Sulfonated Styrene-Acrylic Acid Copolymers with pH-Indicator Property

In this study, a polymer pH-indicator was synthesized by sulfonation of poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) with concentrated sulfuric acid. The synthesized polymer pH-indicator exhibited pH-responsive color changes in aqueous solutions, being purple in alkaline medium (pH 9). The sulfonation process extent and polymer color were affected by time and temperature of the process, as well as acrylic acid (AA) content. The addition of acrylic acid was a crucial point for color change due to the facility of cyclic ketone structure to turn into phenol under acidic condition. Compared with low molecule pH-indicators, the sulfonated copolymer was prepared in form of films being repeatedly used as pH-indicator and easily removed from the acid-base medium.</div

Chestnut-Tannin-Crosslinked, Antibacterial, Antifreezing, Conductive Organohydrogel as a Strain Sensor for Motion Monitoring, Flexible Keyboards, and Velocity Monitoring

Flexible sensing devices (FSDs) fabricated using conductive hydrogels have attracted researchers’ extensive enthusiasm in recent years due to their versatility. Considering the complexity of their application environments, the integration of various functional characteristics (e.g., excellent mechanical, antibacterial, and antifreezing properties) is an important guarantee for FSDs to stably perform their applications in different environments. Herein, we developed a multifunctional conductive polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) organohydrogel PVA-CT-Ag-Al-Gly (PCAAG) by using a green, natural, and cheap biomass, chestnut tannin (CT), as a crosslinking agent, nano-silver particles (AgNPs) as an antimicrobial agent, aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) as a conducting medium, and the mixed water–glycerol as the solvent system. In this organohydrogel system, CT acted not only as the reducing and stabilizing agent for the preparation of antibacterial AgNPs but also as the crosslinking agent owing to its strong multiple hydrogen bonding interactions with PVA, realizing its multifunctional application. The PCAAG organohydrogel possessed outstanding physical and mechanical properties (350.54% of the maximum fracture strain and 1.55 MPa of the maximum tensile strength), considerable bacteriostatic effects against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and excellent freeze resistance (it could function normally at −20 °C). The motion-monitoring sensor based on the PCAAG organohydrogel exhibited excellent specificity recognition for both large-amplitude (e.g., elbow bending, wrist bending, finger bending, running and walking, etc.) and small-amplitude (frowning and swallowing) human movements. The flexible keyboard constructed by using the PCAAG organohydrogel could easily achieve the transformation between digital signals and electrical signals, and the signal output had both specificity and stability. The velocity-monitoring sensor fabricated by using the PCAAG organohydrogel could accurately measure the speed of the object movement (less than 3% of relative error). In short, the present PCAAG organohydrogel solves the problems of the single application environment and a few application scenarios of traditional conductive hydrogels and possesses remarkable application potential as a multifunctional FSD in many fields such as artificial intelligence, sport management, soft robots, and human–computer interface

DataSheet1_High-efficiency adsorption of Cd2+ and Cr3+ by sodium vanadate nanowire arrays.docx

With the development of economy, the problem of heavy metal pollution in water environment is becoming more and more serious, so it is urgent to find a kind of efficient water purification material. The current work aimed to investigate the potential power of sodium vanadate nanowire arrays (Na5V12O32) to remove cadmium (Cd2+) and chromium (Cr3+) from simulated aqueous solutions. The adsorption effects of Na5V12O32 on Cd2+ and Cr3+ under different adsorption conditions were analyzed. The products before and after adsorption were compared by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and XPS. The results showed that the irregular grass-like structure of Na5V12O32 nanowire arrays provided more active sites for the ion exchange reaction, and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd2+ and Cr3+ was 541.2 and 251.8 mg·g-1, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was more suitable to describe the adsorption behavior by kinetic study. The research demonstrated that Na5V12O32 nanowire arrays exhibited excellent adsorption performance, which provided an effective parameter basis for the future adsorption of heavy metal ions.</p

Association of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 4a/b polymorphism with the risk of incident diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis

To conduct a systematic review and updated meta-analysis on the potential association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 4a/b polymorphism and the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to identify possible clinical biomarkers for early screening of DR. A meta-analysis based on case-control or cross-sectional studies was conducted to examine the correlation between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and DR. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association strength. We included 19 studies, covering 7838 subjects. An association was observed in Caucasians (allelic model: OR = 1.273, 95% CI: 1.006–1.610, p = .045; recessive model: OR = 0.575, 95% CI: 0.371–0.892, p = .014; dominant model: OR = 1.268, 95% CI: 1.052–1.528, p = .013; homozygote model: OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.176–2.856, p = .007). Moreover, population-based studies have indicated an association between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and DR susceptibility. The present study showed that intron 4a allele of eNOS 4a/b is a risk factor for DR in Caucasians with T2DM. Thus, eNOS 4a/b may be used as a biomarker for the early screening and diagnosis of DR in Caucasian T2DM patients.Key messagesEndothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy in the overall population, Asians, or Chinese Han patients with type 2 diabetes. However, 4a is a risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy in Caucasians.Endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the type of diabetic retinopathy. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy in the overall population, Asians, or Chinese Han patients with type 2 diabetes. However, 4a is a risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy in Caucasians. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/b gene polymorphism is not associated with the type of diabetic retinopathy.</p

Tough, Self-Adhesive, Antibacterial, and Recyclable Supramolecular Double Network Flexible Hydrogel Sensor Based on PVA/Chitosan/Cyclodextrin

Hydrogel-based flexible sensors have attracted extensive attention of researchers due to their great application potential in soft robots, electronic skin, motion monitoring, and disease diagnosis. However, it is still a challenge for hydrogel-based flexible sensors to be integrated with good mechanical performance, sensitivity, self-adhesion, fatigue resistance, antibacterial activity, and recyclability. Here, a novel supramolecular polyoxymethylene cross-linking agent (PCD-Fc-CHO) was designed and synthesized by the host–guest interaction between poly­(β-cyclodextrin) and ferrocene. Then, a double network (DN) hydrogel was prepared by a PVA crystallization domain via the freeze-thaw cycle method (first network) and Schiff base between PCD-Fc-CHO and chitosan (second network). The obtained DN hydrogel was immersed in the NaCl solution to form a conductive DN hydrogel. The resulting hydrogel has excellent mechanical properties [tensile (314%, 0.5 MPa), compress (50%, 0.663 MPa)], good fatigue resistance (stretching and compressing cycles at least five times), reliable conductivity (2.48 S/m), high sensitivity [gauge factor (GF) = 4.87], antibacterial, and recyclable properties. In addition, an industrially produced and low-cost plant polyphenol, black wattle tannin, was used for the first time to give the hydrogel good adhesion and repeated adhesion (at least ten times). The obtained hydrogel can be used as a flexible strain sensor to monitor both large movements (bending finger, wrist, elbow, arm, and knee) and micromovements (talking, smiling, blinking, blowing, frowning, and drinking) with high sensitivity and stability. It is noteworthy that the reshaped hydrogel also exhibits sensitive sensing performance, indicating that the hydrogel can be recycled. This work expanded the strategy for the design and preparation of multi-functional DN hydrogels and promoted the application of wearable, highly sensitive, fatigue resistance, antibacterial, and green hydrogel sensors

Image9_Novel Immune-Related Ferroptosis Signature in Esophageal Cancer: An Informatics Exploration of Biological Processes Related to the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 Regulatory Network.JPEG

Background: Considering the role of immunity and ferroptosis in the invasion, proliferation and treatment of cancer, it is of interest to construct a model of prognostic-related differential expressed immune-related ferroptosis genes (PR-DE-IRFeGs), and explore the ferroptosis-related biological processes in esophageal cancer (ESCA).Methods: Four ESCA datasets were used to identify three PR-DE-IRFeGs for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model was based on analyses of internal and external data sets, and comparisons with past models. With the biological-based enrichment analysis as a guide, exploration for ESCA-related biological processes was undertaken with respect to the immune microenvironment, mutations, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA), and copy number variation (CNV). The model’s clinical applicability was measured by nomogram and correlation analysis between risk score and gene expression, and also immune-based and chemotherapeutic sensitivity.Results: Three PR-DE-IRFeGs (DDIT3, SLC2A3, and GCH1), risk factors for prognosis of ESCA patients, were the basis for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model shows a meaningful capability for prognosis prediction. Furthermore, many biological functions and pathways related to immunity and ferroptosis were enriched in the high-risk group, and the role of the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network in ESCA is supported. Also, the KMT2D mutation is associated with our risk score and SLC2A3 expression. Overall, the prognostic model was associated with treatment sensitivity and levels of gene expression.Conclusion: A novel, prognostic model was shown to have high predictive value. Biological processes related to immune functions, KMT2D mutation, CNV and the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network were involved in ESCA progression.</p

Image4_Novel Immune-Related Ferroptosis Signature in Esophageal Cancer: An Informatics Exploration of Biological Processes Related to the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 Regulatory Network.JPEG

Background: Considering the role of immunity and ferroptosis in the invasion, proliferation and treatment of cancer, it is of interest to construct a model of prognostic-related differential expressed immune-related ferroptosis genes (PR-DE-IRFeGs), and explore the ferroptosis-related biological processes in esophageal cancer (ESCA).Methods: Four ESCA datasets were used to identify three PR-DE-IRFeGs for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model was based on analyses of internal and external data sets, and comparisons with past models. With the biological-based enrichment analysis as a guide, exploration for ESCA-related biological processes was undertaken with respect to the immune microenvironment, mutations, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA), and copy number variation (CNV). The model’s clinical applicability was measured by nomogram and correlation analysis between risk score and gene expression, and also immune-based and chemotherapeutic sensitivity.Results: Three PR-DE-IRFeGs (DDIT3, SLC2A3, and GCH1), risk factors for prognosis of ESCA patients, were the basis for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model shows a meaningful capability for prognosis prediction. Furthermore, many biological functions and pathways related to immunity and ferroptosis were enriched in the high-risk group, and the role of the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network in ESCA is supported. Also, the KMT2D mutation is associated with our risk score and SLC2A3 expression. Overall, the prognostic model was associated with treatment sensitivity and levels of gene expression.Conclusion: A novel, prognostic model was shown to have high predictive value. Biological processes related to immune functions, KMT2D mutation, CNV and the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network were involved in ESCA progression.</p

Image2_Novel Immune-Related Ferroptosis Signature in Esophageal Cancer: An Informatics Exploration of Biological Processes Related to the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 Regulatory Network.JPEG

Background: Considering the role of immunity and ferroptosis in the invasion, proliferation and treatment of cancer, it is of interest to construct a model of prognostic-related differential expressed immune-related ferroptosis genes (PR-DE-IRFeGs), and explore the ferroptosis-related biological processes in esophageal cancer (ESCA).Methods: Four ESCA datasets were used to identify three PR-DE-IRFeGs for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model was based on analyses of internal and external data sets, and comparisons with past models. With the biological-based enrichment analysis as a guide, exploration for ESCA-related biological processes was undertaken with respect to the immune microenvironment, mutations, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA), and copy number variation (CNV). The model’s clinical applicability was measured by nomogram and correlation analysis between risk score and gene expression, and also immune-based and chemotherapeutic sensitivity.Results: Three PR-DE-IRFeGs (DDIT3, SLC2A3, and GCH1), risk factors for prognosis of ESCA patients, were the basis for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model shows a meaningful capability for prognosis prediction. Furthermore, many biological functions and pathways related to immunity and ferroptosis were enriched in the high-risk group, and the role of the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network in ESCA is supported. Also, the KMT2D mutation is associated with our risk score and SLC2A3 expression. Overall, the prognostic model was associated with treatment sensitivity and levels of gene expression.Conclusion: A novel, prognostic model was shown to have high predictive value. Biological processes related to immune functions, KMT2D mutation, CNV and the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network were involved in ESCA progression.</p

Image5_Novel Immune-Related Ferroptosis Signature in Esophageal Cancer: An Informatics Exploration of Biological Processes Related to the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 Regulatory Network.JPEG

Background: Considering the role of immunity and ferroptosis in the invasion, proliferation and treatment of cancer, it is of interest to construct a model of prognostic-related differential expressed immune-related ferroptosis genes (PR-DE-IRFeGs), and explore the ferroptosis-related biological processes in esophageal cancer (ESCA).Methods: Four ESCA datasets were used to identify three PR-DE-IRFeGs for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model was based on analyses of internal and external data sets, and comparisons with past models. With the biological-based enrichment analysis as a guide, exploration for ESCA-related biological processes was undertaken with respect to the immune microenvironment, mutations, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA), and copy number variation (CNV). The model’s clinical applicability was measured by nomogram and correlation analysis between risk score and gene expression, and also immune-based and chemotherapeutic sensitivity.Results: Three PR-DE-IRFeGs (DDIT3, SLC2A3, and GCH1), risk factors for prognosis of ESCA patients, were the basis for constructing the prognostic model. Validation of our model shows a meaningful capability for prognosis prediction. Furthermore, many biological functions and pathways related to immunity and ferroptosis were enriched in the high-risk group, and the role of the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network in ESCA is supported. Also, the KMT2D mutation is associated with our risk score and SLC2A3 expression. Overall, the prognostic model was associated with treatment sensitivity and levels of gene expression.Conclusion: A novel, prognostic model was shown to have high predictive value. Biological processes related to immune functions, KMT2D mutation, CNV and the TMEM161B-AS1/hsa-miR-27a-3p/GCH1 network were involved in ESCA progression.</p