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The efficiency of water splitting is largely hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction. Cobalt‐based (oxy)hydroxides are promising electrocatalysts, but their performance is still under the expected goal due to the restricted active sites and intrinsic activity. Herein, Co80Fe20(OH)(OCH3) (CoFeMe) is synthesized with intercalation and rich vacancies by a cation exsolution process in a one‐step solve‐thermal reaction. With the help of the Fe incorporation, the specific surface area of CoFeMe increases to 101.6 m2 g−1, which is six times that of Co(OH)(OCH3) (CoMe) (16.5 m2 g−1). Also, the induced rich vacancies are traced in the X‐ray absorption spectra of CoFeMe. Because of the synergistic effect between the intercalation, Fe incorporation and vacancies, the overpotential of CoFeMe is only 240 mV to drive the current density to 10 mA cm−2, which is reduced 110 mV compared with that of pristine CoMe (350 mV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laminitis is a common and serve disease which caused by inflammation and pathological changes of the laminar junction. However, the pathologic mechanism remains unclear. In this study we aimed to investigate changes of the gut microbiota and metabolomics in oligofructose-induced laminitis of horses. Results: Animals submitted to treatment with oligofructose had lower fecal pH but higher lactic acid, histamine, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum. Meanwhile, oligofructose altered composition of the hindgut bacterial community, demonstrated by increasing relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Megasphaera. In addition, the metabolome analysis revealed that treatment with oligofructose decreased 84 metabolites while 53 metabolites increased, such as dihydrothymine, N3,N4-Dimethyl-L-arginine, 10E,12Z-Octadecadienoic acid, and asparagine. Pathway analysis revealed that aldosterone synthesis and secretion, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, steroid hormone biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and galactose metabolism were significantly different between healthy and laminitis horses. Furthermore, correlation analysis between gut microbiota and metabolites indicated that Lactobacillus and/or Megasphaera were positively associated with the dihydrothymine, N3,N4-Dimethyl-L-arginine, 10E,12Z-Octadecadienoic acid, and asparagine. Conclusions: These results revealed that disturbance of gut microbiota and changes of metabolites were occurred during the development of equine laminitis, and these results may provide novel insights to detect biomarkers for a better understanding of the potential mechanism and prevention strategies for laminitis in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet is an important economic crop in Northwest China. In this area, efficient use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer has become crucial due to decreased profits associated with both under- and oversupply relative to sugar beet requirements. Thus, fast and non-destruction diagnostic tools for estimating plant N status have an important role in reducing N inputs while maintaining sugar beet yield and qualify. The objective of our study was to quantify leaf color characterization of sugar beet with an inexpensive scanner and establish the relationship with yield, leaf nitrogen content (LNC), plant total nitrogen content (PTNC), chlorophyll content (CC), soil nitrate nitrogen content (SNNC) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) readings in sugar beet. In 2017 and 2018, field experiments were conducted with five N treatments ranging from 0 to 180 kg N ha−1. The main results showed the following: The SPAD readings (SPR) and CC exhibited a significant or highly significant correlation (maximum = 0.70, P < 0.01), both of which reflected well the N nutrient status of the entire plant. Furtherly, a detailed association analysis revealed that there was a close relationship (maximum = − 0.63, P < 0.01) of LNC, SPR, PTNC, CC and yield with leaf color parameter Red/Blue (R/B), which was recommended as leaf color parameters for N diagnosis in sugar beet. In addition, based on the distribution of R/B value under different N rate, the yield was low with greater R/B value than 1.36 indicating an insufficient N supply, and with the R/B value was lower than 1.36, the theoretical yield reached its peak indicating an adequate supply of N fertilizer. To summarize, compared to the complicated and expensive of hyperspectral and other remote sensing technologies, scanned leaf image (SLI) processing technique was a simple, inexpensive and reliable method of determining sugar beet N status that has potential as a diagnostic tool for determining crop N requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen redox reaction, including the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are the core processes used for water splitting and in metal–air batteries. Thus, the design of electro-catalysts for use in the oxygen redox reaction and HER have received a lot attention around the world. Many strategies have been developed to improve these catalysts, including increasing the surface area, creating unique facet structures, enhancing the conductivities and so on. Among these improvements defect engineering on catalysts has been proven to be an effective and feasible way to accelerate the reaction rate. Herein, a short overview of the recent advances in defect engineering on electro-catalysts for ORR, OER and HER is presented, and the outlook for the defect engineering field is also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)/high density polyethylene (PVDF-HFP/HDPE) membrane with enhanced ionic conductivity and electrochemical capacity for lithium ion battery application has been successfully prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. HDPE particles with size smaller than 250 nm is achieved via optimized inverse emulsion polymerization method. Results indicate that the novel PVDF-HFP/HDPE membrane has ion conductivity of 2.97 mS cm −1 at 25 °C, higher than that 1.92 mS cm −1 of pristine PVDF-HFP membrane. Additionally, the LiCoO 2 /Li cells assembled with PVDF-HFP/HDPE membrane show good C-rate and cycling performance which is parallel to the commercial PP membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Owing to its unparalleled theoretical energy density, the Li‐O2 batteries are thought to be one of the most promising energy storage systems, but its application is seriously hindered by its potential safety risks arising from the passivation and corrosion of lithium anode. To address these issues, it is an efficient way to develop functionalized separator that could prevent the migration of anions and macromolecules from cathode toward anode. Herein, a novel Nafion‐functionalized polyethersulfone (PES)‐based ion‐permselective separator was prepared by using non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The Nafion ensures a better physical strength of the composite separator, and further characterizations show that the obtained composite separator owns good ionic conductivity (0.52 mS cm−1), high lithium ion migration number (0.80), and better cyclic stability (120 cycles, 1000 mAh g−1). Consequently, the composite separator serves as an excellent candidate to solve the "shuttle effect" of redox mediators (RMs), the assembled Li‐O2 battery with composite separator adding LiI as RMs presents lower charge overpotential and longer cycle stability (170 cycles, 1000 mAh g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: This study aims to compare the clinical manifestations, imaging findings, routine tests, biochemistry indicators and cerebrospinal fluid cytology between neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis. The objective is to evaluate the similarities and differences of these two diseases and improve early diagnosis. Methods: A comprehensive evaluation was conducted by comparing clinical data, imaging results, routine tests findings, biochemistry indicators and cerebrospinal fluid cytology of patients admitted to the Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2019 to 2021. Statistical analysis was applied to identify significant differences and similarities between the two diseases. Results: Preliminary analysis demonstrated both diseases commonly present with symptoms such as fever, headache. However, there were no statistical differences between neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis in early clinical data, imaging results, routine tests findings, biochemistry indicators. Further analysis indicates there is a statistically significantly difference in the lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil ratio in the cerebrospinal fluid between the two groups. Conclusions: Neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis share similarities in early clinical manifestations, imaging findings and initial cerebrospinal fluid parametes, making early-stage differentiation challenging. The ratio of lymphocytes and neutrophil in the cerebrospinal fluid and a detailed medical history investigation can provide clues for early clinical diagnosis. So the examination of CSF cytology might be a potential to distinguish these two diseases and become a powerful tool in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very difficult to diagnose and distinguish tuberculous meningitis, and the current laboratory methods are unsubstantial in developing countries. The study is aimed at creating a scoring system on the basis of basic laboratory and clinical achievements that could be used as diagnostic aid for tuberculous meningitis for Chinese patients. A retrospective study of cases was conducted for comparison between clinical characteristics and laboratory features of 241 patients on admission who conformed to inclusion criteria of tuberculous meningitis (n = 141) or bacterial meningitis (n = 100). Logistic regression was employed to establish a diagnostic formula to distinguish between tuberculous meningitis and bacterial meningitis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to determine the best diagnostic critical point of the diagnostic formula. It was found that five variables (disease course, white blood cell count, serum sodium, total white cell count of cerebrospinal fluid, and neutrophil proportion in cerebrospinal fluid) were independently associated with tuberculous meningitis. The 87% sensitivity and 94% specificity were included in the diagnostic scoring system derived from these variables. Especially in the case of limited microbial resources, doctors can use this diagnostic scoring system to distinguish tuberculous meningitis from bacterial meningitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very difficult to diagnose and distinguish tuberculous meningitis, and the current laboratory methods are unsubstantial in developing countries. The study is aimed at creating a scoring system on the basis of basic laboratory and clinical achievements that could be used as diagnostic aid for tuberculous meningitis for Chinese patients. A retrospective study of cases was conducted for comparison between clinical characteristics and laboratory features of 241 patients on admission who conformed to inclusion criteria of tuberculous meningitis (n = 141) or bacterial meningitis (n = 100). Logistic regression was employed to establish a diagnostic formula to distinguish between tuberculous meningitis and bacterial meningitis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to determine the best diagnostic critical point of the diagnostic formula. It was found that five variables (disease course, white blood cell count, serum sodium, total white cell count of cerebrospinal fluid, and neutrophil proportion in cerebrospinal fluid) were independently associated with tuberculous meningitis. The 87% sensitivity and 94% specificity were included in the diagnostic scoring system derived from these variables. Especially in the case of limited microbial resources, doctors can use this diagnostic scoring system to distinguish tuberculous meningitis from bacterial meningitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A facile method was reported by us to sustainably obtain 3D and defective nanocarbon from waste RS residue. • The key role of bacterial played in the formation of RS residue with unque structure and composition was revealed. • The underlying pyrolysis mechanism of RS residue is explored. • The obtained bio-char was demonstrated as a promising candidate for supercapacitor. Defective carbon nanomaterials with three-dimensional (3D) structure are showing great potential for advanced electrochemical storage and conversion devices, but its application is restricted by the synthesis, which is usually involved with complicate and energy-intensive processes. Herein, pyrolysis of rice straw (RS) residue, of which is collected from the bacterial assisted hydrolysis, is proposed by us here, and the obtained bio-char is defective with 3D structure and rich in oxygen-containing functional groups. Compared to the pristine one, specific surface area of the representative RS carbon (RSC2) was increased from 428.8 to 1131.7 m2 g−1. The assembled supercapacitor with RSC2 showed a high specific capacitance of 331F g−1 at a charge–discharge current density of 0.5 A g−1, and a capacity retention of 97.6% was maintained at 5 A g−1 even after 10,000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We report 11 patients diagnosed with GABAB receptor (GABABR) antibodies encephalitis in China and aim to analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging findings, therapeutic modalities and outcomes. Methods: Clinical data from patients diagnosed with anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2016 to October 2016 January were retrospectively collected and evaluated. Results: Of the 11 patients, seven were males, and a mean age at presentation of 63 years (range: 47-79 years). The major clinical features include cognitive decline (9/11), epilepsy (10/11), mental and behavioral disorders (6/11), involuntary movement (4/11), sleep disorders (2/11), hearing loss (1/11), disturbance of consciousness (4/11) and fever (3/11). GABA-B receptor antibody was positive in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid in 11 patients. Small-cell lung cancer was detected in five patients. Electroencephalogram monitoring demonstrated abnormal discharge in 10 cases. Epileptiform activities were found in five patients. Four patients showed abnormality in hippocampal region, parahippocampal gyrus, temporal and occipital lobe on magnetic resonance imaging. Ten patients accepted first-line immune therapy. Five patients with small-cell lung cancer received oncologic treatment. During a median follow-up of 11 months, eight patients showed a good outcome, two patients (cases 8 and 9) with tumors had a poor one and one patient (case 10) died of status epilepticus. Conclusion: Anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis is an uncommon autoimmune disease, which has been known to be often associated with cancer. Generally, patients associated with GABABR GABA-B receptor antibody encephalitis respond well to immunotherapy, especially if started early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinylidenefluoride)/graphene (PVDF/graphene) gel polymer electrolyte is prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique for lithium ion battery application. The effect of graphene on the ion conductivity is investigated by AC impedance measurement. The relationship among the chemical structure, PVDF crystallinity, the graphene on macroporous formation and the ion conductivity are investigated. The results indicate that the graphene disperses homogenously in PVDF, and it also increases the porosity and decreases the crystallinity of the PVDF. At the same time, the unique structure increases the liquid uptake capability of PVDF/graphene polymer electrolyte. The ionic conductivity of the PVDF/graphene polymer electrolyte increases significantly from 1.85 mS cm −1 in pristine PVDF to 3.61 mS cm −1 with 0.002 wt% graphene. It is found that graphene not only increases the ionic conductivity but also markedly enhances the rate capability and the cycling performances of coin cell. This study shows that PVDF/graphene gel polymer electrolyte is a very promising material for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sponge-like poly(vinylidene fluoride)/high density polyethylene (PVDF/HDPE) separator exhibiting high ionic conductivity and transference number of Li ion for lithium ion battery has been prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. HDPE fillers with size smaller than 250 nm are prepared with moderated reverse phase emulsion. The ion conductivity of PVDF/HDPE separator saturated with 1.0 M LiPF-ethylene carbonate (EC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:1:1, v/ v/ v) can be up to 2.54 mS cm at 25 °C, which is higher than that of pristine PVDF separator (1.85 mS cm). The transference number of lithium ion with PVDF/HDPE separator is 0.495, better than that with commercial PP separator (0.33) and pristine PVDF separator (0.27). What is more, LiCoO/Li cells assembled with PVDF/HDPE separator show good C-rate and cycling performance which indicates great potential in serving as a good candidate of polymer separator for lithium ion batteries application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: As one of the most promising energy storage systems, the application of lithium sulfur battery is hindered by low ionic conductivity, poor thermal stability, and a serious shuttle effect of polysulfide species of commercial polyolefin separators. Herein, a kind of novel porous polyetherimide (PEI) based separator (IAPEI‐4) with excellent heat resistance and electrochemical properties was prepared. Briefly, by grafting amino group (–NH2) onto the surface of SiO2, highly dispersed amino‐functionalized SiO2 (A‐SiO2) were synthesized as fillers to blend PEI matrix. Based on physical characterizations of the representative IAPEI‐4 separator, abundant micropores and mesopores exist in the separator, and A‐SiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the PEI matrix. The ameliorated Li+ transport channels and the uniform distribution of A‐SiO2 nanoparticles endow IAPEI‐4 separator with higher ionic conductivity (1.60 mS cm−1) and Li+ transfer number (0.63). Besides, the IAPEI‐4 separator exhibits good electrochemical stability and excellent thermal stability (no shrinkage at 200°C). The Li‐S cells with the IAPEI separator also show greatly enhanced electrochemical performances. After 100 cycles, its specific discharge capacity can reach 695.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and its capacity retention rate is 84.8%. This simple and effective separator modification method can provide a general strategy to achieve high‐performance Li‐S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of lithium-sulfur battery is seriously hindered by the shuttle of dissolved polysulfide between sulfur cathode and lithium anode, by which is not selectively inhibited by the conventional separator. Developing functional separator is considered as a preferred solution for this issue, but it is always challenged by the tedious preparation process. Herein, interfacial polymerization (IP) is employed to modify the surface property of ZrO 2 nanoparticles embedded polyetherimide (PZ) based separator, and the integration of pore size adjustment, electrostatic repulsion and physical adsorption into one is facilely achieved to effectively inhibit the polysulfide shuttle. Consequently, the optimized PZ separator presents a high lithium-ion transference number (0.55) and diffusion coefficient (2.16 × 10−8 cm s−1). Compared with the pristine one, the electrochemical performance of the assembled lithium-sulfur battery is obviously enhanced, and an initial discharge specific capacity of 1242 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 68 % after 200 cycles are obtained. The synchronous realization of carbon coating in the facile interfacial polymerization process enables the Ic-PZ separator to have multiple functions, improving the mobility of lithium ions and inhibiting polysulfide shuttling. [Display omitted] • The modified separator (Ic-PZ) exhibits an enhanced electrolyte absorption and effective interception of polysulfides. • The interfacial polymerization simultaneously imparts Ic-PZ with negative charge, regulated pore size and uniform lithium plating. • The assembled lithium-sulfur batteries deliver a high discharge specific capacity of 1242 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C and capacity retention of 68% after 200 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is featured by insulin resistance and lipid metabolism dysregulation. A large number of miRNAs were identified in exosomes derived from adipose tissue macrophages associated with T2DM pathogenesis, but its pathogenic roles remain unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the function of miR-210 in diabetic obesity. Methods. Exosomes from mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells were characterized by electron microscopy, combined with biomarker expression by western blot. Expression of miR-210 was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Glucose uptake was measured by a fluorometric method, and the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity was evaluated by ELISA. The target gene of miR-210 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter and pull-down assays. A mouse obese diabetic model was established by a high-fat diet and streptozocin treatment. Results. miR-210 was highly expressed in exosomes derived from high glucose-induced macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Macrophage-derived exosomes impaired glucose uptake and mitochondrial CIV complex activity and suppressed NADH dehydrogenase ubiquinone 1 alpha subcomplex 4 (NDUFA4) expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. miR-210 directly bind with mRNA sequences of NDUFA4 gene. Inhibition of miR-210 mitigated the effects of macrophage-derived exosomes on the glucose uptake and complex IV (CIV) activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and NDUFA4 overexpression offset the inhibition of glucose uptake and CIV activity by macrophage-derived exosomes. Furthermore, mice with miR-210 knockout showed greatly repressed diabetic obesity development. Conclusion. miR-210 derived from adipose tissue macrophages promotes mouse obese diabetes pathogenesis by regulating glucose uptake and mitochondrial CIV activity through targeting NDUFA4 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) is a poorly understood disease due to its rarity. This study aimed to summarize the characteristics of adult NCM and improve the awareness of this disease. Methods: The clinical data of 13 adult patients with NCM were retrospectively reviewed, including neuroimages, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and histological features. Results: There were 9 males and 4 females. The mean age at symptom onset was 36.5 years. The initial symptoms included intracranial hypertension in 8 patients and seizure in 4 patients. Ten patients had large and/or multiple congenital melanocytic nevi. MRI revealed hydrocephalus and diffuse thickening of the leptomeninges with T1 shortening in all patients. Post-contrast T1-weighted images showed diffuse linear enhancement of the leptomeninges. Lumbar punctures showed increased open pressure, and elevated protein levels and decreased glucose concentrations in CSF. Cells with intracytoplasmic coarse black granules were found in the CSF and were positive for S100, HMB45, and vimentin. Histopathology of the cutaneous lesions and meninges showed melanocytes but no evidence of malignant melanoma. Conclusion: Adult NCM patients present a diversity of clinical manifestations. Brain MRI showing diffuse thickening of the leptomeninges with T1 shortening is useful in diagnosing NCM. Heterocellular melanin may be of great value for early diagnosis of NCM in challenging cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This case reported enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-negative next-generation sequencing (NGS)-positive cerebral Angiostrongylus cantonensis. • Angiostrongylus cantonensis was detected by NGS of the cerebrospinal fluid. • NGS is a tool for etiological diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an emerging method with the potential of pan-pathogen screening. This study described a case of eosinophilic meningitis (EoM) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-negative results for Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis), Trichinella spiralis and Paragonimus westermani and a positive identification of A. cantonensis by NGS in the cerebrospinal fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is usually very complicated to treat meningeal carcinomatosis, and it is important to treat it as soon as possible.Case Presentation: The 19-Del mutation was found in the exon for the epidermal growth factor receptor gene in the pleural effusion of a patient on March 11th, 2015. He took 250 mg of oral gefitinib once a day for 11 months beginning in December of 2015. On the 3rd of November 2016, he arrived at the hospital and presented with dizziness, headache and transient blurred vision. At this time, he began to take 4 mg of oral zoledronic acid once a month to prevent bone metastases. The result of a cytology exam of the cerebrospinal fluid showed that the man had meningeal carcinomatosis. The 19-Del mutation and the 20-T790 M mutation in the exon of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene was found by the next generation sequencing of the CSF. Then, he discontinued taking gefitinib and began to take 90-100 mg of oral AZD9291 once a day in November 2016. After adjusting the medication dose based on the NGS, his headache was noticeably reduced, and his condition gradually stabilized.Conclusions: Cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA detection by next generation sequencing may become a suitable biomarker to monitor clinical treatment response in meningeal carcinomatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]