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Abstract The complexes of the type [PtCl(L2)(ACRAMTU)](NO 3) 2 (ACRAMTU = 1-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-1,3-dimethylthiourea) were synthesized: PT-ACRAMTU (1), L2 = ethane-1,2-diamine (en); PT(dach)-ACRAMTU (2), L2 = (1 R ,2 R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (dach); PT(pda-OH)-ACRAMTU (3), L2 = 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediamine (pda-OH). The complexes containing diverse diamines exhibit different DNA binding capacity and cytotoxicity. Complex 3 shows excellent capability not only on the strongest non-cisplatin-type DNA damage, but also superior anticancer activity in NCI-H460 cells (IC 50 = 0.23 ± 0.05 μM). For overcoming water insolubly and side effects, we encapsulated complex 3 into liposomes. PT@NPs were characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, drug loading capacity (DLC), encapsulation efficiency (EE) and stability. In vitro triggered release showed that the release of the platinum drug was steerable and the release rate was fast under low pH (<7.0) and high temperature (> T m = 41 °C). PT@NPs showed significant inhibitory effect in NCI-H460 cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicates G0/G1 phase arrest of cells treated with complex 3 , whereas cells treated with cisplatin progress to G2/M of the cell cycle. The mechanistic differences validate that complex 3 is a potent anticancer agent superior than current clinical platinum-based therapies. PT@NPs have the potential in drug delivery systems (DDS) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA is considered to be one of the most promising targets for anticancer agents. Acridine analogues have anticancer activity based on DNA binding and topoisomerases inhibition. However, due to the side effects, resistance and low bioavailability, a few have entered into clinical usage and the mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Novel acridine derivatives are needed for effective cancer therapy. A series of novel 3-nitroacridine-based derivatives were synthesized, their DNA binding and anticancer activities were evaluated. The chemical modifications at position 9 of the 3-nitroacridine were crucial for DNA affinity, thus optimizing anticancer activity. UV–Vis and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy indicated interaction of compounds with DNA, and the binding modes were intercalation and groove binding. MTT assay and clonogenic assay showed that compounds 1, 2 and 3 had obvious cell growth inhibition effect. They induced cell apoptosis in human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, and exhibited anticancer effect via DNA damage as well as cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phage. Using confocal fluorescent microscope, the apoptotic features were observed. The results suggested that compounds 1–3 with high DNA binding affinity and good inhibitory effect of cancer cell proliferation can be developed as prime candidates for further chemical optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, the development of smart pesticide-controlled release systems has emerged as an important strategy in modern precision agriculture, particularly to increase retention efficiency and improve the utilization of pesticides. In order to achieve effective retention of pesticide spraying formulations on foliage surfaces, the present study aimed to develop a novel bio‐based mesh‐like pesticide carrier (named PDA/HDA‐Cu/MEP@CNC), using polydopamine (PDA) and hexadecylamine (HDA) -coated cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), wherein copper ion was used for chelation. Fenitrothion (MEP) was used as a model pesticide in the study. The use of PDA/HDA‐Cu/MEP@CNC exhibited sustained stimuli‐response release behavior under an alkaline environment, which was attributed to the coordination of copper ions on CNC. The deposition efficiency of the prepared PDA/HDA‐Cu/MEP@CNC was enhanced owing to the presence of the PDA layer. In addition to this, the use of PDA/HDA‐Cu/MEP@CNC resulted in more than 75% enhancement in the antifungal activity towards Rhizoctoni solani (R.s.), as compared to commercial MEP. Further, the results for biosafety assessment demonstrated that the prepared pesticide carrier exhibited remarkable biosafety properties. Altogether, enhanced retention property, controlled release behavior, and biosafety activity of this modified nanocellulose based controlled release system highlighted its potential to be explored as a commercial formulation for pesticide spraying. • A natural biocompatible mesh-like pesticide carrier for prolonging pesticide retention on foliage was synthesized. • The biohydrogel by the coordination of copper ions on CNC provides large contact area and high pesticide loading capacity. • The mixed PDA greatly enhanced the deposition efficiency of the pesticide- loaded mesh-like biohydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When compared with traditional petroleum-based materials, bio-based materials show greater application potential in the field of biomedicine owing to the good biocompatibility, in specifical, the application of natural macromolecular polymers in chemotherapeutics has become a hot topic in anticancer treatment. In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were selected as carriers, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) were directly conjugated on their surface, with the highly reactive Cu2+ ions serving as an ion–ligand bridge, to construct a multifunctional nanocatalyst. These findings suggest that the nanosystem delivers a large amount of highly reactive Cu2+ ions (3.75 wt%) and DOX (7.71 wt%) by the surface loading of cellulose nanocrystals, which greatly improves ROS yield and promotes the application of the Fenton reaction system in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first case series with eleven consecutive patients diagnosed with EAMs in the spinal or intraosseous regions. • EAMs involving the thoracic vertebral body or the humerus have not previously been reported in the English literature. • The surgical outcome and prognosis of EAMs are excellent and surgery can serve as the method of radical treatment. Extra-adrenal myelolipomas (EAMs) are rare benign tumors composed of both mature adipose and hematopoietic tissues with unclear etiology. There have been only sporadic case reports about the clinical characteristics and management of EAMs. Here we present our experience and practice in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of 11 consecutive patients with EAMs. We retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive patients, who received surgeries in our department and were confirmed as having EAMs by postoperative histopathology from April 2016 to December 2021. Clinical information and follow-up data of all patients were collected and analyzed afterwards. Of the 11 EAM patients (7 male and 4 female) with a mean age of 47.6 years, 3 were asymptomatic and 8 were symptomatic with a mean symptom duration of 6.07 months. EAMs were found in the thoracic spine in 4 cases, paravertebral mediastinal regions in 3 cases, ilium in 2 cases, humerus in 1 case, and rib in 1 case. All patients were initially misdiagnosed as other tumors by radiologists. All 11 patients received gross total excision or curettage with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 781.82 ± 1143.3 ml and a mean operation duration of 180.91 ± 98.41 min. Patients' Frankel scores and Karnofsky Performance Status score were improved or at least preserved postoperatively. No significant complications occurred postoperatively. All the 11 patients survived, and no local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred during the mean follow-up period of 42.0 months. The surgical outcome and prognosis of EAMs are excellent and surgery can serve as the method of radical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A biocompatible ROS generator for efficient chemodynamic therapy was developed. • The Fe3+ catalyzes H 2 O 2 to produce OH, which further leads to oxidative damage. • The DPA increased the adhesion to cells and the 5-ALA increased ROS production. • The loaded PTX was able to combine with ROS to efficiently kill tumor cells. Traditional therapeutic regimens are currently far from satisfactory, and the integration of biocompatible carbohydrate polymers and nanotechnologies with conventional therapeutics has become a focus of research in cancer therapy. Herein, A novel biocompatible and pH-responsive nanohydrogel composed of two functional polymeric chains was developed from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), or dopamine (DPA). The biological molecules PDA and ALA were respectively conjugated to CNC through the coordination of iron ions to form two functional polymeric chains (PDA/Fe@CNC and ALA/Fe@CNC). The PDA/Fe@CNC chain increased the adhesion of the nanohydrogels to cells, while the ALA/Fe@CNC chain significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, PTX molecules loaded into the nanohydrogels combined with ROS to efficiently kill tumor cells. The nanohydrogels displayed excellent cell affinity, high ROS yield (8.0-fold greater than that in control), and strong cytotoxicity (2.7 % of cell viability). The present study highlights the great potential of biocompatible natural polysaccharide-based materials for biomedical applications, and provides a new strategy for reducing the toxicity and side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy, demonstrating a novel antitumor treatment paradigm with high-efficiency but with only minor side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel for various applications, such as cell encapsulation and controlled release of drugs, has attracted the field of biomaterials in the past decades. Specially, research on the surface-modified nanocellulose hydrogel has grown rapidly on account of the importance of target delivery in the anti-cancer therapy. In this work, surface-modified nanocellulose was mixed with hexadecyl amine as long chains to blend to build a network to produce hydrogel, which was successfully developed for controlled and targeted delivery of paclitaxel. The pH-stimuli surface-modified nanocellulose hydrogel was characterized and biological evaluated in vitro. The hydrogel was stable at pH 7.4 and paclitaxel was released by the shape change of hydrogel in an acidic environment (pH 5.5), and the sustained release of paclitaxel was observed at pH 5.5. The vitro cytotoxicity studies indicated that the drug accumulation and the inhibition of A549 and HepG2 cells was effectively increased by the surface-modified nanocellulose hydrogel as compared with free paclitaxel. The inhibitory effect of A549 cells was improved by nearly 30% as compared with free paclitaxel and the apoptosis rate was up to 90.5% after 12 h incubation. In addition, the inversion test and the results of a series of cell experiments in vitro demonstrated a good performance of the surface-modified nanocellulose hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green diesel from lipid hydrotreatment can replace directly the fossil diesel. In order to solve the problem of Co agglomeration, Co nanoparticle on nitrogen-rich carbon (Co-NP/NC) was synthesized by using the Co-MOF as precursor. After tuning the method of Co-MOF preparation and the subsequent pyrolysis temperature, the preparation parameters of Co-NP/NC were optimized. At 220 °C, the oleic acid hydrotreatment over Co-NP/NC-1:20-400 catalyst attained 99.6% conversion and 99.6% alkane yield, much higher than that over traditional Co/AC (76.8% conversion and 14.9% total alkane yield). The apparent activation energy of octadecanol hydrotreatment over Co-NP/NC-1:20-500 was much lower than Co/AC (148.86 vs. 204.01 kJ/mol), further revealing the high catalytic performance of Co-NP/NC catalyst. From the characterizations of Co-NP/NC series catalysts, the highly dispersed Co nanoparticles with 4.37 nm, abundant pyridine nitrogen and pyrrole nitrogen as well as the layered morphology providing sufficient active area contributed the decent activity in lipid deoxygenation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic performance of Ni catalyst in lipid deoxygenation into green diesel is commonly limited by the quantity of accessible active sites, the specific surface area, and the acidity of the catalyst. To cope with these problems, the Fe-promoted Ni catalyst on ZrO 2 with 60 wt% Ni loading (60%Ni–Fe/ZrO 2) is synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The deoxygenation of oleic acid over 60%Ni–Fe/ZrO 2 catalyst attained 98.7% conversion and 91.8% alkane yield, much higher than that of 20%Ni–Fe/ZrO 2 -2 prepared with the impregnation method (42.8% conversion and 16.2% alkane yield). The kinetics of octadecanol hydrotreatment revealed that the activation energy over 60%Ni–Fe/ZrO 2 was much lower than Ni–Fe/ZrO 2 -2 (78.48 kJ/mol vs.191.90 kJ/mol). From the catalyst characterizations, the excellent performance of 60%Ni–Fe/ZrO 2 was ascribed to its fine Ni particles, abundant Ni sites, high surface area, and coordinated acidity. Moreover, the mechanism of lipid deoxygenation over 60%Ni–Fe/ZrO 2 was proposed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of nanomaterials to develop a system capable of regulating pesticide release in response to environmental cues, enhancing the deposition efficacy on plant leaves, and increasing resistance against rainwater erosion holds immense significance in improving the efficiency of pesticide usage while minimizing residual pollution. Cellulose-based green nanocomposites have emerged as a promising candidate for intelligent drug delivery systems. In this study, we had successfully developed a novel biocompatible interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel, named SPCs, by incorporating sodium alginate (SA), polydopamine (PDA), and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and a stable gel-like network structure emulsion (MJ@SPCs) was achieved by coating the pesticide azoxystrobin (MJ). The resulting MJ@SPCs exhibited excellent pH responsiveness and temperature sensitivity. Compared to free MJ, MJ@SPCs exhibited improved foliar wettability, rain erosion resistance, deposition rate, and controlled release performance. The results of the bacteriostatic performance test indicated that MJ@SPCs exhibited a higher inhibitory efficiency against Gibperella zeae (GZ) than MJ at equivalent concentrations. Moreover, the in vivo biosafety evaluation of MJ@SPCs had confirmed its relative safety for aquatic zebrafish. This study offers insights into the potential applications of nanopesticides for sustainable plant protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Phase change materials was used to realize intelligent release of drugs. • A multifunctional nanoframes integrated chemotherapy and thermotherapy. • The introduction of oligopeptides improve the targeting ability of nanoframes. Abstract Tumor cells experience higher chemotherapy stress under condition of elevated temperature. As a result, developing novel nanoagents that integrates chemotherapy and thermotherapy holds great promise in biomedicine. Herein, utilizing spatially confined galvanic replacement method, we fabricated a yolk-shell Au@mSiO 2 nanoframes with Au NPs and mesoporous silica as yolk and shell, respectively, to sever as an excellent drug nanocarrier with effective photothermal conversion efficiency. Taking full advantage of the high temperature response of the Au@mSiO 2 nanoframes, the phase change material 1-tetradecanol (TD) was creatively employed as gatekeepers, intelligently controlling the release of loaded agents. Then, the actively targeted Alanine-Alanine-Asparagine, legumain-recognizable oligopeptides was decorated on the surface of the prepared nanoframes. Upon exposure to near-infrared light, the GC-PtAu@mSiO 2 -TD nanoframes not only exhibited a high localized temperature response, but also triggered the quick release of loaded cargos, and thus improved the chemotherapeutic efficacy. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies indicated the remarkable synergistic effects. Meanwhile, the laser confocal studies and flow cytometry showed the oligopeptides facilitated the intracellular uptake of GC-PtAu@mSiO 2 -TD nanoframes in MGC-803 cells. Our study highlighted the great potential of the GC-PtAu@mSiO 2 -TD nanoframes in drug delivery and the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin-therapy has faced limitations in the gastric cancer therapy. To settle the bottleneck, enhanced specificity and controlled-release property are choosen. We synthesize cisplatin and indocyanine green (ICG) loaded PLGA-(DSPE-PEG2000) nanoparticles, which is abbreviated as CINPs. And we conjugate the Gly-Cys-Gly-Ala-Ala-Asn-Leu (GCGAANL) heptapeptide upon the surface of CINPs, the product is abbreviated as ACINPs. ACINPs with nearly 110 nm exhibit good monodispersity and size stability. The EE (efficiency of encapsulation) and LE (loading of encapsulation) of cisplatin loaded into ACINPs are optimized as 29.81% and 3.88%. MGC803 cells overexpressing the legumain and MKN28 cells, which negatively express the legumain as well as the normal stomach cells, are selected. In vitro studies have suggested ACINPs, compared with CINPs, could be recognized by MGC803 cells and efficiently killed the cancer cells, while be harmless to MKN28 cells, which indicates the specificity and safety of ACINPs. Under irradiation of 808 nm NIR irradiation, ICG loaded in ACINPs could rapidly transform the light to heat up to 60 ℃. Nanoparticles compared with non-irraditaion group could be quickly disrupted and release the cisplatin which could enhance the controlled-release ability. Hence, the ACINPs exhibit great potential in avoiding the side effects and enhancing the therapy ability of cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NIR-elevated drug release realized intelligent drug delivery. • More therapeutic hydroxyl radical generated by GSH depletion-enhanced CDT. • The novel versatile Yolk-shell nanosystem achieved synergistic cancer therapy. In this study, a versatile doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded yolk-shell nano-particles (HMCMD) assembled with manganese dioxide (MnO 2) as the core and copper sulfide (HMCuS) as the mesoporous (∼ 6.4 nm) shell, was designed and synthesized. The resulting HMCMD possess excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. The DOX release from the yolk-shell nanoparticles could be promoted by laser irradiation, which increased the chemotherapy of DOX. Meanwhile, Mn2+ could be released from the HMCMD through a redox reaction between MnO 2 and abundant glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells. The released Mn2+ could promote the decomposition of the intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) by Fenton-like reaction to generate the highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thus exhibiting the effective chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Additionally, the efficiency of Mn2+-mediated CDT could be effectively enhanced by NIR irradiation. Further modification of polyethylene glycol (PEG) would improve the water solubility of the HMCMD to promote the uptake by MCF-7 cells. Hence, the HMCMD with synergistic effects of chemotherapy and chemodynamic/photothermal therapy would provide an alternative strategy in antitumor research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron molle G. Don (Ericaceae) (RM) is a natural medicinal plant. Its root extracts have been applied in clinic and proved to be effective in chronic glomerulonephritis and rheumatoid arthritis in China. Surprising, little is understood about the key compound of RM and the exact mechanisms underlying its treatment on kidney diseases. In this study, we will explore whether rhodojaponin II (R–II), as the important compound of RM, also exerts the major effect. Mouse model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was induced by single dose of adriamycin injection. Induced adriamycin nephropathy (ADRN) mice were treated individually with RM root extract (5 mg/kg, n = 5), RM root extract (60 mg/kg, n = 5), R–II (0.04 mg/kg, n = 6) or captopril (30 mg/kg, n = 5) for five weeks. Podocyte marker (nephrin and podocin) expressions were examined by immunohistochemical staining and Western Blot analysis. Fibronectin level was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western Blot analysis. Interstitial infiltrated inflammatory cells (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD68+ macrophages) were examined with immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of NF- ĸ B p-p65 and TGF-β1/Smad pathway associated key proteins, such as TGF-β1, Smad3, phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3), and Smad7, were analyzed respectively by Western Blot analysis. RM root extract (5 mg/kg) and its important compound R–II (0.04 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated proteinuria, podocyte injury, and glomerulosclerosis, meanwhile, they hampered interstitial fibrosis in mice with ADRN. R–II significantly reduced NF- ĸ B p65 phosphorylation, interstitial infiltrated CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD68+ macrophages, at the same time, down-regulated TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 protein expressions in mice with ADRN. RM root extract, R–II, could effectively ameliorate proteinuria and kidney injury in ADRN, related to its anti-inflammatory effects, as well as suppression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]