Browse Articles

Synergistic Regulation of ^* NO Coupling and ^* H Supply on Sulfur‐Doped Zero‐Valent Iron Aerogels Drives Efficient Electroreduction of Nitrate to N ₂

Abstract Electrochemical nitrate (NO 3 − ) reduction to dinitrogen (N 2 ) is a promising approach for environmental remediation but suffers from the sluggish * NO coupling and excessive * H supply on traditional electrocatalysts. Herein, we construct a sulfur‐doped zero‐valent iron (Fe 0 @S) aerogel that enables highly selective electrochemical nitrate‐to‐dinitrogen conversion via * NO→ * N 2 O→N 2 path by synchronously regulating * H supply and * NO coupling. Mechanistic studies reveal that the aerogel's 3D porous framework enriches local NO 3 − near active sites, while strategic sulfur incorporation can weaken H 2 O adsorption and tune * NO 3 − binding strength, thereby lowering the energy barrier for * NO coupling into * N 2 O and subsequent reduction to N 2 . With a flow‐through electrolyzer, we achieve near‐complete removal of 50 mg/L NO 3 − from real surface and ground water with a high N 2 selectivity above 90%. This work provides a practical NO 3 − remediation method based on non‐noble metals and presents a simple strategy for the design of catalyst structure to improve N 2 selectivity.

Comparing hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory responses during six-minute walk and step tests in mild acute COVID-19

Abstract The six-minute walking test (6MWT) and six-minute step test (6MST) are valuable tools for assessing functional capacity and predicting outcomes in individuals suffering from mild COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate functional capacity and oxygen uptake ( $${\dot{\text {V}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$$ ) during both the 6MWT and 6MST, to examine hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory responses and identify predictive factors influencing performance and $${\dot{\text {V}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$$ (mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹). This is a cross-sectional study including adults with mild COVID-19 symptoms within 6 weeks of a positive RT-PCR test. Participants were assessed for anthropometrics, handgrip strength, physical activity levels, pulmonary function, and performance on the 6MWT/6MST. Cardiorespiratory data were collected using a portable gas analyzer. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the two tests, and regression models were used to identify predictive factors for performance and $${\dot{\text {V}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$$ peak (mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹). Forty volunteers (57% female) participated, with a mean age of 35 ± 12 years and BMI of 27.55 ± 5.66 kg/m 2 . Mean 6MWT distance was 473 ± 97 m (82 ± 18% predicted) and mean 6MST was 144 ± 27 steps (81 ± 16% predicted). Significant differences were found in hemodynamic responses with the 6MST eliciting higher heart rate (HR; p  < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP; p  < 0.001), and ratings of dyspnea and lower limb fatigue on the Borg scale ( p  < 0.001 and p  = 0.015, respectively). (Regression analyses revealed factors that predicted performance and $${\dot{\text {V}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$$ peak (mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) for both tests, with models explaining 46–59% of variance for the 6MST and 12–40% for the 6MWT. The 6MST and 6MWT elicit distinct physiological responses, with the 6MST imposing greater hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory responses. Pulmonary function and body composition significantly enhance predictive models for functional performance and $${\dot{\text {V}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$$ peak (mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) in both tests.

SABRE Hyperpolarized Multichannel ¹⁹ F NMR for Sensitive Detection of Multiple Disease Marker Enzymes on a Benchtop NMR

Abstract The unique multichannel capability of 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) stands as a pivotal and rapidly advancing frontier in chemistry, biology, and medical imaging. However, its inherent low sensitivity limits its widespread applications. While hyperpolarization significantly enhances 19 F signals, simultaneously hyperpolarizing multiple 19 F‐containing substrates, which is essential for unlocking the multichannel potential of 19 F NMR, remains a key challenge. Here, we introduce an approach that achieves effective and simultaneous hyperpolarization of different 19 F nuclei from several molecular probes through parahydrogen‐based signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE). Our strategy utilizes multiple 19 F‐labeled substrates for SABRE, acting as co‐ligands for simultaneous enhancement of their 19 F NMR signal intensities. The synergistic effect among different 19 F‐labeled co‐substrates is evidenced by the much higher signal enhancement, compared to the systems containing only one 19 F‐labeled substrate. The highest enhancement of the 19 F NMR signal reached over 9600‐fold on a benchtop NMR (1.4 T), corresponding to a 4.3% polarization level. On this basis, we successfully implemented multichannel quantitative detection of enzymatic biomarkers at µM levels. By utilizing three 19 F‐labeled pyridine‐based substrates, each bearing a specific enzyme‐responsive moiety, we demonstrate the capability of high‐speed, cost‐efficient, and highly sensitive SABRE‐polarized 19 F NMR for applications in biomarker detection. Our work paves the way for future applications of highly sensitive multichannel 19 F NMR analysis.

Optimizing gamma radiation shielding of low bismuth borate glass via antimony addition: optical and physical insights

Abstract This study reports the fabrication and characterization of novel bismuth borate-based glass systems doped with varying concentrations of antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃) for gamma radiation shielding applications. Using the melt-quenching method, the glass systems [0] with x = 0, 1, 3, and 5 mol% were prepared. Density measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy were employed to analyze the structural, physical, and optical properties systematically. The results show that increasing Sb₂O₃ content raises the glass density, refractive index, and oxygen packing density, while reducing the molar volume and optical band gap. These changes contribute to forming a more compact glass network. Using Phy-X/PSD software, the radiation shielding coefficients, such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), and half-value layer (HVL), were determined. The sample with 5 mol% Sb₂O₃ demonstrated the best gamma-ray shielding performance, especially at low photon energies, owing to the high atomic number and density of Sb. The findings suggest that Sb₂O₃ functions as an effective dopant to improve the optical nonlinearity and radiation protection capacity of borate-based glasses, making them promising candidates for transparent shielding in medical, nuclear, and industrial environments.

Atomic‐Precision Triple‐Enzyme Nanozyme Synchronizes Mitochondrial Dual‐Pathway Disruption for Precision Oncology

Abstract Although nanozyme‐mediated disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis holds significant therapeutic potential, precise spatiotemporal regulation using single‐function catalysts remains a major challenge. To overcome this limitation, we developed a triphenylphosphine‐functionalized Pd@PtIr nanozyme by epitaxially depositing a Pt–Ir (1:1) alloy shell onto Pd nanocube cores with atomic‐level precision. This rationally engineered metal‐center architecture generates a synergistic catalytic interface that not only enhances peroxidase‐like activity—validated by density functional theory (DFT)—but also endows the nanozyme with intrinsic NADH oxidase and glutathione peroxidase‐like functionalities within a single platform. Upon 808 nm near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the nanozyme triggers a cascade of enzyme‐mimetic redox reactions that jointly deplete mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) and elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, while NADH oxidation concurrently disrupts ATP biosynthesis. These concerted effects synergistically impair mitochondrial redox homeostasis and energy metabolism in tumor cells. To further potentiate therapeutic efficacy, we combined the nanozyme with antisense oligonucleotide‐mediated silencing of ASncmtRNA, resulting in a pronounced 89.1% tumor regression in an orthotopic breast cancer model. This integrated approach—combining atomic‐precision catalyst design, multifunctional enzymatic activity, and gene‐silencing therapy—presents a transformative paradigm for organelle‐targeted precision nanotherapeutics in oncology.

Role of friction on the formation of confined granular structures

Abstract Metastable fluidized granular systems can spontaneously defluidize, forming glass- or crystal-like structures. We performed experiments with polymer spheres of different friction and roughness fluidized in a vertical water pipe flow. Velocity fluctuations were higher for high friction materials. Monodisperse particles form a crystal-like shell on the cylinder wall for a range of flow rates and number of particles. For polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) spheres with a friction coefficient near 0.1, structural organization was assessed through nearest-neighbor angle analysis, featuring hexagonal packing with defects. At such low friction, defects decreased, while contact chains became longer and more aligned. These findings highlight the role of surface properties in the emergence of ordered or disordered structures, offering new insights into the mechanisms governing glass- and crystal-like arrangements in fluidized particle systems.

Hydrogen sulfide rescues IFNγ/TNFα-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by enhancing oxidative phosphorylation

Mapping Antibiotic Photocatalytic Transformation and Resistance Risks with a DFT‐Informed Machine Learning Workflow

Abstract The photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics is effective but may yield transformation products (TPs) that sustain or amplify ecological risks, including antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) induction. This study developed a predictive framework that couples photocatalytic experiments, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and machine learning (ML) to assess risks of TPs. Using tetracycline as a model compound, we constructed a reaction network over 120 steps and 9 533 reactions, and trained an ML model to rapidly predict Gibbs free energy changes with DFT accuracy. Automatic transition‐state searches were integrated to evaluate kinetic accessibility within the network. The generalizability of this approach was validated with pathways of five different antibiotics involving 545 reactions. Furthermore, a multi‐dimensional scoring system was developed that integrates diversity, ecotoxicity, biodegradability, and feasibility (DEBF) to prioritize pathways by both reactivity and sustainability. Several hydroxylated, aminated, and amide–ketone TPs were identified as high‐risk species with enhanced ARG‐binding potential. By bridging molecular energetics with ecological outcomes, this work offers a generalizable, mechanism‐anchored, and risk‐aware approach for analyzing photocatalytic transformations and deriving design principles for pollutant degradation that balance efficiency with ecological safety.

Immunoinformatics based designing of a broad-spectrum multi-epitope vaccine against co-infection of human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza A virus

Abstract Co-infections involving human metapneumovirus ( hMPV ), respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ), and influenza A virus ( IAV ) often exacerbate disease severity in vulnerable populations. Here, we employed a structure-based immunoinformatics approach to design a multi-epitope subunit vaccine targeting these pathogens. The construct incorporated two epitopes each for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), helper T lymphocytes (HTLs), and B cells, derived from the fusion proteins of hMPV and RSV , as well as the neuraminidase protein of IAV . These epitopes were linked with an adjuvant and optimized spacers to enhance immunogenicity and structural stability. Structural modeling confirmed correct folding, and molecular docking predicted a stable interaction with Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) − 277.43 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated a compact and stable complex with restricted conformational motions, while MM/GBSA analysis yielded a favorable binding free energy (–121.72 kcal/mol) dominated by electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. Immune simulations predicted strong humoral and cellular responses, including high antibody titers, IFN-γ and IL-2 production, and durable memory formation. Codon optimization achieved a codon adaptation index (CAI) of 0.98 and a GC content of 51.24%, suggesting efficient expression in Escherichia coli . These findings highlight the construct as a structurally stable, immunogenic, and expression-ready vaccine candidate, warranting experimental validation against hMPV , RSV , and IAV .

Surface Electrostatic Gradient of Perovskite Boosts Metal in Situ Exsolution and CO ₂ Electrolysis in Solid Oxide Electrolyzer

Abstract The in situ exsolution of nanoparticles (NPs) has brought new opportunities for the application of perovskite‐based catalysts in solid oxide electrolyzers. However, the kinetic driving force controlling cation migration and subsequent metal nucleation is not yet fully understood. Here we identified surface electrostatic gradient as the decisive kinetic factor in governing metal exsolution by treating La 0.3 Ca 0.6 Ti 0.9 Mn 0.05 Ni 0.05 O 3−δ (LCTMN) with NaBH 4 of different concentrations. Multi‐scale characterizations revealed that different spatial distribution of surface oxygen vacancy induced positive surface potential shift and established electrostatic gradients that attracted Ni 2+ cations toward LCTMN surface, thereby driving Ni 2+ migration and reduction. Moreover, theoretical calculations demonstrated that surface oxygen vacancies reduced Ni segregation energy and work function of LCTMN, elucidating the critical role of electronic redistribution in accelerating in situ exsolution. Consequently, treatment of LCTMN with 3.0 M NaBH 4 yielded a high‐density dispersion of uniform Ni NPs with abundant strongly anchored interfacial sites for CO 2 adsorption and activation. Notably, it delivered maximal current density of 1.25 A cm −2 and CO Faraday efficiency of 94.23%, coupled with a superior 100‐hour stability, surpassing all counterparts. This study establishes a direct link between surface potential and exsolution kinetics, providing a universal paradigm for designing high‐performance perovskites with desirable reactivity.

Effect of breathing exercises on depression, sexual function, and exercise capacity in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract This trial aimed to explore the effect of supervised breathing exercises (BEs) on depression, sexual function, and exercise capacity in postmenopausal women. Sixty-four depressed postmenopausal women with associated sexual dysfunction were equally assigned to either a BEs group, which received diaphragmatic BEs, or a non-exercising control group. Both groups received individualized antidepressants and vaginal lubricants. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and exercise capacity using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline and after 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the BEs group showed significantly greater reductions in BDI-II scores (mean difference = − 4.22; 95% CI, − 6.19 to − 2.24; p  = 0.001) and significantly greater increases in FSFI scores (mean difference = 5.01; 95% CI, 3.21 to 6.79; p  = 0.001) compared with the control group with clinically significant differences for both measures. However, the between-group difference in 6MWT distance was not significant (mean difference = 28.28 m; 95% CI, − 2 to 58.57; p  = 0.06). BEs could be an effective therapeutic intervention for managing depression and sexual dysfunction in this population of postmenopausal women, while no significant effect was observed on exercise capacity.

Minimizing H ₂ O ₂ Loss in Industrial Electrosynthesis via Asymmetric Main‐Group Sn Single‐Atom Catalysts

Abstract The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) via the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction offers an appealing and sustainable route for on‐site H 2 O 2 production. However, its broader applicability is constrained by subpar yields, primarily resulting from insufficient selectivity and the occurrence of electrochemical and/or chemical decomposition of H 2 O 2 . Herein, we demonstrate that asymmetric N/S co‐coordinated main‐group Sn sites can effectively stabilize oxygen intermediates and rapidly desorb the generated H 2 O 2 , thereby enhancing 2e − ORR pathway selectivity while suppressing undesirable H 2 O 2 decomposition reactions. At an industrially relevant current density of 300 mA cm −2 , the main‐group catalyst achieves an exceptional H 2 O 2 faradaic efficiency of 93%. When scaled to an industrial sized area of 100 cm 2 , the pilot reactor delivers an impressive H 2 O 2 production rate of 353.5 mmol h −1 at 20 A. In situ characterizations and theoretical simulations reveal that the main‐group Sn sites exhibit inertness toward activation of H 2 O 2 , thereby mitigating H 2 O 2 loss in electrosynthesis. The asymmetric N/S‐coordination enhances electron transfer between the Sn center and oxygen intermediates, stabilizing the *OOH intermediate and facilitating H 2 O 2 generation. This work presents a promising strategy for minimizing H 2 O 2 loss in electrochemical production via the rational design of main‐group catalysts with well‐defined coordination and electronic structures.

In silico DNA barcoding surpasses whole genome sequencing for species identification from vector surveillance pools

Abstract Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for over 600,000 deaths annually, mainly in sub-Saharan countries. Mosquito surveillance is a crucial element of vector control programmes to assure they remain effective. This study focused on optimizing the use of the MinION sequencer for interrogating mosquito pools from surveillance programmes, with simplified bioinformatic workflows for use in African laboratories nearer to the field. Mosquito pools were created using different human disease vector species, mimicking possible field trap contents. Some pools were spiked with DNA from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and filarial worm Brugia malayi . In the first instance, three pipelines were used to map reads to full reference genomes and their accuracy was compared. Subsequently, mapping reads to full assembled genomes was compared to mapping to a concatenation of diagnostic barcoding sequences for evaluation of relative abundances of mosquito vector species and pathogens. The results show that a combination of Minimap2 with samtools is the most accurate pipeline and a targeted approach preferable to whole genome in estimating species abundance. The MinION device was shown to be effective for interrogating mosquito pools, with moderate training requirements for data analysis. This provides a practical solution to vector surveillance challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

Unlocking High‐Performance Na‐CO ₂ Batteries via a d‐p Orbital Hybridization Descriptor for Rational Catalyst Design

Abstract Metal‐based catalysts show great promise for efficient Na‐CO 2 batteries. However, the absence of a universal principle that connects catalytic properties to battery performance has impeded rational catalyst design. To bridge this gap, we propose a descriptor based on d‐p orbital hybridization. Focusing on sodium oxalate (Na 2 C 2 O 4 ), a key discharge product with faster decomposition kinetics than carbonates, we systematically investigate the hybridization between metal d‐band centers and oxygen p‐orbitals, revealing the mechanism governing the formation/decomposition for Na 2 C 2 O 4 . By constructing electronic structure‐based theoretical descriptors, we enable efficient prediction and rational design of catalyst performance. The Pd‐based catalyst designed using the d‐p orbital hybridization descriptor screening strategy enables a battery that achieves a cycling stability of 1800 h with retained energy efficiency of 85.5% and a low overpotential of 0.49 V. The strong correlation between the descriptor and the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of the rate‐determining reaction step confirms its predictive accuracy. This work establishes d‐p orbital hybridization as a descriptor for controlling discharge products, guiding the design of high‐energy‐density Na‐CO 2 batteries.

Claudin18.2 promote gastric cancer proliferation by activating MCM2/5

A 1-bit electrically reconfigurable metasurface stirrer (ERMS) for improved reverberation chambers

Abstract We propose an innovative electrically reconfigurable metasurface stirrer (ERMS) designed to significantly enhance the performance of reverberation chambers (RCs). Our proposed ERMS overcomes the limitations of traditional mechanical stirrers or paddles, such as reduced working volume and high lowest usable frequency (LUF). This is achieved by employing a novel metasurface integrated with varactor diodes, which manipulate the stirrer’s reflection phase without any mechanical movement. The fabricated ERMS consists of 88 metasurface unit cells, which measures 2.4 λ × 3.3 λ × 0.122 λ at 600 MHz. Compared to a conventional mechanical stirrer, the ERMS lowered the LUF by 95 MHz (from 420 MHz to 325 MHz), and the working volume increased by nearly three times (from 0.68 m³ to 1.94 m³), thanks to its superior field-stirring characteristics and low-profile planar design. Measurement results confirm that the ERMS significantly improves the capability of RCs, exhibiting an acceptably low standard deviation of fields. This achievement enables more accurate and efficient testing of antennas and wireless communication devices.

Proteasome Cap Targeting Chimeras for Ubiquitination‐Independent Targeted Protein Degradation

Abstract Selective degradation of a disease‐associated protein of interest (POI) is a powerful therapeutic strategy. FDA‐approved and investigational glue and degrader drugs function by recruiting a POI to an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates POI polyubiquitination and triggers proteasomal degradation. However, using E3 ligases as an intermediary and requiring POI polyubiquitination makes this mechanism of action complex and difficult to rationalize and optimize. These issues have led to interest in evaluating whether direct recruitment of non‐ubiquitinated POIs to the proteasome might achieve the same pharmacological outcome. Here, we examined the potential of direct‐to‐proteasome non‐ubiquitinated POI recruitment. Using a tag strategy, we first demonstrated that the proteasomal 19S cap region proteins, RPN13 and RPN1, can recruit non‐ubiquitinated POI model proteins, such as BRD4, to the proteasome and induce degradation. Subsequently, we developed small molecule‐based bifunctional recruiter molecules (Proteasome Cap Targeting Chimeras, CAP‐TACs) and showed that they recruit several distinct POIs, including BRD4, PRMT5, and FKBP12, to specific subunits in the 19S cap region and induce their ubiquitination‐independent, proteasome‐dependent degradation. This study provides further evidence that bifunctional small molecules can re‐localize POIs to the proteasome and induce their degradation in the absence of ubiquitination, which broadens the capabilities of targeted protein degradation.

Night eating behavior, sleep quality, body composition, and type 2 diabetes risk among Saudi Arabian females: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Night eating behavior has been linked to circadian disruption and adverse metabolic outcomes, yet evidence remains inconsistent, particularly in young and metabolically healthy populations. This cross-sectional study examined associations between night eating behavior, sleep quality, body composition, and type 2 diabetes risk among 150 Saudi Arabian females. Night eating severity, sleep quality, and diabetes risk were assessed using validated questionnaires, and anthropometric and body composition measures were obtained using standardized procedures. Associations were evaluated using correlation analyses with false discovery rate correction, and multivariable linear regression was used to account for potential confounders. Night eating behavior was not associated with diabetes risk, as neither the overall night eating severity nor its subscales showed meaningful relationships with diabetes risk scores (all p  > 0.05). Associations between night eating behavior and body composition measures were weak and did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. In contrast, greater night eating severity, particularly nocturnal ingestions, was associated with poorer sleep-related outcomes, including longer sleep latency and increased sleep disturbances. Night eating severity remained independently associated with sleep disturbances after adjustment for age and body mass index (β = 0.336, p  < 0.001). These findings suggest that, in young Saudi Arabian females, night eating behavior is not associated with current diabetes risk but is more closely linked to sleep disruption.

Sequential Radical‐Anionic Polymerizations via Consecutive Photo‐Reduction

Abstract Polymeric properties are intimately entwined with the diversities of structures, making the development of polymerization methods highly valuable to both academic research and industrial applications. Although radical and anionic polymerization techniques have been widely used, both currently have intrinsic limitations. For example, anionic polymerizations heavily rely on highly reactive alkyl metals and alkali metals (e.g., lithium), which involve energy‐intensive synthesis and hazardous handling. Herein, we report a sequential radical‐anionic (co‐)polymerization, where the in situ generation of carbon radicals and carbanions via photoreduction enables augmentation of the monomer repertoire. This approach eliminates lithium dependency and its associated resource, energy, and safety concerns. Mechanistic studies support the sequential radical‐anionic chain‐growing mechanism enabled by photo‐induced consecutive single‐electron transfer reduction. This strategy has the potential to overcome the intrinsic restriction in copolymerizing monomers with electronic property disparities, thereby extending the synthetic utilization of anionic polymerization in polymer science. Furthermore, the process and vulcanization of large‐scale synthesized terminal‐functionalized rubbers further prove the practical applications of this strategy.

Development and characterization of coaxial two-way switch for RF plasma discharge experiments

Abstract A developed high-performance 3−1/8″ coaxial two-way RF switch tailored for RF plasma discharge experiments including pre-ionization and start-up; wall conditioning and Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating has been presented (Bora et al. in Nucl Fusion 46:572–584, 2006; Wilson and Bonoli, in Phys Plasmas 22:021801, 2015). The proposed switch is configured as a coaxial two-way system, meticulously engineered to facilitate seamless transitions in coaxial connections between RF transmitters and antennas for RF power coupling to plasma and other applications and between RF transmitters and dummy loads as per the requirement, all accomplished with an impressively minimal changeover time. The foremost importance of this switch is that it can make two transmissions at a time in contrast to a normal SPDT (single pole double throw) switch where at a time only one connection is available and hence saves time and is economical. The other advantage of having two transmissions at a time is that the same RF load can be used for RF amplifier testing at various stages from 2 kW to 1.5 MW. The development process involves a thorough investigation into the unique requirements and challenges posed by the RF plasma discharge experiments, emphasizing the need for rapid and precise RF signal routing.