Electrochemical performance of nano-sized LiFePO4-embedded 3D-cubic ordered mesoporous carbon and nitrogenous carbon composites

Herein, we report a single-step synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance of nano-sized LiFePO₄ (LFP)-embedded 3D-cubic mesoporous carbon (CSI-809) and nitrogenous carbon (MNC-859) composites. Furthermore, in order to investigate the effects of both CSI-809 and MNC-859 on the electrochemical characteristics of LFP, a systematic study was performed on the morphology and microstructure of the composites, viz., LFP/CSI-809 and LFP/MNC-859, using XRD, FE-SEM, FT-Raman, and BET surface area analyses. Among these composites, LFP/MNC-859 exhibited better electrochemical performance with higher specific capacity and rate capability as compared to those of LFP/CSI-809. In addition, even after 100 cycles, LFP/MNC-859 retained 97% of its initial discharge capacity at 1C rate. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the nano-sized LFP-embedded MNC-859 can be attributed to the conductive nitrogenous carbon and mesoporosity, which facilitate electrolyte diffusion, and improved conductivity of the advanced LFP-nitrogenous porous carbon matrix.

Nano-sized LiFePO₄-embedded nitrogenous ordered mesoporous carbon composite cathode facilitate electronic conductivity and significantly enhances Li-ion diffusion and retains 97% of the initial discharge capacity at 1C rate even after 100 cycles.     

Prevalence and predictors of delayed gastric emptying among Indian patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and Aims

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are more prevalent among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The prevalence of delayed gastric emptying (GE) and factors predictive of it have not been studied in Indian T2DM patients and the present study aimed to study the same.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study involved adult (age between 18 and 65 years) outpatients with T2DM of ≥5-year duration. Measurements of GE of a labelled standardized solid rice idli meal by gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), symptoms of delayed GE (by standardized questionnaire) and autonomic function by cardiovascular autonomic function tests (AFTs) were carried out. Thirty healthy subjects served as controls for GES and AFTs.

Results

One hundred and forty T2DM patients (age range: 32–65 years) were studied. Delayed GE was documented in ≈29 % (40/140) and rapid GE in 2 % (3/140) of T2DM patients. Univariate analysis showed significant positive association between delayed GE and duration of DM, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction and coronary artery disease (p < 0.05 for all). However, there was no significant correlation of age, sex, symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis and nephropathy with delayed GE. Hypoglycemic episodes were significantly more frequent in those with delayed GE (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed only BMI and HbA1c to be significant independent predictors of delayed GE.

Conclusion

Presence and severity of symptoms of gastroparesis did not predict delayed GE. Delayed GE, irrespective of symptoms, was associated with microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications and increased risk of hypoglycemic episodes. HbA_1c and BMI were independent predictors of delayed GE.

     

Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma of the Maxilla: A Case Report

Ossifying fibroma is a benign neoplasm of the bone, usually involving the posterior tooth bearing area of the mandible, predominantly seen in females in 2nd–4th decade of life with 5:1 prediliction. Fibro-osseous lesions other than FD seem to arise from the periodontal membrane. These lesions are usually asymptomatic, well defined clinically and radiologically amenable for enucleation. Fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws, including Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma (JOF), pose diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties due to their clinical, radiological and histological variability. Ossifying fibromas which appear as fast growing mass between 5 and 15 years of age, radiologically well bordered, and consistent with ossifying fibroma histologically, are referred as juvenile (aggressive) ossifying fibroma. We report a case of JOF of left side of the maxilla in an 11 year old girl which is an uncommon site of occurrence.     

Cyclooxygenase‐2 in epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the more prevalent neurologic disorders in the world, affecting approximately 50 million people of different ages and backgrounds. Epileptic seizures propagating through both lobes of the forebrain can have permanent debilitating effects on a patient's cognitive and somatosensory brain functions. Epilepsy, defined by the sporadic occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), is often accompanied by inflammation of the brain. Pronounced increases in the expression of key inflammatory mediators (e.g., interleukin ‐1β [IL‐1β], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], cyclooxygenase‐2 [COX‐2], and C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 [CXCL10]) after seizures may cause secondary damage in the brain and increase the likelihood of repetitive seizures. The COX‐2 enzyme is induced rapidly during seizures. The increased level of COX‐2 in specific areas of the epileptic brain can help to identify regions of seizure‐induced brain inflammation. A good deal of effort has been expended to determine whether COX‐2 inhibition might be neuroprotective and represent an adjunct therapeutic strategy along with antiepileptic drugs used to treat epilepsy. However, the effectiveness of COX‐2 inhibitors on epilepsy animal models appears to depend on the timing of administration. With all of the effort placed on making use of COX‐2 inhibitors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of epilepsy, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases there has yet to be a selective and potent COX‐2 inhibitor that has shown a clear therapeutic outcome with acceptable side effects.