Ultrasound-Controllable Release of Carbon Monoxide in Multifunctional Polymer Coating for Synergetic Treatment of Catheter-Related Infections.

Medical catheters are susceptible to biological contamination and pathogen invasion, leading to infection and inflammatory complications. The development of antimicrobial coatings for medical devices has emerged as a promising strategy. However, limited biological functionality and the incompatibility between bactericidal properties and biosafety remain great challenges.

The fully bio-based bilayered flame retardant treatment for paper via natural bio-materials.

In this paper, we report a novel method for enhancing the flame retardancy of wood-based paper by utilizing natural biomaterials. The research constructed a bilayered structure coating on paper fiber surfaces, incorporating mixed starch (MS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and phytic acid (PA) as natural bio-based flame retardants. The structural configuration of the coating comprises MS/ATP and MS/PA, which were sequentially assembled as bottom and top parts, respectively, through pneumatic spraying.

Confining Liquid Electrolytes in a Nitrogen-Rich Nanoporous Carbon Sponge for Superior Lithium-Ion Conduction.

Solid-state Li-ion batteries are recognized as highly promising energy storage devices due to their ability to overcome issues related to the inferior cycle life and potential risks of traditional liquid Li-ion batteries. However, developing solid-state electrolytes with fast Li-ion conductivity continues to be a major challenge. In this study, we present a family of quasi-solid-state electrolytes (QSSEs) synthesized by confining liquid electrolytes within a N-rich porous carbon sponge, exhibiting superior Li-ion conduction for solid-state battery applications.

De novo synthesis of hyaluronic acid with tailored molecular weights using a new hyaluronidase SthHL.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) exhibits various biological activities and functions, mainly governed by its molecular weight (M). Traditional HA degradation methods encounter challenges such as environmental pollution and high costs. Thus, developing a safe cell factory with an efficient regulation strategy for one-step production of specific M HA has attracted significant research interest.

Enhanced toughness of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends by incorporating an ADR chain-extending agent and a bio-resourced plasticizer.

Over the past decades, emerging bioplastics have attracted much interest from the scientific and industrial communities because of public concerns about environmental problems and sustainable development. In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was toughened by ductile biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and biosourced plasticizer epoxidized linseed oil (ELO), and a chain-extending agent (CEA) was added to promote the compatibility and toughness of the bio-blends. It was shown that "in situ" grafted polymers were created in the bio-blends with the aid of CEA, greatly enhancing the compatibility and ductility of the compatibilized blends.

Defluorinative Cyclization of Enamides with Fluoroalkyl Halides Through Two Vicinal C(sp)─F Bonds Functionalization.

Introducing distinctive functional groups to expand the structural diversity and improve the intrinsic properties of parent molecules has been an essential pursuit in organic chemistry. By using perfluoroalkyl halide (PFAH) as a nontraditional, readily available, ideal 1,2-difluoroalkenyl coupling partner, a defluorinative cyclization reaction of enamides for the construction of fluoroalkenyl oxazoles is first developed. The selective and controllable two-fold cleavage of vicinal C(sp)─F bonds in PFAH not only enables the introduction of a specific 1,2-difluoroalkenyl moiety with ease but also results in the functionalization of two C(sp)─H bonds of enamides without the need for metal catalyst, photocatalyst, oxidant, or light.

Adaptive deep feature representation learning for cross-subject EEG decoding.

Background: The collection of substantial amounts of electroencephalogram (EEG) data is typically time-consuming and labor-intensive, which adversely impacts the development of decoding models with strong generalizability, particularly when the available data is limited. Utilizing sufficient EEG data from other subjects to aid in modeling the target subject presents a potential solution, commonly referred to as domain adaptation. Most current domain adaptation techniques for EEG decoding primarily focus on learning shared feature representations through domain alignment strategies.

Chirality induced spin selectivity in electron transport investigated by scanning probe microscopy.

Chirality induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect implies the relationship between chirality and magnetism, attracting extensive attention in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. Since it was first discovered with photoemission method in 1999, the CISS effect has been investigated and measured by a variety of methods. Among different means of measurements, scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as a powerful tool to explore the CISS effect, can directly measure and present the spin filtering property of chiral molecules in electron transport.

Substrate-Mediated Growth of Au Nanowires Under Weak CTAB Control and Rapid Au Deposition.

The selective Au deposition at the Au-substrate interface is known to give ultrathin Au nanowires and the synthesis usually employs strong thiol-based ligands. It is shown that, by increasing the rate of Au deposition, weak cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) can be made to behave like a strong ligand, so that it induces Active Surface Growth and gives Au nanowires. The ligand strength also depends on the packing interactions in the ligand layer, in the order of CTAB, CTAB, and CTAB.

Piperine as a molecular bridge mediates a ternary coamorphous system of polyphenols with enhanced pharmaceutical properties.

The coamorphous formulations have attracted increasing interest due to enhanced solubility and bioavailability, together with synergistic pharmacological effects. In this study, a ternary coamorphous system of polyphenols was successfully prepared, wherein baicalein (Bai) and resveratrol (Res) were constructed into a single-phase coamorphous system mediated by piperine (Pip). FTIR and ss C NMR spectra together with quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamics simulation suggested Pip as a molecular bridge connected Bai and Res molecules through π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions.

Core-shell vector-mediated co-delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system and hydrophobic drugs against triple-negative breast cancer stem cells.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), including metastasis, invasion, tumorigenicity, and drug resistance. Moreover, non-CSCs can spontaneously transform into CSCs in special tumor microenvironments, thereby leading to poor prognosis or even failed treatments. Therefore, reversing tumor stem cells into normal tumor cells in a sustained-acting manner is a promising strategy.

Neutral 4π-electron tetrasilacyclobutadiene contains unusual features of a Möbius-type aromatic ring.

The search for stable compounds containing an antiaromatic cyclic 4π system is a challenge for inventive chemists that can look back on a long history. Here we report the isolation and characterization of the novel 4π-electron tetrasilacyclobutadiene, an analogue of a 4π neutral cyclobutadiene that exhibits surprising features of a Möbius-type aromatic ring. Reduction of RSiCl (R = (Pr)PCH) with KC in the presence of cycloalkyl amino-carbene (cAAC) led to the formation of corresponding silylene 1.

Conductive polyacrylamide/pullulan/ammonium sulfate hydrogels with high toughness, low-hysteresis and tissue-like modulus as flexible strain sensors.

Conductive hydrogels have great potential for applications in flexible wearable sensors due to the combination of biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. However, constructing conductive hydrogels with high toughness, low hysteresis and skin-like modulus simultaneously remains challenging. In the present study, we prepared a tough and conductive polyacrylamide/pullulan/ammonium sulfate hydrogel with a semi-interpenetrating network.

Influence of Absorber Contents and Temperatures on the Dielectric Properties and Microwave Absorbing Performances of C@TiC/SiO Composites.

TiC provides a promising potential for high-temperature microwave absorbers due to its unique combination of thermal stability, high electrical conductivity, and robust structural integrity. C@TiC/SiO composites were successfully fabricated using a simple blending and cold-pressing method. The effects of C@TiC's absorbent content and temperature on the dielectric and microwave absorption properties of C@TiC/SiO composites were investigated.

Controllable Growth of Monolayer and Bilayer WSe by Liquid-Phase Precursor via Chemical Vapor Deposition for Photodetection.

Two-dimensional WSe nanosheets have received increasing attention due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Solid precursors, such as WO and Se powders, have been extensively employed to grow WSe nanosheets by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. However, the high melting point of WO results in heterogeneous nucleation sites and nonuniform growth of the WSe nanosheet.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Norathyriol Prolongs the Lifespan via Regulating Metabolism in .

Background: Aging and age-related diseases are closely linked to an imbalance in energy supply and demand, a condition that can potentially be mitigated through various interventions, including the use of naturally occurring molecules. Norathyriol (NL), a tetrahydroxyxanthone compound, is prevalent in mango fruit and medicinal plants. While studies have indicated that NL may influence metabolism, its effects on aging have not been extensively explored.

3D-Printed Hydrogel Scaffolds Loaded with Flavanone@ZIF-8 Nanoparticles for Promoting Bacteria-Infected Wound Healing.

Bacterial-infected skin wounds caused by trauma remain a significant challenge in modern medicine. Clinically, there is a growing demand for wound dressings with exceptional antibacterial activity and robust regenerative properties. To address the need, this study proposes a novel multifunctional dressing designed to combine efficient gas exchange, effective microbial barriers, and precise drug delivery capabilities, thereby promoting cell proliferation and accelerating wound healing.

Iron-Photocatalyzed Decarboxylative Alkylation of Carboxylic Acids with Morita-Baylis-Hillman Acetates.

We present an iron-photocatalyzed decarboxylative alkylation strategy involving carboxylic acids and Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) acetates to synthesize -type tri- and tetrasubstituted alkenes with moderate to excellent stereoselectivity (/ ratio up to >19:1). This method is applicable to a broad range of structurally diverse primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl carboxylic acids, as well as complex pharmaceutical and natural carboxylic acids, achieving efficient alkylation of various MBH acetates under mild conditions (>60 examples, with yields up to 96%). This approach offers a powerful strategy for streamlined alkylation.

Endogenetic Carbon Dot Strategy within Melamine-Formaldehyde Microspheres for Multifunctional Hybrid Fluorescence/Room-Temperature Phosphorescence Applications in Dry States and Aqueous Environments.

Developing hybrid fluorescence (FL)/room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials in dry-state, aqueous, and organic solvents holds paramount importance in broadening their applications. However, it is extremely challenging due to dissolved oxygen and solvent-assisted relaxation causing RTP quenching in an aqueous environment and great dependence on SiO-based materials. Herein, an efficient endogenetic carbon dot (CD) strategy within melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microspheres to activate RTP of CDs has been proposed through the pyrolysis of isophthalic acid (IPA) molecules and branched-chain intra-microspheres.

Loss of glomerular aldolase B in diabetic nephropathy promotes renal fibrosis via activating Akt/GSK/β-catenin axis.

Objective: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), characterized by a complex and multifaceted pathogenesis, stands as the foremost catalyst behind end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aims to analyze the level and non-metabolic role of glomerular aldolase B (ALDOB) in DN progression.

Methods: Glomerular proteomics and transcriptome are analyzed from 50 DN patients and 25 controls, respectively.

Making Accessible and Attractive Porosities in Block Copolymer Nanofibers for Highly Permeable and Durable Air Filtration.

Submicron particulate matter (PM) can penetrate deeply into human tissue, posing a serious threat to human health. However, the electrostatic charge of commercial respirators is easily dissipated, making it difficult to maintain long-term filtration. Herein, a hierarchically porous filter based on nanofibers with accessible porosity and particulate-attractive surfaces, achieving significant filtration performance is developed through polarity-driven interactions.

Automatic MRI-TRUS Fusion Technique for Transperineal Biopsy Guidance: From Preoperative Planning to Intraoperative Navigation.

Background: Targeted and systematic transperineal biopsy of lesions guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) fusion technique may optimize the biopsy procedure and enhance the detection of prostate cancer. We described the transperineal biopsy guided by an automatic MRI-TRUS fusion technique, and evaluated the accuracy and feasibility of this method in a prospective single-center study.

Methods: The proposed method focuses on automating the delineation of prostate contours in both the MRI and TRUS images, the registration and fusion of MRI and TRUS images, the generation and visualiztion of the systematic biopsy cores in their corresponding locations within the 2D and the 3D views, as well as the computation and visualiztion of needle trajectories from preoperative planning to intraoperative navigation.

Deep Learning-Driven Optimization of Antihypertensive Properties from Whey Protein Hydrolysates: A Multienzyme Approach.

This study utilized deep learning to optimize antihypertensive peptides from whey protein hydrolysate. Using the Large Language Models (LLMs), we identified an optimal multienzyme combination (MC5) with an ACE inhibition rate of 89.08% at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, significantly higher than single-enzyme hydrolysis.

Electrochemical Reductive Bimolecular Cycloaddition of 2-Arylideneindane-1,3-diones for the Synthesis of Spirocyclopentanole Indane-1,3-diones.

An electrochemical reductive bimolecular cycloaddition of 2-arylideneindane-1,3-diones has been reported for the synthesis of spirocyclopentanole indane-1,3-diones bearing five contiguous stereocenters with vicinal tetrasubstituted stereocenters, especially involving a quaternary carbon center, in moderate to good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities. The present protocol features mild reaction conditions, no external chemical redox reagents, excellent atom economy, and gram-scale synthesis. In addition, a mechanistic investigation indicates that the reactions proceed through a radical pathway.

Angstrom-Scale Defect-Free Crystalline Membrane for Sieving Small Organic Molecules.

Crystalline membranes, represented by the metal-organic framework (MOF) with well-defined angstrom-sized apertures, have shown great potential for molecular separation. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to separate small molecules with very similar molecular size differences due to angstrom-scale defects during membrane formation. Herein, a stepwise assembling strategy is reported for constructing MOF membranes with intrinsic angstrom-sized lattice aperture lattice to separate organic azeotropic mixtures separation.