Ginsenoside Rg3, enriched in red ginseng extract, improves lipopolysaccharides-induced suppression of brown and beige adipose thermogenesis with mitochondrial activation.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) which is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, and its activity is inhibited by obesity and low-grade chronic inflammation. Ginsenoside Rg3, the primary constituent of Korean red ginseng (steamed Panax ginseng CA Meyer), has shown therapeutic potential in combating inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, it remains unclear whether Rg3 can protect against the suppression of browning or activation of BAT induced by inflammation. In this study, we conducted a screening of ginsenoside composition in red ginseng extract (RGE) and explored the anti-adipogenic effects of both RGE and Rg3. We observed that RGE (exist 0.25 mg/mL of Rg3) exhibited significant lipid-lowering effects in adipocytes during adipogenesis. Moreover, treatment with Rg3 (60 µM) led to the inhibition of triglyceride accumulation, subsequently promoting enhanced fatty acid oxidation, as evidenced by the conversion of radiolabeled 3H-fatty acids into 3H-H2O with mitochondrial activation. Rg3 alleviated the attenuation of browning in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated beige adipocytes and primary brown adipocytes by recovered by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and the oxygen consumption rate compared to the LPS-treated group. These protective effects of Rg3 on inflammation-induced inhibition of beige and BAT-derived thermogenesis were confirmed in vivo by treating with CL316,243 (a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist) and LPS to induce browning and inflammation, respectively. Consistent with the in vitro data, treatment with Rg3 (2.5 mg/kg, 8 weeks) effectively reversed the LPS-induced inhibition of brown adipocyte features in C57BL/6 mice. Our findings confirm that Rg3-rich foods are potential browning agents that counteract chronic inflammation and metabolic complications.

Mitigating Gas Evolution in Electron Beam-Induced Gel Polymer Electrolytes Through Bi-Functional Cross-Linkable Additives.

The current high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), reliant on flammable liquid electrolytes (LEs) and nickel-rich cathodes, are plagued by safety hazards, especially the risk of hazardous gas release stemming from internal side reactions. To address these safety concerns, an electron beam (E-beam)-induced gel polymer electrolyte (E-Gel) is introduced, employing dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPH) as a bi-functional cross-linkable additive (CIA). The dual roles of DPH are exploited through a strategically designed E-beam irradiation process. Applying E-beam irradiation on the pre-cycled cells allows DPH to function as an additive during the initial cycle, establishing a protective layer on the surface of the anode and cathode and as a cross-linker during the E-beam irradiation step, forming a polymer framework. The prepared E-Gel with CIA has superior interfacial compatibility, facilitating lithium-ion diffusion at the electrode/E-Gel interface. The electrochemical assessment of 1.2 Ah pouch cells demonstrates that E-Gel substantially reduces gas release by 2.5 times compared to commercial LEs during the initial formation stage and ensures superior reversible capacity retention even after prolonged cycling at 55 °C. The research underscores the synergy of bifunctional CIA with E-beam technology, paving the way for large-scale production of safe, high-capacity, and commercially viable LIBs.

Adverse childhood experiences, cognitive functioning, depression, and anxiety in adulthood.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict cognitive dysfunction, possibly through direct (e.g., brain structure/function changes) and indirect (e.g., increased psychopathology risk) pathways. However, extant studies have focused on young and older adults, with limited understanding of how ACEs affect cognitive health in midadulthood. OBJECTIVE: This study compared psychiatric and cognitive differences between adults at high- and low-risk of adverse health outcomes based on the ACE risk classification scheme. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Adult patients (N = 211; 46.9% female; Mage = 44.1, SD = 17.1; Meducation = 13.8, SD = 3.0) consecutively referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation within a large, Midwestern academic medical center. METHOD: Patients were divided into high and low ACE groups based on the number of ACEs endorsed. Subsequently, a series of one-way analyses of variances were conducted to compare high versus low ACE groups on the Test of Premorbid Functioning, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition Digit Span Test, Trail Making Test-Parts A and B, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores. RESULTS: Significant group differences were detected for anxiety and depression with the high ACE group endorsing significantly greater depression and anxiety symptoms relative to the low ACE group. High and low ACE groups did not significantly differ on any cognitive measures. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that an individual's psychological health, but not cognitive functioning, is impacted by the level of ACE exposure. Study findings highlight the importance of including ACE measures in neuropsychological evaluations, as it will aid in case conceptualization and tailoring treatment recommendations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Activation of ChAT+ neuron in dorsal motor vagus (DMV) increases blood glucose through the regulation of hepatic gene expression in mice.

The brain and peripheral organs communicate through hormones and neural connections. Proper communication is required to maintain normal whole-body energy homeostasis. In addition to endocrine system, from the perspective of neural connections for metabolic homeostasis, the role of the sympathetic nervous system has been extensively studied, but understanding of the parasympathetic nervous system is limited. The liver plays a central role in glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to clarify the innervation of parasympathetic nervous system in the liver and its functional roles in metabolic homeostasis. The liver-specific parasympathetic nervous system innervation (PNS) was shown by tissue clearing, immunofluorescence and transgenic mice at the three-dimensional histological level. The parasympathetic efferent signals were manipulated using a chemogenetic technique and the activation of ChAT+ parasympathetic neurons in dorsal motor vagus (DMV) results in the increased blood glucose through the elevated hepatic gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression in the liver. Thus, our study showed the evidence of ChAT+ parasympathetic neurons in the liver and its role for hepatic parasympathetic nervous signaling in glucose homeostasis through the regulation of hepatic gene expression.

Social Determinants of Health: Associations Between Dichotomous Versus Dimensional Scores, Neuropsychological Test Performance, and Psychiatric Symptoms.

This study examined the utility of dichotomous versus dimensional scores across two measures of social determinants of health (SDOH) regarding their associations with cognitive performance and psychiatric symptoms in a mixed clinical sample of 215 adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation (Mage = 43.91, 53.5% male, 44.2% non-Hispanic White). Both dimensional and dichotomous health literacy scores accounted for substantial variance in all cognitive outcomes assessed, whereas dimensional and dichotomous adverse childhood experience scores were significantly associated with psychiatric symptoms. Tests of differences between correlated correlations indicated that correlations with cognitive and psychiatric outcomes were not significantly different across dimensional versus dichotomous scores, suggesting that these operationalizations of SDOH roughly equivalently characterize risk of poorer cognitive performance and increased psychiatric symptoms. Results highlight the necessity of measuring multiple SDOH, as different SDOH appear to be differentially associated with cognitive performance versus psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, results suggest that clinicians can use cut-scores when characterizing patients' risk of poor cognitive or psychiatric outcomes based on SDOH.

Design of a Bioinspired Robust Three-Dimensional Cross-Linked Polymer Binder for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery Applications.

Si has the highest theoretical capacity (4200 mA h g-1) among conventional anode materials, such as graphite (372 mA h g-1), but its large volume expansion leads to deterioration of the battery performance. To overcome this problem (issue), we investigated the use of polysaccharide-based 3D cross-linked network binders for Si anodes, in which the polysaccharide formed an effective 3D cross-linked network around Si particles via cross-linking of polysaccharide with citric acid (CA). Sodium alginate (SA), a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, is a suitable binder material for Si anodes because its abundant hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups form hydrogen and covalent bonds with the -OH groups present on the Si surface. We found that CA-cross-linked (CA-SA) could effectively prevent the volume expansion of Si anodes through the formation of 3D cross-linked network structures. In addition, the CA-SA binders provide enhanced adhesion strength, enabling the fabrication of more robust electrodes than those prepared using binders with linear structures ("linear binders"). In particular, the fabricated Si-based electrode (high mass loading of 1.5 mg cm-2) with CA-SA binder exhibited outstanding areal capacity (∼2.7 mA h cm-2) and excellent cycle retention (∼100% after 100 cycles).

Immunostimulatory effects of marine algae extracts on in vitro antigen-presenting cell activation and in vivo immune cell recruitment.

Marine algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that are widely used as sources of food, cosmetics, and drugs. However, their biological and immunological effects on immune cells have not been fully elucidated. To unravel their immunological activity and broaden their application, we generated antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, from mouse bone marrow cells and treated them with six different marine algae extracts (MAEs). We evaluated cell viability, activation marker expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by APCs after 2 days of MAE treatment. All six MAEs significantly induced cytokine production of APCs, among which Pyropia yezoensis (PY), Peyssonnelia caulifera (PC), and Meristotheca papulosa (MP) extracts exhibited the strongest effect. Cladophora wrightiana var. minor (CW) extract moderately upregulated cytokine levels but increased the expression of activation markers on DCs. Moreover, PY, PC, MP, Sargassum pectinifera (SP), and Caulerpa okamurae (CO) pre-treated APCs effectively stimulated T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Furthermore, the mice injected with MAEs exhibited higher cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) production as well as enhanced innate immune cell recruitment capacities (DCs, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells) in the peritoneal cavity of the mice compared to those of the non-treated mice. Therefore, all MAEs exhibited immunostimulatory potential, with PY, PC, CW, and MP extracts being the most effective in stimulating immune responses and cell activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the immunomodulatory activities of six MAEs both in vitro and in vivo.

Hierarchical 3D Electrode Design with High Mass Loading Enabling High-Energy-Density Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Flexible lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted significant attention owing to their ever-increasing use in flexible and wearable electronic devices. However, the practical application of flexible LIBs in devices has been plagued by the challenge of simultaneously achieving high energy density and high flexibility. Herein, a hierarchical 3D electrode (H3DE) is introduced with high mass loading that can construct highly flexible LIBs with ultrahigh energy density. The H3DE features a bicontinuous structure and the active materials along with conductive agents are uniformly distributed on the 3D framework regardless of the active material type. The bicontinuous electrode/electrolyte integration enables a rapid ion/electron transport, thereby improving the redox kinetics and lowering the internal cell resistance. Moreover, the H3DE exhibits exceptional structural integrity and flexibility during repeated mechanical deformations. Benefiting from the remarkable physicochemical properties, pouch-type flexible LIBs using H3DE demonstrate stable cycling under various bending states, achieving a record-high energy density (438.6 Wh kg-1 and 20.4 mWh cm-2 ), and areal capacity (5.6 mAh cm-2 ), outperforming all previously reported flexible LIBs. This study provides a feasible solution for the preparation of high-energy-density flexible LIBs for various energy storage devices.

Off-Label Use of Crisdesalazine (GedaCure) in Meningoencephalitis in Two Dogs.

An 8-year-old, castrated male Shih-tzu dog (Case 1) showing ataxia and gait disorder was referred for neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Through comprehensive examinations, the patient was tentatively diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) and treatment with prednisolone and cytosine arabinoside was started. The symptoms were improving with immunosuppressive treatment. However, severe bacterial cystitis occurred and we could not avoid tapering off prednisolone. Then, neurological signs recurred. Therefore, we added crisdesalazine, which allowed us to reduce the daily dosage of immunosuppressants easily. In another case, a 4-year-old, spayed female Yorkshire terrier dog (Case 2) was referred to our hospital showing a head tilt, circling, and loss of the menace reflex. The patient was tentatively diagnosed with MUO and treatment with some immunosuppressants was attempted. The clinical symptoms improved, but the alleviation was inadequate. Thus, we added crisdesalazine. The neurological signs then markedly improved. Moreover, the drugs could be tapered off more easily than before. Crisdesalazine is a novel drug that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in brain disease and is used particularly for dementia. In this paper, we tried an off-label use of this drug in canine MUO patients, and found that it had, in these two patients, additional therapeutic effects on the MUO.

Primary pyomyositis and uveitis in a cat.

A 6-year-old neutered male Siamese cat was referred for investigation of hindlimb ataxia and blindness of 2 weeks' duration. A swollen right hind limb, with no history of trauma, and no evidence of an external wound, was observed on physical examination. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral absence of the menace response and changes consistent with uveitis. Blood tests identified changes consistent with inflammation including serum amyloid A elevation. Infectious disease testing was negative. Degenerate neutrophils and bacterial cocci were detected on fine needle aspiration cytology of the affected limb. Thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography identified no abnormalities. Primary pyomyositis was suspected and clindamycin was prescribed following Penrose drain tube placement. In addition, eye drops containing tobramycin, atropine, and prednisolone were administered. The clinical signs and serum amyloid A level were markedly improved after 5 days of treatment. Based on the medical history and lack of other findings, the uveitis was suspected to be secondary to the pyomyositis. The clinical signs resolved completely, and no recurrence was reported within a 6-month follow-up period. To the best of our knowledge, primary pyomyositis with uveitis has not been previously reported in cats.

Suspected Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome with Cervical Spinal Lesion in a Domestic Shorthair Cat.

A 12-year-old spayed female domestic short cat was presented with tetraplegia. The cat also showed signs of hyponatremia and dehydration, which were rapidly corrected by intravenous fluid infusion. Based on thorough physical and neurological examinations, the patient was suspected of having an intracranial disease. MRI revealed a high-signal T2 image of the bilateral parietal cerebral cortical gray matter junction, which is associated with fast electrolyte calibration, and a high-signal T2 image of the C2 spinal cord ventral area, which is associated with ischemic myelopathy. The cat reappeared three days later due to anorexia. Laboratory examinations revealed that the cat was clinically dehydrated and exhibited hyponatremia. Other causes of hyponatremia were excluded through history-taking, laboratory examination, imaging, and therapeutic response to fluid therapy, except for cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS). The cat was discharged 3 days after the start of fludrocortisone therapy with electrolytes within the normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed again 1 month after hospitalization, and the cerebral lesion disappeared, but the spinal cord lesion worsened compared to the previous image. The patient was euthanized due to the progression of the spinal lesion, with a poor prognosis and poor quality of life. This is the first case of suspected CSWS with a cervical spinal lesion in a cat.

Subject-Invariant Deep Neural Networks based on Baseline Correction for EEG Motor Imagery BCI.

Electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) systems have been extensively used in various applications, such as communication, control, and rehabilitation. However, individual anatomical and physiological differences cause subject-specific variability of EEG signals for the same task, and BCI systems thus require a calibration procedure that adjusts system parameters to each subject. To overcome this problem, we propose a subject-invariant deep neural network (DNN) using baseline-EEG signals that can be recorded from subjects resting in comfortable states. We first modeled the deep features of EEG signals as a decomposition of subject-invariant and subject-variant features corrupted by anatomical/physiological characteristics. Subject-variant features were then removed from the deep features by learning the network with a baseline correction module (BCM) using the underlying individual information in baseline-EEG signals. The subject-invariant loss forces the BCM to assemble subject-invariant features that have the same class, irrespective of the subject. Using 1-min baseline-EEG signals of the new subject, our algorithm can eliminate subject-variant components from test data without the calibration process. The experimental results show that our subject-invariant DNN framework significantly increases decoding accuracies of the conventional DNN methods for BCI systems. Furthermore, feature visualizations illustrate that the proposed BCM extracts subject-invariant features that are close to each other in the same class.

Facile Enhancement of Electrochemical Performance of Solid-State Supercapacitor via Atmospheric Plasma Treatment on PVA-Based Gel-Polymer Electrolyte.

A facile oxygen (O2) atmospheric plasma treatment is applied to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to enhance its wettability and hydrophilicity. The optimal plasma treatment conditions are determined by varying the applied plasma power and plasma treatment time. A PVA matrix treated with a plasma power of 120 W for 5 s shows the most hydrophilicity owing to successful formation of carbonyl (-CO, >C=O) functional groups without any structural degradation. The plasma-treated PVA matrix is used as the gel-polymer electrolyte of a solid-state supercapacitor (SSC) by immersing solid matrix into various liquid electrolytes, such as sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Compared with the pristine PVA-based device, PVA-120W5/Na2SO4-, PVA-120W5/H2SO4-, and PVA-120W5/KOH-based SSCs show 2.03, 2.05, and 2.14 times higher specific capacitances, respectively. The plasma-treated PVA matrix shows increased specific capacitance owing to the increased wettability, which in turn increases the ion transportation and reduces the electrical resistance. This study successfully demonstrates that the electrochemical performance of a SSC can be readily enhanced through plasma treatment for a short time (≤5 s).

Chemogenetic stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system lowers hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation in a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model.

AIMS: The role of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is largely unknown. In this study, the effect of PNS modulation on NASH was investigated using chemogenetics. MAIN METHODS: A streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH mouse model was used. To activate or inhibit the PNS, chemogenetic human M3-muscarinic receptor coupled with either Gq or Gi protein-containing viruses was injected into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus at week 4 and clozapine N-oxide was administered intraperitoneally for a week from week 11. Three groups (PNS-stimulation, PNS-inhibition, and control) were compared in terms of heart rate variability (HRV), histological lipid droplet area, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS), the area of F4/80-positive macrophages, and biochemical responses. KEY FINDINGS: The STZ/HFD-treated mouse model showed typical histological characteristics of NASH. HRV analysis confirmed that PNS-stimulation and PNS-inhibition groups had significantly higher and lower PNS activity, respectively (both P < 0.05). The PNS-stimulation group showed a significantly smaller hepatic lipid droplet area (14.3 % vs. 20.6 %, P = 0.02) and lower NAS (5.2 vs. 6.3, P = 0.047) than the control group. The area of F4/80-positive macrophages was significantly smaller in the PNS-stimulation group than in the control group (4.1 % vs. 5.6 %, P = 0.04). The PNS-stimulation group showed a lower serum aspartate aminotransferase level than the control group (119.0 vs. 356.0 U/L, P = 0.04). SIGNIFICANCE: In STZ/HFD-treated mice, chemogenetic stimulation of the PNS significantly reduced hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation. The hepatic PNS may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NASH.

Radical-Scavenging Activatable and Robust Polymeric Binder Based on Poly(acrylic acid) Cross-Linked with Tannic Acid for Silicon Anode of Lithium Storage System.

The design of a novel binder is required for high-capacity silicon anodes, which typically undergo significant changes during charge/discharge cycling. Hence, in this study, a stable network structure was formed by combining tannic acid (TAc), which can be cross-linked, and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA) as an effective binder for a silicon (Si) anode. TAc is a phenolic compound and representative substance with antioxidant properties. Owing to the antioxidant ability of the C-PAA/TAc binder, side reactions during the cycling were suppressed during the formation of an appropriate solid-electrolyte interface layer. The results showed that the expansion of a silicon anode was suppressed compared with that of a conventional PAA binder. This study demonstrates that cross-linking and antioxidant capability facilitate binding and provides insights into the behavior of binders for silicon anodes. The Si anode with the C-PAA/TAc binder exhibited significantly improved cycle stability and higher Coulombic efficiency in comparison to the Si anode with well-established PAA binders. The C-PAA/TAc binder demonstrated a capacity of 1833 mA h g-1Si for 100 cycles, which is higher than that of electrodes fabricated using the conventional PAA binder. Therefore, the C-PAA/TAc binder offers better electrochemical performance.

Foldable batteries: from materials to devices.

Wearable electronics is a growing field that has important applications in advanced human-integrated systems with high performance and mechanical deformability, especially foldable characteristics. Although foldable electronics such as rollable TVs (LG signature OLED R) or foldable smartphones (Samsung Galaxy Z fold/flip series) have been successfully established in the market, these devices are still powered by rigid and stiff batteries. Therefore, to realize fully wearable devices, it is necessary to develop state-of-the-art foldable batteries with high performance and safety in dynamic deformation states. In this review, we cover the recent progress in developing materials and system designs for foldable batteries. The Materials section is divided into three sections aimed at helping researchers choose suitable materials for their systems. Several foldable battery systems are discussed and the combination of innovative materials and system design that yields successful devices is considered. Furthermore, the basic analysis process of electrochemical and mechanical properties is provided as a guide for researchers interested in the evaluation of foldable battery systems. The current challenges facing the practical application of foldable batteries are briefly discussed. This review will help researchers to understand various aspects (from material preparation to battery configuration) of foldable batteries and provide a brief guideline for evaluating the performance of these batteries.

A rare case of cecal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a dog.

A 12-year-old mixed-breed dog presented with a 2-month history of abdominal distension. Radiographic examination, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography revealed a mass in the cecum (15.0 × 11.9 × 4.5 cm). The cecal mass was surgically removed and examined histopathologically. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed S-100 and neuron specific enolase but not α-smooth muscle actin and CD117 (c-kit). These histologic and immunohistochemical features indicated that the mass was consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). In dogs, most MPNSTs arise from the brachial plexus, spinal nerve root, and skin of the extremities. However, gastrointestinal MPNSTs in dogs have not been described previously. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe cecal MPNST in a dog.

Prevalence of Reticulocytosis in the Absence of Anemia in Dogs with Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Due to Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease: A Retrospective Study.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in small breed dogs. Dogs with MMVD commonly show clinical signs of dyspnea due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE). Reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia (RAA) is a hematological finding in hypoxic conditions. We aimed to assess the prevalence of RAA in dogs with CPE due to MMVD, and evaluate whether RAA is reversible with amelioration of dyspnea. Twenty-nine client-owned dogs with CPE due to MMVD were included. Dogs who died within 6 weeks of the onset of CPE were included in the non-survival group, while the others comprised the survival group. Of the 21 dogs, RAA was observed in 17 dogs (80.9%). In the RAA group, the absolute reticulocyte count significantly decreased as CPE resolved (p < 0.001). The mean absolute reticulocyte count in the RAA group was 163.90 ± 50.77 on the first measurement and 78.84 ± 25.64 after resolution of CPE. In the RAA group, no significant differences in mean absolute reticulocyte count were observed between the survival and non-survival groups at either the first or second measurement. Our results indicate that RAA occurs in dogs with MMVD-related CPE and can resolve after resolution of CPE.

Preparation and Electrochemical Characterization of Si@C Nanoparticles as an Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries via Solvent-Assisted Wet Coating Process.

Silicon-based electrodes are widely recognized as promising anodes for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Silicon is a representative anode material for next-generation LIBs due to its advantages of being an abundant resource and having a high theoretical capacity and a low electrochemical reduction potential. However, its huge volume change during the charge-discharge process and low electrical conductivity can be critical problems in its utilization as a practical anode material. In this study, we solved the problem of the large volume expansion of silicon anodes by using the carbon coating method with a low-cost phenolic resin that can be used to obtain high-performance LIBs. The surrounding carbon layers on the silicon surface were well made from a phenolic resin via a solvent-assisted wet coating process followed by carbonization. Consequently, the electrochemical performance of the carbon-coated silicon anode achieved a high specific capacity (3092 mA h g-1) and excellent capacity retention (~100% capacity retention after 50 cycles and even 64% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.05 C). This work provides a simple but effective strategy for the improvement of silicon-based anodes for high-performance LIBs.

Expression of the hedgehog signalling pathway and the effect of inhibition at the level of smoothened in canine osteosarcoma cell lines.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common malignant bone cancer in dogs. Canine and human OSA share several features, including tumour environments, response to traditional treatment, and several molecular pathways. Hedgehog (Hh) signalling is known to contribute to tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers, including human OSA. This study aimed to identify the role of the Hh signalling pathway in canine OSA cell lines, including Abrams, D17, and Moresco, focusing on the signal transducer Smoothened (SMO). mRNA and protein levels of Hh pathway components, including SHH, IHH, SMO, and PTCH1, were aberrant in all examined OSA cell lines compared with canine osteoblast cells. The SMO inhibitor cyclopamine significantly decreased cell viability and colony-forming ability in the canine OSA cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Moresco cells, which expressed the highest level of SMO protein, were the most sensitive to the anticancer effect of cyclopamine among the three canine OSA cell lines tested. Hh downstream target gene and protein expression in canine OSA cell lines were downregulated after cyclopamine treatment. In addition, cyclopamine significantly increased apoptotic cell death in Abrams and Moresco cells. The findings that Hh/SMO is activated in canine OSA cell lines and cyclopamine suppresses OSA cell survival via inhibition of SMO suggest that the Hh/SMO signalling pathway might be a novel therapeutic target for canine OSA.