Biocompatible Tough Ionogels with Reversible Supramolecular Adhesion.

Cohesive and interfacial adhesion energies are difficult to balance to obtain reversible adhesives with both high mechanical strength and high adhesion strength, although various methods have been extensively investigated. Here, a biocompatible citric acid/L-(-)-carnitine (CAC)-based ionic liquid was developed as a solvent to prepare tough and high adhesion strength ionogels for reversible engineered and biological adhesives. The prepared ionogels exhibited good mechanical properties, including tensile strength (14.4 MPa), Young's modulus (48.1 MPa), toughness (115.2 MJ m-3), and high adhesion strength on the glass substrate (24.4 MPa). Furthermore, the ionogels can form mechanically matched tough adhesion at the interface of wet biological tissues (interfacial toughness about 191 J m-2) and can be detached by saline solution on demand, thus extending potential applications in various clinical scenarios such as wound adhesion and nondestructive transfer of organs.

Stretch-Induced Conductivity Enhancement in Highly Conductive and Tough Hydrogels.

The resistance of gels and elastomers increases significantly with tensile strain, which reduces conductive stability and restricts their use in stable and reliable electronics. Here, highly conductive tough hydrogels composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs), liquid metal (LM), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) are fabricated. The stretch-induced orientations of AgNWs, deformable LM, and PVA nanocrystalline create conductive pathways, enhancing the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, including increased ultimate fracture stress (13-33 MPa), strain (3000-5300%), and toughness (390.9-765.1 MJ m-3 ). Notably, the electrical conductivity of the hydrogels is significantly improved from 4.05 × 10-3 to 24 S m-1 when stretched to 4200% strain, representing a 6000-fold enhancement. The incorporation of PVA nanocrystalline, deformable LM, and AgNWs effectively mitigates stress concentration at the crack tip, thereby conferring crack propagation insensitivity and fatigue resistance to the hydrogels. Moreover, the hydrogels are designed with a reversible crosslinking network, allowing for water-induced recycling.

Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on male reproductive function in chinese men with obesity: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a widely recognized global public health issue, and bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective intervention for alleviating obesity associated health complications. However, the impact of bariatric surgery on male reproductive function remains inconclusive in the literature. The current understanding of the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on male reproductive function remains ambiguous, despite its status as the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on erectile function and semen quality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of thirty-four obese patients were enrolled in this study and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Prior to the operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperation, all participants were required to complete the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and undergo a nocturnal erectile function test and semen quality analysis. RESULTS: Within 12 months postoperation, body mass index, blood lipids, and insulin resistance showed significant improvement. The IIEF-5 score increased significantly (18.88±5.97 vs. 23.78±3.19, P < 0.05), and the frequency and duration of erections significantly improved compared to baseline. Sperm concentration, total motility, survival rate, and sperm morphology parameters exhibited a significant decline at 3 months but demonstrated a significant improvement at 6 and 12 months post-operation. At 12 months, sperm concentration was shown to be correlated with changes in zinc (r = 0.25, P = 0.033) as well as changes in testosterone (r = 0.43, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: LSG has beneficial effects on erectile function, despite a transient decline in semen quality at 3 months postoperatively, followed by a significant improvement at 12 months.

Chaotropic Effect-Boosted Thermogalvanic Ionogel Thermocells for All-Weather Power Generation.

Ionic thermocells convert heat into electricity and are promising power sources for electronic devices. However, discontinuous and small electricity output limits practical use under varying environmental conditions. Here, a thermogalvanic ionogel with a high Seebeck coefficient (32.4 mV K-1) is designed. Thermocells that combine thermogalvanic ionogel-based thermocells, which realize all-weather power generation via passive radiative cooling, are also developed. These thermocells generate electricity continuously under varying weather conditions and over a wide temperature range (-40 to 90 °C), with a normalized power density of 25.84 mW m-2 K-2. Advanced characterization shows that the chaotropic effect enhances the Seebeck coefficient, while the self-supplying temperature difference given the radiative cooling structure enables all-weather power generation. These results provide an effective strategy for developing practical thermocells suitable for diverse daily and seasonal variations.

High-Toughness and High-Strength Solvent-Free Linear Poly(ionic liquid) Elastomers.

Solvent-free elastomers, unlike gels, do not suffer from solvent evaporation and leakage in practical applications. However, it is challenging to realize the preparation of high-toughness (with both high stress and strain) ionic elastomers. Herein, high-toughness linear poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) elastomers are constructed via supramolecular ionic networks formed by the polymerization of halometallate ionic liquid (IL) monomers, without any chemical crosslinking. The obtained linear PIL elastomers exhibit high strength (16.5 MPa), Young's modulus (157.49 MPa), toughness (130.31 MJ m-3 ), and high crack propagation insensitivity (fracture energy 243.37 kJ m-2 ), owing to the enhanced intermolecular noncovalent interactions of PIL chains. Furthermore, PIL elastomer-based strain, pressure, and touch sensors have shown high sensitivity. The linear noncovalent crosslinked network endows the PIL elastomers with self-healing and recyclable properties, and broad application prospects in the fields of flexible sensor devices, health monitoring, and human-machine interaction.

Insulin resistance levels predicted metabolic improvement and weight loss after metabolic surgery in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The causes for failure of metabolic improvement and inadequate weight loss after metabolic surgery (MS) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have not been fully elucidated. The effect of insulin resistance (IR) on the outcome of T2D, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity after MS in Chinese patients with T2D and a body mass index (BMI) of 25-32.5 kg/m2 warrants further study. OBJECTIVES: Patients with T2D and a BMI of 25-32.5 kg/m2 who underwent MS between July 2019 and June 2021 were included. SETTING: University hospital, China. METHODS: IR levels were evaluated with the glucose disposal rate (GDR). Improvement of T2D, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was assessed with the composite triple endpoint (CTEP), and weight loss was assessed with the percent of total weight loss (%TWL). Partial correlation analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, and subgroup analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the CTEP, %TWL at 1 year postoperative, and GDR preoperative. RESULTS: This study analyzed the data of 51 patients with T2D and a BMI of 25-32.5 kg/m2 (30 men and 21 women) with a mean preoperative GDR of 3.72 ± 1.48 mg/kg/min. Partial correlation coefficients between CTEP, %TWL, and GDR were .303 (P = .041) and .449 (P = .001), respectively. The preoperative GDR was significantly positively correlated with CTEP (OR = 1.610, P = .024) and %TWL (ß = 1.38, P = .003). The preoperative GDR predicted cutoff values of 4.36 and 5.35 mg/kg/min for CTEP attainment and %TWL ≥ 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: IR levels predicted metabolic improvement and weight loss 1 year after MS in Chinese patients with T2D and a BMI of 25-32.5 kg/m2.

Nanoconfined polymerization limits crack propagation in hysteresis-free gels.

Consecutive mechanical loading cycles cause irreversible fatigue damage and residual strain in gels, affecting their service life and application scope. Hysteresis-free hydrogels within a limited deformation range have been created by various strategies. However, large deformation and high elasticity are inherently contradictory attributes. Here we present a nanoconfined polymerization strategy for producing tough and near-zero-hysteresis gels under a large range of deformations. Gels are prepared through in situ polymerization within nanochannels of covalent organic frameworks or molecular sieves. The nanochannel confinement and strong hydrogen bonding interactions with polymer segments are crucial for achieving rapid self-reinforcement. The rigid nanostructures relieve the stress concentration at the crack tips and prevent crack propagation, enhancing the ultimate fracture strain (17,580 ± 308%), toughness (87.7 ± 2.3 MJ m-3) and crack propagation strain (5,800%) of the gels. This approach provides a general strategy for synthesizing gels that overcome the traditional trade-offs of large deformation and high elasticity.

Low-Hysteresis and High-Toughness Hydrogels Regulated by Porous Cationic Polymers: the Effect of Counteranions.

Service life and range of polymer materials is heavily reliant on their elasticity and mechanical stability under long-term loading. Slippage of chain segments under load leads to significant hysteresis of the hydrogels, limiting its repeatability and mechanical stability. Achieving the desired elasticity exceeding that of rubber is a great challenge for hydrogels, particularly when subjected to large deformations. Here, low-hysteresis and high-toughness hydrogels were developed through controllable interactions of porous cationic polymers (PCPs) with adjustable counteranions, including reversible bonding of PCP frameworks/polymer segments (polyacrylamide, PAAm) and counteranions/PAAm. This strategy reduces chain segment slippage under load, endowing the PCP-based hydrogels (PCP-gels) with good elasticity under large deformations (7 % hysteresis at a strain ratio of 40). Furthermore, due to the enlarged chain segments entanglement by PCP, the PCP-gels exhibit large strain (13000 %), significantly enhanced toughness (68 MJ m-3 ), high fracture energy (43.1 kJ m-2 ), and fatigue resistance. The unique properties of these elastic PCP-gels have promising applications in the field of flexible sensors.

Poly(Ionic Liquid) Double-Network Elastomers with High-Impact Resistance Enhanced by Cation-π Interactions.

With the continuous development of impact protection materials, lightweight, high-impact resistance, flexibility, and controllable toughness are required. Here, tough and impact-resistant poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)/poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) double-network (DN) elastomers are constructed via multiple cross-linking of polymer networks and cation-π interactions of PIL chains. Benefiting from the strong noncovalent cohesion achieved by the cation-π interactions in PIL chains, the prepared PIL DN elastomers exhibit extraordinary compressive strength (95.24 ± 2.49 MPa) and toughness (55.98 ± 0.66 MJ m-3) under high-velocity impact load (5000 s-1). The synthesized PIL DN elastomer combines strength and flexibility to protect fragile items from impact. This strategy provides a new research idea in the field of the next generation of safety and protective materials.

Application of Fe0.66Cu0.33@Al(OH)3 catalyst from fluidized-bed crystallizer by-product for RB5 azo dye treatment using visible light-assisted photo-Fenton technology.

This study aims to explore the reusability of wastewater treatment by-product for photo-Fenton process to treat an organic pollutant model. The optimal condition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and kinetic approach in photo-Fenton process was discussed. The Metal oxide crystal pellets from are a by-product of the Fluidized-Bed Crystallization (FBC) process and can be used as a catalyst in the Photo-Fenton process. Electroplating wastewater containing iron and copper was treated via the FBC process using granulated Al(OH)3 as carrier seeds. The binary oxide of FeOOH and Cu2O on the Al(OH)3 surface (Fe0.66Cu0.33@Al(OH)3) was identified as the FBC by-product after characterization using FTIR and XPS analysis. In the photo-Fenton process, visible light from a fluorescence lamp with a wavelength of 400-610 nm was chosen as an irradiation source. Oxalic acid was added as chelating agent to form photosensitive iron oxalate species and hydrogen peroxide was applied as oxidant to generate active radical to decolorize and mineralize RB5 synthesized solution (100 mg/L). The operating conditions including the oxalic acid to pollutant ratio ([OA]0/[RB5]0) of 4.5-13.0, reaction pH (pHr) of 3-7 and initial to theoretical hydrogen peroxide molar ratio [H2O2]0/[ H2O2]theoretical of 35%-120% were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, pHr = 5.0; [H2O2]0/[RB5]0 at 75% stoichiometric and [OA]0/[RB5]0 = 9, the RB5 is almost completely decolorized after 210 min of operation and the mineralization efficiency is 58%. The contribution of •OH, O2•-, and O21 to the Photo-Fenton system was determined using ESR analysis with the addition of DMPO and TEMP as spin trap agents. The kinetic analysis reveals the observed rate constants kRB5, kOA and kR from fitting are 0.0120, 0.0054 and 0.0001 M-1s-1, respectively.

Targeting survivin with Tanshinone IIA inhibits tumor growth and overcomes chemoresistance in colorectal cancer.

The inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin has a critical regulatory role in carcinogenesis and treatment tolerance in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the targeted drugs for survivin protein are extremely limited. In the present research, we discovered that Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) played a dual regulatory role in inhibiting tumorigenesis and reversing 5-Fu tolerance via modulating the expression and phosphorylation of survivin in CRC cells. Mechanistically, Tan IIA suppressed the Akt/WEE1/CDK1 signaling pathway, which led to the downregulation of survivin Thr34 phosphorylation and destruction of the interaction between USP1 and survivin to promote survivin ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, Tan IIA significantly facilitated chemoresistant CRC cells to 5-Fu sensitivity. These results revealed that Tan IIA possessed a strong antitumor activity against CRC cells and could act as an up-and-coming agent for treating CRC and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Clinical factors associated with remission of obese acanthosis nigricans after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) involves skin hyperpigmentation in body folds and creases. Obesity-associated AN (OB_AN) is the most common type of AN. The skin condition of obese patients with AN can be improved through bariatric surgery, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), after weight loss. However, the contributing factors to the remission of AN after surgery are still not fully determined. The authors aimed to assess the metabolic and pathological factors associated with remission of AN following LSG in obese individuals. METHODS: The study included 319 obese patients who underwent LSG at our hospital. The subjects were divided into obesity (OB) only (OB, n =178) or OB with AN (OB_AN, n =141) groups. The basic clinical and metabolic indices and the dermatological features via reflectance confocal microscopy and histology were collected from patients prior to and after LSG. RESULTS: OB_AN patients had higher fasting plasma glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and testosterone levels than OB patients. LSG could significantly improve the biochemical and histopathological features of OB_AN patients. The remissive rate of OB_AN patients was about 86.5% (122 out of 141) after surgery. The remission of OB_AN skin lesions was positively correlated with testosterone levels ( P <0.01). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between changes in AN scores and epidermal thickness and skin pigmentation scores after surgery ( P <0.01). CONCLUSION: The remissive rate of OB_AN after LSG is associated with improved testosterone levels and reduced epidermal thickness and skin pigmentation levels.

Guf1 overexpression improves pancreatic β cell functions in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a one-of-a-kind treatment among contemporary bariatric surgical procedures, and its therapeutic effects for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are satisfactory. The present study performed isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis identifying different proteomics between T2DM rats with or without Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, and GTP binding elongation factor GUF1 (Guf1) was first found to be significantly upregulated in rats from the T2DM plus RYGB group. In the cellular lipotoxicity model induced by palmitic acid stimulation of rat pancreatic beta cell line, INS-1, palmitic acid treatment inhibited cell viability, suppressed GSIS, promoted lipid droplet formation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss. The effects of palmitic acid on INS-1 cells mentioned above could be partially eliminated by Guf1 overexpression but aggravated by Guf1 knockdown. Last, under palmitic acid treatment, Guf1 overexpression promotes the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling but inhibits the AMPK activation. Guf1 is upregulated in T2DM rats who received RYGB, and Guf1 overexpression improves cell mitochondrial functions, increases cell proliferation, inhibits cell apoptosis, and promotes cell functions in palmitic acid-treated β cells. (AU)

Functional roles of two novel P450 genes in the adaptability of Conogethes punctiferalis to three commonly used pesticides.

Introduction: Insect cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes play important roles in the detoxification and metabolism of xenobiotics, such as plant allelochemicals, mycotoxins and pesticides. The polyphagous Conogethes punctiferalis is a serious economic pest of fruit trees and agricultural crops, and it shows high adaptability to different living environments. Methods: The two novel P450 genes CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 were identified and characterized. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology was used to study the expression patterns of the two target genes in different larval developmental stages and tissues of C. punctiferalis. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to study the potential functions of the two P450 genes by treating RNAi-silenced larvae with three commonly used pesticides. Results: The CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 genes were expressed throughout various C. punctiferalis larval stages and in different tissues. Their expression levels increased along with larval development, and expression levels of the two target genes in the midgut were significantly higher than in other tissues. The toxicity bioassay results showed that the LC50 values of chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin on C. punctiferalis larvae were 0.2028 µg/g, 0.0683 µg/g and 0.6110 mg/L, respectively. After treating with different concentrations of chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin (LC10, LC30, LC50), independently, the relative expressions of the two genes CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 were significantly induced. After the dsRNA injection, the expression profiles of the two CYP genes were reduced 72.91% and 70.94%, respectively, and the mortality rates of the larvae significantly increased when treated with the three insecticides independently at LC10 values. Discussion: In the summary, after interfering with the CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 in C. punctiferalis, respectively, the sensitivity of C. punctiferalis to chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin was significantly increased, indicating that the two CYP6 genes were responsible for the adaptability of C. punctiferalis to the three chemical insecticides in C. punctiferalis. The results from this study demonstrated that CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 in C. punctiferalis play crucial roles in the detoxification of chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin.

Sex-Specific Changes in Body Composition Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Are Associated with the Remission of Metabolic Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the mechanism of MetS remission after MBS remains unclear. We aimed to explore the relationship between sex differences, body composition, and the remission of MetS after MBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 80 patients with obesity and MetS who underwent MBS with case-control design. The International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to define MetS. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before and 1 year after the operation. In addition to calculating changes in MetS and its prevalence, we performed a multiple logistic regression to determine predictors of MetS remission. RESULTS: There were significant differences in body composition between males and females after MBS. Both males and females had significant improvements in the overall prevalence of MetS, decreasing from 100 to 21.74% (P <0.001) and from 100 to 35.29% (P <0.001), respectively. A higher percentage of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reduction tends to be associated with a higher chance of MetS remission in men. In females, the MetS nonremission subgroup had a higher %Trunk lean body mass (LBM), and %Android LBM reduction than the remission subgroup, but the multiple logistic regression analysis result was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: After MBS, reduced VAT might be related to MetS reversibility in males, while reduced LBM may result in MetS nonremission in females.

Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on mobilization of site-specific body adipose depots: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Effect of bariatric surgery on mobilization of site-specific body adipose depots is not well investigated. Herein, the authors conducted a prospective cohort study to assess whether bariatric surgery can differentially affect specific fat storage pools and to further investigate correlations between site-specific fat mobilization and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-centre prospective cohort study, 49 participants underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) from 24 May 2022 to 20 October 2022 and underwent MRI to estimate subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area (VFA), hepatic and pancreatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF) at baseline and 3 months after surgery. The protocol for this study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov. RESULTS: Among 49 patients who met all inclusion criteria, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 31.0 (23.0-37.0) years, the median (IQR) BMI was 38.1 (33.7-42.2) kg/m 2 and 36.7% were male. Median (IQR) percentage hepatic PDFF loss was the greatest after bariatric surgery at 68.8% (47.3-79.7%), followed by percentage pancreatic PDFF loss at 51.2% (37.0-62.1%), percentage VFA loss at 36.0% (30.0-42.4%), and percentage subcutaneous fat area loss at 22.7% (17.2-32.4%) ( P <0.001). By calculating Pearson correlation coefficient and partial correlation coefficient, the positive correlations were confirmed between change in VFA and change in glycated haemoglobin ( r =0.394, P =0.028; partial r =0.428, P =0.042) and between change in hepatic PDFF and change in homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ( r =0.385, P =0.025; partial r =0.403, P =0.046). CONCLUSIONS: LSG preferentially mobilized hepatic fat, followed by pancreatic fat and visceral adipose tissue, while subcutaneous adipose tissue was mobilized to the least extent. Reduction in visceral adipose tissue and hepatic fat is independently associated with the improvement of glucose metabolism after LSG.

Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Patients with Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on patients with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published prior to December 2, 2022. Meta-analysis was performed on menstrual irregularity, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), glucolipid metabolism indicators, and body mass index (BMI) following SG. RESULTS: Six studies and 218 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Following SG, menstrual irregularity significantly decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.03; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.00-0.24; P=0.001). Additionally, SG can lower total testosterone levels (MD -0.73; 95% CIs -0.86-0.60; P< 0.0001), as well as BMI (MD -11.59; 95% CIs -13.10-10.08; P<0.0001). A significant increase was observed in the levels of SHBG and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) after SG. In addition to reducing fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein levels, SG significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein levels as well. CONCLUSIONS: Following SG, we firstly demonstrated significant improvements in menstrual irregularity, testosterone and SHGB levels, glycolipid metabolism indicators, and BMI. Therefore, SG may be considered as a new option for the clinical treatment of patients with obesity and PCOS.

Integrated Moist-Thermoelectric Generator for Efficient Waste Steam Energy Utilization.

Industrial waste steam is one of the major sources of global energy losses. Therefore, the collection and conversion of waste steam energy into electricity have aroused great interest. Here, a "two-in-one" strategy is reported that combines thermoelectric and moist-electric generation mechanisms for a highly efficient flexible moist-thermoelectric generator (MTEG). The spontaneous adsorption of water molecules and heat in the polyelectrolyte membrane induces the fast dissociation and diffusion of Na+ and H+ , resulting in the high electricity generation. Thus, the assembled flexible MTEG generates power with a high open-circuit voltage (Voc ) of 1.81 V (effective area = 1cm2 ) and a power density of up to 4.75±0.4 µW cm-2 . With efficient integration, a 12-unit MTEG can produce a Voc of 15.97 V, which is superior to most known TEGs and MEGs. The integrated and flexible MTEGs reported herein provide new insights for harvesting energy from industrial waste steam.

Neofusicoccum cryptomeriae sp. nov. and N. parvum Cause Stem Basal Canker of Cryptomeria japonica in China.

Cryptomeria japonica D. Don is a coniferous tree species widely grown in southern China for its high ornamental value. Recently, during disease surveys in China, a symptom of dieback occurred on C. japonica in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 130 trees were surveyed and more than 90% showed the same symptom. The crowns of affected trees were brown when viewing from a distance, and the bark showed no difference from the healthy ones. In this study, 157 isolates were isolated from the 3 affected plants of C. japonica, and based on the living culture on PDA, the fungal isolates were preliminarily divided into 6 groups. Thirteen representative isolates were selected for the pathogenicity test, and seven of them showed obvious pathogenicity on C. japonica, causing stem basal canker. These isolates were identified based on comparisons of the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), ß-tubulin (tub2), and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) and combined with their morphological characteristics. Results showed that these seven isolates belong to two taxa in Neofusicoccum, including a species new to science. The new species, Neofusicoccum cryptomeriae, was hereby described and illustrated. The other species was N. parvum. Both species were pathogens of stem basal canker of Cryptomeria japonica.

Supramolecular Ionogels Tougher than Metals.

Common natural and synthetic high-strength materials (such as rubber, plastics, ceramics, and metals) undergo the occurrence of poor deformability. Achieving high strength and large deformation simultaneously is a huge challenge. Herein, high-strength ionogels are developed through the synergy of force-induced crystallization and halometallate ionic liquid created supramolecular ionic networks. The prepared poly(vinyl alcohol)/halometallate ionic liquid ionogels show excellent mechanical properties, including ultimate fracture stress (63.1 ± 2.1 MPa), strain (5248 ± 113%), and unprecedented toughness (1947 ± 52 MJ m-3 ), which is much higher than that of most metals and alloys. Furthermore, the ionogels can achieve reversibility by water to realize green recovery and restoration of damaged mechanical properties.