Polycrystalline Few-Layer Graphene as a Durable Anticorrosion Film for Copper.

Corrosion of metals in atmospheric environments is a worldwide problem in industry and daily life. Traditional anticorrosion methods including sacrificial anodes or protective coatings have performance limitations. Here, we report atomically thin, polycrystalline few-layer graphene (FLG) grown by chemical vapor deposition as a long-term protective coating film for copper (Cu). A six-year old, FLG-protected Cu is visually shiny and detailed material characterizations capture no sign of oxidation. The success of the durable anticorrosion film depends on the misalignment of grain boundaries between adjacent graphene layers. Theoretical calculations further found that corrosive molecules always encounter extremely high energy barrier when diffusing through the FLG layers. Therefore, the FLG is able to prevent the corrosive molecules from reaching the underlying Cu surface. This work highlights the interesting structures of polycrystalline FLG and sheds insight into the atomically thin coatings for various applications.

Bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification identify MAD2L1 and CCNB2 as diagnostic biomarkers of rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant soft-tissue tumour. In recent years, the tumour microenvironment (TME) has been reported to be associated with the development of tumours. However, the relationship between the occurrence and development of RMS and TME is unclear. The purpose of this study is to identify potential tumor microenvironment-related biomarkers in rhabdomyosarcoma and analyze their molecular mechanisms, diagnostic and prognostic significance. METHODS: We first applied bioinformatics method to analyse the tumour samples of 125 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). Differential genes (DEGs) that significantly correlate with TME and the clinical staging of tumors were extracted. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to validate the expression of mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 1 (MAD2L1) and cyclin B2 (CCNB2) in RMS tissue. Then, we used cell function and molecular biology techniques to study the influence of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 expression levels on the progression of RMS. RESULTS: Bioinformatics results show that the RMS TME key genes were screened, and a TME-related tumour clinical staging model was constructed. The top 10 hub genes were screened through the establishment of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and then Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was conducted to measure the overall survival (OS) of the 10 hub genes in the sarcoma cases in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Six DEGs of statistical significance were acquired. The relationship between these six differential genes and the clinical stage of RMS was analysed. Further analysis revealed that the OS of RMS patients with high expression of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 was worse and the expression of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 was related to the clinical stage of RMS patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that the genes in MAD2L1 and CCNB2 groups with high expression were mainly related to the mechanism of tumour metastasis and recurrence. In the low-expression MAD2L1 and CCNB2 groups, the genes were enriched in the metabolic and immune pathways. Immunohistochemical results also confirmed that the expression levels of MAD2L1 (30/33, 87.5%) and CCNB2 (33/33, 100%) were remarkably higher in RMS group than in normal control group (0/11, 0%). Moreover, the expression of CCNB2 was related to tumour size. Downregulation of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 suppressed the growth, invasion, migration, and cell cycling of RMS cells and promoted their apoptosis. The CIBERSORT immune cell fraction analysis indicated that the expression levels of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 affected the immune status in the TME. CONCLUSIONS: The expression levels of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 are potential indicators of TME status changes in RMS, which may help guide the prognosis of patients with RMS and the clinical staging of tumours.

Chlorocladiella gen. nov. (Pithophoraceae, Cladophorales, Chlorophyta), Including Four New Species From Various Freshwater Habitats in China.

Samples of Pithophoraceae, collected in diverse freshwater and damp terrestrial habitats from tropical and subtropical China, were characterized morphologically and ultrastructurally, and their phylogenetic position was determined based on nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. Our phylogenetic analysis resolved a novel lineage of Pithophoraceae, sister to Aegagropilopsis. Based on our phylogenetic results, morphological observations and comparative rDNA ITS2 secondary structure analysis, we propose Chlorocladiella gen. nov., characterized by a well-developed system of prostrate filaments, and describe four new species, C. cochlea sp. nov., C. erecta sp. nov., C. medogensis sp. nov., and C. pisformis sp. nov. Two species were found growing on damp soil, which is an unusual habitat for cladophoralean green algae, indicating that the diversity of Cladophorales in terrestrial habitats may be greater than currently recognized.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of antioxidant activity and bioavailability of a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for buckwheat flavonoids.

The self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system has shown many advantages in drug delivery. In this study, a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of buckwheat flavonoids was prepared for enhancing its antioxidant activity and oral bioavailability. A nanoemulsion of buckwheat flavonoids was developed and characterized, and its antioxidant, in vitro release, and in vivo bioavailability were determined. The nanoemulsion was optimized by the central composite design response surface experiment, and its particle size, polymer dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and stability were evaluated. The antioxidant activity was tested by measuring its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and superoxide anion scavenging ability. In vitro release of buckwheat flavonoids nanoemulsion showed a higher cumulative release than the suspension, and the release fitting model followed the Ritger-Peppas and Weibull models. The effective concentration of the nanoemulsion was evaluated in vivo using a Wistar rat model, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of the buckwheat flavonoids nanoemulsion was 2.2-fold higher than that of the buckwheat flavonoid suspension. The Cmax of the nanoemulsion was 2.6-fold greater than that of the suspension. These results indicate that the nanoemulsion is a promising oral drug delivery system that can improve the oral bioavailability to satisfy the clinical requirements.

Atomic-Layer Deposition-Assisted Double-Side Interfacial Engineering for High-Performance Flexible and Stable CsPbBr3 Perovskite Photodetectors toward Visible Light Communication Applications.

Self-powered photodetectors (PDs) based on inorganic metal halide perovskites are regarded as promising alternatives for the next generation of photodetectors. However, uncontrollable film growth and sluggish charge extraction at interfaces directly limit the sensitivity and response speed of perovskite-based photodetectors. Herein, by assistance of an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, CsPbBr3 perovskite thin films with preferred orientation and enlarged grain size are obtained on predeposited interfacial modification layers. Thanks to improved film quality and double side interfacial engineering, the optimized CsPbBr3 (Al2 O3 /CsPbBr3 /TiO2 , ACT) perovskite PDs exhibit outstanding performance with ultralow dark current of 10-11 A, high detectivity of 1.88 × 1013 Jones and broad linear dynamic range (LDR) of 172.7 dB. Significantly, excellent long-term environmental stability (ambient conditions >100 d) and flexibility stability (>3000 cycles) are also achieved. The remarkable performance is credited to the synergistic effects of high carrier conductivity and collection efficiency, which is assisted by ALD modification layers. Finally, the ACT PDs are successfully integrated into a visible light communication system as a light receiver on transmitting texts, showing a bit rate as high as 100 kbps. These results open the window of high performance all-inorganic halide perovskite photodetectors and extends to rational applications for optical communication.

Comparative studies on fouling of homogeneous anion exchange membranes by different structured organics in electrodialysis.

Five negatively charged organic compounds with different structures, sodium methane sulfonate (MS), sodium benzene sulfonate (BS), sodium 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-sulfonate (NSS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), were used to examine the fouling of an anion exchange membrane (AEM) in electrodialysis (ED), to explore the effect of molecular characteristics on the fouling behavior on the AEM and changes in the surface and electrochemical properties of the AEM. Results indicated that the fouling degree of the AEM by the different organics followed the order: SDBS > SDS > NSS > BS > MS. SDBS and SDS formed a dense fouling layer on the surface of the AEM, which was the main factor in the much more severe membrane fouling, and completely restricted the transmembrane ion migration. The other three organics caused fouling of the AEM by adsorption on the surface and /or accumulation in the interlayer of the AEM, and exhibited almost no influence on the transmembrane ion migration. It was also concluded that the organics with benzene rings caused more severe fouling of the AEM due to the stronger affinity interaction and steric effect between the organics and the AEM compared with organics with aliphatic chains.

A Robust Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer Augments the Ion Storage Capacity of Bimetallic-Sulfide-Containing Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Metal-organic framework-derived NiCo2.5 S4 microrods wrapped in reduced graphene oxide (NCS@RGO) were synthesized for potassium-ion storage. Upon coordination with organic potassium salts, NCS@RGO exhibits an ultrahigh initial reversible specific capacity (602 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 ) and ultralong cycle life (a reversible specific capacity of 495 mAh g-1 at 200 mA g-1 after 1 900 cycles over 314 days). Furthermore, the battery demonstrates a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 78 %, outperforming most sulfides reported previously. Advanced ex situ characterization techniques, including atomic force microscopy, were used for evaluation and the results indicate that the organic potassium salt-containing electrolyte helps to form thin and robust solid electrolyte interphase layers, which reduce the formation of byproducts during the potassiation-depotassiation process and enhance the mechanical stability of electrodes. The excellent conductivity of the RGO in the composites, and the robust interface between the electrodes and electrolytes, imbue the electrode with useful properties; including, ultrafast potassium-ion storage with a reversible specific capacity of 402 mAh g-1 even at 2 A g-1 .

A visualization method for probing grain boundaries of single layer graphene via molecular beam epitaxy.

Graphene, a member of layered two-dimensional (2D) materials, possesses high carrier mobility, mechanical flexibility, and optical transparency, as well as enjoying a wide range of promising applications in electronics. Adopting the chemical vaporization deposition method, the majority of investigators have ubiquitously grown single layer graphene (SLG), which inevitably involves polycrystalline properties. Here we demonstrate a simple method for the direct visualization of arbitrarily large-size SLG domains by synthesizing one-hundred-nm-scale MoS2 single crystals via a high-vacuum molecular beam epitaxy process. The present study based on epitaxial growth provides a guide for probing the grain boundaries of various 2D materials and implements higher potentials for the next-generation electronic devices.

Study on the diffusion mechanism of graphene grown on copper pockets.

A correlation between graphene domains grown on the outer and the inner surfaces of Cu pockets is found, which discloses a new graphene growth mechanism based on the fast diffusion of carbon atoms through the 25 micro-meter-thick Cu foil, confirmed by isotopic labeling. Subsequently, on the outer surface of the Cu pocket, bilayer graphene with a coverage of about 78% is grown.

Substrate specificity and biochemical characterization of an adenylation domain from an obligate marine actinomycete.

Salinispora arenicola CNS-205 was a first-isolated obligate marine actinomycete. A gene (sare0357), annotated as ''amino acid adenylation domain'' located on the genome of Salinispora arenicola CNS-205, was cloned and characterized. The recombinant target protein Sare0357 was expressed in E. coli. Sare0357 specifically recognized and activated tryptophan (Trp) and phenylalanine (Phe). The basic kinetic parameters of Sare0357 for Trp were K m = 0.04 mM, V max = 2.1 µM/min, k cat = 14.2 min(-1), and for Phe were K m = 0.03 mM, V max = 1.6 µM/min, kcat = 10.4 min(-1). Our data elucidated Sare0357 biological role and biochemical properties as a Trp and Phe-activating adenylation domain.

TRAF4 participates in Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in breast cancer by upregulating ß-catenin and mediating its translocation to the nucleus.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is upregulated in various subtypes of breast cancers and cell lines; however, the precise functions of TRAF4 are poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate its relationship with ß-catenin. TRAF4 participates in several signaling pathways, such as NF-κB and JNK signaling pathways. In this study, we identified ß-catenin as a TRAF4-binding protein, have shown that TRAF4 enhanced expression of ß-catenin, and found that TRAF4 mediated the translocation of ß-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, thereby facilitating activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in breast cancer.

Study on the Effect of Polyamine Water Treatment Agent on Metal Corrosion Inhibition in Boiler Steam-Water System.

A polyamine water treatment agent was prepared with the film-forming amine (N-oleyl-1,3-propylenediamine) and the neutralizing amine (cyclohexanamine) under optimal conditions. The copper sulfate liquid drop experiment showed that a protective film was formed by the polyamine water treatment agent on carbon steel. The analyses of the polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of carbon steel indicated that the polyamine water treatment agent exhibited geometric effects, which could inhibit both anode and cathode reactions of carbon steel, and the corrosion inhibition effect of the polyamine water treatment agent showed an extreme-concentration phenomenon. A metal corrosion experiment in a simulated boiler steam-water system indicated that the polyamine water treatment agent mitigated the corrosion of carbon steel at different temperatures, and the corrosion inhibition rates of the polyamine water treatment agent in liquid and gas environments at 150 °C were 53.84% and 67.43%, respectively, better than that at 350 °C. SEM-EDS characterization indicated that the formation of the corrosion product, iron oxide, on the carbon steel was reduced with the addition of the polyamine water treatment agent in the simulated boiler steam-water system.

Sorption and mobility of cadmium in soil impacted by irrigation waters.

Soil contamination by Cd has drawn global attention, while how irrigation waters modulate Cd sorption and mobility in soil remains obscure. We address this by investigating how cropped sandy soil irrigated with different waters altered Cd sorption and mobility using a rhizobox experiment followed by a batch experiment. Maize were planted in the rhizoboxes and irrigated by reclaimed water (RW), livestock wastewater (LW) and deionized water (CK), respectively. The bulk soil sampled from each treatment after 60 days of growth was employed to measure the Cd sorption and mobility using the isothermal adsorption and desorption experiments. The results showed that, in a small rhizobox experiment, the adsorption rate of Cd by the bulk soil in the adsorption phase was much faster than the desorption rate in desorption phase. Irrigation with RW and LW both reduced the Cd adsorption capacity of soil, and the reducing degree brought by LW was more obvious. Cd desorption rate was very low but keep increasing in the desorption stage, and pre-RW irrigation had the potential to increase Cd desorption from soil. Although the results were obtained based on the bulk soil sampled from a rhizobox experiment, our study strongly suggests that the altered Cd adsorption and desorption behavior in the soil caused by the RW and LW irrigation may risk the farmland ecosystem and deserve more concern.

Seasonal variation in C:N:P stoichiometry, nonstructural carbohydrates, and carbon isotopes of two coniferous pioneer tree species in subtropical China.

The characteristics of C:N:P stoichiometry, nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content, and C stable isotopes and their relationships affect plant responses to environmental changes and are critical to understanding the ecosystem carbon and water cycles. We investigated the water use strategies and physiological changes of two pioneer tree species (Pinus armandii and Pinus yunnanensis) in response to seasonal drought in subtropical China. The seasonal variation in needle δ13C values, C:N:P stoichiometry, and NSC contents of the two tree species were studied in 25-year-old plantation in central Yunnan Province. The needle δ13C values of both species were highest in summer. Soluble sugars, starch and NSC content of the two tree species decreased from spring to winter, while there was no significant difference in the seasonal variation of soluble sugars/starch in P. armandii needles, the maximum soluble sugars/starch in P. yunnanensis needles was in autumn. In addition, the C, N, and P contents of the needles and the C:N and C:P ratios of the two species showed different seasonal fluctuations, whereas the N:P ratio decreased with the season. The C:N:P stoichiometry and NSC content of the needles showed significant correlations, whereas the needle δ13C was weakly correlated with C:N:P stoichiometry and NSC content. Phenotypic plasticity analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the needle nutrient characteristics (NSC and P contents and N:P ratio) and needle δ13C values were critical indicators of physiological adaptation strategies of P. armandii and P. yunnanensis for coping with seasonal variation. These results increase our understanding of the water-use characteristics of the two pioneer tree species and the dynamic balance between the NSC, C, N, and P contents of the needles.

Factors affecting sarcopenia in older patients with chronic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-related disease characterized by a progressive loss of systemic muscle mass and/or decreased muscle strength and physical function. The occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with chronic diseases will not only cause further deterioration of diseases and adverse clinical outcomes, but also lead to high medical cost, suggesting a necessity and a great significance to explore the associated factors of sarcopenia in chronic patients in order to improve their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting sarcopenia among older hospitalized patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: A total of 121 older patients with chronic diseases admitted to the Department of Geriatrics of Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University from May 2019 to April 2021 were enrolled. According to the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia formulated by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), the subjects were divided into a sarcopenia group (n=57) and a non-sarcopenia group (n=64). We analyzed the associated factors including bone mineral density, nutritional biomarkers, hormone levels and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Compared to the non-sarcopenia group, the sarcopenia group was of older average age (P<0.001), exhibited a lower body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001), a lower bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck (P<0.01), and a higher incidence of osteoporosis. In terms of hematology, the sarcopenia group exhibited significantly lower serum iron and zinc levels (both P<0.05), a higher growth hormone (GH) level (P<0.05), a significantly lower IGF-1 level (P<0.01), and a lower level of iron (P<0.01). Poor nutritional status (assessed via measurement of albumin and prealbumin levels) positively correlated with sarcopenia (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is closely associated with aging, and has a close relationship with osteoporosis. Anemia, malnutrition, vitamin and trace element deficiencies, changes in hormone levels, and chronic inflammation are correlated with sarcopenia. Patients with these features above call for the screenig of sarcopenia. Additionally, these characteristics may help providing clues for further research on the pathogenesis and risk factors of sarcopenia, along with disease prevention and intervention.

Effects of rehabilitation nursing care on deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs following spinal fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preventive effect of rehabilitation nursing care for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs following spinal fractures, and to analyze its influence on the hemorheology of patients. METHODS: A total of 99 patients with spinal fractures were allocated into a study group (n=50) and control group (n=49), and they were treated with internal fixation plus vertebroplasty. Afterwards, patients in the control group were given routine care and postoperative rehabilitation, and those in the study group received rehabilitation nursing care on the day after surgery, including posture guidance, massage of both lower limbs, and functional training. The functional training was consecutively performed until free movement of the legs was possible. All patients were reexamined after three months. The incidence of low-limb DVT, pain, and swelling, as well as the degree of swelling, hemorheology, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The study group had less frequent low-limb DVT, pain and swelling than the control group (all P<0.05). In the study group, the degree of swelling was significantly reduced, with earlier return to normal activity and shorter hospital stay (all P<0.05). After intervention, plasma viscosity, whole blood low/high shear viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation (EA) decreased in both groups, especially in the study group (all P<0.05). Although GQOL-74 scores increased in both groups, there was a more significant increase that occurred in study group (all P<0.001). Patients in the study group were more satisfied with nursing services than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation nursing care contributes to the improvement of hypercoagulable states and the prevention of lower-limb DVT for surgically treated patients with spinal fractures, and it is effective in relieving pain and swelling of the lower limbs, thereby enhancing quality of life and patient satisfaction.

Formulation of a Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Buckwheat Flavonoids and Evaluation of Its Antimicrobial Activity.

This study was aimed at constructing a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of buckwheat flavonoids and evaluating its antimicrobial activity. The construction of the nanoemulsion followed a pseudo-ternary phase diagram, and its particle properties (particle size, zeta potential, and surface morphology) and physicochemical parameters (turbidity, surface tension, pH value, conductivity, encapsulation efficiency, and stability) were evaluated. The antimicrobial potential of buckwheat flavonoids nanoemulsion was determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans and compared to the buckwheat flavonoids suspension. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) exhibited that the antimicrobial activity of the nanoemulsions and suspension increased while enhancing the drug concentration, and the antimicrobial activity of nanoemulsion was significantly higher than that of the suspension against those three bacteria. Agar disc diffusion test demonstrated that the inhibition zone diameter of the suspension was about 50% of the nanoemulsion against three bacteria. The time killing assay indicated that the IC50 of the nanoemulsion was significantly lower than that of the suspension. These results indicate that nanoemulsion is a promising drug delivery system, which can improve the antimicrobial activity of buckwheat flavonoids.

Subsurface drip irrigation reduces cadmium accumulation of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants in upland soil.

Given that Cd pollution in dry land has aroused wide public concern, numerous remediation technologies has been utilized, yet there are limited cost-effective techniques that do not affect the original planting patterns. Fortunately, irrigation management can meet these requirements, while the effects of irrigation practices on Cd uptake by crops in slightly Cd-polluted upland soil remain elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate how the irrigation methods altered the Cd availability in soil, Cd accumulation in plants, microorganism population in soil, root morphology, and enzyme activities in soil and plants. We examined three irrigation treatments - surface drip irrigation (DI), subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), alternate-rows irrigation (ARI), and the control conventional furrow irrigation (CFI). The results showed that SDI remarkably reduced Cd content in roots, shoots and fruits, increased yield, and improved root growth and activity in soil of 20-40 cm compared to other treatments, though the Cd concentration in rhizosphere was not decreased significantly. The microbial population and enzyme activities in rhizosphere and enzyme activities in leaves and roots in SDI and ARI were basically higher than DI and CFI. Therefore, SDI has the prominent potential to reduce Cd uptake by crops in upland soil polluted with low Cd.

Alleviatory effects of Silicon on the morphology, physiology, and antioxidative mechanisms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots under cadmium stress in acidic nutrient solutions.

Silicon (Si), as a quasi-essential element, has a vital role in alleviating the damaging effects of various environmental stresses on plants. Cadmium (Cd) stress is severe abiotic stress, especially in acidic ecological conditions, and Si can demolish the toxicity induced by Cd as well as acidic pH on plants. Based on these hypotheses, we demonstrated 2-repeated experiments to unfold the effects of Si as silica gel on the root morphology and physiology of wheat seedling under Cd as well as acidic stresses. For this purpose, we used nine treatments with three levels of Si nanoparticles (0, 1, and 3 mmol L-1) derived from sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) against three concentrations of Cd (0, 50, and 200 µmol L-1) in the form of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) with three replications were arranged in a complete randomized design. The pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted at 5. The averages of three random replications showed that the mutual impacts of Si and Cd in acidic pH on wheat roots depend on the concentrations of Si and Cd. The collective or particular influence of low or high levels of Si (1 or 3 mM) and acidic pH (5) improved the development of wheat roots, and the collective influence was more significant than that of a single parallel treatment. The combined effects of low or high concentrations of Cd (50 or 200 µM) and acidic pH significantly reduced root growth and biomass while increased antioxidants, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents. The incorporation of Si (1 or 3 mmol L-1) in Cd-contaminated acidic nutrient solution promoted the wheat root growth, decreased ROS contents, and further increased the antioxidants in the wheat roots compared with Cd single treatments in acidic pH. The demolishing effects were better with a high level of Si (3 mM) than the low level of Si (1 Mm). In conclusion, we could suggest Si as an effective beneficial nutrient that could participate actively in several morphological and physiological activities of roots in wheat plants grown under Cd and acidic pH stresses.