The Role of Adipose Tissue-derived Exosomes in Chronic Metabolic Disorders

Excessive fat deposition in obese subjects promotes the occurrence of metabolic diseases,such as type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),cardiovascular diseases,and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Adipose tissue is not only the main form of energy storage but also an endocrine organ that not only secretes adipocytokines but also releases many extracellular vesicles(EVs)that play a role in the regulation of whole-body metabolism.Exosomes are a subtype of EVs,and accumulating evidence indicates that adipose tissue exosomes(AT Exos)mediate crosstalk between adipose tissue and multiple organs by being transferred to targeted cells or tissues through paracrine or endocrine mechanisms.However,the roles of AT Exos in crosstalk with metabolic organs remain to be fully elucidated.In this review,we summarize the latest research progress on the role of AT Exos in the regulation of metabolic disorders.Moreover,we discuss the potential role of AT Exos as biomarkers in metabolic diseases and their clinical application.

Doctor-led intensive diet education on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia

BACKGROUND Secondary hyperparathyroidism,renal osteodystrophy,and cardiovascular adverse events can occur if long-term hyperphosphatemia is not corrected,leading to the adverse prognosis of patients with chronic renal failure.Besides the use of phosphorus binders,clinical control measures for hyperphosphatemia in these patients should also incorporate diet control.AIM To observe doctor-led intensive diet education effects on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia.METHODS We assessed 120 patients with hyperphosphatemia and chronic renal failure on hemodialysis admitted to our hospital(July 2018 to March 2020).The control group(n=60)was given routine nursing guidance,and the observation group(n=60)was given doctor-led intensive diet education.The changes in EQ-5D-3L scores,disease-related knowledge,and compliance scores before intervention and 3 and 6 mo after intervention in the two groups were recorded.The levels of serum parathyroid hormone(iPTH),calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P),calciumphosphorus product(Ca×P),serum creatinine(Scr),and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)before intervention and 3 and 6 mo after intervention in the two groups were assessed along with patient satisfaction.RESULTS There was no significant difference in blood iPTH,Ca,P,Ca×P,Scr,or BUN levels between the groups before intervention.After 3 and 6 mo of intervention,the blood iPTH,Ca,P,and Ca×P levels in the two groups decreased gradually(P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in Scr or BUN.The blood iPTH,Ca,P,and Ca×P levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The satisfaction rate in the observation group after 3 mo was 93.33%and after 6,90.00%,which was high compared with the 80.00%and 71.67%,respectively,in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in EQ-5D-3L score between the two groups before intervention.After 3 and 6 mo of intervention,the visual analogue scale score of the two groups increased gradually(P<0.05);and the scores of action ability,self-care,daily activities,pain and discomfort,and anxiety and depression decreased gradually(P<0.05).The overall EQ-5D-3L score in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in diseaserelated knowledge or compliance scores between the groups before intervention.After 3 and 6 mo of intervention,the scores of disease,diet,and medication knowledge and compliance in the two groups increased gradually(P<0.05).The scores of disease-related knowledge and compliance were higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Doctor-led intensive diet education can improve patient satisfaction and the quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure and hyperphosphatemia and promote low-phosphorus diet behavior.

Damage evolution model of strain hardening cementitious composites under the uniaxial stress state

The deformation and damage behaviors of strain hardening cementitious composites （SHCC） under the uniaxial stress state were investigated in this paper. Two ductile failure-based constitutive models were introduced to describe the uniaxial tension and compression properties of SHCC only using a few parameters. The computation method of model parameters was developed to ease the simulation procedures. Damage evolution of the SHCC was simulated by the formulation of continuum damage mechanics subsequently. The results show that the proposed models fit the stress-strain curves reasonably well, and the damage variables show different growth rules under uniaxial tension and compression. It is concluded that the proposed method can not only simply simulate the constitutive behavior of SHCC with the reasonable accuracy but also capture the characteristic of material degradation.

Exploratory study of betavoltaic battery using ZnO as the energy converting material

Third-generation-semiconductor zinc oxide is utilized as an energy converting material in a betavoltaic battery, where 0.06 Ci^(63) Ni and 8 Ci^(147) Pm are used as the beta sources. Based on a Monte Carlo simulation, the full scales of the devices are derived as 17 and 118 lm,respectively, for both sources. The influences of semiconductor doping concentrations on the electrical properties of the devices are analyzed. For a typical doping concentration N_A= 10^(17) cm^(-3), N_D= 10^(16) cm^(-3), the conversion efficiencies are 7.177% and 1.658%, respectively, using63 Ni and147 Pm sources. The calculation results of energy deposition in materials for the two sources show that the doping concentrations drop to 1 × 10^(13)–5×10^(14) cm^(-3) and 1 × 10^(12)–5×10^(13), and accordingly, the energy conversion efficiencies rise to 14.212% and 18.359%, respectively.

Effects of moxibustion or moxa smoke on serum lipids and carotid plaque stability in atherosclerotic mice

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion or moxa smoke on serum lipids,aorta and liver pathology,and carotid plaque stability in atherosclerosis.Methods:Fifty-four 8-week-old ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into three groups(untreated,moxibustion,and moxa smoke)and received a high-fat diet.Eighteen wild-type C57 BL/6 mice of the same age were used as controls.The intervention(none,moxibustion between the nipples,or 10 e15 mg/m^3 moxa smoke)was applied to restrained mice 20 min per day,six days per week,for 12 weeks.At the end of the experimental period,we measured serum lipids and apolipoprotein,stained thoracic aortas and livers to observe pathological changes,and used immunohistochemical staining to assess the levels of a-smooth muscle actin,CD68,tumor necrosis factor-α,nuclear transcription factor-κB,and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.We also measured the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor-1.Results:After 12 weeks,lipid metabolism disorder and atherosclerotic plaques were observed in the ApoE^-/- mice.Moxibustion or moxa smoke reduced the levels of serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,low density lipoprotein,and very low density lipoprotein but did not affect the levels of high density lipoprotein,apolipoprotein A1,or oxidized low density lipoprotein.Moxibustion or moxa smoke suppressed pathological changes in thoracic aortas and livers,increased fiber cap thickness,the fiber cap thickness/intimal medial thickness ratio,and collagen area percentage,and reduced extracellular lipids.Treatment with moxibustion or moxa smoke increased a-smooth muscle actin and reduced CD68 and the vulnerability index,suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear transcription factor-κB expression,and did not affect P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression.Treatment lowered the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 and increased those of tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor-1.Conclusion:Moxibustion or moxa smoke exert protective effects in serum lipid profiles and carotid plaque stability in atherosclerotic mice by regulating plaque stability,inflammatory factors,and matrix metalloproteinases.

Co/Ni dual-metal embedded in heteroatom doped porous carbon core-shell bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Rational construction of highly efficient and cheap bifunctional electrocatalysts to boost both oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)is extremely essential for the wide application of rechargeable metal-air battery.In this work,we design a core-shell structural catalyst of CoNi dual-metal embedded in nitrogen doped porous carbon(NPC,CoNi@NPC),which is developed via the pyrolysis of CoNiMOFs,assisting by mesoporous SiO_(2) to effectively inhibit the aggregation of metal sites.Consequently,the asprepared CoNi@NPC manifests good ORR activity with half-wave potential up to 0.77 V.Specifically,the CoNi@NPC gives a very low OER over-potential of merely 101 mV in 6 M KOH along with high stability,outperforming the commercial Pt/C-RuO_(2).Moreover,the home-made zinc air battery with CoNi@NPC air cathode demonstrates excellent stability over long-term charging–discharging test,and delivers the maximum power density of 224 mW cm^(-2).The enhanced high performance of CoNi@NPC bifunctional catalyst for both ORR and OER can be ascribed to its unique core-shell structure and strong synergistic effect between the dual-bimetal active sites and the heteroatom doped carbon.This work opens a new avenue for the rational design of nonprecious metal bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable metal-air battery.

Highway constructions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau:Challenge,research and practice

Highway constructions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)face great challenges induced by the unique local environmental,geological,and engineering conditions.The large area of permafrost,great temperature variability,strong UV rays,and complex geological conditions are the major factors that adversely influence the longterm performance of pavement systems.Since 1960s,Chinese engineers and researchers have started conducting research on the QTP to enhance the performance and durability of pavement systems.The present paper provide a comprehensive review of challenge,research and practice of highway constructions on the QTP including the special environmental and geological conditions,history of highway constructions on the QTP,major challenges and the state-of-the-art technology of subgrade constructions on permafrost,developments of the pavement structures and materials,performance prediction and maintenance methods of pavement surfaces,and applications of the research achievements on the first expressway on the QTP(i.e.,Gongyu Expressway).Based on the comprehensive literature review,it can be found that(1)frost heave and thaw weakening induced subgrade disease and longitudinal cracks on the pavement surface are complex coupled water-thermal-load problems.Engineering solutions are focusing on active cooling and thermal insulation methods,which can help to reduce temperature variations in the subgrade and thus improving its stability,(2)the harsh environmental and construction conditions may reduce the early strength and induce premature damage of cement-treated base materials.Some field validations showed that geocell-reinforced or asphalt-treated flexible base materials can provide better long-term performance,(3)the large temperature variability and strong UV rays can significantly accelerate aging of asphalt binders and greatly reduce the service life of asphalt mixtures.Various binder modification methods were developed for improving their viscoelasticity and enhance the low-temperature cracking resistance of pavement surface materials but are still lack of field validation data and comparisons of their life cycle costs.Therefore,it is recommended that a demonstration research project build test sections to examine a range of pavement structures and materials,and compare their long-term performance and life cycle costs,which can serve as important reference for future highway constructions on the QTP.

Advances in nuclear detection and readout techniques

“A Craftsman Must Sharpen His Tools to Do His Job,”said Confucius.Nuclear detection and readout techniques are the foundation of particle physics,nuclear physics,and particle astrophysics to reveal the nature of the universe.Also,they are being increasingly used in other disciplines like nuclear power generation,life sciences,environmental sciences,medical sciences,etc.The article reviews the short history,recent development,and trend of nuclear detection and readout techniques,covering Semiconductor Detector,Gaseous Detector,Scintillation Detector,Cherenkov Detector,Transition Radiation Detector,and Readout Techniques.By explaining the principle and using examples,we hope to help the interested reader underst and this research field and bring exciting information to the community.

Comparative study of functional optical zone:small incision lenticule extraction versus femtosecond laser assisted excimer laser keratomileusis

AIM:To investigate the size of functional optical zone(FOZ)after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)versus femtosecond laser assisted excimer laser keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)for myopia correction and potential associated factors for FOZ.METHODS:A total of 133 patients who received corneal refractive surgery in our hospital between November 2018 and July 2021 were retrospectively enrolled.There were 63 patients(123 eyes)in SMILE group and 70patients(139 eyes)in FS-LASIK group.The size of FOZ was measured using Pentacam 3-dementional anterior segment analyzer before and 3mo after surgery,so as to analyze postoperative achieved functional optical zone(AFOZ)and its contributing parameters.RESULTS:When planned functional optical zone(PFOZ)was 6.5 mm for both groups,AFOZ was 1.45±0.27 and 1.67±0.25 mm smaller than preoperative FOZ in SMILE group and FS-LASIK group 3mo after surgery.AFOZ in SMILE group was significantly larger than that in FS-LASIK group(P<0.001).Variation of FOZ was negatively correlated with preoperative spherical equivalent(SE)and positively correlated with variation of mean keratometry value(△Km),variation of spherical aberration(△SA),and variation of Q-value(△Q,all P<0.001)in both groups.Multiple variable linear regression equations were△FOZ=1.354-0.1×pre-SE+0.336×△Q+1.462×△SA in SMILE group and△FOZ=1.512+0.137×△Q+0.468×△SA in FS-LASIK group.CONCLUSION:AFOZ is significantly smaller than preoperative FOZ in both SMILE and FS-LASIK groups.With the same PFOZ,larger AFOZ is achieved in SMILE group than in FS-LASIK group.

Aeromonas hydrophila infection in acute myeloid leukemia: A case report

Rationale:Aeromonas hydrophila,a bacterium commonly found in a variety of soils,aquatic habitats,and other natural environments,is known for causing infections and hemorrhagic diseases in both aquatic and terrestrial animals.Patients with leukemia,when infected by Aeromonas hydrophila following chemotherapy,face an increased risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis.Patient concerns:A 48-year-old male with a history of acute myeloid leukemia presented with swelling and pain in his right hand after being stabbed by a grass carp two days ago.The injury occurred on the fifth day after his last chemotherapy session when he was accidentally punctured in the right thumb and ring finger by a carp while fishing.Two days following the injury,the skin isurrounding the wound turned black immediately,while the rest of his hand was reddened,swollen,and bleeding.Diagnosis:Aeromonas hydrophila infection in the soft tissue of the right hand.Interventions:Intravenous antibiotics and local debridement.Outcomes:The patient experienced an alleviation of systemic poisoning symptoms,effective control of the local wound infection.Lessons:It is important for physicians to appreciate the potential for highly unusual and life-threatening infections in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the development of necrotizing fasciitis and save patients’lives.

术前留置双J管时间对输尿管软镜治疗上尿路结石疗效的随机对照研究

目的探讨将双J管留置时间缩短为1周后,对输尿管软镜手术操作安全性和有效性的影响。方法随机将患者分为对照组和试验组,再根据结石直径最大径分为1.0 cm、1.0～1.5 cm和1.5～2.0 cm组,分别留置双J管2周和1周。术前统计发生血尿和下尿路刺激症状的患者人数,以及使用解痉药物(盐酸坦索罗辛、索利那新)的人数,统计术中留置输尿管鞘周径、手术时间、手术并发症和结石清除率,根据结石大小分组进行统计分析。结果试验组与对照组出现血尿及下尿路刺激症状者比较,差异无统计学意义,但对照组使用解痉药物明显高于试验组,试验组与对照组中留置12/14F和13/15F周径鞘比率,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但留置最大周径鞘14/16F输尿管鞘比率,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05),1.0 cm和1.0～1.5 cm两组术中平均手术时间、手术并发症、结石清除率试验组与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但在1.5～2.0 cm结石患者中,平均手术时间和结石清除率两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05),两组手术并发症比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后拔管前复查B超结果显示,试验组结石残留率高于对照组。结论短期留置双J管能明显减轻患者痛苦,且对输尿管软镜操作无明显影响,安全有效,但对于相对复杂和较大结石(>1.5 cm),应该常规时间留置双J管。

两种麻醉方式对腹腔镜疝气手术患儿血流动力学及苏醒质量的影响

目的分析全身麻醉复合骶管阻滞与全身麻醉复合腹横肌平面阻滞对腹腔镜疝气手术患儿血流动力学及苏醒质量的影响。方法选取2016年5月—2021年5月芜湖市第一人民医院收治的腹股沟疝患儿140例,患儿均行腹腔镜疝气手术治疗,并按随机数表法分为全身麻醉复合骶管阻滞(GS)组、全身麻醉复合腹横肌平面阻滞(GT)组,每组70例。比较两组苏醒质量、血流动力学、Ramsay镇静评分、麻醉苏醒期躁动(PAED)评分、不良反应。结果GS组拔管时间、睁眼时间及意识恢复时间较GT组短(P<0.05)。两组T_(0)、T_(1)、T_(2)、T_(3)、T_(4)时间点SBP、DBP、HR比较,经重复测量设计的方差分析,结果:①不同时间点的SBP、DBP、HR有差异(P<0.05);②两组SBP、DBP、HR有差异(P<0.05);③两组SBP、DBP、HR变化趋势有差异(P<0.05)。两组术后1 h、6 h、12 h、24 h的Ramsay镇静评分比较,经重复测量设计的方差分析,结果:①不同时间点的Ramsay镇静评分有差异(P<0.05);②两组Ramsay镇静评分有差异(P<0.05);③两组Ramsay镇静评分变化趋势有差异(P<0.05)。两组术后10 min、30 min、3 h的PAED评分比较,经重复测量设计的方差分析,结果:①不同时间点间的PAED评分有差异(P<0.05);②GS组与GT组两组PAED评分有差异(P<0.05);③GS组与GT组PAED评分变化趋势有差异(P<0.05)。两组不良反应总发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论GS、GT在小儿腹腔镜疝气手术中均有较高安全性,但GS更利于稳定血流动力学,促进早期苏醒,降低苏醒期躁动率。

A 4H–SiC betavoltaic battery based on a ^(63)Ni source

A 4H–SiC–^(63)Ni p–n-junction-based betavoltaic battery is investigated. The Monte Carlo method is used to simulate the self-absorption effect of the ^(63)Ni source, the backscattering process, and the transport of beta particles in 4H–SiC material. The main factors that affect the energy conversion efficiencies of the cell are analyzed. Based on the simulation results, it can be calculated that, when the thickness of the ^(63)Ni source increases from 2 ×10^(-3) to10 lm, the theoretical maximum device conversion efficiency increases from 16.77 to 23:51% and the total conversion efficiency decreases from 16.73 to 1:48%.Furthermore, a feasible design with a maximum output power density of 0:36 μW=cm^2 and an optimal device conversion efficiency of 23:5% is obtained.

Anthocyanin profi les and color properties of red wines made from Vitis davidii and Vitis vinifera grapes

Spine grape(Vitis davidii Foex.)is an important wild grape species native to China.Fifteen red spine grape clones and three red Vitis vinifera grape varieties were used to evaluate the differences in the anthocyanin profiles and color properties of wines made from V.davidii and V.vinifera grapes.Among spine wines,‘Junzi#2’wine had the highest total phenolic and total anthocyanin,‘Xiangzhenzhu’wine had the highest total flavonoids,and‘Junzi#1’wine had the highest total tannin.The anthocyanin compositions of all of the spine wines were dominated by Mv-3,5-diglucoside.The total individual anthocyanin contents in spine wines,except‘Gaoshan#5’,‘Junzi#5055’,‘Junzi#5061’,and‘Junzi#5044’,were signifi cantly higher than in V.vinifera wines.Most of the spine wines had a stronger red intensity and a brighter chroma with a bluer hue than V.vinifera wines.Correlation analysis revealed that the color properties were closely related to the anthocyanin composition.These results suggest that wines made from spine grapes may be useful for the wine industry for their color properties and high individual anthocyanin contents.

Speed and Accuracy Tradeoff for LiDAR Data Based Road Boundary Detection

Road boundary detection is essential for autonomous vehicle localization and decision-making,especially under GPS signal loss and lane discontinuities.For road boundary detection in structural environments,obstacle occlusions and large road curvature are two significant challenges.However,an effective and fast solution for these problems has remained elusive.To solve these problems,a speed and accuracy tradeoff method for LiDAR-based road boundary detection in structured environments is proposed.The proposed method consists of three main stages:1)a multi-feature based method is applied to extract feature points;2)a road-segmentation-line-based method is proposed for classifying left and right feature points;3)an iterative Gaussian Process Regression(GPR)is employed for filtering out false points and extracting boundary points.To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method,KITTI datasets is used for comprehensive experiments,and the performance of our approach is tested under different road conditions.Comprehensive experiments show the roadsegmentation-line-based method can classify left,and right feature points on structured curved roads,and the proposed iterative Gaussian Process Regression can extract road boundary points on varied road shapes and traffic conditions.Meanwhile,the proposed road boundary detection method can achieve real-time performance with an average of 70.5 ms per frame.

Long-term safety of laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes with thin corneas： 5-year follow-up

AIM： To investigate the long term（≥5 y） efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis（LASIK） in eyes with thin corneas [central corneal thickness（CCT） 〈500 μm]. METHODS： A total of 339 patients met the criteria of this study. Finally, 175 eyes of 89 patients who had thin corneas and underwent LASIK≥5 y ago returned to our clinic and included in this study. Preoperative parameters recorded included uncorrected visual acuity（UCVA）, corrected distance visual acuity（CDVA）, manifest refraction, CCT and corneal topography. At returning visits, in addition to visual acuity and manifest refraction, ultrasound CCT and corneal topography were performed. Optical coherence tomography was used to measure the CCT, LASIK flap thickness, and residual stromal bed thickness（RSBT）. Safety index, efficacy index, percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D of refraction, percent tissue altered（PTA）, and percentage stromal bed thickness（PSBT） were calculated. RESULTS： The safety index was 1.09 and efficacy index was 0.99. The percentages of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D were 71.2% and 87.7%, respectively. The mean PTA was 40%±6%（range 20% to 55%）; 76 eyes（43.4%） had PTA 〈40% and 99 eyes（56.6%） had PTA≥40%. The mean RSBT was 303±27 μm（range 240 to 390 μm）, and 2 eyes had RSBT〈250 μm. The mean PSBT was 61%±9%（range 51% to 85%）. No eyes developed ectasia. CONCLUSION： In this cohort with the PSBT of 50% or more, LASIK is safe with follow-up for at least 5 y.

Comparison of time-related electrical properties of PN junctions and Schottky diodes for Zn O-based betavoltaic batteries

Schottky diodes and PN junctions were utilized as energy converting structures in ZnO-based betavoltaic batteries,in which 0.101121 Ci 63Ni was selected as the beta source.The time-related electrical properties were obtained using Monte Carlo simulations.For the n-type ZnO,the Pt/ZnO Schottky diode had the highest energy conversion efficiency,and the Ni/ZnO Schottky diode had the largest Isc.The overall electrical performance of PN junctions is better than that of Schottky diodes.The lifetimes of Pt/ZnO and Ni/ZnO are longer than for other Schottky devices,coming close to those of PN junctions.Considering that Schottky diodes are easier to fabricate and independent of p-type semiconductors,Pt/ZnO and Ni/ZnO diodes offer alternatives to PN-junction-based betavoltaic batteries.

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells: From single-junction to modules

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have attracted more and more attention in the scientific community due to their high performance and simple fabrication process.In the past few years,emerging technologies have made manufacturing large-scale PSC modules possible.However,stability and fabrication issues still limit the modularization and commercialization of PSCs.Carbon materials have been widely used in PSCs to overcome these challenges due to their excellent optical,electrical,and mechanical properties.In addition,the hydrophobic properties of certain carbon materials are highly effective at protecting the perovskite film from moisture and improving the stability of PSCs.All these superior properties have made carbon one of the most promising materials to fabricate future highperformance PSC modules with long service lifetimes.In this review,recent developments of carbon-based materials in different layers of single-junction PSCs will first be discussed,with an emphasis on functionalities related to PSCs’stability and modularization.Then,current improvements and future discussions in the manufacturing of monolithic PSC modules will be reviewed in detail.

Anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion for cervical kyphosis in a girl with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Spinal deformities in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(EDS; type VI) are generally progressive and severe. Surgical treatment has been described for kyphoscoliosis in the thoracolumbar spine. However, there are few studies describing the consequences of an anterior approach in cervical kyphosis. An anterior approach may not be able to fully decompress the spinal canal and restore the normal curvature of the cervical spine. Therefore, the anterior approach for cervical kyphosis in young children is hard. We describe the first case in an EDS girl with cervical kyphosis who received satisfactory anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion.CASE SUMMARY The chief complaints of a 16-year-old girl with EDS were double upper limb weakness for 7 years and double lower limb walking instability for 2 years.Moreover, the imaging results revealed that the degree of kyphosis from cervical vertebra 2 to 4 accompanying with spinal cord compression was 30°. An anterior cervical corpectomy involving cervical vertebra 3 and a titanium mesh implant were performed with internal fixation. The results at 3 mo after surgery demonstrated that the anterior fusion was solid, and the kyphosis of the cervical spine was corrected. Additionally, the power of all four extremities was significantly improved.CONCLUSION The incidence rate of cervical kyphosis in EDS is rare. The surgical treatment for these patients, especially an anterior approach, is challenging. Therefore, to develop safer and more effective strategies to treat cervical kyphosis in EDS,there is still much work to do.

In-situ growth of CoNi bimetal anchored on carbon nanoparticle/nanotube hybrid for boosting rechargeable Zn-air battery

Exploring highly efficient non-precious metal based catalysts for bifunctional oxygen electrode is crucial for rechargeable metal-air batteries.In this study,with MOFs as precursors,a facile coprecipitation method is designed to realize in-situ growth of the CoNi anchored carbon nanoparticle/nanotube(CoNi/N-CNN)hybrid,which can achieve the simultaneous maximum exposure of both oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)active centers.Benefiting from the unique structure,the CoNi/N-CNN catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for ORR(E_(onset)=1.183 V,E_(1/2)=0.819 V)and a low operating voltage of 1.718 V at 10 mA cm^(−2)(Ej=10)for OER.Delightfully,the home-made rechargeable Zn-air battery with CoNi/N-CNN delivers a high discharge power density up to 209 mW cm^(−2),and an outstanding charge–discharge cycling stability.The boosted bifunctional electrocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the strong coupling effect between Co/Ni center sites and defect-rich N-anchored carbon featured with porous and nanotube structure,which can introduce uniformly dispersed active sites,tailored electronic configuration,superb conductivity and convenient charge transfer process.The hybrid non-precious bimetal based electrocatalyst provides the possibility to develop the low-cost and high-efficient ORR/OER bifunctional electrocatalysts in rechargeable metal-air battery.