Additional Merit Research Articles

Pharmacogenetics of tuberculosis treatment toxicity and effectiveness in a large Brazilian cohort.

Genetic polymorphisms have been associated with risk of antituberculosis treatment toxicity. We characterized associations with adverse events and treatment failure/recurrence among adults treated for tuberculosis in Brazil. Participants were followed in Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT)-Brazil. We included persons with culture-confirmed drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who started treatment between 2015 and 2019, and who were eligible for pharmacogenetics. Treatment included 2 months of isoniazid, rifampin or rifabutin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, then 4 months of isoniazid and rifampin or rifabutin, with 24-month follow-up. Analyses included 43 polymorphisms in 20 genes related to antituberculosis drug hepatotoxicity or pharmacokinetics. Whole exome sequencing was done in a case-control toxicity subset. Among 903 participants in multivariable genetic association analyses, NAT2 slow acetylator status was associated with increased risk of treatment-related grade 2 or greater adverse events, including hepatotoxicity. Treatment failure/recurrence was more likely among NAT2 rapid acetylators, but not statistically significant at the 5% level. A GSTM1 polymorphism (rs412543) was associated with increased risk of treatment-related adverse events, including hepatotoxicity. SLCO1B1 polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of treatment-related hepatoxicity and treatment failure/recurrence. Polymorphisms in NR1/2 were associated with decreased risk of adverse events and increased risk of failure/recurrence. In whole exome sequencing, hepatotoxicity was associated with a polymorphism in VTI1A, and the genes METTL17 and PRSS57, but none achieved genome-wide significance. In a clinical cohort representing three regions of Brazil, NAT2 acetylator status was associated with risk for treatment-related adverse events. Additional significant polymorphisms merit investigation in larger study populations, particularly regarding risk of treatment failure/recurrence.

313 Many farmers want a prediction of future performance, not necessarily breeding potential

Abstract High heritability is a characteristic of many performance traits in cattle translating to a relatively strong correlation between an (accurate) estimated breeding value for an animal and its (future) production potential. However, the broad sense heritability (i.e., numerator in the formula includes both additive and non-additive genetic variance) is often larger than the narrow sense heritability (i.e., numerator includes only the additive genetic variance) especially for low heritability traits like reproductive performance. Moreover, the repeatability of a trait can be greater again, the difference between the heritability and repeatability is the inclusion of a permanent environmental variance in the numerator. Accurate and pertinent omic-based animal-level features can contribute to an increase in narrow sense heritability owing to a possible reduction in the residual variance; such data can also provide insights into both non-additive genetic variance and the permanent environmental variance. Even at the level of the contemporary group, omic-level data from the likes of bulk blood/saliva/milk sample, can improve how systematic environmental effects are modeled in the mixed model equations thus also reducing the residual variance. The greater heritability will contribute to a strengthening of the correlation between future phenotypic performance potential and estimated additive genetic merit. Importantly, omic measures for individual animals can help predict the permanent environmental effect of that animal capturing the yet untapped contributor to phenotypic variance. Irrespective, predictions need to be replaced by prescriptions; end users are inundated with data yet crave actionable information. Animal breeders have a lush (pardon the pun!) history of distilling estimates of genetic merit for a plethora of traits into a single value per animal (i.e., breeding indexes); this is the first step in transitioning from predictions to prescriptions. Given the familiarity of end users with breeding indexes, the potential exists to develop production indexes to rank commercial animals on future expected performance taking cognizance of genetic and non-genetic effects. Such production indexes align well with the associated breeding index but where the estimates of genetic merit for the traits in question are replaced by estimates of production merit; these estimated production values are the sum of the additive genetic, non-additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. The weighting factors in the production indexes are more short-term using current costs and prices as opposed to breeding indexes which are longer term. In comparison with the breeding indexes, the production indexes can include ancillary information like gender, age, and month of calving/birth. Like breeding indexes, they are updated in real time. Examples of the application of genome-enabled production indexes are guides for valuing animals for purchase or culling.

Catalytic Application of POSS–COF-[(Co(acetate)2] for Selective Reduction of Nitriles to Amines

We report the reticular synthesis and structural investigations through the spectroscopic analysis of a novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-modified framework, hereby ascribed as a catalyst for the selective reduction of aryl nitriles to amines. The integration of the unique features of the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with 2,2′-Bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxaldehyde and subsequently coordination to cobalt acetate manifests a distinctive feature, which is a stable covalent bond between Co and the functionalized POSS, effectively preventing catalyst leaching. The cobalt acetate-modified POSS–COF, synthesized with this approach, underwent a comprehensive characterization employing various analytical techniques including FTIR, XRD, SEM, XPS, TGA, and 29Si NMR. This thorough characterization provides a detailed insight into the structural and chemical attributes of the catalyst. Our catalyst, with its exceptional catalytic efficiency in catalyzing reduction reactions compared to its homogeneous counterparts, and its distinctive three-dimensional metalated POSS system, shows outstanding catalytic performance attributed to its diverse coordination interactions with ligands. Moreover, this catalyst presents additional merits, such as facile recovery and recyclability, making it a promising candidate for sustainable and efficient catalytic processes and thus instilling hope for a greener future.

Layered Heterostructure of Graphene and TiO2 as a Highly Sensitive and Stable Photoassisted NO2 Sensor.

As an atomically thin electric conductor with a low density of highly mobile charge carriers, graphene is a suitable transducer for molecular adsorption. In this study, we demonstrate that the adsorption properties can be significantly enhanced with a laser-deposited TiO2 nanolayer on top of single-layer CVD graphene, whereas the effective charge transfer between the TiO2-adsorbed gas molecules and graphene is retained through the interface. The formation of such a heterostructure with optimally a monolayer thick oxide combined with ultraviolet irradiation (wavelength 365 nm, intensity <1 mW/mm2) dramatically enhances the gas-sensing properties. It provides an outstanding sensitivity for detecting NO2 in the range of a few ppb to a few hundred ppb-s in air, with response times below 30 s at room temperature. The effect of visible light (436 and 546 nm) was much weaker, indicating that the excitations due to light absorption in TiO2 play an essential role, while the characteristics of gas responses imply the involvement of both photoinduced adsorption and desorption. The sensing mechanism was confirmed by theoretical simulations on a NO2@Ti8O16C50 complex under periodic boundary conditions. The proposed sensor structure has significant additional merits, such as relative insensitivity to other polluting gases (CO, SO2, NH3) and air humidity, as well as long-term stability (>2 years) in ambient air. The results pave the way for an emerging class of gas sensor structures based on stacked 2D materials incorporating highly charge-sensitive transducer and selective receptor layers.

High-grade Anaplastic Transformation of Ovarian Serous Borderline Tumor: A Distinctive Morphology With Abundant Dense Eosinophilic Cytoplasm and Dismal Prognosis.

Ovarian serous borderline tumors (SBTs) have a generally favorable prognosis. Although the risk of progression to low-grade serous carcinoma is well documented, progression to high-grade carcinoma is rare. We report the clinicopathologic features of seven SBTs, each associated with the presence of a morphologically unique high-grade component with an extremely dismal prognosis. All of the SBTs exhibited typical hierarchical branching and scattered eosinophilic cells, whereas the high-grade component consisted of a profuse proliferation of epithelioid cells with abundant dense, eosinophilic cytoplasm, variable nuclear pleomorphism, and evident loss of WT1, estrogen receptor, and p16 positivity. In most cases, the SBT demonstrated an abrupt transition to the high-grade component, but one patient initially presented with the usual SBT and developed a recurrent disease that was composed entirely of the high-grade component. Targeted next-generation sequencing revealed identical driver mutations in both the SBT and high-grade components (BRAF in 3, KRAS in 1), confirming clonality. Three cases, in addition, harbored telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in both components. One case, despite insufficient material for sequencing, was BRAF V600E-positive by immunohistochemistry. Most patients with available follow-up data died within 9 months of diagnosis. This study confirms prior reports of ovarian SBT transformation to high-grade carcinoma and further characterizes a distinct subset with abundant dense eosinophilic cytoplasm and an extremely dismal prognosis. The presence of BRAF mutations in a major subset of these tumors questions the notion that BRAF is associated with senescent eosinophilic cells and improved outcomes in SBT. The role of the additional telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations merits further investigation.

The power of binary pulsars in testing Gauss-Bonnet gravity

Context. Binary pulsars are a powerful tool for probing strong gravity that still outperform direct gravitational wave observations in a number of ways due to the remarkable accuracy of the pulsar timing. They can constrain the presence of additional charges of the orbiting neutron stars very precisely, leading to new channels of energy and angular momentum loss, such as scalar dipole radiation. Aims. In the present paper, we explore in detail the possibility of constraining different classes of scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravity with binary pulsars. Additionally, we updated the existing constraints related to the observed maximum mass of neutron stars. Methods. Interestingly, depending on the equation of state, the resulting limits on the theory coupling parameters can outperform the constraints coming from binary merger observations by up to a factor of two, even for so-called Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet gravity where neutron stars are often underestimated as relevant theory probes. As an additional merit, precise Bayesian methods are compared with approximate approaches, with the latter showing a very good performance despite their simplicity.

The Evolution of Grain Microstructure in Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Al/Mg Alloys with Ultrasonic Assistance.

The process of grain refinement during welding significantly influences both the final microstructure and performance of the weld joint. In the present work, merits of acoustic addition in the conventional Frictions Stir Welding (FSW) process were evaluated for joining dissimilar Al/Mg alloys. To capture the near "in situ" structure around the exit hole, an "emergency stop" followed by rapid cooling using liquid nitrogen was employed. Electron Backscatter Diffraction analysis was utilized to characterize and examine the evolution of grain microstructure within the aluminum matrix as the material flowed around the exit hole. The findings reveal that two mechanisms, continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and geometric dynamic recrystallization (GDRX), jointly or alternatively influence the grain evolution process. In conventional FSW, CDRX initially governs grain evolution, transitioning to GDRX as material deformation strain and temperature increase. Subsequently, as material deposition commences, CDRX reasserts dominance. Conversely, in acoustic addition, ultrasonic vibration accelerates GDRX, promoting its predominance by enhancing material flow and dislocation movements. Even during the material deposition, GDRX remains the dominant mechanism.

Label-free, background-free detection of nucleic acid with immobilization-free heterogeneous biosensor and one-pot hybridization chain reaction amplification

Although immobilization-free and label-free electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) biosensors have engaged tremendous interest due to their superior properties, such as easy operation, time-saving and cost-saving, most of them are fabricated in homogeneous modes and usually produce high background current. In the present work, we proposed a new immobilization-free and label-free heterogeneous E-DNA assay based on a dual-blocker-aided multibranched hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for one-pot nucleic acid detection with zero background. The target nucleic acid triggers the HCR involving cascaded hybridization between two metastable hairpins, resulting in the generation of HCR products with multibranched arms, which can be captured onto the electrode via π-π stacking interactions between multibranched arms and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Prior to the incubation process with an electrode, two blockers are designed to prohibit the nonspecific absorption of unreacted hairpin probes. Thus, an immobilization-free and label-free heterogeneous electrochemical assay for one-pot nucleic acid detection with zero background is readily realized. This strategy also presents additional merits of simplicity and cheap cost, since probe immobilization, signal tag labeling, and multiple incubation processes are avoided. Therefore, the as-proposed effective and versatile biosensor has great potential to be applied in nucleic acid-related practical biosensing.

P21 Advancing dermatological care: a comprehensive evaluation of the steroid-free GL-1 formulation

Abstract Introduction and aims The prolonged use of topical steroids introduces notable dermatological risks, including the onset of permanent stretch marks, bruising, discoloration and vascular abnormalities. This study presents an innovative strategy by formulating GL-1, a steroid-free treatment amalgamating seaweed bioactives, sesame oil and naturally occurring salts and minerals. The objective of this study was to address the limitations of conventional topical steroids and introduce pioneering solutions to dermatological care. Methods To assess the safety and efficacy of GL-1 (product 1), a comprehensive battery of in vitro tests was employed. The skin corrosion test (OECD 431) established the noncorrosive nature of GL-1, validating its safety on reconstructed human epidermis. The skin irritation test (OECD 439) demonstrated the nonirritating attributes of GL-1, aligning with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling guidelines. Additionally, the bovine corneal opacity and permeability test (OECD 437) affirmed the noninducing nature of GL-1 in relation to eye irritation or serious eye damage. Results Preliminary outcomes from dermal clinical trials indicate promising Results for GL-1. In vitro experiments on HaCaT and human dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa) cell lines highlighted the noncytotoxicity of GL-1, contrasting with the ‘Cortopin’, which exhibited cytotoxicity. GL-1 exhibited a proliferative effect in HDFa cells, signifying its potential for regenerative applications. Furthermore, both GL-1 and ‘Cortopin’ displayed antioxidant activity in HaCaT cells, underscoring the additional merits of our formulation. Conclusions Our steroid-free formulation, GL-1, demonstrates exceptional safety and efficacy through a meticulous series of in vitro assessments and initial clinical trials. These findings position GL-1 as a promising candidate for diverse dermal applications, offering a secure alternative to traditional topical steroids. The potential impact of GL-1 transcends its therapeutic efficacy, emphasizing its robust safety profile validated through multiple in vitro evaluations.

A “two cooking with one fish” strategy for modulating both polyaniline cathode and zinc anode towards enhanced kinetics and cycling stability for aqueous zinc ion batteries

The adverse stability of both polyaniline (PANI) and Zn anode remains a challenge to the long−term cyclability and rate capability of aqueous Zn−PANI batteries. Herein, a “two–cooking with one fish” strategy is presented to modulate both PANI cathode and Zn anode, in which nanoscale graphene sheets in cathode can promote ordered growth of PANI array, being conducive to provide large electrochemical active area and efficient transport pathways and alleviate volume variation during repeated charging/discharging process. Meanwhile, the honeycomb–like structure of graphene sheets as protective layer can accelerate zinc ion transport kinetics and suppress side reactions and zinc dendrite growth. Consequently, the optimized G/Zn symmetric cell delivers a remarkable lifespan over 1000 h at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the assembled PANI/G/CC||G/Zn battery could deliver a specific capacity of 265.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, excellent rate capability (145.5 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1), a maximum energy density of 246.9 W h kg−1 and power density of 8675.9 W kg−1, and especially capacity retention of 91.1 % after 10000 cycles. Combining with additional merits of low cost, eco–friendliness, and safe operation, our design will shed light on resolving the issues on cyclability and rate capability of aqueous Zn−PANI batteries.

Nanonematicides: production, mechanisms, efficacy, opportunities and challenges

Summary Classical methods of using many toxic chemical pesticides for managing plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) on key crops are inappropriate and have unfavourable consequences on human health and the environment. By contrast, nanotechnology can provide a wide range of alternative applications with additional merits based on nanoparticle (NP) pesticides. Three major categories, i.e., physical, chemical and biological methods, have been generally used for synthesis of nanonematicides. The merits and demerits of these methods are highlighted. The biological method generally involves easy, fast, scalable, cheap and environmentally safe techniques. As nanonematicides can reduce the non-selective use of classical nematicides with their high pollution and unhealthy levels, mechanisms underlying PPN population suppression by these nanonematicides are presented to help in their further optimisation. Nanonematicides are guiding a radical change in their efficacy against PPN, but more attention should be given to secure their clean production and application with cost-effective methods.

Risk Mapping of COVID-19 to Create a Common Operating Picture Using Data from Wastewater Monitoring

Monitoring wastewater quality at the inlet of a wastewater treatment plant provides an overview of the health of the community connected to the respective wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater monitoring has been increasingly recognized as a valid tool in pandemic risk management, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. However, the results of wastewater monitoring are not yet fully utilized in the decision-making process of public governance across most of the Asia-Pacific region. This study explored the potential of geographic information systems to map the results of wastewater monitoring and provide a common operating picture for swift and informed decision-making, especially in times of disasters. By creating an online dashboard tool, we found that an additional merit of mapping wastewater monitoring is that it allows overlaying various other information, such as evacuation shelters, onto the same map. As the service areas of wastewater treatment plants, or sewersheds, are not necessarily aligned with geopolitical boundaries, mapping provides opportunities for re-calculating wastewater monitoring results at the city or district levels. The potential for recalculation is also applicable to overlayed information, indicating that information from wastewater monitoring may be used to assess disaster preparedness or multi-hazard risks. The dashboard prototype was discussed with government officials and feedback was obtained. We aim to further develop the findings so that the information from wastewater monitoring can be shared on a platform, such as the shared information platform for disaster management, in the future for effective risk governance.

Identifying System Non-Linearities by Fusing Signal Bispectral Signatures

Higher-order statistics investigate the phase relationships between frequency components, an aspect which cannot be treated using conventional spectral measures such as the power spectrum. Among the widely used higher-order statistics, the bispectrum ranks prominently. By delving into higher-order correlations, the bispectrum offers a means of extracting additional merits and insights from frequency coupling, enhancing our understanding of complex signal interactions. This analytical approach overcomes the limitations of traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive view of the complex relationships within the frequency domain. In this paper, the extensive use of the bispectrum in various scientific and technical areas is firstly emphasized by presenting very recent applications. The main scope of this work is to investigate the consequences of various non-linearities in the creation of phase couplings. Specifically, the quadratic, the cubic and the logarithmic non-linearities are examined. In addition, simple recommendations are given on how the underlying nonlinearity could be detected. The total approach is novel, considering the capability to distinguish from the bispectral content if two non-linearities are simultaneously present.

Determination of ultra-trace Te species in open ocean waters based on Mg(OH)2 coprecipitation, anion exchange resin column separation and inductively coupled plasma sector-field mass spectrometry using a 125Te-enriched isotope spike

We present a method for the determination of ultra-trace Te species (Te(IV) and Te(VI)) in open ocean waters. The proposed method is based on Mg(OH)2 coprecipitation, anion exchange resin column separation and inductively coupled plasma sector-field mass spectrometry (ICPSFMS) using a 125Te-enriched isotope spike. The largest advantage of the method is that the use of the spike allows accurate and precise determination when it combines with either isotope dilution or recovery correction. Tellurium-IV and VI are preconcentrated in a Mg(OH)2 precipitate and separated mutually by an anion exchange resin column. Te(IV) is retained to the column, while Te(VI) passing through the column is recovered by a subsequent column procedure after reduction of Te(VI) to Te(IV). Te(IV) is successfully eluted with a small amount of 0.01 M HCl. The additional merit of using this eluent is elimination of components that result in a memory effect during the measurement of Te(IV). Possible mass spectral interference on Te(IV) can be excluded by adjusting the mass window, and the Te(IV) concentrations determined by this approach agree well with those independently obtained by an oxidation procedure which removes the interference. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified with homemade standard seawater for which the measured concentrations agree well with results calculated from the value of the standard solution. Procedural blanks for Te(IV) and Te(VI) are 1.5 ± 0.9 pg kg−1 (n = 11) and 1.3 ± 0.9 pg kg−1 (n = 11) with corresponding overall detection limits of 3.0 pg kg−1 and 2.8 pg kg−1, respectively. Using the method, we have clarified vertical profiles of Te(IV) and Te(VI) in the subarctic western North Pacific for the first time.

Double Strain-Release [2π+2σ]-Photocycloaddition.

In pursuit of potent pharmaceutical candidates and to further improve their chemical traits, small ring systems can serve as a potential starting point. Small ring units have the additional merit of loaded strain at their core, making them suitable reactants as they can capitalize on this intrinsic driving force. With the introduction of cyclobutenone as a strained precursor to ketene, the photocycloaddition with another strained unit, bicyclo[1.1.0]butane (BCB), enables the reactivity of both π-units in the transient ketene. This double strain-release driven [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition promotes the synthesis of diverse heterobicyclo[2.1.1]hexane units, a pharmaceutically relevant bioisostere. The effective reactivity under catalyst-free conditions with a high functional group tolerance defines its synthetic utility. Experimental mechanistic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition takes place via a triplet mechanism.

3D isogeometric indirect BEM solution based on virtual surface sources on the boundaries of Helmholtz acoustic problems

A solution for 3D Helmholtz acoustic problems is introduced based on an indirect boundary element method (indirect BEM) coupled with isogeometric analysis (IGA). The novelty of this work arises from using virtual surface sources placed directly on the scatterer boundaries, producing robust results. These virtual surface sources are discretized by the same Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) approximating the scatterer CAD model. This allows modeling of general irregular geometries. The proposed solution has the same features of BEM approaches, which do not need any domain discretization or truncation boundaries at the far-field. It shows an additional merit by arranging the linear system of equations directly depending on a single coefficient matrix, consuming less computational time compared to other BEM methods. A Greville abscissae collocation scheme is proposed with offsets at C0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$C^0$$\\end{document}-continuities. This collocation scheme allows for easy evaluation for both free-terms and normals at the collocation points. The performance of the proposed solution is discussed on 3D numerical exterior problems and compared against other BEM methods. Then, the practical interior muffler problem with internal extended thin tubes is studied and the obtained results are compared against other numerical methods in addition to the available experimental data, showing the capability of the proposed solution in handling thin-walled geometries.

IL-37 evaluation in chronic periodontitis after periodontal treatment with and without low level laser therapy.

Periodontal disease poses a significant global health challenge. Traditional treatments focus on reducing inflammation and bacterial load, yet novel approaches are continually being investigated. Recent research suggests that IL-37, a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine, may play a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory processes associated with periodontal disease. In conjunction with IL-37, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has gained attention for its potential in promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cellular processes. This study aims to investigate the effects of LLLT on IL-37 in periodontal disease management. Thirty patients were enrolled: the G1 group patients were treated with only scaling and root planning-SRP, the G2 group was treated with SRP and LLLT. Before treatment (T0) all periodontal probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing were obtained. Before (T0) and 10 (T1), 30 (T2) and 60 (T3) days after treatment, was achieved plaque sample and specimens of gingival crevicular fluid. Diode laser wavelength range was used between 600-1000 nm and 0.04-60 J/cm2 energy density for 3-s spotlights. In all patients PPD, BOP and IL-37 have shown healing improved parameters. Although LLLT is widely recommended for its biostimulatory and anti-inflammatory roles, it only showed additional short-term merits in reducing the pocket depth after conventional SRP. Its long-term adjunctive benefits remain unclear. Future RCTs with better study designs, adequate sample power and longer durations of follow-up are required to assess the effectiveness of LLLT as an adjunctive treatment strategy in patients with periodontal disease.

Flexible broadband metamaterial absorber in long-wave infrared with visible transparency fabricated by laser direct writing.

Absorption of the long-wave infrared from human beings and the surroundings is a key step to infrared imaging and sensing. Here we demonstrate a flexible and transparent broadband infrared absorber using the photoresist-assisted metamaterials fabricated by one-step laser direct writing. The photoresist is patterned by the laser as an insulator layer as well as a mask to build the complementary bilayer metamaterials without lithography. The average absorptivity is 94.5% from 8 to 14 μm in experiment due to the broadband destructive interference of the reflected beam explained by the Fabry-Perot cavity model. The proposed absorber is applicable to various substrates with additional merits of polarization insensitivity and large angle tolerance, which offers a promising solution for thermal detection and management.

Robust nitrogen-rich covalent polymeric networks for ultra-efficient and selective palladium capture under harsh conditions

Selective capture of palladium (Pd) from high-level liquid waste (HLLW) is one of the frontier issues in materials science in order to alleviate the Pd resource scarcity and guarantee the safe disposal of radioactive wastes. However, this task remains a great challenge in HLLW treatment associated with low capacity, poor selectivity, and limited stability of materials in strongly acidic and radioactive environments. Here we conquer this challenge by designing covalent polymeric networks (CPNs) equipped with abundant bidentate (CPN-1) or tridentate (CPN-2) nitrogen-rich moieties as specific nano-traps for Pd(II). These CPNs are constructed through efficient and facile click reactions, among which CPN-1 bearing plentiful pyridinyl-triazolyl moieties sets a new record for Pd(II) uptake capacity (535 mg g−1), notably surpassing all the reported materials for Pd(II) separation from HNO3 solutions to date. Moreover, CPN-1 features additional attractive merits including good reusability, feasible dynamic column separation, outstanding Pd(II) selectivity over 17 coexisting cations, and excellent stability under highly acidic and radioactive conditions, making it highly promising for practical applications. This work provides a facile way to customize CPN adsorbents with superior performance and highlights the great potential of the prepared materials for metal capture applications.

Moving towards a rolling front strategy for VERACEL's advanced-generation eucalypt hybrid breeding program

The eucalyptus breeding program at VERACEL started in the mid-1990s driven by the objective of producing outstanding clones adapted to the Bahia South (Brazil) environment, and thus creating highly productive stands with high quality pulpwood. The breeding population initially comprised several introduced pure species collections (mainly E. grandis and E. urophylla) from Australian provenances and ex-Brazilian hybrids (mostly E. urophylla × E. grandis). These populations were first structured according to a typical reciprocal recurrent selection scheme to identify outstanding urograndis F1 hybrids. In the early 2000s, the program developed and tested several second-generation F1 hybrids, in addition to some progeny and clonal trials with a few introduced new species and hybrids. More recently, starting in 2016, a new set of F2 progeny and clonal hybrid trials were established from previously selected F1 parents. This second generation of hybrids was complemented with other 2-way and 3-way hybrid crosses to form an advanced generation synthetic population. To manage such breeding population, including pure species, F1 and advanced F2 hybrids, and backcross hybrids, VERACEL is restructuring its breeding program to implement a more flexible multispecies rolling front selection and mating scheme. This would allow the strategy to effectively combine all available phenotypic and pedigree information. Currently, the database, spanning three generations of breeding, includes 105 progeny and clonal trials, over 2,300 individual clones, and more than 30,000 pure and hybrid seedling progenies. We expect that the breeding and selection strategy will ensure optimum long-term progress in the additive genetic merit of selected parents, as well as exploit the hybrid heterosis and non-additive genetic effects to identify outstanding clones in the short term. Our study describes in some detail the current state-of-the-art of VERACEL’s breeding and clonal populations, and discusses key elements of this strategy. We discuss the challenges posed by the increasing relevance of good adaptations to climate change and diseases, and the complex genetics of inter-specific hybridization, especially as the program enters its 3rd generation of testing and selections.