[en] Solid-state sodium-ion/metal batteries (SSSBs) are highly desirable for next-generation energy storage systems, while very limited Na-ion solid-state electrolytes are explored. The borohydride-based solid electrolytes are expected to achieve the high energy density target, due to their low redox potential, low Young's modulus as well as high stability toward alkali metals. However, the biggest challenge of borohydride-based electrolyte is the low ionic conductivity. In this study, an anti-perovskite solid-state electrolyte (SSE) material rich in vacancy defects is explored, Na${}_2$BH${}_4$NH${}_2$, to solve above problems. Benefitting from rich vacancy defects, a high ionic conductivity of 7.56 × 10${}^{-<!--\; ???\; -->4}$ S cm${}^{-<!--\; ???\; -->1}$ with a low activation energy for Na${}^{+}$ migration of 0.67 eV at 90 °C are achieved. The NaSn|Na${}_2$BH${}_4$NH${}_2$|NaSn symmetric cell cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm${}^{-<!--\; ???\; -->2}$ for 500 h. Moreover, the universality of Na${}_2$BH${}_4$NH${}_2$ electrolyte is verified by TiS${}_2$ cathode, indicating that Na${}_2$BH${}_4$NH${}_2$ has good compatibility with electrode material. These outstanding performances suggest that it is a viable strategy to increase the ionic conductivity by forming vacancy defects, leading to the further development of solid electrolytes with superior properties. (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH)

[en] Tamoxifen is used in hormone therapy for estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, but also has chemopreventative effects against ER-negative breast cancers. This study sought to investigate whether oral iron-saturated bovine lactoferrin (Fe-Lf), a natural product which enhances chemotherapy, could improve the chemotherapeutic effects of tamoxifen in the treatment of ER-negative breast cancers. In a model of breast cancer prevention, female Balb/c mice treated with tamoxifen (5 mg/Kg) were fed an Fe-Lf supplemented diet (5 g/Kg diet) or the base diet. At week 2, 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells were injected into an inguinal mammary fat pad. In a model of breast cancer treatment, tamoxifen treatment was not started until two weeks following tumor cell injection. Tumor growth, metastasis, body weight, and levels of interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) were analyzed. Tamoxifen weakly (IC₅₀ ~ 8 μM) inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 cells at pharmacological concentrations in vitro. In the tumor prevention study, a Fe-Lf diet in combination with tamoxifen caused a 4 day delay in tumor formation, and significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis to the liver and lung by 48, 58, and 66% (all P < 0.001), respectively, compared to untreated controls. The combination therapy was significantly (all P < 0.05) more effective than the respective monotherapies. Oral Fe-Lf attenuated the loss of body weight caused by tamoxifen and cancer cachexia. It prevented tamoxifen-induced reductions in serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ, and intestinal cells expressing IL-18 and IFN-γ. It increased the levels of Lf in leukocytes residing in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. B, T and Natural killer (NK) cells containing high levels of Lf were identified in 4T1 tumors, suggesting they had migrated from the intestine. Similar effects of Fe-Lf and tamoxifen on tumor cell viability were seen in the treatment of established tumors. The results indicate that Fe-Lf is a potent natural adjuvant capable of augmenting the chemotherapeutic activity of tamoxifen. It could have application in delaying relapse in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients who are at risk of developing ER-negative tumors