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Herein, we develop a novel all-in-one cathode-separator-anode monolith architecture designed for high-capacity, ultra-thin flexible batteries. This architecture involves directly casting electrode slurry onto both sides of a polypropylene (PP) separator. Controlled volatility and wettability of the solvent system are critical for the formation of neat electrode coating layers on the PP separator. The monolith structure offers remarkable flexibility and intimate contact between the electrode and separator, which is especially advantageous when stacked for higher areal capacity. The monoliths are conjoined into an all-in-one multi-layered monolith structure, deploying electrode slurry as an 'electrochemically active adhesive' between them, enabling the creation of high-capacity, ultra-thin flexible batteries. The resulting pouch cell exhibits a high capacity of 44.5 mA h (areal capacity of 4.9 mA h cm−2) at 1 mA and a thickness below 1 mm. Notably, this cell boasts superior rate capability even at this high capacity, showing a discharge capacity of 36.3 mA h at 20 mA. Practical application of this high-capacity, ultra-thin flexible battery is demonstrated in a band-type light-therapy patch, which shows operational stability when bent around a human arm. This development marks a significant advancement in the design of ultra-thin, high-capacity flexible batteries, with potential applications in flexible and wearable battery technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burgeoning interest in natural components in personal care products has led to significant research and development of ingredients such as plant extracts, antioxidants, peptides, and probiotics. These components have been recognized for their potential to enhance skin health through various mechanisms, addressing consumer demand for products that are both effective and benign. Plant extracts, known for their rich composition of bioactive compounds, offer a myriad of benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them invaluable in skin care formulations. Antioxidants, derived from both plants and other natural sources, play a pivotal role in protecting the skin from oxidative damage, thereby preventing premature aging and promoting skin vitality. Bioactive peptides have garnered attention owing to their multifunctional activities that include promoting collagen synthesis, inhibiting enzymes responsible for skin degradation, and reducing inflammation, thereby contributing to skin regeneration and anti-aging. Probiotics have expanded their utility beyond gut health to skin care, where they help in maintaining skin microbiome balance, thus enhancing skin barrier function and potentially mitigating various skin disorders. The purpose of this review is to explore the individual roles of plant extracts, antioxidants, peptides, and probiotics in personal care products, while emphasizing their synergistic effects when combined. By integrating these natural components, this paper aims to highlight the potential for developing innovative skincare formulations that not only address specific skin concerns but also contribute to overall skin health, aligning with the increasing consumer preference for natural and holistic skincare solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, conducted in the Republic of Korea, analyzed nursing faculty members' knowledge of and attitudes toward research ethics according to their characteristics and the institutional environment. A survey was conducted from April 24 to July 23, 2017. The participants were 210 nursing professors from 57 universities in Korea. The survey questionnaire gathered information on participants' characteristics, their knowledge of and attitudes toward research ethics, and their perceived training needs. A relatively low difficulty index was found for knowledge items dealing with conflicts of interest (0.66), copyright (0.65), and plagiarism and duplicate publications (0.17) than for the other six items. Of the 12 items assessing attitudes toward research ethics, use of a plagiarism-checking program and reviewing manuscripts from members of one's own research group had the lowest scores. The knowledge level of participants whose institutions provided a plagiarism-checking program was higher than those whose institutions did not. Former group also showed better attitudes toward research ethics. High-priority training needs were obtaining institutional review board (IRB) approval, writing informed consent forms, and obtaining informed consent for studies on children and pregnant women. A more intensive training program for nursing faculty is required on specific topics, including conflicts of interest, copyright, plagiarism, duplicate publications, IRB approval, and informed consent. Furthermore, all nursing institutions in Korea should provide a plagiarism-checking program to faculty members.

Cannabis contains numerous natural components and has several effects such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Cheungsam is a variety of non-drug-type hemp, developed in Korea and is used for fiber (stem) and oil (seed). The efficacy of Cheungsam on skin is not yet known, and although there are previous studies on Cheungsam seed oil, there are no studies on Cheungsam seed husk. In this study, we investigated the potential of Cheungsam seed husk ethanol extract (CSSH) to alleviate skin inflammation through evaluating the gene and protein expression levels of inflammatory mediators. The results showed that CSSH reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and CXCL10) and atopic dermatitis-related cytokines (IL-4, CCL17, MDC and RANTES) in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. Furthermore, ERK, JNK and p38 phosphorylation were decreased and p-p65, p-IκBα, NLRP3, caspase-1, p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 were suppressed after CSSH treatment. CSSH significantly increased the level of the skin barrier factors filaggrin and involucrin. These results suggest that Cheungsam seed husk ethanol extract regulates the mechanism of skin inflammation and can be used as a new treatment for skin inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alloying behavior of Li‐alloy‐forming metals in the anode of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) critically affects the viscoplastic flow and deposition of Li, determining cell performance. Herein, an ultra‐stable breathing Mg anode for Li‐free ASSBs is reported with changes in the inter‐particle distance of the Mg particles during operation. It is proposed that this unique Li deposition between Mg particles is derived from the Li concentration gradient (LCG) from the surface to the core of the Mg particle, creating a driving force that attracts Li toward the low‐concentration side and Li accumulation followed by deposition on the Mg surface. Based on a comparative study of Li‐alloy‐forming metals with different alloying and diffusion kinetics, this study ascribes the LCG to the slow alloying kinetics of Mg with Li and slow Li diffusion through the Mg–Li alloys. Interfacial stability is secured by accommodating Li deposits uniformly inside the anode. A full cell with a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode exhibits ultrahigh stability and reversibility with Coulombic efficiency over 99.9% for 1000 cycles at 30 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries owing to their high energy density and safety. Recent studies on "anodeless" electrodes with Li-soluble metallic materials (e.g., silver nanoparticles) and carbon materials in ASSBs have shown improvements in the energy density of these cells. However, poor dispersion between metal nanoparticles and carbon materials in anodeless electrodes leads to disproportionate electrochemical phenomena. Moreover, the dendritic growth and uneven reactions caused by these imbalances impair the life cycle of ASSB cells. To address this issue, we introduce carbon-supported silver nanoparticle-based anodeless electrodes. Ag ion complexes were thermally reduced, and the reduced silver nanoparticles were well dispersed on the carbon surface. This electrode reduces overpotential during the lithiation process with less silver and provides high-rate performance. An ASSB cell using the anodeless electrode with carbon-supported silver nanoparticles exhibits 91% capacity retention after 500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]