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MD Anderson Researchers Showcase Groundbreaking Multi-Cancer Studies at ASCO
- MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers are presenting pioneering multi-cancer studies at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, showcasing advancements in oncology research.
- The research covers various tumor types and treatment modalities, highlighting immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and novel strategies for aggressive and rare cancers.
- A key study introduces an online genetic testing platform for young-onset colorectal cancer patients, revolutionizing genetic testing access and engagement.
- Another study focuses on ALLO-316, a CAR T cell therapy targeting clear cell renal cell carcinoma, showing promising results in patients resistant to conventional therapies.
- A Phase II trial explores a potent triplet regimen for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, demonstrating significant efficacy in both relapsed and newly diagnosed cases.
- Research on leiomyosarcoma uncovers two distinct subtypes using spatial transcriptomics, revealing potential differences in tumor microenvironments and therapeutic vulnerabilities.
- Immunotherapy's impact is highlighted in a study on aggressive variant prostate cancer, showing improved survival outcomes with the addition of cetrelimab to chemotherapy and targeted maintenance therapy.
- Multiple rapid oral abstracts will cover critical areas such as NSCLC, myelodysplastic syndromes, and novel inhibitors targeting mutated metabolic enzymes at the ASCO Annual Meeting.
- Exciting developments include studies on VLS-1488 in advanced solid tumors, macrophage checkpoint blockade in myelodysplastic syndrome, and inhibitors targeting mutant IDH enzymes across various cancers.
- Research also explores dietary interventions in melanoma treatment, first-line therapy in mantle cell lymphoma, and integration of carboplatin in TNBC regimens, expanding treatment options for challenging cancers.
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Bioengineer
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Study Finds DNA Testing Identifies Lung Pathogens Three Times More Effectively Than Traditional Methods
- A groundbreaking study highlights the potential of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) in pulmonary infection diagnostics, outperforming traditional methods.
- mNGS accelerates diagnostic timelines and provides comprehensive data for precision treatment strategies, as evidenced by a study by researchers from Nanchang University and BGI Genomics.
- Traditional microbiological tests like culture growth and PCR assays are limited by their dependence on assumptions, whereas mNGS employs unbiased sequencing for robust pathogen discovery.
- mNGS showed an 86% pathogen detection rate versus 67% with traditional tests, identifying 95 distinct pathogens compared to 28 with conventional methods.
- mNGS excels in detecting atypical and fastidious pathogens, improving treatment efficacy by adjusting therapeutic regimens in 40.6% of cases for more targeted antimicrobial interventions.
- The rapid turnaround of mNGS in identifying pulmonary infections within days is crucial for timely therapy initiation and improved patient outcomes.
- mNGS utilizes shotgun sequencing to identify pathogens without biases, enabling the detection of novel microorganisms and co-infecting pathogens.
- An integrative diagnostic model combining mNGS with traditional assessments is recommended for personalized medicine, aiding rapid pathogen identification and precise intervention planning.
- Beyond individual care, mNGS offers benefits for public health surveillance by detecting emerging pathogens in real-time to inform outbreak responses and vaccine strategies.
- While mNGS faces challenges like cost and specialized infrastructure requirements, ongoing advancements suggest a promising future for its widespread clinical application.
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Bioengineer
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Secretory IgM Controls Gut Microbiota, Metabolism Balance
- A recent study highlights the significant role of secretory IgM (sIgM) in regulating gut microbiota and maintaining host health.
- While secretory IgA has been well-known for gut homeostasis, the study reveals sIgM's crucial functions in microbial modulation and metabolic balance.
- Using a rainbow trout model, researchers found that IgM depletion led to disruptions in gut integrity, altered microbiota composition, and body weight loss.
- The absence of IgM resulted in bacterial translocation, gut dysbiosis, and imbalanced microbial communities favoring pathogenic species.
- Metabolomics analysis showed that sIgM depletion influenced the levels of important metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and essential amino acids.
- Fish lacking IgM had increased mortality in colitis models, emphasizing sIgM's protective role against systemic infection.
- The study's use of a fish model suggests evolutionary conservation of sIgM's role in mucosal immunity and metabolic regulation across vertebrates.
- Insights from this research may pave the way for microbiota-targeted therapies by modulating sIgM levels to address gut-related diseases and metabolic dysfunctions.
- This study unravels the intricate interplay between secretory immunoglobulins, highlighting sIgM as a pivotal player in maintaining gut health and microbial balance.
- Further research is needed to uncover the molecular mechanisms of how sIgM interacts with bacterial taxa and its implications in human health and disease.
- In conclusion, the identification of sIgM as a key regulator of gut microbiota underscores its essential role in mucosal immunity, offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions and research.
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Bioengineer
2w
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Boosting Liver Gene Therapy with Lentiviral Vectors
- Researchers have made a significant advancement in gene therapy with lentiviral vectors targeting hepatocytes, presenting a transformative approach for liver-associated genetic disorders.
- The research optimizes lentiviral vector design and delivery protocols to enhance transduction efficiencies in hepatocytes while minimizing off-target effects.
- Engineering viral envelope glycoproteins to boost affinity for hepatocyte receptors and reducing immunogenicity were key strategies employed by the team.
- Improved tropism balancing ensured selective transduction of hepatocytes, leading to long-term transgene expression and avoiding off-target cell transduction.
- The study includes proof-of-concept data showing restoration of enzyme function in metabolic liver diseases, highlighting the clinical promise of this approach.
- Attention was also given to safety concerns such as insertional mutagenesis, with genomic profiling confirming a favorable integration pattern.
- Innovative delivery strategies, coupled with physiological manipulations, enhanced vector distribution in the liver, overcoming previous limitations.
- The research showcases the potential for curative gene-based interventions in liver diseases, reducing the reliance on lifelong medications or transplantation.
- The scalability and adaptability of the lentiviral platform offer broad applications across diverse genetic liver diseases, with potential implications for immune tolerance mechanisms and metabolic reprogramming.
- Ongoing studies will monitor the long-term efficacy and safety of this approach, paving the way for human clinical trials and refining therapeutic vectors and protocols.
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Bioengineer
2w
198
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SLC16A7’s Tumor-Suppressing Role in Cancer
- Researchers have identified the tumor-suppressing role of the gene SLC16A7 in various cancer types, with a focus on bladder cancer, offering insights into tumor progression and patient prognosis.
- SLC16A7, a monocarboxylate transporter gene, plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis within the tumor microenvironment, impacting cancer development.
- A pan-cancer analysis using TCGA data revealed consistent downregulation of SLC16A7 in multiple cancers, highlighting its potential as a universal tumor suppressor.
- Elevated SLC16A7 levels were associated with improved overall survival in bladder cancer patients, indicating its diagnostic and prognostic significance.
- SLC16A7 expression correlated with tumor mutation burden and immune profiles, suggesting its influence on genetic instability and immune responses in diverse cancer types.
- Pathway analyses revealed SLC16A7's involvement in immune response and tumor progression pathways, indicating its role in modulating the tumor microenvironment.
- Experimental validation confirmed SLC16A7's tumor-suppressing function by inhibiting bladder cancer cell proliferation and enhancing immune cell recruitment and activation.
- SLC16A7's multifaceted role as a tumor suppressor bridges metabolism and immune surveillance, providing potential targets for enhancing cancer treatment outcomes.
- Integrating SLC16A7 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target may improve patient stratification and treatment response, particularly in bladder cancer and other malignancies.
- This study underscores the importance of exploring metabolic transporters like SLC16A7 in cancer therapeutics and highlights opportunities for personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
- The research sets the stage for future investigations into the intricate interplay between cancer metabolism, immune regulation, and therapeutic approaches for combating various cancers.
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Bioengineer
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Microfluidic Biosensors Revolutionize On-Site Mycotoxin Detection
- The article discusses the challenges posed by mycotoxin contamination in food products and the need for rapid on-site detection methods due to health risks.
- Traditional lab-based techniques for mycotoxin detection are accurate but time-consuming and not suitable for field use.
- Biosensors paired with microfluidic technology offer rapid, sensitive, and portable solutions for mycotoxin detection in complex food samples.
- Microfluidics allow for precise control over fluid dynamics, enabling efficient sample preparation and improved detection sensitivity.
- Material selection for microfluidic chip fabrication, including substrates like glass, silicon, polymers, and paper, impacts performance and cost.
- Recognition elements in biosensors, such as aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers, provide specificity for target toxins.
- Sensing modalities like colorimetric, fluorescence-based, SERS, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical sensors are employed for mycotoxin detection.
- The integration of diverse sensing technologies with microfluidic platforms allows for real-time detection of mycotoxins in food samples.
- Challenges in commercializing microfluidic biosensors include reproducibility, stability of recognition elements, and mass production.
- Future research may focus on nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and collaboration across sectors for advancing on-site mycotoxin detection.
- The article emphasizes the potential of microfluidic biosensors to revolutionize on-site mycotoxin detection and enhance food safety globally.
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Bioengineer
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Machine Learning Advances Outcome Prediction in Preterm Infants
- The intersection of machine learning and neonatal medicine shows great promise in revolutionizing outcome prediction for preterm infants, addressing the challenges of preterm birth complications and long-term developmental issues.
- Machine learning techniques can analyze extensive physiological data from preterm infants to predict outcomes like neurodevelopmental delays, cerebral palsy, and respiratory complications, with the potential for personalized predictions.
- Challenges include managing heterogeneous data from preterm infants, ensuring data quality and availability, and developing interpretable models for clinical trust and adoption.
- Ethical considerations include patient privacy, equitable access to predictive technologies, and transparent reporting to prevent reliance on flawed predictions.
- Advancements in computational power, data integration, and multimodal machine learning offer opportunities for more accurate prediction models in neonatal care.
- Standardizing outcome definitions, improving data sharing, and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for maximizing the potential of machine learning in predicting outcomes for preterm infants.
- Education and training initiatives are needed for clinicians to effectively evaluate and integrate machine learning outputs in clinical practice, promoting transparency and reproducibility.
- The study emphasizes ongoing research and collaboration to harness the benefits of machine learning for improving prognostication and patient outcomes in neonatal care.
- Machine learning's impact extends beyond neonatal care, offering insights for personalized medicine across various fields through intelligent data utilization.
- The transformative potential of machine learning in healthcare underscores the importance of ethical, clinically integrated research focused on vulnerable patient populations.
- Continued efforts are essential to translate the potential of machine learning into tangible health gains for preterm infants globally, highlighting the need for responsible and collaborative innovation.
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Bioengineer
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PRL3-zumab: New Anti-Angiogenic Therapy for Eye Diseases
- A team led by Ang, Thura, and Tan introduced PRL3-zumab as a novel anti-angiogenic therapy for neovascular eye disorders.
- Published in Nature Communications, the study explores PRL3-zumab's potential in treating conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
- PRL3-zumab targets PRL3, a protein involved in abnormal blood vessel growth in ocular tissues, distinct from conventional VEGF inhibitors.
- Research showed PRL3's role in facilitating endothelial cell migration and proliferation and identified it as a viable therapeutic target.
- PRL3-zumab effectively inhibits angiogenesis at a cellular level, reducing vascular leakage and fibrovascular membrane formation.
- The antibody disrupts PRL3's enzymatic activity, impacting key signaling pathways critical for angiogenesis like PI3K/AKT and MAPK.
- PRL3-zumab demonstrated promising safety and efficacy profiles in preclinical models, showing minimal off-target effects and systemic complications.
- Its localized delivery to the eye environment holds potential for effective and targeted treatment with minimal systemic absorption.
- PRL3-zumab's prophylactic potential could shift therapeutic approaches to preventive strategies, preserving vision before irreversible damage occurs.
- The research opens avenues for combination therapies, suggesting synergies with existing anti-VEGF drugs to enhance treatment outcomes.
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Bioengineer
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4-Phenylbutyric Acid Repairs Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Defects
- 4-Phenylbutyric acid shows promise in repairing molecular and cellular defects linked to COL3A1 mutations in vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, as per a recent correction published in Cell Death Discovery.
- Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is characterized by vascular fragility due to mutations in the COL3A1 gene, impacting collagen structure and integrity in arterial walls.
- 4-PBA acts as a chemical chaperone, aiding protein folding and reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby improving collagen synthesis in vEDS mutant cells.
- The study demonstrates that 4-PBA rectifies ER stress markers, enhances collagen secretion, and restores extracellular matrix architecture, crucial for maintaining vascular resilience.
- Patient-derived fibroblasts were used to validate the findings, highlighting the importance of translational research in understanding and treating vEDS at a molecular level.
- While the therapeutic implications are promising, challenges such as optimal dosing and potential side effects need to be addressed in future preclinical and clinical trials.
- This study aligns with the trend of using chemical chaperones to address protein misfolding diseases and emphasizes molecular corrections over symptomatic treatments in genetic disorders.
- Combining 4-PBA with other therapies may offer comprehensive benefits in vEDS management, signaling a shift towards integrated cellular and molecular intervention strategies.
- The research underscores the potential of repurposing existing drugs like 4-PBA for rare genetic disorders, expediting treatment availability through translational medicine approaches.
- Overall, these corrected findings represent a significant advancement in understanding and potentially treating vEDS by targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease pathology.
- The study opens new avenues for innovative and targeted therapies that could improve the quality of life and prognosis for individuals affected by vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
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Bioengineer
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Endoscopic Purse-String Suture Heals Intestinal Fistulas
- In gastrointestinal surgery, postoperative intestinal anastomotic fistulas (PIAF) pose challenges due to high morbidity; a study highlights endoscopic purse-string suturing (EPS) as a minimally invasive solution.
- Over a study period from 2015 to 2024, EPS showed technical success in 87.3% of cases for sealing fistulas, with a clinical success rate of 63.6%.
- No significant outcome differences were found between internally and externally referred patients, indicating EPS's reproducibility across diverse settings.
- Patients with prior ostomy creation had a higher clinical success rate post-EPS, suggesting ostomies may aid in fistula closure.
- Early EPS intervention within two months of diagnosis yielded better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment.
- Pre-existing anastomotic strictures negatively impacted clinical success rates, necessitating tailored strategies for these cases.
- EPS demonstrated a safe profile with minimal complications, underlining its effectiveness and durability in fistula management.
- Technical details of EPS involve suturing the fistula's orifice endoscopically, promoting tissue healing and eventual closure through granulation tissue formation.
- The study advocates for selective stoma creation pre-EPS and emphasizes 'time-sensitive intervention' for optimal outcomes in complex fistula cases.
- EPS showcases the potential of endoscopic innovations in gastrointestinal surgery, offering a minimally invasive approach for challenging complications.
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Bioengineer
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Linker-Free PROTACs Drive Efficient Oncoprotein Degradation
- A recent study in Nature Communications introduces a novel approach with linker-free PROTACs for efficient oncoprotein degradation, offering a transformative strategy in cancer therapy.
- Linker-free PROTACs simplify molecular technology by eliminating the traditional linker, enhancing pharmacokinetics, synthetic ease, and cellular permeability.
- These PROTACs facilitate induced proximity between oncoproteins and cellular degradation machinery, overcoming drug resistance issues stemming from target mutations.
- Research by Zhang et al. demonstrated efficient and selective degradation of oncoproteins in cancer cell lines, with the potency often exceeding that of linker-containing analogs.
- Structural characterization elucidates how linker-free PROTACs form stable ternary complexes conducive to ubiquitination, enhancing binding affinity and cooperative interactions.
- The design's modularity allows targeting diverse E3 ligases, expanding therapeutic possibilities and potentially reducing off-target toxicity.
- Pharmacological profiling in animal models showed promising results with significant tumor regression and improved pharmacokinetic properties of linker-free PROTACs.
- The study's impact extends beyond oncology, paving the way for applications in neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, and viral diseases, leveraging precision proteolysis for targeted therapy.
- While showcasing promise, challenges like chemistry intricacies and safety evaluations remain before linker-free PROTACs can progress to human clinical trials.
- The study propels the field towards innovative drug discovery by charting a new course that harmonizes potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties in next-generation PROTACs.
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Bioengineer
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Hepatic Lesion Count Predicts Cholangiocarcinoma Outcomes
- A recent study in BMC Cancer delves into the prognostic implications of tumor multiplicity in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) after radical resection.
- The study categorizes multifocal iCCA based on lesion count, highlighting three types: solitary tumors, two or three lesions in the same hepatic lobe, and more than three lesions in the same lobe.
- Analysis of 354 iCCA patients revealed that multifocal tumors had worse survival outcomes than solitary tumors, with the number of hepatic lesions playing a critical role.
- Patients with two or three lesions had survival rates comparable to solitary tumors, while those with more than three lesions fared significantly worse.
- Higher tumor burden was associated with biological aggressiveness, impacting overall survival independently.
- The study integrated findings with the AJCC staging system, showing nuances in survival outcomes based on lesion count in specific subgroups.
- Lesion count demonstrated potential to refine risk stratification and influence treatment strategies, challenging traditional staging criteria.
- The research suggests that radical surgery may benefit patients with type II multifocal tumors, while those with more than three lesions may require alternative therapies.
- The study underscores an unmet clinical need in managing extensive multifocal iCCA and calls for personalized treatment approaches.
- By considering lesion count in prognostic models and treatment algorithms, clinicians can optimize patient-centric care in multifocal iCCA.
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Bioengineer
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Immune Cells Drive Primary Liver Cancer: Study
- A groundbreaking study reveals genetic evidence linking specific immune cell types to primary liver cancer development, reshaping our understanding of the disease.
- Utilizing Mendelian randomization, researchers establish causal links between immune system components and liver malignancies.
- Primary liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, poses significant global health challenges.
- Observational data has long hinted at a connection between immune activity and liver cancer progression.
- The study leveraged large-scale genome-wide association studies to explore immune traits and liver cancer risk among European-ancestry subjects.
- Distinct immune phenotypes were identified as causally associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma risks.
- The study highlights the dualistic nature of immune components in orchestrating liver carcinogenesis.
- The research showcases the crucial role of adaptive and innate immunity in tumor surveillance and cancer progression.
- Insights from the study offer promising implications for personalized immunotherapies and predictive tools in liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- While Mendelian randomization provides valuable insights, further experimental validation is essential to translate genetic associations into therapeutic interventions.
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Bioengineer
2w
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Graphene-Coated Nanoporous Carbon Enables Ambient Methane Storage
- Researchers have developed graphene-coated nanoporous carbon materials for ambient methane storage, overcoming challenges of high-pressure or cryogenic storage methods.
- The graphene coating on porous carbon allows for high-density methane retention at moderate temperatures and ambient pressure, enhancing safety and efficiency.
- By serving as a thermal lock, graphene controls access to nanopores, enabling controlled storage and release of methane through temperature modulation.
- This innovation achieves a volumetric methane capacity equivalent to traditional pressurization near 19.9 MPa at room temperature, surpassing existing adsorbed natural gas systems.
- The graphene-coated porous carbon system offers exceptional container space utilization and enhances safety compared to high-pressure or cryogenic storage methods.
- The reversible storage system allows for dynamic energy management, enabling efficient storage during surplus energy production and controlled release when needed.
- The materials' properties leverage graphene's strength and selective permeability, along with the porous carbon's high adsorption capacity, for efficient methane storage.
- This advancement in nanomaterial engineering could revolutionize natural gas vehicles and storage facilities, improving range, payload capacity, and safety while cutting infrastructure costs.
- The use of graphene to control molecular transport in porous materials expands scientific understanding and offers potential applications in hydrogen or carbon dioxide capture.
- Future research directions include scaling up production, enhancing durability, and optimizing performance for commercial applications, aiming to advance sustainable fuel technologies globally.
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Bioengineer
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Revolutionizing Power Electronics: Diamond Quantum Imaging Targets Energy Loss
- Efficiency enhancement in power electronics is crucial for addressing global energy demands, with wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC showing promise for high-frequency performance.
- Energy losses in passive components at elevated frequencies hinder efficiency and miniaturization, necessitating advanced soft magnetic materials to minimize dissipation.
- A recent study led by Professor Mutsuko Hatano introduces innovative diamond quantum imaging techniques to analyze energy losses in soft magnetic materials.
- The research involves Harvard University and Hitachi, Ltd., aiming to improve the imaging of AC magnetic fields using novel protocols for kilohertz and megahertz frequencies.
- The team successfully imaged AC magnetic fields, highlighting the potential of CoFeB–SiO₂ thin films in minimizing energy losses in high-frequency inductors.
- This innovation advances quantum sensing and understanding of magnetization mechanics, crucial for efficient electronic designs aligned with sustainability goals.
- The study lays the groundwork for improved electronic systems by simultaneously imaging AC magnetic field amplitude and phase across a broad frequency range.
- The integration of diamond quantum sensors into practical applications offers promise for enhancing power electronics, electromagnets, non-volatile memory technologies, and spintronics.
- This research signifies a significant leap in quantum technologies, showing potential for more energy-efficient electronic systems and sustainable development.
- The ongoing work at the Institute of Science Tokyo highlights the transformative impact of quantum technologies on global energy challenges and sustainability efforts.
- By delving into magnetic field behaviors and energy loss correlations, this research paves the way for an energy-efficient and sustainable future driven by quantum advancements.
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