Evolution of Metal Tellurides for Energy Storage/Conversion: From Synthesis to Applications.

Metal telluride (MTe)-based nanomaterials have emerged as a potential alternative for efficient, highly conductive, robust, and durable electrodes in energy storage/conversion applications. Significant progress in the material development of MTe-based electrodes is well-sought, from the synthesis of its nanostructures, integration of MTes with supporting materials, synthesis of their hybrid morphologies, and their implications in energy storage/conversion systems. Herein, an extensive exploration of the recent advancements and progress in MTes-based nanomaterials is reviewed. This review emphasizes elucidating the fundamental properties of MTes and providing a systematic compilation of its wet and dry synthesis methods. The applications of MTes are extensively summarized and discussed, particularly, in energy storage and conversion systems including batteries (Li-ion, Zn-ion, Li-S, Na-ion, K-ion), supercapacitor, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and CO2 reduction. The review also emphasizes the future prospects and urgent challenges to be addressed in the development of MTes, providing knowledge for researchers in utilizing MTes in energy storage and conversion technologies.

2D MXenes Nanosheets for Advanced Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Recent Advances and Future Prospects.

Since the initial MXenes were discovered in 2011, several MXene compositions constructed using combinations of various transition metals have been developed. MXenes are ideal candidates for different applications in energy conversion and storage, because of their unique and interesting characteristics, which included good electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and simplicity of large-scale synthesis. Herein, we study the current developments in two-dimensional (2D) MXene nanosheets for energy storage and conversion technologies. First, we discuss the introduction to energy storage and conversion devices. Later, we emphasized on 2D MXenes and some specific properties of MXenes. Subsequently, research advances in MXene-based electrode materials for energy storage such as supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries is summarized. We provide the relevant energy storage processes, common challenges, and potential approaches to an acceptable solution for 2D MXene-based energy storage. In addition, recent advances for MXenes used in energy conversion devices like solar cells, fuel cells and catalysis is also summarized. Finally, the future prospective of growing MXene-based energy conversion and storage are highlighted.

Effects of combination treatment with tezepelumab and allergen immunotherapy on nasal responses to allergen: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been shown to play a central role in the initiation and persistence of allergic responses. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether tezepelumab, a human monoclonal anti-TSLP antibody, improved the efficacy of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) and promoted the development of tolerance in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind parallel design trial in patients with cat allergy. A total of 121 patients were randomized to receive either intravenous tezepelumab plus subcutaneous cat SCIT, cat SCIT alone, tezepelumab alone, or placebo for 52 weeks, followed by 52 weeks of observation. Nasal allergen challenge (NAC), skin testing, and blood and nasal samples were obtained throughout the study. RESULTS: At week 52, the NAC-induced total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) (calculated as area under the curve [AUC0-1h] and as peak score [Peak0-1h] during the first hour after NAC) were significantly reduced in patients receiving tezepelumab/SCIT compared to SCIT alone. At week 104, one year after stopping treatment, the primary end point TNSS AUC0-1h was not significantly different in the tezepelumab/SCIT group compared to SCIT alone, while TNSS Peak0-1h was significantly lower in those receiving combination treatment versus SCIT. Transcriptomic analysis of nasal epithelial samples demonstrated that treatment with the combination of SCIT/tezepelumab, but neither monotherapy, caused persistent downregulation of a gene network related to type 2 inflammation that was associated with improvement in NAC responses. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of TSLP augments the efficacy of SCIT during therapy and may promote tolerance after a 1-year course of treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02237196).

2D MXene-Based Biosensing: A Review.

MXene emerged as decent 2D material and has been exploited for numerous applications in the last decade. The remunerations of the ideal metallic conductivity, optical absorbance, mechanical stability, higher heterogeneous electron transfer rate, and good redox capability have made MXene a potential candidate for biosensing applications. The hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, antifouling, and anti-toxicity properties have opened avenues for MXene to perform in vitro and in vivo analysis. In this review, the concept, operating principle, detailed mechanism, and characteristic properties are comprehensively assessed and compiled along with breakthroughs in MXene fabrication and conjugation strategies for the development of unique electrochemical and optical biosensors. Further, the current challenges are summarized and suggested future aspects. This review article is believed to shed some light on the development of MXene for biosensing and will open new opportunities for the future advanced translational application of MXene bioassays.

The Emergence of 2D MXenes Based Zn-Ion Batteries: Recent Development and Prospects.

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with exceptional theoretical capacity have garnered significant interest in large-scale electrochemical energy storage devices due to their low cost, abundant material, inherent safety, high specific energy, and ecofriendly nature. Metal carbides/nitrides, known as MXenes, have emerged as a large family of 2D transition metal carbides or carbonitrides with excellent properties, e.g., high electrical conductivity, large surface functional groups (e.g., F, O, and OH), low energy barriers for the diffusion of electrolyte ions with wide interlayer spaces. After a decade of effort, significant development has been achieved in the synthesis, properties, and applications of MXenes. Thus, it has opened up various exciting opportunities to construct advanced MXene-based nanostructures for ZIBs with excellent specific energy and power. Herein, this review summarizes the advances across multiple synthesis routes, related properties, morphological and structural characteristics, and chemistries of MXenes for ZIBs. The recent development of MXene-based electrodes is introduced, and electrolytes for ZIBs are elucidated in detail. MXene-based rocking chair ZIBs, strategies to enhance the performance of MXene-based cathodes, suppress the dendrites in MXene-based anodes, and MXene-based flexible ZIBs are pointed out. A rational design and modification of the MXenes as well as the production of composites with metal oxides exhibits promise in solving issues and enhancing the electrochemical performance of ZIBs. Finally, the present challenges and future prospects for MXene-based ZIBs are discussed.

Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone acetonide otic solution in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ciprofloxacin 0.3 % and fluocinolone acetonide 0.025 % otic solution (CIPRO+FLUO), ciprofloxacin 0.3 % otic solution alone (CIPRO), and fluocinolone acetonide 0.025 % otic solution alone (FLUO) administered into the middle ears of pediatric patients with Acute Otitis Media with Tympanostomy Tubes (AOMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a PK analysis of patients who participated in two multicenter, randomized, double-blind AOMT clinical trials (SALVAT studies CIFLOTIII/10IA02 and CIFLOTIII/10IA04). Each patient received 0.25 mL of CIPRO+FLUO, CIPRO, or FLUO twice a day instilled into the ear canal(s) for 7 days to treat AOMT. Blood samples of patients with unilateral AOMT were collected before the administration of the first dose of study medication at Visit 1 (day 1) and within 1-2 h after the last dose on day 7. Blood samples were analyzed to detect ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone acetonide concentrations using two validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) methods, with the lower limit of quantification for ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone acetonide in plasma samples being 1 ng/mL. Thirty randomly selected patients between 10 months and 10 years of age (mean age, 4.4 years) were included in the study. Although all available samples were analyzed, only PK data of the 22 patients with both samples and unilateral disease were considered for study purposes. RESULTS: No detectable concentrations of ciprofloxacin or fluocinolone acetonide in plasma were observed (<1 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated negligible systemic exposure to ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone acetonide following topical otic administration in pediatric patients with AOMT.

Simplified Mutual Inductance Calculation of Planar Spiral Coil for Wireless Power Applications.

In this paper, a simplified method for the calculation of a mutual inductance of the planar spiral coil, motivated from the Archimedean spiral, is presented. This method is derived by solving Neumann's integral formula in a cylindrical coordinate system, and a numerical tool is used to determine the value of mutual inductance. This approach can calculate the mutual inductances accurately at various coaxial and non-coaxial distances for different coil geometries. The calculation result is compared with the 3D finite element analyses to verify its accuracy, which shows good consistency. Furthermore, to confirm it experimentally, Litz wire is used to fabricate the sample spiral coils. Finally, the comparison of a simplified method is also studied relative to the coupling coefficient. The accuracy of the calculation results with the simulation and the measurement results makes it a good candidate to apply it in wireless power applications.

Energy storage properties of hydrothermally processed ultrathin 2D binder-free ZnCo2O4nanosheets.

High energy-density supercapacitors (SCs) with long operating life, cost-effective, and competitive cycling performance is attracted great research attention to competing in the requirements of the modern age. However, despite these benefits, SC hampers inadequate rate-capability and structural deterioration, which primarily affects its commercialization. Herein, ultra-thin two-dimensional (2D) ZnCo2O4nanosheets arein situanchored on the conductive surface of nickel foam (denoted as ZCO@NF) by hydrothermal process. The binder-free ZCO@NF is employed as an electrode for SCs and shows impressive charge storage properties. ZCO@NF electrode exhibited a high capacitance of 1250 (750) and 733 F g-1(440 C g-1) at 2.5 and 20 A g-1, respectively, demonstrating the outstanding rate-capability of 58.6% even at 8 times larger current density. Furthermore, the ZCO@NF electrode exhibits admirable capacitance retention of 96.5% after 10 000 cycles. This impressive performance of the ZCO@NF electrode is attributed to the high surface area which gives a short distance for ion/electron transfer, a high conductivity with extensive electroactive cities, and strong structural stability. The binder-free approach provides a strong relationship between the current collector and the active material, which turns into improved electrochemical operation as an electrode material for SCs.

Incidence of and risk factors associated with lung metastases in newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer with a look on prognosis after diagnosis: a population-based cohort study of the SEER database.

PURPOSE: Patients with lung metastases (LM) from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) (EOCLM) usually have a poor prognosis. However, there is no consensus on the optimal management of these patients. In this study, we aimed to take a look at the incidence of LM and factors associated with its occurrence as well as the prognosis in newly diagnosed EOC with LM on a population level. METHODS: EOC patients diagnosed between the years 2010 and 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program database. Multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox regression were used to investigate the factors that could predict the occurrence of and prognosis after diagnosis of EOC with LM. RESULTS: Of the 33,418 qualified EOC patients, 2240 (6.7%) were noted to have LMs at the time of EOC diagnosis. Higher T stage, N1 stage, advanced tumor grade, and elevated cancer antigen-125 levels were found to be associated with a higher risk of having LM at the time of EOC diagnosis. The median survival time after diagnosis with EOCLM was found to be 13.0 months (interquartile range: 3.0-34.0 months). Being unmarried and having mucinous histology were both associated with increased all-cause death risk from EOCLM. However, the primary tumor originated from the midline of ovaries, surgical management, and whether patient received chemotherapy or not predicted improved overall survival. The median survival time of patients was significantly longer for EOCLM cases managed surgically (31.0 months) versus those who did not have surgery (4.0 months), as well as EOCLM cases received chemotherapy (23.0 months) versus those who did not have chemotherapy (2.0 months). CONCLUSION: This retrospective cohort study showed that de novo LM was infrequent in EOC patients overall and when present predicted poor prognosis. The findings can be potentially useful in formulating for follow-up strategies, screening tools, and personalized interventions.

Prevention of Hereditary Angioedema Attacks with a Subcutaneous C1 Inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema is a disabling, potentially fatal condition caused by deficiency (type I) or dysfunction (type II) of the C1 inhibitor protein. In a phase 2 trial, the use of CSL830, a nanofiltered C1 inhibitor preparation that is suitable for subcutaneous injection, resulted in functional levels of C1 inhibitor activity that would be expected to provide effective prophylaxis of attacks. METHODS: We conducted an international, prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of self-administered subcutaneous CSL830 in patients with type I or type II hereditary angioedema who had had four or more attacks in a consecutive 2-month period within 3 months before screening. We randomly assigned the patients to one of four treatment sequences in a crossover design, each involving two 16-week treatment periods: either 40 IU or 60 IU of CSL830 per kilogram of body weight twice weekly followed by placebo, or vice versa. The primary efficacy end point was the number of attacks of angioedema. Secondary efficacy end points were the proportion of patients who had a response (≥50% reduction in the number of attacks with CSL830 as compared with placebo) and the number of times that rescue medication was used. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients who underwent randomization, 79 completed the trial. Both doses of CSL830, as compared with placebo, reduced the rate of attacks of hereditary angioedema (mean difference with 40 IU, -2.42 attacks per month; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.38 to -1.46; and mean difference with 60 IU, -3.51 attacks per month; 95% CI, -4.21 to -2.81; P<0.001 for both comparisons). Response rates were 76% (95% CI, 62 to 87) in the 40-IU group and 90% (95% CI, 77 to 96) in the 60-IU group. The need for rescue medication was reduced from 5.55 uses per month in the placebo group to 1.13 uses per month in the 40-IU group and from 3.89 uses in the placebo group to 0.32 uses per month in the 60-IU group. Adverse events (most commonly mild and transient local site reactions) occurred in similar proportions of patients who received CSL830 and those who received placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hereditary angioedema, the prophylactic use of a subcutaneous C1 inhibitor twice weekly significantly reduced the frequency of acute attacks. (Funded by CSL Behring; COMPACT EudraCT number, 2013-000916-10 , and ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01912456 .).

Dupilumab shows long-term safety and efficacy in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis enrolled in a phase 3 open-label extension study.

BACKGROUND: Significant unmet need exists for long-term treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of dupilumab in patients with AD. METHODS: This ongoing, multicenter, open-label extension study (NCT01949311) evaluated long-term dupilumab treatment in adults who had previously participated in phase 1 through 3 clinical trials of dupilumab for AD. This analysis examined patients given 300 mg dupilumab weekly for up to 76 weeks at data cutoff (April 2016). Safety was the primary outcome; efficacy was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of 1491 enrolled patients (1042.9 patient-years), 92.9% were receiving treatment at cutoff. The safety profile was consistent with previously reported trials (420.4 adverse events/100 patient-years and 8.5 serious adverse events/100 patient-years), with no new safety signals; common adverse events included nasopharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and injection-site reactions. Sustained improvement was seen up to 76 weeks in all efficacy outcomes, including measures of skin inflammation, pruritus, and quality of life. LIMITATIONS: Lack of control arm, limited number of patients with 76 weeks or longer of treatment (median follow-up, 24 weeks), and patients not receiving the approved dose regimen of 300 mg every 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: The safety and efficacy profile from this study supports the role of dupilumab as continuous long-term treatment for patients with moderate to severe AD.

Tolerability of Ig20Gly during onboarding in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases.

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous immune globulin (SCIG) 20% product, Ig20Gly, was shown to be efficacious and well tolerated in 2 phase 2/3 North American and European studies at infusion volumes up to 60 mL/site and rates up to 60 mL/h/site in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient experience after switching to Ig20Gly with fast infusion rates and large infusion volumes/site in the North American study. METHODS: In this analysis of the open-label phase 2/3 study in which patients aged ≥2 years received weekly Ig20Gly infusions for up to approximately 1.3 years, tolerability and infusion parameters were assessed throughout the study for all patients and by prestudy treatment regimen (intravenous [IV] switchers or SC switchers). RESULTS: Overall, 61% of patients reached the infusion rate of ≥60 mL/h/site and continued at this rate for 1 or more subsequent infusions; the median infusion number when patients first reached ≥60 mL/h/site was 3. No association was found between higher infusion volumes or rates and increased incidences of local and systemic adverse events (AEs) in the total population and patients younger than 16 years. Infusion parameters and tolerability were generally comparable regardless of the route of prestudy treatment (IV or SC switchers); however, IV switchers experienced lower rates of local AEs than SC switchers and had a slightly higher median infusion volume per site and longer infusion duration vs SC switchers. CONCLUSION: High Ig20Gly infusion rates of at least 60 mL/h/site and volumes ≥60 mL/site were well tolerated during onboarding and throughout treatment, regardless of prestudy treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01218438.

Cryopreservation of Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) semen with polyvinylpyrrolidone.

The Indian red jungle fowl is a sub-species of the genus Gallus native to South Asia; facing high risk of extinction in its native habitat. During cryopreservation, permeable cryoprotectants like glycerol are usually employed and we previously showed encouraging results with 20% glycerol. Because bird spermatozoa contain very little intracellular water, the possibility of replacing an internal cryoprotectant by an external one is opened. In the present study, we tested the replacement of internal cryoprotectant glycerol by the external cryoprotectant Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP is a non-permeable cryoprotectant and keeps the sperm in glassy state both in cooling and warming stages without making ice crystallization within the sperm cell. We evaluated the effect of various levels of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on Indian red jungle fowl semen quality and fertility outcomes. The qualifying semen ejaculates collected from eight mature cocks were pooled, divided into five aliquots, diluted (37 °C) with red fowl semen extender having PVP [0% (control) 4% (w/v), 6% (w/v), 8% (w/v) and 10% (w/v)]. Diluted semen was cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen. The whole experiment was repeated/replicated for five times independently. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome integrity were recorded highest (P < 0.05) with 6% PVP at post-dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing. Higher (P < 0.05) no. of fertile eggs, fertility, no. of hatched chicks, percent hatch and hatchability was recorded with 6% PVP compared to control. It is concluded that 6% PVP maintained better post-taw quality and fertility of Indian red jungle fowl spermatozoa than glycerol and can be used in routine practice avoiding the contraceptive effects of glycerol.

Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Human Immune Globulin Subcutaneous, 20 % in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases in North America.

Patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) typically require life-long intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy to prevent recurrent infections. The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a highly concentrated (20 %) Ig preparation for SC administration (IGSC 20 %) were evaluated in a prospective trial in patients with PIDD. A total of 74 patients (aged 3-83 years) received 4327 IGSC 20 % infusions over a median of 380.5 days. The rate of validated serious bacterial infections was 0.012 event/patient-year (p < 0.0001 compared with the historical control), and the annualized rate of infection was 2.41 events/patient. Median IgG trough levels were >14.5 g/l. The median maximum infusion rate was 60 ml/h/site (range 4.4-180), resulting in a median infusion duration of 0.95 h. A volume ≥30 ml was infused per site in 74.8 % of IGSC 20 % infusions. Most (84.9 %) infusions were administered using ≤2 infusion sites; for 99.8 % of infusions, there was no need to interrupt/stop administration or reduce the infusion rate. No related serious adverse event (AE) occurred during IGSC 20 % treatment; related non-serious AEs occurred at a rate of 0.036 event/infusion. The incidence of related local AEs was 0.015 event/infusion and of related systemic AEs was 0.021 event/infusion; most were mild in severity, none severe. Increased infusion rates or volumes were not associated with higher AE rates. The investigated IGSC 20 % treatment was shown to be effective and safe, enabling higher infusion rates and volumes per site compared to conventional SC treatments, resulting in fewer infusion sites and shorter infusion durations.

Validation of an ICD-9-based claims algorithm for identifying patients with chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: There is no specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for chronic idiopathic urticaria or spontaneous urticaria (CIU/CSU), a skin condition characterized by hives and angioedema lasting at least 6 weeks with no known cause. OBJECTIVE: To validate an ICD-9-CM-based algorithm for identification of patients with CIU/CSU and thus facilitate claims-based research. METHODS: Patient records were reviewed at 4 US practices. Patients included in the study were from a random sample of those identified by their physician as having CIU/CSU or because they met the following diagnosis-based algorithm: (1) at least 2 outpatient ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes 708.1, 708.8, or 708.9 at least 6 weeks apart or (2) 1 outpatient diagnosis of 708.1, 708.8, or 708.9 and 1 diagnosis of 995.1 at least 6 weeks apart. Data collected included ICD-9-CM codes, diagnoses of urticaria and allergy-related conditions, and medication use. Sensitivity and positive predictive value were calculated. The study was approved by the Western Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patient records were reviewed (mean age 41.1 years; 73.8% were women; 69.1% were white): 115 were identified with the diagnosis-based algorithm, 90 were patients with "known CIU/CSU", and 56 were in the 2 groups. The mean duration of CIU/CSU was 2.9 to 3.1 years. The 2 cohorts most frequently had diagnoses of idiopathic urticaria, unspecified urticaria, and other specified urticaria. The diagnosis-based algorithm had a positive predictive value of 90.4% and a sensitivity of 71.1%. CONCLUSION: The high positive predictive value suggests that patients identified using the algorithm are highly likely to have CIU/CSU. The 71.1% sensitivity suggests that most patients with CIU/CSU will be identified. The validation statistics support the use of the diagnosis-based algorithm in claims-based research, although future studies could refine the algorithm further.

Impact of chlorpyrifos on health biomarkers of broiler chicks.

The present study aimed to investigate the deleterious effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in experimentally exposed broiler birds. The experiment was carried out on one day old (n = 120) broiler chicks. The CPF was reconstituted in corn oil as vehicle (1 ml/kg) to obtain a final concentration of a single dose to the birds 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) for fourteen days of the experiment through the stomach tube. The control group was given corn oil 1 ml/kg only. Birds exposed to high dose (20 mg/kg BW) showed signs of toxicity (salivation, lacrimation, gasping, convulsions, frequent defecation and tremors). The birds exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased body weight. Significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased hematological parameters i.e. total erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and total leukocyte were observed in the high dosed group as compared to control and other low dosed fed birds. Serum protein and albumin showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in high dosed CPF fed birds. Non significant results were observed in the case of globulin. The acetylcholinestrease (AChE) activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in blood, serum and plasma in CPF fed birds compared to control birds. In CPF fed birds as compared to control birds we found significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Necrotic and degenerative changes were observed on histopathological investigations of spleen, kidneys, bursa of Fabricius, thymus and brain tissues in CPF exposed birds. In conclusion the chlorpyrifos induced toxicopathological effects on health biomarkers of broiler chicks.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of ZnMoS4 Nanorods on Nickel Foam Substrate for Advanced Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications.

A single-step hydrothermal method was utilized to grow ZnMoS4 (ZMS) nanorods uniformly. Initially, [MoS4]2- and Zn2+ ions interacted to create active nucleation centers, which then led to the formation of primary particles. These particles then underwent spontaneous aggregation and self-assembly on the nickel foam (NF) substrate, which served as a superior 3D interconnecting network template. This aggregation occurred nearly perpendicular to the NF and promoted the uniform growth of ZMS nanorods. The nanorods structure ensures efficient and rapid electrolyte accessibility and ion diffusion, resulting in an increased specific capacitance (Cs) of 2,116 Fg1- (846.4 C g-1) at 1 A g-1 and maintaining about 90% of their capacitance after 10,000 cycles of galvanic charge-discharge (GCD). In a hybrid supercapacitor configuration, ZMS@NF//AC@NF achieved a peak specific power of 7.2 kW.kg-1 and a specific energy of 40.3 Wh.kg-1. Remarkably, it preserved 93% of its initial capacitance after more than 20,000 cycles. These findings affirm the potential of binder-free ZMS nanorods as effective positive electrodes in advanced hybrid supercapacitors.

Atomic Layer Deposition-A Versatile Toolbox for Designing/Engineering Electrodes for Advanced Supercapacitors.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has become the most widely used thin-film deposition technique in various fields due to its unique advantages, such as self-terminating growth, precise thickness control, and excellent deposition quality. In the energy storage domain, ALD has shown great potential for supercapacitors (SCs) by enabling the construction and surface engineering of novel electrode materials. This review aims to present a comprehensive outlook on the development, achievements, and design of advanced electrodes involving the application of ALD for realizing high-performance SCs to date, as organized in several sections of this paper. Specifically, this review focuses on understanding the influence of ALD parameters on the electrochemical performance and discusses the ALD of nanostructured electrochemically active electrode materials on various templates for SCs. It examines the influence of ALD parameters on electrochemical performance and highlights ALD's role in passivating electrodes and creating 3D nanoarchitectures. The relationship between synthesis procedures and SC properties is analyzed to guide future research in preparing materials for various applications. Finally, it is concluded by suggesting the directions and scope of future research and development to further leverage the unique advantages of ALD for fabricating new materials and harness the unexplored opportunities in the fabrication of advanced-generation SCs.

V-MXenes for energy storage/conversion applications: Trends and Prospects.

MXenes, a two-dimensional (2D) material, exhibit excellent optical, electrical, chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. Titanium-based MXene (Ti-MXene) has been extensively studied and serves as the foundation for 2D MXenes. However, other transition metals possess the potential to offer excellent properties in various applications. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the properties, challenges, key findings, and applications of less-explored vanadium-based MXenes (V-MXenes) and their composites. The current trends in V-MXene and their composites for energy storage and conversion applications have been thoroughly summarized. Overall, this review offers valuable insights, identifies potential opportunities, and provides key suggestions for future advancements in the MXenes and energy storage/conversion applications.

The recent advances in the approach of artificial intelligence (AI) towards drug discovery.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently emerged as a unique developmental influence that is playing an important role in the development of medicine. The AI medium is showing the potential in unprecedented advancements in truth and efficiency. The intersection of AI has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery. However, AI also has limitations and experts should be aware of these data access and ethical issues. The use of AI techniques for drug discovery applications has increased considerably over the past few years, including combinatorial QSAR and QSPR, virtual screening, and denovo drug design. The purpose of this survey is to give a general overview of drug discovery based on artificial intelligence, and associated applications. We also highlighted the gaps present in the traditional method for drug designing. In addition, potential strategies and approaches to overcome current challenges are discussed to address the constraints of AI within this field. We hope that this survey plays a comprehensive role in understanding the potential of AI in drug discovery.