Garre's osteomyelitis of the mandible managed by nonsurgical re-endodontic treatment.

Chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis, known as Garre's osteomyelitis, is a type of osteomyelitis characterized by a distinctive gross thickening of the periosteum of bones. Peripheral reactive bone formation can be caused by mild irritation or infection. Garre's osteomyelitis is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and the mandible is more affected than the maxilla. The following is a case report of a 12-year-old female patient with Garre's osteomyelitis of the mandible due to an infection of a root canal-treated tooth. Without surgical intervention, the patient's symptoms were relieved through nonsurgical root canal re-treatment with long-term calcium hydroxide placement. A cone-beam computed tomography image obtained 6 months after treatment completion displayed complete healing of the periapical lesion and resolution of the peripheral reactive buccal bone. Due to the clinical features of Garre's osteomyelitis, which is characterized by thickening of the periosteum, it can be mistaken for other diseases such as fibrous dysplasia. It is important to correctly diagnose Garre's osteomyelitis based on its distinctive clinical features to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention, and it can lead to minimally invasive treatment options.

Morphology Control of Mixed Metallic Organic Framework for High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors.

The study presents the binder-free synthesis of mixed metallic organic frameworks (MMOFs) supported on a ternary metal oxide (TMO) core as an innovative three-dimensional (3D) approach to enhance electron transport and mass transfer during the electrochemical charge-discharge process, resulting in high-performance hybrid supercapacitors. The research demonstrates that the choice of organic linkers can be used to tailor the morphology of these MMOFs, thus optimizing their electrochemical efficiency. Specifically, a NiCo-MOF@NiCoO2@Ni electrode, based on terephthalic linkers, exhibits highly ordered porosity and a vast internal surface area, achieving a maximum specific capacity of 2320 mC cm-2, while maintaining excellent rate capability and cycle stability. With these performances, the hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) achieves a maximum specific capacitance of 424.6 mF cm-2 (specific capacity 653.8 mC cm-2) and 30.7 F cm-3 with energy density values of 10.1 mWh cm-3 at 167.4 mW cm-3 (139.8 µWh cm-2 at 2310 µW cm-2), which are higher than those of previously reported MMOFs based electrodes. This research introduces a novel approach for metal organic framework based HSC electrodes, diverging from the traditional emphasis on metal ions, in order to achieve the desired electrochemical performance.

Screw-in force, torque generation, and performance of glide-path files with three rotation kinetics.

We aimed to evaluate the screw-in force, torque generation, and performance of three nickel-titanium (NiTi) glide-path files with different rotational kinetics. ProTaper Ultimate Slider (PULS) and HyFlex EDM Glide-path (HEDG) files were used for canal shaping with constant rotation (CON) or the alternative rotation technique (ART). In the ART mode, the NiTi file was periodically rotated at a speed of 1.5 times faster than that in the CON mode. WaveOne Gold Glider was used with reciprocating motion (WOGG_RCP). Sixty J-shaped resin blocks were assigned to five groups: PULS_CON, PULS_ART, HEDG_CON, HEDG_ART, and WOGG_RCP (n = 12). Glide-path preparation was performed using an automated pecking device. During glide-path preparation, the screw-in force and clockwise and counterclockwise torques were recorded and the number of pecking motions required to reach the working length was determined. The centering ratio was calculated after glide-path preparation using stereomicroscopic images. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with the Games-Howell post hoc test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction. PULS_ART generated a lower maximum screw-in force than PULS_CON. The average number of pecking motions required to reach the working length by HEDG_ART was lower than that by HEDG_CON. The mean centering ratios of PULS_CON and HEDG_CON were - 0.04 and - 0.06, respectively, while those of PULS_ART, HEDG_ART, and WOGG_RCP were 0.09, 0.01, and 0.08, respectively. The ART mode reduced the screw-in force of PULS and enabled faster glide-path preparation with the HEDG file.

Osteolectin Promotes Odontoblastic Differentiation in Human Dental Pulp Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Osteolectin is a secreted glycoprotein of the C-type lectin domain superfamily, expressed in bone tissues and is reported as a novel osteogenic factor that promotes bone regeneration. However, the effect of osteolectin on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the odontoblastic differentiation of osteolectin in hDPCs and further attempt to reveal its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Cytotoxicity assays were used to detect the cytotoxicity of osteolectin. The odontoblastic differentiation of hDPCs and its underlying mechanisms were measured by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized spots formation, and the gene and protein expression of odontoblastic differentiation through ALP staining, Alizarin red S staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: WST-1 assay showed osteolectin at concentrations below 300 ng/ml was noncytotoxic and safe for hDPCs. The following experiment demonstrated that osteolectin could increase ALP activity, accelerate the mineralization process, and up-regulate the odontogenic differentiation markers in both gene and protein levels (P < .05). Osteolectin stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and Protein kinase B (AKT) in hDPCs. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AKT inhibitors decreased ALP activity and mineralization capacity and suppressed the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein-1. CONCLUSION: Osteolectin can promote odontoblastic differentiation of hDPCs, and the whole process may stimulate ERK, JNK, and AKT signaling pathways by increasing p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-AKT signals.

Surgical margin status in relation to surgical approach in the management of early-stage cervical Cancer: A Canadian cervical Cancer collaborative (4C) study.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical margin status in women undergoing surgery for early-stage cervical cancer is an important prognostic factor. We sought to determine whether close (<3 mm) and positive surgical margins are associated with surgical approach and survival. METHODS: This is a national retrospective cohort study of cervical cancer patients treated with radical hysterectomy. Patients with stage IA1/LVSI-Ib2(FIGO 2018) with lesions up to 4 cm at 11 Canadian institutions from 2007 to 2019 were included. Surgical approach included robotic/laparoscopic (LRH), abdominal (ARH) or combined laparoscopic-assisted vaginal/vaginal (LVRH) radical hysterectomy. Recurrence free survival(RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Chi-square and log-rank tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS: 956 patients met inclusion criteria. Surgical margins were as follows: negative (87.0%), positive (0.4%) or close <3 mm (6.8%), missing (5.8%). Most patients had squamous histology (46.9%); 34.6% had adenocarcinomas and 11.3% adenosquamous. Most were stage IB (75.1%) and 24.9% were IA. Mode of surgery included: LRH(51.8%), ARH (39.2%), LVRH (8.9%). Predictive factors for close/positive margins included stage, tumour diameter, vaginal involvement and parametrial extension. Surgical approach was not associated with margin status (p = 0.27). Close/positive margins were associated with a higher risk of death on univariate analysis (HR = non calculable for positive and HR = 1.83 for close margins, p = 0.017), but not significant for OS when adjusted for stage, histology, surgical approach and adjuvant treatment. There were 7 recurrences in patients with close margins (10.3%, p = 0.25). 71.5% with positive/close margins received adjuvant treatment. In addition, MIS was associated with a higher risk of death (OR = 2.39, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Surgical approach was not associated to close or positive margins. Close surgical margins were associated with a higher risk of death. MIS was associated with worse survival, suggesting that margin status may not be the driver of worse survival in these cases.

Graphene-Encapsulated Bifunctional Catalysts with High Activity and Durability for Zn-Air Battery.

Carbon-based electrocatalysts with both high activity and high stability are desirable for use in Zn-air batteries. However, the carbon corrosion reaction (CCR) is a critical obstacle in rechargeable Zn-air batteries. In this study, a cost-effective carbon-based novel material is reported with a high catalytic effect and good durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), prepared via a simple graphitization process. In situ growth of graphene is utilized in a 3D-metal-coordinated hydrogel by introducing a catalytic lattice of transition metal alloys. Due to the direct growth of few-layer graphene on the metal alloy decorated 3d-carbon network, greatly reduced CCR is observed in a repetitive OER test. As a result, an efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic performance is achieved with a low ΔE value of 0.63 V and good electrochemical durability for 83 h at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in an alkaline media. Moreover, graphene-encapsulated transition metal alloys on the nitrogen-doped carbon supporter exhibit an excellent catalytic effect and good durability in a Zn-air battery system. This study suggests a straightforward way to overcome the CCR of carbon-based materials for an electrochemical catalyst with wide application in energy conversion and energy storage devices.

A randomized clinical trial for comparing the efficacy of desensitizing toothpastes on the relief of dentin hypersensitivity.

The 4-week double-blind clinical trial to manage dentin hypersensitivity (DH) using different desensitizing toothpastes was conducted. 53 participants with DH were enrolled in this trial. The participants were randomized into 3 groups: Group N; no active ingredient-containing toothpaste (Pleasia fluoride-free), Group SC; a toothpaste containing strontium chloride (Sensodyne Original), and Group TP; a toothpaste containing tricalcium phosphate (Vussen S). They were instructed to brush their teeth manually for 3 min, 3 times per day for 4 weeks with the allocated toothpastes, and were assessed at baseline (0), 2, and 4 weeks, respectively. Schiff sensitivity score was recorded to 3 different stimuli (air-blast, cold, and acid) at each assessment. Overall DH was also assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The longer participants used the toothpastes, the greater reduction in DH in all groups to the three stimuli. Group TP demonstrated significant reduction of DH compared to group N for air-blast and cold stimuli. Group TP showed significantly lower VAS than group N and SC. Tricalcium phosphate containing toothpaste used in this trial was most useful to reduce DH. It can be one of the treatment options that alleviate DH.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer: The new norm - A multicentre, international experience.

OBJECTIVES: The landscape of early-stage endometrial cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the last decade. The aim of this study is to provide a real-world view of the impact sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has had on both clinical practice and patient outcomes. We describe detection and recurrence rates, as well as our experience in managing low volume lymph node disease. METHODS: We conducted an international, multicenter retrospective cohort study of 1012 patients with apparent early-stage endometrial cancer. Eligible patients underwent primary surgical staging and SLN biopsy in one of three large academic tertiary cancer centers in Canada or the Republic of Korea between 2015 and 2019. Demographic, surgical, clinicopathologic and recurrence data were collected through chart review. RESULTS: A total of 1012 patients were included. Overall SLN detection rate for all tracer types was 94.1% and recurrence rate was 5.3%. Higher FIGO stage (III vs. I/II) was associated with failed bilateral mapping (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.14-4.52). We identified seven patients with micrometastases and 12 with isolated tumor cells, of which only one patient with micrometastases recurred at 17 months. Recurrence rates based on risk groups were 2.1%, 5.3%, 8.1%, and 9.9% for low, intermediate, high-intermediate, and high risk, respectively. CONCLUSION: SLN biopsy is safe and feasible. Detection rates are high, regardless of which tracer type is used and recurrence rates are low, especially in low and intermediate risk disease. Patients with low volume metastases appear to have low risk of recurrence, but replication of our findings by large prospective studies are needed to elucidate their clinical importance.

Oncologic Outcomes of Surgically Treated Cervical Cancer with No Residual Disease on Hysterectomy Specimen: A 4C (Canadian Cervical Cancer Collaborative) Working Group Study.

Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of macroscopic cervical cancer leads to worse oncologic outcomes than with open surgery. Preoperative conization may mitigate the risk of surgical approach. Our objective was to describe the oncologic outcomes in cases of cervical cancer initially treated with conization, and subsequently found to have no residual cervical cancer after hysterectomy performed via open and minimally invasive approaches. This was a retrospective cohort study of surgically treated cervical cancer at 11 Canadian institutions from 2007 to 2017. Cases initially treated with cervical conization and subsequent hysterectomy, with no residual disease on hysterectomy specimen were included. They were subdivided according to minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic (MIS) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal/vaginal hysterectomy (LVH)), or abdominal (AH). Recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Chi-square and log-rank tests were used to compare between cohorts. Within the total cohort, 238/1696 (14%) had no residual disease on hysterectomy specimen (122 MIS, 103 AH, and 13 VLH). The majority of cases in the cohort were FIGO 2018 stage IB1 (43.7%) and underwent a radical hysterectomy (81.9%). There was no statistical difference between stage, histology, and radical vs simple hysterectomy between the abdominal and minimally invasive groups. There were no significant differences in RFS (5-year: MIS/LVH 97.7%, AH 95.8%, p = 0.23) or OS (5-year: MIS/VLH 98.9%, AH 97.4%, p = 0.10), although event-rates were low. There were only two recurrences. In this large study including only patients with no residual cervical cancer on hysterectomy specimen, no significant differences in survival were seen by surgical approach. This may be due to the small number of events or due to no actual difference between the groups. Further studies are warranted.

Boosting Charge Transfer Efficiency by Nanofragment MXene for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting of NiFe(OH)x Co-Catalyzed Hematite.

The use of oxygen evolution co-catalysts (OECs) with hematite photoanodes has received much attention because of the potential to reduce surface charge recombination. However, the low surface charge transfer and bulk charge separation rate of hematite are not improved by decorating with OECs, and the intrinsic drawbacks of hematite still limit efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Here, we successfully overcame the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction performance of hematite for water splitting by inserting zero-dimensional (0D) nanofragmented MXene (NFMX) as a hole transport material between the hematite and the OEC. The 0D NFMX was fabricated from two-dimensional (2D) MXene sheets and deposited onto the surface of a three-dimensional (3D) hematite photoanode via a centrifuge-assisted method without altering the inherent performance of the 2D MXene sheets. Among many OECs, NiFe(OH)x was selected as the OEC to improve hematite PEC performance in our system because of its efficient charge transport behavior and high stability. Because of the great synergy between NFMX and NiFe(OH)x, NiFe(OH)x/NFMX/Fe2O3 achieved a maximum photocurrent density of 3.09 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is 2.78-fold higher than that of α-Fe2O3 (1.11 mA cm-2). Furthermore, the poor stability of MXene in an aqueous solution for water splitting was resolved by uniformly coating it with NiFe(OH)x, after which it showed outstanding stability for 60 h at 1.23 VRHE. This study demonstrates the successful use of NFMX as a hole transport material combined with an OEC for highly efficient water splitting.

Evaluation of design, mechanical properties, and torque/force generation of heat-treated NiTi glide path instruments.

BACKGROUND: Recently, various kinds of heat-treated nickel-titanium (NiTi) glide path instruments have been manufactured. This study aimed to investigate design, phase transformation behavior, mechanical properties of TruNatomy Glider (#17/02), V Taper 2H (#14/03), and HyFlex EDM (#15/03) and compare torque/force generated during simulated glide path preparation with them. METHODS: The designs and phase-transformation behaviors of the instruments were examined via scanning electron microscopy (n = 3) and differential scanning calorimetry (n = 2). Their bending (n = 15), torsional (n = 15), and cyclic fatigue resistances (n = 15) were tested. The ultimate strength and distortion angle were obtained from torsional resistance test. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated from cyclic fatigue resistance test. The preparation of the glide path was simulated using a double-curved artificial canal (n = 15), and the maximum torque and screw-in forces were measured. Data except NCF was compared between brands with one-way ANOVA with Tukey's honestly significant difference test. NCF was analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: TruNatomy Glider had the greatest number of threads. TruNatomy Glider showed progressive taper, while V Taper 2H and HyFlex EDM had constant taper. The austenitic transformation-finish temperatures of all the instruments were above body temperature. V Taper 2H demonstrated significantly lower ultimate strength, higher distortion angle, and a higher number of cycles to failure compared with HyFlex EDM and TruNatomy Glider (p < 0.05). The maximum torque generated during preparing glide path was lowest for V Taper 2H, and the maximum screw-in force was lowest for HyFlex EDM (p < 0.05). TruNatomy Glider generated the highest torque and screw-in force during the apical preparation. CONCLUSIONS: V Taper 2H #14/03 showed superior cyclic fatigue resistance and lower ultimate strength. TruNatomy Glider generated greater clockwise torque and screw-in force during apical preparation. The mechanical properties, torque, and screw-force was affected by design of heat-treated glide path instruments. Cervical pre-flaring prior to glide path instrument is recommended.

Uterine Sarcoma With FGFR1-TACC1 Gene Fusion: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

With the growing availability of RNA sequencing technology in the pathology laboratory, new gene fusion-associated malignancies are increasingly being characterized. In this article, we describe the second ever reported case of a uterine sarcoma harboring a FGFR1-TACC1 gene fusion. The patient, a 53-yr-old perimenopausal woman, was found to have a 6 cm mass spanning the lower uterine segment and endocervix. Histologically, this was a spindle cell neoplasm with coagulative necrosis, moderate cytologic atypia, and increased mitotic activity. By immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells coexpressed CD34 and S100, and lacked smooth muscle marker expression. RNA sequencing revealed the presence of a FGFR1-TACC1 gene fusion. This report provides further evidence to suggest that FGFR1-TACC1 may be a recurrent fusion in a subset of uterine sarcomas. RNA sequencing using a panel that includes FGFR-TACC family fusions should be considered for uterine sarcomas that do not fit conventional diagnostic criteria, particularly as tumors with these fusions may be amenable to targeted therapy.

Bi-functional 3D-NiCu-Double Hydroxide@Partially Etched 3D-NiCu Catalysts for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Detection and the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Hydrogen production, which is in the spotlight as a promising eco-friendly fuel, and the need for inexpensive and accurate electronic devices in the biochemistry field are important emerging technologies. However, the use of electrocatalytic devices based on expensive noble metal catalysts limits commercial applications. In recent years, to improve performance and reduce cost, electrocatalysts based on cheaper copper or nickel materials have been investigated for the non-enzymatic glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we demonstrate a facile and easy electrochemical method of forming a cheap nickel copper double hydroxide (NiCu-DH) electrocatalyst deposited onto a three-dimensional (3D) CuNi current collector, which can effectively handle two different reactions due to its high activity for both the GOR and the HER. The as-prepared electrode has a structure comprising abundant 3D-interconnected porous dendritic walls for easy access of the electrolyte ions and highly conductive networks for fast electron transfer; additionally, it provides numerous electroactive sites. The synergistic combination of the dendritic 3D-CuNi with its abundant active sites and the self-made NiCu-DH with its excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of glucose and HER enables use of the catalyst for both reactions. The as-prepared electrode as a glucose sensor exhibits an outstanding glucose detection limit value (0.4 µM) and a wide detection range (from 0.4 µM to 1.4 mM) with an excellent sensitivity of 1452.5 µA/cm2/mM. The electrode is independent of the oxygen content and free from chloride poisoning. Furthermore, the as-prepared electrode also requires a low overpotential of -180 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode to yield a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with a Tafel slope of 73 mV/dec for the HER. Based on this performance, this work introduces a new paradigm for exploring cost-effective bi-functional catalysts for the GOR and HER.

Comparison of outcomes between abdominal, minimally invasive and combined vaginal-laparoscopic hysterectomy in patients with stage IAI/IA2 cervical cancer: 4C (Canadian Cervical Cancer Collaborative) study.

OBJECTIVE: Although minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIS-H) has been associated with worse survival compared to abdominal hysterectomy (AH) for cervical cancer, only 8% of patients in the LACC trial had microinvasive disease (Stage IA1/IA2). We sought to determine differences in outcome among patients undergoing MIS-H, AH or combined vaginal-laparoscopic hysterectomy (CVLH) for microinvasive cervical cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing hysterectomy (radical and non radical) for FIGO 2018, microinvasive cervical cancer across 10 Canadian centers between 2007 and 2019 was performed. Recurrence free survival (RFS) was estimated using Kaplan Meier Survival analysis. Chi-square and log-rank tests were used to compare outcomes. RESULTS: 423 patients with microinvasive cervical cancer were included; 259 (61.2%) Stage IA1 (22/8.5% with LVSI) and 164(38.8%) IA2. The median age was 44 years (range 24-81). The most frequent histology was squamous (59.4%). Surgical approach was: 50.1% MIS-H (robotic or laparoscopic), 35.0% AH and 14.9% CVLH. Overall, 70.9% underwent radical hysterectomy and 76.5% had pelvic lymph node assessment. There were 16 recurrences (MIS-H:4, AH:9, CVLH: 3). No significant difference in 5-year RFS was found (96.7% MIS-H, 93.7% AH, 90.0% CVLH, p = 0.34). In a sub-analysis of patients with IA1 LVSI+/IA2(n = 186), survival results were similar. Further, there was no significant difference in peri-operative complications (p = 0.19). Patients undergoing MIS-H had a shorter median length of stay(0 days vs 3 (AH) vs. 1.5 (CVLH), p < 0.001), but had more ER visits (16.0% vs 3.6% (AH), 3.5% (CVLH), p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, including only patients with microinvasive cervical cancer, no difference in recurrence was found by surgical approach. This may be due to the low rate of recurrence making differences hard to detect or due to a true lack of difference. Hence, this patient population may benefit from MIS without compromising oncologic outcomes.

Effect of Dentin Desensitizer Containing Novel Bioactive Glass on the Permeability of Dentin.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of novel bioactive glass (BAG)-containing desensitizers on the permeability of dentin. Experimental dentin desensitizers containing 3 wt% BAG with or without acidic functional monomers (10-MDP or 4-META) were prepared. A commercial desensitizer, Seal & Protect (SNP), was used as a control. To evaluate the permeability of dentin, real-time dentinal fluid flow (DFF) rates were measured at four different time points (demineralized, immediately after desensitizer application, after two weeks in simulated body fluid (SBF), and post-ultrasonication). The DFF reduction rate (ΔDFF) was also calculated. The surface changes were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Raman spectroscopy was performed to analyze chemical changes on the dentin surface. The ΔDFF of the desensitizers containing BAG, BAG with 10-MDP, and BAG with 4-META significantly increased after two weeks of SBF storage and post-ultrasonication compared to the SNP at each time point (p < 0.05). Multiple precipitates were observed on the surfaces of the three BAG-containing desensitizers. Raman spectroscopy revealed hydroxyapatite (HAp) peaks on the dentin surfaces treated with the three BAG-containing desensitizers. Novel BAG-containing dentin desensitizers can reduce the DFF rate about 70.84 to 77.09% in the aspect of reduction of DFF through the HAp precipitations after two weeks of SBF storage.

Critical Void Dimension of Carbon Frameworks to Accommodate Insoluble Products of Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

High-energy density lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) seriously suffer from poor rate capability and cyclability due to the slow oxygen-related electrochemistry and uncontrollable formation of lithium peroxide (Li2O2) as an insoluble discharge product. In this work, we accommodated the discharge product in macro-scale voids of a carbon-framed architecture with meso-dimensional channels on the carbon frame and open holes connecting the neighboring voids. More importantly, we found that a specific dimension of the voids guaranteed high capacity and cycling durability of LOBs. The best LOB performances were achieved by employing the carbon-framed architecture having voids of 0.8 µm size as the cathode of the LOB when compared with the cathodes having voids of 0.3 and 1.4 µm size. The optimized void size of 0.8 µm allowed only a monolithic integrity of lithium peroxide deposit within a void during discharging. The deposit was grown to be a yarn ball-looking sphere exactly fitting the shape and size of the void. The good electric contact allowed the discharge product to be completely decomposed during charging. On the other hand, the void space was not fully utilized due to the mass transfer pathway blockage at the sub-optimized 0.3 µm and the formation of multiple deposit integrities within a void at the sur-optimized 1.4 µm. Consequently, the critical void dimension at 0.8 µm was superior to other dimensions in terms of the void space utilization efficiency and the lithium peroxide decomposition efficiency, disallowing empty space and side reactions during discharging.

Highly Stable Germanium Microparticle Anodes with a Hybrid Conductive Shell for High Volumetric and Fast Lithium Storage.

The ability to realize a highly capacitive/conductive electrode is an essential factor in large-scale devices, requiring a high-power/energy density system. Germanium is a feasible candidate as an anode material of lithium-ion batteries to meet the demands. However, the application is constrained due to low charge conductivity and large volume change on cycles. Here, we design a hybrid conductive shell of multi-component titanium oxide on a germanium microstructure. The shell enables facile hybrid ionic/electronic conductivity for swift charge mobility in the germanium anode, revealed through computational calculation and consecutive measurement of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Furthermore, a well-constructed electrode features a high initial Coulombic efficiency (90.6%) and stable cycle life for 800 cycles (capacity retention of 90.4%) for a fast-charging system. The stress-resilient properties of dense microparticle facilitate to alleviate structural failure toward high volumetric (up to 1737 W h L-1) and power density (767 W h L-1 at 7280 W L-1) of full cells, paired with highly loaded NCM811 in practical application.

Sn-Controlled Co-Doped Hematite for Efficient Solar-Assisted Chargeable Zn-Air Batteries.

The photoelectrochemical performance of a co-doped hematite photoanode might be hindered due to the unintentionally diffused Sn from a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate during the high-temperature annealing process by providing an increased number of recombination centers and structural disorder. We employed a two-step annealing process to manipulate the Sn concentration in co-doped hematite. The Sn content [Sn/(Sn + Fe)] of a two-step annealing sample decreased to 1.8 from 6.9% of a one-step annealing sample. Si and Sn co-doped hematite with the reduced Sn content exhibited less structural disorder and improved charge transport ability to achieve a 3.0 mA cm-2 photocurrent density at 1.23 VRHE, which was 1.3-fold higher than that of the reference Si and Sn co-doped Fe2O3 (2.3 mA cm-2). By decorating with the efficient co-catalyst NiFe(OH)x, a maximum photocurrent density of 3.57 mA cm-2 was achieved. We further confirmed that the high charging potential and poor cyclability of the zinc-air battery could be dramatically improved by assembling the optimized, stable, and low-cost hematite photocatalyst with excellent OER performance as a substitute for expensive Ir/C in the solar-assisted chargeable battery. This study demonstrates the significance of manipulating the unintentionally diffused Sn content diffused from FTO to maximize the OER performance of the co-doped hematite.

Effect of bioactive glass addition on the physical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate.

BACKGROUND: The addition of bioactive glass (BG), a highly bioactive material with remineralization potential, might improve the drawback of weakening property of mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) when it encounters with body fluid. This study aims to evaluate the effect of BG addition on physical properties of MTA. METHODS: ProRoot (MTA), and MTA with various concentrations of BG (1, 2, 5 and 10% BG/MTA) were prepared. Simulated body fluid (SBF) was used to investigate the effect of the storage solution on dentin remineralization. Prepared specimens were examined as following; the push-out bond strength to dentin, compressive strength, setting time solubility and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. RESULTS: The 2% BG/MTA showed higher push-out bond strengths than control group after 7 days of SBF storage. The 2% BG/MTA exhibited the highest compressive strength. Setting times were reduced in the 1 and 2% BG/MTA groups, and solubility of all experimental groups were clinically acceptable. In all groups, precipitates were observed in dentinal tubules via SEM. XRD showed the increased hydroxyapatite peaks in the 2, 5 and 10% BG/MTA groups. CONCLUSION: It was verified that the BG-added MTA increased dentin push-out bond strength and compressive strength under SBF storage. The addition of BG did not negatively affect the MTA maturation reaction; it increased the amount of hydroxyapatite during SBF maturation.

Effect of Novel Bioactive Glass-Containing Dentin Adhesive on the Permeability of Demineralized Dentin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel bioactive glass (BAG)-containing dentin adhesive on the permeability of demineralized dentin. Bioactive glass (85% SiO2, 15% CaO) was fabricated using the sol-gel process, and two experimental dentin adhesives were prepared with 3 wt% silica (silica-containing dentin adhesive; SCA) or BAG (BAG-containing dentin adhesive; BCA). Micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) test, fracture mode analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis of adhesive and demineralized dentin, real-time dentinal fluid flow (DFF) rate measurement, and Raman confocal microscopy were performed to compare SCA and BCA. There was no difference in µTBS between the SCA and BCA (p > 0.05). Multiple precipitates were evident on the surface of the BCA, and partial occlusion of dentinal tubules was observed in FE-SEM of BCA-approximated dentin. The DFF rate was reduced by 50.10% after BCA approximation and increased by 6.54% after SCA approximation. Raman confocal spectroscopy revealed an increased intensity of the hydroxyapatite (HA) peak on the dentin surface after BCA application. The novel BAG-containing dentin adhesive showed the potential of both reducing dentin permeability and dentin remineralization.