Search

Supplemental Materials (jc.2023-00957)

Seol A Jang,&ast; Su Jin Kwon,&ast; Chul Sik Kim, Seok Won Park, Kyoung Min Kim Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, South Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Kyoung Min Kim, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, South Korea, Tel +82 31-5189-8798, Fax +82 31-5189-8567, Email kyoungmin.kim@yonsei.ac.krPurpose: Falls are the leading cause of injury among hospitalized patients, particularly among older patients. We investigated the association between serum phosphate (s-phosphate) levels and the risk of in-hospital falls.Patients and Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included all patients aged over 50 years who were admitted to Yongin Severance Hospital in South Korea between January 2018 and March 2021. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were recorded on admission. S-phosphate levels were classified into three groups: below normal (< 2.8 mg/dL), normal (2.8– 4.4 mg/dL), and above normal (≥ 4.5 mg/dL). The normal group was further stratified into tertiles (2.8– 3.2, 3.3– 3.7, and 3.8– 4.4 mg/dL). The incidence of in-hospital falls was compared between the five groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between s-phosphate levels and the incidence of falls during the hospital stay, with clinical factors included as covariates in the multivariable models.Results: A total of 15,485 patients (female: 52.1%) with a median age of 70.0 years (interquartile range: 60.0– 79.0 years) were included in the analysis, of whom 295 (1.9%) experienced a fall during the hospital stay. The incidence of falls was significantly higher among patients with lower s-phosphate levels, and this relationship also applied among patients with s-phosphate levels within the normal range as well. The association between lower s-phosphate levels and increased risk of falls remained significant in the adjusted analyses.Conclusion: A lower s-phosphate level on admission was independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital falls. Further studies are needed to determine whether the s-phosphate level on admission could improve prediction of the risk of in-hospital falls.Keywords: in-hospital falls, older adults, blood biochemistry, risk prediction

Despite significant progress in the field of Li-ion battery development over the past 30 years, challenges associated with the gradual shift from small-scale to large-scale battery applications nec...

Nickel-rich nickel-cobalt-manganese layered oxides receive significant attention as advanced cathode materials, however, they suffer from poor cycling performance at elevated temperature because of surface instability. In this study, we develop nickel-rich cathode materials modified by an artificial cathode-electrolyte interphase layer embedding silyl ether functional groups. An artificial cathode-electrolyte interphase layer-functionalized nickel-rich cathode materials are simply synthesized via a wet-coating-based thermal treatment using a dimethoxydimethylsilane as an organic precursor. The task-specific silyl ether functional groups are effective in selectively scavenging nucleophilic fluoride species, which potentially triggers the dissolution of transition metal components into the electrolyte. Microscopic analyses indicate that the artificial cathode-electrolyte interphase layer is well developed on the surface of the nickel-rich cathode materials with several nanometers-thickness. The cells cycled with functionalized nickel-rich cathodes exhibit much higher cycling retentions (∼70.0%) than the cell cycled with bare nickel-rich cathode (47.1%) at high temperature. Additional systematical analyses indicate that the artificial cathode-electrolyte interphase layers effectively mitigate the electrolyte decomposition and the dissolution of transition metal components, thereby improving the cycling behavior of the cell on the basis of increased interfacial stability of nickel-rich cathode materials.

Nickel-rich layered transition metal oxides have been highlighted as advanced cathode materials; however, their poor cycling performance at elevated temperatures is a critical hurdle that limits the expansion of their applications. We propose a novel approach for the development of a chemically induced cathode–electrolyte interphase on cathodes using a lithium tetra(trimethylsilyl) borate as a functional precursor. This precursor contains a silyl-borate functional group that forms the cathode–electrolyte interphase layer via chemical reactions, which mitigates electrolyte decomposition and scavenges fluoride species. The precursor is prepared by a convenient one-step synthesis and it readily forms a nanoscale artificial cathode–electrolyte interphase layer through chemical reactions with cathode material during the mixing process used for the preparation of cathode slurries. Our first-principles calculations reveal a thermodynamically favorable reaction between lithium tetra(trimethylsilyl) borate and the fluoride species. We demonstrate that the artificial cathode–electrolyte interphase layer effectively mitigates electrolyte decomposition and the dissolution of transition metal components, thereby improving the interfacial stability of cathodes. As a result, a cell cycled with lithium tetra(trimethylsilyl) borate-modified cathode material shows comparable cycling retention at room temperature and much improved cycling performance at a high temperature after 100 cycles.

To allow stable cycling of layered nickel-rich cathode material at high voltage, silyl-functionalized dimethoxydimethylsilane is proposed as a multi-functional additive. In contrast to typical functional additive, dimethoxydimethylsilane does not make artificial cathode-electrolyte interfaces by electrochemical oxidation because it is quite stable under anodic polarization. We find that dimethoxydimethylsilane mainly focuses on scavenging nucleophilic fluoride species that can be produced by electrolyte decomposition during cycling, leading to improving interfacial stability of both nickel-rich cathode and graphite anode. As a result, the cell cycled with dimethoxydimethylsilane-controlled electrolyte exhibits 65.7% of retention after 100 cycle, which is identified by systematic spectroscopic analyses for the cycled cell.

Ni-rich layered oxide (Ni-rich NCM) is a promising advanced cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high specific capacity. However, the high Ni content in the layered structures is associated with poor surface stability, which in turn accelerates the capacity fading of the cell. To improve the interfacial stability of Ni-rich NCM cathode material, we propose poly(thiophene)-based artificial cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI)-immobilized Ni-rich NCM cathode material, synthesized using a simple and convenient one-step spin-coating process. At room-temperature cycling, cells with thiophene-modified NCM811 cathodes exhibit improved cycling retention (>91.3%), compared those with bare NCM811 (84.2%). The effectiveness of the artificial CEI layer is evident during high-temperature cycling: cells with 36 kDa-NCM811 exhibit a specific capacity retention of 89.4%, whereas those with bare NCM811 exhibit a drastic decrease in the cycling retention capacity (55.1%) at 55 °C. XPS analyses reveal that the improved electrochemical performance of cells with cycled NCM811 cathodes is due to the surface stability of the cathode; the decomposed adducts in the recovered 36 kDa-NCM811 cathodes are less, whereas they are present in considerable amounts in the cycled NCM811 cathode. In addition, it is confirmed that the molecular weight of the polymer used for the artificial CEI-layer formation significantly affects the electrochemical performance of the cell; polymers with low molecular weights are preferred because P3HTs with low molecular weight have high crystallinity with a hard phase, particularly at high temperature, due to their low Tg.

In this work, oxidation potential tunable organic molecules, alkyl 2-phenyl hydrazocarboxylates, were disclosed. The exquisite tuning of their oxidation potentials facilitated a catalytic dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines in the presence of Mn(Pc) and O2.

The mechanical durability of hydrocarbon membranes in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells remains insufficient. To resolve this issue, in contrast to the conventionally used method, reinforced composite membranes were fabricated by simultaneous electrospinning and spraying. A hydrophobic polysulfone (PSf) was used as a non-conducting substrate to increase the membrane's mechanical strength, and hydrophilic sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (sPAES) was used as an electrolyte. The properties and performance of a reinforced microcomposite membrane comprising electrospun PSf/sprayed sPAES were compared with those of (i) sPAES homogeneous membrane, (ii) sprayed PSf/electrospun sPAES membrane, and (iii) PSf/sPAES blend membrane. Although the electrospun PSf/sprayed sPAES membrane was slightly more durable than the others, we think that the developed membrane fabrication method holds great promise and can be further improved by utilising more compatible materials.

Background: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disease where deficiency of sterol 27-hydroxylase leads to reduced production of CDCA. In such cases, life expectancy is only 4–6 decades, with progressive neurologic dysfunction such as dementia and spinal cord paresis, unless the condition is diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Herein, we aim to raise awareness regarding the importance of ophthalmic examination in evaluating of xanthoma. Clinical Cases: Case 1: In a 58-year-old man with no neurological symptoms; bilateral cataracts were detected during the initial diagnostic process. This patient had two siblings with xanthoma; one died from cerebral infarction and the other from biliary tract cancer. Another sibling had premature acute cardiovascular disease without xanthomas. Baseline lipid profiles were nearly within the normal range, while lipoprotein A was approximately 2.5 times higher than the normal. CTX was confirmed by the detection of a homozygous mutation in the CYP27A1 gene and high plasma cholestanol level (8.5 mg/L; reference range 0.0–5.0 mg/L). He has been taking oral CDCA (250 mg, three times daily). Case 2: In a 24-year-old man with no neurological symptoms or intellectual disability, premature bilateral cataracts were detected 1 year prior to diagnosis of CTX. None of his family members had xanthoma or premature cardiovascular disease. Lipid profile showed a similar pattern to that of Case 1; CTX was confirmed by the detection of a homozygous mutation in the CYP27A1 gene and high plasma cholestanol level (21.33 mg/L). One year after starting CDCA (250 mg, three times daily), cholestanol levels dropped to 7.34 mg/L. They were measured annually and identified as 5.08 mg/L, 4.2 mg/L, 4.7 mg/L, and 3.8 mg/L at 24, 38, 61, and 72 months, respectively. It took approximately 2 years for the normalization of his cholestanol level. There were no recurrences of xanthoma or progression of complications in target organs after 6 years of treatment. Conclusion: Early diagnosis improves the outcomes of CTX, allowing proper treatment. Bilateral cataracts caused by cholestanol buildup on the crystalline lens due to CTX usually occur within the first three decades of life. This manifestation does not occur in patients with xanthoma, familial hypercholesterolemia, or sitosterolemia. Taken together, this report suggests that premature bilateral cataracts are a specific marker that can accelerate early diagnosis of CTX. References: (1) Duell PB et al. Diagnosis, Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in 43 Cases with CTX. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2018;12:1169 (2) Salen G, Steiner RD. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CTX. J Inherit Metab Dis 2017: 40:771

Nickel-rich cathode material has received marked attention as an advanced cathode material, however, its inferior surface property limits the achievement of high performance in lithium-ion batteries. We propose the use of a bi-functional additive of triphenyl borate (TPB) for improvement of the safety and electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode materials. First, TPB removes residual lithium species from the Ni-rich cathode surface via chemical binding with anion part of residual lithium species, and effectively reduces swelling behavior of the cell. Second, TPB creates effective cathode−electrolyte interphase (CEI) layers on the electrode surface by an electrochemical reaction, and greatly enhances the surface stability of the nickel-rich cathode. This work demonstrate that a cell cycled with the TPB additive exhibits a remarkable retention of 88.6% at 60 °C after 100 cycles for an NCM721 cathode material. We suggest a working mechanism for TPB based on systematic analyses, including in-situ and ex-situ experiments.

Dimethoxydimethylsilane (DODSi) is developed as an interface stabilizing additive by a selective HF scavenging reaction for layered Ni-rich oxide cathodes. Ex-situ NMR analyses demonstrated that DODSi effectively removes HF in the electrolyte based on the matched chemical reactivity of Si with F- and O with H+. The cells employing DODSi exhibit higher specific capacity with retention than those cycled with a DODSi-free electrolyte even under an in-situ HF generating environment. SEM, XPS, and ICP-MS analyses indicate that DODSi effectively protects the Ni-rich oxide cathodes against HF corrosion, allowing improved surface stability of Ni-rich cathode.

Although inorganic functional additives have received much attention in lithium-ion batteries, the underlying chemical reactivity of inorganic additives is not well understood. In this study, we perform a systematical analysis to verify the chemical reactivity between carbonate-based solvents and a lithium trimethylsiloxide (LiOTMS) that has a high nucleophilic characteristic in molecular structures. The ex situ NMR and GC-MS analyses for electrolyte mixtures indicate that the electrophilic carbonate-based solvents are easily decomposed by chemical reactions initiated by nucleophilic substitution or addition of LiOTMS and the estimated reaction pathway is clarified based on spectroscopic evidence. In addition, it is confirmed that chemically decomposed adducts are further decomposed on electrode surface by the electrochemical reaction in the charging process, leading to serious fading of the cell. These results indicate that the nucleophilicity of the inorganic additive is a significant criterion in determining its availability in the cell.

Three monophyletic branches are strongly supported in a phylogenetic analysis of the Teloschistaceae based on combined data sets of internal transcribed spacer and large subunit nrDNA and 12S small subunit mtDNA sequences. These are described as new monotypic genera: Jasonhuria S. Y. Kondr., L. Lőkös et S. -O. Oh, Loekoesia S. Y. Kondr., S. -O. Oh et J. -S. Hur and Olegblumia S. Y. Kondr., L. Lőkös et J. -S. Hur. Three new combinations for the type species of these genera are proposed.

Lichen studies, including biodiversity, phylogenetic relationships, and conservation concerns require definitive species identification, however many lichens can be challenging to identify at the species level. Molecular techniques have shown efficacy in discriminating among lichen taxa, however, obtaining genomic DNA from herbarium and fresh lichen thalli by conventional methods has been difficult, because lichens contain high proteins, polysaccharides, and other complex compounds in their cell walls. Here we report a rapid, easy, and inexpensive protocol for extracting PCR-quality DNA from various lichen species. This method involves the following two steps: first, cell breakage using a beadbeater; and second, extraction, isolation, and precipitation of genomic DNA. The procedure requires approximately 10 mg of lichen thalli and can be completed within 20 min. The obtained DNAs were of sufficient quality and quantity to amplify the internal transcribed spacer region from the fungal and algal lichen components, as well as to sequence the amplified products. In addition, 26 different lichen taxa were tested, resulting in successful PCR products. The results of this study validated the experimental protocols, and clearly demonstrated the efficacy and value of our KCl extraction method applied in the fungal and algal samples.

Leptogium (Ach.) Gray is distributed throughout South Korea; however, for nearly two decades no detailed taxonomic or revisionary research on this lichen genus has been conducted. This study examined the specimens deposited in the lichen herbarium at the Korean Lichen Research Institute, and samples were identified using descriptions recently published in the scientific literature. In this revisionary study, a total of fourteen species of Leptogium were documented, including new records of Leptogium delavayi Hue, Leptogium denticulatum Nyl., and Leptogium trichophoroides P. M. Jørg. & A. K. Wallace. Detailed descriptions of each species are given, including their morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics. A key to all Leptogium species known to occur in South Korea is also presented.

Results on molecular phylogeny of lichen-forming fungi of the genus Protoparmeliopsis based on nrDNA ITS1/ITS2 and 28S LSU and mtDNA 12S SSU as well as on combined data set are provided. The position of this genus in the phylogenetic tree of the family Lecanoraceae is discussed. The genus Protoparmeliopsis found to be polyphyletic similarly to the genera Rhizoplaca, Lecanora and Protoparmelia.

SLE is an autoimmune disease with multiorgan involvement and a wide range of clinical manifestations, and inflammation of gallbladder also can be represented. There were a few cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in previous reports. Most of them tended to already know about underlying SLE when detected AAC at that time. It may be difficult to detect AAC caused by SLE not due to biliary stone if physician is not conscious of undiagnosed lupus. We introduce a 70-year old female patient, who is diagnosed with AAC. Her symptoms were satisfied the ACR classification criteria for SLE, and was diagnosed with SLE, simultaneously. After a high dose steroid pulse therapy, followed by cyclophosphamide, her symptoms have improved rapidly. In order to better diagnose and treat the disease, we need to be aware of AAC as a potential manifestation of SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of diverse autoantibodies with various systemic organ involvements. In patients with SLE, autoantibodies, such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-dsDNA antibody, play an important role not only in diagnosing the disease, but also representing the pathogenesis of the disease. ANA is the main screening tool in diagnosis and serum complement levels and anti-dsDNA antibody level are closely related to the disease activities. Nevertheless, exceptionally, some patients represent with negative ANA and/or anti-dsDNA antibody leading to difficulties in diagnosing the disease. Here, we report a case of 37-year old female SLE patient with negative ANA, negative anti-dsDNA antibody, and positive anti-Ro/SSA antibody, which manifested with nephrotic syndrome.

302 Corresponding to:Wan-Hee Yoo, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University Hospital-Chonbuk National University, San 2-20, Geumam-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju 561-180, Korea. E-mail:ywhim@jbnu.ac.kr