Three-Dimensional Flower-like MoS2 Nanosheets Grown on Graphite as High-Performance Anode Materials for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

The demand for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with long cycle life is growing rapidly due to the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). Meeting this demand requires the development of advanced anode materials with improved rate capabilities and cycling stability. Graphite is a widely used anode material for LIBs due to its stable cycling performance and high reversibility. However, the sluggish kinetics and lithium plating on the graphite anode during high-rate charging conditions hinder the development of fast-charging LIBs. In this work, we report on a facile hydrothermal method to achieve three-dimensional (3D) flower-like MoS₂ nanosheets grown on the surface of graphite as anode materials with high capacity and high power for LIBs. The composite of artificial graphite decorated with varying amounts of MoS₂ nanosheets, denoted as MoS₂@AG composites, deliver excellent rate performance and cycling stability. The 20-MoS₂@AG composite exhibits high reversible cycle stability (~463 mAh g^-1 at 200 mA g^-1 after 100 cycles), excellent rate capability, and a stable cycle life at the high current density of 1200 mA g^-1 over 300 cycles. We demonstrate that the MoS₂-nanosheets-decorated graphite composites synthesized via a simple method have significant potential for the development of fast-charging LIBs with improved rate capabilities and interfacial kinetics.

Induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by tomentosin in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Huh7 cells

Tomentosin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is known to possess various biological activities. However, its anticarcinogenic activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells has not been investigated in detail. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the cytotoxic mechanism of tomentosin in human HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. WST-1, cell counting, and colony formation assay results showed that treatment with tomentosin decreased the viability and suppressed the proliferation rate of HepG2 and Huh7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed increased population of cells at the SubG1 and G2/M stage, and decreased population of cells at the G0/1 stage in HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated with tomentosin. Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining and TUNEL assay results showed increased apoptotic cell population and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated with tomentosin. Western blotting analysis results showed that tomentosin treatment significantly increased the expression level of Bax, Bim (short form), cleaved PARP1, FOXO3, p53, pSer15p53, pSer20p53, pSer46p53, p21, and p27, but decreased the expression of Bcl2, caspase3, caspase7, caspase9, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4, CDK6, cyclinB1, cyclinD1, cyclinD2, cyclinD3, and cyclinE in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, this study revealed that tomentosin, which acted through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, may be a useful therapeutic option against HCC.

Preparation and phase transition of FeOOH nanorods: strain effects on catalytic water oxidation

The evolution of the phase and morphology of FeOOH nanorods prepared by a hydrothermal method is studied via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in situ transmission electron microscopy. The FeOOH nanorod with a tetragonal structure (β-FeOOH) is gradually converted into a rhombohedral Fe₂O₃ nanorod by a simple thermal treatment. The existence of an intermediate FeOOH structure with high lattice strains during the phase transition is identified by Rietveld analysis using XRD. The electrochemical properties of the nanorods are investigated based on the crystal phases to elucidate their relative catalytic activities. The strained-FeOOH nanorods exhibited enhanced catalytic water oxidation activity and stability. Typically, the strained-FeOOH nanorods showed high electrochemical stability under neutral conditions, while tetragonal FeOOH nanorods under the same conditions showed rapid deactivation for water oxidation reaction.

Spontaneous phase transition of hexagonal wurtzite CoO: application to electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water splitting

Spontaneous phase transition of h-CoO to β-Co(OH)₂ is widely applicable for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water oxidation reactions.

A Simple and Rapid Chromatographic Strip Test for Detection of Antibody to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) continues to be a major economic problem for swine industries worldwide despite several disease-reduction strategies such as age-segregated early weaning and all-in-all-out pig movement. Routine diagnosis of PRRSV is carried out by the combined use of an antibody-detecting enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and virus isolation. These assays require specialized laboratory equipment in addition to multistep sample handling and sample preparation. The objective of this study was to evaluate a simple pen-side assay (BioSign™ PRRSV) for rapid detection of PRRSV antibody based on a lateral flow chromatographic strip immunoassay system. This assay uses Escherichia coli–expressed viral nucleocapsid protein antigen for detecting antibodies against PRRSV in swine sera. In this report, the authors describe the evaluation of this assay using sera from both clinical samples and experimentally infected piglets. The results were compared with those of a standard, commercially available antibody ELISA (HerdChek®PRRS ELISA) and an indirect immunofluorescence assay using the same serum samples. The BioSign™ PRRSV assay was capable of detecting antibodies in sera known to contain antibodies to PRRSV, resulting in 93.2% sensitivity for samples from experimentally infected pigs and 98.7% sensitivity for clinical serum samples. For sera that did not contain antibodies to PRRSV, the specificity was found to be 98.5% and 99.2% for clinical and experimental serum samples, respectively.

A new concept for implant fixation: bone-to-bone biologic fixation

Many attempts have been made to reduce complications of bone implant, such as pedicle screw loosening. To address this problem, the authors suggest a new concept of bone-to-bone biologic fixation using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-loaded cannulated pedicle screws. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 is an osteoinductive cytokine. Four types of titanium pedicle screws were tested (uncannulated, cannulated with no loading, beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP)-loaded, and TCP/BMP2 loaded) using 16 miniature pigs. Radiological evaluation was conducted to assess the fusion and loosening of pedicle screws. Twelve weeks after implantation, peak torsional extraction torque was measured, and the pedicle screw and bone interface was evaluated by micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histologic examination. The mean value of the radiological score was significantly greater in the TCP/BMP2 loaded group at 12 weeks post-operation compared to those in the other groups. CT images showed distinct bone formation surrounding TCP/BMP2 loaded cannulated pedicle screws compared to the other groups. Mean extraction torsional peak torque at 12 weeks postoperative was more than 10-fold higher in the TCP/BMP2 loaded pedicle screw group than in the other groups. Bone surface and bone volume, as quantitated through µCT, were higher in the TCP/BMP2 loaded group. Histologic examination revealed bone-to-bone fixation at the interface of pedicle screws and pre-existing bone. Bone-to-bone biologic fixation through the holes of TCP/BMP2 loaded pedicle screws significantly increased fixation strength and represents a novel method that can be applied to osteoporotic or tumour spine surgeries.

Analysis of testicular-internal spermatic vein variation and the recreation of varicocoele in a Sprague-Dawley rat model

Many laboratories tried to recreate the varicocoele model have met with varied success. To recreate a consistent varicocoele model by exploring the anatomic variability of the testicular-spermatic venous system in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Seventy-two sexually mature SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups containing 24 rats per group. Partial ligation of the left renal vein and internal spermatic vein (ISV) communicating branches to common iliac vein and ISV communicating branches ligation (RVISVCBCIV) or partial ligation of the left renal vein and ISV communicating branches ligation (RVISVCB). The results showed that the mean diameter of the left ISV was significantly increased in the RVISVCBCIV group compared with the control and RVISVCB groups (p < 0.001). Using ISV as the reference, the sensitivity of varicocoele was 71.43%, and the specificity was 80%. In addition, the positive predictive value was 83.33%, and the negative predictive value was 66.67%. Sperm count, motility, Johnsen score and the spermatogenic cell density were lower in the RVISVCBCIV group compared with the control (p < 0.01). The apoptotic index was higher in the RVISVCBCIV group compared with control groups (p < 0.01). The RVISVCBCIV provides a more effective method for establishing a varicocoele-induced model.

Selective control of cyanobacteria in eutrophic pond by a combined device of ultrasonication and water pumps

A combined device consisting of an ultrasonic apparatus and water pumps was operated in a eutrophic pond to study its effect on the control of cyanobacteria as compared with those of a non-treated, neighboring pond. The combined apparatus seemed to be enough to spread the sonicated water to the whole surface of a 9,000 m3 pond. Although the high rainfall in 2003 resulted in an overall dominance of diatoms, cyanobacterial growth was significantly inhibited by the apparatus in the treated pond. In addition, the chlorophyll-a concentration and total algae in the treated pond were 61 and 53%, respectively, of the levels in the control pond. The reduced algal growth (7% of the control) by the combined apparatus was mainly due to the inhibition on the growth of cyanobacteria. The cyanobacterial proportion in the treated pond, however, increased significantly for several days, when the apparatus was stopped. Meanwhile, the proportion of green algae increased in the treated pond. The successful selective control of cyanobacteria using the combined apparatus suggests that ultrasonication can be a practical method to control bloom and toxin production in eutrophic waters.

Amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(p-dioxanone-co-L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol), enhancement of gene expression and inhibition of lung metastasis by aerosol delivery

We describe the development of an aerosol system for topical gene delivery to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice. This system is based on the combination of the commercial cationic lipid Lipofectin with a novel amphiphilic triblock copolymer, poly(p-dioxanone-co-L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PPDO/PLLA-b-PEG, and abbreviated in the text as polymeric micelles). After optimizing conditions for DNA delivery to the lungs of mice using the combination of polymeric micelles with Lipofectin and LacZ DNA, we used the Lipofectin/polymeric micelle system to deliver the tumor suppressor gene PTEN to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice bearing the B16-F10 melanoma. Lipofectin/PTEN/polymeric micelles significantly improved gene expression of PTEN in the lungs of mice with no evidence of cell toxicity or acute inflammation. Importantly, lung metastasis, as measured by lung weight, was significantly reduced (P<0.001), as were total tumor foci in the lungs (P<0.001) and size of individual tumor nodules in animals treated with Lipofectin/PTEN/polymeric micelles compared with control animals. Survival time was also extended. These results suggest that the Lipofectin/polymeric micelle system is appropriate for enhancing gene delivery in vivo and that it can be applied as a non-invasive gene therapy for lung cancer.

Oncocytoma of the spinal cord causing paraplegia – a case report

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a rare case of oncocytoma arising from the spinal cord in a 40-year old woman.

SETTING

Republic of Korea.

METHODS

The patient's history, physical examination, radiological and pathological findings were reviewed.

RESULTS

A 40-year-old woman presented with 3-month history of low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary mass located between L1 and L4. She refused any surgical treatment and so was discharged. At 10 days after discharge, an emergency operation was performed because of sudden paralysis in both lower extremities. The confirmed diagnosis is oncocytoma. At 4 months after surgery, the patient failed to obtain neurological recovery from complete paraplegia.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the progression of an intradural extramedullary mass that shows minor neurological symptoms can lead to complete paraplegia in a short time, close observation and early surgical decompression are necessary.

Angiopoietin-1 reduces iopromide-induced endothelial cell apoptosis through activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase/p70 S6 kinase

Radiocontrast media can induce vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. Apoptotic damage to the vascular endothelium is an important mechanism in vascular disease. Several growth factors with anti-apoptotic effects may help protect the vascular endothelium from apoptosis. The present study evaluated whether the radiocontrast agent iopromide induces apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and also whether angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) protects against iopromide-induced apoptosis through the p70 S6 kinase-dependent signaling pathway. Iopromide induced apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Ang1 reduced iopromide-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Wortmannin and LY294002, phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase inhibitors, decreased the Ang1-induced anti-apoptotic effect. Ang1 mediates the activation of mTOR/ribosomal protein p70 S6 kinase through phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase. Wortmannin and rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, suppressed Ang1-induced p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation and partially inhibited the Ang1-induced anti-apoptotic effect. These results suggest that Ang1 may protect vascular endothelial cells from iopromide-induced apoptosis through phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase and mTOR/S6 kinase. Pretreatment with Ang1 could help maintain normal vascular endothelial cell integrity before and during systemic radiocontrast administration.

Utility of thyroid transcription factor-1 and cytokeratin 7 and 20 immunostaining in the identification of origin in malignant effusions

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the utility of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and the combined cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and 20 (CK20) immunoprofile as a marker for identifying the primary site of metastatic adenocarcinoma in effusions of the serous cavity.

STUDY DESIGN

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cell block specimens of pleural and peritonealfluid diagnosed as metastatic adenocarcinomas with known sites of origin were used for TTF-1, CK7 and CK20 immunohistochemistry. The primary sites of these cases were lung (16 cases), ovary (15), stomach (9), colon (8) and breast (8) and were confirmed by radiologic and/or histologic evaluation.

RESULTS

The lung adenocarcinomas showed TTF-1 positivity in 81% (13/16) of cases. All nonpulmonary adenocarcinomas lacked TTF-1 staining. The CK7-/CK20+ immunophenotype was seen in 63% of colonic adenocarcinomas and not seen in lung, ovary, stomach or breast adenocarcinomas. The CK7+/CK20- immunophenotype was seen in 100%, 88% and 87% of cases that originated in the lung, breast and ovary, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TTF-7 immunostaining is useful in the differentiation between pulmonary and nonpulmonary origin of adenocarcinomas in malignant effusions. The combination of CK7-/CK20+ immunostaining is useful in identifying colon adenocarcinomas.

Selective involvement of reactive oxygen intermediates in platelet-activating factor-mediated activation of NF-kappaB

Although it has been suggested that some biological activities of platelet-activating factor (PAF) are mediated by, at least in part, reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), the precise mechanisms underlying the interaction between the two remains to be elucidated. Antioxidants, such as alpha-tocopherol acid succinate, N-acetyl-L-Cysteine, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate failed to inhibit PAF-induced immediate systemic reactions such as lethality, symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation, and histological changes such as pulmonary edema and hemorrhage in renal medullae 10 min following PAF injection. In contrast. antioxidants significantly inhibited both the in vivo and in vitro PAF-induced NF-kappaB activation and NF-kappaB-dependent TNF-alpha expression. The effects of the antioxidants were due to their inhibition of PAF-induced degradation of IkappaBalpha, a protein responsible for keeping NF-kappaB in an inactive form. A protein tyrosine kinase and N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone sensitive serine protease were involved in both PAF- and H2O2-induced NF-kappaB activation. Collectively, these data indicate that the PAF-induced NF-kappaB activation is selectively mediated through the generation of ROI.

Increase of NAD glycohydrolase activity in uterine cervix cancers is caused by infiltration of lymphocytes

CD38 is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein which is expressed by hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells in human. It has two functions of ADP-ribosyl cyclase and cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase activities and the sum of these two enzyme activities is identical with NAD glycohydrolase (NADase) activity. The levels of NADase activity in human cervical carcinoma and normal cancer tissue were measured. With a total of 12 patients with cervical cancer and 11 women with normal cervix, cancer tissues were found to have significantly higher NADase and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activities than the control group. Moreover, immunoblot analysis showed an increase of immunoreactivity against CD38 in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Immunohistochemical data indicated that the increase of CD38 expression was due to increased infiltration of lymphocytes.

Transfructosylating enzyme activity of Penicillium roquefortii

The blue cheese mold, Penicillium roquefortii NRRL 844, was found to produce a transfructosylating enzyme that exhibited optimal activity at 50 degrees C in the pH range of 5.0-6.0. The enzyme rapidly catalysed the conversion of sucrose to a syrup containing nearly 60% fructo-oligosaccharides of the total sugars present.