Rational design of flower-like MnO2/Ti3C2Txcomposite electrode for high performance supercapacitors.

Combining the new two-dimensional conductive MXene with transition metal oxide to build composite structure is a promising path to improve the conductivity of metal oxide. However, a critical challenge still remains in how to achieve a good combination of MXene and metal oxide. Herein, we develop a facile hydrothermal route to synthesize the MnO2/Ti3C2Txcomposite electrode for supercapacitors by synergistically coupling MnO2nanowires with Ti3C2TxMXene nanoflakes. Compared with the pure MnO2electrode, the morphology of the MnO2/Ti3C2Txcomposite electrode changes from nanowires to nanoflowers. Moreover, the overall conductivity and electrochemical performance of the composite electrode are greatly improved due to an addition of Ti3C2TxMXene. The specific capacitance of the MnO2/Ti3C2Txcomposite electrode achieves 210.8 F·g-1at a scan rate of 2 mV·s-1, while that of the pure MnO2electrode is only 55.2 F·g-1. Furthermore, the specific capacitance of the MnO2/Ti3C2Txcomposite electrode still can remain at 97.2% even after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles, revealing an excellent cycle stability. The synthesis strategy of this work can pave the way for the research and practical application of the electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Streptomyces cynarae sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from the leaves of Cynara scolymus L.

Strain HUAS 13-4T, a novel endophytic actinobacterium, was isolated from the leaves of Cynara scolymus L. collected from Changde City in China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain HUAS 13-4T shared the highest sequence similarities to Streptomyces leeuwenhoekii C34T (98.90%), Streptomyces harenosi PRKS01-65T (98.83%) and Streptomyces glomeratus LMG 19903T (98.76%). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain HUAS 13-4T was clustered together with Streptomyces bluensis ISP 5564T and Streptomyces cavernae SYSU K10008T. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that strain HUAS 13-4T was most closely related to S. glomeratus JCM 9091T. However, the average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between them were less than 96.7% and 70% cut-off points recommended for delineating species. Based on a comprehensive comparison of the genome sequences and phenotypic characteristics between strain HUAS 13-4T and its relative, strain HUAS 13-4T (= MCCC 1K08364T = JCM 35919T) should evidently represent a novel Streptomyces species, and the name Streptomyces cynarae sp. nov. is proposed.

Citric Acid Confers Broad Antibiotic Tolerance through Alteration of Bacterial Metabolism and Oxidative Stress.

Antibiotic tolerance has become an increasingly serious crisis that has seriously threatened global public health. However, little is known about the exogenous factors that can trigger the development of antibiotic tolerance, both in vivo and in vitro. Herein, we found that the addition of citric acid, which is used in many fields, obviously weakened the bactericidal activity of antibiotics against various bacterial pathogens. This mechanistic study shows that citric acid activated the glyoxylate cycle by inhibiting ATP production in bacteria, reduced cell respiration levels, and inhibited the bacterial tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). In addition, citric acid reduced the oxidative stress ability of bacteria, which led to an imbalance in the bacterial oxidation-antioxidant system. These effects together induced the bacteria to produce antibiotic tolerance. Surprisingly, the addition of succinic acid and xanthine could reverse the antibiotic tolerance induced by citric acid in vitro and in animal infection models. In conclusion, these findings provide new insights into the potential risks of citric acid usage and the relationship between antibiotic tolerance and bacterial metabolism.

3D Porous Compact 1D/2D Fe2 O3 /MXene Composite Aerogel Film Electrodes for All-Solid-State Supercapacitors.

2D MXene nanoflakes usually undergo serious restacking, that easily aggravates during the traditional vacuum-assisted filtration process; and thus, hinders the electrochemical performance of the corresponding film electrodes. Herein, 3D porous compact 1D/2D Fe2 O3 /MXene aerogel film electrode with an enhanced electrochemical performance is fabricated by freeze-drying assisted mechanical pressing. An introduction of 1D α-Fe2 O3 nanorods can not only alleviate the restacking of 2D MXene but also provide additional pseudocapacitance for the composite film system. Thus, the resulting Fe2 O3 /MXene aerogel film electrode shows an enhanced specific capacitance of 182 F g-1 (691 mF cm-2 ) at a current density of 1 A g-1 in 3 m H2 SO4 electrolyte as well as with 81.74% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles. Besides, the addition of 1D α-Fe2 O3 nanorods has a significant contribution in the volumetric capacitance of the composite aerogel film (150 F cm-3 ), which is 2.68 times that of the pure MXene aerogel film (56 F cm-3 ). Moreover, the fabricated all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor (SSSC) delivers a superior areal energy density of 3.61 µWh cm-2 at a power density of 119.04 µW cm-2 . This rapid-forming 3D porous, binder-free, and freestanding aerogel film provides a progressive strategy for the fabrication of MXene-based electrode for supercapacitors.

Flexible MXene-Based Composite Films: Synthesis, Modification, and Applications as Electrodes of Supercapacitors.

MXenes, as a 2D planar structure nanomaterial, were first reported in 2011. Due to their large specific surface area, high ductility, high electrical conductivity, strong hydrophilic surface, and high mechanical flexibility, MXenes have been extensively explored in the development of various functional materials with desired performances. This review is aimed to summarize the current progress in synthesis, modification, and applications of MXene-based composite films as electrode materials of flexible energy storage devices. In the synthesis of MXenes, the evolution and exploration of etchants are emphasized. Furthermore, in order to develop MXene-based composite films, the components used to modify the MXene nanoflakes, including 0D, 1D, and 2D nanomaterials, are summarized, and the perspectives and research direction of such materials are also discussed.

Assessment of female pelvic floor support to the urethra using 3D transperineal ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To explore the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) transperineal tomographic ultrasound in evaluating pelvic floor support of the urethra in women. METHODS: Three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound volume data sets of 50 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and 25 women without SUI were obtained for analysis. Pelvic floor support of the urethra was evaluated by studying the relationship between the urethra and vagina in vaginal cross section and quantified by estimating the urethral depression (UD) rate. The extent of paravaginal support at level II was also evaluated in tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) mode in all participants. Two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The extent of paravaginal support at level II showed no difference between the two groups. Posterior depression of the urethra into the anterior vaginal wall was increased in SUI (P < 0.05). When the UD rate value was 0.53 (CI 85%) combined with three continuous "abnormal slices," the maximum Youden Index value (sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.88) was obtained to screen dysfunctional support of the urethra. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic floor support of the urethra can be evaluated indirectly by studying the relationship between the urethra and anterior vaginal wall in the vaginal cross section by TUI. The obvious posterior depression of the urethra into the anterior vaginal wall could be indirect evidence of a defect in the support of the urethra.

Value of transperineal ultrasound on the observation of paravaginal support.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasound on the observation of paravaginal support in nulliparous and postpartum women. METHODS: Volume datasets were acquired in 50 nulliparous and 100 postpartum women using 3D transperineal ultrasound. Paravaginal supports were observed by studying the vaginal cross-sectional morphology. The extent of paravaginal support in specific level were evaluated by counting out at a 2 mm interval in tomographic ultrasound imaging mode in all subjects. The Mann-Whitney U test were applied to establish comparisons between the two groups. RESULTS: Three representative manifestations of vaginal cross-sectional morphology corresponding to different paravaginal support were presented from the dorsal side to the caudal side, both in nulliparous women and postpartum women. The extent of paravaginal support in middle vagina was 11 slices (range 9-12) in nulliparous women and 7 slices (range 4-10) in postpartum women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This pilot study confirmed that it was feasible to indirectly study paravaginal support by observing the vaginal cross-sectional morphology using 3D transperineal ultrasound.

Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in volunteer blood donors from Chengdu, China.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant pathogen of global concern. The virus is usually spread through blood contact, such as transfusion, hemodialysis and injection of illegal drugs. HCV genotypes have a geographic distribution in different areas. In this paper, we focus on the distribution of HCV genotypes from volunteer blood donors in Chengdu. The prevalence of genotypes was analyzed using phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the HCV core and NS5B regions from 313 sequences. HCV sequences were classified into six subtypes, and HCV genotypes were determined with the following results: 1b in 283, 2a in 14, 3b in seven, 3a in three, 6a in five and 6u in one. Subtype 1b was the most common and accounted for approximately 90.41 % (283/313), and a virus of subtype 6u was isolated for the first time from the Chengdu area. Genotypes 4 and 5 were not detected.

The synthesis and supercapacitor application of flexible free-standing Ti3C2Tx, Mo2TiC2Tx, and V4C3Tx MXene films.

MXenes represent a fascinating category of two-dimensional materials made up of transition metal carbides and nitrides, currently attracting significant research attention, especially in energy storage. However, the electrochemical properties of MXene materials with varying elemental compositions may exhibit significant differences. In order to optimally select types of MXenes that are more suitable for energy storage and explore their energy storage mechanisms, three kinds of different elemental compositions of delaminated MXenes (d-Ti3C2Tx, d-Mo2TiC2Tx, and d-V4C3Tx) were prepared by solid-phase synthesis, liquid-phase etching, and mechanical exfoliation method, successively. The obtained single-layer or few-layer MXene nanosheets were self-assembled into flexible free-standing film electrodes via vacuum-assisted filtration, and the detailed material preparation and characterization can guide the synthesis of more MXenes. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive study on the effects of various aqueous electrolytes (3 M H2SO4, 3 M KOH, and 3 M Na2SO4) and temperatures (0 °C, 20 °C, and 40 °C) on their electrochemical performance. This work optimized the MXene types that are more suitable for electrochemical energy storage application (d-Ti3C2Tx and d-V4C3Tx), and also found that the V4C3Tx MXene has excellent rate performance and long cycling performance, and has guiding significance for the development of MXene materials in energy storage. More significantly, the d-V4C3Tx MXene exhibits exceptional specific capacitance in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes, reaching 292.0 F g-1 in 3 M H2SO4, the highest among the three types of MXenes, and 184.3 F g-1 in 3 M KOH, far surpassing the performance of the d-Mo2TiC2Tx and d-Ti3C2Tx MXenes (less than 100 F g-1 at 2 mV s-1). Furthermore, this reveals that H+ intercalation/deintercalation, showing pseudocapacitance characteristics, along with the large interlayer spacing play a vital role in energy storage for MXenes, and an asymmetric configuration is an effective means to improve the energy density of aqueous supercapacitors. The comparative analysis aims to enhance the understanding of MXene materials' potential in advanced energy storage systems.

Trace alcohol ether electrolytes with dual-site hydrogen bonds and modulated solvation structures for ultralong-life zinc-ion batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are highly regarded for their affordability, stability, safety, and eco-friendliness. Nevertheless, their practical application is hindered by severe side reactions and the formation of zinc (Zn) dendrites on the Zn metal anode surface. In this study, we employ tetrahydrofuran alcohol (THFA), an efficient and cost-effective alcohol ether electrolyte, to mitigate these issues and achieve ultralong-life AZIBs. Theoretical calculations and experimental findings demonstrate that THFA acts as both a hydrogen bonding donor and acceptor, effectively anchoring H2O molecules through dual-site hydrogen bonding. This mechanism restricts the activity of free water molecules. Moreover, the two oxygen (O) atoms in THFA serve as dual solvation sites, enhancing the desolvation kinetics of [Zn(H2O)6]2+ and improving the deposition dynamics of Zn2+ ions. As a result, even trace amounts of THFA significantly suppress adverse reactions and the formation of Zn dendrites, enabling highly reversible Zn metal anodes for ultralong-life AZIBs. Specifically, a Zn-based symmetric cell containing 2 % THFA achieves an ultralong cycle life of 8,800 h at 0.5 mA cm-2/0.5 mAh cm-2, while a Zn//VO2 full cell containing 2 % THFA maintains a remarkable 80.03 % capacity retention rate at 5 A g-1 over 2,000 cycles. This study presents a practical strategy to develop dendrite-free, cost-effective, and highly efficient aqueous energy storage systems by leveraging alcohol ether compounds with dual-site hydrogen bonding capabilities.

Regulating Functional Groups Enhances the Performance of Flexible Microporous MXene/Bacterial Cellulose Electrodes in Supercapacitors.

Ultrathin MXene-based films exhibit superior conductivity and high capacitance, showing promise as electrodes for flexible supercapacitors. This work describes a simple method to enhance the performance of MXene-based supercapacitors by expanding and stabilizing the interlayer space between MXene flakes while controlling the functional groups to improve the conductivity. Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes are treated with bacterial cellulose (BC) and NaOH to form a composite MXene/BC (A-M/BC) electrode with a microporous interlayer and high surface area (62.47 m2 g-1). Annealing the films at low temperature partially carbonizes BC, increasing the overall electrical conductivity of the films. Improvement in conductivity is also attributed to the reduction of -F, -Cl, and -OH functional groups, leaving -Na and -O functional groups on the surface. As a result, the A-M/BC electrode demonstrates a capacitance of 594 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 in 3 M H2SO4, which represents a ∼2× increase over similarly processed films without BC (309 F g-1) or pure MXene (298 F g-1). The corresponding device has an energy density of 9.63 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 250 W kg-1. BC is inexpensive and enhances the overall performance of MXene-based film electrodes in electronic devices. This method underscores the importance of functional group regulation in enhancing MXene-based materials for energy storage.

Renal papillary necrosis with urinary tract obstruction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Renal papillary necrosis (RPN) is a rare disease. It is difficult to distinguish RPN with urinary tract obstruction from upper urinary tract occupying lesions. We reported a case of RPN and made a definite diagnosis largely based upon its endoscopic characteristics. CASE SUMMARY: A 75-year-old woman presented with right flank pain, visible hematuria and a body temperature greater than 39 ℃. Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis with 12.7 × 10/L white blood cells and 93.6% neutrophils. Blood creatinine was 333 umol/L. Ultrasonography showed hydronephrosis of the right kidney and a right distal ureteric lesion. After urgent placement of right ureteral double J stent and treatment with antibiotics, the patient's symptoms and the blood abnormalities improved rapidly. Computed tomography urography showed the presence of multiple occupying lesions in the right pelvis. The endoscopic ureteroscopy revealed that renal papillary necrosis and the subsequent migration of sloughed papillae into the upper ureter and calyces. The sloughed papillae appeared like "cottons", which were whitish, soft, and irregularly-shaped without blood supply. In addition, the necrotic and sloughed renal papillae were removed by flexible ureteroscopy to prevent further obstruction. Pathological examination found that infarcted renal papillae were associated with inflammatory exudation. Three months after discharge, follow-up computed tomography urography showed no obvious lesions in the renal pelvis. CONCLUSION: This case revealed the endoscopic features of RPN. In addition, flexible ureteroscopy proves to be vital in diagnosis and treatment of RPN.

Comparing two-dimensional ultrasonography with three-dimensional ultrasonography and MRI for the levator ani defects grading.

Levator ani defect (LAD) closely correlates with pelvic floor disorders (PFD). In general, LAD was graded by three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and MRI, which could be used hardly in some developing area. Our objective was to determine whether two-dimensional ultrasonography (2D-US), a method that is almost universally accessible, could be used to diagnose the LAD. 129 Chinese women with PFD were recruited for the LAD grading by 2D-US and 3D-US and MRI. LAD was classified into intact, partial and complete avulsions. The puborectalis attachment width (PAW) was measured by 2D-US and with the software on the three-dimensional MRI-based LAD models. The results were compared and analyzed using the weighted kappa and the Pearson's coefficient. Of the 119 patients, 64 were diagnosed with LAD by 2D-US, 70 were identified by 3D-US while 68 were confirmed by MRI. The LAD grading of 2D-US showed good agreement with MRI (kappa = 0.78, 95% CI 0.71-0.86) and 3D-US (kappa = 0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.84). In regard to the consensus of partial or complete avulsions, 2D-US showed excellent good agreement with MRI (kappa = 0.86, 95% CI 0.73-0.97), superior than 3D-US with MRI (kappa = 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.71). Additionally, iliococcygeus avulsions detected by MRI (n = 7) were accompanied by complete puborectalis avulsions. The averaged PAW was 10.42 ± 5.57 mm measured by 2D-US, which correlated well with the results measured by MRI (Pearson's coefficient = 0.90). 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI showed the good agreement on LAD diagnosis. Compared with MRI and 3D-US, 2D-US was comparable in grading LAD, especially complete avulsions.

Comparison of translabial three-dimensional ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for the grading of levator ani defects.

ABSTRACT: Levator ani defect (LAD) closely correlates with pelvic organ prolapse. This study aimed to compare the LAD grading between 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigate the reasons for the difference using 3-dimensional pelvic models.Seventy-two Chinese women who were to undergo repair surgery were assessed by the prolapse staging, 3D-US and MRI. LAD was graded according to the grading systems described with regard to 3D-US (Dietz et al.) and MRI (Delancey et al.) The puborectalis attachment width and the puborectalis thickness were measured on the reconstructed pelvic models offline within the software. The results were analyzed using the weighted kappa and the ANOVA test.The grading systems used for 3D-US and MRI showed the good agreement (κ = 0.75), whereas the consensus of the extent (ie, partial or complete) of tears showed the moderate agreement (κ = 0.56). Additionally, iliococcygeus tears detected by MRI (n = 3) accompanied with complete puborectalis tears on the same side. The averaged width of intact puborectalis attachment was 13.75 ±â€Š3.43 mm. The width of intact puborectalis attachment was remarkably higher than that of the injured attachment (P = .005). The averaged puborectalis thickness was 9.85 ±â€Š2.13 mm.Comparison of 3D-US and MRI showed the good agreement on LAD grading. The moderate agreement in assessing partial or complete tears resulted from the grading criteria of 3D-US. The morphological characteristics of puborectalis assisted in identifying complete tears.

Breakthrough Therapy, PRIME and Sakigake: A Comparison Between Neuroscience and Oncology in Obtaining Preferred Regulatory Status.

BACKGROUND: Because of the increasing demand for drugs addressing life-threatening and rare diseases, regulatory agencies have developed a variety of accelerated regulatory pathways. These programs are aimed at prioritizing the most promising drug candidates for diseases lacking satisfactory treatments. The most prominent accelerated programs introduced have been Breakthrough-Therapy Designation (BTD) in the United States, Priority Medicine (PRIME) in the European Union and Sakigake in Japan. This article reviews these designations and looks at differences in how they are granted across the 3 jurisdictions focusing on neuroscience and oncology. METHODS: Our objective was to analyze BTD, PRIME, and Sakigake approvals between 2012 and 2019 with a focus on numerical disparities of designations granted between the 2 therapeutic areas. A search of public sources pertaining to topics of BTD, PRIME, and Sakigake was undertaken. RESULTS: This analysis revealed that 48% of BTD were granted in oncology, while neuroscience received 8% of these designations, for PRIME designations were 27% received by oncology and 15% by neuroscience and in Japan, 50% of Sakigake were granted to oncology and 22% to neuroscience products. CONCLUSION: Given the global nature of drug development and relative similarity of these regulatory mechanisms, there is an apparent disparity between the US granting special status at 6:1 (oncology: neuroscience) and both the EU and Japan granting at 2:1. This disproportionate ratio is likely impacted by multifactorial issues; however, this difference is worth further investigation.

Translabial Ultrasound Combined With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessing the Distensibility of Levator Ani Muscle With Unilateral High-Grade Tears.

OBJECTIVES: It is hypothesized that unilateral high-grade tears damage levator ani muscle (LAM) integrity and increase LAM distensibility. This study aimed to investigate how a unilateral high-grade tear caused overdistension of LAM and whether tear positions affect the degree of distension. METHODS: A total of 209 women were screened by translabial ultrasonography. Then, 18 nulliparous women with an intact LAM and 26 postpartum women with unilateral levator ani defects were recruited. The anteroposterior diameter (AP), coronal diameter (LR), and hiatal area (HA) of the minimum levator hiatus were recorded and compared for assessing the distensibility. All 44 subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of levator ani defect and detection of tear positions. Within the software, 3-dimensional pelvic models were developed from magnetic resonance imaging scans for the direct visualization and measurements. RESULTS: Of the 26 postpartum women, 15 were diagnosed with unilateral high-grade tear (caudad in 9, cephalad in 6). The △AP, △LR, and △HA (Valsalva-rest) values of women with a unilateral high-grade tear were significantly larger than those of women with an intact LAM (P < 0.05). The △AP, △LR, and △HA (Valsalva-rest) values of cephalad tears were larger than those of women with caudad tears (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A unilateral high-grade tear caused the overdistension of LAM. It was validated that cephalad tears caused higher degree of LAM distension than caudad tears.

Breakthrough Therapy, PRIME and Sakigake: A Comparison Between Neuroscience and Oncology in Obtaining Preferred Regulatory Status.

BACKGROUND: Because of the increasing demand for drugs addressing life-threatening and rare diseases, regulatory agencies have developed a variety of accelerated regulatory pathways. These programs are aimed at prioritizing the most promising drug candidates for diseases lacking satisfactory treatments. The most prominent accelerated programs introduced have been Breakthrough-Therapy Designation (BTD) in the United States, Priority Medicine (PRIME) in the European Union and Sakigake in Japan. This article reviews these designations and looks at differences in how they are granted across the 3 jurisdictions focusing on neuroscience and oncology. METHODS: Our objective was to analyze BTD, PRIME, and Sakigake approvals between 2012 and 2019 with a focus on numerical disparities of designations granted between the 2 therapeutic areas. A search of public sources pertaining to topics of BTD, PRIME, and Sakigake was undertaken. RESULTS: This analysis revealed that 48% of BTD were granted in oncology, while neuroscience received 8% of these designations, for PRIME designations were 27% received by oncology and 15% by neuroscience and in Japan, 50% of Sakigake were granted to oncology and 22% to neuroscience products. CONCLUSION: Given the global nature of drug development and relative similarity of these regulatory mechanisms, there is an apparent disparity between the US granting special status at 6:1 (oncology: neuroscience) and both the EU and Japan granting at 2:1. This disproportionate ratio is likely impacted by multifactorial issues; however, this difference is worth further investigation.