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Abstract Recent studies have shown that active colloidal motors using enzymatic reactions for propulsion hold special promise for applications in fields ranging from biology to material science. It will be desirable to have active colloids with capability of computation so that they can act autonomously to sense their surroundings and alter their own dynamics. It is shown how small chemical networks that make use of enzymatic chemical reactions on the colloid surface can be used to construct motor‐based chemical logic gates. The basic features of coupled enzymatic reactions that are responsible for propulsion and underlie the construction and function of chemical gates are described using continuum theory and molecular simulation. Examples are given that show how colloids with specific chemical logic gates, can perform simple sensing tasks. Due to the diverse functions of different enzyme gates, operating alone or in circuits, the work presented here supports the suggestion that synthetic motors using such gates could be designed to operate in an autonomous way in order to complete complicated tasks.

Abstract Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), major components maintaining the immune suppressive microenvironment in lung cancer, are relevant to the invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis of lung cancer, through the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and regulation of angiogenesis. MDSCs regulate T-cell immune functions by maintaining a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and promoting tumor invasion. This raises the question of whether reversing the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs on T cells can improve lung cancer treatment. To understand this further, this review explores the interactions and specific mechanisms of different MDSCs subsets, including regulatory T cells, T helper cells, CD8 + T cells, natural killer T cells, and exhausted T cells, as part of the lung cancer immune microenvironment. Second, it focuses on the guiding significance confirmed via clinical liquid biopsy and tissue biopsy that different MDSC subsets improve the prognosis of lung cancer. Finally, we conclude that targeting MDSCs through action targets or signaling pathways can help regulate T-cell immune functions and suppress T-cell exhaustion. In addition, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting MDSCs may serve as a new approach for enhancing the efficiency of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for lung cancer in the future, providing better comprehensive options for lung cancer treatment.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Traditional medicine preparations (TMPs) given in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-associated multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of middle to advanced-stage primary liver cancer (PLC).MethodsThis systematic literature survey employed 10 electronic databases and 2 clinical trial registration platforms to identify relevant studies on the use of TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs to treat patients with middle-advanced PLC. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA guidelines using the risk ratio (RR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) or standardized mean difference as effect measures.ResultsA total of 26 studies comprising 1678 middle-advanced PLC patients were selected. The meta-analysis revealed that compared with VEGFR-TKI mono-treatment, the co-therapy of TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs considerably enhanced the objective response rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31-1.69), disease control rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16-1.30), and one-year overall survival (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.28-1.74). Furthermore, the co-therapy was associated with reduced incidences of liver dysfunction (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.91), proteinuria (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24-0.75), hypertension (RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53-0.83), hand-foot skin reactions (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.80), myelosuppression (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46-0.87), and gastrointestinal reactions (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.92). Moreover, the co-therapy indicated no increase in the incidences of rash and fatigue.ConclusionThis systematic analysis revealed that co-therapy with TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs has a higher effectiveness and safety profile for treating middle-advanced PLC patients. However, further validation using randomized control trials is required.Prospero registration noCRD42022350634.

Introduction: Butterfly vertebra is a rare congenital anomaly that is observed both in isolation and also as part of syndromic diseases. In prenatal ultrasonic scans the typical shapes of the two halves for butterfly vertebra are wedge-shaped or triangular. In the case we presented, the 3 dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) showed that the shape was unusual and rare. To improve the prenatal ultrasonic discriminability of this rare form of butterfly vertebra we used multi-directional ultrasonic images, corresponding to postpartum 3D CT images. Case report: A 25-year-old woman was referred to our department for ultrasound screening. The routine fetal back spinal scan yielded findings indicative of an anomaly within the ninth thoracic vertebral body. The affected vertebra was examined by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound while the fetus was prone and supine. The focussed scanning of the fetal spine from the back, anterior and lateral approaches aided us to reach the final prenatal diagnosis of butterfly vertebra with asymmetric halves.The diagnosis of butterfly vertebra was confirmed by the radiologist with 3D CT after the woman chose to terminate the pregnancy due to multiple malformations. In 3D CT, the body of the ninth thoracic vertebra appeared to be two lateral halves of different sizes, and the bigger half was C-shaped. When prenatal ultrasonic images and postnatal CT images were compared, the echoic shape of the affected vertebra scanned from the front right side was very similar to the CT. Conclusion: Due to the variable sizes and shapes of vertebrae affected in butterfly vertebra, prenatal diagnosis can be difficult using ultrasound. When the presence of fetal vertebral abnormalities is suspected, it is imperative for sonographers to adopt a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the conventional spinal examination performed solely from the dorsal aspect of the fetus. Instead, a thorough assessment should involve scanning the fetus from various angles, including anterior and lateral perspectives, in order to obtain a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the identified vertebra.

Objectives: Compound Kushen injection (CKI) combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) is widely used in the treatment of malignant ascites (MA). However, evidence about its efficacy and safety remains limited. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CKI combined with IPC for the treatment of MA.Methods: Protocol of this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022304259). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of IPC with CKI for the treatment of patients with MA were searched through 12 electronic databases and 2 clinical trials registration platforms from inception until 20 January 2023. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included trials through the risk of bias assessment. We included RCTs that compared IPC single used or CKI combined with IPC for patients with MA schedule to start IPC. The primary outcome was identified as an objective response rate (ORR), while the secondary outcomes were identified as the quality of life (QoL), survival time, immune functions, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The Revman5.4 and Stata17 software were used to calculate the risk ratio (RR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary outcomes and the mean difference (MD) at 95% CI for continuous outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the GRADE criteria.Results: A total of 17 RCTs were assessed, which included 1200 patients. The risk of bias assessment of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool revealed that one study was rated high risk and the remaining as unclear or low risk. Meta-analysis revealed that CKI combined with IPC had an advantage in increasing ORR (RR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.43, p < 0.00001) and QoL (RR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.83, p < 0.0001) when compared with IPC alone. Moreover, the combined treatment group showed a lower incidence of myelosuppression (RR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.40–0.64, p < 0.00001), liver dysfunction (RR = 0.33, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.70, p = 0.004), renal dysfunction (RR = 0.39, 95%CI 0.17 to 0.89, p = 0.02), and fever (RR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.75, p = 0.0007) compared to those of the control group. The quality of evidence assessment through GRADE criteria showed that ORR, myelosuppression, and fever were rated moderate, renal dysfunction and liver dysfunction were rated low, and QoL and abdominal pain were rated very low.Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of CKI combined with IPC were superior to that with IPC alone for the treatment of MA, which indicates the potentiality of the treatment. However, more high-quality RCTs are required to validate this conclusion.Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022304259], identifier [PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022304259].

Polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEMs) fabricated from the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique have attracted wide interests in the past several decades. Driven and stabilized by electrostatic interaction, the PEMs are sensitive with the external stimuli, contributing to the dynamic tunability of film structures. Compared with adjusting the film structures during assembled procedures, it is more convenient and flexible to control the physical structures of PEMs employing post-treatments. In this review, the different strategies for effectively regulating PEMs’ structures based on the post-treatment, as well as the functionalization of these prepared structural films are discussed. At last, perspectives are provided for the future development directions, aiming to provide opportunities and a novel pathway for microstructural PEMs.

Abstract In this paper, the structural, electronic, and optical properties of MoS2 multilayers are investigated by employing the first-principles method. Up to six-layers of MoS2 have been comparatively studied. The covalency and ionicity in the MoS2 monolayer are shown to be stronger than those in the bulk. As the layer number is increased to two or above two, band splitting is significant due to the interlayer coupling. We found that long plateaus emerged in the imaginary parts of the dielectric function ε2xxω $$ {\varepsilon}_2^{xx}\left(\omega \right) $$ and the joint density of states (JDOS) of MoS2 multilayers, due to the Van Hove singularities in a two-dimensional material. One, two and three small steps appear at the thresholds of both the long plateau of ε2xxω $$ {\varepsilon}_2^{xx}\left(\omega \right) $$ and JDOS, for monolayer, bilayer, and trilayer, respectively. As the number of layers further increased, the number of small steps increases and the width of the small steps decreases accordingly. Due to interlayer coupling, the longest plateau and shortest plateau of JDOS are from the monolayer and bulk, respectively.

An allotrope of graphene named T graphene was reported to reveal Dirac-like fermions and high Fermi velocity in its buckled phase similar to graphene. However, these Dirac fermions were questioned to be artificial, caused by band folding under the unstable buckling in T graphene. Here, we report first-principles studies on the structural and electronic properties of T graphene nanotubes which are systems rolled up from the two-dimensional planar sheet of T graphene. The ‘artificial’ Dirac fermions in T graphene are turned into reality in the T graphene nanotubes. Two sets of T graphene nanotubes with different diameters were studied. One set of T graphene nanotubes reveals a semi-metallic property and shows an increasing of the number of Dirac points with the diameters. Another set of T graphene nanotubes reveals a metallic property. Our study indicates that rolling up the allotrope of graphene can provide a new avenue for developing new semimetal materials with fascinating properties.

Lithium metal is one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. A fundamental mechanism understanding of the dead lithium formation under the interplay of electrochemistry and mechanics in lithium metal batteries is strongly considered. Herein, we proposed a mechano-electrochemical phase-field model to describe the lithium stripping process and quantify the dead lithium formation under stress. In particular, the rupture of solid electrolyte interphase and the shift of equilibrium potential caused by stress are coupled into stripping kinetics. The impact of external pressure on dead lithium formation with various electrolyte properties and initial electrodeposited morphologies is revealed. The overlooked detrimental effect of external pressure on Li stripping affords fresh insights into cell configuration and pressure management, which is critical for practical applications of lithium metal batteries.

Lithium metal anode (LMA) is a promising candidate for achieving next-generation high-energy-density batteries due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity and most negative electrochemical potential. However, the practical application of lithium metal battery (LMB) is largely retarded by the instable interfaces, uncontrolled dendrites, and rapid capacity deterioration. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview towards the working principles and inherent challenges of LMAs. Firstly, we diligently summarize the intrinsic mechanism of Li stripping and plating process. The recent advances in atomic and mesoscale simulations which are crucial in guiding mechanism study and material design are also summarized. Furthermore, the advanced engineering strategies which have been proved effective in protecting LMAs are systematically reviewed, including electrolyte optimization, artificial interface, composite/alloy anodes and so on. Finally, we highlight the current limitations and promising research directions of LMAs. This review sheds new lights on deeply understanding the intrinsic mechanism of LMAs, and calls for more endeavors to realize practical Li metal batteries.

Abstract Solid‐state batteries that employ solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) to replace routine liquid electrolytes are considered to be one of the most promising solutions for achieving high‐safety lithium metal batteries. SSEs with high mechanical modulus, thermal stability, and non‐flammability can not only inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites but also enhance the safety of lithium metal batteries. However, several internal materials/electrodes‐related thermal hazards demonstrated by recent works show that solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are not impenetrable. Therefore, understanding the potential thermal hazards of SSLMBs is critical for their more secure and widespread applications. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive overview of the thermal failure mechanism of SSLMBs from materials to devices. Also, strategies to improve the thermal safety performance of SSLMBs are included from the view of material enhancement, battery design, and external management. Consequently, the future directions are further provided. We hope that this work can shed bright insights into the path of constructing energy storage devices with high energy density and safety.

In order to maintain the stability of the transmitter to ensure the quality of the output signal, we propose a novel technique of automatic bias control based on the pilot signal that can be used in high-order modulation formats. The proposed scheme requires loading a pair of orthogonal pilot signals to the modulator and tapping the frequency-shifted local oscillation light with the signal light output from the modulator to achieve coherent detection. The control of the bias voltage is achieved by means of correlation operation and monitoring the value of the correlation coefficient. This scheme combines coherent detection and correlation detection techniques, which can effectively improve the sensitivity and control accuracy of the system. The feasibility of this scheme in high-order modulation systems and the improvement of sensitivity are also fully verified by simulation.

Abstract High‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are widely accepted as promising next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the safety features of practical LMBs are rarely explored quantitatively. Herein, the thermal runaway behaviors of a 3.26 Ah (343 Wh kg−1) Li | LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch cell in the whole life cycle are quantitatively investigated by extended volume‐accelerating rate calorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. By thermal failure analyses on pristine cell with fresh Li metal, activated cell with once plated dendrites, and 20‐cycled cell with large quantities of dendrites and dead Li, dendrite‐accelerated thermal runaway mechanisms including reaction sequence and heat release contribution are reached. Suppressing dendrite growth and reducing the reactivity between Li metal anode and electrolyte at high temperature are effective strategies to enhance the safety performance of LMBs. These findings can largely enhance the understanding on the thermal runaway behaviors of Li metal pouch cells in practical working conditions.

The subzero‐temperature service of lithium (Li) metal anode has been enormously restricted by a large working polarization and a poor reversibility. In this contribution, the overpotential attributions during low‐temperature Li electroplating are deconvolved, and the interplay among the dominating kinetic overpotential, the dynamic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) chemistry, and the corresponding cycling reversibility of Li metal is established. Specifically, by employing a localized highly concentrated electrolyte as a model system, it is disclosed that ionic concentration gradient plays a predominate role in polarizing the cathodic Li electroplating process at subzero working temperature. Inspired by this, a decoupling electrolyte design strategy is presented to synchronously tame the kinetic polarization and build a dynamically stable anion‐derived SEI, thus boosting a remarkably enhanced Coulombic efficiency of Li with a depressed cell overpotential and a more than three times longer lifespan in practical Li | LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cells at −20 °C. Herein, the essence to affecting the polarization and reversibility of low‐temperature working Li metal anode is uncovered, affording critical design principles to facilitate a stable dynamic interface for the high‐efficiency cycling of practical Li metal batteries at subzero temperatures.

Abstract Wheezing diseases are one of the major chronic respiratory diseases in children. To explore the effects of meteorological and environmental factors on the prevalence of children wheezing diseases, clinical data of children hospitalized with wheezing diseases in Suzhou, China from 2013 to 2017 were collected. Meteorological and environmental factors from 2013 to 2017 were obtained from the local Meteorological Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau. Relationships between wheezing diseases and meteorological and environmental factors were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate regression analysis. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to estimate the effects of meteorological and environmental variables on children wheezing diseases. Children wheezing diseases were frequently presented in infants less than 12 months old (1897/2655, 58.28%), and the hospitalization rate was highest in winter (1024/3255, 31.46%). In pathogen-positive specimens, the top three pathogens were respiratory syncytial virus (21.35%), human rhinovirus (16.28%) and mycoplasma pneumoniae (10.47%). The seasonality of wheezing children number showed a distinctive winter peak. Children wheezing diseases were negatively correlated with average temperature (P

Rechargeable lithium batteries with long calendar life are pivotal in the pursuit of non-fossil and wireless society as energy storage devices. However, corrosion has severely plagued the calendar life of lithium batteries. The corrosion in batteries mainly occurs between electrode materials and electrolytes, which results in constant consumption of active materials and electrolytes and finally premature failure of batteries. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of corrosion and developing strategies to inhibit corrosion are imperative for lithium batteries with long calendar life. In this review, different types of corrosion in batteries are summarized and the corresponding corrosion mechanisms are firstly clarified. Secondly, quantitative studies of the loss of lithium in corrosion are reviewed for an in-depth understanding of the mechanism. Thirdly, the recent progress in inhibiting corrosion is demonstrated. Finally, perspectives to further investigate corrosion mechanism and inhibit corrosion are put forward to promote the development of stable lithium batteries.

Abstract The pursuit of sustainable energy has a great request for advanced energy storage devices. Lithium metal batteries are regarded as a potential electrochemical storage system because of the extremely high capacity and the most negative electrochemical potential of lithium metal anode. Dead lithium formed in the stripping process significantly contributes to the low efficiency and short lifespan of rechargeable lithium metal batteries. This review displays a critical review on the current research status about the stripping electrochemistry of lithium metal anode. The significance of stripping process to a robust lithium metal anode is emphasized. The stripping models in different electrochemical scenarios are discussed. Specific attention is paid to the understanding for the electrochemical principles of atom diffusion, electrochemical reaction, ion diffusion in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and electron transfer with the purpose to strengthen the insights into the behavior of lithium electrode stripping. The factors affecting stripping processes and corresponding solutions are summarized and categorized as follows: surface physics, SEI, operational and external factors. This review affords fresh insights to explore the lithium anode and design robust lithium metal batteries based on the comprehensive understanding of the stripping electrochemistry.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered as a highly promising energy storage system due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the sluggish kinetics of the complex multi-electron sulfur redox reactions seriously hinders the actual battery performance especially under practical working conditions. Homogeneous redox mediation, through elaborately designing the additive molecules, is an effective approach to promote the sulfur redox kinetics. Herein a promoter of mixed organodiselenides (mixed-Se) is proposed to comprehensively improve the sulfur redox kinetics following the redox comediation principles. Concretely, diphenyl diselenide promotes the liquid–liquid conversion between polysulfides and the solid–liquid conversion regarding lithium sulfide oxidation to polysulfides, while dimethyl diselenide enhances the liquid–solid conversion regarding lithium sulfide deposition. Consequently, the mixed-Se promoter endows a high discharge capacity of 1002 mAh g−1 with high sulfur loading of 4.0 mg cm−2, a high capacity retention of 81.6% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C, and a high actual energy density of 384 Wh kg−1 at 0.025 C in 1.5 Ah-level Li–S pouch cells. This work affords an effective kinetic promoter to construct high-energy-density Li–S batteries and inspires molecular design of kinetic promoters toward targeted energy-related redox reactions.

Abstract Background Compound kushen injection (CKI), a Chinese patent drug, is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, especially neoplasms of the digestive system. However, the underlying mechanism of CKI in pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment has not been totally elucidated. Methods Here, to overcome the limitation of conventional network pharmacology methods with a weak combination with clinical information, this study proposes a network pharmacology approach of integrated bioinformatics that applies a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to conventional network pharmacology, and then integrates molecular docking technology and biological experiments to verify the results of this network pharmacology analysis. Results The WGCNA analysis revealed 2 gene modules closely associated with classification, staging and survival status of PC. Further CytoHubba analysis revealed 10 hub genes (NCAPG, BUB1, CDK1, TPX2, DLGAP5, INAVA, MST1R, TMPRSS4, TMEM92 and SFN) associated with the development of PC, and survival analysis found 5 genes (TSPOAP1, ADGRG6, GPR87, FAM111B and MMP28) associated with the prognosis and survival of PC. By integrating these results into the conventional network pharmacology study of CKI treating PC, we found that the mechanism of CKI for PC treatment was related to cell cycle, JAK-STAT, ErbB, PI3K-Akt and mTOR signalling pathways. Finally, we found that CDK1 , JAK1 , EGFR , MAPK1 and MAPK3 served as core genes regulated by CKI in PC treatment, and were further verified by molecular docking, cell proliferation assay, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Conclusions Overall, this study suggests that the optimized network pharmacology approach is suitable to explore the molecular mechanism of CKI in the treatment of PC, which provides a reference for further investigating biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of PC and even the clinical rational application of CKI.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage devices because of their ultrahigh theoretical energy density beyond lithium-ion batteries. The cycling stability of Li metal anode largely determines the prospect of practical applications of Li–S batteries. This review systematically summarizes the current advances of Li anode protection in Li–S batteries regarding both fundamental understanding and regulation methodology. First, the main challenges of Li metal anode instability are introduced with emphasis on the influence from lithium polysulfides. Then, a timeline with 4 stages is presented to afford an overview of the developing history of this field. Following that, 3 Li anode protection strategies are discussed in detail in aspects of guiding uniform Li plating/stripping, reducing polysulfide concentration in anolyte, and reducing polysulfide reaction activity with Li metal. Finally, 3 viewpoints are proposed to inspire future research and development of advanced Li metal anode for practical Li–S batteries.

Abstract The stability of lithium metal anodes essentially dictates the lifespan of high‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries. Lithium nitrate (LiNO3) is widely recognized as an effective additive to stabilize lithium metal anodes by forming LiNxOy‐containing solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, its poor solubility in electrolytes, especially ester electrolytes, hinders its applications in lithium metal batteries. Herein, an organic nitrate, isosorbide nitrate (ISDN), is proposed to replace LiNO3. ISDN has a high solubility of 3.3 M in ester electrolytes due to the introduction of organic segments in the molecule. The decomposition of ISDN generates LiNxOy‐rich SEI, enabling uniform lithium deposition. The lifespan of lithium metal batteries with ISDN significantly increases from 80 to 155 cycles under demanding conditions. Furthermore, a lithium metal pouch cell of 439 Wh kg−1 delivers 50 cycles. This work opens a new avenue to develop additives by molecular modifications for practical lithium metal batteries.

Summary: In this protocol, we describe the quantification of electrolytes using nuclear magnetic resonance. We detail the steps involved for battery cycling, sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis. The protocol can be used to quantify electrolyte decomposition reactions and the apparent electron transfer numbers of different electrolyte components. The protocol is optimized for lithium-based anode-free batteries but can also be applied to other rechargeable batteries.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhou et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) constitutes the core process of many energy storage and conversion devices including metal–air batteries and fuel cells. However, the kinetics of ORR is very sluggish and thus high-performance ORR electrocatalysts are highly regarded. Despite recent progress on minimizing the ORR half-wave potential as the current evaluation indicator, in-depth quantitative kinetic analysis on overall ORR electrocatalytic performance remains insufficiently emphasized. In this paper, a quantitative kinetic analysis method is proposed to afford decoupled kinetic information from linear sweep voltammetry profiles on the basis of the Koutecky–Levich equation. Independent parameters regarding exchange current density, electron transfer number, and electrochemical active surface area can be respectively determined following the proposed method. This quantitative kinetic analysis method is expected to promote understanding of the electrocatalytic effect and point out further optimization direction for ORR electrocatalysis.

Abstract Lithium ion battery has achieved great success in portable electronics and even recently electronic vehicles since its commercialization in 1990s. However, lithium‐ion batteries are confronted with several issues in terms of the sustainable development such as the high price of raw materials and electronic products, the emerging safety accidents, etc. The recent progresses are herein emphasized on lithium batteries for energy storage to clearly understand the sustainable energy chemistry and emerging energy materials. The Perspective presents novel lithium‐ion batteries developed with the aims of enhancing the electrochemical performance and sustainability of energy storage systems. First, revolutionary material chemistries, including novel low‐cobalt cathode, organic electrode, and aqueous electrolyte, are discussed. Then, the characteristics of safety performance are analyzed and strategies to enhance safety are subsequently evaluated. Battery recycling is considered as the key factor for a sustainable society and related technologies are present as well. Finally, conclusion and outlook are drawn to shed lights on the further development of sustainable lithium‐ion batteries.

Abstract Lithium–sulfur batteries are promising next‐generation energy storage devices due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the parasitic reactions between lithium polysulfides and lithium metal anodes render lithium anodes extremely unstable during cycling and result in limited lifespan of working lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, a Nafion protective layer is fabricated for stabilizing lithium metal anodes in working lithium–sulfur batteries. The Nafion protective layer eliminates the parasitic reactions between lithium polysulfides and lithium metal anodes. Accordingly, the cycling lifespan of lithium–sulfur batteries is doubled to 92 cycles with the Nafion protective layer using high‐sulfur‐loading cathodes and ultrathin lithium metal anodes. This study describes an effective Nafion protective layer for stabilizing lithium metal anodes and provides a possible avenue for further protective layer design for achieving long‐cycling practical lithium–sulfur batteries.

The rising incidence of ulcerative colitis has become a new challenge for public health. Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaf granule (COG) is a natural medicine used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, which has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the therapeutic effect of COG in ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been reported. Here, the experimental colitis was treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and COG. After treatment with high (30 g/kg), medium (15 g/kg), and low (7.5 g/kg) doses of COG for 11 consecutive days, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, colon weight index, and the pathological score of mice were effectively improved. COG significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in UC mice in vitro and in vivo and restored the secretion levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in the colon. Meanwhile, compared to mice with colitis, COG-treated mice showed lower levels of MDA, MPO, NO, and eNOS and higher levels of GSH-Px and MAO, which indicated that oxidative stress damage in colitic mice was alleviated by COG. Moreover, less Th17 and more Tregs were observed in the COG-treated groups. In addition, COG improved the diversity and relative abundance of gut microflora in the colon of colitic mice, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 were obviously regulated at the genus level. In summary, COG has a protective effect on DSS-induced experimental colitis, mainly through inhibition of immune-inflammatory responses and oxidative stress and regulation of mTreg cell responses and intestinal flora composition.

Abstract Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries are one of the most promising candidates for high energy density rechargeable batteries beyond current Li‐ion batteries. However, severe corrosion of Li metal anode and low Coulombic efficiency (CE) induced by the unremitting shuttle of Li polysulfides immensely hinder the practical applications of Li‐S batteries. Herein, a compact inorganic layer (CIL) formed by ex situ reactions between Li anode and ionic liquid emerged as an effective strategy to block Li polysulfides and suppress shuttle effect. A CE of 96.7% was achieved in Li‐S batteries with CIL protected Li anode in contrast to 82.4% for bare Li anode while no lithium nitrate was employed. Furthermore, the corrosion of Li during cycling was effectively inhibited. While applied to working batteries, 80.6% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles was retained in Li‐S batteries with CIL‐protected ultrathin (33 μm) Li anode compared with 58.5% for bare Li anode, further demonstrating the potential of this strategy for practical applications. This study presents a feasible interfacial regulation strategy to protect Li anode with the presence of Li polysulfides and opens avenues for Li anode protection in Li‐S batteries under practical conditions.

Abstract Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is identified as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to its ultra‐high theoretical energy density up to 2600 Wh kg−1. However, Li metal anode suffers from dramatic volume change during cycling, continuous corrosion by polysulfide electrolyte, and dendrite formation, rendering limited cycling lifespan. Considering Li metal anode as a double‐edged sword that contributes to ultrahigh energy density as well as limited cycling lifespan, it is necessary to evaluate Li‐based alloy as anode materials to substitute Li metal for high‐performance Li–S batteries. In this contribution, the authors systematically evaluate the potential and feasibility of using Li metal or Li‐based alloys to construct Li–S batteries with an actual energy density of 500 Wh kg−1. A quantitative analysis method is proposed by evaluating the required amount of electrolyte for a targeted energy density. Based on a three‐level (ideal material level, practical electrode level, and pouch cell level) analysis, highly lithiated lithium–magnesium (Li–Mg) alloy is capable to achieve 500 Wh kg−1 Li–S batteries besides Li metal. Accordingly, research on Li–Mg and other Li‐based alloys are reviewed to inspire a promising pathway to realize high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries.

Pancreatic cancer refers to the development of malignant tumors in the pancreas: it is associated with high mortality rates and mostly goes undetected in its early stages for lack of symptoms. Currently, surgical treatment is the only effective way to improve the survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose the disease as early as possible in order to improve the survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer. Liquid biopsy is a unique in vitro diagnostic technique offering the advantage of earlier detection of tumors. Although liquid biopsies have shown promise for screening for certain cancers, whether they are effective for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is unclear. Therefore, we reviewed relevant literature indexed in PubMed and collated updates and information on advances in the field of liquid biopsy with respect to the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Abnormal dendritic cells (DCs) and Treg cell polarisation and dysbiosis of the intestinal flora are typical features of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The natural compound curcumin has good anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is unclear whether curcumin effectively ameliorates IBD by regulating the homeostasis of DCs, Treg and gut microbiota. In this study, mice colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium was orally administrated with curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Consequently, the index of colonic weight significantly decreased, and body weight, colonic weight, colonic length and colonic tissue injury improved significantly; the percentage of Treg increased significantly, inflammatory DCs and pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased significantly, and the composition of gut microbiota were improved. In addition, curcumin inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in colitis mice. These data suggested that curcumin ameliorated colitis by regulating DCs, Treg and gut microbiota, and the underlying mechanism is related to PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition.

TGF-β-centered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process involved in radiation-induced pulmonary injury (RIPI) and pulmonary fibrosis. PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive calcium channel, is expressed in myeloid cell and has been found to play an important role in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Whether PIEZO1 is related with radiation-induced EMT remains elusive. Herein, we found that PIEZO1 is functional in rat primary type II epithelial cells and RLE-6TN cells. After irradiation, PIEZO1 expression was increased in rat lung alveolar type II epithelial cells and RLE-6TN cell line, which was accompanied with EMT changes evidenced by increased TGF-β1, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin, and α-SMA expression and decreased E-cadherin expression. Addition of exogenous TGF-β1 further enhanced these phenomena in vitro. Knockdown of PIEZO1 partly reverses radiation-induced EMT in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that activation of PIEZO1 could upregulate TGF-β1 expression and promote EMT through Ca2+/HIF-1α signaling. Knockdown of HIF-1α partly reverses enhanced TGF-β1 expression caused by radiation. Meanwhile, the expression of PIEZO1 was up-regulated after TGF-β1 co-culture, and the mechanism could be traced to the inhibition of transcription factor C/EBPβ expression by TGF-β1. Irradiation also caused a decrease in C/EBPβ expression in RLE-6TN cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) confirmed that C/EBPβ represses PIEZO1 expression by binding to the PIEZO1 promoter. Furthermore, overexpression of C/EBPβ by using the synonymous mutation to C/EBPβ siRNA could reverse siRNA-induced upregulation of PIEZO1. In summary, our research suggests a critical role of PIEZO1 signaling in radiation-induced EMT by forming positive feedback with TGF-β1.

Lithium (Li) metal battery is considered as a promising next‐generation high‐energy‐density battery system. Battery safety is a foundation for the practical applications of Li metal batteries. In addition to uncontrollable Li plating/stripping, however, the employment of solvents and Li salts with poor thermal stability and high flammability also induces potential safety hazards to Li metal batteries based on liquid electrolytes, which emerges as a challenging but uncompromising task for Li metal batteries. Therefore, it is of great significance to focus and improve the thermal stability and nonflammability of liquid electrolytes while maintaining its role in regulating the uniformity of Li deposition. Herein, the possible thermal runaway mechanism of Li metal batteries is first discussed, especially the difference from the thermal runaway mechanism of Li‐ion batteries. Second, the measurement methods of thermal stability and nonflammability of liquid electrolytes are summarized, including the basic principles and application examples. Third, recent progress of nonflammable electrolytes for Li metal batteries is reviewed according to the types of electrolyte. Finally, the perspectives of further designing thermally stable and nonflammable electrolytes for Li metal batteries are presented.

Pulmonary endothelial cell dysfunction plays an important role in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced lung injury. Whether pulmonary endothelial cell ferroptosis occurs after IR and what are the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that 15-Gy IR induced ferroptosis characterized by lethal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, mitochondria shrinkage, and decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SLC7A11 expression in pulmonary endothelial cells. The phenomena could be mimicked by Yoda1, a specific activator of mechanosensitive calcium channel PIEZO1. PIEZO1 protein expression was upregulated by IR in vivo and in vitro. The increased PIEZO1 expression after IR was accompanied with increased calcium influx and increased calpain activity. The effects of radiation on lung endothelial cell ferroptosis was partly reversed by inhibition of PIEZO1 activity using the selective inhibitor GsMTx4 or inhibition of downstreaming Ca2+/calpain signaling using PD151746. Both IR and activation of PIEZO1 led to increased degradation of VE-cadherin, while PD151746 blocked these effects. VE-cadherin knockdown by specific siRNA causes ferroptosis-like phenomena with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation in the lung endothelial cells. Overexpression of VE-cadherin partly recused the ferroptosis caused by IR or PIEZO1 activation as supported by decreased ROS production, lipid peroxidation and mitochondria shrinkage compared to IR or PIEZO1 activation alone. In summary, our study reveals a previously unrecognized role of PIEZO1 in modulating ferroptosis, providing a new target for future mitigation of radiation-induced lung injury.

Abstract Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have extremely high theoretical energy density that make them as promising systems toward vast practical applications. Expediting redox kinetics of sulfur species is a decisive task to break the kinetic limitation of insulating lithium sulfide/disulfide precipitation/dissolution. Herein, we proposed a porphyrin‐derived atomic electrocatalyst to exert atomic‐efficient electrocatalytic effects on polysulfide intermediates. Quantifying electrocatalytic efficiency of liquid/solid conversion through a potentiostatic intermittent titration technique measurement presents a kinetic understanding of specific phase evolutions imparted by the atomic electrocatalyst. Benefiting from atomically dispersed “lithiophilic” and “sulfiphilic” sites on conductive substrates, the finely designed atomic electrocatalyst endows Li–S cells with remarkable cycling stablity (cyclic decay rate of 0.10% in 300 cycles), excellent rate capability (1035 mAh g−1 at 2 C), and impressive areal capacity (10.9 mAh cm−2 at a sulfur loading of 11.3 mg cm−2). The present work expands atomic electrocatalysts to the Li–S chemistry, deepens kinetic understanding of sulfur species evolution, and encourages application of emerging electrocatalysis in other multielectron/multiphase reaction energy systems.

Abstract The development of next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries requires advanced electrode materials. Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is considered a promising sulfur cathode with the merits of high specific capacity and long cycling stability for high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Nevertheless, the practical performances of SPAN cathodes are severely limited by the unfavorable electron accessibility due to the relatively low intrinsic conductivity and large particle size. Herein, a redox mediation strategy is proposed to accelerate the electron transfer processes in working Li–S batteries with SPAN cathodes. Specifically, a quinone‐based redox mediator is introduced to provide an additional redox pathway with strengthened interfacial kinetics. The redox mediator assisted SPAN cathodes exhibit higher specific capacity, improved rate performance, reduced polarization, and longer cycling lifespan with both ether‐based and carbonate‐based electrolyte. This work demonstrates the feasibility of redox mediation to promote the electron accessibility for high‐performance Li–S batteries with SPAN cathodes.

Lithium- (Li-) ion batteries have revolutionized our daily life towards wireless and clean style, and the demand for batteries with higher energy density and better safety is highly required. The next-generation batteries with innovatory chemistry, material, and engineering breakthroughs are in strong pursuit currently. Herein, the key historical developments of practical electrode materials in Li-ion batteries are summarized as the cornerstone for the innovation of next-generation batteries. In addition, the emerging electrode materials for next-generation batteries are discussed as the revolving challenges and potential strategies. Finally, the future scenario of high-energy-density rechargeable batteries is presented. The combination of theory and experiment under multiscale is highlighted to promote the development of emerging electrode materials.

Abstract Smart energy storage has revolutionized portable electronics and electrical vehicles. The current smart energy storage devices have penetrated into flexible electronic markets at an unprecedented rate. Flexible batteries are key power sources to enable vast flexible devices, which put forward additional requirements, such as bendable, twistable, stretchable, and ultrathin, to adapt mechanical deformation under the working conditions. This review summarizes the recent advances in construction and configuration of flexible batteries and discusses the general metrics to benchmark various flexible batteries with different materials and chemistries. Moreover, we present advanced prototype flexible batteries developed by some companies to afford general envision of the technological status. Lastly, the critical points are summarized in the development of flexible batteries and remaining challenges are also presented for the future design of flexible batteries in practical perspectives.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) afford a profound impact on our modern daily life. However, LIBs are approaching the theoretical energy density, due to the inherent limitations of intercalation chemistry; thus, they cannot further satisfy the increasing demands of portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grids. Therefore, battery chemistries beyond LIBs are being widely investigated. Next-generation lithium (Li) batteries, which employ Li metal as the anode and intercalation or conversion materials as the cathode, receive the most intensive interest due to their high energy density and excellent potential for commercialization. Moreover, significant progress has been achieved in Li batteries attributed to the increasing fundamental understanding of the materials and reactions, as well as to technological improvement. This review starts by summarizing the electrolytes for next-generation Li batteries. Key challenges and recent progress in lithium-ion, lithium–sulfur, and lithium–oxygen batteries are then reviewed from the perspective of energy and chemical engineering science. Finally, possible directions for further development in Li batteries are presented. Next-generation Li batteries are expected to promote the sustainable development of human civilization. Keywords: Lithium-ion batteries, Lithium–sulfur batteries, Lithium–oxygen batteries, Lithium metal, Solid-state batteries, Battery chemistry, Electrolyte

Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, a new species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China, is described and illustrated. Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu is included in the short-anther group of Hedychium and is most similar to Hedychium villosum Wall. var. tenuiflorum Voigt ex Baker, H. villosum Wall. var. villosum Wall., and H. chingmeianum N. Odyuo & D. K. Roy.

It has long been debated whether the hydrodynamics is suitable for the smaller colliding systems such as p+p collisions. In this paper, by assuming the existence of longitudinal collective motion and long-range interactions in the hot and dense matter created in p+p collisions, the relativistic hydrodynamics incorporating with the nonextensive statistics is used to analyze the transverse momentum distributions of the particles. The investigations of the present paper show that the hybrid model can give a good description of the currently available experimental data obtained in p+p collisions at RHIC and LHC energies, except for p and p¯ produced in the range of pT>3.0 GeV/c at s=200 GeV.

By assuming the existence of memory effects and long-range interactions, nonextensive statistics together with relativistic hydrodynamics including phase transition are used to discuss the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles produced in heavy ion collisions. It is shown that the combined contributions from nonextensive statistics and hydrodynamics can give a good description of the experimental data in Au+Au collisions at sNN=200 GeV and in Pb+Pb collisions at sNN=2.76 TeV for π± and K± in the whole measured transverse momentum region and for pp- in the region of pT≤2.0 GeV/c. This is different from our previous work using the conventional statistics plus hydrodynamics, where the describable region is only limited in pT≤1.1 GeV/c.

It is widely believed that the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) might be formed in the current heavy ion collisions. It is also widely recognized that the relativistic hydrodynamics is one of the best tools for describing the process of expansion and hadronization of QGP. In this paper, by taking into account the effects of thermalization, a hydrodynamic model including phase transition from QGP state to hadronic state is used to analyze the rapidity and transverse momentum distributions of identified charged particles produced in heavy ion collisions. A comparison is made between the theoretical results and experimental data. The theoretical model gives a good description of the corresponding measurements made in Au-Au collisions at RHIC energies.