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Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) material is a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the outstanding cycle performance and rate capability. However, the relatively low capacity severely ...

Design and synthesis of advanced electrode materials with fast and stable ion storage are of importance for energy storage applications. Herein, we propose that introducing the heterogeneous interf...

Transition metal oxides nanostructures are drawing much attention as promising electrodes for advanced rechargeable batteries. However, due to the intrinsic low electronic conductivity and substant...

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) in girls presents with itching, dysuria, and constipation and may result in the loss of vulvar architecture. In patients with an ambiguous clinical presentation, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) could be a helpful noninvasive diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to describe the RCM characteristics of VLS and explore the clinical application value of RCM in therapeutic monitoring.Sixteen patients with VLS were included in the study. All patients were periodically evaluated clinically with RCM, and different treatment regimens were given based on the patient's clinical appearances and RCM features.Some major key diagnostic features of VLS can be observed by RCM, including round to oval cyst-like structures with medium-to-low-refractive keratinoid substances (75%), thinning of the epidermal thickness (100%), destruction of the ring-like structures around dermal papillae (100%), disorderly distributed coarse medium-refractive fibrous material (100%),polygonal, plump, high-refractive cellular structures and linear low-refractive canalicular structures (100%). All of these characteristics had a high correspondence with histopathological features. The clinical manifestations improved after individualized treatment regimens based on the clinical appearances and RCM features.RCM allows the visualization of major key diagnostic features of VLS and represents a valid option for objective therapeutic monitoring.

This study aims to explore the specific mechanisms of SALL4 on the migration, invasion and proliferation of HCC. HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with SALL4 NC, mimics and inhibitors. The proliferation capability and cell cycle progression of HCC cells were detected through CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, and their migration and invasion capabilities were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. In SALL4 inhibitor NC group and SALL4 inhibitor group, the PTEN inhibitor SF1670 was added, and the expression levels of PI3K/AKT, migration, invasion and proliferation-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results showed that after up-regulation of SALL4, the migration distance of HCC cells increased, the numbers of migrated cells and the number of colonies formed significantly rosed, and there were fewer cells in G1 phase but significantly more cells in S phase, thereby down-regulation of SALL4, the opposite results. The results of Western blotting revealed that after SF1670, the specific PTEN inhibitor was added in SALL4 inhibitor group and SALL4 inhibitor NC group, the protein expression of PTEN in HCC cells significantly declined, while the protein expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, MMP2, MMP9, CyclinD, CyclinA1, PCNA and P62 significantly rose. In conclusion, SALL4 activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through targeting PTEN, thereby facilitating the migration, invasion and proliferation of HCC cells.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC), milia, keratosis pilaris (KP), verruca plana (VP), seborrheic keratosis (SK), and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) are common papule dermatoses on the face of children that have a similar appearance. In vivo evaluation of facial papule dermatoses with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is helpful in the diagnosis of these ambiguous lesions in children. The purpose of this study was to clarify the RCM characteristics of MC, milia, KP, VP, SK, and JXG and explore the clinical application value of RCM for these common facial papule dermatoses.We recruited 113 patients referred for unequivocal facial papule dermatosis, including 21 patients with MC, 17 patients with milia, 19 patients with KP, 36 patients with VP, 8 patients with SK, and 12 patients with JXG. We evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of the six kinds of facial papule dermatoses using RCM.The main RCM features of the six dermatoses included a well-demarcated border of the lesion area. MC, milia and KP all manifested cyst-like structures, and their distinguishing features were the location of the cystic structures and the refractive index of the contents. Although VP, SK, and JXG did not have obvious cystoid structures, VP was typically characterized by uniformly distributed petal-like structures with a medium-to-high refractive index in the epidermis. With regard to SK, the characteristic features were an obviously thickened epidermis and cobblestone-like structures. JXG was mainly characterized by multiple large round and ovoid cells with a foamy cytoplasm, and discoid-shaped multinucleated large cells were diffusely distributed in the dermis.RCM allows the real-time visualization of major key diagnostic and distinguishing features of common facial papule dermatoses in children, including MC, milia, KP, VP, SK, and JXG.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation has become a promising treatment for liver fibrosis. However, UC-MSCs have limited anti-fibrosis ability, and their homing ability of UC-MSCs to the injured liver seems to be poor. In our study, we aimed to determine if the CXCL9-overexpressing UC-MSCs could have synergistic anti-fibrosis effects and whether it can promote the homing ability of UC-MSCs. Overexpression of CXCL9 in UC-MSCs (CXCL9-UC-MSCs) was attained by transfecting the lenti-CXCL9-mCherry to naive UC-MSCs. The therapeutic effect of transducted CXCL9-UC-MSCs on both repairing of hepatic fibrosis and target homing were evaluated by comparing with the control of UC-MSCs transfected with empty lenti-mCherry vector. The results revealed that the liver function of CXCL9-UC-MSCs treated group was significantly improved when compared with that of control UC-MSCs (P

Cobalt (II, III) oxide (Co3O4) nanostructures have attracted much attention as a candidate for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its unique physical/chemical properties and high specific capacity. However, critical issues, such as low electronic conductivity, inefficient ionic diffusion, and large volume change during battery operation, have to be addressed before practical applications. In this work, we report a facile chemical reduction approach to modify Co3O4 nanocubes by NaBH4 solution treatment. The microstructure and chemical composition analysis indicate that the modified Co3O4 nanocubes are oxygen deficient and other secondary phases are not formed during the processing. The degree of oxygen deficiency can be well controlled by altering the concentration of NaBH4 solution. When evaluated as the anodes for LIBs, the optimized sample shows a reversible capacity of 873.5 mAhg−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.1 Ag−1, and a charge-discharge capacity of 569.1 mAhg−1 at a higher current density of 5 Ag−1. The balanced oxygen deficiency and crystallinity in the chemically reduced nanostructured electrodes are supposed to be responsible for the improved lithium storage properties. We believe that the facile solution-based chemical reduction strategy provides an alternative way to control the defects in different functional nanostructures for broader applications.

Transition metal oxides show unique physical and chemical properties, and thus have a wide range of applications, including the electrodes for batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysts. However, poor electrical conductivity of the metal oxides hinder the above applications. In this work, we report a facile method to generate oxygen vacancies in cubic Co3O4 particles by thermal annealing in Ar atmosphere. By carefully controlling annealing condition, the oxygen vacancies can be well modulated while the formation of any other phases is avoided. The microstructure and chemical composition of the Co3O4 particles are studied by different methods. Lithium storage measurements show that the Co3O4 anodes with optimized oxygen vacancies (Co3O4-250) show a specific capacity of 904.2 mAhg−1 at a current density of 0.1 Ag−1, and charge/discharge rate capability of 530.5 mAhg−1 at 5.0 Ag−1. Well controlled oxygen vacancies together with sub-micrometer scale morphology in the annealed Co3O4 electrodes are responsible for the enhanced lithium storage properties. The current oxygen vacancy modulation strategy can also be used for other energy related applications, such as sodium ion batteries and electrocatalysts, with improved performance.

Design and synthesis of advanced electrode materials with fast and stable ion storage are of importance for energy storage applications. Herein, we propose that introducing the heterogeneous interface in layer-structured mesocrystals is an efficient way to greatly improve the rate capability and cycle stability of lithium-ion battery (LIB) devices. NH

Transition metal oxides have attracted considerable attention as possible electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, poor electrical conductivity and volume change during cycling result in low rate capacity and rapid capacity fading, which hinder the practical applications of those electrodes. In this work, we report a facile approach to modify Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) by laser irradiation treatment. The structural and composition of the samples were studied by different techniques. The results show that the surface of the as-prepared particles transforms to a thin CoO layer, and oxygen vacancies are generated after the laser treatment. Compared to the as-prepared Co3O4 NPs, the laser treated sample shows a higher reversible capacity of 833.4 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 Ag-1. A capacity of 348.4 mAhg−1 can be obtained at a rate of 5 Ag-1. The unique microstructure that induced by laser irradiation in the Co3O4 NPs is responsible for the improved lithium storage properties.

By using the intrinsic polymorphism nature of Nb2O5 material, we employ three typical Nb2O5 phases (orthorhombic (T), tetragonal (M) and monoclinic (H) phases) in a single material, and optimize the phase composition to form nanodomains, which are achieved by carefully adjusting the calcination parameters. The resulting sponge-like Nb2O5 nanoplate anodes exhibit attractive rate performance and cycle stability. Specifically, the optimized electrode shows a reversible capacity of 321 mAh g−1 at 1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1) after 200 cycles. At a high current density of 10 C, the electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 152 mAh g−1. Long term durability tests show that the electrode performs an excellent cycling performance at a current density of 5 C over 1000 cycles with a capacity loss of 0.06 mAh g−1 per cycle. The excellent lithium storage properties are due to the unique multiple phases and nanoscale interface inside the electrode, which facilitate the storing of more ions and the rapid ion transportation during the charging/discharging process. The proposed electrode design strategy provides an alternative route to develop advanced electrodes for energy storage.

Streptomyces sp. S501, which was isolated from the sediment of Yalujiang Estuary in China, was the first marine Streptomyces species discovered to act as an excellent petroleum degrader. We analyzed the effect of pH, temperature, and concentration of NH4NO3 on the petroleum degradation of strain S501, and the optimum biodegradation rate reached 63.02% under the condition of 2 g/L NH4NO3 addition at 30 °C and pH 8. The complete genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. S501 was determined by using the PacBio RSII platform, which contains a linear chromosome with 7,173,651 bp and a linear plasmid with 288,181 bp, with GC contents of 71.19% and 67.57%, respectively. The genome sequence suggests that Streptomyces sp. S501 has the ability to degrade several hazardous pollutants, as well as the ability to biosynthesize diverse secondary metabolites and enzymes. There are fifty annotated genes involved in oil component degradation, and there are three genes without known annotation information in Streptomyces sp. S501, which have high homology with genes encoding P450 family enzymes and should be novel genes involved in alkane degradation. This study provides useful genetic information for investigating the molecular mechanisms of marine Streptomyces, with biodegradation and application potential.

Co3O4 materials have been widely studied as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anode due to the high theoretical specific capacity. However, the poor inherent conductivity and large volume change are the main limitations. To address these issues, we propose a mild liquid-phase reduction strategy by using hydrazine hydrate to modify the Co3O4 porous nanosheet electrodes. Through controlling the hydrazine hydrate volume, the generation of oxygen vacancies in the Co3O4 electrodes can be adjusted. When tested as the anodes for LIB, the optimized electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 1036.7 mAh g−1 after 55 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, and a specific capacity of 434.6 mAh g−1 at a higher current density of 2 A g−1. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the porous structure of the nanosheet and the presence of oxygen vacancies.

We report a facile method to synthesise and modify porous Co3O4 nanosheets. The nanosheets are prepared by hydrothermal reaction and calcination, then reduced with an H2/Ar mixed gas at 250 °C within 1 min. The modification treatment generates oxygen vacancies and Co3O4/CoO interface structure. Electrochemical measurements show that the nanosheets (Co3O4-30) reduced for 30 s have excellent electrochemical performance. After the Co3O4-30 electrode was cycled 200 times under 0.5 Ag-1, the reversible capacity was 892 mAh g−1. A reversible capacity of 250 mAh g−1 can be achieved even at a higher current density of 5.0 Ag-1. The good lithium storage performance is attributed to oxygen vacancies and appropriate Co3O4/CoO interface structure. This study provides a facile strategy to construct improved transition metal oxide electrodes for energy storage and conversion.

BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that can cause severe reproductive tract complications while ascending infection occurs. When spreading from cell to cell in a host, C. trachomatis utilizes various survival strategies to offset host defense mechanisms. One such strategy is to degrade host antimicrobial defense proteins before they can attack the invading C. trachomatis cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS We expressed and purified recombinant chlamydia high temperature requirement protein A (cHtrA) including 2 cHtrA mutants (MT-H143A and MT-S247A), and also extracted endogenous cHtrA. Proteins were identified and their purity evaluated by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The anti-chlamydial activity and degradation of 5 antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin LL-37, alpha-defensin-1 and -3, and s-defensin-2 and -4) by cHtrA and 2 cHtrA mutants (MT-H143A and MT-S247A) were tested by immunoassay and Western blot. RESULTS Of the 5 antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin LL-37, alpha-defensin-1 and -3, and s-defensin-2 and -4) tested, cathelicidin LL-37 showed the strongest anti-chlamydial activity. Interestingly, cHtrA effectively and specifically degraded LL-37, suppressing its anti-chlamydial activity. The 2 cHtrA mutants (MT-H143A and MT-S247A) were unable to degrade LL-37. Comparison of cHtrA activity from C. trachomatis D, L2, and MoPn strains on LL-37 showed similar responses. CONCLUSIONS cHtrA may contribute to C. trachomatis pathogenicity by clearing the passage of invasion by specific LL-37 degradation.

In this study, biomorphic hard carbon is prepared from corn husk using the one-step carbonization method and used as a potassium-ion battery anode material. The biocarbon anode with extremely small specific surface area (3.4 m2 g−1) demonstrates better electrochemical performance than those with large specific surface areas. Particularly, at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, the carbon electrode delivers first discharge and charge capacities of 396.2 and 231.0 mAh g−1, respectively. After 100 cycles, the reversible capacity retention rate is 89.1%. Moreover, at a high current density of 1 A g−1, the reversible capacity reaches approximately 135.3 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. This excellent performance is attributed to the enhancement of ion diffusion kinetics because of the hierarchically porous structures, effect of nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms and rational interlayer spacing of biocarbon materials. In comparison, activated biocarbon exhibits lower reversible capacity, ascribed to the formation of more solid electrolyte interphase and destruction of hierarchical structures via KOH activation. Cyclic voltammetry calculation indicates that both capacitance and diffusion are responsible for the excellent K ion storage.