Infrared anomalies in ultrathin Ti3C2Tx MXene films

Visible transparent but infrared reflective materials are ideal candidates for both transparent conductive films and low-emissivity glass, which are highly desired in a broad variety of areas such as touchscreens and displays, photovoltaics, smart windows, and antistatic coatings. Ultrathin Ti3C2Tx MXene films are emerging as promising low-emissivity transparent candidates. However, the fundamental IR properties of Ti3C2Tx has not been revealed experimentally due to daunting challenges in the preparation of continuous, large-area, and ultrathin films of optical quality on flat substrates. Herein, we proposed a tape-free transfer method that can help prepare centimeter-size and ultrathin (down to 8 nm) Ti3C2Tx films on diverse optical substrates. Benefitting from this method, the refractive index and permittivity for Ti3C2Tx were successfully measured. Ti3C2Tx films exhibit large in-plane permittivity in the IR region, yielding maximum IR reflectance of 88% for bulk films. Interestingly, three anomalies were found in ultrathin Ti3C2Tx films: strong dispersion in the permittivity, interlayer space-dependent optical properties, and abnormally high IR absorption for a 15-nm-thick film. These anomalies are important guidelines in the design of Ti3C2Tx-based low-emissivity transparent films and other related devices, and may inspire other intriguing applications such as ultrathin IR absorption coatings and tunable IR optical devices

MirrorGaussian: Reflecting 3D Gaussians for Reconstructing Mirror Reflections

3D Gaussian Splatting showcases notable advancements in photo-realistic and real-time novel view synthesis. However, it faces challenges in modeling mirror reflections, which exhibit substantial appearance variations from different viewpoints. To tackle this problem, we present MirrorGaussian, the first method for mirror scene reconstruction with real-time rendering based on 3D Gaussian Splatting. The key insight is grounded on the mirror symmetry between the real-world space and the virtual mirror space. We introduce an intuitive dual-rendering strategy that enables differentiable rasterization of both the real-world 3D Gaussians and the mirrored counterpart obtained by reflecting the former about the mirror plane. All 3D Gaussians are jointly optimized with the mirror plane in an end-to-end framework. MirrorGaussian achieves high-quality and real-time rendering in scenes with mirrors, empowering scene editing like adding new mirrors and objects. Comprehensive experiments on multiple datasets demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms existing methods, achieving state-of-the-art results. Project page: https://mirror-gaussian.github.io/

Magnetic field induced discontinuous spin reorientation in ErFeO 3

The spin reorientation of ErFeO3 that spontaneously occurs at low temperature has been previously determined to be a process involving the continuous rotation of Fe3þ spins. In this work, the dynamic process of spin reorientation in ErFeO3 single crystal has been investigated by AC susceptibility measurements at various frequencies and static magnetic fields. Interestingly, two completely discontinuous steps are induced by a relatively large static magnetic field due to the variation in the magnetic anisotropy during this process. It provides deeper insights into the intriguing magnetic exchange interactions which dominate the sophisticated magnetic phase transitions in the orthoferrite systems

Cardiometabolic index as a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation: insights from a community-based cohort

BackgroundThe cardiometabolic index, a composite indicator integrating central obesity and lipid abnormalities, has demonstrated predictive value in several cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with atrial fibrillation remains underexplored.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective cohort study, 192 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients under management at the Jinyang Community Health Service Center in Pudong, Shanghai, from January 2022 to January 2024 were enrolled. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on baseline cardiometabolic index (CMI). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), comprising cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for worsening heart failure, and coronary revascularization due to unstable angina or ischemic events. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the independent association between CMI and MACE. Kaplan–Meier curves and Log-rank tests were applied to compare event incidence across groups. Restricted cubic spline analysis examined potential nonlinearity. An extreme gradient boosting model was developed to evaluate predictive performance, with SHapley Additive exPlanations used to assess variable importance. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the consistency of CMI’s predictive value across different clinical populations. The median follow-up duration was 664 days (interquartile range: 384–900 days), estimated using the reverse Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsMACE incidence increased significantly with rising CMI levels. Compared to the low CMI group, the high CMI group had a significantly higher risk of MACE (HR = 5.56, 95% CI: 1.48 – 20.90, P = 0.011). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant differences in cumulative incidence among the three groups (Log-rank P < 0.001). restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling revealed a nonlinear positive association, with a sharp increase in MACE risk above a CMI threshold of approximately 0.85 (P for nonlinearity < 0.001). The Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model achieved a C-index of 0.737 in the test set, with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis ranking CMI as the fourth most influential predictor, following age, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Subgroup analyses suggested that the predictive value of CMI was particularly evident in patients without chronic kidney disease and those without prior catheter ablation.ConclusionElevated CMI is independently associated with increased MACE risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and demonstrates a nonlinear dose–response relationship. As a simple, accessible metabolic indicator, CMI shows promise for improving cardiovascular risk identification and guiding personalized management—especially in high-risk AF patients without overt metabolic dysfunction

Physiological ischemic training improves cardiac function through the attenuation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the activation of the vagus nerve in chronic heart failure

PurposeThis study investigated the functional outcomes of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) after physiological ischemic training (PIT), identified the optimal PIT protocol, evaluated its cardioprotective effects and explored the underlying neural mechanisms.MethodsPatients with CHF were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 25, PIT intervention + regular treatment) and control group (n = 25, regular treatment). The outcomes included the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiopulmonary parameters. LVEF and cardiac biomarkers in CHF rats after various PIT treatments (different in intensity, frequency, and course of treatment) were measured to identify the optimal PIT protocol. The effect of PIT on cardiomyocyte programmed cell death was investigated by western blot, flow cytometry and fluorescent staining. The neural mechanism involved in PIT-induced cardioprotective effect was assessed by stimulation of the vagus nerve and muscarinic M2 receptor in CHF rats.ResultsLVEF and VO2max increased while BNP decreased in patients subjected to PIT. The optimal PIT protocol in CHF rats was composed of five cycles of 5 min ischemia followed by 5 min reperfusion on remote limbs for 8 weeks. LVEF and cardiac biomarker levels were significantly improved, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was inhibited. However, these cardioprotective effects disappeared after subjecting CHF rats to vagotomy or muscarinic M2 receptor inhibition.ConclusionPIT improved functional outcomes in CHF patients. The optimal PIT protocol required appropriate intensity, reasonable frequency, and adequate treatment course. Under these conditions, improvement of cardiac function in CHF was confirmed through cardiomyocyte apoptosis reduction and vagus nerve activation

Relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae and updates on antibiofilm therapeutic strategies

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium within the Enterobacteriaceae family that can cause multiple systemic infections, such as respiratory, blood, liver abscesses and urinary systems. Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat and K. pneumoniae warrants special attention due to its resistance to most modern day antibiotics. Biofilm formation is a critical obstruction that enhances the antibiotic resistance of K. pneumoniae. However, knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and its relation with antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae is limited. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and its correlation with antibiotic resistance is crucial for providing insight for the design of new drugs to control and treat biofilm-related infections. In this review, we summarize recent advances in genes contributing to the biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae, new progress on the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, and new therapeutic strategies targeting biofilms. Finally, we discuss future research directions that target biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of this priority pathogen

Metabolic risk factors of cognitive impairment in young women with major psychiatric disorder

BackgroundCognitive performance improves clinical outcomes of patients with major psychiatric disorder (MPD), but is impaired by hyperglycemia. Psychotropic agents often induce metabolism syndrome (MetS). The identification of modifiable metabolic risk factors of cognitive impairment may enable targeted improvements of patient care.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in young women with MPD, and to explore risk factors.MethodsWe retrospectively studied women of 18–34 years of age receiving psychotropic medications for first-onset schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar disorder (BP), or major depressive disorder (MDD). Data were obtained at four time points: presentation but before psychotropic medication; 4–8 and 8–12 weeks of psychotropic therapy; and enrollment. MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, (MCCB)—based Global Deficit Scores were used to assess cognitive impairment. Multiple logistic analysis was used to calculate risk factors. Multivariate models were used to investigate factors associated with cognitive impairment.ResultsWe evaluated 2,864 participants. Cognitive impairment was observed in 61.94% of study participants, and was most prevalent among patients with BP (69.38%). HbA1c within the 8–12 week-treatment interval was the most significant risk factor and highest in BP. Factors in SCH included pre-treatment waist circumference and elevated triglycerides during the 8–12 weeks treatment interval. Cumulative dosages of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and valproate were associated with cognitive impairment in all MPD subgroups, although lithium demonstrated a protect effect (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsCognitive impairment was associated with elevated HbA1c and cumulative medication dosages. Pre-treatment waist circumference and triglyceride level at 8–12 weeks were risk factors in SCH. Monitoring these indices may inform treatment revisions to improve clinical outcomes

Metal-Organic Frameworks with Organic Photosensitizers in Organic Synthesis

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), bridging metal-containing second building units by organic ligands, have provided a versatile platform for the design of heterogeneous catalysis. In the last decade, various photo-responsible MOFs have been designed and prepared, exhibiting outperformed catalytic performance. Among them, MOFs featuring organic photosensitizers for photoinduced organic transformations remain less investigated, due probably to the large steric demands and low symmetry of typical organic dyes. In view of the promising potential of integrating versatile MOFs with organic photosensitizers, this Concept summarizes recent advances in this research area