Search Results (109)

Magnetic fields (MFs) represent an emerging modality in cancer therapy, encompassing static, low-frequency, pulsed, and nanoparticle-mediated alternating fields. These interventions have demonstrated the capacity to modulate proliferation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, often through reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation, ion channel regulation, membrane receptor dynamics, and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MHT) has reached clinical application, showing promising outcomes in glioblastoma and prostate cancer, while pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and magneto-mechanical approaches are under preclinical investigation. The mechanistic diversity of MFs allows synergistic combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, parameter sensitivity, field standardization, and long-term safety remain challenges. Here, we review mechanistic insights, signaling pathways, and experimental and clinical evidence for MF-based cancer therapies, highlighting translational potential and the need for rigorous optimization to realize clinical efficacy. Full article

Spent lithium-ion battery electrolytes contain fluorine-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-bearing toxins, necessitating deep detoxification and directional conversion into C₁–C₆ light hydrocarbons. To elucidate the specific catalytic roles and sequential activation of cathode metals (Li, Ni, Co, Mn), this work systematically deconvolutes their mono- and multi-metallic migration mechanisms over a CaO-ZSM-5* catalyst during vacuum catalytic pyrolysis (530 °C, 100 Pa). Results reveal that Li⁺ and Ni²⁺ dominate C–O bond cleavage in carbonates and CaO-ZSM-5*-assisted decarboxylation and oxygen fixation, significantly increasing the relative hydrocarbon content. Conversely, Co^2/3+ and Mn⁴⁺ release reactive oxygen species, causing deep oxidation of hydrocarbons into CO₂ and antagonizing the targeted conversion. In multi-metallic systems, forming composite metal oxides (M_xN_yO_z) increases the energy barrier for releasing active catalytic ions, hindering carbonate cleavage and leaving unreacted carbonate feedstocks. For detoxification, F and P are effectively immobilized as CaF₂ and Ca₂P₂O₇. The relative content of detected gas-phase nitriles is minimized to <2% due to the strong antagonistic effect of Ni²⁺ on Li⁺-promoted hexanedinitrile cleavage, while sulfur species derived from 1,3-propane sultone are converted to SO₂ and ultimately mineralized as calcium and metal-sulfur salts. Mechanistically, product distributions and crystallographic properties suggest a hypothesized sequential activation model—Li⁺ → Ni²⁺ → Mn⁴⁺—governing reactivity, whereas Co^2/3+ does not participate in the synergistic detoxification and selective upgrading process. This migration–reaction coupling framework provides critical insights for cathode-assisted in situ catalytic pyrolysis and closed-loop electrolyte recycling. Full article

The advancement of electrochromic devices, including smart windows, is important for improving energy efficiency in modern society. Nickel oxide thin films are key functional materials in this technology and have attracted significant attention due to their electrochemical activity and optical properties. However, existing theoretical studies have primarily focused on crystalline NiO, while systematic understanding of Li⁺ diffusion mechanisms in amorphous NiO remains limited. In this work, first-principles calculations combined with second-generation Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations and the melt-quenching method are employed to construct amorphous NiO models with varying oxygen content, enabling investigation of oxygen-dependent Li⁺ diffusion behavior. The results show that the Li⁺ diffusion coefficient increases with increasing oxygen content, accompanied by a reduction in diffusion barriers. Analysis of local structural environments further reveals that Li coordination with under-coordinated Ni–O polyhedra plays a key role in facilitating ion migration, providing atomistic insight into the observed diffusion trends. This study establishes a structure–diffusion relationship in amorphous NiO and provides atomistic understanding of how oxygen stoichiometry modulates Li⁺ transport behavior in electrochromic materials. Full article

Understanding the atomic-scale ionic motion and transport in layered transition-metal oxides is essential for elucidating structural stability and electronic behaviour in complex systems. Here, we investigate nanoscale Na dynamics in Na₁RuO₃ and Na_1.5RuO₃ using room-temperature ab initiomolecular dynamics at the r²SCAN + U level. While Na mobility plays a key role in local coordination, its nanoscale mechanism remains nuanced and unexplored. Our simulations show that Na ions undergo pervasive rattling, with Na_1.5RuO₃ enabling exploration of larger volumes and exhibiting incipient migration compared to the more confined behaviour in Na₁RuO₃. In addition, oxygen’s contribution to redox capacity decreases from $43\%$ to $24\%$ with increasing Na content. These nanoscale insights demonstrate that tuning the local ionic environment governs charge compensation and dynamical response in ruthenate frameworks, with direct implications for the design of Na-ion battery cathodes. Full article

O3-type layered transition-metal oxides are widely regarded as promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their intrinsically high sodium content and favorable energy density. Nevertheless, their practical rate capability is hindered by sluggish Na⁺ transport and relatively high diffusion barriers. To address this issue, elemental substitution has emerged as an effective modification strategy. In this work, fluorine (F), characterized by strong electronegativity and a small ionic radius, is introduced to partially substitute oxygen in the bulk lattice of O3-type NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NNFM). First-principles calculations demonstrate that F incorporation leads to an expansion of the interlayer spacing along the c-axis and a weakening of Na–O interactions, both of which facilitate Na⁺ migration. Among the considered configurations, Mn-adjacent substitution exhibits the lowest formation energy, indicating enhanced thermodynamic stability. Furthermore, electronic structure analysis reveals a reduced band gap (from 0.515 eV to 0.342–0.356 eV) and strengthened O-2p/Mn-3d orbital hybridization, contributing to improved electronic conductivity. These findings provide atomistic insights into F-induced modulation mechanisms and suggest an effective pathway for optimizing Na⁺ transport in O3-type cathodes. Full article

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic, colorless, and odorless gas posing significant risks to human health and the environment. Catalytic oxidation offers a promising, economically viable solution by converting CO into nontoxic CO₂ under mild conditions without energy-intensive regeneration. However, existing MnO₂-based catalysts often exhibit poor activity and stability in harsh environments, particularly at low temperatures and high humidity. In this study, we propose a Cu²⁺ ion-exchange modification strategy to activate lattice oxygen species in δ-MnO₂, thereby significantly enhancing its low-temperature CO oxidation performance. Structural characterization by XRD and SEM confirms that Cu-doped δ-MnO₂ retains its original birnessite-type structure and porous morphology. ICP-OES and XPS analyses verify that Cu²⁺ ions effectively replace interlayer K⁺ ions. The resulting MnO₂-150Cu catalyst demonstrates exceptional activity, achieving 100% CO conversion at 40 °C in dry air and maintaining full conversion at 80 °C in the presence of 1.3 vol.% H₂O at a weight hourly space velocity of 150 L/g·h. H₂-TPR and O₂-TPD results confirm that Cu doping enhances the reducibility and mobility of lattice oxygen. Furthermore, in situ DRIFTS analysis reveals that the migration of active oxygen species is the rate-limiting step at low temperatures. This work provides a novel and effective strategy for activating lattice oxygen in MnO₂-based catalysts, offering a promising pathway for developing high-performance materials for low-temperature CO oxidation under practical environmental conditions. Full article

Ferroptosis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a critical bottleneck restricting the efficiency of ruminant biological breeding. Phloretin, a natural bioactive polyphenol, exhibits potential ferroptosis-inhibitory activity. However, the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of phloretin on ruminant MSCs remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phloretin on ferroptosis and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein, we isolated and cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) from adipose tissue of a 9-day-old Leizhou goat and established a ferroptosis model in these cells using RSL3. We detected cell viability, proliferation, migration, ferroptosis-related indexes and key protein expression. The results showed that phloretin (25 and 50 μM) dose-dependently inhibited ferroptosis in goat AD-MSCs, reducing intracellular ferrous ion (Fe²⁺), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels, restoring glutathione content, and ameliorating mitochondrial structural damage. Mechanistically, phloretin exerted its anti-ferroptosis effects through direct antioxidant activity, activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway and Fe²⁺ chelation. Nrf2 and GPX4 were key targets in this process. These results provide preliminary in vitro evidence and a theoretical basis for the potential application of phloretin in future research related to meat goat production and ruminant breeding. Full article

Background/Objectives: Biodegradable magnesium (Mg)-based biomaterials release Mg²⁺ ions during degradation and may promote vascular-related regeneration. However, their effects on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and lymphangiogenesis remain unclear. This study investigated whether magnesium powder-derived ionic extracts could enhance lymphangiogenesis-related behaviors of LECs in vitro. Methods: Mg powder extracts were prepared and diluted for in vitro treatment. After viability screening, Mg (1:10), Mg (1:100), and Mg (1:1000) were selected for further analysis. LEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation were assessed, together with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression of VEGFA, VEGFC, and VEGFR3. Results: Mg (1:10) and Mg (1:100) showed good cytocompatibility and significantly promoted LEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation compared with the control and Mg (1:1000) groups. These effects were accompanied by reduced intracellular ROS levels and increased expression of VEGFA, VEGFC, and VEGFR3. Conclusions: Magnesium powder-derived ionic extracts enhance lymphangiogenesis-related responses of LECs in vitro, particularly at the 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions. These findings support the potential of Mg-based biodegradable biomaterials for lymphatic tissue regeneration. Full article

Sulfide-alkaline wastewater (SAW) from petrochemical plants, particularly from pyrolysis and hydrotreating units, presents a significant environmental challenge due to its high toxicity, extreme alkalinity (pH > 12), and high concentrations of sulfides and organic pollutants. Traditional treatment methods like acid neutralization or air oxidation are often inefficient, generate secondary waste, or fail to recover valuable components. This study investigates the effectiveness of a novel electrochemical system for the simultaneous treatment of SAW and recovery of valuable products. A lab-scale four-chamber electrodialyzer, equipped with cation-exchange membranes and nickel bipolar electrodes, was designed and tested using real industrial wastewater. The wastewater was characterized by a pH of 13.06, chemical oxygen demand of 12,600 mg/L, and a sulfide content of approximately 5000 mg/L. The process leverages anodic oxidation to convert sulfide ions into elemental sulfur, while sodium cations migrate through cation-exchange membranes to the cathodic compartments. There, water reduction generates high-purity hydrogen (≥99.9%) and a concentrated, purified sodium hydroxide solution. The results demonstrate the ineffectiveness of electrodialysis with anion-exchange membranes due to rapid membrane degradation. In contrast, the proposed electrodialyzer with bipolar electrodes achieved excellent performance: a caustic soda solution with a concentration of 2.3–2.5% was recovered with a current efficiency of 83–85%, containing only trace amounts of sulfides (0.0052%) and organic impurities (0.053%). The process completely removed the original sulfide alkalinity. The study confirms the chemical and mechanical stability of the cation-exchange membranes under harsh SAW conditions. The proposed technology offers a path towards a closed-loop system in refineries by enabling the reuse of recovered caustic, utilization of hydrogen, and potential recovery of sulfur, aligning with the principles of green chemistry and circular economy. Full article

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have quickly achieved certified energy conversion efficiency reaching a certified record of 27.3% for single-junction cells, while having a low mass, thin-film form factor and high specific power, which are attractive for space energy systems. However, their long-term reliability in extraterrestrial environments is not adequately ensured by terrestrial qualification routes, and standardized space-related test protocols remain insufficiently developed. This review critically summarizes the current understanding of the degradation of PSCs under the influence of key environmental factors in space—ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, thermal vacuum exposure and thermal cycling, and ultraviolet radiation AM0, as well as atmospheric oxygen in low orbits. The central task of the work is to develop and justify the need to create specialized PSCs test protocols for space applications, since existing ground standards do not reflect the multifactorial nature and extreme orbital loads. It has been shown that thermal vacuum accelerates ion migration, interphase reactions, and degassing, while AM0 UV and atomic oxygen introduce additional photochemical and oxidative mechanisms of destruction; at the same time, stressors often act synergistically and are not detected by single-factor tests. Next, the limitations of the current IEC and ISOS are discussed and an approach to their expansion is formulated through the ISOS-T-Space and ISOS-LC-Space protocols, which integrate high vacuum, AM0 lighting, extended temperature ranges and controlled particle irradiation. It is concluded that the development and interlaboratory validation of such space-oriented protocols is a key condition for the correct qualification of PSCs and targeted optimization of materials and interfaces to meet the requirements of space energy. Full article

This study elucidates the mechanism enabling the low-voltage electrolysis of black liquor (BL) for integrated resource recovery. The process simultaneously generates protons at the anode via the oxidation of organics (OOR), which occurs at a lower potential than the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and induces lignin precipitation. Concurrently, hydrogen and hydroxide ions are produced at the cathode through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Driven by the electric field, sodium ions migrate from the anode to the cathode chamber, combining with hydroxide ions to form sodium hydroxide, thereby achieving the synchronous production of acid, alkali, hydrogen, and modified lignin in a single process. Using a platinum electrode, we conducted a mechanistic investigation through linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and detailed product analysis. The results show that overall efficiency is controlled by competition at the anode between OOR and OER, which directly determines proton yield. A critical trade-off exists between anodic proton generation and cathodic alkali recovery, driven by the competitive migration of protons and sodium ions across the cation-exchange membrane. The proton yield was highly dependent on the initial BL composition, with a characteristic peak observed under specific conditions. Conversely, the sodium hydroxide recovery rate was maximized when the anolyte pH remained high, minimizing competitive proton migration. This work provides fundamental insights into the interfacial mechanisms of BL electrocatalytic, establishing it as a versatile electrochemical biorefinery platform for simultaneous proton and alkali production from a renewable waste stream, beyond its role as a hydrogen source and lignin recovery. Full article

Photo-Fenton technology is considered an effective method for removing organic pollutants from water. In this work, a novel Mn-doped FeWO₄ (Mn-FeWO₄) photocatalyst was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method and applied for the photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline (TC). The optimal Mn-FeWO₄-0.05 achieved 100% removal of TC within 60 min under visible light irradiation with a degradation rate constant of 0.0793 min⁻¹, which is 4.5 times higher than that of pristine FeWO₄. Systematic characterization revealed that Mn²⁺ ions were successfully incorporated into the FeWO₄ lattice, inducing lattice expansion and narrowing the bandgap from 2.37 eV to 2.25 eV, while also adjusting the conduction and valence band positions. This modulation significantly enhanced visible light absorption and promoted the separation and migration of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In addition, the Mn²⁺/Mn³⁺ and Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ dual redox cycles ensure the continuous generation of reactive oxygen species. Radical trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy demonstrated that superoxide radicals (•O₂⁻) and photogenerated holes (h⁺) were the dominant reactive species, while singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) played auxiliary roles. Moreover, Mn-FeWO₄-0.05 exhibited excellent stability, strong anti-interference ability against common anions, and high degradation efficiency toward various pollutants. Full article

In this study, Ti-Co-Ce getter films were deposited via magnetron sputtering to investigate their activation mechanism—the thermal removal of surface passivation layers to restore gas sorption capability. The morphology before and after film activation was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The oxygen content on the film surface before and after activation was measured using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and gas desorption during activation was monitored with a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS). The combined results confirmed the absence of O₂ desorption during activation, suggesting oxygen migration into the film bulk. Crucially, in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with controlled Ar⁺ ion sputtering depth profiling (0–30 nm) was employed to directly probe the chemical-state evolution within the thin film before and after thermal activation at 400 °C, thereby providing direct evidence of the activation dynamics. The data reveal that within the 0–10 nm near-surface region, a strong oxygen chemical potential gradient drives rapid oxide reduction and inward migration of lattice oxygen. At depths of 20–30 nm, moderate reduction coupled with oxygen enrichment induces phase separation, while around 30 nm, a dynamic equilibrium between oxygen inflow and outflow is established. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing activation processes and guiding the development of low-temperature getter materials. This work is particularly relevant for MEMS, vacuum electronics, and other applications with stringent thermal budgets, expanding the design possibilities for heat-sensitive device integration. Full article

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a key pathogenic factor in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). GCs can directly damage bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), leading to impaired intraosseous blood supply. Recent studies suggest the Hippo signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of SANFH; however, its role in vascular endothelial repair and angiogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on SANFH, with a particular focus on their protective or reparative mechanisms on BMECs. Methods: In vivo, a SANFH mouse model is established and divided into NC, MPS, and hUC-MSCs groups, followed by Micro-CT imagin, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n = 8 per group). In vitro, BMECs are divided into NC, dexamethasone (Dex), hUC-MSCs, and Fer-1 groups to analyze cellular biological behaviors. Target protein expression is assessed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Ferroptosis-related markers are detected via biochemical assays. Mitochondrial ultrastructural changes are observed using transmission electron microscopy. Results: In vivo, the MPS group exhibited significant bone cavitation, sparse trabeculae, and disrupted trabecular architecture in the femoral head. The hUC-MSCs group showed marked improvement in bone microstructure, HE staining showed a significant decrease in the empty lacunae rate in the femoral head, and IHC results revealed markedly increased expression of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In vitro, Dex stimulation suppressed BMECs proliferation. In Dex-treated cells, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxides, ferrous ion (Fe²⁺), malondialdehyde (MDA), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) were all increased, while expression of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was reduced. Transmission electron microscopy revealed plasma membrane rupture and reduction or loss of mitochondrial cristae. Furthermore, Dex promoted Hippo-mediated phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), upregulated NOX4 expression, and suppressed CD31 and VEGF expression. Following hUC-MSCs treatment, BMECs demonstrated enhanced proliferation, migration, and tube-forming capacity. Cellular GSH and GPX4 levels increased, antioxidant capacity was restored, peroxide accumulation decreased, and cells were protected from ferroptosis-effects comparable to those in the Fer-1 group. Additionally, hUC-MSCs inhibited YAP/TAZ phosphorylation and promoted elevated expression of CD31 and VEGF. Conclusions: These findings suggest that hUC-MSCs may attenuate Dex-induced ferroptosis in BMECs, enhance BMEC migration and angiogenesis, and improve femoral head microstructure in SANFH through modulation of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the therapeutic potential of hUC-MSCs for SANFH. Full article

The Ordovician system in the Shunbei area of the Tarim Basin hosts typical ultra-deep, fault-controlled fracture–vuggy hydrocarbon reservoirs. Compared with the surrounding Tabei and Tazhong areas, the genetic types of Ordovician formation water in Shunbei are more complex, and the relationships and spatial distribution of oil, gas, and water exhibit strong heterogeneity and pronounced fault control. This study systematically collected formation water geochemical and pressure data to clarify the geochemical characteristics and origin of Ordovician formation water in the Shunbei area and to investigate the indicative relationships between ion concentrations and ionic ratios of formation water and reservoir dolomitization, hydrocarbon migration, and accumulation. Research shows that, in contrast to the Tabei and Tazhong areas, the Ordovician formation water in Shunbei is predominantly of the calcium chloride (CaCl₂) type, with enrichment in Ca²⁺ and depletion in Mg²⁺, which may be related to euhedral dolomitization. In fault-controlled fracture–vuggy reservoirs, a high desulfurization coefficient—contrary to its interpretation in conventional reservoirs—corresponds to favorable zones for hydrocarbon accumulation. The rare earth element (REE) composition of the formation water is characterized by heavy REE enrichment, a distinct negative cerium (Ce) anomaly, and a positive europium (Eu) anomaly. Combined with hydrogen–oxygen and strontium isotopic data, these features indicate that the Ordovician formation water in Shunbei represents original depositional paleoseawater that has undergone cross-formational flow and concentration. The water bodies are divided into two distinct formation water systems bounded by the Shunbei No. 5 fault zone. Favorable zones for hydrocarbon enrichment are controlled by source rock distribution, and hydrocarbons migrate together with formation water along strike-slip faults within the Shunbei area, showing a northwest-to-southeast trend. The region between the middle segments of the Shunbei No. 4 and No. 8 fault zones is identified as a favorable area for hydrocarbon accumulation. Full article