LiF Artifacts in XPS Analysis of the SEI for Lithium Metal Batteries.

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is considered to be the key to the performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). The analysis of the SEI and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) composition (especially F 1s spectra) by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has become a consensus among researchers. However, the surface-sensitive XPS characterization is susceptible to LiF artifacts due to several factors, leading to the overexaggerated role of LiF in the analysis of the SEI and CEI.

Disturbed hierarchy and mediation in reward-related circuits in depression.

Backgrounds/objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has proved the viability of alleviating depression symptoms by stimulating deep reward-related nuclei. This study aims to investigate the abnormal connectivity profiles among superficial, intermediate, and deep brain regions within the reward circuit in major depressive disorder (MDD) and therefore provides references for identifying potential superficial cortical targets for non-invasive neuromodulation.

Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from a cohort of depression patients (N = 52) and demographically matched healthy controls (N = 60).

The Improvement Effects of BC99 on Liver Function and Gut Microbiota of Long-Term Alcohol Drinkers: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background/objectives: With the improvement of living standards, alcoholic liver disease caused by long-term drinking has been a common multiple disease. Probiotic interventions may help mitigate liver damage caused by alcohol intake, but the mechanisms need more investigation.

Methods: This study involved 70 long-term alcohol drinkers (18-65 years old, alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day, lasting for more than one year) who were randomly assigned to either the BC99 group or the placebo group.

Combined BPA and DIBP Exposure Induced Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Impairment Through the Notch Pathway and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and diisobutyl (DIBP) phthalate are widely used as typical plasticizers in food packaging. Plasticizers can be released from polymers, migrate into food, and be ingested by humans, leading to various health problems. However, little research has investigated the combined toxicity of BPA and DIBP, particularly their intestinal toxicity.