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The calyx of Physalis alkekengi is rich in various bioactive components. In this study, ultrasonic assisted ethanol solvent was used to extract the total flavonoids using calyx of Physalis alkekengi as materials, and the effects of ultrasonic power, extraction temperature, ultrasonic time, ethanol volume fraction and solid -liquid ratio on the yields of total flavonoids were investigated, then the L16(45) orthogonal test was used to further optimize the extraction parameters on the basis of single factor experiments, in order to efficiently and fully extract the total flavonoids. The results showed that the optimal extraction process was determined as follows: ultrasonic power of 180 W, extraction temperature of 60 °C, 60% ethanol solution soaked for 24 h with solid-liquid ratio of 1:20(g/mL), and ultrasonic time of 50 min. Under these conditions, the yield of total flavonoids was 2.982%. The process in this paper is simple with low preparation cost, which is convenient for industrial production and helpful to the comprehensive utilization and development for calyx of Physalis alkekengi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel ligand-assisted reprecipitation method to synthesize aqueous-phase CsPbBr3 nanocrystals, the fluorescence intensity of which remained at 51% after 120 h. As a multifunctional additive, cesium trifluoroacetate (Cs-TFA) can improve the surface adsorption energy and induce nanocrystals to show significant anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and stable cathodic ECL performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abortion prone (AP) is a common clinical event. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. Traditional Chinese formulas are known to be efficient in the management of abortion. The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Anzitiaochongtang (AZT), a traditional formulation of Chinese medicine, on improving AP in mice by regulating immune tolerance. Methods: An established abortion model (CBA/J×DBA/2) was employed. AZT was prepared and administered to mice in a manner consistent with clinical practice. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDC) and type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cell) in mice were analyzed by immunological approaches to be used as representative immune tolerant parameters. Results: An AP model was established with CBA/J × DBA/2 mice. The expression of IL‐10 in tDC and Tr1 cell frequency in the mouse decidua tissues were lower in the AP group than that in the normal pregnancy (NP) group. Administration of AZT up regulated the expression of IL‐10 in tDCs and Tr1 cell generation in the decidua tissues, and improved the pregnancy and tissue structure in AP mice. The main mechanism by which AZT improves pregnancy in AP mice is that AZT enhanced the expression of galectin‐9 in the epithelial cells of decidua tissues. Galectin 9 activates TIM3 on DCs to promote the IL‐10 expression. The DCs induced more Tr1 cells in the decidua tissues. Conclusions: Dysfunctional tDCs were detected in the AP decidua tissues. Administration of AZT improved pregnancy in AP mice by regulating tDC function and generation of Tr1 cells in the maternal‐fetal interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen generation has been considered as a promising route to convert and store solar energy into chemical fuels. In terms of its large-scale application, seeking semiconductor photoelectrodes with high efficiency and good stability should be essential. Although an enormous number of materials have been explored for solar water splitting in the last several decades, challenges still remain for the practical application. P-type copper-based chalcogenides, such as Cu(In, Ga)Se2 and Cu2ZnSnS4, have shown impressive performance in photovoltaics due to narrow bandgaps, high absorption coefficients, and good carrier transport properties. The obtained high efficiencies in photovoltaics have promoted the utilization of these materials into the field of PEC water splitting. A comprehensive review on copper-based chalcogenides for solar-to-hydrogen conversion would help advance the research in this expanding area. This review will cover the physicochemical properties of copper-based chalco-genides, developments of various photocathodes, strategies to enhance the PEC activity and stability, introductions of tandem PEC cells, and finally, prospects on their potential for the practical solar-to-hydrogen conversion. We believe this review article can provide some insights of fundamentals and applications of copper-based chalco-genide thin films for PEC water splitting.