Glutathione is required for nitric oxide-induced chilling tolerance by synergistically regulating antioxidant system, polyamine synthesis, and mitochondrial function in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

In this paper, we discussed the physiological mechanism of enhanced chilling tolerance with combined treatment of nitric oxide (NO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in cucumber seedlings. With prolonged low temperature (10 °C/6 °C), oxidative stress improved, which was manifested as an increase the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), causing cell membrane damage, particularly after 48 h of chilling stress. Exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP, NO donor) enhanced the activity of nitric oxide synthase NOS-like, the contents of GSH and polyamines (PAs), and the cellular redox state, thus regulating the activities of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation components (CI, CII, CIV, CV). However, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, a GSH synthase inhibitor) treatment drastically reversed or attenuated the effects of NO. Importantly, the combination of SNP and GSH treatment had the best effect in alleviating chilling-induced oxidative stress by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzyme, including superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD) and improved the PAs content, thereby increased activities of CI, CII, CIII, CIV, and CV. This potentially contributes to the maintenance of oxidative phosphorylation originating from mitochondria. In addition, the high activity of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in the combined treatment of SNP and GSH possibly mediates the conversion of NO and GSH to S-nitrosoglutathione. Our study revealed that the combined treatment with NO and GSH to synergistically improve the cold tolerance of cucumber seedlings under prolonged low-temperature stress.

Sleep Deprivation Induces Gut Damage via Ferroptosis.

Sleep deprivation (SD) has been associated with a plethora of severe pathophysiological syndromes, including gut damage, which recently has been elucidated as an outcome of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the spatiotemporal analysis conducted in this study has intriguingly shown that specific events cause harmful damage to the gut, particularly to goblet cells, before the accumulation of lethal ROS. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses have identified significant enrichment of metabolites related to ferroptosis in mice suffering from SD. Further analysis revealed that melatonin could rescue the ferroptotic damage in mice by suppressing lipid peroxidation associated with ALOX15 signaling. ALOX15 knockout protected the mice from the serious damage caused by SD-associated ferroptosis. These findings suggest that melatonin and ferroptosis could be targets to prevent devastating gut damage in animals exposed to SD. To sum up, this study is the first report that proposes a noncanonical modulation in SD-induced gut damage via ferroptosis with a clearly elucidated mechanism and highlights the active role of melatonin as a potential target to maximally sustain the state during SD.

Retraction: Synthesis of Yttrium Superhydride Superconductor with a Transition Temperature up to 262 K by Catalytic Hydrogenation at High Pressures [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 117003 (2021)].

Retraction of DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.117003.

Integrating molecular dynamics simulations and experimental data for azeotrope predictions in binary mixtures.

An azeotrope is a constant boiling point mixture, and its behavior is important for fluid separation processes. Predicting azeotropes from atomistic simulations is difficult due to the complexities and convergence problems of Monte Carlo and free-energy perturbation techniques. Here, we present a methodology for predicting the azeotropes of binary mixtures, which computes the compositional dependence of chemical potentials from molecular dynamics simulations using the S0 method and employs experimental boiling point and vaporization enthalpy data. Using this methodology, we reproduce the azeotropes, or lack thereof, in five case studies, including ethanol/water, ethanol/isooctane, methanol/water, hydrazine/water, and acetone/chloroform mixtures. We find that it is crucial to use the experimental boiling point and vaporization enthalpy for reliable azeotrope predictions, as empirical force fields are not accurate enough for these quantities. Finally, we use regular solution models to rationalize the azeotropes and reveal that they tend to form when the mixture components have similar boiling points and strong interactions.

HOO• as the Chain Carrier for the Autocatalytic Photooxidation of Benzylic Alcohols.

The oxidation of benzylic alcohols is an important transformation in modern organic synthesis. A plethora of photoredox protocols have been developed to achieve the aerobic oxidation of alcohols into carbonyls. Recently, several groups described that ultraviolet (UV) or purple light can initiate the aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols in the absence of an external catalyst, and depicted different mechanisms involving the photoinduction of •O2- as a critical reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, based on comprehensive mechanistic investigations, including control experiments, radical quenching experiments, EPR studies, UV-vis spectroscopy, kinetics studies, and density functional theory calculations (DFT), we elucidate here that HOO•, which is released via the H2O2 elimination of α-hydroxyl peroxyl radicals [ArCR(OH)OO•], serves as the real chain carrier for the autocatalytic photooxidation of benzylic alcohols. The mechanistic ambiguities depicted in the precedent literature are clarified, in terms of the crucial ROS and its evolution, the rate-limiting step, and the primary radical cascade. This work highlights the necessity of stricter mechanistic analyses on UV-driven oxidative reactions that involve aldehydes' (or ketones) generation.

Functional Nutrients and Jujube-Based Processed Products in Ziziphus jujuba.

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is the first tree species in China, with a long history and abundant yield. However, fresh jujubes have a short shelf-life and are not resistant to storage. Therefore, more and more processed jujube products are being studied. These processed products can extend the shelf-life of jujubes and attract widespread attention for their rich functional nutrients. This review summarized changes in nutrients of fresh jujube and processed products and the research progress of different preparation methods of jujubes. Meanwhile, the pharmacological effects of bioactive components in jujube-based products were concluded. Jujube and its processed products contain rich polysaccharides, vitamin C, and other functional nutrients, which are beneficial to humans. As the initial processing method for jujubes, vacuum freezing or microwave drying have become the most commonly used and efficient drying methods. Additionally, processed jujube products cannot be separated from the maximum retention of nutrients and innovation of flavor. Fermentation is the main deep-processing method with broad development potential. In the future, chemical components and toxicological evaluation need to be combined with research to bring consumers higher quality functional jujube products and ensure the sustainable development of the jujube industry.

CHIP-mediated ubiquitin degradation of BCAT1 regulates glioma cell proliferation and temozolomide sensitivity.

Glioma, a malignant and infiltrative neoplasm of the central nervous system, poses a significant threat due to its high mortality rates. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1), a key enzyme in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, exhibits elevated expression in gliomas and correlates strongly with poor prognosis. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this increased BCAT1 expression remains incompletely understood. In this study, we reveal that ubiquitination at Lys360 facilitates BCAT1 degradation, with low ubiquitination levels contributing to high BCAT1 expression in glioma cells. The Carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, interacts with BCAT1 via its coiled-coil (CC) domain, promoting its K48-linkage ubiquitin degradation through proteasomal pathway. Moreover, CHIP-mediated BCAT1 degradation induces metabolic reprogramming, and impedes glioma cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a positive correlation is observed between low CHIP expression, elevated BCAT1 levels, and unfavorable prognosis among glioma patients. Additionally, we show that the CHIP/BCAT1 axis enhances glioma sensitivity to temozolomide by reducing glutathione (GSH) synthesis and increasing oxidative stress. These findings underscore the critical role of CHIP/BCAT1 axis in glioma cell proliferation and temozolomide sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in glioma treatment.

Flow and performance: a quantitative study of elicitation modeling in a piano performance perspective.

Introduction: Flow, defined as a heightened state of consciousness characterized by intense concentration during an activity, is influenced primarily by the perceived challenge and the dynamic equilibrium of skills. This investigation focuses on the patterns of flow state attainment and its elicitation mechanisms within the context of piano performance among Chinese music college students. Methods: Our study establishes a framework for accessing flow, utilizing quantitative data from music ontology to gauge the level of challenge and the level of music acquisition to assess skills. Additionally, we integrate external factors such as music culture heterogeneity and demographic variables to elucidate the causes and moderating effects of flow on piano performance. Results: The findings reveal a positive correlation between flow and performance, with the model of challenge and skill induction partially explaining these results. Notably, melodic Shannon Entropy emerges as a potential indicator of challenge, suggesting its relevance in future studies on flow. Discussion: This research provides multidimensional insights into the interplay between performance and flow in piano performance, guiding future investigations to explore the musical quantitative perspective more deeply.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index and constipation in US adults.

BACKGROUND: Diet and inflammation are associated with constipation. Dietary inflammation index (DII) and energy-dietary inflammation index (E-DII) have not been evaluated together with constipation. Therefore, this study was conducted to further observe the relationship between DII and E-DII and constipation in American adults. METHODS: Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 12,400 adults aged 20 years and older between 2005 and 2010. DII and E-DII were obtained by employing data from the two 24-h dietary recall of the participants. Constipation was defined and categorized using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. RESULTS: In the logistic regression model, the relationship between DII and E-DII and constipation remained positive after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.20 in DII logistic regression model III; odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.17 in E-DII logistic regression model III). Constipation was more common in quartile 4 (DII: 2.87-5.09; E-DII: 1.78-8.95) than in quartile 1 (DII: -5.11-0.25; E-DII: -2.60-0.11) (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.30-2.47 in DII and OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25-2.46 in E-DII for all participants; OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.39-3.00 in DII OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.39-3.47 in E-DII for males; OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.08-3.22 and OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.06-3.06 for females). These results were confirmed using multiple imputations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that a high DII and E-DII were associated with an increased incidence of constipation among US adults.

The Combined Effects of the Most Important Dietary Patterns on the Incidence and Prevalence of Chronic Renal Failure: Results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian Analyses.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to comprehensively assess the relationship of specific dietary patterns and various nutrients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its progression. METHODS: The observational study data were from the NHANES 2005-2020. We calculated four dietary pattern scores (healthy eating index 2020 (HEI-2020), dietary inflammatory index (DII), alternative mediterranean diet (aMed), and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)) and the intakes of various nutrients and defined CKD, CKD-very high risk, and kidney dialysis. Associations between dietary patterns and nutrients and disease were assessed by means of two logistic regression models. Two-sample MR was performed with various food and nutrients as the exposure and CKD, kidney dialysis as the outcome. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the reliability of the results. RESULTS: A total of 25,167 participants were included in the analyses, of whom 4161 had CKD. HEI-2020, aMed, and DASH were significantly negatively associated with CKD and CKD-very high risk at higher quartiles, while DII was significantly positively associated. A higher intake of vitamins and minerals may reduce the incidence and progression of CKD to varying degrees. The MR results, corrected for false discovery rates, showed that a higher sodium intake was associated with a higher prevalence of CKD (OR: 3.91, 95%CI: 2.55, 5.99). CONCLUSIONS: Adhering to the three dietary patterns of HEI-2020, aMed, and DASH and supplementing with vitamins and minerals benefits kidney health.

Protective effect of the total alkaloid extract from Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae on cigarette smoke-induced Beas-2B cell injury model and transcriptomic analysis.

Background: Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae (BFP) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used to treat lung diseases, but the active components and mechanism are still unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of the total alkaloid extract from BFP (BFP-TA) on cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced Beas-2B cells injury. Design: The Beas-2B cells injury model was induced by 2% CSE, then the effect of BFP-TA on the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected according to the instructions of the T-AOC assay kit, the SOD detection kit and the MDA detection kit, and the production of ROS was detected by fluorescence microscopy. The effect of BFP-TA on Beas-2B cells apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the effect of BFP-TA on related protein expression was detected by western blot. Subsequently, the effect of BFP-TA on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CSE-induced Beas-2B cells was studied by transcriptomic sequencing, and the expression of DEGs was verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: The results showed that BFP-TA could attenuate CSE-induced oxidative damage in Beas-2B cells by elevating T-AOC and SOD levels while inhibiting ROS and MDA levels, and the mechanism was potentially related to the SIRT1/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, BFP-TA could inhibit CSE-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the protein expression of Bax, MST1 and FOXO3a, and exert anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis and qPCR validation showed that BFP-TA could alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and lipid metabolism disorders by regulating the expression of DEGs in PPAR and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, thereby exerting a protective effect against CSE-induced Beas-2B cell injury. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that BFP-TA could exert a protective effect on CSE-induced Beas-2B cell injury by exerting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and regulate lipid metabolism disorders.

Hydrogel activation of Mincle receptors for tumor cell processing: A novel approach in cancer immunotherapy.

An obstacle in current tumor immunotherapies lies in the challenge of achieving sustained and tumor-targeting T cell immunity, impeded by the limited antigen processing and cross-presentation of tumor antigens. Here, we propose a hydrogel-based multicellular immune factory within the body that autonomously converts tumor cells into an antitumor vaccine. Within the body, the scaffold, formed by a calcium-containing chitosan hydrogel complex (ChitoCa) entraps tumor cells and attracts immune cells to establish a durable and multicellular microenvironment. Within this context, tumor cells are completely eliminated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and processed for cross-antigen presentation. The regulatory mechanism relies on the Mincle receptor, a cell-phagocytosis-inducing C-type lectin receptor specifically activated on ChitoCa-recruited APCs, which serves as a recognition synapse, facilitating a tenfold increase in tumor cell engulfment and subsequent elimination. The ChitoCa-induced tumor cell processing further promotes the cross-presentation of tumor antigens to prime protective CD8+ T cell responses. Therefore, the ChitoCa treatment establishes an immune niche within the tumor microenvironment, resulting in effective tumor regression either used alone or in combination with other immunotherapies. This hydrogel-induced immune factory establishes a functional organ-like multicellular colony for tumor-specific immunotherapy, paving the way for innovative strategies in cancer treatment.

Stratifying Lung Adenocarcinoma Risk with Multi-ancestry Polygenic Risk Scores in East Asian Never-Smokers.

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) among never-smokers is a public health burden especially prevalent in East Asian (EAS) women. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs), which quanefy geneec suscepebility, are promising for straefying risk, yet have mainly been developed in European (EUR) populaeons. We developed and validated single-and mule-ancestry PRSs for LUAD in EAS never-smokers, using the largest available genome-wide associaeon study (GWAS) dataset. Methods: We used GWAS summary staesecs from both EAS (8,002 cases; 20,782 controls) and EUR (2,058 cases; 5,575 controls) populaeons, as well as independent EAS individual level data. We evaluated several PRSs approaches: a single-ancestry PRS using 25 variants that reached genome-wide significance (PRS-25), a genome-wide Bayesian based approach (LDpred2), and a mule-ancestry approach that models geneec correlaeons across ancestries (CT-SLEB). PRS performance was evaluated based on the associaeon with LUAD and AUC values. We then esemated the lifeeme absolute risk of LUAD (age 30-80) and projected the AUC at different sample sizes using EAS-derived effect-size distribueon and heritability esemates. Findings: The CT-SLEB PRS showed a strong associaeon with LUAD risk (odds raeo=1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.61, 1.82) with an AUC of 0.640 (95% CI: 0.629, 0.653). Individuals in the 95 th percenele of the PRS had an esemated 6.69% lifeeme absolute risk of LUAD. Comparison of LUAD risk between individuals in the highest and lowest 20% PRS quaneles revealed a 3.92-fold increase. Projeceon analyses indicated that achieving an AUC of 0.70, which approaches the maximized prediceon poteneal of the PRS given the esemated geneec variance, would require a future study encompassing 55,000 EAS LUAD cases with a 1:10 case-control raeo. Interpretations: Our study underscores the poteneal of mule-ancestry PRS approaches to enhance LUAD risk straeficaeon in never-smokers, parecularly in EAS populaeons, and highlights the necessary scale of future research to uncover the geneec underpinnings of LUAD.

Asymmetric Intramolecular Amination Catalyzed with Cp*Ir-SPDO via Nitrene Transfer for Synthesis of Spiro-Quaternary Indolinone.

An asymmetric intramolecular spiro-amination to high steric hindering α-C-H bond of 1,3-dicarbonyl via nitrene transfer using inactive aryl azides has been carried out by developing a novel Cp*Ir(III)-SPDO (spiro-pyrrolidine oxazoline) catalyst, thereby enabling the first successful construction of structurally rigid spiro-quaternary indolinone cores with moderate to high yields and excellent enantioselectivities. DFT computations support the presence of double bridging H-F bonds between [SbF6]- and both the ligand and substrate, which favors the plane-differentiation of the enol π-bond for nitrenoid attacking. These findings open up numerous opportunities for the development of new asymmetric nitrene transfer systems.

Varieties of P fractions in biochar-amended reconstructed soils as impacted by freeze-thaw interference.

With low cost and stable chemical properties, biochar has great potential in environmental pollution control and improving soil quality. Reusing tailings slag to reconstruct soil ecosystems and applying amendments such as biochar to enhance soil quality are significant for restoring waste mine lands. Phosphorus (P) as the restrictive nutrition element for plant growth is easily affected by freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). However, effective information about FTCs on P dynamics in biochar-amended reconstructed soil is scanty. To further understand the effect of FTCs on P in reclaimed mine soils, three reconstructed soils composed of equal brown soil and tailings slag with the respective application of no amendment, 5% biochar and 5% powder both derived from Gleditsia japonica shells (GS), were prepared to evaluate P fraction changes after FTCs. The results indicated that GS biochar increased soil pH, total organic matter (TOM), and moisture content (MC). GS biomass had a similar impact on TOM and MC but decreased soil pH. The two agricultural amendments increased active P and microbial biomass P (MBP) by 46.13%-101.63% and 162.8%-185.7%, which might be largely contributed by soil organic matter and moisture. FTC numbers (0, 3, 6, 10, 15) significantly decreased MBP contents and slightly converted non-labile P into labile fractions while FTC temperature (-20∼5 °C and -10∼5 °C) hardly influenced soil P behavior. In addition, GS conditioners simultaneously enhanced available P content and P fixation potential by soil under FTCs.

Efficacy, safety, and serum cytokine modulation by olopatadine hydrochloride and desloratadine citrate disodium combination therapy in urticaria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy, safety, and impact on serum cytokines of olopatadine hydrochloride (OLP) combined with desloratadine citrate disodium (DES) in treating urticaria. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 114 urticaria patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xinyang Vocational and Technical College from March 2020 to March 2023. The control group (55 patients) received DES, while the research group (59 patients) received OLP+DES combination therapy. We compared efficacy, safety (including epigastric pain, dry mouth, lethargy, dizziness, and fatigue), changes in serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, and interferon [IFN]-γ), symptom resolution (wheal number, wheal size, and itching degree), and 3-month recurrence rates. A univariate analysis was also conducted to identify factors influencing urticaria recurrence. RESULTS: The research group exhibited a significantly higher overall efficacy rate, lower incidence of adverse events, and reduced recurrence rates at 3 months (all P<0.05) compared to the control group. Post-treatment, the research group showed significant increases in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels and reductions in IL-4 levels, wheal number, wheal size, and itching degree (all P<0.05). Factors such as history of drinking/smoking, IL-2 levels, and treatment method were associated with urticaria recurrence (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of OLP and DES is an effective and safe treatment option for urticaria, significantly improving serum cytokine profiles, alleviating symptoms, and reducing recurrence risk.

Network pharmacology prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of Huashanshen dripping pill against asthma.

OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Huashanshen dripping pills (HSS) are commonly utilized for relieving asthma, relieving cough, and expelling phlegm. At present, the molecular mechanism against airway inflammation remains unclear. METHODS: In this study, network pharmacology, molecular docking technology, and molecular dynamic simulation were used to predict the therapeutic pathways of HSS for asthma. The ovalbumin-induced mouse model was used to further validate the prediction by RT-qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and related methods. KEY FINDINGS: The findings indicate that HSS improves lung function and relieves lung inflammation by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration around the bronchus and reducing eosinophilic counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, it lowers the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the expression levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13 mRNA. HSS also inhibits the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 protein. CONCLUSIONS: All results suggested that HSS can decrease airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. This finding will shed light on how it can be used to treat asthma.

Efficient open-air synthesis of Mg2+-doped CsPbI3 nanocrystals for high-performance red LEDs.

Inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit remarkable optoelectronic properties for illumination. However, their poor stability has hindered the development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on these materials. In this study, we propose a facile method to synthesize Mg2+-doped CsPbI3 NCs with enhanced stability and high photoluminescence (PL) intensity under ambient air conditions. Theoretical calculations confirm that doped NCs possess stronger formation energy compared to undoped NCs. The undoped CsPbI3 NCs emit red light at approximately 653 nm. We optimize the doping ratio to 1/30, which significantly enhances the photoluminescence of single-particle CsPbI3 NCs. Subsequently, we fabricate a red LED by combining the CsPbI3 NCs with a blue chip. The resulting LED, based on the doped CsPbI3 NCs, exhibits excellent performance with a high luminance of 4902.22 cd m-2 and stable color coordinates of (0.7, 0.27). This work not only presents a simple process for synthesizing perovskite NCs but also provides a design strategy for developing novel red LEDs for various applications.

Nitrogen-Doped TiO2- x(B)/MXene Heterostructures for Expediting Sulfur Redox Kinetics and Suppressing Lithium Dendrites.

Practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is severely impeded by the random shuttling of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, and uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites, particularly under high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte conditions. Here, nitrogen-doped bronze-phase TiO2(B) nanosheets with oxygen vacancies (OVs) grown in situ on MXenes layers (N-TiO2- x(B)-MXenes) as multifunctional interlayers are designed. The N-TiO2- x(B)-MXenes show reduced bandgap of 1.10 eV and high LiPSs adsorption-conversion-nucleation-decomposition efficiency, leading to remarkably enhanced sulfur redox kinetics. Moreover, they also have lithiophilic nature that can effectively suppress dendrites growth. The cell based on the N-TiO2- x(B)-MXenes interlayer under sulfur loading of 2.5 mg cm-2 delivers superior cycling performance with a high specific capacity of 690.7 mAh g-1 over 600 cycles at 1.0 C. It still has a notable areal capacity of 6.15 mAh cm-2 after 50 cycles even under a high sulfur loading of 7.2 mg cm-2 and a low electrolyte-to-sulfur (E/S) ratio of 6.4 µL mg-1. The Li-symmetrical battery with the N-TiO2- x(B)-MXenes interlayer showcases a low over-potential fluctuation with 21.0 mV throughout continuous lithium plating/stripping for 1000 h. This work offers valuable insights into the manipulation of defects and heterostructures to achieve high-energy Li-S batteries.

Tuning molecular assembly behavior to amplify the sonodynamic activity of porphyrins for efficient antibacterial therapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising strategy to treat deep-seated bacterial infections with good tissue penetration and spatiotemporal controllability. However, the low ROS generation efficiency of current sonosensitizers limits the development of SDT. Herein, we report a porphyrin derivative, TAPyPP-2, the sonodynamic activity of which is enhanced with less oxygen dependence by tuning its molecular assembly behavior. TAPyPP-2 can spontaneously form an ultra-small nano-assembly with a diameter of 6 nm in water by conjugation with primary amine salt-decorated pyridinium via π-π staking. The ultra-small assembly behavior can lower the energy gap between singlet and triplet states to 0.01 eV and promote the separation of holes and electrons, which facilitates ROS generation under ultrasound irradiation, in particular type I ROS. The unique hydrophilic ratio and positive charges endow TAPyPP-2 with superior abilities to interact with Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in extremely high sonodynamic antibacterial activity. Therefore, TAPyPP-2 successfully kills Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the enclosed cavity of synovial joint and achieves effective SDT of septic arthritis. This work is anticipated to motivate enormous interest in the development of efficient SDT.