Adequate Electrolyte Research Articles

Administration of bicarbonates through percutaneous gastrostomy with continuous nocturnal infusion in a patient with Kearns-Sayre disease: a life changing therapeutical paradigm

BackgroundMitochondrial diseases (MDs) are systemic disorders that can affect multiple organs. Renal manifestations, including renal tubular acidosis, are common because kidneys are particularly vulnerable to energy deprivation. Treatment of MDs is often complex and electrolyte replacement can be difficult especially in pediatric patients, because large and repeated amounts of oral supplements are needed but are not well tolerated.Case presentationWe describe the case of a girl affected by Kearns-Sayre disease with severe renal tubular acidosis. The management of her metabolic acidosis was challenging because she showed persistent low levels of serum bicarbonates despite a progressive incrementation of oral bicarbonates. Furthermore, as a result to the ingestion of large amounts of alkali, the girl developed an aversion to oral supplementation. After positioning a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) and starting enteral administration of bicarbonates (with daily boluses and continuous nocturnal infusion), she finally obtained an adequate electrolyte control, with a significant increase in her quality of life.ConclusionsIn MDs, the combination of nocturnal continuous enteral administration of alkali plus diurnal boluses may represent a valid solution to correct metabolic acidosis. It can also result in an improved patients’ quality of life, particularly in pediatric settings, where compliance to oral therapy is often lacking due to the large and repeated amounts of unpalatable bicarbonates solutions required.

Void space expanded hierarchical battery-type composite material for high-capacity hybrid supercapacitors

Synergetic modulation of battery-type materials with excellent electrochemical activity is an important feature to elevate the energy storage performance in the hybrid supercapacitors (HySCs). In this study, we synthesized a void space expanded nickel sulfide@nickel molybdenum oxysulfide on Ni foam (NixSy@NiMoOx-1Sy/Ni foam) using wet-chemical sulfurization technique. The growth solution, composed of sulfur ions, partially converts NiMo DHs into NiMoOx-1Sy and the Ni foam substrate into NixSy, resulting in the formation of a hybrid-composite. Increased mass-loading growth of NixSy@NiMoOx-1Sy/Ni foam and multi-oxidation states of nickel species in the composite were confirmed using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The binder-free NixSy@NiMoOx-1Sy/Ni foam electrode was electrochemically cycled in aqueous KOH electrolyte, demonstrating battery-type redox behavior with enhanced capacity (310.6 mAh/g) compared to the NixSy/Ni foam (221.1 mAh/g) and NiMo DHs/Ni foam (142.5 mAh/g) electrodes, which could be ascribed to the improved electrical conductivity, adequate electrolyte diffusivity, and fast charge transfer properties. Furthermore, a two-electrode system based HySC was assembled using the battery-type NixSy@NiMoOx-1Sy/Ni foam and capacitive-type activated carbon, enabling a maximum energy density (58.8 Wh/kg) and power density (2666.7 W/kg) with good cycling stability and coulombic efficiency. The high-performance HySCs were used to power-up portable lighting devices, demonstrating their practical use in real-time applications.

Ultrasonic testing-based method for segmental calibration and quantitative estimation of the electrolyte content in lithium-ion batteries

Nondestructive testing and quantitative estimation of the electrolyte content in seal-packed lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have remained a major technological challenge. This study developed a non-contact, multi-channel ultrasonic testing solution for nondestructive, in situ testing and quantitative estimation of the electrolyte content in LIBs. First, sample batteries with different electrolyte contents were prepared. Then, the electrolyte contents in different local areas of the sample batteries were calibrated based on the corresponding mass ratios of characteristic elements obtained using energy-dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy; thereby, the mapping relationship between the ultrasonic propagation properties and the electrolyte content of the batteries was established. Finally, a method for segmental quantitative electrolyte content estimation with thickness-based corrections was proposed and verified experimentally. The experimental results showed that the magnitude of through-transmission ultrasonic signals and the electrolyte content of the cells were strongly correlated. The error of the electrolyte content estimation method was within 3% for cells with adequate electrolyte content, and the error of electrolyte content was smaller than 6% even for batteries with a low electrolyte content.

Space limited growth strategy for ultra-high areal capacity rechargeable aluminum batteries

Increasing the areal loading of the electrodes is the premise to improve the energy density of devices and promote the commercialization of aluminum batteries. However, large areal loading will inevitably increase the amount of aluminum deposition per unit area and aggravate dendritic growth, which seriously affect the safety and stability of devices. In this work, a novel aluminum battery anode is reported, which not only increase the effective active area of the electrode, but also form a stable electrode/electrolyte interface to induce electrodeposition uniformly of aluminum. These traits result from the four advantages of P-Al2O3/Al electrode: (1) Homogenizing current density distribution; (2) Redistributing ion concentration gradient; (3) Limiting Al growth in micropores; (4) Large specific surface area provides adequate electrolyte contact. Such an anode retains circulate stably for more than 1400 h at the large area specific capacity of 5 mAh·cm−2. The protected anode shows also excellent cell stability over 2900 cycles when paired with high current density (10 mA·cm−2). In addition, a 480 mAh pouch cell with P-Al2O3/Al anode can remain the energy density of 170 Wh·kg−1 and the energy efficiency of 90% (calculated based on the positive active component) under the voltage of 0.5 V to 2.5 V, which means that the amplification of the battery will not reduce the performance of the Al battery. The strategy and method have important practical significance for assembling aluminum batteries with high energy density and high cycle stability.

Progress into lithium-ion battery research

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed our lives and are now found in everything from mobile phones to laptop computers and electric cars. In lithium-ion batteries, an adequate electrolyte was developed using a winding process nearly related to the progress of electrode chemistries. In this technology, a metal oxide is a cathode, and porous carbon is the anode. The electrochemical interaction of anode material with lithium could produce an intercalation product, which could form the basis of a revolutionary battery system. Structural retention causes this reaction to proceed quickly and with a high degree of reversibility at room temperature. Titanium disulfide is one of the latest solid cathode materials. In this review, the history of intercalation electrodes, electrolytes, and basic principles related to batteries based on intercalation processes and their effect on battery performance is reported.

Promoting long cycle life with honeycomb-like tri-modal porous carbon for stable lithium-sulfur polymer batteries

Shuttling of soluble polysulfides (Li2Sn, 4 ≤ n ≤ 8) results in a low discharge capacity and unstable cycling performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Furthermore, the formation of insoluble sulfides (Li2S2/Li2S) can retard the reaction kinetics, resulting in poor rate capability and short cycle life. In this study, a novel structural configuration, including a honeycomb-like porous carbon (HPC) as the sulfur host and gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), is proposed. HPC derived from waste coffee grounds possesses a tri-modal pore system. The micropore, as the main reactor, undergoes a “solid–solid” reaction mechanism in carbonate-based electrolyte, effectively preventing the generation of polysulfides. The macro- and mesopores can improve the accessibility of the electrolyte, accelerating ion transfer in the cell. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the functional groups on the HPC show strong interactions with polysulfides. These data in combination with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate the presence of effective and stable mediator groups without the formation of polysulfides. The GPE provides adequate electrolyte infiltration and minimizes the leakage of flammable liquid, affording excellent cycling stability. As a result, the cell with this novel configurational shows only 0.03% capacity fading per cycle over 1500 cycles at 0.5 C-rate, providing excellent long-term cycle durability up to 10 C-rate. The excellent cycling stability and rate performance demonstrate that the novel structural configuration is effective in improving the electrochemical performance and prolonging the cycle life of Li–S batteries.

An Effective Way to Prepare Submicron MoO2 Anodes for High-Stable Lithium-Ion Batteries

Herein, MoO2-based submicrons (named MoO2@C) are synthesized through an effective one-step hydrothermal process. The prepared MoO2 submicrons wrapped in carbonouse layer are uniformly produced and can be applied to the anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The novel MoO2@C electrodes demonstrate attractive lithium storage ability. Moreover, compared with the commercial pure MoO2, the MoO2@C delivers a superior electrochemical capacity (e.g, 760.83 mAh g-1 capacity in long-life test at high rate of 1 A g-1) with outstanding capacity retention ratio and stability as well as rate capability. The superior lithium storage capabilities result from plenty of the Li+ sites and adequate electrolyte infiltration effect, which allows the fast transport of electrons and ions, and well-dispersed MoO2 submicrons in carbon-based layers that effectively prevents aggregation of nano size particles.

Recent Advancements in Selenium-Based Cathode Materials for Lithium Batteries: A Mini-Review

Selenium (Se)-based cathode materials have garnered considerable interest for lithium-ion batteries due to their numerous advantages, including low cost, high volumetric capacity (3268 mAh cm−3), high density (4.82 g cm−3), ability to be cycled to high voltage (4.2 V) without failure, and environmental friendliness. However, they have low electrical conductivity, low coulombic efficiency, and polyselenide solubility in electrolytes (shuttle effect). These factors have an adverse effect on the electrochemical performance of Li-Se batteries, rendering them unsuitable for real-world use. In this study, we briefly examined numerous approaches to overcoming these obstacles, including selecting an adequate electrolyte, the composition of Se with carbonaceous materials, and the usage of metal selenide base electrodes. Furthermore, we examined the effect of introducing interlayers between the cathode and the separator. Finally, the remaining hurdles and potential study prospects in this expanding field are proposed to inspire further insightful work.

Konsumsi Jus Kurma terhadap Peningkatan Kadar Trombosit pada Pasien Demam Berdarah Dengue di Wilayah Kota Jambi

Dengue Fever (DHF) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. One of the signs of DHF is a decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia). The recommended management of thrombocytopenia is an increase in adequate nutrition and adequate electrolyte fluids. One way that is recommended is to consume dates juice. The content of date palm juice that can directly increase the platelet count is a number of polysaccharides such as rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose and glucose because it is an ingredient in the formation of platelet granules in megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.The purpose of this study was to determine how much influence the administration of date palm juice had on increasing platelet levels in patients with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. The sample in this study amounted to 30 people, 15 people in the treatment group and 15 people in the control group. The hypothesis test that will be used in the bivariate analysis uses a T-test. The results of the study concluded that there was a significant difference between the results of the 3rd day of the treatment group and the control group. The t-value of the treatment group is greater, namely 16,089 than the t-value of the control group, which is 10,373, this indicates that the treatment group experienced an increase in platelet levels higher than the platelet level in the control group.

Infectious Diarrhea, as a Valid Medical and Public, Worldwide Health Problematic

Acute diarrhea of infec­tious etiology, referred to gastroenteri­tis and is associated with clinical signs and symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, abdomi­nal pain and cramps, bloating, flatulence, fever, passage of bloody stools, tenesmus, and fecal ur­gency disorders [10]. Diarrheal illness is a problem worldwide, with substantial regional variation in the prevalence of specific pathogens [8]. In fact, Infectious diarrheal diseases, are the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and can cause real public health problems. Such diarrhea was studied as a medical disorder, in a 3 year period, 2017-2020, in Transylvania region from Romania. It was found 3577 number of cases, almost during July to August. The case incidence for the disease arrived at 65%, in the entire summer season. The data were transmitted by 12 district Sanitary Polices, to the Public Health Center. This all were mostly diagnosed by the territorial family doctors and more than 50% , have need some days of hospitalization, because of several disease disorders. For this disorders it was used a specific adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement as key of the treatment, to managing diarrheal illnesses. Even so, 3 children under 5 year’s age died, because of severe complications. Organic failed was estimate to be the cause of their deaths. Clinical and epidemiological evaluation defined the severity and type of this illnesses. The detected infectious etiology for the acute diarrhea, where determined in authorized Microbiology laboratories, and there were identified: Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Campylobacter spp, Yersinia spp, Rotavirus, Giardia. Most number of cases appeared in children in 63%, followed by elderly or adult people in 17% each, all data as quantified number of determined infectious diarrheas. Acute diarrheal illness had to be considered a major public health issue, against which control efforts are needed. Public health surveillance of infectious acute diarrhea, includes obligatory strategies of infection control. Good hygiene, hand washing, safe food preparation, and access to clean water are key factors in preventing diarrheal illness

Stable Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells Using Hyperbranched Polymer Electrolyte

AbstractThe choice of an adequate electrolyte is a fundamental aspect in polymer light‐emitting electrochemical cells (PLECs) as it provides the in situ electrochemical doping and influences the performance of these devices. In this study, a hyperbranched polymer (Hybrane DEO750 8500) blended with a Li salt is used as a novel electrolyte in state‐of‐the‐art Super Yellow (a polyphenylenevinylene) based LECs. Due to the desirable properties of the hyperbranched polymer and the homogeneous and smooth films that it forms with the emitting polymer, PLEC with excellent electroluminescent properties are obtained using a pulsed current bias scheme. The devices are very stable, with lifetimes in excess of 2000 h with initial luminance values above 450 cd m−2, a peak efficiency of 12.6 lm W−1, and sub‐minute turn‐on times. The stability of the devices is also studied by measuring the photoluminescence (PL) of the semiconductor during electroluminescent operation. The findings suggest that it is possible to observe the quenching of the PL in vertically stacked devices due to the advancement of the doped fronts in the film and an immediate PL recovery when the bias is removed.

Infectious Diarrhea, a Public Health Problem in Population

Infec­tious etiology in acute diarrhea, referred several gastrointestinal diseases, Most are gastroenteri­tis associated with clinical signs and symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, abdomi­nal pain and cramps, bloating, flatulence, fever, passage of bloody stools, tenesmus, and fecal ur­gency disorders. Diarrheal illness is a large worldwide public health problem, with substantial regional variation, in the prevalence of medical signs by being caused by specific pathogens. Infectious diarrheal diseases, are the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and can cause real public health concerns. Such diarrhea was studied as a medical disorder, in a 3 years period, 2017 to 2020, in Transylvania a large region in Romania. It was found there, 3577 number of diarrheal diseases cases, appeared almost during July to August. The case incidence for the disease arrived at 65%, in the entire summer season. The cases data were transmitted by 12 district Sanitary Polices, to the Public Health Center Cluj. Cases were almost diagnosed by the family doctors of the region, in more then 50%. Few of this have need some days of hospitalization, because of several disease disorders, in which case it was used a specific adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement as key of the treatment, for managing diarrheal illnesses. Even so, 3 children under 5 years age died, because of severe complications. It was remarked so, organic failed who was estimate to be the cause of their deaths. Clinical and epidemiological evaluations were done and even defined the severity and type of this mentioned illnesses. The detected infectious etiology for the acute diarrheas, where determined in authorized Microbiology laboratories, where were identified: Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Campylobacter spp, Yersinia spp, Rotavirus, Giardia. Most number of cases appeared in children, being suggestive in 63%, followed by elderly or adult people in 17% each. Acute diarrheal illness had to be considered a major public health issue, against which some determined control efforts are needed. Public health surveillance of infectious acute diarrhea, includes obligatory done strategies for a correct infection control.

Fabrication of Fe nanocomplex pillared few-layered Ti3C2Tx MXene with enhanced rate performance for lithium-ion batteries

Pillaring technologies have been considered as an effective way to improve lithium storage performance of Ti3C2Tx MXene. Nevertheless, the pillared hybrids suffer from sluggish Li+ diffusion kinetics and electronic transportation due to the compact multi-layered MXene structure, thus exhibiting inferior rate performance. Herein, the few-layered Ti3C2 MXene (f-Ti3C2 MXene) which is free from restacking can be prepared quickly based on the NH4+ ions method. Besides, Fe nanocomplex pillared few-layered Ti3C2Tx (FPTC) heterostructures are fabricated via the intercalation of Fe ions into the interlayer of f-Ti3C2 MXene. The f-Ti3C2 MXene which is immune to restacking can provide a highly conductive substrate for the rapid transport of Li+ ions and electrons and possess adequate electrolyte accessible area. Moreover, f-Ti3C2 MXene can efficiently relieve the aggregation, prevent the pulverization and buffer the large volume change of Fe nanocomplex during lithiation/delithiation process, leading to enhanced charge transfer kinetics and excellent structural stability of FPTC composites. Consequently, the FPTC hybrids exhibit a high capacity of 535 mAh·g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.5 A·g−1 and an enhanced rate performance with 310 mAh·g−1 after 850 cycles at 5 A·g−1. This strategy is facile, universal and can be extended to fabricate various few-layered MXene-derived hybrids with superior rate capability.

(Invited) Computational Modeling of the Anode-Electrolyte Interface of Ca Ion Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are critical components of portable electronics, electric vehicles and grid storage. Li-ion is the dominant technology because of its low weight, large voltage and high capacity, but the demand for raw materials is putting strain on the supply chain, and there are several safety, ethical and environmental concerns. Therefore, developing adequate alternatives to Li-ion batteries is an active research area around the world. Multivalent ion batteries (MVIBs), utilizing Mg, Ca, Zn and Al, are promising due to being based on earth-abundant materials, and their higher weight can be compensated by their multivalent nature, which allows their ions to carry multiple charges. We are particularly interested in Ca ion batteries, which have received relatively little attention compared to Mg and Al, yet they are predicted to provide the largest voltage for a multivalent ion. However, their development has been limited by challenges in identifying adequate electrolytes to reversibly plate and strip metal Ca anodes. While there have been some encouraging recent developments, a systematic understanding of the interactions between electrolytes and Ca is needed. For example, it is not clear how the electrolyte (e.g., ethylene carbonate) decomposes at a Ca metal surface, nor are the structure and composition known of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) that forms between the metal anode and the electrolyte. Furthermore, the diffusion of Ca2+ ions through the SEI is not well understood.We aim to address some of these points with computational modeling that combines density functional theory (DFT) with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). We investigated the electrolyte decomposition of ethylene carbonate, with and without salt, at the Ca metal interface. We then compare this process to those occurring at Li and Al metal surfaces. The DFT calculations reveal the mechanism and energy barriers associated with the possible electrolyte decomposition pathways, while the AIMD trajectories show how quickly molecules decompose and their location. Next, we investigate the electron conductivity of the anode-electrolyte interface region at various stages of SEI layer formation. We accomplish this with the non-equilibrium Green’s function technique combined with DFT (NEGF-DFT), which not only tells us the conductivity but also the electron pathway through the interface. Finally, we investigate the possibility of protecting the electrolyte from reacting with the anode by separating them with an artificial SEI that still allows Ca2+ ions to diffuse through it. We propose that this strategy can aid in the development of rechargeable Ca ion batteries by bypassing the formation of an ionically insulating SEI as a result of electrolyte decomposition.

Ostwald Ripening Tailoring Hierarchically Porous Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 O2 F Hollow Nanospheres for Superior High-Rate and Ultrastable Sodium Ion Storage.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are receiving considerable attention as economic candidates for large-scale energy storage applications. Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 O2 F (NVPF) is intensively regarded as one of the most promising cathode materials for SIBs, due to its high energy density, fast ionic conduction, and robust Na+ -super-ionic conductor (NASICON) framework. However, poor rate capability ascribed to the intrinsically low electronic conductivity severely hinders their practical applications. Here, high-rate and highly reversible Na+ storage in NVPF is realized by optimizing nanostructure and rational porosity construction. Hierarchical porous NVPF hollow nanospheres are designed to modify the issues of inconvenient electrolyte transportation and unfavorable charge transfer behavior faced by solid-structured electrode materials. The individual unique nanosphere is assembled from numerous nanoparticles, which shortens the length of Na+ transport in solid state and thus facilites the Na+ migration. Hollow nanostructure hierarchically porous configuration enables adequate electrolyte penetration, continuous electrolyte supplementation, and facile electrolyte transportation, leading to barrier-free Na+ /e- diffusion and high-rate cycling. In addition, the large electrolyte accessible surface area boosts the charge transfer in the whole electrode. Therefore, the present NVPF demonstrates unprecedented rate capability (85.4 mAh g-1 at 50 C) and long-term cyclability (62.2% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 20 C).

S3520 Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Acute Hepatitis

INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a causative agent of infectious mononucleosis syndrome in young adults. It causes asymptomatic liver-associated enzyme abnormalities in 80 to 90% of cases which are often unrecognized. Jaundice might rarely develop during the clinical course which likely reflects either more severe hepatitis or Epstein-Barr virus infection-associated hemolytic anemia. We report a case of EBV induced acute hepatitis. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 28-year-old male with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease was admitted for yellow skin, nausea, fatigue, fever, and poor oral intake for the last five days. Abdominal exam was benign, but he was noted to have yellow skin and sclera. Blood work showed WBC 9.5 K/uL (lymphocytes 71%), Hb 16.9 g/dL, creatinine 1.0 mg/dL, albumin 3.9 g/dL, AST 541 U/L, ALT 743 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 684 U/L, total bilirubin 12.9 mg/dL with direct bilirubin 10.0 mg/dL. He had acute hepatitis work up like acute hepatitis panel, CMV, Blood culture, COVID-19, HIV, ANA, ASMA which were unremarkable. Ultrasound abdomen did not show gall bladder or biliary etiology. CT abdomen/pelvis showed splenomegaly with mild portal caval lymphadenopathy. He was found to have positive monospot and EBV PCR. He subsequently had a liver biopsy consistent with EBV positive lymphocytes. He was treated conservatively with good clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Acute viral hepatitis in human can be caused by a variety of viruses with a wide range of clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. EBV is a rare causative agent of acute hepatitis, during the course of infectious mononucleosis. Hepatic manifestations of EBV are usually mild and resolve without serious complications. Treatment in these patients is supportive—namely to remain hydrated with an adequate electrolyte balance. Precautions to avoid contact sports are also important to emphasize, as there is a 0.1%–0.5 % risk of splenic rupture, which is fatal. This case highlights the importance of including EBV in the differential diagnosis of acute hepatitis in adults.

Hypertension and QT interval prolongation associated with targeted systemic cancer therapies.

To summarize the proposed mechanisms behind hypertension and QT interval prolongation associated with use of targeted systemic cancer therapies and provide recommendations for monitoring or managing these toxicities. The cardiotoxic effects of targeted systemic cancer therapies represents a new paradigm of cancer treatment associated cardiovascular adverse events. National guidelines regarding optimal monitoring and management strategies for hypertension and QT interval prolongation associated with use of these therapies are lacking. While the pathophysiological drivers of hypertension due to targeted systemic cancer therapies differ by class of targeted therapy, general management strategies do not. Routine blood pressure monitoring throughout the duration of therapy is recommended for all agents. Patients who experience hypertension often can be treated with the addition or modification of antihypertensive therapies. Uncontrolled hypertension despite optimal medical management may require dose modifications or discontinuation of the targeted systemic cancer therapy. Electrocardiogram monitoring is recommended for patients who receive targeted therapies that may prolong the QT interval. Minimizing or managing drug interactions with other QT prolonging medications is recommended in addition to ensuring adequate electrolyte supplementation. Dose modifications or discontinuation of the targeted systemic therapy may be necessary for patients who experience QT interval prolongation. Appropriate cardiovascular monitoring and timely management of treatment-emergent toxicities can optimize therapy for patients receiving targeted systemic cancer therapies associated with a risk of drug-induced hypertension or QT interval prolongation.

Free-standing 3D network-like cathode based on biomass-derived N-doped carbon/graphene/g-C3N4 hybrid ultrathin sheets as sulfur host for high-rate Li-S battery

Abstract Derived from low-cost biomass chitin with hierarchical N-involving molecular structures, a novel renewable N-doping carbonaceous host material (denoted as C-NC) for S cathode in Li-S batteries with 3D network-like structures was fabricated via a facile dissolution and carbonization approach. When incorporated with a small amount of graphene (GN) and g-C3N4, the final products of C-NC/GN/g-C3N4 hybrids maintain the 3D interconnected network-like morphology assembled by 2D ultrathin graphene-like sheets. Meanwhile, the hybrids synergize the advantages of the graphene with high conductivity to facilitate fast electron transfer, the g-C3N4 with efficient chemical absorptivity for intermediate polysulfides to inhibit the unfavorable dissolution, as well as the 3D network frameworks of C-NC with high surface area and macro/mesoporous features to offer rapid ion diffusion channels and adequate electrolyte infiltration and mitigate the structural changes of S cathode during cycling. When loading with elemental S, the fabricated S@C-NC/GN/g-C3N4 cathode shows superior high-rate capability and remarkable cycling performance, which maintains a high reversible capacity of ∼1130 mA h g−1 after 500 consecutive electrochemical cycles. This renewable biomass-based cathode construction strategy offers a low-cost promising approach to design high-rate and ultralong-lifespan Li-S batteries.

Flexible self-supporting Ni2P@N-doped carbon anode for superior rate and durable sodium-ion storage

Transition-metal phosphides are considered as candidates for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to the high theoretical specific capacity. However, serious volume variation and agglomeration during sodiation-desodiation hamper their development. Hence, a microporous structure of Ni2P@C–N polyhedrons embedding in highly rough carbon fiber (Ni2P@C–N⊂CF) is designed as self-supporting anode material. The synergistic effect of ultrasmall Ni2P particles (∼5 nm), graphitic carbon shell and adequate free space of carbon fibers buffer the volume change, the uniform distribution of Ni2P particles shorten Na+ diffusion path, the microporous structure endow adequate electrolyte penetration, the graphitic carbon shell and carbon fibers provide high conductive channel, and thus boosting a remarkable sodium storage performance. The Ni2P@C–N⊂CF delivers long cycling stability (196.8 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 over 1000 cycles with a capacity dropping of 0.04% cycle−1), superior rate capability (197.1 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1, and returned to 752.5 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1). Moreover, the flexible half-cell based on the Ni2P@C–N⊂CF electrode still maintains 81.7% capacity retention after repeated bending states. The full cell based on Ni2P@C–N⊂CF and Na3V2(PO4)3 manifests a capacity of 185.9 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles and energy density of ∼217.4 Wh kg−1 for SIBs. Furthermore, the hybrid energy storage mechanism can also contribute to the outstanding electrochemical performance. The Ni2P@C–N⊂CF shows a potential in flexible electrode materials for Na-storage device.

Congenital Sodium Diarrhea by mutation of the SLC9A3 gene

Congenital Sodium Diarrhea (CSD) due to SLC9A3 mutation is a rare cause of neonatal diarrhea explained by dysfunction of the Na+/H+ antiporter 3 in intestine. To date only 10 patients have been described.We report a male patient with typical antenatal symptoms (polyhydramnios and intestinal dilation) and neonatal diarrhea with fecal sodium and bicarbonates loss. Next generation sequencing revealed a missense homozygous mutation in exon 6 of the SLC9A3 gene (NM_004174.3:c.1039G > A, NP_004165.2:p.Glu347Lys). Oral electrolytes supplements (Sodium and Bicarbonates) allowed a normal growth to the child currently aged twenty months. CSD symptomatology usually begins during third trimester of pregnancy. Antenatal signs are polyhydramnios and diffuse intestinal dilation. Main differential diagnoses are intestinal obstruction and Congenital Chloride Diarrhea. Diarrhea begins from the first days of life and its severity is variable.Based on the report and on the literature we suggest that non syndromic CSD can be detected during third trimester of pregnancy. With adequate electrolytes supplementation good evolution is possible.