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Research on the effectiveness of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in the urology department is limited. To evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led multi-faceted ASPs on antibiotic use and clinical outcomes. A prescription review of inpatients receiving one or more antibiotics in the urology department of a large teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China, was conducted from April 2019 to March 2023. The pharmacist-led multi-faceted ASP intervention included guideline development, training, medication consultation, review of medical orders, indicator monitoring, and consultation. The primary outcome was antibiotic consumption. The data were analysed using interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis. Following the implementation of ASPs, an immediate decrease was observed in total antibiotic consumption, antibiotic use rate, second-generation cephalosporins, third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and WHO Watch category antibiotics. No differences were observed in mortality rate before and after the intervention, and no significant short- or long-term effects were found on length of hospital stay (LOS) using ITS. However, there was a significant short-term effect on average antibiotic cost. The implementation of pharmacist-led multi-faceted ASPs had positive impacts on reducing antimicrobial consumption without increasing LOS, antibiotic cost, or mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study aimed to investigate the effect of high levels of systemic immune inflammation (SII) on hepatic steatosis by conducting a population-based cross-sectional survey of research subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The population included 5,119 participants from the NHANES 2017-2020 cycle who were selected as the research subjects. We used (neutrophil count x platelet count)/lymphocyte count as the formula for calculating SII. The formula for calculating HSI levels was 8 x the ratio of [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) / aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] + body mass index (BMI) + 2 (with diabetes mellitus) + 2 (for women). HSI=36 was taken as the cut-off value for evaluating hepatic steatosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between hepatic steatosis and SII in different models. Subgroup analysis was used to explore the relationship between different subgroups of SII and hepatic steatosis. Interaction analyses were used to assess the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Out of a total of 5,119 participants, hepatic steatosis was observed in 2,742 individuals. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the independent risk factor for hepatic steatosis was a high SII level (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.11-1.49, p<0.05). After adjusting for differences in BMI and HSI using propensity score matching (PSM), bariatric surgery also reduced SII risk. CONCLUSIONS: T here i s a c orrelation b etween SII and hepatic steatosis, and bariatric surgery can effectively reduce SII risk in the hepatic steatosis population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proved to play a vital role in tumorigenesis and progression. Nevertheless, the potential mechanism of circRNAs in prostate cancer (PC) remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the exact role of circ_0004417 in the progression of prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of circ_0004417 in primary PC tissues and cell lines. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the function of circ_0004417 in PC progression, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay. Furthermore, the regulatory function of circ_0004417 on miRNA, p-Akt and E-cadherin was investigated to elucidate the potential mechanisms. RESULTS: Circ_0004417 was significantly down-regulated in PC tissues and cells (p<0.05). Functional experiments proved that circ_0004417 overexpression markedly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of PC cells (p<0.05). In addition, the results demonstrated that circ_0004417 served as a sponge for miR-1228 and regulated expressions of p-Akt and E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS: Circ_0004417 inhibits the progression of prostate cancer through sponging miR-1228. All our findings suggest that circ_0004417 can be used as a potential therapeutic target for PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application value of the technique of fracture body surface localization film combined with CT volume rendering in the selection of minimally invasive incision for internal fixation of rib fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 55 cases of patients who underwent internal fixation for rib fracture in our hospital from June 2019 to April 2020 were selected. The differences in the accuracy of preset incision, incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative wound drainage, and postoperative pain score between the group with fracture body surface localization film combined with CT volume rendering (n=32) and the group with traditional localization method (n=23). RESULTS: Compared with traditional localization method, fracture body surface localization film combined with CT volume rendering could improve the accuracy of surgical incision, reduce the operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative wound drainage, and postoperative pain score (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of fracture body surface localization film combined with CT volume rendering has obvious effects on the accurate selection of incision of rib fracture internal fixation, and it is an effective method that is worthy of promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 in the progression of bladder cancer (BCa) and its possible molecular mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 in 40 pairs of BCa tissues and normal adjacent tissues, as well as in BCa cell lines. MiRNAs that could bind to the circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 were predicted by bioinformatics databases and their expression levels were verified in BCa tissues and cell lines. The circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 overexpression plasmid and the corresponding negative control were transfected into T24 and UMUC-3 cells, and their effects on cell proliferative ability, migration, and invasiveness were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and transwell assays. In addition, the Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the binding relation between the circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 and microRNA-589-5p. Furthermore, in vitro reversal experiments were used to confirm the biological role of microRNA-589-5p in the progression of BCa mediated by circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017. RESULTS: QRT-PCR results revealed that the expression level of hsa_circ_0091017 was remarkably down-regulated in BCa tissues and cell lines, while the expression level of microRNA-589-5p was remarkably increased in BCa tissues and cells. Overexpression of the circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 in BCa cells can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of BCa cells. At the same time, it was found that overexpression of the circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 in BCa cells can inhibit the expression of microRNA-589-5p and there was a binding relation between the two in BCa cells. In addition, overexpression of microRNA-589-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of the circular RNA hsa_circ_0091017 on the malignant phenotype of BCa cells. CONCLUSIONS: The circular RNA hsa_ circ_0091017 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of BCa cells by regulating the expression of microRNA-589-5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely studied for their anti-tumor property, due to the characteristic of homing towards tumor sites and immunosuppression. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms that link MSCs to the targeted tumor cells, such as glioma, are not clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we examined the inhibitory properties and new molecular mechanisms of the human umbilical cord (hUC-MSCs) derived exosomes on the human glioma U87 cells using a co-culture system in vitro. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to measure the anti-tumor activity of hUC-MSCs derived exosomes. The cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and the immunoblotting assay was applied in order to assess the associated proteins level. The data revealed that hUC-MSCs derived exosomes could repress cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Mechanistically, we identified that lncRNA PTENP1 could be packaged into exosome from hUC-MSCs, transferred to U87 cells, and then stabilized PTEN by binding miR-10a-5p competitively. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, our data suggested that the exosomes from hUC-MSCs possess a higher anti-tumor capacity, at least partially, via regulating miR-10a-5p/PTEN signaling, which thereby may represent a possible target for early diagnosis and treatment of glioma clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, the morbidity and mortality of which have been on rising in recent years. Moreover, lncRNAs have been implicated in the development of various cancers, as well as cancer treatment and prognosis. In this study, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3, an identified tumor suppressor, was explored for its role in the chemotherapy of lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases were divided into (I+II) group and (III+IV) group according to different stages of tumor node metastasis (TNM), and were divided into sensitive group and insensitive group according to chemotherapy sensitivity. A549 and H292 cells were selected as the resistant cell and non-resistant lung cancer cells. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) was performed to detect the expression of MEG3. After transfection with overexpression plasmid pcDNA-MEG3 or/and different concentrations of vincristine, cell viability and proliferation were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK- 8) assay and plate cloning assay, respectively. Western blotting was used to analyze the expressions of autophagy-related proteins. RESULTS: In vivo, lncRNA MEG3 was significantly lower in III+IV group and insensitive group than that in I+II group and sensitive group. In vitro, MEG3 expression in resistant cells was significantly lower than that in non-resistant cells. Overexpression of MEG3 significant inhibited the viability and proliferation of both resistant and non-resistant lung cancer cells. Western blot results showed that autophagy level was higher in resistant cells than that in non-resistant cells, while overexpression of MEG3 significantly reduced the expression of autophagy- related proteins. CCK-8 results also indicated that the cell viability was negatively correlated with the dose of vincristine, while the viability of drug-resistant cells was higher than that of non-drug resistant cells after the treatment of vincristine. The vitality of both cells decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after combined treatment with vincristine and MEG3. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that lncRNA MEG3 showed a low expression in chemotherapy- sensitive lung cancer tissues, and overexpression of lncRNA MEG3 attenuated autophagy level, thus increasing the sensitivity of vincristine in chemotherapy of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of national economy and the improvement of people’s living standards,the problem of environmental vibrations has been more concerned. The traffic-induced vibrations can propagate through the surrounding soil, inducing secondary vibrations and noises of nearby buildings, which have considerable effect on the safety of structure, the routine life and work of residents living in buildings along traffic-lines. In order to predict the vibration of building induced by train, the model of train-track-soil-interface-building system is established based on the dynamic interaction influence of soil-building foundation in this paper. In the model, the formula of vibration prediction is presented under two contact modes between soil and building foundation, namely, distortion coordination and nonlinear contact. By statistical analysis, the building vibration can be attained considering a lot of influence factors such as train speed, distance between train and building as well as vehicle type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of current study was to assess the association between miR-142-3p expression and the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative real- time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess the expression level of miR-142-3p in cervical cancer tissues and matched normal tissues. Then, statistical analysis was performed to determine the associations of miR-142-3p expression with the clinical features and the prognosis of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Significantly lower levels of miR- 142-3p was observed in the cervical cancer tissue, compared with the adjacent normal cervical tissue from the same patient (p < 0.05). Low miR-142-3p expression level was significantly associated with advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.005), and depth of cervical invasion (p = 0.006). Furthermore, Kaplan- Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with low miR-142-3 expression had poorer overall survival and progression-free survival (p < 0.001, respectively). The univariate proportional hazard model suggested that FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, depth of cervical invasion and miR-142-3p expression level were prognostic predictors. Finally, Multivariate survival analysis also confirmed that miR-142-3p could be an independent prognostic marker for both overall survival and progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-142-3p may be a potential novel biomarker that predicts prognosis in cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Imbalance of hematopoietic cell proliferation and apoptosis is one of the major causes of leukemia. Enhanced cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis lead to hemocytes accumulation. Fas/FasL signaling pathway promotes cell apoptosis. This study investigated the impact of interferon γ (IFN-γ) on chronic myelogenous leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis to elucidate its interaction with Fas/FasL signaling pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Leukemia K562 cells were routinely cultivated and treated with 10 U/ml, 100 U/ml, and 1000 U/ml interferon for 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, respectively. MTT assay was applied to test cell proliferation. TUNEL assay was adopted to determine cell apoptosis. Western blot was selected to detect Fas/FasL expression. RESULTS: Different concentrations of IFN-γ inhibited cell proliferation at various time points. IFN-γ at 1000 U/ml treatment for 48 h exhibited the strongest suppressive effect on cell proliferation (p < 0.05). IFN-γ intervention enhanced K562 cell apoptosis with concentration and time dependence (p < 0.05). Fas and FasL proteins expressions upregulated after treated by IFN-γ following dose elevation and time extension (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IFN-γ inhibits leukemia K562 cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis via facilitating Fas and FasL proteins expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West Indian Medical Journal is the property of West Indian Medical Journal (WIMJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The characteristics of aircraft cockpit canopies made of transparent organic material are described. Three types of canopy and their characteristics are compared. The current status of cockpit canopy development in major industrial nations is compared. The typical performance characteristics of transparent materials for aviation applications are described. Future trends in the development of these transparent materials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfides have recently emerged as a new class of anode materials for lithium ion batteries. In this work, a facile method based on anion exchange reaction is reported to prepare nanowire interwoven NiCo2S4 nanowall arrays through topotactical transformation from the Ni-Co carbonate hydroxide precursor. The nanowire interwoven NiCo2S4 nanowall arrays are investigated as binder free anodes for lithium ion batteries. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the NiCo2S4 nanowall arrays possess large reversible capacity, good cycling stability and good rate capacity, making them promising anodes for advanced lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The major pathological change in basilar invagination (BI) is represented in the decrease of craniocervical junction (CVJ) volume resulting from abnormal bone protrusion around the foramen magnum. The diagnosis and clinical evaluation of BI is mainly based on the clinical manifestations and radiographic measurements by means of calculation of the scan lines of CVJ in X-ray, CT and MRI. With the transoral decompression atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP III) system, the decompression, reduction and fixation can be achieved to decompress and stabilize medulla spinalis change the position of the dens in CVJ, thus expand the CVJ relative volume, relieve the compression on medulla spinalis and the nerve injury. However, the correlation between the dens position change and the variation of CVJ has not been established previously. This study focused on the clinical significance of the variation of craniocervical junction (CVJ) volume caused by the dens position change for the treatment of BI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We've performed an analysis of data from 62 BI patients admitted from January 2008 to May 2013, who were treated by TARP III system. The data include preoperative, postoperative JOA scores (Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, 17 points method), preoperative and postoperative X-ray, thin-slice CT scan with three-dimensional reconstruction and MRI scan to measure the cervicomedullary angle (CMA). We have analyzed the preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional CT data by means of MIMICS 10.01 software system according to the Box volume (BV) method to determine the changes of CVJ volume resulting from preoperative and postoperative dens position change, assessed the correlation between the CVJ volume changes and the JOA scores with correlation between CMA change and the JOA scores. All data were analyzed by paired t-test and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: In all 62 patients, JOA scores were recovered from preoperative 9.26 ± 1.66 to postoperative 13.02 ± 1.44, CMA change rate was 21%, and CVJ volume change rate was 36%. The CMA change rate and the JOA score recovery rat exhibited relevance, as Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.46 (p < 0.005). The Pearson's correlation coefficient between CVJ volume change rate and JOA score recovery rate was 0.63 (p < 0.005), and the CVJ volume change rate was significantly different while compared with the correlation between CMA change rate and JOA score (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: the CVJ volume change rate is a sensitive and reliable parameter for the evaluation of neurological function improvement in patients with BI. It can be used as a predictor to evaluate the postoperative neurological recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews some key issues and emerging statistical methodological developments in the evaluation of drug safety data in the premarketing and postmarketing settings as of January 2014. It discusses prospective program-level safety planning, evaluation, and reporting, and the impact of adverse event grouping on statistical analysis, among others. The article also covers aspects related to benefit-risk assessments.

TiO2 nanowire arrays with mixed phases are directly grown on Ti foil using a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that the hybrid samples consist of mixed crystallographic phases of anatase and TiO2(B). Morphological characterisation shows that the samples have a unique nanostructure with ultra long, fine and uniform nanowires. Compared with the standard Degussa P25 TiO2 nanoparticles, the hybrid TiO2 nanowire arrays exhibit larger reversible capacity, improved cycling stability and rate capability, which can be attributed to their hybrid nanowire array structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Black shank, caused by the hemibiotrophic oomycete Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, is a major disease of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in southwest China. Mefenoxam is one of the most commonly used fungicides for its management. A survey was conducted to determine the level of mefenoxam sensitivity in the pathogen population in Guizhou province and to determine the race distribution of selected isolates. In 2012, 179 isolates of P. parasitica were screened for sensitivity to mefenoxam on lima bean agar. Zero percent of the isolates was classified as resistant, 41.9% as intermediately resistant, and 58.1% as sensitive. Race was determined for 32 isolates from 12 tobacco districts using five discriminative cultivars: NC-1071, Fla 301, L8, Xiaohuangjing 1025 and K-326. Twenty seven isolates were race 1 and five were race 0. Race 1 was present in all regions sampled and presents a major concern for the use of tobacco cultivars in Guizhou province in the future. Based on the results of our survey, we conclude that a combination of practices that includes partial resistance, cultural controls, and fungicides will be needed for long term management of tobacco black shank in Guizhou province of China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

TiO2 nanowire arrays with mixed phases are directly grown on Ti foil using a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that the hybrid samples consist of mixed crystallographic phases of anatase and TiO2(B). Morphological characterisation shows that the samples have a unique nanostructure with ultra long, fine and uniform nanowires. Compared with the standard Degussa P25 TiO2 nanoparticles, the hybrid TiO2 nanowire arrays exhibit larger reversible capacity, improved cycling stability and rate capability, which can be attributed to their hybrid nanowire array structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 thin-film electrodes have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition followed by postannealing at different temperatures. The microstructural and morphological characterizations using X-ray diffraction, field-emission-scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy measurements show that the structure and phase purity of the thin films are highly dependent on the postannealing temperatures. The films that are postannealed at low temperatures exhibit a relatively lower degree of crystallinity, but a high phase purity. The electronic structure and cation disorder of the LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 thin-film samples are further investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and magnetic property measurement. The charge/discharge behaviors of the thin films that are postannealed at different temperatures indicate that phase-pure LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 thin films can only be prepared at low annealing temperatures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies on thin-film electrodes indicate a strong dependence of charge-transfer resistance on the electrode potential. The rate capability and cycling stability in different voltage windows of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 thin-film electrodes are further investigated. The relationship between the microstructure and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 thin-film electrodes has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic jets have been proposed for efficient flow control due to their unique zero-net-mass-flux feature and the conceptual simplicity of the system. However, the effectiveness of the control is heavily dependent upon the complicated flow interaction of the jets with the flow stream on which the jet is applied. To understand the flow control mechanism better, a numerical simulation method is investigated in this paper. Using a computational fluid dynamics technique, the detached eddy simulation for an isolated synthetic jet for flow control is presented. A cubic-root filter is introduced with continuous eddy viscosity variation at the switching point between the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solution region and the large eddy simulation region. The intention is to explore the effects of unstructured grids for such a filtering strategy. A dissipation-controlled Roe scheme is applied and a dynamic grid technique is employed to implement the periodically moving diaphragm. The results obtained are compared with the experimental data and a previous study using structured grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-crystallized nonstoichiometric LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4–δ thin-film electrodes were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The charge/discharge behavior of the nonstoichiometric LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4–δ thin film is consistent with the film having a disordered spinel structure with space group Fd3¯m. These thin-film electrodes exhibit excellent cycle performance and rate capability. The measured Li diffusivity in the film is in the range of 10-12 to 10-10 cm2/s, which is comparable to that of layered LiCoO2. First principles calculations on the stoichiometric (ordered) spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 find no intermediate ordered phases between LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and Li0Ni0.5Mn1.5O4, leading us to speculate that voltage steps observed in experiments are caused by Ni—Mn disorder, which facilitates Li/vacancy ordering. The presence of a smaller step in ‘ordered’ LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 than in disordered LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is consistent with the calculation and may indicate presence of partial disorder even in ordered material. Although a maximum was found for the chemical diffusion coefficient of Li in LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4–δ near x = 0.5, the self-diffusion coefficient exhibits a minimum at that composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although etanercept is used as a continuous therapy for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, intermittent use may be necessary in some instances. Objective: In this randomized, open-label study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of continuous versus interrupted etanercept therapy. Methods: All patients received uninterrupted etanercept 50 mg twice weekly during the first 12 weeks, followed by either continuous (n = 1272) or interrupted (n = 1274) etanercept 50 mg once weekly in the next 12 weeks. The primary effectiveness end point was the proportion of responders (those who achieved a Physician''s Global Assessment [PGA] score ≤2 and improvement from baseline) at week 24. Secondary end points included the PGA “clear/almost clear” status, the PGA Scalp Psoriasis score, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index. A modified intent-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: At week 12, comparable high proportions of responders were reported in the continuous (71.3%) and interrupted (72.0%) arms. However, the proportion of responders at week 24 was greater in the continuous group than in the interrupted group (71.0% vs 59.5%; P < .0001). Similar results were observed in secondary end points. The mean number of etanercept doses (1 dose = 50 mg) received by patients in the continuous group was 33.4, compared with 28.0 in the interrupted group. Etanercept was well tolerated in both treatment arms. Limitations: We examined one round of discontinuation and re-treatment; interrupted therapy provided less total medication to responding patients. Conclusions: Continuous and interrupted etanercept therapy was effective and generally well tolerated in patients with psoriasis, with greater improvements observed in the continuous arm at week 24. Most patients regained their response after reinitiation of etanercept. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phase transitions and electrochemical behavior of LiCoO2 thin-film cathodes prepared by pulsed laser deposition are studied for charging voltages ranging from 4.2 to 4.9 V. Two voltage plateaus at about 4.55 and 4.62 V are observed in the charge- discharge curves. Ex Situ X-ray diffraction measurements confirm structural changes and a phase transition from the O3 to the H1-3 phase when LiCoO2 is charged above 4.5 V. Thin-film LiCoO2 electrodes show stable capacity retention up to 4.5 V but significant capacity fade above 4.5 V, which we attribute to damage from Strain due to phase transitions and Li gradients. Li diffusion in the LixCoO2 thin film up to 4.5 V is investigated by the potentiostatic intermittent titration technique. The chemical diffusion coefficient of Li reaches the maximum near x = 0.4 and starts to decrease when the Li content is further decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]