Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Wang Yan,Lin Zhangkan,Chen Zheqi,Nian Guodong,Qu Shaoxing,Luo Yingwu
Soft materials often fail through snap-through instability, where a small increase in load causes a sudden, catastrophic deformation. However, overcoming this instability requires a polymer network of two seemingly contradictory behaviors: softness at small strains to allow deformation, but early stiffening at afterward strains to prevent instability. Here we resolve this conflict by designing an architecture of ordered nanoplastic-elastomer network. We identify two design principles: a small volume fraction of rigid plastic nanodomains is orderly arranged within a soft elastomer matrix; the nanodomains and matrix are strongly linked by covalent bonds. These features together produce a crucial effect: macroscale strain is greatly amplified at the microscale, inducing earlier stiffening while retaining small-strain softness. Theoretically and experimentally, we demonstrate that this network architecture can prevent notorious premature failure in dielectric elastomer actuators, and greatly enhance the actuation performance. These results suggest a general route to design soft materials that resist catastrophic instability-induced failure.
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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
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2026
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IF 3.1
Li Ye,Li Yini,Wang Jiangzhu,Ma Liangkun,Zhang Suhan,Zhao Wei,Sun Yin
Objective To characterize longitudinal metabolic alterations associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to identify candidate metabolite signals for earlier risk assessment using a widely targeted metabolomics platform. Methods In this prospective cohort, 35 women who developed GDM and 35 matched healthy controls underwent fasting blood sampling in early pregnancy (6–13 weeks) and mid-pregnancy (24–28 weeks). Widely targeted metabolomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. Multivariate analyses, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, internal cross-validation, and restricted cubic spline modeling were applied within an exploratory framework. Results In early pregnancy, 11 differential metabolites were identified, including 6 amino acid-related metabolites, but no robust signal remained after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. By mid-pregnancy, 35 differential metabolites were identified, including 13 amino acid-related metabolites. Among 19 amino acid-related metabolites examined in focused analyses, L-arginine was the only amino acid-related metabolite that remained significant after FDR correction (FDR = 0.043). Higher mid-pregnancy L-arginine was associated with increased odds of GDM (aOR = 2.840, 95% CI 1.481–5.446), was positively correlated with 1-h ( r = 0.28) and 2-h ( r = 0.26) glucose levels during OGTT, and showed modest discrimination (AUC = 0.754; mean cross-validated AUC = 0.754). Quartile analyses showed a more pronounced risk increase in the highest exposure group, and restricted cubic spline analysis suggested an overall positive association with a possible nonlinear trend at higher levels. KEGG analyses highlighted arginine- and amino acid-related pathways, including arginine and proline metabolism and arginine biosynthesis, while network analysis suggested a potential link to mTOR signaling. Conclusion In this exploratory longitudinal analysis, pregnancies complicated by GDM showed progressively increasing amino acid-related metabolic disturbances from early to mid-pregnancy. Mid-pregnancy L-arginine emerged as a candidate metabolic signal associated with GDM risk, post-load glycemia, and greater risk elevation at higher levels. These findings support further investigation of amino acid-focused metabolic profiling as a research-stage approach for earlier GDM risk identification.
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Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Qin Hejie,Yang Han,Zhang Zhenmin,Feng Yiran,Sun Yuankui,Fan Peng,Ao Zhimin,Waite T. David,Guan Xiaohong
Perchlorate (ClO 4 − ) contamination in water poses global health risks, yet its efficient reduction to harmless Cl − under mild conditions remains challenging. Here, we report a donor−acceptor catalytic system comprising defective MoS 2 on N-doped carbon (MoS 2 −NC) coupled with zerovalent iron (Fe 0 ), which enables rapid ClO 4 − reduction at near-neutral pH (rate constant, 2.36 h −1 ), yielding Cl − as the sole product. In the MoS 2 −NC/Fe 0 system, Fe 0 acts as the electron donor, while undercoordinated Mo atoms in defective MoS 2 serve as the active sites, and N-doped carbon mediates electron transfer and optimizes the electronic environment for ClO 4 − reduction. The reduction proceeds via oxygen atom transfer, involving Cl−O bond cleavage, O binding to Mo sites, and hydrodeoxygenation of the Mo-bound O atoms. Our observations offer a practical strategy for ClO 4 − reduction without harsh conditions or noble metals and underscore the promise of donor−acceptor-based, defect-engineered catalysts for reductive transformation of challenging oxyanions.
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JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
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2026
·Vol. 33
·期 6
·233
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IF 3.5
Zhai Fengxia,Zhuang Liqi,Wei Kaijie,Cao Fahai,Zhao Shicheng
The development of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) that combine high proton conductivity with long-term durability remains a key challenge in fuel cell technology. This study proposes a strategy that constructs multiple proton transport channels through anchoring phosphoric acid via basic groups and incorporating a phosphotungstic acid (HPW)-functionalized expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) framework. By immobilizing phosphoric acid (PA) through alkaline groups on the sulfonated polyimide (SPI) backbone, the composite membrane maintains high proton conductivity even under low water uptake conditions. Meanwhile, the ePTFE framework effectively suppresses membrane swelling and enhances its mechanical strength. Specifically, the reinforced composite membrane (SPIC50PA-0.22-HPW) demonstrates excellent overall performance: at 80 °C, it achieves a proton conductivity of 0.47 S/cm, a swelling ratio of only 1.6% and a methanol permeability of 0.08 × 10⁻⁶ cm²/s. Furthermore, the membrane exhibits outstanding PA retention capability, maintaining over 90% of its conductivity after 720 h of water immersion. In single-cell tests at 80 °C, the composite membrane delivers a peak power density of 212 mW/cm², outperforming Nafion 212 (186 mW/cm²). These advancements significantly enhance the potential of SPI-based PEMs in clean energy applications.
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Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Mao Jie,Li Jiahao,Dou Xiaorong,Zhao Huiyao,Zhong Peiyao,Yin Li-Juan,Luo Yingwu,Pei Qibing,Dang Zhi-Min
Dielectric elastomers are soft electroactive polymers capable of large-strain actuation with the moniker artificial muscle. However, current dielectric elastomers exhibit limited operational stability when operated at strain and energy density in the neighborhood of natural muscles, due to mechanical fatigue or electrical breakdown. In this work, we design a dielectric elastomer comprising a bimodal network structure and zwitterionic side groups to overcome electro-mechanical instability and enable self-healing. The resulting material demonstrates a stably operable strain of 125% at a field of 25 MV m −1 over 150,000 cycles and can heal from mechanical or electrical damage for longer lifespan. It allows the demonstration of bionic arms and grippers outperforming human arms and hands and capable of recovery from mechanical damage and electrical breakdown.
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Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Guo Xiaoyun,Zhang Yujing,Yang Chao,Lu Yunhao,Lin Zimo,Tang Min,Li Guanxing,Ou Yang,Zhu Beien,Jiang Ying,Han Zhong-kang,Yuan Wentao,Gao Yi,Zhang Ze,Wang Yong
Nanocrystal phase thermostability is critical for their applications, yet fundamentally governed by complex thermodynamic and kinetic variables. Understanding the stabilizing mechanisms and dominant factors requires atomic-level insights into dynamic evolution across surface and bulk regions under extreme conditions. Herein, we present a comprehensive in-situ investigation of individual single-crystalline anatase TiO 2 nanorods using spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. By simultaneously acquiring environmental secondary electron images for surface topography and high-angle annular dark-field images for bulk atomic structures, we reveal the extraordinary phase stability of individual anatase nanorods governed by surface effects, distinct from aggregated nanorods. Anatase TiO 2 nanorods undergo morphology reshaping and surface atomic reconstruction above 600 °C, involving transformation from high-index surfaces to (101) facets and the formation of (1 × 4)-reconstructed (001) surfaces. Remarkably, individual anatase TiO 2 nanorods maintain the anatase structure even up to 1250 °C without transforming into the rutile phase. The restructuring lowers the total energy of the system, and acts as a kinetic “surface-locking” effect preventing rutile nucleation. Beyond elucidating the restructuring mechanisms and intrinsic thermostability of TiO 2 nanocrystals, this work also establishes an effective pathway for simultaneously probing the complex structural evolution of nanomaterials across both surface and bulk regions.
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METALS AND MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL
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2026
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IF 4.5
Tan QingRong,Zhu Jiyuan
The corrosion susceptibility of magnesium alloys is the most formidable challenge in large-scale applications. In this work, a highly corrosion-resistant coating was fabricated on a magnesium-alloy surface to protect the underlying substrate. Unlike conventional hydrothermal methods, this approach does not improve corrosion resistance by altering the coating’s precursor materials; instead, it focuses on investigating grain behavior at different temperatures to regulate the coating’s corrosion resistance. By extending the heating duration, the coating exhibited increased thickness, grain refinement, and a denser, more ordered arrangement, which effectively blocked corrosive ions and consequently led to a significant improvement in corrosion resistance. To verify corrosion-resistance performance, the as-prepared coatings were immersed in a saturated sodium chloride solution for 15 days; the coatings exhibited almost no corrosion, whereas the magnesium substrate had nearly completely dissolved by day 10. Additionally, when coated samples were immersed in an HCl solution at pH 2 for 15 days, only slight surface corrosion was observed on the coatings. Electrochemical tests indicated that when the heating duration was extended to 5 h, corrosion resistance reached its maximum: the coating’s impedance was six orders of magnitude higher than that of the substrate, and its corrosion current density decreased by five orders of magnitude, consistent with the immersion tests. Here, grain refinement and dense packing played critical roles by reducing porosity and crack density, thereby blocking the ingress of chloride and other corrosive ions. These results further confirm that grain refinement achieved by prolonging the heating duration provides a novel strategy for enhancing the performance of corrosion-resistant coatings. Graphical The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.
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Science China-Chemistry
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2026
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IF 9.8
Liu Zhaozhuang,Wang Mingxi,Wang Li,Liu Jiaqi,Li Jinping,Yang Jiangfeng
The efficient separation and enrichment of methane (CH 4 ) from low-concentration coalbed methane (CBM) are of great significance for enhancing CBM utilization efficiency and promoting the development of low-carbon clean energy. To address this practical need, this study synthesized a tailored chlorinated metal-organic framework (MOF), PCP-IPA-Cl, and systematically evaluated its CH 4 /N 2 separation performance through a combination of static adsorption measurements, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, dynamic breakthrough experiments, and multiple adsorption-desorption cycling tests. Endowed with its optimized pore structure and chlorinated channel environment, PCP-IPA-Cl exhibits excellent CH 4 /N 2 separation performance and regeneration stability: at 298 K and 1 bar, it achieves a high CH 4 adsorption capacity of 21.27 cm 3 /g with a low N 2 uptake of only 5.29 cm 3 /g, and compared with its unchlorinated analog PCP-IPA, the CH 4 /N 2 selectivity is markedly improved from 5.4 to 9.0. DFT calculations reveal that the introduction of–Cl groups creates additional preferential adsorption sites for CH 4 molecules, strengthening host-guest interactions and thus enhancing separation efficiency. Furthermore, breakthrough experiments confirm its excellent dynamic separation ability, and cyclic tests demonstrate that PCP-IPA-Cl can be fully regenerated via helium purging within just 5 min. These findings collectively demonstrate that PCP-IPA-Cl is a promising and regenerable adsorbent for the efficient enrichment and utilization of low-concentration CBM.
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Discover Oncology
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2026
·Vol. 17
·期 1
·720
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IF 2.8
Duan He,Li Ning,Song Dingming,Li Yongzhuo,Liang Xin,Ding Yongxue,Tong Ming
Introduction Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a prevalent malignancy of the kidney, known for its aggressive growth and tendency to metastasize. Cellular senescence (CS), regarded as a characteristic feature of the natural aging process, is strongly linked to the initiation and advancement of several diseases. This research seeks to develop an integrated prognostic model utilizing senescence markers in ccRCC, with the goal of evaluating clinical outcomes and clarifying the tumor’s immune microenvironment. Methods The transcriptome profiles from ccRCC patients were acquired from TCGA database, and the senescence-related genetic model (SRGM) was developed through Cox proportional hazards analysis integrated with multiple machine learning approaches. In addition, immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity analysis were performed. EIF4EBP1 expression and its role in epithelial cell senescence were analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and trajectory analysis. Finally, cellular experiments were conducted to confirm the role of silencing EIF4EBP1 in the biological behavior of ccRCC cells. Results Through a comprehensive framework incorporating 117 machine learning algorithm combinations, we established an SRGM consisting of 9 genes. The optimal model was constructed using CoxBoost + StepCox[forward] and achieved a concordance index (C-index) of 0.743, demonstrating robust prognostic predictive capacity across independent datasets. EIF4EBP1 is a central gene in the model. Silencing EIF4EBP1 reduced cell migration, proliferation, and invasion, while inducing senescence-associated phenotypes and apoptosis in ccRCC cells. Additionally, it significantly enhanced the responsiveness of ccRCC cells to sunitinib treatment. Conclusions In summary, we developed a novel SRGM that effectively stratifies prognosis in ccRCC. Furthermore, EIF4EBP1 has been validated at the cellular level as a promising therapeutic target, providing innovative insights into the personalized treatment of ccRCC.
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RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES
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2026
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IF 3.3
Peng Qiao,Xu Chang,Zhang Shengwei,Zhang Jinlong,Lei Juying,Ye Ziwei,Wang Lingzhi
The low solubility of methane in water and the resulting gas–liquid–solid mass-transfer limitation severely restrict the efficiency of photocatalytic selective methane oxidation. Herein, Pt-In 2 O 3 catalysts were constructed and further modified with triethoxy-n-octylsilane (OTES) to achieve the synergistic enhancement of charge transfer and triphase mass transport. Pt loading and OTES grafting preserved the bulk crystal phase of In 2 O 3 , while establishing a Pt/In 2 O 3 heterointerface and a hydrophobic surface layer. Pt mainly promoted photogenerated charge separation and interfacial electron transfer, whereas OTES had only a minor effect on the electronic process. Among the catalysts examined, the optimized catalyst showed the best performance, giving a total productivity of 4659.1 μmol g −1 h −1 , a liquid-phase productivity of 4116.7 μmol g −1 h −1 , and a liquid-product selectivity of 88.4%, with the liquid-phase productivity being 1.44 times that of the corresponding catalyst without OTES modification. The activity showed a volcano-type dependence on OTES dosage, indicating an optimal hydrophobic range. Trapping experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and chemical-probe analyses identified ·OH and ·O 2 − /·OOH as the key reactive species involved in the reaction. This work demonstrates that tuning interfacial wettability is an effective strategy for enhancing photocatalytic methane oxidation in water.
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JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
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2026
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IF 15
Xu Zhang,Qian Zhu,Hao Rong,Siyao Zhu,Pan Feng,Jing Li,Yusong Wang,Hong Cheng,Wenbo Liu,Jie Sun,Zhisen Shen,Jilai Li,Yangnan Hu,Renjie Chai
Peripheral nerve injury remains a major clinical challenge due to limited regenerative capacity and insufficient therapeutic strategies. In this study, we developed biomimetic nerve guidance conduits composed of high-concentration gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel (GMH), providing mechanical support and structural integrity. The conduits lumen was filled with a softer, low-concentration GelMA hydrogel (GML) incorporating zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles encapsulating nerve growth factor (NGF), enabling sustained neurotrophic delivery. This bilayer design combines mechanical reinforcement with localized biochemical stimulation. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the system can continuously release NGF, exhibits good cellular compatibility, promotes neurite outgrowth in PC-12 cells, and can facilitate the conversion of RAW264.7 cells to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Rat sciatic nerve injury model experiments have demonstrated that these nerve guidance conduits have a beneficial effect on the regeneration and functional recovery of nerve axons. Together, these findings highlight a versatile platform for nerve guidance conduits with the potential to improve functional recovery in peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Chinese Medicine
·
2026
·Vol. 21
·期 1
·154
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IF 7.4
Ding Wei,Zhang Ni,Xiao Lei,Yu Le,Wu Tian-Shi,Feng Yuan-Jie,Chen Wei
Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often complicated by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), which precipitates localized myocardial ischemia and metabolic disturbance, triggering compensatory cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. This hypertrophy, in turn, exacerbates microvascular insufficiency, forming a pathological feedback loop and culminating in persistent cellular stress, inflammatory infiltration, and myocardial fibrosis. This “ischemia–hypertrophy–inflammation–fibrosis” interrelationship not only drives pathological remodeling but also significantly elevates the risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and adverse prognosis. The traditional formula Huayu Qutan Formula (HYQT), used clinically for years, has been shown to significantly enhance cardiac function in HCM patients. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly elucidated. This study aims to explore HYQT’s therapeutic effects on HCM and to reveal its intrinsic mechanisms. Methods Blood-absorbed constituents of HYQT were identified using UHPLC-MS, followed by network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking to predict potential targets and key signaling pathways. An isoproterenol (ISO)-induced HCM mouse model, along with parallel in vitro injury models using H9C2 cardiomyocytes and human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs), was established to systematically assess the in vivo and in vitro effects of HYQT. To comprehensively evaluate HYQT’s modulation of myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, echocardiography, laser speckle perfusion imaging, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and wound-healing assays were performed. Results UHPLC-MS analysis identified 31 blood-absorbed bioactive components of HYQT. Integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses identified the MAPK and HIF-1α-signaling pathways as key therapeutic targets. In ISO-induced HCM mice, HYQT significantly improved cardiac morphology and function, reduced hypertrophic markers (ANP and BNP), inhibited myocardial collagen deposition, attenuated fibrosis, restored microvascular perfusion and density, and suppressed oxidative stress (MDA and ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α and IL-6). Mechanistically, in vitro experiments supported a cell-type–resolved, parallel regulatory effect: in HCMECs, HYQT-containing serum enhanced migration and viability, reduced ROS accumulation, and activated HIF-1α/VEGF-mediated angiogenic signaling, thereby alleviating microvascular dysfunction; concurrently, in H9C2 cardiomyocytes, HYQT inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced cell death, thereby mitigating hypertrophic remodeling and its downstream fibrotic progression. Conclusion HYQT effectively ameliorates key pathological features of HCM, including myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and microvascular dysfunction. As a clinically used herbal formulation, this study provides mechanistic insight into its therapeutic effects by revealing a cell-type–resolved, myocardium–microvasculature regulatory framework. Specifically, HYQT suppresses MAPK signaling to attenuate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy while enhancing HIF-1α–mediated angiogenesis to improve the microvascular environment. These simultaneous effects are associated with mitigation of pathological cardiac remodeling, suggesting that HYQT may serve as a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for HCM.
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