Browse Articles

Direct Synthesis of Vinylene‐Linked Conjugated Polymers by Selective Methyl/Methylene C─H Activation on Gold Surfaces

Abstract Vinylene (C═C) linkage facilitates the distribution of highly conjugated electrons along the polymer chain, thereby playing a crucial role in the development of conductive polymers for promising applications in organic electronics. Directly connecting two methyl groups to construct a vinylene linkage would streamline the synthesis process considerably, reducing the number of reaction steps required. However, reactions through alkyl groups normally form C─C single bonds as linkages. Achieving vinylene bonds via further dehydrogenation remains a significant challenge. Here, we demonstrate the successful synthesis of vinylene linkages by selectively activating methyl/methylene C─H bonds using the predesigned monomers bearing methylthiophenes on Au(111) and Au(110) surfaces. Noncontact atomic force microscopy confirms the formation of vinylene linkage by bond‐resolved imaging on both surfaces, achieving a vinylene linkage yield of 97%. Density functional theory calculations and control experiments reveal that the strong adsorption of the thiophene ring on the gold substrate effectively reduces the energy barriers for methyl and methylene C─H dissociation, enabling the two‐step dehydrogenation for the formation of vinylene‐linked polymers with up to 27 units. Our findings present a novel strategy for polymerization or oligomerization via vinylene linkages on surfaces.

Developing a simple artificial intelligence fuzzy-based model for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil

Abstract Saturated hydraulic conductivity is one of the important physical properties of soil in modeling water and solute transport, irrigation management, and drainage issues. Laboratory and field methods for directly measuring this parameter are time-consuming and costly. In recent years, the use of intelligent systems for estimating various soil parameters has significantly increased. Therefore, this research aims to utilize Fuzzy Inference Systems (FIS), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Linear Regression (LR) to create a mapping between soil texture parameters and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The data used in this study includes physical properties related to 331 soil samples from the UNSODA soil database (170 samples) and existing data from soils in the cities of Amol, Babol, Karaj (50 samples), and Shahrekord (111 samples). After examining different models and combinations of available data, three models were proposed for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity. In these models, saturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated using soil texture characteristics (percentage of clay, silt, and sand) and bulk density, and the performance of the models was evaluated using statistics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and coefficient of determination (R 2 ). Comparing the results of the proposed nonlinear models with different input parameters showed that fuzzy systems can estimate saturated hydraulic conductivity with acceptable accuracy. During the training phase, the fuzzy model with four input variables (percentage of clay, silt, sand, and bulk density) had the highest correlation (r = 0.92), and considering other evaluation parameters (R 2  = 0.84, MBE = 0.28 cm/hr, and RMSE = 1.64 cm/hr), it showed a good fit with the measured values. In the testing phase, similar results were obtained, and the fuzzy model with four parameters had the best fit. Based on the results of this research, the fuzzy model can be introduced as one of the methods for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity with suitable accuracy.

In Situ/Operando Probing of Dynamic Phase Structures of Alumina‐Supported Ultrasmall Copper‐Gold Alloy Nanoparticles Under Reaction Conditions

Abstract The ability to control phase structures and surface sites of ultrasmall alloy nanoparticles under reaction conditions is essential for preparing catalysts by design. This is, however, challenging due to limited understanding of the atomic‐scale phases and their correlation with the ensemble‐averaged structures and activities of catalysts during catalytic reactions. We reveal here a dynamic structural stability of alumina‐supported ultrasmall and equiatomic copper‐gold alloy nanoparticles under reaction conditions as a model system in the in situ/operando study. In situ atomic‐scale morphological tracking under oxygen reveals temperature‐dependent dynamic crystalline‐amorphous dual‐phase structures, showing dynamic stability over an elevated temperature range. This atomic‐scale dynamic phase stability coincides with a “conversion plateau” observed for carbon monoxide oxidation on the catalyst. It is substantiated by the stable lattice ordering/disordering structures and surface sites with oscillatory characteristics shown by operando ensemble‐average structural tracking of the catalyst during the oxidation reaction. The understanding of the atomic‐scale dynamic phase structures in correlation with the ensemble‐average dynamic ordering/disordering phase structures and surface sites provides fresh insights into the unique synergy of the supported alloy nanoparticles. This understanding has implications for the design and structural tuning of active and stable ultrasmall alloy catalysts under elevated temperatures.

The prognostic value of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 in elderly patients with heart failure: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the prognostic value of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) for mortality and readmission in elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure (HF). Elderly patients hospitalized for worsening chronic HF were enrolled in the present study. We detected the concentration of serum SFRP2 in these patients. The primary endpoint of this study was defined as all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and readmission due to HF, acute myocardial infarction, and malignant arrhythmia during a median follow-up period of 450 (interquartile range 224–942) days. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of SFRP2. Of 161 patients at baseline, we observed 72 events (25 deaths and 47 readmissions). Serum SFRP2 levels were significantly elevated in elderly HF patients with events relative to those without and control subjects (all P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular readmissions stratified by the optimal cut-off value of serum SFRP2 level (log-rank P < 0.005). An elevated SFRP2 level and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was independently and significantly associated with the primary endpoint and secondary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.334, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.059–5.147;P = 0.036 and HR 2.326, 95% CI 1.426–3.794;P = 0.001, respectively) in multivariable Cox regression analysis. A higher level of serum SFRP2 can be considered as an independent predictor of poorer clinical outcomes for elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure, indicating that evaluation of SFRP2 could provide more useful information for the long-term prognosis in these patients beyond NT-proBNP.

Deciphering nitrogen-driven microbial succession in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor-coupled A2/O ecological system for the remediation of industrial swine wastewater

Device grade solid-state pouch and coin cell supercapacitors dual assembly using consumed battery waste to best utilization

Dynamic Photoacoustic Imaging of Mobile Cu(II) in Vivo via Catalytic Radical Cation Formation

Abstract Copper dyshomeostasis is associated with various diseases, making in vivo spatiotemporal imaging of mobile Cu(II) dynamics crucial for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms. However, imaging mobile Cu(II) dynamics remains a long‐standing challenge due to the limitations of conventional probes in distinguishing between mobile and bound Cu(II). Herein, we developed a design strategy based on catalytic arylamine radical cation formation, enabling the creation of photoacoustic probes with superior sensitivity and micron‐resolution imaging capabilities in the short‐wave infrared region, specifically in response to mobile Cu(II). In vivo imaging of the brains of Parkinson's disease model mice revealed significant alternations in mobile Cu(II) levels within the cerebral cortex and cerebellar lobules during early disease stages, suggesting that these regions are particularly vulnerable to Cu(II) accumulation in early Parkinson's disease. These findings underscore the significant potential of these probes for investigating mobile Cu(II) dynamics and their role in physiological and pathological processes.

Effects of culture system and diet on amphipod (Parhyale hawaiensis) production

Unveiling Roles of Nonradical Electron‐Donation Pathway in Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Boosted Interfacial Radical Generation

Abstract In conventional studies, radicals and nonradicals were often considered independent mechanisms for organic pollutant oxidation, with their potential interaction between radicals and nonradicals largely overlooked in Fenton‐like reactions. Herein, Cu‐Co 3 O 4 catalysts ( x  wt% Cu‐Co 3 O 4 /OVs) featuring bifunctional bonding centers were fabricated, which enabled simultaneous co‐capture of electron‐rich contaminants and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) at their interfaces. The optimized 0.75 wt% Cu‐Co 3 O 4 /OVs demonstrated exceptional efficiencies in degrading diverse micropollutants through synergistic oxidation pathways involving radicals and nonradical electron transfer process (ETP). Significantly, we found the unique dual electron migration pathways for PMS activation during synergistic oxidation process: besides the electron donation from Co centers, electron could be migrated via ETP from micropollutants to Co sites via heteroatomic Cu, serving as additional electron source for assisting PMS activation. In addition, synergistic oxidation pathways not only enhanced the generation of reactive species but also improved their utilization efficiency by shortening the migration distance of radicals. Such system exhibited remarkable long‐term stability (up to 16 h) in wastewater treatment, with its environmental applicability further validated through life cycle assessment and bio‐experiments. This work uncovered a previously unrecognized synergistic interaction between radical and nonradical pathways, offering new insights into the interfacial radical‐mediated oxidation behavior for advanced wastewater remediation.

High-performance hydrogen energy generation via innovative metal-organic framework catalysts and integrated system design

Radical‐Assisted Nonradiative Processes to Couple Photothermy and Photosensitization for Solar‐Driven Water Evaporation

Abstract Nonradiative (NR) processes are pivotal in engineering materials with tailored properties for energy utilization. However, their intrinsic rapidity and competitiveness pose huge challenges in on‐demand manipulation. Herein, radical‐assisted multiple NR processes were achieved to couple photothermy and photosensitization based on a unique near‐infrared‐absorbing diradical‐featured croconium (CR) dendrimer, CR‐(DPA) 2 ‐OMe. This dendrimer is well‐designed by the direct covalent linkage between the flexible dendritic diphenylamine (DPA) and rigid diradical‐featured CR units. The intrinsic diradical characteristics promote internal conversions in company with intramolecular donor–acceptor interactions, and the hyperfine coupling effect between the dimeric radical‐ion pair excitons and adjacent magnetic nuclei assists intersystem crossing. Besides, the abundant intramolecular motions from the twisted and flexible dendritic diphenylamine groups facilitate vibrational relaxation and electron transfer. These processes endow CR‐(DPA) 2 ‐OMe with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 85.05% and superoxide anion generation capability under 808 nm laser irradiation. Thus, a water evaporation efficiency of 92.6% and antibacterial efficacy under one sunlight are obtained, comprehensively superior to previously reported organic small‐molecule photothermal materials for solar‐driven water evaporation. These findings highlight the importance of radicals in NR process manipulation, significantly boosting the development of organic functional materials with on‐demand excited‐state energy conversions.

Irrigation water quality shapes soil microbiomes: a 16 S rRNA-based biogeographic study in arid ecosystems

Abstract Soil microbiome plays a crucial role in ecosystem; however, the responses of the soil microbiome to nonconventional irrigation water sources remain poorly understood. This study employed 16 S rRNA sequencing to investigate microbial community shifts in soil samples collected from four geographically distinct locations affected by different irrigation water sources: saline ground water affected by seawater (SW), a brackish water lake (BW), a wastewater drain (WW), and a freshwater canal that receives inflows from multiple agricultural drains (FW). Our findings revealed distinct microbial signatures shaped by water quality, with Firmicutes dominating WW soils (49.2%) due to metal resistance (DESeq2, p = 3.67 × 10− 4), whereas Chloroflexi and Cyanobacteria thrived in BW environments (LEfSe, LDA > 4, p = 8.23 × 10− 6), reflecting adaptations to chloride-rich conditions. FW soils enriched Acidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, which are associated with moderate salinity and nutrient cycling, whereas SW samples harbored halotolerant Actinobacteria and Deinococcus-Thermus (DESeq2, p = 1.47x− 05). Statistical analyses revealed key potential biomarkers, including Streptococcus (WW, DESeq2 p = 3.67x− 24), RB41 (BW, LEfSe p = 1.62x− 13), and Candidatus_Udaeobacter (SW, DESeq2 p = 1.47x− 05). Physicochemical drivers such as salinity (R² =0.319, p = 0.00041) and heavy metals (Pb/Mn in WW) strongly influence community structure. Notably, WW irrigation reduced alpha diversity (Shannon index: 4.79–5.41 vs. 6.65–7.43 in FW; Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.0056), highlighting pollutant-induced stress. These findings highlight the balance between water reuse and soil health, offering a foundation for microbiome-driven bioremediation approaches in arid environments. By utilizing native, stress-resilient microbial communities, our research promotes sustainable agricultural practices in water-limited regions.

AIE‐Driven Chiral Covalent Organic Frameworks for Solid‐State Circularly Polarized Luminescence, Hydrochromism, and Water‐Induced Chiroptical Enhancement

Abstract Chiral covalent organic frameworks (CCOFs) are promising candidates for chiral optoelectronics and sensing, but their weak solid‐state fluorescence and chiroptical responses often limit practical utility. Here, we introduce a novel CCOF synthesized from achiral monomers, 2‐hydroxy‐1,3,5‐benzenetricarbaldehyde and hydrazine, via imine condensation with a chiral induction strategy, yielding salicylaldehyde azine units with aggregation‐induced emission. Optimized catalyst and chiral inducer stoichiometry endow the framework with exceptional chiroptical properties (|g abs | = 2.2 × 10 −2 , ellipticity ≈ 1000 mdeg). In the solid state, the CCOF exhibits intense red fluorescence (λ em  ≈ 645 nm) with a large stoke shift and favorable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL, |g lum | = 5.2 × 10 −2 ), marking the first CCOF derived solely from achiral building blocks with robust solid‐state CPL. When integrated into polydimethylsiloxane, it forms flexible and semitransparent composite films suitable for CPL‐based applications. The CCOF also functions as a highly enantioselective fluorescent sensor for chiral analytes, including 2‐aminocyclohenanol and dimethyl‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine. Furthermore, it demonstrates reversible hydrochromism, transitioning from yellow to orange (ΔE ≈ 42.7), and water‐induced chiroptical enhancement (ellipticity up to 2100 medg, |g abs | = 5.5 × 10 −2 ), achieving the highest ground‐state chirality reported for CCOFs through enol‐to‐keto tautomerism upon water adsorption. This stimuli‐responsive CCOF overcomes persistent limitations in solid‐state CPL and paves the way for chiral sensing, optical displays, and responsive materials.

Frailty index is positively associated with stroke risk in nationally representative cohorts from the united States and China

Engineering a Multifunctional Nanozyme Platform for Synergistic Melanoma Therapy: Integrating Enzyme Activity, Immune Activation, and Low‐Temperature Photothermal Effects

Abstract Melanoma is characterized by rapid growth and high invasiveness, resulting in an exceptionally high malignancy and a significant propensity for metastasis. Current therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, exhibit limited efficacy due to severe side effects and immunosuppressive effects. Consequently, the development of precise and effective integrated therapeutic strategies is of paramount importance. Here, we report a multifunctional and multienzyme active nanosystem (FeCP@PDA‐GOx) that synergistically integrates starvation therapy, chemodynamic therapy, mild photothermal therapy (mPTT), and immunotherapy to achieve multidimensional therapeutic effects. This nanoplatform harnesses the enzymatic activities of glucose oxidase, peroxidase, oxidase, and catalase to enhance tumor microenvironment modulation and drug delivery efficiency, ultimately inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells. The system also establishes a positive feedback loop to further amplify its catalytic performance. Additionally, it effectively suppresses the expression of heat shock proteins in tumor cells, thereby augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of mPTT. Moreover, the system activates robust immune responses, suppressing lung metastasis and eliciting systemic antitumor effects to inhibit the growth of distal tumors. Experimental results demonstrate that this multifunctional nanoplatform exhibits exceptional therapeutic efficacy and safety in melanoma treatment, laying a solid foundation for the advancement of personalized medicine and intelligent therapeutic strategies.

Synchronous surgery combined preoperative chemotherapy benefits patients suffering pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Body mass index, physical activity and dental caries: cross-sectional HUNT4 oral health study

Abstract Studies on the association between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries among adults are limited. Moreover, individuals with a high BMI may be either physically active or inactive, but the impact of these combinations on dental caries remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between BMI, its combination with physical activity (PA), and dental caries in the adult population. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from Norwegian HUNT4 Oral Health Survey (2017–2019). BMI was categorized as < 25.0 (normal), 25.0–29.9 (overweight), or ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 (obese). The combination of BMI and PA was classified into 4 groups: (1) normal weight and active; (2) normal weight and inactive; (3) overweight-obese and active; and (4) overweight-obese and inactive. Main outcomes included the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (D3MFT) and decayed teeth (D3T), while missing and sound teeth were secondary outcomes. Ratios of means (RM) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using negative binomial regression. Effect modification by age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years) was assessed via the likelihood ratio test. We included 4752 individuals with a mean age of 51.9 years (SD 15.9). Compared to individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m2, those with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 was associated with an increased mean number of D3MFT (adjusted RM: 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.13), D3T (1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.32), and missing teeth (1.11, 95% CI 1.00–1.22), but inversely with sound teeth (0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99). No combined effect of BMI and PA was observed. The association between BMI and dental caries was modified by age, with an association observed in individuals under 65 years (P likelihood ratio test < 0.001). We observed that a higher BMI was associated with a higher dental caries experience and missing teeth. However, there was no evidence of a combined effect between BMI and PA on dental caries.

Fast Removing Ligands from Platinum‐Based Nanocatalysts by a Square‐Wave Potential Strategy

Abstract Developing effective methods to remove ligands from the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial for obtaining surface‐cleaned nanocatalysts. In this manuscript, we develop a square‐wave potential (SWP) strategy that efficiently removes ligands from the surface of platinum (Pt)‐based nanocatalysts within 1 min (40 s), achieving a removal efficiency 30 times higher than that of traditional cyclic voltammetry cycling. Comprehensive analyses of physical characterization and catalytic performance confirm the effectiveness of the SWP strategy. In situ electrochemical infrared and Raman spectroscopy show that the oxidation potential (1.24 V) can replace the Pt‐N coordination bond with a Pt─O covalent bond to form the intermediate state of Pt‐O‐NH 2 R during ligand removal, while the reduction potential (0.20 V) can detach the ligand from the surface of Pt. Moreover, the SWP strategy is versatile, extending the efficient removal of various ligands from the surface of Pt and the oleylamine ligand from Pt‐based alloy nanocatalysts. The efficient removal of ligands from nanocatalysts is critical for ensuring the reproducibility of electrocatalytic results and for obtaining clean catalysts to reveal intrinsic effects in nanocatalysis.

Coral restoration can drive rapid increases in reef accretion potential

Abstract Coral-reef degradation is disrupting the balance between reef accretion and erosion and threatening the persistence of essential coral-reef habitats. In south Florida, most reefs are already net eroding, and without intervention, valuable ecosystem services may be lost. Coral restoration holds the potential to reverse those trends; however, typical restoration monitoring does not adequately capture key geo-ecological functions. We addressed this knowledge gap using carbonate budgets and Structure-from-Motion models to evaluate the impact of coral restoration on reef-accretion potential and structural complexity at eight offshore and three inshore coral reefs in the Lower Florida Keys. Within 2–6 years following outplanting, restoration of rapidly growing A. cervicornis populations increased reef-accretion potential to 2.8 mm y− 1 and drove significant increases in structural complexity. There was no measurable impact of restoring slower-growing, massive corals on reef-accretion potential inshore; however, whereas the severe 2023 coral-bleaching event immediately following our study caused near-complete mortality of A. cervicornis, 59% of massive corals survived, highlighting potential trade-offs between coral growth and survival on future restoration efficacy. We conclude that although restoration can produce rapid, small-scale increases in reef-accretion potential, there remain important uncertainties about how and whether ecosystem-scale benefits of restoration on important geo-ecological reef functions can persist long term.

Global spread and antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila in aquatic food animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Aeromonas hydrophila is a common zoonotic agent in aquatic environments that causes gastroenteritis and wound infections in both humans and animals through foodborne and hospital-acquired infection. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) combination with virulence factors enhances treatment challenging. The prevalence and AMR of Aeromonas hydrophila have been increasingly reported, posing a significant threat to both animal and public health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of A. hydrophila and its resistance to aquatic food animals. A comprehensive search for relevant studies was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, following the PRISMA guidelines, covering studies from January 2020 to December 2024. The quality of the included publications was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Differences in the prevalence and AMR of A. hydrophila were assessed using a random-effect model. A total of 14,077 studies were screened, and 14 publications were included. Bacterial isolation of A. hydrophila was achieved using various standard protocols, involving culture on Rimler-Shotts (RS) agar and Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), with or without antimicrobials. Subsequent biochemical identification confirmed the isolates. The pool prevalence of A. hydrophila (30.7%, 95% C.I.:17.0-46.3%), and the distribution of virulence genes were 71.2%. The most common resistance observed to penicillin (80.7%), oxytetracycline (69.9%) and macrolides (67.8%). The most prevalent AMR genes identified were bla TEM (67.0%), followed by tetA (63.7%). The increasing presence of A. hydrophila in aquaculture suggests a considerable risk of disease. The prevalence of both A. hydrophila and AMR was higher in Africa than in Asia, indicating regional variations in the AMR pattern. However, monitoring and surveillance of A. hydrophila remained limited. A major limitation of this study was the heterogeneity in effect estimates across the selected studies. Nonetheless, the quality assessment conducted indicated that this variability did not compromise the consistency or reliability of the findings.