Prediction of synergistic gemcitabine-based combination treatment through a novel tumor stemness biomarker NANOG in pancreatic cancer.

Gemcitabine remains a first-class chemotherapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer. However, due to the rapid development of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs only showed limited effect in the clinic. It is extremely challenging to effectively and efficiently determine the optimal drug regimens. Thus, identification of appropriate prediction biomarkers is critical for the rational design of gemcitabine-based therapeutic options. Herein, a pancreatic cancer stem cell (PCSC) model exhibiting chemoresistance to gemcitabine was used to test the activity of clinical cancer drugs in the presence or absence of gemcitabine. As determined by combinatorial treatment, several types of drugs resensitized gemcitabine-resistant PCSCs to gemcitabine, with sorafenib (EGFR inhibitor)/gemcitabine and sunitinib (TBK1 inhibitors)/gemcitabine drug combinations being the most preferred treatments for PCSCs. Following the validation of the PCSC model by an antibody array test of 15-gene expression of stemness biomarkers, NANOG showed markedly different expression in PCSCs compared to the parental cells. From comprehensive analysis of stem cell index versus combination index, a stemness-related correlation model was successfully constructed to demonstrate the correlation between NANOG expression and synergism. Cancer cell stemness was ascertained to be highly relevant to NANOG overexpression that can be abrogated by synergized gemcitabine-drug combinations. Therefore, NANOG works as a therapeutic biomarker for predicating efficient combinatorial treatment of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer.

Advances in crosslinking chemistry and proximity-enabled strategies: deciphering protein complexes and interactions.

Mass spectrometry, coupled with innovative crosslinking techniques to decode protein conformations and interactions through uninterrupted signal connections, has undergone remarkable progress in recent years. It is crucial to develop selective crosslinking reagents that minimally disrupt protein structure and dynamics, providing insights into protein network regulation and biological functions. Compared to traditional crosslinkers, new bifunctional chemical crosslinkers exhibit high selectivity and specificity in connecting proximal amino acid residues, resulting in stable molecular crosslinked products. The conjugation with specific amino acid residues like lysine, cysteine, arginine and tyrosine expands the XL-MS toolbox, enabling more precise modeling of target substrates and leading to improved data quality and reliability. Another emerging crosslinking method utilizes unnatural amino acids (UAAs) derived from proximity-enabled reactivity with specific amino acids or sulfur-fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reactions with nucleophilic residues. These UAAs are genetically encoded into proteins for the formation of specific covalent bonds. This technique combines the benefits of genetic encoding for live cell compatibility with chemical crosslinking, providing a valuable method for capturing transient and weak protein-protein interactions (PPIs) for mapping PPI coordinates and improving the pharmacological properties of proteins. With continued advancements in technology and applications, crosslinking mass spectrometry is poised to play an increasingly significant role in guiding our understanding of protein dynamics and function in the future.

Intercalated and Surface-Adsorbed Phosphate Anions in NiFe Layered Double-Hydroxide Catalysts Synergistically Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a crucial semireaction in water electrolysis and rechargeable metal-air batteries, is vital for carbon neutrality. Hindered by a slow proton-coupled electron transfer, an efficient catalyst activating the formation of an O-H bond is essential. Here, we proposed a straightforward one-step hydrothermal procedure for fabricating PO43--modified NiFe layered double-hydroxide (NiFe LDH) catalysts and investigated the role of PO43- anions in enhancing OER. Phosphate amounts can efficiently regulate LDH morphology, crystallinity, composition, and electronic configuration. The optimized sample showed a low overpotential of 267 mV at 10 mA cm-2. Density functional theory calculations revealed that intercalated and surface-adsorbed PO43- anions in NiFe LDH reduced the Gibbs free energy in the rate-determining step of *OOH formation, balancing oxygen-containing intermediate adsorption/dissociation and promoting the OER. Intercalated phosphate ions accelerated precatalyst dehydrogenation kinetics, leading to a rapid reconstruction into active NiFe oxyhydroxide species. Surface-adsorbed PO43- interacted favorably with adsorbed *OOH on the active Ni sites, stabilizing *OOH. Overall, the synergistic effects of intercalated and surface-adsorbed PO43- anions significantly contributed to enhanced OER activity. Achieving optimal catalytic activity requires a delicate equilibrium between thermodynamic and kinetic factors by meticulously regulating the quantity of introduced PO43- ions. This endeavor will facilitate a deeper comprehension of the influence of anions in electrocatalysis for OER.

Robot-assisted Simple Enucleation Versus Standard Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Low- or Intermediate-complexity, Clinical T1 Renal Tumors: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although partial nephrectomy has become the gold standard for T1 renal tumors whenever technically feasible, simple enucleation has shown superior results. To the best of our knowledge, no randomized controlled trials comparing these two surgical approaches have been published. OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical margin status for robot-assisted simple enucleation (RASE) and standard robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (sRAPN) for clinical T1 renal tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial. A total of 380 patients aged 18-80 yr with newly diagnosed, sporadic, unilateral clinical T1 renal tumors (RENAL score <10) were enrolled and randomized to RASE or sRAPN. The primary endpoint was the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, with a noninferiority margin of 7.5% set. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03624673). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We defined noninferiority for RASE versus standard RAPN as an upper 95% confidence interval (CI) bound of <7.5% for the difference in the proportion of patients with a PSM. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A cohort of 380 patients was enrolled and randomly assigned to RASE (n = 190) or sRAPN (n = 190). On intention-to-treat analysis for patients with malignant tumors, 2.3% of patients in the RASE group and 3.0% in the sRAPN group had a PSM. The RASE group showed noninferiority to the sRAPN group within a 7.5% margin (difference -0.7%, 95% CI -4.0% to 2.7%). Per-protocol analysis also demonstrated noninferiority of RASE. The RASE group had a shorter median operative time (145 vs 155 min; p = 0.018) and a lower rate of tumor bed suturing (8.9% vs 43%; p < 0.001) in comparison to the sRAPN group. Estimated blood loss was considerably lower in the sRAPN group than in the RASE group (p = 0.046). The rate of recurrence did not differ between the groups (p > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: RASE for the management of low- to intermediate-complexity tumors is noninferior to sRAPN in terms of the PSM rate. Long-term follow-up is needed to draw conclusions regarding oncological outcomes. PATIENT SUMMARY: We carried out a trial to compare simple tumor enucleation versus partial nephrectomy for renal tumors. The outcome we assessed was the proportion of patients with a positive surgical margin. Our results show that simple tumor enucleation is not inferior to partial nephrectomy for this outcome. Longer follow-up is needed to assess other cancer control outcomes.

Stabilized cyclic peptides as modulators of protein-protein interactions: promising strategies and biological evaluation.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) control many essential biological pathways which are often misregulated in disease. As such, selective PPI modulators are desirable to unravel complex functions of PPIs and thus expand the repertoire of therapeutic targets. However, the large size and relative flatness of PPI interfaces make them challenging molecular targets for conventional drug modalities, rendering most PPIs "undruggable". Therefore, there is a growing need to discover innovative molecules that are able to modulate crucial PPIs. Peptides are ideal candidates to deliver such therapeutics attributed to their ability to closely mimic structural features of protein interfaces. However, their inherently poor proteolysis resistance and cell permeability inevitably hamper their biomedical applications. The introduction of a constraint (i.e., peptide cyclization) to stabilize peptides' secondary structure is a promising strategy to address this problem as witnessed by the rapid development of cyclic peptide drugs in the past two decades. Here, we comprehensively review the recent progress on stabilized cyclic peptides in targeting challenging PPIs. Technological advancements and emerging chemical approaches for stabilizing active peptide conformations are categorized in terms of α-helix stapling, ß-hairpin mimetics and macrocyclization. To discover potent and selective ligands, cyclic peptide library technologies were updated based on genetic, biochemical or synthetic methodologies. Moreover, several advances to improve the permeability and oral bioavailability of biologically active cyclic peptides enable the de novo development of cyclic peptide ligands with pharmacological properties. In summary, the development of cyclic peptide-based PPI modulators carries tremendous promise for the next generation of therapeutic agents to target historically "intractable" PPI systems.

Corrigendum: Gut microbes reveal Pseudomonas medicates ingestion preference via protein utilization and cellular homeostasis under feed domestication in freshwater drum, Aplodinotus grunniens.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.861705.].

The proton conduction behavior of two 1D open-framework metal phosphates with similar crystal structures and different hydrogen bond networks.

Two open-framework zinc phosphates [C3N2H12][Zn(HPO4)2] (1) and [C6N4H22]0.5[Zn(HPO4)2] (2) were synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Both compounds have a similar crystal structure and macroscopic morphology. However, the difference in equilibrium cations, in which the propylene diamine is for 1 and the triethylenetetramine is for 2, results in a significant distinction in the dense hydrogen grid. The diprotonated propylene diamine molecule in 1 is more favorable for forming a hydrogen-bond network in three dimensions than in 2, in which the twisted triethylenetetramine forms a hydrogen bond grid with the inorganic framework only in two dimensions owing to its large steric effect. This distinction further leads to a disparity in the proton conductivity of both compounds. The proton conductivity of 1 can reach 1.00 × 10-3 S cm-1 under ambient conditions (303 K and 75% RH) and then increase to 1.11 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 333 K and 99% RH, which is the highest value among the open-framework metal phosphate proton conductors operated in the same conduction. In contrast, the proton conductivity of 2 is four orders of magnitude smaller than 1 at 303 K and 75% RH and two orders smaller than 1 at 333 K and 99% RH.

Effect of extensive artery isolation during robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy on blood pressure of patients with poorly controlled hypertension: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether extensive renal artery isolation during robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects blood pressure (BP) of patients with poorly controlled hypertension. METHODS: We included 60 patients diagnosed with poorly controlled hypertension who underwent RAPN by an experienced surgeon. The renal artery of the treated kidney was sufficiently isolated. Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and antihypertensive medication information were obtained at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-up after surgery. Primary endpoints were changes in BP, and medications. Predictors of SBP reduction at 3 months were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: All 60 RAPN procedures were successful, with no major intra- or postoperative complications. Mean SBP and DBP decreased significantly at 3 months after surgery (SBP, -7.8 ± 6.3 mmHg, P < 0.001; DBP, -4.2 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.01). SBP and DBP did not differ between 3- and 6-month follow-up. The mean number of BP medications prescribed was lower at 3 months than baseline (1.7 ± 1.0 vs 2.1 ± 1.0, P = 0.016). The only significant predictor of SBP reduction at 3 months was baseline SBP. CONCLUSIONS: Renal denervation with extensive renal artery isolation during RAPN may improve BP control among patients with poorly controlled hypertension in short term.

Tracing Chinese international students' psychological and academic adjustments in uncertain times: An exploratory case study in the United Kingdom.

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has exerted tremendous influences on the wellbeing of international students and the sustainable development of higher education. The current study adopts an 8-month exploratory case study to trace eight Chinese international students' psychological and academic adjustments in the United Kingdom amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging from the qualitative data constitutive of semi-structured interviews, self-reflection writings, memoing, together with stimulated-recall interviews, findings have demonstrated the three main types of obstruction for such students' adjustments in the foreign land including COVID-specific challenges (i.e., the threat of infect, reduced access to university facilities and resources); COVID-enhanced challenges (i.e., anxiety exacerbated by parents and social media use, anti-Asian racism and hate incidents); and language barriers and cultural differences as long-standing issues. Students' previous lockdown experience, individual resilience, development of monocultural friendship patterns, and institutional provision and support are all factors that have contributed to their ability to overcome or at least mitigate the psychological and academic difficulties. The study offers insight into the impacts of COVID-19 on international students, providing implications that could contribute to the sustainable adjustments of international students in times of disruptive events and inform future responses to global health crises from individual and higher education perspectives.

Hypothermia-Mediated Apoptosis and Inflammation Contribute to Antioxidant and Immune Adaption in Freshwater Drum, Aplodinotus grunniens.

Hypothermia-exposure-induced oxidative stress dysregulates cell fate and perturbs cellular homeostasis and function, thereby disturbing fish health. To evaluate the impact of hypothermia on the freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), an 8-day experiment was conducted at 25 °C (control group, Con), 18 °C (LT18), and 10 °C (LT10) for 0 h, 8 h, 1 d, 2 d, and 8 d. Antioxidant and non-specific immune parameters reveal hypothermia induced oxidative stress and immunosuppression. Liver ultrastructure alterations indicate hypothermia induced mitochondrial enlargement, nucleoli aggregation, and lipid droplet accumulation under hypothermia exposure. With the analysis of the transcriptome, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by hypothermia were mainly involved in metabolism, immunity and inflammation, programmed cell death, and disease. Furthermore, the inflammatory response and apoptosis were evoked by hypothermia exposure in different immune organs. Interactively, apoptosis and inflammation in immune organs were correlated with antioxidation and immunity suppression induced by hypothermia exposure. In conclusion, these results suggest hypothermia-induced inflammation and apoptosis, which might be the adaptive mechanism of antioxidation and immunity in the freshwater drum. These findings contribute to helping us better understand how freshwater drum adjust to hypothermia stress.

Micropeptide MIAC inhibits the tumor progression by interacting with AQP2 and inhibiting EREG/EGFR signaling in renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although, micropeptides encoded by non-coding RNA have been shown to have an important role in a variety of tumors processes, there have been no reports on micropeptide in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Based on the micropeptide MIAC (micropeptide inhibiting actin cytoskeleton) discovered and named in the previous work, this study screened its tumor spectrum, and explored its mechanism of action and potential diagnosis and treatment value in the occurrence and development of renal carcinoma. METHODS: The clinical significance of MIAC in RCC was explored by bioinformatics analysis through high-throughput RNA-seq data from 530 patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) in the TCGA database, and the detection of clinical samples of 70 cases of kidney cancer. In vitro and in vivo experiments to determine the role of MIAC in renal carcinoma cell growth and metastasis; High-throughput transcriptomics, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, molecular docking, affinity experiments, and Streptavidin pulldown experiments identify MIAC direct binding protein and key regulatory pathways. RESULTS: The analysis of 600 renal carcinoma samples from different sources revealed that the expression level of MIAC is significantly decreased, and corelated with the prognosis and clinical stage of tumors in patients with renal carcinoma. Overexpression of MIAC in renal carcinoma cells can significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration ability, promote apoptosis of renal carcinoma cells, and affect the distribution of cells at various stages. After knocking down MIAC, the trend is reversed. In vivo experiments have found that MIAC overexpression inhibit the growth and metastasis of RCC, while the synthetized MIAC peptides can significantly inhibit the occurrence and development of RCC in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic studies have demonstrated that MIAC directly bind to AQP2 protein, inhibit EREG/EGFR expression and activate downstream pathways PI3K/AKT and MAPK to achieve anti-tumor effects. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed for the first time the tumor suppressor potential of the lncRNA-encoded micropeptide MIAC in RCC, which inhibits the activation of the EREG/EGFR signaling pathway by direct binding to AQP2 protein, thereby inhibiting renal carcinoma progression and metastasis. This result emphasizes that the micropeptide MIAC can provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.

miR-1/AMPK-Mediated Glucose and Lipid Metabolism under Chronic Hypothermia in the Liver of Freshwater Drum, Aplodinotus grunniens.

Our previous study demonstrated that low temperature could induce hepatic inflammation and suppress the immune and oxidation resistance of freshwater drum. However, the metabolism, especially the glucose and lipid metabolism involved, is poorly studied. To further explore the chronic hypothermia response of freshwater drum, an 8-day hypothermia experiment was conducted at 10 °C to investigate the effect of chronic hypothermia on glucose and lipid metabolism via biochemical and physiological indexes, and metabolic enzyme activities, miRNAs and mRNA-miRNA integrate analysis in the liver. Plasma and hepatic biochemical parameters reveal chronic hypothermia-promoted energy expenditure. Metabolic enzyme levels uncover that glycolysis was enhanced but lipid metabolism was suppressed. Differentially expressed miRNAs induced by hypothermia were mainly involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, programmed cell death, disease, and cancerization. Specifically, KEGG enrichment indicates that AMPK signaling was dysregulated. mRNA-miRNA integrated analysis manifests miR-1 and AMPK, which were actively co-related in the regulatory network. Furthermore, transcriptional expression of key genes demonstrates hypothermia-activated AMPK signaling by miR-1 and subsequently inhibited the downstream glucogenic and glycogenic gene expression and gene expression of fatty acid synthesis. However, glycogenesis was alleviated to the control level while fatty acid synthesis was still suppressed at 8 d. Meanwhile, the gene expressions of glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation were augmented under hypothermia. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-1/AMPK is an important target for chronic hypothermia control. It provides a theoretical basis for hypothermia resistance on freshwater drum.

Gut Microbes Reveal Pseudomonas Medicates Ingestion Preference via Protein Utilization and Cellular Homeostasis Under Feed Domestication in Freshwater Drum, Aplodinotus grunniens.

With strong demand for aquatic products, as well as a rapid decrease in global fishery resources and capture fisheries, domesticating animals to provide more high-quality proteins is meaningful for humans. Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is widely distributed in the wild habitats of North America. However, the research on A. grunniens and the feed domestication with diets composed of artificial compounds remains unclear. In this study, a 4-month feeding domestication experiment was conducted with A. grunniens larvae to evaluate the underlying mechanism and molecular targets responsible for alternations in the ingestion performance. The results indicated that a significant increase in the final body weight was exhibited by the feed domesticated group (DOM, 114.8 g) when compared to the group that did not ingest the feed (WT, 5.3 g) as the latest version we raised From the result, the final body weight exhibited significant increase between unfavorable with the feed (WT, 5.3 g) and feed domesticated group (DOM, 114.8 g). In addition, the enzyme activity of digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and trypsin was increased in DOM. Genes related to appetite and perception, such as NPY4R, PYY, and LEPR, were activated in DOM. 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that Pseudomonas sp. increased from 58.74% to 89.77% in DOM, which accounts for the dominant upregulated microbial community at the genus level, followed by Plesiomonas. Analogously, Mycobacterium, Methylocystis, and Romboutsia also accounted for the down-regulated microbes in the diversity. Transcriptome and RT-PCR analysis revealed that feed domestication significantly improved protein digestion and absorption, inhibited apoptosis by AGE-RAGE signaling, and activated extracellular matrix remodeling by relaxin signaling. Integrated analysis of the microbiome and host transcriptome revealed that Pseudomonas-mediated ingestion capacity, protein utilization, and cellular homeostasis might be the underlying mechanism under feed domestication. These results indicate Pseudomonas and its key genes relating to food ingestion and digestion could serve as the molecular targets for feed domestication and sustainable development in A. grunniens.

Emerging roles of exosome-derived biomarkers in cancer theranostics: messages from novel protein targets.

Effective biomarkers that guide therapeutics with limited adverse effects, have emerged as attractive research topics in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer-derived exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles representing molecular signatures of cells of origin, could serve as stable reservoirs for potential biomarkers (i.e., proteins, nucleic acids) in non-invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, the physiological and pathological roles of exosomes and their protein components in facilitating tumorigenesis are highlighted. Exosomes carrying proteins can participate in tumor development and progression through multiple signaling pathways, including EMT, invasion and metastasis. Meanwhile, the practical applications of exosomal proteins in detecting and monitoring several solid-tumor cancers (including lung, breast, pancreatic, colorectal and prostate cancers) were also summarized. More clinically relevant, exosomal proteins play pivotal roles in transmitting oncogenic potential or resistance to therapies in recipient cells, which might further support therapeutic strategy determinations.

Cation/Anion Dual-Vacancy Pair Modulated Atomically-Thin Sex -Co3 S4 Nanosheets with Extremely High Water Oxidation Performance in Ultralow-Concentration Alkaline Solutions.

The density functional theory calculation results reveal that the adjacent defect concentration and electronic spin state can effectively activate the CoIII sites in the atomically thin nanosheets, facilitating the thermodynamic transformation of *O to *OOH, thus offering ultrahigh charge transfer properties and efficiently stabilizing the phase. This undoubtedly evidences that, for metal sulfides, the atom-scale cation/anion vacancy pair and surface electronic spin state can play a great role in enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction. Inspired by the theoretical prediction, interconnected selenium (Se) wired ultrathin Co3 S4 (Sex -Co3 S4 ) nanosheets with Co/S (Se) dual-vacancies (Se1.0 -Co3 S4 -VS/Se -VCo ) pairs are constructed by a simple approach. As an efficient sulfur host material, in an ultralow-concentration KOH solution (0.1 m), Se1.0 -Co3 S4 -VS/Se -VCo presents outstanding durability up to 165 h and a low overpotential of 289.5 mV at 10 mA cm-2 , which outperform the commercial Co3 S4 nanosheets (NSs) and RuO2 . Moreover, the turnover frequency of Se1.0 -Co3 S4 -VS/Se -VCo is 0.00965 s-1 at an overpotential of 0.39 V, which is 5.7 times that of Co3 S4 NSs, and 5.8 times that of commercial RuO2 . The finding offers a rational design strategy to create the multi-defect structure in catalysts toward high-efficiency water electrolysis.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithm-Based MRI in Evaluating the Treatment Effect of Acute Cerebral Infarction.

The study is aimed at exploring the application of artificial intelligence algorithm-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction, expected to provide a reference for diagnosis and effect evaluation of acute cerebral infarction. In this study, 80 patients diagnosed with suspected acute cerebral infarction per Diagnostic Criteria for Cerebral Infarction were selected as the research subjects. MRI images were reconstructed by deep dictionary learning to improve their recognition ability. At the same time, the same diagnostic operation was performed by Computed Tomography (CT) images to compare with MRI. The results of the interalgorithm comparison showed the image reconstruction effect of the deep dictionary learning model is significantly better than SAE reconstruction, single-layer dictionary reconstruction model, and KAVD reconstruction. After comparison, the results of MRI based on artificial intelligence algorithm and CT evaluation were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the lesion image, the diameter of MRI lesions (3.81 ± 0.77 cm) based on artificial intelligence algorithm and the diameter of lesions in CT (3.66 ± 1.65 cm) also had significant statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results showed that MRI based on deep learning was more sensitive than CT imaging for diagnosis and evaluation of patients with acute cerebral infarction, with only 1 case misdiagnosed. The rate of disease detection and lesion image quality had a higher improvement. The results can provide effective support for the clinical application of MRI based on artificial intelligence algorithm in the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction.

Two-dimensional quantum-sheet films with sub-1.2 nm channels for ultrahigh-rate electrochemical capacitance.

Dense, thick, but fast-ion-conductive electrodes are critical yet challenging components of ultrafast electrochemical capacitors with high volumetric power/energy densities1-4. Here we report an exfoliation-fragmentation-restacking strategy towards thickness-adjustable (1.5‒24.0 µm) dense electrode films of restacked two-dimensional 1T-MoS2 quantum sheets. These films bear the unique architecture of an exceptionally high density of narrow (sub-1.2 nm) and ultrashort (~6.1 nm) hydrophobic nanochannels for confinement ion transport. Among them, 14-µm-thick films tested at 2,000 mV s-1 can deliver not only a high areal capacitance of 0.63 F cm-2 but also a volumetric capacitance of 437 F cm-3 that is one order of magnitude higher than that of other electrodes. Density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations suggest that both hydration and nanoscale channels play crucial roles in enabling ultrafast ion transport and enhanced charge storage. This work provides a versatile strategy for generating rapid ion transport channels in thick but dense films for energy storage and filtration applications.

Cu-Based Conductive MOF Grown in situ on Cu Foam as a Highly Selective and Stable Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor.

A non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for glucose detection is executed by using a conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu-MOF, which is built from the 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) ligand and copper acetate by hydrothermal reaction. The Cu-MOF demonstrates superior electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation under alkaline pH conditions. As an excellent non-enzymatic sensor, the Cu-MOF grown on Cu foam (Cu-MOF/CF) displays an ultra-low detection limit of 0.076 µM through a wide concentration range (0.001-0.95 mM) and a strong sensitivity of 30,030 mA µM-1 cm-2. Overall, the Cu-MOF/CF exhibits a low detection limit, high selectivity, excellent stability, fast response time, and good practical application feasibility for glucose detection and can promote the development of MOF materials in the field of electrochemical sensors.

Acceleration of the bio-reduction of methyl orange by a magnetic and extracellular polymeric substance nanocomposite.

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) plays an important role in bio-reduction of environmental pollutants. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), a kind of biogenic macromolecule, contain functional groups responsible for acceleration of EET. In this study, azo dye-methyl orange (MO) was chosen as a model pollutant, and a Fe3O4 and EPS nanocomposite (Fe3O4@EPS) was prepared to evaluate its promotion on the bio-reduction of MO. The flower-like core-shell configuration of Fe3O4@EPS with a 12 nm of light layer of EPS was confirmed by TEM. The redox ability of EPS was well reserved on Fe3O4@EPS by FTIR and electrochemical test. The application of Fe3O4@EPS on sustained acceleration of MO decolorization were confirmed by batch experiments and anaerobic sequenced batch reactors. Due to biocompatibility of the biogenic shell, the as-prepared Fe3O4@EPS exhibited low toxic to microorganisms by the Live/dead cell test. Moreover, negligible leaching of EPS under high concentration of various anions and less than 10% of EPS was released under extreme acidic and basic pH condition. The results of study provided a new preparation method of biological intimate and environmentally friendly redox mediators and suggested a feasible way for its use on bio-reduction of pollutants.