Browse Articles

Redox-Active Poly( <scp>l</scp> -lysine) as a Cathode toward Sustainable Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract The advancement of sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) necessitates cathode materials that exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance and environmentally benign end-of-life degradability. However, achieving this balance remains challenging in degradable material systems due to the intrinsic trade-off between electronic delocalization, ion transport, and structural stability. Here we report a redox-active polypeptide platform featuring a poly(l-lysine) (PLL) scaffold cross-linked with aromatic dianhydrides of varying core sizes. By enabling a “core-size modulation” strategy, this design simultaneously tunes π-conjugation and porosity, thereby coupling electronic delocalization with Na-ion transport and preserving degradability. Consequently, a poly(l-lysine)–perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PLL-PTCDA or P-PT) cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 136.8 mAh g–1 at 50 mA g–1 and stable cycling over 15,000 cycles at 1 A g–1. Mechanistic analyses indicate that an increase in the aromatic core size promotes electronic delocalization, while enhanced porosity facilitates Na-ion transport. This combination enables reversible multielectron storage with suppressed dissolution and robust structural integrity. More importantly, the polypeptide scaffold retains intrinsic degradability, enabling chemical or enzymatic degradation once the cathode reaches its end of life. This work establishes a modular molecular-design principle that integrates electrochemical durability with programmed degradability, providing a circular pathway toward lifecycle-aware organic cathodes in next-generation sustainable SIBs.

The mechanism and dynamics of the sedimentation of styrene/divinylbenzene microplastics from water and the solidification of the precipitate with an alum-based coagulant “BUCOCHEM”

Although publications on the efficiency of various coagulants in removing microplastic contamination from water are quite abundant, detailed information on the coagulation/sedimentation mechanisms and dynamics, and on the formation of microplastic particle flocs, is less common. In this article, the mechanism and dynamics of coagulation, flocs formation, and sedimentation of styrene/divinylbenzene microplastic particles sized between 400 and 500 µm from water with the use of an alum-based coagulant “BUCOCHEM” have been investigated. The research has been conducted using jar tests to study coagulation/sedimentation dynamics and visual microscopic observations to examine floc formation. It was found that this coagulant promotes better sedimentation and compaction of the plastic particles, ensuring the formation of a dense, more stable, and easily removable precipitate layer. A 0.1 wt % of the coagulant leads to a decrease in the height of the polymer sediment layer by 14% after 48 hours, as compared to the coagulant-free sedimentation. Furthermore, the former sediment appears more compact and stable. Even the lower 0.05–0.07 wt% of BUCOCHEM ensures the formation of three-dimensional flocs, which sediment into a compact and stable precipitate layer, effectively resisting secondary resuspension. Although such concentrations of BUCOCHEM lead to some decrease in the sedimentation rate (from 3.5 to 2.5–2.7 mm/s), it is more important that the resulting precipitate layer becomes more compact and stable against secondary resuspension than without the coagulant. The process of the precipitate layer compacting and solidification is mostly complete within 24 h. These results indicate the most optimal concentration of BUCOCHEM (0.05–0.07 wt%) and seem useful for potential application of this coagulant to treat water/wastewater for the removal of microplastic contamination.

Integrated bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data identifies and validates key genes of mitochondrial-nuclear epigenetic axis in ischemic stroke

Stereodynamism in Pentacoordinate Al(Salen) Catalysts

Abstract M(Salen) complexes are totemic in asymmetric catalysis on account of the generality and selectivity that they confer. Consequently, the development of unifying models to place the function of these disruptive actors on a structural foundation is essential to sustain innovation. Motivated by the transformative effect that the Jacobsen catalyst (M = Al) has had on contemporary synthesis, a thorough three-dimensional structural investigation of the solution phase behavior of Al(Salen) complexes is reported, and complemented by solid-state 27Al MAS NMR and computational investigations. This interdisciplinary analysis of the venerable Al(Salen)Cl complex reveals a rapid equilibrium of R,R-(M) and R,R-(P) species in solution enabled by intermolecular halide-catalyzed rearrangements. Contrary to established models, the backbone remains in the trans-diequatorial conformation: the antipodal (axial) configurations (M/P) are enforced by a change in coordination geometry between square based pyramidal (sbp) and distorted trigonal bipyramidal (dtbp). The occurrence of orthogonal helical diastereomers, with conserved point chirality [R,R-(M) and R,R-(P)] converges on a revised model to describe the behavior of pentacoordinate M(Salen) complexes based on the Addison geometry parameter τ. Stereodynamism resulting from dynamic metal coordination geometry is determined to be a key parameter that should be considered in future reaction design and induction models. It is envisaged that this intriguing behavior of pentacoordinate Al(Salen) complexes will find application beyond asymmetric catalysis.

Discovering search behaviour in black garden ant trajectories

Exploratory behaviour plays an important role in many animals, in particular for social insects who have to feed and protect a whole colony. In a laboratory study, Khuong et al (2013) studied how workers of the black garden ant Lasius niger move around in an unknown environment. They assumed that, in a homogeneous arena with no visual cues, ants had no information about their position in space. Based on this hypothesis, they modelled ant movement in a Boltzmann Walker framework which describes an ant’s random walk as a series of straight segments separated by reorientation events. They found that, on a plain horizontal surface, an ant’s heading does not influence its speed, segment length and reorientation decision, thus leading to diffusive trajectories. However, published experiments indicate that L. niger ants are not completely devoid of directional information, even in standard laboratory setups with no obvious visual landmarks. Moreover, many ant species are known to develop specific search strategies when they want to find a particular place in space, a situation that may apply to the data Khuong el al analysed. We re-analysed their data on a plain horizontal surface, this time taking into account the ant’s heading in relation to its starting point in the arena. We discovered that the distributions of segment lengths and reorientation angles are modulated by the ant’s orientation in relation to its starting point. By simulating these biased trajectories, we show that this modulation leads to an area-restricted search behaviour. We also show that this modulation considerably accelerates the return times of ants to their starting point when they find themselves far from it. We conclude that not taking into account the animal’s cognitive abilities in data analysis may lead to incomplete or biased conclusions. The discovered search behaviour in L. niger can play a significant role in the colony’s exploration and foraging ecology.

Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes test negative for malaria sporozoites and exhibit environmentally associated distributions in southern Nigeria

A Versatile Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Nanoprobe for Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Abstract It has been highly challenging to reliably detect various cancers at an early stage when tumors are just millimeters in size. To address this, we developed a tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive nanoprobe, PR-KAd@CD-AuNC, enabling cross-validated cancer detection through in vivo second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging and in vitro colorimetric urinalysis. The nanoprobe consists of three integrated components: a renal-clearable signal-output segment (cyclodextrin-functionalized gold nanocluster, CD-AuNC), a tumor-targeting and size-controlling component (PR), and a matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2)-cleavable linker (KAd). PR, composed of 8-arm poly(ethylene glycol) for prolonged circulation and c(RGDfK) peptides for αvβ3 integrin targeting, directed selective tumor accumulation after intravenous injection of PR-KAd@CD-AuNC. The intrinsic emission of CD-AuNC above 1100 nm enabled high-resolution, real-time NIR-II fluorescence imaging with attenuated photon scattering, allowing precise tumor delineation. Within the TME, specifically overexpressed MMP2 cleaved the KAd linker, releasing ∼2 nm CD-AuNC fragments from the ∼10 nm parent nanoprobe. Being smaller than the ∼5.5 nm renal filtration threshold, these fragments were renally excreted. Concurrently, the peroxidase-like activity of CD-AuNC catalyzed tetramethylbenzidine oxidation to produce a visible blue signal, providing a simple and low-cost urinalysis method suitable for broad cancer screening applications. This dual-modality strategy effectively distinguished cancers from inflammation and other diseases, detecting small tumors for multiple cancer types with a sensitivity surpassing that of computed tomography (CT) imaging, which makes it a promising early detection approach. Furthermore, it was also employed to dynamically assess cancer therapeutic efficacy (i.e., immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical resection), suggesting clinical value for guiding treatment decisions.

Perceptions of Spanish-language COVID-19 video messaging among the Hispanic community: A qualitative study in the United States of America

With evidence linking credible and quality COVID-19 vaccine information to positive vaccination attitudes and intentions, it's vital to understand how communities facing health disparities access health information about COVID-19. This interview study of 49 Hispanic individuals in a large southern suburban county is a part of a larger three-year multi-method study. Through the lens of self-determination theory, this project investigates perceptions of four television-aired Spanish-language video messages on CseOVID-19 vaccination developed from findings of prior local focus groups and panel surveys supported by community partners. The present study’s findings show human-centered, gain-frame messaging was positively received and highlight the need for targeted Spanish-language public health messaging in Spanish news media to improve quality information about COVID-19. Gentler suggestions for health protective behaviors may foster greater perceived resonance, credibility, and informational value of public health messages, with potential implications for psychological reactance and subsequent responses.

Optimization of culture conditions for the human corneal epithelial cell line IM-HCEpiC and evaluation of its extracellular vesicles in repair

Abstract Corneal epithelial defects are a major cause of vision loss, highlighting the need for reliable in vitro models to study ocular surface pathophysiology and for therapeutic development. In this study, we establish a simplified and reproducible protocol for culturing the human corneal epithelial cell line IM-HCEpiC under standardized culture conditions, avoiding coated flasks and proprietary media of unknown composition. We compared proliferation rates across different seeding densities and culture media formulations, identifying DMEM/F12 supplemented with fetal bovine serum as the optimal compositionally defined medium, while collagen coating does not significantly improve growth. Under these conditions, IM-HCEpiC cells expressed corneal epithelial markers (CK3, CK12, ZO-1, E-cadherin, and Pax-6) and displayed the expected response to oxidative stress and antioxidant treatment, supporting the preservation of key epithelial characteristics. Using this optimized culture system, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from IM-HCEpiC secretomes, characterized, and functionally evaluated. IM-HCEpiC-derived EVs promote corneal wound closure and increased Ki67 expression. Therefore, this study establishes a simplified, cost-effective, and reproducible culture protocol for IM-HCEpiC cells while preserving key corneal epithelial characteristics, supporting their use in corneal epithelial biology and EV-based research.

Coupling Photochromism and Charge Transport in π-Extended Arylazo Oligothiophenes and Oligothienoacenes

Abstract Developing photoresponsive molecular materials that couple efficient charge transport with robust photoswitching remains challenging because structural features enhancing one function often compromise the other. In this study, two homologous series of arylazo oligothiophenes and oligothienoacenes–in which an azo photoswitch is directly conjugated to a π-extended thiophenic scaffold–were systematically investigated. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations shows that, in solution, π-extension enables E → Z photoisomerization using visible light but concurrently lowers the barrier for thermal Z → E back-conversion by activating rotational isomerization pathways. Aryl fluorination counteracts this effect by strengthening intramolecular S(n)···π interactions, extending the Z-isomer half-life from minutes to hours. In the solid state, π-extension promotes dense intermolecular packing that inhibits photoisomerization. Introduction of a bulky trityl group reduces packing density, as revealed by single-crystal analysis, restoring E ⇆ Z photochromism in crystalline thin films and inducing a crystalline-to-amorphous transformation, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopic analysis. The resulting light-driven molecular and morphological reorganization enables reversible, light-induced modulation of electrical conductivity in two-contact planar devices. Space-charge-limited-current measurements show that conductivity changes correlate with isomer-dependent electron mobility properties. Overall, these findings establish π-extended azo-thiophene scaffolds as a versatile platform to couple photochromism and morphological reorganization with charge transport phenomena.

Association between occupational hearing loss and predicted 10 year cardiovascular risk among middle aged industrial workers

Purpose Occupational hearing loss is a prevalent occupational disease with potential systemic health implications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cross-sectional study investigated the association between hearing loss and 10-year CVD risk among middle-aged industrial workers in Tehran. Methods A total of 988 workers (83.7% male, mean age 46.8 ± 5.9 years) underwent routine occupational health examinations, including pure-tone audiometry and cardiovascular risk assessment using the WHO/ISH prediction chart. Hearing-loss phenotypes included low-frequency hearing loss (LFHL), high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), overall hearing loss (HL), and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Ear-specific hearing loss was first assessed separately for the left and right ears; participant-level hearing-loss variables were then defined based on the presence of hearing loss in either ear. The WHO/ISH 10-year CVD risk score was reported descriptively. To avoid conceptual overlap between the composite WHO/ISH score and its component variables, the composite CVD-risk variable was not entered into multivariable logistic regression models. Instead, multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographic, occupational, and clinical factors associated with each hearing-loss phenotype. Results The prevalence of NIHL was 19.9%. Ear-specific HFHL was observed in 27.2% of left ears and 25.5% of right ears, while LFHL was observed in 17.0% of left ears and 18.0% of right ears. In multivariable logistic regression models, sex and age were the most consistent independent factors associated with hearing loss. Female sex was associated with lower odds of LFHL, HFHL, overall HL, and NIHL compared with male sex. Older age was independently associated with LFHL, HFHL, and overall HL. Smoking was independently associated with HFHL and NIHL, while work experience was independently associated with NIHL. Job type and diabetes were not consistent independent predictors in the adjusted models. The composite WHO/ISH CVD-risk score was not included in the adjusted models to avoid conceptual overlap with its component variables. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of demographic, behavioral, and occupational factors, particularly sex, age, smoking, and work experience, in occupational hearing loss among middle-aged industrial workers. Although predicted 10-year CVD risk was described in this occupational cohort, the composite WHO/ISH risk score was not included in multivariable models together with its component variables. Hearing conservation programs should integrate noise control, regular audiometric screening, smoking cessation, and cardiovascular risk assessment as complementary components of occupational health surveillance.

Disrupted activation of dot perspective task-related EEG generators in forensic patients with borderline personality disorder

The effect of a multimodal multicomponent Prehabilitation program in Older adults with Chronic limb-threatening Ischemia (POCI-study): A study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) in older adults is associated with severe morbidity and high mortality. The rising prevalence is largely driven by the aging population and confronts healthcare systems with challenges like increasing demand for chronic care, staff shortage and rising healthcare costs. To improve post-operative outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, multimodal prehabilitation has gained interest and has the potential to improve post operative outcomes. However, evidence of the effect in older adults with CLTI remains scarce. The aim of this study is to determine whether a multimodal multicomponent prehabilitation program (MMPP) reduces length of stay and improves clinical, patient-reported and economic outcomes of older adults with CLTI. We developed a multicenter randomized controlled trial, with embedded cost-effectiveness analyses.. CLTI-patients aged 65 years or older, planned for revascularization, and their primary informal caregiver (IC) will be eligible. A total of 300 patients will be randomized to receive either standard preoperative care or a 2-week MMPP. All patients receive a general health screening. The MMPP includes physiotherapy and, if indicated, referral to a geriatrician, dietician or smoking-cessation coach, ferric carboxymaltose infusion or pre-arranged homecare. The primary outcome is length of stay. Exploratory secondary outcomes include minor complications, quality of life of patient and IC and health related quality of life. Descriptive secondary outcomes include 30-day and 6-month mortality, major complications, readmissions, burden on the IC, cost-effectiveness; and experiences and preferences regarding shared decision making. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of an MMPP within older CLTI-patients. Findings will inform healthcare professionals whether an MMPP should be implemented in routine vascular surgical practice to reduce length of stay and improve clinical and patient-centered outcomes. The study is registered at the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (NL-OMON58069).

Retrospective clinical artificial intelligence-assisted study of loaded peri-implant versus edentulous bone

Abstract This study aims to clarify the relationship between mechanical stimulation by masticatory loading, bone mineralization distribution (BMD) and osteocyte lacunar shape complexity features (SCFs), through the retrospective clinical analysis of peri-implant bone compared to edentulous bone in human jaws. The multivariate analysis was conducted in two dental contexts: in peri-implant bone, subjected to mechanical forces during chewing, and in edentulous bone, not subjected to masticatory load. The study was conducted by synchrotron radiation high-resolution phase-contrast tomography combined with artificial intelligence (AI)-based image segmentation techniques. Histomorphometry was performed to verify and complement results with additional information on soft tissues. Osteocyte lacunar volume was shown to be significantly larger in the peri-implant group than in the edentulous group. Wide distributions of Aspect Ratio and Sphericity were found in edentulous specimens; this variation was not observed among peri-implant bone samples, suggesting that loading affects peri-implant lacunar SCFs, making them more uniform in shape and size. Lacunar SCFs were found highly correlated with BMD parameters only in the peri-implant (loaded) tissues and not in the edentulous bone. Overall, our results confirm that mechanical loading positively influences osteocyte activity, which suggests that immediate loading of dental implants has a biologic rationale.

An Iron(V)-Oxo TAML Radical Cation Complex in Photocatalytic Water Oxidation and Electron-Transfer Reactions

Abstract Iron(V)-oxo complexes have been proposed as critical reactive intermediates in catalytic water oxidation. However, iron-oxo complexes bearing redox-active (noninnocent) ligands with a formal oxidation state exceeding +5 have remained elusive. Herein, we report that an iron(V)-oxo complex bearing a one-electron oxidized tetraamido macrocyclic ligand, [FeV(O)(TAML•+)], effectively oxidizes water to evolve dioxygen (O2) via O–O bond formation. The precursor [FeIII(TAML)]− complex acts as an effective catalyst for the photochemical oxidation of water by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ). Transient absorption measurements reveal a stepwise, photodriven pathway: [FeIII(TAML)]− and DDQ first generate [FeV(O)(TAML)]− via a μ-oxo dimer intermediate, [(TAML)FeIV(O)FeIV(TAML)]2–. Subsequent electron transfer (ET) to the triplet excited state of DDQ (3DDQ*) yields the [FeV(O)(TAML•+)] intermediate and DDQ•–. In the presence of water, this complex reacts to produce a presumed [FeIV(OOH)(TAML)]− intermediate. The rate constants of the reaction of [FeV(O)(TAML•+)] with H2O and D2O at 298 K are determined to be 1.4 × 106 and 7.1 × 105 M–1 s–1, respectively, giving a deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of 2.0. In ET reactions, [FeV(O)(TAML•+)] is a highly reactive oxidant with an extremely small reorganization energy (λ = 0.80 eV). Such a small reorganization energy is ascribed to the TAML ligand-centered ET reduction of [FeV(O)(TAML•+)]. To the best of our knowledge, this iron(V)-oxo TAML radical cation complex, [FeV(O)(TAML•+)], represents one of the most powerful high-valent iron-oxo oxidants identified to date in water oxidation and electron transfer reactions.

An integrated Gaussian–Probabilistic–Fuzzy framework for health assessment and remaining useful life prediction of medium-voltage switchgears

Reliable operation of Switchgear is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of modern power systems. However, prolonged exposure to thermal, mechanical, and electrical stresses progressively deteriorates switchgear performance, often resulting in catastrophic failures and costly outages. This paper proposes a novel hybrid framework for comprehensive health assessment and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of medium-voltage (MV) switchgears by integrating Gaussian normalization, probabilistic modeling, and fuzzy logic evaluation. Initially, all measured indicators are systematically classified into four functional subsystems, electrical, mechanical, insulation, and auxiliary, to enable structured condition evaluation. The Gaussian method normalizes heterogeneous indicator values, the probabilistic approach quantifies the failure likelihood of each indicator, and the fuzzy logic system handles uncertain and linguistic expert information. The resulting subsystem health indices are aggregated to derive a global health index (HI), which is then used to estimate RUL through a (Gaussian, Probability, Fuzzy) GPF-based algorithm. The proposed framework has been validated using real field data collected from two MV substations, and its performance has been benchmarked against existing techniques. Results demonstrate superior accuracy, robustness, and interpretability of the proposed method under uncertainty, providing actionable insights for condition-based maintenance scheduling and risk-informed decision-making in power utilities.

TabularQGAN: a quantum generative model for tabular data synthesis

One-Step Integration of Sulfonated Polymer Films with Separators for Shuttle Mitigation in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract Interfacial polymerization (IP) offers a rapid and inexpensive method for fabricating thin polymer films. In this work, a one-step IP reaction between a triacyl chloride monomer and sulfonated diamine monomer is employed to add a dense, charge-selective sulfonated thin-film coating onto a commercial separator to improve selective transport in lithium–sulfur batteries. The coating effectively suppresses polysulfide shuttling, enhancing capacity retention, although at the expense of compromised rate performance due to hindered lithium conduction through the dense film. Fractional substitution of the trifunctionalized acyl chloride monomer for a difunctionalized analogue reduces the film cross-link density, which improves rate performance but decreases uniformity in film coverage. Uniform film coverage is achieved upon addition of a small fraction (0.25 wt %) of higher reactivity, nonsulfonated diamine in the IP reaction. This optimized thin film coating breaks the rate-capacity retention trade-off, enabling a capacity of 711.6 mAh g–1 after 200 cycles at 0.5C while still reaching over 800 mAh g–1 during rate testing at 2C.

Cancer surgical outcome study in Ethiopia: A 7-day multicenter prospective observational cohort study

Background Safe surgery is a fundamental quality indicator within the global surgery framework. Postoperative complications remain a leading global cause of disability, mortality, and economic loss, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective This study aims to generate robust epidemiological data on postoperative outcomes of cancer surgery in Ethiopia. Methods This study employed a 7-day national observational prospective cohort design. The study enrolled adult patients aged 18 years and older who underwent either elective or non-elective cancer surgery in hospitals across Ethiopia. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and logistic regression models to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. Outcome measures 7 th day postoperative mortality and complications. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results A total of 265 cancer surgeries were performed across 46 hospitals (overall surgeries = 4412). The mean patient age was 46.6 years (SD = 14.9). The majority of patients were classified as low-risk America Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification: ASA I (106/265, 40%) and ASA II (133/265, 50.2%) and low Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status: ECOG 0 (112/265, 42.3%) and ECOG 1 (98/265, 37%). Colorectal cancer surgery was the most common type (38/265, 14.5%), while laparoscopic surgery was performed in only 3/265 cases (1.1%). Postoperative complications developed in 84 of 265 patients (31.7%) with leading complication was superficial surgical site infection 47/265(17.8%). Emergency surgery (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1–8.4, p = 0.003), comorbidity (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.7, p = 0.025), and an ECOG performance status of III (AOR = 9.5, 95% CI: 1.5–61.1, p = 0.02) were statistically significantly associated with 7 th day postoperative complications. The overall 7-day mortality rate after cancer surgery was 5/265 (1.9%). Conclusion Despite the relatively young age of patients, their low ASA physical status scores, and good ECOG performance, a significant proportion experienced adverse outcomes following cancer surgery: one in three patients developed postoperative complications, one in nine required reoperations, and one in 53 died. These findings suggest a critical need for evidence-based interventions to strengthen the underlying infrastructure and care processes within the surgical system which are essential to achieving safe, effective, and high-quality surgical care for cancer patients in Ethiopia.

Ecological network identification by coupling the remote sensing ecological index and ecosystem service index in the Sanjiang Plain, China