Browse Articles

Perioperative ketorolac use and postoperative acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Covalent Activation of the C‐type Lectin DC‐SIGN

Abstract Dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing non‐integrin (DC‐SIGN) is a C‐type lectin receptor expressed on antigen‐presenting cells, crucial for pathogen recognition and immune modulation. The shallow and polar carbohydrate binding site of DC‐SIGN presents challenges for ligand design. Here, we explored covalent modification targeting specific lysine residues as a novel strategy to modulate DC‐SIGN function. Screening a lysine‐targeted electrophilic fragment library using orthogonal functional assays identified two potent activators. Structural analyses via NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and computational modeling confirmed structural perturbations of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and revealed distinct mechanisms of activation. While both activators significantly enhanced DC‐SIGN's affinity for monosaccharide ligands, one compound induced oligomerization via covalent coupling and non‐covalent secondary site interactions, whereas the other selectively modified lysine K373 directly within the primary carbohydrate binding site. These findings demonstrate the potential of lysine‐targeted covalent compounds as a novel therapeutic strategy for modulating DC‐SIGN function and potentially C‐type lectins in general.

Analysis of the determinants of farm power mechanization in Misrak Bedawacho District, Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia

Polarized Heterojunction in a Doubly Doped Layer‐by‐Layer Structure to Obtain an Organic Photovoltaic Device of 20.5% Efficiency

Abstract Achieving efficient double doping in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices is hindered by parasitic interactions between p‐ and n‐type dopants, which lead to radical accumulation, deep‐level traps, and reduced device performance. Herein, we report a solvent‐mediated infiltration doping strategy to overcome these challenges based on D18/L8‐BO layer‐by‐layer (LBL) system. By incorporating F4TCNQ as the p‐type dopant in the donor layer and DMBI as the n‐type dopant in the acceptor layer, with controlled infiltration via a chlorobenzene:ethanol (CB:EtOH) binary solvent mixture, we constructed a polarized heterojunction that mitigates dopant crosstalk. This approach reduces trap depths (activation energy E a  = 0.2 eV vs. 0.84 eV for direct doping) and narrows lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) density of states while enhancing built‐in potential and hole transfer rate ( τ 1  = 0.40 ps). Consequently, the optimized devices achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.5%, with a fill factor (FF) of 82.3%, surpassing control (19.5%) and direct doping (19.1%) configurations. These findings highlight the efficacy of spatially controlled doping for advancing high‐efficiency, scalable OPVs toward sustainable energy applications.

Preliminary quantitative assessment of liver and spleen MR imaging and elastography in clinically significant portal hypertension

Solvation‐Competing Nitrile Polymer Gel Electrolyte for High‐Voltage Quasi Solid State Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract The search for Li‐ion batteries offering increased energy, power, and safety has led researchers to develop solid‐state Li batteries (ASSB) and more recently, quasi‐solid electrolytes (QSEs) prepared by in situ polymerization to accelerate their practical implementation. A complex challenge with QSEs arises in designing polymer matrices having high ionic conductivity that are stable against oxidation, safe and scalable. Herein, we developed a novel QSE through in situ polymerization of butyl acrylate monomer in adiponitrile (ADN)‐based electrolyte. Benefiting from a solvation‐competing mechanism, polybutyl acrylate (PBA) expels the nitrile solvent from the Li + solvation shell, which significantly inhibits side reactions between ADN and Li metal, thereby forming a robust solid electrolyte interface (SEI). The PBA in the QSE also contributes to an enhanced lithium‐ion transference number (tLi+ = 0.87) and minimized concentration polarization. As a result, the QSE‐based LCO||Li cell retains 78% of its capacity after 1000 cycles at 4.45 V, along with outstanding rate performance. The excellent performance and safety are also validated in a 250 Wh kg −1 pouch cell. This work provides new insights for the development of high‐energy‐density, safe, and practical quasi‐solid‐state pouch cells offering immediate promise to battery manufacturers.

Hypoxia tolerance of intertidal triplefin fish is associated with low critical oxygen tension and high phosphorylating capacity in brain mitochondria

Abstract At the terminus of the O 2 cascade, mitochondria play an important role in O 2 utilisation and energy conservation, with adaptive modifications occasionally shared among hypoxia-tolerant species. Here, we sought to determine whether mitochondrial adaptations in brain tissue explain the hypoxia tolerance of New Zealand triplefin fishes ( Tripterygiidae ). We compared two intertidal species ( Bellapiscis medius and Forsterygion lapillum ), both likely adapted to hypoxia-reoxygenation exposures, and two subtidal species ( F. varium and F. malcomi ), which inhabit normoxic waters. To assess hypoxia tolerance, we determined loss of equilibrium (LOE) during hypoxia exposure and measured the critical O 2 tension (P crit ). Intertidal species displayed superior hypoxia tolerance as assessed by LOE and also had lower P crit (LOE versus P crit R 2  = 0.99). High-resolution respirometry was used to measure mitochondrial respiration in homogenate and permeabilised fragments of brain. While a weak relationship was apparent between mitochondrial O 2 binding affinity (mP 50 ) and LOE, maximum phosphorylating O 2 consumption (OxPhos) and O 2 catalytic rates were strongly correlated with hypoxia tolerance. Although cytochrome- c -oxidase activity was highest in the most hypoxia-tolerant species B. medius , it was only weakly correlated with hypoxia tolerance across species. Notably, the high OxPhos capacity of intertidal species was not associated with higher whole animal resting O 2 consumption, suggesting intertidal species maintain high capacity for ATP production without incurring increased basal energetic costs. While somewhat paradoxical, the low P crit /high OxPhos strategy of intertidal species may provide flexibility in the dynamic intertidal environment where short, severe periods of hypoxia are interspersed with high energy demand environmental conditions, including acute warming.

Inside Back Cover: Chiral Bifacial Non‐Fullerene Acceptors with Chirality‐Induced Spin Selectivity: A Homochiral Strategy to Improve Organic Solar Cell Performance (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 3/2026)

Synergistically Activating N ₂ and CO ₂ at Water Microdroplet Interfaces

Abstract Nitrogen (N 2 ) fixation is essential for sustaining life but is challenging under ambient conditions. Industrial N 2 fixation is energy‐intensive and exacerbates carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, while high concentration of atmospheric CO 2 urgently requires scalable mitigation strategies. In this study, we report that simultaneous spontaneous activation of N 2 and CO 2 under ambient conditions in microdroplets, producing ammonium (NH 4 + ), nitrite (NO 2 − ), and formate (HCO 2 − ), as confirmed by isotopic labelling experiments and theoretical calculations. This can clarify the doubts about environmental ammonia pollution in microdroplets. The activation of N 2 and CO 2 exhibits a synergistic enhancement effect in microdroplets. Mechanistic investigation reveals novel pathways involving the CO 2 ‐facilitated N 2 fixation and the oxygen radical ( • O)‐mediated N 2 fixation. This discovery offers a sustainable pathway for green N 2 fixation and atmospheric CO 2 utilization, and offers insights into the potential formation pathway of HONO in the atmosphere.

Interspecies scaling of suprachoroidal drug delivery using ocular geometry and drug physicochemical properties

Abstract Excised rabbit, porcine, and bovine eyes were injected in the suprachoroidal space with a cassette of 27 drugs, including 10 beta-blockers, 8 NSAIDs, and 9 corticosteroids, spanning a lipophilicity range (LogD 7.4 : −4.18 to 4.70). Drug concentrations in retina and vitreous humor were quantified by LC-MS/MS on both injected and non-injected sides. Most drugs were detected in both tissues, with higher concentrations on the injected side (0.04–3.69 fraction dose or FD/g) compared to the non-injected side (0.00–0.74 FD/g), after excluding eight outliers (drug–prodrug pairs and unstable drugs). Total retinal concentrations (0.07–1.88 FD/g) exceeded vitreous concentrations (0.02–0.40 FD/g). Across species, delivery decreased with eye diameter (rabbit > porcine > bovine). For individual species, multiple linear regression explained 70–83% of variance in retinal concentrations and 45–62% in vitreous concentrations using drug physicochemical properties. A unified equation incorporating 1/d² (d is eye diameter in cm), lipophilicity (LogD 7.4 ), molar solubility (LogS), and total polar surface area (TPSA) predicted concentrations in all species for a given tissue, explaining 74% of retinal and 93% of vitreous variance. Retinal delivery scaled for all species: Log FD/g = -1.121 + 0.255*LogD 7.4 + 0.106*LogS + 0.004*TPSA + 0.395*1/d 2 . Vitreous humor delivery scaled for all species: Log FD/g = -1.898–0.047*LogD 7.4 − 0.051*LogS + 0.001*TPSA + 0.833*1/d 2 . While this study evaluated static barriers, in vivo delivery is expected to be lower due to dynamic clearance mechanisms.

Synthesis of Chlorine‐Terminated MXenes by Dry Selective Extraction with TiCl ₄

Abstract Despite rapid research progress in the field of MXenes over the past decade, this new family of nanomaterials still faces challenges in terms of scalable manufacturing and control over surface chemistry, which determines many of their physicochemical properties. This work demonstrates titanium tetrachloride (TiCl 4 ) as a new type of gas‐phase etchant for the dry selective extraction of the A‐element (Al) from MAX phases, providing MXenes with uniform chlorine surface terminations. Our approach eliminates the need for extensive washing, which is required in the cases of wet‐chemical and molten salt etching. Computational data suggest that TiCl 4 reacts with the MAX phases directly to extract AlCl 3 rather than forming any intermediate phases. One of the resulting MXenes, Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 , was then delaminated into few‐layer flakes by intercalating lithium ions from an organic solvent. Some of the hydrophobic delaminated flakes were discovered to roll into a tubular shape, forming 1‐dimensional nanoscrolls. Our dry etching process provides opportunities for the scalable synthesis of halogen‐terminated Ti‐ and Nb‐based MXenes with two to four M‐element layers and controlled surface chemistry.

Developing a comprehensive database and search tool for single-cell ATAC-seq data

Long term water quality improvements associated with the restored Prairie Creek wetlands in Ohio’s Grand Lake St. Marys Watershed

Revolutionizing Quinoidal Optoelectronics Through Heterojunction Engineering for Tri‐Modal Reconfigurability Wide‐Spectral Detection

Abstract Quinoidal‐conjugated materials are notable for their ultra‐low LUMO levels (<−4.0 eV) and exceptional wide‐spectral absorption in the NIR‐II region, attributed to their narrow optical bandgaps. However, their inferior charge transport properties hinder the simultaneous optimization of light absorption and carrier mobility, thereby limiting performance in detection sensitivity and response speed across the UV–vis–NIR range. To address this challenge, we developed a novel heterojunction architecture phototransistor combining a new n‐type quinoidal small molecule (Q4T) with a p‐type organic semiconductor (C10‐DNTT). Leveraging the complementary absorption of heterogeneous semiconductors and efficient intermolecular charge transfer in type‐II heterojunctions, the phototransistor enables wide‐spectral detection from 300 to 1200 nm. It demonstrates tri‐modal operational reconfigurability, offering versatile photoresponse characteristics. Remarkably, the device exhibits a low detection threshold of 3 µW cm −2 , underscoring its high sensitivity. Additionally, the optimized heterostructure ensures a fast response time of 20 ms, making it a promising candidate for high‐performance optoelectronic applications. The integration of spectrally resolved positive/negative photoconductivity with gate‐tunable operation modes enables high‐contrast image sensing and secure information encryption/decryption. This heterojunction strategy effectively addresses the inherent limitations of quinoidal semiconductors and establishes a versatile platform for all‐organic bidirectional optoelectronic systems, offering promising prospects for intelligent spectral sensing technologies.

Plasma glutamic acid predicts myelosuppression and mortality in septic patients using machine learning

Translational evaluation of BUB1B as a precision medicine biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma

Diversity and distribution of bacterial community vertically across ecological and trophic gradient within sediments of lake Bosten area

Inside Front Cover: Brain‐Targeted Near‐Infrared Chiral TeSe Nanodrug Against Orthotopic Drug‐Resistant Glioma (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 3/2026)

Zn(II)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions: Access to Sulfur(VI)‐Stereogenic Sulfonimidate Esters

Abstract The construction of stereogenic S(VI) centers remains a formidable challenge in asymmetric catalysis, despite incremental advances. The enantioselective transformation of racemic sulfonimidoyl chlorides is rarely described for forming chiral S(VI)─O bonds and limited to covalent organocatalytic manners. Herein, we report the first chiral Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric nucleophilic substitution of sulfonimidoyl chlorides, using 2‐hydroxypyridines as nucleophiles, affording sulfur(VI)‐stereogenic chiral sulfonimidate esters with good yields (up to 94% yield), excellent chemoselectivities ( O ‐functionalization) and high enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). Enantioenriched sulfonimidate esters are stereospecifically transformed into chiral S(VI) derivatives, with the 2‐hydroxypyridine unit acting as the leaving group. The practicality of this method is enhanced via a directed one‐pot procedure of in situ‐generated sulfonimidoyl chloride from S(IV) sulfonamide. Furthermore, the addition of quinuclidine as an additive can trigger rapid racemization of sulfonimidoyl chloride, establishing a dynamic kinetic process instead of a kinetic resolution. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds via an S N 2 pathway with kinetic resolution characteristics. A bifunctional activation mode is elucidated by mechanistic experiments and density functional theory calculations, in which Zn(II)‐ligand complex activates the sulfonimidoyl chloride, while imidazolidine N–H forms a H‐bond with the nitrogen atom in 2‐hydroxypyridines.

Utility of airway fluoroscopy as a diagnostic test in children with stridor