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Because of demand uncertainties, a build-operate-transfer (BOT) project may lead a concessionaire either to realize an excessive profit or suffer a loss. The object of this paper is to establish an adjustment mechanism to automatically balance the risks and rewards between public and private sectors under the fixed preset concession period. Using a revised net present value (NPV) financial evaluation model and the Monte Carlo simulation technique, the authors construct a model that can determine the optimum solution of the minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) level and the collect rate of royalty for BOT projects. The MRG and royalty collection combination (G&R) is shown, via a reduction in the decision variables, to be a more effective scheme than those in previous studies. The results of a sensitivity analysis based on a wastewater treatment BOT project prove that Scheme M of MRG based on 90% volume combined with a 20% royalty rate is the leading option because it guarantees that the concessionaire will always earn a reasonable anticipated return under the fixed term. The main contribution of this paper is to provide a simple tool for balancing the risks and benefits for the government and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS 2 is recognized as competitive low-cost and efficient electrocatalyst for water electrolysis application, and its catalytic activity needs further improving. Nitrogen doped MoS 2 nanosheets assembled flowers have been firstly synthesized as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. N-doping is determined by XPS characterization, which achieves boosting effect on HER activity. Edge terminated feature supplies exposed active sites for catalytic reaction. N-MoS 2 exhibits excellent HER activity with a low overpotential of 114 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA cm −2 and high stability, making it good candidate as advanced HER electrocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the increasing demands for sustainable hydrogen energy, molybdenum sulfide has gained considerable interest as non-precious electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of water. However, effective nanoengineering technologies to boost its catalytic activity are still desirable but limited. Here, using advanced catalyst of N-doped graphene supported hybrid of MoS 2 nanosheets and Fe 4 [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3 (PB) nanocube, we demonstrate a novel solution for the enhancement of HER activity by simultaneously improving the catalytic site numbers and intrinsic unit activity on each catalytic site, as well as the electrical conductivity. In the hybrid catalyst, the proper selection of graphene and PB expedites the electron transfer and the synergistic effect of MoS 2 /graphene/PB influences the HER. Therefore, the present sample is an ideal catalyst towards HER and delivers impressively high catalytic activity, including the ultralow η 10 of 130 mV, superior durability, and large cathodic current density. We believe that this work contributes specific perspective to design and construction of advanced MoS 2 -based catalyst towards HER, and may inspire the development of other hybrid catalysts for sustainable energy conversion application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal sulfides have attracted intensive interests as cost-effective catalysts for water electrolysis. However, demands for their active catalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and especially oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are still urgently needed and challenging. To address this issue, we rationally select B, N co-doped graphene nanotubes (BN-CNT) as active substrate to support CoMoS 3.13 nanosheets to fabricate bifunctional catalyst for overall water electrolysis. The present contribution indicates that, doped N and B species can serve as active sites to improve the HER and OER activity of transition metal sulfides. Moreover, BN-CNT substrate not only assures the edge terminated texture of CoMoS 3.13 nanosheets for more active sites, but also acts as “highway” to accelerate the charge transfer for enhanced reaction kinetics. Therefore, remarkably enhanced HER and OER catalytic activities are obtained from the hybrid catalyst, including decreased overpotetnial, increased catalytic current density, improved reaction kinetics, and superior stable durability. We believed that BN-CNT could be further used to composite with other metal chalcogenides, hydroxides, or phosphides as high-performance electrocatalysts for applications in sustainable energy conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design and constructing advanced materials with intriguing nanostructures towards highly efficient and sustainable energy conversion and storage have received focused research efforts, but exploring effective strategies to accomplish this mission is still challenging. Aiming at this goal, we construct MoS 2 nanosheets on Fe 3 O 4 nanospheres via a SiO 2 shell assisted sacrifice template method for the first time. The shell-core structured MoS 2 @Fe 3 O 4 catalyst is well characterized by XRD, Raman, TEM, SEM, and XPS techniques. SEM and TEM show that MoS 2 nanosheets possess edge exposed feature and defect-rich structure, assuring the maximum active sites for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Raman characterization reveals the chemical coupling between MoS 2 and Fe 3 O 4 , indicating the formation of MoS 2 @Fe 3 O 4 heterostructure at the shell-core interface. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) shows abundant defects at the heterostructures, which supplies more catalytic sites. The improved catalytic sites are proved by electrochemical capacitance measurements, and the enhanced catalytic activity over each site is also probed. Therefore, MoS 2 @Fe 3 O 4 exhibits remarkably enhanced catalytic activity for water splitting due to the above mentioned benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicomponent metal selenides with heterostructures are believed to effectively activate the surface pseudocapacitive contribution and improve the electrochemical dynamics, thus achieving high-performance anodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a carbon coated CoSe2/Sb2Se3 heterojunction (CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C) is designed and constructed via an ion-exchange reaction between Co and Sb, and the subsequent selenization step. It is found that the hetero-structure and carbon shell effectively boost the charge transfer in the CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C composite electrode. The highly pseudocapacitive Na+ storage contribution is acquired due to the structural benefits of the heterojunction. Therefore, the CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C anode affords good cycling stability (264.5 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1) and excellent rate capability (266.0 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1). This study supplies a reference for developing an advanced anode with multicomponent and heterojunction structures for energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of synergistic drug combinations is a promising strategy for effective cancer suppression. Here, we report all-polysaccharide biodegradable polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels (DPCS) based on dextran phosphate carbamate (DP) and chitosan (CS) for controlled co-delivery of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (IND). IND can induce more apoptosis in tumor cells by reducing the level of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1. Based on calculations using density functional theory and zeta potential analysis data, carriers with high drug loading were obtained. The release profile of both drugs from the hydrogels was tuned by changing the molecular weight and functional groups content of the polysaccharides. The optimized DPCS showed a steady release of DOX both in vitro and in vivo , and a gradual release of IND, which constantly induced the action of DOX. Considering all of these benefits, DOX- and IND-loaded DPCS offer a promising long-acting polysaccharide-based antitumor platform. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfides hollow structures are advanced materials for energy storage applications of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. However, constructing hollow metal sulfides with specific features, such as multi-shell and non-spherical shape, still remains great challenge. In this work, we firstly demonstrate the synthesis of CuS double-shell hollow nanocages using Cu 2 O nanocubes as precursors. The synthesis processes involve the repeated anion exchange reaction with Na 2 S and the controllable etching using hydrochloric acid. The whole synthesis processes are well revealed and the obtained double-shell CuS is tested as pseudocapacitive electrode material for supercapacitors. As expected, the CuS double-shell hollow nanocages deliver high specific capacitance, good rate performance and excellent cycling stability due to their unique nano-architecture. The present work contributes greatly to the exploration of hollow metal sulfides with complex architecture and non-spherical shape, as well as their promising application in high-performance electrochemical supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of inexpensive catalysts is central in the area of sustainable energy conversion, yet remains an extraordinary challenge. Here, we firstly construct MoS 2 nanosheets vertically anchored on C 3 N 4 for high-efficiency electrochemical HER. The rational structure design endows MoS 2 nanosheets with combined advantages of maximally exposed edges and defect-rich structure. Moreover, the hybrid MoS 2 -C 3 N 4 possesses remarkably improved electrochemically active surface area and enhanced electrical conductivity than MoS 2 . Therefore, MoS 2 -C 3 N 4 exhibits robust electrocatalytic HER activity, including low overpotential (158 mV) required to generate the current density of 10 mA cm −2 , low Tafel slope (52 mV decade −1 ), and high current density (92 mA cm −2 at overpotential of 300 mV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work firstly demonstrates the rational design and preparation of neighbored SnO 2 and TiO 2 nanocrystals as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. TiO 2 without volume effects is employed to act as structure stabilizer for immobilization of neighbored SnO 2 that possesses huge volume variation, thus depressing the electrode pulverization and achieving improved cyclic stability. SnO 2 with high theoretical capacity assures the high capacity of the composite anode. Endowed with the combined advantages of proper components selection and rational structure design, the present sample exhibits improved electrochemical anode performance, including high capacity, good cyclic stability, and especially high-rate performance (434 mAh g −1 over 500 cycle at 1 A g −1 ), making it a promising candidate for high-performance anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repressing the hampers of poor electrical conductivity and pulverization is central for the applications of metal oxides anode materials, yet remains big challenge. To meet the target, pie-like graphene paper@Fe 3 O 4 nanorod arrays@carbon film is designed and fabricated as high-performance integrated electrode for lithium ion batteries. Graphene paper is selected as binder-free integrated substrate, which could accelerate electron transfer, buffer volume changes of Fe 3 O 4 , contribute to additional capacity, and endow the electrode with flexibility. The carbon film serves as the package to prevent the dissolution of Fe 3 O 4 into the electrolyte, extending the cyclic life of the integrated electrode. The architecture of Fe 3 O 4 nanorod array offers void space for volume buffer and fluid electrolyte infiltration. Based on the combined structural advantages, the present pie-like electrode with interior array architecture therefore exhibits excellent electrochemical lithium storage properties, especially large, stable, and durable cyclic performance at high current density (852 mA g −1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g −1 ), making it a promising candidate as high-performance flexible electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing Two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures into 3D architecture towards specific applications is desirable but challenging. In this work, we construct 2D Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanoplates into 3D nanoflowers via Cu 2 O sacrificial template method. The employed Cu 2 O nanocubes not only serve as template but also supply the Cu resource during the synthesis strategy. The morphology and structure of Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O are characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. The Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanoflowers show combined structural benefits for electrochemical performance, such as high surface area and short migration path for lithium storage, as well as tunnels for electrolyte filtration. Therefore, high capacity, stable cyclability, and especially high initial coulombic efficiency of 91.3% are obtained from Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanoflowers, making it a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After years of development, boosting the electrochemical hydrogen evolution performance of MoS 2 catalyst through the traditional methods, such as defect engineering and conductivity improvement, has reached their limit. In this work, we propose a novel functional catalyst that is fabricated by hybrid two-dimensional nanostructures composed of MoS 2 nanosheets and CoMo 2 S 4 nanoplates in situ grown on graphene substrate for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction. The MoS 2 -CoMo 2 S 4 /graphene hybrid catalyst shows robust hydrogen evolution performance with low onset potential of 110 mV, high cathode current density of 85 mA cm −2 at η = 300 mV, and small Tafel slope of 42 mV dec −1 , as well as good durability. The excellent hydrogen evolution performance of the hybrid catalyst is likely attributed to the nonequilibrium composition, 2D structural advantages, conductive graphene substrate, and the electrocatalytic synergistic effect between MoS 2 and CoMo 2 S 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of novel advanced materials for energy conversion and storage is on the research focus. Herein, we firstly develop FeMo 4 S 6 nanosheets via a hydrothermal process as advanced energy materials. TEM and XRD characterizations reveal that FeMo 4 S 6 nanosheets possess distinctive layered structure with an interlayer distance of 0.64 nm and 10–14 layers in thickness. Rooted in the intriguing layered 2D structural advantages and multicomponent effect, the sample exhibits large and stable lithium storage properties when it is used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. It is also evaluated as electrocatalyst for water splitting and shows promising catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, including low onset overpotential and stable cycling durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-engineering is an effective strategy to achieve improved catalytic performance. A specific high-performance electrocatalyst of graphene quantum dots doped MoS 2 nanosheets with defect-rich structures and improved electrical conductivity, referred as GQDs-MoS 2 , has been rationally designed and successfully developed through a facile hydrothermal method. XRD, SEM, TEM, and Raman techniques are employed to reveal the formation and the structural features. The doping of GQDs into MoS 2 nanosheets plays the key role in enhancing the catalytic activity by creating abundant defect sites both in the edge plane and the basal plane, as well as enhancing the electrical conductivity. Endowed with this, the sample delivers remarkably improved catalytic properties for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction, including the large cathodic current (10 mA cm −2 at a small overpotential of 200 mV and 74 mA cm −2 at a small overpotential of 300 mV) and low onset potential (140 mV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive and polyphagous pest that causes severe damage to various crops. Great efforts have been devoted to developing more effective and friendly strategies to minimize losses caused by S. frugiperda. In the current study, the infective capabilities of entomopathogenic nematode species HbSD, belonging to Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, were evaluated under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. The results showed that HbSD was highly lethal to S. frugiperda under laboratory/greenhouse conditions; however, the efficacy of HbSD decreased in the field trials. To better exploit HbSD as a biological agent, more efforts need to be carried out in future field work, including the optimization of production, formulation and application technology and other diverse factors. Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive and polyphagous pest that causes severe damage to various crops, especially maize. The wide use of chemical insecticides to control S. frugiperda results in resistance against commonly used chemicals and resistant mutations will expand in populations accompanied by a spread to vulnerable areas. Consequently, more effective and friendly strategies must be explored to minimize losses caused by S. frugiperda. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are good candidates for the biological control of different species of insect pests, including S. frugiperda. In the current study, the infective capabilities of the EPN species HbSD, belonging to Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, were evaluated against S. frugiperda under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. In laboratory assays, HbSD was highly virulent against 3rd/5th instar larvae, which was related to HbSD concentration and exposure durations. In greenhouse assays, spraying aqueous HbSD also showed good performance in killing larvae on maize leaves. However, the virulence of HbSD decreased in field trials where many adverse factors affecting survival and efficacy were encountered by HbSD. Overall, our study provides an alternative EPN for the biological control of S. frugiperda with the potential to be developed as a sustainable option for efficient pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne enterolobii, a highly pathogenic root-knot nematode species, causes serious damage to agricultural production worldwide. Collagen is an important part of the nematode epidermis, which is crucial for nematode shape maintenance, motility, and reproduction. In this study, we report that a novel collagen gene, Me-col-1, from the highly pathogenic root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne enterolobi was required for the egg formation of this pathogen. Me-col-1 encodes a protein with the size of 35 kDa, which is closely related to collagen found in other nematodes. Real-time PCR assays showed that the expression of Me-col-1 was highest in eggs and lowest in pre-parasitic second-stage juveniles (preJ2). Interestingly, knockdown of Me-col-1 did not compromise the survival rate of preJ2 but significantly reduced the egg production and consequentially caused 35.79% lower multiplication rate (Pf/Pi) compared with control. Our study provides valuable information for better understanding the function of collagen genes in the nematode life cycle, which can be used in the development of effective approaches for nematode control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Polymer microneedles (MNs) have been prepared for transdermal delivery of drugs. • Free Met and Met-loaded BGNs were encapsulated into MNs for a sustained drug release. • MNs with integration of free and loaded Met exhibit a significant hypoglycemic effect. Transdermal delivery provides a suitable and painless self-administration for diabetic patients. In this work, the polymer microneedles (MNs) integrated with mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) for transdermal delivery of metformin (Met) have been developed for regulation of blood glucose levels (BGLs) on diabetic rats. The obtained MNs system contains free Met and Met-loaded BGNs (Met/BGNs) for independently controlling the kinetics of anti-diabetic drug during the treatment. Once these MNs are penetrated into the skin, the free Met is firstly released due to the swelling and degradation of matrix material of MNs. And then the loaded Met is slowly seep through the microchannels of BGNs to form a sustained drug release behaviors and a better hypoglycemic effect, suggesting the potential of this new transdermal delivery system as substitutes for multiple daily injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberine alkaloids belong to the class of isoquinoline alkaloids that have been shown to possess anticancer potential, berberine exhibits inhibitory effects on breast cancer development. However, the exact mechanisms of action for anti-breast carcinoma of the alkaloids, including epiberberine, berberrubine and dihydroberberine are still unclear. MTT assay, colony formation, wound healing and transwell invasion assays detected these alkaloids suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Hoechst and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were used to analyze the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Western blotting investigated the changes noted in the expression levels of the key proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The results showed that inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Berberine alkaloids inhibited the cell cycle at G2/M phase in MCF-7 cells, but in MDA-MB-231 cells berberine alkaloids arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 and G2/M phases. By decreasing β-catenin expression, increasing GSK-3β expression and decreasing N-cadherin expression, increasing E-cadherin expression, which proved that epiberberine, berberrubine and dihydroberberine inhibited of metastasis of breast cancer cells through Wnt signaling pathway and reversed EMT except berberine. Furthermore, berberine alkaloids exert their anti-breast cancer effects through the synergistic action of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. These findings highlight the different effects of different berberine alkaloids on breast cancer cells and confirm that berberine alkaloids may be potentially used in the treatment of breast cancer. The speculation of the site of berberine , epiberberine , berberrubine and dihydroberberine effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT. [Display omitted] • The anti-breast cancer effects of four compounds were systematically and comprehensively studied. • Berberine alkaloids inhibits breast cancer cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT. • Berberine alkaloids provide evidence as natural anticancer drugs against breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of pathogens before the planting season is valuable to forecast disease occurrence. Therefore, rapid and reliable diagnostic approaches are urgently needed, especially for one of the most aggressive root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne enterolobii. In this study, we developed a novel primer–TaqMan probe set aimed at M. enterolobii. The primer–probe set was successfully applied in the identification and quantification of M. enterolobii via qPCR technology. It was also suitable for improved PCR technology, known as ddPCR analyses, and this work presents the first application of this technology for plant parasitic nematodes. Compared with qPCR, ddPCR exhibited better performance with regard to analytical sensitivity, which can provide a more accurate detection of M. enterolobii concealed in field soil. In addition, we generated standard curves to calculate the number of eggs in soil using the qPCR and ddPCR platforms. Hopefully, the results herein will be helpful for forecasting disease severity of M. enterolobii infection and adopting effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced materials for energy conversion and storage are central to clean and reliable energy research. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) architectures composed of MoS 2 -graphene hybrid nanosheets are synthesized via a simple solvothermal method for this purpose. The architectures are self-assembled with hybrid nanosheets, which are fabricated through the in situ growth of few-layer MoS 2 nanosheets on the surface of graphene substrates. Rooted in the intriguing advantages of sheet-on-sheet structures and 3D features, the composite materials exhibit improved electrochemical lithium storage performances when used as anode materials, in terms of high reversible capacity, superior cycling stability (904 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at 200 mA g −1 ), and high rate capability. It is also employed as integrated electrode for electrochemical water splitting and delivers remarkably enhanced catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution, such as low onset overpotential (110 mV), small Tafel slope (47 mV decade −1 ), and stable cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To pursue anode materials with large and fast lithium storage properties, the carbon entrapped Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are directly grown on Ni foam as binder-free integrated electrode for the first time. The synthesis strategy includes an in situ polymerization method and the following thermal annealing process. The charge transfer is dramatically improved due to the advantageous features of high electric conductivity of carbon layer and Ni substrate, nanosized Fe 3 O 4 particles, close contact between active materials and current collector. The carbon shell can also buffer the volume changes of Fe 3 O 4 during the lithiation/delithiation. Therefore, the integrated electrode exhibits high capacity, superior rate capability, and good cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS 2 has emerged as an efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst and its activity is believed to be mainly determined by two factors: the amount of edge sites and electrical conductivity. To achieve improved catalytic activity, the few-layered oxygen-incorporated MoS 2 ultrathin nanosheets are prepared for the construction of hybrid nanosheets with graphene substrates using one-pot hydrothermal method for the first time. XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, EDS and TGA techniques are used to characterize the hybrids. The moderate oxygen-incorporation into MoS 2 creates abundant edge sites and improves the conductivity. The tight coupling between the hybrid nanosheets expedites the electrical transfer. Endowed with the above advantages, the hybrid nanosheets are ideal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and exhibit high activity, which is demonstrated by the ultralow onset overpotential (120 mV), large cathodic current density (65.5 mA cm −2 at η = 300 mV), and small Tafel slope (51 mV decade −1 ), as well as superior cycling stability. Our enhanced understanding of this highly active MoS 2 hybrid catalyst for HER may facilitate the development of economical electrochemical hydrogen production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Meloidogyne is one of the most economically damaging plant parasitic nematodes on a worldwide basis. To date, only the dragon fruits in Brazil were reported infected by M. javanica or M. incognita in previous surveys. From 2019–2021, we conducted our investigation in 62 orchards from 10 counties of Hainan, which are the main producing areas of dragon fruits in China. The collected roots were visually scored by gall index to evaluate the distribution and severity of diseases caused by Meloidogyne. Then, the isolated nematodes were further confirmed by a combination of morphological and molecular analysis. This survey revealed that the root-knot nematodes were widely distributed in red dragon fruit planting areas in Hainan and caused severe symptoms including stunting, wilting, and yellowing of the stems. The nematode populations were identified as M. enterolobii and M. javanica, among which, M. enterolobii accounted for a larger proportion, 93.9%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. enterolobii causing diseases on red dragon fruit. The results obtained from this survey will provide an insight into the presence of root-knot nematodes in dragon fruit plants. Also, these results will raise attention for developing effective management strategies to prevent further spread of root-knot nematodes on dragon fruit in Hainan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A layer-by-layer assembled composite of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) wrapped monodisperse cobalt sulfides (CoS 2 ) nanocages has been prepared via a solvothermal method. The flexible GNSs in the layered composite act as the effective matrix to encapsulate the monodisperse CoS 2 nanocages, buffer the volume changes and prevent the aggregation of the CoS 2 nanocages during electrochemical cycling. The loosely stacked GNSs, which are induced with the insertion of CoS 2 , are convenient for electrolyte wetting and serve as highway for the rapid electron and lithium transport. The monodisperse nanocages can supply additional space to tolerate the volume changes, shorten lithium diffusion path, and do not tend to aggregate. As a result, the specific sample can deliver a high capacity approaching 800 mA h g −1 after 150 cycles at 100 mA g −1 and 697 mA h g −1 after 300 cycles at 500 mA g −1 , in addition to good capacity retention and excellent rate capability, making it a promising candidate as next-generation anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, transdermal drug delivery based on microneedles (MNs) technology has received extensive attention, which offers a safer and painless alternative to hypodermic needle injections. They can pierce the stratum corneum and deliver drugs to the epidermis and dermis‐structures of skin, showing prominent properties such as minimally invasiveness, bypassing first‐pass metabolism, and can be self‐administered. A range of materials has been used to fabricate MNs, such as silicon, metal, glass, and polymers. Among them, polymer MNs have gained increasing attention from pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies as one of the promising drug delivery methods. MN products have recently become available on the market, and some of them are under evaluation for efficacy and safety. This paper focuses on the current state of polymer MNs in drug transdermal delivery. The materials and methods for the fabrication of polymer MNs and their drug administration are described. The recent progress of polymer MNs for treatment of cancer, vaccine delivery, blood glucose regulation, androgenetic alopecia, obesity, tissue healing, myocardial infarction, and gout are reviewed. The challenges of MNs technology are summarized and the future development trend of MNs is also prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It's challenging work to identify disease-causing genes from the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data of patients with Mendelian disorders. To improve this situation, researchers have developed many phenotype-driven gene prioritization methods using a patient's genotype and phenotype information, or phenotype information only as input to rank the candidate's pathogenic genes. Evaluations of these ranking methods provide practitioners with convenience for choosing an appropriate tool for their workflows, but retrospective benchmarks are underpowered to provide statistically significant results in their attempt to differentiate. In this research, the performance of ten recognized causal-gene prioritization methods was benchmarked using 305 cases from the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) project and 209 in-house cases via a relatively unbiased methodology. The evaluation results show that methods using Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms and Variant Call Format (VCF) files as input achieved better overall performance than those using phenotypic data alone. Besides, LIRICAL and AMELIE, two of the best methods in our benchmark experiments, complement each other in cases with the causal genes ranked highly, suggesting a possible integrative approach to further enhance the diagnostic efficiency. Our benchmarking provides valuable reference information to the computer-assisted rapid diagnosis in Mendelian diseases and sheds some light on the potential direction of future improvement on disease-causing gene prioritization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin is susceptible to varying degrees of injury from external forces, heat, disease, and chemical corrosion. Wound dressings using tissue engineering principles can accelerate skin tissue repair, relieve patient pain, and reduce the formation of scars. In this study, the self-adhesive and self-healing hydrogel dressings based on quaternary ammonium chitosan (QCS), β-cyclodextrin-modified silk fibroin (CD-SF), and adamantane-modified silk fibroin (AD-SF), that was designed. The formed hydrogels not only based on the host-guest interactions between CD-SF as host polymer and AD-SF as guest polymer, also the hydrogen-bonding assembly from QCS was combined. The successful synthesis of QCS, CD-SF, and AD-SF was established using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The obtained QCS/CD-SF/AD-SF (QCA) hydrogels displayed self-adhesive, self-healing, and mechanical properties. The hydrogels exhibited antibacterial performance, combating typical Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Further, CCK-8 assay by incubating hydrogels with NIH-3T3 cells and optical microscope inspection of cell morphology indicates the excellent cytocompatibility of the hydrogels. The designed QCA hydrogel with antibacterial properties and biocompatibility have great potential as wound dressings for wound healing treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of temperature- and pH-responsive polyurethanes based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) were synthesized by a coupling reaction with bis-1,4-(hydroxyethyl) piperazine (HEP), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and N-butyldiethanolamine (BDEA), respectively. The chemical structure, molecular weight, thermal property and crystallization properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The resulting polyurethanes were then used to prepare nanoparticles either by direct dispersion method or dialysis method. Their pH and temperature responsibilities were evaluated by optical transmittance and size measurement in aqueous media. Interestingly, HDI-based and MDI-based polyurethanes exhibited different pH and temperature responsive properties. Nanoparticles based on HDI-HEP and HDI-MDEA were temperature-responsive, while MDI-based biomaterials were not. All of them showed pH-sensitive behavior. The possible responsive mechanism was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of the polyurethanes was evaluated using methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) assay in vitro. It was shown that the HDI-based polyurethanes were non-toxic, and could be applied to doxorubicin (DOX) encapsulation. The experimental results indicated that DOX could be efficiently encapsulated into polyurethane nanoparticles and uptaken by Huh-7 cells. The loaded DOX molecules could be released from the drug-loaded polyurethane nanoparticles upon pH and temperature changes, responsively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the role of the protein kinase MEK1/2 in the regulation of ascorbate and glutathione content by jasmonic acid in Agropyron cristatum leaves. The results showed that JA induced increases in the transcript levels and activities of APX, GR, MDHAR, DHAR, GalLDH and γ-ECS, the contents of AsA, GSH, total ascorbate and total glutathione, and the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG, and reduced the EGSSG/2GSH. The increases, except for the transcript level and activity of γ-ECS and the reduction in EGSSG/2GSH, were all suppressed by pre-treatment with the MEK1/2 inhibitors PD98059 and U0126. The results of western blot analyses showed that JA induced increases in the phosphorylation level of MEK1/2. Our results suggest that JA could induce the activation of MEK1/2 by increasing the phosphorylation level, which, in turn, resulted in the up-regulation of ascorbate and glutathione content in A. cristatum leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Berberine (Ber) is a herbal alkaloid with pharmacological activity in general and a high anticancer potency in particular. However, due to its low bioavailability, the difficulty in reaching a target and choosing the right dose, there is a need to improve approaches of Ber use in anticancer therapy. In this study, Ber, noncovalently bound to a carbon nanostructure C60 fullerene (C60) at various molar ratios of the components, was explored against Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Methods: C60–Ber noncovalent nanocomplexes were synthesized in 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios. Ber release from the nanocomplexes was studied after prolonged incubation at different pH with the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of free Ber content. Biological effects of the free and C60-complaxated Ber were studied in vitro towards LLC cells with phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, MTT reduction, caspase activity and wound closure assays. The treatment with C60–Ber nanocomplex was evaluated in vivo with the LLC-tumored C57Bl mice. The mice body weight, tumor size, tumor weight and tumor weight index were assessed for four groups, treated with saline, 15 mg C60/kg, 7.5 mg Ber/kg or 2:1 C60-Ber nanocomplex (15 mg C60/kg, 7.5 mg Ber/kg). Results: Ber release from C60–Ber nanocomplexes was promoted with medium acidification. LLC cells treatment with C60–Ber nanocomplexes was followed by enhanced Ber intracellular uptake as compared to free Ber. The cytotoxicity of the studied agents followed the order: free Ber < 1:2 < 1:1 < 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex. The potency of cytotoxic effect of 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex was confirmed by 21.3-fold decrease of IC50 value (0.8 ± 0.3 µM) compared to IC50 for free Ber (17 ± 2 µM). C60–Ber nanocomplexes induced caspase 3/7 activation and suppressed the migration activity of LLC cells. The therapeutic potency of 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex was confirmed in a mouse model of LLC. The tumor growth in the group treated with 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex is suppressed by approximately 50% at the end of experiment, while in the tumor-bearing group treated with free Ber no therapeutic effect was detected. Conclusions: This study indicates that complexation of natural alkaloid Ber with C60 may be a novel therapeutic strategy against lung carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the rapidly separable microneedles (MNs) consisted of needle-tips and supporting bases have been fabricated by a step-by-step coating method. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have been used to prepare the needle-tips of MNs in which they are capped on the solvable supporting bases consisted of sodium bicarbonate, poly (vinyl pyrolidone) (PVP), and tartaric acid (TA) (NaHCO 3 /PVP/TA). After insertion into the skin, the needle-tips can be separated rapidly from the patches within 90 s due to the generation of air bubbles in the supporting bases by the reaction between NaHCO 3 and TA after absorption of tissue fluid, leading to the needle-tips remaining in the skin tissue. Metformin, a hypoglycemic drug, encapsulated in the needle-tips of MNs can be released due to swelling and decomposition of PVA by the absorption of tissue fluid. To investigate the pharmacological effect via transdermal delivery route, metformin-loaded MNs are applied on the diabetic SD rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ). They exhibit a longer hypoglycemic effect in vivo than that of subcutaneous injection. These results indicated the as-fabricated rapidly separable MNs present a promising platform for transdermal delivery of drugs against diabetic patients. [Display omitted] • Rapidly separable microneedles (MNs) have been fabricated by a step-by-step coating method. • Metformin has been encapsulated in the needle-tips of MNs. • The as-fabricated MNs exhibit a longer hypoglycemic effect on the diabetic SD rat. • This work provided a remarkable hypoglycemic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ABCC8 variants cause neonatal diabetes, maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia because of activating or inactivating variants. In this study we used targeted exon sequencing to investigate genetic variants of ABCC8 and phenotypic features in Chinese patients with early onset diabetes (EOD). Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 543 Chinese patients with EOD was recruited and the exons of them were conducted targeted sequencing. The pathogenicity of ABCC8 variants was defined according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guideline. The phenotypes of patients owing to ABCC8 variants (ABCC8‐MODY) were characterized. Results: Among the 543 participants, eight (1.5%) patients with ABCC8‐MODY were identified. They harbored eight missense ABCC8 variants (p.R306C, p.E1326K, and p.R1379H, previously reported; p.R298C, p.F1176C, p.R1221W, p.K1358R, and p.I1404V) classified as likely pathogenic. Two family members with ABCC8‐MODY were also confirmed. The average diagnosed age of the 10 patients was 26.8 ± 12.9 years. The majority of them had unsatisfactory glucose control, 80% of them had diabetic kidney disease, and neurological features were not observed. Conclusion: Using targeted exon sequencing followed by pathogenicity analysis, we could be able to make genetic diagnoses for eight (1.5%) patients with ABCC8‐MODY. The phenotype was variable with higher risk of diabetic microvascular complications. Genetic diagnosis is conducive for facilitating the personalized treatment of ABCC8‐MODY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing advanced electrode materials for sodium storage is hindered by the sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and terrible structure damage. Pseudocapacitance is believed as a promising solution to supply fast, large and stable sodium storage via surface-controlled behavior. Herein, a hybrid material approach is implemented to pursue pseudocapacitance contributed sodium storage by constructing nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets packed SnP 2 O 7 particles. The rationally selected components and specific structure also provide advantages for electrolyte penetration and Na+ diffusion, fast charge transfer, and structure stability. Hence, the developed composite delivers anode performances for sodium storage with high capacity of 423 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, good rate performance of 206 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and stable cyclic property (retention rate of ∼95% after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1). Pseudocapacitance contribution is vital for the composite electrode, especially at high rate, dedicating a percentage as high as 89% to the total capacity at a sweep rate of 1 mV s−1. This work demonstrates the promising potential of compositing graphene and conversion reaction material as pseudocapacitive electrode for sodium ion batteries. • N-doped graphene wrapped SnP 2 O 7 particles is prepared as SIBs anode. • Composition and structure characteristics benefit sodium storage. • Pseudocapacitive dominated sodium storage is acquired. • Large/fast sodium storage with excellent stability is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upconverted ultraviolet luminescence technology is attracting extensive interest lately due to its potential applications. To date, visible-to-ultraviolet upconversion has been achieved in Pr3+, Gd3+, Er3+, Ho3+ or Tm3+-activated phosphors. We herein report an upconverted ultraviolet emission of Bi3+ in a co-doped phosphor, YBO 3 :Pr3+,Bi3+, utilizing a 447 nm laser for excitation. Through spectroscopic investigations, we have determined that the blue laser excites the Pr3+ 4f5d state, followed by an energy transfer to the excited state of the Bi3+ ion in the phosphor. Consequently, the upconverted emission spectra do not show the Pr3+ (4f5d→4f2) emission, but rather the ultraviolet emission is completely dominated by the Bi3+ (3P 1 →1S 0) emission. Taking advantage of the ultraviolet emission performance and blue light excitability of the phosphor, we have successfully built and demonstrated a prototype upconverting ultraviolet light source based on phosphor conversion. The introduction of Bi3+-activated upconversion luminescence enriches the bank of upconverting ultraviolet phosphors and provides a novel upconversion strategy for achieving Bi3+-activated ultraviolet light source. • Achievement of visible-to-ultraviolet upconverted emission from Bi3+ ion. • Energy transfer mechanism from Pr3+ to Bi3+ in YBO 3 :Pr3+,Bi3+. • Development of a prototype upconverting ultraviolet light source based on phosphor conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing novel catalysts with high efficiency and low cost for electrochemical hydrogen production is of great significance for sustainable energy applications. Herein, we present the exploratory research on nickel foam supported heterostructures of NiCo hydrogen carbonate (Ni 0.6 Co 0.4 (HCO 3) 2) with Pt nanoparticles on the surface for alkaline water hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The heterogeneous engineering ensures effective synergism of moderate hydrogen adsorption energy, accelerated catalysis kinetics, improved active sites, and enhanced charge transfer, thus inducing excellent HER activity (56 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for geometric area and 15 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for electrochemical surface area) and stable durability. Notably, the mass activity of Pt in Pt–Ni 0.6 Co 0.4 (HCO 3) 2 is even higher than that of Pt/C. This study provides new insights into developing high-efficiency catalysts for hydrogen electrocatalysis, which also demonstrates that hydrogen carbonates are promising alternatives for electrochemical water splitting in addition to the widely focused transition metal hydroxides and oxides. • Ni 0.6 Co 0.4 (HCO 3) 2 is firstly hybridized with Pt for improved HER. • The electronic interaction moderates the hydrogen adsorption energy on Pt. • The intrinsic HER activity is activated. • Improved active sites density and enhanced charge transfer are acquired. • The mass activity of Pt in composite catalyst is higher than that of Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heterostructure of Ru 2 P particles decorated Ni 2 P nanosheets is prepared. • Synergism induces accelerated kinetics and intrinsic activity. • Improved active sites density and enhanced charge transfer are obtained. • Showing robust activity and stability for HER in wide pH range. Lacking efficient and pH-universal catalysts is currently the main obstacle for the large-scale production of hydrogen through electrochemical water splitting. The hetero material of Ru 2 P nanoparticles and Ni 2 P nanosheets is constructed on carbon fiber cloth as pH-tolerant catalyst for hydrogen generation. The designed heterointerface provides synergism and structure advantages for improved intrinsic catalysis activity, more accessible active sites, and enhanced charge transfer for hydrogen evolution. The electrochemical measurements demonstrate the active hydrogen production properties, such as low overpotentials (46 mV, 47 mV, and 51 mV in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , 1 M KOH, and 1 M phosphate-buffered saline, respectively) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, as well as rapid catalysis kinetics with small Tafel slopes and good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Single devices and 2-D arrays of bottom-emitting vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers operating in the 980nm wavelength regime, have been fabricated for high continuous-wave optical output power. Single devices with active diameters of 500μm show high output powers of 1.95 W at room temperature. Its threshold current is 510mA, and the maximum spatially averaged optical power density is 0.93kW/cm2. Arrays consisting of 16 elements of 200μm active diameters arranged in a square structure achieve output powers of 1.21 W corresponding to a power density of 1kW/cm2 spatially averaged over the effective array chip size. The device threshold current is 1.1A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cordyceps cicadae (Mig.) Massee is one of the oldest and well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its uses recorded as far back as the 5th century A.D. For centuries, C. cicadae has been used as food, tonic and folk medicine to treat malaria, palpitations, cancer, fever, diabetes, eye diseases, dizziness, and chronic kidney diseases. Although C. cicadae has been used as TCM for over 1600 years, it is not the most popular amongst the Cordyceps family. Cordyceps Sinensis (C. sinensis) and Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) are the most studied and widely used, with a number of commercially available products derived from these two Cordyceps species. This review seeks to look at the research that has been conducted on C. cicadae over the past 30 years, reporting on the biological activities, development and utilization. This information was compared to that focused on C. sinensis and C. militaris. A literature search was conducted on different scientific search engines including, but not limited to "Web of Science", "ScienceDirect" and "Google Scholar" to identify published data on C. cicadae, I. cicadae, P. cicadae, C. sinensis and C. militaris. Research conducted on C. cicadae over the past two decades have shown that it poses similar biological properties and chemical composition as C. sinensis and C. militaris. C. cicadae has been reported to grow in many geographic locations, as compared to C. sinensis , and can be artificially cultivated via different methods. There exists sufficient evidence that C. cicadae has medicinal benefits and contain bioactive compounds similar to those found on C. sinensis and C. militaris. However, more research and standardization methods are still needed to directly compare C. cicadae with C. sinensis and C. militaris , in order to ascertain the suitability of C. cicadae as an alternative source of Cordyceps products. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of blood pressure (BP) goals on cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients.Material and Methods: Primary hypertensive patients were retrospectively enrolled from outpatient clinics. The demographics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were collected. All participants were followed for 1 year. Cardiovascular outcomes included composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack. Adverse event was defined as falling down and GFR decrease at follow-up.Results: A total of 1226 patients were included. Based on therapeutic BP goals, participants were divided into low (< 130/80 mm Hg) and high (< 140/90 mm Hg) therapeutic goal groups and an uncontrolled hypertension (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) group. Compared to the low therapeutic goal group, patients in the uncontrolled group were older and more likely to be smokers, have longer duration of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lower GFR and higher prevalent ischemic stroke (p < 0.05). Patients in the uncontrolled hypertension group had higher incidence of composite endpoints than low and high therapeutic goal groups. Two cases of falling down were observed in the low therapeutic goal group and no significant changes in GFR were observed. With adjustment for confounding factors, the uncontrolled hypertension group had higher risk of composite endpoints compared to low and high therapeutic goal groups, and these benefits were more prominent in the low versus high therapeutic goal group.Conclusions: In hypertension patients, when compared to uncontrolled hypertension patients, low therapeutic BP goal is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes than high therapeutic BP goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering 3D dual-functional electrodes with non-noble metals toward efficient overall water electrolysis is significantly important but challenging for the renewable chemical fuels. Here, vanadium doped Ni 3 S 2 nanosheets array decorated on carbon fiber cloth (V-Ni 3 S 2 /CC) is successfully constructed as 3D dual-functional electrodes for efficient overall water splitting. The specific nanosheet array electrode provides structural benefits of high contact area, abundant accessible catalytic sites, shortened and accelerated charge transfer, and improved electrolyte penetration. Moreover, the vanadium dopants have a positive effect on the catalysis process, contributing to the improved intrinsic activity and accelerated catalysis reaction kinetics of Ni 3 S 2 catalyst. Reasonably, the developed V-Ni 3 S 2 /CC electrodes exhibit robust water splitting performances, with small overpotential of 180 mV for oxygen evolution reaction and 81 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction at 10 mA cm−2. In a V-Ni 3 S 2 /CC dual-electrodes constructed electrolyzer system, an ultralow cell potential of 1.49 V is achieved for a stable catalytic current of 10 mA cm−2, outperforming most of the reported non-noble metals based dual-functional electrocatalysts. Unlabelled Image • Vanadium doped Ni 3 S 2 nanosheet array for overall water splitting. • Nanosheet array supplies structure benefits for improved electrocatalysis. • V dopants improve both intrinsic activity and reaction kinetics. • Excellent HER, OER, and overall water splitting activities are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating heterogeneous hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts into compatible composite catalysts with specific interfaces and structures holds great promise for the development of efficient bifunctional catalysts for overall water splitting. Herein, heterogeneous MoS 2 -Ni(OH) 2 catalyst supported by Ni foam (MoS 2 @Ni(OH) 2 /NF) is developed, in which the Ni(OH) 2 nanorod array is grafted with MoS 2 nanosheets. The hierarchical 1D/2D structures benefit not only the exposure of catalytic site but also the facilitated charge transfer. The heterointerfaces allow the synergism of electric structure modulation for improved catalytic activity and kinetics towards HER, OER, and overall water splitting. MoS 2 @Ni(OH) 2 /NF achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 134 and 233 mV for HER and OER in 1 M KOH, respectively. Moreover, a cell voltage as low as 1.46 V is obtained to afford 10 mA cm−2 in a tow-electrode electrolyzer using MoS 2 @Ni(OH) 2 /NF as bifunctional catalysts, assuring it superior to most of the reported noble-metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysts. Such heterogeneous design of composite catalyst should shed light on the exploration of functional materials for energy applications. Image 1 • MoS 2 @Ni(OH) 2 /NF is developed as bifunctional catalyst for water splitting. • MoS 2 nanosheets are decorated on Ni(OH) 2 nanorod array. • Specific structure improves charge transfer and active sites. • Synergism facilitates reaction kinetics and activity. • Superior HER, OER, and overall water splitting activities are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous tumors in pet dogs represent a valuable but undercharacterized cancer model. To better use this resource, we performed an initial global comparison between proliferative and invasive colorectal tumors from 20 canine cases, and evaluated their molecular homology to human colorectal cancer (CRC). First, proliferative canine tumors harbor overactivated WNT/β-catenin pathways and recurrent CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutations S45F/P, D32Y and G34E. Invasive canine tumors harbor prominent fibroblast proliferation and overactivated stroma. Both groups have recurrent TP53 mutations. We observed three invasion patterns in canine tumors: collective, crypt-like and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). We detected enriched Helicobacter bilis and Alistipes finegoldii in proliferative and crypt-like tumors, but depleted mucosa-microbes in the EMT tumor. Second, guided by our canine findings, we classified 79% of 478 human colon cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas into four subtypes: primarily proliferative, or with collective, crypt-like or EMT invasion features. Their molecular characteristics match those of canine tumors. We showed that consensus molecular subtype 4 (mesenchymal) of human CRC should be further divided into EMT and crypt-like subtypes, which differ in TGF-β activation and mucosa-microbe content. Our canine tumors share the same pathogenic pathway as human CRCs. Dog-human integration identifies three CRC invasion patterns and improves CRC subtyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of noble-metal-free catalysts towards highly efficient electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical but challenging in the renewable energy area. Herein, we firstly embed NiFe LDHs quantum dots (QDs) into expanded graphite (NiFe LDHs/EG) via in-situ confined formation process. The interlayer spacing of EG layers acts as nanoreactors for spatially confined formation of NiFe LDHs QDs. The QDs supply huge catalytic sites for OER. The in-situ decoration endows the strong affinity between QDs with EG, thus inducing fast charge transfer. Based on the aforementioned benefits, the designed catalyst exhibits outstanding OER properties, in terms of small overpotential (220 mV required to generate 10 mA cm −2 ), low Tafel slope, and good durable stability, making it a promising candidate for inexpensive OER catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One major shortcoming of biopolymeric based wound dressing so far is the lack of an integrated multi-functional system that could provide suitable mechanical strength, fast self-healing, transparency, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Benefiting from the dynamic and rapid reaction between glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride-graft- chitosan (QCS) and aldehyde-dextran (ODex) under physiological conditions, we designed hydrogels (QCS-ODex) with fast in situ gel-forming (< 70 s), porous structure (300–350 μm), stable storage modulus and the loss modulus, suitable swelling capacity (2.465 folds of chitosan), tissue adhesion, transmission property, free radical scavenging capacity, good self-healing behavior, and injectability, inherent antibacterial (against E. coli and S. aureus) and biocompatibility. Furthermore, Baicalein could be in situ encapsulated into QCS-ODex hydrogels, and the release behavior of Baicalein could be regulated by adjusting the ratio of QCS and ODex. The Baicalein-loaded QCS-ODex hydrogel further facilitated free radical scavenging and antibacterial bioactivities due to the cooperative therapeutic effects between QCS-ODex and Baicalein. This study may provide new insights into designing multi-functional QCS-ODex hydrogels with multiple therapeutic effects as a wound dressing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts were prepared via two and one-step through a facile ion-exchange route. The photocatalysts were then characterized through powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated on the basis of the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) under solar irradiation. The MO degradation rate of the Photocatalyst synthesized by the two-step ion-exchange route was 89.18% in 60 min. This value was four times that of the Photocatalyst synthesized by the one-step approach.The MB degradation rate was 97% in 40 min. After six cycling runs were completed, the MO degradation rate was 73% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Front Cover b : Transdermal drug delivery based on microneedles (MNs) technology offers a safer and painless alternative to hypodermic needle injection. The potential applications of polymer MNs for cancer, vaccines diabetes, obesity, myocardial infarction (MI), and gout are demonstrated. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, a novel nanoscale iron oxide (FeO x) modified carbon nanotubes composite (FeO x @CNTs) was synthesized through a combined ball milling–hydrothermal two-step method and tested for aqueous Sb(III) removal efficiency and mechanisms. FeO x nanoparticles was successfully loaded on the surface of CNTs through functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH), C–H, and C–O to enhance the removal efficiency of Sb(III) through adsorption and surface complexation. At a dosage of 0.02 g, a FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O-to-CNTs mass ratio of 3:1, and an initial solution pH of 6.3, the amount of Sb(III) removed by the prepared FeO x @CNTs reached 172 mg/g, which was 42.9 times higher than that of the pristine CNTs (4.01 mg/g). Chemical adsorption and oxidation were the main removal mechanisms. At the equilibrium Sb(III) concentration of 6.08 mg/L, 6.56% of initial Sb(III) was adsorbed onto the surface of FeO x @CNTs, and 81.3% of initial Sb(III) was oxidized to Sb(V) with lower toxicity. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model could better describe the adsorption of Sb(III) onto the FeO x @CNTs composite, indicating that adsorption was mainly controlled by chemical sorption. In the adsorption isotherm equation, the Redlich–Peterson model provided a better fit of Sb(III) adsorption onto the FeO x @CNTs composite than the Langmuir and Freundlich models, which further indicated that the adsorption process was a hybrid removal process dominated by chemical sorption. The presence of CO 3 2− slightly promoted the removal of Sb(III) from aqueous solution. The synthesized composite was magnetic and could be easily separated from the solution by an external magnetic field at the end of the sorption experiment. Based on these findings, the FeO x @CNTs nanocomposite is expected to provide an environmentally-friendly adsorbent with a strong sorption capacity for remediating Sb(III) in water environments. [Display omitted] • FeO x @CNTs was synthesized by a combined ball milling–hydrothermal two-step method. • Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were soldered onto the surface of CNTs through –OH, C–H, and C–O. • FeO x @CNTs showed enhanced Sb(III) removal capacity than that of CNTs (172 vs. 4.01 mg/g). • Chemical adsorption and oxidation were the main removal mechanisms. • 81.3% of initial Sb(III) was oxidized to Sb(V) with lower toxicity by the FeO x @CNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]