Antifreezing, Antidrying, and Conductive Hydrogels for Electronic Skin Applications at Ultralow Temperatures.

Although conductive hydrogel-based flexible electronic devices have superb flexibility and high conductivities, they tend to malfunction in dry or frigid areas. Herein, an ultralow-temperature tolerant, antidrying, and conductive composite hydrogel is designed for electronic skin applications on the basis of the synergy of double-cross-linked polymer networks, Hofmeister effect, and electrostatic interaction and fabricated by in situ free radical polymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid and acrylic acid in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) and conductive MXene sheets, followed by impregnation with LiCl. Thanks to the synergy of LiCl and the charged polar terminal groups of the synthesized polymers, the composite hydrogel can not only bear an ultralow temperature of -80 °C without freezing but also maintain its original mass. Meanwhile, the resultant hydrogel possesses satisfactory self-regeneration ability benefiting from the moisturizing effect of LiCl. The conductive network of MXene sheets greatly improves the ionic conductivity of the hydrogel at low temperatures, exhibiting an ionic conductivity of 1.4 S m-1 at -80 °C. Furthermore, the electronic skin assembled by the multifunctional hydrogel is efficient in monitoring human motions at -80 °C. The antifreezing and antidrying features along with favorable ionic conductivity, high tensile strength, and outstanding flexibility make the composite hydrogel promising for applications in frigid and dry regions.

Prospects in the application of ultrasensitive chromosomal aneuploidy detection in precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignant tumor within the digestive system, with over 40% of new cases and deaths related to GC globally occurring in China. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, such as surgery supplemented by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapeutic agents, the prognosis for GC remains poor. New targeted therapies and immunotherapies are currently under investigation, but no significant breakthroughs have been achieved. Studies have indicated that GC is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing multiple subtypes with distinct biological characteristics and roles. Consequently, personalized treatment based on clinical features, pathologic typing, and molecular typing is crucial for the diagnosis and management of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC). Current research has categorized GC into four subtypes: Epstein-Barr virus-positive, microsatellite instability, genome stability, and chromosome instability (CIN). Technologies such as multi-omics analysis and gene sequencing are being employed to identify more suitable novel testing methods in these areas. Among these, ultrasensitive chromosomal aneuploidy detection (UCAD) can detect CIN at a genome-wide level in subjects using low-depth whole genome sequencing technology, in conjunction with bioinformatics analysis, to achieve qualitative and quantitative detection of chromosomal stability. This editorial reviews recent research advancements in UCAD technology for the diagnosis and management of PLGC.

New indolizidine- and pyrrolidine-type alkaloids with anti-angiogenic activities from Anisodus tanguticus.

Eleven alkaloids, including five previously undescribed indolizidine alkaloids (1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b) and four new pyrrolidine alkaloids (5-8), were isolated from the roots of Anisodus tanguticus. Of these, two new pairs of enantiomeric alkaloids (2a/2b and 3a/3b) are the first examples of alkaloids containing both indolizidine and pyrrolidine structural fragments. The one-carbon bridge connections with two pyrrolidine rings (6) or with a pyrrolidine ring and a pyridine ring (8) are the first reported from nature. Extensive spectroscopic techniques were used to elucidate their structures, and NMR and ECD calculations were used to determine the absolute configurations. The viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was inhibited by compounds 2a, 2b, 3a, 4b, and 5, and compound 2b exhibited a potential anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs. A chorioallantoic membrane assay also demonstrated the anti-angiogenic activity of 2b. In addition, compounds 2a, 2b, 3a, and 4b exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against A2780 cells.

[Mechanism of tonifying Qi by traditional Chinese medicine from mitochondrial dynamics].

According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, Qi is the essential component maintaining life. Mitochondria are the cellular organelles that generate energy. Qi exhibits abundant common characteristics in bioenergetics compared with mitochondria which control the cellular energy through fusion and fission. Studies have proven that the qi-tonifying function of Chinese medicinal plants and their components facilitates mitochondrial fusion, therefore enhancing ATP synthesis. These studies provide a framework for deciphering the pharmacological mechanisms of Qi-tonifying herbs. This article introduces the common source and function shared by Qi and mitochondria and the regulatory effects of herbal remedies on energy from mitochondria dynamics. This review aims to interpret the connotation of tonifying qi in TCM theory based on the modern biomedical theory.

Hydrothermally Modified 3D Porous Loofah Sponges with MoS2 Sheets and Carbon Particles for Efficient Solar Steam Generation and Seawater Desalination.

Although the emerging interfacial solar steam generation technology is sustainable and eco-friendly for generating clean water by desalinating seawater and purifying wastewaters, salt deposition on the evaporation surface during solar-driven evaporation severely degrades the purification performances and adversely affect the long-term performance stability of solar steam generation devices. Herein, to construct solar steam generators for efficient solar steam generation and seawater desalination, three-dimensional (3D) natural loofah sponges with both macropores of the sponge and microchannels of the loofah fibers are hydrothermally decorated with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) sheets and carbon particles. Benefiting from fast upward transport of water, rapid steam extraction, and effective salt-resistant capacity, the 3D hydrothermally decorated loofah sponge with MoS2 sheets and carbon particles (HLMC) with an exposed height of 4 cm can not only obtain heat by its top surface under the downward solar light irradiation based on the solar-thermal energy conversion but also gain environmental energy by its porous sidewall surface, achieving a competitive water evaporation rate of 3.45 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, the 3D HLMC evaporator exhibits long-term desalination stability during the solar-driven desalination of an aqueous salt solution with 3.5 wt % NaCl for 120 h without apparent salt deposition because of its dual type of pores and uneven structure distribution.

Distal Ulnar Bifurcation Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Bayne and Klug Types 3 and 4 Radial Club Hands: Preliminary Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of Bayne and Klug types 3 and 4 radial club hands (RCHs) remains challenging and controversial. In this study, the authors reported a new procedure called distal ulnar bifurcation arthroplasty and reviewed the preliminary results. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2019, 11 patients with 15 affected forearms having type 3 or 4 RCHs underwent distal ulnar bifurcation arthroplasty. The mean age was 55.5 months (range, 29 to 86 months). The surgical protocol consisted of (1) bifurcation of the distal ulna to accommodate the wrist with stable support; (2) pollicization to treat hypoplastic or absent thumb; and (3) in the case of significant bowed ulna, ulnar corrective osteotomy. In all patients, clinical and radiologic parameters including hand-forearm angle, hand-forearm position, ulnar length, wrist stability, and motion were recorded. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 42.2 months (range, 24 to 60 months). The average correction of hand-forearm angle was 80.2 degrees. The overall range of active wrist motion was approximately 87.5 degrees. Ulna growth per year was 6.7 mm (range, 5.2 to 9.2 mm). No major complications were recorded during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The distal ulnar bifurcation arthroplasty offers a technically feasible alternative for the treatment of type 3 or 4 RCH, which enables satisfactory appearance, provides stable support to the wrist, and maintains wrist function. Despite the promising preliminary results, longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate this procedure. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Novel Indane Derivatives with Antioxidant Activity from the Roots of Anisodus tanguticus.

Four novel indane derivatives, anisotindans A-D (1-4), were isolated from the roots of Anisodus tanguticus. Their structures were established using comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Anisotindans C and D (3 and 4) are two unusual indenofuran analogs. ABTS•+ and DPPH•+ assays of radical scavenging activity reveal that all compounds (1-4) are active. Specifically, the ABTS•+ assay results show that anisotindan A (1) exhibits the best antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 15.62 ± 1.85 µM (vitamin C, IC50 = 22.54 ± 5.18 µM).

Mechanically robust bamboo node and its hierarchically fibrous structural design.

Although short bamboo nodes function in mechanical support and fluid exchange for bamboo survival, their structures are not fully understood compared to unidirectional fibrous internodes. Here, we identify the spatial heterostructure of the bamboo node via multiscale imaging strategies and investigate its mechanical properties by multimodal mechanical tests. We find three kinds of hierarchical fiber reinforcement schemes that originate from the bamboo node, including spatially tightened interlocking, triaxial interconnected scaffolding and isotropic intertwining. These reinforcement schemes, built on porous vascular bundles, microfibers and more-refined twist-aligned nanofibers, govern the structural stability of the bamboo via hierarchical toughening. In addition, the spatial liquid transport associated with these multiscale fibers within the bamboo node is experimentally verified, which gives perceptible evidence for life-indispensable multidirectional fluid exchange. The functional integration of mechanical reinforcement and liquid transport reflects the fact that the bamboo node has opted for elaborate structural optimization rather than ingredient richness. This study will advance our understanding of biological materials and provide insight into the design of fiber-reinforced structures and biomass utilization.

Omnidirectionally irradiated three-dimensional molybdenum disulfide decorated hydrothermal pinecone evaporator for solar-thermal evaporation and photocatalytic degradation of wastewaters.

Although most solar steam generation devices are effective in desalinating seawater and purifying wastewaters with heavy metal ions, they are ineffective in degrading organic pollutants from wastewaters. Herein, we design novel solar-driven water purification devices by decoration of three-dimensional pinecones with MoS2 nanoflowers via a one-step hydrothermal synthesis for generating clean water. The vertically arrayed channels in the central rachis and the unique helically arranged scales of the hydrothermal pinecone can not only transfer bulk water upward to the evaporation surface, but also absorb more solar light from different incident angles for solar-thermal evaporation and photodegradation of wastewaters under omnidirectional irradiations. The decorated MoS2 nanoflowers can not only enhance the solar-thermal energy conversion efficiency, but also decompose organic pollutants in the bulk water by their photocatalytic degradation effects. The resultant hydrothermal pinecone with in situ decorated MoS2 (HPM) evaporator exhibits a high evaporation rate of 1.85 kg m-2 h-1 under 1-sun irradiation with a high energy efficiency of 96 %. During the solar-driven water purification processes, the powdery HPM can also photodegrade organic pollutants of methylene blue and rhodamine B with high removal efficiencies of 96 % and 95 %, respectively. For practical demonstration, by floating in the methylene blue solution under 1-sun irradiation, the bulky HPM can generate clean water by simultaneous solar-thermal evaporation and photocatalytic degradation. The integration of solar steam generation and photocatalytic degradation mechanisms makes the HPM evaporator highly promising for practical high-yield purification of wastewaters.

Extremely Soft, Stretchable, and Self-Adhesive Silicone Conductive Elastomer Composites Enabled by a Molecular Lubricating Effect.

Softness, adhesion, stretchability, and fast recovery from large deformations are essential properties for conductive elastomers that play an important role in the development of high-performance soft electronics. However, it remains an ongoing challenge to obtain conductive elastomers that combine these properties. We have fabricated a super soft (Young's modulus 2.3-12 kPa), highly stretchable (up to 1500% strain), and underwater adhesive silicone conductive elastomer composite (SF-C-PDMS) by incorporating dimethyl silicone oil as a lubricating agent in a cross-linked molecular network. The resultant SF-C-PDMS not only exhibits superior softness but also can readily recover after a strain of 1000%. The initial resistance only decreases by 8% after 100000 cycles of tensile fatigue test (100% strain, 0.5 Hz, 15 mm/s). This multifunctional silicone conductive elastomer composite is obtained in a one-step preparation at room temperature using commercially available materials. Moreover, we illustrate the capabilities of this composite in motion sensing.

Pocahemiketone A, a Sesquiterpenoid Possessing a Spirocyclic Skeleton with a Hemiketal Endoperoxide Unit, Alleviates Aß25-35-Induced Pyroptosis and Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells.

Pocahemiketone A, a novel sesquiterpenoid possessing a unique spirocyclic skeleton with a hemiketal endoperoxide unit, was isolated from the essential oil of Pogostemon cablin. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Pocahemiketone A exhibits a significant neuroprotective effect against Aß25-35-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and oxidative stress. These results indicate that pocahemiketone A has great potential for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Efficient Preconstruction of Three-Dimensional Graphene Networks for Thermally Conductive Polymer Composites.

Electronic devices generate heat during operation and require efficient thermal management to extend the lifetime and prevent performance degradation. Featured by its exceptional thermal conductivity, graphene is an ideal functional filler for fabricating thermally conductive polymer composites to provide efficient thermal management. Extensive studies have been focusing on constructing graphene networks in polymer composites to achieve high thermal conductivities. Compared with conventional composite fabrications by directly mixing graphene with polymers, preconstruction of three-dimensional graphene networks followed by backfilling polymers represents a promising way to produce composites with higher performances, enabling high manufacturing flexibility and controllability. In this review, we first summarize the factors that affect thermal conductivity of graphene composites and strategies for fabricating highly thermally conductive graphene/polymer composites. Subsequently, we give the reasoning behind using preconstructed three-dimensional graphene networks for fabricating thermally conductive polymer composites and highlight their potential applications. Finally, our insight into the existing bottlenecks and opportunities is provided for developing preconstructed porous architectures of graphene and their thermally conductive composites.

Biomimetic Design of Macroporous 3D Truss Materials for Efficient Interfacial Solar Steam Generation.

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) utilizing local heating technology for evaporation at the water-to-steam interface is drawing great attention because of its high efficiency of solar-thermal conversion for a sustainable and eco-friendly drinking water regeneration process. Here, inspired by the structure of penguin feathers and polar bear hairs that both have macropores to trap air for thermal insulation, we report a bionic solar evaporator (BSE) with macroporous skeleton for partial thermal management and macro patulous channels for abundant water transportation and rapid steam extraction. Meanwhile, the 3D hierarchical isotropic truss structures can induce multiple light reflections to enable omnidirectional light absorption, and bimodal pores facilitate ion diffusion to suppress salt deposits. This BSE exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.3 kg m-2 h-1 and efficiency of 93% under 1 sun. The multiple advantages of high efficiency and salt resistance make BSE available for future practical sewage purification and desalination applications.

Self-Powered Flexible Electrochromic Smart Window.

Electrochromic devices have attracted considerable interest for smart windows. However, current development suffers from the requirement of the external power sources and rigid ITO substrate, which not only causes additional energy consumption but also limits their applications in flexible devices. Inspired by galvanic cell, we demonstrate a self-powered flexible electrochromic device by integrating Ag/W18O49 nanowire film with the Al sheet. The Ag nanowire film first acted as the electrode to replace the ITO substrate, then coupled with the Al sheet to induce an open-circuit voltage of ∼0.83 V, which is high enough to drive the coloration of W18O49 nanowires. Remarkably, the flexible self-powered electrochromic device only expends ∼6.8 mg/cm2 of the Al sheet after 450 electrochromic switching cycles and the size can be easily expanded with an area of 20 × 20 cm2, offering significant potential applications for the next generation of flexible electrochromic smart window.

Two novel fan-shaped trinuclear Pt(ii) complexes act as G-quadruplex binders and telomerase inhibitors.

Two new trinuclear Pt(ii) complexes {[Pt(dien)]3(tib)}(NO3)6 (1) and {[Pt(dpa)]3(tib)}(NO3)6 (2) (dien: diethylenetriamine, dpa: bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, tib: 1,3,5-tris(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene) have been designed, synthesized, characterized and applied to a series of biochemical studies. We found that both of the Pt(ii) complexes exhibited much better selectivity for human telomeric G-quadruplex sequence than promoter G-quadruplexes (c-kit, c-myc, and bcl2) or duplex DNA. Both complexes displayed comparative stability and affinity towards human telomeric G-quadruplex by the studies from surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and polymerase chain reaction stop assays. The circular dichroism indicated that both complexes could induce and stabilize anti-parallel G-quadruplex structures. Molecule docking presented that Pt(ii) complex intercalated into the large groove of human telomeric G-quadruplex (PDB ID: 143D). Furthermore, telomeric repeat amplification protocol assays quantitatively evaluated the inhibition of telomerase activity caused by the Pt(ii) complexes. The obtained IC50 values of 6.41 ± 0.042 µM and 2.67 ± 0.035 µM for 1 and 2, respectively, exhibited strong telomerase inhibitions. All results suggest that such fan-shaped trinuclear Pt(ii) complexes are effective and selective G-quadruplex binders, as well as strong telomerase inhibitors. This study provides insight into the development of human telomeric G-quadruplex targeted anticancer drugs based on the metal complex.

Seven pairs of new enantiomeric sesquiterpenoids from Curcuma phaeocaulis.

Seven pairs of new enantiomeric sesquiterpenoids, (+)/(-)-phaeocauline A - G [(+)/(-)-1-7], were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis by chiral HPLC separation. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic analyses and ECD data. The isolates were assessed for vasorelaxant, anti-platelet aggregative, and neuroprotective activities. Enantiomers (+)-1 and (-)-1 showed similar activity against abnormal platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, while their C-4 epimers (+)-2 and (-)-2 were inactive, which indicated that those effects were stereoselective, but not enantioselective. Compounds (+)/(-)-3-5 exhibited vasorelaxant effects against KCl-induced contraction of rat aortic rings.

Superelastic Hard Carbon Nanofiber Aerogels.

Superelastic carbon aerogels have been widely explored by graphitic carbons and soft carbons. These soft aerogels usually have delicate microstructures with good fatigue resistance but ultralow strength. Hard carbon aerogels show great advantages in mechanical strength and structural stability due to the sp3 -C-induced turbostratic "house-of-cards" structure. However, it is still a challenge to fabricate superelastic hard carbon-based aerogels. Through rational nanofibrous structural design, the traditional rigid phenolic resin can be converted into superelastic hard carbon aerogels. The hard carbon nanofibers and abundant welded junctions endow the hard carbon aerogels with robust and stable mechanical performance, including superelasticity, high strength, extremely fast recovery speed (860 mm s-1 ), low energy-loss coefficient (<0.16), long cycle lifespan, and heat/cold-endurance. These emerging hard carbon nanofiber aerogels hold a great promise in the application of piezoresistive stress sensors with high stability and wide detection range (50 kPa), as well as stretchable or bendable conductors.

Joule-heated graphene-wrapped sponge enables fast clean-up of viscous crude-oil spill.

The clean-up of viscous crude-oil spills is a global challenge. Hydrophobic and oleophilic oil sorbents have been demonstrated as promising candidates for oil-spill remediation. However, the sorption speeds of these oil sorbents for viscous crude oil are rather limited. Herein we report a Joule-heated graphene-wrapped sponge (GWS) to clean-up viscous crude oil at a high sorption speed. The Joule heat of the GWS reduced in situ the viscosity of the crude oil, which prominently increased the oil-diffusion coefficient in the pores of the GWS and thus speeded up the oil-sorption rate. The oil-sorption time was reduced by 94.6% compared with that of non-heated GWS. Besides, the oil-recovery speed was increased because of the viscosity decrease of crude oil. This in situ Joule self-heated sorbent design will promote the practical application of hydrophobic and oleophilic oil sorbents in the clean-up of viscous crude-oil spills.

Advanced Sorbents for Oil-Spill Cleanup: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives.

Oil sorbents play a very important part in the remediation processes of oil spills. To enhance the oil-sorption properties and simplify the oil-recovery process, various advanced oil sorbents and oil-collecting devices based on them have been proposed recently. Here, we firstly discuss the design considerations for the fabrication of oil sorbents and describe recently developed oil sorbents based on modification strategy. Then, recent advances regarding oil sorbents mainly based on carbon materials and swellable oleophilic polymers are also presented. Subsequently, some additional properties are emphasized, which are required by oil sorbents to cope with oil spills under extreme conditions or to facilitate the oil-collection processes. Furthermore, some oil-collection devices based on oil sorbents that have been developed recently are shown. Finally, an outlook and challenges for the next generation of oil-spill-remediation technology based on oil-sorbents materials are given.

A Stretchable Electronic Fabric Artificial Skin with Pressure-, Lateral Strain-, and Flexion-Sensitive Properties.

A stretchable and multiple-force-sensitive electronic fabric based on stretchable coaxial sensor electrodes is fabricated for artificial-skin application. This electronic fabric, with only one kind of sensor unit, can simultaneously map and quantify the mechanical stresses induced by normal pressure, lateral strain, and flexion.