A Quasi-Double-Layer Solid Electrolyte with Adjustable Interphases Enabling High-Voltage Solid-State Batteries.

Increasing the energy density and long-term cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries necessitates the stability of electrolytes under high/low voltage application and stable electrode/electrolyte interfacial contact. However, neither a single polymer nor liquid electrolyte can realize this due to their limited internal energy gap, which cannot avoid lithium-metal deposition and electrolyte oxidation simultaneously. Herein, a novel type of quasi-double-layer composite polymer electrolytes (QDL-CPEs) is proposed by using plasticizers with high oxidation stability (propylene carbonate) and high reduction stability (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether) in a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based electrolyte composites.

Risk factors for mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy after cardiac surgery.

Background: To investigate the risk factors for mortality in patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (AKI-CRRT) after cardiac surgery.

Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent AKI-CRRT after cardiac surgery in our centre from January 2015 to January 2020 were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Modified "" arch replacement with an integrative frozen elephant trunk device for acute type A aortic dissection.

Background: Total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) has been proposed as the primary arch repair method for acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD). We introduce a modified "" arch replacement with an integrative FET device for aTAAD.

Methods: From January 2018 to December 2019, 507 aTAAD patients from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital received surgical therapy; among them, 57 patients with modified island total arch replacement (MiTAR) and 138 patients with TAR were enrolled.

Hepatocellular carcinoma progression mediated by hepatitis B virus-encoded circRNA HBV_circ_1 through interaction with CDK1.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) produces circular RNA (circRNA), whose functions have not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, a novel circRNA HBV_circ_1 produced by HBV was identified in HBV-positive HepG2.2.

Genome-Wide Characterization of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) Gene Family in Rapeseed ( L.) Revealed Their Role in Multiple Abiotic Stress Response and Hormone Signaling.

Plant glutathione peroxidases (GPXs) are the main enzymes in the antioxidant defense system that sustain HO homeostasis and normalize plant reaction to abiotic stress conditions. To understand the major roles of the gene family in rapeseed ( L.), for the first time, a genome-wide study identified 25 genes in the rapeseed genome.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) alleviates senescence, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation in osteoarthritis via the SIRT1-mTOR signaling pathway.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex condition that involves both apoptosis and senescence and currently cannot be cured. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), known for its role as a potent regulator of glucose and energy metabolism, protects from various diseases, possibly by mediating autophagy. In the present study, the role of FGF21 in the progression of OA was investigated in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Effects of Glucocorticoids on Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose: Delirium is a common neurologic complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with a poor prognosis. Several studies have explored the effects of glucocorticoids on postoperative delirium (POD). However, conclusion have been inconsistent.

Effects of Duodenal 5-Hydroxytryptophan Perfusion on Melatonin Synthesis in GI Tract of Sheep.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) duodenal perfusion on melatonin (MT) synthesis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of sheep. 5-hydroxytryptophan is a precursor in the melatonin synthetic pathway. The results showed that this method significantly increased melatonin production in the mucosa of all segments in GI tract including duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon.

Improving laser power stability with a photosensitive lens.

We propose a method to improve relative laser power stability using a passive photosensitive sunglass lens, which is a commercially available off-the-shelf product. We present a theoretical analysis and identify factors that affect the optimal working state of the lens. A relative laser power stability of 3.

Circ_nuclear factor I X (circNfix) attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy via regulating miR-145-5p/ATF3 axis.

Cardiac hypertrophy can cause heart failure. However, the mechanisms underlying the progression of cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in cardiac hypertrophy.

Revisit Electrolyte Chemistry of Hard Carbon in Ether for Na Storage.

Hard carbons (HCs) as an anode material in sodium ion batteries present enhanced electrochemical performances in ether-based electrolytes, giving them potential for use in practical applications. However, the underlying mechanism behind the excellent performances is still in question. Here, ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to clarify the insightful chemistry of ether- and ester-based electrolytes in terms of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on hard carbons.

The Impacts of Genetic and Environmental Factors on the Progression of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Background & Aims: Both environmental factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking, and genetic factors are strongly associated with the risk of developing chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, comprehensive understanding of their impacts on the progression of CP remains elusive.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on a large cohort of CP patients with known genetic backgrounds.

Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV) induces PINK1-Parkin mediated mitophagy via interaction of VP4 with host Tom40.

The mechanism by which infection by Bombyx mori cytoplasmic nucleopolyhedrosis virus (BmCPV) causes autophagy has not been studied in detail. Herein we have observed by electron microscopy that infection with BmCPV causes autophagosome and mitochondrial structure damage in Bombyx mori midgut. In BmN cells infected with BmCPV and expressing eGFP-LC3, fluorescence spots and LC3-II levels increased, suggesting that BmCPV infection causes autophagy.

Clinical impact of craniopharyngioma classification based on location origin: a multicenter retrospective study.

Background: An assessment of the clinical impact for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) classification based on origin location has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical impact of the site of tumor origin in primary CPs.

Methods: Patients from six national institutions who had undergone resection for primary CP were enrolled.

Lenghu on the Tibetan Plateau as an astronomical observing site.

On Earth's surface, there are only a handful of high-quality astronomical sites that meet the requirements for very large next-generation facilities. In the context of scientific opportunities in time-domain astronomy, a good site on the Tibetan Plateau will bridge the longitudinal gap between the known best sites (all in the Western Hemisphere). The Tibetan Plateau is the highest plateau on Earth, with an average elevation of over 4,000 metres, and thus potentially provides very good opportunities for astronomy and particle astrophysics.

Stelleranoids A-M, guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids based on [5,7] bicyclic system from Stellera chamaejasme and their cytotoxic activity.

Thirteen previously undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids based on [5,7] bicyclic system, stelleranoids A-M (1-13), along with six known analogues (14-20), were isolated from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme with chromatographic techniques. Their structures including absolute configurations were determined by HRESIMS and spectroscopic data, quantum chemical calculations, as well as X-ray crystallographic analysis. Cytotoxicity test in three cell lines indicated that compound 14 had relatively stronger cytotoxic effect against MKN-45, SKOV3, and Du145 cell lines with IC of 9.

Controlled preparation of hollow ZnCdS nanospheres modified by NiS nanosheets for superior photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Developing durable and efficient photocatalysts for H evolution is highly desirable to expedite current research on solar-chemical energy conversion. In this work, a novel photocatalytic H evolution system based on ZnCdS/NiS nanocomposite was rationally designed for the first time. In this advanced composite structure, NiS nanosheets as a co-catalyst were intimately coupled to the inner surface of the hollow spherical ZnCdS.

Response to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection in silkworm: Gut metabolites and microbiota.

The diversity of microbiota and metabolites in the digestive tract gut is important in physiology and homeostasis, nutrient uptake and virus infection. In lepidopteran insect model silkworms, little is known about how microbiota and metabolites are altered after oral infection with BmNPV. Herein, we used 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics to show that the gut microbiota and metabolites of silkworm midgut are significantly altered after BmNPV infection.

Detachable string magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy for detecting high-risk varices in compensated advanced chronic liver disease (CHESS1801): A prospective multicenter study.

Background: Gastroesophageal varices is a serious complication of compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD). Primary prophylaxis to reduce the risk of variceal hemorrhage is recommended if high-risk varices (HRV) are detected. We performed this study to compare the accuracy, patients' satisfaction and safety of detection of HRV by detachable string magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (DS-MCCE) with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) as the reference.

Tight junction protein claudin-2 promotes cell entry of Bombyx mori cypovirus.

Claudin-2 is a major component of tight junctions (TJs), which play an important role in reovirus entry into host cells. The Bombyx mori cytoplasmic polyhedosis virus (BmCPV) relates to the cypovirus strain of the reovirus family. So far, the role of claudin-2 in the process of BmCPV infection is not known.

LncRNA HCP5 in hBMSC-derived exosomes alleviates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by sponging miR-497 to activate IGF1/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an inevitable process during heart transplant and suppressing I/R injury could greatly improve the survival rate of recipients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have positive effects on I/R. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective roles of MSCs in I/R.

Antiangiogenic therapy reverses the immunosuppressive breast cancer microenvironment.

Tumor angiogenesis induces local hypoxia and recruits immunosuppressive cells, whereas hypoxia subsequently promotes tumor angiogenesis. Immunotherapy efficacy depends on the accumulation and activity of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Antangiogenic therapy could improve local perfusion, relieve tumor microenvironment (TME) hypoxia, and reverse the immunosuppressive state.

Direct visualization of drug behaviors in the upper GI tract via magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy.

Background And Aims: Actual behaviors of drugs in the upper GI tract are not well elucidated. We assess the feasibility of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) in direct and real-time visualization of oral drug behaviors in the stomach.

Methods: From November 2019 to December 2019, 9 patients with a recent history of upper GI symptoms and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study.