Search

Tremendous popularity is observed for multifunctional flexible electronics with appealing applications in intelligent electronic skins, human–machine interfaces, and healthcare sensing. However, the reported sensing electronics, mostly can hardly provide ultrasensitive sensing sensitivity, wider sensing range, and robust cycling stability simultaneously, and are limited of efficient heat conduction out from the contacted skin interface after wearing flexible electronics on human skin to satisfy thermal comfort of human skin. Inspired from the ultrasensitive tactile perception microstructure (epidermis/spinosum/signal transmission) of human skin, a flexible comfortably wearable ultrasensitive electronics is hereby prepared from thermal conductive boron nitride nanosheets‐incorporated polyurethane elastomer matrix with MXene nanosheets‐coated surface microdomes as epidermis/spinosum layers assembled with interdigitated electrode as sensing signal transmission layer. It demonstrates appealing sensing performance with ultrasensitive sensitivity (≈288.95 kPa−1), up to 300 kPa sensing range, and up to 20 000 sensing cycles from obvious contact area variation between microdome microstructures and the contact electrode under external compression. Furthermore, the bioinspired electronics present advanced thermal management by timely efficient thermal dissipation out from the contacted skin surface to meet human skin thermal comfort with the incorporated thermal conductive boron nitride nanosheets. Thus, it is vitally promising in wearable artificial electronic skins, intelligent human‐interactive sensing, and personal health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tumor microenvironment is reprogrammed by cancer cells and participates in all stages of tumor progression. Neutral ceramidase is a key regulator of ceramide, the central intermediate in sphingolipid metabolism. The contribution of neutral ceramidase to the reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment is not well understood. Here, we find that deletion of neutral ceramidase in multiple breast cancer models in female mice accelerates tumor growth. Our result show that Ly6C+CD39+ tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells are enriched in the tumor microenvironment and display an exhausted phenotype. Deletion of myeloid neutral ceramidase in vivo and in vitro induces exhaustion in tumor-infiltrating Ly6C+CD39+CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, myeloid neutral ceramidase is required for the generation of lipid droplets and for the induction of lipolysis, which generate fatty acids for fatty-acid oxidation and orchestrate macrophage metabolism. Metabolite ceramide leads to reprogramming of macrophages toward immune suppressive TREM2+ tumor associated macrophages, which promote CD8 T cells exhaustion. Ceramide, a central molecule in sphingolipid metabolism, has been shown to affect the development and functionality of myeloid cells. Here the authors report that myeloid deficiency of neutral ceramidase (NcDase), the enzyme converting ceramide into sphingosine, induces an immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor associated macrophages, linked to T cell exhaustion in breast cancer preclinical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable electronic sensors have attracted extensive attention in multifunctional electronic skin, personalized health monitoring, intelligent human–machine interaction, and smart medical treatment. However, critical challenge exists in simultaneously achieving excellent sensing performances with high sensitivity, rapid response, low sensing limit, and excellent cycling stability for full‐scale human healthcare detection and further timely photothermal therapy. For highly sensitive human skin, the spinosum microstructure in epidermis and dermis takes an important part in sensing signal amplification and transmission. Inspired by the spinosum microstructure of human skin for highly sensitive tactile perception, a skin‐inspired flexible electronic sensor is prepared from the face‐to‐face assembly of an as‐prepared polybutylene adipate‐polyurethane (PBAPU) elastomer matrix with conducting MXene nanosheets‐coated urchin‐like microstructure templated from natural chrysanthemum pollen grain microstructures, and an interdigitated electrode‐coated PBAPU elastomer substrate. The PBAPU elastomer matrix is newly prepared, exhibiting outstanding tensile strength (18.87 MPa), high stretchability (1190%), and comparable elastic modulus (1.7 MPa) to human skin. The as‐assembled flexible electronic sensor exhibits a highly sensitive sensitivity (up to 784.02 kPa−1), low detection limit (0.12 Pa), and reliable cycling stability for intelligent human–machine interfacing. The MXene nanosheets‐coated urchin‐like microstructure‐contained PBAPU possesses efficient photothermal heating performance to achieve on‐demand photothermal therapy for rehabilitation training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of low compressive strength in concrete is primarily caused by the antiwashout admixture (AWA) added to cement-based cementitious material (CBCM). In this work, the AWA was added to alkali-activated cementitious material (AACM) to prepare underwater non-dispersible concrete (UNDC). The effect of different AWA contents on the compressive strength of AACM was studied by measuring the compressive strength, hydration process, pore structure, microscopic appearance and chemical composition. The results show that the compressive strength of AACM-UNDC moulded underwater can reach higher than 80% of the compressive strength of AACM-UNDC moulded on land. The polymerisation and decomposition reaction of AACM can lead to the formation of strong covalent bonds, which can not only interweave with the long chain structure of AWA to form a dense network structure but also avoid the AWA wrapping on the surface of the activated material through the charge effect, and hinder the hydration reaction process of AACM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to increase the content of mineral admixtures in cement, this study proposes a method for preparing a high-volume mineral admixture cementitious material (HMAC) using superfine cement as a reverse filling material. Firstly, superfine cement is prepared through mechanical grinding. Then, the activity of mineral admixtures (such as slag and fly ash) is enhanced by mechanical grinding, sulfate activation, and alkali activation methods. Meanwhile, the evolution of HMCM from microstructure to macroscopic mechanical behavior is studied by combining a laser particle size analyzer and a scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the reverse filling mechanism of superfine cement on mineral admixtures under different activation conditions is proposed. Results show that superfine cement can largely improve the utilization rate of cement clinker and the compressive strength of cementitious materials. In the condition that the compressive strength is not lower than that of the control group (without mineral admixture), the content of mineral admixture can be increased to 50%, 70%, and 90% after mechanical grinding, sulfate activation, and alkali activation, respectively. Analysis indicates that the reverse filling effect of superfine cement is the main reason for improving the density of the HMCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S2−-enriched alkali-activator (SEAA) was prepared by modifying the alkali activator through Na2S. The effects of S2−-enriched alkali-activated slag (SEAAS) on the solidification performance of Pb and Cd in MSWI fly ash were investigated using SEAAS as the solidification material for MSWI fly ash. Combined with microscopic analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the effects of SEAAS on the micro-morphology and molecular composition of MSWI fly ash were studied. The solidification mechanism of Pb and Cd in S2−-enriched alkali-activated MSWI fly ash was discussed in detail. The results showed that the solidification performance for Pb and Cd in MSWI fly ash induced by SEAAS was significantly enhanced first and then improved gradually with the increase in dosage of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Under a low GGBS dosage of 25%, SEAAS could eliminate the problem of severely exceeding permitted Pb and Cd in MSWI fly ash, which compensated for the deficiency of alkali-activated slag (AAS) in terms of solidifying Cd in MSWI fly ash. The highly alkaline environment provided by SEAA promoted the massive dissolution of S2− in the solvent, which endowed the SEAAS with a stronger ability to capture Cd. Pb and Cd in MSWI fly ash were efficiently solidified by SEAAS under the synergistic effects of sulfide precipitation and chemical bonding of polymerization products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive hydrogel‐based epidermal sensors are regarded with broad prospects in bridging the gap between human and machine for personalized healthcare. However, it is still challenging to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity, wide sensing range, and reliable cycling stability in hydrogel‐based epidermal sensors for ultrasensitive human–machine interfacing, along with brilliant antiswelling capability, and near‐infrared (NIR) light‐triggered dissociation and drug release for further smart on‐demand photothermal therapy. Herein, the facile preparation of a flexible multifunctional epidermal sensor from the elaborately fabricated, highly stretchable, and antiswelling MXene hydrogel is presented. It exhibits high sensitivity, wide sensing range (up to 350% strain), and reliable reproducibility for enabling ultrasensitive human‐machine interfacing. It displays excellent antiswelling capability for the hydrogel to avoid expanding the wound due to excessive swelling for further reliable wound therapy. Furthermore, it possesses good biocompatibility and robust photothermal performance for the smart photothermal therapy after healthcare monitoring. Meanwhile, the sensor can be triggered to be softened and partly dissociated under the prolonged NIR light irradiation with the transformation of the temperature‐sensitive low‐melting‐point Agar into a sol state and the partial dissociation in the hydrogel to release the loaded drug on demand for synergistically sterilizing bacteria and efficiently promoting wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To disclose influences of ultrasonic vibration agitation on the carbonation resistance of cement-based materials after absorption of CO2, the variation laws in internal carbonization zone were explored by the testing carbonization depth and carbonization range (pH variation range) of cement mortar after CO2 absorption at different ages. Results demonstrated that when CO2 absorption volumes of the cement mortar before carbonization were 0.44%, 0.88%, 1.32%, 1.76%, and 2.20% (28 d), the carbonization depth under ultrasonic vibration decreased by 5.5%, 12.3%, 21.7%, 20.7%, and 26.7% compared to those under mechanical stirring, respectively. When the ultimate CO2 absorption volume increased to 2.2% of cement mass, the extended degree of cement mortar was 103.23 mm, which decreased by 5.4% compared to that before CO2 absorption. pH variation values of the carbonization range under ultrasonic vibration presented a rising trend with the increase of CO2 absorption volume of cement mortar before carbonation. This indicated that, with the increase of CO2 absorption volume of cement mortar before carbonation increases under ultrasonic vibration, the carbonization process of the hardened body of cement mortar might be decelerated to some extent. Additionally, changes in internal composition and physical images of cement-based materials after absorption of CO2 were analyzed through microtest means like SEM and XRD. A carbonation resistance model was constructed, thus enabling disclosure of the variation mechanism of carbonation resistance of cement-based materials after absorption of CO2 under mechanical stirring and ultrasonic vibration. Results demonstrated that the higher CO2 absorption volume of fresh slurry generated more "nano-level" CaCO3 crystal nucleus. Accordingly, it could improve the porous structure of the cement mortar, decrease the quantity of capillary tubes significantly, improve the compaction degree of cement-based materials effectively, and lower the diffusion rate of CO2 in the cement paste base, thus improving the carbonation resistance. Research conclusions have important significance to decrease CO2 emissions and improve carbonation resistance of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to make the precast concrete reach the design strength quickly, by increasing the active silicon content of the precast concrete, the influence mechanism of the active silicon on the early compressive strength of the precast concrete was studied. The early hydration process, early pore structure, and chemical composition of precast concrete mixed with different types and dosages of water‐soluble active silicon materials (WASM) were characterized through heat of hydration test, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The increase of active silicon content in precast concrete can greatly improve the early compressive strength of precast concrete (PC) under steam curing conditions. The increase of active silicon content in PC can greatly improve the early hydration process of cement and accelerate the rate of early cement hydration heat release. The addition of active silicon in the early stage of cement hydration can promote the rapid conversion of Ca(OH)2 generated in the gelling system to high‐strength CSH gel. A large amount of high‐strength CSH gel is formed in the early stage of cement hydration, which can promote the formation of a dense internal structure of PC as soon as possible, thereby promoting the rapid improvement of the early compressive strength of PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The over‐burnt free‐CaO(f‐CaO) existential state in hot‐splashed steel slag is understood by observing the microstructure of steel slag section and analyzing the minerals in the steel slag (SS). In the investigation, a new method of using hydrochloric acid as the solvent to modify the steel slag powder (SSP) is put forward. The effects of hydrochloric acid pretreatment on the surface morphology of SS and the hydration activity and soundness of SSP blended cement are investigated. Furthermore, the failure mechanism of steel slag cement‐based materials and the hydration mechanism of acid‐activated steel slag (ASS) are discussed in detail. The research indicated that the optimum dosage of modified SSP is 20 wt%. At this dosage, the 7‐ and 28‐day compressive strength of paste is nearly increased 15% compared with the untreated steel slag cement‐based mortar specimens. Moreover, the acid activated SS‐blended cement pastes show much better soundness performances after autoclaved curing tests when compared with corresponding pastes with SS without treatment. It provides a promising approach for efficient and safe utilization of SS as supplementary cementitious material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, dehydrated cement paste (DCP) was used as a calcium source and solid dispersant for alkali-activated coal gangue (CG). The reaction mechanism of alkali-activated CG-DCP was revealed by detecting the compressive strength and microscopic properties of alkali-activated CG-DCP. The molecular structure characteristics of alkali-activated CG-DCP combined with the molecular dynamics were analysed. The results show that using DCP as the solid dispersant of CG could refine the particle size of CG, and improve problems of bonding and uneven distribution of particles caused by grinding. The addition of DCP could increase the calcium content in alkali-activated CG-DCP and promote the generation of more calcium silicate hydrate gel, thereby increasing its compressive strength. The secondary calcination of the CG-DCP composites could promote the release of calcium in the composites and increase the attraction force between particles in the alkali-activated CG-DCP molecular structure. The secondary calcination temperature of more than 900°C can lead to attraction force decrease and molecular structure instability in the molecular structure of alkali-activated CG-DCP, resulting in decreasing compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on overcoming the agglomeration issue of nano-SiO2 powder in cement, facilitating the strengthening mechanism of cement-based materials. A nano-SiO2 precursor solution (NSPS) was added to cement-based materials to replace nano-SiO2 powder. The influencing laws of the alkalinity and dosage of the NSPS on the mechanical properties of cement were investigated. Further, the strengthening mechanism of the mechanical properties of cement-based materials after internal nano-SiO2 production was analysed. The results show that (1) when the alkalinity of the precursor solution is a weak acid (pH = 6), the compressive strength of cement-based materials after internal nano-SiO2 production is 25%~36% higher than that of pure cement-based materials and 16%~22% higher than that of cement-based materials with silica fume; (2) when the solid content of SiO2 in the current displacement solution is about 0.16% of the cement mass, the compressive strength of the prepared cement-based material is the highest. With the continuous increase in the solid content of SiO2 in the precursor solution, the compressive strength of cement-based materials after internal nano-SiO2 production decreases but is always greater than the compressive strength of the cement-based material mixed with nano-SiO2 micro powder. According to a microstructural analysis, nano-SiO2 particles that precipitate from the precursor solution can facilitate the hydration process of cement and enrich the gel products formed on the cement particle surface. In addition, new network structures among cement particles are formed, and precipitated nano-SiO2 particles fill in the spaces among these cement particles as crystal nuclei to connect the cement particles more tightly and compact the cement-based materials. This reinforces the mechanical properties of cement-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issues associated with the fabrication of nano-silica (NS) mineral powder, such as high cost and agglomeration, can be effectively mitigated by using a precursor solution of NS as the external mixture of cement-based materials. Based on the liquid-phase preparation of NS mineral powder, its preparation technology was thoroughly investigated herein. The precursor solution of NS was synthesized using acid media (HCL, HNO3, HBO3, HCOOH, CH3COOH)—the acetic acid concentration was 1~15%—and siliceous materials. (The concentration of sodium silicate was 20~38%). In addition, the pH value (pH4~pH8) of the precursor solution was measured using a pH detector. The indexes of NS, such as precipitation time, morphology, and distribution, were observed to formulate a preparation technique for the precursor solution of NS that possessed the best results for the precipitation of nanoparticles. From the acquired results, it was demonstrated that acetic acid solution (concentration ≤ 3%) and sodium silicate solution (concentration ≤ 25%) were mixed into a solution with pH = 6, which was the optimum mixing ratio for the precursor solution of NS. The prepared precursor solution of NS was also added to the Ca(OH)2 saturated solution, and the precursor solution became active from a stable state. Then, NS particles were precipitated in an alkaline solution and reacted with Ca(OH)2 to form calcium silicate gel, which made the solution increasingly turbid and generated many visible and uniformed flocculating substances. With time, gels were continuously produced, which then turn white. Similarly, NS particles can be precipitated when the precursor solution is added to cement paste, which reacts with the Ca(OH)2 to generate CSH gel and improve the compactness of the cement paste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the influence of nickel slag powder (Ni) and polypropylene fiber (PP) on the performance of MPKC mortar, different mass fractions of Ni (5%–20%) and different volume fractions (0.6% and 1.0%) of PP were added to MKPC. The composite modified MKPC (CM-MKPC) specimens were tested and analyzed for flexural strength, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and bending performance. With the help of scanning electron microscope, the microstructure and fracture morphology of the modified MKPC specimens for related research. The results show that the addition of PP and Ni improves the mechanical properties of MKPC and improves its flexibility and deformation properties. When the content of Ni and volume of PP are 15% and 1.0%, respectively, the mechanical properties and bending properties of the modified MKPC mortar are the largest in the same group. Ni added to the MKPC gel system can reduce the friction between irregular magnesium oxide particles and between aggregates. In this way, PP fiber can well enter into the aggregate and play a bridging role at the interface, so that MKPC can better play its mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the rheological parameters of the alkali-activated slag underwater non-dispersible paste (AAS-UNDP) were tested, and the influence of polyacrylamide (PAM) on the rheological property of AAS-UNDP was studied combing with the method of molecular dynamics simulation. The experimental results show that the rheological model of AAS-UNDP and cement basted underwater non-dispersible paste (CB-UNDP) are consistent with the Herschel-Bulkley model. The results of molecular dynamics simulation show that the anions in PAM and the OH− alkali-activated slag cementitious material (AASCM) can produce repulsive force, so the potential energy of the AASCM is lower than the potential energy of the cement based cementitious material (CBCM).The mean square displacement (MSD) value and self-diffusion coefficient of PAM in the AASCM are higher than those of CBCM, indicating that the diffusion rate of particles in the AASCM is better than that of CBCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of silicate modulus (M = silicon dioxide (SiO2)/sodium oxide (Na2O) by mass) and activator content S (mass proportion of sodium oxide and silicon dioxide to ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)) of sodium silicate (SS) solution on the compressive strength of alkali-activated GGBS (AAS) mortars. At a given solid content, the specimens activated by SS with modulus of 1.0 and 1.5 had the highest compressive strength. In the case of the same modulus of SS, the compressive strength of the AAS mortars rose linearly and then remained unchanged or declined slightly with the increase in S. The mechanism of the action of SS on AAS was studied using backscattered electron (BSE) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The BSE image of AAS shows that GGBS particles are tightly bonded to the surrounding hardened, jelly-like slurry, and that the structure of the GGBS particles in the AAS slurry is intact without an apparent hydrating layer around it. EDS analysis revealed that only active materials in the GGBS, mainly calcium, are dissolved to participate in reaction, and that dissolving these materials does not damage the GGBS structure. S is solidified by these active materials, which embed the GGBS particles therein to form a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize high-efficiency CO2 absorption by fresh cement paste, ultrasonic vibration technology is introduced into the CO2 absorption test device used in this study. Influences of ultrasonic frequency on the CO2 absorption rate (CO2 AR) and the ultimate absorption amount of fresh cement paste are analyzed. Furthermore, the influencing laws of the CO2 absorption amount (CO2 AA) on the fluidity, pore distribution, and mechanical properties of cement paste under ultrasonic vibrating agitation are analyzed by measuring the variations of the CO2 AA of cement paste. Results demonstrate that ultrasonic vibrating agitation not only can increase the CO2 AR and ultimate absorption amount of fresh cement paste, but also can optimize the internal pore structure of materials and compressive strength of cement-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specially designed cleaning system was adopted to wash away mud but keep coarse particles and stone powders in quarry waste. Then the cleaned quarry waste was used as concrete fine aggregate. Size distributions of all concrete constituents were analyzed, and workability and compressive strength of concrete were determined to evaluate gradation effect of cleaned quarry waste to improve size distributions of concrete constituents, thus improving concrete properties. Results showed that the designed cleaning system can wash away mud and keep stone powders and coarse particles in quarry waste. The particle sizes of stone powders were between 0.075 mm and 0.15 mm, and those of coarse particles were between 0.15 mm and 4.75 mm. When the cleaned quarry waste was used, continuous size distributions of all concrete constituents were formed, which solved discontinuous size distribution problems among cement, fine, and coarse aggregates. Therefore, concrete workability was improved and compressive strengths at different ages were increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the test results on the bonding strength between magnesium ammonium phosphate cement and Portland cement. The bonded specimens were prepared by immersion in Na2SO4 solution. Following immersion, the surfaces and positions of fractures on the specimens were examined. SEM and an optical microscope were used to analyse changes of the interfacial microzone following different immersion periods. Microstructure changes of the magnesium ammonium phosphate cement-based interfacial microzone within the bonded mortar specimens were studied and compared with those immersed in normal conditions. The bonded mortar specimens were found to have weaker bonding strength than that of the mortar specimens in normal conditions. Under normal conditions, slight crystal morphology changes of the interfacial microzone were observed and the crystal structure appeared compact, while more noticeable changes occurred within mortar specimens immersed in Na2SO4 solution, with the crystal structures within them being more loose. The bonding behaviour of the magnesium ammonium phosphate cement includes mechanical bonding, mutual diffusion, and chemical bonding. Structural diagrams of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in different environments are also presented. Further investigations are needed to determine the performance of the bonding interface microzone of Portland cements and magnesium ammonium phosphate cements within repair materials in order to enhance the performance of cement-based composite materials for concrete repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to detect abnormally expressed microRNA (miRNA) in keloids and to study their functions. The differential expression of miRNAs in keloids and normal tissue was detected by gene microarray. MiRNA expression was verified by real-time PCR. A luciferase reporter gene assay, western blot, and real-time PCR were used to detect the effect of miR-194-3p on RUNX2. An MTT assay and a transwell assay were used to detect the effect of miR-194-3p in both primary cultured fibroblasts and HKF cells. Related proteins were analysed by western blot and real-time PCR. The expression of miR-194-3p was lower in keloids, and MiR-194-3p was shown to target RUNX2 directly. MiR-194-3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts through the inhibition of CDK4 and MMP2. MiR-194-3p and RUNX2 may become new targets for the prevention and treatment of keloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the proposed biologically active form of ruthenium is its oxidation state II other than oxidation state III, and ruthenium complexes offer the potential of a novel mechanism of action, reduced toxicity. Herein, three half‐sandwich RuII complexes [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(N^N)Cl]PF6 were designed and synthesized. Lysosomes are involved in various aspects of cancer cell immortalization and cell death. Thus, lysosomes are attractive pharmacological targets for selective killing of cancer cells. We demonstrated that Ru2 can accumulate in lysosomes. In addition, A549 cell viability remained at 87.81 % after exposure to Ru2 for 24 h at the working concentration. Meanwhile, Ru2 exhibited relatively high photostability and suitability for long‐term tracking. At increased concentration after 24 h of exposure to the complex toward A549 cell line, Ru2 induced a high apoptotic rate, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and reactive oxygen species overload. Ru2 integrated the anticancer properties and imaging capabilities and is expected to be developed as a dual functional theranostic agent. Three half‐sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes with dual function, specifically lysosome‐targeting probe and anticancer agent, were synthesized. Their potential use as theranostic and specifically lysosome targeting agents was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, six half-sandwich luminescent iridium (Ir) and ruthenium (Ru) anticancer complexes bearing P^P-chelating ligands 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppbz) and 1,8-bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene (dppn) were synthesized and characterized via1H-NMR spectroscopy, 31P-NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. All the complexes displayed more potent anticancer activity than cisplatin towards A549 lung cancer cells and HeLa cervical cancer cells, especially the most potent iridium complex Ir3, which was 73 times more potent than cisplatin against A549 cells. Different from cisplatin, no nucleobase adducts of Ir3 were detected. With the help of the self-luminescence of complex Ir3 and confocal microscopy, it was observed that Ir3 efficiently penetrated into the A549 cells via energy-dependent active transport, and specifically accumulated in lysosomes, affected the permeabilization of the lysosomal membranes and induced caspase-dependent cell death through lysosomal damage. Both apoptosis and autophagy of the A549 cells were observed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation, reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase also contributed to the observed cytotoxicity of Ir3. We demonstrate that these half-sandwich Ir and Ru anticancer complexes have different anticancer mechanism of action from that of cisplatin, which can be developed as potential multifunctional theranostic platforms that combine bioimaging and anticancer capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve novel half-sandwich IrIII–NHC complexes [(η5-Cpx)Ir(C^O)Cl] were synthesized and characterized. These complexes showed higher cytotoxic activity toward A549 cells and HeLa cells than cisplatin. An increase in the number of contained phenyl groups was related to better anticancer activity. The reaction of complexes with nucleobases 9-MeA, nucleobases 9-EtG, plasmid DNA and CT-DNA showed no significant effects. These complexes captured hydrogen from NADH and converted it to NAD+, which produced the reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS led to a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and lysosomal damage, finally inducing apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design of the ligands around transition metals has achieved success in the development of anticancer complexes. In this contribution, a series of organometallic half-sandwich iridium(iii) complexes with various corresponding counteranions have been prepared and characterized. The size and coordination ability of the counteranions exert a great influence on the chemical reactivity and anticancer activity of these complexes. The influence of the counteranions on the cell cycle, apoptosis, ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential is also discussed. This work has shown for the first time that the modification of counteranions can affect the anticancer activity of transition metal-based complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombin and its membrane receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), have been reported to promote the development of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. However, the intracellular molecular mechanism or signaling pathway that mediates the cytological effects after the thrombin-receptor interaction is poorly understood. Our previous study observed that the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was downregulated in thrombin-stimulated lung cancer. In this study, the role of PTEN in thrombin-mediated cell function and the corresponding cell signaling pathway were studied in lung cancer cell Glc-82. The results indicated that thrombin downregulates the PTEN expression level and that PTEN plays an important role in thrombin-mediated Glc-82 functions, including cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, and cell migration. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its related proteins, including p27 and S phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2), are involved in the effects induced by PTEN downregulation. PAR1 plays a role in thrombin-mediated reduction of PTEN expression. This study suggested that the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays an important role in thrombin/PAR1-mediated lung cancer cell growth and migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setting time and mechanical properties are key metrics needed to assess the properties of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash alkali-activated samples. This study investigated the solidification law, polymerization, and strength development mechanism in response to NaOH and liquid sodium silicate addition. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the formation rules of polymerization products and the mechanism of the underlying polymerization reaction under different excitation conditions. The results identify a strongly alkaline environment as the key factor for the dissolution of active substances as well as for the formation of polymerization products. The self-condensation reaction of liquid sodium silicate in the supersaturated state (caused by the loss of free water) is the major reason for the rapid coagulation of alkali-activated samples. The combination of both NaOH and liquid sodium silicate achieves the optimal effect, because they play a compatible coupling role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of metal complexes containing phosphorus ligands as anticancer agents has not been well studied. In this work, eight novel half‐sandwich IrIII and RuII compounds with P^P‐chelating ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized, and alongside two crystal structures were reported. All eight complexes displayed highly potent antiproliferative activity, up to nine times more potent than the clinical anticancer drug cisplatin towards A549 lung cancer cells. Complex Ir1, which has a simpler structure and highly potent antiproliferative activity, was selected to investigate in further mechanistic studies. No hydrolysis and nucleobase binding occurred for complex Ir1. In order to elucidate subcellular localization, the self‐luminescence of the complex Ir1 was utilized. Ir1 can specifically target lysosomes and facilitate excessive production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in lysosomal membrane permeabilization in A549 cells. Release of cathepsin B and changes in the mitochondria membrane potential also contributed to the observed cytotoxicity of Ir1, which demonstrated an anticancer action mechanism that was different from that of cisplatin. The favorable results from biological and chemical research demonstrated that these types of complexes hold significant theranostic potential. The use of metal complexes containing phosphorus ligands as anticancer agents has not been well studied. In this work, eight novel half‐sandwich IrIII and RuII compounds with P^P‐chelating ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized. The favorable results of biological and chemical research demonstrated that these types of complexes hold significant theranostic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, characterization and biological activity of four cyclometalated Ir (III) complexes (Ir1‐Ir4) containing different phosphine‐sulfonate ligands are reported. Most of these complexes showed good activity against A549 cancer cell lines and the human HeLa cervical cell lines. Spectroscopic properties study displays that all four complexes show rich fluorescence with emission maxima in the range of 474–510 nm. Fluorescence property of these complexes provides a tool to investigate the microscopic mechanism by confocal microscopy. Notably, the typical Ir (III) complex Ir4 can specially localize to lysosome, damage it and induce cell death via apoptosis. In addition, Ir4 enters into A549 cancer cells dominantly through energy‐dependent pathway. A series of luminescence cyclometalated iridium complexes containing phosphine‐sulfonate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. Subcellular localization, the mechanism of uptake and lysosomal damage of the complexes have been investigated using confocal microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]