Bevacizumab-Laden Nanofibers Simulating an Antiangiogenic Niche to Improve the Submuscular Stability of Stem Cell Engineered Cartilage.

Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) engineered cartilage (BEC) is prone to endochondral ossification in a submuscular environment due to the process of vascular infiltration, which limits its application in repairing tracheal cartilage defects. Bevacizumab, an antitumor drug with pronounced antiangiogenic activity, is successfully laden into a poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) system to prepare bevacizumab-laden nanofiber (BevNF) characterized by 5% and 10% bevacizumab concentrations. The in vitro results reveal that a sustained release of bevacizumab can be realized from BevNF, exhibiting inhibitive cytotoxicity toward human umbilical vein endothelial cells whereas non-cytotoxicity toward BMSCs-induced chondrocytes. A model is also established by encapsulating BEC within BevNF, aiming to realize an antiangiogenic niche under conditions of sustained and localized release of bevacizumab to inhibit the process of vascular invasion, resulting in the eventual stabilization of the cartilaginous phenotype and promotion of the process of cartilage maturation in the submuscular environment. These results also confirm that the chondrogenesis stability of BEC increases with an increase in the bevacizumab concentration, and 10% BevNF is sufficient to protect BEC from vascularization. This demonstrates that the use of BevNF can potentially help develop an effective strategy for regulating the submuscular stability of BEC to repair the defects formed in tracheal cartilage.

Collaborative relationships in translational medical research among Chinese clinicians: an internet-based cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the collaborative relationship in translational medical research from the perspective of clinicians in China. The findings are expected to help practitioners optimize and experience the greatest advantages of collaboration. METHODS: We conducted a national internet-based survey from July 29 to October 12, 2020. Of the 806 responses, 804 were completed with valid responses (valid response rate = 99.8%). The collected data were presented as descriptive statistics and analyzed using nonparametric tests (including the Wilcoxon rank test and Kruskal-Wallis H test) and stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 804 participants, 733 were either willing or very willing to collaborate in translational medical research. Clinicians' willingness was influenced by their current research type, role in current translational medical research, burdens of their present research, preferred partners for collaboration at the institutional or individual level, and preferences for independent or dependent relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should evaluate their time, role, burdens, personal preferences for research relationships, and appropriate partners based on their current translational medical research and its goals, before deciding to collaborate.

High-Energy All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries with Ultralong Cycle Life.

High energy and power densities are the greatest challenge for all-solid-state lithium batteries due to the poor interfacial compatibility between electrodes and electrolytes as well as low lithium ion transfer kinetics in solid materials. Intimate contact at the cathode-solid electrolyte interface and high ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte are crucial to realizing high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries. Here, we report a general interfacial architecture, i.e., Li7P3S11 electrolyte particles anchored on cobalt sulfide nanosheets, by an in situ liquid-phase approach. The anchored Li7P3S11 electrolyte particle size is around 10 nm, which is the smallest sulfide electrolyte particles reported to date, leading to an increased contact area and intimate contact interface between electrolyte and active materials. The neat Li7P3S11 electrolyte synthesized by the same liquid-phase approach exhibits a very high ionic conductivity of 1.5 × 10-3 S cm-1 with a particle size of 0.4-1.0 µm. All-solid-state lithium batteries employing cobalt sulfide-Li7P3S11 nanocomposites in combination with the neat Li7P3S11 electrolyte and Super P as the cathode and lithium metal as the anode exhibit excellent rate capability and cycling stability, showing reversible discharge capacity of 421 mAh g-1 at 1.27 mA cm-2 after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the obtained all-solid-state lithium batteries possesses very high energy and power densities, exhibiting 360 Wh kg-1 and 3823 W kg-1 at current densities of 0.13 and 12.73 mA cm-2, respectively. This contribution demonstrates a new interfacial design for all-solid-state battery with high performance.

Risk factors for major adverse events of video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for major adverse events of VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) lobectomy for primary lung cancer. METHODS: 1806 Patients (1032 males, 57.1%) planned to undergo VATS lobectomy for stage IA-IIIA lung cancer from July 2007 to June 2012. The Thoracic Morbidity and Mortality Classification TM&M system was used to evaluate the presence and severity of complications. Postoperative complications were observed during a 30-day follow up. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the independent risk factors for major adverse events. RESULTS: Successful rate of VATS lobectomy was 97.6% (1763/1806). Major complications occurred in 129 patients (7.3%), with a mortality of 0.3% (5/1763). Pulmonary complications contribute up to 90.7% of the major complications and 80% of mortality. Logistic regression indicated that comorbidities, elder age ≥70y, operative time ≥240min and hybrid VATS were predictors for major adverse events (P<0.05). Hybrid and converted VATS lobectomy result in higher major adverse events compared with complete VATS, 15.1%, 20.9% and 7.4% respectively (P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate and mortality of VATS lobectomy are low, while major complications sometimes occur. Pulmonary complications are the most common major complications and cause of mortality. Age ≥70y, comorbidities, operative time ≥240min and Hybrid VATS are predictors of major adverse events.

The supraclavicular approach in the management of cervicothoracic-junction benign neurogenic tumors: A real-world analysis.

Objectives: The study objectives were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and risk of neurologic complications with the supraclavicular approach in the operative management of cervicothoracic-junction benign neurogenic tumors. Methods: Between January 2012 and April 2023, 115 patients who underwent surgical resection for cervicothoracic-junction benign neurogenic tumors were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the surgical approach: supraclavicular alone (Supraclav-Alone), n = 16; Transthoracic-Alone (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/Open), n = 87; and supraclavicular combined with transthoracic (Supraclav + video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/open), n = 12. Clinicopathologic variables and postoperative morbidity including neurologic complications were summarized among the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for long-term (>6 months) brachial plexus injuries. Results: The cohort comprised 28 patients (24.3%) who underwent surgical resection using a supraclavicular approach. The Supraclav-Alone group portended the most cephalad location of tumor, the smallest pathologic tumor size, the shortest operative time, the least blood loss, and the least postoperative pain. The incidence of surgical complications, phrenic nerve neuropraxia, recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, or Horner's syndrome was similar among the groups postoperatively. However, use of the supraclavicular-alone approach (adjusted odds ratio, 0.165; 95% CI, 0.017-0.775) was a predictor for long-term brachial plexus injury complications. Among patients who experienced brachial plexus injury complications, the proportion of patients achieving complete resolution was higher among those undergoing a supraclavicular approach group (Supraclav-Alone: 80.0% vs Supraclav + video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/Open: 60.0% vs video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/Open: 25.8%). Conclusions: The supraclavicular approach may be a safe and feasible strategy in the management of cervicothoracic-junction benign neurogenic tumors that does not increase surgical complications and minimizes the severity of brachial plexus injury.

Safety and efficacy of delayed completion lobectomy following wedge resection vs. segmentectomy-a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Data regarding the safety and efficacy of delayed completion lobectomy (CL) following sublobar resections remain scant. We evaluated the technical difficulty and short-term outcomes of CL occurring at least 3 months following the anatomical segmentectomy or wedge resection. Methods: Consecutive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent a second resection within the same lobe at least 3 months after their initial resection from January 2013 to December 2019 at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital were retrospectively included. The patients were divided into a segmentectomy group (SG group) and a wedge resection group (WR group) based on their initial resection strategy. Baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes after CL between the two groups were compared. Results: Twenty-five patients undergoing CL were included, nine in the SG group and 16 in the WR group. No deaths occurred within 30 days postoperatively, and the rate of overall postoperative complications was 28.0% (7/25). Statistically significant differences were found in rates of postoperative complications between the two groups (SG: 55.6% vs. WR: 12.5%, P=0.03) and in the use of bronchoplasty or angioplasty during the CL (SG: 33.3% vs. WR: 0.0%, P=0.04). After CL, no significant differences were found in 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (WR: 66.7% vs. SG: 61.0%, P=0.31) or overall survival (OS) (WR: 93.8% vs. SG: 66.7%, P=0.06) between two groups. Conclusions: Delayed CL occurring over 3 months after sublobar resection is a safe and effective procedure, with no deaths occurring within 30 days postoperatively. As compared to a segmentectomy at the time of the index operation, a wedge resection may portend less morbidity, with a decreased risk of needing adjunctive bronchoplasty or angioplasty procedures during CL. After CL, 5-year RFS and OS were comparable between WR and SG groups.

Bipolar Textile Composite Electrodes Enabling Flexible Tandem Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

A majority of flexible and wearable electronics require high operational voltage that is conventionally achieved by serial connection of battery unit cells using external wires. However, this inevitably decreases the energy density of the battery module and may cause additional safety hazards. Herein, a bipolar textile composite electrode (BTCE) that enables internal tandem-stacking configuration to yield high-voltage (6 to 12 V class) solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) is reported. BTCE is comprised of a nickel-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric (NiPET) core layer, a cathode coated on one side of the NiPET, and a Li metal anode coated on the other side of the NiPET. Stacking BTCEs with solid-state electrolytes alternatively leads to the extension of output voltage and decreased usage of inert package materials, which in turn significantly boosts the energy density of the battery. More importantly, the BTCE-based SSLMB possesses remarkable capacity retention per cycle of over 99.98% over cycling. The composite structure of BTCE also enables outstanding flexibility; the battery keeps stable charge/discharge characteristics over thousands of bending and folding. BTCE shows great promise for future safe, high-energy-density, and flexible SSLMBs for a wide range of flexible and wearable electronics.

Insight into Multiple Intermolecular Coordination of Composite Solid Electrolytes via Cryo-Electron Microscopy for High-Voltage All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Polymer/ceramic-based composite solid electrolytes (CSE) are promising candidates for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (SLBs), benefiting from the combined mechanical robustness of polymeric electrolytes and the high ionic conductivity of ceramic electrolytes. However, the interfacial instability and poorly understood interphases of CSE hinder their application in high-voltage SLBs. Herein, a simple but effective CSE that stabilizes high-voltage SLBs by forming multiple intermolecular coordination interactions between polyester and ceramic electrolytes is discovered. The multiple coordination between the carbonyl groups in poly(ε-caprolactone) and the fluorosulfonyl groups in anions with Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 nanoparticles is directly visualized by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and further confirmed by theoretical calculation. Importantly, the multiple coordination in CSE not only prevents the continuous decomposition of polymer skeleton by shielding the vulnerable carbonyl sites but also establishes stable inorganic-rich interphases through preferential decomposition of anions. The stable CSE and its inorganic-rich interphases enable Li||Li symmetric cells with an exceptional lifespan of over 4800 h without dendritic shorting at 0.1 mA cm-2. Moreover, the high-voltage SLB with LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode displays excellent cycling stability over 1100 cycles at a 1C charge/discharge rate. This work reveals the underlying mechanism behind the excellent stability of coordinating composite electrolytes and interfaces in high-voltage SLBs.

Microbispora hainanensis sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Excoecaria agallocha in a mangrove.

Strain 211020(T) was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Excoecaria agallocha in a mangrove in Hainan, China. The strain produced longitudinal pair spores branching from aerial hyphae. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Microbispora, exhibiting the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.75 %) to Microbispora corallina JCM 10267(T) with a low DNA-DNA relatedness value (13 ± 0.6 %). The isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid but madurose was not detected. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H(4)), MK-9(H(2)) and MK-9(H(0)), and the major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and C(17 : 0). The phospholipid profile of strain 211020(T) comprised phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phospholipids of unknown structure containing glucosamine. The DNA G+C content was 70.8 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain 211020(T) can be distinguished as a novel species of the genus Microbispora, for which the name Microbispora hainanensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is 211020(T) ( = CGMCC 4.5595(T) = DSM 45428(T)).

Interpersonal Neural Synchronization Predicting Learning Outcomes From Teaching-Learning Interaction: A Meta-Analysis.

In school education, teaching-learning interaction is deemed as a core process in the classroom. The fundamental neural basis underlying teaching-learning interaction is proposed to be essential for tuning learning outcomes. However, the neural basis of this process as well as the relationship between the neural dynamics and the learning outcomes are largely unclear. With non-invasive technologies such as fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), hyperscanning techniques have been developed since the last decade and been applied to the field of educational neuroscience for simultaneous multi-brain scanning. Hyperscanning studies suggest that the interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) during teaching-learning interaction might be an ideal neural biomarker for predicting learning outcomes. To systematically evaluate such a relationship, this meta-analysis ran on a random-effects model on 16 studies with 23 independent samples (effect sizes). Further moderator analyses were also performed to examine the potential influences of the style, mode, content, and the assessment method of learning outcomes. The random-effects modeling results confirmed a robust positive correlation between INS and learning outcomes. Subsequent analyses revealed that such relationship was mainly affected by both interaction style and mode. Therefore, the present meta-analysis provided a confirmatory neurocognitive foundation for teaching-learning interaction, as well as its relation to the learning outcomes, consolidated future learning and teaching studies in various disciplines including second language education with a firm methodological reference.

Propensity-matched Comparison of VATS Left Upper Trisegmentectomy and Lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) left upper trisegmentectomy (LTS) vs left upper lobectomy (LUL) for patients presenting with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis identified 1543 consecutive patients presenting to Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (Shanghai, China) with NSCLC for VATS LTS or LUL from 2013 to 2017. After propensity-score matching for patient demographics and tumor characteristics, 273 pairs were identified. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 51.5 months. There were no significant differences in operative duration (2.11 ± 0.64 hours vs 2.49 ± 5.96 hours; P = .30), total blood loss (106.19 ± 170.83 mL vs 97.07 ± 149.34 mL; P = .51), and operative complications (10% vs 8%; P = .37) between the LUL and LTS groups. Patients undergoing LUL had longer postoperative hospital stays (5.55 ± 3.00 days vs 4.87 ± 2.33 days; P = .003), greater tumor margin distance (3.3 ± 1.2 cm vs 3.1 ± 0.9 cm; P < .001), and greater number of lymph nodes harvested (8.0 ± 3.2 vs 6.8 ± 3.3; P < .001) than patients undergoing LTS, but the margin-to-tumor ratio was not statistically different (2.5 ± 1.6 vs 2.3 ± 1.1; P = 0.11). Median DFS (49.5 months vs 54.3 months; P = .77) and OS (49.5 months vs 55.0 months; P = .88) were not significantly different between patients undergoing LTS and those undergoing LUL, and similar outcomes were noted across subgroups of patients stratified by tumor stage, pathologic type, and radiographic manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: VATS LTS and LUL had comparable oncologic outcomes for stage I NSCLC, regardless of tumor pathologic types and radiologic findings, as long as negative margins were confirmed.

Efficacy evaluation of surgery combined with chemotherapy for stage IIIA small cell lung cancer patients: a retrospective analysis.

Background: The efficacy of surgery in combination of chemotherapy for stage IIIA small cell lung cancer (IIIA-SCLC) is controversial. The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of surgery combined with chemotherapy, especially in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery for IIIA-SCLC. Methods: Between 2004 and 2015, we reviewed 2,199 chemotherapy-treated stage IIIA (N1/2) SCLC cases in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and 32 NAC + intentional radical resection-treated, centrally-located IIIA-SCLC cases at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (SPH). Outcomes were compared between surgically and non-surgically treated patients from the SEER database after propensity score matching (PSM), and comparing lobectomy/bi-lobectomy and pneumonectomy patients from SPH. Prognostic factors were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: There was significantly higher overall survival (OS) in surgically treated IIIA-SCLC patients (OS, 44.8 vs. 21.2 months, P=0.048), and similar efficacy was observed between sub-lobectomy and lobectomy/bi-lobectomy patients (OS: 55.6 vs. 30.3 months, P=0.167) in SEER database. At SPH, significantly higher OS was associated with T1 stage (before NAC: T1 vs. T2-4, 48.7 vs. 32.2 months, P=0.025; after NAC: T1 vs. T2-4, 42.7 vs. 21.3 months, P=0.048). Female sex [hazard ratio (HR): 0.078, P=0.009], T1 stage (HR: 13.048, P=0.026), and pneumonectomy (HR: 0.095, P=0.009) were independent prognostic factors for IIIA-SCLC patients who received NAC + intentional radical resection. Conclusions: For stage IIIA SCLC patients, complete resection combined with chemotherapy might improve the prognosis than patients without surgery. Post-NAC lobectomy was not found to be superior to sub-lobectomy, while pneumonectomy was considered suitable for central-type IIIA-SCLC patients after NAC treatment.

Micromonospora rhizosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from mangrove rhizosphere soil.

Strain 211018(T) was isolated from mangrove Excocaria agallocha rhizosphere soil. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed the highest similarity to the type strains of Micromonospora olivasterospora DSM 43868(T) (98.6 %) and Micromonospora pattaloongensis TJ2-2(T) (98.4 %). gyrB gene sequence analysis also indicated that strain 211018(T) should be assigned to the genus Micromonospora. The characteristic whole-cell sugars are xylose, mannose and arabinose. The predominant menaquinone is MK-9(H(4)) and the major fatty acids are iso-C(15 : 0) (27.5 %), 10-methyl C(17 : 0) (14.2 %), C(17 : 1)ω8c (12.8 %), iso-C(16 : 0) (12.6 %), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (6.1 %), iso-C(17 : 0) (4.1 %) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) (4.0 %). The phospholipid profile comprises phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The DNA G+C content is 70.8 mol%. The chemotaxonomic data of the strain coincided with those of the genus Micromonospora. Furthermore, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that the novel strain could be readily distinguished from the closest phylogenetic relatives. On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic data, strain 211018(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 211018(T) (=CGMCC 4.5599(T) =DSM 45431(T)).

Streptomyces sanyensis sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment.

A novel strain, 219820(T), whose metabolites were found to be active against tumour cells, was isolated and characterized. The isolate belonged to the genus Streptomyces and had white to grey aerial mycelium and long chains of smooth spores in the aerial mycelium. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 219820(T) had highest similarity to members of the genus Streptomyces and was most closely, albeit loosely, associated with Streptomyces crystallinus NBRC 15401(T) (98.624 % similarity), Streptomyces melanogenes NBRC 12890(T) (98.565 %) and Streptomyces noboritoensis NBRC 13065(T) (98.564 %). However, DNA-DNA relatedness and phenotypic data readily distinguished strain 219820(T) from these phylogenetically related type strains. It is evident from the combination of genotypic and phenotypic data that strain 219820(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces sanyensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 219820(T) ( = CGMCC 4.5626(T)  = DSM 42014(T)).

Asanoa hainanensis sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Acrostichum speciosum in a mangrove, and emended description of the genus Asanoa.

A Gram-reaction-positive, non-motile actinobacterium, designated strain 210121(T), was isolated from rhizosphere soil of the mangrove fern Acrostichum speciosum. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Asanoa. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain 210121(T) and the type strains of the three recognized species of the genus Asanoa were below the 70 % threshold recommended for distinguishing bacterial genomic species. The novel isolate contained glutamic acid, glycine, alanine and meso-A(2)pm as cell-wall amino acids, indicating peptidoglycan type A1γ. The characteristic whole-cell sugars were xylose, ribose, glucose and mannose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H(4)), MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(8)). The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0) (30.9 %), C(17 : 0) (23.0 %), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (14.9 %) and iso-C(15 : 0) (12.3 %). The phospholipid profile comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and phospholipids of unknown structure containing glucosamine. The G+C content of the DNA was 70.3 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic data, strain 210121(T) ( = CGMCC 4.5593(T)  = DSM 45427(T)) represents a novel species of the genus Asanoa, for which the name Asanoa hainanensis sp. nov., is proposed. An emended description of the genus Asanoa is also proposed.

Nonomuraea wenchangensis sp. nov., isolated from mangrove rhizosphere soil.

Strain 210417(T), which forms highly branched substrate and aerial mycelia, is a Gram-positive, aerobic and non-motile actinomycete isolated from mangrove rhizosphere soil. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain should be classified in the genus Nonomuraea, being most closely related to the type strains of Nonomuraea coxensis (99.6 %) and Nonomuraea bangladeshensis (99.3 %). Chemotaxonomic properties [madurose as the major sugar in the cell wall; meso-diaminopimelic acid and N-acetylmuramic acid in the peptidoglycan; MK-9(H(4)) as the major menaquinone; iso-C(16 : 0) (24.1 %) as major fatty acid; and phospholipid pattern type IV] are consistent with the assignment of strain 210417(T) to the genus Nonomuraea. Strain 210417(T) could be differentiated from the closely related species N. coxensis and N. bangladeshensis by morphological, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization results. It is therefore proposed that strain 210417(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name Nonomuraea wenchangensis sp. nov. is given; the type strain is 210417(T) ( = CGMCC 4.5598(T)  = DSM 45477(T)).

In Situ Coating of Li7P3S11 Electrolyte on CuCo2S4/Graphene Nanocomposite as a High-Performance Cathode for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

A cathode material, CuCo2S4/graphene@10%Li7P3S11, is reported for all-solid-state lithium batteries with high performance. The electrical conductivity of CuCo2S4 is improved by compounding with graphene. Meanwhile, Li7P3S11 electrolyte is coated on the surface of CuCo2S4/graphene nanosheets to build an intimate contact interface between the solid electrolyte and the electrode effectively, facilitating lithium-ion conduction. Benefitting from the balanced and efficient electronic and ionic conductions, all-solid-state lithium batteries using CuCo2S4/graphene@10%Li7P3S11 composite as cathode materials demonstrate superior cycling stability and rate capabilities, exhibiting an initial discharge specific capacity of 1102.25 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 and reversible capacity of 556.41 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 500 mA g-1 after 100 cycles. These results demonstrate that the CuCo2S4/graphene@10%Li7P3S11 nanocomposite is a promising active material for all-solid-state lithium batteries with superior performances.

The complete chloroplast genome of Musa beccarii.

Musa becccarii N.W. Simmonds is one of the most important wild banana species native to Borneo. The chromosome number, 2n = 18, is new to the genus Musa. Wild populations of M. beccarii have been reduced enormously due to massive land clearing for oil palm plantations. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of Musa beccarii by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The total length of the complete chloroplast genome was 168,457 bp, and the overall GC content of the whole genome is 36.8%. The cp genome of Musa beccarii contained a pair of inverted repeat regions of 34,819 bp, which were separated by the large single copy of 88,166bp and the small single copy of 11,059 bp. It encoded 114 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA ribosomal genes. The most genes occur as a single copy, while 21 gene species occur in double copies. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrateds Musa becccarii formed a single branch among genus Musa. This complete chloroplast genome will provide important information for conservation and identification of species of Musa spp.

The complete chloroplast genome of Musa acuminata var. chinensis.

Musa acuminata var. chinensis is one of the most important wild banana species native to China which has huge potential breeding value by its cold tolerance and disease resistance. In this study, we first reported the complete chloroplast genome of M. acuminata var. chinensis and explore its phylogenetic position using a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree. The chloroplast genome of M. acuminata var. chinensis is 170,402 bp in length and the overall GC content of the whole genome is 36.8%. It consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR, 35,320 bp) regions, a large single-copy (LSC, 88,870 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC, 10,900 bp). The chloroplast genome contained 112 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA ribosomal genes. The most genes occur as a single copy, while 23 gene species occur in double copies. Phylogenetic analysis of 7 selected chloroplast genomes revealed that M. acuminata var. chinensis was closely related to M. acuminata ssp. malaccensis. The complete chloroplast genome of M. acuminata var. chinensis will greatly enhance precious gene resources for banana breeding programs in the future.

Co3S4@Li7P3S11 Hexagonal Platelets as Cathodes with Superior Interfacial Contact for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

Poor solid-solid contact between an electrode and solid electrolyte is a great challenge for all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) which results in limited ion transport and eventually leads to rapid capacity fading. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have incomparable advantage in the construction of the desired interface because of their flat surface and large specific surface area. In order to realize intimate interfacial contact and superior ion transport, monodisperse 2D Co3S4 hexagonal platelets as cathodes for all ASSLBs are synthesized through a series of topological reactions followed with in situ coating of tiny Li7P3S11 using a liquid-phase method. The unique 2D hexagonal platelets are favorable for in situ solid electrolyte coating. Moreover, the well-designed interfacial structure can make the electrode materials contact with solid electrolytes more closely, contributing to a remarkable improvement on electrochemical performance. ASSLBs employing the Co3S4@Li7P3S11 composite platelets as a cathode deliver a large reversible capacity of 685.9 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 for 50 cycles. Even at a high current density of 1 A g-1, the Co3S4@Li7P3S11 composite cathode still exhibits a high capacity of 457.3 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles. This work provides a simple strategy to design the composite electrode with intimate contact and superior ion transport via morphology controlling.