Methyltransferase 1 is required for nonhomologous end-joining repair and renders hepatocellular carcinoma resistant to radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiotherapy is an increasingly essential therapeutic strategy in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, resistance to radiotherapy is one of the primary obstacles to successful treatment outcomes. Hence, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying radioresistance and identify reliable biotargets that would be inhibited to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS: From a label-free quantitative proteome screening, we identified transfer RNA (tRNA; guanine- N [7]-) methyltransferase 1 (METTL1), a key enzyme for N7-methylguanosine (m 7 G) tRNA modification, as an essential driver for HCC cells radioresistance. We reveal that METTL1 promotes DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and renders HCC cells resistant to ionizing radiation (IR) using loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, METTL1-mediated m 7 G tRNA modification selectively regulates the translation of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit or DNA ligase IV with higher frequencies of m 7 G-related codons after IR treatment, thereby resulting in the enhancement of nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ)-mediated DNA DSB repair efficiency. Clinically, high METTL1 expression in tumor tissue is significantly correlated with poor prognosis in radiotherapy-treated patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that METTL1 is a critical enhancer for HCC cell NHEJ-based DNA repair following IR therapy. These findings give insight into the role of tRNA modification in messenger RNA translation control in HCC radioresistance.

Efficient Rh-Catalyzed Chemo- and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of 2-CF3-Chromen/Thiochromen-4-ones.

A Rh-catalyzed highly chemo- and enantioselective hydrogenation of 2-CF3-chromen/thiochromen-4-ones was successfully established achieving excellent selectivity and high turnover numbers. Under mild conditions, a series of 2-CF3-chromen-4-ones were hydrogenated to provide the corresponding chiral 2-CF3-chroman-4-ones with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99.9% ee) and achieve high turnover numbers (TON of up to 11,800). Moreover, the obtained hydrogenation products were also successfully transformed into other derivatives including the important intermediate of plasmepsin inhibitors with maintained enantiopurity.

Biomass-Derived Anion-Anchoring Nano-CaCO3 Coating for Regulating Ion Transport on Li Metal Surface.

The free transport of anions in a Li metal battery can cause multiple issues, including a high anion transference number, space charge, and concentration polarization, eventually leading to uncontrolled dendrite formation and decreased performance. Herein, we report an anion-anchoring nano-CaCO3 (NC) coating derived from eggshell biowaste for stabilizing Li metal anodes. As the adsorption of local TFSI- anions onto the NC adsorbent can undermine the anion concentration gradient and promote rapid Li-ion diffusion, it can effectively inhibit the proliferation of Li dendrites assisted by the NC coating. Consequently, Li/Cu cells with NC@Cu electrode can achieve a high Coulombic efficiency of ∼98.4% for more than 420 cycles and can even reach ∼99.1% at an ultrahigh areal capacity of 20 mAh cm-2. In particular, full cells with NC/Li@Cu electrodes show a stable lifespan of over 240 cycles with an average efficiency of ∼99.8% at a low N/P ratio of ∼3.3.

The relationship between adolescent impulsivity, mental health, and internet addiction: a latent profile analysis.

This study aimed to identify group variations in adolescent impulsivity and explore the connections between latent categories of impulsivity and psychological symptoms, social anxiety, and internet addiction. The research involved 2,378 participants from three middle schools in Guangdong Province, China. We assessed the impact of impulsivity levels (measured by BBIS) on depression (measured by KADS-11), anxiety (measured by SCARED), social anxiety (measured by SASC), and internet addiction (measured by YDQ). Latent profile analysis was employed to examine the diversity in adolescent impulsivity, establish latent classifications, and investigate the variances in psychological symptoms, social anxiety, and internet addiction. The middle school students were categorized into five latent groups based on their BBIS scores. Statistical analysis revealed five impulsivity categories, strongly linked to psychological symptoms and social anxiety but less strongly associated with internet addiction. The high impulsivity group (C5) exhibited higher scores in psychological symptoms and social anxiety compared to other groups, whereas the poor self-regulation group (C3) displayed greater psychological symptoms, social anxiety scores, and internet addiction than the impulsive behavior group (C4). Future investigations should investigate the underlying factors contributing to the observed differences among these groups.

The role of neoadjuvant conventional transarterial chemoembolization with radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after initial hepatectomy with microvascular invasion.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with microvascular invasion (MVI)-positive primary tumor is at high risk of re-recurrence while treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We aimed to investigate whether neoadjuvant conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) was effective in reducing re-recurrence after RFA for recurrent HCC patients with MVI-positive primary tumors. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, 468 patients with solitary small recurrent HCC (≤3.0cm) underwent RFA alone (n = 322) or with neoadjuvant cTACE (n = 146) between June 2007 and December 2017 were included. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. RESULTS: The 1-, 5-year OS rates were 74.8%, 42.5% for RFA with neoadjuvant cTACE group, and 53.5%, 28.7% for RFA group (P < 0.001). The corresponding RFS rates were 51.7%, 24.4% for RFA with neoadjuvant cTACE group, and 36.1%, 9.3% for RFA group (P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the OS and RFS for neoadjuvant cTACE group were longer than those for RFA group no matter tumor size > 2cm (HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36-0.77; HR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36-0.67) or not (HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.32-0.88; HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98), or the time interval of recurrence from initial treatment ≤ 1 year (HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36-0.77; HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.94) or not (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.95; HR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25-0.62). Multivariable analyses showed that RFA alone (HR = 1.329, P = 0.031; HR = 1.764, P = 0.004) and interval of recurrence from initial treatment > 1 year(HR = 0.642, P = 0.001; HR = 0.298, P = 0.037) were independent prognostic factors of OS and RFS. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant cTACE could effectively reduce re-recurrence after RFA, and improve the long-term survivals for patients with solitary small recurrent HCC whose primary tumor was MVI-positive. Key pointsFor recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients whose primary tumor was positive for microvascular invasion, neoadjuvant conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) achieved better efficacy.Multivariable analyses showed that the interval of recurrence from initial treatment > 1 year and RFA alone were independent prognostic factors of overall survival and recurrence-free survival, respectively.

Hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) generally causes self-limiting viral hepatitis. However, in pregnant women, HEV infection can be severe and has been associated with up to 30% mortality in the third trimester. Additionally, HEV infection in pregnancy is also associated with high rates of preterm labor and vertical transmission. MAIN BODY: HEV is now recognized as a global health problem in both developing and industrialized countries. HEV can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route, zoonotic route, and blood transfusion route. An altered immune status, hormonal levels, and viral factors may be related to the severity of the disease. Currently, no established treatment is available for HEV in pregnant women. A Chinese vaccine has been demonstrated to be protective against HEV in the general population and seems to be safe in pregnancy; however, its safety and efficacy in a large population of pregnant women remain to be determined. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the current knowledge about HEV infection during pregnancy and focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, mechanisms underlying severe liver injury, and management and prevention of HEV infection during pregnancy. Considering that HEV infection during pregnancy may result in poor outcomes, screening for and monitoring HEV infection early in pregnancy should be taken into account. In addition, a better understanding of the pathogenesis will help to develop potential treatment strategies targeting HEV infection in pregnancy.

Quality Control of Psoralea corylifolia L. Based on High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatographic Fingerprinting.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)has played an important role in promoting the health of Chinese people. The TCM Psoralea corylifolia L. has been used in the treatment of various kinds of diseases including enuresis, vitiligo, and calvities. However, therapeutic effects of P. corylifolia L. have often influenced by the quality of plants. So, it is very important to control the quality of P. corylifolia L. In this study, analytical high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) was successfully used to fingerprint P. corylifolia L. Samples of P. corylifolia L. were extracted by ultrasonic extraction. n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water at a ratio of 5:5.5:6.5:5 (v/v) was selected as a two-phase solvent system and the condition of HSCCC were optimized in order to good separation. And the method of HSCCC was verified (reproducibility, precision, and stability). HSCCC chromatograms exhibited six common peaks, which were selected as indicator compounds for the quality control of P. corylifolia L. Within 20 types of medicinal materials, chemical components are similar, but the levels of components are quite different in HSCCC fingerprint. The present results demonstrate that the HSCCC method provides a reliable basis for the quality control of P. corylifolia L. and can also be applied to confirm the authenticity of plant materials.

Development and Validation of an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Determination of Wedelolactone in Rat Plasma and its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study.

Wedelolactone is a coumarin ether with significant hepatoprotective effects. However, there are few pharmacokinetic studies of wedelolactone, which will affect the studies of its efficacy and potential toxicity. In this study, a selective ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed to confirm the pharmacokinetic parameters of wedelolactone in rat plasma. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a Kromasil C18 UPLC column (250 × 4.6 mm; 5.0 µm) by gradient mobile phase of methanol-water containing 0.5% acetic acid (v/v). Perfect linearity was obtained and the samples were stable under different conditions. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviation, %) were within 3.81% and accuracies (relative error, %) ranged from -4.01% to 7.12%. The extraction recoveries in rat plasma ranged from 95.98% to 108.93%. This rapid method was successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study of wedelolactone in rat plasma. Following the oral administration of 5.00 mg/kg wedelolactone, the wedelolactone was rapidly absorbed. Pharmacokinetic parameters were used to quantitatively describe the dynamic changes of wedelolactone in vivo, providing a theoretical basis for pharmacological research on drugs and preclinical medication. The study of wedelolactone can provide a theoretical basis and quick analysis for the study of other traditional Chinese medicine. This may lead to breakthroughs in the pharmacokinetic study of complex Chinese medicines.

Fingerprint Analysis of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography.

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is a popular Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a variety of bioactivities. However, there are some problems that have affected the development of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. At present, many methods have been reported for the analysis of coumarins in Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. However, the quality control of coumarins in Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) has not been reported. In this study, analytical high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was successfully used for fingerprint of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water at 4:6:6.5:3.5 (v/v). The UV wavelength was set at 254 nm. Six coumarin compounds with high biological activity were selected as indicator compounds for the quality control. The HSCCC fingerprint of the Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson was successfully established and there were some differences according to the results of the fingerprint analysis. The present results demonstrate that HSCCC is an established and efficient technique for the fingerprint analysis of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson and can be used to control the quality of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. In brief, HSCCC is a useful technology for the fingerprint analytical method for TCM.

Nitrogen-rich core-shell structured particles consisting of carbonized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks and reduced graphene oxide for amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide.

Core-shell structured particles were prepared from carbonized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The particles possess a nitrogen content of up to 10.6%. The loss of nitrogen from the ZIF is avoided by utilizing the reduction and agglomeration of graphene oxide with suitable size (>2 µm) during pyrolysis. The resulting carbonized ZIF@rGO particles were deposited on a glassy carbon electrode to give an amperometric sensor for H2O2, typically operated at a voltage of -0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The sensor has a wide detection range (from 5 × 10-6 to 2 × 10-2 M), a 3.3 µM (S/N = 3) detection limit and a 0.272 µA·µM-1·cm-2 sensitivity, much higher than that of directly carbonized ZIFs. The sensor material was also deposited on a screen-printed electrode to explore the possibility of application. Graphical abstract Nitrogen doped carbon (NC) derived from carbonized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks is limited because of low nitrogen content. Here, nitrogen-rich NC@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) core-shell structured particles are described. The NC@rGO particles show distinctly better H2O2 detection performance than NC.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation on the Effect of Maxillary Dentition Distalization With Miniscrews Implanted in the Infrazygomatic Crest.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the maxillary dentition distalization with miniscrews implanted in the infrazygomatic (IZ) crest with 3D reconstruction module from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Twenty patients who previously underwent dentition distalization treatment with miniscrews were recruited. A total of 40 images were obtained using CBCT, taken immediately before placement of the miniscrew anchorage and at the end of distalization. The 3D-line measurements were recorded to monitor dental changes. RESULTS: There was significant movement of maxillary dentition before and after treatment with miniscrews. The miniscrews induced maxillary dentition distalization and corrected Class II relationship in 8 months on average. The incisors were retracted 4.3 mm and extruded 3.8 mm at the crown on average. The crown of canines showed 3.7 mm of distalization and the width increased by 3.1 mm averagely. The mesial buccal cusp of first molars' crowns showed 3.5-mm distalization and 2.1-mm intrusion, and the width increased by 5.0 mm averagely. The distal buccal cusp of first molars' crowns showed 2.8-mm distalization and 3.7-mm intrusion, and the width increased by 6.2 mm averagely. CONCLUSIONS: The anchorage of miniscrews implanted in the IZ crest is an efficient device for maxillary dentition distalization.

Steroidal Saponins from Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Their Biological Activity.

In the present study, four new steroidal saponins, namely vernoniamyoside A-D (1-4), together with the two known steroidal saponins vernoamyoside D (5) and vernonioside B2 (6) were isolated from the ethanol extract of leaves of the African medicinal plant Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Asteraceae). Their structures were demonstrated by spectral analyses along with 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques and mass spectrometry (MS). The cytotoxicity of the compounds was also tested by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method on the cell lines Hela, MCF-7, BT-549 and MDA-MB-231. Vernoniamyoside A, vernoniamyoside B, and vernonioside B2 showed cytotoxicity towards BT-549 cell lines. Vernoniamyoside C, vernoniamyoside D and vernoamyoside D showed different levels of cytotoxic activities.

Safe zones for miniscrews in maxillary dentition distalization assessed with cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomic structure of the buccal alveolar bone in the infrazygomatic crest region with cone-beam computed tomography to locate safe zones for miniscrews in maxillary dentition distalization. METHODS: The buccal alveolar bone was analyzed in 3 regions of 60 patients: between the maxillary second premolar and first molar (U5-U6), between the mesiodistal roots of the first molar (U6), and between the maxillary first and second molars (U6-U7). Alveolar bone thickness at the buccal side of the roots and the interradicular space at the buccal side of the roots were measured at the planes of 5, 7, 9, and 11 mm apically from the alveolar crest to the maxillary sinus floor. The buccal bone height was measured from the alveolar crest edge to the sinus floor. RESULTS: The buccal alveolar bone was thicker in the U6-U7 region than in the U6 and U5-U6 regions. The buccal alveolar bone thickness tended to get thicker from the alveolar crest to the sinus floor. The thickest buccal alveolar bone of 4.07 mm was observed at the plane of 11 mm of the U6-U7 region. The percentages for the height of bone from the crest edge to the sinus floor were smaller than 10 mm at the regions of U5-U6, U6, and U6-U7: 38%, 52%, and 43%, respectively. The interradicular space was smallest in the U6 region and largest in the U5-U6 region. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the U6-U7 region is the most ideal safe zone for placing miniscrews in the buccal alveolar bone in the infrazygomatic crest region for maxillary dentition distalization.

Quality assessment of Cinnamomi Ramulus by the simultaneous analysis of multiple active components using high-performance thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography.

A novel and improved method for the quality assessment of Cinnamomi Ramulus was developed and completely validated. The method was established using fingerprint technology and simultaneous quantitative determination of six main marker compounds including coumarin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid, 2-methoxy cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and 2-methoxy cinnamaldehyde in the herbal medicine for the first time. A newly developed high-performance thin-layer chromatography method, which achieved simultaneous definition of five marker components by comparing the colors and retardation factor values of the bands in high-performance thin-layer chromatography, was first used for the authentication of Cinnamomi Ramulus. The fingerprints of 26 batches of herbal samples from different regions of China showed very similar chromatographic patterns that were evaluated by similarity analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. In addition, six marker compounds were simultaneously determined using single standard to determine multiple components by the relative response factors. Compared with the external standard method, the new quantitative method was validated to determine multiple compounds in 26 batches of Cinnamomi Ramulus samples. All results demonstrated that the simple and rapid method could be effectively utilized for the quality control of Cinnamomi Ramulus.

Fluorescent response mechanism based on ESIPT and TICT of novel probe H2QJI: A TD-DFT investigation.

Recently, synthesized N-linked-disalicylaldehyde H2QJI probes have been used to detect heavy metal ions in the experiment conveniently. Nevertheless, there needs to be a more in-depth examination of the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism and photophysical properties of the probe. This work remedied it based on quantum chemistry calculations. We contained due hydrogen bond (O1-H2 ⋯ N3 and O4-H5 ⋯ O6) and then analyzed bond parameters, IR vibration spectra, and non-covalent interaction. The bond strength is enhanced under photoexcitation, and the former is significantly stronger. The calculated electron spectra are in agreement with the experimental values. The results of the S0 and S1 potential energy curves and IRC calculations also confirm the unique ESIPT behavior, which isan excited stated stepwise double proton transfer. The fluorescence, internal conversion, and intersystem crossing rate of KD molecules (twisted-, double proton transfer) were calculated respectively to reveal the radiative and non-radiative pathways. It proved that the corresponding spectra are not obtained since the electrons are mainly deactivated by the ISC (S1->T1). Furthermore, the interfragment charge transfer (IFCT) approach indicates that the molecule possesses twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) characteristics, which lead to the quenching of fluorescence introduction.

Serotonin signalling in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a multifunctional bioamine serving as a neurotransmitter, peripheral hormone and mitogen in the vertebrate system. It has pleiotropic activities in central nervous system and gastrointestinal function via an orchestrated action of serotonergic elements, particularly serotonin receptor-mediated signalling cascades. The mitogenic properties of serotonin have garnered recognition for years and have been exploited for repurposing serotonergic-targeted drugs in cancer therapy. However, emerging conflicting findings necessitate a more comprehensive elucidation of serotonin's role in cancer pathogenesis. MAIN BODY AND CONCLUSION: Here, we provide an overview of the biosynthesis, metabolism and action modes of serotonin. We summarise our current knowledge regarding the effects of the peripheral serotonergic system on tumourigenesis, with a specific emphasis on its immunomodulatory activities in human cancers. We also discuss the dual roles of serotonin in tumour pathogenesis and elucidate the potential of serotonergic drugs, some of which display favourable safety profiles and impressive efficacy in clinical trials, as a promising avenue in cancer treatment. KEY POINTS: Primary synthesis and metabolic routes of peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine in the gastrointestinal tract. Advanced research has established a strong association between the serotonergic components and carcinogenic mechanisms. The interplay between serotonergic signalling and the immune system within the tumour microenvironment orchestrates antitumour immune responses. Serotonergic-targeted drugs offer valuable clinical options for cancer therapy.

Rh-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of 2-Substituted 4H-(Thio)chromenes for Synthesis of Chiral (Thio)chromanes.

Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2-substituted 4H-thiochromenes and 4H-chromenes was successfully developed. This method provided highly efficient access to a series of chiral 2-substituted thiochromanes and chromanes in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield, 86-99% ee). The obtained chiral 2-substituted thiochromane products were also successfully transformed to corresponding chiral α-substituted sulfoxides and sulfones with excellent enantioselectivities. Furthermore, this highly enantioselective hydrogenation process could be successfully applied to the concise and practical synthesis of the chiral pharmaceutical BW683C.

Dose-response relationship between weekly physical activity level and the frequency of colds in Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Background: Engaging in appropriate physical activity can significantly lower the risk of various diseases among middle-aged and older adults. Investigating optimal levels of physical activity (PA) is crucial for enhancing the health of this demographic. This study aims to explore the dose-response relationship between weekly PA levels and the frequency of colds among Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals, identifying the necessary PA level to effectively diminish the risk of colds. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a web-based survey targeting individuals aged 40 and older (n = 1, 683) in China. The survey collected information on PA and the frequency of colds. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and the χ2 test. We explored the dose-response relationship between weekly PA and cold frequency over the past year through an ordered multivariate logistic regression model and a restricted cubic spline model. Results: (1) Brisk walking emerged as the preferred physical exercise for those over 40. The findings suggest that engaging in moderate (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.50-0.81]) and high (OR = 0.64, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.51-0.79]) levels of PA weekly significantly reduces the risk of catching a cold. Individuals with one (OR = 1.47, P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.20-1.80]) or multiple chronic diseases (OR = 1.56, P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.21-2.00]) were at increased risk. Those residing in central (OR = 1.64, P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.33-02.01]) and western China (OR = 1.49, P = 0.008, 95% CI [1.11-02.00]) faced a higher risk compared to their counterparts in eastern China. (2) According to the restricted cubic spline model, adults who experienced one cold in the past year had a weekly PA level of 537.29 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week (MET-min/wk) with an OR value of 1. For those reporting two or more colds, the PA level was 537.76 MET-min/wk with an OR of 1. Conclusions: (1) Brisk walking is the most favored exercise among the Chinese middle-aged and elderly, with the prevalence of colds being affected by the number of chronic diseases and the geographic location. (2) Regular, moderate exercise is linked to a lower risk of colds. To effectively reduce cold frequency, it is recommended that middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals engage in a minimum of 538 MET-min/wk of exercise.

Toward Circular Energy: Exploring Direct Regeneration for Lithium-Ion Battery Sustainability.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are rapidly developing into attractive energy storage technologies. As LIBs gradually enter retirement, their sustainability is starting to come into focus. The utilization of recycled spent LIBs as raw materials for battery manufacturing is imperative for resource and environmental sustainability. The sustainability of spent LIBs depends on the recycling process, whereby the cycling of battery materials must be maximized while minimizing waste emissions and energy consumption. Although LIB recycling technologies (hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy) have been commercialized on a large scale, they have unavoidable limitations. They are incompatible with circular economy principles because they require toxic chemicals, emit hazardous substances, and consume large amounts of energy. The direct regeneration of degraded electrode materials from spent LIBs is a viable alternative to traditional recycling technologies and is a nondestructive repair technology. Furthermore, direct regeneration offers advantages such as maximization of the value of recycled electrode materials, use of sustainable, nontoxic reagents, high potential profitability, and significant application potential. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the state-of-the-art direct LIB regeneration technologies that can be extended to large-scale applications.

Lignin reinforced tough, adhesive, and recoverable protein organohydrogels for wearable strain sensing under sub-zero temperatures.

Protein-based hydrogels with promising biocompatibility and biodegradability have attracted considerable interest in areas of epidermal sensing, whereas, which are still difficult to synchronously possess high mechanical strength, self-adhesion, and recoverability. Hence, the bio-polymer lignosulfonate-reinforced gluten organohydrogels (GOHLx) are fabricated through green and simple food-making processes and the following solvent exchange with glycerol/water binary solution. Ascribing to the uniform distribution of lignosulfonate in gluten networks, as well as the noncovalent interactions (e.g., H-bond) between them, the resultant GOHLx exhibit favorable conductivity (∼14.3 × 10-4 S m-1), toughness (∼711.0 kJ m-3), self-adhesion (a maximal lap-shear strength of ∼33.5 kPa), high sensitivity (GF up to ∼3.04), and durability (∼3000 cycles) toward shape deformation, which are suitable for the detection of both drastic (e.g., elbow and wrist bending) and subtle (e.g., swallowing and speaking) human movements even under -20 °C. Furthermore, the GOHLx is also biocompatible, degradable, and recoverable (by a simple kneading process). Thus, this work may pave a simple, green, and cheap way to prepare all-biomass-based, tough, sticky, and recoverable protein-based organohydrogels for epidermal strain sensing even in harsh environments.