Frequent pandemics of infectious diseases have had devastating global consequences. A central epidemiological metric for guiding effective public health interventions is the basic reproduction number, R0. Although mathematical models are commonly used to characterize transmission dynamics and derive R0, accurately computing this quantity remains challenging when models incorporate multiple transmission routes, time-varying parameters driven by seasonal or behavioral changes, or mobility-induced diffusion processes. In this work, we develop a unified framework—Math-model Informed Neural Network (MINN)—that integrates machine learning with mechanistic disease models to estimate R0. Our approach leverages a neural network representation of the linearized infection subsystem, allowing for the computation of R0 without explicitly solving the system. We apply MINN to spatiotemporally homogeneous, spatially heterogeneous, temporally homogeneous, and fully spatiotemporally heterogeneous models of infectious diseases, including those with direct, environmental, and vector-borne transmission. Across all scenarios, MINN accurately estimates R0 and closely recovers previously established analytical or numerical benchmarks. This AI-augmented modeling framework provides a generalizable and efficient approach for estimating basic reproduction numbers, with potential utility in informing timely and effective pandemic-prevention policies.
Aqueous zinc batteries combine nonflammable electrolytes and abundant Zn with attractive cost and safety, yet practical cells remain limited by chemistry that spans the Zn2+ solvation shell, the electric double layer, and both electrode interfaces. This review develops a coordination-centered, failure-aware framework that connects ligand exchange, ion pairing, hydrogen-bond organization, adsorption, desolvation, nucleation, crystallographic growth, and coordination-derived interphases to Zn inventory loss and full-cell failure. We distinguish true coordination effects from correlated physical phenomena such as wetting, electrostatic screening, and surface-tension changes, and evaluate mechanistic claims using spectroscopy, operando imaging, gas analysis, electrochemical mass balance, molecular simulation, and data-driven models. Conflicting reports on Zn(002), Zn(100), and Zn(101) textures are reconciled as interface- and flux-dependent stability–kinetics trade-offs rather than a universal facet ranking. Particular emphasis is placed on limited-Zn and anode-free configurations, cathode-derived cross-talk, proton activity and local pH, and the mismatch between long-lived symmetric cells and practical full cells. Quantitative descriptors are compared against current/areal-capacity pairs, cumulative plated capacity, Zn depth of discharge, cathode loading, N/P and E/C ratios, calendar stability, pouch-cell scale, cost, and sustainability. The resulting coordination-to-device map defines the evidence needed to translate molecular regulation into durable, inventory-efficient aqueous Zn batteries.
Aqueous redox flow batteries are promising for long-duration energy storage, but their cell voltage is limited by the instability of highly reducing species in water. This review establishes a coordination-chemistry framework for low-potential aqueous negolytes, focusing on strong-field hexacyanometallates, multidentate metal chelates, and polyoxometalate-based clusters. The key premise is that negolyte performance depends not on formal potential alone, but on a reversible coordination trajectory that preserves solubility, kinetic accessibility, and chemical integrity throughout cycling and ageing. Ligand-field strength, spin state, Jahn–Teller distortion, denticity, coordinated water, free-ligand activity, protonation, counterion association, and membrane transport are therefore considered as coupled design variables. Chromium and manganese hexacyanides demonstrate how strong-field ligation stabilizes low-valent states and enables multielectron storage, whereas Fe–DTPA/Ce–DTPA and Fe(TPEN) systems highlight the roles of chelation, shared-ligand design, and ligand-exchange resistance. Polyoxometalates further show how proton-coupled electron transfer, reversible structural adaptation, and solvent-network regulation can expand the practical aqueous voltage window while maintaining low-temperature conductivity. Operando spectroscopy, electrochemical mass spectrometry, and molecular simulation are critically assessed as tools for resolving coordination-state evolution and degradation. Finally, evidence-based design principles and standardized reporting criteria are proposed to guide the development of durable, high-voltage aqueous negolytes.
Background The development of multifunctional biomaterial surfaces that simultaneously support bone-cell responses and reduce bacterial infection is important for orthopedic implants. However, polymer-based polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material exhibits limited surface bioactivity and insufficient antibacterial performance because of its chemical inertness and hydrophobicity. Methods A combined surface-engineering strategy was developed by integrating pH-regulated hydroxyapatite (HA) microstructures with sulfonate functionalization on PEEK substrates. Hydrothermal treatment under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions produced plate-like, cauliflower-like, and sea urchin-like Ca-based layers, respectively. Sodium p-styrenesulfonate (NaSS)-derived sulfonate functionalization was subsequently introduced through UV-assisted surface modification, followed by hydrothermal post-treatment to reduce loosely associated NaSS species. Significant findings The cauliflower-like HA layer prepared under neutral conditions exhibited the most favorable cytocompatibility after NaSS functionalization and hydrothermal post-treatment. Suitable modification of PEEK surface enhanced cell proliferation and spreading, reduced cytotoxicity, maintained bacterial growth inhibition for up to 72 h, and substantially decreased the accumulation of E. coli and S. aureus. These results demonstrate that the HA microstructure and the retained sulfonate groups jointly regulate the biological performance of HA-coated PEEK samples.
Gastric cancer (GC) remains a global health burden. While international guidelines share consensus, variations exist in disputed issues. The 2025 Taiwan Consensus and Management Guidelines for Gastric Cancer had just been released. We compared the key recommendations with established international guidelines. A multidisciplinary taskforce addressed key questions and recommendations using modified Delphi method and evidence-based approaches. The comparative review aimed to elucidate similarities and differences among guidelines from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, Europe, and the US. Guidelines converge on absolute endoscopic resection criteria for early GC but differ in extended indications and perioperative approaches for locally advanced disease. Heterogeneity exists in biomarker assessment protocols, cutoff thresholds, and companion diagnostics. For metastatic disease, consensus exists on anti-HER2, anti-VEGF, immunotherapy, and biomarker-driven strategies, though oligo-metastatic definitions and intraperitoneal chemotherapy indications remain controversial. Optimal GC management requires integrating global evidence with regional contexts. The comparative review addresses heterogeneity among international guidelines, which helps harmonize management strategies as therapeutic standards evolve.
