Enhancing surgical outcomes: accurate identification and removal of prostate cancer with B7-H3-targeted NIR-II molecular imaging.

PURPOSE: One of the main reasons for prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence is the difficulty in identifying and removing cancerous lesions during surgery. Accurately localizing and excising cancerous tissue remains a significant challenge. The second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) fluorescence offers enhanced resolution, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and the potential for deeper tissue penetration. However, this technology is not currently employed for intraoperative imaging of PCa. This study aims to construct a new NIR-II probe targeting B7-H3 (AbB7-H3-800CW) for accurate intraoperative identification and resection of PCa. METHODS: Based on the differential expression of B7-H3 in PCa, we designed a novel imaging probe to accurately identify and guide the resection of preclinical PCa models and ex vivo human PCa tissues using NIR-II fluorescence imaging technology. RESULTS: Analyzing tissue samples from 60 clinical cases of PCa, along with benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal prostate tissue from 22 cases, we observed a significant difference in B7-H3 protein expression levels (P < 0.001). Subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models of PCa were imaged using NIR-II fluorescence after AbB7-H3-800CW injection, showing promising results with successful tumor targeting and high-contrast images achieved within 24-48 h post-injection. The imaging also enabled the detection of occult PCa lesions approximately 1 mm in diameter. In addition, imaging analysis of human PCa and adjacent tissues using AbB7-H3-800CW incubation revealed that cancer tissues exhibited a significantly higher fluorescence intensity than adjacent tissues (P < 0.05), which was conducive to the evaluation of tumor resection margin in vitro. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that B7-H3 was a compelling imaging target for PCa. The AbB7-H3-800CW molecular imaging probe is capable of accurately identifying PCa lesions and guiding their removal. This approach can potentially reduce the rate of surgical margins under NIR-II fluorescence guidance.

Adhesion molecule-targeted magnetic particle imaging nanoprobe for visualization of inflammation in acute lung injury.

PURPOSE: Uncontrolled intra-alveolar inflammation is a central pathogenic feature, and its severity translates into a valid prognostic indicator of acute lung injury (ALI). Unfortunately, current clinical imaging approaches are unsuitable for visualizing and quantifying intra-alveolar inflammation. This study aimed to construct a small-sized vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-targeted magnetic particle imaging (MPI) nanoprobe (ESPVPN) to visualize and accurately quantify intra-alveolar inflammation at the molecular level. METHODS: ESPVPN was engineered by conjugating a peptide (VHPKQHRGGSK(Cy7)GC) onto a polydopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide core. The MPI performance, targeting, and biosafety of the ESPVPN were characterized. VCAM-1 expression in HUVECs and mouse models was evaluated by western blot. The degree of inflammation and distribution of VCAM-1 in the lungs were assessed using histopathology. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers and VCAM-1 in lung tissue lysates was measured using ELISA. After intravenous administration of ESPVPN, MPI and CT imaging were used to analyze the distribution of ESPVPN in the lungs of the LPS-induced ALI models. RESULTS: The small-sized (~10 nm) ESPVPN exhibited superior MPI performance compared to commercial MagImaging® and Vivotrax, and ESPVPN had effective targeting and biosafety. VCAM-1 was highly expressed in LPS-induced ALI mice. VCAM-1 expression was positively correlated with the LPS-induced dose (R = 0.9381). The in vivo MPI signal showed positive correlations with both VCAM-1 expression (R = 0.9186) and representative pro-inflammatory markers (MPO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1ß, R > 0.7). CONCLUSION: ESPVPN effectively targeted inflammatory lungs and combined the advantages of MPI quantitative imaging to visualize and evaluate the degree of ALI inflammation.

Construction of Hydrogels with Highly Salt-Resistant Honeycomb Porous Structures for Solar Desalination and Steam Generation.

Interfacial solar desalination is a method for desalinating seawater using solar energy, and the long-term use of this technology requires a stable evaporation rate and some ability to prevent salt crystallization. To address these issues, carbonized polydopamine-coated bentonite (C@PBT), poly(vinyl alcohol), and cellulose nanofibers were used to construct a three-dimensional oriented hydrogel evaporator with a multilayered honeycomb porous structure for long-term desalination. Carbon nanoparticles transferred between the layers of the bentonite, which increases the spacing of the layers and confers a more effective solar light trapping ability. The evaporation rate was 2.26 kg m-2 h-1 in 20 wt % NaCl solution, and no salt crystals were precipitated from the surface of the evaporator in 12 h of continuous operation. This phenomenon occurs due to the wide distribution of pore sizes and the large size of the pores within the evaporator, which create ample space for salt ions to move freely. Furthermore, after undergoing 300 cycles of compression, its internal pore structure remains intact, and the rate of evaporation remains stable. It ensures the evaporator stability during outdoor cycles. The research work provides an effective method to solve the salt accumulation problem and shows its great potential for application.

Self-Lubrication Mechanism of Surface-Textured Polymer-Matrix Composites under the Induction of Frictional Stress.

Polymer-matrix composites have been widely used in the manufacture of seals, bearings, electrical insulators, and self-lubricating films as engineering applications move toward lighter weight, higher strength, and corrosion resistance. However, the high-speed shear effect of the friction pairs in relative motion leads to localized heating of the polymer surface, resulting in deformation or softening of the device. Herein, acer mono maple and canna leaves were used as templates to construct polymer-matrix sulfonated polyether-etherketone/polytetrafluoro-wax (SPEEK/PFW) composites with a surface-textured structure. As the bionic texture reduces the level of direct contact between the friction pairs, the frictional thermosoftening of SPEEK occurs in the localized areas of the bumps and leads to the release of PFW stored in textures, resulting in the formation of a soft polymer sliding layer in the worn area and greatly enhancing the frictional stability. By investigation of the tribological properties of textured SPEEK/PFW composites under different loads and sliding speeds, the mechanisms from surface wear to matrix softening and spontaneous construction of a slipping layer are summarized. The results of scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional profilometer characterization of the wear scars show the surface state of SPEEK/PFW after friction, revealing the friction-thermotropic deformation of the surface texture. The results of this study not only improve our understanding of the frictional heat-induced surface self-lubrication mechanism of textured polymer composites but also provide a reference for the development of multiphase hybrid polymer-matrix composites with excellent self-lubrication properties.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dot as a Lubricant Additive in Polar and Non-polar Oils for Superior Tribological Properties via Condensation Reaction.

Nitrogen-doped lubricating additives have been proved to be an effective strategy to improve the tribological properties of lubricating oil. However, the traditional preparation methods of nitrogen-doped lubricating additives have the defects including harsh preparation conditions and a time-consuming preparation process. Herein, we report a preparation method of nitrogen-doped carbon dot (NCD) lubricating additives in a short time by one-step aldehyde condensation reaction at room temperature. The small size effect and nitrogen-containing functional groups of NCD lubricating additives provide favorable conditions for their dispersion and low friction in base oil. The tribological properties of NCD lubricating additives in sunflower oil (SFO) and PAO10 were systematically evaluated. The results show that NCD lubricating additives could reduce the average friction coefficient of SFO from 0.15 to 0.06 and PAO10 oil from 0.12 to 0.06, and the wear width is also decreased by 50-60%. In particular, the friction curve is very stable, and the friction coefficient was maintained at about 0.06 even under the working time of 5 h. By analyzing the morphology and chemical properties of the worn surface, the lubrication effect of NCDs is attributed to its small size effect and adsorption, which was easy to enter the friction gap to fill and repair. Furthermore, the doping of nitrogen induces the occurrence of friction chemical reactions, forming a friction film of nitrides and metal oxides at the friction interface, which effectively reduces the friction and wear of the surface. These findings provide a possibility for the convenient and effective preparation of NCD lubricating additives.

Synthetic Kilogram Carbon Dots for Superior Friction Reduction and Antiwear Additives.

Because of the high synthesis cost, strong chemical inertness, complex process, and easy to endanger environment of traditional carbon-based nanolubricant additives, the development of its application in lubrication is limited. Therefore, a new type of lubricant additive with low cost, high yield, high performance, and environmental protection is urgently needed. Herein, a kilogram-scale carbon dots (CDs) lubricant additive was prepared by a simple and green one-step reaction of aldol condensation, which showed excellent lubricating properties in water and sunflower oil. The tribological properties of the CDs lubricant additive at different concentrations, loads, and speeds were systematically studied. The results show that the average friction coefficient of water is significantly reduced by 75% by a CDs lubricant additive. In particular, CDs not only exhibited excellent service life and lubrication stability during friction but also kept the friction coefficient change rate of sunflower seed oil close to 0 within 500 min. According to the tribological evaluation and wear surface analysis, the lubrication mechanism of CDs was attributed to their own morphological characteristics and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface. In the friction process, the charge adsorption effect, the adsorption protective film, and the hydrogen bonding layer are generated, which play an essential role in obvious antiwear and friction reduction. Therefore, this work provides a reference for the preparation of high-performance and high-yield lubricant additives.

Adolescent chronic unpredictable stress causes a bias in goal-directed behavior and distinctively changes the expression of NMDA and dopamine receptors in the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum in male rats.

The distinct preferences between goal-directed and habit-directed behaviors involve numerous neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Chronic stress during adulthood biases behavior toward habit-oriented strategies. However, it remains to be studied how adolescence, as a stage in which brain regions are still undergoing development, suffering stress will affect this preference. Here, we exposed rats to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) at PND 21 to PND 33 and PND 34 to PND 47 to examine its effect on sugar pellet-based instrumental behavior in adulthood. We showed that rats exposed to CUS in middle adolescence had a biased goal-directed strategy rather than a habit-oriented strategy in adulthood, whereas CUS exposure in early adolescence did not have this effect. Moreover, middle adolescent CUS caused the downregulation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subtype 2 B (NR2B) in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) rather than in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), whereas no change was observed in NR2A or the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) or the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in the DLS. Together, these findings suggest that CUS in middle adolescence inhibits habitual behavior in adulthood and downregulates the expression of NR2B in DLS, providing new evidence to understand the molecular mechanisms of abnormal habitual behaviors induced by adolescent stress.

Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. METHODS: This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. RESULTS: Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: ß = -0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: ß = -0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: ß = -0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: ß = -0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. METHODS: This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. RESULTS: Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: ß = -0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: ß = -0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: ß = -0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: ß = -0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

Precise visual distinction of brain glioma from normal tissues via targeted photoacoustic and fluorescence navigation.

The vexing difficulty in distinguishing glioma from normal tissues is a major obstacle to prognosis. In an attempt to solve this problem, we used a joint strategy that combined targeted-cancer stem cells nanoparticles with precise photoacoustic and fluorescence navigation. We showed that traditional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not represent the true morphology of tumors. Targeted nanoparticles specifically accumulated in the tumor area. Glioma was precisely revealed at the cellular level. Tumors could be non-invasively detected through the intact skull by fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) and photoacoustic tomography (PAT). Moreover, PAT can be used to excise deep gliomas. Histological correlation confirmed that FMI imaging accurately delineated scattered tumor cells. The combination of optical PAT and FMI navigation fulfilled the promise of precise visual imaging in glioma detection and resection. This detection method was deeper and more intuitive than the current intraoperative pathology.

Correlation between Quality and Geographical Origins of Cortex Periplocae, Based on the Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Chemical Markers Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition.

Quality assessment of Cortex Periplocae remains a challenge, due to its complex chemical profile. This study aims to investigate the chemical components of Cortex Periplocae, including its non-volatile and volatile constituents, via liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assays. The established strategy manifested that Cortex Periplocae from different producing areas was determined by identifying 27 chemical markers with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), including four main groups of cardiac glycosides, organic acids, aldehydes, and oligosaccharides. These groups' variable importance in the projection (VIP) were greater than 1. Simultaneously, the samples were divided into four categories, combined with multivariate statistical analysis. In addition, in order to further understand the difference in the content of samples from different producing areas, nine chemical markers of Cortex Periplocae from 14 different producing areas were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and results indicated that the main effective constituents of Cortex Periplocae varied with places of origin. Furthermore, in GC-MS analysis, samples were divided into three groups with multivariate statistical analysis; in addition, 22 differential components whose VIP were greater than 1 were identified, which were principally volatile oils and fatty acids. Finally, the relative contents of seven main volatile constituents were obtained, which varied extremely with the producing areas. The results showed that the LC-MS/MS and GC-MS assays, combined with multivariate statistical analysis for Cortex Periplocae, provided a comprehensive and effective means for its quality evaluation.

Twist1 expression induced by sunitinib accelerates tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry by increasing the population of CD133+ cells in triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia induced by antiangiogenic agents is linked to the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and treatment failure through unknown mechanisms. The generation of endothelial cell-independent microcirculation in malignant tumors is defined as tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry (VM). In the present study, we analyzed the effects of an antiangiogenic agent on VM in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS: Microcirculation patterns were detected in patients with TNBC and non-TNBC. Tientsin Albino 2 (TA2) mice engrafted with mouse TNBC cells and nude mice engrafted with human breast cancer cell lines with TNBC or non-TNBC phenotypes were administered sunitinib and analyzed to determine tumor progression, survival, microcirculation, and oxygen concentration. Further, we evaluated the effects of hypoxia induced with CoCl2 and the expression levels of the transcription factor Twist1, in the presence or absence of a Twist siRNA, on the population of CD133(+) cells and VM in TNBC and non-TNBC cells. RESULTS: VM was detected in 35.8 and 17.8% of patients with TNBC or with non-TNBC, respectively. The growth of tumors in TNBC and non-TNBC-bearing mice was inhibited by sunitinib. The tumors in TA2 mice engrafted with mouse TNBCs and in mice engrafted a human TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231) regrew after terminating sunitinib administration. However, this effect was not observed in mice engrafted with a non-TNBC tumor cell line. Tumor metastases in sunitinib-treated TA2 mice was accelerated, and the survival of these mice decreased when sunitinib was withdrawn. VM was the major component of the microcirculation in sunitinib-treated mice with TNBC tumors, and the population of CD133+ cells increased in hypoxic areas. Hypoxia also induced MDA-MB-231 cells to express Twist1, and CD133(+) cells present in the MDA-MB-231 cell population induced VM after reoxygenation. Moreover, hypoxia did not induce MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with an sh-Twist1 siRNA cell to form VM and generate CD133(+) cells. Conversely, hypoxia induced MCF-7 cells transfected with Twist to form VM and generate CD133+ cells. CONCLUSIONS: Sunitinib induced hypoxia in TNBCs, and Twist1 expression induced by hypoxia accelerated VM by increasing population of CD133(+) cells. VM was responsible for the regrowth of TNBCs sunitinib administration was terminated.

Carbon quantum dot stabilized gadolinium nanoprobe prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal approach for magnetic resonance and fluorescence dual-modality bioimaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used extensively for clinical diagnoses. It is critical to design and develop highly efficient MR contrast agents with simple preparation procedure, low toxicity, and high biocompatibility. Here, we report a carbon quantum dots (CQDs)-stabilized gadolinium hybrid nanoprobe (Gd-CQDs) prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal treatment of the mixture of citrate acid, ethanediamine, and GdCl3 at 200 °C for 4 h. In vitro and in vivo tests confirmed their low toxicity and high biocompatibility. Gd-CQDs were observed to have a higher MR response than gadopentetic acid dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) because of their high Gd content and hydrophilicity. Moreover, the fluorescence of CQDs was remained in Gd-CQDs. The in vivo MR and fluorescence dual-modality imaging of Gd-CQDs was confirmed with zebrafish embryo and mice as models. The modification of Gd-CQDs with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) tripeptide provided a high affinity to U87 cancer cells for targeted imaging. Whereas the MR response showed a depth penetration and spatial visualization, fluorescence revealed the fine distribution of Gd-CQDs in tissues because of its high resolution and sensitivity. We found that Gd-CQDs distributed in the tissues in a heterogeneous mode: they entered into the tissue cells but were observed less in the extracellular matrix. The MR and fluorescence dual-modality imaging of Gd-CQDs makes them a potential contrast agent for clinic applications because of their simple preparation procedure, ease of functionalization, high contrast efficiency, low toxicity, and high biocompatibility.

Photocatalytic H2 O2 Generation Reaction with a Benchmark Rate at Air-Liquid-Solid Joint Interfaces.

The rapid charge recombination, low selectivity for two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and limited O2 diffusion rate hinder the practical applications of photocatalytic H2 O2 generation. Herein, a triphase photocatalytic system in which the H2 O2 generation occurs at the air-liquid-solid joint interfaces is developed, using polymeric carbon nitride (PCN). The introduction of pyrrole units and cyano group into PCN can promote the activation of oxygen molecules and facilitate the spatial separation of HOMO and LUMO orbits, hence improving the charge carrier separation efficiency and enhancing the formation of H2 O2 . Importantly, the gas-liquid-solid triphase interface system allows for the rapid transport of oxygen from the air to the reaction interface, overcoming the low solubility and slow diffusion of oxygen in the water in conventional liquid reaction systems. The triphase system shows a benchmark H2 O2 generation rate over PCN-based materials in pure water (2063.21 µmol g-1 h-1 ), which is an approximate tenfold enhancement as compared to powder photocatalyst (215.44 µmol g-1 h-1 ). Simulation and electrochemical tests reveal that the rapid oxygen diffusion rate of triphase interface can promote charge separation and provide more O2 to generate H2 O2 . This work provides a promising strategy for constructing an efficient and sustainable H2 O2 production system.

Long-Term Stable Superlubricity Coatings Enabled by the Interaction between the Polydimethylsiloxane Brush and Silicone Oil.

Recently, materials with superlubricity captured widespread attention on account of their great potential in energy savings and environmental protection. However, certain issues still remain to be solved for the traditional materials, such as the dependence on strict conditions and an unstable superlubricity state. Herein, a long-term stable superlubricity coating was prepared using a low-cost and simple method via an epoxy-based coating with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes under silicone oil (SO) lubrication conditions. Compared with the pure epoxy resin matrix, the friction coefficient and wear track width of the superlubricity coating with the optimal amount of 6 wt % PDMS are reduced to 0.006 and 50.9 µm (reduced by 10-fold and 5.6-fold decrease, respectively). In addition, the coating can maintain a stable superlubricity state during a 5 h tribological test. The superlubricity of the coating results from the synergistic lubrication effect of the PDMS brush and SO. First, PDMS brushes with high-stretched conformation due to the swelling effect of the SO can significantly reduce friction. Second, a stable oil film is generated between the contact surfaces, which significantly improves the frictional performance. Moreover, the PDMS incorporated into the coating matrix, along with oil-swelling PDMS brushes on the surface, is highly beneficial for enhancing corrosion resistance of the epoxy resin matrix. Such an epoxy-based coating with long-term stable superlubricity is considered as a potential lubricating and protective surface for tribological components for long-term service.

Fluorinated Graphene Thermally Conductive Hydrogel with a Solid-Liquid Interpenetrating Heat Conduction Network.

Hydrogels with excellent mechanical flexibility are widely used in flexible electronic devices. However, it is difficult to meet further applications of high-power integrated flexible electronics as a result of their low thermal conductivity. Herein, highly thermally conductive composite hydrogels with a solid-liquid interpenetrating thermal conductivity network are constructed by aromatic polyamide nanofibers (ANF) and fluorinated graphene (FG) reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cross-linked by tannic acid (TA) solution immersion to obtain a hydrogel with a double cross-linked network. The PVA-ANF-FG3T-11.1% composite hydrogel exhibits good mechanical properties compared to PVA-ANFT, with a tensile modulus of up to 0.89 MPa, a tensile strength of up to 1.23 MPa, and an energy of rupture of up to 3.45 MJ cm-3, which is mainly attributed to the multihydrogen bonding interactions in the composite hydrogel. In addition, the friction coefficient of the PVA-ANF-FG3T-11.1% composite hydrogel is 0.178, making it suitable for use in high-friction coefficient applications. The thermal conductivity of the PVA-ANF-FG3T-11.1% composite hydrogel is 1.42 W m-1 K-1, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of the solid thermal conductivity network and the liquid convection network, resulting in a high thermal conductivity of the composite hydrogel. The high thermal conductivity of the PVA-ANF-FG3T-11.1% composite hydrogel shows great potential for flexible wearable electronics and cooling paste applications.

Bioinspired Graphene Aerogels with Hybrid Wettability for Solar-Driven Purification of Complex Wastewater.

Salt deposition and pollutant enrichment greatly hamper efficient and sustainable water production for a solar evaporator. Inspired by the desert beetle, a dual-region hydrophobic graphene/hydrophilic titanium dioxide (TiO2) aerogel (GTA) with internal hydrophilic-hydrophobic hybrid wettability structure is prepared via a facile freeze-drying and thermal reduction method. The evaporator shows adjustable wettability, optimized water content, and a low energy loss in the evaporation process. Simultaneously, the hybrid wetting structure in aerogel subjects salt to a dynamic crystallization-dissolution process to prevent salt deposition. The GTA solar evaporator achieves an evaporation rate of 1.52 kg·m-2·h-1 with a 91.02% efficiency under 1 sun irradiation. Furthermore, GTAs achieve a stable evaporation rate in high salinity brine (25 wt % NaCl) under 1 sun irradiation for 100 h, which could compete well with other most advanced photothermal evaporation materials. Moreover, the synergistic effect of graphene and TiO2 endows GTAs with excellent photocatalytic degradation and self-cleaning properties, which can effectively reduce the enrichment of contaminants on the evaporator. Therefore, GTA evaporators can efficiently and stably obtain clean water from seawater and wastewater, which provides a feasible strategy for the purification of complex wastewater.

Near-infrared II fluorescence-guided glioblastoma surgery targeting monocarboxylate transporter 4 combined with photothermal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is crucial for glioma treatment, but achieving complete tumour removal remains challenging. We evaluated the effectiveness of a probe targeting monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) in recognising gliomas, and of near-infrared window II (NIR-II) fluorescent molecular imaging and photothermal therapy as treatment strategies. METHODS: We combined an MCT4-specific monoclonal antibody with indocyanine green to create the probe. An orthotopic mouse model and a transwell model were used to evaluate its ability to guide tumour resection using NIR-II fluorescence and to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), respectively. A subcutaneous tumour model was established to confirm photothermal therapy efficacy. Probe specificity was assessed in brain tissue from mice and humans. Finally, probe effectiveness in photothermal therapy was investigated. FINDINGS: MCT4 was differentially expressed in tumour and normal brain tissue. The designed probe exhibited precise tumour targeting. Tumour imaging was precise, with a signal-to-background (SBR) ratio of 2.8. Residual tumour cells were absent from brain tissue postoperatively (SBR: 6.3). The probe exhibited robust penetration of the BBB. Moreover, the probe increased the tumour temperature to 50 °C within 5 min of laser excitation. Photothermal therapy significantly reduced tumour volume and extended survival time in mice without damage to vital organs. INTERPRETATION: These findings highlight the potential efficacy of our probe for fluorescence-guided surgery and therapeutic interventions. FUNDING: Jilin Province Department of Science and Technology (20200403079SF), Department of Finance (2021SCZ06) and Development and Reform Commission (20200601002JC); National Natural Science Foundation of China (92059207, 92359301, 62027901, 81930053, 81227901, U21A20386); and CAS Youth Interdisciplinary Team (JCTD-2021-08).

Sustainable cellulose foams for all-weather high-performance radiative cooling and building insulation.

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) as a zero-energy-consumption cooling technique offers rich opportunities in reducing global energy consumption and mitigating CO2 emissions. Developing high-performance PDRC coolers with practical applicability based on sustainable materials is of great significance, but remains a big challenge. Herein, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and esterified cellulose (EC) extracted from sawdust were used as raw materials to construct foams by using a dual-crosslinking assisted-unidirectional freeze-drying strategy followed by hydrophobic surface modification. The resultant PVA/EC (PEC) foams with ideal hierarchical macropore structure displayed various excellent features, such as low thermal conductivity (26.2 mW·m-1·K-1), high solar reflectance (95 %) and infrared emissivity (0.97), superhydrophobicity as well as high mechanical properties. The features allowed the PEC foams to be used as radiative coolers with excellent PDRC performance and thermal insulating materials. A maximum sub-ambient temperature drops of 10.2 °C could be achieved for optimal PEC foams. Building simulations indicated that PEC foams could save 55.8 % of the energy consumption for Xi'an. Our work would give inspiration for designing various types of PDRC coolers, including but certainly not limited to foams-based radiative coolers.

Highly sensitive magnetic particle imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysm NETosis with anti-Ly6G iron oxide nanoparticles.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a significant health concern in developed countries due to their considerable mortality rate. The crucial factor of the progression of AAA is the release of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new imaging technique that offers the capability to detect superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with exceptional sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the functional imaging of MPI for the detection and monitoring of neutrophil infiltration within AAA. A novel multimodal imaging agent targeting neutrophils, PEG-Fe3O4-Ly6G-Cy7 nanoparticles (Ly6G NPs), were designed by coupling Fe3O4 nanoparticles with Ly6G antibodies and Cy7. The targeting and sensitivity of Ly6G NPs were assessed using MPI and fluorescence imaging (FLI) in the AAA mouse model. After the inhibition of NETosis, the degree of neutrophil infiltration and AAA severity were assessed using MPI with Ly6G NPs. Ly6G NPs accurately localized and quantitatively analyzed AAA lesion sites in mice using MPI/FLI/CT. Compared to the control group, elevated MPI and FLI signal intensities were detected at the abdominal aortic lesion site, and neutrophil infiltration and NETs accumulation were detected by histological analysis in the AAA models. After the inhibition of NETs accumulation in vivo, pathological damage in the abdominal aorta was significantly reduced, along with a decrease in the accumulation of Ly6G NPs and MPI signals. This multimodal MPI strategy revealed that nanoparticles targeting Ly6G can be used to detect neutrophil infiltration within AAA and monitor AAA severity.