bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Throughput Electrochemical Testing of Positive Electrode for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Potts Karlie , McCalla Eric
Published: February 2020

In the search for high-energy Li-ion positive electrodes, the layered lithium NMC oxides have been extensively studied. Despite wide interest in this system, the phase diagram remained poorly understood until recently, which resulted in many conflicting reports in the literature. Combinatorial synthesis, coupled with X-ray diffraction was used to determine the phase diagrams under various synthetic conditions [1-2]. The unexpected complexity seen in this system included multiple 3-phase regions that transform during cooling along with boundaries to single phase regions which also shift during cooling. Even with a deepened understanding of the structural phase diagram, there is still minimal knowledge of how the electrochemical properties evolve across these complex phase spaces. Herein, we adapt a high-throughput electrochemical testing system wherein 64 samples are cycled simultaneously in order to measure the cycling of mg-scale powder combinatorial samples. The methodology involves using a solution-dispensing robot to make the samples by co-precipitation synthesis, followed by high temperature annealing. The samples are subsequently mounted in the combinatorial electrochemical cell and cycled simultaneously. Figure 1 shows cyclic voltammograms obtained for identical LiCoO2 samples (weighing at most 2.5 mg) in the combinatorial cell. A remarkable level of consistency is achieved in comparison to published cyclic voltammograms for LiCoO2 [3]. The described methodology allows for the determination of specific capacity, with an RSD approaching 10%. Given that these combinatorial samples are powders, synthesized using methods comparable to those used commercially, the results scale-up very well. The proof-of-concept of this novel high-throughput electrochemical technique will be presented, exploring the level of precision that can be achieved for important electrochemical metrics (redox potential, specific capacity, irreversible capacity, voltage during storage experiments, etc.). Preliminary results from this combinatorial electrochemistry methodology using the Li-Mn-Ni-O system will be displayed, and the ramifications of electrochemically probing this critical composition space will be examined.

[1] McCalla, E., Rowe, A. W., Shunmugasundaram, R., & Dahn, J. R. (2013). Structural study of the Li–Mn–Ni oxide Pseudoternary system of interest for positive electrodes of Li-ion batteries. Chemistry of Materials, 25(6), 989-999.

[2] Brown, C. R., McCalla, E., Watson, C., & Dahn, J. R. (2015). Combinatorial study of the Li–Ni–Mn–Co oxide pseudoquaternary system for use in Li–Ion battery materials research. ACS combinatorial science, 17(6), 381-391.

[3] Cho, J., Kim, Y.J., Park, P. (2001). LiCoO2 cathode material that does not show a phase transition from hexagonal to monoclinic phase. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 148(10), A1110-A1115

Figure 1: Cyclic voltammetry of LiCoO2 performed in the high-throughput electrochemical testing system

Figure 1
Direct Electrochemical Investigation into the Mechanism and Thermodynamics of Mofe-Dependent Nitrogenase
Authors: Hickey David P , Cai Rong , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: February 2020

Enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis often requires an artificial redox mediator to observe significant electron transfer rates. The use of such mediators can add a substantial overpotential and obfuscate the protein’s native kinetics, which limits the voltage of a biofuel cell and alters the analytical performance of biosensors. We have recently developed a material for facilitating direct electrochemical communication with redox proteins based on a novel pyrene-modified linear poly(ethyleneimine). By immobilizing the catalytic subunit of nitrogenase (MoFe protein), to demonstrate the ATP-independent direct electroenzymatic reduction of N2 to NH3. In addition, this novel hydrogel material has enabled us to study the electron transfer kinetics of each electroactive cofactor for the MoFe protein (P-cluster and FeMoco) independently, and has been combined with stop-flow IR spectroscopy to study changes in global conformational changes of the protein during catalysis.
Capacity Fade Analysis of Silicon Anodes with a Polydopamine-Treated Copper Foil: A Multiphysics-Based Model Approach
Authors: Appiah Williams Agyei , Ryou Myung-Hyun , Lee YongMin
Published: February 2020

Treating the surface of current collectors with polydopamine has proven to be a means of resolving the issues related to delamination of silicon composite electrodes (1, 2). This is manifested in the improvement in the electrochemical performance owing to the enhanced adhesion between the silicon composite electrode and current collectors. However, the mechanisms underlying this enhancement is not well understood.

In this study, a porous composite-electrode physics-based model is used to analyze the cycle performance of silicon-based anode half-cells with bare and PD-treated copper current collectors via a parameter estimation technique. Based on the estimation of the parameters that change with cycling, the various mechanisms associated with the capacity fade in the bare and PD-treated copper current collector are investigated. A quantitative analysis of the aging mechanism of silicon-based anodes in terms of Li ions loss is performed and discussed for the two cell configurations. The percentage contribution of the various identified mechanisms are estimated for the cells with the bare and PD-treated copper current collector.

D. Song, D. Jung, I. Cho, M. H. Ryou and Y. M. Lee, Advanced Materials Interfaces, 3, 1600270 (2016).

W. A. Appiah, J. Park, S. Byun, I. Cho, A. Mozer, M.-H. Ryou and Y. M. Lee, Journal of Power Sources (2018).

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of electrode design and cycle performance of cells with bare and PD-treated copper current collector.

Figure 1
The Importance of Temperature Compensation in Analysis of VRFB Performance Data
Authors: Mallinson Sarah , Reid Daniel , Birch Huw , Whitehead Adam H.
Published: February 2020

To enable a high penetration of renewable energy it is necessary to include multiple-hour energy storage systems. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are already proving one of the most suitable and versatile technologies in this regard. They are intrinsically safe (1), do not degrade through cycling (2) and can be recycled or reused to a very great extent.

Despite the current interest in this technology there has been little attention paid to the importance of temperature in evaluating experimental results (one notable exception is (3)). We have found that electrolyte temperatures may vary considerably from ambient air temperature (regardless of the scale of the system). However, it is common to see efficiency results published, with mention of surrounding air temperature only.

A series of in situ and ex situ experiments were conducted to identify how cell resistivity, open-circuit potential and self-discharge current density were influenced by temperature (for example, positive electrode open-circuit voltage dependence at 50% state-of-charge is shown below). In a flow system the interpretation is slightly more complicated than a conventional battery, because these properties are dependent on the state-of-charge of the electrolytes and also electrolyte viscosity and density vary with temperature (4). Nonetheless, straightforward semi-empirical relationships could be obtained.

Furthermore, simple equations have recently been used to convert between resistivity, open-circuit potential and self-discharge current density and efficiency (5). By this means it was possible to extract tolerances on reported literature data, with respect to the uncertainty in electrolyte temperature, and hence give a fairer comparison among recent innovative developments in the field.

A. H. Whitehead, T. J. Rabbow, M. Trampert and P. Pokorny, J. Power Sources, 351, 1 (2017).

N. Tokuda, T. Kanno, T. Hara, T. Shigematsu, Y. Tsutsui, A. Ikeuchi, T. Itou and T. Kumamoto, SEI Tech. Rev., 50, 88 (2000).

D. Reynard, C. R. Dennison, A. Battistel and H. H. Girault, J. Power Sources, 390, 30 (2018).

C. Blanc, Modeling of a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Electricity Storage System, PhD Thesis, Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne EPFL, Lausanne (2009).

A. Bhattarai, N. Wai, R. Schweiss, A. Whitehead, T. M. Lim and H. H. Hng, J. Power Sources, 341, 83 (2017).

Figure 1 – potential difference between a carbon felt electrode in 50% SOC positive vanadium electrolyte and NHE arranged against temperature.

Figure 1
Effect of Mass Ratio of Electrodes in Lithium Ion Capacitors: Insights from a Physics-Based Model
Authors: Madabattula Ganesh , Marinescu Monica , Wu Billy , Offer Gregory James
Published: February 2020

Lithium ion capacitors (LICs) store electrical energy in the form of a double layer at the high surface area positive electrode such as activated carbon (AC) and in the form of lithium intercalation at the negative electrode through materials such as lithium titanium oxide (LTO). Due to unequal specific capacities and different physical properties of the electrodes, the mass ratio of electrodes (AC/LTO) has to be optimized for the improved performance of LICs at high currents. In this work, we use a physics-based model and compare the model predictions with the experimental data to show the effect of electrode mass ratio and highlight the influence of electrolyte salt depletion/precipitation effects at different currents. Our results show that lower mass ratio of the electrodes (AC/LTO) is better for high power performance of LICs.
(Invited) Impact of Mesoscale Morphology on Electrode Performance through Multi-Physics Simulations
Authors: Roberts Scott A. , Bolintineanu Dan S. , Ferraro Mark E. , Lechman Jeremy B. , Noble David R. , Srivastava Ishan , Trembacki Bradley L.
Published: February 2020

While lithium-ion battery electrodes are manufactured in large-scale, high-speed, roll-to-roll manufacturing processes, it is the morphology of the particle and conductive binder structures that greatly affect macroscale properties and can vary significantly as a function of manufacturing conditions. This relationship is particularly true in the extremely fast (dis)charge environments relevant for electrification of our vehicle fleet, where the short time scales probe ever smaller length scales and increase the impact of ionic and charge transport limitations.

To explore the process-structure-property relationship, we employ mesoscale finite element simulations of the three-phase particle-conductive binder-electrolyte composite of NMC cathodes. Particle and conductive binder domain mesostructures are derived from both x-ray computed tomography imaging and simulated using discrete element methods. The Conformal Decomposition Finite Element Method is applied to create conformal three-phase finite element discretizations of these mesostructures. Effective properties including electrical conductivity, tortuosity, and mechanical modulus are calculated and compared to experimentally measured values. Coupled electrochemical-mechanical simulations of cathode discharge are performed and validated against half-cell experimental data. We focus on how the conductive binder domain morphology affects electrode performance.

Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.
Modelling the Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces
Authors: Kopač Lautar Anja , Rejec Tomaž , Dominko Robert , Filhol Jean-Sébastien , Doublet Marie-Liesse
Published: February 2020

Electrochemical reactions are mainly governed by the interface properties and changing electrode potential. Understanding the nature of electrochemical electrode/electrolyte interfaces is thus a crucial step in the optimization of systems for energy conversion and storage. However, a generally accepted method to consider varying electrode potentials in first-principles calculations does not exist, and modelling interfaces remains one of the biggest challenges for the density functional theory (DFT) community.

Implicit solvent model implemented in some DFT codes [1, 2] together with the inclusion of explicit solvent molecules was used on lithium system and the obtained results were in agreement with experimental values [3]. We use the same methodological approach to study Mg2+ solvated in monoglyme (DME) and in ethylene carbonate (EC). Using molecular DFT (Gaussian) we first determine the explicit first solvation shell of Mg2+ in DME and EC. The solvated Mg2+ complex is then placed in front of Mg electrode in the plane wave DFT calculations (VASP). Potential dependent grand canonical energies, equilibrium (redox) potentials and differential capacitance are obtained for both systems and are in excellent agreement with experimental results. We further develop the method to probe stability regions of the solvents at the interface. We find that the stability of the solvent molecules is drastically modified in the presence of Mg2+ . Furthermore, the

presented methodological approach can be used to study decomposition pathways. The obtained results give valuable insights into why some solvents are not appropriate for Mg battery systems, and how electrolyte performance can be improved.

[1] K. Mathew et al., The Journal of chemical physics 140, 084106 (2014).

[2] K. Letchworth-Weaver et al., Physical Review B 86, 075140 (2012).

[3] N. Lespes et al., Journal of chemical theory and computation 11, 33753382 (2015).

[4] C. D. Taylor et al., Physical Review B 73, 165402 (2006).
Visualising and Characterising Zinc Ion Transport for Zinc Ion Batteries By Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Chen Binbin , Offer Gregory James , Wang Huizhi
Published: February 2020

Zinc has been regarded as a promising anode material for aqueous batteries in view of its advantages including high specific capacity, abundance and intrinsic safety. Aqueous zinc ion batteries have attracted growing attention as a potential alternative to lithium ion batteries, especially for medium and large-scale energy storage. Aqueous zinc ion batteries consist of a zinc anode and a zinc intercalating cathode in a zinc-salt-containing electrolyte and use zinc ions as charge carriers. The electrolyte transporting zinc ions between the anode and the cathode plays an essential role in determining battery performance and life. Visualising ion transport in the electrolytes of zinc ion batteries can give insights into electrolyte dynamics as well as battery processes. Yet, this is limited by the spatial-temporal resolution of the existing techniques. Moreover, most of the existing in-situ visualisation techniques are very expensive and not easily accessible. Fluorescence microscopy provides a powerful tool for probing tiny structures and tracking species in real time. It relies on fluorescence which occurs when molecules absorb light with a certain wavelength followed by the re-emission of light with a longer wavelength. These excitation and emission wavelengths are usually unique fingerprints of certain substances. Fluorescent sensors, with high sensitivity of fluorescence assays, have been widely exploited as a useful tool for species detection and mechanistic studies in biology and chemistry. In this study, a novel microfluidics-based fluorescence microscopy platform is developed for visualising and characterising zinc ion transport in the electrolytes of zinc ion batteries. The platform is calibrated by comparing the measurement results with the literature data. Key transport properties of zinc ions are quantified under different electrolyte conditions. The developed platform is demonstrated to be a simple and versatile tool for electrolyte characterisation, which provides key information guiding future electrolyte development and battery performance improvement.
Synthesis of Metal @ Carbon Sphere/Graphene Film Electrodes for Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Lanshu , Li Yue , Jin Xiaojuan
Published: February 2020

Free-standing, binder-free and high-performance metal @ carbon sphere/graphene (Fe@C/G and Co@C/G) film electrodes were synthesized by using two-dimensional graphene sheets as adhesives and the toroidal shaped β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) as carbon sources. The mulberry-like Fe@C spheres and urchin-like Co@C spheres were obtained by a simple hydrothermal method through adjusting the proportions of carbon and metal. And the flexible Fe@C/G and Co@C/G film electrodes were prepared by water bath and vacuum filtration methods. Most interestingly, the Fe@C/G and Co@C/G film electrodes exhibited the maximum areal specific capacitances of 2.19 F cm-2 and 0.64 F cm-2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm-2, respectively (438 F g-1 and 128 F g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1, respectively). Furthermore, a flexible solid-state asymmetric Fe@C/G//Co@C/G supercapacitor with high flexibility, good cycle stability and high energy density was assembled together in parallel with PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte by using Fe@C/G film as positive electrode and Co@C/G film as negative electrode. As expected, the device displayed an operating voltage of 0-1.8 V and delivered a high volumetric specific capacitance of about 9.05 F cm-3 at 0.5 mA cm-2. Moreover, it showed an excellent volumetric energy density of up to 4.07 mW cm-3 at a volumetric power density 0.009 W cm-3 and a good cycle stability of 87.3% capacitance retention after 10000 charge/discharge cycles. Even after 500 bending/unbending cycles, still about 80.5% of its initial capacitance was retained. Carbon coating on metal surface could introduce pseudocapacitive metal oxides into graphene composites to prepare graphene flexible films. Such results well demonstrated its strong potential for the practical applications of flexible and wearable energy storage devices.

Figure 1
Generating Enhanced Interfaces between Micro-Patterned Lithium Electrodes and Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Liebenau Dominik , Schmohl Sebastian , Jalkanen Kirsi , Bieker Peter , Winter Martin , Kolek Martin
Published: February 2020

Lithium is a very promising anode material for the next generation of rechargeable batteries. The research on such battery systems is motivated especially by the high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh/g) and the low density (0.53 g/cm³), which qualifies lithium particularly also for portable devices. Furthermore, this metal features the lowest negative electrode potential (-3.04 V vs. SHE), which enables a high cell voltage and high specific energy, respectively.[1-2] Nevertheless, there are also some challenges, like the inhomogeneous deposition of lithium metal during cycling leading to high surface area lithium (HSAL). Such deposits can be dendritic or needle-like and can easily penetrate the separator inducing short circuits and local heating, which in the end can lead to fires or even explosions.[1-3]

To counteract the safety issue of HSAL, many different approaches were studied which should lead to a more homogeneous deposition of lithium.[4-7]

One of them are solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). They have the benefits to be very thermally and electrochemically stable, their exothermal decomposition kinetics are slow and they generate a flexible and dense barrier between the electrodes. Furthermore, the less volatility of the components of SPEs leads to a lower risk of explosion and toxication, which represent disadvantages of liquid organic electrolytes.[3-5]

Another approach is the mechanical modification of lithium electrodes with micro patterning to increase the electrode surface, which leads to a lower current density resulting in a reduced formation of HSAL. Moreover, HSAL shows the tendency to deposit first at the walls of the defects before it later on grows on the remaining surface. For this reason, the dendritic growth towards the counter electrode is delayed and thereby the risk of short circuits is decreased.[2, 6-7]

In this work, the focus lies on the combination of these two approaches. Herein, we will present a new way to combine SPEs with modified lithium electrodes by an advanced coating method. The wetting of the micro patterned lithium surface by the SPE and the directed lithium deposition in the defects are verified by SEM analysis and the electrochemical properties are investigated on the basis of constant current cycling and impedance experiments.

[1] K. Zhang, et al., Adv. Energy Mater.
2016, 6, 1600811. [2] P. Schmitz, et al., Phys.
Chem. Chem. Phys.
2017, 19, 19178-19187. [3] M. Joost, et al., Electrochim. Acta,
2013, 113, 181-185. [4] Q. Pan, et al., Adv. Mater.
2015, 27, 5995-6001. [5] J. Paulsdorf, et al., Solid State Ion
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2002, 169, 25-33. [6] M.-H. Ryou, et al., Adv. Funct. Mater.
2015, 25, 834-841. [7] J. Park, et al., Adv.
Mater. Interfaces
2016, 3, 1600140.
Fabrication and Characterization of Fine-Grained Nasicon-Structured Li Electrolyte for Solid State Batteries Applications
Authors: Fung Kuan-Zong , Lin Ming-Rui , Tsai Shu-Yi , Jimenez Ricardo , Sobrados Isabel , Calzada María Lourdes , Sanz Jesus
Published: February 2020

Rechargeable batteries using inorganic ionic conductors as solid electrolytes have been proposed over decades. Due to their improved safety features, solid state batteries have received great attention recently. Among several inorganic ionic conductors, NASICON-structured Li1+xAlxTi2-x(PO4)3 (LATP) show excellent ionic conduction and adequate structural stability when used as the solid electrolyte for Li battery applications. However, the physical properties of solid electrolyte may be affected by their chemical composition and processing parameters. Thus, the objective of this study is (i) to investigate the effect of grain size on the electrical properties, (ii) to lower interface polarization of layered oxide cathode/electrolyte, (iii) to examine the effect of microstructure variation on cathode/solid electrolyte performance. In this study, the ceramic self-standing thick films of Li- NASICON with composition Li1.3Ti1.7Al0.3(PO4)3 by tape casting were prepared. A full cell using layered oxide/graphite (or Li metal) as the cathode/anode separated by LATP were assembled and tested A complete characterization of the samples including structural, microstructural, impedance as well as the electrochemical testing were conducted. Due to dependence of grain-size on ionic conduction, more discussion will focus on the contribution of both the grain boundary and the "bulk" conductivity. Microstructure will be varied by creation of different pore size and porosity in order to search for better electrode configuration.
Application of Nanoscale Zwitterionic Polyelectrolytes Brush with High Stability and Quantum Yield in Aqueous Solution for Cell Imaging
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Tan Minqiang , Kong Linghui , Lu Xiaomei , Sun Pengfei , Mo Hua , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: February 2020

Cationic and zwitterionic polyelectrolytes are synthesized through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), comprising a polyfluorene backbone with a small fraction of 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole and poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) side chains. Due to higher charge density generated from grafted side chains, two polymers show higher water solubility and higher quantum yield. In comparison with cationic polyelectrolytes, zwitterionic polyelectrolytes are stable over a broad pH range from 1 to 13, even in 1 M NaCl solution. The absence of FRET between zwitterionic polymers and dye-labeled ssDNA indicates their ultralow nonspecific adsorption, while cationic polymer shows much stronger nonspecific interactions. The MTT assay of zwitterionic polymers exhibits their minimal cytotoxicity and potential in long-term clinical application. Most importantly, zwitterionic polymer could be efficiently taken up by cells, whereas cationic polymer stains the surface of cell due to membrane disruption generated from positive charges. The results illustrate that conjugated zwitterionic polymer could serve as a novel type of highly efficient ultralow fouling material with low cytotoxicity for labelling cell or potential biomedical applications.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide Exerts Therapeutic Effect by Increasing VEGF and Inhibiting Inflammatory Cytokines in Ischemic Colitis Rats
Authors: Kim Sung-Eun , Ko Il-Gyu , Jin Jun-Jang , Hwang Lakkyong , Kim Chang-Ju , Kim Sang-Hoon , Han Jin-Hee , Jeon Jung Won
Published: February 2020

Ischemic colitis is resulted from an inadequate blood supply to a segment or entire colon. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), extracted from salmon sperm, has been reported to exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐ischemic effects through the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR). We investigated whether PDRN possesses therapeutic effectiveness on ischemic colitis rats. Ischemic colitis was induced by selective devascularization. The skin temperature on the ischemic colitis‐induced region was determined. To assess the colonic damage score and collagen deposition, colonic tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson trichrome staining was performed. Western blot analysis for A2AR, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐6, Bax, Bcl‐2, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was performed. Skin temperature was increased and mucosal damage and collagen deposition were observed in the affected colonic tissues in the ischemic colitis rats. Expressions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) and inflammatory mediator (COX‐2) were upregulated in the ischemic colitis rats. Apoptosis was increased by decreasing the ratio of Bcl‐2 to Bax and by suppressing the phosphorylated form of ERK1/2 expression in the ischemic colitis rats. Treatment with PDRN alleviated mucosal damage reduced the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and COX‐2 and inhibited apoptosis in the ischemic colitis rats. PDRN treatment more enhanced the expressions of A2AR and VEGF in the ischemic colitis rats. PDRN showed therapeutic effectiveness on ischemic colitis by increasing VEGF expression and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and COX‐2 through enhancing A2AR expression.
Surgical Approach to Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with Concomitant Thyroid Diseases: A Retrospective Single Center Study
Authors: Castellano Elena , Benso Paolo , Attanasio Roberto , Boriano Alberto , Lauro Corrado , Borretta Giorgio , Borghi Felice
Published: February 2020

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and thyroid diseases are a frequent concomitant occurrence, but the surgical approach to associated disease is still debated. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated a series of PHPT patients focusing on thyroid disease and surgery. Results. Among 238 PHPT patients undergoing parathyroidectomy (PTX) between 2002 and 2017, 128 were affected also by a benign thyroid disease, namely, goiter in 118 (76 multinodular (MNG) and 42 uninodular (UNG)), autoimmune thyroiditis in 10, and hyperthyroidism in 21. Surgical approach was unilateral neck exploration (UNE) in 59 patients and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) in 69. The PHPT cure rate was 94%. On comparing patients submitted to PTX only and PTX plus thyroidectomy (TX), in the latter MNG and hyperthyroidism were more frequent, and surgical time and length of stay were longer. No difference in surgical complications was found between patients undergoing UNE and BNE. Conclusion. PHPT patients with a concomitant thyroid disease underwent double surgery in almost two-thirds of the cases, mostly by BNE. The main factors driving the decision to perform concomitant PTX and TX were the presence of thyroid nodular disease with the nodule site ipsilateral to the presurgically localized parathyroid adenoma.
Hyperuricemia is a Risk Factor for One-Year Overall Survival in Elderly Female Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Tai Shi , Li Xuping , Zhu Zhaowei , Tang Liang , Yang Hui , Fu Liyao , Hu Xinqun , Fang Zhenfei , Zhou Shenghua
Published: February 2020

Background. Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but the impact of hyperuricemia and sex-related disparities is not fully clear in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objective. To investigate the association between hyperuricemia and 1-year all-cause mortality in elderly patients with ACS. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 711 consecutive ACS patients aged ≥75 years, hospitalized in our center between January 2013 and December 2017. Serum uric acid (sUA), in-hospital events, and 1-year follow-up were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors for in-hospital events and 1-year all-cause mortality. Results. sUA levels were higher in males than in females (381.4 ± 110.1 vs. 349.3 ± 119.1 μmol/l, P<0.001). Prevalence of hypertension (80.5% vs. 72.6%, P=0.020), atrial fibrillation (16.2% vs. 9.5%, P=0.008), and severe heart failure (61.0% vs. 44.2%, P<0.001) were higher in patients with hyperuricemia than in patients with normal sUA. During the 1-year follow-up, 135 patients died (19.0%); all-cause mortality was higher in patients with hyperuricemia than in patients with normal sUA (23.1% vs. 16.7%, P=0.039). Hyperuricemia is related to in-hospital ventricular tachycardia and 1-year all-cause mortality (OR = 1.799, 95% CI 1.050–3.081, P=0.033; OR = 1.512, 95% CI 1.028–2.225, P=0.036, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis models showed that hyperuricemia was an independent risk factor of 1-year all-cause mortality in women (OR = 2.539, 95% CI 1.001–6.453, P=0.050), but not in men (OR = 0.931, 95% CI 0.466–1.858, P=0.839) after adjustment for confounding variables. Conclusions. Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for 1-year all-cause mortality in elderly female patients with ACS.
Triticum vulgare Extract Modulates Protein-Kinase B and Matrix Metalloproteinases 9 Protein Expression in BV-2 Cells: Bioactivity on Inflammatory Pathway Associated with Molecular Mechanism Wound Healing
Authors: Funel Niccola , Dini Valentina , Janowska Agata , Loggini Barbara , Minale Massimiliano , Grieco Fabrizia , Riccio Salvatore , Romanelli Marco
Published: February 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of ubiquitously expressed zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolitic activities. They are expressed in physiological situations and pathological conditions involving inflammatory processes including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), neuronal injury, and cancer. There is also evidence that MMPs regulate inflammation in tumor microenvironment, which plays an important role in healing tissue processes. Looking at both inflammatory and neuronal damages, MMP9 is involved in both processes and their modulation seems to be regulated by two proteins: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). However other important genes are involved in molecular regulation of transcription factors, protein-kinase B (AKT), and p65. In addition, Triticum vulgare extract (TVE) modulated the biological markers associated with inflammatory processes, including p65 protein. While there are no evidence that TVE might be involved in the biological modulation of other inflammatory marker as AKT, we would like to assess whether TVE is able to (1) modulate phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT) as an early marker of inflammatory process in vitro and (2) affect MMP9 protein expression in an in vitro model. The BV-2 cells (microglial of mouse) have been used as an in vitro model to simulate both inflammatory and neuronal injury pathologies. Here, MMP9 seems to be involved in cellular migration through inflammatory marker activation. We simulate an inflammatory preclinical model treating BV-2 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce proinflammatory activation affecting pAKT and p65 proteins. TVE is revealed to restore the native expression of AKT and p65. Additionally, TVE extract modulates also the protein concentration of MMP9. Nevertheless, immunofluorescence confocal analyses revealed that both AKT and MMP9 are regulated together, synchronously. This work seems to demonstrate that two important genes can be used to monitor the beginning of an inflammatory process, AKT and MMP9, in which TVE seems able to modulate their expression of inflammation-associated molecules.
Accuracy on Scanned Images of Full Arch Models with Orthodontic Brackets by Various Intraoral Scanners in the Presence of Artificial Saliva
Authors: Song Jihu , Kim Minji
Published: February 2020

Aim. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of scanned images of 4 clinically used intraoral scanners (CS3600, i500, Trios3, Omnicam) when scanning the surface of full arch models with various kinds of orthodontic brackets in the presence of artificial saliva. Materials and Methods. Four study models were prepared; bonded with ceramic, metal, and resin brackets, respectively, and without brackets. Reference images were taken by scanning the models with an industrial scanner. Study models were then applied with an artificial saliva and scanned 10 times, respectively, with the above 4 intraoral scanners. All images were converted to STL file format and analyzed with 3D analysis software. By superimposing with the reference images, mean maximum discrepancy values and mean discrepancy values were collected and compared. For statistical analysis, two‐way ANOVA was used. Results. Omnicam (1.247 ± 0.255) showed higher mean maximum discrepancy values. CS3600 (0.758 ± 0.170), Trios3 (0.854 ± 0.166), and i500 (0.975 ± 0.172) performed relatively favourably. Resin (1.119 ± 0.255) and metal (1.086 ± 0.132) brackets showed higher mean maximum discrepancy values. Nonbracket (0.776 ± 0.250) and ceramic bracket (0.853 ± 0.269) models generally showed lower mean maximum discrepancy values in studied scanners. In mean discrepancy values, the difference between scanners was not statistically significant whereas among brackets, resin bracketed models (0.093 ± 0.142) showed the highest value. Conclusion. Intraoral scanners and brackets had significant influences on the scanned images with application of artificial saliva on the study models. It may be expected to have similar outcomes in an intraoral environment. Some data showed the discrepancy values up to about 1.5 mm that would require more caution in using intraoral scanners for production of detailed appliances and records.
Ulipristal Acetate Efficacy in a Patient with Symptomatic Fibroid and Concomitant Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: von Wunster S. , D’Oria P. , Colonna L. , Patelli G.
Published: February 2020

Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is an effective drug for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The drug is highly effective in controlling bleeding control and in the recovery of anemia. Here, we report the case of a woman with severe menorrhagia due to a uterine fibroid and with concomitant pulmonary embolism, a serious life-threatening condition. UPA was shown to be effective in reducing fibroid volume and controlling symptoms, without worsening the underlying embolic disease. No adverse events were observed, and the patient has completely recovered.
Formulation and Optimization of Monolithic Fixed-Dose Combination of Metformin HCl and Glibenclamide Orodispersible Tablets
Authors: Belayneh Anteneh , Molla Fantahun , Kahsay Getu
Published: February 2020

The treatment of type II DM involves the use of combination of drugs, especially at the chronic stage. However, the pill burden of this combination therapy combined with swallowing difficulties, occurring at a later stage of DM, has been the major challenge for successful treatment outcomes. This study was aimed at formulating and optimizing a monolithic fixed-dose combination (FDC) of metformin (MET) and glibenclamide (GLB) orodispersible tablets (ODTs) to overcome both the pill burden and swallowing problems. The FDC ODTs were prepared by the melt granulation technique using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 as a binding agent and crospovidone as a superdisintegrant. In the preliminary study, the effects of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), PEG 6000, crospovidone, and compression force on friability, disintegration time, and drug release of tablets were investigated. The FT-IR studies showed that there were no incompatibilities between MET and GLB as well as within excipients. The preliminary studies revealed that PEG 6000 and compression force significantly affect both the friability and the disintegration time, while SLS and crospovidone only affect the disintegration time. Therefore, the effects of PEG 6000, crospovidone, and compression force were further studied and optimized using the central composite design. Accordingly, the most desirable optimal values were obtained at 3.82% of PEG 6000, 9.83% of crospovidone, and 10.6 kN compression force having a friability of 0.302% and a disintegration time of 18.7 seconds. From these results, it can be concluded that a monolithic FDC of MET and GLB ODTs having adequate mechanical strength and faster disintegration time was successfully formulated.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake and the Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Zhai Hongrui , Wang Yu , Jiang Wenjie
Published: February 2020

Object. Results on the associations of fruit and vegetable intake with risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are still in conflict. Hence, we conducted a meta‐analysis to quantitatively evaluate the association between fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of COPD. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for relevant studies published up to September 2019. Combined relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with the random effects model (REM). Dose‐response relationship was assessed by the restricted cubic spline model. Results. There are 8 studies involving 5,787 COPD cases among 244,154 participants included in this meta‐analysis. For the highest versus the lowest level, the pooled RR of COPD was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.68–0.84; I2 = 46.7%) for fruits plus vegetables, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66–0.79; I2 = 1.3%) for fruits, and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.63–0.92; I2 = 62.7%) for vegetables. In subgroup analysis of fruit plus vegetable intake and COPD risk, the inverse association exists in all three study designs. A nonlinear dose‐response relationship was found for COPD risk with fruit (Pnon−linearity < 0.01). Conclusions. This meta‐analysis indicates that fruit and vegetable intake might be related to a lower risk of COPD.
Spontaneous Chylothorax following Septic Pulmonary Embolization
Authors: Agustin Michael , Yamamoto Michele , Tongma Chawat , Chua Leslie Anne , Torres Michael , Shay Scott
Published: February 2020

Chylothorax is the occurrence of chyle (lymph) in the pleural cavity secondary to damage of the thoracic duct. It is a rare form of pleural effusion which appears as a milky white turbid fluid. Malignancy is the leading cause of nontraumatic chylothorax while inadvertent surgical injury to the thoracic duct is the major cause of traumatic chylothorax. We report a case of spontaneous left-side chylothorax following septic pulmonary embolization (SPE) with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This is a rare case of a nonmalignant, nontraumatic, and nontuberculous spontaneous chylothorax which was conservatively treated with fibrinolysis and diet modification.
Incarcerated Appendix Epiploica in Inguinal Hernia Sac: Treatment with Laparoscopic TAPP Approach—Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Yildiz Abdullah
Published: February 2020

Appendix epiploica (AE) in an incarcerated inguinal hernia sac is very rare. We herein report the case of a 57-year-old man admitted to the emergency department with complaints of nausea, swelling, and pain in the left inguinal area. He was diagnosed with left incarcerated inguinal hernia and treated laparoscopically with transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mesh hernioplasty. During the operation, AE, lodged in the direct hernia sac, was seen to originate from the sigmoid colon. The narrow internal inguinal ring was incised at the 2 o’clock position using a monopolar hook, and the hypertrophic AE was reduced to the abdomen and resected. The patient was discharged uneventfully on the second postoperative day.
Three-Year Outcomes of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated with Aflibercept under the National Health Insurance Program in Taiwan
Authors: Lo Kang-Jung , Chang Jin-Yu , Chang Hsin-Yi , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Hwang De-Kuang , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To observe and analyze the long-term outcomes of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with aflibercept monotherapy under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program in Taiwan. Methods. This retrospective observational study was conducted at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Patients with naive nAMD who were treated with aflibercept and followed for more than 3 years were reviewed. The better eye was enrolled if both eyes were affected. Visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded for 3 years. The lost-to-follow-up rate, number of injections, and predictive factors for visual outcomes were analyzed. Results. Ninety-nine eyes in 99 patients were followed up for 3 years. The mean age at onset of nAMD was 82.8 ± 9.26 years, and 65% of the patients were male. Compared with initial visual acuity, 5 (5.1%) of our patients improved their vision for 3 or more lines after 3 years of follow-up, 11 (11.1%) of our patients improved for 1 to 3 lines, 62 (62.6%) patients remained their vision with 1 line or less changes, 15 (15.2%) patients lost their vision for 1 to 3 lines, and 6 (6%) patients lost their vision for 3 or more lines. The CMT was 359 ± 180 µm before treatment and 259 ± 98 after 3 years (p<0.001). The mean number of injections was 4.63 ± 1.91 in the first year, 2.13 ± 2.2 in the second year, and 1.42 ± 1.79 in the third year. Multivariate analysis showed that final VA was significantly associated with VA at year 1, the presence of retinal pigment epithelial detachment at year 1, and receiving more than four injections in the first year. Final CMT was only significantly associated with CMT at year 1. Conclusion. After 3 years of treatment under the NHI program in Taiwan, 21.2% of the patients with nAMD still had a visual decline despite good anatomical outcomes. More aggressive treatment or other strategies should be used for patients who may have a poor prognosis.
Comprehensive Analysis of lncRNA‐Mediated ceRNA Crosstalk and Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers in Wilms’ Tumor
Authors: Zheng Hong , Li Bai-Hui , Liu Chang , Jia Li , Liu Feng-Ting
Published: February 2020

Wilms’ tumor (WT) is the most common type of childhood kidney cancer, and most cases present with favorable histology and respond well to standard treatment. However, a subset of patients with WT is diagnosed with bilateral, relapsed, and high‐risk tumors which remain the leading cause of cancer‐related death in children. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their aberrant expression have currently been attracting great attention as oncogenes or tumor suppressors during tumor initiation and progression. So far, their roles and related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network remain unelucidated in nephroblastoma pathogenesis. We comprehensively integrated lncRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatment (TARGET) database and screened out differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), lncRNAs (DELs), and miRNAs (DEMis) to construct a ceRNA network based on the information generated from miRcode, miRTarBase, TargetScan, and miRDB. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to analyze the functional characteristics of DEMs in the ceRNA network. The interaction between protein molecules was also analyzed by establishing a protein‐protein interaction network. Finally, prognosis‐related biomarkers were identified via survival analysis. Initially, 1647 DELs, 115 DEMis, and 3280 DEMs (|log FC| > 2; FDR < 0.01) were obtained using the R package. Next, we constructed a lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network (ceRNA network), in which 176 DELs, 24 DEMis, and 141 DEMs were identified. Furthermore, 148 functional enrichment terms from GO were identified and 29 KEGG pathways were found to be significantly enriched. We also integrated patient clinical information to analyze the association between DERNAs and patient prognosis. We found that high expression of 8 DELs (LINC00473, AL445228.2, DENND5B−AS1, DLEU2, AC123595.1, AC135178.1, LINC00535, and LMO7−AS1) and 4 DEMs (CEP55, DEPDC1, PHF19, and TRIM36) correlated with poor survival in a patient with WT, whereas high expression of 2 DELs (MEG3 and RMST), 1 DEM (KIAA0922), and 1 DEMi (hsa−mir−200a) could possibly lead to better clinical outcomes. For the first time, the present study provided a novel insight into lncRNA‐related ceRNA networks and identified potential prognostic biomarkers in Wilms’ tumor.
Severe Thrombocytosis in a Newborn with Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis and Maternal Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Sahni Mitali , Patel Pooja , Muthukumar Akila
Published: February 2020

Background. Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SFN) is a form of transient panniculitis that presents commonly in infants with a history of perinatal insult, particularly hypothermia. It is characterized by subcutaneous nodules and plaques that appear over bony prominences on cheeks, shoulders, buttock, and thighs. SFN is usually associated with various complications including hypercalcemia, thrombocytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia. Case Presentation. We present a unique case of a female infant with a history of maternal chorioamnionitis who presented with SFN at 11 days of life with thrombocytosis. The platelet count decreased during the hospital stay, and thrombocytosis resolved over the course of the next two weeks. She did not have any other hematological or metabolic abnormalities associated with SFN. Conclusion. Infants with perinatal stress are at increased risk of developing SFN during the first month of life. Infants with a diagnosis of SFN should be monitored closely for various hematological and metabolic abnormalities that can have serious consequences.
Phaseless Microwave Tomography Assessment for Breast Imaging: Preliminary Results
Authors: Costanzo Sandra , Lopez Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

In the present work, a phaseless approach for microwave imaging applications is presented. The proposed solution strategy is based on the formulation of the scattering phenomena in terms of contrast source, while no phase-recovery stage is involved into the numerical procedure, thus providing a phaseless single-step resolution method. The image recovering potentialities of the discussed method are numerically validated by successfully distinguishing different tissues of a slice breast model, with a tumor located wherein. The above preliminary assessment encourages the adoption of the proposed solution in the framework of biomedical imaging.