Polymer electrolytes for Li-S batteries:Polymeric fundamentals and performance optimization

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S) batteries have been considered as one of the most promising candidates to traditional lithium ion batteries due to its low cost,high theoretical specific capacity(1675 mAh g^(-1)) and energy density(2600 Wh kg^(-1)) of sulfur.Compared with traditional liquid electrolytes,polymer electrolytes(PEs) are ever-increasingly preferred due to their higher safety,superior compatibility,long cycling stability and so on.Despite some progresses on PEs,however,there remain lots of hurdles to be addressed prior to commercial applications.This review begins with native advantages for PEs to replace LEs,and then proposes the ideal requirements for PEs.Furthermore,a brief development history of typical PEs for Li-S batteries is presented to systematically summarize the recent achievements in Li-S batteries with PEs.Noted that the structure-performance relationships of polymer matrixes for PEs are highlighted.Finally,the challenges and opportunities on the future development of PEs are presented.We hold the view that composite polymer electrolytes in virtue of the high ionic conductivity and the compatible interfacial property will be promising solution for high performance Li-S batteries.

Endoscopic ablation of Barrett's esophagus using the second generation argon plasma coagulation:a prospective randomized controlled trail

Objective：To investigate the efficacy and safety of the second generation argon plasma coagulation（VIO APC） in the ablation of Barrett＇ s Esophagus. Methods：A total of 35 patients with uncomplicated Barrett＇ s esophagus entered into a prospective, randomized, unblinded study comparing the treatment VIO APC combined with a proton pump inhibiter with a proton pump inhibiter administered alone. VIO APC was performed at a power setting of 40W, and argon gas flow at 1.5-2.0 L/min, and＂ forced＂ mode. Ablative treatment was repeated until either no Barrett＇ s epithelium remained or a maximum of 5 treatment sessions occurred. Results：In the ablation group, macroscopic complete ablation was achieved in 14 of 18 patients, and complete ablation confirmed by histology in 12 of 18 patients （P 〈 0.01）. Buried glands were observed in 2 patients who had achieved macroscopic ablation. The Barrett＇s mucosa averaged a reduction of 65%（range 50-75%） in the remaining 4 patients. In the control group, only 2 patients had partial regression, median 30%（range 20-40%）. In the ablation group, post-treatment 4 patients had transient retrosternal pain, and 3 patients had mild epigastric discomfort. One patient had a small hemorrhage during the procedure, which ceased after norepinephrine and thrombosin were administered through the endoscope biopsy channel. No adverse events were observed in the control group. During 11.8（4-15） months follow-up, patients who had achieved the complete ablation have no evidence of relapse of Barrett＇ s esophagus. Conclusion：VIO APC with a relatively low power setting can effectively ablate the Barrett＇ s mucosa. No severe adverse events were observed. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess cancer prevention and the durability of the neo-squamous epithelium.

Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium bifidum Prevent NAFLD by Regulating FXR Expression and Gut Microbiota

Background and aims:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is closely associated with gut microbiota and has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide,but the relationship between specific strains and NAFLD has not been fully elucidated.We aimed to investigate whether Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium bifidum could prevent NAFLD,the effects of their action alone or in combination,possible mechanisms,and modulation of the gut microbiota.Methods:Mice were fed with high-fat diets(HFD)for 20 weeks,in which experimental groups were pretreated with quadruple antibiotics and then given the corresponding bacterial solution or PBS.The expression of the glycolipid metabolism indicators,liver,and intestinal farnesol X receptors(FXR),and intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins were detected.We also analyzed the alterations of inflammatory and immune status and the gut microbiota of mice.Results:Both strains were able to attenuate mass gain(p<0.001),insulin resistance(p<0.001),and liver lipid deposition(p<0.001).They also reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory factors(p<0.05)and the proportion of Th17(p<0.001),while elevating the proportion of Treg(p<0.01).Both strains activated hepatic FXR while suppressing intestinal FXR(p<0.05),and elevating tight junction protein expression(p<0.05).We also perceived changes in the gut microbiota and found both strains were able to synergize beneficial microbiota to function.Conclusions:Administration of A.muciniphila or B.bifidum alone or in combination was protective against HFD-induced NAFLD formation and could be used as alternative treatment strategy for NAFLD after further exploration.