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Oriented PolyMOFs Enabled by Bridging Coligand for CO2 Separation.

Despite enormous research efforts in recent years, polymer-metal-organic framework (polyMOF) development still faces several drawbacks, such as the substantial decrease in surface area, poor crystallinity, and monophyletic chemical structure of polyMOFs. Herein, we overcome the constraints of the coordination mode of conventional polyMOFs and report a bridging coligand strategy to prepare new types of polyMOFs, where the MOFs featuring accessible CuII sites are compelled to orientally regrow within the confined channels of semirigid PIM-1 in dimethyl sulfoxide. Coordination-substitution characteristics and solvent-modulated synthesis enable the Cu centers in MOFs to coordinate with the N atoms from PIM-1 by bridging coligand mode. The reduced particle size, enhanced ultramicroporosity, preferential orientation, and superior filler-matrix compatibility endow the polyMOF-based mixed matrix membrane with excellent CO2 separation performance, with a CO2 permeability of 4669 Barrer, and with a CO2/N2 selectivity of ∼30. This polyMOF design concept exploits a viable avenue for developing more inorganic-organic hybrid materials.

Angiology in rhythmology: What should Iknow about vascular complications?

Both the performance of electrophysiological examinations and the implantation of cardiac devices (pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICDs], and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator [CRT-D] systems) are associated with vascular punctures. This article provides an overview of possible vascular complications and their management from the perspective of angiology. The most common access site for invasive electrophysiological procedures is usually via the femoral veins and/or arteries. Puncture of the brachial vessels is apossible but rarely used alternative. For implantation of transvenous cardiac devices, access via the cephalic vein or axillary vein is used. The electrodes located in the venous vascular system represent aforeign material and increase the risk of thrombus formation in the affected vein. Punctures of the femoral vessels can lead to bleeding, thrombosis and the formation of arteriovenous fistulas or pseudoaneurysms (aneurysma spurium). Venous thromboses can occur postprocedurally. The correct puncture technique is essential to avoid complications. Ultrasound-guided puncture also significantly reduces the rate of vascular complications.

Indirect Construction of Chiral Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enantioselective Luminescence Sensing.

ConspectusChiral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates as luminescent sensing materials for chiral species, which are essential components in modern industries, pharmaceuticals, and biological processes. The discrimination of enantiomers with highly similar physical and chemical properties is crucial because they are often present concurrently in the same system but may feature distinct effects on living matters. While the rapid and precise sensing capabilities of chiral MOFs outshine traditional detection methods for chiral species in daily life, chemical production, and the natural environment, it requires well-matched chemical and electronic structures between MOFs and chiral species. Yet, conventional strategies to construct chiral luminescent MOFs are immensely challenging due to the crystallization difficulties based on low-symmetric building blocks.Recent advancements in MOF chemistry have led to novel pathways for synthesizing chiral MOFs for enantioselective sensing. Compared with direct synthesis using optically pure luminescent ligands, which are usually complex and costly, indirect synthesis has garnered significant attention for reduced costs, simplified synthesis, enhanced material stability, and broad application scope. In the past few years, our group has developed chiral guest ion exchange, chiral coordination modification, and chiral defect engineering for indirectly synthesizing chiral MOFs. The chiral guest ion exchange is cost-effective for introducing chiral ions into MOF pores but can be applied only in charged frameworks. In addition, it also faces limitations in chiral ion availability and the tendency toward chirality loss during the sensing process. Besides, compared with ion exchange, the chiral coordination modification can maintain the chemical stability of chiral MOFs due to the stronger coordination bonds. Still, it requires MOFs with accessible open metal sites that may bind disordered dangling molecules, complicating structural determination. Therefore, specific pathways such as chiral linker installation with dual-end coordination have been developed to afford well-defined crystal structures. While all aforementioned methods may decrease the MOFs' pore sizes to a certain degree, we further developed a chiral defect engineering approach to enlarge pore size and introduce chiral center simultaneously. Such a highly competitive strategy is facile and low-cost and can be expanded to many well-known stable MOFs.In this Account, we delve into the intricate evolution of indirect strategies for constructing chiral MOFs tailored for enantioselective sensing applications. We provide a detailed analysis of the progression and innovation within the field, tracing the development of MOF-based enantioselective luminescence sensors. By systematically reviewing the various synthetic approaches, this work highlights their respective strengths and limitations. Beyond reviewing the state of the art, this Account offers forward-looking insights aiming to inspire the design and development of next-generation chiral luminescent MOFs. These advanced materials hold promise for versatile and impactful applications across enantioselective sensing and beyond.

Probiotic and postbiotic interference exhibit anti-adhesion effects against clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and impede MRSA-induced intestinal epithelial hyper-permeability in HT-29cell line.

This study investigates the dynamics of MRSA de-colonization on HT-29cell line using effective strategies like probiotics and postbiotics. Exploring novel alternatives to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens is an urgent need. Harnessing the antagonistic properties of live probiotics and their heat-killed preparations (postbiotics) to curb the growth of AMR pathogens represents a promising and essential area of contemporary research. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-adhesion properties of indigenous probiotics (Limosilactobacillus fermentum Lf1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A5), as well as standard reference strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM), and their heat-killed postbiotic preparations against clinical MRSA isolates (MRSA12/206 and 5/255) on the HT-29cell line. ATR-FTIR-based functional group characterization of the postbiotic preparations revealed the heat-induced alterations in cell surface molecules and architecture. Both probiotic and postbiotic preparations were non-cytotoxic to HT-29cells. The probiotic intervention, via protective, competitive, and displacement modes, significantly (p<0.05) reduced the adhesion of MRSA isolates to HT-29cells, with the protective and competitive modes showing greater efficacy. In contrast, heat-killed probiotics demonstrated notable anti-MRSA adhesion effects across all three modes (protective, competitive, and displacement). In comparison, heat-killed cells exhibited a superior anti-adhesion capability compared to live cells, likely due to the enhanced accessibility of microbe-associated molecular patterns and adhesion sites following heat treatment. Furthermore, co-treatment of MRSA with probiotic strains substantially (p<0.05) reduced FITC-dextran transflux across the HT-29cell monolayer. In conclusion, this study highlights the superior anti-adhesion efficacy of heat-killed postbiotics over live probiotic cells against MRSA isolates. It underscores the further need for pre-clinical and in-vivo investigations to validate the anti-MRSA colonization and gut barrier prophylactic or therapeutic potential of the investigated probiotics and postbiotics. Thus, the present study documents and supports the alternative to antibiotics potential of probiotics and postbiotics.

Enhanced production of jet fuel precursors via furfural/cyclopentanone aldol condensation by synergistic pairing TiO2 with nano-ZSM-5 zeolite

Aldol condensation of biomass-derived compounds offers a sustainable route to jet fuel precursors. This study explores catalysts based on nanocrystalline ZSM-5 zeolite (n-ZSM-5) modified with various metals (Ca, Mg, Sn, Ti, Zr) for the aldol condensation of furfural (FFL) and cyclopentanone (CPO). While both reactants can enter the ZSM-5 micropores, the resulting C10 (FC) and C15 (F2C) adducts are too large to be formed within or to exit the microporosity, being instead produced over the external acid sites. Metal modification significantly impacts catalytic activity: Ca and Mg reduce conversion, Sn is neutral, whereas Zr and Ti leads to enhanced performance. The TiO2/n-ZSM-5 catalyst shows by far the best behavior, doubling FFL conversion and sharply increasing the FC + F2C yield, which is attributed to a synergistic effect arising from the generation of accessible weak Lewis acid sites by highly dispersed TiO2 that complement the external Brønsted acidity of ZSM-5.

Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Hostile Artery Access: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

PurposeThe objective of this study is to document our experience using low-profile endografts for the endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in cases where access arteries are challenging, commonly referred to as hostile access arteries. MethodsData regarding patients with narrow or tortuous access arteries who underwent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) using low-profile endografts at three tertiary medical centers between January 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. A total of 76 patients were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoints included technical success, occurrence of endoleaks, endograft occlusion, and any device- or procedure-related major adverse events. Secondary endpoints were assessed for endograft migration, endograft fracture, access site complications, and aneurismal sac shrinkage. ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 28.1±9.0 months (range, 14.0-54.0). Among the patients, 32 (42.1%) had narrow artery access (diameter ≤ 6.0 mm), 29 (38.2%) had access arteries characterized by tortuosity, and 15 (19.7%) patients presented with both narrow and tortuous access arteries. Technical success was achieved in 73 (96.1%) cases. A total of four (5.2%) patients received reintervention due to endograft occlusion. During follow-up, a total of eight (10.5%) type II endoleaks were observed during follow-up without intervention, and the endoleak disappeared in the follow-up period. Abdominal aortic aneurysm-sac shrinkage and stability were observed in 25 (32.9%) and 51 (67.1%) cases, respectively. The overall survival rate was 98.7%. The perioperative and follow-up outcomes for the groups categorized by ‘Narrow arteries’, ‘Tortuous arteries’, and ‘Narrow and Tortuous arteries’ did not show statistically significant differences when compared to each other. ConclusionThis preliminary investigation indicates that the use of low-profile endografts is associated with safety and effectiveness within the observed period.

Optimizing the life of vascular access during follow-up.

Optimizing the longevity of vascular access in hemodialysis patients remains a critical aspect of patient care, given the significant role of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in enabling effective dialysis. Vascular access complications, such as stenosis, thrombosis, and cannulation-related damage, continue to challenge both the functionality and the sustainability of these access points. Recent advancements underscore the importance of a robust follow-up strategy, integrating clinical evaluations with diagnostic tools like color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and emerging interventional approaches such as drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Regular CDU surveillance has shown promise in identifying asymptomatic stenosis, providing an opportunity for early intervention and reducing the risk of thrombotic events. This non-invasive imaging modality allows for detailed evaluation of hemodynamic changes within the vascular access, enabling timely detection and monitoring of stenotic lesions. Furthermore, the use of DCBs - angioplasty balloons coated with antiproliferative agents such as paclitaxel - offers a targeted approach to manage intimal hyperplasia and reduce restenosis rates in vascular access sites. Studies indicate that DCBs can mitigate neointimal proliferation, prolonging patency and enhancing long-term access outcomes. In this paper, we explore the synergistic role of clinical follow-up, ultrasound-based diagnostics, and drug-coated technologies in the preservation of vascular access. By examining the impact of these strategies, we aim to provide a comprehensive approach to vascular access maintenance, emphasizing the need for structured surveillance protocols and interventional techniques to optimize the lifespan of hemodialysis access points.

CAR T-cell Therapy Landscape in Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology - A Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, particularly for hematologic malignancies. This therapy involves the genetic modification of patients' T-cells to target specific tumor antigens, bypassing the traditional MHC-TCR-mediated recognition. This innovation marks a significant step toward personalized medicine and precision oncology. In the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (P-AYA) populations, Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah®) exemplifies the success of CAR T-cell therapy, demonstrating significant efficacy in treating relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r ALL). However, the development of CAR T-cell therapies for P-AYA patients has not progressed as rapidly as for adults, with only one FDA approval for pediatric applications compared to six for adults up to 2024. Several challenges hinder the development of pediatric CAR T-cell therapies, including complex production logistics, limited clinical site access, restrictive patient eligibility criteria, and financial constraints, necessitating more effective incentives for pediatric oncology drug development independent of adult indications. To assess the current landscape of CAR T-cell therapy in P-AYA oncology, we conducted a comprehensive review of clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov up to May 2024. Our analysis included 77 trials exclusively targeting the P-AYA population from an initial pool of 40,690 studies filtered by age, dates, and specific criteria related to CAR T-cell interventions in cancer therapy. We found that 45% of these trials originated from the USA and 30% from China. The data retrieved from these trials provided insights into various aspects, including histological categories, antigenic targets, CAR-T generations, costimulatory domains, manufacturing processes, geographical distribution, and funding sources. This review highlighted a predominant focus on hematologic malignancies, particularly B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with significant attention to dual antigen targeting (CD19 and CD22) to address resistance mechanisms. Emerging targets such as GD2 for solid tumors and B7-H3 for various cancers also showed promise. Additionally, most trials still utilize second-generation CAR-T constructs with 4-1BB costimulatory domains, reflecting a conservative approach in pediatric populations. Our findings underscore the disparity in CAR T-cell therapy development between pediatric and adult populations, driven by distinct biological, ethical, and economic considerations. Pediatric cancers require specialized treatments tailored to the unique biology and genetic makeup of pediatric oncology. However, research and drug development have historically focused less on pediatric needs. Despite legislative efforts to promote pediatric oncology drug development, significant gaps remain. Clinical trials for P-AYA populations face challenges in patient enrollment, trial design, and funding, often relying on academic and non-profit institutions. Addressing these barriers is critical for advancing CAR T-cell therapy in pediatric oncology, improving outcomes, and ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments for these vulnerable populations. This review aims to inform future research and policy decisions, promoting advancements in CAR T-cell therapy for P-AYA cancer patients.

Impact of ionomers on porous Fe-N-C catalysts for alkaline oxygen reduction in gas diffusion electrodes

Alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) offer a promising alternative to the traditional fossil fuel due to their ability to use inexpensive platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalysts, which could potentially replace Platinum-based catalysts. Iron coordinated in nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe-N-C) single atom electrocatalysts offer the best Pt-free ORR activities. However, most research focuses on material development in alkaline conditions, with limited attention on catalyst layer fabrication. Here, we demonstrate how the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance of a porous Fe-N-C catalyst is affected by the choice of three different commercial ionomers and the ionomer-to-catalyst ratio (I/C). A Mg-templated Fe-N-C is employed as a catalyst owing to the electrochemical accessibility of the Fe sites, and the impact of ionomer properties and coverage were studied and correlated with the electrochemical performance in a gas-diffusion electrode (GDE). The catalyst layer with Nafion at I/C = 2.8 displayed the best activity at high current densities (0.737 ± 0.01 VRHE iR-free at 1 A cm⁻²) owing to a more homogeneous catalyst layer, while Sustainion displayed a higher performance in the kinetic region at the same I/C. These findings provide insights into the impact of catalyst layer optimization to achieve optimal performance in Fe-N-C based AEMFCs.

Prolonged femoral compression post percutaneous coronary intervention leading to deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is an uncommon yet significant complication of percutaneous coronary interventions. Prolonged manual compression at the access site, a common practice for achieving hemostasis, can inadvertently exacerbate thrombosis risks, including venous stasis and endothelial injury. We present the case of an 84-year-old female with coronary artery disease who underwent staged percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement in the left circumflex and left anterior descending arteries. After the procedure, manual pressure was applied to the femoral access site for over 30 minutes, after which the patient developed hypotension and leg pain. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed a large deep vein thrombosis in the right femoral vein, extending into the profunda and saphenous veins. The patient was treated with a heparin drip and monitored without surgical intervention. Her condition improved, and follow-up imaging confirmed resolution of the deep vein thrombosis. This case underscores the risks associated with extended manual compression and highlights the importance of adhering to guidelines for post percutaneous coronary intervention care. The use of vascular closure devices may reduce the likelihood of such complications. Additionally, early recognition and management of deep vein thrombosis is critical in preventing further thromboembolic events and improving patient outcomes.

P-1870. Clinical Outcomes of Self-Administered Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy over 12 Years in a Safety Net Hospital

Abstract Background Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) is safe and effective for medically stable patients requiring intravenous (IV) antibiotics.1 OPAT is most commonly administered in a healthcare setting (H-OPAT), utilizing home health services, infusion centers, nursing homes, or hemodialysis centers. However, patients without health insurance are often unable to afford H-OPAT services, leading to lengthy hospital stays and potentially avoidable healthcare costs. Self-administered OPAT (S-OPAT) is relatively uncommon. At our safety net hospital, we established a S-OPAT clinic for uninsured patients in 2009. Data published from the first four years of our S-OPAT program in 2015 demonstrated a decreased risk of 30-day readmission among S-OPAT compared to H-OPAT with no significant difference in 1-year mortality.1. A registry of all patients discharged on OPAT has since been developed.Table 1:Patient Demographics Methods Data from 7335 OPAT discharges between October 2012 and December 2023 were analyzed. We assessed both H-OPAT and S-OPAT groups for blood stream infections secondary to vascular access sites in the ambulatory setting, 30-day readmission rates, and total number of S-OPAT days as an estimate for prevented inpatient days.Table 2.Clinical Outcomes for S-OPAT versus H-OPAT Results Of the 7,335 OPAT discharges from 2012 to 2023, 49.9% were discharged to H-OPAT and 50.1% to S-OPAT (Table 1). There was no difference between 30-day readmissions (OR 1.01 [CI 1.000 - 1.029) for S-OPAT as compared to H-OPAT (Table 2). There were a total of 47 blood stream infections over this 12-year period. 35 occurred in H-OPAT patients and 12 in S-OPAT patients (p &amp;lt; .01). A total of 54,733 days of S-OPAT were prescribed, preventing an estimated same number of inpatient days. Conclusion S-OPAT was designed to provide an alternative to prolonged hospital stays for uninsured patients requiring prolonged IV antibiotics. There is always a concern about the safety of discharging patients with vascular access, especially in patients with limited access to healthcare. Our data demonstrates that the safety of S-OPAT is as good, if not better, than the standard of care, H-OPAT, while allowing for more effective utilization of and improving health equity for our uninsured patients in our safety net hospital. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Anatomical Predictors of Access-Related Vascular Complications Following Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Access-related vascular complications (VCs) after percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are associated with poor clinical outcomes and remain a significant challenge despite technological advances. The aim of this study was to identify anatomic predictors of access-related VCs after TAVR on preprocedural contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The aim of this study was to identify anatomical predictors of access-related VCs after TAVR on preprocedural contrast-enhanced MDCT. A total of 348 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS who underwent transfemoral TAVR were included retrospectively. The primary endpoint of the study was the composite of minor and major access site complications as defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 (VARC-3) criteria. The study population was divided into two groups according to the VC including VC (+) and VC (-). A total of 101 patients (29%) developed VC (8.7% major, 20.3% minor) following TAVR. Regression analysis identified severe CFA calcification (p = 0.004), CFA depth (p < 0.001), minimum CFA diameter (p < 0.001), CFA depth-to-diameter ratio ≥ 5.6 (p < 0.001), and sheath-to-femoral artery ratio (SFAR) (p < 0.001) as significant predictors of VC. ROC curves generated for the occurrence of VC, the AUC for the femoral artery depth-to-diameter ratio (0.720) was higher than the AUC for the SFAR and the depth of the femoral artery (0.636, 0.630). Complications related to vascular access sites continue to be a significant concern for patients undergoing TF-TAVR. The CFA depth-to-diameter ratio has demonstrated superior predictive performance for VC compared to SFAR as expressed in the literature. Utilizing this criterion may enhance risk stratification for VC in high-risk patients, potentially reducing associated morbidity and mortality.

An illustrated key for identification of colour aberrations in alcids with a revision of nomenclature used

Colour aberrations of plumage or bare parts of the body have been described in many avian taxa but their frequency in populations is low. In recent years, due to the development of cameras and the ability to share observations via social media, reports on observations of aberrantly coloured birds have become more common even in groups of birds breeding in less accessible sites, such as seabirds. In this study we review colour aberrations of integumentary structures (plumage and bare parts: beak, eye iris, legs) in a group of pelagic seabirds, alcids. To illustrate particular aberrations, we used our own photographs and conducted searches for similar images online and in published papers. In total, we collected 82 cases of unusually coloured individuals of nine alcid species. We revised the types of aberrations described in collected material in accordance with the recently proposed classification and terminology, and found that only 25.6% of cases were properly classified. The most commonly misused term for observed aberrations in collected images was “leucism” (34.1% of cases), which usually would have been more accurately described as Brown, Ino, Progressive Greying, rather than true Leucism. We also found that Progressive Greying (37.8%) and Brown (19.5%) were the most frequently recorded colour aberrations in the studied group. Our synthesis offers an updated summary of the colour plumage aberrations in alcids and a practical tool for identification of various colour aberrations in the group. It can help to classify the aberrations in future studies. Given that the frequency of colour aberrations may be indicative of an increased mutation rate or a high rate of inbreeding in a population, we encourage researchers to correctly identify and note those cases.

Ultrathin 2D Co‐MOF Showcasing Remarkable Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Coupled with Unparalleled Stability

Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) is typically carried out utilizing noble metals and metal oxides based nanostructures. Yet, due to their numerous drawbacks, including high cost, poor stability and negative environmental effects; researchers are driven to create new electro‐active materials. To that end, we report an ultrathin 2D Co‐MOF [Co2(bpe)2.5(NO3)4(CH3O)] (Co‐MOF) that crystallized under hydrothermal conditions, showing a terrific OER activity with an overpotential of 267 mV at the current density of 10 mAcm‐2 and the low Tafel slope value of 104 mVdec‐1. Two‐dimensional MOFs offer numerous advantages over 3D MOFs such as better exposure and accessibility of active sites. The layered structure of 2D MOFs can provide greater structural flexibility, which can be beneficial for accommodating the changes during the OER process and maintaining structural integrity under operating conditions. The performance of Co‐MOF surpasses commercially available OER catalyst RuO2, demonstrating an unprecedented prolonged stability of 112 hours, which, to the best of our knowledge, represents the longest stability, observed for any pristine MOF to date. From the post‐OER characterization, it was discovered that in situ formed species, Co(OH)2 and CoOOH served as the active sites responsible for oxygen evolution.

Can artificial intelligence understand our emotions? Deep learning applications with face recognition

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability to detect emotions from human facial expressions via facial recognition technologies and analyze the effectiveness of deep learning models in this process. Method This research was conducted between 01.04 and 01.07.2024. The data of the study were taken from the open access site https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/msambare/fer2013 (Kaggle, 2024). Python 3.8 is used in this study. The FER-2013 (Facial Expression Recognition 2013) dataset is a comprehensive collection of facial images labeled with various emotions. The dataset contains 35,887 grayscale facial images. Each image has a size of 48 × 48 pixels. The dataset consists of images belonging to 7 emotion categories: anger, disgust, fear, happy, sad, confused, and neutral. Results In our experiments on the FER2013 dataset, we evaluated the performance of three different models: MobileNetV3-L, EfficientNetV2-L, and our proposed EfficientMobileNet. The evaluation criteria were based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and F1 scores to assess the effectiveness of each model comprehensively. The EfficientMobileNet model outperformed MobileNetV3-L and EfficientNetV2-L in all measured performance metrics. EfficientMobileNet was the most successful model for predicting emotions, with an accuracy of 77.6%. Conclusion The impressive results obtained by EfficientMobileNet on the Fer2013 dataset show potential for wider application, especially in image classification tasks involving low-quality or small-scale images. This performance supports the idea of the potential for further improvements in neural network architecture and model efficiency and accuracy. Future work should focus on optimizing the model for more challenging datasets, studying the impact of different architectural adjustments, and investigating the scalability of EfficientMobileNet across various domains and applications.

Ergonomic study of visitors in red cultural venues from a biomechanical perspective: A case study of students from Sichuan University of Arts and Science

Red cultural venues are pivotal in preserving China’s revolutionary heritage and fostering national identity. However, these venues often encounter difficulties in engaging contemporary audiences, particularly younger visitors who seek more interactive and technologically enriched experiences. This study investigates the ergonomic and biomechanical challenges faced by young visitors, using students from the ideological and political education program and the cultural industry management program at Sichuan University of Arts and Science as a representative case study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys with 200 participants and qualitative interviews with 30 participants to assess physical discomfort and engagement levels. Statistical analysis reveals that prolonged standing significantly increases discomfort (β = 0.04, p &lt; 0.001), while higher levels of interactive engagement (β = −0.30, p = 0.002) and overall satisfaction (β = −0.20, p = 0.013) are associated with reduced discomfort. Thematic analysis identifies key issues such as leg fatigue, back pain, limited interactivity, and restrictive venue layouts. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing interactive exhibits, optimizing spatial layouts, providing additional seating, and expanding venue spaces to improve visitor comfort and engagement. These evidence-based recommendations aim to inform the redesign of red cultural venues, making them more accessible and enjoyable for young visitors, thereby enhancing their educational and cultural impact. This research contributes to the limited literature on ergonomics in cultural venue settings and offers practical implications for improving the accessibility and user-friendliness of heritage sites.

Boosting the catalytic efficiency of UGT51 for efficient production of rare ginsenoside Rh2.

Ginsenoside Rh2(S) is well-known for its therapeutic potential against diverse conditions, including some cancers, inflammation, and diabetes. The enzymatic activity of uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase 51 (UGT51) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays a pivotal role in the glycosylation process between UDP-glucose (donor) and protopanaxadiol (acceptor), to form ginsenoside Rh2. However, the catalytic efficiency of the UGT51 has remained a challenging task. To this end, we employed site-directed mutagenesis on UGT51 to improve its catalytic efficiency for enhanced production of ginsenoside Rh2. The mutated structure, featuring four key mutations (E805A, S998A, R1031A, and L1032A), exhibited heightened stability, binding affinity, and active site accessibility for protopanaxadiol (PPD) compared to the wild type. Under in vitro conditions, three mutants (E805A, R1031A, and L1032A) demonstrated 10%, 58%, and 65% higher enzymatic activities compared to the wild strain. Notably, the double mutant R1031A/L1032A exhibited an 85% increase in activity. Employing a fed-batch technology with PPD as the substrate yielded a Rh2 production of 4.663g/L. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the movements and dynamic dynamics of UGT51 mutations and PPD complexes. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) analysis revealed substantial alterations in structural conformation, particularly in the R1031A/L1032A mutations, correlating with boosted catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) simulation study aligned with both the RMSD and the solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) analyses. The computationally guided site-directed mutagenesis approach holds promise for extending its application to the development of commercially significant enzymes.

Nanoscale water behavior and its impact on adsorption: A case study with CNTs and diclofenac.

Water is a fundamental component of life, playing a critical role in regulating metabolic processes and facilitating the dissolution and transport of essential molecules. However, emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, pose significant challenges to water quality and safety. Nanomaterial-based technologies emerge as a promising solution for removing those contaminants from water. Nevertheless, interfacial water plays a major role in the adsorption of chemical compounds in nanomaterials-as it plays in biological processes such as protein folding, enzyme activity, and drug delivery. To understand this role, in this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to explore the adsorption dynamics of potassium diclofenac on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), considering both dry and wet conditions. Our findings reveal that the structuring of water molecules around CNTs creates hydration layers that significantly influence the accessibility of active sites and the interaction strength between contaminants and adsorbents. Our analysis indicates higher energy barriers for adsorption in DWCNTs compared to SWCNTs, which is attributed to stronger water-surface interactions. This research highlights the importance of understanding nanoscale water behavior for optimizing the design and functionality of nanomaterials for water purification. These findings can guide the development of more efficient and selective nanomaterials, enhancing contaminant removal and ensuring safer water resources while contributing to a deeper understanding of fundamental biological interactions.

Lattice Distortions Promoting the In-Depth Reconstruction of Ni-Based Electrocatalysts with Enriched Oxygen Vacancies for the Electrochemical Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural toward 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid.

The electrocatalytic 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation reaction (HMFOR) toward 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has been considered a promising approach for the substitution of the energy-consuming and hazardous oxygen evolution reaction and for the valorization of renewable biomass. However, it is limited by the susceptibility of HMF to the oxidative environment and requires efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, a NiMo complex (NiMo-N) is provided as the precatalyst for the HMFOR, exhibiting favorable performances with a current density of 450 mA·cm-2 achieved at an anodic potential of 1.4 V vs RHE (similarly hereinafter) with 50 mmol/L (mM) HMF and over 95% HMF conversion and FDCA FE for at least five cycles. Combined with quasi situ and in situ analysis, it is confirmed that the extensive lattice distortions in the precatalyst facilitate the in-depth reconstruction, increasing the accessible Ni sites and defective oxygen vacancies (Ov), which would promptly convert to high-valence Ni and active O species during the reaction. The improved performance is then attributed to the incorporation of the improved chemisorption and dehydrogenation ability of HMF by the as-evolved active sites.

Pyridinic-N Seized Co in Biphasic Nanoarchitecture for Reversible Oxygen Electrocatalysis Enabling Longevous (>1200h) Aqueous and Dual-Anion Kosmotropic Electrolyte Stabilized High Power Quasisolid-State Zn-Air Battery.

Integration of different active sites by heterostructure engineering is pivotal to optimize the intrinsic activities of an oxygen electrocatalyst and much needed to enhance the performance of rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a biphasic nanoarchitecture encased in in situ grown N-doped graphitic carbon (MnO/Co-NGC) with heterointerfacial sites are constructed. The density functional theory model reveals formation of lattice oxygen bridged heterostructure with pyridinic nitrogen atoms anchored Co species, which facilitate adsorption of oxygen intermediates. Consequently, the well-designed catalyst with accessible active sites, abundant oxygen vacant sites, and heterointerfacial coupling effects, simultaneously accelerate the electron/mass transfer and thus promotes the trifunctional electrocatalysis. The assembled aqueous ZAB delivers maximum power density of ≈268mW cm-2 and a specific capacity of 797.8 mAh gzn -1 along with excellent rechargeability and extremely small voltage gap decay rate of 0.0007 V h-1. Further, the fabricated quasisolid-state ZAB owns a remarkable power density of 163mW cm-2 and long cycle life, outperforming the benchmark air-electrode and many recent reports, underlining its robustness and suitability for practical utilization in diverse portable applications.