Mechanically compliant and lithium dendrite growth-suppressing composite polymer electrolytes for flexible lithium-ion batteries

We demonstrate mechanically compliant and lithium dendrite growth-suppressing composite polymer electrolytes for use in flexible lithium-ion batteries. This new composite polymer electrolyte (referred to as "CPE") is fabricated via an exquisite combination of UV (ultraviolet)-cured ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate macromer (serving as a mechanical framework) and Al2O3 nanoparticles (as a functional filler) in the presence of a high boiling point liquid electrolyte. A distinctive structural feature of the CPE is the close-packed Al2O3 nanoparticles in the liquid electrolyte-swollen ETPTA macromer matrix. Owing to this unique morphology, the CPE provides significant improvements in the mechanical bendability and suppression of lithium dendrite growth during charge-discharge cycling.close15

Recurrent Infective Endocarditis Associated With Pyogenic Spondylodiskitis

Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening condition caused by microbial infection of the heart's endocardial surface. This condition can also be associated with bacterial infections of other organs. We experienced an unusual case of recurrent infective endocarditis associated with pyogenic spondylodiskitis. A 70-year-old man presented with persistent fever and lower back pain visited our hospital. The patient had a past history of recurrent infective endocarditis. He was diagnosed with infective endocarditis again based on clinical symptoms and echocardiographic findings. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate lower back pain, which showed acute spondylodiskitis on L3 and L4 vertebrae. The patient completely recovered following four weeks of antibiotic therapy

Comparison of Remifentanil and Fentanyl for Postoperative Pain Control after Abdominal Hysterectomy

Purpose: In this randomized, double-blind study, we investigated the analgesic efficacy and side effects of continuous constant-dose infusions of remifentanil after total abdominal hysterectomy and compared it to fentanyl. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six adult female patients scheduled for elective total abdominal hysterectomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups according to fentanyl (group F, n = 28) or remifentanil (group R, n = 28) for postoperative analgesia. Patients in group F were given fentanyl intravenously with an infusion rate of fentanyl 0.5 μg/kg/hr; group R was given remifentanil with an infusion rate of remifentanil 0.05 μg/kg/ min for 2 days. Pain intensity at rest, occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), dizziness, pruritus, and respiratory depression were assessed 1 hr after arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit, at 6; 12; 24; and 48 hr postoperation and 6 hr post-infusion of the study drug. Pain was evaluated by using visual analogue scale (VAS; 0- 10). The time that patients first requested analgesics was recorded as well as additional analgesics and antiemetics. Results: There were no significant differences in VAS, time to first postoperative analgesics, and additional analgesics between the 2 groups. The incidences and severities of PONV and opioid related side effects were not different between the groups; however, there were 3 episodes (10.7%) of serious respiratory depression in group R. Conclusion: Continuous infusion technique of remifentanil did not reveal any benefits compared to fentanyl. Furthermore, it is not safe for postoperative analgesia in the general ward

Comparison of Monthly Ibandronate Versus Weekly Risedronate in Preference, Convenience, and Bone Turnover Markers in Korean Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women

Patient preferences, convenience, and bone turnover markers were evaluated for the monthly ibandronate over the weekly risedronate regimen in Korean postmenopausal osteoporotic women. This was a 6-month, prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study with a two-period and two-sequence crossover treatment design. After a 30-day screening period, eligible participants with postmenopausal osteoporosis were randomized to receive either monthly oral ibandronate 150 mg for 3 months followed by weekly oral risedronate 35 mg for 12 weeks (sequence A) or the same regimen in reverse order (sequence B). Patient preference and convenience were evaluated by questionnaire. The changes in serum C-telopeptide after 3 months of treatment were analyzed. A total of 365 patients were enrolled in this study (sequence A 182, sequence B 183). Of patients expressing a preference (83.4%), 74.8% preferred the monthly ibandronate regimen over the weekly regimen (25.2%). More women stated that the monthly ibandronate regimen was more convenient (84.2%) than the weekly regimen (15.8%). There was no significant difference in the change in bone turnover marker between the two treatments. The two regimens were similarly tolerable. There were fewer adverse events in the monthly ibandronate group compared to the weekly risedronate group in terms of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea and abdominal distension). This study revealed a strong preference and convenience for monthly ibandronate over weekly risedronate in Korean postmenopausal osteoporotic women. There was no significant difference in change of bone turnover marker and safety profile between the two regimens