Nitrogen-doped carbon derived from horse manure biomass as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

A massive amount of animal biomass is generated daily from livestock farms, agriculture, and food industries, causing environmental and ecological problems. The conversion of animal biomass into value-added products has recently gained considerable interest in materials science research. Herein, horse manure (HM) was utilized as a precursor for synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbons (NCs) via hydrothermal ammonia treatment and the post pyrolysis process. The ammonia concentration varied between 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 M in the hydrothermal process. From the comprehensive characterization results, horse manure-derived nitrogen-doped carbons (HMNCs) exhibited an amorphous phase and a hierarchical nanoporous structure. The specific surface area decreased from 170.1 to 66.6 m² g⁻¹ as the ammonia concentration increased due to micropore deterioration. The nitrogen content was 0.90 atom% even with no ammonia treatment, indicating self-nitrogen doping. With hydrothermal ammonia treatment, the nitrogen content slightly enhanced up to 1.54 atom%. The electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of HMNCs in an alkaline solution was found to be related to nitrogen doping content and porous structure. The ORR activity of HMNCs mainly proceeded via a combination of two- and four-electron pathways. Although the ORR activity of HMNCs was still not satisfactory and comparable to that of a commercial Pt/carbon catalyst, it showed better long-term durability. The results obtained in this work provide the potential utilization of HM as a precursor for ORR catalysts and other related applications.

This work shows the potential utilization of horse manure as a precursor for synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbons for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction.     

Advantages of Using Both Voxel- and Surface-based Morphometry in Cortical Morphology Analysis: A Review of Various Applications

Surface-based morphometry (SBM) is extremely useful for estimating the indices of cortical morphology, such as volume, thickness, area, and gyrification, whereas voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is a typical method of gray matter (GM) volumetry that includes cortex measurement. In cases where SBM is used to estimate cortical morphology, it remains controversial as to whether VBM should be used in addition to estimate GM volume. Therefore, this review has two main goals. First, we summarize the differences between the two methods regarding preprocessing, statistical analysis, and reliability. Second, we review studies that estimate cortical morphological changes using VBM and/or SBM and discuss whether using VBM in conjunction with SBM produces additional values. We found cases in which detection of morphological change in either VBM or SBM was superior, and others that showed equivalent performance between the two methods. Therefore, we concluded that using VBM and SBM together can help researchers and clinicians obtain a better understanding of normal neurobiological processes of the brain. Moreover, the use of both methods may improve the accuracy of the detection of morphological changes when comparing the data of patients and controls.In addition, we introduce two other recent methods as future directions for estimating cortical morphological changes: a multi-modal parcellation method using structural and functional images, and a synthetic segmentation method using multi-contrast images (such as T1- and proton density-weighted images).     

The Impact of Purple-Flesh Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. “Shadow Queen” on Minor Health Complaints in Healthy Adults: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Study

The purple-flesh potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar “Shadow Queen” (SQ) naturally contains anthocyanins. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study determines whether ingesting purple potatoes increases the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and improves stress response, a minor health complaint in healthy adults (registration number: UMIN000038876). A total of 15 healthy subjects (ages: 50–70 years) with minor health complaints were randomly assigned to one of two groups. For 8 weeks, the placebo group received placebo potatoes cv. “Haruka” and the test group received test potato cv. SQ containing 45 mg anthocyanin. The MSC count and several stress responses were analyzed at weeks 0 and 8 of the intake periods. The ingestion of a SQ potato did not affect the MSC count but markedly improved psychological stress response, irritability, and depression as minor health complaints compared with “Haruka”. No adverse effects were noted. Hence, an 8-week intake of SQ could improve stress responses.     

Chronic Pulmonary Disease Caused by Tsukamurella toyonakaense

Unidentified Mycobacterium species are sometimes detected in respiratory specimens. We identified a novel Tsukamurella species (Tsukamurella sp. TY48, RIMD 2001001, CIP 111916^T), Tsukamurella toyonakaense, from a patient given a misdiagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease caused by unidentified mycobacteria. Genomic identification of this Tsukamurella species helped clarify its clinical characteristics and epidemiology.     

Photoreduction of Copper Ions Using Silica–Surfactant Hybrid and Titanium (IV) Oxide under Sulfuric Acid Conditions

Photoreduction of Cu²⁺ ions to Cu metal by titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂) was conducted in the presence of a silica–surfactant hybrid under sulfuric acid conditions. After irradiation, a dark-red color, reflections due to Cu metal in the X-ray diffraction pattern, and peaks due to Cu 2p_1/2 and 2p_3/2 in the X-ray photoelectron spectrum indicated the precipitation of Cu metal in the product. In addition, an increase in the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area from 36 and 45 m²/g for the silica–surfactant and TiO₂, respectively, to 591 m²/g for the product, and a decrease in the intensity of the C-H stretching band in the Fourier–transform infra-red spectra implied the removal of surfactant during the reaction. These characteristics were never observed when TiO₂ was used solely. Therefore, this study indicated that the photoreduction of Cu²⁺ ions to Cu metal by TiO₂ was facilitated under the sulfuric acid medium, where the surfactants extracted from silica–surfactant hybrids by protons in the acidic condition were successfully photo-oxidized by TiO₂. Thus, this study presents a new application of the conversion of a silica–surfactant hybrid into mesoporous silicas.     

A comparative study of degree of colorectal distention with manual air insufflation or automated CO2 insufflation at CT colonography as a preoperative examination

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of colorectal distention between manual insufflation using room air and automatic insufflation using carbon dioxide for computed tomography colonography performed as a preoperative examination for patients with colon cancer.

Materials and methods

Participants comprised 200 patients who underwent computed tomography colonography immediately after colonoscopy from October 2011–2012. The first 100 patients were examined using manual insufflation, and the remaining 100 patients were examined using automated insufflation. Two radiologists independently assessed colorectal distention using a 4-point scale in six segments: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. Mean scores of the two radiologists were used to analyze whether any differences existed between techniques in terms of the degree of distention per segment.

Results

Mean distention values for the colonic lumen were better using the automated technique than with the manual technique in both positions (p < 0.05). In segments, distention was significantly better using the automated technique than using the manual technique in the sigmoid and descending colon for prone patients, and in all segments for supine patients.

Conclusions

Automated carbon dioxide insufflation offered significantly improved colorectal distention scores compared to manual room air insufflation.     

Hit-and-runs more common with pedestrians lying on the road: Analysis of a nationwide database in Japan

Purpose: To determine the trends with fatally or otherwise injured pedestrians lying on the road and the relationship to hit-and-run incidents in Japan. Methods: We extracted data for 2012e2016 from the records of the Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis, Japan, a nationwide traffic accident database. All the injured and fatally injured pedestrians were selected. We examined the levels of pedestrian injury, vehicle speed immediately before the collision, whether or not the pedestrian was lying on the road, and hit-and-run incidents. Chi-square test was employed to make a statistical comparison between the two groups. Results: The database contained data on 286,383 pedestrian casualties and 7256 fatalities; 8.3% of fatalities (602 persons) and 0.6% of casualties (1827 persons) involved pedestrians lying on the road. The rates of fatalities and severe injuries were significantly higher for pedestrians who were lying on the road than for those who were not. Hit-and-run incidents were evident in 4.0% of casualties and 7.3% of fatalities. The rate of hit-and-run cases was also significantly higher among pedestrians who were lying on the road. Among fatally injured pedestrians not lying on the road, the rates with speeds of 30 km/h did not differ significantly between hit-and-run and other cases. However, when the pedestrians were lying on the road, the rate was significantly increased in hit-and-run cases. Conclusion: This is the first report to focus on pedestrians lying on the road and being involved in hitand-run incidents. In addition to preventing hit-and-run incidents, prevention of pedestrians lying on the road could also decrease fatalities.     

Effect of Surface Modification for Carbon Cathode Materials on Charge–Discharge Performance of Li-Air Batteries

Li-air batteries have attracted considerable attention as rechargeable secondary batteries with a high theoretical energy density of 11,400 kWh/g. However, the commercial application of Li-air batteries is hindered by issues such as low energy efficiency and a short lifetime (cycle numbers). To overcome these issues, it is important to select appropriate cathode materials that facilitate high battery performance. Carbon materials are expected to be ideal materials for cathodes due to their high electrical conductivity and porosity. The physicochemical properties of carbon materials are known to affect the performance of Li-air batteries because the redox reaction of oxygen, which is an important reaction for determining the performance of Li-air batteries, occurs on the carbon materials. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the surface modification of carbon cathode materials on the charge–discharge performance of Li-air batteries using commercial Ketjenblack (KB) and KB subjected to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation as cathodes. The surface wettability of KB changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic as a result of the VUV irradiation. The ratio of COOH and OH groups on the KB surface increased after VUV irradiation. Raman spectra demonstrated that no structural change in the KB before and after VUV irradiation was observed. The charge and discharge capacities of a Li-air battery using VUV-irradiated KB as the cathode decreased compared to original KB, whereas the cycling performance of the Li-air battery improved considerably. The sizes and shapes of the discharge products formed on the cathodes changed considerably due to the VUV irradiation. The difference in the cycling performance of the Li-air battery was discussed from the viewpoint of the chemical properties of KB and VUV-irradiated KB.     

Perioperative Oral Administration of Cystine and Theanine Enhances Recovery After Distal Gastrectomy

Background: It has been reported that cystine and theanine, amino acids related to glutathione synthesis, have immunomodulatory effects, such as suppressing inflammation after strenuous exercise. In this study, we examined the effects of oral administration of cystine and theanine during the perioperative period as a pilot study. Methods: Forty‐three cases of distal gastrectomy for cancer conducted in our department were assigned to the cystine and theanine group (CT group) or to the placebo control group (P group), and a randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study was then performed. Cystine (700 mg) and theanine (280 mg) or a placebo was administered to participants for 10 continuous days (4 days before to 5 days after surgery). Changes in pre‐ and postoperative interleukin (IL)–6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), albumin, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, total lymphocyte count, resting energy expenditure (REE), and body temperature were compared and examined. Results: Ten patients were excluded, leaving 33 patients in the study. The CT group had significantly lower IL‐6 values (postoperative day [POD] 4), CRP levels (POD 7), neutrophil counts (POD 4), and body temperatures (POD 5) than the P group (P < .05). In addition, REE in the P group peaked on day 1 (1.14 ± 0.16 [pre‐ and postoperative ratio]), whereas the CT group did not show any increase on POD 1 (0.99 ± 0.21, P < .05 vs P group). Conclusions: This study suggests that oral administration of cystine and theanine during the perioperative period may alleviate postgastrectomy inflammation and promote recovery after surgery.     

Discordance of motion artifacts on magnetic resonance imaging in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: comparison of diffusion-weighted and conventional imaging sequences

Purpose Motion artifact is problematic in the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) because of dementia. The purpose was to compare the occurrence of this artifact between a diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence and conventional sequences. Materials and methods Ten MR examinations comprising T2-weighted, T1-weighted, DW, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging in seven CJD patients were retrospectively evaluated. The occurrence of motion artifacts on each sequence were assessed, and the examination was classified into four groups as follows: group A, motion artifact not revealed on DW imaging but revealed on one or more other sequences; group B, revealed on DW imaging and one or more other sequences; group C, not revealed on any sequences; and group D, revealed on DW imaging but not on any other sequences. Results The 10 MR examinations were classified as eight group A (80%), one B (10%), one C (10%), and zero D (0%). Conclusion Motion artifacts are likely to occur in any conventional imaging sequences in CJD, but the fast-imaging ability of DW imaging can reduce this artifact. The combination of an absence of motion artifact on DW imaging and the presence on conventional sequences may be one of the frequent findings of CJD.