Browse Articles

Homogenizing Vertical Strain Distribution Enables High‐Performance Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells With Thicker Absorber via Two‐Step Deposition

ABSTRACT Owing to typically restricted active layer thickness (∼200 nm), solution‐processed tin‐based perovskite solar cells (TPVSCs) suffer from incomplete photon‐to‐electron conversion, which fundamentally limits power conversion efficiency (PCE). Unfortunately, we uncover for the first time that increasing the active layer thickness induces detrimental vertical lattice strain gradient and faster crystallization rate, which exacerbate defect formation and ultimately cause a severe mismatch between electron diffusion length and absorber thickness in the tin‐based perovskite device. To address this, we innovatively introduce reductive 4,4′‐thiobisbenzenethiol (TBBT), whose ‐SH groups can form bidentate coordination with Sn 2+ ions. This interaction can relax Sn‐I bonds, which is beneficial for lattice homogeneity. Concurrently, it retards crystallization kinetics, thus achieving an electron diffusion length commensurate with active layer thickness. Ultimately, the excellent PCEs of 15.02% (certified 14.78%) for rigid devices and 12.43% for flexible devices at 0.04 cm 2 , and 13.37% for rigid devices at 1.00 cm 2 are achieved. Notably, the unencapsulated rigid device retains T 95 of 3500 h shelf storage and T 90 of 684 h under MPP tracking. Meanwhile, the flexible device maintains 85% of its initial PCE after 4000 bending cycles. These results demonstrate that our strategy yields synergistic gains in both efficiency and stability.

Retraction Note: Synthesis, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxicity of new pyrimidine and pyrimidopyrimidine derivatives

Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma using T cell–activating microbeads

Abstract Metastatic disease is the prime cause of death from many malignancies. Due to the multiple different lesions and the increased aggressiveness of the cancer cells, metastatic disease is often difficult to treat. Here, the introduction of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) has greatly helped to improve patients’ prognosis by harnessing antitumor immunity, particularly anticancer T cells in multiple human cancers. Despite the success of ICBs in, for example, metastatic melanoma 2 major challenges remain in the field: therapy-limiting toxicities induced by systemic ICB administration and lack of a life-prolonging response in a substantial number of patients. Therefore, highly potent local immunotherapeutic approaches might offer a solution and enhance treatment of metastatic disease. Here, we describe antibody-functionalized paramagnetic microbeads as a means to fill this void. These microbeads are readily engulfed by the vast majority of human cancer cell line cells studied inducing direct cytotoxicity (first hit). Focusing on malignant melanoma, we further observed that loading the microbeads with a conventional anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody (bead-bound conventional anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody, BBC-28) not only efficiently induced proliferation and cytokine release by human T cells expressing CD28, but also enhanced killing of melanoma cells by melanoma-reactive T cells (second hit). Thus, we provide proof-of-concept data that BBC-28, after local application into, for example, skin metastases, may also induce a combination of direct toxicity and enhanced anticancer immunity, leading to efficient treatment of metastatic disease.

In‐Material Self‐Adaptive Dynamic Encoding in FeO _x Optomemory Device for Real‐Time Analog Signal Processing

ABSTRACT In‐sensor vision computing system as an emerging edge computing platform shows great potential to process dynamic information. However, it still requires an electric to reset weight, largely limiting its capability in processing complex signals. Here we propose FeO x optomemory that can automatically convert its states from negative photoconductance memory (NPM) to positive photoconductance memory (PPM). The formation of neutral oxygen vacancy ( V o ) from both the photogenerated electron‐based iron reduction process (Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ ) and the photoelectron trapping by charged oxygen vacancy ( V o x+ ) builds the NPM effect under low light dosage illumination. The decrease in V o by the photogenerated hole‐based iron oxidization process (Fe 2+ to Fe 3+ ) and the increase in V o x+ by Joule‐heating assisted photoelectron detrapping from V o sites causes the automatic conversion from the NPM to the PPM when the light illumination exceeds the threshold dosage (0.72 µJ/µm 2 ). Such self‐adaptive conversion from NPM and PPM enables the FeO x optomemory to execute fully optical computing. The NPM effect provides rich echo states for dynamic feature encoding while the PPM initializes the encoded states, thus building a self‐adaptive reservoir computing (RC) system, yielding a recognition accuracy of 97.93%. This work provides an emerging in‐material encoding mechanism for in‐sensor edge computing system.

Predicting leprosy reactions: a machine learning framework incorporating clinical, demographic, and healthcare system factors in China

IL-17–driven transcriptional programs in muscle fibroblasts are not required for pathogenesis in murine anti-histidyl-tRNA synthetase (Jo-1) myositis

Abstract Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is a systemic autoimmune disease targeting muscle and extramuscular organs, but the molecular mechanisms driving IIM pathogenesis remain largely undefined. Muscle fibroblasts are central to orchestrating inflammation in myositis. Here, we investigated muscle fibroblast dynamics using a single-cell RNA sequencing approach in an established murine model of anti-histidyl–tRNA synthetase (HRS, also known as Jo-1)-induced myositis. In fibroblasts, there was a robust activation of an IL-17 gene signature during disease. Among the induced genes was Nfkbiz, which encodes IκBζ, a noncanonical NF-κB transcriptional coactivator known to be key for pathologic IL-17 signaling in a variety of autoimmune settings. In muscle fibroblasts, IκBζ was potently activated by IL-17 in vitro and was essential for IL-17 signaling responsiveness. Surprisingly, however, the IL-17–IκBζ signaling axis was dispensable for the histopathological phenotype in HRS-induced myositis. Thus, despite a prominent IL-17 transcriptional signature, IL-17 and IκBζ are not required for autoantibody production or tissue inflammation in this model system.

Electrocatalyst/Semiconductor Interfaces in Photoelectrocatalysts: Mechanistic Analysis of the Impact of Nanoparticle Electrocatalyst Coverage on Performance

ABSTRACT Interfaces between metal nanoparticle electrocatalysts (np‐EC) and semiconductors (SC) play a key role in photovoltage generation in photoelectrochemical np‐EC/SC water splitting systems. In this contribution, we investigate how the coverage of np‐EC on SC influences the performance of photoelectrodes. We focus on a case study of np‐Ni/n‐Si photoelectrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). By systematically varying Ni coverage, we show that np‐EC coverage not only impacts light absorption and electrocatalytic activity but also governs the chemical evolution of the EC/SC interface under operating conditions by dictating the terminal thickness of interfacial insulating SiO x layers that form during system operation. We demonstrate that this evolution of the interfacial SiO x ultimately governs the system performance. We shed light on the underlying processes that govern the rate of growth for these interfacial oxide layers and describe how catalyst coverage impacts these processes. These findings highlight reaction environment‐induced changes to the EC/SC interface as a critical parameter that affects the performance of photoelectrochemical systems.

NanoBiT screening identifies the azaoxafluorene VT11 as potent tau interaction inhibitor

Abstract Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulating misfolded, insoluble tau protein aggregates in neurons or glial cells. In this study, we screened the Spectrum Collection and other compound libraries for inhibitors of tau self-interaction using a structural complementation reporter system ( NanoLuciferase Binary Technology ). Resulting candidates were tested in dose-response assays and evaluated for cell toxicity and microtubule destabilization. Further, a seed-induced tau interaction biosensor assay and a cell-free tau Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion assay have been established to study their effects on the kinetics of tau interaction and aggregation, respectively. The substances ritanserin, 3-methoxycatechol, gambogic amide, azaoxafluorenes VT11, and NS 185 and thieno[2,3-d][1.3]oxazine B6/55 showed a concentration-dependent tau self-interaction inhibition without relevant cell toxicity or microtubule destabilization. Ritanserin, VT11, NS 185 and B6/55 blocked tau interaction in the seed-induced tau interaction biosensor assay. Finally, the cell-free tau RT-QuIC assay displayed highest inhibitory potential for VT11. Thus, the azaoxafluorene VT11 seems to be a promising candidate for further investigations as tau interaction inhibitor to address a pivotal pathological process in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.

Elastase and myeloperoxidase participate in neutrophil extracellular trap release stimulated by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract COVID-19 is a disease triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and some individuals develop a severe form that can progress to multiple organ failure. Neutrophils have been described as responsible for the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The role of the elastase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in NET release by neutrophils stimulated by SARS-CoV-2 infection was not addressed, and it was the aim of the present study. The NET release by human neutrophils infected with SARS-CoV-2 depends on elastase/MPO migration to the nucleus. Moreover, elastase/MPO migration is a consequence of PKC and PI3K kinase activation, leading to reactive oxygen species generation by the neutrophil mitochondria and NOX-2. We also reanalyzed the single-cell RNA sequencing data available in a database and demonstrated that neutrophils from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients with COVID-19 present increased expression of genes involved in the formation of the NOX2 complex, PKC delta and members of the PI3K family. In summary, the release of NETs by neutrophils in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on the sequential activation of the PKC/PI3K/ROS pathway, inducing elastase/MPO migration to the nucleus triggering the NET formation. Thus, our study demonstrates new insights into the signaling pathways that induce NETs in response to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting new targets for studies and therapies for COVID-19.

Covalent Interfacial Anchoring of 1D‐2D Hybrid Nanofillers to Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Networks Enables High‐Strength, High‐Stiffness Hydrogel Fibers

ABSTRACT Hydrogels with high strength, stiffness, and toughness under full hydration are essential for load‐transfer applications such as artificial tendons, ligaments, and soft robotics. Yet achieving such performance remains difficult because conventional polymer networks are intrinsically soft and transfer stress inefficiently. Here, a covalent interfacial anchoring (CIA) strategy is introduced to enable high‐strength, high‐stiffness hydrogel microfibers under full hydration by chemically anchoring carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) within poly(vinyl alcohol) networks. In this network, CNTs contribute to axial load transfer, whereas GO forms glutaraldehyde‐mediated PVA–GO acetal linkages that suppress nanofiller mobility during deformation and promote efficient stress transfer. The resulting hydrogel fibers achieve tensile strength of 132 MPa, modulus of 1.1 GPa and toughness of 25 MJ m −3 under full hydration and maintain ∼88% displacement after 100 tendon‐mimetic loading cycles. These findings highlight covalent interfacial anchoring as an effective strategy for engineering strong and stiff hydrogel fibers for tendon‐like load‐transfer applications.

Mathematical modelling of plasmodium vivax control strategies in the high endemic Chittagong district of Bangladesh

Isotype-specific antibody secreting plasma cells harbor epigenetic and transcription factor architectures defining distinct cell lineages

Abstract Antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) are critical effectors of humoral immunity, wherein their distinct isotypes play specialized roles in pathogen defense. Despite studies defining the transcriptional programs of selected ASC isotypes, specific mechanisms underlying isotype-specific gene regulation are largely unaddressed. Here, we performed an integrated multiomics analysis (RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq [assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing], DNA methylation) on surface-sorted IgM, IgG, and IgA ASCs isolated from the spleens and mediastinal lymph nodes of mice following influenza infection. Although conclusions regarding temporal and spatial specific programs could not be determined, we observed isotype-enriched expression patterns mapping to TLR signaling, cell cycle, cholesterol metabolism, cell adhesion, and homing. ETS:IRF, NFAT, REL, RUNX, SMAD, and STAT5 binding motifs differentially mapped to isotype-enriched gene expression programs. Additionally, DNA hypomethylation patterns in class-switched ASCs correlate with transcription factor–specific programming. The unique transcriptional and epigenetic programs among the 3 ASC isotypes suggest that each is a distinct lineage that dictates isotype-specific functional characteristics important for humoral immunity.

Lighting up Metal Nanoclusters as Promising Molecular Emitters

ABSTRACT Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as promising optical materials in recent years. At the transition size between metal atoms and plasmonic metal nanoparticles, metal NCs exhibit elusive mechanisms underlying their photoluminescence (PL) properties. This fundamental understanding not only requires establishing a correlation with charge carrier dynamics, but can shed light on the design of metal NCs with desired optical properties. This Review discusses the charge carrier dynamics contributing to PL, including excitation, transition, and relaxation, highlighting the critical roles of the structure and active surface of metal NCs. Additionally, metal NCs can serve as building blocks or precursors to tailor PL properties through intermolecular interactions. Finally, we summarize emergent applications and highlight the challenges and opportunities for photoluminescent metal NCs, hoping that this work will stimulate more research on fundamental understanding and applications.

The microbiological spectrum and clinical course of adolescents and adults with peritonsillar abscesses

Abstract A peritonsillar abscess (PTA) displays a purulent infection arising from acute tonsillitis, involving a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Fusobacterium necrophorum , a gram-negative anaerobe, is considered a significant risk factor for complications like Lemierre’s syndrome. This study aimed to analyze the microbiological spectrum of PTA and its impact on the clinical course and outcomes. This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with PTA at a tertiary care center between January 2018 and June 2023. Data on patient demographics, inflammatory markers, microbiological aspects (including species identification and antibiotic therapy), and clinical management were collected. Overall, 321 patients with a mean age of 34.1 years were included. Most patients (80.1%) underwent tonsillectomy, while others received surgical incision and drainage (18.1%) or no surgical treatment (1.9%). Patients with tonsillectomy had a significantly longer hospital stay compared to those with incision and drainage (5.4 ± 2.5 days vs. 4.4 ± 1.3 days; adjusted p  = 0.004). Surgical complications were more frequent in patients with tonsillectomy (13.6% vs. 1.7%; adjusted p  = 0.048), whereas ipsilateral recurrence was more common in patients with incision and drainage (8.6% vs. 0.0%; adjusted p  = 0.004). Higher CRP levels at admission ( p  = 0.002) were predictive for a higher risk of infection-related complications. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most frequently identified pathogen (25.9%), followed by Streptococci of the anginosus group (15.3%), and Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN; 11.5%), which was significantly more common in adolescents (age < 18 years; 25.3%) than in adult patients (9.5%; adjusted p  = 0.020) and had high antibiotic susceptibility rates with 100% to clindamycin and 96.6% to penicillin or aminopenicillin with beta-lactamase inhibitor, the latter being administered to the majority (87.2%) of patients as empiric antibiotic treatment. This study provides insights into the demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of PTAs. Consistent with previous literature, this study shows a higher frequency of FN in PTAs in adolescents and young adults. However, unlike previous reports, this was not associated with increased complication rates.

CD151 identifies a cytotoxic CD4 T cell population enriched in people with HIV that later develop cancer

Abstract People with HIV (PWH) exhibit persistent immune activation despite effective antiretroviral therapy, contributing to risk of non-AIDS-associated comorbidities such as cancer. Cell populations reflecting immune remodeling trajectories preceding malignancy are poorly characterized. Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from an adult cohort (25–65 yr), we quantified the tetraspanin CD151 on T cells in people without HIV (PWOH), PWH without documented cancer during follow-up, and PWH who subsequently developed a non-AIDS-defining cancer (PWHc), with samples collected a median of 5 yr prior to cancer diagnosis. In PWOH, CD4+CD151+ T cell frequencies increased with age, consistent with physiologic immune aging. In contrast, elevated CD4+CD151+ frequencies were observed at younger ages in both HIV-positive groups, with the typical age-associated increase attenuated. Notably, frequencies were highest in PWHc. CD151 expression was not associated with increased CD25 or CD69, indicating that expansion was not explained by generalized T cell activation. Instead, CD4+CD151+ T cells were enriched for granzyme B and localized predominantly to CD28− effector memory (CD45RA−CCR7−) compartments, consistent with a cytotoxic CD4+ (cCD4) phenotype. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 1 participant per group identified a cCD4+ transcriptional cluster enriched in the PWHc sample. Here, we report that CD151 identifies a cCD4 T cell lineage that accumulates with age in PWOH but appears prematurely expanded in virally suppressed PWH, particularly in PWHc. These findings support CD151+cCD4 T cell expansion as a feature of altered immune remodeling detectable years before cancer diagnosis, suggesting a potential role in mechanisms linking chronic immune dysregulation to malignancy risk in PWH.

Origin of Suppressed Photovoltage Loss in Organic Solar Cells With Additive Engineering

ABSTRACT Additive engineering has become widely adopted for tuning morphology and photovoltaic behaviors of organic solar cells (OSCs), while the resultant increase in delocalization of charge transfer (CT) excitons is often accompanied by a reduced CT‐state energy of additive‐processed blend films, which impairs photovoltage and restrains further improvements of photovoltaic efficiencies. Here, we achieve mitigation of photovoltage loss ( V loss ) over 30 meV while remaining high charge generation/transport efficiencies in a range of OSCs with A‐D‐A’‐D‐A type acceptors after additive treatment. Combined experimental and molecular dynamics simulation analyses reveal that additive treatments suppress voltage loss primarily by increasing the dielectric constant ( ε r ) in the CT state and reducing energetic disorder. These changes help inhibit back charge transfer from charge‐separated states to CT states, thereby decreasing non‐radiative recombination (Δ V non‐rad ) and improving device open‐circuit voltage. We further establish a universal ε r ‐dependent relationship for voltage loss, showing that both the increase in photovoltage and the reduction in Δ V non‐rad scale linearly with the enhancement of the blend dielectric constant. These findings deepen our insights into the voltage loss in organic solar cells, paving a way for surpassing the current photovoltage limits toward higher‐performance devices.

Hypoxia-related gene signatures and PRMT5 define radiation resistance and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

A latency-aware multispectral image processing framework for real-time band compression and spectral-spatial optimization

Bond Exchange‐Driven Interfacial Relay Redox Enables Ultrahigh‐Rate Zn Batteries With High Iodine Utilization

ABSTRACT Aqueous Zn || iodine batteries are promising for multiple application scenarios but suffer from severe “dead iodine” issues, leading to limited iodine utilization and areal capacity, especially at high rates. Here, we design an interfacial relay redox strategy driven by halogen‐bond exchange to address this challenge. Using electrochemically generated polyiodides (e.g., I 3 − ) from sulfonium iodides on the current collector as redox anchors, our approach enables iodine relay conversion at the electrolyte–electrode interface with uniform polyiodide deposition/dissolution. The formed hydrophobic organic cation‐polyiodide pairs suppress shuttling, while halogen‐bond exchange promotes rapid ion/electron transport and further conversion from I 3 − to I 5 − , effectively eliminating “dead iodine.” Consequently, the Zn || iodine battery demonstrates exceptional rate capability (up to 100 mA cm −2 ), high iodine utilization (51%–80% at 1–40 mA cm −2 ), and long‐term cyclability (> 1,200 cycles at 7.04 mA h cm −2 ), far beyond most of the state‐of‐the‐art systems. A pouch cell validates its practicality. This work establishes a new paradigm for designing static halogen batteries with high energy/power density and extended lifespan, offering broader insights for energy storage systems.

Diagnostic value of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET in comparison to [18F]FDG PET in triple-negative breast cancer and potential for theranostic application

Abstract This single-center subgroup analysis of a prospective trial (NCT04571086) at University Hospital Essen investigated tumor uptake and detection rates of [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46- versus [ 18 F]FDG PET in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients undergoing initial or follow-up staging. Lesions were recorded across anatomical regions, with detection efficacy, uptake values, tumor-to-liver ratios, and tumor volumes assessed. 22 patients were included (initial- n  = 10, follow-up staging n  = 12). No significant difference in region-based detection rates was observed between [ 18 F]FDG- (93%, 53/57 regions) and [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET (93%, 53/57 regions) (McNemar p  = 1.0). Three patients (25%) at follow-up staging showed an average tumor SUV mean ≥5 on [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET; 2/3 showed SUV max >10 in most lesions. Mean tumor volume was higher for [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46, though not statistically significant at initial- (50.1 ± 120.8 mL vs. 11.9 ± 18.5 mL) and follow-up staging (102.2 ± 122.3 mL vs. 79.0 ± 90.4 mL). [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET demonstrated comparable detection in TNBC; high tumor uptake in a subset, supporting its theranostic potential.