Magnetic modulation on chiroptical activities of nematically assembled carbon dots.

Effectively harnessing the assembly of achiral carbon dots into a chiral manner is a prominent step for applying carbon dots into the area of stereoselective optoelectronics and theranostics. Herein, magnetic-modulated and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)-active photonic thin films were presented in this article via co-assembly and magnetic-mediation strategy of cellulose nanocrystals, carbon dots and magnetic nanoparticles. The photonic bandgap of the composite films is modulated via interfacial interactions between the building blocks, and more efficiently via external magnetic field which can further enhance the selective reflection of the films with a maximum CPL anisotropic factor as high as -0.92, indicating the optimized condition for achieving CPL signals is basically when the photonic bandgap (PBG) are close to the emission peaks of nanocomposite films, which may essentially facilitate the selective reflection effect and leads to the output of opposite CPL signals. Such strategy would inevitably boost the development of carbon dots based chiral devices and reagents into the realm of chirality-related biological issues and next generation chiral optoelectronics.

Heteronanotrimers by Selective Photodeposition of Gold Nanodots on Janus-Type Cu2‒ xS/CuInS2 Heteronanocrystals.

This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly Au-Cu2-xS/CuInS2 heteronanotrimers. The chosen strategy relies on the laser photodeposition of a single gold nanodot (ND) onto Janus Cu2- xS/CuInS2 heteronanocrystals (HNCs). This method offers precise control over the number, location, and size (5 to 8 nm) of the Au NDs by adjusting laser power for the career production, concentration of hole scavenger for charge equilibration in redox reactions, and gold precursor concentration, and exposure time for the final ND size. The photoreduction of gold ions onto HNCs starts systematically at the Cu2- xS tip. The Au deposition then depends on the CuInS2 segment length. For short HNCs, stable Au-Cu2- xS/CuInS2 heteronanotrimers form, while long HNCs undergo a secondary photo-induced step: the initial Au ND is progressively oxidized, with concomitant deposition of a second gold ND on the CuInS2 side, to yield Au2S-Cu2- xS/CuInS2-Au heteronanotrimers. Results are rationalized by quantitative comparison with a model that describes the growth kinetics of NDs and Au-Cu2- xS transformation and emphasizes the importance of charge separation in predicting selective deposition in heteronanotrimer production. The key parameter controlling Au-Cu2‒ xS/CuInS2 HNCs is the photoinduced electric field gradient generated by charge separation, which is tailored by controlling the CuInS2 segment size.

Sesquiterpenoids from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia.

The genus Valeriana is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nervous disorders, sleep disorders, epilepsy and skin diseases. A large number of sesquiterpenoids from this genus have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-influenza virus and neuroprotective activities. In order to discover more sesquiterpenoids with structural diversity and bioactivity from Valeriana plants, fifteen sesquiterpenoids, including ten undescribed ones, valernaenes A-J (1, 5-7, 9-11 and 13-15), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Structurally, valernaenes C (6) and D (7) were two caryophyllane-type norsesquiterpenoids. In addition, valernaenes A (1) and F (10) exhibited anti-influenza virus activity with EC50 values of 38.76 ± 1.44 and 23.01 ± 4.89 µM, respectively. Furthermore, caryophyllenol A (2) showed promoting effect on nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells with differentiation rate of 12.26% at a concentration of 10 µM. This study not only enriched the structural diversity of sesquiterpenoids in the genus Valeriana, but also provided theoretical basis for the discovery of anti-influenza virus and neuroprotective agents from this genus.

Keys to the switch of fat burning: stimuli that trigger the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) activation in adipose tissue.

As one of the main pathogenic factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the incidence of metabolic diseases such as adiposity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing annually. It is urgent and crucial to find more therapeutic targets to treat these diseases. Mainly expressed in brown adipocytes, mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is key to the thermogenesis of classical brown adipose tissue (BAT). Furthermore, white adipose tissue (WAT) is likely to express more UCP1 and subsequently acquire the ability to undergo thermogenesis under certain stimuli. Therefore, targeting and activating UCP1 to promote increased BAT thermogenesis and browning of WAT are helpful in treating metabolic diseases, such as adiposity and MASLD. In this case, the stimuli that activate UCP1 are emerging. Therefore, we summarize the thermogenic stimuli that have activated UCP1 in recent decades, among which cold exposure is one of the stimuli first discovered to activate BAT thermogenesis. As a convenient and efficient therapy with few side effects and good metabolic benefits, physical exercise can also activate the expression of UCP1 in adipose tissue. Notably, for the first time, we have summarized and demonstrated the stimuli of traditional Chinese medicines that can activate UCP1, such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, and Chinese medicinal herbs. Moreover, pharmacological agents, functional foods, food ingredients, and the gut microbiota are also commonly associated with regulating and activating UCP1. The identification and analysis of UCP1 stimuli can greatly facilitate our understanding of adipose tissue thermogenesis, including the browning of WAT. Thus, it is more conducive to further research and therapy for glucose and lipid metabolism disorders.

Microstructure Refinement via Nucleation of Intragranular Acicular Ferrite Stimulated by Ti-Containing Core-Shell Structured Particles in Low-Carbon Steel.

This study investigated the microstructure, mechanical properties, and nucleation mechanism of acicular ferrite (AF) present in hot-rolled Ti deoxidized steel. In our experiments, the impact toughness of Ti deoxidized steel is significantly increased to 144 J at -20 °C, while those Mn and Al deoxidized steels are only 9 J and 18 J, respectively. Interlocked AF is the primary microstructure of Ti deoxidized steel. The second-phase particles of the core-shell-type structure, in which Ti2O3 is the nucleus and TiO is the outermost shell, act as effective nucleating agents to stimulate AF nucleation. The low lattice disregistry between TiO and AF is the main factor contributing to the production of AF. It is also revealed that Ti2O3 and MnS fulfill the particular orientation relationship, contributing to the formation of an Mn-depleted zone (MDZ) adjacent to MnS, proposed to be one of the possible mechanisms for promoting AF nucleation.

Synergic Surface Modifications of PbS Quantum Dots by Sodium Acetate in Solid-State Ligand Exchange toward Short-Wave Infrared Photodetectors.

PbS quantum dots (QDs) are promising for short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodetection and imaging. Solid-state ligand exchange (SSLE) is a low-fabrication-threshold QD solid fabrication method. However, QD treatment by SSLE remains challenging in seeking refined surface passivation to achieve the desired device performance. This work investigates using NaAc in the ligand exchange process to enhance the film morphology and electronic coupling configuration of QD solids. By implementing various film and photodetector device characterization studies, we confirm that adding NaAc with a prominent adding ratio of 20 wt % NaAc with tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) in the SSLE leads to an improved film morphology, reduced surface roughness, and decreased trap states in the QD solid films. Moreover, compared to the devices without NaAc treatment, those fabricated with NaAc-treated QD solids exhibit an enhanced performance, including lower dark current density (<100 nA/cm2), faster response speed, higher responsivity, detectivity, and external quantum efficiency (EQE reaching 25%). The discoveries can be insightful in developing efficient, low-cost, and low-fabrication-threshold QD SWIR detection and imager applications.

Spatiotemporal alterations in the brain oscillations of Arctic explorers.

BACKGROUND: The limited understanding of the physiology and psychology of polar expedition explorers has prompted concern over the potential cognitive impairments caused by exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Prior research has demonstrated that such stressors can negatively impact cognitive function, sleep quality, and behavioral outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of the polar environment on neuronal activity remains largely unknown. METHODS: In this study, we aimed to investigate spatiotemporal alterations in brain oscillations of 13 individuals (age range: 22-48 years) who participated in an Arctic expedition. We utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to record cortical activity before and during the Arctic journey, and employed standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography to localize changes in alpha, beta, theta, and gamma activity. RESULTS: Our results reveal a significant increase in the power of theta oscillations in specific regions of the Arctic, which differed significantly from pre-expedition measurements. Furthermore, microstate analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration of microstates (MS) D and alterations in the local synchrony of the frontoparietal network. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments. These findings have implications for understanding the cognitive consequences of polar exploration and may inform strategies to mitigate potential neurological risks associated with such endeavors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects of Arctic exposure on brain function.

Magnoflorine alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis via inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Magnoflorine (Mag), a natural alkaloid component originating from the Ranunculaceae Juss. Family, has a various of pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of Mag on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) based on comprehensive approaches. Therapeutic effects of Mag on 3% DSS-induced UC mice were analyzed. UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to investigate the potential metabolites and signaling pathway of Mag on DSS-induced UC. Furthermore, the predicted mRNA and protein levels of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in colon tissue were verified and assessed by qRT-PCR and Western Blotting, respectively. Therapeutic effects of Mag on UC mice were presented in down-regulation serum biochemical indices, alleviating histological damage of colon tissue. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that the potential mechanism of Mag on UC is mainly associated with the regulation of six biomarkers and 11 pathways, which may be responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of UC. The "component-metabolites-targets" interactive network indicated that Mag exerts its anti-UC effect by regulating PTGS1 and PTGS2, thereby regulating arachidonic acid. Moreover, the results of qRT-PCR showed that Mag could substantially decrease the relative mRNA expression level of Hub genes. In addition, it was found that Mag could inhibit the relative mRNA and protein expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The present results highlighted the role of Mag ameliorated colon injury in DSS-induced UC mice by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These results suggest that Mag may be an effective agent for the treatment of UC.

Association between lower neutrophil-to-albumin ratio and early neurological improvement in patients with acute cerebral infarction after intravenous thrombolysis.

Elevated neutrophil counts and decreased albumin levels have been linked to an unfavorable prognosis in acute cerebral infarction (ACI). The objective of this study is to explore the correlation between the neutrophil-to-albumin ratio (NAR) and the early neurological improvement (ENI) of ACI patients following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). ACI patients who underwent IVT between June 2019 and June 2023 were enrolled. The severity of ACI was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). ENI was defined as a reduction in NIHSS score of ≥ 4 or complete resolution of neurological deficit within 24 h after IVT. Propensity score match (PSM) and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlation between these variables and the early neurological outcomes of patients. A total of 545 ACI patients were included, with 253 (46.4 %) experiencing ENI. Among the 193 pairs of patients after PSM, there was a significant association between NAR and ENI (OR, 0.89; 95 % CI, 0.85-0.94; p < 0.001). The restricted cubic splines analysis revealed a significant nonlinear correlation between NAR and ENI (p for nonlinear = 0.0004; p for overall = 0.0002). The optimal cutoff for predicting ENI was determined as a NAR level of 10.20, with sensitivity and specificity values of 73.6 % and 60.9 %. NAR levels are associated with ENI in ACI patients after IVT. The decreased levels of NAR indicate an increased likelihood of post-thrombolysis ENI in ACI patients.

Intensive Ambulance-Delivered Blood-Pressure Reduction in Hyperacute Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acute stroke, before a distinction can be made between ischemic and hemorrhagic types, is challenging. Whether very early blood-pressure control in the ambulance improves outcomes among patients with undifferentiated acute stroke is uncertain. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients with suspected acute stroke that caused a motor deficit and with elevated systolic blood pressure (≥150 mm Hg), who were assessed in the ambulance within 2 hours after the onset of symptoms, to receive immediate treatment to lower the systolic blood pressure (target range, 130 to 140 mm Hg) (intervention group) or usual blood-pressure management (usual-care group). The primary efficacy outcome was functional status as assessed by the score on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) at 90 days after randomization. The primary safety outcome was any serious adverse event. RESULTS: A total of 2404 patients (mean age, 70 years) in China underwent randomization and provided consent for the trial: 1205 in the intervention group and 1199 in the usual-care group. The median time between symptom onset and randomization was 61 minutes (interquartile range, 41 to 93), and the mean blood pressure at randomization was 178/98 mm Hg. Stroke was subsequently confirmed by imaging in 2240 patients, of whom 1041 (46.5%) had a hemorrhagic stroke. At the time of patients' arrival at the hospital, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 159 mm Hg, as compared with 170 mm Hg in the usual-care group. Overall, there was no difference in functional outcome between the two groups (common odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87 to 1.15), and the incidence of serious adverse events was similar in the two groups. Prehospital reduction of blood pressure was associated with a decrease in the odds of a poor functional outcome among patients with hemorrhagic stroke (common odds ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.92) but an increase among patients with cerebral ischemia (common odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.60). CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, prehospital blood-pressure reduction did not improve functional outcomes in a cohort of patients with undifferentiated acute stroke, of whom 46.5% subsequently received a diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and others; INTERACT4 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03790800; Chinese Trial Registry number, ChiCTR1900020534.).

Gold-Catalyzed Reactions of Enynals with Alkenes for Synthesis Binaphthyl Derivatives.

A PPh3Au[B(C6F5)4]-catalyzed reaction of enynals and alkenes for the construction of binaphthyl derivatives was described. This transformation was achieved through o-Quinodimethane (o-QDM) intermediate's extended conjugated addition process. The reaction has the advantages of wide substrate scopes, mild reaction conditions, high efficiency, and good scalability.

Textured Potassium Sodium Niobate Lead-Free Ceramics with High d33 and Qm for Meeting High-Power Applications.

Potassium sodium niobate (KNN) lead-free piezoceramics have garnered significant attention for their environmentally friendly attributes, desired piezoelectric activity (d33), and high Curie temperature (Tc). However, the limited applicability of most KNN systems in high-power apparatus, including ultrasonic motors, transformers, and resonators, persists due to the inherent low mechanical quality factor (Qm). Herein, we proposed an innovative strategy for achieving high Qm accompanied by desirable d33 via synergistic chemical doping and texturing in KNN piezoceramics. Comprehensive electrical measurements along with quantitative structural characterization at multilength scales reveal that the excellent electromechanical properties (kp = 0.58, d33 ∼ 134 pC·N-1, Qm = 582, and Tc ∼ 415 °C) originate from the high <001> texturing degree, nanodomain, as well as acceptor hardening. Our findings provide an insight and guidance for achieving high-power performance in lead-free KNN-based piezoceramics, which were expected to be used in advanced transducer technology.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease: Multiple organ occupation on CT.

One case involved a 61-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital with liver occupation, subsequently found multiple organ occupation, and was eventually pathologically identified as having immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

Iridoids and other constituents from the leaves and stems of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia.

Fifty-nine compounds, including nineteen previously undescribed iridoids (valeriananols A-S) and an undescribed alkaloid (5'-isovaleryl uridine), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures were elucidated based on Mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of valeriananols A-C, E-N, P, Q and S was determined by experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism. Structurally, valeriananols A and B were two 1,3-seco-iridoids with a 3,6-epoxy moiety, valeriananols K and L were a pair of C-4 epimers, while valeriananol S was a 4'-deoxy iridoid glycoside. In addition, valeriananol P, stenopterin A and patriscabioin C exhibited significant inhibition on nitric oxide production with IC50 values of 10.31, 3.93 and 8.69 µM, respectively. Furthermore, stenopterin A and patriscabioin C showed anti-proliferation activity on the MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values of 17.28 and 13.89 µM, respectively.

Modification of Al Surface via Acidic Treatment and its Impact on Plating and Stripping.

Amorphous Al2 O3 film that naturally exists on any Al substrate is a critical bottleneck for the cyclic performance of metallic Al in rechargeable Al batteries. The so-called electron/ion insulator Al oxide slows down the anode's activation and hinders Al plating/stripping. The Al2 O3 film induces different surface properties (roughness and microstructure) on the metal. Al foils present two optically different sides (shiny and non-shiny), but their surface properties and influence on plating and stripping have not been studied so far. Compared to the shiny side, the non-shiny one has a higher (~28 %) surface roughness, and its greater concentration of active sites (for Al plating and stripping) yields higher current densities. Immersion pretreatments in Ionic-Liquid/AlCl3 -based electrolyte with various durations modify the surface properties of each side, forming an electrode-electrolyte interphase layer rich in Al, Cl, and N. The created interphase layer provides more tunneling paths for better Al diffusion upon plating and stripping. After 500 cycles, dendritic Al deposition, generated active sites, and the continuous removal of the Al metal and oxide cause accelerated local corrosion and electrode pulverization. We highlight the mechanical surface properties of cycled Al foil, considering the role of immersion pretreatment and the differences between the two sides.

Spin Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes Enabled by 2D Chiral Perovskite with Spin-Dependent Carrier Transport.

Chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect provides innovative approach to spintronics and quantum-based devices for chiral materials. Different from the conventional ferromagnetic devices, the application of CISS effect is potential to operate under room temperature and zero applied magnetic field. Low dimensional chiral perovskites by introducing chiral amines are beginning to show significant CISS effect for spin injection, but research on chiral perovskites is still in its infancy, especially on spin-light emitting diode (spin-LED) construction. Here, the spin-QLEDs enabled by 2D chiral perovskites as CISS layer for spin-dependent carrier injection and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as light emitting layer are reported. The regulation pattern of the chirality and thickness of chiral perovskites, which affects the circularly polarized electroluminescence (CP-EL) emission of spin-QLED, is discovered. Notably, the spin injection polarization of 2D chiral perovskites is higher than 80% and the CP-EL asymmetric factor (gCP-EL ) achieves up to 1.6 × 10-2 . Consequently, this work opens up a new and effective approach for high-performance spin-LEDs.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Quantum Dots Frontiers.

Thanks to state-of-the-art chemical and device engineering in past decades, we have witnessed more and more novel applications based on semiconductor nanocrystals: quantum dots (QDs) [...].

Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma: A comprehensive review of its chemical composition, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity.

Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR, Shi Chang Pu in Chinese), a natural product with multiple targets in various diseases. This review provides the comprehensive summary of the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics parameters and toxicity of ATR. The results indicated that ATR possesses a wide spectrum of chemical composition, including volatile oil, terpenoids, organic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, lignin, carbohydrates and so on. Accumulating evidence from various studies has shown that ATR exerts a wide range of pharmacological properties, including protecting nerve cells, alleviating learning and memory impairment, anti-ischemic, anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-arrhythmic, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant activities. Currently, ATR is widely used in the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal digestive system, respiratory system in China, and for the treatment of epilepsy, depression, amnesia, consciousness, anxiety, insomnia, aphasia, tinnitus, cancers, dementia, stroke, skin diseases, and other complex diseases. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that ß-asarone, α-asarone, cis-methylisoeugenol, and asarylaldehyde, the active components of ATR, were absorbed slowly after oral administration of ATR. Moreover, toxicity studies have suggested that ATR has no carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic toxicity. Nevertheless, long term or high-dose toxicity testing in animals to explore the acute and chronic toxicity of acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma is still lacking. In view of good pharmacological activities, ATR is expected to be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, depression, or ulcerative colitis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms and targets, improve its oral bioavailability, and clarify its potential toxicity.

Compatibility of Polygonati Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix enhance the alleviation of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by promoting fatty acid ß-oxidation.

Jiuzhuan Huangjing Pills (JHP) composed of Polygonati Rhizoma (PR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) remedied mitochondria to cure metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, a comparison of the anti-MAFLD ability between JHP prescription and PR and ASR single-medicines in MAFLD has not been performed, and the action mechanisms and substances remain unknown. Our results show that JHP, PR and ASR decreased serum and liver lipid levels. The effects of JHP were stronger than those of PR and ASR. JHP, PR and ASR afforded protection to mitochondrial ultrastructure, and regulated oxidative stress and energy metabolism in mitochondria. JHP also regulated the expression of ß-oxidation genes, which were not regulated by PR and ASR. JHP-, PR- and ASR-derived components in mitochondrial extracts regulated oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and ß-oxidation gene expression and alleviated cellular steatosis. Four, six and eleven compounds were identified in mitochondrial extracts from PR-, ASR- and JHP-treated rats, respectively. The data suggest that JHP, PR and ASR alleviated MAFLD by remedying mitochondria, while the ability of JHP was stronger than that of PR and ASR, which was involved with the ß-oxidation promotion. The compounds identified may be the main ingredients in the three extracts active in MAFLD improvement.