Resting-state EEG Microstate Features Can Quantitatively Predict Autistic Traits in Typically Developing Individuals.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a discrete disorder and that symptoms of ASD (i.e., so-called "autistic traits") are found to varying degrees in the general population. Typically developing individuals with sub-clinical yet high-level autistic traits have similar abnormities both in behavioral performances and cortical activation patterns to individuals diagnosed with ASD. Thus it's crucial to develop objective and efficient tools that could be used in the assessment of autistic traits. Here, we proposed a novel machine learning-based assessment of the autistic traits using EEG microstate features derived from a brief resting-state EEG recording. The results showed that: (1) through the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and correlation analysis, the mean duration of microstate class D, the occurrence rate of microstate class A, the time coverage of microstate class D and the transition rate from microstate class B to D were selected to be crucial microstate features which could be used in autistic traits prediction; (2) in the support vector regression (SVR) model, which was constructed to predict the participants' autistic trait scores using these four microstate features, the out-of-sample predicted autistic trait scores showed a significant and good match with the self-reported scores. These results suggest that the resting-state EEG microstate analysis technique can be used to predict autistic trait to some extent.

Cognitive-behavioral stress management program reduces postoperative psychological pressure and improves life quality in prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) improves mental status and quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients, while its impact on prostate cancer (PC) patients remains unknown. Thus, the study aimed at investigating the potency of CBSM program in ameliorating postoperative anxiety, depression, and QoL in PC patients. METHODS: Totally, 160 postoperative PC patients were consecutively recruited followed by random assignments to either CBSM (N = 81) or usual care (UC) (N = 79) group as a 1:1 ratio. The patients received the corresponding interventions for 10 weeks then were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: CBSM group presented lower Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-anxiety score and anxiety rate at month (M) 4 and M6 versus UC group (all P < 0.05), but not at M0, M1, and M2. Meanwhile, CBSM group exhibited a lower HADS-depression score versus UC group at M6 (P = 0.036) but no other timepoints; however, CBSM group showed no difference in depression rate versus UC group at any timepoints. Regarding the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core30 (QLQ-C30) evaluation, CBSM group exhibited higher global health status scores at M1 (P = 0.010), M2 (P = 0.001), M4 (P = 0.029), and M6 (P = 0.015), higher functions score at M4 (P = 0.040) and M6 (P = 0.044), but a lower symptom score at M4 (P = 0.034) versus UC group; meanwhile, the above QoL indexes were not different at other timepoints between CBSM and UC groups. CONCLUSION: CBSM serves as an effective caring program in relieving anxiety and depression as well as improving the QoL in postoperative PC patients.

Low temperature inhibits pectin degradation by PpCBFs to prolong peach storage time.

Low-temperature storage is a widely used method for peach fruit storage. However, the impact of PpCBFs on pectin degradation during low-temperature storage is unclear. As such, in this study, we stored the melting-flesh peach cultivar "Fuli" at low temperature (LT, 6°C) and room temperature (RT, 25°C) to determine the effect of different temperatures on its physiological and biochemical changes. Low-temperature storage can inhibit the softening of "Fuli" peaches by maintaining the stability of the cell wall. It was found that the contents of water-soluble pectin and ionic-soluble pectin in peach fruit stored at RT were higher than those stored at LT. The enzyme activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectate lyase (PL), and pectin methylesterase (PME) were all inhibited by LT. The expressions of PpPME3, PpPL2, and PpPG were closely related to fruit firmness, but PpCBF2 and PpCBF3 showed higher expression levels at LT than RT. The promoters of PpPL2 and PpPG contain the DER motif, which suggested that PpCBF2 and PpCBF3 might negatively regulate their expression by directly binding to their promoters. These results indicated that LT may maintain firmness by activating PpCBFs to repress pectin-degradation-related enzyme genes during storage.

Exogenous BR delayed peach fruit softening by inhibiting pectin degradation enzyme genes.

Peach fruit deteriorates and senesces rapidly when stored at room temperature. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play an important role in regulating plant growth and development and maintaining fruit quality. However, little information is available on the effect of BRs on the senescence of harvested peach fruit. In this study, different concentrations of BR were used to treat 'Hongniang' peach fruit, and the results showed that 10 µM BR was the most beneficial concentration to delay the senescence of peach fruits. BR treatment delayed the decrease of fruit firmness, the release of ethylene, the increase in water-soluble pectin (WSP) and ionic-soluble pectin (ISP) content and the decrease in covalently bound pectin (CBP) content, inhibited the activities of pectin degradation enzymes, and inhibited the gene expression of PpPME1/3, PpPG, PpARF2, and PpGAL2/16. In addition, BR treatment also inhibited the expression of PpBES1-5/6. Cis-acting regulatory element analysis of pectin degradation enzyme promoters showed that many of them contained BES1 binding elements. All the above results showed that BR treatment had a positive effect on delaying the senescence of peach fruit and prolonging its storage period.

Electrochemical H2O2 sensor based on a Au nanoflower-graphene composite for anticancer drug evaluation.

Reliable H2O2 sensors for in situ cellular monitoring under drug stimulation can be developed as a powerful and versatile tool for drug evaluation. Herein, a novel electrochemical biosensor capable of detecting and quantifying H2O2 was fabricated by graphene and shape-controlled gold nanostructures. With the help of polyelectrolytes, gold exhibited hierarchical flower-like nanostructures. This kind of nanozyme material exhibited a prominent electrochemical response for H2O2. Electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 reduction with high sensitivity (5.07◊10-4 mA µmol L-1 cm-2) and good detection capability (the lowest detection limit is 4.5 µmol L-1 (S/N = 3)) were achieved. This electrochemical biosensor was successfully used to measure the concentration of H2O2 released from HepG2 hepatoma cells. Ascorbic acid (AA) and Camellia nitidissima Chi saponins (CNCS) were selected as model drugs, and their anticancer activities were compared by in situ monitoring of H2O2. Interestingly, the electrochemical sensor showed remarkable sensitivity, accuracy, and rapidity compared with the traditional enzymatic detection kit. In brief, the as-synthesized nanostructured H2O2 sensors can be applied to assess the antitumor properties of candidate drugs and inspire developments for personalized health care monitoring and cancer treatment.

Enhanced electrochemical determination of quercetin in a choline chloride-based ionic liquid.

Electrochemical techniques have been applied to determine quercetin and to evaluate its antioxidant effect. Deep eutectic solvents as a new generation of green solvents are promising electrolyte catalytically active additives for electrochemical oxidation of quercetin. Herein, in this work, Au was directly electrodeposited on the surface of graphene-modified glassy carbon electrodes, and AuNPs/GR/GC electrodes were fabricated. Choline chloride-based ionic liquids as deep eutectic solvents were readily prepared and applied to detect quercetin in buffer solutions, allowing a detection enhancement. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to characterize the morphology of AuNPs/GR/GCE. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was carried out to interpret the H-bond interactions between the DES and quercetin. This electrochemical sensor exhibited good analytical performance. The low detection limit was reduced to 0.5 µM in a 15% DES solution, which was 300% higher than the signal without DES. It proved to be fast and environmentally friendly for the determination of quercetin and the DES had no effect on antioxidant effects of quercetin. In addition, it has been successfully applied in real sample analysis.

Antifungal mechanisms of volatile organic compounds produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens ZX as biological fumigants against Botrytis cinerea.

To explore the antifungal mechanisms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens ZX against Botrytis cinerea, biochemical analyses and transcriptomic techniques were employed in this work. The results showed that P. fluorescens ZX-producing VOCs can increase the cell membrane permeability of B. cinerea and disrupt cell membrane integrity, resulting in leakage of the pathogen's cellular contents, inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis (about 76%), and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, for B. cinerea respiration, P. fluorescens ZX-producing VOCs (1 × 109 CFU /mL) significantly inhibited the activities of ATPase (55.7%), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) (33.1%), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) (57.9%), seriously interfering with energy metabolism and causing accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of B. cinerea following exposure to VOCs revealed 4590 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (1388 upregulated, 3202 downregulated). Through GO analysis, these DEGs were determined to be enriched in intrinsic components of membrane, integral components of membrane, and membrane parts, while KEGG analysis indicated that they were enriched in many amino acid metabolism pathways. Significantly, the DEGs related to ergosterol biosynthesis, ATPase, mitochondrial respiratory chain, malate dehydrogenase, and cell membrane showed down-regulation, corroborating the biochemical analyses. Taken together, these results suggest that the antifungal activity of P. fluorescens ZX-producing VOCs against B. cinerea occurs primary mechanisms: causing significant damage to the cell membrane, negatively affecting respiration, and interfering with amino acid metabolism.

Direct Detection of Reactive Gallium-Hydride Species on the Ga2O3 Surface via Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.

Surface metal hydrides (M-H) are ubiquitous in heterogeneous catalytic reactions, while the detailed characterizations are frequently hindered by their high reactivity/low concentration, and the complicated surface structures of the host solids, especially in terms of practical solid catalysts. Herein, combining instant quenching capture and advanced solid-state NMR methodology, we report the first direct and unambiguous NMR evidence on the highly reactive surface gallium hydrides (Ga-H) over a practical Ga2O3 catalyst during direct H2 activation. The spectroscopic effects of 69Ga and 71Ga isotopes on the 1H NMR signal are clearly differentiated and clarified, allowing a concrete discrimination of the Ga-H signal from the hydroxyl crowd. Accompanied with quantitative and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopical methods, as well as density functional theory calculations, information on the site specification, structural configuration, and formation mechanism of the Ga-H species has been revealed, along with the H2 dissociation mechanism. More importantly, the successful spectroscopic identification and isolation of the surface Ga-H allow us to clearly reveal the critical but ubiquitous intermediate role of this species in catalytic reactions, such as propane dehydrogenation and CO2 hydrogenation reactions. The analytic approach presented in this work can be extended to other M-H analysis, and the insights will benefit the design of more efficient Ga-based catalysts.

Variation of Anxiety and Depression During a 3-Year Period as Well as Their Risk Factors and Prognostic Value in Postoperative Bladder Cancer Patients.

Background: Anxiety and depression are commonly recognized and prognostically relevant in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to explore the 3-year longitudinal changes in anxiety and depression, their risk factors, and prognostic value in patients with bladder cancer. Methods: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) scores of 120 postoperative bladder cancer patients and 100 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed. Additionally, the HADS-A and HADS-D scores of bladder cancer patients were determined at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post surgery. Results: HADS-A score (7.7 ± 3.0 vs. 4.8 ± 2.6), anxiety rate (38.3% vs. 9.0%), HADS-D score (7.7 ± 3.3 vs. 4.3 ± 2.6), depression rate (40.0% vs. 11.0%), as well as anxiety degree and depression degree, were all increased in bladder cancer patients compared with HCs (all P < 0.001). Besides, the HADS-A score gradually increased from baseline to 3 years (P = 0.004), while the anxiety rate, HADS-D score, and depression rate did not change significantly (all P > 0.050). Gender, tumor size, marriage status, hypertension, diversity, and lymph node (LN) metastasis were associated with anxiety or depression in patients with bladder cancer (all P < 0.050). Anxiety was associated with shortened overall survival (OS) (P = 0.024) but did not link with disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.201); depression was not correlated with either DFS or OS (both P > 0.050). Conclusion: The prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression are high in patients with bladder cancer, which are influenced by gender, tumor features, marriage status, and hypertension; in addition, their correlation with survival is relatively weak.

Sedimentary records of human activities in China over the past two millennia and implications for the Anthropocene: A review.

Human activities have profoundly transformed the natural environment and the Earth system, leading to the concept of the Anthropocene. This paper summarizes the effects of human activities on the environment in China as recorded in sedimentary archives. China is divided into core and marginal areas based on their natural and societal conditions, and changes in selected proxies for four stages since 2.0 ka are assessed. From 2.0 to 1.0 ka, tree pollen ratios, magnetic susceptibility values, stable organic carbon isotope ratios, and lead concentrations began to deviate from natural baseline (4.0-2.0 ka) values in the core area at different times depending on location. From 1.0 ka to 1950 CE, anthropogenic perturbations recorded by these proxies increased and exhibited regional changes in the core area. From 1950 to1980 CE, total organic carbon contents, stable organic carbon isotope ratios, total nitrogen contents, and stable nitrogen isotope ratios changed significantly in both the core and marginal areas. After 1980 CE, lead concentrations, black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contents increased rapidly. In the latter two stages, the amounts and chronologies of artificial radionuclides and novel materials in the strata reflect their history of outputs or emissions. The boundaries for each stage correspond with important historical events. At 1.0 ka, the political center of China moved eastward, and a transportation network was established in the core area. In ca. 1950 CE, the People's Republic of China was established and the Global Acceleration began, while 1980 CE corresponds with the Reform and Opening-up of China that led to an accelerated industrialization. Our review shows that transportation networks and industries were key factors for intensification of human activities that caused Earth system to enter the Anthropocene.

Naringin Promotes Osteogenic/Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via Wnt/ß-Catenin.

Purpose: This investigation intended to unravel the effect and mechanism of naringin on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Methods: hDPSCs were induced to differentiate, and the degree of cell differentiation was observed by alizarin red staining, Oil Red O staining, and Alcian blue staining. hDPSCs were treated with 0, 20, 40, and 80 µmol/L naringin for 48 h, respectively. The proliferation rate and chemotaxis of the cells were measured by MTT and transwell assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteogenic differentiation degree by ALP staining and alizarin red staining, and gene expression of osteogenic markers by qRT-PCR. Additionally, western blot was performed to test the levels of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling-related proteins in hDPSCs. Results: The isolated hDPSCs with spindle-shaped morphology had good differentiation capability. Further experiments confirmed naringin-caused increases in the proliferation rate and migration ability of hDPSCs. In addition, compared with the control group, naringin-treated cells had strong ALP activity and ossification levels and higher expression of Runx2, OPN, DSPP, and DMP1. The western blot results showed that naringin significantly activated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in hDPSCs. Conclusion: Taken together, naringin enhances the proliferation, migration, and osteogenesis of hDPSCs through stimulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

[Clinical effect and related influencing factors of implant and implant-natural tooth in dental restoration].

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effect and related influencing factors of implant and implant-natural tooth in dental restoration. METHODS: A total of 67 edentulous patients receiving dental implantation in Shangrao People's Hospital from May 2016 to June 2017 were enrolled, including 34 cases of implant-natural tooth supported restoration (combined group) and 33 cases of implant restoration (single group). During the 3-year follow-up, the repair effect and bone resorption of the two groups were evaluated. The general data of patients were collected, then the influencing factors of implant failure were screened. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software package. RESULTS: The success rate of dental restoration was 93.65% in combined group, and 95.08% in simple implant group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P＞0.05). The bone resorption of the alveolar ridge in combined group was significantly higher than that in simple implant group 1 and half years after operation (P＜0.05). The proportion of female, maxillary posterior area, dental pulp disease, grade IV bone mineral density loss, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, implant diameter＞4.5 mm, length＞12 mm, periodontal probe depth＞3 mm, and sulcus bleeding index≥2 were significantly higher in implant failure group than in implant success group (P＜0.05). Bone mineral density loss, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, sulcus bleeding index≥2 and periodontal probe depth＞3 mm were the risk factors of implant failure(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both implant and implant-natural tooth are effective in dental restoration, and implant-natural tooth restoration has good short-term efficacy, while bone mineral density loss, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, sulcus bleeding index≥2 and periodontal probe depth>3mm are the risk factors of implant failure.

Acidity and Local Confinement Effect in Mordenite Probed by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.

Herein, utilizing acetonitrile as the probe molecule, the acidity and host-guest interactions of H-mordenite (H-MOR) zeolites are investigated comprehensively by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculation. The locations and local configurations of Brønsted acid sites (BASs) in H-MOR are revealed by multinuclear and multidimensional NMR experiments with adsorption/coadsorption of acetonitrile (CD3CN) and trimethylphosphine (TMP). Moreover, the confinement effect of dual pores in MOR has been characterized via the quantitative determination of host-guest interactions between CH3CN and BASs. The 1H-15N dipolar measurement results and DFT calculations demonstrate that there are two kinds of acetonitrile molecules adsorbed in 12-membered ring (12MR) main channels with distinct mobility, where acetonitrile undergoes either partially restricted or highly flexible motion in the time scale of nanoseconds to microseconds. These two types of acetonitrile can exchange with temperature rising. In contrast, the mobility of acetonitrile in 8-membered ring (8MR) channels is very restricted due to the confinement of the framework.

Biomimetic Boroxine-Based Multifunctional Thermosets via One-Pot Synthesis.

Boroxine-based thermosets with remarkable mechanical tunability, self-healing ability, recyclability, and adhesive strength are of significant importance in various applications. However, complex multistep reactions are often required to prepare such thermosets. Herein, a facile one-pot approach to synthesize boroxine-based malleable thermosets is proposed. Random copolymers with pendant boronic acid groups were synthesized from alkenyl monomers containing boronic acids [4-vinylphenylboronic acid (4-VPBA), 3-vinylphenylboronic acid, or 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid] and octadecanoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate. Then, the as-prepared copolymers were cured to form thermosets with boroxine bonds. The tensile strengths of the thermosets were tailored to range from 9.3 to 27.5 MPa by increasing the concentration of 4-VPBA. Moreover, because of the reversible nature of dynamic boroxine bonds (transformation between boroxines and boronic acids) induced by water, the thermosets exhibit remarkable self-healing efficiency (up to 99%), tunable mechanical properties, and excellent recyclability. Additionally, the thermosets also demonstrate superior adhesive strength (as high as 73.9 MPa) on different substrates.

Hollow Au/Polypyrrole Capsules to Form Porous and Neural Network-Like Nanofibrous Film for Wearable, Super-Rapid, and Ultrasensitive NH3 Sensor at Room Temperature.

Wearable conducting polymer-based NH3 sensors are highly desirable in real-time environmental monitoring and human health protection but still a challenge for their relatively long response/recovery time and moderate sensitivity at room temperature. Herein, we present an effective route to fulfill this challenge by constructing porous and neural network-like Au/polypyrrole (Au/PPy) electrospun nanofibrous film with hollow capsular units for NH3 sensor. Taking the unique architecture and synergistic effect between Au and PPy, our sensor exhibits not only super-rapid response/recovery time (both ∼7 s), faster than all reported sensors, but also stable and ultrahigh sensitivity (response reaches ∼2.3 for 1 ppm NH3) at room temperature even during repeated deformation. Furthermore, good selectivity has been also achieved. These outstanding properties make our sensor hold great potential in real-time NH3-related disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring at room temperature.

[Effect of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy on temporomandibular joint symptom and condylar position in patients with skeletal class â ¢ malocclusion by cone beam computed tomography].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptom and condylar position in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion treated with orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion who underwent orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment were included in the study. Their cone-beam computed tomography scans and TMJ symptom were evaluated, and their Helkimo index before BSSRO, 1 month after BSSRO, and 12 months after BSSRO was recorded. The maximum diameter of the horizontal and coronal sections, short axis diameters, neck width, height, joint space widths at different angles (45°, 90°, and 135°) of the condylar joint, bilateral condylar spacing, and different condylar angles (horizontal angle, vertical angle, and stress angle) in three dimensions were measured. Then, the changes in TMJ symptom and bone structure at different periods were analyzed. RESULTS: The Helkimo index was anamnestic (Ai) or dysfunctional (Di) levels 0 or 1 before and after BSSRO, and no difference in Helkimo index was observed. The horizontal angle and joint space widths at 45° and 90° increased whereas the joint space width at 135° decreased at 1 month after BSSRO compared with before BSSRO (P<0.05). Except for the increase in condylar horizontal angle (P<0.05), no significant difference in other measurement items was noted (P>0.05) 12 month after BSSRO. CONCLUSIONS: BSSRO would not have a remarkable effect on the TMJ symptom and condylar position of patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion who underwent orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment procedure and whose Helkimo index ranked Ai0, Ai1, Di0, and Di1.

[Investigating the effect of pre-surgical orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint in patients with skeletal class â ¢ malocclusion by cone-beam computed tomography].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pre-surgical orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion treated with orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion who underwent orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment were included in the study. Before and after the completion of orthodontic treatment, the symptoms of TMJ were examined and recorded, and the short- and the long-axis diameter of the condylar (d), condylar height (h), joint space (L) at different angles, bilateral condylar spacing (R), and the condylar angles were measured, with scanning performed by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Then, the changes of TMJ symptoms and bone structure at different periods were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in the joint symptoms before and after the pre-surgical orthodontic treatment. No significant changes were found in the measurements of the bone structure of TMJ in the dimensional direction (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment procedure, the pre-surgical orthodontic process does not have a significant effect on TMJ.

Catalytic Synthesis of 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid from Concentrated 2,5-Diformylfuran Mediated by N-hydroxyimides under Mild Conditions.

Producing polyester monomer 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from biomass as an alternative to fossil-derived terephthalic acid has drawn much attention from both academy and industry. In this work, an efficient FDCA synthesis was proposed from 10.6 wt % 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) in acetic acid using a combined catalytic system of Co/Mn acetate and N-hydroxyimides. The intermediate product of 5-formyl-2-furandicarboxylic acid (FFCA) possesses the least reactive formyl group. N-hydroxysuccinimide was found to be superior to N-hydroxyphthalimide in catalyzing the oxidation of the formyl group in FFCA intermediate, affording a near 95 % yield of FDCA under mild conditions of 100 °C. Trace maleic anhydride was detected as by-product, which mainly came from the oxidative cleavage of DFF via furfural, furoic acid and 5-acetoxyl-2(5H)-furanone as intermediates.

Multifunctional Glycerol-Water Hydrogel for Biomimetic Human Skin with Resistance Memory Function.

Biomimetic human skinlike materials with preferably self-healing ability, high sensitivity for external stimuli, and good adhesiveness against diverse substrates under a wide range of temperatures are of great importance in various applications such as wearable devices, human-motion devices, and soft robotics. However, most of the reported biomimetic human skinlike materials lack memory function, i.e., they cannot memorize the external stimuli once the stimuli disappear. This drawback hinders their applications in mimicking the human skin in real world. Here, a polyacrylamide/Au@polydopamine glycerol-water (GW) hydrogel has been designed to address this challenge. The as-prepared GW hydrogel exhibits a fast self-healing efficiency and good adhesiveness against diverse substrates under a wide range of temperatures (from -15 to 37 °C). Additionally, our GW hydrogel also possesses good perceived ability for external stimuli and subtle/large human motions. Most importantly, resistance memory function has been realized based on our GW hydrogel. These outstanding properties make it potentially significant in mimicking the human skin in real world.

Self-healable poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid)/glycerol/boron nitride nanosheet composite hydrogels at low temperature with enhanced mechanical properties and water retention.

Many living tissues possess excellent mechanical properties and water retention which enable them to self-heal at room temperature even below the freezing temperature of water. To mimic the unique features of living tissue, a poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) composite hydrogel with enhanced mechanical properties and remarkable water retention was fabricated under accessible conditions. The hydrogel is functionalized by amino group modified boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS-NH2)/glycerol and exhibits self-healing abilities at low temperature. The self-healing process occurs through the re-establishing of hydrogen bonds and metal coordination interactions at the damaged surfaces. Its anti-freezing abilities enable the hydrogel to self-heal at -15 °C, and the self-healing efficiency based on tensile strength reaches up to ∼70%. Moreover, glycerol also endows the hydrogel with long-lasting water retention, which remains a water content of ∼99 wt% for more than 30 days. Meanwhile, the simultaneous introduction of BNNS-NH2 and glycerol significantly improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, which displays great stretchability (∼474%), tensile strength (∼151.3 kPa), stiffness (Young's modulus of ∼62.75 kPa) and toughness (∼355.13 kJ m-3). It is anticipated that these novel hydrogels will develop many fields and be exploited for new applications in extensive external environments.