bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astragaloside IV protects against iron loading‐induced abnormal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)
Authors: Jin Hui , Du Jianyang , Ren Huan , Yang Guofu , Wang Wenbo , Du Jianyang
Published: January 2021

Iron loading has been reported to be a common stress in the development of cells, and this might be related to bone loss and osteoporosis. Astragaloside IV (ASI‐IV), a pure compound derived from Radix Astragali, has been reported to exhibit cardioprotective, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antiasthmatic and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ASI‐IV could reverse iron loading‐induced inhibition of cell viability, proliferation, pluripotency and osteogenesis and promote adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) was used to stimulate iron loading conditions. ASI‐IV was observed to ameliorate the FAC‐induced reduction of cell viability, proliferation, pluripotency and osteogenesis of BMSCs. In addition, ASI‐IV could block the increased adipogenesis of BMSCs after FAC treatment. We intraperitoneally injected mice with 250 mg·kg−1 iron dextran, with or without ASI‐IV (40 mg·kg−1), for 4 weeks. ASI‐IV inhibited the iron loading‐induced bone loss of these mice. Furthermore, ASI‐IV played a protective role in iron loading‐induced abnormal differentiation of BMSCs by regulating iron homeostasis and metabolism. In summary, our study suggesteds that ASI‐IV might have potentials for development into a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of iron loading‐induced abnormal differentiation of BMSCs and osteoporosis.
Tissue xanthine oxidoreductase activity in a mouse model of aristolochic acid nephropathy
Authors: Ishii Takeo , Kumagae Tomohiro , Wakui Hiromichi , Urate Shingo , Tanaka Shohei , Abe Eriko , Suzuki Toru , Yamaji Takahiro , Kinguchi Sho , Kobayashi Ryu , Haruhara Kotaro , Nakamura Takashi , Kobayashi Shuzo , Tamura Kouichi
Published: January 2021

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a critical enzyme in purine metabolism and uric acid production, and its levels are reported to increase during stress, thereby promoting organ damage. Herein, we investigated the activity of XOR in a mouse model of aristolochic acid I (AA)‐induced nephropathy, a type of nephrotoxic chronic kidney disease (CKD). A persistent decrease in renal function was observed in mice up to 4 weeks after 4 weeks of AA (2.5 mg kg−1) administration. Renal histology revealed an increase in tubular interstitial fibrosis over time. Although AA administration did not change XOR activity in the plasma, heart, liver, or muscle, XOR activity was persistently increased in renal tissue. Our results suggest that the renal tissue‐specific increase in XOR activity is involved in the progression of tubulo‐interstitial disorders, specifically fibrosis.
Experimental evaluation of the GE NM/CT 870 CZT clinical SPECT system equipped with WEHR and MEHRS collimator
Authors: Ito Toshimune , Matsusaka Yohji , Onoguchi Masahisa , Ichikawa Hajime , Okuda Koichi , Shibutani Takayuki , Shishido Masaaki , Sato Kozo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

A high‐energy‐resolution whole‐body SPECT‐CT device (NM/CT 870 CZT; C‐SPECT) equipped with a CZT detector has been developed and is being used clinically. A MEHRS collimator has also been developed recently, with an expected improvement in imaging accuracy using medium‐energy radionuclides. The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the accuracies of the following devices: a WEHR collimator and the MEHRS collimator installed on a C‐SPECT, and a NaI scintillation detector‐equipped Anger‐type SPECT (A‐SPECT) scanner, with a LEHR and LMEGP.

Methods

A line phantom was used to measure the energy resolutions including collimator characteristics in the planar acquisition of each device using 99mTc and 123I. We also measured the system's sensitivity and high‐contrast resolution using a lead bar phantom. We evaluated SPECT spatial resolution, high‐contrast resolution, radioactivity concentration linearity, and homogeneity, using a basic performance evaluation phantom. In addition, the effect of scatter correction was evaluated by varying the sub window (SW) employed for scattering correction.

Results

The energy resolution with 99mTc was 5.6% in C‐SPECT with WEHR and 9.9% in A‐SPECT with LEHR. Using 123I, the results were 9.1% in C‐SPECT with WEHR, 5.5% in C‐SPECT with MEHRS, and 10.4% in A‐SPECT with LMEGP. The planar spatial resolution was similar under all conditions, but C‐SPECT performed better in SPECT acquisition. High‐contrast resolution was improved in C‐SPECT under planar condition and SPECT. The sensitivity and homogeneity were improved by setting the SW for scattering correction to 3% of the main peak in C‐SPECT.

Conclusion

C‐SPECT demonstrates excellent energy resolution and improved high‐contrast resolution for each radionuclide. In addition, when using 123I, careful attention should be paid to SW for scatter correction. By setting the appropriate SW, C‐SPECT with MEHRS has an excellent scattered ray removal effect, and highly homogenous imaging is possible while maintaining the high‐contrast resolution.
MRI evaluation of normal tissue deformation and breathing motion under an abdominal compression device
Authors: Lee Maureen , Simeonov Anna , Stanescu Teo , Dawson Laura A. , Brock Kristy K. , Velec Michael
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Abdominal compression can minimize breathing motion in stereotactic radiotherapy, though it may impact the positioning of dose‐limiting normal tissues. This study quantified the reproducibility of abdominal normal tissues and respiratory motion with the use of an abdominal compression device using MR imaging.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers had repeat MR over 3 days under an abdominal compression plate device. Normal tissues were delineated on daily axial T2‐weighted MR and compared on days 2 and 3 relative to day 1, after adjusting for baseline shifts relative to bony anatomy. Inter‐fraction organ deformation was computed using deformable registration of axial T2 images. Deformation > 5 mm was assumed to be clinically relevant. Inter‐fraction respiratory amplitude changes and intra‐fraction baseline drifts during imaging were quantified on daily orthogonal cine‐MR (70 s each), and changes > 3 mm were assumed to be relevant.

Results

On axial MR, the mean inter‐fraction normal tissue deformation was > 5 mm for all organs (range 5.1–13.4 mm). Inter‐fraction compression device misplacements > 5 mm and changes in stomach volume > 50% occurred at a rate of 93% and 38%, respectively, in one or more directions and were associated with larger adjacent organ deformation, in particular for the duodenum. On cine‐MR, inter‐fraction amplitude changes > 3 mm on day 2 and 3 relative to day 1 occurred at a rate of < 12.5% (mean superior–inferior change was 1.6 mm). Intra‐fraction baseline drifts > 3 mm during any cine‐MR acquisition occurred at a rate of 23% (mean superior–inferior changes was 2.4 mm).

Conclusions

Respiratory motion under abdominal compression is reproducible in most subjects within 3 mm. However, inter‐fraction deformations greater than 5 mm in normal tissues were common and larger than inter‐ and intra‐fraction respiratory changes. Deformations were driven mostly by variable stomach contents and device positioning. The magnitude of this motion may impact normal tissue dosimetry during stereotactic radiotherapy.
Central nervous system vascular malformations: A clinical review
Authors: Sabayan Behnam , Lineback Christina , Viswanathan Anand , Leslie‐Mazwi Thabele M. , Shaibani Ali
Published: January 2021

CNS vascular malformation is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of pathologies, with a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic importance. This range spans lesions with a risk of devastating neurological compromise to lesions with a slow, static or benign course. Advances in neurovascular imaging along with increased utilization of these advances, have resulted in more frequent identification of these lesions. In this article, we provide an overview on definitions and classifications of CNS vascular malformations and outline the etiologic, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic features for each entity. This review covers intracranial and spinal cord vascular malformations and discusses syndromes associated with CNS vascular malformations.
Impact or No Impact for Women With Mild Knee Osteoarthritis: A Bayesian Meta‐Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Trials With Contrasting Interventions
Authors: Heikkinen Risto , Waller Benjamin , Munukka Matti , Multanen Juhani , Heinonen Ari , Karvanen Juha
Published: January 2021

Objective

To predict the probability of a benefit from 2 contrasting exercise programs for women with a new diagnosis of mild knee osteoarthritis, and to estimate the short‐ and long‐term effects of aquatic resistance training (ART) and high‐impact aerobic land training (HLT) compared with a control.

Methods

Original data sets from 2 previously conducted randomized controlled trials were combined and used in a Bayesian meta‐analysis. Group differences in multiple response variables were estimated. Variables included cardiorespiratory fitness, dynamic maximum leg muscle power, maximal isometric knee extension and flexion force, pain, other symptoms, and quality of life. The statistical model included a latent commitment variable for each female participant.

Results

ART had a 55–71% probability of benefits in the outcome variables, and as the main effect, the intervention outperformed the control in cardiorespiratory fitness, with a probability of 71% immediately after the intervention period. HLT had a 46–63% probability of benefits after intervention with the outcome variables, but differently from ART; the positive effects of physical performance fade away during the follow‐up period. Overall, the differences between groups were small, and the variation in the predictions between individuals was high.

Conclusion

Both interventions had benefits, but ART has a slightly higher probability of long‐term benefits on physical performance. Because of high individual variation and no clear advantage of one training method over the other, personal preferences should be considered in the selection of the exercise program to ensure highest commitment to training.
Steering Molecular Activity with Optogenetics: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Oh Teak‐Jung , Fan Huaxun , Skeeters Savanna S. , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2021

Optogenetics utilizes photosensitive proteins to manipulate the localization and interaction of molecules in living cells. Because light can be rapidly switched and conveniently confined to the sub‐micrometer scale, optogenetics allows for controlling cellular events with an unprecedented resolution in time and space. The past decade has witnessed an enormous progress in the field of optogenetics within the biological sciences. The ever‐increasing amount of optogenetic tools, however, can overwhelm the selection of appropriate optogenetic strategies. Considering that each optogenetic tool may have a distinct mode of action, a comparative analysis of the current optogenetic toolbox can promote the further use of optogenetics, especially by researchers new to this field. This review provides such a compilation that highlights the spatiotemporal accuracy of current optogenetic systems. Recent advances of optogenetics in live cells and animal models are summarized, the emerging work that interlinks optogenetics with other research fields is presented, and exciting clinical and industrial efforts to employ optogenetic strategy toward disease intervention are reported.
Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Resin Reinforced with Functionalized Graphene Nanosheets and Woven Glass Fabric
Authors: Bouhfid Nabil , Raji Marya , Nekhlaoui Souad , Essabir Hamid , Rodrigue Denis , Bensalah Mohammed Ouadi , Qaiss Abou el kacem
Published: January 2021

The reinforcing effects of functionalized graphene sheets (FGSs) on thermosetting epoxies are examined to understand the feasibility of these FGSs–epoxy nanocomposites in composite applications. The nanocomposites are prepared by compression molding with different graphene contents (0, 1, and 3 wt%) and different chemical treatments including FGSs and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets. In addition, two silane molecules (octyltriethoxysilane [OTES] and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane [GPTMS]) are used as coupling agents. Morphological analysis shows that the use of functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets in woven glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposites significantly improves the dispersion distribution of graphene nanosheets inside the matrix and increases their interfacial adhesion. The results reveal that the nanocomposites containing functionalized graphene nanosheets show the most promising improvement in terms of thermal and mechanical properties. In particular, Young's modulus increases by up to 17% and 25% with only 3% of functionalized graphene oxide using OTES and GPTMS, respectively. The result of the water droplet contact angle of the nanocomposites reinforced by graphene oxide functionalized by octyltriethoxysilane (OTES) shows an increase to a value of 105.80, indicating the super hydrophobic nature.
Extra Strengthening and Work Hardening in Novel Precipitation‐Hardened FeCrNiSix Medium‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Bai Tianxiang , Zhang Tuanwei , Ma Shengguo , Zhao Dan , Wang Zhihua
Published: January 2021

Precipitation strengthening is believed as an important strengthening method that optimizes the strength of alloys. Herein, the possibility of precipitation strengthening is demonstrated by introducing the intermetallic (Cr, Si)‐rich σ phase in the novel FeCrNiSix MEAs system. It is found that simultaneous enhancement in strength and work hardening can be attained by adding Si element in the FeCrNi MEA. Specifically, the FeCrNiSi0.2 alloy realizes a good balance of strength and ductility due to the precipitation of ultrafine‐ or even nanoscale‐sized σ phase. Moreover, quantitative analyses are conducted to assess the underlying strengthening mechanisms.
Concurrent Hardening and Toughening of a Tungsten Heavy Alloy via a Novel Carburizing Cyclic Heat Treatment
Authors: Hu Ke , Li Xiaoqiang , Liu Bo , Qu Shengguan , Liang Liang , Khanlari Khashayar
Published: January 2021

Tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs), due to the combination of some attractive properties, are used in many engineering applications. Recently conducted researches are however focused on improving the surface properties of these alloys, such as their hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance, by applying different surface treatments. However, the obtained enhanced surface properties are concomitant with the maintenance or even deterioration of the mechanical properties, namely toughness, in the interior regions of these alloys. Herein, a novel carburizing cyclic heat treatment (CCHT)‐integrated technique is used to modify the microstructure of a 93W–4.9Ni–2.1Fe heavy alloy (93WHA). Other than investigating the effect of the applied process on the surface hardness and microstructure of this alloy, the influence of the conducted process on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the interior region of the processed parts is investigated. Due to the application of the CCHT process, the surface hardness of parts increases from 300 HV0.5, as observed in the nontreated samples, to the maximum value of 1049 HV0.5. In addition to the hardening effect observed on the surface of the treated samples, the interior regions of the CCHT‐modified parts are toughened.
Zero‐Waste Progress for the Synthesis of High‐Purity β‐Sialon Ceramics from Secondary Aluminum Dross
Authors: Zhu Weijun , Wu Kangkai , Zhang Senjing , Liu Jun , Yi Xuemei , Zhang Lihua
Published: January 2021

β‐Sialon materials are synthesized by nitriding reduction reaction using secondary aluminum dross and Si powder as the raw materials. The results indicate that the phases of products are stratified, in which the lower layer is pure β‐Sialon and the upper layer is mainly β‐Sialon, Al2O3 and spinel. This is caused by the transformation of the Si powder from solid to liquid phase and the metal oxide floating to the upper layer under the action of gravity. The aspect ratio of elongated β‐Sialon grains rapidly increases as the Si/Al ratio increases, and β‐Sialon grains finally became fibrous. Rod‐like and fluffy whiskers are observed and their growth mechanisms are the double‐stage vapor–liquid–solid mechanism at the base and vapor–solid mechanism at the tip. In the upper layers, the whiskers mainly grow on the surface and the gap, and the reactions are solid–gas reaction and gas–gas reaction, respectively.
3D Printed Nanocarbon Frameworks for Li‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Gao Wanli , Pumera Martin
Published: January 2021

The use of conductive carbon materials in 3D‐printing is attracting growing academic and industrial attention in electrochemical energy storage due to the high customization and on‐demand capabilities of the additive manufacturing. However, typical polymers used in conductive filaments for 3D printing show high resistivity and low compatibility with electrochemical energy applications. Removal of insulating thermoplastics in as‐printed materials is a common post‐printing strategy, however, excessive loss of thermoplastics can weaken the structural integrity. This work reports a two‐step surface engineering methodology for fabrication of 3D‐printed carbon materials for electrochemical applications, incorporating conductive poly(ortho‐phenylenediamine) (PoPD) via electrodeposition. A conductive PoPD effectively enhances the electrochemical activities of 3D‐printed frameworks. When PoPD‐refilled frameworks casted with LiMn2O4 (LMO) composite materials used as battery cathode, it delivers a capacity of 69.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.036 mA cm−2 (≈1.2 C discharge rate) and good cyclability with a retained capacity of 84.4% after 200 cycles at 0.36 mA cm−2. This work provides a pathway for developing electroactive 3D‐printed electrodes particularly with cost‐efficient low‐dimensional carbon materials for aqueous rechargeable Li‐ion batteries.
Recent Advances and Perspectives on Powder‐Based Halide Perovskite Film Processing
Authors: Leupold Nico , Panzer Fabian
Published: January 2021

Halide perovskites have undergone an impressive development and could be used in a wide range of optoelectronic devices, where some of them are already at the edge of commercialization, e.g., perovskite solar cells. Recently, interest in perovskites in powder form has increased, as for example, they are found to exhibit high stability and allow for easy production of large quantities. Accordingly, also the topic of processing thin and thick films on the basis of perovskite powders is currently gaining momentum. Here, perovskite powder can form the basis for both, typical wet and solvent‐based processing approaches, as well as for dry processes. In this Progress Report, the recent developments of halide perovskites in powder form and of film processing approaches are summarized that are based on them. The advantages and opportunities of the different processing methods are highlighted, but their individual drawbacks and limitations are also discussed. Prospects are also pointed out and possible steps necessary to unlock the full potential of powder‐based processing methods for producing high quality thick and thin perovskite layers in the future are discussed.
Harvesting Air and Light Energy via “All‐in‐One” Polymer Cathodes for High‐Capacity, Self‐Chargeable, and Multimode‐Switching Zinc Batteries
Authors: Xie Xiuli , Fang Zhengsong , Yang Meijia , Zhu Fangming , Yu Dingshan
Published: January 2021

Aqueous rechargeable Zinc (Zn)–polymer batteries are promising alternatives to prevalent Li‐ion cells in terms of cost, safety, and rate capability but they suffer from limited specific capacity in addition to poor environmental adaptability. Herein, air and light are successfully utilized from external environments in single near‐neutral two‐electrode Zn batteries to enable remarkably improved electrochemical performance, fast self‐charging, and switchable multimode‐operation from Zn–polymer to Zn–air cells. This system is enabled by a well‐designed polyaniline‐nanorod‐array based “all‐in‐one” cathode combining reversible redox capability, oxygen reduction activity, and photothermal‐responsiveness. The initiative design allows perfect integration of multiple energy harvesting from ambient “air” and light, energy conversion, and storage in one single cathode. Thus, it can act as an efficient light‐assisted electrically‐rechargeable Zn–polymer cell featuring the highest specific capacity of 430.0 mAh g−1 among all existing polymer cathodes. Without external power sources, it can be self‐charged to deliver a high discharging capacity of 363.1 mAh g−1 by concurrently harvesting chemical energy from air and light energy for only 20 min. It can also switch to a light‐responsive Zn–air battery mode to surmount the output capacity limit of Zn–polymer battery mode for continued electricity supply.
Metal–Ligand Based Mechanophores Enhance Both Mechanical Robustness and Electronic Performance of Polymer Semiconductors
Authors: Wu Hung‐Chin , Lissel Franziska , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Koshy David M. , Nikzad Shayla , Yan Hongping , Xu Jie , Luo Shaochuan , Matsuhisa Naoji , Cheng Yuan , Wang Fan , Ji Baohua , Li Dechang , Chen Wen‐Chang , Xue Gi , Bao Zhenan
Published: January 2021

The backbone of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐thiophene‐vinylene‐thiophene‐based polymer semiconductors (PSCs) is modified with pyridine (Py) or bipyridine ligands to complex Fe(II) metal centers, allowing the metal–ligand complexes to act as mechanophores and dynamically crosslink the polymer chains. Mono‐ and bi‐dentate ligands are observed to exhibit different degrees of bond strengths, which subsequently affect the mechanical properties of these Wolf‐type‐II metallopolymers. The counter ion also plays a crucial role, as it is observed that Py‐Fe mechanophores with non‐coordinating BPh4– counter ions (Py‐FeB) exhibit better thin film ductility with lower elastic modulus, as compared to the coordinating chloro ligands (Py‐FeC). Interestingly, besides mechanical robustness, the electrical charge carrier mobility can also be enhanced concurrently when incorporating Py‐FeB mechanophores in PSCs. This is a unique observation among stretchable PSCs, especially that most reports to date describe a decreased mobility when the stretchability is improved. Next, it is determined that improvements to both mobility and stretchability are correlated to the solid‐state molecular ordering and dynamics of coordination bonds under strain, as elucidated via techniques of grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy techniques, respectively. This study provides a viable approach to enhance both the mechanical and the electronic performance of polymer‐based soft devices.
Accelerated Bone Regeneration by MOF Modified Multifunctional Membranes through Enhancement of Osteogenic and Angiogenic Performance
Authors: Xue Yiyuan , Zhu Zhou , Zhang Xin , Chen Junyu , Yang Xiao , Gao Xiaomeng , Zhang Shu , Luo Feng , Wang Jian , Zhao Weifeng , Huang Chao , Pei Xibo , Wan Qianbing
Published: January 2021

Owing to the insufficient guidance of new bone formation in orthopedic and craniomaxillofacial surgery, construction of a guided bone regeneration membrane to support vascularized bone regeneration remains a challenge. Herein, an electrospun asymmetric double‐layer polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/Col) membrane modified by metal–organic framework (MOF) crystals is developed. The optimization of the PCL/Col weight ratio (1:1 and 1:1.5) enables the composite membrane with a balanced tensile strength (only fell by 49.9% in wet conditions) and a controlled degradation rate (completely degraded at 12 weeks). The MOF crystals can provide a pH‐responsive release of Zn2+ ions. In vitro experiments indicate that the barrier layer functions to prevent the infiltration of fibrous connective tissue. The MOF crystal layer functions to enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro. Using a rat calvarial defect model, the MOF crystals exhibit a sign of osteoinductivity along with blood vessel formation after 8 weeks post‐surgery. Strikingly, when assessed in a chick chorioallantoic membrane model, the MOF modified membrane demonstrates a significant angiogenic response, which can be envisaged as its outstanding merits over the commercially Col membrane. Therefore, the MOF crystals represent an exciting biomaterial option, with neovascularization capacity for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Blood‐Compatible Materials: Vascular Endothelium‐Mimetic Surfaces that Mitigate Multiple Cell‐Material Interactions
Authors: Vlcek Jessica R. , Hedayati Mohammadhasan , Melvin Alyssa C. , Reynolds Melissa M. , Kipper Matt J.
Published: January 2021

When flowing whole blood contacts medical device surfaces, the most common blood–material interactions result in coagulation, inflammation, and infection. Many new blood‐contacting biomaterials have been proposed based on strategies that address just one of these common modes of failure. This study proposes to mitigate unfavorable biological reactions that occur with blood‐contacting medical devices by designing multifunctional surfaces, with features optimized to meet multiple performance criteria. These multifunctional surfaces incorporate the release of the small molecule hormone nitric oxide (NO) with surface chemistry and nanotopography that mimic features of the vascular endothelial glycocalyx. These multifunctional surfaces have features that interact with coagulation components, inflammatory cells, and bacterial cells. While a single surface feature alone may not be sufficient to achieve multiple functions, the release of NO from the surfaces along with their modification to mimic the endothelial glycocalyx synergistically improves platelet‐, leukocyte‐, and bacteria‐surface interactions. This work demonstrates that new blood‐compatible materials should be designed with multiple features, to better address the multiple modes of failure of blood‐contacting medical devices.
Out‐of‐the‐Box Nanocapsules Packed with On‐Demand Hydrophobic Anticancer Drugs for Lung Targeting, Esterase Triggering, and Synergy Therapy
Authors: Zhao Di , Jiang Kai , Wang Yuqi , Cheng Jin , Mo Fangli , Luo Tao , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Chuan , Song Jie
Published: January 2021

Most anticancer drugs, particularly paclitaxel (PTX), are suffering the challenges of cancer chemotherapy due to their poor water‐solubility, high toxicity under effective therapeutic dosages, and multi‐drug resistance. Currently, nanoscale drug delivery systems (DDSs) represent an efficient platform to overcome the above challenges. However, those DDSs generally need a careful design of conjugation, complexation, or co‐self‐assembly. Herein, a facile out‐of‐the‐box nanocapsule is developed not only to be easily packed with on‐demand hydrophobic anticancer drugs (up to 76% of loading efficiency for PTX), but also to be loaded with other concomitant drugs for synergy therapy (Itraconazole (ITA) here as P‐glycoprotein inhibitor for drug resistance and antiangiogenic agent for combination therapy with PTX). Three kinds of biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylates (PEGDM) derivatives usually as cross‐linking agents are selected and successfully constructed adequate nanocapsules with single monomer as shell materials. More importantly, as‐prepared nanocapsules have abilities of esterase triggering and lung targeting. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the drug‐loaded nanocapsules can effectively inhibit tumor growth and vascular proliferation in PTX‐resistant tumor models without apparent systemic toxicity. The above results demonstrate that the nanocapsule system provides an effective and universal strategy for lung targeting, esterase triggering, and synergy therapy.
Synergistic Antibacterial and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of a Drug‐Loaded Self‐Standing Porphyrin‐COF Membrane for Efficient Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Ding Luo‐Gang , Wang Song , Yao Bing‐Jian , Li Fei , Li Yan‐An , Zhao Guo‐Yan , Dong Yu‐Bin
Published: January 2021

Chronic wound infections resulting from severe bacterial invasion have become a major medical threat worldwide. Herein, we report a large‐area, homogeneous, and self‐standing porphyrin‐covalent organic framework (COF)‐based membrane with encapsulated ibuprofen (IBU) via an in situ interfacial polymerization and impregnation approach. The obtained IBU@DhaTph‐membrane exhibits highly effective antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects via synergistic light‐induced singlet oxygen (1O2) generation and controllable IBU release, which is well supported by in vitro experiments. In addition, the IBU@DhaTph‐membrane‐based biocompatible “band‐aid” type dressing is fabricated, and its excellent anti‐infection and tissue remodeling activities are fully evidenced by in vivo chronic wound‐healing experiments. This study may inspire and promote the fabrication of many more new types of COF‐based multifunctional biomaterials for various skin injuries in clinical medicine.
Multi‐functional Nanodrug Based on a Three‐dimensional Framework for Targeted Photo‐chemo Synergetic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xing Enyun , Du Yingying , Yin Juanjuan , Chen Minghui , Zhu Mengyao , Wen Xiaona , Xu Jialiang , Feng Yaqing , Meng Shuxian
Published: January 2021

Targeted synergistic therapy has broad prospects in tumor treatments. Here, a multi‐functional nanodrug GDYO‐CDDP/DOX@DSPE‐PEG‐MTX (GCDM) based on three traditional anticancer drugs (doxorubicin (DOX), cisplatin (CDDP) and methotrexate (MTX)) modified graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) is described, for diagnosis and targeted cancer photo‐chemo synergetic therapy. In this system, for the first time, these three traditional anti‐cancer drugs have played new roles and can reduce multidrug resistance through synergistic anti‐tumor effects. Cisplatin can be hybridized with GDYO to form a multifunctional and well‐dispersed three‐dimensional framework, which can not only be used as nano‐drug carriers to achieve high drug loading rates (40.3%), but also exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (47%) and good photodynamic effects under NIR irradiation. Doxorubicin (DOX) is loaded onto GDYO‐CDDP through π‐π stacking, which is used as an anticancer drug and as a fluorescent probe for nanodrug detection. Methotrexate (MTX) can be applied in tumor targeting and play a role in synergistic chemotherapy with DOX and CDDP. The synthesized multi‐functional nanodrug GCDM has good biocompatibility, active targeting, long‐term retention, sustained drug release, excellent fluorescence imaging capabilities, and remarkable photo‐chemo synergistic therapeutic effects.
Delivery of Anti‐microRNA‐712 to Inflamed Endothelial Cells Using Poly(β‐amino ester) Nanoparticles Conjugated with VCAM‐1 Targeting Peptide
Authors: Dosta Pere , Tamargo Ian , Ramos Victor , Kumar Sandeep , Kang Dong Won , Borrós Salvador , Jo Hanjoong
Published: January 2021

Endothelial cells (ECs) are an important target for therapy in a wide range of diseases, most notably atherosclerosis. Developing efficient nanoparticle (NP) systems that deliver RNA interference (RNAi) drugs specifically to dysfunctional ECs in vivo to modulate their gene expression remains a challenge. To date, several lipid‐based NPs are developed and shown to deliver RNAi to ECs, but few of them are optimized to specifically target dysfunctional endothelium. Here, a novel, targeted poly(β‐amino ester) (pBAE) NP is demonstrated. This pBAE NP is conjugated with VHPK peptides that target vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 protein, overexpressed on inflamed EC membranes. To test this approach, the novel NPs are used to deliver anti‐microRNA‐712 (anti‐miR‐712) specifically to inflamed ECs both in vitro and in vivo, reducing the high expression of pro‐atherogenic miR‐712. A single administration of anti‐miR‐712 using the VHPK‐conjugated‐pBAE NPs in mice significantly reduce miR‐712 expression, while preventing the loss of its target gene, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) in inflamed endothelium. miR‐712 and TIMP3 expression are unchanged in non‐inflamed endothelium. This novel, targeted‐delivery platform may be used to deliver RNA therapeutics specifically to dysfunctional endothelium for the treatment of vascular disease.
Review on Li Deposition in Working Batteries: From Nucleation to Early Growth
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Ru , Zhao Bo‐Chen , Yan Chong , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2021

Lithium (Li) metal is one of the most promising alternative anode materials of next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries demanded for advanced energy storage in the coming fourth industrial revolution. Nevertheless, disordered Li deposition easily causes short lifespan and safety concerns and thus severely hinders the practical applications of Li metal batteries. Tremendous efforts are devoted to understanding the mechanism for Li deposition, while the final deposition morphology tightly relies on the Li nucleation and early growth. Here, the recent progress in insightful and influential models proposed to understand the process of Li deposition from nucleation to early growth, including the heterogeneous model, surface diffusion model, crystallography model, space charge model, and Li‐SEI model, are highlighted. Inspired by the abovementioned understanding on Li nucleation and early growth, diverse anode‐design strategies, which contribute to better batteries with superior electrochemical performance and dendrite‐free deposition behavior, are also summarized. This work broadens the horizon for practical Li metal batteries and also sheds light on more understanding of other important metal‐based batteries involving the metal deposition process.
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Delivery of Inhaled Immunotherapeutics for Treating Lung Metastasis
Authors: Jin Qiutong , Zhu Wenjun , Zhu Jiafei , Zhu Junjie , Shen Jingjing , Liu Zhuang , Yang Yang , Chen Qian
Published: January 2021

Despite the critical breakthrough achieved by immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), the clinical benefits are usually restricted by inefficient infiltration of immune cells and immune‐associated adverse effects. Noninvasive aerosol inhalation, as a definitive procedure for treatment of respiratory diseases, for ICB immunotherapy against lung metastasis, has not been realized to the best knowledge. Herein, an inhaled immunotherapeutic chitosan (CS)–antibody complex is developed for immunotherapy against lung cancer. In this system, CS is used as a carrier to assemble with anti‐programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (aPD‐L1) to enable efficient transmucosal delivery. Moreover, CS exhibits adjuvant effects to drive potent immune responses via activating the cyclic‐di‐GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. Interestingly, repeated inhalation of CS/aPD‐L1 complex can effectively activate the immune system by promoting the infiltration of different immune cells especially CD8+ T cells around tumor lesions, and finally prolongs the survival of mice to 60 days. Thus, the work presents a unique aerosol inhalation delivery system for ICB antibody, which is promising for immunotherapy against lung metastasis without the concern of systemic toxicity.
Principles, Functions, and Applications of Optical Meta‐Lens
Authors: Chen Mu Ku , Wu Yongfeng , Feng Lei , Fan Qingbin , Lu Minghui , Xu Ting , Tsai Din Ping
Published: January 2021

A meta‐lens is an advanced flat optical device composed of artificial antennas. The amplitude, phase, and polarization of incident light can be engineered to satisfy the application requirements of meta‐lenses. Meta‐lenses can be designed to achieve a variety of functions, such as diffraction‐limited focusing, high focusing efficiency, and aberration correlation, which are useful in various application scenarios. This review focuses on the recent progress in meta‐lenses, from fundamentals to applications. The present challenges in this domain are summarized and future prospects are offered. The primary aim of this review is to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of meta‐lenses and potential inspiration for designing high‐performance meta‐lenses for feasible applications.
Thermally Drawn Stretchable Electrical and Optical Fiber Sensors for Multimodal Extreme Deformation Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Li Xiyuan , Kim Jongwoon , Tong Yuxin , Thompson Emily G. , Jiang Shan , Feng Ziang , Yu Li , Wang Jinhua , Ha Dong Sam , Sontheimer Harald , Johnson Blake N. , Jia Xiaoting
Published: January 2021

Highly stretchable fiber sensors have attracted significant interest recently due to their applications in wearable electronics, human–machine interfaces, and biomedical implantable devices. Here, a scalable approach for fabricating stretchable multifunctional electrical and optical fiber sensors using a thermal drawing process is reported. The fiber sensors can sustain at least 580% strain and up to 750% strain with a helix structure. The electrical fiber sensor simultaneously exhibits ultrahigh stretchability (400%), high gauge factors (≈1960), and excellent durability during 1000 stretching and bending cycles. It is also shown that the stretchable step‐index optical fibers facilitate detection of bending and stretching deformation through changes in the light transmission. By combining both electrical and optical detection schemes, multifunctional fibers can be used for quantifying and distinguishing multimodal deformations such as bending and stretching. The fibers’ utility and functionality in sensing and control applications are demonstrated in a smart glove for controlling a virtual hand model, a wrist brace for wrist motion tracking, fiber meshes for strain mapping, and real‐time monitoring of multiaxial expansion and shrinkage of porcine bladders. These results demonstrate that the fiber sensors can be promising candidates for smart textiles, robotics, prosthetics, and biomedical implantable devices.
Aquivion–Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) Holistic Flory–Huggins Photonic Vapor Sensors
Authors: Megahd Heba , Oldani Claudio , Radice Stefano , Lanfranchi Andrea , Patrini Maddalena , Lova Paola , Comoretto Davide
Published: January 2021

A holistic detection system, in principle sensitive to any molecular species in the vapor phase is proposed. The sensor consists of a polymeric multilayered distributed Bragg reflector made of a perfluorinated polar polymer, Aquivion, and a nonpolar polymer, poly(N‐vinylcarbazole). Alternated layers of the two polymers provide a characteristic optical response that depends on the chemical species intercalating within the structure. Such differences arise from Flory–Huggins polymer–solvent interactions. Then, the presence of polar, nonpolar, and perfluorinated moieties in the structures, potentially, allows sensitivity to any molecular species, providing a detection system with no need for any additional chemical receptors. As a proof of concept, the study demonstrates the sensitivity of the sensor to very diverse classes of molecules in the vapor phase including perfluorinated, nonpolar hydrophobic, and hydrophilic species and the capability to distinguish them, even in binary mixtures. Additionally, a connection between the dynamic temporal response of the sensors and the chemical–physical properties of the analytes, their concentration, and effective diffusion coefficient within the polymer structure is revealed.
Bifunctional Ru‐loaded Porous Organic Polymers with Pyridine Functionality: Recyclable Catalysts for N‐Formylation of Amines with CO2 and H2
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zong Lingbo , Jia Xiaofei
Published: January 2021

A series of pyridine functionalized porous organic polymers (POPs‐Py&PPh3) have been synthesized by polymerizing tris(4‐vinylphenyl)phosphane and 4‐vinylpyridine. The pyridine moieties in the copolymer materials contribute to CO2 adsorption and promote the subsequent conversion of CO2. The POP supported Ru catalyst (Ru/POP3‐Py&PPh3) shows a high catalytic activity (TON up to 710) in the N‐formylation of various primary and secondary amines with CO2/H2, affording the corresponding formamides in good yields (55–95%) under mild reaction conditions. The heterogeneous catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction system and reused for at least eight cycles in the N‐formylation of morpholine.

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Visible‐Light‐Promoted Switchable Synthesis of C‐3‐Functionalized Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Aganda Kim Christopher C. , Hong Boseok , Lee Anna
Published: January 2021

A visible‐light‐promoted synthesis of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones has been developed using 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium perchlorate as an organo‐photocatalyst. The atmosphere‐controlled method (Ar/air) enabled the selective synthesis of hydroxyl‐ and acyl‐containing quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones under mild reaction conditions without the use of any metal catalysts or toxic reagents. A fluorescent labelling experiment showed that hydroxyl‐containing quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones may have utility in various biological applications as potent fluorophores.

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Delivery of Nanoconstructs in Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Saw Wen Shang , Anasamy Theebaa , Foo Yiing Yee , Kwa Yee Chu , Kue Chin Siang , Yeong Chai Hong , Kiew Lik Voon , Lee Hong Boon , Chung Lip Yong
Published: January 2021

Nanosized constructs are widely applied to address the common drawbacks of conventional cancer therapy, such as a nonspecific biodistribution, toxicity and targeting. Nevertheless, there are several challenges in transporting sufficient drugs to the tumor using these nanoconstructs, which are discussed in this review. Additionally, the current opportunities that improve the biodistribution of nanoconstructs, tumor penetration and drug accumulation are elaborated. The distinct features of currently available strategies do not adequately fit the classical passive and active targeting categories; therefore, in this review, they are regrouped into autonomous and nonautonomous drug delivery systems. Autonomous systems are defined as self‐directed systems that can enhance nanoparticle retention and distribution in solid tumors without the need to align with the blood flow direction, while non‐autonomous systems primarily rely on the blood flow direction, longevity in the circulation and specific affinity to the target cells. Moreover, the effectiveness of the existing delivery systems could be further improved through the correct choice of route of administration. The role of the route of administration in improving these drug delivery methods and some recent examples of locoregional cancer therapy are discussed. These findings could stimulate improvements in the delivery of multifunctional nanoconstructs, which could facilitate successful cancer treatments.
Dynamic Hydrogels for Prevention of Post‐Operative Peritoneal Adhesions
Authors: Stapleton Lyndsay M. , Lucian Haley J. , Grosskopf Abigail K. , Smith Anton A. A. , Totherow Kailey P. , Woo Y. Joseph , Appel Eric A.
Published: January 2021

Post‐operative adhesions are fibrous bands of scar tissue formed between internal tissues and organs causing clinical morbidity and their prevention represents a critical unmet need. Over 20 million Americans undergo invasive surgery each year and 95% of those patients develop post‐operative adhesions. More specifically, peritoneal adhesions forming as a result of abdominal surgery can result in severe complications such as chronic pain or adhesive small bowel obstruction requiring secondary adhesiolysis surgery. Additionally, adhesiolysis increases operation times during reoperative procedures and increases the risk of hemorrhage and organ injury upon reentry. This work reports the use of a dynamically crosslinked polymer‐nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel adhesion barrier comprised of hydrophobically modified hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and biodegradable PEG‐PLA nanoparticles. These materials have desirable viscoelastic and flow properties, long‐term physical stability during storage, permit administration via spraying, enable local retention in the abdominal cavity for 2 weeks, and definitively reduce peritoneal adhesion formation. Using a rodent ischemic button model to generate peritoneal adhesions (n >
 4), the PNP hydrogel significantly reduced peritoneal adhesion severity compared to commercial control products when assessed by a standardized 5‐point scale (3.18 ± 1.07 versus 1.35 ± 0.63; p = 0.0014). These results suggest that the PNP hydrogel adhesion barrier is a simple and effective solution for the prevention of peritoneal adhesions.
Robust Effective‐Medium Characteristics of Bianisotropic Reflective Metasurfaces based on Field‐Circuit Combined Analysis
Authors: Han Feng‐Yuan , Yin Li‐Zheng , Du Chao‐Hai , Liu Pu‐Kun
Published: January 2021

As a bridge linking propagating waves and surface waves, reflective metasurfaces (with metal cladding at the bottom) play a significant role in the field of beam steering. The feasibility and flexibility to control electromagnetic waves by reflective metasurfaces depend on the recognition of their physical properties by researchers. As for bianisotropic reflective metasurfaces, however, the effective‐medium characteristics cannot be appropriately described by conventional methods, which entail both transmission and reflection coefficients. Here, a robust method based on simplex S‐parameters is proposed to retrieve constitutive effective parameters (CEPs) for bianisotropic reflective metasurfaces. By illuminating the transverse electric‐polarization plane waves on a split‐ring unit cell normally and obliquely, the CEPs can be calculated with only S11 parameters. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the retrieval results, an analysis of small incident angles is employed to examine the consistency of both the x‐ and y‐directions effective impedance and determine the accurate range of the incident angles. Moreover, the sensitivity of the retrieval results to S‐parameters is also sufficiently discussed. This method is beneficial for the applications of one‐side complex materials, e.g., dual‐function reflective metasurfaces, multichannel reflectors, excitation of spoof space plasmon polaritons, and ground‐penetrating‐radar applications.
MOF‐Based Hybrids for Solar Fuel Production
Authors: Yoon Ji‐Won , Kim Jae‐Hyeok , Kim Changyeon , Jang Ho Won , Lee Jong‐Heun
Published: January 2021

Solar fuel production, water splitting, and CO2 reduction by sunlight‐assisted catalytic reactions, are attractive and environmentally sustainable approaches used to generate energy. Since many different parameters, including energy band structures, electronic conductivity, surface area, porosity, catalytic activity, and stability of photocatalytic materials, determine the photocatalytic reaction, a single photocatalytic material is often insufficient to fulfill all the requirements. Hybridization to complement the limitations of two or more component materials can provide a viable solution. Particularly, hybridization with metal organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of materials with excellent controllability of topology, surface area, porosity, morphology, band structure, electrical conductivity, and composition, enables the on‐demand design of a myriad of high‐performance photocatalysts. Moreover, hybrids formed by MOF‐derived materials inherit the distinctive merits from the MOF and offer further diversification for hybrid photocatalysts. Here, the rational design of MOF‐based hybrid photocatalysts for solar fuel production is discussed. The synthetic strategies of diverse MOF‐based hybrids, the key physicochemical parameters of hybrids to determine photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical reactions, and the mechanisms underlying the synergistic enhancement of solar fuel production are reviewed. Moreover, remaining challenges and future perspectives are addressed.