Ultra-Fast-Charging, Long-Duration, and Wide-Temperature-Range Sodium Storage Enabled by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Hybridized Biphasic Polyanion-Type Phosphate Cathode Materials.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) represent a promising energy storage technology with great safety. Because of their high operating potential, superior structural stability, and prominent thermal stability, polyanion-type phosphates have garnered significant interest in superior prospective cathode materials for SIBs. Nevertheless, the disadvantages of poor intrinsic electronic conductivity, sluggish kinetics, and volume variation during sodiation/desodiation remain great challenges for satisfactory rate performance and cycle stability, which severely hinder their further practical applications. In this work, by adjusting the amounts of pretreated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) added intentionally at the beginning of the preparation, biphasic polyanion-type phosphate materials (marked as NFC) are synthesized through a one-pot solid state reaction methodology, which are composed of CNT-interwoven Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) and a small amount of Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP). Benefiting from the improved electronic conductivity and unique composition and structure, the optimized sample (labeled as NFC-2) illustrates exceptional cycle stability and remarkable rate performance. The discharge capacities of the NFC-2 electrode are 114.8 and 78.6 mAh g-1 tested at 20 and 5000 mA g-1, respectively. Notably, such an electrode still gives out 75.7% capacity retention upon 10 000 cycles at 5000 mA g-1. In situ X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the NFC-2 cathode has outstanding structural reversibility during charge/discharge cycles. More importantly, such a biphasic material has achieved impressive electrochemical performance within a wide operating temperature range of -20-50 °C. When temperature is decreased to -20 °C, the NFC-2 electrode still delivers an initial discharge capacity of 102.4 mAh g-1 and exhibits a remarkable capacity retention of 97.8% even after 500 cycles at 50 mA g-1. In addition, the sodium-ion full cell assembled by integrating NFC-2 cathode and hard carbon anode shows a satisfying energy density of 431.3 Wh kg-1 at 20 mA g-1 with a better long-term cycle performance. The synergistic effect among high energy NVPF, conductive CNT, and stable NVP may lead to the great improvement in the electrochemical sodium storage performance of the NFC-2 sample. Such biphasic polyanion-type phosphate materials will inject new ideas into the material design for SIBs with excellent electrochemical performance and further promote practical applications of this advanced energy storage technology.

Temperature-Dependent Biology and Population Performances of the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on Artificial Diet.

At different observation intervals of 1, 5, and 10 days during a trial period of 30 days, the mortality rates of Hypothenemus hampei were 100, 95, and 55%, and the fecundity rates were 0.55, 8.45, and 19.35 eggs/female, respectively. At temperatures of 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C, the development time of the immature stage of H. hampei was significantly shortened with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the lower developmental threshold (T0) and thermal summation (K) of the immature stage were 8.91 °C and 485.44 degree-days, respectively. The greatest longevity of female and male adults reached 115.77 and 26.50 days, respectively, at 18 °C. The highest fecundity was 29.00 eggs/female at 24 °C. The population parameters of H. hampei were analyzed on the basis of the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. According to the data, the parameters were significantly affected by temperature. The highest net reproductive rate (R0) was 13.32 eggs/individual at 24 °C. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were calculated as 0.0401 and 1.0409 day-1, respectively, at a temperature of 27 °C. The shortest mean generation time (T) was 51.34 days at 27 °C. Overall, we provide a discussion on comprehensive biological information regarding H. hampei, thus providing basic knowledge for further research on this pest.

Adenomyoma of the distal common bile duct demonstrated by endoscopic ultrasound: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Adenomyomatous hyperplasia of the distal common bile duct (CBD) is very rare, with only scarce case reports in the literature. Diagnosis is usually based on imaging findings, and endoscopic biopsy is very difficult before operation. It is believed that adenomyomatous hyperplasia has little or no risk of malignant transformation. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old woman with abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant was referred to our hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography in the emergency ward revealed acute cholecystitis and dilated CBD. Laboratory findings showed elevated levels of transaminases, phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase. Pharmaceutical treatment for 3 d did not relieve the symptoms. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and computed tomography (CT) showed proximal bile duct dilatation but could not identify the cause. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) demonstrated a mixed echogenic mass in the distal CBD. During surgery, a firm mass was found in the distal CBD and the Whipple procedure was performed with the initial concern of malignancy. Histology showed diffuse adenomyomatous hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: EUS may be a useful choice to diagnose adenomyoma of the distal CBD before operation, especially in patients with ambiguous MRCP/CT findings.

Breaking the reduced glutathione-activated antioxidant defence for enhanced photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been applied in cancer treatment by utilizing reactive oxygen species (ROSs) to kill cancer cells. However, a high concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) is present in cancer cells and can consume ROSs and sharply reduce the PDT activity. To address this problem, herein, we synthesized a thymine modified Zn phthalocyanine (ZnPc, a monomer and an active form for PDT) and prepared its nanoparticle form (an aggregator and an inactive form) with Hg2+ providing the driving force for the "thymine-Hg2+-thymine" interaction. The nanoparticles could remain in the inactive form during the delivery process in blood. Once endocytosed by cancer cells, the nanoparticles are disintegrated, and deprived of Hg2+ by intracellular GSH, which decreases the level of GSH. Simultaneously, the activity of the released monomer ZnPc is recovered and high PDT activity is observed.

Totally laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery: A minimally invasive and favorable approach for cholelithiasis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving surgery (L-GPS) for cholelithiasis and the feasibility and value of totally laparoscopic GPS (TL-GPS). A total of 517 patients underwent L-GPS, including 365 cases of laparoscopy-assisted GPS (LA-GPS), 143 cases of TL-GPS (preservation rate, 98.3%) and nine conversions to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The surgeries were all performed by one medical team and the mean operating time was 72 min. All macroscopic calculi were removed through endoscopy. The number of calculi observed in the patients was between one and several dozen; diameters ranged between 0.1 and 2.5 cm. Only three cases of incisional infection were noted in the LA-GPS group and long-term follow-up showed a low recurrence rate of 1.2%. L-GPS is, therefore, an excellent approach to cure cholelithiasis and TL-GPS is a feasible and effective option that could avoid incisional complications.

Arginine-assisted synthesis and catalytic properties of single-crystalline palladium tetrapods.

Noble metallic nanocrystals (NMNCs) with highly branched morphologies are an exciting new class of nanomaterials because of their great potential application in catalysis, sensing, optics, and electronics originating from their unique structures. Herein, we report a facile water-based method to synthesize high-quality palladium (Pd) tetrapods with the assistance of arginine molecule, which is more economical and environmentally friendly than the previous reported carbon monoxide (CO)-assisted synthesis in the organic system. During the synthesis, arginine molecule plays an essential role in controlling the tetrapod-like morphology. The as-synthesized Pd tetrapods have a potential application in the formic acid (HCOOH)-induced reduction of highly toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) owing to their improved catalytic performance for the HCOOH decomposition.

Disturbance of autophagy-lysosome signaling molecule expression in human gastric adenocarcinoma.

Autophagy is classified as type II programmed cell death and may participate in tumorigenesis. However, changes in autophagy-lysosome signaling and the relationship between the apoptotic cascade and gastric cancer cells have not been fully elucidated. The present study investigated the induction of autophagy in poorly differentiated human gastric adenocarcinoma. Immunoblotting revealed markedly induced autophagy in low grade differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, indicated by elevation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-I/II conversion and Beclin 1 in human gastric carcinomas. In addition, the diffuse (poorly differentiated) subtype showed significantly elevated Lamp2 and cathepsin B protein levels. Concomitantly, significant induction of anti-apoptotic events were indicated by changes in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein levels. Notably, confocal laser microscope data indicated co-expression of Bcl-2 and Beclin 1 in poorly differentiated human gastric adenocarcinoma. Results of this study indicate that the autophagy-lysosome signaling participates in poorly differentiated human gastric adenocarcinoma and there are intracellular links between autophagic signaling and the apoptotic cascade.

Growth inhibitory effect of KYKZL-1 on Hep G2 cells via inhibition of AA metabolites and caspase-3 pathway and cell cycle arrest.

KYKZL-1, a newly synthesized compound with COX/5-LOX dual inhibition, was subjected to the inhibitory activity test on Hep G2 growth. We found that KYKZL-1 inhibited the growth of Hep G2 cells via inducing apoptosis. Further studies showed that KYKZL-1 activated caspase-3 through cytochrome c release from mitochondria and down regulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduced the high level of COX-2 and 5-LOX. As shown in its anti-inflammatory effect, KYKZL-1 also exhibited inhibitory effect on the PGE2 and LTB4 production in Hep G2 cells. Accordingly, exogenous addition of PGE2 or LTB4 reversed the decreases in cell viability. In addition, KYKZL-1 caused cell cycle arrest at the S-G2 checkpoint via the activation of p21(CIP1) protein and down-regulation of cyclin A expression. These data indicate that the growth inhibitory effect of KYKZL-1 is associated with inhibition of AA metabolites and caspase-3 pathway and cell cycle arrest. Combined with our previous findings, KYKZL-1 exhibiting COX/5-LOX inhibition may be a promising potential agent not only for inflammation control but also for cancer prevention/therapy with an enhanced gastric safety profile.

Inhibition of inflammatory mediators contributes to the anti-inflammatory activity of KYKZL-1 via MAPK and NF-κB pathway.

KYKZL-1, a newly synthesized compound with COX/5-LOX dual inhibition, was subjected to the anti-inflammatory activity test focusing on its modulation of inflammatory mediators as well as intracellular MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. In acute ear edema model, pretreatment with KYKZL-1 (p.o.) dose-dependently inhibited the xylene-induced ear edema in mice with a higher inhibition than diclofenac. In a three-day TPA-induced inflammation, KYKZL-1 also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with inhibition ranging between 20% and 64%. In gastric lesion test, KYKZL-1 elicited markedly fewer stomach lesions with a low index of ulcer as compared to diclofenac in rats. In further studies, KYKZL-1 was found to significantly inhibit the production of NO, PGE2, LTB4 in LPS challenged RAW264.7, which is parallel to its attenuation of the expression of iNOS, COX-2, 5-LOX mRNAs or proteins and inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPKs and activation of NF-κB. Taken together, our data indicate that KYKZL-1 comprises dual inhibition of COX and 5-LOX and exerts an obvious anti-inflammatory activity with an enhanced gastric safety profile via simultaneous inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPKs and activation of NF-κB.

Inhibition of proliferation of estrogen receptor­positive MCF­7 human breast cancer cells by tamoxifen through c­Jun transcription factors.

Activator of protein 1 (AP-1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor composed of various members of the Jun and Fos families and binds to DNA at specific AP-1 binding sites. AP-1 transcriptional activity is increased by phosphorylation at serine residues in the c­Jun component of AP-1. In the present study, the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells was found to be suppressed by tamoxifen (TAM)-activated c-Jun through the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. The molecular mechanism by which c­Jun activation induces antiproliferative signals in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells remains unknown. TAM inhibited the proliferation of ER-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and ER-negative MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cells and 48 h incubation with 10 µM TAM led to inhibition of 80% of proliferation. In addition, no significant difference in c-Jun mRNA and protein levels was detected in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 cells stimulated by TAM for 48 h. TAM treatment of MCF-7 cells activated the transcriptional activity of AP-1, which responds specifically to phorbol ester. To determine the role of c-Jun in the antiproliferation of MCF-7 cells stimulated by TAM, the inhibition rates of MCF­7 cells were correlated with c­Jun expression and stimulation of TAM. Results showed that the inhibition rate of TAM-stimulated MCF-7 cells was positively regulated by overexpression of c-Jun and negatively regulated by underexpression of c-Jun. Overall, these results indicate that the TAM-stimulated antiproliferation of MCF-7 cells is positively regulated by c-Jun through activation of the PKC pathway.

Characterization and photodynamic activity of a new phthalocyanine nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of a hydrophobic photosensitizer, tetrakis (3-trifluoromethylphenoxy) zinc phthalocyanine (FPcZn) have been synthesized by using a simple reprecipitation technique. The resulting drug nanoparticles (FPcZn-NP) were spherical, highly monodispersed and stable in aqueous system, without an additional stabilizer. Comparative studies with FPcZn-NP and FPcZn indicated that after the formation of nanoparticles, FPcZn-NP maintained the efficiency of (1)O(2) generation. Further more, the in vitro studies demonstrated that such nanoparticles can be efficiently taken up by Hela cells, which might be resulted to cell death by light irradiation. These properties could make the FPcZn-NP to be a promising candidate in clinical photodynamic therapy.

A nanoencapsulated hypocrellin A prepared by an improved microemulsion method for photodynamic treatment.

A new hypocrellin A (HA) encapsulated silica nanoparticles was prepared by an improved microemulsion method based on the unique character of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Stable aqueous dispersions of the HA-loaded nanoparticles, with the diameter about 50 nm, owned superior photo-stability and singlet oxygen generation ability to free HA. In vitro studies demonstrated the active uptake of HA-doped nanoparticles into the cytosol of HeLa (human cervix epithelioid carcinoma) cells. Significant morphology change and phototoxicity to such impregnated tumor cells was observed upon irradiation with light. Thus, the potential of using this method to prepare silica nanoparticles as drug carriers for photodynamic therapy has been demonstrated.

Mitochondria-targeting photosensitizer-encapsulated amorphous nanocage as a bimodal reagent for drug delivery and biodiagnose in vitro.

The use of ceramic nano-carriers containing anti-cancer drugs for targeted delivery that span both fundamental and applied research has attracted the interest of the scientific community. In this paper, a hydrophobic photodynamic therapy drug, hypocrellin A (HA), was successfully encapsulated in water-soluble amorphous silica nanocage (HANC) by an improved sol-gel method. These nanocages are of ultrasmall size, highly monodispersed, stable in aqueous suspension, and retain the optical properties of HA. Moreover, these nanocages can be effectively delivered, subsequently taken up by cancer cells and finally targeted to mitochondria. In addition, incubation time dependent photodynamic efficacy difference between HANC and HA was investigated for the first time. Especially, the nanocages, owning extremely high stable fluorescence comparing with free HA, also have potentials as efficient probes for optical biodiagnose in vitro. All these properties of HANC could possibly make it especially promising to be used as a bimodal reagent for photodynamic therapy and biodiagnose.

A new sol-gel silica nanovehicle preparation for photodynamic therapy in vitro.

We report a facile silica nanovehicle preparation procedure for hydrophobic drug delivery, which is carried out in water without adding any surfactant and additional catalyst. This strategy includes hydrophobic drug nanopaticle preparation by reprecipitation method and in situ hydrolyzation and polymerization to encapsulate this naoparticle using only N-(beta-amimoethyl)-gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AETPS). To demonstrate this technique hypocrellin A (HA), a hydrophobic photosensitizing anticancer drug, is embedded into silica nanovehicle using this simple method. The resulting HA encapsulated nanovehicles (HANV) are monodisperse and stable in aqueous solution. Comparative studies with free HA and entrapped HA have demonstrated that the encapsulation effect on the embedded photosensitizer nanoparticle significantly enhances the efficacy of singlet oxygen generation and, thereby, the in vitro photodynamic efficacy.

[Study on the interaction between p-HPcZn and myoglobin].

The interaction of p-HPcZn and myoglobin was studied by fluorescence spectra and synchronous fluorescence spectra methods under the physiological condition. The p-HPcZn can quench the fluorescence of myoglobin effectively, and it is indicated that there is a strong interaction occurring between p-HPcZn and myoglobin. The results of the fluorescence spectra with changing temperature proved that the interaction can lead to the formation of complex of p-HPcZn with myoglobin, and quench the fluorescence of myoglobin through the static quenching mechanism. Dealing with the values of fluorescence spectra, the binding parameter and the binding site of the interaction can be obtained, whose values are 2.481 X 10(5) and 0.444 respectively. In addition, the interaction can change the conformation of myoglobin markedly also.

[Study on interaction between hypocrellin A and hemoglobin or myoglobin using synchronous fluorescence spectra].

The effects of hypocrellin A (HA) on the conformational changes of hemoglobin and myoglobin were studied using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that HA can change the conformation of these two proteins, leading to the change in the micro-environment of tryptophane and tyrosine residues from hydrophobic environment to hydrophilic environment to different extent.

[The expression of recombinant protein of human interleukin-24 and its anti-tumor mechanism].

The hIL24 cDNA sequence was cloned into prokaryotic high expressive vector pET-21a(+) and recombinant hIL24 was expressed in E. coli with IPTG induction. The purified recombinant hIL24 exhibits following functions in HeLa cell: inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis, inducing PMBC to secrete IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-r and inhibiting blood vessel formation. Our preliminary results suggest that the apoptosis induced by rhIL24 is through down-regulating expression of anti-apoptosis factor Bcl-2 and activation of mitochondria apoptosis pathway.