Evaluation of Electronic-Ionic Transport Properties of a Mg/Zr-Modified LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode for Li-Ion Batteries

There is an enormous drive for moving toward cathode material research in LIBs due to the proposal of zero-emission electric vehicles together with the restriction of cathode materials in design. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) attracts great research interests as high-voltage Co-free cathodes in LIBs. However, a more extensive study is required for LNMO due to its poor electrochemical performance, especially at high temperature, because of the instability of the LNMO interface. Herein, we design structural modifications using Mg and Zr to alleviate the above-mentioned drawbacks by limiting Mn dissolution and tailoring interstitial sites (which are shown by structural and electrochemical characterizations). This strategy enhances the cycle life up to 1000 cycles at both 25 and 50 °C. In addition, a thorough characterization by impedance spectroscopy is applied to give an insight into the electronic and ionic transport properties and the intricate phase transitions occurring upon oxidation and reduction.

Biphasic P2/O3-Na2/3Li0.18Mn0.8Fe0.2O2: a structural investigation

The P2/O3 layered oxide system is thought to benefit from a synergistic enhancement, resulting from the presence of both phases, which makes it a promising cathode material for Na-ion battery applications. Here, biphasic P2/O3-Na_2/3Li_0.18Mn_0.8Fe_0.2O₂ is investigated via a combination of neutron and X-ray scattering techniques. Neutron diffraction data indicates that the O3 alkali metal site is fully occupied by Li. Real time operando X-ray diffraction data shows the structural evolution of the composite electrode - at the charged state there is no evidence of O2, OP4 or Z phases. The results presented herein provide new insight into site preference of Li in biphasic materials and highlights the value of utilizing multiple phases to achieve high performance layered cathode materials for sodium battery applications.

Toward Stable Electrode/Electrolyte Interface of P2-Layered Oxide for Rechargeable Na-Ion Batteries

The electrochemical properties of P2-Na_2/3Mn_0.8Fe_0.1Ti_0.1O₂ layered oxide, which is a promising cathode material for rechargeable Na-ion batteries (NIBs), are evaluated with an optimized in-house ionic liquid (IL)-based electrolyte, and its performance is compared with that using carbonate-based electrolyte. The IL-based system reveals better electrochemical performance at room temperature than the carbonate electrolyte-based one at 0.1C and 1C, especially in terms of cycling stability, with a 97% capacity retention after 100 deep cycles (0.1C). The electrode/electrolyte interface is thoroughly studied in both systems by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy so as proof that the formed interface is crucial to optimizing the electrochemical performance of NIBs. The carbonate-based system shows a thin, inhomogeneous, and unstable interface layer, while the IL-based one exhibits an even thinner but homogeneous and more stable interface, which may result in safer and longer-lasting NIBs.

Investigation of K modified P2 Na0.7Mn0.8Mg0.2O2 as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

We demonstrate that K addition to P2-Na_0.7Mn_0.8Mg_0.2O₂ results in an inhomogeneous distribution and leads to inferior electrochemical performance relative to the parent.

Clinicopathologic correlations of renal microthrombosis and inflammatory markers in proliferative lupus nephritis

INTRODUCTION

Microthrombosis is often observed in lupus nephritis (LN) lesions, but its clinical significance is unknown. We evaluated the clinicopathologic correlations of renal microthrombosis and inflammatory markers in LN.

METHODS

Kidney biopsies from 58 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) proliferative nephritis were analyzed with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for intravascular platelet aggregates (CD61), macrophagic infiltration (CD68), and activated complement deposition (C4d). Clinical data at the time of kidney biopsy and follow-up were analyzed with regard to pathologic IHC data.

RESULTS

Microthrombosis was present in 52% of the tissues. It was significantly more prevalent in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) (62% versus 42%). The presence of microthrombosis significantly correlated with higher macrophagic infiltration. Macrophagic infiltration but not microthrombosis was significantly correlated with C4d deposition. Only macrophagic infiltration showed a correlation with SLE and renal activity (proteinuria and active sediment), whereas neither the presence of CD61+ microthrombi nor the extent of C4d deposition correlated with LN severity or outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Microthrombosis is associated with higher macrophagic infiltration in LN but does not seem to increase independently the severity of renal damage. Macrophagic infiltration was the best marker of SLE and renal activity in this LN series.

Immunohistochemical detection of intravascular platelet microthrombi in patients with lupus nephritis and anti-phospholipid antibodies

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether the use of platelet immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers improves the sensitivity of histological methods to detect microthrombosis in SLE nephritis and aPLs and to analyse the clinicopathological correlations of microthrombosis in this setting.

METHODS

Kidney biopsy specimens from 65 patients with SLE, including 36 with positive aPLs, were studied by IHC using antibodies against platelet glycoproteins CD41 and CD61. Clinical data at the time of kidney biopsy and during a mean follow-up of 7.5 years after biopsy were recorded and analysed with regard to histological or IHC data.

RESULTS

Histological lesions previously defined as APS nephropathy were found in 33% of the SLE kidney biopsies and were not associated with positive aPLs. Microthrombi detected as intravascular CD61(+) platelet deposits were present in 43% of the tissues and were significantly associated with positive aPLs, but not with histological APS nephropathy, nephritis manifestations nor with renal outcome. Histological APS lesions but not CD61(+) microthrombi correlated with an older age at nephritis presentation, previous cardiovascular risk factors and worse renal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunodetection of intravascular CD61(+) platelet aggregates is more sensitive than histological evaluation to detect acute microthrombosis and provides a better correlation with aPLs in SLE patients. In contrast, histological lesions consistent with APS nephropathy were not associated with aPLs but with cardiovascular risk factors and worse renal outcome.

La salud de las personas mayores

We explore gender, class and geographical inequalities in health of the population aged over 65 years in Spain. We gathered data from the 1997 National Health Survey, 1999 hospital discharge data, 1998 mortality data from vital statistics, and from the 1999 National Survey on Disabilities. Health related behaviors (tobacco and alcohol consumption, eating disorders and physical activity), self-rated health, chronic health problems, functional capacity, and health service utilization are described by gender and social class. Mortality rates among the elderly are compared between the 52 Spanish provinces. Women and members of the lower social classes present worse levels of self-rated health. Tobacco and alcohol consumption are more frequent among men than among women. Physical activity appears correlated to the every-day activities, men and those in the higher classes adopt sedentary habits in a greater proportion. Functional dependency is more frequent among women than among men, showing a clear pattern of inequality. As in other studies, the highest mortality rates were located in the southern part of Spain.

Health status and service utilisation of older people in different European countries

OBJECTIVE

Care of elderly demands more and more resources. The purpose of this study was to compare the health of the elderly and the differences in utilisation of services.

DESIGN

Health status was measured using the Short Form 36, the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, the Abbreviated Mental Test and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Information was also obtained on health and social service utilisation.

SETTING

Eight European districts.

SUBJECTS

4004 elderly aged 70-94 years were studied.

RESULTS

General health perception measured with SF-36 was significantly better in men than in women and in elderly living outside institutions. Measured with the Barthel scale, the elderly living in the southern districts were more disabled. Women were more disabled than men. Depression and anxiety were common, but inadequately treated and strongly linked with disability. There was a north-south difference also in mental disability, people in the north feeling healthier.

CONCLUSION

Cultural differences probably explain most of the differences observed. However, treating depression and anxiety more adequately could help elderly people to avoid early institutionalisation.

A novel missense (R80W) mutation in 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 gene associated with male pseudohermaphroditism

OBJECTIVE

Deficit of the testosterone converting enzyme 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) has been shown to be responsible for male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH). We analysed the gene encoding 17beta-HSD type 3 (17beta-HSD3) in a patient with MPH.

METHODS

We studied a 46, XY new-born diagnosed as having MPH. The child also had other congenital disorders, including a giant omphalocele and Fallot's tetralogy, and died of post-surgical complications at age 4.5 months. Basal hormonal levels, and after human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation, suggested a deficiency in 17beta-HSD as the biochemical defect underlying this MPH. PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing of all coding exons of the 17beta-HSD3 gene were performed on genomic DNA from the patient and both parents. Messenger RNA was extracted from the patient's testis and 17beta-HSD3 cDNA was synthesized, PCR amplified and sequenced.

RESULTS

Sequencing revealed the presence of a homozygous missense mutation (R80W) in exon 3 of the 17beta-HSD3 gene, which was also present in single doses in both parents, in accordance with the recessive inheritance of the defect. No other mutation was found, and cDNA sequencing confirmed correct synthesis and processing of 17beta-HSD3 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Confirming the abnormal delta4-androstenedione/testosterone ratios that suggested 17beta-HSD deficiency, a homozygous missense mutation in the gene coding for this enzyme was identified in the patient with MPH. This study adds further genetic evidence to the role of 17beta-HSD3 in male sexual development. There is no evidence supporting the association of this mutation in 17beta-HSD3 with the congenital malformations other than MPH present in the child.