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A relationship exists between dietary copper intake and hypertriglyceridemia in the United States (US). However, children and adolescents have there is limited research data for children and adolescents, who have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to carefully evaluate this relationship. This cross-sectional study included 3982 children and adolescents who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006. The outcome variable was hypertriglyceridemia, defined as a triglyceride (TG) concentration >150 mg/dL. Multivariate and binary logistic regression models were applied in this study. The median (Q1–Q3) copper intake and TG levels were 0.98 (0.71–1.32) mg/d and 72.00 (53.00–100.00) mg/dL, respectively. The smoothing curve showed an inverted L-shaped relationship between copper intake and the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia in American children and adolescents. A binary logistic regression model was developed to evaluate the relationship between copper intake and the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, and the inflection point was 0.76 mg/d. The odds of developing hypertriglyceridemia significantly increased with increasing levels of copper intake (odds ratio (OR), 2.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–2.86) in participants with copper intake >0.76 mg/d (P for log likelihood ratio test = 0.032). The association between high copper intake and increased hypertriglyceridemia risk was significantly stronger in participants with a high body mass index (BMI; ≥23 kg/m2) (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.42–3.07) than in those with a low BMI (tertile 1–2) (p for interaction = 0.048). Moreover, the increase in copper intake in adolescents aged 13–18 years significantly increased the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.38–2.76; p for interaction = 0.001). Higher dietary copper intake increases the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, especially among US adolescents with a BMI ≥23 kg/m2. • The results of the present study suggest that dietary copper intake was significantly correlated with hypertriglyceridemia in participants of the NHANES. • Higher dietary copper intake will increase the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, especially among adolescents with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plasticizers released from vehicle dismantling were systematically characterized; • Dust-containing phthalate plasticizers far exceeded those of non-phthalate; • Elevated levels of DiNP and TOTM were involved with vehicle dismantling activity; • Occupational exposure to plasticizers for workers is currently within safety limit; • The disruption potential of some NPAEs appears to be comparable to that of DEHP; Automotive interiors have been identified as significant sources of various chemicals, yet their occupational hazards for end-of-life vehicle (ELV) dismantlers remain poorly characterized. Herein, eight classes of plasticizers, including 11 phthalates esters (PAEs) and 16 non-phthalates esters (NPAEs), were detected in dust samples from inside and outside ELV dismantling workshops. Moreover, indoor dust from ordinary households and university dormitories was compared. The indoor dust from the ELV dismantling workshops contained the highest concentrations of plasticizers (median: 594 μg/g), followed by ordinary households (296 µg/g), university dormitories (186 µg/g), and outdoor dust (157 µg/g). PAEs remained the dominant plasticizers, averaging 11.7-fold higher than their NPAE alternatives. Specifically, diisononyl phthalate and trioctyl trimellitate were notably elevated in workshop dust, being 15.5 and 4.78 times higher, respectively, than in ordinary household dust, potentially indicating their association with ELV dismantling activities. The estimated daily intake of occupational ELV dismantling workers was up to five times higher than that of the general population. Moreover, certain dominant NPAEs demonstrated nuclear receptor interference abilities comparable to typical PAEs, suggesting potential toxic effects. This study is the first to demonstrate that ELV dismantling activities contribute to the co-emission of PAEs and NPAEs, posing a substantial risk of exposure to workers, which warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) have garnered significant attention in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their versatile capabilities in manipulating the crystallization kinetics, optimizing the morphology, and effectively passivating defects, leading to high-efficiency and long-term stability. While previous studies have mostly focused on individual ILs or different anions and their application in PSCs, the distinctive distribution of cations and anions within ILs underscores the significance of optimizing cationic structures and elucidates the particular role of cations in ILs on device performance. In this work, the implications of juxtaposing ILs incorporating carboxyl-functionalized imidazolium cations against conventional imidazolium-based counterparts on the crystallization kinetics, perovskite film quality, and the photovoltaic performance of perovskite devices. This strategy involving carboxyl-functionalized cations in ILs with a higher affinity to coordinate Pb2+, supported by chemical spectroscopy testing and a quantitative measure of the bond strength via Crystal orbital Hamiltonian group (COHP) calculations. The modified ILs more prominently results in enhancing the degree of PbI 2 conversion into perovskite, slowing down crystallization rates and inducting formation of higher-quality perovskite films. Benefitting from the strong chemical interaction provided carboxyl-functionalized cations and widespread distribution of carboxyl-functionalized cations throughout the perovskite films, accomplishing comprehensive synergistic passivation of defects in perovskite films. This led to the suppression of non-radiative recombination and enhanced carrier transport properties. The incorporation of carboxyl modified ILs with suitable chemical structures resulted in a remarkable enhancement of the champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 24.21% in the ILs-treated device, coupled with excellent long-term stability. [Display omitted] • Establishing the connection between structure of ILs and device performance. • The carboxyl-functionalized ILs with a higher affinity to coordinate Pb2+. • The optimized ILs has bestowed PSCs with a PCE of 24.21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel beads have been explored to be normal platform for nutrition encapsulation and delivery. However, hydrogel beads are naturally denser than water, which make hydrogel beads limite in some floating applications such as gastric floating systems. Here, we designed alginate-based floating beads featuring a core-shell structure, which were composed of a vegetable oil core encapsulated within an alginate network shell, utilizing coaxial co-extrusion microfluidic devices. The shell thickness and core size of the core-shell beads (with the size of 2.80–3.40 mm) can be controlled by simply adjusting the inner phase flow rate (Q in) and outer phase flow rate (Q out). Notably, the fabrication of floating core-shell beads was achievable with Q in ≥ 40 μ L/min and Q out set at 300 μ L/min. The Hen's egg test – chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test showed the floating core-shell beads were non-irritant, indicating their safety and biocompatibility properties. Given their floating properties and biocompatibility, these floating core-shell beads hold great potential for applications in the fields of gastric-retentive nutrition delivery. Following that, the floating core-shell beads were further encapsuled with pepsin. They displayed possessed satisfactory pepsin activity (90%) even after 15 days, suggesting that floating core-shell beads can protect the enzyme ingredients against damage. Interestingly, the floating core-shell beads exhibited both efficient sustained-release of pepsin and floating ability in simulated gastric solution. This work sheds light on the design and development of controllable floating core-shell hydrogel beads for various floating system applications. [Display omitted] • Alginate-based floating bead with core-shell structure was successfully prepared. • Floating beads were composed a vegetable oil core and a crosslinked alginate shell. • The shell thickness and core size can be adjusting by flow rate. • Floating beads showed possessed satisfactory pepsin activity (90%) after 15 days. • Floating beads exhibited efficient sustained-release of pepsin and floating ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: As a new simple anthropometric index, the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) appears to be superior to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in assessing both muscle and fat mass. We aimed to explore the association of WWI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in southern China.Methods and Results: A total of 12,447 participants (mean age, 59.0 ± 13.3 years; 40.6% men) in Jiangxi Province from the China Hypertension Survey study were included. WWI was defined as WC divided by the square root of weight. The outcome was all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. During a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 838 all-cause deaths occurred, with 390 cardiovascular deaths. Overall, there was a nonlinear positive relationship of WWI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Accordingly, compared with participants in quartiles 1-3 (<11.2 cm/√kg), a significant higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.58) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.77) were found in quartile 4 (≥11.2 cm/√kg). Further adjustment for BMI and WC did not substantially alter the results. No significant interactions were found in any of the subgroups (sex, age, area, physical activity, current smoking, current alcohol drinking, hypertension, and stroke).Conclusion: Higher WWI levels (≥11.2 cm/√kg) were associated with increased the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in southern China. These findings, if confirmed by further studies, suggested that WWI may serve as a simple and effective anthropometric index in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleogels have been explored as a new lipid-based delivery system, however, their insolubility and unsuitable shape severely limit their application in food systems. Herein, core-shell oleogel capsules with high monodispersity (coefficient variation (CV) < 5%)) were prepared via gravity-assisted co-flowing microfluidic device and simply air-drying. The oleogel capsules with oleogel core and ultrathin calcium-alginate shell were prepared. Oleogel capsules maintained their original shape at pH = 2.0 but swelled rapidly at pH = 6.8 and 7.4. The swelling ratio of shell can be adjusted by inner fluid flow rate (Q in). Notably, the core with beeswax (BW) crystal network, effectively improved the stability performances and also could provide thermal response. Finally, the oleogel capsules demonstrated excellent sustained release and UV protection of lipophilic bioactives. This work sheds light on development of novel oleogel capsules, making them ideal candidates for smart food encapsulation applications. [Display omitted] • Oleogel capsule exhibited both pH- and thermal responsive properties. • The shell thickness and core size can be adjusting by inner phase flow rate. • Oleogel capsule exhibited efficient sustained-release of carvacrol ability. • Oleogel capsule retained higher level of β -carotene (68%) after 24 h UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes) have been synthesized and developed into a wide range of applications including energy storage, optoelectronics, electromagnetic interference shielding, biomedicine, and sensors, etc. Compared to other 2D materials, MXenes possess a unique set of properties such as superior mechanical strength, outstanding hydrophily, and excellent dispersion quality, making them particularly suitable for fabricating films/membranes featuring designed microstructures and tunable nanochannels. 2D MXene-based films (MBFs) have demonstrated excellent ion storage, electron transport and ionic selectivity properties for electrochemical energy storage and have received enormous interest in recent years. Compared with conventional electrode materials and structures, MBFs show great advantages in the aspects of flexibility, tailorability and functionality, which are suitable for flexible, portable, and highly integrated energy storage systems. This review summarizes recent advances and well-developed strategies of the MBFs design and fabrication toward applications of metal-ion batteries (MIBs, including Li, Na, K-ions), lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries and supercapacitors (SCs). Special attentions are given to the design principles of MBFs based microstructures, inter-layer nanochannels and in-plane nanochannels for energy storage. Finally, the current challenges and promising perspectives of the MBFs for energy storage devices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to explore the association between serum copper levels and the prevalence of stroke. Data were obtained from 3 consecutive National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2011-2016). Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between serum copper levels and self-reported stroke. A total of 5,151 adults met the inclusion criteria. A total of 181 (3.51%) stroke patients were identified. In comparison to individuals with serum copper levels in the lowest tertile (<16.4 µmol/l), those with levels in the middle tertile (16.4-19.8 µmol/l) had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-2.25), while those with levels in the highest tertile (>19.8 µmol/l) had an OR of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.01-5.52). Furthermore, each standard deviation (SD) increase in serum copper was found to be positively associated with the prevalence of stroke, with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.11-1.86). Dose‒response analysis showed a positive linear association between serum copper levels and stroke (Pnonlinearity=0.554). This cross-sectional study suggested a positive association between serum copper levels and stroke among American adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium disulfide (ReS 2) has recently amassed increasing interests as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anode material due to its extremely weak interlayer coupling and high Li storage capacity. However, its potential as high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has rarely been explored comprehensively. In this work, we demonstrate a novel construct of ReS 2 anode consisting of vertical ReS 2 nanosheets uniformly grown on metal-organic framework (MOF) derived porous carbonaceous nanocubes (RESNC), is able to achieve high-performance SIBs. Exhibiting high specific surface area (117.40 m2 g−1) and near-microporous (∼2.20 nm) pore size distribution, this unique and conductive nanostructure provides abundant reactive sites which enable rapid and efficient ions/electrons transportation. For the first time, the sodiation/desodiation redox mechanisms of the ReS 2 -based nanostructure are revealed via ex situ investigations. Our results demonstrated that RESCN nanocomposite is endued with high capacity (365 mA h g−1, 100 mA g−1), high rate capability (up to 2 A g−1) and stable cycling performance (>600 cycles, 2 A g−1). To elaborate on the rate and cycling capabilities, various diffusion pathways of sodium-ions on the ReS 2 lattice were unravelled via first-principles/ ab initio techniques, with the results indicating favourable diffusion mechanics. Through the joint approach of comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigations, our results suggest that the ReS 2 /C composites are highly promising as high-performance SIBs anode materials, as well as broadening the current perspectives of materials choices as far as high capacity transition metal disulfides (TMDs) is concerned. Image 1 • Designed and synthesized ReS 2 /C nanocomposite with vertical ReS 2 nanosheets uniformly grown on highly-ordered MOF derived carbonaceous nanocubes • Ex-situ techniques were conducted to investigate the nature of the sodiation/desodiation mechanisms in detail • First-principle calculations were performed on various diffusion barriers/channels to understand the SIBs storage performance mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being a representative candidate from the two-dimensional (2D) materials family, graphene has been one of the most intensively researched candidates because of its ultrahigh carrier mobility, quantum Hall effects, excellent mechanical property and high optical transmittance. Unfortunately, the lack of a band gap makes graphene a poor fit for digital electronics, where the current on/off ratio is critical. Huge efforts have been advocated to discover new 2D layered materials with wonderful properties, which complements the needs of 2D electronics. Appropriately designed graphene based hybrid structure could perform better than its counterpart alone. The graphene hybrid structure soon become one of the most exciting frontiers in advanced 2D materials, and many efforts have been made to create artificial heterostructures by assembling of graphene with various layered materials. In this review, we present the recent development in synthesis and applications of graphene based 2D heterostructures. Although 2D transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors have been demonstrated as strong candidates for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics, by combining advantages of various properties of 2D materials together with graphene, it is highly possible to build entire digital circuits using atomically thin components, and create many novel devices that can be utilized in different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apigenin is a vital flavonoid that has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its potent health benefits. Pumpkin seed protein (PSP) is a valuable by-product after pumpkin seed processing. However, the non-covalent interaction mechanism between apigenin and PSP remains to be explored. Here, the structural and conformational changes and molecular mechanisms underlying their interaction were investigated using multi-spectroscopic analysis integrated with molecular simulation approaches. The experimental results indicated that apigenin statically quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of PSP, indicating that the interaction between them did occur. Thermodynamic analysis and computational simulation results showed that the driving forces between apigenin and PSP were the hydrophobic interactions that predominated. The binding of apigenin resulted in changes in the conformation, microenvironment, and surface hydrophobicity of PSP. Furthermore, it was revealed by molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations that apigenin maintained binding stability in the hydrophobic pockets of the protein through its interaction with several key residues. Additionally, it was found that the movement strength and directions of individual resides were altered after apigenin binding, which is the molecular basis of protein structural and conformational changes induced by apigenin. This study may provide theoretical evidence for the potential application of PSP and apigenin complex products in the food industry. [Display omitted] • The non-covalent binding for pumpkin seed protein (PSP) and apigenin was explored. • The fluorescence quenching of PSP by apigenin was mainly static quenching. • The binding of apigenin changed the conformation of PSP. • The dominant driving forces for PSP and apigenin were hydrophobic interactions. • Apigenin could keep stable in the binding pocket during molecular dynamic simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolayer graphene exhibits impressive in-plane thermal conductivity (> 1000 W m –1 K –1 ). However, the out-of-plane thermal transport is limited due to the weak van der Waals interaction, indicating the possibility of constructing a vertical thermoelectric (TE) device. Here, we propose a cross-plane TE device based on the vertical heterostructures of few-layer graphene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on Si substrates, where the incorporation of AuNPs further inhibits the phonon transport and enhances the electrical conductivity along vertical direction. A measurable Seebeck voltage is produced vertically between top graphene and bottom Si when the device is put on a hot surface and the figure of merit ZT is estimated as 1 at room temperature from the transient Harman method. The polarity of the output voltage is determined by the carrier polarity of the substrate. The device concept is also applicable to a flexible and transparent substrate as demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogenous flame retardants (NFRs) have aroused worldwide public concern as their nephrotoxic effect. However, knowledge regarding the pathogenesis mechanism of their exposure to induce kidney injury remains largely unknown. In this study, eight NFRs, four oxidative stress biomarkers (OSBs), and one kidney injury biomarker, namely neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), were measured in urine specimens collected from residents living around e-waste disassembly and reference areas, representing two exposure scenarios. Significant higher concentrations of Σ 8 NFR (median: 70.6 vs. 33.8 μg/g Cre) and five biomarkers (124 vs. 97.4 μg/g Cre) were found in urines of populations living in e-waste site compared to those in the reference site (p < 0.05). Primary NFRs exhibited significant positive associations with OSBs and NGAL regardless of the population examined, implying that chronic NFRs exposure could induce oxidative stress and kidney damage. By using structure equation model, we found that oxidative stress, particularly DNA and RNA oxidation mediated 16.1% of the total effect of NFRs on NGAL in e-waste related people, but not on the general population. Overall, this study suggests long-term chronic exposure to NFRs can induce oxidative stress and renal injury in humans but the pathogenesis mode may be scenario-specific. [Display omitted] • Residents from e-waste site had significant higher urinary NFR and biomarker levels. • Cyanuric acid was the major compound in urines from e-waste and reference areas. • Urinary NFR levels were positively associated with those of kidney injury biomarker. • Oxidative stress may be involved in renal injury in people residing in e-waste site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inulin supplementation could alleviate high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis, mediated through increasing ATGL on liver lipid droplets. • The beneficial effects of inulin, such as increasing energy expenditure, alleviating adiposity, and improving glucose intolerance, could only be achieved in mice fed with high-fat diet for 1 month, not for 4 months. • Gut microbiota in the short- and long-term fat-loaded mice was shown to be modulated in a different way, which may mediate the differential effects of inulin. Increased consumption of high-fat low-fiber foods has been shown to contribute to the development of metabolic syndromes, such as fatty liver, obesity, diabetes, et al. Fermentable dietary fiber, such as inulin, is broadly used to mitigate host metabolic abnormalities. In this work, we studied systematically the effect of inulin on mice with metabolic disorders, induced by either short- or long-term high-fat feeding. As expected, inulin reduced the body weight of mice in both groups. However, it was found that inulin feeding could only increase energy expenditure, alleviate adiposity, and improve glucose intolerance in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 1 month but not for 4 months. Surprisingly, inulin supplementation could alleviate HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, mediated through increasing adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) on liver lipid droplets, in both groups. Gut microbiota in the short- and long-term fat-loaded mice were shown to be modulated differently, which may mediate the differential effects of inulin. These results may help in understanding the role and mechanism of fermentable fiber regulating host metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legacy [e.g., brominated- (BFRs)] and alternative [e.g., organophosphate- (OPFRs) and nitrogenous- (NFRs)] flame retardants have a propensity to migrate out of consumer products, and thus are dispersed in indoor microenvironments. In this study, simultaneous presence of 11 BFRs, 18 OPFRs and 11 NFRs were measured in house dust collected from Tianjin, China. OPFRs were found at the highest concentrations, with a median value of 3200 ng/g, followed by NFRs (2600) and BFRs (1600). Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (median: 1800 ng/g), melamine (1100), and BDE-209 (870) were the top three most abundant chemicals in the respective groups. Location-specific patterns of flame retardant concentrations were found with 30%, 20% and 10% of samples were predominated by OPFRs, NFRs and BFRs, respectively, and the remaining samples contained by two or more of the chemical groups occurring concurrently. Network and cluster analysis results indicated the existence of multiple sources of flame retardants in the indoor microenvironment. Estimated human daily intakes via indoor dust ingestion were approximately several tens of ng/kg bw/day and were below their respective reference dose values. Our results indicate widespread occurrence of multiple flame retardant families in indoor dust and suggest need for continued monitoring and efforts to reduce exposures through dust ingestion. [Display omitted] • Restrictions on BFRs have increased demand for OPFRs and NFRs. • TBOEP, MEL and BDE-209 were most prominent in OPFRs, NFRs and BFRs, respectively. • Multiple sources existed for BFRs, OPFRs and NFRs in the indoor microenvironment. • Calculated EDI levels via dust ingestion were below available RfDs for all analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted significant attention for their great potential in nano energy. TMDC layered materials represent a diverse and largely untapped source of 2D systems. High-quality TMDC layers with an appropriate size, variable thickness, superior electronic and optical properties can be produced by the exfoliation or vapor phase deposition method. Semiconducting TMDC monolayers have been demonstrated feasible for various energy related applications, where their electronic properties and uniquely high surface areas offer opportunities for various applications such as nano generators, green electronics, electrocatalytic hydrogen generation and energy storage. In this review, we start from the structure, properties and preparation, followed by detailed discussions on the development of TMDC-based nano energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the restriction of bisphenol A (BPA) in certain products, a number of bisphenol analogues (BPs) have been used as BPA replacements in different applications, raising environmental and health concerns. The present study determined a total of 13 bisphenol analogues in house dust and children urine from South China families (n = 46). Among all BPs, BPA, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) were frequently detected in house dust, with concentrations ranging from 0.54 to 26.2 μg/g (median: 2.60 μg/g), 0.07–11.5 μg/g (median: 0.32 μg/g) and 0.02–2.4 μg/g (median: 0.29 μg/g), respectively. BPA (median: 2.43 ng/mL) was also the dominant BP in children urine samples, accounting for 75.2 ± 27.4% of the total concentrations of urinary BPs, followed by BPS (0.23 ng/mL), whereas BPF was only detected in less than 30% of urine samples. Children's daily intake of bisphenols through dust ingestion and total daily intakes were estimated based on the dust and urine concentrations, respectively. The estimated intake of BPA, BPS and BPF via house dust ingestion accounted for 9%, 12% and 38% of the total intakes predicted based on urinary concentrations, respectively, and exhibited very low exposure risks. [Display omitted] • Thirteen bisphenol analogues were determined in paired house dust and child urine. • BPA was the dominant analogue both in dust and urine samples. • No association was found between urinary and house dust BPs. • Dust intake contributed a small proportion to the overall exposure of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Miniaturized energy storage devices have attracted considerable research attention due to their promising applications such as power-on-chip units in various smart electronic devices. In this work, a printable micro-supercapacitor (MSC) device was designed and fabricated wherein a novel three dimensional (3D) nanocomposite consisting of cobalt oxide (CoO) nanoflowers woven with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) networks were used as the active material. The CoO/CNT nanocomposites were synthesized via a high-throughput hydrothermal method. High capacitance of 17.4F/cm3 and energy density of ~3.48mWh/cm3 were achieved for the CoO/CNT MSC at a current density of 0.25A/cm3. The high volumetric energy density is attributed to the widened operation voltage window ranging from 0 to 1.2V. Moreover, the printed CoO/CNT MSCs also showed remarkable cycling stability with ~85% energy density retention after 1700 cycles and high mechanical flexibility which can function well even after bending up to 180°. As a result, the printed CoO/CNT MSC is a possible contender in future energy storage devices for low-cost on-chip power applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to elucidate the inhibition mechanism of apigenin against porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL), and, moreover, to comprehensively reveal the molecular basis of its anti-obesity via network pharmacology approach. The results showed that apigenin inhibited PPL with an IC 50 value of 0.377 ± 0.041 mM. Spectroscopic techniques combined molecular docking suggested that apigenin could bind into the PPL active pocket, affecting its normal spatial conformation. Moreover, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations revealed that the open conformation of PPL tended to transit to the closed in the presence of apigenin, which might one important reason for the inhibition of PPL catalytic ability. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that a total of 49 proteins could be identified as potential targets for the anti-obesity effects of apigenin. According to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, six hub targets were extracted including IGF1, ESR1, MMP9, PPARA, MAPK14 and NR3C1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment indicated that the 49 potential targets could be mapped to 30 pathways (p<0.05). Among them, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and insulin resistance can be considered as two major pathways regulated by apigenin. Further docking studies indicated that apigenin can bind into the binding pocket of the six hub target proteins identified according to the PPI network. The results indicated that in addition to inhibiting PPL, apigenin could exhibit anti-obesity benefit through the molecular mechanisms uncovered by network pharmacology. This study proposes a new strategy to reveal the mechanisms of dietary polyphenols at the level of network pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University students may experience a high prevalence of food insecurity. The impacts of food insecurity on dietary intake and meal patterns of students have not been fully researched. This systematic review aimed to examine the association between food insecurity and dietary outcomes among university students. Nine electronic databases and gray literature were searched from their inception to July 2020. Studies that reported dietary outcomes in both food-secure and -insecure students or the association between food insecurity and dietary outcomes among current students in tertiary education settings in any country were included. All study designs were eligible for inclusion, except qualitative studies. Two reviewers completed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Sixteen studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis of this review. Most studies were cross-sectional designs and of fair quality. The prevalence of food insecurity among university students ranged from 21% to 82% across studies. Lower intakes of healthy foods (eg, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and higher intakes of unhealthy foods (eg, fast foods, added sugars, and sugar-sweetened beverages) were observed in food-insecure students, and studies with the most representative samples of the student body found these trends. Some food-insecure students consumed breakfast and evening meals less frequently than food-secure students but the evidence was limited. Validated food security and dietary assessment tools were inconsistently used to assess diet quality among students with differing food security status. The heterogeneity of student sampling and data collection may contribute to inconsistent findings. Poorer dietary outcomes were found in university students with food insecurity compared with food-secure students, but statistical significance was only observed in a small number of studies. Future longitudinal studies using food security and dietary assessment tools validated in this population are recommended to confirm the observed associations between food insecurity and diet quality among university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor environment constitutes an important source of industrial additive chemicals to human exposure. We hypothesized that the influence of residential environment on human exposure varies among different types of additive chemicals and differs between children and mothers. This study determined a suite of additive chemicals in house dust from South China dwellings (n = 47) and urine from child-mother pairs. Concentrations of phthalates (PAEs; median 601 μg/g) were 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than those of parabens (0.82 μg/g), bisphenols (3.31 μg/g), and benzophenone-related chemicals (2.69 μg/g). Urinary concentrations differed between children and mothers, but the pattern of differences varied between chemical groups. Children exhibited greater urinary levels of mono-PAEs than mothers (510 versus 395 ng/mL, p = 0.152), while the latter population exhibited greater levels of parabens and benzophenones. Regression analyses indicate a lack of association between dust and urinary levels for most chemicals, suggesting that other exposure pathways can complicate human exposure scenarios. Indeed, we estimated that the daily intake via dust ingestion only constituted 0.002–0.81% of total daily intake estimated based on urine data for mothers and 0.04–5.61% for children. Future efforts are needed to better characterize source-specific exposure for different populations. [Display omitted] • PAEs, parabens, benzophenones and bisphenols were frequently detected in house dust. • Urinary levels of PAEs, parabens, and benzophenones differed between children and mothers. • Influence of residential environment on human exposure varies among chemicals. • Dust intake contributed a small proportion to the overall exposure of children and mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering multicomponent composite materials into tailored structure is of vital importance for developing advanced sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, the mechanical stress intensification originating from severe volume expansion upon sodiation induces anisotropic swelling and anomalous structural changes, thus leading to electrode instability and inferior sodium storage performance. Herein, we propose a novel stress-release strategy by inserting of MoSe 2 nanosheets onto the surface of yolk-shell Fe 7 Se 8 @C composite to accommodate the volume expansion and stabilize the electrode. Bestowed by the unique superiority, the Fe 7 Se 8 @C@MoSe 2 composite manifests impressive sodium-storage performance in terms of high specific capacity (473.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (274.5 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1) and long-term cycling stability (87.1% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). Finite element (FE) simulations confirm that the exterior MoSe 2 layer could significantly dissipate the stress caused by the sodiation-induced expansion of Fe 7 Se 8 in the carbon layer. The primary sodium storage mechanisms and structural evolution are further revealed in details by in situ and ex situ investigations. More encouragingly, a practical sodium-ion full cell based on Fe 7 Se 8 @C@MoSe 2 anode is demonstrated with remarkable performances. This work strengthens the fundamental understanding of mechanical effect for sodium-storage behaviors and sheds light onto designing smart multi-compositional hybrids toward advanced energy storage devices. Image 1 • A novel stress-release strategy is proposed by inserting of MoSe 2 nanosheets onto the surface of yolk-shell Fe 7 Se 8 @C composite to accommodate the volume expansion and stabilize the electrode. • Finite element (FE) simulations confirm that the exterior MoSe 2 layer could significantly dissipate the stress caused by the sodiation-induced expansion of Fe 7 Se 8 in the carbon layer. • The dominant sodium storage mechanisms and structural evolution for Fe 7 Se 8 @C@MoSe 2 have been revealed by in-/ex-situ investigations and kinetics analysis. • The commercial feasibility of the Fe 7 Se 8 -based anode by evaluating the corresponding full-cell paired with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 @C is further confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Few layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), with an absence of crystal inversion symmetry and outstanding optical characteristics, are frequently applied in studies of nonlinear optics (NLO) for harmonic generation. Related materials are regarded as potential candidates for many optoelectronics applications. In order to enhance and manipulate the intrinsically weak NLO responses, TMD's have been fabricated into heterostructures in recent years. The basic physics of harmonic generation and of TMD optical responses, as well as the interactions in TMD hybrid structures are introduced briefly, and the current state-of-the-art in the performance of TMDs in harmonic generation are reviewed. A particular focus is made on heterostructure studies to enhance and manipulate the response, which represent the core issues for devices and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs in ambient PM 2.5 samples were characterized. • The dominant congener groups of SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs were C 13 Cl 6-8 , C 14 Cl 7-8 , and C 18 Cl 7-9. • Concentrations of LCCPs exhibited opposite seasonal trend as those of SCCPs and MCCPs. • Exposure to PM 2.5 -associated CPs would not pose significant health risk. Research on the environmental occurrence of long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) in ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is still scarce. In the present study, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and LCCPs were simultaneously quantified and profiled in PM 2.5 samples collected from 96 primary or secondary schools in the Pearl River Delta of South China. SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs were detected in higher than 90% samples with concentrations in the range of 0.832–109, 1.02–110, and 0.173–17.4 ng/m3, respectively. The dominant congener groups of SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs were C 13 Cl 6-8 , C 14 Cl 7-8 , and C 18 Cl 7-9 , respectively. The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs were higher in summer than in winter, while an opposite seasonal trend was observed for LCCPs. Principal components analysis showed there were seasonal variations in the congener group patterns with C 13 Cl 6-7 and C 14 Cl 7 more abundant in summer than in winter. Concentrations of CPs also exhibited slight spatial variations. Exposure risk assessment based on different age groups suggested exposure to PM 2.5 -associated CPs would not pose significant health risk. The present study expands the existing knowledge of CPs contamination in atmospheric environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials is driven by fundamental interest and their potential applications. Atomically thin 2D materials provide a wide range of basic building blocks with unique electrical, optical, and thermal properties which do not exist in their bulk counterparts. The van der Waals interlayer interaction enables the possibility to exfoliate and reassemble different 2D materials into arbitrarily and vertically stacked heterostructures. Recently developed vapor phase growth of 2D materials further paves the way of directly synthesizing vertical and lateral heterojunctions. This review provides insights into the layered 2D heterostructures, with a concise introduction to preparative approaches for 2D materials and heterostructures. These unique 2D heterostructures have abundant implications for many potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new rare-earth complex TbY(p-MBA)6(phen)2 was synthesized and studied. Pure green emission was observed from the devices that were fabricated with the structure as follows: Device 1: ITO/PVK: TbY(p-MBA)6(phen)2/LiF/Al; Device 2: ITO/PVK: TbY(p-MBA)6(phen)2/AlQ/LiF/Al. PVK was used to improve the film-forming and hole-transporting properties of the TbY(p-MBA)6(phen)2. The characteristics of these devices were investigated and compared with Tb(p-MBA)3phen, which had been reported. The results show that TbY(p-MBA)6(phen)2 has much better performance than Tb(p-MBA)3phen. This improvement is attributed to the introduction of yttrium. The highest EL brightness of Device 1 is 37.5cd/cm2 at a fixed bias of 19V, and the highest EL brightness of Device 2 reaches 333.7cd/cm2 at 23V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 3D, freestanding, and binder-free electrode of CuO@copper foam (CuO@CF) is synthesized by anchoring nanostructured CuO on copper foam to enhance the electrochemical performance of CuO anode in KIBs. [Display omitted] • Potassium ion storage mechanism of CuO was proposed. • Electronic conductivity of CuO electrode could affect the ICE of CuO in KIBs. • Potassium storage performance was affected by interlayer spacing of the materials. The use of nanoelectrode materials is an efficient way to improve electrochemical performance of potassium ion batteries (KIBs), due to the large ionic radius and poor reaction kinetics of potassium ions. However, nanoelectrode materials with high specific surface areas and tendency to agglomerate generate unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films or severe side reactions, resulting in poor performance. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D), freestanding and binder-free electrode of CuO@copper foam (CuO@CF) is synthesized by anchoring nanostructured CuO on copper foam as anode for KIBs. CuO@CF electrode delivers a better initial coulombic efficiency, cycling stability and rate performance than that of nanostructured CuO electrode. Meanwhile, the K+ storage mechanism of CuO anode is further elucidated by in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), ex-situ XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and High-resolution transmission electron Microscope (HR-TEM). The as-prepared 3D freestanding CuO@CF electrode mitigates the degradation of nanostructured CuO electrode and provides a promising anode material for KIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]