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Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are regaining their importance in recent years as a sustainable complementary energy storage device for Li-ion batteries. Although, they cannot compete in terms of energy density with respect to Li-ion, they present a few advantages, namely the 0 V stability that makes them safe during external short and/or over-discharge. When the cell is discharged to 0 V, the negative electrode potential shoots up high during which the copper current collector in use for Li-ion cells could oxidize, dissolve and leads to internal short. In contrast, Na-ion cells utilize an aluminium current collector that is strongly resistant against oxidation, hence enabling their 0 V stability. However, apart from the current collector stability, the negative electrode potential rise could cause interphase instability which is not well elucidated. Hence, herein, we explored two different Na-ion chemistries, namely polyanionic Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 F 3 -hard carbon and sodium layered oxide-hard carbon using different electrolyte formulations. Combined impedance analyses, ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and operando optical sensing indicate the 0 V discharge involves SEI degradation thereby deteriorating the cell performance, the extent of which depends on the positive electrode potential and the electrolyte in use. Overall, the 0 V stability is not an in-built property of Na-ion cells and a careful selection of cell chemistry is mandatory to achieve 0 V stable Na-ion cells. [Display omitted] • Na-ion cells are more stable and safer than Li-ion cells when stored at 0 V. • SEI instability causes performance degradation of Na-ion cells on 0 V storage. • Impedance, CV, XPS and optical sensing captures SEI degradation mechanism. • Cathode chemistry and electrolyte optimization improves the 0 V stability of SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Large B cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL6/3q27 rearrangements, designated MYC/ BCL6 DHL, are uncommon. Our aim was to better characterize this group of tumours. Methods and results We studied the clinicopathological features and outcome of 13 patients with MYC/ BCL6 DHL and compared this group to a group of 83 MYC/ BCL2 DHL patients. There were eight men and five women, with a median age of 63 years. Eleven tumours were classified as diffuse large B cell lymphomas ( DLBCL) and two were B cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma ( BCLU). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that these tumours were positive for BCL6 (100%), BCL2 (eight of 10; 80%) and CD10 (eight of 10; 80%). Nine of 12 (75%) cases had a germinal centre B cell ( GCB) immunophenotype; in one case data were incomplete. All patients were treated with chemotherapy. The clinicopathological features of MYC/ BCL6 DHL were similar to MYC/ BCL2 DHL, except that MYC/ BCL6 DHL had a GCB immunophenotype less often. Patients with MYC/ BCL6 DHL had a poor overall survival, similar to patients with MYC/ BCL2 DHL ( P = 0.32). Conclusions MYC/ BCL6 DHL is an aggressive B cell lymphoma and patients often have an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis, similar to patients with MYC/ BCL2 DHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid research and technological improvements on Na-ion batteries (NIBs) are making them the most practicable complementary device for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Moreover, the high Na-ion diffusion kinetics offers several fast charging electrode materials that are attractive for high power applications. Lowering interphase and charge transfer resistances via innovative electrolytes design, while not scarifying lifetime, is however essential to secure such applications. Herein, we report the effect of low viscous ester based co-solvents in improving the conductivity of Na-ion based electrolyte. Our new electrolyte formulation shows excellent power capability charging the 18650 cell to 84% state of charge (SOC) within ∼10 min. Additionally it improved low temperature cyclability, but with a slightly reduced high temperature performance against our co-solvent free electrolyte. We believe that the guideline taken here will pave the way towards finding a better compromise between ultrafast charging and high temperature applications for reaching optimum performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Missions into deep space will expose astronauts to the harsh space environment, and the degenerative tissue effects of space radiation are largely unknown. To assess the risks, in this study, male BALB/c mice were exposed to 500 mGy 5-ion simulated GCR (GCRsim) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. In addition, male and female CD1 mice were exposed to GCRsim and administered a diet containing Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β)RI kinase (ALK5) inhibitor IPW-5371 as a potential countermeasure. An ultrasound was performed to investigate cardiac function. Cardiac tissue was collected to determine collagen deposition, the density of the capillary network, and the expression of the immune mediator toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and immune cell markers CD2, CD4, and CD45. In male BALB/c mice, the only significant effects of GCRsim were an increase in the CD2 and TLR4 markers. In male CD1 mice, GCRsim caused a significant increase in total collagens and a decrease in the expression of TLR4, both of which were mitigated by the TGF-β inhibitor diet. In female CD1 mice, GCRsim caused an increase in the number of capillaries per tissue area in the ventricles, which may be explained by the decrease in the left ventricular mass. However, this increase was not mitigated by TGF-β inhibition. In both male and female CD1 mice, the combination of GCRsim and TGF-β inhibition caused changes in left ventricular immune cell markers that were not seen with GCRsim alone. These data suggest that GCRsim results in minor changes to cardiac tissue in both an inbred and outbred mouse strain. While there were few GCRsim effects to be mitigated, results from the combination of GCRsim and the TGF-β inhibitor do point to a role for TGF-β in maintaining markers of immune cells in the heart after exposure to GCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Polarizing microscope plays a vital role in few but unique situations. A pair of cross polarizers is used to confirm the presence of birefringent substances. Also, a red retardation plate is needed to evaluate the sign of birefringence. However, a polarizing microscope especially with retardation plate is very expensive. Thus, an affordable yet effective substitute using the 3D Polaroid glasses used for '3D movies' would enable widespread use of the polarizing system. Aim: To study the use of 3D polaroid glasses procured from cinema halls in detecting birefringence substances and to study the red retardation plate function in them. Materials and Methods: Passive 3D Polaroid glasses were procured from cinema halls. They were arranged in aspecific manner to obtain polarized light. Red retardation plate function can be obtained by changing the arrangement of the glasses. These glasses were used with various available models of different light microscope manufacturers. Various specimens observed included amyloid deposits, woven and lamellar bone, skeletal muscle striations, urate crystals, cholesterol crystals, suture material and glove powder. The comparison was based on subjective interpretation of intensity and quality of birefringence. Sign of birefringence was also determined whenever relevant. Results: The birefringence observed by our system was comparable to the commercially available polarizing system with respect to intensity and quality. Also, there were no false positive /negative results when compared with the commercial Polarizing microscope. Moreover, the system had an inbuilt red retardation plate to determine sign of birefringence. Conclusion: The system is efficient, cheap, easily accessible, portable and compatible with all models of light microscopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporates are coming under increasing pressure to cut costs and become more agile in order to survive the difficult financial climate. The author explains why a payments hub solution is exactly what corporate treasurers need to tackle the challenges of the current market. Technology becomes an enabler to help corporates to stay one step ahead of the competition by providing increased efficiency along with reduced overheads and a single overview of liquidity for better risk management. Furthermore, being able to see overall cash position in a more timely and consolidated manner allows faster reaction to market events, which is vital in these volatile times. A suitable payments hub solution also allows corporates to benefit from technological and market improvements, such as SWIFT connectivity and SEPA and later on with e-invoicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients with immune-mediated Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). • Adult patients with PE were studied. Exposure of interest was IBD. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. • There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality found between patients with PE and IBD and those without IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Learning Objectives: b Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by IV methamphetamine use has been rarely documented. B Results: b ARDS is a clinical entity with a high mortality ranging from 35-46%, hence, recurrence of ARDS is very uncommon (1.10-2.93 incidence rate). With a better understanding of lung protective ventilation & improved survival in ARDS, patients who continue to have the same risk factors are prone to recurrence of ARDS. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Although His-bundle pacing (HBP) has been successfully utilized to achieve narrow QRS in patients with wide QRS, the majority of current data is from patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). The role for HBP in patients with non-LBBB remains uncertain. Objective: To characterize the procedural results of HBP in patients with non-LBBB at the time of implant and to assess short term clinical outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing HBP at a single center were prospectively studied. Implant characteristics (e.g., sensing, impedance, and pacing thresholds), clinical measures (e.g., NYHA class, comorbidities), and echo outcomes (e.g., LVEF, volumes were assessed at baseline and follow-up. QRS duration was manually assessed both at the baseline and after HBP using specialized software (CardioCalipers, Iconico Inc.). Results: Thirty-seven patients (22 RBBB, 8 IVCD and 7 Paced) were studied; the overall cohort was 38% female, age 74±15 years, baseline QRS width 153±25 ms, LVEF 40±17%, 81% hypertension, 16% ischemic cardiomyopathy. Type of the devices included were: 21 pacemaker systems (19 dual-chamber, 2 single-chamber) and 16 resynchronization systems (13 CRT-D, 3 CRT-P). Non-LBBB patients undergoing HBP demonstrated significant improvement in QRS width (153±125 ms vs.124±33 ms, p <0.02) and LVEF (40±17% vs. 44±16%, p =0.012) in follow-up (see Figure 1a and 1b). His lead implant characteristics in non-LBBB patients were comparable to LBBB patients (mean sensing 5.2 mV vs 5.1 mV, p=NS ; mean pacing threshold 1.1V@0.8ms vs 1.2V@0.7ms, p=NS). Conclusion: HBP shortens QRS duration and improves LVEF in selected patients with non-LBBB. HBP may be a feasible alternative for resynchronization in non-LBBB patients who are suboptimal candidates for traditional coronary sinus leads, although further randomized study is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leiomyosarcomas of soft tissue are the rare tumors and the retroperitoneum is the most common site involved. We report a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the peritoneal cavity which clinically presented with suprapubic, freely mobile, nontender mass which measured 10×10 cm in size. Contrast enhanced computed tomography revealed well defined heterogenous hypodense solid cystic mass. The mass was surgically excised out in its entirety. The histopathological examination revealed spindle cells arranged in alternating fascicles having pleomorphic nuclei, indistinct margin and eosinophilic cytoplasm with foci of haemorrhage, necrosis and 5-6 mitosis/HPF. The spindle cells were immunoreactive for smooth muscle actin, desmin and negative for S-100, CD-34 and c-kit. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were helpful in making the final confirmatory diagnosis. Leiomyosarcomas are aggressive tumors, with poor prognosis and often difficult to treat. The survival rates are lowest among all soft tissue sarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Flow cytometry is an important tool to diagnose acute leukaemia. Attempts are being made to find the minimal number of antibodies for correctly diagnosing acute leukaemia subtypes. The present study was designed to evaluate the analysis of side scatter (SSC) versus CD45 flow dot plot to distinguish acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), with minimal immunological markers. Methods: One hundred consecutive cases of acute leukaemia were evaluated for blast cluster on SSC versus CD45 plots. The parameters studied included visual shape, CD45 and side scatter expression, continuity with residual granulocytes/lymphocytes/monocytes and ratio of maximum width to maximum height (w/h). The final diagnosis of ALL and AML and their subtypes was made by morphology, cytochemistry and immunophenotyping. Two sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann Whitney) test and Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank tests were applied to elucidate the significance of the above ratios of blast cluster for diagnosis of ALL, AML and their subtypes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and the optimal cut-offs of the w/h ratio to distinguish between ALL and AML determined. Results: Of the 100 cases, 57 of ALL and 43 cases of AML were diagnosed. The median w/h ratio of blast population was 3.8 for ALL and 1 for AML (P<0.001). ROC had area under curve of 0.9772.The optimal cut-off of the w/h ratio for distinction of ALL from AML was found to be 1.6. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings suggest that if w/h ratio on SSC versus CD45 plot is less than 1.6, AML may be considered, and if it is more than 1.6, ALL may be diagnosed. Using morphometric analysis of the blast cluster on SSC versus CD45, it was possible to distinguish between ALL and AML, and their subtypes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]