Upcycling spent graphite in LIBs into battery-grade graphene: Managing the produced waste and environmental impacts analysis

This study focuses on connecting graphite demand to battery materials demand, providing a solution to the identified shortage of battery materials and promoting sustainable development. This research used modified Hummer's method to synthesize graphene from the recycled graphite and compared it with graphene synthesized from purified recycled graphite. The purification of recycled graphite was implemented by acid curing-leaching and calcination. The analysis showed that the reduction reaction effectively removed oxygen-containing functional groups from the graphene, resulting in enhanced quality of the produced graphene. Hummer's waste acid was used as a leaching reagent for different LIBs' cathode types in waste management. The waste acid was found to be a strong reagent for transition metals leaching and obtained almost full recoveries of Li, Co, Mn, and Ni from spent LIB cathodes. The synthesized graphene exhibited higher specific surface areas and conductivity values compared to battery-grade graphite. The electrochemical performance of the graphene sheets in lithium half-cells was evaluated, and it was found that the graphene synthesized from recycled graphite enabled increased lithium insertion at active sites, suggesting its potential for enhanced lithium retention. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment study was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of the recycling and synthesis processes. This study demonstrates the potential of recycling graphite from spent battery anodes to produce high-quality graphene with improved electrochemical properties.

The diverse chemistry of protoplanetary disks as revealed by JWST

Early results from the James Webb Space Telescope-Mid-InfraRed Instrument (JWST-MIRI) guaranteed time programs on protostars (JOYS) and disks (MINDS) are presented. Thanks to the increased sensitivity, spectral and spatial resolution of the MIRI spectrometer, the chemical inventory of the planet-forming zones in disks can be investigated with unprecedented detail across stellar mass range and age. Here, data are presented for five disks, four around low-mass stars and one around a very young high-mass star. The mid-infrared spectra show some similarities but also significant diversity: some sources are rich in CO2, others in H2O or C2H2. In one disk around a very low-mass star, booming C2H2 emission provides evidence for a "soot" line at which carbon grains are eroded and sublimated, leading to a rich hydrocarbon chemistry in which even di-acetylene (C4H2) and benzene (C6H6) are detected. Together the data point to an active inner disk gas-phase chemistry that is closely linked to the physical structure (temperature, snowlines, presence of cavities and dust traps) of the entire disk and which may result in varying CO2/H2O abundances and high C/O ratios >1 in some cases. Ultimately, this diversity in disk chemistry will also be reflected in the diversity of the chemical composition of exoplanets.

KS05.7.A Characterization of the immune composition of extreme long-term survivors with malignant glioma at single-cell level

Background

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) remains the most common malignant primary brain tumor with a dismal prognosis that rarely exceeds beyond two years despite extensive therapy, which consists of maximal safe surgical resection, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Recently, it has become clear that GBM is not one homogeneous entity and that both intra-and intertumoral heterogeneity contribute significantly to differences in tumoral behavior which may consequently be responsible for differences in survival. Strikingly and in spite of its dismal prognosis, small fractions of GBM patients seem to display extended survival compared to the large majority of patients. The underlying mechanisms for this peculiarity remain largely unknown however, even though emerging data suggest that both cancer cell-autonomous and microenvironmental factors and their interplay probably play an important role.

Material and Methods

We used high-dimensional, multiplexed immunohistochemistry to spatially, and cytometry by time-of-flight to quantitively characterize the cell constitution and interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in 21 extreme long-term survivors (living over ten years since primary diagnosis or five years after recurrence) and 42 deeply matched short-term controls (living under 1.5 year) on a single cell level. For all tumors (epi-)genetic data was also collected.

Results

We identified a high level of both inter-and intrapatient heterogeneity defined by several distinct tumor niches, as well as described interactions within these niches and with the surrounding infiltrating immune cells of the TME. By linking patient characteristics with the heterogeneous immune composition we are building an immune stratification that can be linked to patient survival in GBM.

Conclusion

Generating an immune stratification for GBM will allow us to identify immune characteristics responsible for longer or even exceptional survival, as well as thoroughly identify tumor components that may serve as a potential target for personalized treatment strategies. Therefore, this study is also an essential initial step towards such clinical trials which alter the TME in a favorable way with a personalized modulation strategy.

Flow Diversion of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms: Systematic Review of Disaggregated Individual Patient Data

BACKGROUND

Experience with endoluminal flow diversion for the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms is limited.

PURPOSE

We sought to investigate factors associated with the safety and efficacy of this treatment by collecting disaggregated patient-level data from the literature.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid were searched up through 2019 for articles reporting flow diversion of posterior circulation aneurysms.

STUDY SELECTION

Eighty-four studies reported disaggregated data for 301 separate posterior circulation aneurysms.

DATA ANALYSIS

Patient, aneurysm, and treatment factors were collected for each patient. Outcomes included the occurrence of major complications, angiographic occlusion, and functional outcomes based on the mRS.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Significant differences in aneurysm and treatment characteristics were seen among different locations. Major complications occurred in 22%, angiographic occlusion was reported in 65% (11.3 months of mean follow-up), and good functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) were achieved in 67% (13.3 months of mean follow-up). Multivariate analysis identified age, number of flow diverters used, size, and prior treatment to be associated with outcome measures. Meta-analysis combining the current study with prior large nondisaggregated series of posterior circulation aneurysms treated with flow diversion found a pooled incidence of 20% (n = 712 patients) major complications and 75% (n = 581 patients) angiographic occlusions.

LIMITATIONS

This study design is susceptible to publication bias. Use of antiplatelet therapy was not uniformly reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoluminal flow diversion is an important tool in the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms. Patient age, aneurysm size, prior treatment, and the number of flow diverters used are important factors associated with complications and outcomes.

Carotid Stenting without Embolic Protection Increases Major Adverse Events: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Published data regarding embolic protection device efficacy is mixed, and its use during carotid artery stent placement remains variable. We, therefore, examined the frequency of embolic protection device use and its association with outcomes after carotid artery stent placement using a national quality improvement data base.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing carotid artery stent placement with or without embolic protection devices were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data base. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (defined as death, stroke, or myocardial infarction/arrhythmia) within 30 days. Propensity scoring was used to create 2 matching cohorts of patients using demographic and baseline variables.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2018, among 1200 adult patients undergoing carotid artery stent placement, 23.8% did not have embolic protection devices. There was no trend toward increased embolic protection device use with time. Patients without embolic protection device use received preoperative antiplatelets less frequently (90.6% versus 94.6%, P = .02), underwent more emergent carotid artery stent placement (7.2% versus 3.6%, P = .01), and had a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.11-2.94) and stroke (OR = 3.31; 95% CI, 1.71-6.39). After compensating for baseline imbalances using propensity-matched cohorts (n = 261 for both), carotid artery stent placement without an embolic protection device remained associated with increased major adverse cardiovascular events (9.2% versus 4.2%; OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.10-4.80) and stroke (6.5% versus 1.5%; OR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.49-13.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of embolic protection device use during carotid artery stent placement is associated with a 4-fold increase in the likelihood of perioperative stroke. Nevertheless, nearly one-quarter of patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program underwent unprotected carotid artery stent placement. Efforts targeting improved embolic protection device use during carotid artery stent placement are warranted.

All-inorganic large-area low-cost and durable flexible perovskite solar cells using copper foil as a substrate

All-inorganic large-area, low-cost, and durable flexible perovskite solar cells using copper foil as a substrate are introduced.

Evidence that the adverse effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on successful pregnancy outcome following embryo transfer may be related to premature trophoblast invasion

PURPOSE

To determine if premature trophoblast invasion may be a contributing factor to lower fecundity associated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained three-five days after ET to measure expression by lymphocytes of a 34 kDa protein known as the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) using an immunocytochemistry technique. Clinical and viable pregnancy rates were determined according to whether PIBF was detected or not.

RESULTS

Progesterone-induced blocking factor was positive in 14 of 67 (21%). Clinical pregnancy rates following fresh ET were 7.1% for those positive for PIBF versus 43.4% for those negative for PIBF.

CONCLUSIONS

Progesterone-induced blocking factor production requires allogeneic induction of progesterone receptors in gamma/delta T-cells. This suggests early detection of PIBF may be related to premature trophoblast invasion possibly into an endometrium not yet prepared for the trophoblast, thus possibly leading to early immune rejection of the fetus.

Prognosis following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with elevated day 2 or 3 serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is better in younger vs older patients

PURPOSE

To determine if younger women with increased day 2 or 3 serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels have a better prognosis than older women with similar FSH elevations.

METHODS

Retrospective comparison of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome from cycles from 1/1/97 to 9/30/99 according to serum FSH < or = 12 vs > 12 and age < or = 38 or > 38. Only cycles where follicular phase leuprolide acetate was used were included.

RESULTS

Age group < or = 38 - clinical pregnancy rate (PR)/transfer was 32% with lower FSH vs 28.6% with higher FSH. The respective PRs for the older group were 30.3% and 5.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Oocyte quality as evidenced by PRs following IVF-ET seems to be better in younger vs older patients despite increased basal serum FSH levels.

Presence of LH in gonadotropins associated with higher IVF pregnancy rates when basal serum LH is increased

PURPOSE

To determine if pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) correlate with the presence or not of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the gonadotropins used for stimulation. Furthermore to see if the early follicular phase serum LH level affects pregnancy outcome according to the type of gonadotropins used.

METHODS

The type of gonadotropins were prescribed randomly according to finances and convenience. Serum LH was obtained on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

When LH was > the median, significantly higher pregnancy rates were obtained in those treated with the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/human menopausal gonadotropin combination. When LH was < or = the median, significantly more oocytes were retrieved with FSH exclusively. No confounding variables were found to explain the data.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering concerns of published studies that LH may have a toxic effect on pregnancy outcome, and if LH is suppressed too low, gonadotropins with exclusive FSH may not stimulate sufficient oocytes, the results were opposite to expectations.

A corpus luteum is not a prerequisite for the expression of progesterone induced blocking factor by T-lymphocytes a week after implantation

PURPOSE

To determine if production of the immunomodulatory protein, progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF), requires merely progesterone or whether other factors made by the corpus luteum are required.

METHODS

The percentage of peripheral lymphocytes expressing PIBF was determined by obtaining a blood sample from women 9-12 days after embryo transfer. The embryos were either fresh ones following hyperstimulation and oocyte retrieval or were frozen-thawed embryos. Preparation for frozen embryo transfer required corpus luteum suppression with exogenous estrogen. The percentage of lymphocytes expressing PIBF was determined by an immunocytochemistry method.

RESULTS

PIBF expression (>1%) was found in 20.5% of COH and 13.3% of frozen embryo transfer cycles. There either was a significant difference or a trend for higher pregnancy rates when PIBF expression was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

These data corroborate previous conclusions that PIBF is detected in a minority of women in the late luteal phase. A corpus luteum is not required for its expression.

A model for potential tumor immunotherapy based on knowledge of immune mechanisms responsible for spontaneous abortion

Attempts to treat various cancers by immunotherapy have been tried for about 50 years. Most studies have focused on improving cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against various tumors. Immunotherapy has been both active and passive, and results have been modest at best. Spontaneous abortion (SAB) of pregnancies could in some ways resemble remission of a tumor. Both tumors and conceptusses are faced with a similar problem -- how to grow in a host in a vascular rich area, and yet escape immune surveillance despite both entities being an allogenic stimulus. In general, the fetus is far more immunogenic than a spontaneous tumor, and yet abortuses seem to avoid CTL responses but are sometimes invaded by natural killer (NK) cells. There are data suggesting that SAB will occur if there is inhibition of production of an immunosuppressive protein called progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF). This protein inhibits NK cell cytolysis and influences TH2 cytokine dominance over TH1. If some tumors avoid NK cell destruction through a PIBF mechanism, perhaps an active rejection of these tumors could be achieved by inhibiting PIBF production by treating with a progesterone receptor antagonist. Passive immunization could also be considered by conjugative radionuclide or toxic chemical to a PIBF antibody which may be tumor specific since PIBF is not produced in normal tissue. The first step should be to see if PIBF can be detected in the peripheral circulation in patients with certain tumors.

Evaluation of live attenuated measles vaccines prepared in human diploid cells for reimmunization

Two live attenuated measles vaccines developed in baby calf kidney cells, a similar vaccine produced in chick embryo chorioallantoic cells and five vaccines prepared from human diploid cells (HDC) have been studied by subcutaneous injection in groups of susceptible and immune children in three field trials. The results indicated that the vaccine developed in chick embryo cells which caused mild clinical reactions, had induced a lower seroprotection rate in susceptible children and only a low rise in hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titre in previously immunized children. The serological responses induced by vaccines developed in HDC or in calf kidney cells were satisfactory in both susceptible and immune children. The superiority of HDC grown measles vaccine for revaccination is discussed.

Isolation and characterization of a defective measles virus from brain biopsies of three patients in Iran with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Three cytopathic strains of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus were isolated from brain biopsies of three patients. These strains were isolated and maintained by cocultivation of infected brain cells with fresh Vero cells. The biological characteristics of two strains were studied. It was found that these strains remain cell-associated after repeated cocultivations with Vero cells and produce plaques under fluid medium or tragacanth overlay. The correlation with measles virus was demonstrated by the plaque reduction test as well as by the immunofluorescence test. Large numbers of nucleocapsids were observed in the cytoplasm of infected cells but none in nuclei. Intracerebral inoculation of monkeys, adult guinea pigs, newborn and adult hamsters or mice was followed by acute encephalitis and death.

Use of human diploid cell MRC-5, for production of measles and rubella virus vaccines

A further attenuated strain of measles virus, called AIK strain, developed by Makino and his colleagues at the Kitasato Institute, Tokyo, was adapted to human diploid cells (HDC), MRC-5. In a field trial it was found that this strain initiates a low rate of clinical reactions and 100% seroconversion in vaccines. An attenuated strain of rubella virus, called Takahashi strain, isolated by Shishido at the National Institute of Health, Japan, was also adapted to HDC, MRC-5. Brief details of production of an experimental rubella vaccine are given. Up to 20 harvests of virus were made from each culture without any apparent alteration of diploid cells.

Experimental study of a further attenuated live measles vaccine of the Sugiyama strain in Iran

After encouraging results of the mass vaccination programme in Iran, in which 5 million children in rural areas were vaccinated with the Japanese Sugiyama strain at its 82nd passage in baby calf kidney, and a progressive decrease in the incidence of measles as well as a reduction of excessive infant mortality, a further attenuated vaccine, produced with the same strain, cloned in Japan, was compared in a field trial with the parent vaccine. The new strain caused fewer reactions than the original strain. Seroconversion with a geometric mean antibody titre of 6.1 was observed in 95% of susceptible children.