from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional space, and the out-of-plane polarization switching is enhanced. A platform for more possible polarization vectors is provided in the self-assembled (013)CBN film. More importantly, enhanced ferroelectric (Pr ∼ 13.4 µC/cm2) and large strain (∼0.24%) were obtained in the (013)CBN film, which promotes the great application prospect of CBN piezoelectric films in high-temperature MEMS devices.

Amorphous solid dispersion preparation via coprecipitation improves the dissolution, oral bioavailability, and intestinal health enhancement properties of magnolol.

Magnolol (MAG) is a multifunctional plant polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antitumor properties. In poultry, it has been shown to improve growth performance, antioxidant, immune functions and intestinal health. However, its applications are limited by poor solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed at improving the water solubility of MAG through solid dispersion and investigating its effects in Arbor Acre (AA) broilers. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose succinic acid (HPMCAS) was used as a carrier to prepare magnolol solid dispersions (MAG-HPMCAS SD) via antisolvent coprecipitation, which were characterized thereafter. Optimal formulation proportions for SD were screened by in vitro dissolution assays, while its effects on improving absorption were investigated via in vivo pharmacokinetic assays. In addition, we evaluated the effects of MAG-HPMCAS SD on growth performance, antioxidant status, and gut microbiota in AA broilers. The powder samples prepared via antisolvent coprecipitation did not exhibit a crystal diffraction peak of MAG in powder X-ray diffractions or melting point peak in differential scanning calorimetry, proving the successful preparation of an amorphous solid dispersion system. The in vitro dissolution assay showed that the cumulative dissolution rate of MAG-HPMCAS(LF) SD (2:8, w/w) was 100%. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed that the peak concentration (Cmax) of MAG-HPMCAS SD was 5.07 ± 0.73 µg/mL, which was 1.76 times greater than that of MAG. In addition, AUC0-48 and t1/2 of MAG-HPMCAS SD were 40.49 ± 6.29 g·h/mL and 9.15 ± 3.23 h, respectively, which were 2.17 and 2.56 times higher than those of MAG. Supplementation of MAG-HPMCAS SD in AA broilers significantly increased ADG (7-14 d and 15-21 d) and reduced feed conversion ratio (15-21 d) (P < 0.05). Bacterial diversity in the MAG-HPMCAS SD-supplemented group was greater than in the Control and MAG-supplemented group. Supplementation of MAG-HPMCAS SD stimulated the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. In conclusion, the MAG-HPMCAS SD prepared by coprecipitation improved the dissolution rate, the bioavailability of MAG, growth promotion, antioxidant effects and gut health in broilers.

A lightweight strain glass alloy showing nearly temperature-independent low modulus and high strength.

Fast development of space technologies poses a strong challenge for elastic materials, which need to be not only lightweight, strong and compliant, but also able to maintain stable elasticity over a wide temperature range1-4. Here we report a lightweight magnesium-scandium strain glass alloy (Mg with 21.3 at.% Sc) that meets this challenge. This alloy is as light (density ~2 g cm-3) and compliant as organic-based materials5-7 like bones and glass fibre reinforced plastics, but in contrast with those materials, it possesses a nearly temperature-independent (or Elinvar-type), ultralow Young's modulus (~20-23 GPa) over a wide temperature range from room temperature down to 123 K; a higher yield strength of ~200-270 MPa; and a long fatigue life of over one million cycles. As a result, it exhibits a relatively high, temperature-independent elastic energy density of ~0.5 kJ kg-1 among known materials at a moderate stress level of 200 MPa. We show that its exceptional properties stem from a strain glass transition, and the Elinvar-type elasticity originates from its moderate elastic softening effect cancelling out the ever-present elastic hardening. Our findings provide insight into designing materials that possess unconventional and technologically important elastic properties.

Effects of Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analog Chelate on Laying Performance, Serum Hormone Levels, and Expression of Reproductive Axis Related Genes in Aged Broiler Breeders.

Inorganic zinc (Zn) supplements are commonly used in poultry feeds, but their low utilization results in the increase of Zn excretion. Thus, to provide a new perspective for the substitution of inorganic Zn, a novel Zn methionine hydroxy analog chelate (Zn-MHA) was studied in the present study to evaluate its effects on laying performance, serum hormone indexes and reproductive axis-related genes in broilers breeders. A total of 480 Hubbard breeders (56-week-old) were fed a basal diet (containing 27.81 mg Zn/kg) without Zn addition for 2 weeks, and then allocated to 4 groups with 6 replicates (each replicate consisting of 10 cages and 2 breeders per cage) for 10 weeks. Four treatment diets given to broiler breeders included the basal diet added with 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg of Zn-MHA and 100 mg/kg of Zn sulfate (ZnSO4). The laying rate, egg weight and feed conversation ratio increased in the 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA group compared to the ZnSO4 group. The eggshell thickness was not decreased with the addition of 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA in the diet compared to the 100 mg/kg ZnSO4 group. There was a significant improvement in the reproductive performance of breeders in the 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA group, including the fertility and 1-day-old offspring weight. Besides, serum sex hormone levels including FSH and P4 increased significantly in 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA group. No significant effect on the ovarian weight or the number of follicles in broiler breeders was observed by supplementing Zn-MHA. Compared to the 100 mg/kg ZnSO4 group, dietary supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Zn-MHA showed an up-regulation of the FSHR mRNA in the granular layer of follicles. However, dietary supplementation of Zn-MHA had no effects on mRNA expressions of the ovarian LHR and PRLR genes. These findings reinforce the suggestion that Zn-MHA (75 mg/kg) could replace ZnSO4 (100 mg/kg) as a Zn supplement in diet of broiler breeders, which resulted in better laying and reproduction performances by regulating the expression levels of reproductive axis related genes and serum hormone levels.

Simultaneous improvement of physical stability, dissolution, bioavailability, and antithrombus efficacy of Aspirin and Ligustrazine through cocrystallization.

A novel 1:1 cocrystal between two cardiovascular drugs, aspirin (ASA) and ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) has been synthesized and characterized. The structure of this drug-drug cocrystal, ASA-TMP, was determined using single crystal X-ray crystallography. The ASA-TMP cocrystal exhibits a significantly reduced sublimation tendency than TMP. Importantly, cocrystallization simultaneously improves bioavailability of both parent drugs. This suggests the possibility of developing a more effective antithrombosis drug therapy given the synergistic pharmacological effects of the two parent drugs.

Predictors of HBeAg seroconversion after long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment for chronic hepatitis B: a multicenter study in real clinical setting

ABSTRACT Aims: To evaluate the HBeAg seroconversion rate in real clinical setting and explore its predictors in long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: 251 patients were recruited from January 2001 to September 2009 in four hospitals in Hebei province, China, for this retrospective study. Clinical and laboratory data before and after treatment with lamivudine (LAM, 100 mg daily), adefovir (ADV, 10 mg daily), telbivudine (LDT, 600 mg daily), entecavir (ETV, 0.5 mg daily), and LAM/ADV combination were compared among three groups according to treatment outcomes: synchronous HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion, anti-HBe development after treatment, and no anti-HBe. Adherence was also evaluated. Results: In real clinical setting, cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rates were 14.3%, 32.7%, 43.0%, 46.9%, and 50.5% after 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years, respectively. 45 patients (17.9%) were non-adherent. Adherence (p < 0.001, Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.203), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p < 0.001, HR = 2.049), and non-vertical transmission (p = 0.006, HR = 1.656) were predictors of HBeAg seroconversion. Conclusion: Adherence, elevated ALT, and non-vertical transmission are predictors of HBeAg seroconversion in CHB patients treated with NAs.

Predictors of HBeAg seroconversion after long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment for chronic hepatitis B: a multicenter study in real clinical setting.

AIMS: To evaluate the HBeAg seroconversion rate in real clinical setting and explore its predictors in long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: 251 patients were recruited from January 2001 to September 2009 in four hospitals in Hebei province, China, for this retrospective study. Clinical and laboratory data before and after treatment with lamivudine (LAM, 100mg daily), adefovir (ADV, 10mg daily), telbivudine (LDT, 600mg daily), entecavir (ETV, 0.5mg daily), and LAM/ADV combination were compared among three groups according to treatment outcomes: synchronous HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion, anti-HBe development after treatment, and no anti-HBe. Adherence was also evaluated. RESULTS: In real clinical setting, cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rates were 14.3%, 32.7%, 43.0%, 46.9%, and 50.5% after 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years, respectively. 45 patients (17.9%) were non-adherent. Adherence (p<0.001, Hazard Ratio (HR)=2.203), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p<0.001, HR=2.049), and non-vertical transmission (p=0.006, HR=1.656) were predictors of HBeAg seroconversion. CONCLUSION: Adherence, elevated ALT, and non-vertical transmission are predictors of HBeAg seroconversion in CHB patients treated with NAs.