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Traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocation is an uncommon injury, and posterior sternoclavicular dislocation occurs less frequently compared to anterior sternoclavicular dislocation. However, this type of dislocation has the potential for serious complications due to compression or laceration of the mediastinal structures. The diagnosis can be difficult using plain radiographs alone due to radiographic-anatomic superimposition. Therefore, posterior sternoclavicular dislocation is easily missed at the initial clinical evaluation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is required for a definite diagnosis and to assess associated mediastinal injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of 82-year-man scheduled for elective laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. Topics discusses include the history of severe anaphylactic reactions following rocuronium injection, endotracheal intubation, epinephrine administration, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiatiation after anaphylaxis, and selection of cisatracurium as the neuromuscular blocking agent for anesthesia.

SiOx is considered a promising alternative anode material for Li-ion batteries because of its higher theoretical capacity and safety compared with those of carbonaceous materials. In this study, SiOx with N-doped carbon containing Fe2O3 (Fe2O3/N-C@SiOx) was synthesized through mechanical milling, and its electrochemical properties and applicability as a stable anode material for Li-ion batteries were evaluated. Characterization data show that silicon, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and iron are shown to be uniformly distributed in the particles, which consist of amorphous SiO and N-doped amorphous carbon containing Fe2O3· Fe2O3 and N-doped carbon synergistically act as a reinforcing matrix that can mitigate internal breakdown between particles due to the volume expansion of the SiOx active materials while increasing electrical conductivity. As a result, Fe2O3/N-C@SiOx delivers a reversible capacity of 883 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 for up to 100 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention of 77%. Furthermore, it attains high reversible capacities of 671 and 415 mA h g−1 at 1000 and 3000 mA g−1, respectively, which are more than twice as high as that of bare SiOx (336 mA h g−1) measured at 1000 mA g−1. These findings demonstrate the potential of Fe2O3/N-C@SiOx particles as an alternative anode material for rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigated the nitrogen substitution effect on the molecular structure and π-electron delocalization in linear nitrogen-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs). Based on the optimized molecular structures and magnetic field-induced parameters of fused bi- and tricyclic linear N-PAHs, we found that the local π-electron delocalization of subcycles (e.g., mono- and bicyclic constituent moieties) in linear N-PAHs is preserved, despite deviation from ideal structures of parent monocycles. The introduction of a fused five-membered ring with a pyrrolic N atom (N-5MR) in linear N-PAHs significantly perturbs the π-electronic condition of the neighboring fused six-membered ring (6MR). Monocyclic pyrrole exhibits substantial bond length alternations, strongly influencing the π-electronic systems of both the fused N-5MR and 6MR in linear N-PAHs, depending on the location of shared covalent bonds. A fused six-membered ring with a graphitic N atom in an indolizine moiety cannot generate monocyclic π-electron delocalization but instead contributes to the formation of polycyclic π-electron delocalization. This is evidenced by bifurcated diatropic ring currents induced by an external magnetic field. In conclusion, the satisfaction of Hückel's 4n + 2 rule for both mono- and polycycles is crucial for understanding the overall π-electron delocalization. It is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of the three types of substituted N atoms and the spatial arrangement of 5MR and 6MR in N-PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the demand for high-energy-density energy storage devices, the development of thick electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIB) is crucial in earnest to improve energy density. In this study, a new electrode fabrication process is developed, using a modified pitch as a binder, which produces a dough-like composite of electrode constituents with a significantly reduced amount of processing solvent. Modified pitch, which can be obtained by reaction pitch with the slightest amount of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), improves the physical properties of thick electrodes through nanoscale variations. High areal loading lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxides (NCM) electrodes of up to 75.1 mg cm−2 (305.1 μm) fabricated through a simple roll-to-roll process show stable charge-discharge cycling performance. Conventionally, the relatively low areal loading of wet-slurry-based NCM electrodes (18.3 mg cm−2, 148.9 μm) induces poor mechanical properties due to the solvent drying process. On the other hand, we confirm the feasibility of pitch as a binder material for fabricating thick electrodes and the excellence of the dough-like system process. • Thick electrodes were fabricated using pitch with a slightest amount of solvent. • The pitch used as a binder enhanced the physical stability of thick electrodes. • Pitch-based electrodes showed stable electrochemical performance up to 75.1 mg cm−2. • Pitch-based thick electrode fabrication is confirmed superior to PVDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sn2Fe/Al2O3/C nanocomposites are synthesized using a high-energy, mechanical milling method with thermally synthesized Sn2Fe, Al2O3 and carbon (Super P) powders. The effect of Al2O3 addition on the microstructure of the Sn2Fe/Al2O3/C nanocomposites is examined. The electrochemical characteristics of the material as an anode in lithium-ion batteries are also evaluated. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that the crystallite size of active Sn2Fe in the Sn2Fe/Al2O3/C nanocomposite is smaller than that of the Sn2Fe/C nanocomposite without Al2O3. A decrease in the initial irreversible capacity and enhanced cycle performance of the Sn2Fe/Al2O3/C nanocomposite electrode are observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sugammadex can rapidly reverse neuromuscular blockade and has several advantages over cholinesterase inhibitors. It is unclear, however, whether administration of sugammadex in the absence of intraoperative deep neuromuscular blockade has direct clinical benefits. The present study retrospectively assessed the ability of sugammadex to prevent post-operative respiratory adverse events in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the absence of routine deep neuromuscular blockade. The medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from 2014 to 2018 in a tertiary care hospital were reviewed. Patients who underwent reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex or pyridostigmine were subjected to propensity score matching. To assess their relative effects on post-operative adverse respiratory events (defined as a composite of SpO2 < 94% in the post-anesthesia care unit, additional oxygen supplementation during ward transfer or stay, and emergency use of sugammadex in the post-anesthesia care unit), the incidence of these effects was compared in propensity score matched groups of patients treated with sugammadex or pyridostigmine. Of the 602 patients, 210 remained in each group after propensity score matching. The incidence of post-operative respiratory adverse events did not differ significantly in the two groups. These findings suggest that the unrestricted administration of sugammadex not preceded by intra-operative deep neuromuscular blockade does not have clinical benefits, when compared with pyridostigmine, in preventing post-operative respiratory adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status at birth in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs: <1,500 g) and to determine the association between vitamin D level and respiratory morbidity. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between November 2013 and November 2017. We collected blood samples and data on respiratory morbidity from 230 VLBWIs on the first day of life. Patients who were transferred to other hospitals (n=19), died before 36 weeks of gestational age (n=18), or whose blood samples were not collected immediately after birth (n=5) were excluded. Finally, 188 patients were enrolled. VLBWIs with different vitamin D levels were compared with respect to demographic features, maternal diseases, respiratory morbidities, and other neonatal diseases. Results: The mean serum vitamin D level, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), was 13.4± 9.3 ng/mL. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 79.8%, and 44.1% of preterm infants had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Logistic analysis shows that a low serum 25(OH)D level (<20 ng/mL) was a risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 4.32; P=0.010) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR, 4.11; P=0.035). Conclusion: The results showed that 79.8% of preterm infants in this study had vitamin D deficiency at birth. Low vitamin D status was associated with respiratory morbidity, but the exact mechanism was unknown. Additional studies on the association between vitamin D level and neonatal morbidity are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As representative next-generation secondary battery systems, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are key candidates to achieve zero-carbon emission. Herein, we introduce a versatile GaSb nanocomposite anode for SIBs and PIBs. The performance and phase transition mechanism for GaSb, pure Ga, and Sb with Na and K ions are evaluated. Furthermore, three-step nanoconfinement and stabilization of GaSb crystallites are achieved in the GaSb nanocomposite. The nanostructure of the GaSb nanocomposite, consisting of approximately 2–4 nm GaSb crystallites uniformly distributed in an amorphous carbon matrix, promotes the electrochemical reaction kinetics with Na and K ions, and the chemical and mechanical stabilities of the GaSb nanocomposite electrodes. The GaSb nanocomposite anode possesses highly reversible initial volumetric and gravimetric capacities and superior high-rate capabilities. In this study, we offer new insights into the phase transition mechanisms of GaSb with Na and K ions and promising performance GaSb nanocomposite anodes for SIBs and PIBs. [Display omitted] • GaSb is newly introduced as high-performance anode materials for SIBs and PIBs. • The GaSb and its nanocomposite are synthesized using simple solid-state methods. • The GaSb nanocomposite exhibits high electrochemical performance. • The high performance is achieved by the three-step nanoconfinement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Si–TiFeSi2 composite was synthesized in large-scale using arc melting followed by rapid quenching. The composite showed that active Si nanocrystallites of approximately 50nm were embedded in an inactive TiFeSi2 hard matrix. Crystalline Si reacted with Li to form the Li21Si8 phase and transformed into amorphous Si when Li was extracted, while the TiFeSi2 matrix remained inactive to Li and unchanged throughout the electrochemical cycling. The composite showed a reversible capacity of 1200mAhg−1 over 50cycles with a Coulombic efficiency of 89% for the first cycle. Nanosized cracks were observed only at the Si crystallites parts within the Si–TiFeSi2 particles, indicating that the TiFeSi2 matrix was hard enough to withstand the stress generated during lithiation which explained the excellent capacity retention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined whether the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor contributes to the survival of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson's disease. MPTP induced significant loss of nigrostriatal DA neurons and microglial activation in the substantia nigra (SN), visualized with tyrosine hydroxylase or macrophage Ag complex-1 immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry disclosed upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, activation of microglial NADPH oxidase, and subsequent reactive oxygen species production and oxidative damage of DNA and proteins in MPTP-treated SN, resulting in degeneration of DA neurons. Conversely, treatment with nonselective cannabinoid receptor agonists (WIN55,212-2 and HU210) led to increased survival of DA neurons in the SN, their fibers and dopamine levels in the striatum, and improved motor function. This neuroprotection by cannabinoids was accompanied by suppression of NADPH oxidase reactive oxygen species production and reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines from activated microglia. Interestingly, cannabinoids protected DA neurons against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium neurotoxicity in cocultures of mesencephalic neurons and microglia, but not in neuron-enriched mesencephalic cultures devoid of microglia. The observed neuroprotection and inhibition of microglial activation were reversed upon treatment with CB1 receptor selective antagonists AM251 and/or SR14,716A, confirming the involvement of the CB1 receptor. The present in vivo and in vitro findings clearly indicate that the CB1 receptor possesses anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits microglia-mediated oxidative stress. Our results collectively suggest that the cannabinoid system is beneficial for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other disorders associated with neuroinflammation and microglia-derived oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanical failure modes of lithium-ion battery [Li-ion batteries (LIBs)] electrodes is exceptionally important for enabling high specific energy and flexible LIB technologies. In this work, the failure modes of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathodes under repeated bending and the role of the polymer binder in improving the mechanical durability of the LCO electrodes for use in flexible LIBs are investigated. Mechanical and electrochemical evaluations of LCO electrodes (areal capacity of ≥2.5 mA h cm -2 ) employing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) binder were carried out, followed by extensive optical and electron microscopies. We find that the molecular weight (MW) of the PVDF significantly influenced the surface and bulk microstructure of the LCO electrodes, particularly the distribution of carbon additive and binder, which plays a crucial role in affecting the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the electrodes. Multiple mechanical failure modes (e.g., surface scratches and microcracks) observed in the LCO electrodes subjected to repeated bending originated from the use of low MW PVDF; these failure modes were successfully mitigated by using a high MW PVDF. Remarkably, the optimized flexible LCO electrode incorporating high MW PVDF showed comparable discharge capacity retention during galvanostatic cycling after repeated bending (7000 cycles at 50 mm bending diameter) to electrodes not subjected to the repeated bending. This study highlights the importance of carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the failure mechanisms in flexible electrodes, which identified the pivotal role of the PVDF MW in the electrode microstructure and its effects on the electrode resilience to failure during repeated bending.

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) may reduce the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) and provide additional pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, the ability of EA to relieve pain in patients with AP has not been well documented., Objective: This study was undertaken to compare the pain-relieving effects of EA and conventional treatment in patients with AP., Design, Setting, Participants and Interventions: This study was conducted using a randomized, controlled, three-arm, parallel-group and multi-center design. Patients diagnosed with AP were randomly and equally assigned to EA1, EA2 or control groups. All participants received conventional standard-of-care therapy for AP. Local EA alone was administered in EA1, and local plus distal EA was given in EA2. Local EA included two abdominal acupoints, while distal EA included twelve peripheral acupoints. EA groups underwent one session of EA daily for 4 days (days 1-4), or until pain was resolved or discharged., Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the change in the visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-100) pain score between baseline and day 5., Results: Eighty-nine participants were randomized into EA1, EA2 and control groups, and 88 (EA1, 30; EA2, 29; control, 29) were included in the full-analysis set. VAS score change (median [interquartile range]) on day 5 was (12.3 ± 22.5) in the EA1 group, (10.3 ± 21.5) in the EA2 group, and (8.9 ± 15.2) in the control group. There were not significant differences in the change in VAS score among treatments (P = 0.983). However, time to food intake was significantly shorter in the EA group (EA1 + EA2) than in the control group (median 2.0 days vs 3.0 days), with a hazard ratio of 0.581 (P = 0.022; 95% CI, 0.366-0.924). No significant adverse events occurred., Conclusion: EA treatment did not significantly reduce pain after 4 days of treatment in patients with AP-associated abdominal pain but significantly reduced time to first food intake., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03173222. Please cite this article as: Jang DK, Lee JK, Jung CY, Kim KH, Kang HR, Lee YS, Yoon JH, Joo KR, Chae MK, Baek YH, Seo BK, Lee SH, Lim C. Electroacupuncture for abdominal pain relief in patients with acute pancreatitis: A three-arm randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 537-542., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Triclosan has been widely used as an antimicrobial agent. However, triclosan was found to cause toxicity, including muscle contraction disturbances, carcinogenesis, and endocrine disorders. In addition, it was found to affect central nervous system function adversely and even have ototoxic effects. Conventional methods for detecting such triclosan can be performed easily. However, the conventional detection methods are inadequate in precisely reflecting the impact of toxic substances on stressed organisms. Therefore, a test model for the toxic environment at the molecular level through the organism is needed. From that point of view, Daphnia magna is being used as a ubiquitous model. D. magna has the advantages of easy cultivation, a short lifespan and high reproductive capacity, and high sensitivity to chemicals. Therefore, the protein expression pattern of D. magna that appear in response to chemicals can be utilized as biomarkers for detecting specific chemicals. In this study, we characterized the proteomic response of D. magna following triclosan exposure via two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. As a result, we confirmed that triclosan exposure completely suppressed D. magna 2-domain hemoglobin protein and evaluated this protein as a biomarker for triclosan detection. We constructed the HeLa cells in which the GFP gene was controlled by D. magna 2-domain hemoglobin promoter, which under normal conditions, expressed GFP, but upon triclosan exposure, suppressed GFP expression. Consequently, we consider that the HeLa cells containing the pBABE-HBF3-GFP plasmid developed in this study can be used as novel biomarkers for triclosan detection., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Laser three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing technologies have gained substantial attention to fabricate 3D structured electrochemical rechargeable batteries. Laser 3D manufacturing techniques offer excellent 3D microstructure controllability, good design flexibility, process simplicity, and high energy and cost efficiencies, which are beneficial for rechargeable battery cell manufacturing. In this review, notable progress in development of the rechargeable battery cells via laser 3D manufacturing techniques is introduced and discussed. The basic concepts and remarkable achievements of four representative laser 3D manufacturing techniques such as selective laser sintering (or melting) techniques, direct laser writing for graphene-based electrodes, laser-induced forward transfer technique and laser ablation subtractive manufacturing are highlighted. Finally, major challenges and prospects of the laser 3D manufacturing technologies for battery cell manufacturing will be provided., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

To design a high-performance sodium-ion battery anode, binary zinc phosphides (ZnP 2 and Zn 3 P 2 ) were synthesized by a facile solid-state heat treatment process, and their Na storage characteristics were evaluated. The Na reactivity of ZnP 2 was better than that of Zn 3 P 2 . Therefore, a C-modified ZnP 2 -based composite (ZnP 2 -C) was fabricated to achieve better electrochemical performance. To investigate the electrochemical reaction mechanism of ZnP 2 -C during sodiation/desodiation, various ex situ analytical techniques were employed. During sodiation, ZnP 2 in the composite was transformed into NaZn 13 and Na 3 P phases, exhibiting a one-step conversion reaction. Conversely, Zn and P in NaZn 13 and Na 3 P, respectively, were fully recombined to the original ZnP 2 phase during desodiation. Owing to the one-step conversion/recombination of ZnP 2 in the composite during cycling, the ZnP 2 -C showed high electrochemical performance with a highly reversible capacity of 883 mA h g -1 after 130 cycles with no capacity deterioration and a fast C-rate capability of 500 mA h g -1 at 1 C and 350 mA h g -1 at 3 C.

Understanding of lithium polysulfide (Li-PS) formation and the shuttle phenomenon is essential for practical application of the lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell, which has superior theoretical specific energy (2600 Wh/kg). However, it suffers from the lack of direct observation on behaviors of soluble Li-PS in liquid electrolytes. Using in situ graphene liquid cell electron microscopy, we have visualized formation and diffusion of Li-PS simultaneous with morphological and phase evolutions of sulfur nanoparticles during lithiation. We found that the morphological changes and Li-PS diffusion are retarded by ionic liquid (IL) addition into electrolyte. Chronoamperometric shuttle current measurement confirms that IL addition lowers the experimental diffusion coefficient of Li-PS by 2 orders of magnitude relative to that in IL-free electrolyte and thus suppresses the Li-PS shuttle current, which accounts for better cyclability and Coulombic efficiency of the Li/S cell. This study provides significant insights into electrolyte design to inhibit the polysulfide shuttle phenomenon.

The ambient-temperature rechargeable lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell is a strong candidate for the beyond lithium ion cell since significant progress on developing advanced sulfur electrodes with high sulfur loading has been made. Here we report on a new sulfur electrode active material consisting of a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified sulfur-graphene oxide-carbon nanotube (S-GO-CTA-CNT) nanocomposite prepared by freeze-drying. We show the real-time formation of nanocrystalline lithium sulfide (Li 2 S) at the interface between the S-GO-CTA-CNT nanocomposite and the liquid electrolyte by in situ TEM observation of the reaction. The combination of GO and CNT helps to maintain the structural integrity of the S-GO-CTA-CNT nanocomposite during lithiation/delithiation. A high S loading (11.1 mgS/cm 2 , 75% S) S-GO-CTA-CNT electrode was successfully prepared using a three-dimensional structured Al foam as a substrate and showed good S utilization (1128 mAh/g S corresponding to 12.5 mAh/cm 2 ), even with a very low electrolyte to sulfur weight ratio of 4. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the ionic liquid in the electrolyte improves the Coulombic efficiency and stabilizes the morphology of the Li metal anode.