Understanding the Solid-Electrolyte-Interface (SEI) Formation in Glyme Electrolyte Using Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used for energy storage due to their long lifespan and high energy density, but the use of unsafe electrolytes poses significant health and safety concerns. An alternative source is necessary to maintain electrochemical efficacy. This research demonstrates new safe glyme-based electrolytes for silica/carbon (SiOx/C) nanocomposite derived from Australian rice husk (RH). The quality of SiOx/C was preserved by using deep eutectic solvent-based pre-treatment and single-step carbonization, which was confirmed through the X-ray analysis of the crystalline phase of silica. The electrochemical assessment of SiOx/C anode using various glyme-based electrolytes for LIBs was carried out. Among them, the resultant half cells based on diglyme electrolyte is superior to others with the first discharge capacity at 1274 mAh/g and a reversible discharge capacity of 759.7 mAh/g. Ex-situ SEM and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF- SIMS) analysis of the electrode indicated that diglyme not only improves the capacity but also sustains the electrode architecture for longer cycle life with more LiF-based components and also showed the absence of HF components. Importantly, the addition of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive enhanced the cycling stability. These results provide a new perspective on developing advanced SiOx/C anode using glyme electrolytes for Li-ion batteries.

A data mining approach to analyze the role of biomacromolecules-based nanocomposites in sustainable packaging

Recent decades have witnessed a surge in research interest in bio-nanocomposite-based packaging materials, but still, a lack of systematic analysis exists in this domain. Bio-based packaging materials pose a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials. The current work employs bibliometric analysis to deliver a comprehensive outline on the role of bio nanocomposites in packaging. India, Iran, and China were revealed to be the top three nations actively engaged in this domain in total publications. Islamic Azad University in Iran and Universiti Putra Malaysia in Malaysia are among the world's best institutions in active research and publications in this field. The extensive collaboration between nations and institutions highlights the significance of a holistic approach towards bio-nanocomposite. The National Natural Science Foundation of China is the leading funding body in this field of research. Among authors, Jong whan Rhim secured the topmost citations (2234) in this domain (13 publications). Among journals, Carbohydrate Polymers secured the maximum citation count (4629) from 36 articles; the initial one was published in 2011. Bio nanocomposite is the most frequently used keyword. Researchers and policymakers focussing on sustainable packaging solutions will gain crucial insights on the current research status on packaging solutions using bio-nanocomposites from the conclusions.

Kenaf-based activated carbon: A sustainable solution for high-performance aqueous symmetric supercapacitors

This study presents an innovative method for synthesizing activated carbon with an exceptionally high surface area (3359 m2 g-1) using kenaf fiber-based biochar through chemical activation. The achieved specific surface area surpasses activated carbon derived from other reported fiber-based precursors. The resulting activated carbon was investigated as electrodes for supercapacitors, revealing a remarkable maximum capacitance of 312 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. An aqueous symmetric supercapacitor employing these high-surface-area electrodes exhibited an outstanding energy density of 18.9 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 250 W kg-1. Notably, the supercapacitor retained exceptional capacitance, maintaining 93% of its initial capacitance even after 5000 charge-discharge cycles.

Three-Dimensional Graphene-TiO2-SnO2 Ternary Nanocomposites for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Ternary nanocomposites synergistically combine the material characteristics of three materials, altering the desired charge storage properties such as electrical conductivity, redox states, and surface area. Therefore, to improve the energy synergistic of SnO₂, TiO₂, and three-dimensional graphene, herein, we report a facile hydrothermal technique to synthesize a ternary nanocomposite of three-dimensional graphene-tin oxide-titanium dioxide (3DG-SnO₂-TiO₂). The synthesized ternary nanocomposite was characterized using material characterization techniques such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM, and EDXS. The surface area and porosity of the material were studied using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) studies. XRD studies showed the crystalline nature of the characteristic peaks of the individual materials, and FESEM studies revealed the deposition of SnO₂-TiO₂ on 3DG. The BET results show that incorporating 3DG into the SnO₂-TiO₂ binary nanocomposite increased its surface area compared to the binary composite. A three-electrode system compared the electrochemical performances of both the binary and ternary composites as a battery-type supercapacitor electrode in different molar KOH (1, 3, and 6 M) electrolytes. It was determined that the ternary nanocomposite electrode in 6 M KOH delivered a maximum specific capacitance of 232.7 C g^-1 at 1 A g^-1. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was fabricated based on 3DG-SnO₂-TiO₂ as a positive electrode and commercial activated carbon as a negative electrode (3DG-SnO₂-TiO₂//AC). The ASC delivered a maximum energy density of 28.6 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 367.7 W kg^-1. Furthermore, the device delivered a superior cycling stability of ∼97% after 5000 cycles, showing its prospects as a commercial ASC electrode.

Environment-Modulated Crystallization of Cu2O and CuO Nanowires by Electrospinning and Their Charge Storage Properties

This article reports the synthesis of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) and cupric oxide (CuO) nanowires by controlling the calcination environment of electrospun polymeric nanowires and their charge storage properties. The Cu₂O nanowires showed higher surface area (86 m² g^-1) and pore size than the CuO nanowires (36 m² g^-1). Electrochemical analysis was carried out in 6 M KOH, and both the electrodes showed battery-type charge storage mechanism. The electrospun Cu₂O electrodes delivered high discharge capacity (126 mA h g^-1) than CuO (72 mA h g^-1) at a current density of 2.4 mA cm^-2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show almost similar charge-transfer resistance in Cu₂O (1.2 Ω) and CuO (1.6 Ω); however, Cu₂O showed an order of magnitude higher ion diffusion. The difference in charge storage between these electrodes is attributed to the difference in surface properties and charge kinetics at the electrode. The electrode also shows superior cyclic stability (98%) and Coulombic efficiency (98%) after 5000 cycles. Therefore, these materials could be acceptable choices as a battery-type or pseudocapacitive electrode in asymmetric supercapacitors.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty with glenoid bone grafting for anterior glenoid rim fracture associated with glenohumeral dislocation and proximal humerus fracture

BACKGROUND

Large fractures of the anterior glenoid rim can result in persisting instability and osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint When this fracture is associated with a glenohumeral dislocation and proximal humerus fracture could be a concern. The goal of this paper was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and glenoid bone graft in cases with a significant anterior glenoid fracture associated with a proximal humerus fracture.

HYPOTHESIS

RSA and step bone graft harvested from proximal humeral head could be a viable option in the treatment of this complex injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients underwent RSA and glenoid bone graft in a single stage procedure were evaluated at an average 32 months postoperatively. There were 18 women and 8 men with a mean age of 68.5 years (range 63-75 years). Reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a contoured glenoid bone graft placed underneath the baseplate using humeral head autograft was utilized in all cases. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with range of motion, Constant score and self-reported subjective outcome rated as excellent, good, fair or poor. Radiographic evaluation was performed to evaluate for baseplate displacement or loosening, bone graft union, resorption or collapse.

RESULTS

At final follow-up, average active elevation was 135° (range 110°-145°), abduction 122° (range 60°-160°), and external rotation 30° (range 0 to 45°). The mean Constant score was 68.2 (range 54-83). The clinical results were rated as excellent by 15 patients, good by 9, and fair by 2. Radiographic evaluation showed the disc of cancellous bone graft healed without any signs of graft resorption or migration in all 26 cases. No reoperation was performed on any patient in this series.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

RSA with glenoid bone grafting produces satisfactory short-term outcomes with acceptable complication rates for treatment of patients greater than 60 years old with proximal humerus fractures associated with an anterior glenoid rim fracture. Further studies are necessary to determine the extended viability of this procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Long-term results of the dial osteotomy in the treatment of high-grade acetabular dysplasia

The dial osteotomy, an acetabular reorientation procedure based on radiographs, was developed by R. H. Eppright for treatment of hip dysplasia; however, long-term results are not recorded. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the results of the dial osteotomy as done in 37 patients (44 hips) at an average followup of 12.6 years. Articular pressures with the application of a time and pressure algorithm were calculated from radiographs to correlate calculated intraarticular pressures with progression of degenerative disease. Clinical results at followup were 32 (73%) satisfactory and 12 (27%) unsatisfactory hips. Six (13%) hips failed between 10-20 years (average 14.7 years). A satisfactory result correlated with the preoperative functional score. Radiographically, the anterior center-edge angle increased from an average of 6.7 degrees to 37.9 degrees. At followup, radiographic indices of degeneration indicated that eight (18%) hips had improved, 18 (41%) had stabilized, and 18 (41%) had deteriorated. Severin indices improved in 21 (48%) hips. Joint space width at followup provided the only correlation between radiographic parameters and clinical result. Contact pressures were reduced from 4.45 MPa to 1.12 MPa. The cumulative exposure to articular pressures averaged 61.6 MPa-years, and did not correlate with radiographic parameters or clinical success.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series--no, or historical control group). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Tuberosity malposition and migration: reasons for poor outcomes after hemiarthroplasty for displaced fractures of the proximal humerus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of hemiarthroplasty for displaced proximal humeral fractures and to assess clinical and radiologic parameters that could explain unsatisfactory results. Sixty-six consecutive patients (45 women and 21 men) with a mean age of 66 years (range, 31-85 years) were followed up postoperatively for a mean of 27 months (range, 18-59 months), both clinically and radiologically. Subjectively, 29 patients were very satisfied, 9 were satisfied, and 28 were unsatisfied. Postoperative active elevation averaged 101 degrees +/- 33 degrees, external rotation averaged 18 degrees +/- 15 degrees, and internal rotation averaged the L3 level (+/-3 vertebrae). The absolute Constant score averaged 56 of 100 points (range, 20-95 points). Initial tuberosity malposition was present in 18 patients (27%). Tuberosity detachment and migration were noted in 15 patients (23%). Tuberosity migration could be observed after initial tuberosity malpositioning, as well as after initial correct positioning. Final tuberosity malposition occurred in 33 patients (50%) and correlated with an unsatisfactory result, superior migration of the prosthesis, stiffness or weakness, and persistent pain. Factors associated with failure of tuberosity osteosynthesis were poor initial position of the prosthesis (specifically, excessive height and/or retroversion), poor position of the greater tuberosity, and women over age 75 years (likely with osteopenic bone). Techniques to improve tuberosity osteosynthesis, including modifications to current prosthetic design and instrumentation to allow for a more anatomic reconstruction, should lead to more predictable and satisfactory results.

Shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of the sequelae of fractures of the proximal humerus

The purpose of this multicenter study was to analyze the results of shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of the sequelae of proximal humerus fractures and establish an updated classification system and treatment guidelines for these complex situations. Seventy-one sequelae of proximal humerus fractures were treated with shoulder replacement with the use of the same nonconstrained, modular, and adaptable prosthesis: the Aequalis prosthesis (Tornier Inc, St Ismier, France). The average time between initial fracture and shoulder arthroplasty was 5 years and 5 months. On the basis of anatomic classification schemes, sequelae were divided into 4 types: type 1, humeral head collapse or necrosis with minimal tuberosity malunion (40 cases); type 2, locked dislocations or fracture-dislocations (9 cases); type 3, nonunions of the surgical neck (6 cases); and type 4, severe malunions of the tuberosities (16 cases). The mean postoperative follow-up was 19 months (range, 12 to 48 months). Overall, the postoperative Constant score was excellent in 11 cases (16%), good in 19 cases (26%), fair in 18 cases (25%), and poor in 23 cases (33%). There were 18 complications (27%). Fifty-nine of 70 patients (81%) stated that they were satisfied with the result. The most significant factor affecting functional outcome was greater tuberosity osteotomy (P <.005). Regarding both surgical treatment and postoperative prognosis, we identify 2 categories of proximal humerus fracture sequelae: category 1, intracapsular/impacted fractures sequelae (associated with both cephalic collapse or necrosis [type 1] and chronic dislocation or fracture-dislocation [type 2]), in which an articulating joint can be reconstructed without a greater tuberosity osteotomy; and category 2, extracapsular/disimpacted fractures sequelae (associated with both surgical neck nonunions [type 3] and severe tuberosity malunions [type 4]) where the proximal humerus cannot be reconstructed without a greater tuberosity osteotomy. All of the excellent and good postoperative Constant scores were obtained in type 1 and 2, in which osteotomy of the greater tuberosity was not required. All patients in type 3 and 4, who underwent a greater tuberosity osteotomy, had either fair or poor results and did not regain active elevation above 90 degrees. We conclude that a greater tuberosity osteotomy is the most likely reason for poor and unpredictable results after shoulder replacement arthroplasty for the treatment of the complex sequelae of proximal humerus fractures. Shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of the sequelae of fractures of the proximal humerus should be performed without an osteotomy of the greater tuberosity when possible. If prosthetic replacement is possible without an osteotomy, surgeons should accept the distorted anatomy of the proximal humerus and adapt the prosthesis and their technique to the modified anatomy. A modular and adaptable prosthesis with both adjustable offsets and inclination may allow surgeons to adapt to a large number of malunions and may help to avoid the troublesome greater tuberosity osteotomy in a higher proportion of cases.

Tufted angioma in a case of neurofibromatosis type I

Tufted angiomas are rare benign tumours with a characteristic histopathological appearance. Their occurrence in neurofibromatosis type 1, a genodermatosis in which vascular malformations are not uncommon, has hitherto not been reported. Some of the characteristic features of tufted angiomas are discussed.

Entomophthoromycosis in India--a 4-year study

Ten cases of entomophthoromycosis encountered in a period of 4 years in Tamilnadu are reported. Basidiobolomycosis accounted for eight cases and was seen predominantly in children. Two cases of conidiobolomycosis were seen in elderly patients. Potassium iodide was the drug of choice in the treatment of entomophthoromycosis. All our patients, except one, responded with complete resolution of their lesions.

Postpemphigus acanthomata: a sign of clinical activity?

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus is a group of vesiculobullous disorders in which the blisters usually heal with hyper or hypopigmentation. The appearance of acanthomata at sites of previous blisters has been noted in some cases.

METHODS

All cases of pemphigus admitted to the Madras Medical College hospitals during a 2-year period from March 1993 to March 1995 were taken into the study and screened for the presence of acanthomata.

RESULTS

Fifty-two cases of pemphigus were identified, 47 of pemphigus vulgaris and five of pemphigus foliaceus; and of these 13 developed acanthomata when the blisters healed. Ten of these cases were of pemphigus vulgaris and three were of pemphigus foliaceus; biopsy of these lesions showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis, and intraepidermal clefting. Immunofluorescence carried out in two of these acanthomata also showed intercellular fluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of acanthomata in healed lesions of pemphigus is not uncommon; because histopathologic and immunofluorescence evidence of disease activity is present, cases of this sort require careful follow-up.

Aggressive infantile fibromatosis

An 8-month-old infant presented with 2 ulcerated indurated plaques in the right lower limb. The lesions grew rapidly initially but for the last 2 months, they have been stationary. Biopsy showed proliferation of fusiform fibroblasts some of which were arranged in whorls. The clinical picture and the histopathology suggested the diagnosis of an aggressive infantile fibromatosis. This is one of the types of juvenile fibromatoses, a group of tumours characterised by fibrous tissue proliferation present at birth or acquired early in childhood.

Tuberous sclerosis

Although tuberous sclerosis has been described with a diagnostic triad, it is not present consistently in all cases. Variety of skin manifestations were reported in tuberous sclerosis. This studay was undertaken to assess the frequency of various skin changes in tuberous sclerosis. Ten consecutive cases of tuberous sclerosis were studied. Angiofibroma was the commonest cutaneous manifestation. Atypical fibroxanthoma, dermatofibroma and neurofibroma were also noticed as interesting associations.

Mutilating acral keratoderma

A 15-year-old male, born of non-consanguineous marriage started developing thickening of skin of sole of the both feet at the age of 7 which progressed to involve whole of both feet by 11th year. Patient later developed painful autoamputation of little toes of both feet due to pseudoainhum. Involvement of the palms was limited to a localised area over palmar aspect of right middle finger and was non-progressive. No other family member was affected. This may represent a variant of Vohwinkel's syndrome or the rarer form of acral keratoderma.

Atypical gorlin's syndrome

A 21-year-old woman presented with complaints of skin lesions on her face, palms and soles. On examination, 8 to 10 well-defined, pigmented nodules with raised and pearly borders were seen on the face. Multiple pits were present on the palms and soles. Biopsy of both lesions revealed the presence of basal cell epitheliomas. The patient also gave history of removal of a keratocyst of mandible 10 years back. The case was diagnosed as Gorlin's syndrome. It is atypical due to the low number of basal cell epitheliomas, the occurrence of only a single odontogenic cyst and the absence of other features usually associated with this condition.

Intravenous infusion anesthesia for upper extremity surgery

Regional anesthesia by intravenous infusion was successfully performed in 126 cases with only three complications. The technic is particularly useful for outpatient surgery and for cases where general anesthesia is unsuitable. This type of anesthesia is not for routine use. Proper equipment and personnel must be available. We do not recommend its usage in very obese patients or where absolute hemostasis is essential. Caution is urged in cases where edema has developed as the absorbtion of local anesthetic is not predictable.

Bilateral "reverse" epiphyseolysis of the proximal femoral capital epiphysis

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