Search

[Display omitted] • Synergistic efficiency of sonication with activated carbon in milk reached 1.8–4.0. • Surface area and dosage of activated carbon were crucial in sonocatalysis systems. • Antibiotics with higher hydrophobic suffered faster sonocatalytic degradation. • 0.5 mmol L−1 H 2 O 2 speeded antibiotics removal >0.25 and 1.0 mmol L−1. Herein, an efficient, simple and economical approach to remove antibiotics (ABX), i.e. ceftiofur hydrochloride, sulfamonomethoxine sodium (SMM), marbofloxacin and oxytetracycline by sonication with activated carbon (AC) from cow milk has been successfully implemented. The pseudo-first-order kinetics constants for the sonolytic and sonocatalytic degrading SMM are 0.036 and 0.093 min−1, respectively. The synergistic efficiency of removing ABX by using sonocatalysis reached 1.8–4.0. Hydrophobic ABX underwent faster degradation than hydrophilic ABX in sonocatalytic systems. Adding 0.5 mmol L−1 H 2 O 2 , the optimal concentration, improved the sonocatalytic degradation rates of ABX by 9.1%–28.5%. Surface area and dose of AC play crucial roles in the sonocatalysis of ABX. By sonicating 50 mL of 5.52 μ mol L−1 ABX in milk at 500 kHz and 259 W with 20 mg AC for 20–60 min resulted in residual ABX concentrations ranging from 42.6 to 95.1 μ g L−1, which meet the relative maximum residue limits set by European Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • p -aminophenyl graphene/polyaniline nanocomposites have a cross-linking structure. • The cross-linking structure improves the electrochemical performance. • The electrode displays a large specific capacitance of 1092.3 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1. Abstract The purpose of this study is to report an effective approach to improve the electrochemical performance of polyaniline electrode by fabricating para-aminophenyl graphene/polyaniline cross-linking nanocomposites (PAG/PANI). The chemical graft between PAG and PANI, and the electrostatic incorporation between PANI inter-chains could provide the stable structural foundation for the improvement of cyclic stability. HCl and 1,5-naphthalene sulfonic acid (NSA) were both used as dopants to guarantee high doping level of PANI. The PAG/PANI electrode had a high specific capacitance of 1092.3 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1, and also showed a high cyclic stability after 3000 cycles. These results indicated that the PAG/PANI electrode would have a broad application prospect in energy storage device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics (ABX) residues occur frequently in milk, causing considerable wastage of medicated milk and serious economic losses, and making the issue a burden for the dairy industry. Improper disposal of medicated milk harms dairy production, animal welfare, and the environment. This work studies the use of ozonation in a vortex reactor for removing ceftiofur hydrochloride (CEF), sulfamonomethoxine sodium (SMM), marbofloxacin (MAR) and oxytetracycline (OTC) from milk. In terms of residual concentration, O 3 efficiency and the degradation kinetics of the various O 3 -involving processes in the vortex reactor, ABX removal via ozonation is better using stronger vortexing, which induces hydrodynamic cavitation. CEF undergoes the fastest degradation, followed by SMM, MAR, and OTC. High ABX hydrophobicity favors ABX degradation via ozonation, O 3 /H 2 O 2 , and O 3 /Na 2 S 2 O 8. ABX oxidation by •OH at the O 3 gas-bubble/milk interface is the principle degradation pathway, except for MAR. ABX degradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and is affected by initial ABX concentration, O 3 concentration/flow rate, reaction temperature, and milk components to varying degrees. Under optimal ozonation conditions, ABX residues meet the maximum limits as set by the European Commission and no antimicrobial activity was observed. The decontaminated milk was therefore suggested to be reused as calf food, animal feed, organic fertilizer, etc. [Display omitted] • Antibiotic (ABX) residues in milk reach tolerance levels by O3 in a vortex reactor; • Vortex speed affect ABX removal efficiency; • ABX are mainly oxidized by •OH ignoring marbofloxacin and H2O2 enhances O3 processes; • High ABX hydrophobicity favors the ABX degradation by ozonation or hybrid O3/H2O2; • No antimicrobial activity was detected in the milk treated with O3 in vortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) organic-inorganic halide perovskites have been regarded as promising sunlight harvesters for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the intrinsic instability of 3D perovskites strongly limits their large-scale commercialization. Thus, the development of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites as light absorbers in PSCs has recently become a research hotspot, showing better stability than their 3D counterparts due to the introduction of bulky organic spacers. Among various 2D halide perovskites, Dion-Jacobson (DJ) phases exhibit a tighter connection between inorganic slabs than their Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) counterparts, leading to superior structural stability and charge transfer capability. Nevertheless, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of DJ-PSCs are still inferior to their 3D counterparts. An in-time and comprehensive review of DJ perovskites as new-generation light absorbers for PSCs is presented by comparing of DJ perovskites and RP counterparts in terms of optical properties, crystal structure, charge transporting capability and energy level alignment. Furthermore, based on the summarized design criteria of halide perovskites for PSCs, several strategies are presented to improve the PCE and/or stability of DJ-PSCs. Finally, the remaining challenges and future directions for DJ-PSCs are presented and discussed. This review will provide guidelines for the fundamental understanding, design and fabrication of high-performance DJ-PSCs. [Display omitted] • The design criteria of high-performance perovskite solar cells are summarized. • Comparisons of Dion-Jacobson (DJ) perovskites and Ruddlesden-Popper counterparts for PSCs are made. • Several specific strategies to improve the performance of DJ-based PSCs are proposed. • The existing challenges and future directions of DJ-based PSCs are presented and discussed. • Keywords : Dion-Jacobson perovskite, perovskite solar cells, film quality, stability, two-dimensional perovskite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple preconcentration and cleanup of trace antibiotics in milk using activated carbon (AC)-based solid phase extraction for HPLC analysis. [Display omitted] • Coconut powder activated carbon (CPAC, 10–15 mg) can be used as adsorbent for SPE. • Trace antibiotics (ABX) in water and milk were effectively recovered by CPAC-SPE. • Co-solvent 30% NH 4 OH/EtOH (or n -PrOH) was appropriate eluent for recovering ABX. • EDTA added in milk ensured smooth milk flow through CPAC and increased REs. • Commercial SPE cartridge, chemical deproteinization and tedious steps were avoided. CPAC-SPE-HPLC (coconut powdered activated carbon -SPE- HPLC) has been developed for the determination of antibiotic (ABX), sulfamonomethoxine sodium (SMM), oxytetracycline (OTC), ceftiofur hydrochloride (CEF) and marbofloxacin (MAR), in water and milk. Over 99.0% SMM and OTC were recovered from 20 mL of 0.5 μg/mL ABX solution using 10 mg-CPAC for adsorption and 2 mL of 30% NH 4 OH/EtOH (1/19 v/v) for elution. Similarly, over 99.0% CEF and MAR were recovered using 15 mg-CPAC and 2 mL of 30% NH 4 OH/ n -PrOH (1/19 v/v). Moreover, the recovery efficiencies of various ABX from 5 to 80 mL of 0.02–2.00 μg/mL medicated milk containing 10 mM EDTA are ordered as follows: OTC (99.3%), SMM (99.1%) > CEF (68.9%) > MAR (61.4%). No interference towards HPLC analysis were observed with elution using 2 mL of 30% NH 4 OH/EtOH (1/19 v/v). Furthermore, much lower limit of detections (0.02 μg/mL) than the maximum residual limits from European Commission (0.075–0.100 μg/mL) were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein disclose a mild and efficient access to chiral 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes via a Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric 5‐exo‐trig cyclization/cyclopropanation/carbonylation of 1,6‐enynes. Various nucleophiles, such as alcohols, phenols, amines and water, are well compatible with the reaction system. This reaction forms three C−C bonds, two rings, two adjacent quaternary carbon stereocenters as well as one C−O/C−N bond with excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivities. The products could be further functionalized to generate a library of 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein disclose a mild and efficient access to chiral 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes via a Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric 5‐exo‐trig cyclization/cyclopropanation/carbonylation of 1,6‐enynes. Various nucleophiles, such as alcohols, phenols, amines and water, are well compatible with the reaction system. This reaction forms three C−C bonds, two rings, two adjacent quaternary carbon stereocenters as well as one C−O/C−N bond with excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivities. The products could be further functionalized to generate a library of 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Intrinsic factors for the instability of p-PSCs from key materials are discussed. • Interfacial and bulk defects induced instability issue of p-PSCs is provided. • Several strategies to improve the stability and efficiency of p-PSCs are presented. • New cell configurations to enhance the stability of p-PSCs are briefly discussed. • The opportunities, challenges and new research directions of p-PSCs are proposed. Planar perovskite solar cells (p-PSCs) have attracted increasing attention recently due to their advantageous features of simple fabrication process, low cost and superior flexibility. Referring to the stability issue and relatively lower power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) than mesoporous PSCs, three main strategies, i.e., materials design, defect control and interfacial engineering, have been extensively applied on purpose to enhance both stability and PCEs of p-PSCs at the same time. In this review paper, a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in developing stable and efficient p-PSCs will be provided, focusing on adopting these three strategies. Firstly, the underlying origins of stability issue induced by the internal factors brought by the key materials in p-PSCs including electron transporting layers (ETLs), hole transporting layers (HTLs) and perovskite light absorbers are discussed, and then the progress in materials development towards improved stability and efficiency are summarized. Secondly, the energy loss, energy level mismatch and ionic migration problems in p-PSCs caused by the defects are discussed and recent advances in interfacial engineering and defect control are emphasized. In addition, some new and superior PSC configurations that can further enhance the stability of p-PSCs, such as ETL-free and HTL-free structures, are briefly discussed. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are provided to illustrate the opportunities and the challenges in this dynamic and frontier research field. This review will provide some useful insights for the rational design of highly stable and efficient PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Note: US, Ultrasound; PS, peroxydisulfate; PS, peroxymonosulfate. The sonication-involved processes in water matrices. [Display omitted] • The generation of •OH radicals by ultrasound is insufficient to cause significant antibiotics cleavage. • Sonication improves mass transfer and oxidation with Fenton reagents, S 2 O 8 2−, HSO 5 − and O 3. • Sonophotocatalysis remarkably enhances antibiotics mineralization and detoxification. Antibiotic residues in water are general health and environmental risks due to the antibiotic-resistance phenomenon. Sonication has been included among the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) used to remove recalcitrant contaminants in aquatic environments. Sonochemical processes have shown substantial advantages, including cleanliness, safety, energy savings and either negligible or no secondary pollution. This review provides a wide overview of the different protocols and degradation mechanisms for antibiotics that either use sonication alone or in hybrid processes, such as sonication with catalysts, Fenton and Fenton-like processes, photolysis, ozonation, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a promising candidate in the photovoltaic field due to their high power conversion efficiency and low material cost. However, the development of PSCs is limited by their poor stability under practical conditions in the presence of oxygen, moisture, sunlight, heat, and the current–voltage (I–V) hysteresis. In particular, the hysteretic I–V issue casts doubt on the validity of the photovoltaic performance results that are achieved, making it difficult to evaluate the authentic performance of PSCs. This review article focuses on understanding the I–V hysteresis behavior in PSCs and on exploring the possible reasons leading to this hysteresis phenomenon. The various strategies attempted to suppress the I–V hysteresis in PSCs are summarized, and a brief future recommendation is provided. One of the problems that restrict the further development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is hysteresis, making it difficult to evaluate the reliable performance of PSCs. Recent process regarding the strategies to efficiently reduce hysteresis in PSCs is reviewed. The influential factors and possible reasons are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rechargeable hybrid zinc battery is developed for reaching high power density and high energy density simultaneously by introducing an alkaline Zn–transition metal compound (Zn–MX) battery function into a Zn–air battery. However, the conventional single‐layer electrode design cannot satisfy the requirements of both a hydrophilic interface for facilitating ionic transfer to maximize the Zn–MX battery function and a hydrophobic interface for promoting gas diffusion to maximize the Zn–air battery function. Here, a function‐separated design is proposed, which allocates the two battery functions to the two faces of the cathode. The electrode is composed of a hydrophobic MnS layer decorated with Ni–Co–S nanoclusters that allows for smooth gas diffusion and efficient oxygen electrocatalysis and a hydrophilic NixCo1−xS2 layer that favors fast ionic transfer and superior performance for energy storage. The battery with the function‐separated electrode shows a high short‐term discharge voltage of ≈1.7 V, an excellent high‐rate galvanostatic discharge–charge with a power density up to 153 mW cm−2 at 100 mA cm−2, a good round‐trip efficiency of 75% at 5 mA cm−2, and a robust cycling stability for 330 h with an excellent voltage gap of ≈0.7 V at 5 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are highly promising next‐generation photovoltaic devices because of the cheap raw materials, ideal band gap of ≈1.5 eV, broad absorption range, and high absorption coefficient. Although lead‐based inorganic‐organic PSC has achieved the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.2%, the toxic nature of lead and poor stability strongly limits the commercialization. Lead‐free inorganic PSCs are potential alternatives to toxic and unstable organic‐inorganic PSCs. Particularly, double‐perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6‐based PSC has received interests for its all inorganic and lead‐free features. However, the PCE is limited by the inherent and extrinsic defects of Cs2AgBiBr6 films. Herein, an effective and facile strategy is reported for improving the PCE and stability by introducing an N719 dye interlayer, which plays multifunctional roles such as broadening the absorption spectrum, suppressing the charge carrier recombination, accelerating the hole extraction, and constructing an appropriate energy level alignment. Consequently, the optimizing cell delivers an outstanding PCE of 2.84%, much improved as compared with other Cs2AgBiBr6‐based PSCs reported so far in the literature. Moreover, the N719 interlayer greatly enhances the stability of PSCs under ambient conditions. This work highlights a useful strategy to boost the PCE and stability of lead‐free Cs2AgBiBr6‐based PSCs simultaneously, accelerating the commercialization of PSC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid metabolism disorders are considerably involved in the pathology of atherosclerosis; nevertheless, the fundamental mechanism is still largely unclear. This research sought to examine the function of lipophagy in lipid metabolism disorder-induced atherosclerosis and its fundamental mechanisms. Previously, Sirt6 has been reported to stimulate plaque stability by promoting macrophage autophagy. However, its role in macrophage lipophagy and its relationship with Wnt1 remains to be established. In this study, ApoE−/−: Sirt6−/− and ApoE−/−: Sirt6Tg mice were used and lipid droplets were analysed via transmission electron microscopy and Bodipy 493/503 staining in vitro. Atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE−/−: Sirt6−/− mice showed greater necrotic cores and lower stability score. Reconstitution of Sirt6 in atherosclerotic mice improved lipid metabolism disorder and prevented the progression of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, macrophages with Ac-LDL intervention showed more lipid droplets and increased expression of adipophilin and PLIN2. Reconstitution of Sirt6 recruited using SNF2H suppressed Wnt1 expression and improved lipid metabolism disorder by promoting lipophagy. In addition, downregulation of Sirt6 expression in Ac-LDL-treated macrophages inhibited lipid droplet degradation and stimulated foam cell formation. Innovative discoveries in the research revealed that atherosclerosis is caused by lipid metabolism disorders due to downregulated Sirt6 expression. Thus, modulating Sirt6's function in lipid metabolism might be a useful therapeutic approach for treating atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Perovskite oxides offer new opportunities in wastewater treatment via catalytic oxidation. Herein, we report a new application of perovskite oxides for biological detection via catalytic decolourisation and colorimetric determination. The presence of trace biomolecules in an aqueous system would interfere the decolourisation process of dyes, where the decolourisation rate is quantitatively correlated to the biomolecular concentration. In this work, trace L-cysteine (Cys) detection was demonstrated on the basis of a Ag-Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.75 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (Ag-BSCF)/peroxymonosulfate/textile dye system. Thiol-containing cysteine can bind to Ag, Co and Fe atoms, therefore shielding the catalytic performance of the perovskite in degradation of dye solutions. Such a cost-effective biosensor system presents an excellent linear response in Cys concentration ranging from nM to μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is a major health problem and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Myocardial apoptosis induced by myocardial infarction injury is involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Therapeutic stem cell therapy has the potential to be an effective and favorable treatment for ischemic heart disease. Exosomes derived from stem cells have been shown to effectively repair MI injury-induced cardiomyocyte damage. However, the cardioprotective benefits of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)-Exos remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of exosomes from ADSC on the hearts of MI-treated mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated using cultured ADSCs. On C57BL/6J mice, we performed myocardial MI or sham operations and assessed cardiac function, fibrosis, and angiogenesis 4 weeks later. Mice were intramyocardially injected with ADSC-Exos or vehicle-treated ADSCs after 25 min following the MI operation. Results: Echocardiographic experiments showed that ADSC-Exos could significantly improve left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas ADSC-Exos administration could significantly alleviate MI-induced cardiac fibrosis. Additionally, ADSC-Exos treatment has been shown to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis while increasing angiogenesis. Molecular experiments found that exosomes extracted from ADSCs can promote the proliferation and migration of microvascular endothelial cells, facilitate angiogenesis, and inhibit cardiomyocytes apoptosis through miRNA-205. We then transferred isolated exosomes from ADSCs into MI-induced mice and observed decreased cardiac fibrosis, increased angiogenesis, and improved cardiac function. We also observed increased apoptosis and decreased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in HMEC-1 transfected with a miRNA-205 inhibitor. Conclusion: In summary, these findings show that ADSC-Exos can alleviate cardiac injury and promote cardiac function recovery in MI-treated mice via the miRNA-205 signaling pathway. ADSC-Exos containing miRNA205 have a promising therapeutic potential in MI-induced cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust oxygen permeable ceramic membranes have potential applications in clean energy industries like oxyfuel power plants and green chemical synthesis like syngas production combining the separation and reaction in one unit. The well-known and highly permeable perovskite oxide membranes are limited by their lower chemical stability. In this work, a novel dual-phase hollow fiber membrane based on a fluorite Pr 0.1 Gd 0.1 Ce 0.8 O 2−δ (PCGO) and a spinel CoFe 2 O 4 (CFO) composite was developed via a phased inversion/sintering method. Enhanced oxygen permeability and unprecedented high CO 2 resistance were realized by the 50 wt%PCGO–50 wt%CFO dual-phase hollow fiber membrane. The composite was synthesized via a one-pot sol-gel preparation method to achieve the homogenous distribution and the formation of percolative network of each phase for both oxygen ionic and electronic conduction purpose. The oxygen permeation flux of 0.54 mL min −1 cm −2 was achieved using He as sweep gas at 1000 °C. Membrane performance was further improved by coating a perovskite Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3− δ (BSCF) layer on the outside surface of the dual phase membrane to face the feed gas-air leaving the other membrane side untouched to maintain its high stability to withstand the harsh gas condition containing CO 2 . The dual phase membrane had been successfully operated at 950 °C in pure CO 2 atmosphere for more than 200 h with flux rate fixed at 0.40 mL min −1 cm −2 without any noticeable performance degradation or membrane deterioration. By contrast, the flux rate of pure perovskite membrane had been sharply dropped down by 80% albeit operated for only 8 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Aidi injection (ADI) is a representative antitumor medication based on Chinese herbal injection, but its antitumor mechanisms are still poorly understood. Materials and methods: In this work, the subcutaneous xenograft model of human pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 was established in nude mice to investigate the anticancer effect of ADI in vivo. We then determined the components of ADI using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and explored the possible molecular mechanisms against pancreatic cancer using network pharmacology. Results: In vivo experiments, the volume, weight, and degree of histological abnormalities of implanted tumors were significantly lower in the medium and high concentration ADI injection groups than in the control group. Network pharmacology analysis identified four active components of ADI and seven key targets, TNF, VEGFA, HSP90AA1, MAPK14, CASP3, P53 and JUN. Molecular docking also revealed high affinity between the active components and the target proteins, including Astragaloside IV to P53 and VEGFA, Ginsenoside Rb1 to CASP3 and Formononetin to JUN. Conclusion: ADI could reduce the growth rate of tumor tissue and alleviate the structural abnormalities in tumor tissue. ADI is predicted to act on VEGFA, P53, CASP3, and JUN in ADI-mediated treatment of pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A brand-new two-step reaction mechanism of ONA electrode is proposed in AIB. • The π-π stacking structures of π-COCs can contribute capacity directly. • The ONA show the co-existence of high capacity and excellent cycle stability in AIB. Π-conjugated organic compounds (π-COCs), as a potential electrode material, mainly emphasized the effects of functional groups and intramolecular π-conjugated system on charge storage in the past studies. In this work, we discovered a brand-new two step energy storage mechanism for π-COCs using oligomeric naphthalene (ONA) with intermolecular π-π stacking structure as electrode material in Al ion battery system. The electrochemical reaction of ONA is identified as the synergistic work of the chemical-adsorption of AlCl 4 - anions at low potential and the π···[AlCl 4 ]···π interaction at high potential. Based on this, the Al-ONA battery exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance (high specific capacity of 450 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, long cycle life without attenuation for 4000 cycles at 1 A/g). This discovery of the energy storage mechanism, especially for the π···anion···π interaction, for π-COCs materials opens the door to exploring high performance organic electrode materials in energy storage field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, antibiotics have been considered emerging pollutants due to their persistence in aquatic ecosystems. Even at low concentrations, these pollutants contribute to the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, while their degradation is still a longstanding challenge for wastewater treatment. In the present literature survey, we review the recent advances in synergistic techniques for antibiotic degradation in wastewater that combine either ultrasound (US) or hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and oxidative, photo-catalytic, and enzymatic strategies. The degradation of sulfadiazine by HC/persulfate (PS)/H2O2/α-Fe2O3, US/PS/Fe0, and sono-photocatalysis with MgO@CNT nanocomposites processes; the degradation of tetracycline by US/H2O2/Fe3O4, US/O3/goethite, and HC/photocatalysis with TiO2 (P25) sono-photocatalysis with rGO/CdWO4 protocols; and the degradation of amoxicillin by US/Oxone®/Co2+ are discussed. In general, a higher efficiency of antibiotics removal and a faster structure degradation rate are reported under US or HC conditions as compared with the corresponding silent conditions. However, the removal of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride reached only 51% with US-assisted laccase-catalysis, though it was higher than those using US or enzymatic treatment alone. Moreover, a COD removal higher than 85% in several effluents of the pharmaceutical industry (500–7500 mg/L COD) was achieved by the US/O3/CuO process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aidi injection (ADI) is a popular anti-tumor Chinese patent medicine, widely used in clinics for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with remarkable therapeutic effects through multiple targets and pathways. However, the scientific evidence of the synergistic role of the complex chemical component system and the potential mechanism for treating diseases are ignored and remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate and verify the cooperative association between the potential active ingredient of ADI, which is of significance to enlarge our understanding of its anti-HCC molecular mechanisms. Firstly, the anti-HCC effect of ADI was evaluated in various HCC cells and the zebrafish xenograft model. Subsequently, a variety of bioinformatic technologies, including network pharmacology, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), meta-analysis of gene expression profiles, and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to construct the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of ADI intervention in HCC and to establish the relationship between the critical targets/pathways and the key corresponding components, which were involved in ADI against HCC in a synergistic way and were validated by molecular biology experiments. ADI exerted remarkable anti-HCC in vitro cells and in vivo zebrafish model, especially that the Hep 3B2.1-7 cell showed substantial sensibility to ADI. The ceRNA network revealed that the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was identified as the promising pathway. Furthermore, the meta-analysis also demonstrated the critical role of BIRC5 and FEN1 as key targets. Finally, the synergistic effect of ADI was revealed by discovering the inhibitory effect of cantharidin on BIRC5, formononetin on FEN1 and EGFR, as well as isofraxidin on EGFR. Our study unveiled that the incredible protective effect of ADI on HCC resulted from the synergistic inhibition effect of cantharidin, formononetin, and isofraxidin on multiple targets/pathways, including BIRC5, FEN1, and EGFR/PI3K/AKT, respectively, providing a scientific interpretation of ADI against HCC and a typical example of pharmacodynamic evaluation of other proprietary Chinese patent medicine. [Display omitted] • Systematically elucidated the role of ADI in the regulation of ncRNA in HCC. • Proved the synergistic effect of multiple components and pathways of ADI against HCC. • Established and confirmed the correspondence between components and targets in ADI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional Dye Interlayers: Simultaneous Power Conversion Efficiency and Stability Enhancement of Cs2AgBiBr6 Lead-Free Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cell through Adopting a Multifunctional Dye Interlayer (Adv. Funct. Keywords: charge carrier separation; Cs2AgBiBr6; dye interlayer; energy level alignment; perovskite solar cell EN charge carrier separation Cs2AgBiBr6 dye interlayer energy level alignment perovskite solar cell 1 1 1 06/06/20 20200604 NES 200604 In article number 2001557, Wei Wang, Zongping Shao, and co-workers introduce a multifunctional dye interlayer into lead-free all-inorganic Cs SB 2 sb AgBiBr SB 6 sb -based perovskite solar cells to enhance the efficiency and stability by broadening the absorption spectrum, accelerating the charge carrier extraction, and constructing an appropriate energy level alignment. Charge carrier separation, Cs2AgBiBr6, dye interlayer, energy level alignment, perovskite solar cell. [Extracted from the article]

Polyaniline attracts increasing attention in electrochemical devices, present works focus on improving its specific capacitance and electrochemical stability. In this paper, graphene grafted polyaniline copolymer (G-PC) with conjugated structure was prepared via in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization using p -phenylenediamine (PPDA) and triphenylamine (TPA) as comonomers. The large conjugated system facilitates the charge transfer of the G-PC composites, thereby enhances their electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties. The resultant G-PC electrode demonstrated an enhanced specific capacitance of 1701.1 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and a high retention after 4000 charge/discharge cycles in a three-electrode system. Finally, the assembled solid-state supercapacitor (SSC) with G-PC electrodes improved energy density up to 15.3 Wh/kg at a power density of 50 W/kg showing a capacitance retention of 94.9% after 5000 electrochemical cycles. Unlabelled Image • Graphene grafted polyaniline copolymers are prepared for supercapacitor. • The electrodes exhibit an enhanced specific capacitance and cyclic stability. • The assembled solid-state supercapacitor is promising in energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-assembly feather fan polyaniline is prepared by in situ polymerization. • Feather fan morphology can hinder volume change during electrochemical process. • The electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 403.5 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1. Feather fan-like PANI were synthesized by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of 2,2′-([1,1′-Biphenyl]-4,4′-diyldi-2,1-ethenediyl) bis-benzenesulfonic acid disodium salt (CBS-X) dissolved in 1 M HCl. The morphological characterization demonstrates that the products with high CBS-X content were well-defined feather fan-like structure composed of nanotubes and nanofibers. Compared with pure PANI, synthesized PANI/CBS-X showed an enhanced conductivity up to 25.0 S cm−1. As electrode materials for supercapacitors, PANI/CBS-X exhibited a high specific capacitance of 403.5 F g−1 and an excellent cyclic stability with capacitance retention of 86.6% after 1000 cycles. The results indicated that Feather fan morphology composed of polyaniline nanotubes and nanofibers is beneficial for electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of toxic organics and bacterial disinfection are important tasks in wastewater treatment. Most heavy metal-based catalysts for degradation of aqueous organic pollutants in heterogeneous Fenton-like processes suffer from the toxicity of leached metals. The present work reports environmentally benign systems for both degradation of organics and bacterial disinfection. Calcium substituted LaFeO 3- δ perovskite was demonstrated as an efficient catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degradation of phenol, methylene blue and rhodamine 6 G. Compared to LaFeO 3- δ and nanocrystal Fe 3 O 4 , the lattice oxygen vacancies in B-site cation-deficient perovskite of La 0.8 Ca 0.2 Fe 0.94 O 3 - δ (LaCaFeO 3- δ ) particles renders this material a greatly improved catalytic performance. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) suggested that both sulfate (SO 4 –) and hydroxyl radicals ( OH) played critical roles in the advanced oxidation processes. Moreover, silver doped perovskite (Ag-LaCaFeO 3- δ )/PMS successfully inhibited the growth of waterborne pathogen Escherichia coli and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at a lower dose than silver ions, proving a synergetic effect between free radicals and Ag + in killing the bacteria. Therefore, Ag-LaCaFeO 3- δ /PMS would be promising for practical wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to incorporate silver nanoparticles into yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic for eliminating microorganism adhesion on dental restoration graft. Y2O3 (3% mol) partially stabilized ZrO2 powder with particle size around 80nm was employed to fabricate tetragonal phase dominated YSZ ceramic block. Silver nanoparticles were efficiently loaded at pH 9.5 by NaBH4 reducing of AgNO3. The biocompatibility of silver incorporated YSZ was evaluated by MTT assay. Antimicrobial activities were quantitatively determined by optical density measurement and qualitatively analysed by scanning electro microscope. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed that YSZ block containing 0.0047 wt% nanosilver, which is safe to mammalian cell, can inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mitis and Candida albicans. The pristine YSZ disc had no effect on bacterial growth. This study suggests that silver nanoparticles incorporated into YSZ blocks possess a broad spectrum antimicrobial effect and may help prevent biofilm formation on their surfaces to improve implant survival rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]