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Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are supposed to be attractive energy strorage and supply devices due to the abundant reserves of sodium. Their limited specific capacity and rate capacity, however, are standing in the way of the extensive application of SIBs. It is reported herein that porous sea-cucumber-like FeS 2 @C nanorods can act as efficient cathode materials to satisfy the rigorous requirements of the proposed applications. The fabrication of the sea-cucumber-like FeS 2 @C nanorods involves the hydrothermal growth of F-MIL (where F = Fe, MIL = materials from the Lavoisier Institute) nanorods, and subsequent sulfidation. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the FeS 2 @C nanorods are an outstanding cathode material for SIBs with high specific capacity (385 mAh/g), ultralong lifetime (160 mAh/g after 10 000 cycles at 20 A/g), and exceptional rate capability. The metal−organic framework (MOF) template method provides a useful route toward the development of high-performance electrode materials with robust power and cyclability.

BackgroundCorn peptides (CPs) are a novel food prepared from corn gluten meal, which is a main by-product of the corn starch industry. Recently, significant beneficial effects of CPs on early alcoholic liver injury in rats and on acute alcoholic injury in mice were observed. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report showing that CPs supplementation has beneficial effects on lipid profile, oxidative stress and alcoholic liver injury in men with chronic alcohol consumption.MethodsA 9-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted between September 2011 and August 2012 to assess the hepatoprotective effect of CPs. A total of 161 men were randomized to receive CPs (n = 53), whey protein (n = 54), or corn starch placebo (n = 54) at the same dose of 2 g twice daily. 146 participants completed the study. Serum lipid profile, serum markers of liver injury, oxidative stress and inflammation, and fatty liver based on the results of abdominal ultrasonography were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention.ResultsCPs supplementation (4 g/d) for 9 weeks significantly lowered serum levels or activities of total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α, and significantly increased serum activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, but the same dose of whey protein and corn starch (placebo) did not demonstrate these effects.ConclusionsOur results indicate that CPs may have protective effects on alcohol-induced liver damage via modulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. CPs may potentially be used as a functional food for the management of alcoholic liver disease in subjects with chronic alcohol consumption.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1476-511X-13-192) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.