Preparation and Application of Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization (CDI): a State-of-Art Review

As a promising desalination technology, capacitive deionization (CDI) have shown practicality and cost-effectiveness in brackish water treatment. Developing more efficient electrode materials is the key to improving salt removal performance. This work reviewed current progress on electrode fabrication in application of CDI. Fundamental principal (e.g. EDL theory and adsorption isotherms) and process factors (e.g. pore distribution, potential, salt type and concentration) of CDI performance were presented first. It was then followed by in-depth discussion and comparison on properties and fabrication technique of different electrodes, including carbon aerogel, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene and ordered mesoporous carbon. Finally, polyaniline as conductive polymer and its potential application as CDI electrode-enhancing materials were also discussed

Phase Equilibria Modification by Electric Fields: 1997 Annual Progress Report

'In this research program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is investigating the modification of phase equilibria and interface transport enhancement-caused by electric fields. The majority of environmental and waste treatment processes involve complex chemical separations and reactions. The treatment efficiency in such processes is governed by thermodynamic equilibria and transport. The objective of this project is to use electric fields to favorably manipulate the thermodynamic and transport properties of mixtures so that higher separation efficiencies can be achieved. An understanding of the mechanisms of the underlying phenomena of molecular and fluid interactions with electric fields will lead to the development of efficient remediation methods for contaminated natural environments and wastes. Research Statement The main focus of this project is to understand and quantify the influence of electric fields on thermodynamic equilibria and transport properties of fluid mixtures and to determine the conditions and properties of the systems for which this influence is of practical significance. The specific objectives of the project are discussed.

Distillation Under Electric Fields

Distillation Is the most common separation process used in the chemical and petroleum industry. Major limitations in the applicability and efficiency of distillation come from thermodynamic equilibria, that is, vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE), and heat and mass transfer rates. In this work, electric fields are used to manipulate the VLE of mixtures. VLE experiments are performed for various binary mixtures in the presence of electric fields on the order of a few kilovolts per centimeter. The results show that the VLE is changed by electric fields, with changes in the separation factor as high as 10% being observed. Batch distillation experiments are also carried out for binary mixtures of 2-propanol and water with and without an applied electric field. Results show enhanced distillation rates and separation efficiency in the presence of an electric field but decreased separation enhancement when the electric current is increased. The latter phenomenon is caused by the formation at the surface of the liquid mixture of microdroplets that are entrained by the vapor. These observations suggest that there should be an electric field strength for each system for which the separation enhancement is maximum

Risk factor genes in patients with dystonia: A comprehensive review

Background: Dystonia is a movement disorder with high heterogeneity regarding phenotypic appearance and etiology that occurs in both sporadic and familial forms. The etiology of the disease remains unknown. However, there is increasing evidence suggesting that a small number of gene alterations may lead to dystonia. Although pathogenic variants to the familial type of dystonia have been extensively reviewed and discussed, relatively little is known about the contribution of singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to dystonia. This review focuses on the potential role of SNPs and other variants in dystonia susceptibility. Methods: We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles published in English, from its inception through January 2018, that concerned human studies of dystonia and genetic variants. The following search terms were included: ‘‘dystonia’’ in combination with the following terms: 1) ‘‘polymorphisms’’ and 2) ‘‘SNPs’’ as free words. Results: A total of 43 published studies regarding TOR1A, BDNF, DRD5, APOE, ARSG, NALC, OR4X2, COL4A1, TH, DDC, DBH, MAO, COMT, DAT, GCH1, PRKRA, MR-1, SGCE, ATP1A3, TAF1, THAP1, GNAL, DRD2, HLA-DRB, CBS, MTHFR, and MS genes, were included in the current review. Discussion: To date, a few variants, which are possibly involved in several molecular pathways, have been related to dystonia. Large cohort studies are needed to determine robust associations between variants and dystonia with adjustment for other potential cofounders, in order to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of dystonia and the net effect of the genes. © 2018 Siokas et al

Recurrent episodes of syncope requiring pacemaker implantation as an initial presentation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) can manifest with a variety of heterogeneous symptoms, mainly encompassing optic neuritis, acute myelitis and area postrema syndrome (hiccups, nausea, and vomiting). Syncopal episodes have rarely been described as an initial manifestation of NMOSD. Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old male who was diagnosed with NMOSD after initially presenting with intractable hiccups and recurrent episodes of syncope. This report is of particular interest, as it suggests that NMOSD should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with intractable hiccups and heart rhythm disorders. © 202

Risk factor genes in patients with dystonia: A comprehensive review

Background: Dystonia is a movement disorder with high heterogeneity regarding phenotypic appearance and etiology that occurs in both sporadic and familial forms. The etiology of the disease remains unknown. However, there is increasing evidence suggesting that a small number of gene alterations may lead to dystonia. Although pathogenic variants to the familial type of dystonia have been extensively reviewed and discussed, relatively little is known about the contribution of singlenucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)to dystonia. This review focuses on the potential role of SNPs and other variants in dystonia susceptibility. Methods: We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles published in English, from its inception through January 2018, that concerned human studies of dystonia and genetic variants. The following search terms were included: ‘‘dystonia’’ in combination with the following terms: 1)‘‘polymorphisms’’ and 2)‘‘SNPs’’ as free words. Results: A total of 43 published studies regarding TOR1A, BDNF, DRD5, APOE, ARSG, NALC, OR4X2, COL4A1, TH, DDC, DBH, MAO, COMT, DAT, GCH1, PRKRA, MR-1, SGCE, ATP1A3, TAF1, THAP1, GNAL, DRD2, HLA-DRB, CBS, MTHFR, and MS genes, were included in the current review. Discussion: To date, a few variants, which are possibly involved in several molecular pathways, have been related to dystonia. Large cohort studies are needed to determine robust associations between variants and dystonia with adjustment for other potential cofounders, in order to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of dystonia and the net effect of the genes. © 2018 Siokas et al. All rights reserved

Regulatory B and T lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis: friends or foes?

Current clinical experience with immunomodulatory agents and monoclonal antibodies in principle has established the benefit of depleting lymphocytic populations in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). B and T cells may exert multiple pro-inflammatory actions, but also possess regulatory functions making their role in RRMS pathogenesis much more complex. There is no clear correlation of Tregs and Bregs with clinical features of the disease. Herein, we discuss the emerging data on regulatory T and B cell subset distributions in MS and their roles in the pathophysiology of MS and its murine model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In addition, we summarize the immunomodulatory properties of certain MS therapeutic agents through their effect on such regulatory cell subsets and their relevance to clinical outcomes. © 2018, The Author(s)

Anti-MOG Positive Bilateral Optic Neuritis and Brainstem Encephalitis Secondary to COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

(1) Introduction: There have been numerous reports on the neuroinvasive competence of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present a case with anti-MOG positive bilateral optic neuritis and brainstem encephalitis secondary to COVID-19 infection. Additionally, we present a review of the current literature regarding the manifestation of anti-MOG positive optic neuritis as well as anti-MOG positive encephalitis after COVID-19 infection. (2) Case Report: A 59-year-old female patient, with a recent history of COVID-19 infection, presented a progressive reduction of visual acuity and bilateral retrobulbar pain for the last 20 days. An ophthalmological examination revealed a decreased visual acuity (counting fingers) and a bilateral papilledema. An MRI scan of the brain revealed a mild thickening of the bilateral optic nerves and high-intensity lesions in the medial and right lateral pons. A high titer of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum and antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG) in serum and CSF were revealed. The diagnosis of anti-MOG brainstem encephalitis and optic neuritis was set. (3) Conclusions: The history of COVID-19 infection should raise awareness about these autoimmune and infection-triggered diseases, such as anti-MOG antibody disease. © 2022 by the authors

Erratum: Corrigendum to: The beneficial effects of computer-based cognitive training in parkinson's disease: A systematic review (Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology (2020) 35: 4 (434-447) DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acz080)

The above article included a reference to "Improving functional disability and cognition in Parkinson disease Randomized controlled trial"(doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001043), which used as intervention the REHACOP, which is a structured program using paper-pencil tasks. This article should not be included in the above mentioned review article, which is focused on published studies investigating the effect of computer-based cognitive training on neuropsychological performance in Parkinson's Disease. This has been corrected online. © The Author(s) 2020