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LiPF6 dissolved in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is one of the cheapest groups of electrolyte solutions in dual-ion batteries. Generally, the discharge capacity of anion storage delivered by the graphite cathode grows with increasing LiPF6 concentration. This fact is consistent with the irreversible storage of DMC-solvated PF6-, and then, the underlying mechanism is clarified by the electrochemical tests and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of graphite cathodes as well as infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy characterizations of solutions. Moreover, quaternary ammonium salts have facile dissociation, which can effectively regulate the solvation state of the anion and the interaction between ion pairs in the electrolyte. A small amount of tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6) is introduced into the highly concentrated LiPF6-DMC solution to improve the performance of the graphite cathode. The discharge capacity of the Li/graphite cell has increased by approximately 50%. This effect is also correlated with the solvation state of the anion. This study provides an insightful clue for the choice of electrolyte solution in dual-ion batteries.

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Some previous studies have found the synergistic effect of mixed anions in dual-ion batteries (DIBs). In this work, both lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4 ) and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) were dissolved in sulfolane (SL) solvent, and the resultant solutions were applied for DIBs. The storage behavior of mixed anions in natural graphite positive electrodes was investigated. In-situ X-ray diffraction measurements revealed both anions could participate in the formation of graphite intercalation compounds. Their evolution followed with the decreasing tendency of discharge capacities as the content of LiDFOB increased in solutions. The exchange of anions was discussed.

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PURPOSE: To investigate the translucency parameters of traditional, milled, and 3D-printed denture base materials at 3 different thicknesses and the color masking ability of each material against a metallic background between different thicknesses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A traditional heat-polymerizing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (H-Lucitone) material was used as the control group. Two milled pre-polymerized resin blocks (M-Lucitone and IvoBase) and five 3D-printed denture base materials (P-Lucitone, Dentca LP, Dentca OP, Formlabs, and Kulzer) were used as experimental groups. A total of 240 samples, (n = 30, per material) were fabricated to a final specimen dimension of 12×12 mm and in thicknesses of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mm (n = 10 per thickness/material) according to the manufacturers' recommendations. The color coordinates (L*, a*, b*) in CIELab color space for all specimens placed against a white, black, and metallic background were measured with a spectrophotometer. The translucency parameters (TP00 ) at each thickness and the color differences between 1 mm and 2 mm (dE00M1-2 ) and between 2 mm and 3 mm (dE00M2-3 ) against the metallic background were calculated with the CIEDE2000 color matrix. Comparisons between the groups for differences in TP00 were made using One-way ANOVA separately for each thickness. Comparisons of groups and materials for differences in dE00M1-2 and dE00M2-3 were made using Two-way ANOVA and Fisher's Protected Least Significant Differences (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The TP00 decreased with increasing thickness in all 8 material groups. All 3D-printed materials, except P-Lucitone, had higher TP00 than milled pre-polymerized resin materials (M-Lucitone and IvoBase), and traditional heat-polymerizing PMMA (H-Lucitone) material (P<.001) at all thicknesses. In the 1 mm and 2 mm thickness, heat-polymerizing acrylic resin (H-Lucitone) had the lowest TP00 , and in the 3 mm thickness, milled acrylic resin (M-Lucitone and IVOBase) had had lowest TP00 (p < 0.001). All material groups had significantly lower values of dE00M2-3 than dE00M1-2 (p < 0.001). The color differences dE00M2-3 were significantly lower in H-Lucitone, M-Lucitone, P-Lucitone, and IvoBase groups than in other materials, while the color difference of dE00M1-2 was significantly lower in H-Lucitone, P-Lucitone and Dentca LP than other materials (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study provide clinicians and dental technicians with information regarding the selection of denture base materials to achieve desired color masking outcomes, according to available prosthetic space. Thicker prostheses significantly improved the color masking abilities of denture acrylic resins against a metallic background. In a thickness of 1 and 2 mm, the heat-polymerizing acrylic resin had a lower translucency parameter and better color masking ability. When the prosthesis thickness reached 3 mm, the milled acrylic resin had a lower translucency parameter and better color masking ability. When compared to the heat-polymerizing resin and milled acrylic resin materials, except for one 3D-printing resin (P-Lucitone), the color masking abilities of the remaining 3D-printing resin materials were low, regardless of prosthesis thickness.

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BACKGROUND: Mifepristone (RU-486) has been approved for abortion in Taiwan since 2000. Mifepristone was the first non-addictive medicine to be classified as a schedule IV controlled drug. As a case of the "misuse" of "misuse of drugs laws," the policy and consequences of mifepristone-assisted abortion for pregnant women could be compared with those of illicit drug use for drug addicts. METHODS: The rule-making process of mifepristone regulation was analyzed from various aspects of legitimacy, social stigma, women's human rights, and access to health care. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The restriction policy on mifepristone regulation in Taiwan has raised concerns over the legitimacy of listing a non-addictive substance as a controlled drug, which may produce stigma and negatively affect women's reproductive and privacy rights. Such a restriction policy and social stigma may lead to the unwillingness of pregnant women to utilize safe abortion services. Under the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US FDA's action on mifepristone prescription and dispensing reminds us it is time to consider a change of policy. CONCLUSIONS: Listing mifepristone as a controlled drug could impede the acceptability and accessibility of safe mifepristone use and violates women's right to health care.

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Purpose: To investigate the clinical classification, pregnancy outcomes and risk factors of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia (SPE) complicated with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome. Methods: The clinical data of 50 pregnant women diagnosed with SPE complicated with HELLP syndrome in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were selected as the observation group. An additional 50 maternities diagnosed with preeclampsia (PE) during the same period were selected as the control group. The clinical classification and pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women in the observation group were recorded. The age and gestational age of onset of pregnancy were recorded and compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model were used to analyze the risk factors for its occurrence. Results: Among the 50 maternities in the observation group, there were 10 cases of type I, accounting for 20.00%; 35 cases of type II, accounting for 70.00%; 5 cases of type III, accounting for 10.00%. Partial 33 cases, the composition ratio of 66.00%; complete 17 cases, the composition ratio of 34.00%. Among the fetuses of 50 maternities in the observation group, 35 were premature, accounting for 70.00%; 13 had fetal growth restriction, accounting for 26.00%; and 2 died during perinatal period, accounting for 4.00%. Among the 50 maternities in the observation group, 48 cases were cesarean section, the composition ratio was 96.00%; 2 cases were induced labor, the composition ratio was 4.00%; there was no natural birth, the composition ratio was 0.00%. Univariate analysis showed that age, gestational age at onset, gestational age at termination of pregnancy, HGB, LDH, ALT, AST, TBIL, PLT, PT, and FIB were all associated with the occurrence of SPE complicated with HELLP syndrome (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that gestational age at onset, gestational age at termination of pregnancy, HGB, LDH, ALT, AST, TBIL, PLT, and FIB were independent risk factors for SPE complicated with HELLP syndrome (P < 0.05). Conclusion: SPE complicated with HELLP syndrome has significantly increased adverse pregnancy outcomes. Understanding its clinical classification is of great significance for the preventive application of platelet transfusion therapy and the selection of transfusion timing. Gestational age at onset and gestational age at termination of pregnancy are independent risk factors for its occurrence. Fully understanding the high-risk factors of HELLP syndrome, taking preventive measures in time, and carrying out targeted nursing can effectively improve the prognosis of pregnant women and reduce the risk of HELLP syndrome.

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Severe pneumonia with novel pathogens, also called COVID-19, caused a pandemic in Taiwan as well as in the rest of the world in May 2021. Nurses are under great stress when caring for critically ill patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to explore the perceived stress and coping behaviors of nurses caring for critically ill patients with COVID-19 using a mixed-methods approach. We recruited 85 nurses from a special intensive care unit (ICU) of a medical center in Taiwan between May and June 2021. To gather data, we used a questionnaire on basic characteristics, the perceived stress scale (PSS-14), and the brief coping orientation to problems experienced inventory (B-COPE), then conducted a qualitative interview. The results showed that the average perceived stress level among nurses was 25.4 points, and most of them perceived moderate stress. The top three coping behaviors practiced by the nurses were active coping, planning, and acceptance. Nurses who received less perceived support from their friends or families and who had shorter working experience in nursing had significantly higher stress levels. The qualitative results revealed that the nurses' perceived stress came from fear, worry, and the increased burden caused by caring for critical patients with COVID-19. Coping behaviors included rest, seeking support, and affirmative fighting. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the support nurses receive from their families is an important predictor of perceived stress. Therefore, it is suggested that nurses be provided with more support in dealing with stress caused by caring for critical patients with COVID-19 in special ICUs.

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Ethylene carbonate solutions dissolving mixed lithium salts composed of both difluoro(oxalato)borate (DFOB-) and hexafluorophosphate (PF6-) anions are introduced into Li/graphite cells. The anions' intercalation procedures into the graphite positive electrode from these solutions are explored by charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopic tests in combination with electrochemical in situ characterization including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, these solutions are characterized by ionic conductivity together with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The properties of the solutions are linked to the capacity values delivered by Li/graphite cells.

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The occurrence of allergic diseases induced by aeroallergens has increased in the past decades. Among inhalant allergens, mites remain the important causal agent of allergic diseases. Storage mites- Tyrophagus putrescentiae are found in stored products or domestic environments. Major allergen Tyr-p3 plays a significant role in triggering IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. However, its effects on pulmonary inflammation, internalization, and activation in human epithelium remain elusive. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are activated upon cleavage by proteases. A549 cells were used as an epithelial model to examine the PAR activation by Tyr-p3 and therapeutic potential of PAR-2 antagonist (GB88) in allergic responses. Enzymatic properties and allergen localization of Tyr-p3 were performed. The release of inflammatory mediators, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cell junction disruptions were evaluated after Tyr-p3 challenge. Enzymatic properties determined by substrate digestion and protease inhibitors indicated that Tyr-p3 processes a trypsin-like serine protease activity. The PAR-2 mRNA levels were significantly increased by nTyr-p3 but inhibited by protease inhibitors or GB88. Protease allergen of nTyr-p3 significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), chemokine (IL-8), and IL-1ß in epithelial cells. nTyr-p3 markedly increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and MAP kinase. When cells were pretreated with GB88 then added nTyr-p3, the phosphorylated ERK1/2 did not inhibit by GB88. GB88 increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in human epithelium cells. GB88 is able to block PAR-2-mediated calcium signaling which inhibits the nTyr-p3-induced Ca2+ release. Among the pharmacologic inhibitors, the most effective inhibitor of the nTyr-p3 in the induction of IL-8 or IL-1ß levels was GB88 followed by SBTI, MAPK/ERK, ERK, and p38 inhibitors. Levels of inflammatory mediators, including GM-CSF, VEGF, COX-2, TSLP, and IL-33 were reduced by treatment of GB88 or SBTI. Further, GB88 treatment down-regulated the nTyr-p3-induced PAR-2 expression in allergic patients with asthma or rhinitis. Tight junction and adherens junction were disrupted in epithelial cells by nTyr-p3 exposure; however, this effect was avoided by GB88. Immunostaining with frozen sections of the mite body showed the presence of Tyr-p3 throughout the intestinal digestive system, especially in the hindgut around the excretion site. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Tyr-p3 from domestic mites leads to disruption of the airway epithelial barrier after inhalation. Proteolytic activity of Tyr-p3 causes the PAR-2 mRNA expression, thus leading to the release of numerous inflammatory mediators. Antagonism of PAR2 activity suggests GB88 as the therapeutic potential for anti-inflammation medicine, especially in allergy development triggered by protease allergens.

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Although the development of a therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain tumor in adults, is in progress, the prognosis is still limited. In this study, we evaluated the anti-glioma effects of darapladib, a selective reversible inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) that is encoded by the PLA2G7 gene and serves as a predictive biomarker of sub-clinical inflammation in cardiovascular diseases. The three glioma cell lines (rat C6 glioma cell line, human U87MG, and human U251MG) and an ex vivo brain tissue slice-glioma cell co-culture system were used to validate the inhibitory effect of darapladib on the expansion of glioma cells. Exposure to darapladib at doses higher than 5 µM induced profound cytotoxicity in C6, U87MG, and U251MG. Moreover, the colony formation ability of the glioma cell lines was significantly repressed after the addition of darapladib. Although darapladib did not reduce the generation of the Lp-PLA2 downstream molecule, arachidonic acid (AA), in the glioma cells, this small compound triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cell apoptosis in these glioma cells. In addition, transient exposure to darapladib induced the upregulation of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) levels, but reduced phosphorylation of AKT/PKB (protein kinase B). The results from an ex vivo brain slice culture system further confirmed the effective inhibition of darapladib on the expansion of glioma cells. In conclusion, darapladib acts as a potential anti-glioma compound via the induction of mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cell apoptosis, and the inhibition of AKT signaling in glioma cells.

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The electrolyte solutions of 1 M LiBF4 dissolved in ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)/sulfone mixtures are applied for dual-ion batteries using graphite positive electrodes. The representative sulfone solvents include sulfolane (SL) and 3-methylsulfolane. Graphite electrodes can deliver higher capacity of anion storage in the solutions of the mixed solvents than those of pure solvents. Traditional electrochemical and in situ X-ray diffraction measurements are performed on Li/graphite cells to probe the anion intercalation process at the interface between graphite electrode and electrolyte solutions. Ionic conductivity, viscosity, and NMR tests are carried out to characterize electrolyte solutions. The effects of ion-pairing between Li+ and BF4- and the anion solvations by EMC or sulfones on the anion storage in graphite have been addressed.

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This study presents the toxicity data of various nitriles to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata using a closed algal toxicity testing technique with no headspace. Two different response endpoints, i.e., dissolved oxygen (DO) production and algal growth rate, were used to evaluate the toxicity of nitriles. In general, the DO endpoint revealed higher inhibitory effects than that from algal growth rate. Furthermore, halogen-substituted nitriles were found to be extremely toxic to P. subcapitata. With increasing numbers of the halogen atoms, stronger toxicity was observed. The bromine substitutent also seems to be more toxic than chlorine substitutent. Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were established based on the chemicals' Elumo values and hydrophobicity (logK(ow)). Such relationships may thus be useful in predicting the toxicity of other compounds of the same mode of toxic action. Furthermore, for various aquatic organisms, the relative sensitivity relationship is: Pimephales promelas > or = P. subcapitata> Tetrahymena Pyriformis>Daphnia magna>luminescent bacteria (Microtox). The alga, P. subcapitata, was found to be quite sensitive to nitriles compared to other organisms.

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