Tuning Main Group Element-based Metal-Organic Framework to Boost Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Under Ambient Conditions

Main group element-based materials are emerging catalysts for ammonia (NH3 ) production via a sustainable electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (N2 RR) pathway under ambient conditions. However, their N2 RR performances are less explored due to the limited active behavior and unclear mechanism. Here, an aluminum-based defective metal-organic framework (MOF), aluminum-fumarate (Al-Fum), is investigated. As a proof of concept, the pristine Al-Fum MOF is synthesized by the solvothermal reaction process, and the defect engineering method namely solvent-assisted linker exchange, is applied to create the defective Al sites. The defective Al sites play an important role in ensuring the N2 RR activity for defective Al-Fum. It is found that only the defective Al-Fum enables stable and effective electrochemical N2 RR, in terms of the highest production rate of 53.9 µg(NH3 ) h-1 mgcat -1 (in 0.4 m K2 SO4 ) and the Faradaic efficiency of 73.8% (in 0.1 m K2 SO4 ) at -0.15 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) under ambient conditions. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the N2 activation can be achieved on the defective Al sites. Such sites also allow the subsequent protonation process via the alternating associative mechanism. This defect characteristic gives the main group Al-based MOFs the ability to serve as promising electrocatalysts for N2 RR and other attractive applications.

Functionalizing Separator by Coating a Lithiophilic Metal for Dendrite-Free Anode-free Lithium Metal Batteries

A stable anode-free lithium metal battery (AFLMB) is accomplished by the adoption of a facile fabricated amorphous antimony (Sb)-coated separator (SbSC). The large specific surface area of the separator elevates lithium (Li)-Sb alloy kinetic, improving Li wetting ability on pristine copper current collector (Cu). When tested with LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 (NMC811) as cathode, the full cell with SbSC demonstrates low nucleation overpotential with compact, dendrite-free and homogeneous Li plating, and exhibits a notable lithium inventory retention rate (LIRR) of 99.8 % with capacity retention of 93.6 % after 60 cycles at 0.5 C-rate. Conversely, full cells containing pristine separator/Cu (i. e., SC) and pristine separator/Sb-coated current collector (i. e., SSbC) display poor cycling performances with low LIRRs. Density functional theory corroborates the nucleation behaviours observed during in-situ half-cell Li deposition. Functionalizing polymeric separator by metallic coating in AFLMB is a novel approach in improving the cycle life of an AFLMB by promoting homogeneous Li plating behavior. This innovative approach exemplifies a promising applicability for uniform Li-plating behavior to achieve a longer cycle life in AFLMB.

Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis). Part 2: energy homeostasis and dietetic management strategies

Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis) is associated with important metabolic changes that include an enhancement in energy expenditure. The key components to total energy expenditure (TEE) include basal metabolic rate (~68% of TEE), physical activity (~22% of TEE) and thermic effect of food (~10% of TEE). In the erythrodermic state, there are likely multiple contributors to the increase in basal metabolic rate, such as 'caloric drain' resulting from increased evaporation of water from enhanced transepidermal water loss, increased activity of the cardiovascular system (including high-output cardiac failure), increased nonshivering thermogenesis and hormonal changes such as hypercortisolaemia. A change in the patient's level of physical activity and appetite as a result of ill health status may further impact on their TEE and energy consumption. In Part 2 of this two-part concise review, we explore the key constituents of energy homeostasis and the potential mechanisms influencing energy homeostasis in erythroderma, and suggest much-needed dietetic management strategies for this important condition.

Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis). Part 1: underlying causes, clinical presentation and pathogenesis

Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis), first described by Von Hebra in 1868, manifests as a cutaneous inflammatory state, with associated skin barrier and metabolic dysfunctions. The annual incidence of erythroderma is estimated to be 1-2 per 100 000 population in Europe with a male preponderance. Erythroderma may present at birth, or may develop acutely or insidiously (due to progression of an underlying primary pathology, including malignancy). Although there is a broad range of diseases that associate with erythroderma, the vast majority of cases result from pre-existing and chronic dermatoses. In the first part of this two-part concise review, we explore the underlying causes, clinical presentation, pathogenesis and investigation of erythroderma, and suggest potential treatment targets for erythroderma with unknown causes.

10-year outcome study of an early intervention program for psychosis compared with standard care service

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence on the short-term benefits of early intervention (EI) service for psychosis, long-term outcome studies are limited by inconsistent results. This study examined the 10-year outcomes of patients with first-episode psychosis who received 2-year territory-wide EI service compared to those who received standard care (SC) in Hong Kong using an historical control design.

METHOD

Consecutive patients who received the EI service between 1 July 2001 and 30 June 2002, and with diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, were identified and matched with patients who received SC first presented to the public psychiatric service from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001. In total, 148 matched pairs of patients were identified. Cross-sectional information on symptomatology and functioning was obtained through semi-structured interview; longitudinal information on hospitalization, functioning, suicide attempts, mortality and relapse over 10 years was obtained from clinical database. There were 70.3% (N = 104) of SC and 74.3% (N = 110) of EI patients interviewed.

RESULTS

Results suggested that EI patients had reduced suicide rate (χ2 (1) = 4.35, p = 0.037), fewer number [odds ratio (OR) 1.56, χ2 = 15.64, p < 0.0001] and shorter duration of hospitalization (OR 1.29, χ2 = 4.06, p = 0.04), longer employment periods (OR -0.28, χ2 = 14.64, p < 0.0001) and fewer suicide attempts (χ2 = 11.47, df = 1, p = 0.001) over 10 years. At 10 years, no difference was found in psychotic symptoms, symptomatic remission and functional recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term benefits of the EI service on number of hospitalizations and employment was sustained after service termination, but the differences narrowed down. This suggests the need to evaluate the optimal duration of the EI service.

[Detection of Japanese encephalitis virus in samples of JE patients by RT-PCR]

OBJECTIVE

To set up and assess the feasibility of RT-PCR method for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) detection, and use this method to detect clinical specimens.

METHODS

The sensitivity of this RT-PCR was measured by plaque formation test, and the specificity of primers was proved by detecting some other flaviviruses. This RT-PCR was also compared with PRHI.

RESULTS

JEV RNA could be detected successfully from viral culturing supernatants and from mouse brain infected by JEV. Its sensitivity of detecting JEV RNA from viral culturing supernatants was 64 PFU. A total of 38 specimens (of which 25 were serum specimens, 13 CSF specimens) from 16 clinically susceptible JE patients were examined by RT-PCR and RPHI Summing up the detection results of RT-PCR and RPHI, 14 patients among the 16 susceptible patients were affirmed as Japanese encephalitis patients. This RT-PCR is specific to JEV. The sensitivity of joint use of RT-PCR and RPHI to detect JEV was 100%, higher than using RPHI alone, and was 7.7% higher than using RT-PCR only. RT-PCR is more suitable for epidemiological survey than virus isolation.

CONCLUSIONS

This RT-PCR for JEV detection is highly specific and sensitive. Toxemia period of JE patient is very short, so grasping the time of blood specimen collection will affect virus detection rate.

An audit study of defaulters of regular psychiatric outpatient appointments in Hong Kong

This paper describes an audit study of general psychiatric outpatient defaulters in Hong Kong. Defaulters were increased among those who were married, unemployed, housewives, seen within one year, receiving medications and previously admitted to hospital. Clinical diagnoses (ICD-10 Axis-1) of the F1, F2, F3 and F7 groups were also associated with increased defaulting behaviour. However, fewer defaulters were found among those who were aged below 19, single, employed, students, and had diagnostic groups of F4 and F9. These results added new information on the non-attendance behavioral pattern of Chinese patients.