Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Space Fillers to Enhance Volumetric Energy Density of NMC811 Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

Ni-rich layered transition metal (TM) oxides are considered to be the most promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their high electrochemical capacity, high Li+ ion (de)intercalation potential, and low cobalt content. However, such materials possess several drawbacks including relatively low volumetric energy density caused by insufficient values of tap density. Herein, we demonstrate an exceptionally rapid and energy-saving synthesis of the mixed hydroxide precursor for the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) positive electrode (cathode) material through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The obtained material further serves as a space-filler to fill the voids between spherical agglomerates in the cathode powder prepared via a conventional co-precipitation technique boosting the tap density of the resulting mixed NMC811 by 30% up to 2.9 g/cm3. Owing to increased tap density, the volumetric energy density of the composite cathode exceeds 2100 mWh/cm3 vs. 1690 mWh/cm3 for co-precipitated samples. The crystal structure of the obtained materials was scrutinized by powder X-ray diffraction and high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM); the cation composition and homogeneity of TM spatial distribution were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a STEM mode (STEM-EDX). Well-crystallized NMC811 with a relatively low degree of anti-site disorder and homogeneous TM distribution in a combination with the co-precipitated material delivers a reversible discharge capacity as high as ~200 mAh/g at 0.1C current density and capacity retention of 78% after 300 charge/discharge cycles (current density 1C) within the voltage region of 2.7–4.3 V vs. Li/Li+

Laboratory Tests in Diagnosis of Mastocytosis: Literature Review and Case Report

Мastocytosis is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal growth and accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in the skin and/or other organ systems. Mastocytosis is a rare disease. The annual incidence is 5-10 cases per 1 million people. However, the majority of cases stay undiagnosed due to the lack of specific tests and a wide variety of clinical features of the disease. In mastocytosis, somatic mutations of KIT gene lead to autocrine dysregulation and constitutive c-KIT activation in the absence of its ligand SCF. Clinical symptoms of the disease are determined by MC mediator release and/or infiltration of tissues by MCs. According to the World Health Organisation classification updated in 2016 mastocytosis is divided to cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM), smoldering systemic mastocytosis (SSM), SM with an associated hematologic (non-MC-lineage) neoplasm (SMAHN), aggressive SM (ASM), MC leukemia (MCL) and MC sarcoma (MCS). The CM and ISM prognosis is excellent with (almost) normal life expectancy, unlike aggressive forms (ASM and MCL) with poor prognosis. In this paper the key aspects of clinical features and diagnostic criteria of mastocytosis are discussed. We present a case report of a patient with mastocytosis in the skin following psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy with good response

Efficacy of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (13-valent, Adsorbed) in Patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treated with Genetically Engineered Biologic Drugs (Tocilizumab or Canakinumab): Prospective Cohort Study

Background. Immunological potency of 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV-13) in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is still unstudied. Estimates of the genetically engineered biologic drugs (GEBD) effects on pneumococcal vaccination results also remain controversial.Objective. The aim of the study was to explore the PCV-13 efficacy in patients with SJIA and who is on treatment with monoclonal antibodies against interleukin 6 receptor (tocilizumab) and interleukin 8 receptor beta (canakinumab).Methods. The study included patients under the age of 18 with SJIA in remission or active form of disease vaccinated with PCV-13. The vaccine was administered in single dose of 0.5 ml intramuscularly in patients on treatment with GEBD or 3 weeks before GEBD administration for the first time (for patients with active disease). Vaccination was considered effective at achievement of the minimum protective level of antibodies to capsular polysaccharide of pneumococcus (anti-SPP IgG; ≥ 7 U/ml) or increase of anti-SPP IgG level ≥ 2 times in 4 weeks after vaccination. The anti-SPP IgG levels were measured with enzyme immunoassay.Results. The study included 53 patients (27 girls) in remission of SJIA and 25 (16 girls) in active disease. Median age was 13.3 and 10.8 years respectively. Tocilizumab/canakinumab was administrated in 43/10 and 18/7 patients respectively. Minimum significant anti-SPP IgG level and two-fold increase in anti-SPP IgG level were recorded in 49/53 (92%) and 32/53 (60%) patients with SJIA in remission, as well as in 22/25 (88%) and 18/25 (72%) patients in active disease respectively. PCV-13 immunological potency in patients with SJIA in remission and in active disease (in those who were initially administrated and who did not receive GEBD) did not differ.Conclusion. PCV-13 vaccination allows to achieve protective antibodies level in most of the patients with SJIA in children population regardless of the disease stage and the history of GEBD administration