Synchronous Regulation Strategy of Pyrrolidinium Thiocyanate Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Self-Powered Photodetectors

Developing inventive approaches to control crystallization and suppress trap defects in perovskite films is crucial for achieving efficient perovskite photovoltaics. Here, a synchronous regulation strategy is developed that involves the infusion of a zwitterionic ionic liquid additive, pyrrolidinium thiocyanate (PySCN), into the perovskite precursor to optimize the subsequent crystallization and defects. PySCN modification not only orchestrates the crystallization process but also deftly addresses trap defects in perovskite films. Within this, SCN- compensates for positively charged defects, while Py+ plays the role of passivating negatively charged defects. Based on the vacuum flash evaporation without anti-solvent, the air-processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with PySCN modification can achieve an extraordinary champion efficiency of 22.46% (0.1 cm2 ) and 21.15% (1.0 cm2 ) with exceptional stability surpassing 1200 h. Further, the self-powered photodetector goes above and beyond, showcasing an ultra-low dark current of 2.13 × 10-10 A·cm-2 , a specific detection rate of 6.12 × 1013  Jones, and an expansive linear dynamic range reaching an astonishing 122.49 dB. PySCN modification not only signifies high efficiency but also ushers in a new era for crystallization regulation, promising a transformative impact on the optoelectronic performance of perovskite-based devices.

Temporally and spatially resolved molecular profiling in fingerprint analysis using indium vanadate nanosheets-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

This study presents the first-ever synthesis of samarium-doped indium vanadate nanosheets (IVONSs:Sm) via microemulsion-mediated solvothermal method. The nanosheets were subsequently utilized as a nano-matrix in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). It was discovered that the as-synthesized IVONSs:Sm possessed the following advantages: improved mass spectrometry signal, minimal matrix-related background, and exceptional stability in negative-ion mode. These qualities overcame the limitations of conventional matrices and enabled the sensitive detection of small biomolecules such as fatty acids. The negative-ion LDI mechanism of IVONSs:Sm was examined through the implementation of density functional theory simulation. Using IVONSs:Sm-assisted LDI-MS, fingerprint recognitions based on morphology and chemical profiles of endogenous/exogenous compounds were also achieved. Notably, crucial characteristics such as the age of an individual's fingerprints and their physical state could be assessed through the longitudinal monitoring of particular biomolecules (e.g., ascorbic acid, fatty acid) or the specific biomarker bilirubin glucuronide. Critical information pertinent to the identification of an individual would thus be facilitated by the analysis of the compounds underlying the fingerprint patterns.

"Ice and Fire" Supramolecular Cell-Conjugation Drug Delivery Platform for Deep Tumor Ablation and Boosted Antitumor Immunity

Cancer recurrence and metastasis are two major challenges in the current clinical therapy. In this work, a novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-based photothermal reagent (DCN) with unique J-aggregation-induced redshift is synthesized to achieve efficient tumor thermal ablation under safe power (0.33 W cm-2 ). Meanwhile, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) is co-loaded with near-infrared-absorbing DCN in amphiphilic polymers to realize heat-induced massive release of nitric oxide (NO), which can form oxidant peroxynitrite (ONOO- ) to active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thereby degrading the compact tumor extracellular matrix to improve the ablation depth and infiltration of immune cells. Through a facile supramolecular assembly method, the DCN/SNAP nanoparticles are anchored to liquid-nitrogen-frozen cancer cells, achieving enhanced antitumor immune responses and effective inhibition of distant tumors and pulmonary metastases after only one treatment. The safety and effectiveness of this supramolecular cell-conjugation platform are verified by 2D/3D cellular experiments and bilateral tumor model, confirming the thermal-ablation-gas-permeation-antigen-presentation therapeutic mode has promising anticancer prospects.

Non-drug interventions of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing type 2 diabetes: a review

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly used to manage type 2 diabetes and its nonpharmacological interventions are showing potential for preventing type 2 diabetes. This study mainly reviews relevant research. The most mentioned non-drug treatments for preventing type 2 diabetes in TCM are healthy diet, physical activity, emotional therapy, and acupuncture. In most studies, blood glucose status in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes was significantly improved after TCM non-drug interventions, and there was no significant difference between the adverse effect of TCM and control groups or other intervention groups, while the methodological quality of the clinical trials involving TCM generally kept a low level. The effectiveness of TCM in preventing type 2 diabetes has yet to be validated in large randomized controlled trials and the underlying mechanism also needs further exploration.

Stabilizing Metal Halide Perovskites for Solar Fuel Production: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Prospects

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are emerging photocatalyst materials that can enable sustainable solar-to-chemical energy conversion by virtue of their broad absorption spectra, effective separation/transport of photogenerated carriers, and solution processability. Although preliminary studies show the excellent photocatalytic activities of MHPs, their intrinsic structural instability due to the low formation energy and soft ionic nature is an open challenge for their practical applications. This review discusses the latest understanding of the stability issue and strategies to overcome this issue for MHP-based photocatalysis. First, the origin of the instability issue at atomic levels and the design rules for robust structures are analyzed and elucidated. This is then followed by presenting several different material design strategies for stability enhancement, including reaction medium modification, material surface protection, structural dimensionality engineering, and chemical composition engineering. Emphases are placed on understanding the effects of these strategies on photocatalytic stability as well as the possible structure-performance correlation. Finally, the possible future research directions for pursuing stable and efficient MHP photocatalysts in order to accelerate their technological maturity on a practical scale are outlined. With that, it is hoped to provide readers a valuable snapshot of this rapidly developing and exciting field.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms in vascular repair after traumatic brain injury: a narrative review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts normal brain function and is associated with high morbidity and fatality rates. TBI is characterized as mild, moderate or severe depending on its severity. The damage may be transient and limited to the dura matter, with only subtle changes in cerebral parenchyma, or life-threatening with obvious focal contusions, hematomas and edema. Blood vessels are often injured in TBI. Even in mild TBI, dysfunctional cerebral vascular repair may result in prolonged symptoms and poor outcomes. Various distinct types of cells participate in vascular repair after TBI. A better understanding of the cellular response and function in vascular repair can facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we analyzed the mechanism of cerebrovascular impairment and the repercussions following various forms of TBI. We then discussed the role of distinct cell types in the repair of meningeal and parenchyma vasculature following TBI, including endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, pericytes, glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), neurons, myeloid cells (macrophages and monocytes) and meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, possible treatment techniques targeting these unique cell types for vascular repair after TBI are discussed.

Managing Interfacial Defects and Carriers by Synergistic Modulation of Functional Groups and Spatial Conformation for High-Performance Perovskite Photovoltaics Based on Vacuum Flash Method

Interfacial nonradiative recombination loss is a huge barrier to advance the photovoltaic performance. Here, one effective interfacial defect and carrier dynamics management strategy by synergistic modulation of functional groups and spatial conformation of ammonium salt molecules is proposed. The surface treatment with 3-ammonium propionic acid iodide (3-APAI) does not form 2D perovskite passivation layer while the propylammonium ions and 5-aminopentanoic acid hydroiodide post-treatment lead to the formation of 2D perovskite passivation layers. Due to appropriate alkyl chain length, theoretical and experimental results manifest that COOH and NH₃ ⁺ groups in 3-APAI molecules can form coordination bonding with undercoordinated Pb²⁺ and ionic bonding and hydrogen bonding with octahedron PbI₆ ^4- , respectively, which makes both groups be simultaneously firmly anchored on the surface of perovskite films. This will strengthen defect passivation effect and improve interfacial carrier transport and transfer. The synergistic effect of functional groups and spatial conformation confers 3-APAI better defect passivation effect than 2D perovskite layers. The 3-APAI-modified device based on vacuum flash technology achieves an alluring peak efficiency of 24.72% (certified 23.68%), which is among highly efficient devices fabricated without antisolvents. Furthermore, the encapsulated 3-APAI-modified device degrades by less than 4% after 1400 h of continuous one sun illumination.

Study on basic and clinical application of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule in treating respiratory tract infection

Shufeng Jiedu Capsule (SFJDC), composed of eight herbs, is a big brand traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of different respiratory tract infectious diseases with good clinical efficacy and few side effects. It is clinically applied to acute upper respiratory tract infection(URI), influenza, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) and other diseases, due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory and antipyretic activities. In particular, it has shown good clinical effects for COVID-19, and was included in the fourth to tenth editions of the 'Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 (Trial)' by the National Health Commission. In recent years, studies on the secondary development which focus on the basic and clinical application of SFJDC have been widely reported. In this paper, chemical components, pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanisms, compatibility rule and clinical application were systematically summarized, in order to provide theoretical and experimental basis for further research and clinical application of SFJDC.