Covalently Bonded Ni Sites in Black Phosphorene with Electron Redistribution for Efficient Metal‑Lightweighted Water Electrolysis

The metal-lightweighted electrocatalysts for water splitting are highly desired for sustainable and economic hydrogen energy deployments,but challengeable.In this work,a low-content Ni-functionalized approach triggers the high capability of black phosphorene(BP)with hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction(HER/OER)bifunctionality.Through a facile in situ electro-exfoliation route,the ionized Ni sites are covalently functionalized in BP nanosheets with electron redistribution and controllable metal contents.It is found that the as-fabricated Ni-BP electrocatalysts can drive the water splitting with much enhanced HER and OER activities.In 1.0 M KOH electrolyte,the optimized 1.5 wt%Nifunctionalized BP nanosheets have readily achieved low overpotentials of 136 mV for HER and 230 mV for OER at 10 mA cm^(−2).Moreover,the covalently bonding between Ni and P has also strengthened the catalytic stability of the Ni-functionalized BP electrocatalyst,stably delivering the overall water splitting for 50 h at 20 mA cm^(−2).Theoretical calculations have revealed that Ni–P covalent binding can regulate the electronic structure and optimize the reaction energy barrier to improve the catalytic activity effectively.This work confirms that Ni-functionalized BP is a suitable candidate for electrocatalytic overall water splitting,and provides effective strategies for constructing metal-lightweighted economic electrocatalysts.

Novel therapeutic approaches for hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA

Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a major global health problem. Although current therapies, such as the use of nucleos(t)ide analogs, inhibit HBV replication efficiently, they do not eliminate covalently closed circular DNA(ccc DNA), which persists in hepatocyte nuclei. As HBV ccc DNA is a viral transcription template, novel therapeutic approaches to directly target HBV ccc DNA are necessary to completely eradicate persistent HBV infections. HBV ccc DNA levels in HBV-infected human liver cells are extremely low; thus, more reliable and simple measurement methods are needed to correctly monitor their levels during therapeutic treatment. Although reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or Southern blot procedures are currently used in research studies, these methods are not completely reliable and are also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Genome editing technologies, such as zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9(CRISPR/Cas9) system, which are designed to target specific DNA sequences, represent highly promising potential therapeutic tools. In particular, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is an easily customizable sequencespecific nuclease with high flexibility and may be the most feasible approach to target HBV ccc DNA. Further research to develop easier, safer, and more effective protocols should be pursued.

Effects of antiviral agents and HBV genotypes on intrahepaticcovalently closed circular DNA in HBeAg-positive chronichepatitis B patients

AIM： To evaluate the effects of antiviral agents and HBV genotypes on intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA （ccc DNA） in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.METHODS： Seventy-one patients received lamivudine （n = 35）, or sequential therapy with lamivudine- interferon alpha 2b （IFN-α 2b, n = 24） for 48 wk, or IFN-α 2b （n = 12） for 24 wk. All subjects were followed up for 24 wk. Intrahepatic ccc DNA was measured quantitatively by PCR. HBV genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP.RESULTS： Sequential lamivudine- INF-α therapy, lamivudine and INF-α monotherapy reduced ccc DNA of 1.7 log, 1.4 log and 0.8 log, respectively （P 〈 0.05）. Seventeen out of the 71 patieots developed HBeAg seroconversion, the reduction of ccc DNA in the HBeAg seroconversion patients was more significant than that in the HBeAg positive patients （3.0 log vs 1.6 log, P = 0.0407）. Twenty-four weeks after antiviral therapy withdrawal, 16 patients had a sustained virological response, the baseline intrahepatic ccc DNA in the patients with a sustained virological response was significantly lower than that in the patients with virological rebound （4.6 log vs 5.4 log, P = 0.0472）. HBV genotype C accounted for 85.9% （n = 61）, and genotype B for 14.1% （n = 10）, respectively, in the 71 patients. There was no significant difference in the change of ccc DNA level between HBV genotypes C and B （2.1 log vs 1.9 log）.CONCLUSION： Forty-eight week sequential lamivudine- INF-α therapy and lamivudine monotherapy reduce ccc DNA more significantly than 24-wk INF-α monotherapy. Low baseline intrahepatic ccc DNA level may predict the long-term efficacy of antiviral treatment. HBV genotypes C and B have no obvious influence on ccc DNA load.

Intracellular interferon signalling pathways as potential regulators of covalently closed circular DNA in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B

250 million people worldwide continue to be chronically infected with the virus.While patients may be treated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues,this only suppresses HBV titre to sub-detection levels without eliminating the persistent HBV covalently closed circular DNA(cccDNA)genome.As a result,HBV infection cannot be cured,and the virus reactivates when conditions are favorable.Interferons(IFNs)are cytokines known to induce powerful antiviral mechanisms that clear viruses from infected cells.They have been shown to induce cccDNA clearance,but their use in the treatment of HBV infection is limited as HBVtargeting immune cells are exhausted and HBV has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade and suppress IFN signalling.Thus,to fully utilize IFN-mediated intracellular mechanisms to effectively eliminate HBV,instead of direct IFN administration,novel strategies to sustain IFN-mediated anti-cccDNA and antiviral mechanisms need to be developed.This review will consolidate what is known about how IFNs act to achieve its intracellular antiviral effects and highlight the critical interferon-stimulated gene targets and effector mechanisms with potent anti-cccDNA functions.These include cccDNA degradation by APOBECs and cccDNA silencing and transcription repression by epigenetic modifications.In addition,the mechanisms that HBV employs to disrupt IFN signalling will be discussed.Drugs that have been developed or are in the pipeline for components of the IFN signalling pathway and HBV targets that detract IFN signalling mechanisms will also be identified and discussed for utility in the treatment of HBV infections.Together,these will provide useful insights into design strategies that specifically target cccDNA for the eradication of HBV.

Role of hepatitis B virus in development of hepatocellular carcinoma:Focus on covalently closed circular DNA

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus(HBV)remains a major global health problem,especially in developing countries.It may lead to prolonged liver damage,fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.Persistent chronic HBV infection is related to host immune response and the stability of the covalently closed circular DNA(cccDNA)in human hepatocytes.In addition to being essential for viral transcription and replication,cccDNA is also suspected to play a role in persistent HBV infections or hepatitis relapses since cccDNA is very stable in non-dividing human hepatocytes.Understanding the pathogenicity and oncogenicity of HBV components would be essential in the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.This review summarizes the role and molecular mechanisms of HBV cccDNA in hepatocyte transformation and hepatocarcinogenesis and current efforts to its detection and targeting.

Electrocatalysis of NADH Oxidation with 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Covalently Bound to Self-assembled

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Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of SBA-15 Functionalized with Covalently Bonded Terbium-Benzoic Acid Complex

Novel hybrid materials containing covalently bonded Terbium-benzoic acid complex in mesoporous silicaSBA-15 (denoted as Tb-SBA-15 ) were prepared via co-condensation of tetrethoxysilane (TEOS) and N-(4-benzoicacid-yl), N'-(propyltriethoxysilyl) urea (denoted as PABI).XRD, FTIR and luminescence spectroscopy were employed to characterize Tb-SBA-15.When monitored by the ligand absorption wavelength (270 nm), Tb-SBA-15 displays the emission of Tb3+ (5D4→7Fj (j = 6, 5, 4, 3 ) transition) due to the energy transfer from the ligands to Tb3+.

SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES ON A HETEROMETALLOBINUCLEAR COMPLEX IN WHICH Ru(BPY)_3^(2+)WAS COVALENTLY ATTACHED TO N_i^-(CYCLAM)^(2+)

The spectroscopic properties for a recently synthesized hetero-metallo- binuclear complex Ru(bpy)_2 (bpy-cyclam-Ni)^(4+)(3)and its related complexes 1 and 2 were investigated by UV-vis and emission spectral methods.A drastic quenching of fluorescence from the Ru(bpy)_3^(2+) subunit by the covalently attached quencher sub- unit Ni(cyclam)^(2+) was observed for complex 3,and the mechanism was discussed.

PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECTS FROM COVALENTLY LINKED PHTHALOCYANINE COMPLEXES IN BOTH BLM AND SnO_2 PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL

Covalently linked phthalocyanine complexes were incorporated in bilayer lipid membranes(BLN) and deposited on SnO_2 transparent electrodes, Their photovoltages were measured and compared. It has been found that a more favorable orientation and closer proximity are attained in the diad compounds between the donor (phthalocyanine)-acceptor(anthraquinone) pair than in the simple compound for efficient light-induced charge separation and transfer. The triad compound is the best among all tested compounds.

<i>β</i>-cyclodextrin Covalently Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Characterization and a Sensitive Biosensor Platform

In this study, we presented the preparation of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) covalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and its application in modifying the solid glass carbon electrode (GCE). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) method was employed to evaluate the performance of the modified GCE. Solubility experiment indicated the conjugation of SWCNTs and β-CD, SWCNTs-β-CD with 8 wt% β-CD content could be well dispersed in water. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) demonstrated that the aggregated SWCNTs bundle were effectively exfoliated to small bundle, even individual tube. The β-CD component was grafted on the side walls as well as tips of SWCNTs, and the grafted β-CD component was not uniformly coated on the surface of SWCNTs. The CV measurements indicated the performance of the GCE modified by SWCNTs-β-CD was better than that of the GCE modified by the hybrid of SWCNTs/β-CD, where ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) were selected as a prelimiltary substrate to evaluate it. The enhanced performance of the modified GCE should be ascribed to the integration of the excellent electrocatalytic property of SWCNTs with the inclusion ability of β-CD to analyte molecule.

Detection of the covalently closed circular DNA of duck hepatitis B virus by Taq-Man fluorescent quantitative PCR assay

To develop a fluorescent quantitative PCR assay based on Taq-Man chemistry to detect the covalenfly closed circular DNA （eccDNA） of duck hepatitis B virus （DHBV）, a pair of primers was designed from both sides of the nick in the minus strand of DHBV and a Taq-Man probes between the primers, modified with 6-Fam at 5＇ end and Tamra at its 3＇ end was designed to detect the PCR products during PCR cycles. The DHBV DNA fragment was cloned into vector PUCm-T, and the recombinant plasmid was purified and subsequently qualified as the HBV DNA standard. The experimental conditions and reagents used in PCR assay for amplification were sophisticatedly optimized in order to yield a perfect amplification efficacy and reduce the possibility to produce non-specific amplification. It was demonstrated that the detect limit of assay was 10^3 copies/ml, and a linear standard curve was obtained between 10^5 -10^9 copies/ml [ C1 =-2.8361 ln（x） ＋ 41.45, r =-0.9985]. The coefficient of variation was 0.2%-3.14% and 2.22%-4.43% for intra- and inter-assay respectively. After a dynamic survey on the contents of DHBV DNA in serum of ducks, it was found that its peak value appeared at the second week of birth in ducks. It is evident that this method of Taq-Man fluorescent quantitative PCR assay appears to be simple, sensitive and specific.

Covalently integrated core-shell MOF@COF hybrids as efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts for selective oxidation of alcohols

Building a covalently connected structure with accelerated photo-induced electrons and charge-carrier separation between semiconductors could enhance the photocatalytic performance.In this work,we report a facile and novel seed growth method to coat NH2-MIL-125 MOFs with crystalline and porous covalent organic frameworks(COFs)materials and form a range of NH2-MIL-125@TAPB-PDA nanocomposites with different thicknesses of COF shell.The introduction of appropriate content of COF could not only modify the intrinsic electronic and optical properties,but also enhance the photocatalytic activity distinctly.Especially,NH2-MIL-125@TAPB-PDA-3 with COF shell thickness of around 20nm exhibited the highest yield(94.7%)of benzaldehyde which is approximately 2.5 and 15.5 times as that of parental NH2-MIL-125 and COF,respectively.The promoted photocatalytic performance of hybrid materials was mainly owing to the enhanced photo-induced charge carriers transfer between the MOF and COF through the covalent bond.In addition,a possible mechanism to elucidate the process of photocatalysis was explored.Therefore,this kind of MOF-based photocatalysts possesses great potentials in future green organic synthesis.

Covalently Attached Monolayer of Phthalocyanine on Chemically Modified Silicon Oxide Surface

Highly stable monolayers of 2,9,16,23-tetracarboxyl phthalocyanine on 3-aminopropyl -triethoxysilane (ATS) modified silicon and quartz substrates were prepared by reaction of carboxyl and amine. The monolayers were characterized by UV-Vis spectra and AFM measurements. The results indicated that the ultra-thin films on silicon or quartz were smooth, and the ordered structures were observed in these films.

Solid-Contact Perchlorate Sensor with Nanomolar Detection Limit Based on Cobalt Phthalocyanine Ionophores Covalently Attached to Polyacrylamide

Novel solid-contact perchlorate sensors based on cobalt phthalocyanine-C-monocarboxylic acid (I), and cobalt phthalocyanine-C,C,C,C-tetracarboxylic acid (II) as free ionophores and covalently attached to polyacryla- mide (PAA)—ionophores III and IV, respectively were prepared. The all solid-state sensors were constructed by the application of a thin film of a polymer cocktail containing a phthalocyanine ionophore and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) as a lipophilic cationic additive onto a gold electrode precoated with the conducting polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as an ion and electron transducer. The sensor with 10.3% of ionophore (III) covalently attached to plasticizer-free poly (butyl methacrylate-co-do- decyl methacrylate) (PBDA) exhibited a good selectivity for perchlorate and discriminated many ions, in- cluding F–, Cl–, Br–, I–, SCN–, , S2– and . The covalent attachment of the ionophore to the polymer resulted in a near-Nernstian anionic slope of –62.3 mV/decade whereas a super-Nernstian slope of –79.9 mV/ decade was obtained for the free ionophore. The sensor covered a linear concentration range of 5 × 10–9 - 1 × 10–2 mol?L–1 with a lower detection limit (LDL) of 1 × 10–9 mol?L–1 and gave a stable response over a pH range of 4 - 10.5. The all-solid state sensors were utilized for the selective flow injection potentiometric determination of perchlorate in natural water and human urine samples in the nanomolar concentration range.

Covalently bonded ternary photocatalyst comprising MoSe_(2)/black phosphorus nanosheet/graphitic carbon nitride for efficient moxifloxacin degradation

Covalently bonded bridging between different semiconductors is a remarkable approach to improve the transfer of charge carriers at interfaces.In this study,we designed a ternary heterojunction(MBG)combining of molybdenum diselenide(Mo Se_(2)),black phosphorus nanosheets(Bpn)and graphitic carbon nitride(GCN).Among this MBG of Mo Se_(2)/Bpn/GCN,(i)the covalently bonded bridging effect between Bpn/GCN facilitates directional charge carrier transfer,meanwhile(ii)a Z-scheme heterojunction is formed between Mo Se_(2)/GCN to enhance the separation of photogenerated carriers.Furthermore,(iii)this composite exhibits an increased absorption for visible light.Using this MBG,photocatalytic degradation of over 98%of moxifloxacin is achieved within 20 min,with O_(2)·-confirmed as the primary photocatalytic active species.These findings provide novel insights into the construction of efficient heterojunction by covalently bonded bridging.

DL-Serine covalently modified multinuclear lanthanide-implanted arsenotungstates with fast photochromism

A series of DL-serine covalently modified multinuclear lanthanide implanted arsenotungstates K_(2)[{Ln(H_(2)O)_(7)}_(2){As_(4)W_(44)O_(137)(OH)_(18)(H_(2)O)_(2)(DL-Ser)_(2)}{Ln_(2)(H_(2)O)_(5)(DL-Ser)}_(2)]·65H_(2)O(DL-Ser=DL-serine,Ln=La(1),Ce(2),Pr(3))are obtained.Crystal structure analysis shows that these compounds are isomorphic and contain the basic[{As_(4)W_(44)O_(137)(OH)_(18)(H_(2)O)_(2)(DL-Ser)_(2)}{Ln_(2)(H_(2)O)_(5)(DL-Ser)}_(2)]^(8–)polyoxoanion constituted by two{As_(2)W_(19)O_(59)(OH)_(8)(H_(2)O)}^(6–)subunits,a[W_(6)O_(2)_(3)(OH)_(2)(DL-Ser)_(2)]_(14)–fragment,and two embedded[Ln_(2)(H_(2)O)_(5)(DL-Ser)]^(5+)groups,which further build into one dimensional linear chainlike structure via two peripheral Ln^(3+)ions.Most remarkably,these compounds exhibit rapid photochromic behaviors,which changed color quickly from white(1),yellow(2),green(3)to blue(1),brown(2)and glaucous(3)in ten minutes under UV irradiation,and that the colors gradually recovered in the dark for approximately 22 h.

All‑Covalent Organic Framework Nanofilms Assembled Lithium‑Ion Capacitor to Solve the Imbalanced Charge Storage Kinetics

Free-standing covalent organic framework(COFs)nanofilms exhibit a remarkable ability to rapidly intercalate/de-intercalate Li^(+) in lithium-ion batteries,while simultaneously exposing affluent active sites in supercapacitors.The development of these nanofilms offers a promising solution to address the persistent challenge of imbalanced charge storage kinetics between battery-type anode and capacitor-type cathode in lithium-ion capacitors(LICs).Herein,for the first time,custom-made COFBTMB-TP and COFTAPB-BPY nanofilms are synthesized as the anode and cathode,respectively,for an all-COF nanofilm-structured LIC.The COFBTMB-TP nanofilm with strong electronegative–CF3 groups enables tuning the partial electron cloud density for Li^(+) migration to ensure the rapid anode kinetic process.The thickness-regulated cathodic COFTAPB-BPY nanofilm can fit the anodic COF nanofilm in the capacity.Due to the aligned 1D channel,2D aromatic skeleton and accessible active sites of COF nanofilms,the whole COFTAPB-BPY//COFBTMB-TP LIC demonstrates a high energy density of 318 mWh cm^(−3) at a high-power density of 6 W cm^(−3),excellent rate capability,good cycle stability with the capacity retention rate of 77%after 5000-cycle.The COFTAPB-BPY//COFBTMB-TP LIC represents a new benchmark for currently reported film-type LICs and even film-type supercapacitors.After being comprehensively explored via ex situ XPS,7Li solid-state NMR analyses,and DFT calculation,it is found that the COFBTMB-TP nanofilm facilitates the reversible conversion of semi-ionic to ionic C–F bonds during lithium storage.COFBTMB-TP exhibits a strong interaction with Li^(+) due to the C–F,C=O,and C–N bonds,facilitating Li^(+) desolation and absorption from the electrolyte.This work addresses the challenge of imbalanced charge storage kinetics and capacity between the anode and cathode and also pave the way for future miniaturized and wearable LIC devices.

Challenges and Opportunities in Preserving Key Structural Features of 3D-Printed Metal/Covalent Organic Framework

Metal-organic framework(MOF)and covalent organic framework(COF)are a huge group of advanced porous materials exhibiting attractive and tunable microstructural features,such as large surface area,tunable pore size,and functional surfaces,which have significant values in various application areas.The emerging 3D printing technology further provides MOF and COFs(M/COFs)with higher designability of their macrostructure and demonstrates large achievements in their performance by shaping them into advanced 3D monoliths.However,the currently available 3D printing M/COFs strategy faces a major challenge of severe destruction of M/COFs’microstructural features,both during and after 3D printing.It is envisioned that preserving the microstructure of M/COFs in the 3D-printed monolith will bring a great improvement to the related applications.In this overview,the 3D-printed M/COFs are categorized into M/COF-mixed monoliths and M/COF-covered monoliths.Their differences in the properties,applications,and current research states are discussed.The up-to-date advancements in paste/scaffold composition and printing/covering methods to preserve the superior M/COF microstructure during 3D printing are further discussed for the two types of 3D-printed M/COF.Throughout the analysis of the current states of 3D-printed M/COFs,the expected future research direction to achieve a highly preserved microstructure in the 3D monolith is proposed.

Covalent Organic Framework with 3D Ordered Channel and Multi-Functional Groups Endows Zn Anode with Superior Stability

Achieving a highly robust zinc(Zn)metal anode is extremely important for improving the performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs)for advancing“carbon neutrality”society,which is hampered by the uncontrollable growth of Zn dendrite and severe side reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction,corrosion,and passivation,etc.Herein,an interlayer containing fluorinated zincophilic covalent organic framework with sulfonic acid groups(COF-S-F)is developed on Zn metal(Zn@COF-S-F)as the artificial solid electrolyte interface(SEI).Sulfonic acid group(-SO_(3)H)in COF-S-F can effectively ameliorate the desolvation process of hydrated Zn ions,and the three-dimensional channel with fluoride group(-F)can provide interconnected channels for the favorable transport of Zn ions with ion-confinement effects,endowing Zn@COF-S-F with dendrite-free morphology and suppressed side reactions.Consequently,Zn@COF-S-F symmetric cell can stably cycle for 1,000 h with low average hysteresis voltage(50.5 m V)at the current density of 1.5 m A cm^(-2).Zn@COF-S-F|Mn O_(2)cell delivers the discharge specific capacity of 206.8 m Ah g^(-1)at the current density of 1.2 A g^(-1)after 800 cycles with high-capacity retention(87.9%).Enlightening,building artificial SEI on metallic Zn surface with targeted design has been proved as the effective strategy to foster the practical application of high-performance AZIBs.

Nested real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA

Background Successful treatment of hepatitis B can be achieved only if the template for hepatitis B virus （HBV） DNA replication, the covalently closed circular HBV DNA （cccDNA） can be completely cleared. To date, detecting cccDNA remains clinically challenging. The purpose of this study was to develop a nested real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR） assay for detecting HBV cccDNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） and bone marrow mononuclear cells （MMNCs）. Methods Based on the structural differences between HBV cccDNA and HBV relaxed circular DNA （rcDNA）, two pairs of primers were synthesized as well as a downstream TaqMan probe. Blood and bone marrow samples were collected from hepatitis B patients and healthy controls. To remove rcDNA, samples were incubated with mung bean nuclease and the resultant purified HBV cccDNA was then amplified by nested real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The cccDNA levels were calculated using a positive standard. Results The nested real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method for HBV cccDNA was successful, with a linear range of 3.0×10^2 copies/ml to 3.9×10^8 copies/ml. Of the 25 PBMC samples and 7 MMNC samples obtained from chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis patients, 3 MMNC samples and 9 PBMC samples were positive for HBV cccDNA, while all of the 21 PBMC samples from healthy controls were negative. Conclusion The nested real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR may be used as an important tool for detecting cccDNA in hepatitis B patients.