Fabricating Remote-Controllable Dynamic Ionomer/CNT Networks via Cation-π Interaction for Multi-Responsive Shape Memory and Self-Healing Capacities.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) with remotely controllable triggering capabilities are crucial for actuating applications in biomedical and aeronautic devices. This work presents a novel ionomer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite network with exceptional remotely controllable shape memory effects (SMEs) and self-healing capabilities. By integrating quaternary ammonium (QA) units covalently bonded to crystalline polycaprolactone (PCL) segments through a chain extension reaction, we not only enabled the formation of ion clusters that act as netpoints in PCLQA ionomers to achieve superior SMEs, but also facilitated the generation of cation-π interactions when the multiresponsive CNTs were incorporated into the PCLQA ionomer matrix.

Fabrication of high-strength and tough PLA/PBAT composites via in-situ copolymer formation using an adaptable epoxy extender.

Developing biodegradable polymers with superior mechanical performance offers a sustainable solution to address the severe environmental challenges posed by conventional plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), two prominent biodegradable plastics, exhibit complementary mechanical properties. However, their inherent incompatibility and significant viscosity mismatch cause significant challenges for effective blending via the conventional methods.

Iontophoresis-Integrated Smart Microneedle Delivery Platform for Efficient Transdermal Delivery and On-Demand Insulin Release.

Transdermal insulin delivery in a painless, convenient, and on-demand way remains a long-standing challenge. A variety of smart microneedles (MNs) fabricated by glucose-responsive phenylboronic acid hydrogels have been previously developed to provide painless and autonomous insulin release in response to a glucose level change. However, like the majority of MNs, their transdermal delivery efficiency was still relatively low compared to that with subcutaneous injection.

pH and glucose dual-responsive phenylboronic acid hydrogels for smart insulin delivery.

Phenylboronic acid (PBA) is a widely exploited glucose-sensitive element for constructing glucose-responsive hydrogels to enable smart insulin delivery. However, its relatively high intrinsic p affects its binding with glucose under physiological conditions and thus limits its application. Herein, we developed a series of boronate-containing PLP-PBA polymers by conjugating glucose-sensitive 3-aminophenylboronic acid (3-PBA) onto the backbone of a metabolite-derived, pH-responsive poly-L-lysine isophthalamide (PLP) polymer with a p value of 4.

Fabricating High Strength Bio-Based Dynamic Networks from Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Poly(Butylene Adipate--Terephthalate).

Amid the rapid development of modern society, the widespread use of plastic products has led to significant environmental issues, including the accumulation of non-degradable waste and extensive consumption of non-renewable resources. Developing healable, recyclable, bio-based materials from abundant renewable resources using diverse dynamic interactions attracts increasing global attention. However, achieving a good balance between the self-healing capacity and mechanical performance, such as strength and toughness, remains challenging.

Ultrasonication-Boosted Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Resin Nanoparticle Bromine Fixation and Corresponding Upgraded Aquatic Applications.

Bromine (Br) and related species removal from water systems are rather complicated due to the complicated chemistry instability, and materials with high Br removal rate and efficiency, along with stimuli/apparatus suitable for highly corrosive environments, are necessary. Ultrasonication as a non-destructive process is especially suitable in scenarios where conventional stir apparatus is not applicable, such as highly corrosive environments. Considering the validity nature of Br and combining the advantages of ultrasonic with a highly stable Br fixation method through aromatic polymer nanoparticles, we demonstrate highly efficient acoustic-aided Br removal in aqueous solutions with two times capacity compared to the non-treated sample.

Chaotropic Ions Mediated Polymer Gelation for Thermal Management.

Energy and environmental issues have increasingly garnered significant attention for sustainable development. Flexible and shape-stable phase change materials display great potential in regulation of environmental temperature for energy saving and human comfort. Here, inspired by the water absorption behavior of salt-tolerant animals and plants in salinity environment and the Hofmeister theory, highly stable phase change salogels (PCSGs) are fabricated through in situ polymerization of hydrophilic monomers in molten salt hydrates, which can serve multiple functions including thermal management patches, smart windows, and ice blocking coatings.

A Comprehensive Research Review of Herbal Textual Research, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Traditional Uses, Clinical Application, Safety Evaluation, and Quality Control of Bunge.

Bunge (TCB) is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family with medicinal and edible values. It is widely distributed and commonly used in various regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America. The main chemical components of TCB include alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and volatile oil compounds.

Simultaneously Regulating Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior and Wettability of Magnesium-Neodymium Alloy by Self-Layered Chemical Conversion Coating.

Rapid corrosion in aqueous solutions of magnesium alloys is one of the major obstacles to their wide application, and coating plays a crucial role in their corrosion protection. Recently, protection- and function-integrated coatings have attracted much attention in the research field of magnesium alloys. In this work, a simple chemical conversion process is proposed to fabricate a composite coating on a magnesium-neodymium alloy through immersion in an aqueous solution made of Ca(OH) and NaHCO.

Engineering Biodegradable Polyurethanes with Precisely Controlled Hierarchical Structures to Access Shape Memory Effect and Enhanced Bioactivities.

Biodegradable polymers with shape memory effects (SMEs) offer promising solutions for short-term medical interventions, facilitating minimally invasive procedures and subsequent degradation without requiring secondary surgeries. However, achieving a good balance among desirable SMEs, mechanical performance, degradation rate, and bioactivities remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, we established a strategy to develop a versatile biodegradable polyurethane (PPDO-PLC) with tunable hierarchical structures via precise chain segment control.

27-Hydroxycholesterol induces liver fibrosis via down-regulation of trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 by activating oxidative stress; effect of nutrient interventions.

Background: Chronic liver injury caused by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in the development of liver fibrosis (LF). A high-cholesterol diet can prompt accumulation of free cholesterol in HSCs, which promotes HSC activation and progression of LF.

Objective: 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27HC) is the most abundant cholesterol metabolite.

4D Printing of Biocompatible Scaffolds via Photo-crosslinking from Shape Memory Copolyesters.

The complexity of surgical treatments for large-area soft tissue injuries makes placing large implants into injury sites challenging. Aliphatic polyesters are often used for scaffold preparation in tissue engineering owing to their excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. Scaffolds with shape-memory effect (SME) can also avoid large-volume trauma during the implantation.

Shape Memory Polyester Scaffold Promotes Bone Defect Repair through Enhanced Osteogenic Ability and Mechanical Stability.

Bone tissue engineering involving scaffolds is recognized as the ideal approach for bone defect repair. However, scaffold materials exhibit several limitations, such as low bioactivity, less osseointegration, and poor processability, for developing bone tissue engineering. Herein, a bioactive and shape memory bone scaffold was fabricated using the biodegradable polyester copolymer's four-dimensional fused deposition modeling.

Regulating cathode surface hydroxyl chemistry enables superior potassium storage.

Potassium vanadium fluorophosphate (KVPOF) is regarded as a promising cathode candidate for potassium-ion batteries due to its high working voltage and satisfactory theoretical capacity. However, the usage of electrochemically inactive binders and redundant current collectors typically results in inferior electrochemical performance and low energy density, thus implying the important role of rational electrode structure design. Herein, we have reported a scalable and cost-effective synthesis of a cellulose-derived KVPOF self-supporting electrode, which features a special surface hydroxyl chemistry, three-dimensional porous and conductive framework, as well as super flexible and stable architecture.

Perovskite Films Regulation via Hydrogen-Bonded Polymer Network for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency and low cost. However, their long-term stability, mechanical durability, and environmental risks are still unable to meet practical needs. To overcome these issues, we designed a multifunctional elastomer with abundant hydrogen bonds and carbonyl groups.

Fabricating Freestanding, Broadband Reflective Cholesteric Liquid-Crystal Networks via Topological Tailoring of the Sm-Ch Phase Transition.

Numerous biological systems in nature provide much inspiration for humanity to master diverse coloration strategies for creating stimuli-responsive materials and display devices, such as to access gorgeous structural colors from well-defined photonic structures. Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are a fascinating genre of photonic materials displaying iridescent colors responsive to circumstance changes; however, it is still a big challenge to design materials with broadband color variation as well as good flexibility and freestanding capacity. Herein, we report a feasible and flexible strategy to fabricate cholesteric liquid-crystal networks (CLCNs) with precise colors across the entire visible spectrum through molecular structure tailoring and topology engineering and demonstrate their application as smart displays and rewritable photonic paper.

Tandem Efficient Bromine Removal and Silver Recovery by Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Resin Nanoparticles.

Halogen wastewater greatly threatens the health of human beings and aquatic organisms due to its severe toxicity, corrosiveness, and volatility. Efficient bromine removal is therefore urgently required, while existing Br-capture materials often face challenges from limited water stability and possible halogen leaking. We report a facile and efficient aqueous Br removal method using submicron resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resin nanoparticles (NPs).

Analysis of the relationship between oipA, babA2, babB genotypes and helicobacter pylori-related gastric precancerous lesions.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of helicobacter pylori-related genotypes of oipA, babA2, and babB in patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Jiamusi College, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China, and comprised data from February 2017 to May 2020 of patients of either gender 20-80 years who underwent gastroscopy. An instrument based on polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify oipA, babA2 and babB genes, and their distribution in terms of gender, age and pathological types was analysed.

Enantioseparation in Hierarchically Porous Assemblies of Homochiral Cages.

Efficient enantioselective separation using porous materials requires tailored and diverse pore environments to interact with chiral substrates; yet, current cage materials usually feature uniform pores. Herein, we report two porous assemblies, and , using isostructural octahedral cages with intrinsic microporous cavities of 1.5 nm.

Knockdown of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) inhibits fibrosis and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury rat model by attenuating NF-κB/p65 pathway activation.

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common inflammatory disease of the lung. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) interference on the levels of fibrosis and proinflammatory factors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and discuss the relevant mechanism.

Methods: An ALI model was established by intravenous injection of LPS treatment.

Homochiral Dodecanuclear Lanthanide "Cage in Cage" for Enantioselective Separation.

It is extremely difficult to anticipate the structure and the stereochemistry of a complex, particularly when the ligand is flexible and the metal node adopts diverse coordination numbers. When trivalent lanthanides (Ln) and enantiopure amino acid ligands are utilized as building blocks, self-assembly sometimes yields rare chiral polynuclear structures. In this study, an enantiopure carboxyl-functionalized amino acid-based ligand with symmetry reacts with lanthanum cations to give a homochiral porous coordination cage, (Δ/Λ)-.

Resveratrol Alleviates 27-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Senescence in Nerve Cells and Affects Zebrafish Locomotor Behavior via Activation of SIRT1-Mediated STAT3 Signaling.

The oxysterol 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) is the first identified endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which like endogenous estrogen 17-estradiol (E) induces the proliferation of estrogen receptor- (ER-) positive breast cancer cells . However, 27HC differs from E in that it shows adverse effects in the nervous system. Our previous study confirmed that 27HC could induce neural senescence by activating phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription, which E could not.

A novel 2D/3D hierarchical registration framework via principal-directional Fourier transform operator.

An effective registration framework between preoperative 3D computed tomography and intraoperative 2D x-ray images is crucial in image-guided therapy. In this paper, a novel 2D/3D hierarchical registration framework via principal-directional Fourier transform operator (HRF-PDFTO) is proposed. First, a PDFTO was established to obtain the in-plane translation and rotation invariance.

The 14-3-3η/GSK-3β/β-catenin complex regulates EndMT induced by 27-hydroxycholesterol in HUVECs and promotes the migration of breast cancer cells.

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the transformation of endothelial cell morphology to mesenchymal cell morphology, accompanied by decline of endothelial function and enhancement of mesenchymal function, which promotes tumor progression and tumor cell invasion and metastasis. 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) is a cholesterol metabolite, which has a high content in human blood. 27-HC promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.