bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting Ion Conduction and Moisture Stability Through Zn2+ Substitution of Chloride Electrolytes for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Lei Peng , Wu Gang , Liu Hong , Qi Xiang , Wu Meng , Li Dabing , Li Yang , Gao Lei , Nan Ce‐Wen , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: February 2025

The recently emerged chloride solid electrolytes have garnered significant attention due to their superior ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical stability window, and exceptional compatibility with high‐voltage oxide cathodes. Nevertheless, the currently cost‐effective Zr‐based chloride solid electrolytes face significant challenges, including low ionic conductivity and poor moisture stability. Herein, a versatile Zn2+‐doped Zr‐based chloride electrolyte is presented, designed to meet the aforementioned requirements. The optimized Li2.4Zr0.8Zn0.2Cl6 exhibits an improved ionic conductivity of 1.13 mS cm−1 at 30 °C. Simultaneously, the Li2.4Zr0.8Zn0.2Cl6 also demonstrates impressive moisture stability, maintaining its structural integrity after exposure to humid air. The mechanism underlying the enhanced moisture stability of Li2.4Zr0.8Zn0.2Cl6 is further elucidated by density functional theory calculations. Most notably, whether coupled with LiCoO2 or LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathodes, Li2.4Zr0.8Zn0.2Cl6‐based all‐solid‐state batteries demonstrate exceptional cycling stability and rate performance. This high ionic conduction and moisture‐resistant chloride electrolyte holds great promise for significantly advancing the commercialization of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries.
Sustainable Recovery and Reuse of Hard Carbon From Scrap and End‐of‐Life Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Bowen , Song Tengfei , Chen Lin , Shekhar Ashwin T. , Mirolo Marta , Vinci Valentin , Drnec Jakub , Cornelio Joel , Xie Dongrui , Driscoll Elizabeth H. , Slater Peter R. , Kendrick Emma
Published: February 2025

As Sodium‐ion battery (SIB) technology progresses toward commercial viability, sustainable end‐of‐life (EOL) management is critical. Methods for recycling key components such as hard carbon (HC), a negative electrode material, remain underexplored. This study introduces a direct and efficient recycling approach for HC from production scrap and EOL cells using “ice‐stripping” followed by a low‐temperature binder negation at 300 °C under nitrogen. The effects of temperature on HC structural integrity and electrochemical performance are comprehensively characterized using XRD, Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (WAXS), and XPS. Heating above 400 °C induces irreversible damage to HC's graphene layers and modifies the carbon surfaces, resulting in poor electrochemical performance. However, HC reclaimed at 300 °C retains near‐pristine electrochemical performance, with capacities of 243 mAh g⁻¹ (scrap) and 228 mAh g⁻¹ (EOL) after 50 cycles. Full‐cell configurations demonstrates robust cycling stability, with 86% and 89% capacity retention after 200 cycles for HC derived from scrap and EOL cells, respectively. This work highlights the potential of lower‐temperature, direct recycling to enable a circular economy for SIBs. The findings set a benchmark for developing sustainable recycling methods for HC and other SIB components.
Robust and ultrathin pore‐filling anion exchange membranes for water electrolysis
Authors: Zou Wenhao , Peng Kang , Ling Rene , Li Qixuan , Liu Yulin , Xu Tongwen , Yang Zhengjin
Published: February 2025

Ultrathin and robust composite anion exchange membranes are developed by infiltrating poly(biphenyl piperidinium) solution into PE porous substrate and overcoming the poor wettability of the PE substrate in a pore‐filling procedure. By strengthening the binding between ionomers and the porous substrate via a physical interlocking strategy, symmetric and dense composite membranes were developed. A representative membrane, namely PE‐PBP‐30%, displays a tensile strength exceeding 118 MPa, an elongation at break around 87%, and maintains H2 permeability as low as 1.85 Barrer at 2 bar. Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) based on the PE‐PBP‐30% could be operated at a current density of up to 800 mA/cm2 at 1.8 V and demonstrates stable performance at 500 mA/cm2 and 60°C for 600 h with a voltage increase rate of 0.25 mV/h. This study explores the possibility of combining traditional homogeneous AEMs with diaphragm membranes for AEMWE and provides insights into the development of AEMWEs using pore‐filling membranes.
Earnings losses in young‐onset dementia: Population‐based study with admin data
Authors: Bagnasco Gaia , Bakx Pieter , Licher Silvan , van Exel Job , Wouterse Bram
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Young‐onset dementia is often diagnosed late, leaving gaps in understanding its impact on employment, income, and social security.

METHODS

Analyzing health insurance claims and medical records, we studied 16,010 young‐onset dementia cases and 129,616 matched controls. Using a non‐parametric event study, we assessed earnings, earnings plus benefits, employment losses, and benefit use, considering demographic and socio‐economic factors.

RESULTS

Earnings fell by 58.7% in the years prior to dementia identification, totaling €144,013 in losses, and earnings plus benefits decreased by 20.7% (€68,533). We observed a 35.5 percentage point decrease in employment, a 23.9 percentage point increase in disability insurance, and a 2.7 percentage point rise in welfare benefit use. Primary education and lack of a partner correlated with higher earning losses and lower disability insurance uptake.

DISCUSSION

Early diagnosis and robust social support systems are vital to alleviate the financial and professional challenges faced by individuals with dementia under age 65.

Highlights

Working‐age persons experience job loss at least 21 years before dementia identification.

Job loss is linked to 59% (€16,643) earnings drop 16 years before dementia identification.

Losses in earning were not fully compensated by social insurance.

A generous social insurance system eases the financial impact of young‐onset dementia.

Attention is needed in the work environment and on disability benefit decisions.
A head‐to‐head comparison of plasma biomarkers to detect Alzheimer's disease in a memory clinic
Authors: Anastasi Federica , Fernández‐Lebrero Aida , Ashton Nicholas J. , Ortiz‐Romero Paula , Torres‐Torronteras Javier , González‐Escalante Armand , Milà‐Alomà Marta , Contador José , García‐Escobar Greta , Manero‐Borràs Rosa María , Navalpotro‐Gómez Irene , Jiménez‐Moyano Esther , Sahajan Aparna , Hao Qinyu , Zhang Bingqing , Jeromin Andreas , Le Bastard Nathalie , Nadal Alicia , Mousavi Tahmine , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , Carboni Margherita , Grau‐Rivera Oriol , Zetterberg Henrik , del Campo Marta , Blennow Kaj , Puig‐Pijoan Albert , Suárez‐Calvet Marc
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Blood‐based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been widely studied, but direct comparisons of several biomarkers in clinical settings remain limited.

METHODS

In this cross‐sectional study, plasma biomarkers from 197 participants in the BIODEGMAR cohort (Hospital del Mar, Barcelona) were analyzed. Participants were classified based on AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) core biomarkers. We assessed the ability of plasma p‐tau181, p‐tau217, p‐tau231, t‐tau, and Aβ42/40 to classify Aβ pathology status.

RESULTS

Plasma p‐tau biomarkers had a greater diagnostic performance and larger effect sizes compared to t‐tau and Aβ42/40 assays in detecting Aβ pathology. Among them, plasma p‐tau217 consistently outperformed the others, demonstrating superior area under the curves. Furthermore, p‐tau217 showed the strongest correlation between plasma and CSF levels, underscoring its potential as a reliable surrogate for CSF biomarkers.

DISCUSSION

Several plasma biomarkers, targeting different epitopes and using different platforms, demonstrated high performance in detecting AD in a memory clinic setting.

Highlights

Plasma p‐tau biomarkers demonstrated higher diagnostic performance and larger effect sizes than t‐tau and Aβ42/40 assays in detecting Alzheimer's disease.

Among the p‐tau biomarkers, p‐tau217 assays consistently outperformed the others, providing superior classification of Aβ pathology status across different phosphorylation sites.

p‐tau217 assays showed the strongest correlation between plasma and CSF levels, indicating its potential as a reliable surrogate for CSF biomarkers.

Several plasma p‐tau biomarkers can be used in a specialized memory clinic to accurately detect Alzheimer's disease.
The interaction between dysfunction of vasculature and tauopathy in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Huang Chuyao , Wei Zhenwen , Zheng Ningxiang , Yan Jingsi , Zhang Jiayu , Ye Xinyi , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2025

Tauopathy is one of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). At present, there have been many studies on the formation, deposition, and intercellular transmission of tau in neurons and immune cells. The vasculature is an important component of the central nervous system. This review discusses the interaction between vasculature and tau in detail from three aspects. (1) The vascular risk factors (VRFs) discussed in this review include diabetes mellitus (DM), abnormal blood pressure (BP), and hypercholesterolemia. (2) In ADRD pathology, the hyperphosphorylation and deposition of tau interact with disrupted vasculature, such as different cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscular cells, and pericytes), the blood−brain barrier (BBB), and the cerebral lymphatic system. (3) The functions of vasculature are regulated by various signaling transductions. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide, calcium signaling, Rho/Rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing Kinase, and receptors for advanced glycation end products are discussed in this review. Our findings indicate that the prevention and treatment of vascular health may be a potential target for ADRD combination therapy.

Highlights

Persistent VRFs increase early disruption of vascular mechanisms and are strongly associated with tau pathology in ADRD.

Cell dysfunction in the vasculature causes BBB leakage and drainage incapacity of the cerebral lymphatic system, which interacts with tau pathology.

Signaling molecules in the vasculature regulate vasodilation and contraction, angiogenesis, and CBF. Abnormal signaling transduction is related to tau hyperphosphorylation and deposition.
Tau pathology is associated with postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in early Alzheimer's disease in a sex‐specific manner
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Jie , Chen Xing , Lin Zengping , You Zhiwen , He Kun , Guo Tengfei , Zhao Jun , Huang Qi , Ni Ruiqing , Guan Yihui , Li Binyin , Xie Fang
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the associations of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) with tau deposition and cognitive ability in patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Twenty‐six cognitively impaired (CI) and 14 cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals underwent mGluR5 positron emission tomography (PET) ([18F]PSS232), amyloid PET ([18F]florbetapir), and tau PET ([18F]MK6240), and neuropsychological assessment. The relationships among mGluR5 availability, tau deposition, and neuropsychological assessment were analyzed using Spearman's correlation and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

CI patients had lower mGluR5 in the hippocampus than CU (standardized uptake value ratio [SUVr]: 2.03 ± 0.25 vs 1.79 ± 0.17, p = 0.003). Hippocampal mGluR5 was negatively associated with hippocampal tau deposition (r = −.46, p = 0.003) and positively associated with cognitive performance, but only in women. Hippocampal tau deposition mediated the effect of mGluR5 on cognitive performance.

DISCUSSION

Reduced hippocampal mGluR5 is negatively related with tau deposition in most cortical regions and positively associated with cognitive performance, making it a promising biomarker for AD diagnosis and therapy.

Highlights

Cognitively impaired (CI) patients exhibited lower metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) availability in the hippocampus than cognitively unimpaired (CU) subjects.

Hippocampal mGluR5 availability was negatively associated with tau deposition in widespread cortex.

Hippocampal mGluR5 availability was positively associated with cognitive performance.

The close association of mGluR5 with tau and cognition performance exists only in females.

Tau pathology mediated the relationship between mGluR5 availability and cognition.
Bimodal ionic conduction through polymer films due to nano confinement
Authors: Jamali Sina S , Kashaninejad Navid , Zhong Yulin , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: February 2025

Kinetic and selectivity of ionic conduction through polymer films is a key factor in the function of many systems including membrane technology, energy devices, sensors, and corrosion. Typically, the ionic conduction is accelerated by increasing the ionic strength of the electrolyte. However, counterintuitively, polymer films with very high electrochemical impedance demonstrate the opposite effect, i.e. ionic conduction slows down by increasing the ionic strength of the electrolyte. This bimodal nature of ionic conduction was discovered five decades ago and yet the mechanism has remained poorly understood. This minireview explains the long‐standing anomaly through the lens of recent advances in nano‐confinement electrochemistry. Emerging evidence shows that changes in solvation shells occurs due to the size of the channel through which ionic diffusion takes place. These solvation shells can significantly affect the mobility of ions, their interactions with functional groups of the polymer, and the overall conductivity of the electrolyte. At dimensions only a few nanometers, partially hydrated ions form stronger bonds with polymer slowing down the ionic conduction. Increasing ionic strength will add ion‐pairing interactions further reducing ions mobility. The interplay of solvated ions, polymer chemistry, and ionic content offer an explanation for the anomalous bimodal ionic conduction.
High‐Performance Ionogels from Dynamic Polyrotaxane‐based Networks
Authors: Gohy Jean-Francois , Yan Shanshan , Liu Jinjia , He Zhenni , Jia He , Chen Zehan , Zhang Yinghui
Published: February 2025

The swelling of a polymer matrix by ionic liquids and additional lithium salts may lead to the formation of ionogel electrolytes. However, the introduction of additional ions usually results in a decreased lithium‐ion transference number, because of the trapping of the lithium ions in clusters and polymer‐ion complexes. Achieving highly efficient lithium‐ion migration and increasing lithium‐ion transference number (tLi+) are however crucial for the successful application of ionogel electrolytes. Herein, we design a crosslinked polyrotaxane network and then introduce ionic liquid and a lithium salt to obtain an ionogel electrolyte based on the principle of competitive coordination with the lowest binding energy for lithium ions coordinated with both the polymer network and ionic liquid clusters. This facilitates their migration within the ionogel and their release from the coordination environment, thereby improving lithium‐ion transport efficiency (ionic conductivity of 2.2×10−3 S cm−1 and tLi+=0.45 at 20 °C). As proof of concept, the lithium‐lithium symmetrical cells achieve stable cycling for 2000 hours, while the NMC622||Li battery demonstrates good rate performance and excellent cycling stability at 20 °C (theoretical initial capacity, 300 cycles with a single cycle capacity loss of 0.03%).
Preparation of Terminal Isocyanate‐Based Polyurethane Prepolymer and Its Toughening and Modification of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Deng Jieqiang , Huang Anmin , Jiang Qinggeng
Published: February 2025

To improve the performance of epoxy resin (EP), this study selected hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer (HDI trimer) and polypropylene glycol (PPG1000) as the main raw materials. Through a simple addition reaction, a terminal isocyanate group (NCO) polyurethane prepolymer (PUP) was successfully synthesized. A grafting reaction with EP was then carried out to prepare a series of epoxy resin grafted interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) polymers (EP‐PUP‐n) modified by the polyurethane prepolymer. The effect of PUP on the material properties was investigated. According to the results of mechanical performance tests, when the PUP content reached 20 phr, the impact strength and elongation at break of the EP‐PUP‐20 material increased by 128.1% and 43.1%, respectively, compared to pure EP material. Meanwhile, its tensile strength and bending strength remained at levels of 68.8 and 102.3 MPa, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that PUP‐EP‐n has excellent thermal stability. This opens up new avenues for the use of epoxy resins in various fields.
Preparation of Biochar Derived From Lychee Shell and Its Application in Simultaneous Detection of Catechol and Hydroquinone
Authors: Chen Qian , Jiang Jianrong , Lin Jialiang , Wang Xinyu , Chen Kai , Huang Xiaoyan , Huang Jianzi , Wang Chaogang , Hu Zhangli , Xu Hong
Published: February 2025

Four biochars were prepared from lychee shell with or without phosphoric acid activation under one‐ or two‐stage heating, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Their adsorption capacities were evaluated by methylene blue adsorption test. Their electrochemical properties were depicted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The biochar prepared by two‐stage heating and phosphoric acid activation (LSC‐THP) exhibited a high porosity, the best adsorption capacity, lowest electric resistance and largest electrochemically active surface, was applied to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) after mixed with chitosan (CS), to fabricate the sensing electrode LSC‐THP/CS/GCE for the simultaneous detection of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ). Square wave voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry measurements indicated that LSC‐THP/CS/GCE exhibited the best response current signal at pH 6.6, with the linear detection range of 10–2000 μmol·L−1 and limit of detections of 1.23 and 0.44 μmol·L−1 for CC and HQ detections, respectively. LSC‐THP/CS/GCE also exhibited a good anti‐interference ability and could be applied to the simultaneous detection of CC and HQ in real samples. This study provides a promising approach to improve the electrochemical performance of biochars for the development of novel electrochemical sensors.
In Air Superhydrophilic/Superoleophobic Nanofibrous Membranes for Separation of Oil‐In‐Water Emulsions
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhong Dacheng , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2025

In air superhydrophilic/superoleophobic membranes display incomparable advantages for oil/water separation. However, such membranes are difficult to obtain on the basis of surface tension theory. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol)/titanium dioxide@perfluorooctanoic acid (PVA/TiO2@PFOA) nanofibrous membrane was fabricated by the electrospinning technique, followed by UV‐induced crosslinking and surface modification through an esterification reaction. The obtained membranes were easily wettable by water, and static oil contact angles for these membranes were found to be above 150° in air. The superhydrophilicity was primarily caused by the presence of Ti‐OH groups on the membranes, which exhibited a strong affinity for water molecules. Surface enrichment of fluorocarbon groups accounted for the superoleophobicity of the membranes. These membranes showed excellent separation performance for various oil‐in‐water emulsions. The maximum permeate flux reached 3865.6 L·m−2·h−1 with a separation efficiency of 99.39%. The developed PVA/TiO2@PFOA membrane with in air superhydrophilic/superoleophobic property and good reusability displayed prospective potential in the remediation of oily wastewater.
Volatile Organic Solvents as Osmotic Agents of Organic Solvent Forward Osmosis for Pharmaceutical Concentration
Authors: Takada Ryoichi , Takagi Ryosuke , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: February 2025

In the pharmaceutical industry, a preconcentration can reduce the total production cost of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or their intermediates. For preconcentration, organic solvent forward osmosis (OSFO) is suitable because of its nonthermal nature, low capital cost, and capability for high‐degree concentration. However, OSFO has a drawback where the osmotic agent (OA) can contaminate the concentrated process solution by reverse diffusion. In this study, it was attempted for the first time to use a pure volatile organic solvent as an OA in the OSFO for overcoming the drawback. Because even if the process solution is contaminated, the OA can be removed in the subsequent process (e.g., dry process) of pharmaceutical production. Hydrophobic volatile organic solvents were examined as OAs with a thin film composite membrane with a hydrophilic polyamide selective layer. As a result, it was found that isooctane had the least reverse diffused behavior because of the poorest affinity with the selective layer. Using isooctane in the OSFO experiment, the tocopherol (model API intermediate) concentration increased to 48 wt% with only 0.13 wt% of isooctane contamination. This study clearly reveals the feasibility of the above OA and would open the opportunity for social implementation of OSFO preconcentration in the pharmaceutical industry.
Hydrogenated Cardanol‐Based Azo and Xanthene Dyes for Petroleum Authentication
Authors: Jantra Suthikorn , Rattanamunee Pimjai , Rashatasakhon Paitoon , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Wacharasindhu Sumrit
Published: February 2025

Conventional petroleum markers used to prevent fuel smuggling and unauthorized mixing often involve complex dye synthesis and require inconvenient two‐phase liquid–liquid extraction for detection. In this work, we developed two azo dyes (AzoHc, diAzoHc) and two xanthene dyes (FHc, RHc) based on hydrogenated cardanol (Hc). The dyes were synthesized in 50–70% yields via one or two reaction steps. The hydrophobic Hc group significantly enhance the solubility of these dyes, enabling excellent compatibility with organic solvents and diesel fuel. These petroleum dye markers exhibit either colorimetric or fluorescent responses and remain miscible with diesel fuel upon treatment with appropriate bases or acids in common fuel‐miscible organic solvents. This fuel miscibility allows simple one‐phase detection without further extraction process. All dyes demonstrated high sensitivity, with detection limits as low as 0.02–0.68 ppm, and exhibited excellent stability in diesel fuel for at least one month without significant degradation.
Altered Patterns of Dynamic Functional Connectivity Underpin Reduced Expressions of Social–Emotional Reciprocity in Autistic Adults
Authors: Czekóová Kristína , Mareček Radek , Staněk Rostislav , Hartley Calum , Kessler Klaus , Hlavatá Pavlína , Ošlejšková Hana , Brázdil Milan , Shaw Daniel Joel
Published: February 2025

To identify the neurocognitive mechanisms underpinning the social difficulties that characterize autism, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging on pairs of autistic and non‐autistic adults simultaneously whilst they interacted with one another on the iterated Ultimatum Game (iUG)—an interactive task that emulates the reciprocal characteristic of naturalistic interpersonal exchanges. Two age‐matched sets of male–male dyads were investigated: 16 comprised an autistic Responder and a non‐autistic Proposer, and 19 comprised non‐autistic pairs of Responder and Proposer. Players' round‐by‐round behavior on the iUG was modeled as reciprocal choices, and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) was measured to identify the neural mechanisms underpinning reciprocal behaviors. Behavioral expressions of reciprocity were significantly reduced in autistic compared with non‐autistic Responders, yet no such differences were observed between the non‐autistic Proposers in either set of dyads. Furthermore, we identified latent dFC states with temporal properties associated with reciprocity. Autistic interactants spent less time in brain states characterized by dynamic inter‐network integration and segregation among the Default Mode Network and cognitive control networks, suggesting that their reduced expressions of social–emotional reciprocity reflect less efficient reconfigurations among brain networks supporting flexible cognition and behavior. These findings advance our mechanistic understanding of the social difficulties characterizing autism.
High Shear Dispersion Techniques For Up‐scaling And Controllable Cathode Morphology In High Performance Li‐S Pouch Cells
Authors: Schmidt Ralf , Boenke Tom , Härtel Paul , Dörfler Susanne , Abendroth Thomas , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: February 2025

The lithium sulfur (Li‐S) cell chemistry is promising due to the high specific capacity of its active materials resulting in high specific energy cells. In the past years, the number of publications on practical prototype cells have increased, already reporting high specific energies over 400 Wh kg‐1 with low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur (E:S) ratios. To enable the complex conversion chemistry at low E:S ratios, the cathode porosity adaption is crucial and depends for example on the suspension blending procedure. There are several methods and devices to prepare suspensions for battery electrodes, e.g. dissolver and planetary mixers. In this study, a standard laboratory blender with low shear forces (EL1) is compared with a high shear mixer (HSM) for preparing porous carbon‐sulfur suspensions in a relevant scale. In this study, the influence of the slurry preparation on the final performance is investigated by coating via slot die on a roll‐to‐roll device to produce carbon‐sulfur‐cathodes. The  electrodes are characterized via optical and mechanical measurements. Electrochemical analysis is conducted using coin cells for pre‐evaluation as well as multi‐layered pouch cells with reduced electrolyte volume (3.0 µl mg(S)‐1). It could be shown that the HSM enables increased binder dispersion and enhanced density leading to improved cycle life.
Effect of hydration schedules on dose‐limiting toxicity in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with cisplatin
Authors: Schaeffers Anouk W. M. A. , van Neerven Cassimy B. , van Balen Dorieke , Crul Mirjam , Slingerland Marije , Luelmo Saskia A. C. , de Boer Jan Paul , Voortman Jens , van Zuilen Arjan D. , de Bree Remco , Devriese Lot A.
Published: February 2025

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients treated with cisplatin chemoradiotherapy and short hydration (SH) experience less dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and receive more cisplatin than those with medium hydration (MH) or long hydration (LH).

Methods

Baseline characteristics, cumulative cisplatin dose and toxicities were collected. Differences between LH, MH and SH were tested, with separate analyses for triweekly 100 mg/m2 cisplatin and weekly 40 mg/m2 cisplatin. Mixed models assessed the hydration schedule's effect on cumulative dose.

Results

A total of 389 patients were included. DLT occurrence was comparable between hydration groups (P = .060), but DLT type differed (P = .007). Nephrotoxicity was common with LH and MH (n = 11, 61% and n = 26, 45%, respectively), and ototoxicity with SH (n = 35, 36%). DLT occurrence in triweekly patients differed between LH and MH (n = 18, 64% vs n = 25, 32%, P = .004), but not between MH and SH (P = .171) or LH and SH (P = .055) patients. Cisplatin dose differed between LH and MH (median 200 vs 300, P = .008) as well as between LH and SH (median 200 vs 300, P = .024) but not between MH and SH (P = .429) patients. Hydration had no effect on dose (F = 2.09, P = .125).

Conclusions

DLT cause differed between hydration groups, with less nephrotoxicity but more ototoxicity in HNSCC patients with SH. Triweekly cisplatin LH patients had more DLT and lower cumulative dose compared to MH and SH, but no hydration effect in general on dose was found.
Gene Duplication and Alternative Splicing as Evolutionary Drivers of Proteome Specialization
Authors: Mantica Federica , Irimia Manuel
Published: February 2025

Animals comprise hundreds of cell types, each with specialized biological functions. However, many genes expressed in each cell type belong to widely conserved gene families with ancestrally ubiquitous expression. This raises a paradox: how have these genes evolved to shape cell type‐specific traits without compromising their ancestral function in all other cells? This can be achieved through gene duplication and the origin of regulated, alternatively spliced exons, which generate new related proteins in the form of paralogous genes and alternative isoforms, respectively. Here, we explore how such new related proteins can contribute to the evolution of specific cell types while preserving broader ancestral roles. Specifically, we separately classify possible expression and functional fates for new related proteins and discuss their interplays and evolutionary likelihood. Our primary hypothesis is that expression specialization, mostly coupled with functional specialization, is the predominant fate for both paralogous genes and alternative isoforms throughout animal evolution.
Cerium‐Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanostructure for Enhanced Biomedical Applications
Authors: Manoj Jayan  , Anjumol Joy  , Vinoth Kumar J. , Megha M.  , Carlin R. J.  , Albeshr Mohammed F. , Angel S. L.  , R. Sathyalakshmi  , A. Dhayal Raj  , Mythili R. , Senthilkumar Muthuswamy  , S. John Sundaram  , Nivetha M. Sherlin
Published: February 2025

The development of multifunctional biomaterials holds paramount importance in advancing biomedical research and applications. This investigation focuses on synthesizing cerium/reduced graphene oxide (Ce/RGO) nanocomposites using a hydrothermal approach. Structural evaluations via XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirm the successful conversion of graphene oxide (GO) to rGO and the integration of cerium nanoparticles onto the rGO surface. FTIR spectroscopy further validates structural alterations and the successful adhesion of cerium nanoparticles. Morphological and elemental analyses performed using FE‐SEM and EDAX demonstrate the attachment of cerium nanoparticles onto rGO sheets. Enhanced hardness in Ce/rGO samples, compared with pure rGO, as indicated by Vickers hardness testing, suggests improved mechanical properties because of the existence of cerium nanoparticles. Measurements of the water contact angle show reduced hydrophobicity in Ce‐rGO samples, implying enhanced wettability upon cerium nanoparticle integration. Additionally, porosity analysis reveals increased porosity in Ce/rGO samples, facilitating enhanced nutrient transfer within the system. Biocompatibility assessments, including hemolytic activity testing and Vero cell viability tests demonstrate favorable biocompatibility and improved cell viability in Ce/rGO samples compared with pure rGO. Antibacterial studies unveil increased efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli in Ce/rGO samples, attributed to the synergistic effects of rGO's antimicrobial properties and cerium nanoparticles' activity. This study highlights the encouraging potential of Ce/rGO nanostructures for biomedical applications, offering distinct mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, favorable biological interactions, and enhanced antibacterial performance.
mRNA Vaccines: Design Principles, Mechanisms, and Manufacturing—Insights From COVID‐19 as a Model for Combating Infectious Diseases
Authors: Khorshid Sokhangouy Saeideh , Behzadi Matine , Rezaei Shokuh , Farjami Mahsa , Haghshenas Maryam , Sefidbakht Yahya , Mozaffari‐Jovin Sina
Published: February 2025

The full approval of two SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccines, Comirnaty and Spikevax, has greatly accelerated the development of numerous mRNA vaccine candidates targeting infectious diseases and cancer. mRNA vaccines provide a rapid, safe, and versatile manufacturing process while eliciting strong humoral and cellular immune responses, making them particularly beneficial for addressing emerging pandemics. Recent advancements in modified nucleotides and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems have further emphasized the potential of this vaccine platform. Despite these transformative opportunities, significant improvements are needed to enhance vaccine efficacy, stability, and immunogenicity.

This review outlines the fundamentals of mRNA vaccine design, the manufacturing process, and administration strategies, along with various optimization approaches. It also offers a comprehensive overview of the mRNA vaccine candidates developed since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the challenges posed by emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, and current strategies to address these variants. Finally, we discuss the potential of broad‐spectrum and combined mRNA vaccines and examine the challenges and future prospects of the mRNA vaccine platform.
Enhancing Temperature‐Optimized Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for High‐Voltage, High‐Energy Supercapacitors Utilizing Date Stone‐Derived Carbon in Coin Cell Configuration
Authors: Shuaibu Abubakar Dahiru , Mirghni Abdulmajid A. , Shah Syed Shaheen , Hardianto Yuda Prima , Alzahrani Atif Saeed , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the advancement of coin cell supercapacitors (SCs) for sustainable, high‐performance energy storage by employing biomass‐derived date stone activated carbon with various ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes at different temperatures. The research reveals that SCs demonstrate both pseudocapacitive and electrochemical double‐layer characteristics. Among the tested ILs, 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (BMIMOTf) emerges as the most effective, achieving an impressive energy density of 129.9 Wh kg−1, a power density of 403.8 W kg−1, and a specific capacitance of 103.9 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. After 5000 cycles, the supercapacitor utilizing BMIMOTf maintains 97.3% of its initial capacitance and exhibits a Coulombic efficiency approaching 100%. Additionally, temperature‐dependent analyses from room temperature to 50°C reveal that higher temperatures boost the electrochemical performance of the SC, attributed to improved ionic conductivity. This research offers a more comprehensive understanding of how materials and electrolytes interact, emphasizing the capacity of BMIMOTf to foster innovations in eco‐friendly energy storage solutions.
Sulfur‐Enriched Pitch‐Based Carbon Nanofibers With Lotus Root‐Like Axial Pores for Boosting Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Ma Chang , Wang Yue , Zhu Binji , Ma Shuwen , Zhou Bangguo , Shao Xiaodong , Han Na , Shi Jingli , Zhang Xiangwu , Song Yan
Published: February 2025

Pitch is a promising precursor for preparing carbon materials for anode of sodium‐ion batteries. Heteroatom doping is an effective way to increase the sodium storage capacity while constructing reasonable pores and nanosizing the carbon skeleton help to achieve a high‐rate performance of anodes. In this work, sulfur‐doped carbon nanofibers with lotus root‐like axial pores were prepared using coal liquefaction pitch as the main precursor by electrospinning, pre‐oxidation, sulfurization, and carbonization. A considerable content of 7.41 wt.% of sulfur was doped into the carbon skeleton after low‐temperature gas‐phase sulfurization and subsequent carbonization. The as‐prepared sulfur‐doped porous carbon nanofiber films, used as self‐supporting electrodes of sodium‐ion batteries, display high specific capacity (528.5 mAh g−1 at 25 mA g−1), high‐rate performance (209.3 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1) and exceptional cycling stability (96.97% of retention at 500 mA g−1 over 1000 cycles). With desirable flexibility and excellent sodium storage performance, the achieved sulfur‐doped porous carbon nanofibers hold great promise for potential applications as self‐supporting anodes of sodium‐ion batteries.
A Rare Case of Quincke's Disease With an Unknown Trigger
Authors: Villegas Katrina J. , Mustafa Mazhar , Upadhyay Shivanck , Kashani John
Published: February 2025

Quincke's disease is a rare presentation of angioneurotic edema of the uvula alone, likely a Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction. We raise awareness of this rare but life‐threatening case presenting as throat tightness, without rash or facial angioedema, treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and β2‐agonist nebulization.
Design and Properties of Azaacene‐Fused Porphyrins: Extending π‐Systems for NIR‐II Absorption
Authors: Mourot Benjamin Baptiste , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: February 2025

A series of porphyrins featuring various azaacene moieties were designed with the aim to explore the structure–property relationships in extended azaacene systems. The introduction of azaacene groups significantly enhanced the solubility of these chromophores while directly influencing their electronic absorption and emission properties, enabling absorption at longer wavelengths. Protonation of the azaacene‐fused porphyrins further extended their absorption into the NIR‐II region. The π‐system extension provided by the new appended diamino aromatic groups were therefore investigated through electrochemical, photophysical, XRD structural studies and complemented by theoretical calculations.
Twisted Amide‐Mediated Synthesis and Rapid Structure‐Activity Relationship Study of Medium‐Sized Cyclic Peptides
Authors: Kuranaga Takefumi , Koyama Ai , Asano Junta , Matsumoto Takumi , Kakeya Hideaki
Published: February 2025

Medium‐sized cyclic peptides are expected to be ideal drug leads because these peptides combine the advantages, while compensating for the disadvantages, of small molecules and antibodies. Although medium‐sized peptides can be produced by chemical synthesis, two major problems, namely (i) Cα‐epimerization during C‐terminal modification and (ii) side reactions in the cyclization, remain to be solved. These issues have hampered the synthesis of pure materials for bioassays, making it difficult to accomplish accurate structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies. Herein, we report an efficient synthesis of medium‐sized cyclic peptides based on the twisted amide‐mediated amidation strategy. First, a variety of linear peptides were synthesized by the “inverse” peptide synthesis and fragment coupling. Second, the C‐terminus of the linear peptides were converted to twisted amides, which were then reacted with a variety of α‐amino acyl sulfonamides, realizing the rapid C‐terminal diversification of peptides. Finally, the resulting linear peptides were cyclized by the intramolecular twisted amide‐mediated amidation to afford stereochemically pure cyclic peptides. Using this strategy, total synthesis of acyl‐surugamide A, the stereoselective synthesis of 13 non‐natural analogs, and the discovery of potent antimicrobial/antifungal peptides beyond the natural product were also achieved.
Isolation and Characterization of [MnFe(CO)10]+: the Missing Link in the 3d Dimetal Decacarbonyl Series
Authors: Sellin Malte , Koger Hendrik , Engesser Tobias A. , Grunenberg Jörg , Krossing Ingo
Published: February 2025

The heterodinuclear dimetal decacarbonyl cation [MnFe(CO)10]+ has been synthesized by combining the metalloradical [Fe(CO)5]+∙ with half an equivalent of Mn2(CO)10. The complex was subsequently isolated and characterized using single‐crystal X‐Ray Diffraction (scXRD), as well as IR, Raman, NMR and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Experimental results, complemented by DFT calculations of the relaxed force constants and an analysis of the electron density, reveal that the interaction between the two {M(CO)5} fragments in [MnFe(CO)10]+ is in between a covalent and a dative bond, representing a borderline case between the 2x17 VE and the 16+18 VE electron counting. Additionally, the known isoelectronic anion [CrMn(CO)10]− was prepared as its [PPN]+ salt and characterized for the first time by scXRD. These finding complete the series of structurally characterized isoelectronic dimetal decacarbonyls, spanning from [Cr2(CO)10]2− to [Fe2(CO)10]2+, the characteristics of all of which are compared based on experiment and theory.
The Prognostic Value of Platelet‐Albumin‐Bilirubin Score in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Duan Xueting , Qu Liangzhen , Chen Han
Published: February 2025

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a well‐established treatment option for patients with aortic valve stenosis and/or regurgitation. However, risk stratification in patients indicated for TAVR remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the platelet‐albumin‐bilirubin (PALBI) score on post‐TAVR mortality.

Methods

A total number of 812 patients with aortic stenosis and/or aortic regurgitation who underwent TAVR were consecutively enrolled in this study. PALBI score was calculated based on preoperative baseline bilirubin levels, albumin levels, and platelet counts. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the median PALBI score.

Results

The median age of the study population at baseline was 74 (IQR: 69.00–80.00) years, and 58.6% were male. During the whole follow‐up period, all‐cause death was observed in 60 (7.4%) patients and 30 (3.7%) patients died due to cardiovascular events. According to multivariate analysis, a high PALBI score was independently associated with all‐cause mortality (HR = 2.679, 95% CI: 1.456–4.930, p = 0.002) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.785, 95% CI: 1.133–6.849, p = 0.026). ROC curve analysis showed a significant predictive value of the PALBI score for all‐cause mortality (AUC = 0.633, 95% CI: 0.563–0.704, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the PALBI score strengthens the predictive value of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score for all‐cause death after TAVR (STS score vs. PALBI score + STS score: AUC: 0.742 vs. 0.768).

Conclusion

A high PALBI score was associated with increased all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients after TAVR. PALBI score can further enhance the predictive potential of STS score for all‐cause mortality.
Cytologic features of angiosarcoma in fluid specimens: A retrospective study of 22 cases
Authors: Thomas Karen , Trinh Haley , Fei Anna , Khazai Laila , Sun Hongxia , Gan Qiong (Jenny)
Published: February 2025

Background

Although histologic and fine‐needle aspiration cytologic features of angiosarcoma are well established, little is known about its cytologic features in fluids. This study presents the cytomorphologic features of 22 patients who had angiosarcoma involving pleural, pericardial, ascites, and liver cyst fluids.

Methods

Patient data, including clinical histories, radiology, pathology, treatments, and follow‐up, were collected.

Results

Twenty‐two angiosarcoma fluid specimens (pleura, n = 17; pericardium, n = 2; ascites, n = 2; and liver cyst, n = 1) were identified. All patients had prior angiosarcoma diagnoses, and 10 (45%) had prior radiation exposure. Cellularity varied, with low cellularity predominant (73%). Cytologic architecture typically consisted of clusters of epithelioid cells (91%), single epithelioid cells (55%), and spindled cells (36%). Malignant nuclear characteristics, such as irregular nuclear membranes, chromatin clumping, and prominent nucleoli, were consistent (100%). Vasoformative features included endothelial wrapping (73%), intracytoplasmic lumina (18%), hemophagocytosis (9%), and intracytoplasmic lumina with cells (5%). Low cellularity samples usually lacked vasoformative features (27%). Prominent nucleoli, often with multiple or club‐shaped forms, appeared in all cases (100%). Atypical mitotic figures (45%), associated fibromyxoid material (14%), and possible necrosis (5%) were also observed. The interval between cavity fluid involvement and primary diagnosis averaged 616 days (range, 14–2778 days). The mean time from the first positive fluid to death was 141 days (range, 3–568 days).

Conclusions

Angiosarcoma in fluids is rare. Cytomorphologic features, although nonspecific, include malignant nuclear features, prominent nucleoli, atypical mitoses, and occasional vasoformative features. Accurate diagnosis necessitates a careful review of the patient's history and judicious use of immunohistochemical staining.
Future initiatives and approaches to reducing the impact of lung cancer
Authors: Kim David
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death even after coordinated efforts in prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Two recent articles by the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable and by Iorgulesco et al. highlight the ongoing efforts and advancements in further decreasing the burden of lung cancer. The cytopathology community plays an essential role in this endeavor by providing expedited molecular testing and working together with clinical teams to provide patient care.
High‐Pressure Stability and Electronic Properties of Sodium‐rich Nitrides: Insights from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Yang Qiuping , Han Shuai , Li Fei , Yang Guochun , Yao Yansun
Published: February 2025

Using first‐principles structure search calculations, we investigated the phase stability of sodium‐nitrogen (Na‐N) compounds under high pressure. Our study reveals that increasing pressure promotes the formation of Na‐rich nitrides, leading to the prediction of three previously unreported stoichiometries: Na2N, Na5N, and Na8N. Notably, the electride Na5N undergoes a pressure‐induced structural transition from a P6/mmm to a P63/mmc phase. This transformation is characterized by spatial reorientation and redistribution of interstitial anionic electrons (IAEs). In the P63/mmc phase, IAEs adopt a zero‐dimensional, triangular‐like configuration, whereas in the low‐pressure P6/mmm phase, they form an interconnected, graphene‐like network. With increasing pressure, P63/mmc phase undergoes a transition from metallic to semiconducting behavior due to the increased interaction between sodium and IAEs. Additionally, C2/m Na8N, featuring triangular‐ and ship‐like IAEs, is predicted to exhibit superconductivity. Our findings provide new insights into the behavior and stability of Na‐rich nitrides under high‐pressure conditions.
A Joint Pharmacometric Model of Iohexol and Creatinine Administered through a Meat Meal to Assess GFR and Renal OCT2/MATE Activity
Authors: Chen Zhendong , Dong Qian , Dokos Charalambos , Boland Jana , Fuhr Uwe , Taubert Max
Published: February 2025

Accurately assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from plasma creatinine concentrations is challenging in patients with unstable renal function. This study aimed to refine the understanding of creatinine kinetics for more reliable assessments of GFR and net creatinine tubular secretion (nCTS) via OCT2/MATE in humans. In a clinical study of 14 healthy volunteers, iohexol was administered intravenously as a reference GFR marker, and creatinine was introduced through a meat meal. A joint pharmacometric model was developed using dense plasma and urine sampling. Simulations were used to evaluate the effect of different creatinine volume of distribution (Vd) values on GFR estimation after acute kidney injury (AKI) and to assess the impact of limited sampling strategies on GFR and nCTS estimation. Pharmacokinetic parameters for iohexol and creatinine aligned with reported values, but a lower Vd of 41% of total body weight and a nCTS fraction of 31% relative to overall creatinine clearance were observed. Commonly used equations based on single‐point creatinine measurement all overestimated GFR, with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation performing best, followed by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) 2009 equation. Simulations demonstrate the effect of Vd estimate accuracy on detecting AKI from creatinine plasma concentrations only. Following low‐dose iohexol administration, a single plasma sample at 5 hours and a urine sample from 0 to 5 hours provided accurate estimates of both GFR and nCTS using the joint model and enabled adequate correction for incomplete urine collection. This approach shows promise for assessing renal transporter activity based on estimated nCTS.