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The gas adsorption/desorption reaction that occurs on a solid surface forms the basic reaction of various catalysts and sensor devices.

BackgroundDown-sloping sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in people in their teens and 20s hampers efficient learning and communication and in-depth social interactions. Nonetheless, its aetiology remains largely unclear, with the exception of some potential causative genes, none of which stands out especially in people in their teens and 20s. Here, we examined the role and genotype–phenotype correlation of lipoxygenase homology domain 1 (LOXHD1) in down-sloping SNHL through a cohort study.MethodsBased on the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) genetic deafness cohort, in which the patients show varying degrees of deafness and different onset ages (n=1055), we have established the ‘SNUBH Teenager–Young Adult Down-sloping SNHL’ cohort (10–35 years old) (n=47), all of whom underwent exome sequencing. Three-dimensional molecular modelling, minigene splicing assay and short tandem repeat marker genotyping were performed, and medical records were reviewed.ResultsLOXHD1 accounted for 33.3% of all genetically diagnosed cases of down-sloping SNHL (n=18) and 12.8% of cases in the whole down-sloping SNHL cohort (n=47) of young adults. We identified a potential common founder allele, as well as an interesting genotype–phenotype correlation. We also showed that transcript 6 is necessary and probably sufficient for normal hearing.ConclusionsLOXHD1 exceeds other genes in its contribution to down-sloping SNHL in young adults, rising as a signature causative gene, and shows a potential but interesting genotype–phenotype correlation.

In this study, the microwave, i.e. 0.5–10 GHz, transmission characteristics of carbon nanofiber (CNF) with three different micrometer-scale thicknesses were experimentally investigated using a coplanar waveguide transmission line. In the experimental results, when the film of CNF was thick, the signal transmission level (S21-magnitude) was significantly lower and its phase (S21-phase) was shifted toward the low-frequency region. Based on the obtained S21-parameter (S21-magnitude and S21-phase), the electric permittivity (e) of CNF was extracted and showed clear differences depending on the thickness, i.e., ethin = 1.20 (0.28), emiddle = 1.84 (0.60), ethick = 6.30 (1.15) at 0.5 GHz (7.8 GHz). From the analysis of electromagnetic fields, the microwave conductivity (σmw) of CNF linearly increased with the increasing thickness, i.e., σmw/thin = 0.35 (S/m), σmw/middle = 0.58 (S/m), σmw/thick = 0.75 (S/m), due to enhanced electromagnetic field coupling between the film of CNF and the CPW line. As a result, we demonstrated that the film of CNF has a significant attenuation effect on signal transmission in the microwave regime, depending on micrometer-scale changes in film thickness.

The aim of this study is to develop the templateless fabrication of hierarchical porous carbon nanofiber (CNF)/MnO2 composites (PMnCD) derived from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/cyclodextrin (CD) and investigate their morphological and electrochemical properties to determine the different capabilities of inclusion complexes (ICs) formed by α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD. Among the three CD phases, the PMnCD(β) composite using β-CD exhibits a hierarchical porous structure with large specific surface area of 499 m2g-1, and total pore volume of 0.32 cm3g-1, which helps with adsorption efficiency and accumulation of hydrated molecules for double-layer formation. In addition, the numerous mesopores and nitrogen functionalities of the PMnCD(β) composite provide fast diffusion channels for electrolyte ions and higher attractive interactions with electrolyte ions through the pseudocapacitive character. As a result, the PMnCD(β) electrode has a high specific capacitance of 228 Fg-1 at 1 mAcm−2, maximum energy density of 25.3–16.0 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 400-10,000 Wkg-1, and excellent cycling stability of more than 94% after 10000 cycles in aqueous solution, thereby offering potential applications for supercapacitors.

RuO2 nanorods on electrospun carbon nanofibers were simply grown by precipitation and recrystallization methods for studying their capacitive behaviors for supercapacitor applications. Recrystalliz...

The primary cilium is a microtubule-based structure projecting from a cell. Although the primary cilium shows no motility, it can recognize environmental stimuli. Thus, ciliary defects cause severe abnormalities called ciliopathies. Ciliogenesis is a very complex process and involves a myriad of components and regulators. In order to excavate the novel positive regulators of ciliogenesis, we performed mRNA microarray using starved NIH/3T3 cells. We selected 62 murine genes with corresponding human orthologs, with significantly upregulated expression at 24 h after serum withdrawal. Finally, calpain-6 was selected as a positive regulator of ciliogenesis. We found that calpain-6 deficiency reduced the percentage of ciliated cells and impaired sonic hedgehog signaling. It has been speculated that this defect might be associated with decreased levels of α-tubulin acetylation at lysine 40. This is the first study to report a novel role of calpain-6 in the formation of primary cilia. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(10): 619-624].

To develop economical and high-performance supercapacitor electrodes in an aqueous electrolyte, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/pitch/lignin-based carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with ZnO (PPL-Zn) are successfully fabricated by one-step electrospinning of PAN, pitch, lignin, and zinc acetate. The oxygen-rich lignin in the PPL-Zn electrodes induces porosity on the fiber surface by eliminating many functional groups such carboxylic, carbonyl, hydroxyl and ketone and organic moieties in the simple heat treatment without any activation agent/activation process. Moreover, the many aromatic components, high carbon content, and low glass transition temperature of lignin are excellent precursors to CNF composites. In addition to lignin, pitch is used as a precursor to CNF to reduce the cost and increase the carbon yield and electrical conductivity of the CNFs. These characteristics afford PPL-Zn(5) (5 wt% of zinc acetate relative to PAN and lignin) with good capacitive behavior for application as supercapacitor electrodes with a maximum specific capacitance of 165 Fg-1 at 1 mAcm−2 with a capacitance retention of 88%, high energy densities of 22–18 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 400 to 10,000 Wkg-1, and excellent cycling performance reduced by only ∼6% after 3000 cycles of charge/discharge due to the synergistic effect of the electrical double layer and the pseudocapacitive effect.

This study demonstrates that low processing rate for producing polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber is a critical to obtain a homogeneous radial microstructure with high resistance to oxidation, thereby resulting in their improved mechanical strength. The dry-jet wet spun PAN organic fibers were processed (e.g., stabilized and then carbonized) utilizing two different rates; one is 1.6 times longer than the other. The effect of processing rate on the microstructural evolutions of carbon fibers was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy after slow etching in air, as well as Raman mapping after graphitization. The rapidly processed fiber exhibited the multilayered radial structure, which is caused by the radial direction stretching of the extrusion in the spinning. In case of the slowly processed fiber, the layered radial structure formed in the spinning process was changed into a more homogeneous radial microstructure. The slowly processed fibers showed higher oxidation resistance, higher mechanical properties, and higher crystallinity than the rapidly processed one. Raman mapping confirmed that the microstructure developed during spinning was sustained even though fiber was thermally treated up to 2800 °C.

MnO2- and boron-incorporated polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/pitch-based carbon nanofiber (PPBMn) composites for electrochemical supercapacitors are successfully fabricated by one-step electrospinning using a combined solution of MnCl2, B2O3, PAN, and pitch. The surface morphologies, microstructures, surface chemical states, and texture properties of the PPBMn composites are investigated and the effect of the MnCl2 content on the electrochemical performance in aqueous electrolytes is also examined. The PPBMn composites exhibit a high specific surface area with mesoporous structure, and boron and MnO2 functional groups as electroactive sites. Enriched boron and MnO2 functional groups provide low internal resistance of charge diffusion by better wettability of electrolyte ions into the pores and also accommodate more charges, leading to high gravimetric capacitance and energy density, and enhanced cycling stability. Therefore, the PPBMn series exhibits superior electrochemical performance through the combined functions of their double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitive character through the high porosity, higher attractive force by the surface chemical activity and the wettability between the electrode and electrolyte.

Down-sloping sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in people in their teens and 20s hampers efficient learning and communication and in-depth social interactions. Nonetheless, its aetiology remains largely unclear, with the exception of some potential causative genes, none of which stands out especially in people in their teens and 20s. Here, we examined the role and genotype-phenotype correlation of lipoxygenase homology domain 1 (Based on the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) genetic deafness cohort, in which the patients show varying degrees of deafness and different onset ages (n=1055), we have established the 'SNUBH Teenager-Young Adult Down-sloping SNHL' cohort (10-35 years old) (n=47), all of whom underwent exome sequencing. Three-dimensional molecular modelling, minigene splicing assay and short tandem repeat marker genotyping were performed, and medical records were reviewed.

To explore and develop an economical, novel, and effective photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/pitch-based carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with ZnO (PPZn) are successfully produced by one-step electrospinning of PAN, pitch, and zinc acetate in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. The charge separation rate, adsorption capacity, and visible-light harvesting effects are all enhanced by the synergistic effect of PAN/pitch-based CNFs and ZnO coupling. The resulting PPZn photocatalysts exhibit excellent removal capacity of 100% of MB within 30 min and a kinetic rate constant of 0.018 min−1 under visible light. PPZn also exhibits a consistent and stable photocatalytic performance by maintaining nearly 100% removal of 15 ppm MB over 8 regeneration cycles. The PP-based CNFs in PPZn act as a charge reservoir to afford fast transport for suppressing the e--h+ recombination and high electrical conductivity induced by the pitch, thereby expanding the visible-light response. The PP(3)Zn composites demonstrate a promising potential as a low-cost photocatalyst material offering excellent photocatalytic efficiency in the visible-light spectrum.

Background: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary disease characterized by cyst formation in the kidneys bilaterally. It has been observed that semaphorin-3C (SEMA3C) is overexpressed in polycystic kidney epithelial cells. It is hypothesized that upregulated SEMA3C would contribute to survival of polycystic kidney epithelial cells. Furthermore, as the kidney is a highly vascularized organ, the secreted SEMA3C from PKD epithelial cells will affect glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) in a paracrine manner. Methods: To evaluate the effect of SEMA3C on renal cells, siSEMA3C-treated PKD epithelial cells were used for further analysis, and GECs were exposed to recombinant SEMA3C (rSEMA3C). Also, co-culture and treatment of conditioned media were employed to confirm whether PKD epithelial cells could influence on GECs via SEMA3C secretion. Results: SEMA3C knockdown reduced proliferation of PKD epithelial cells. In case of GECs, exposure to rSEMA3C decreased angiogenesis, which resulted from suppressed migratory ability not cell proliferation. Conclusions: This study indicates that SEMA3C is the aggravating factor in PKD. Thus, it is proposed that targeting SEMA3C can be effective to mitigate PKD.

Manganese oxide (MnO2) and boron dual-decorated carbon nanofibers with hierarchical micro/mesopores (PPMMABMn) were fabricated by electrospinning and subsequent thermal technique to study the effect of the MnCl2 content on the microstructures and electrochemical properties in application as an electrode material of electrochemical capacitors (ECs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), mapping images, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the compositions and amounts of boron and MnO2 in the CNF composites. Furthermore, the nitrogen sorption isotherms and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory reveal the co-existence of micropores and mesopores, with the latter representing more than 50% of the pore volume fraction. A high MnO2 content and many mesopores in PPMMABMn composites contribute to the main redox pseudocapacitance of MnO2 and low internal resistance for ion charge diffusion for good capacitive performance in KOH aqueous electrolyte in terms of large specific capacitance, great energy density and high rate capability.

Electrospun boron-enriched PAN/pitch-based CNF composites (PPB) are developed by combining B2O3 as the boron source, and pitch and polyacrylonitrile as the carbon precursor, to introduce surface boron heteroatoms and enhance the electrical conductivity in CNF composites. PPB-10 electrodes prepared from 10 wt% B2O3 added to the PAN/pitch solution exhibit a high specific capacitance of 180 Fg−1 at a discharge current density of 1 mAcm−2 and energy density of 22.0–15.8 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 400–10,000 W kg−1 in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, owing to the larger amount of heteroatoms such as boron and the addition of the pitch, thereby inducing fast and reversible surface redox reactions in aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the highly mesoporous PPB-10 composite offers 92% capacity retention of the initial current density and a low equivalent series resistance through quick pathways for ion transport and charge diffusion. Hence, these PPB composites exhibit a very promising potential as electrode materials for supercapacitor electrodes due to boron incorporated into the carbon framework, suitable porosity, and good electrical conductivity.

Objective The aim of our study is to reveal the correlation between the posterior vaginal wall and apex in pelvic organ prolapse. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all new patient visits to a urogynecology clinic between January 2013 and December 2015. Results Four hundred five cases were enrolled in our study. When all POP stages were included, the Bp (pelvic organ prolapse quantification point) had a moderate correlation with the C (Pearson's r=0.419; P

PAN/pitch-based carbon nanofiber/MnO2 (PPMn-CNF) composites are fabricated by electrospinning to obtain a new type of electrode material for application in high-capacitance electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The energy storage capabilities of these PPMn-CNFs reveal a maximum specific capacitance of 188 Fg-1 and a maximum energy density of 20.5–15.8 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 400–10,000 Wkg-1. Furthermore, the PPMn-CNF electrode shows good rate capability without a significant decrease at high rate. The high electrical conductivity of the pitch promotes the accessibility into the micropores and the adsorption efficiency onto the electrode surface of electrolyte ions. Therefore, the high electrical conductivity and large surface area of the PPMn-CNF composites are beneficial for the storage of charge carriers and induce a short course for charge transport, which maximizes the specific capacitance and ensures good capacitive capability.

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with controllable pore sizes are fabricated by a simple electrospinning method with the help of boron trioxide (B2O3), and their electrochemical properties as electrodes are investigated in aqueous electrolyte. The optimized result is obtained with a B2O3 concentration of 10 wt% in a spinning solution, offering a large specific surface area of 1065 m2/g with a mesopore volume fraction up to 35%, pore size range of 2–3 and 20–50 nm, and many heteroatoms. The CNF composite with 10 wt% B2O3 concentration (PMB-10) shows a high gravimetric capacitance of 126.31 F/g with a capacitance retention of 84%, and a high energy density of 12–18 W h/kg in the power density range of 400–10,000 W/kg. Thus, the porous structures and heteroatom contents of the PMB composites can be controlled by varying the B2O3 content as the pore expanding agent, as well as heteroatom generator, to optimize the electrochemical performance in an aqueous electrolyte.

Porous electrically conducting carbon nanofibers with MnO2 (P-Pitch-PM-Mn) are prepared by electrospinning blended solutions of pitch, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), manganese(II) chloride (MnCl2), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and their electrochemical properties are investigated as supercapacitor electrodes. In these nanofiber composites, the pitch plays a key role in developing the surface area and electrical conductivity, whereas the mesopore volume fraction is increased with PMMA addition. These characteristics afford the P-Pitch-PM-Mn composite with the best electrochemical performance as a material for supercapacitor electrodes with a maximum specific capacitance of 183 F g− 1 at 1 mA cm− 2, high energy densities of 25–20 W h kg− 1 in the power density range of 400 to 10,000 W kg− 1, and good rate capability in aqueous solution. Thus, the combination of large specific surface area, high conductivity, and suitable mesoporosity induced by pitch and PMMA improves the electrochemical performance of the P-Pitch-PM-Mn electrodes through the effective charge accumulation at the electrode/electrolyte double-layer interfaces and rapid pathways for electrolyte transportation.

2-(Trimethylsilyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (SMA)-derived mesoporous carbon nanofiber composite containing MnO 2 (Si-Mn-CNF) is fabricated by electrospinning method and found to be a very promising candidate for supercapacitor electrodes. Si-Mn-CNF possesses a large surface area of 707 m 2 g − 1 , high pore volume of 2.35 cm 3 g − 1 , and high mesopore fraction of 65%. Herein, SMA is used as an activating agent to develop the mesoporous structure by the thermal decomposition of SMA without activation process. As a result, Si-Mn-CNF exhibits a high specific capacitance of 200 Fg − 1 at a discharge current density of 1 mAcm − 2 and energy density of 23.72 Whkg − 1 at a power density of 400 Wkg − 1 in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, due to the pseudocapacitive character associated with the surface redox-type reactions of the MnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs). Furthermore, the Si-Mn-CNF electrode retains a specific capacitance of over 85% of the initial value at a discharge current density of 20 mAcm − 2 compared with only 40% for Mn-CNF without using SMA, due to the rapid diffusion of electrolyte ions and the decrease of resistive characteristics through the developed mesoporous structures. Therefore, Si-Mn-CNF with high mesoporosity induced by SMA exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in terms of high specific capacitance and energy density, and excellent capacitance retention.

Activated carbon nanofibers (ACNFs) containing oxygen, nitrogen, and silicon are prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and phenylsilane (PS) by simple electrospinning. The PS introduction into a PAN solution causes a porous structure with functional groups by spontaneous sol-gel reaction without any catalyst of PS in the physical activation process. PS-ACNF electrode shows the highest specific capacitance, 200 F/g, and the highest energy density, 25.6–119.19 W h/kg in the range of 400-10 000 W/kg in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution. Our results suggest that the porosity and functional groups of the supercapacitor electrodes have a strong impact on the enhanced electrochemical properties, resulting from an increased electroactive surface area.

Heteroatoms (B, N, O)-containing porous manganese oxide (MnO 2 )/carbon nanofiber (MnB-CNF) materials are prepared by one-step electrospinning method via polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and manganese(II) chloride (MnCl 2 ) in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution containing different concentrations of B 2 O 3 . The MnB-CNF electrode exhibits optimized electrochemical behavior with a high energy density of 22.6 Whkg − 1 at a power density of 400 Wkg − 1 and a specific capacitance range of 210–160 Fg − 1 in the discharge current density range of 1.0 to 20 mAcm − 2 in aqueous KOH electrolyte. The higher electrochemical performance of MnB-CNF as a result of the electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC), compared to regular Mn-CNF without B-based functional groups, is attributed to well-balanced meso- and micropores affecting the easy adsorption and transport of electrolyte ions, in addition to the pseudocapacitive redox reactions from MnO 2 , N, O, and extra numerous B in alkaline electrolytes. Thus, tailoring the pore structures with proper specific surface area, pore size, and number of heteroatoms is crucial for optimizing their electrochemical properties in the combined efforts to develop EDLCs and pseudocapacitance.

Objectives This study was conducted to assess the preventive/therapeutic effects of combined administration of resveratrol and guggulsterone on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. Methods Acute pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein in mice. Serum amylase assay and histology were performed to measure the severity of pancreatitis. Western blotting and multiplex cytokine/chemokine analysis were conducted to understand the action mechanisms of the reagents. Results Serum amylase assay and histology revealed that the severity of acute pancreatitis was reduced by the combinatory treatment with resveratrol and guggulsterone, but the ratio of the band intensity implied that reduced nuclear factor-κB activation is primarily responsible for the effect. The reduced amounts of keratinocyte chemoattractant (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 1), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10) and interleukin 6 expression in the sera could be involved in attenuated immune cell migration and reduced inflammation by these reagents. Conclusions Combinatory treatment with resveratrol and guggulsterone marginally reduced cerulein-induced mild acute pancreatitis in mice.

Hierarchically structured carbon nanofiber/graphene/MnO2(CGMn) hybrid with oxygen and nitrogen functionalities was fabricated in the form of a web via electrospinning as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The CGMn electrode exhibited a high capacitance (225 Fg−1 at 1 mAcm−2), enhanced energy and power efficiency (15.8–13.6 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 197–4000 Wkg−1), and excellent capacitance retention (13% of the initial value at a discharge current of 20 mAcm−2) in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, because of the combination of the double-layer capacitance and the pseudocapacitive character associated with the surface redox-type reactions. The porosity and the number of heteroatoms of the CGMn composite were adjusted by changing the PMMA concentration and carbonization temperature. Therefore, the oxygen- and nitrogen-containing hierarchical porous CGMn hybrid prepared by a simple method is a promising candidate as an electrode material for supercapacitors.

A hybrid of silica decorated on porous activated carbon nanofibers (ACNFs) is fabricated in the form of a web via electrospinning and an activation process as an electrode material for electrochemical capacitors in an organic electrolyte. The introduction of PhSiH 3 (PS) into the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution induces a porous ACNF structure containing silica nanoparticles (NPs) via the spontaneous sol-gel process of PS by steam in the subsequent physical activation process. These inorganic-organic hybrid composites of porous ACNF containing silica NPs show superior specific capacitance and energy density in electrochemical tests, along with good rate capability and excellent cycle life in an organic electrolyte, which is attributed to the combination of ACNF's high surface area and silica's hydrophilicity. The electrochemical performance decreases with increasing PS concentration, and this trend is consistent with the specific surface area results, which reveal the rapid formation of a double layer.

Electrochemical capacitors based on hierarchical porous activated carbon nanofiber (RuO2 /ACNF) composites are fabricated by one-step electrospinning, and then stabilized at different activation temperatures. The effect of the activation temperature on the structural properties and electrochemical behavior of the RuO2 /ACNF composites is intensively investigated in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The RuO2 /ACNF-800 composites activated at high temperature possess abundant mesopores and larger pores, which improve the electrochemical performance, especially at high charge–discharge rates. The energy storage capabilities of the RuO2 /ACNF-800 electrode prepared at high temperature are as follows: a maximum specific capacitance of 150 F/g and an energy density of 14–20 Wh/kg in the respective power density range of 400 to 10 000 W/kg in an aqueous solution. Furthermore, this electrode exhibits high-rate electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance reduction of less than 28% of the initial value at a discharge current of 20 mA/cm2. Therefore, the hierarchical porous RuO2 /ACNF composites with well-developed mesoporous structure provide low resistance for charge diffusion and a short pathway for ion transportation, yielding good capacitive behavior.

Composites made of MnO 2 well-decorated on hierarchical porous carbon nanofiber/graphene (MnO 2 /HPCNF/G) have been successfully prepared through one-step electrospinning and thermal process as an electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. The presence of graphene in the MnO 2 /HPCNF/G composite fibers aids the uniform dispersion of the MnO 2 particles and thus prevents their agglomeration. A graphene concentration of 5 wt% offers larger accessible specific surface area and good conductivity due to the well-dispersed graphene in the composites, which increases their electrochemical properties by rapid ion transport and low resistance for charge diffusion in the electrolyte. The supercapacitor electrode prepared with 5 wt% graphene shows high specific capacitance (210 Fg −1 at a current density of 1 mA cm −2 ), good rate capability (170 Fg −1 retained at a high current density of 20 mA cm −2 ), and high energy density (24–19 Wh kg −1 , at power densities ranging from 400 to 10,000 Wkg −1 ) in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution. This enhanced electrochemical performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect between the double-layer capacitance of CNF/graphene and the high electrical conductivity and pseudocapacitive effect of the MnO 2 particles.

BLV is the etiological agent of enzootic bovine leucosis. BLV has negative effects on animal health and causes economic losses worldwide. However, epidemiological studies on BLV are relatively unknown in many parts of Asian countries. Thus, this study sought to explore BLV infections in cattle in Thailand to determine the extent of the geographic distribution of BLV and to measure its prevalence rates. For this study, 744 cattle from 11 farms in 9 provinces of Thailand were screened in 2013 and 2014 by ELISA and nested PCR. Of those cattle, 41 BLVs were genetically characterized using 188 BLV gp51 env gene sequences available in GenBank. The BLV prevalence in Thailand was high, ranging from 5.3% to 87.8%, as determined by PCR and 11.0% to 100% as determined by ELISA, according to geographical region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Thailand BLVs belonged to genotypes 1 and 6 and a new genotype 10, which are sporadically observed across Thailand with a prevalence of 31.7%, 19.5%, and 48.8%, respectively. A significant number of amino acid substitutions were also found in the gp51 sequences, of which unique changes in genotype 10 have not been reported previously. Briefly, the majority of substitutions were confined to CD4+/CD8+ T-cell epitopes, neutralizing domains, and E-D-A epitopes. Those observations indicate that BLV infections in Thailand cattle are prevalent and that the geographic distribution of BLV is dynamic, with a high level of genetic diversity. This distribution implies a long-term BLV infection in cattle populations and the movement of infected cattle. In sum, this study suggests that intensive surveillance and effective prevention strategies are required to determine the prevalence of BLV in Thailand and control continuous infections with BLVs.

Hierarchical porous MnO2/carbon nanofiber composites with hollow cores (MnPMCNFs) are fabricated by a simple electrospinning method using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for electrochemical capacitor electrodes. The introduction of PMMA into the PAN solution aids the uniform dispersion of the amorphous MnO2 particles as a stabilizer and increases the specific surface area with numerous hollow cores, thereby aiding the electrolyte diffusion from the exterior into the interior of the electrode material. Electrochemical measurements of the MnPMCNFs reveal a maximum specific capacitance of 228 Fg−1 with a capacitance retention of 88% and high energy densities of 27–18 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 400 to 10,000 Wkg−1 in aqueous KOH electrolyte. This impressive electrochemical performance of the MnPMCNF electrode highlights the importance of incorporating the MnO2 nanostructure and hierarchical structure into the composite, owing to the synergistic contribution of the redox pseudocapacitance and the electric double layer capacitance.

Background: Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects important for the proper functioning of multiple organ systems. We investigated whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels influenced hospitalization-free survival in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: In this prospective study, serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured in 210 patients with CKD in the winter of 2009. Data regarding hospitalizations were collected over the subsequent 3 years. Results: Vitamin D deficiency, as defined by a serum 25(OH)D level below 15 ng/mL, was observed in 76.7% of the patients. The mean 25(OH)D serum level was 13.6 ± 7.8 ng/mL in predialysis patients (n = 62) and 11.3 ± 6.7 ng/mL in dialysis patients (n = 148). During the follow-up, 107 patients (28 predialysis and 79 dialysis) were hospitalized because of infectious (33.6%) or cardiovascular diseases (23.4%). Predialysis and dialysis groups were divided into 2 subgroups based on the median 25(OH)D serum level. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the risk of hospitalization was significantly lower in both predialysis and dialysis patients with above-median serum 25(OH)D levels (log-rank test; P = 0.043 and 0.002, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models also demonstrated that the risk of hospitalization was significantly lower for patients with higher serum 25(OH)D levels in both the predialysis (hazard ratio, 0.963; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.99) and dialysis groups (hazard ratio, 0.955; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.99). Conclusion: A lower serum 25(OH)D level predicted poorer hospitalization-free survival in both predialysis and dialysis CKD patients.