Rapid and comprehensive quality evaluation of Huang-qin from different origins by FT-IR and NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics.

INTRODUCTION: Quality evaluation of Huang-qin is significant to ensure its clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish an accurate, rapid and comprehensive Huang-qin quality evaluation method to overcome the time-consuming and laborious shortcomings of traditional herbal medicine quality assessment methods. METHODS: The contents of baicalin, baicalein and scutellarin in Huang-qin from five different origins were analyzed by FT-IR and NIR spectra combined with multivariate data technology. The quality of Huang-qin from different origins was evaluated by TOPSIS and consistency analysis based on the content of three active ingredients. The correlation between ecological factors and the accumulation of active ingredients was explored. RESULTS: Satisfactory prediction results of PLS models were obtained. Relatively, the model based on FT-IR combined with the PLS regression method has higher R2 and smaller RMSE than the NIR combined with the PLS method. TOPSIS and consistency analysis results showed that the quality of Huang-qin from different geographical origins was significantly different. The results showed that the quality of Huang-qin produced in Shanxi Province was the best among the five origins studied. The results also found that the quality of Huang-qin in different growing areas of the same origin was not completely consistent. The correlation study showed that altitude, sunshine duration and rainfall were the main factors that caused the quality difference of medicinal materials in different geographical origins. CONCLUSION: This study provides a reference for the rapid quantitative analysis of the active components of herbal medicine and the quality evaluation of them.

Tunable nonreciprocal metasurfaces based on a nonlinear quasi-bound state in the continuum.

Nonreciprocal devices are essential and crucial in optics for source protection and signal separation. A hybrid grating system consisting of a silicon grating, a graphene layer, and a silicon waveguide layer is employed to create a high-Q quasi-BIC (bound state in the continuum). Then, the high-Q properties of the quasi-BIC are harnessed to enhance the third-order nonlinear effect of silicon, thereby improving the nonreciprocal characteristics of the device. The nonreciprocal transmittance ratio of the device can be tunable by adjusting the graphene Fermi energy level, achieving tunability ranging from 0.0865 to 30.57 dB. It also enables the best performance of the device over a wider range of frequency bands. This study provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, method for designing tunable nonreciprocal devices with a wide range of potential applications.

Label-free electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive lead ion detection based on flower-like AuNPs@MoS2 and core-shell Pt@Pd bimetallic nanoparticles.

A signal-amplified platform was designed to construct a label-free electrochemical aptasensor for lead ions (Pb2+) assay. First, flower-like molybdenum disulfide-supported AuNPs (AuNPs@MoS2) nanocomposites were synthesized and used as substrates for modifying the electrode. The AuNPs@MoS2 material possessed large surface area and superior biocompatibility, which was beneficial to improve the loading amount of the complementary DNA (cDNA) and amplified the response signal. Importantly, the prepared core-shell Pt@Pd bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt@PdNPs) were used to conjugate with redox marker thionine (Thi) and aptamer (Apt) for further signal amplification; the obtained signal probes (Thi-Pt@PdNPs-Apt) were connected by the cDNA assembled on the electrode through DNA hybridization. Differential pulse voltammetry was performed to monitor the signal of Thi. After incubating of aptasensor with Pb2+, the specific recognition of Pb2+ and Apt resulted in the dissociation of aptamer-cDNA complex, thereby the Thi-Pt@PdNPs-Apt separated from the electrode surface and decreased current response was obtained. The prepared electrochemical sensor exhibited linear response to Pb2+ in the range 5.0 × 10-4-100 nM and a detection limit of 1.0 × 10-4 nM was achieved. The sensor was applied to the determination of Pb2+ in actual sample with high sensitivity and accuracy, demonstrating potential applications in heavy metal monitoring.

Simultaneous and sensitive detection of methylparaben and its metabolites by using molecularly imprinted solid-phase microextraction fiber array technique.

BACKGROUND: Methylparaben (MP), a commonly used antibacterial preservative, is widely used in personal care products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. MP and its metabolites are easy to enter the water environment, and their exposure and accumulation have negative effects on the ecological environment and human health, and have endocrine disrupting activity and potential physiological toxicity. It is still the primary issue of environmental analysis and ecological risk assessment to develop simple and reliable methods for simultaneous sensitive detection of these compounds in environmental water. RESULTS: In this paper, a flexible molecularly imprinted fiber array strategy is proposed for simultaneous enrichment and detection of trace MP and its four main metabolites. The experimental results showed that the three-fiber imprinted fiber array constructed by MP imprinted fiber had the best effect on the simultaneous enrichment of these five target analytes. The enrichment capacity of the imprinted fiber array was 214-456 times, 314-1201 times and 38-685 times that of commercial PA, PDMS and PDMS/DVB fiber arrays, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) of this method was 0.033 µg L-1. The spiked recovery rate was 86.78-113.96 %, and RSD was less than 9.17 %. In addition, this molecularly imprinted SPME fiber array has good stability, long service life and can be used repeatedly at least 100 times. SIGNIFICANCE: This molecularly imprinted fiber array strategy can flexibly assemble different molecularly imprinted SPME fibers together, effectively improve the enrichment ability and detection sensitivity, and achieve simultaneous selective enrichment and detection of several analytes. This is an easy, efficient and reliable method for monitoring several trace analytes simultaneously in intricate environmental matrices.

Molecular imprinting-based Ru@SiO2-embedded covalent organic frameworks composite for electrochemiluminescence detection of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a natural antioxidant, plays multiple physiological or pathological roles in maintaining human health; thereby, designing advanced sensors to achieve specific recognition and high-sensitivity detection of C3G is significant. Herein, an imprinted-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform was developed using core-shell Ru@SiO2-CMIPs, which were prepared by covalent organic framework (COF)-based molecularly imprinted polymers (CMIPs) embedded in luminescent Ru@SiO2 cores. The C3G-imprinted COF shell not only helps generate a steady-enhanced ECL signal, but also enables specific recognition of C3G. When C3G is bound to Ru@SiO2-CMIPs with abundant imprinted cavities, resonance energy transfer (RET) behavior is triggered, resulting in a quenched ECL response. The constructed Ru@SiO2-CMIPs nanoprobes exhibit ultra-high sensitivity, absolute specificity, and an ultra-low detection limit (0.15 pg mL-1) for analyzing C3G in food matrices. This study provides a means to construct an efficient and reliable molecular imprinting-based ECL sensor for food analysis.

Cost-effective prognostic evaluation of breast cancer: using a STAR nomogram model based on routine blood tests.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common and prominent deadly disease among women. Predicting BC survival mainly relies on TNM staging, molecular profiling and imaging, hampered by subjectivity and expenses. This study aimed to establish an economical and reliable model using the most common preoperative routine blood tests (RT) data for survival and surveillance strategy management. Methods: We examined 2863 BC patients, dividing them into training and validation cohorts (7:3). We collected demographic features, pathomics characteristics and preoperative 24-item RT data. BC risk factors were identified through Cox regression, and a predictive nomogram was established. Its performance was assessed using C-index, area under curves (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves stratified patients into different risk groups. We further compared the STAR model (utilizing HE and RT methodologies) with alternative nomograms grounded in molecular profiling (employing second-generation short-read sequencing methodologies) and imaging (utilizing PET-CT methodologies). Results: The STAR nomogram, incorporating subtype, TNM stage, age and preoperative RT data (LYM, LYM%, EOSO%, RDW-SD, P-LCR), achieved a C-index of 0.828 in the training cohort and impressive AUCs (0.847, 0.823 and 0.780) for 3-, 5- and 7-year OS rates, outperforming other nomograms. The validation cohort showed similar impressive results. The nomogram calculates a patient's total score by assigning values to each risk factor, higher scores indicating a poor prognosis. STAR promises potential cost savings by enabling less intensive surveillance in around 90% of BC patients. Compared to nomograms based on molecular profiling and imaging, STAR presents a more cost-effective, with potential savings of approximately $700-800 per breast cancer patient. Conclusion: Combining appropriate RT parameters, STAR nomogram could help in the detection of patient anemia, coagulation function, inflammation and immune status. Practical implementation of the STAR nomogram in a clinical setting is feasible, and its potential clinical impact lies in its ability to provide an early, economical and reliable tool for survival prediction and surveillance strategy management. However, our model still has limitations and requires external data validation. In subsequent studies, we plan to mitigate the potential impact on model robustness by further updating and adjusting the data and model.

Alkyl sulfonate surfactant mediates electroreduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene or ethanol over hydroxide-derived copper catalysts.

For CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER) to C2 compounds, it is generally accepted that the formation of ethylene and ethanol shares the same intermediate, *HCCOH. The majority of studies have achieved high faradaic efficiency (FE) towards ethylene, but faced challenges to get high ethanol FE. Herein, we present an alkyl sulfonate surfactant (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfonate, SDS) mediated CO2ER to a C2 product over an in situ generated Cu catalyst (Cu@SDS) from SDS-modified Cu(OH)2. It achieves the CO2ER to ethylene as the sole C2 product at low applied voltages with a FE of 55% at -0.6 V vs. RHE and to ethanol as the main product at potentials ≥0.7 V with a maximum FE of 64% and a total C2 FE of 86% at -0.8 V, with a current density of 231 mA cm-2 in a flow cell. Mechanism investigation indicates that SDS modifies the oxidation state of the in situ formed Cu species in Cu@SDS, thus tuning the catalyst activity for CO2ER and lowering the C-C coupling energy barrier; meanwhile, it tunes the adsorption mode of the *HCCOH intermediates on the catalyst, thus mediating the selectivity of CO2ER towards C2 products.

Highly Efficient Electrosynthesis of Glycine over an Atomically Dispersed Iron Catalyst.

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid that plays a vital role in various biological activities. However, the conventional synthesis of glycine requires sophisticated procedures or toxic feedstocks. Herein, we report an electrochemical pathway for glycine synthesis via the reductive coupling of oxalic acid and nitrate or nitrogen oxides over atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts. A glycine selectivity of 70.7% is achieved over Fe-N-C-700 at -1.0 V versus RHE. Synergy between the FeN3C structure and pyrrolic nitrogen in Fe-N-C-700 facilitates the reduction of oxalic acid to glyoxylic acid, which is crucial for producing glyoxylic acid oxime and glycine, and the FeN3C structure could reduce the energy barrier of *HOOCCH2NH2 intermediate formation thus accelerating the glyoxylic acid oxime conversion to glycine. This new synthesis approach for value-added chemicals using simple carbon and nitrogen sources could provide sustainable routes for organonitrogen compound production.

[Discussing the basic ecological relations of sand dune vegetation process]. / è®ºæ²™ä¸˜æ¤è¢«è¿‡ç¨‹çš„åŸºæœ¬ç”Ÿæ€å ³ç³».

Dune is often considered as a degraded ecosystem. Natural vegetation restoration and stable artificial vegetation construction are the basic means restoring dune ecosystem. Based on long-term study of dune ecosystem, by taking into consideration both the philosophical principles of unity of opposites and dynamic change, and related ecological theories, we put forward some ecological relations that should be paid attention to in the study of vegetation assembly from the perspective of the uniqueness of dune ecosystem. We discussed the necessity of coupling relationships of scale-pattern-process and the transformation of synergy-tradeoff relationships, interpreted the importance of distinguishing sand dune stabilized and shifting phases, disturbance and stress, wind erosion and sand burial in the study of vegetation process. We further explored the applied value of niche law or neutral law in the study of dune vegetation process. Finally, we discussed the issues that should be paid attention to in the study of dune vegetation process from the aspects of adaptability to aeolian activities and drought tolerance, physiological and reproductive process, sexual and asexual reproduction of plants. This study would provide theoretical supports for vegetation restoration and stable vegetation construction of dune ecosystem.

[Shelterbelt construction in the scenario of coordinated development of mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, grassland, and sandy land ecosystems in semi-arid wind-sand areas: Principles and methods]. / 半干旱风沙区"山水林田湖草沙"建设中防护林营建的原理与方法.

We established the systematic concept framework of shelterbelt construction, with "shelterbelts" as the core concern in the construction of integrated ecosystems including mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, grassland and sandy-land in semi-arid wind-sand areas. In the construction of shelterbelts, it is necessary to adhere to the principles of scientific coordination and systematic management, considering the carrying capacity of water resources, the demand for dust control, the greening and beautification effects, as well as the principle of improving economic benefits. In practice, the construction methods should base on the types and temporal-spatial distribution of shelterbelts, following the shelterbelts construction theory and technology to form different structure and service functions, achieving the functional goals of shelterbelts. By focusing on the key elements including people, forests, grass, fields, water, and sand, we put forward the timeliness, practicality, and scientificity of shelterbelt construction, proposing construction methods for farmland shelterbelts, pastureland shelterbelts, windbreak and sand-fixing forests and protective forest around village (city), which might provide production technical support for the high-quality construction of green ecological barrier in northern China.

Polyarene Oxides with Tunable Quinone Units for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction: A Simple Strategy toward Effective and Selective Catalysts.

The photocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals is a challenging process that requires effective and selective catalysts. However, most polymer-based photocatalysts with electron donor-acceptor (D-A) structures are synthesized with a fixed D-A ratio by using expensive monomers. Herein, we report a simple strategy to prepare polyarene oxides (PAOs) with quinone structural units via oxidation treatment of polyarene (PA). The resultant PAOs show tunable D-A structures and electronic band positions depending on the degree of oxidation, which can catalyze the photoreduction of CO2 with water under visible light irradiation, generating CO as the sole carbonaceous product without H2 generation. Especially, the PAO with an oxygen content of 17.6% afforded the highest CO production rate of 161.9 µmol g-1 h-1. It is verified that the redox transformation between quinone and phenolic hydroxyl in PAOs achieves CO2 photoreduction coupled with water oxidation. This study provides a facile way to access conjugated polymers with a tunable D-A structure and demonstrates that the resultant PAOs are promising photocatalysts for CO2 reduction.

Comparisons of long-term clinical outcomes with left bundle branch pacing, left ventricular septal pacing, and biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) and left ventricular septal pacing (LVSP) are referred to as left bundle branch area pacing. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether long-term clinical outcomes differ in patients undergoing LBBP, LVSP, and biventricular pacing (BiVP) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: Consecutive patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <50%) undergoing CRT were prospectively enrolled if they underwent successful LBBP, LVSP, or BiVP. The primary composite end point was all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and echocardiographic measures of reverse remodeling. RESULTS: A total of 259 patients (68 LBBP, 38 LVSP, and 153 BiVP) were observed for a mean duration of 28.8 ± 15.8 months. LBBP was associated with a significantly reduced risk of the primary end point by 78% compared with both BiVP (7.4% vs 41.2%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.22 [0.08-0.57]; P = .002) and LVSP (7.4% vs 47.4%; aHR, 0.22 [0.08-0.63]; P = .004]. The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in LVSP than in BiVP (31.6% vs 7.2%; aHR, 3.19 [1.38-7.39]; P = .007) but comparable between LBBP and BiVP (2.9% vs 7.2%; aHR, 0.33 [0.07-1.52], P = .155). Propensity score adjustment also obtained similar results. LBBP showed a higher rate of echocardiographic response (ΔLVEF ≥10%: 60.0% vs 36.2% vs 16.1%; P < .001) than BiVP or LVSP. CONCLUSION: LBBP yielded long-term clinical outcomes superior to those of BiVP and LVSP. The role of LVSP for CRT needs to be reevaluated because of its high mortality risk.

Rapid identification of Radix Astragali origin by using fluorescence probe combined with chemometrics.

Fluorescent probes for metal ion recognition can be divided into selective probes, weakly selective probes, and non-selective probes roughly. Weakly selective probes are not often used for quantitative analysis of metal ions due to their overlapping spectra resulting from simultaneous interactions with multiple metal ions. Conversely, the different metal ions contained in herbal medicine extracts from different geographical origins will produce corresponding fluorescence fingerprint profiles after interaction with weakly selective fluorescence probes. The performance can be used in the study of origin tracing of food or Chinese herbal medicine. Weakly selective fluorescent probes of benzimidazole derivatives have been synthesized and attempted to be used in the origin tracing of Radix Astragali in this work. Radix Astragali from different origins will produce different fluorescence fingerprint spectra due to the difference of metal ions and content in combination with the probe. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy in conjunction with N-way partial least squares discriminant analysis (N-PLS-DA), and unfolded partial least squares discriminant analysis (U-PLS-DA) were used to identify the origin of 150 Radix Astragali samples from five geographical origins. The prediction results showed that the correct recognition rates of the U-PLS-DA model and N-PLS-DA model are 95.92% and 93.88%, respectively. In comparison, the results of U-PLS-DA are slightly better than those of N-PLS-DA. These findings indicate that EEM fluorescence spectroscopy based on weakly selective fluorescent probes combined with multi-way chemometrics provides a good idea for the origin tracing of traditional Chinese medicine.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between transthoracic echocardiography- and X-ray-guided left bundle branch pacing for bradycardia: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a physiological pacing modality. However, the long procedure and fluoroscopy time of LBBP is still a problem. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)- and X-ray-guided LBBP. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study. Consecutive patients who underwent LBBP in our team from June 2022 to November 2022 were enrolled. Procedure and fluoroscopy time, pacing parameters, electrophysiological and echocardiographic characteristics, as well as complications were recorded at implantation and during follow-up. RESULTS: In this study, 60 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: 30 patients were allocated to the X-ray group and the remaining 30 to the TTE group. There was no significant difference in the success rate between the two groups (86.7% vs. 76.7%, p = .317). The procedure time of TTE group was comparable to that of the X-ray group (9.0 vs. 12.0 min, p = .063). However, the fluoroscopy time in the TTE group was significantly lower than that of the X-ray group (2.5 vs. 5.0 min, p = .002). There were no statistically significant differences in pacing parameters, electrophysiological and echocardiographic characteristics, or complications between the two groups at implantation and during follow-up. CONCLUSION: TTE-guided LBBP is a feasible and safe method. Compared with X-ray, TTE showed a comparable success rate and procedure time, but it could significantly reduce the fluoroscopy time of LBBP.

Structural basis and analysis of hamster ACE2 binding to different SARS-CoV-2 spike RBDs.

Pet golden hamsters were first identified being infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) delta variant of concern (VOC) and transmitted the virus back to humans in Hong Kong in January 2022. Here, we studied the binding of two hamster (golden hamster and Chinese hamster) angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins to the spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype and eight variants, including alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and four omicron sub-variants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and BA.4/BA.5). We found that the two hamster ACE2s present slightly lower affinity for the RBDs of all nine SARS-CoV-2 viruses tested than human ACE2 (hACE2). Furthermore, the similar infectivity to host cells expressing hamster ACE2s and hACE2 was confirmed with the nine pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Additionally, we determined two cryo-electron microscopy (EM) complex structures of golden hamster ACE2 (ghACE2)/delta RBD and ghACE2/omicron BA.3 RBD. The residues Q34 and N82, which exist in many rodent ACE2s, are responsible for the lower binding affinity of ghACE2 compared to hACE2. These findings suggest that all SARS-CoV-2 VOCs may infect hamsters, highlighting the necessity of further surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in these animals.IMPORTANCESARS-CoV-2 can infect many domestic animals, including hamsters. There is an urgent need to understand the binding mechanism of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants to hamster receptors. Herein, we showed that two hamster angiotensin-converting enzyme 2s (ACE2s) (golden hamster ACE2 and Chinese hamster ACE2) can bind to the spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype and eight variants and that pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses can infect hamster ACE2-expressing cells. The binding pattern of golden hamster ACE2 to SARS-CoV-2 RBDs is similar to that of Chinese hamster ACE2. The two hamster ACE2s present slightly lower affinity for the RBDs of all nine SARS-CoV-2 viruses tested than human ACE2. We solved the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of golden hamster ACE2 in complex with delta RBD and omicron BA.3 RBD and found that residues Q34 and N82 are responsible for the lower binding affinity of ghACE2 compared to hACE2. Our work provides valuable information for understanding the cross-species transmission mechanism of SARS-CoV-2.

A general strategy for recycling polyester wastes into carboxylic acids and hydrocarbons.

Chemical recycling of plastic wastes is of great significance for sustainable development, which also represents a largely untapped opportunity for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. Herein, we report a novel and general strategy to degrade polyesters via directly breaking the Calkoxy-O bond by nucleophilic substitution of halide anion of ionic liquids under mild conditions. Combined with hydrogenation over Pd/C, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bromide can realize the deconstruction of various polyesters including aromatic and aliphatic ones, copolyesters and polyester mixtures into corresponding carboxylic acids and alkanes; meanwhile, tetrabutylphosphonium bromide can also achieve direct decomposition of the polyesters with ß-H into carboxylic acids and alkenes under hydrogen- and metal-free conditions. It is found that the hydrogen-bonding interaction between ionic liquid and ester group in polyester enhances the nucleophilicity of halide anion and activates the Calkoxy-O bond. The findings demonstrate how polyester wastes can be a viable feedstock for the production of carboxylic acids and hydrocarbons.

Upcycling poly(succinates) with amines to N-substituted succinimides over succinimide anion-based ionic liquids.

The chemical transformation of waste polymers into value-added chemicals is of significance for circular economy and sustainable development. Herein, we report upcycling poly(succinates) (PSS) with amines into N-substituted succinimides over succinimide anion-based ionic liquids (ILs, e.g, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene succinimide, [HDBU][Suc]). Assisted with H2O, [HDBU][Suc]) showed the best performance, which could achieve complete transformation of a series of PSS into succinimide derivatives and corresponding diols under mild and metal-free conditions. Mechanism investigation indicates that the cation-anion confined hydrogen-bonding interactions among IL, H2O, ester group, and amino/amide groups, strengthens nucleophilicity of the N atoms in amino/amide groups, and improves electrophilicity of carbonyl C atom in ester group. The attack of the amino/amide N atom on carbonyl C of ester group results in cleavage of carbonyl C-O bond in polyester and formation of amide group. This strategy is also effective for aminolysis of poly(trimethylene glutarate) to glutarimides, and poly(1,4-butylene adipate) to caprolactone diimides.

Effect of Interlayer Spaces and Interfacial Structures on High-Performance MXene/Ionic Liquid Supercapacitors: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

The combination of high-capacitance MXenes and wide-electrochemical-window ionic liquids (ILs) has exhibited bright prospects in supercapacitors. Several strategies, such as surficial functionalization and interlayer spacing tuning, have been used to enhance the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. However, the lack of theoretical guidance on these strategies, including the effects of the microenvironment in the interlayer of confined ILs, hindered the further exploration of such devices. Herein, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to comprehensively investigate the effects of the interlayer space and surface terminations of MXene electrodes on capacity. The results show that the electrical double layer (EDL) structure was found to form on the interface between the MXene electrode and ILs electrolyte by analyzing the ion number density and charge density in the nanometer confined spaces. Under the same potential, the -OH terminations significantly impact the ion orientation in the EDL, particularly near the electrode surface, where cations tend to align vertically, allowing the retention of more cations at the electrode surfaces. Interestingly, such an orientation distribution was decisively from the hydrogen bonds expressed by O-H···O between the -OH termination of MXene and -OH groups of ILs. The differential capacitances of the supercapacitors were calculated by the surficial electron density, and it showed that the capacitance is a nearly one-quarter increase in the 14 Å interlayer spacing compared with that of 10 Å under an applied potential of 2 V. At the same time, the Ti3C2(OH)2 electrode had a higher differential capacitance than the Ti3C2O2 electrode, which possibly originates from the stronger hydrogen bonds to contribute to the vertical aggregation of the cations. Our results highlighted the roles of the interlayer spacing distance and surface terminations of the MXene on the performance of the type of supercapacitor.

Perioperative toripalimab and chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer: a randomized phase 2 trial.

Perioperative chemotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer, and the addition of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor is under investigation. In this randomized, open-label, phase 2 study (NEOSUMMIT-01), patients with resectable gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer clinically staged as cT3-4aN + M0 were randomized (1:1) to receive either three preoperative and five postoperative 3-week cycles of SOX/XELOX (chemotherapy group, n = 54) or PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab plus SOX/XELOX, followed by toripalimab monotherapy for up to 6 months (toripalimab plus chemotherapy group, n = 54). The primary endpoint was pathological complete response or near-complete response rate (tumor regression grade (TRG) 0/1). The results showed that patients in the toripalimab plus chemotherapy group achieved a higher proportion of TRG 0/1 than those in the chemotherapy group (44.4% (24 of 54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 30.9%-58.6%) versus 20.4% (11 of 54, 95% CI: 10.6%-33.5%)), and the risk difference of TRG 0/1 between toripalimab plus chemotherapy group and chemotherapy group was 22.7% (95% CI: 5.8%-39.6%; P = 0.009), meeting a prespecified endpoint. In addition, a higher pathological complete response rate (ypT0N0) was observed in the toripalimab plus chemotherapy group (22.2% (12 of 54, 95% CI: 12.0%-35.6%) versus 7.4% (4 of 54, 95% CI: 2.1%-17.9%); P = 0.030), and surgical morbidity (11.8% in the toripalimab plus chemotherapy group versus 13.5% in the chemotherapy group) and mortality (1.9% versus 0%), and treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events (35.2% versus 29.6%) were comparable between the treatment groups. In conclusion, the addition of toripalimab to chemotherapy significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving TRG 0/1 compared to chemotherapy alone and showed a manageable safety profile. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04250948 .