Good Rate Research Articles

Modulation of Free Carbon Structures in Polysiloxane-Derived Ceramics for Anode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics have garnered significant attention as novel silicon-based anode materials. However, the low conductivity of SiOC ceramics is a limiting factor, reducing both their rate capability and cycling stability. Therefore, controlling the free carbon content and its degree of graphitization within SiOC is crucial for determining battery performance. In this study, we regulated the free carbon content using divinylbenzene (DVB) and controlled the graphitization of free carbon with the transition metal iron (Fe). Through a simple pyrolysis process, we synthesized SiOC ceramic materials (CF) and investigated the impact of Fe-induced changes in the carbon phase and the amorphous SiOC phase on the comprehensive electrochemical performance. The results demonstrated that increasing the DVB content in the SiOC precursor enhanced the free carbon content, while the addition of Fe promoted the graphitization of free carbon and induced the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The electrochemical performance results showed that the CF electrode material exhibited a high reversible capacity of approximately 1154.05 mAh g-1 at a low current density of 100 mA g-1 and maintained good rate capability and cycling stability after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 2000 mA g-1.

Earth-abundant Li-ion cathode materials with nanoengineered microstructures

AbstractManganese-based materials have tremendous potential to become the next-generation lithium-ion cathode as they are Earth abundant, low cost and stable. Here we show how the mobility of manganese cations can be used to obtain a unique nanosized microstructure in large-particle-sized cathode materials with enhanced electrochemical properties. By combining atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, four-dimensional scanning electron nanodiffraction and in situ X-ray diffraction, we show that when a partially delithiated, high-manganese-content, disordered rocksalt cathode is slightly heated, it forms a nanomosaic of partially ordered spinel domains of 3–7 nm in size, which impinge on each other at antiphase boundaries. The short coherence length of these domains removes the detrimental two-phase lithiation reaction present near 3 V in a regular spinel and turns it into a solid solution. This nanodomain structure enables good rate performance and delivers 200 mAh g−1 discharge capacity in a (partially) disordered material with an average primary particle size of ∼5 µm. The work not only expands the synthesis strategies available for developing high-performance Earth-abundant manganese-based cathodes but also offers structural insights into the ability to nanoengineer spinel-like phases.

Mg/Ti co-substituted P2-Na0.67Ni0.23Mg0.05Ti0.05Mn0.67O2 cathode with outstanding performance for Na-ion batteries

P2-type layer oxides are one class of cathode materials for Na-ion batteries (SIBs) with the advantages of good rate and cycle performance, but suffer from poor storage stability and relative low capacity, hindering their practical applications. In this study, the Mg/Ti co-substituted P2-type layered oxide Na0.67Ni0.23Mg0.05Ti0.05Mn0.67O2 (NMgTiM) was synthesized via sol–gel method. The initial capacity of NMgTiM reached to 162.2mAh g−1, which is more than twice that of pristine oxides Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NM), showing an excellent synergistic effect. Long-cycle testing showed that the NMgTiM delivered a high and stable capacity of 165 ∼ 180mAh g−1 at 0.5C before 80 cycles, and remained at 132.6mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 81.6 % at 100th cycle. The crystal structure of pristine and Mg/Ti substitution samples was confirmed by XRD analysis.

Ergonomic optimization in forestry harvesting: analysis of indicators and workstation layout for machine operators

The planted tree sector in Brazil plays a significant role in the national economy, driven by technological advancements in forestry machines, especially in harvesting. The interaction between operators and machines has become essential for improving performance and ensuring occupational health. This study analyzed forest harvesting machine operators, focusing on anthropometric surveys and proposing indicators for ergonomic satisfaction and cabin layout. Conducted between May 2022 and July 2023 in a northeastern Brazilian forestry company, data were collected during mechanized harvesting of a six-year-old Eucalyptus spp. stand using the cut-to-length system. A questionnaire was applied to 111 employees to assess their ergonomic satisfaction and health. Two indices were created: the Ergonomic Satisfaction Coefficient and the Occupational Health Coefficient. The anthropometric analysis evaluated operators’ percentiles and BMI, revealing that 77.77% were overweight, highlighting the need for health protection measures. The ergonomic indices proved effective in assessing operator satisfaction. The study also determined an adequate workstation layout for the sample group. From the Ergonomic Work Analysis perspective, FW2 and HV3 machines received a good rating based on the adopted parameters.

Good rate of satisfaction but suboptimal clinical outcome at long‐term follow‐up in a large series of patients who had operative stabilization of the deltoid ligament of the ankle

AbstractPurposeTo report results following deltoid ligament reconstruction in a large series of patients.MethodsFor consecutive patients who had a medial ankle ligament stabilization 2010–2018 information from their medical files was registered, and they were invited for follow‐up in 2021–2022. They answered questions about satisfaction with the treatment and current symptoms, and they completed the Foot and Ankle Measurement (FAAM) questionnaire.ResultsOf the 503 patients, 342 (68%) had a history of trauma to the ankle and 114 (23%) had previous ankle surgery. 67% had other procedures (besides synovectomy) simultaneous to medial ligament reconstruction. 269 patients (54%) responded to the invitation for follow‐up. For 182 (71%) of the responders, the operation solved their ankle problems. 163 (63%) were satisfied with the surgery. 192 (71%) would repeat the operation. 173 (67%) had pain in the ankle during the past week, and 86 (50%) of these were not able to run. FAAM ADL‐scores were significantly higher than in a mixed group of ankle/foot patients but not normal.ConclusionThe relatively high degree of satisfaction despite suboptimal clinical results may reflect the complex nature of the deltoid ligament insufficient ankle. It is concluded that repair or reconstruction of the deltoid ligament is only performed in patients reporting ankle instability and with peroperatively demonstrated medial instability and pathology to the ligament.Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Biochar-Bio-Cu composite superhydrophobic membrane for efficient oil-water separation

This manuscript presents the development of a superhydrophobic textile fabric (SF) for effective oil–water (O/W) separation. A biochar was synthesized by pyrolysis of banana leaves. The bio-Cu nanoparticles (bio-Cu NPs) were synthesized from grape seed extract. The biochar and bio-Cu NPs were used to enhance the surface roughness of the textile fabric. The low-cost, eco-friendly stearic acid was used as a low surface energy material. The SF achieves a water sliding angle of 1 degree and apparent contact angle of 159 degrees, indicating its superhydrophobic nature. The absorption capacity toward silicone oil (SO), toluene, and crude oil (CO) is measured at 102.2 g/g, 98.5 g/g, and 91.0 g/g, respectively, with minimal decrease after ten usage cycles. The SF exhibits outstanding O/W separation efficiencies for CO (99.6%), toluene (98.9%), and SO (97.5%) over ten cycles. Mechanical stability assessments reveal superhydrophobicity retention till a length of abrasion equal to 650 mm. Chemical stability investigations demonstrate SF’s resilience across a pH range of 1–13 over 2 h of immersion. Furthermore, the SF shows a good flux rate toward the oils used. These findings establish a promising advancement in environmental remediation and O/W separation.

Hierarchical design of carbon nanofibers wrapped antimony selenide nanorods with heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots as efficient anode material of high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Researchers have focused on sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to low precursor costs and abundant reserves. However, low efficiency of anode materials hinders SIB commercialization, mainly due to large ionic radius and slow kinetics of Na+. Metal selenides such as Sb2Se3 have regarded as promising anode materials of SIBs due to high theoretical capacities. Despite this, the practical application has been limited by the poor rate capability, conductivity, and stability. In this study, one-dimensional Sb2Se3 nanorods and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) combined with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been developed as an effective anode material of SIBs. The uniform distribution of N-CQDs in the Sb2Se3 coated CNFs (Sb2Se3/CNFs) anode results in the highest reversible capacity of 647.9 mAhg−1 at 0.05 Ag-1. Moreover, the Sb2Se3 and N-CQDs coated CNFs (Sb2Se3@N-CQDs/CNFs) anode presents a good rate performance and retains a high reversible capacity of 444.7 mAhg−1 at a high current density of 0.4 Ag-1. Additionally, the Sb2Se3@N-CQDs/CNFs anode demonstrates excellent stability, retaining 78.8% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to low volume expansion and good conductivity due to carbon coating and addition of N-CQDs. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique is also used to examine Na+ diffusion coefficients.

Development of The Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) Model with Strengthening Information Literacy for High School Students

This study aims to develop the search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) Model with information literacy reinforcement to improve students' ability to write explanatory texts. This study used the research and development with the ADDIE model, which involved Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate. This study employs various data collection techniques, including interviews to understand learning issues, questionnaires to identify student needs and assess product validity, and tests to measure writing skills. The instruments used include observation sheets, questionnaires, interview guidelines, and scoring rubrics, all aimed at supporting the development of the instructional model. The results showed that the SSCS model with information literacy succeeded in improving students' skills that had been tested on 85 students in three high schools in Brebes Regency. The results showed that 16% of students received excellent ratings, 80% of students received good ratings, and 4% received fair ratings. Evaluations from teachers and students indicated positive acceptance of the model, although there were certain aspects which required further adjustments. This study provides a strong foundation for implementing the development of this model in the practice of learning to write explanatory texts in senior high schools.

Uranium extraction from wastewater by heteroatom-doped carbon microspheres derived from polyphosphazene loading with zinc oxide

The effective management of uranium-contaminated wastewater is crucial for environmental protection and public health safety. In this context, a novel composite was synthesized involving the intergration of zinc oxide into heteroatom-doped polyphosphazene carbon microspheres (TAC/ZnO) by hydrothermal method. The incorporation of ZnO into TAC significantly enhanced the porosity, offering more adsorption sites and improving the uranium adsorption performance. The optimal adsorption experiment achieved a remarkable adsorption capacity of 513.9 mg.g−1 for U(VI) at a pH of 5.5 within just 80 min. Additionally, the adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous, following both the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the TAC/ZnO presented higher selectivity for U(VI) in the presence of other cations. Even after 8 cycles, TAC/ZnO maintained a good removal rate for U(VI), decreasing from 97.54 % to 81.95 %. Furthermore, the findings from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the adsorption mechanism of U(VI) on TAC/ZnO may involve the coordinated interaction between oxygen atoms in Zn-O and nitrogen atoms in pyridinie-N-oxide with uranyl ions. Overall, this study presents an easily prepared, cost-effective, and highly efficient adsorbent that offers potential for large-scale production and practical application in purifying radioactive wastewater.

Long-term effectiveness of Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator in treatment of Kienböck disease

To investigate the long-term effectiveness of Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator in the treatment of Kienböck disease. The clinical data of 22 patients with Kienböck disease who were treated with Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator between January 2011 and September 2013 and followed up more than 10 years was retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 45 years (range, 20-64 years). The Lichtman staging was stage Ⅲb. According to AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, there were 6 cases of type B1, 2 cases of type B2, 10 cases of type B3, and 4 cases of type C2. The disease duration ranged from 18 to 50 months, with an average of 30.7 months. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. Wrist height ratio and scapholunate angle were measured by wrist anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films before and after operation. The grip strength of bilateral hands was measured by Jamar dynamometer. The wrist pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the wrist function was evaluated by Mayo score, and the radial deviation, ulnar deviation, dorsiflexion, and palmar flexion range of motion of wrist were measured. The operation time was 45-60 minutes, with an average of 52.21 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 50-60 mL, with an average of 58.63 mL. No nerve or blood vessel injury occurred during operation. All patients were followed up 10-13 years (mean, 11.3 years). X-ray films at 3 months after operation showed that the density of lunate bone was lower than that before operation. Satisfactory fusion of the scapho-trapezio-trapezoeid joint was achieved at 3-6 months after operation (mean, 4.5 months), and the wrist height ratio and the scapholunate angle after fusion significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Wrist pain relieved, scaphoid rotation and dislocation improved, and no radiocarpal joint degeneration was found during follow-up, and no internal fixator loosening, breakage, or lunate bone necrosis occurred. At last follow-up, the wrist radial deviation, ulnar deviation, dorsiflexion, and palmar flexion range of motion, VAS score, and grip strength of the affected side significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); the grip strength of the affected side recovered to 99.00%±1.25% of the healthy side. Mayo score ranged from 72 to 93, with an average of 85; 14 cases were rated as excellent, 5 good, and 3 satisfactory, the excellent and good rate was 86.4%. In the treatment of stage Ⅲb Kienböck's disease, the scapho-trapezio-trapezoeid joint usion using Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator can effectively reduce pain, improve hand function, and prevent further deterioration, and achieve good long-term effectiveness.

Experiences with the infra-acetabular screw placement technique in acetabular fracture surgery

To investigate the application experiences and effectiveness of the infra-acetabular screw (IAS) placement technique in acetabular fracture surgery. A clinical data of 34 patients with complex acetabular fractures with anterior and posterior columns separation, who were admitted between January 2019 and October 2023 and treated with IAS fixation, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males and 11 females with an average age of 55.3 years (range, 18-78 years). The acetabular fractures caused by traffic accident in 20 cases, falling from height in 12 cases, crushing injury in 1 case, and bruising with a heavy object in 1 case. According to the Letournel-Judet classification, there were 7 cases of anterior column fracture, 8 cases of anterior wall/column plus posterior hemi-transverse fracture, 2 cases of T-shaped fracture, and 17 cases of both-column fracture. The time from injury to surgery was 4-21 days (mean, 8.6 days). The time of IAS placement and the intraoperative blood loss were recorded. After surgery, the X-ray film and CT scan were re-examined, and the modified Matta score was used to assess the quality of fracture reduction. The trajectory of IAS in the channel was analyzed based on CT scan, and the screw length was measured. During follow-up, the fracture healing was observed and the hip function was assessed according to the modified Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scoring system at last follow-up. The IAS was successfully implanted in all 34 patients. The length of IAS ranged from 70 to 100 mm (mean, 86.2 mm). The time of IAS placement ranged from 10 to 40 minutes (mean, 20.7 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 520 to 820 mL (mean, 716.8 mL). All patients were followed up 8-62 months (mean, 21.8 months). After surgery, 4 patients developed lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, 2 developed popliteal vein thrombosis of the lower extremity, 3 developed incision infection, and no surgical complication such as arteriovenous injury or obturator nerve palsy occurred. At last follow-up, the hip function was rated as excellent in 14 cases, good in 13 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 3 cases according to the Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scoring system, with an excellent and good rate of 79.41%. Imaging re-examined showed that the quality of fracture reduction was rated as excellent in 9 cases, good in 19 cases, and poor in 6 cases according to the modified Matta score, with an excellent and good rate of 82.35%; and 25 (73.53%) IAS trajectories were located in the channel. All fractures obtained bony union, and the healing time was 12-24 weeks (mean, 18 weeks). During follow-up, there was no loosening or fracture of the plate and screws. IAS placement technique can effectively strengthen internal fixation and prevent fracture re-displacement, making it a useful adjunct for treating complex acetabular fractures with anterior and posterior columns separation.

Early effectiveness of modified minimally invasive Chevron-Akin osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus

To explore early effectiveness of modified minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) osteotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus. A clinical data of 49 patients (61 feet) with moderate to severe hallux valgus, who met the selection criteria between December 2019 and October 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males (8 feet) and 42 females (53 feet) with an average age of 38.0 years (range, 15-59 years), including 37 of unilateral foot and 12 of bilateral feet. There were 41 feet of moderate hallux valgus [hallux valgus angle (HVA) 20°-40°] and 10 feet of severe hallux valgus (HVA>40°). All patients underwent modified MICA osteotomy. A transverse osteotomy on the distal end of the first metatarsal bone was performed to replaced the traditional Chevron osteotomy, and three Kirschner wires were used to assist in three-dimensional correction. The other treatments were the same as traditional MICA osteotomy. The HVA, inter metatarsal angle (IMA), Hardy score of the sesamoid, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of 61 feet before operation and at last follow-up were recorded, and the results were compared between the various severity of hallux valgus. All patients were followed up 6-24 months with an average of 12.0 months. After operation, the redness and swelling around the incision occurred in 1 foot; limited mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint occurred in 2 feet; mild numbness of the skin occurred in 5 feet; mild inversion of the great toe occurred in 2 feet. No complication such as tendon injury was found. X-ray films showed no abnormal healing, nonunion, or necrosis of the metatarsal head after osteotomy. The healing time of osteotomy ranged from 3 to 4 months, with an average of 3.2 months. At last follow-up, the HVA, IMA, Hardy score of sesamoid, and AOFAS scores all significantly improved when compared with preoperative levels ( P<0.05). The AOFAS scores were excellent in 45 feet, good in 15 feet, and fair in 1 foot, with an excellent and good rate of 98.4%. The above indicators for moderate or severe hallux valgus patients were significantly improved when compared with preoperative levels ( P<0.05). The changes between pre- and post-operation in HVA, IMA, and Hardy scores of severe hallux valgus were all greater than those of moderate hallux valgus, with significant difference in HVA change between groups ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the other two changes ( P>0.05). Modified MICA osteotomy can achieve good orthopedic effects and early functional improvement in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Methods and Strategies of Microsurgery Combined with Ilizarov Technique in the Treatment of Amputation of Limbs in Renji Hospital: A Report of 51 Cases.

Severe limb amputation trauma often results in bone and soft tissue defects after debridement. Traditional replantation aims to save the limb by shortening the ischemic period and using autologous transplantation for repair, but it can lead to surgical trauma, donor site damage, and prolonged operation time. Due to contusion, pollution, and complex injury, there is no unified standard for replantation and fixation. Improper operation can easily lead to complications such as bone infection, nonunion, bone defect, and joint stiffness. This study introduces the Ilizarov technique into microsurgery to improve limb lengthening after reconstruction and standardizes the steps of replantation fixation for complex limb avulsion injuries, with a focus on clinical efficacy. A retrospective analysis was performed on 51 patients with complex limb amputation who were treated in Zhengzhou Renji Hospital from June 2009 to March 2021. On the basis of microsurgical limb replantation, Ilizarov technology was introduced to innovate the internal and external combined stepwise fixation method for replantation. Patients' gender, age, height, weight, BMI, and other general information were collected. X-ray films were reviewed regularly to observe the surgical healing of fracture, that is, the degree of limb shortening. The lengthening time, carrying time after lengthening, follow-up time, Dahl classification, Paley fracture healing classification, and Chen Zhongwei's replantation function score were used to evaluate the recovery of the affected limb. A total of 51 patients were included in this group, including 36 male patients and 15 female patients. All the amputated wounds were single limb amputation. In this group of patients, the hind limbs were shortened by 2-12.5 cm (5.32 ± 2.24) after replantation. A total of 44 patients whose hind limbs were shortened by more than 2.5 cm were treated with two-stage Ilizarov lengthening for 1.5-5.5 months (3.19 ± 1.03). The carrying time was 3-7.5 months (4.25 ± 0.94), and the follow-up time was 1-7.8 years (3.76 ± 1.69). Among the 49 survived patients, the Dahl grade of external fixation was less than Grade 2 in 89.8%. The excellent and good rate of Paley fracture healing classification was 89.8%. The excellent and good rate of Chen Zhongwei's limb replantation function classification was 79.6%. Microsurgery combined with Ilizarov technique in the treatment of limb amputation injury, limb salvage reconstruction with internal and external combined step-by-step combined fixation, and one-stage shortening and two-stage limb lengthening can reduce the occurrence of osteomyelitis, bone defect and nonunion, expand the indications of limb replantation, improve the success rate of limb replantation, with satisfactory results, and facilitate the promotion of clinical techniques.

Detection of egg white allergy in children by specific IgE microarray chemiluminescence immunoassay

BackgroundAllergen testing has emerged as a pivotal component in prevention and treatment strategies for allergic diseases among children and the utilization of specific IgE (sIgE) through a fully automated chemiluminescent microarray immunoassay (CLMIA) has emerged as a promising trend in the simultaneous detection of multiple allergenic components of children. MethodsThe accuracy and reliability of CLMIA were verified using children’s serum samples that concentrated on allergens. the allergens. The clinical diagnostic practicability of CLMIA was assessed through comprehensive evaluations including measurements of the limit of detection (LOD), intra-batch, and inter-batch precision, linearity analysis, the cross-contamination rate, and the concordance rate with the Phadia system. ResultsAfter the optimization process of CLMIA, the LODs for allergens were calculated to be below 0.01 kU/L, demonstrating the high sensitivity of CLMIA. All components exhibited good linearity within the range of 0.1–100.0 kU/L and the coefficient of determinations (R2 > 0.99). The data of intra-batch precision (<10 %) and inter-batch data (<15 %) illustrated the high reproducibility of CLMIA. The cross-contamination rates for allergens (<0.5 %) showed the high accuracy of CLMIA without interfering. The positive concordance rate between CLMIA and the Phadia system exceeds 90 % with a good negative concordance rate (>85 %) and the Kappa coefficients (>0.8), suggesting the close alignment of CLMIA and the Phadia system and showing the satisfactory clinical potential of CLMIA in children’s allergy disease. ConclusionsThe application of CLMIA has been promising in allergen testing, especially for detecting multiple allergenic components in children.

Preparation and osteogenesis of a multiple crosslinking silk fibroin/carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate composite scaffold loading with mesoporous silica/poly (lactic acid-glycolic acid) microspheres.

Large bone defect repair is a striking challenge in orthopedics. Currently, inorganic-organic composite scaffolds are considered as a promising approach to these bone regeneration. Silicon ions (Si4+) are bioactive and beneficial to bone regeneration and Si4+-containing inorganic mesoporous silica (MS) can effectively load drugs for bone repair. To better control the release of drug, we prepared biodegradable MS/PLGA (MP) microspheres. MP loaded organic silk fibroin/carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate (MP/SF/CMCS/SA) composite scaffolds were further constructed by genipin and Ca2+ crosslinking. All MP/SF/CMCS/SA scaffolds had good swelling ability, degradation rate and high porosity. The incorporation of 1% MP significantly enhanced the compressive strength of composite scaffolds. Besides, MP loaded scaffold showed a sustained release of Si4+ and Ca2+. Moreover, the release rate of rhodamine (a model drug) of MP/SF/CMCS/SA scaffolds was obviously lower than that of MP. When culturing with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, scaffolds with 1% MP displayed good proliferation, adhesion and enhanced osteogenic differentiation ability. Based on the results above, the addition of 1% MP in SF/CMCS/SA scaffolds is a prospective way for drug release in bone regeneration and is promising for further in vivo bone repair applications.

Belantamab mafodotin, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone for triple class exposed/refractory relapsed multiple myeloma: a subgroup analysis of the ALGONQUIN trial

Given the early use of triplet and quadruplet regimens, most patients with multiple myeloma (MM) will be exposed and/or refractory to PIs, IMiDs, and anti-CD38 mAbs after first- or second-line treatment. Effective treatment for this group of triple class exposed/refractory (TCE/R) patients is crucial. Here we present a post-hoc subgroup analysis of TCE/R patients treated on the ALGONQUIN study of belantamab mafodotin plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone (belamaf-Pd) for relapsed MM. Of the 99 patients treated on the ALGONQUIN study, 69 were TCE and 56 were TCR and were included in this analysis. Patients had a median of three prior lines of therapy. The ORR was 86.4% in TCE patients and 84.9% in TCR patients, with ≥ very good partial response rates of 64% and 68% respectively. The median progression free survival was 18.3 months in TCE patients and 19.6 months in TCR patients, with overall survival not yet reached and 34.4 months, respectively for TCE and TCR patients. No new safety signals were identified. The most common Grade ≥ 3 AEs were keratopathy (48%), decreased visual acuity (42%), neutropenia (36%), thrombocytopenia (27%), and infection (25%). In this subgroup analysis of the ALGONQUIN study, patients with TCE/TCR disease treated with belamaf-Pd achieved high clinical response rates with durable remissions, comparable to other novel therapeutics in this space.

Prevalence of kidney failure in adults diagnosed with hereditary tubulopathies.

Inherited tubulopathies are rare kidney diseases with few data available in the literature regarding their long-term renal prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of kidney failure in adults with confirmed genetic tubulopathy and to describe the corresponding clinical and genetic findings. In this observational cohort study, we focused on genetic tubulopathies assumed to impact kidney function. In all adult patients genetically diagnosed in our laboratory between 2001 and 2019, we estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) at diagnosis using the Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula. Kidney failure was defined as an eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2. A total of 2145 patients underwent genetic testing, confirming a genetic tubulopathy in 1031 cases (48%). We identified 116 patients out of 885 with available data with kidney failure, mostly diagnosed with Dent disease and distal renal tubular acidosis (respectively, 31% and 20%), followed by familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis and renal hypophosphatemia/infantile hypercalcemia. Renal prognosis appeared particularly impacted in familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis and Dent disease, while preserved in Gitelman syndrome. In this cohort, 13% of adults with genetic tubulopathy had kidney failure at diagnosis, with this rate varying greatly according to tubulopathies and suggesting a significant impact on renal prognosis. Even in adults, genetic analyses yield a good diagnostic rate in selected patients, and should be performed as soon as possible, in order to improve the renal management of patients and their relatives.

Eco-Nutritional assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of producers, traders and processors in the market gardening sector of greater Lomé

Societal changes in the food sector are presenting the Greater Lomé Autonomous District (DAGL) with major sustainability challenges. However, the socio-economic, health, nutritional and ecological knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of stakeholders in solving these problems are only partially taken into account, even in the existing scientific literature. As such, the research aims to assess the level of health, socio-economic and environmental sustainability of market garden vegetable production, trade and processing in the Autonomous District of Greater Lomé (DAGL), based on the principles of nutritional ecology. Using a quantitative multi-criteria approach, 147 people were interviewed : 44 producers, 56 traders and 47 processors. Judgemental sampling was used to form the sample. The data collected by Kobocollect was processed using Excel, Arcgis and Google Earth Pro. Average scores and good KAP rates were calculated for stakeholders according to key aspects of sustainable development apprehension. The results show that in the DAGL, the rates for ecological (26.13%), health (33.71%), socio-economic (42.46), technological and innovative (22.93%) knowledge, attitudes and practices are low. They stand at 30.31%. These results are unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs, and do not meet the principles of nutritional ecology and standard 13 of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2023. Hence the importance of designing and implementing an integrated, long-term eco-nutritional education program for all stakeholders.

Synergistic effect of oxygen defects and calabash-like hollow carbon matrix enables VO2 as high-performance cathode for zinc ion battery

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) materials exhibit significant theoretical specific capacity, which is ascribed to multi-electron transfer reactions and unique tunneled structures. However, the low electronic conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics of VO2 have impeded its further development. Hence, in this study, we employed a synergistic strategy of defect engineering and compositing with a calabash carbon matrix to reduce Zn2+ diffusion barriers and accelerate electron transfer. The VO2 cathode provided a high specific capacity at a low rate of 303 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 191 cycles, along with good rate performance (168 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1) and satisfactory long-term stability (170 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1100 cycles). The exhaustive structural analyses indicated that oxygen vacancies accelerated the Zn2+ diffusion rate, while a uniform calabash-like hollow carbon matrix improved electronic conductivity during cycling. Moreover, ex-situ measurements demonstrated that during discharge, the composite cathode transformed to layered Zn3+x(OH)2V2O7·2H2O, which then facilitated the subsequent intercalation of Zn2+. This cooperative strategy advances the practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries by leveraging vanadium-based electrodes.

Comparison of Extraction Methods for the Detection of Avian Influenza Virus RNA in Cattle Milk.

Since early 2024, a multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been affecting dairy cattle in the USA. The influenza viral RNA concentrations in milk make it an ideal matrix for surveillance purposes. However, viral RNA detection in multi-component fluids such as milk can be complex, and optimization of influenza detection methods is thus required. Raw bulk tank milk and mastitis milk samples were artificially contaminated with an avian influenza strain and subjected to five extraction methods. HCoV-229E and synthetic RNA were included as exogenous internal process controls. Given the high viral load usually observed in individual raw milk samples, four out of five tested methods would enable influenza detection in milk with normal texture, over a time window of at least 2 weeks post-onset of clinical signs. Nevertheless, sample dilution 1:3 in molecular transport medium prior to RNA extraction provided the best results for dilution of inhibitory substances and a good recovery rate of influenza RNA, that reached 12.5 ± 1.2% and 10.4 ± 3.8% in two independent experiments in bulk milk and 11.2 ± 3.6% and 10.0 ± 2.9% on two cohorts of mastitis milk samples. We have also shown compatibility of an influenza RT-qPCR system with synthetic RNA detection for simultaneous validation of the RNA extraction and RT-qPCR processes.