Sn-Based Nanocomposite for Li-Ion Battery Anode with High Energy Density, Rate Capability, and Reversibility

To design an easily manufactured, large energy density, highly reversible, and fast rate-capable Li-ion battery (LIB) anode, Co–Sn intermetallics (CoSn₂, CoSn, and Co₃Sn₂) were synthesized, and their potential as anode materials for LIBs was investigated. Based on their electrochemical performances, CoSn₂ was selected, and its C-modified nanocomposite (CoSn₂/C) as well as Ti- and C-modified nanocomposite (CoSn₂/<i>a</i>-TiC/C) was straightforwardly prepared. Interestingly, the CoSn₂, CoSn₂/C, and CoSn₂/<i>a</i>-TiC/C showed conversion/nonrecombination, conversion/partial recombination, and conversion/full recombination during Li insertion/extraction, respectively, which were thoroughly investigated using <i>ex situ</i> X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analyses. As a result of the interesting conversion/full recombination mechanism, the easily manufactured CoSn₂/<i>a</i>-TiC/C nanocomposite for the Sn-based Li-ion battery anode showed large energy density (first reversible capacity of 1399 mAh cm^–3), high reversibility (first Coulombic efficiency of 83.2%), long cycling behavior (100% capacity retention after 180 cycles), and fast rate capability (appoximately 1110 mAh cm^–3 at 3<i>C</i> rate). In addition, degradation/enhancement mechanisms for high-capacity and high-performance Li-alloy-based anode materials for next-generation LIBs were also suggested

Video education versus face-to-face education on inhaler technique for patients with well-controlled or partly-controlled asthma: A phase IV, open-label, non-inferiority, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial

<div><p>Background</p><p>Education on inhaler technique is critical for effective asthma treatment. However, traditionally used face-to-face education is time-consuming, costly, and often laborious. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a newly developed video-based inhaler technique education method.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A total of 184 subjects with well-controlled or partly-controlled asthma were enrolled from 12 hospitals in South Korea from 30 November 2015 to 01 June 2016. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups in a 1:1 ratio; a control group that received face-to-face education, and a study group that received video education. All subjects received fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol xinafoate (Fluterol^® 250/50 inhalation capsules) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV₁) at 12 weeks. The secondary outcome measures were change in FEV₁ at 4 weeks, change in asthma control test (ACT) score, and changes in various inhaler technique parameters. These measures were assessed with a non-inferiority margin of 10% between the control group and the study group.</p><p>Results</p><p>FEV₁ was significantly improved at 12 weeks in the control group and the study group. After adjustment, FEV₁ improvement was not significantly inferior in the study group compared to the control group. The secondary outcome measures, including change in FEV₁ at 4 weeks, ACT score, and various parameters pertaining to inhaler technique and satisfaction at 4 and 12 weeks did not differ significantly in the two groups. In subgroup analysis of elderly subjects and subjects with well-controlled asthma, FEV₁ was significantly improved at 12 weeks in the study group but not the control group.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The newly developed video education technique investigated functioned as a suitable substitute for face-to-face education on inhaler technique (dry powder inhalation capsule) in patients with stable asthma, particularly in elderly patients and patients with well-controlled asthma.</p></div

Demographics of enrolled subjects (full analysis set).

<p>Demographics of enrolled subjects (full analysis set).</p

Study flow.

<p>Study flow.</p

Subgroup analysis for primary outcome (FEV₁, %) according to age and baseline ACT score.

<p>Subgroup analysis for primary outcome (FEV₁, %) according to age and baseline ACT score.</p

Other secondary outcomes at 4 weeks and 12 weeks according to the group.

<p>Other secondary outcomes at 4 weeks and 12 weeks according to the group.</p

FEV₁ improvement after 12 weeks in FAS (A) and PPS analysis (B).

<p>The <i>t</i>-test or Wilcoxon’s signed rank test were used to analyze improvement within groups, and ANCOVA was used for comparisons of improvement between the two groups. The data are presented as the mean (dot) and standard error of the mean (bar). FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second; FAS, full analysis set; PPS, per-protocol set.</p

FEV₁ improvement in the FAS (A) and PPS (B), ACT improvement in the FAS (C) and PPS (D), and inhaler technique score improvement in the FAS (E) and PPS (F).

<p>The <i>t</i>-test or Wilcoxon’s signed rank test were used to analyze improvement within groups, and ANCOVA was used for comparisons of improvement between the two groups. The data are presented as the mean (dot) and standard error of the mean (bar). FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second; ACT, asthma control test; FAS, full analysis set; PPS, per-protocol set.</p