Carbonate-superstructured solid fuel cells with hydrocarbon fuels.

A basic requirement for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is the sintering of electrolyte into a dense impermeable membrane to prevent the mixing of fuel and oxygen for a sufficiently high open-circuit voltage (OCV). However, herein, we demonstrate a different type of fuel cell, a carbonate-superstructured solid fuel cell (CSSFC), in which in situ generation of superstructured carbonate in the porous samarium-doped ceria layer creates a unique electrolyte with ultrahigh ionic conductivity of 0.17 S⋅cm-1 at 550 °C. The CSSFC achieves unprecedented high OCVs (1.051 V at 500 °C and 1.041 V at 550 °C) with methane fuel. Furthermore, the CSSFC exhibits a high peak power density of 215 mW⋅cm-2 with dry methane fuel at 550 °C, which is higher than all reported values of electrolyte-supported SOFCs. This provides a different approach for the development of efficient solid fuel cells.

Rich-Carbonyl Carbon Catalysis Facilitating the Li2CO3 Decomposition for Cathode Lithium Compensation Agent.

The active lithium loss of lithium-ion batteries can be well addressed by adding a cathode lithium compensation agent. Due to the poor conductivity and electrochemical activity, lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) is not considered as a candidate. Herein, an effective cathode lithium compensation agent, the recrystallized Li2CO3 combined with large specific surface area disordered porous carbon (R-LCO@SPC) is prepared. The screened SPC makes it easier for nano-sized Li2CO3 to adsorb and decompose on carbon substrate, meantime, exposing plenty of catalytic active sites of C═O, which can significantly improve the electrochemical activity and conductivity of Li2CO3, thus greatly reducing the decomposition potential of Li2CO3 (4.0 V) and releasing high irreversible capacity (580 mAh g-1) compared to the unmodified Li2CO3 (nearly no capacity above 4.6 V). Meantime, the Li2CO3 can disappear completely without any by-product after the initial cycle accompanied by partially dissolved in electrolyte, optimizing the composition of SEI. The resultant lithium compensation agent applied to LMFP//graphite full cell exhibits a 19.1% increase in energy density, enhancing the rate and cycling performance, demonstrating great practical applications potential in high energy density lithium-ion batteries.

Raynaud's phenomenon on initiation of Lithium therapy: a case report.

Lithium Carbonate is an effective treatment for affective disorders, but has a range of side effects. This case report highlights a rare side effect of Raynaud's phenomenon following initiation of Lithium therapy in a patient with recurrent depressive disorder. He was commenced on Lithium therapy to treat severe treatment resistant depression with psychotic symptoms when alternative treatments trialled were ineffective. He had no other risk factors or known aetiological causes for development of Raynaud's phenomenon. Symptoms resolved on discontinuation of Lithium and re-emerged on recommencement. Previous case series have shown Lithium effectively treating vasospastic disorders such as cluster headache and Raynaud's phenomenon. However, a paradoxical reaction to those previously described was induced in this case.

Selective preparation of lithium carbonate from overhaul slag by high temperature sulfuric acid roasting - Water leaching.

An efficient recycling process is developed to recover valuable materials from overhaul slag and reduce its harm to the ecological environment. The high temperature sulfuric acid roasting - water leaching technology is innovatively proposed to prepare Li2CO3 from overhaul slag. Under roasting conditions, fluorine volatilizes into the flue gas with HF, lithium is transformed into NaLi(SO4), aluminum is firstly transformed into NaAl(SO4)2, and then decomposed into Al2O3, so as to selective extraction of lithium. Under the optimal roasting - leaching conditions, the leaching rate of lithium and aluminum are 95.6% and 0.9%, respectively. Then the processes of impurity removal, and settling lithium are carried out. The Li2CO3 with recovery rate of 72.6% and purity of 98.6% could be obtained under the best settling lithium conditions. Compared with the traditional process, this work has short flow, high controllability, remarkable technical, economic, and environmental benefits. This comprehensive recycling technology is suitable for overhaul slag, and has great practical application potential for the disposal of other hazardous wastes in electrolytic aluminum industry.

The Expression of Markers of Acute Kidney Injury Kim1 and NGAL after Administration of High Doses of Lithium Carbonate in Mice with Engrafted Skin Melanoma B16.

The expression of marker proteins of acute kidney injury after administration of high doses of lithium carbonate was assessed to evaluate the possibility of lithium use in neutron capture therapy. In mice with implanted skin melanoma B16, the expression of Kim1 (kidney injury molecule 1) and NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) proteins in the kidneys was evaluated immunohistochemically 15, 30, 90, 180 min, and 7 days after peroral administration of lithium carbonate at single doses of 300 and 400 mg/kg. An increase in the expression of the studied proteins was found in 30 and 90 min after administration of 400 mg/kg lithium carbonate, however, 7 days after the drug administration, the expression returned to the level observed in the control group. It can be suggested that single administration of lithium carbonate in the studied doses effective for lithium neutron capture therapy will not significantly affect the renal function.

Hemodynamics and arrhythmia disorder caused by lithium poisoning: A case report. / 锂中毒导致心律失常、血流动力学障碍1例.

Bipolar affective disorder refers to a category of mood disorders characterized clinically by the presence of both manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. Lithium stands out as the primary pharmacological intervention for managing bipolar affective disorder. However, its therapeutic dosage closely approaches toxic levels. Toxic symptoms appear when the blood lithium concentration surpasses 1.4 mmol/L, typically giving rise to gastrointestinal and central nervous system reactions. Cardiac toxicity is rare but serious in cases of lithium poisoning. The study reports a case of a patient with bipolar affective disorder who reached a blood lithium concentration of 6.08 mmol/L after the patient took lithium carbonate sustained-release tablets beyond the prescribed dosage daily and concurrently using other mood stabilizers. This resulted in symptoms such as arrhythmia, shock, impaired consciousness, and coarse tremors. Following symptomatic supportive treatment, including blood dialysis, the patient's physical symptoms gradually improved. It is necessary for clinicians to strengthen the prevention and recognition of lithium poisoning.

"Addressing the core trait of bipolar disorder": A concept analysis of mood-stabilizing drugs.

OBJECTIVE: The term "mood stabilizer" is controversial in the literature and criticized for being imprecise and overly inclusive, having its retirement suggested to avoid misuse. Nevertheless, it continues to be employed as it may still carry important meaning. METHODS: We employed document analysis for reviewing relevant definitions of mood stabilizer employed in the literature. Then, we clarify the meanings associated with the term by employing evolutionary concept analysis. Based on its results, we present a theoretical model for a mood stabilizer and further match it with evidence gathered from published meta-analyses and other sources for drugs used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. RESULTS: Concept analysis unearthed four attributes of a mood stabilizer that were nested into the following ascending hierarchy: "not worsening," "acute effects," "prophylactic effects," and "advanced effects." "Prophylactic effects" were often considered the core aspect of a legitimate mood stabilizer. CONCLUSION: The proposed model uses a hierarchy of attributes that take into account the complexity of the term and help to determine whether a drug is a mood stabilizer. Prophylaxis is pivotal to the concept, whose utility lies in implying a drug able to truly treat bipolar disorder, as opposed to merely targeting symptoms. Consistent use of the term could encourage investigation of drugs that modify long-term outcomes and illness trajectory, instead of simply approaching symptom clusters.

Multi-trial, aggregated, individual participant data mega-analysis of short-term antidepressant versus mood stabilizer monotherapy of bipolar type II major depressive episode.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have systematically examined the safety and effectiveness of antidepressant versus mood stabilizer monotherapy of bipolar II depression. To date, there are no aggregated or mega-analyses of prospective trials of individual participant-level data (IPD) to inform future treatment guidelines on the relative safety and effectiveness of antidepressant or lithium monotherapy. METHODS: Data from a series of four independent, similarly designed trials of antidepressant or lithium monotherapy (where longitudinal IPD were available) (n = 393) were aggregated into an IPD dataset (i.e., mega-analysis). Hierarchical log-linear growth models were used to analyze primary outcome of change over time in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) scores; while secondary outcomes examined Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI/S) and change (CGI/C) scores, and change over time in Young Mania Rating (YMR) scores. RESULTS: Relative to lithium monotherapy, antidepressant monotherapy demonstrated significantly greater symptom reduction on HRSD scores across time (b = -2.33, t = -6.68, p < 0.0001), significantly greater symptom reduction on the CGI/S across time (b = -0.414, t = -6.32, p < 0.001), and a significant improvement in CGI/C across time (b = -0.47, t = -7.43, p < 0.0001). No differences were observed in change over time for YMR scores between antidepressant and lithium monotherapy (b = 0.06, t = 0.49, p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: Findings from this IPD mega-analysis of bipolar II depression trials suggest a divergence from current evidence-based guidelines recommending combined mood stabilizer plus antidepressant therapy. The current mega-analysis suggests that antidepressant monotherapy may provide superior short-term effectiveness without clinically meaningful increase in treatment-emergent hypomanic symptoms compared to lithium monotherapy.

Titration Mass Spectroscopy (TMS): A Quantitative Analytical Technology for Rechargeable Batteries.

Development of high-energy-density rechargeable battery systems not only needs advanced qualitative characterizations for mechanism exploration but also requires accurate quantification technology to quantitatively elucidate products and fairly assess numerous modification strategies. Herein, as a reliable quantification technology, titration mass spectroscopy (TMS) is developed to accurately quantify O-related anionic redox reactions (Li-O2 battery and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM)/Li-rich cathodes), parasitic carbonate deposition and decomposition (derived from air-exposure degradation and electrolyte oxidation), and dead Li0 formation (Li-metal battery and over-discharged graphite anode). TMS technology can harvest key information on products (e.g., quantification of oxidized lattice oxygen and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)/cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) components) and guide corresponding design strategy by enhancing understanding of the mechanism (e.g., clearly distinguish the catalytic target of highly oxidative Ni4+ on the NCM cathode). Not limited as a rigid quantification tool for widely known products/mechanisms, TMS technology has been demonstrated as a powerful and versatile tool for the investigations of advanced batteries.

Stainless Steel-Like Passivation Inspires Persistent Silicon Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Passivation of stainless steel by additives forming mass-transport blocking layers is widely practiced, where Cr element is added into bulk Fe-C forming the Cr2 O3 -rich protective layer. Here we extend the long-practiced passivation concept to Si anodes for lithium-ion batteries, incorporating the passivator of LiF/Li2 CO3 into bulk Si. The passivation mechanism is studied by various ex situ characterizations, redox peak contour maps, thickness evolution tests, and finite element simulations. The results demonstrate that the passivation can enhance the (de)lithiation of Li-Si alloys, induce the formation of F-rich solid electrolyte interphase, stabilize the Si/LiF/Li2 CO3 composite, and mitigate the volume change of Si anodes upon cycling. The 3D passivated Si anode can fully retain a high capacity of 3701 mAh g-1 after 1500 cycles and tolerate high rates up to 50C. This work provides insight into how to construct durable Si anodes through effective passivation.

Lithium carbonate alleviates colon inflammation through modulating gut microbiota and Treg cells in a GPR43-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that neuropsychiatric stabilizers have a place in resolving gastrointestinal disorders. Lithium carbonate (LC) is one of the most commonly used drugs for bipolar disorder clinically. Here, we estimate the therapeutic function of LC against colitis and investigate the mechanism of intestinal flora and metabolism modulation. METHODS: A colitis model was constructed by continuously administering 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution daily for 7 days. Analysis of gut microbiota was carried out by 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ABX) and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were employed to evaluate the protective effect of intestinal flora. Colonic Treg cells and related immune responses were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: LC treatment significantly alleviated colon inflammation by regulating gut microbial diversity and altering flora composition. Notably, LC treatment upregulated short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, especially Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), and transformed metabolite SCFA profiles. LC activated anti-inflammatory Treg cell responses in colonic lamina propria (LP) in a G-protein coupled receptor 43 (GPR43)-dependent mechanism. ABX, FMT and single bacteria gavage experiments were conducted to confirm the above mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: As an intestinal microbiome and metabolite modulator, LC alleviates colon inflammation in a GPR43-dependent manner through activating Treg cell responses. Therefore, the therapeutic strategy of the microbiome-metabolite-immune axis, as observed in the A. muciniphila-SCFA-Treg cell axis in our study, might provide a new direction for the treatment of IBD.

The CHAMP-study: the CHemopreventive effect of lithium in familial AdenoMatous Polyposis; study protocol of a phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by germline mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene, resulting in the development of numerous colorectal adenomas. As these patients have a high risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), guidelines suggest prophylactic colectomy during early adulthood, however, adenoma development is still observed in the remaining intestinal tract. Therefore, FAP patients would benefit from chemoprevention strategies reducing the development of adenomas. Recent work in mice reveals a chemopreventive effect of lithium on the development of adenomas by inhibiting the expansion of Apc mutated intestinal stem cells (ISCs) within the crypts of normal intestinal mucosa. Here, we aim to investigate the effect of lithium on the spread of APC mutant cells within the human intestinal epithelium. METHODS: This prospective phase II single arm trial has a duration of 18 months. FAP patients (18-35 years) with a genetically confirmed APC mutation who did not undergo colectomy will be treated with lithium carbonate orally achieving a serum level of 0.2-0.4 mmol/l between month 6 and 12. Colonoscopy with biopsies of normal intestinal mucosa will be performed at baseline and every six months. The primary endpoint is the effect of lithium on the spread of APC mutant cells within intestinal crypts over time by using APC specific marker NOTUM in situ hybridization. Secondary endpoints include change in adenoma burden, patient reported side effects and safety-outcomes. Total sample size is 12 patients and recruitment will take place in the Amsterdam UMC, location AMC in the Netherlands. DISCUSSION: The outcome of this study will function as a proof-of-concept for the development of novel chemoprevention approaches that interfere with the competition between normal and mutant ISCs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ): NCT05402891 (June 1, 2022) and the EU Clinical Trials Register: EuraCT 2022-000240-30 (January 1, 2022).

Later onset of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): a case report.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is a rare condition characterized by regression of developmental and behavioral functioning after a period of apparently normal development, with an age of onset around 4 years. CDD is not included within the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. We present a case report of an 11-year-old male who achieved normal development for up to 7 years followed by a deterioration of previously acquired linguistic, intellectual, and social skills. Following treatment with lithium carbonate combined with risperidone, the patient experienced a reduction in irritability and aggression. CDD is a rare condition; therefore, the data presented may be useful to investigate its characteristics of the onset, to improve the understanding of the aspects of differentiation from the Autism Spectrum Disorder and finally to propose the possibility of treatment.

Lithium carbonate as add-on therapy to radioiodine in the treatment on hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose is to investigate the effect of LiCO3 as an add-on therapy with radioactive iodine in increasing the cure and decreasing the T4 level compared to radioactive iodine alone. The primary outcome is the cure rate as defined by the number of hyperthyroid patients who became euthyroid or hypothyroid. The secondary outcome is the T4 level. METHODS: Four databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane central library). The inclusion criteria were randomized and non-randomized clinical trials of hyperthyroidism patients receiving LiCO3 with radioiodine compared with hyperthyroidism patients receiving radioactive iodine alone. Included studies were appraised with the risk of bias version 2 tool, according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. RESULTS: Nine studies were eligible for inclusion in the study, six randomized control trials and three non-randomized control trials. There were 477 patients in the intervention group and 451 patients in the control group. The cure rate was not significantly different between the two groups, while it was significantly increased with 5000 to 6500 mg optimized cumulative dose of LiCO3 compared with the control group, P = 0.0001. The T4 level showed no significant difference between the two groups, P = 0.13. CONCLUSIONS: LiCO3 adjunct to radioactive iodine did not show significant differences compared with radioactive iodine alone in terms of cure rate or decreasing T4 level. However, the dose of 5000 to 6000 mg of LiCO3 may increase the cure rate.

Effect of lithium carbonate on autophagy and proliferative activity of isolated hepatocytes.

The hepatocytes were cultivated in the presence of lithium carbonate (LC) for drugs testing or possible source for transplantation in the treatment of hereditary or terminal liver diseases. The LC, as an inducer of autophagy, is a promising drug for maintaining cell homeostasis and has a significant effect on the ultrastructural organization of hepatocyte cells. Within current investigation, new mechanisms of the biological effects of lithium and the ultrastructural analysis of the primary culture of hepatocytes were studied via flow cytofluorometry, light, and electron microscopy methods. Obtained results demonstrate the absence of the toxic effect of 5 mM of LC on the primary hepatocyte culture. In addition, LC does not block the cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage after 24 h of hepatocyte cultivation and promotes the preservation of their viability by 48 h of the experiment. Moreover, LC does not stimulate hepatocyte apoptosis, induces autophagy and the preserves the proliferative activity of hepatocytes.

In Vitro Effects of Lithium Carbonate on Cell Cycle, Apoptosis, and Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-29 Cells.

We studied the effects of lithium carbonate on the cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma-29 cells (HCC-29) in vitro. Flow cytofluorometry analysis revealed accumulation of G2/M-phase HCC-29 cells and increase in the number of apoptotic cells in 48 h after administration of 5 mM lithium carbonate. Induction of autophagy in HCC-29 cells was detected by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. Thus, lithium carbonate produces an antitumor effect by arresting cell cycle in the G2/M-phase and induction of apoptosis and autophagy in HCC-29 cells, which confirms the lithium potential as a promising drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Ultrastructural Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-29 Cells after Treatment with Lithium Carbonate.

We studied the effect of lithium carbonate on hepatocellular carcinoma-29 cells in CBA male mice after injection in a dose of 20 mM along the tumor periphery. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a decrease in the volume density of the granular endoplasmic reticulum in the cell cytoplasm and an increase in the total numerical and volume density of autophagosomes and autolysosomes and zones of destruction of intracellular organelles. The ability of lithium carbonate to activate intracellular degradation processes in tumor cells and to stimulate cell death can be used to develop new combined strategies in the chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cytological Characteristics of a Heterogeneous Population of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-29 Cells after Injection of Lithium Carbonate in the Experiment.

Five cytological types of hepatocellular carcinoma-29 (G-29) grown in the muscle tissue of the thigh of experimental animals were identified by transmission electron microscopy; 89% of these were poorly differentiated type I-III cells. Lithium in a concentration of 20 mM produced a damaging effect on poorly differentiated G-29 cells: the number of cells with zones of intracellular component destruction and volume density of these zones increased, while volume density of cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum decreased. These results suggest that lithium carbonate can cause destructive changes in the heterogeneous population of G-29 cells during in vivo tumor development.

Effect of Lithium Preparations on Cerebral Electrophysiological Activity in Rats.

The study examined the effects of a novel neurotropic medication based on a lithium complex composed of lithium citrate, polymethylsiloxane, and aluminum oxide on electrophysiological parameters of the rat brain. In contrast to lithium carbonate (the reference drug), the novel preparation resulted in a wave-like dynamics of electrical activity in the visual cortex. Rhythmic photic stimulation of the rats treated with lithium carbonate resulted in appearance of the signs attesting to up-regulation of excitability of cerebral cortex in all examined ranges. In contrast, the complex lithium preparation diminished the delta power spectrum, which was the only affected frequency band. It is hypothesized that the complex lithium medication induces milder activation of the cerebral cortex in comparison with lithium carbonate. The novel medication composed of lithium citrate, aluminum oxide, and polymethylsiloxane, is characterized by greater efficacy and safety than the preparation based on inorganic lithium salt (lithium carbonate).

Electrochemical Oxidation of Lithium Carbonate Generates Singlet Oxygen.

Solid alkali metal carbonates are universal passivation layer components of intercalation battery materials and common side products in metal-O2 batteries, and are believed to form and decompose reversibly in metal-O2 /CO2 cells. In these cathodes, Li2 CO3 decomposes to CO2 when exposed to potentials above 3.8 V vs. Li/Li+ . However, O2 evolution, as would be expected according to the decomposition reaction 2 Li2 CO3 →4 Li+ +4 e- +2 CO2 +O2 , is not detected. O atoms are thus unaccounted for, which was previously ascribed to unidentified parasitic reactions. Here, we show that highly reactive singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) forms upon oxidizing Li2 CO3 in an aprotic electrolyte and therefore does not evolve as O2 . These results have substantial implications for the long-term cyclability of batteries: they underpin the importance of avoiding 1 O2 in metal-O2 batteries, question the possibility of a reversible metal-O2 /CO2 battery based on a carbonate discharge product, and help explain the interfacial reactivity of transition-metal cathodes with residual Li2 CO3 .