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Balancing the strength, ductility and Elastic modulus of β-Ti alloys is still a great challenge for medical implantation, extremely limiting its further applications. Herein, we prepared a fine-grain β-type Ti–24Nb–4Zr-2.5Mn alloy with high performance by adding CaB6deoxidizer via mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. The effects of CaB6addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties were systematically investigated, and the results show that adding a trace amount of CaB6will form in-situ nano-sized CaTiO3particles and micro-sized (Ti,Nb)B2solid solution whiskers, which can significantly refine the grain size and inhibit the grain boundary movement and dislocation motion, thus improving the comprehensive mechanical properties of Ti–24Nb–4Zr-2.5Mn alloys. With a trace addition of 0.1 wt% CaB6, the Ti–24Nb–4Zr-2.5Mn alloy exhibits an excellent combination of high strength of ∼971 MPa, good ductility of ∼17.8% and low elastic modulus of ∼79.1 GPa. This work may provide a new methodology to prepare high-performance biomedical Ti alloys.

Study Design Retrospective cohort studyObjectives The goal of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with primary spinal osteosarcoma and to construct a practical clinical prediction model for patients to achieve an accurate prediction of overall survival.Methods This study included 230 patients diagnosed between 2004-2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Independent risk factors were screened in the training set using Cox regression algorithms, and a prognostic model was developed. Internal and external validation sets were used to test the nomogram model's calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility. A risk classification system based on the nomogram was developed and validated.Results Four independent prognostic factors were identified, and based on this a nomogram model was developed for predicting patient prognosis. The C-index of the training set was .737, while that of the validation set was .693. The time-varying area under the curve values was greater than .720 in both cohorts. The calibration curves proved that the prediction model has high prediction accuracy. The decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram is clinically useful. A risk classification system was established, which allows all patients to be divided into two different risk groups.Conclusions A nomogram and risk classification system was developed for patients with primary spinal osteosarcoma to accurately predict overall patient survival and achieve risk stratification of patient mortality. These tools are expected to play an important role in clinical practice, informing clinicians in making decisions.

Electrochemical water splitting powered by renewable energy sources hold potential for clean hydrogen production. However, there is still persistent challenges such as low solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency and sluggish oxygen evolution reactions. Here, we address the poor kinetics by studying and strengthening the coupling between Ce and W, and concurrently establishing Ce–W bi-atomic clusters on P,N-doped carbon (WN/WC–CeO2−x@PNC) with a “treasure-bowl” style. The bifunctional active sites are established using a novel and effective self-sacrificial strategy involving in situinduced defect formation. In addition, by altering the coupling of the W(d)–N(p) and W(d)–Ce(f) orbitals in the WN/WC–CeO2−xsupramolecular clusters, we are able to disrupt the linear relationship between the binding energies of reaction intermediates, a key to obtain high catalytic performance for transition metals. Through the confinement of the WN/WC–CeO2−xcomposite hetero-clusters within the sub-nanometre spaces of hollow nano-bowl-shaped carbon reactors, a stable and efficient hydrogen production viawater electrolysis could be achieved. When assembled together with a solar GaAs triple junction solar cell, a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 18.92% in alkaline media could be realized. We show that the key to establish noble metal free catalysts with high efficiency lies in the fine-tuning of the metal–metal interface, forming regions with near optimal adsorption energies for the reaction intermediates participating in water electrolysis.

Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3−) can efficiently transform NO3−into ammonia (NH3), enabling the simultaneous removal of NO3−pollutant from wastewater and the production of NH3. Here, we report the use of rare-earth lanthanum-doped Co3O4nanowires array on carbon cloth (La-Co3O4/CC) as an efficient electrocatalyst for the conversion of NO3−to NH3. The as-synthesized La-Co3O4/CC demonstrates a remarkable NH3Faradaic efficiency (96.36%) and NH3yield (537.44 µmol h−1cm−2), markedly surpassing its Co3O4counterpart (87.78%, 279.4 µmol h−1cm−2). Theoretical computations unveil that the incorporation of La doping promotes NO3−adsorption and optimizes the hydrogenation process, thus enhancing the electroreduction activity of Co3O4in NO3−conversion and NH3selectivity. Furthermore, a Zn–NO3−battery incorporating La-Co3O4/CC achieved a peak power density of 9.86 mW cm−2. This work advances the application of Co3O4-based electrodes in electrocatalysis and highlights the effectiveness of rare earth element doping in NO3−reduction reactions.

Over the past few decades, the global reliance on fossil fuels and the exponential growth of human population have escalated global energy consumption and environmental issues. To tackle these dual challenges, metal catalysts, in particular precious metal ones, have emerged as pivotal players in the fields of environment and energy. Among the numerous metal-free and organic catalyst materials, C3N5-based materials have a major advantage over their carbon nitride (CxNy) counterparts owing to the abundant availability of raw materials, non-toxicity, non-hazardous nature, and exceptional performance. Although significant efforts have been dedicated to synthesising and optimising the applicable properties of C3N5-based materials in recent years, a comprehensive summary of the immediate parameters of this promising material is still lacking. Given the rapid development of C3N5-based materials, a timely review is essential for staying updated on their strengths and weaknesses across various applications, as well as providing guidance for designing efficient catalysts. In this study, we present an extensive overview of recent advancements in C3N5-based materials, encompassing their physicochemical properties, major synthetic methods, and applications in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and adsorption, among others. This systematic review effectively summarises both the advantages and shortcomings associated with C3N5-based materials for energy and environmental applications, thus offering researchers focussed on CxNy-materials an in-depth understanding of those based on C3N5. Finally, considering the limitations and deficiencies of C3N5-based materials, we have proposed enhancement schemes and strategies, while presenting personal perspectives on the challenges and future directions for C3N5. Our ultimate aim is to provide valuable insights for the research community in this field.

The alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) is considered to be a promising approach for large-scale industrial hydrogen production. Nevertheless, it is severely hampered by the inability to operate tolerable HER catalysts consistently under low overpotentials at ampere-level current densities. Here, we develop a universal ligand-exchange (MOF-on-MOF) modulation strategy to synthesize ultrafine Fe2P and Co2P nanoparticles, which are well anchored on N and P dual-doped carbon porous nanosheets (Fe2P-Co2P/NPC). In addition, benefiting from the downshift of the d-band center and the interfacial Co-P-Fe bridging, the electron-rich P site is triggered, which induces the redistribution of electron density and the swapping of active centers, lowering the energy barrier of the HER. As a result, the Fe2P-Co2P/NPC catalyst only requires a low overpotential of 175 mV to achieve a current density of 1000 mA cm–2. The solar-driven water electrolysis system presents a record-setting and stable solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 20.36%. Crucially, the catalyst could stably operate at 1000 mA cm–2over 1000 h in a practical AEMWE at an estimated cost of US$0.79 per kilogram of H2, which achieves the target (US$2 per kg of H2) set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Background We aim to construct a practical clinical prediction model to accurately evaluate the overall survival (OS) of patients with primary spinal tumors after primary tumor resection, thereby aiding clinical decision-making.Methods A total of 695 patients diagnosed with a primary spinal tumor, selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, were included in this study. The Cox regression algorithm was applied to the training cohort to build the prognostic nomogram model. The nomogram’s performance in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness was also assessed in the internal SEER validation cohort. The fitted prognostic nomogram was then used to create a web-based calculator.Results Four independent prognostic factors were identified to establish a nomogram model for patients with primary spinal tumors who had undergone surgical resection. The C-index (.757 for the training cohort and .681 for the validation cohort) and the area under the curve values over time (both >.68) showed that the model exhibited satisfactory discrimination in both the SEER cohort. The calibration curve revealed that the projected and actual survival rates are very similar. The decision curve analysis also revealed that the model is clinically valuable and capable of identifying high-risk patients.Conclusions After developing a nomogram and a web-based calculator, we were able to reliably forecast the postoperative OS of patients with primary spinal tumors. These tools are expected to play an important role in clinical practice, informing clinicians in making decisions about patient care after surgery.

Background The goal of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with primary spinal Ewing sarcoma (PSES) and to create a prognostic nomogram.Methods Clinical information related to patients diagnosed with PSES between 2004 and 2015 was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Independent prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses to construct nomograms predicting overall survival in patients with PSES. Calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the model’s prediction accuracy, while decision curve analysis was used to assess the model’s clinical utility.Results The overall number of 314 patients with PSES were screened from the SEER database between 2004 and 2015. Race, chemotherapy, age, and disease stage were found to be independent predictive factors for overall survival in both univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. The training and validation cohorts’ calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic curves, and decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram has strong discrimination and clinical value. Furthermore, a new risk classification system has been constructed that can divide all patients into 2 risk groups.Conclusions Based on a broad population, the research demonstrates statistical evidence for the clinical features and prognostic variables of patients with PSES. The constructed prognostic nomogram provides a more precise prediction of prognosis for PSES patients.

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In recent years, stricter standards for lithium-ion batteries have been proposed due to the rapid development of portable electronic devices and new energy vehicles. LiNixCoyMnzO2(NCM, x+ y+ z= 1) has gradually become the mainstream of cathode materials for powering lithium-ion batteries due to its advantages of high energy density, long cycle life, and high reliability. Furthermore, the energy density of the NCM ternary battery is proportional to the nickel content. Promoting high nickel batteries will realize their lightweight property and high commercial value. This research initially summarizes the properties of polycrystalline and single crystal high nickel cathode materials. Then, the problems of high nickel single crystal cathode materials are emphasized from cation mixing, structural degradation, microcracks, surface side reactions, and thermal stability. Moreover, the coping strategies of coating, surface coating, and additives are discussed in detail. Finally, a summary of high nickel single crystal cathode materials is given, and future research directions are discussed.

Oncogenic stress induces DNA damage repair (DDR) that permits escape from mitotic catastrophe and allows early precursor lesions during the evolution of cancer. SAMHD1, a dNTPase protecting cells from viral infections, has been recently found to participate in DNA damage repair process. However, its role in tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we show that SAMHD1 is up-regulated in early-stage human carcinoma tissues and cell lines under oxidative stress or genotoxic insults. We further demonstrate that de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP7 interacts with SAMHD1 and de-ubiquitinates it at lysine 421, thus stabilizing SAMHD1 protein expression for further interaction with CtIP for DDR, which promotes tumor cell survival under genotoxic stress. Furthermore, SAMHD1 levels positively correlates with USP7 in various human carcinomas, and is associated with an unfavorable survival outcome in patients who underwent chemotherapy. Moreover, USP7 inhibitor sensitizes tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents by decreasing SAMHD1 in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that de-ubiquitination of SAMHD1 by USP7 promotes DDR to overcome oncogenic stress and affect chemotherapy sensitivity.

There is an urgent need for the development of high performance electrocatalysts for the CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) to address environmental issues such as global warming and achieve carbon neutral energy systems. In recent years, Cu-based electrocatalysts have attracted significant attention in this regard. The present review introduces fundamental aspects of the electrocatalytic CO2RR process together with a systematic examination of recent developments in Cu-based electrocatalysts for the electroreduction of CO2to various high-value multicarbon products. Current challenges and future trends in the development of advanced Cu-based CO2RR electrocatalysts providing high activity and selectivity are also discussed.

Microenvironment-responsive hydrogels present high potential in treating refractory wounds due to their capability of on-demand drug release. In this study, a specially designed hydrogel with smart targeting of refractory wound characteristics was designed to treat chronically infected diabetic wounds. Aminated gelatin reacted with oxidized dextran, forming a hydrogel cross-linked with a dynamic Schiff base, which is sensitive to the low-pH environment in refractory wounds. Nano-ZnO was loaded into the hydrogel for killing microbes. A Paeoniflorin-encapsulated micelle with a ROS-responsive property was fixed to the skeleton of the hydrogel via a Schiff base bond for low-pH- and ROS-stimulated angiogenic activity. The sequential responsiveness of the novel hydrogel enabled smart rescue of the deleterious microenvironment in refractory wounds. This highly biocompatible hydrogel demonstrated antibacterial and angiogenic abilities in vitroand significantly promoted healing of chronically infected diabetic wounds via sequential hemostatic, microbe killing, and angiogenic activities. This microenvironment-responsive hydrogel loaded with nZnO and Pf-encapsulated micelles holds great potential as a location-specific dual-response delivery platform for curing refractory, chronically infected diabetic wounds.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction is promising as an environmentally friendly process to produce high value-added ammonia with simultaneous removal of nitrate, a widespread nitrogen pollutant, for water treatment; however, efficient electrocatalysts with high selectivity are required for ammonia formation. In this work, FeOOH nanorod with intrinsic oxygen vacancy supported on carbon paper (FeOOH/CP) is proposed as a high-performance electrocatalyst for converting nitrate to ammonia at room temperature. When operated in a 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution with 0.1 M NaNO3, FeOOH/CP is able to obtain a large NH3yield of 2419 μg h–1cm–2and a surprisingly high Faradic efficiency of 92% with excellent stability. Density functional theory calculation demonstrates that the potential-determining step for nitrate reduction over FeOOH (200) is *NO2H + H++ e–→ *NO + H2O.

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) has been widely studied as a promising biomaterial because of its potential mechanical and biological properties. In this article, different synthesis methods for nano-HA were summarized. Key factors for the synthesis of nano-HA, including reactant concentration, effects of temperature, PH, additives, aging time, and sintering, were separately investigated. The biological performances of the nano-HA depend strongly on its structures, morphology, and crystallite sizes. Nano-HA with different morphologies may cause different biological effects, such as protein adsorption, cell viability and proliferation, angiogenesis, and vascularization. Recent research progress with respect to the biological functions of the nano-HA in some specific biological applications are summarized and the future development of nano-sized hydroxyapatite is prospected.

Framework materials, including metal–organic framework materials (MOFs), Prussian blue/Prussian blue analogs (PB/PBAs), and covalent framework materials (COFs), are promising candidates for fabricating electrodes for use in electrochemical devices, especially supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have been widely investigated over the past decade. Active materials as electrode materials are vital to the development of the next generation of supercapacitors. Therefore, designing and fabricating novel electrode materials endowed with superior specific capacitance, perfect cycling stabilities, and distinguished power/energy density are crucial. In this review, we focus on framework materials – MOFs, PB/PBAs, and COFs – and report electrode materials based on their pristine forms, derivatives, and composites for supercapacitors. Recent advances and potential applications of framework materials in supercapacitors are also discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for the future direction of supercapacitors based on framework materials.

Achieving full densification of some ceramic materials, such as Y2O3, without sintering aids by spark plasma sintering (SPS) is a great challenge when plastic deformation contributes limitedly to the densification as the yield stress of the material at an elevated temperature is higher than the applied sintering pressure. Herein, we demonstrate that particle fracture and rearrangement is an effective strategy to promote the densification during the pressure-assisted sintering process. Specifically, Y2O3nanocrystalline powders composed of nanorod and near-spherical particles were synthesized and sintered at various temperatures by the SPS. The results show that the relative density of the ceramics prepared by the nanorod powders is higher than the density of the ceramics from the near-spherical powders after 600 °C due to the fracture and rearrangement of the nanorods at low temperatures, which leads to the decrease of particle size and the increase of density and homogeneity. Based on this novel densification mechanism, ultrafine-grained Y2O3transparent ceramics with good optical and mechanical properties were fabricated successfully from the nanorod powders.

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels possess unique advantages in drug delivery due to their variable performance and status based on the external environment. In the present study, a dual-responsive (pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS)) hydrogel was prepared to realize drug release properties under inflammatory stimulation. By grafting 3-carboxy-phenylboronic acid to the gelatin molecular backbone and cross-linking with poly(vinyl alcohol), we successfully synthesized the inflammation-responsive drug-loaded hydrogels after encapsulation with vancomycin-conjugated silver nanoclusters (VAN-AgNCs) and pH-sensitive micelles loaded with nimesulide (NIM). This novel design not only retained the dynamic functions of hydrogels, such as injectability, self-healing, and remodeling, but also realized sequential and on-demand drug delivery at diabetic-infected wound sites. In this work, we found that the hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility and hemostasis properties owing to the enhanced cell-adhesive property of the gelatin component. The significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of the hydrogel was demonstrated in an in vitroexperiment. Moreover, in the in vivoexperiment, the hydrogel was found to play a role in promoting infected wound healing through sequential hemostasis and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory processes. Collectively, this inflammation-responsive hydrogel design containing VAN-AgNCs and NIM-loaded micelles has great potential in the application of chronically infected diabetic wound treatment, as well as in other inflammatory diseases.

Constructing high-capacitive potassium storage materials can avoid the sluggish and unstable bulk diffusion process via a surface-induced process, which is conducive to swift and frequent potassium storage. Herein, we demonstrated the use of macroporous honeycomb-like carbon nanofibers (MHCNFs) as an excellent anode material for high-capacitive potassium storage. The as-made MHCNFs feature abundant well-controlled macropores, an amorphous structure, and a large specific surface area of around 595.9 m2g–1. These structural characteristics could significantly reduce the transferring distance of electrons/ions, offer abundant active sites, enable high-capacitive contribution, and thus substantially improve the kinetics and structural stability of MHCNFs. Experimental investigation demonstrated that MHCNFs enable ultrahigh potassium storage ability (329.1 mAh g–1at 100 mA g–1) and competitive rate capability (168.5 mAh g–1at 5000 mA g–1). More impressively, even when cycled at 1000 mA g–1, the robust structure of MHCNFs can still enable the electrodes a capacity of 252.6 mAh g–1over repeating 2500 cycles. This work offers a promising strategy that macropore engineering coupled with amorphous structure can make effectively elevated K+diffusion kinetic performance and promoted K+adsorption/intercalation storage possible.

Treatment of large-scale bone defects remains a clinical challenge. In particular, it preferably requires an implantable material with porous, absorbable, biocompatible, and antibacterial activities. Here we report the mechanical and biological properties of a porous Zn–0.04Mg–2Ag (wt%) biodegradable zinc alloy scaffold, prepared by template replication technique. In the aspect of cytocompatibility, cytoskeleton staining of stem cells co-cultured with Zn–0.04Mg–2Ag showed that the outline of cells and nuclei was clearly visible, and the interwoven network of linear fibers was abundant in the cells, which revealed lower cytotoxicity and less effect on cell proliferation. In the aspect of antibacterial properties, Zn–0.04Mg–2Ag alloy had little antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli, but had obvious antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureusand Staphylococcus epidermidis. In the aspect of bone induction, alizarin red staining and the expression of alkaline phosphatase showed no obvious increase; However, Zn–0.04Mg–2Ag alloy could significantly up-regulate the mRNA expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factors, osteocalcin and osteopontin. Zn–0.04Mg–2Ag degradable zinc alloy scaffold had excellent biocompatibility, and has significant antibacterial activity and fine osteogenic induction, which was an ideal bone substitute material for repairing large-scale bone defects.

The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3–) not only facilitates the environmentally sustainable production of ammonia (NH3) but also purifies water by removing NO3–, thereby transforming waste into valuable resources. The process of converting NO3–to NH3is complex, involving eight electron transfers and multiple intermediates, making the choice of electrocatalyst critical. In this study, we report a cobalt selenide (CoSe2) nanowire array on carbon cloth (CoSe2/CC) as an effective electrocatalyst for the NO3–to NH3conversion. In an alkaline medium with 0.1 mol/L NO3–, CoSe2/CC demonstrates exceptional NH3Faradaic efficiency of 97.6% and a high NH3yield of 517.7 μmol h–1cm–2at –0.6 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Furthermore, insights into the reaction mechanism of CoSe2in the electrocatalytic NO3–reduction are elucidated through density functional theory calculations.

The bone regenerative scaffold with the tailored degradation rate matching with the growth rate of the new bone is essential for adolescent bone repair. To satisfy these requirement, we proposed bone tissue scaffolds with controlled degradation rate using osteoinductive materials (Ca-P bioceramics), which is expected to present a controllable biodegradation rate for patients who need bone regeneration. Physicochemical properties, porosity, compressive strength and degradation properties of the scaffolds were studied. 3D printed Ca-P scaffold (3DS), gas foaming Ca-P scaffold (FS) and autogenous bone (AB) were used in vivo for personalized beagle skull defect repair. Histological results indicated that the 3DS was highly vascularized and well combined with surrounding tissues. FS showed obvious newly formed bone tissues. AB showed the best repair effect, but it was found that AB scaffolds were partially absorbed and degraded. This study indicated that the 3D printed Ca-P bioceramics with tailored biodegradation rate is a promising candidate for personalized skull bone tissue reconstruction.

In the present study, porous bulk palladium samples were prepared by sodium chloride salt powder spacer incorporation and removal combined with dealloying. The obtained porous Pd bulks were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and N2adsorption isotherm measurements. The prepared porous Pd bulk samples showed a hierarchical pore structure, a high porosity of ∼88%, a high surface area of ∼54 m2/g, and a compression strength of ∼0.5 MPa. Electrochemical measurements were performed to evaluate the electrocatalytic properties of the porous Pd bulk samples, revealing their effectiveness for ethanol oxidation.

Electrochemical nitrite (NO2−) reduction has the dual nature of alleviating NO2−pollution in water and converting it into beneficial ammonia (NH3). But highly active electrocatalysts are needed to overcome the slow kinetics of six electron transfer. Herein, we report a nickel-copper bimetallic nanoparticles-decorated TiO2nanoribbon array on titanium plate (NiCu@TiO2/TP) as a high-efficiency catalyst for NH3production. As expected, such an electrocatalyst displays a maximum Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96.25% and a high NH3yield of 688.97 μmol h–1cm–2at −0.5 V. Moreover, NiCu@TiO2/TP shows remarkable durability and stability during recycling tests. And the reaction mechanism is also investigated by theoretical calculations.

In the present work, the microstructure evolution, mechanical and corrosion properties of Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloys were systematically studied after the long-term thermal aging treatment. After aging, the Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloys are still mainly composed of α-Fe phase and a small amount of Fe2Nb-type laves phase, but the preferred orientation almost disappeared. With the increase of aging time, the average grain size of Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloy increased obviously and the amount of Fe2Nb-type laves phase also increased significantly. After aging at 450 °C for 2000 h, some coarse grains were observed in the Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloy and it exhibited much coarser grains with an average grain size of 19.7 μm than unaged Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloy due to the incomplete recrystallization. With the increase of aging time, the tensile strength was almost unchanged while the ductility decreased significantly. Due to the incomplete recrystallization, the Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloy exhibited the highest tensile strength of 670.5 MPa but the worst elongation of 3.9% after aging at 450 °C for 2000 h. In addition, the electrochemical corrosion test results showed that the unaged Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloy has better comprehensive corrosion resistance than the aged Fe-13Cr-4Al-1.5Nb alloy in 3.5wt.%NaCl solution.

Separator is supposed to own outstanding thermal stability, superior wettability and electrolyte uptake, which is essential for developing high-rate and safe lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, commercial polyolefin separators possess poor wettability and limited electrolyte uptake. For addressing this issue, we put forward a composite separator to implement above functions by doping layered-silicate (talcum) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). With significant improvement of electrolyte absorption benefiting from the strong adsorption energy values (-1.64 ∼ -1.70 eV) between talcum and the electrolyte in lithium metal batteries, PVDF/Talcum (PVDF/TM) composite separator owns a small contact angle and superior electrolyte uptake. PVDF/TM composite separator with 10 wt% talcum (T-10) owns a tiny contact angle of 8°, while those of polypropylene (PP) and PVDF are 48° and 20° with commercial electrolyte. Moreover, the addition of thermotolerant talcum endows the T-10 composite separator with great thermostability, whose thermal shrinkage is only 5.39% at 150 °C for 0.5 h. The cell with LiFeO4cathode and the T-10 composite separator reaches 91.7 mAh/g in discharge capacity at 4.8 mA/cm2(10 C), far superior to that with pure PVDF separator (56.3 mAh/g) and PP (51.4 mAh/g).

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for cauda equina syndrome (CES) caused by disc herniation. 16 patients with CES caused by LDH at the early and middle stages of Shi’s classification were selected as the objects of study, who underwent PELD. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Macnab criteria and the visual analogue scale (VAS). The VAS for leg pain and back pain significantly decreased from preoperative scores of 7.67 ± 1.23 and 7.52 ± 1.42, respectively, to postoperative scores of 1.71 ± 0.53 and 3.18 ± 0.72. Thirteen patients showed favorable results. Complications included one patient of motor weakness, and one patient developed an ipsilateral recurrent herniation who finally acquired satisfactory result after reoperation. Hence, PELD could be used as an alternative surgical method for the treatment of CES in properly selected cases and appropriate patient selection and a reasonable surgical approach will give rise to better outcomes.