Search

A differential ring voltage‐controlled oscillator (DRVCO) is proposed in this paper as one of the critical blocks in communication systems. It consists of four stages of delay cells connected in a chain, creating a ring structure with auxiliary path interconnections. The oscillation frequency of the DRVCO can be controlled by adjusting the tuning voltage that controls the charging current. To achieve the desired performance for wireless applications, the Wu active inductor, which is a low‐noise and high‐quality factor active inductor, is employed in each delay cell for the first time. Using an active inductor provides a wide tuning range and also allows for proper phase noise and low power consumption. The proposed circuit is designed and simulated using standard 180‐nm CMOS technology with a 1.8‐V voltage source (VDD). The circuit is designed to achieve a tuning range of 2.15 GHz with a center frequency oscillation of 2.745 GHz, over the control voltage variation of 1.4 V (0 to 1.4 V). To achieve the desired performance, the circuit consumes an average power of 1.99 mW. It achieves a phase noise of − 91.2 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency, indicating effective noise suppression. The figure of merit (FoM) for the circuit is − 156.9 dBc/Hz, representing its overall performance. The final layout of the circuit estimates an area of 0.00072 mm2. Various analyses, including Monte–Carlo simulations, PVT (process, voltage, temperature) variation analysis, and other relevant analyses, have been performed to ensure the reliable performance of the proposed circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nickel (Ni) nanoparticles were successfully synthesised using two methods: the hot‐injection method and a room temperature colloidal synthesis using dioctyl tartrate as a capping agent. Each approach yielded Ni nanoparticles with unique morphological and electronic properties. The distinct characteristics of these Ni nanoparticles make them promising candidates for unravelling structure/activity relationships, a crucial aspect in developing catalysts with enhanced selectivity. Furthermore, Ni nanoparticles synthesized via these methods were supported on both silica and activated charcoal, with variations in Ni loadings. We explored the impact of nanostructural characteristic of the Ni NPs as well as support effects on the selective hydrogenation of furfural. Using temperature programmed reduction, advanced X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and atom‐resolved electron microscopy techniques, we established comprehensive structure‐function relationships. Herein, we demonstrate that using a dioctyl tartrate route, foam‐like Ni nanostructures are obtained, yielding higher selectivity towards selective hydrogenation than commercial Ni/Al2O3 and a suppression of the acid‐base catalysed acetalization and etherification reactions. Furthermore, conversions similar to commercial Ni/Al2O3 are achieved using a lower Ni loading. These insights provide valuable guidance for the design of enhanced materials, contributing to the optimization of catalyst performance in selective hydrogenation processes. This research marks a significant step toward the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a critical process in dental alignment, driven by the application of calibrated orthodontic forces. This study delves into the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms by which vitamin D3 influences OTM. Vitamin D3 is identified as a critical regulator in bone metabolism, enhancing osteoblast activity and bone formation while also modulating osteoclast quantity and RANKL expression, essential for the remodeling of the alveolar bone. The precise mechanisms through which vitamin D3 facilitates these processes are explored, highlighting its potential in accelerating bone remodeling and, consequently, tooth alignment. This comprehensive review underscores vitamin D3's anabolic impact on bone metabolism and its pivotal role in the synthesis and mineralization processes governed by osteoblasts. The findings illuminate vitamin D3's promise in augmenting orthodontic therapy, suggesting its utility in improving treatment efficiency and reducing duration. However, the need for further research into the optimal application of vitamin D3 in orthodontics is emphasized, particularly concerning dosage, timing, and delivery methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health literacy and e‐health literacy are important factors helping people shape awareness of health behaviours in different aspects, including sleep hygiene behaviours. Good sleep hygiene behaviours promote sleep quality and are beneficial to overall mental wellbeing. Objective: We aimed to examine if sleep hygiene behaviours may mediate the association between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing. Methods: Adult Iranian subjects (n = 9775; mean [SD] age = 36.44 [11.97] years; 67.3% females) completed the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults, eHealth Literacy Scale, three items on sleep hygiene behaviour that have been used in prior research and the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Data were then subjected to structural equation modelling (SEM) including 500 bootstrapping resampling to examine whether sleep hygiene is a mediator in the relationship between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing. Findings: Both health literacy and e‐health literacy were significantly associated with mental wellbeing (r =.63 for health literacy and.39 for e‐health literacy; p <.001) and sleep hygiene behaviours (r =.58 for health literacy and.36 for e‐health literacy; p <.001). Sleep hygiene behaviours were significantly associated with mental wellbeing (r =.42; p <.001). Moreover, SEM that incorporated bootstrapping approaches indicated that sleep hygiene behaviours were significant mediators in the association between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing. Conclusions: We conclude that health literacy and e‐health literacy are associated with mental health wellbeing in the Iranian population. Additionally, the association could be mediated via sleep hygiene behaviours. Patient or Public Contribution: The study was co‐designed with healthcare providers from the vice‐Chancellor's Office for Health Affairs of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences as equal partners. Moreover, the women's health volunteers were involved in the design of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Despite the acceptable results in patients receiving organs from COVID‐19‐positive donors, more extensive studies over a longer period are still needed for more accurate conclusions. Organ transplantation is a major concern during the current COVID‐19 pandemic worldwide. The use of COVID‐19‐positive organ donors has raised widespread concerns in the field of transplantation. In this study, we characterized the outcome of a heart transplant from an organ donor positive for COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a flexible finite‐difference technique for analyzing the nonuniform guiding structures. Because the voltage and current variations along the nonuniform structure differ for each segment, this work considers the adaptable discretization steps. This technique increases the accuracy of the final response. Moreover, by applying the singular value decomposition and discarding the nonprincipal singular values, an optimal lower rank approximation of the discretization matrix is obtained. The computational cost of the introduced method is significantly reduced using the optimal discretization matrix. Also, the proposed method can be extended to the nonuniform waveguides. The technique is verified by analyzing several practical transmission lines and waveguides with nonuniform profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A way through which the properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be tuned is by engineering defects into the crystal structure. Given its intrinsic stability and rigidity, however, it is difficult to introduce defects into zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)—and ZIF‐8, in particular—without compromising crystal integrity. In this work, it is shown that the acoustic radiation pressure as well as the hydrodynamic stresses arising from the oscillatory flow generated by coupling high frequency (MHz‐order) hybrid surface and bulk acoustic waves into a suspension of ZIF‐8 crystals in a liquid pressure transmitting medium is capable of driving permanent structural changes in their crystal lattice structure. Over time, the enhancement in the diffusive transport of guest molecules into the material's pores as a consequence is shown to lead to expansion of the pore framework, and subsequently, the creation of dangling‐linker and missing‐linker defects, therefore offering the possibility of tuning the type and extent of defects engineered into the MOF through the acoustic exposure time. Additionally, the practical utility of the technology is demonstrated for one‐pot, simultaneous solvent‐assisted ligand exchange under ambient conditions, for sub‐micron‐dimension ZIF‐8 crystals and relatively large ligands—more specifically 2‐aminobenzimidazole—without compromising the framework porosity or overall crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil weed seed bank is an important factor determining above‐ground floristic composition and weed density in agricultural systems. The quantitative and qualitative measures of weed seed bank can help growers to predict the extent to which they are facing weed problems. Along with tillage, crop residues can affect the fate of weeds in the upcoming crops. To investigate such effects, we compared the effects of tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no tillage (NT)], wheat residue retention, and nitrogen (N) rates (0, 69, 138, and 207 kg N ha−1) on depth‐related characteristics of the weed seed bank under a sweet corn‐wheat sequence during 2014–2015 growing seasons in Shiraz, Iran. Soil bank was not affected by tillage systems but tended to be slightly higher under RT. The highest (898 seeds m−2) and lowest (322 seeds m−2) weed population at 0–10 cm depth were found when 138 kg N ha−1 in 2015 and 207 kg N ha−1 in 2014 were applied. Species richness and diversity were higher under NT and RT practices at the top layer, but CT system was more diversified at deeper depths. They were higher when crop residues were retained as well. Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli [L.] Beauv), common lambsquarter (Chenopodium album L.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), flixweed (Descoreinia sofia [L.] Webb. & Berth.), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.), pigweeds (Amaranthus spp.), and stinking goosefoot (Chenopodium vulvaria L.) were the most common weeds found in all tillage systems and soil depths. Grasses were relatively lower than broadleaves regardless of treatments. Weed seed bank was mostly affected by weather conditions than treatments in this short‐term experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) on growth performance, carcass traits, histomorphology of jejunum, immune function and hepatic and splenic gene expression of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukine‐2 (IL‐2) in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one‐day‐old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly allotted into six dietary treatments with four replicate pens (10 chicks per pen) and fed experimental diet in 3 feeding phases (starter: d 0–10, grower: d 11–24 and finisher: d 25–42). The experimental treatments were (1) corn–soya bean meal‐based basal diet (control), (2–5) basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, 600, 800 mg/kg bLF, respectively, and (6) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg oxytetracycline (OTC). The average body weight gain (ABWG) of broilers fed 800 mg/kg bLF was 8.48% higher than those fed a corn–soybean meal‐based diet during the starter period (d 0–10) (linear effect, p = 0.002; quadratic effect, p = 0.24). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected (p>0.05) by bLF supplementation. At 42 days of age, the breast meat percentage and carcass yield of broilers fed 800 mg/kg bLF compared with the control group significantly increased by 9.51% and 6.03% respectively (p < 0.05). Compared with the chicks fed the control diet, the chicks fed diets supplemented with bLF had higher villus height, muscle thickness and villus surface area (p > 0.05). Dietary bLF inclusion increased the total immunoglobulin (IgT) titre against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) antigen (linear effect, p = 0.031; quadratic effect, p = 0.035) and improved the phytohaemagglutinin‐P (PHA‐P)‐skin test of broilers. Compared with the control, bLF enhanced the gene expression of IFN‐γ in spleen (p = 0.048, linear effect, p = 0.009; quadratic effect, p = 0.093) and liver (p = 0.012, linear effect, p = 0.008; quadratic effect, p = 0.01) and IL‐2 expression in spleen (p = 0.021, linear effect, p = 0.026; quadratic effect, p = 0.103). The bLF supplementation had no effect on IL‐2 gene expression in liver (p > 0.05, linear effect, p = 0.213; quadratic effect, p = 0.159). In conclusion, we found that supplementation of broiler diets with 800 mg/kg bLF can improve the growth performance, carcass yield, cell‐mediated and antibody‐mediated immune responses and enhance the IL‐2 and IFN‐γ gene expression of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levitation offers extreme isolation of mechanical systems from their environment, while enabling unconstrained high‐precision translation and rotation of objects. Diamagnetic levitation is one of the most attractive levitation schemes because it allows stable levitation at room temperature without the need for a continuous power supply. However, dissipation by eddy currents in conventional diamagnetic materials significantly limits the application potential of diamagnetically levitating systems. Here, a route toward high‐Q macroscopic levitating resonators by substantially reducing eddy current damping using graphite particle based diamagnetic composites is presented. Resonators that feature quality factors Q above 450 000 and vibration lifetimes beyond one hour are demonstrated, while levitating above permanent magnets in high vacuum at room temperature. The composite resonators have a Q that is >400 times higher than that of diamagnetic graphite plates. By tuning the composite particle size and density, the dissipation reduction mechanism is investigated, and the Q of the levitating resonators is enhanced. Since their estimated acceleration noise is as low as some of the best superconducting levitating accelerometers at cryogenic temperatures, the high Q and large mass of the presented composite resonators positions them as one of the most promising technologies for next generation ultra‐sensitive room temperature accelerometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a facile method to synthesize a new type of photocatalyst by coating Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 composite on rGO‐CNT network was reported. The composite of Silver orthophosphate/Niobium(V) oxide (Ag3PO4/Nb2O5) was prepared through depositing Ag3PO4 particles on the surface of Nb2O5 particles. The prepared Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 composite photocatalyst shows a much higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB than pure Ag3PO4 and Nb2O5 under simulated sunlight. This can be related to the efficient separation of photoinduced electron/hole pairs derived from the Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 heterojunction. Moreover, the prepared reduced Graphene Oxide‐Carbon nanotube (rGO‐CNT) network inhibits the restacking of sheets of Graphene Oxide (GO) during the reduction process and can create fast electronic conducting channels, making this an effective strategy for improving the photocatalytic performance of the prepared composite of Ag3PO4/Nb2O5. The degradation rate constant (kapp) of the optimized rGO‐CNT/Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 photocatalyst was higher by a factor of 6.7 times than that of the corresponding Ag3PO4 nanoparticles. The synergistic interactions between Ag3PO4, Nb2O5, and the presence of rGO‐CNT network lead to an increased surface area, a decreased aggregation of the particles, a reduced recombination rate for the photogenerated electron/hole pairs, and an efficient charge carrier transfer. In addition, no loss of photocatalytic activity was observed after six recycles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), a challenging disorder, is defined by lack of bladder control due to the abnormalities in neural pathways and can be classified based on the location of lesions within the nervous system, thus investigating the neural pathways can help us to know the site of the lesion and specify the class of the NLUTD. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) tractography, a noninvasive advanced imaging method, is capable of detecting central nervous system pathologies, even if routine magnetic resonance imaging shows no abnormality. Accordingly, tractography is an ideal technique to evaluate patients with NLUTD and visualize the pathology site within the spine. This study aimed to introduce a novel method of spinal cord injury (SCI) to establish NLUTD in the rabbit and to investigate the potential of tractography in tracing neural tracts of the spinal cord in an induced NLUTD animal model. Materials and Methods: An animal model of NLUTD was induced through cauterization of the spinal cord at the level T12–L1 in 12 rabbits. Then rabbits were assessed via DTI, urodynamic studies (UDS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and pathology assessments using antineurofilament 200 (NF200) antibody, anti‐S100, anti‐Smooth Muscle Actin, anti‐Myogenin, and anti‐MyoD1. Results: The tractography visualized lesions within spinal cord fibers. DTI parameters including fractional anisotropy (FA) value and tract density were significantly decreased (FA: p‐value = 0.01, Tract density: p‐value = 0.05) after injury. The mean diffusivity (MD) was insignificantly increased compared to before the injury. Also, the results of UDS and pathology assessments corroborated that applying SCI and the establishment of the NLUTD model was completely successful. Conclusion: In the present study, we investigated the auxiliary role of tractography in detecting the spinal cord lesions in the novel established rabbit model of NLUTD. The introduced method of NLUTD induction was without the leg's neurological deficit, easily applicable, low‐cost, and was accompanied by minimal surgical preparation and a satisfactory survival rate in comparison with other SCI animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment, if done at a high efficiency and a low price, can be widely used as a strategy to deal with water shortage to a great extent. Advanced oxidation process is one of the best methods of removing colour contaminants from water, and the photocatalytic process, which functions based on semiconductors, is known as an advanced oxidation method. In this research, Ag3PO4/CdS/CNT (Ag/Cd/CN) photocatalyst was prepared using a simple precipitation method with different ratios and Ag/Cd/CN (3:1:15 wt%) nanocomposite showed the best result, so it was finally used to remove methyl orange from water in visible light irradiation. The prepared photocatalyst was detected by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy analyses. In addition, the morphology of the prepared photocatalyst was investigated and it determined that cadmium sulphide and silver phosphate particles were spread evenly on carbon nanotubes. According to the results of diffuse reflectance spectra analysis, the band gap of the optimum photocatalyst declined from 2.38 eV to 1.97 eV, in comparison with silver phosphate, and the decrease in photoluminescence resulted in the nanocomposite particles being coupled successfully. The distribution of the particles' sizes was analysed by DLS. Furthermore, BET determined mesopores in the prepared nanocomposite. This experiment was designed by Design Expert 7, where the pH parameters, photocatalyst amount, and time were all optimized. As a result, 0.4 g/L of the photocatalyst, prepared in pH = 2.5 and in 60 min, managed to degrade methyl orange (MO) by 98%. The best result was obtained at 45 °C. The prepared photocatalyst showed high stability in dye removal after being used for five cycles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun nanofibers (NFs)‐based drug delivery approaches are of particular interest as a hopeful implantable nanoplatform for localized cancer therapy and treating tissue defect after resection, allowing the on‐site drug delivery with minimal side effect to healthy cells. To maintain therapeutic concentrations of anticancer molecules for a relatively long time through a combination of burst and sustained drug release mechanisms, a hybrid of polycaprolactone and gelatin (PCL/GEL) was used for co‐encapsulation of free curcumin (CUR) and CUR‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (CUR@MSNs) via electrospinning, resulting in a novel drug‐loaded nanofibrous scaffold, CUR/CUR@MSNs‐NFs. The as‐prepared MSNs and composite NFs were characterized via TGA, FTIR, FE‐SEM, TEM, and BET. In vitro release profile of CUR from CUR/CUR@MSNs‐NFs was examined, and the in vitro antitumor efficacy against MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells was also evaluated through MTT, scratch assay, DAPI staining, and real‐time PCR. The results disclosed that the smooth, bead‐free, and randomly oriented CUR/CUR@MSNs‐NFs displayed a combination of initial rapid discharge and sustained release for CUR, which led to higher cytotoxicity, lower migration as well as a more pronounced effect on apoptosis induction than CUR‐NFs and CUR@MSNs‐NFs. The present study illustrated that the dual drug release mechanisms through MSN/NF‐mediated drug delivery systems might have a highly hopeful application as a localized implantable scaffold for potential postoperative breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been more than a year since the outbreak of COVID‐19, and it is still the most critical issue of the healthcare system. Discovering effective strategies to treat infected patients is necessary to decrease the mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the effects of nanocurcumin on the severity of symptoms and length of hospital stay (LOS) in COVID‐19 patients. Forty‐eight COVID‐19 patients were randomly assigned into nanocurcumin (n = 24) and placebo (n = 24) groups receiving 160 mg/day nanocurcumin or placebo capsules for 6 days. Mean differences of O2 saturation were significantly higher in patients who received nanocurcumin supplements (p = 0.02). Also, nanocurcumin treatment significantly reduced the scores of domains 3 and 4 and the total score of Wisconsin Upper Respiratory System Survey (WURSS‐24), indicating milder symptoms in the treatment group (p = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.01 respectively). Besides, the LOS in curcumin groups was lower than in the placebo group, although the difference was not statistically significant (6.31 ± 5.26 vs. 8.87 ± 8.12 days; p = 0.416). CBC/differentiate, hs‐CRP level and the pulmonary involvement in CT scan were not different between the two groups. As nanocurcumin can be effective in increasing O2 saturation and reducing the severity of symptoms in COVID‐19 patients, it could probably be used as a complementary agent to accelerate the recovery of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis is a globally distributed zoonotic parasitic disease in a broad range of vertebrates with great importance in the veterinary field. The standard diagnostic test for Babesiosis in animals is microscopic identification of the parasite in a venous blood smear stained with Giemsa combined with assessment of clinical manifestations throughout the acute phase of the disease. The present study was planned to determine the presence of Babesia species in camels from the southeastern regions of Iran. A total of 140 blood samples of camels were randomly collected in four selected cities including Qaen, Nehbandan, Iranshahr, and Zahedan from March to August 2019. Blood smears of each case were also examined by the Giemsa staining method and extracted DNA samples were subjected to internal transcribed spacers (ITS1) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The prevalence rates using microscopically and molecular examinations were 10% and 19.28%, respectively. The prevalence rates significantly vary between the selected regions (p = 0.003). PCR technique showed higher sensitivity than microscopy. We found that all infected camels were positive for Babesia caballi. The rate of infection with Babesia among the camel in Zahedan is remarkable. Early diagnosis and early treatment can prevent further spread of the disease in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a modified sol‐immobilization procedure using (MeOH)x/(H2O)1‐x solvent mixtures to prepare Pd/TiO2 catalysts that are able to reduce the formation of acid catalyzed products, e. g. ethers, for the hydrogenation of furfural. Transmission electron microscopy found a significant increase in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) deposition at the metal‐support interface and temperature programmed reduction found a reduced uptake of hydrogen, compared to an established Pd/TiO2 preparation. We propose that the additional PVA hinders hydrogen spillover onto the TiO2 support and limits the formation of Brønsted acid sites, required to produce ethers. Elsewhere, the new preparation route was able to successfully anchor colloidal Pd to the TiO2 surface, without the need for acidification. This work demonstrates the potential for minimizing process steps as well as optimizing catalyst selectivity – both important objectives for sustainable chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a modified sol‐immobilization procedure using (MeOH)x/(H2O)1‐x solvent mixtures to prepare Pd/TiO2 catalysts that are able to reduce the formation of acid catalyzed products, e. g. ethers, for the hydrogenation of furfural. Transmission electron microscopy found a significant increase in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) deposition at the metal‐support interface and temperature programmed reduction found a reduced uptake of hydrogen, compared to an established Pd/TiO2 preparation. We propose that the additional PVA hinders hydrogen spillover onto the TiO2 support and limits the formation of Brønsted acid sites, required to produce ethers. Elsewhere, the new preparation route was able to successfully anchor colloidal Pd to the TiO2 surface, without the need for acidification. This work demonstrates the potential for minimizing process steps as well as optimizing catalyst selectivity – both important objectives for sustainable chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to report clinical features, contributing factors and outcome of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐associated mucormycosis (CAM). Methods: A cross‐sectional descriptive multicentre study was conducted on patients with biopsy‐proven mucormycosis with RT‐PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 from April to September 2020. Demographics, the time interval between COVID‐19 and mucormycosis, underlying systemic diseases, clinical features, course of disease and outcomes were collected and analysed. Results: Fifteen patients with COVID‐19 and rhino‐orbital mucormycosis were observed. The median age of patients was 52 years (range 14–71), and 66% were male. The median interval time between COVID‐19 disease and diagnosis of mucormycosis was seven (range: 1–37) days. Among all, 13 patients (86%) had diabetes mellitus, while 7 (46.6%) previously received intravenous corticosteroid therapy. Five patients (33%) underwent orbital exenteration, while seven (47%) patients died from mucormycosis. Six patients (40%) received combined antifungal therapy and none that received combined antifungal therapy died. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that mucormycosis may be complication of COVID‐19 in high‐risk patients. Poor control of diabetes mellitus is an important predisposing factor for CAM. Systematic surveillance for control of diabetes mellitus and educating physician about the early diagnosis of CAM are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a common complication of severe viral pneumonia, such as influenza and COVID‐19, that requires critical care including ventilatory support, use of corticosteroids and other adjunctive therapies to arrest the attendant massive airways inflammation. Although recommended for the treatment of viral pneumonia, steroid therapy appears to be a double‐edged sword, predisposing patients to secondary bacterial and invasive fungal infections (IFIs) whereby impacting morbidity and mortality. Mucormycosis is a fungal emergency with a highly aggressive tendency for contiguous spread, associated with a poor prognosis if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Classically, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) and other immunosuppressive conditions including corticosteroid therapy are known risk factors for mucormycosis. Upon the background lung pathology, immune dysfunction and corticosteroid therapy, patients with severe viral pneumonia are likely to develop IFIs like aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Notably, the combination of steroid therapy and DM can augment immunosuppression and hyperglycaemia, increasing the risk of mucormycosis in a susceptible individual. Here, we report a case of sinonasal mucormycosis in a 44‐year‐old woman with hyperglycaemia secondary to poorly controlled diabetes following dexamethasone therapy on a background of influenza pneumonia and review 15 available literatures on reported cases of influenza and COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1D TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) produced by anodization of Ti have attracted significant research and technological interest due to their excellent properties suitable for numerous applications. A huge challenge that remains is to develop reproducible protocols for the synthesis of extremely high aspect ratio (HAR) TNT layers. A new strategy for the growth of HAR TNT layers based on galvanostatic anodization of Ti in NH4F/ethylene‐glycol‐based electrolyte with the addition of lactic acid (LA) is described. The results show that the addition of LA to the electrolyte can effectively prevent the dielectric breakdown during the anodization at elevated current densities. In comparison with the LA‐free electrolyte, robust HAR TNT layers as thick as ≈44 μm can be produced within 15 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Based on the recent advancements in cell therapy techniques, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transurethral injection of autologous adipose‐derived stem cells, muscle‐derived stem cells, and co‐cultured cells for the rehabilitation of stress urinary incontinence rat models. We hypothesized that the utilization of co‐cultured stem cells could result in enhanced therapeutic outcomes attributed to their more comprehensive environment of paracrine factors and cytokines. Methods: We performed bilateral pudendal nerve transection surgeries to simulate urinary incontinence in 25 female Wistar rats and employed urodynamic evaluations to confirm the injury. We autologously isolated and cultured adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, muscle‐derived stem cells, and a mixed culture of the two types, which we subsequently injected into the urethral lumen of the damaged animals. Three weeks after the injection, urodynamic assays, histological staining, and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed to determine the efficacy of the implanted cell cultures in sphincter function improvements or structural modifications. Results: Histological evaluations suggested a regenerative process in the muscular layer of the external sphincter 3 weeks after the injection. Also, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a thickened periurethral striated muscle layer in the co‐cultured group. Postinjection urodynamic analysis indicated that the urethral pressure profile significantly increased in the co‐cultured group compared with other groups. Conclusions: The outcomes of this investigation indicated that the application of co‐cultured adipose‐derived and muscle‐derived stem cells could be associated with higher therapeutic value in stress urinary incontinence patients compared with singular‐cell treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology empowered localized cancer chemotherapy has indicated a promising performance for targeting and controlled release of anticancer agents over a period of time to eliminate local‐regional recurrence of cancers and also to improve the tissue regeneration during/after treatment. Electrospun nanofiber‐based implantable drug‐delivery systems have been established as one of the most effective approaches for localized cancer treatment, allowing the on‐site delivery of anticancer agents and reducing systemic toxicities and side effects to normal cells. The present review aimed to summarize the latest cutting‐edge research on applications of electrospun‐based systems for local chemotherapy. Meantime, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted using various anticancer agents along with the capability of electrospun nanofibers for combinatorial/synergistic chemotherapy as well as existing challenges and the potential dramatic advances in applying this pioneering approach for clinical transition in localized treatments of cancer is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and phase evolution of the mechanically alloyed FeCoNiMnV high entropy alloy during spark plasma sintering are examined. The milled powders are sintered at different temperatures ranging between 500 °C and 1000 °C. A multiphase structure is produced during the sintering process. The produced alloy experiences different types of decompositions and phase formations as the sintering temperature is raised. During sintering at different temperatures, the body centered cubic and face centered cubic (FCC) phases are transformed to new FCC and tetragonal phases. According to the results, V does not show the tendency to dissolve into the structure and the tetragonal phases, mainly composed of V and Mn, tending to be formed in addition to the FCC solid solution. Sintering at 900 °C results in the grain size of about 220 nm, attaining the highest hardness of about 450 HV. The sintered alloy at 1000 °C shows the highest relative density (about 98%) with an average grain size of about 580 nm. The phase formation is predicted and evaluated by different criteria, and the consistency between the theoretical and experimental results is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are known for having therapeutic applications, reside in stem cell niches where the oxygen concentration is low. At the molecular level, the master regulator of the cellular reaction to hypoxia is hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor (HIF). The transcriptional response of a cell to hypoxia is affected by two major components; first, the structure of hypoxia‐response elements (HREs), which primarily define how much of the HIF signal is integrated into the transcriptional output of individual genes. Second, the availability of other transcriptional factors cooperating with HIF in the context of HRE. In MSCs, the expression of a single gene by hypoxia depends on elements such as factors influencing the HIF activity, metabolic pathways, the real oxygen concentration in the cellular microenvironment, and duration of culture. In addition, specific growth factors and pro‐infection cytokines, hormones, oncogenic signaling, as well as ultrasound are potent regulators of HIF in MSCs. Altogether, the response of MSCs to hypoxia is complex and mediated by several genes and molecular agents. Regarding the influence of hypoxia on MSCs, oxygen concentration must be taken into consideration based on the cell type and the aim of culture before a particular MSCs culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline (PANI) as an excellent conducting polymer was used to prepare an organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite based on nitrogen (N)‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) under different synthesis conditions. Based on the DRS, XRD, FESEM, BET, XPS, and FT‐IR results, the optical and structural properties of the as‐prepared composites were found to be affected by N‐TiO2 to aniline (ANI) molar ratio, reaction time, and initial pH of solution, which in turn influence the photocatalytic performance of nanocomposites. The experimental design methodology was used to study the simultaneous effect of these synthesis parameters on the Vis activity performance of N‐TiO2/PANI nanocomposites for degradation of Acid Red 73. The degradation efficiency was significantly affected by the reaction time of polymerization, initial pH of solution, and interaction between the reaction time and N‐TiO2/ANI molar ratio. The optimal synthesis conditions for maximum Acid Red 73 degradation efficiency (58.25%) were found to be a molar ratio of N‐TiO2/ANI of 106.13 M, the reaction time of 487.42 min, and pH of 3.37. TEM images, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and BET analysis of the as‐prepared nanocomposites show the increase in surface area and porosity and decrease in agglomeration formation by adding nitrogen and PANI. The N‐TiO2/PANI nanocomposites prepared at optimal synthesis conditions show higher visible activity compared to those modified with nitrogen or PANI only due to the synergistic effect between PANI and N doping. The mineralization studies of Acid Red 73 using the as‐prepared nanocomposites show their ability to decompose approximately all organic compounds present in the solution. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4605–4616, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, researchers succeeded in designing and manufacturing a new class of nanoparticles (NPs) called hybrid NPs. Among hybrid NPs, bimetallic and core-shell NPs were a revolutionary step in NPs science. A large number of green physiochemical and methods for nanostructures synthesis have been published. Eventually, physiochemical methods are either expensive or require the use of chemical compounds for the synthesis of bimetallic and core-shell nanostructures. The main challenges that scientists are facing are making the process cheaper, facile and eco-friendly efficient synthesis process. Green synthesis (biosynthesis) refers to the use of bio-resources (such as bacteria, fungi, plants or their derivatives) for the synthesis of nanostructures. The popularity of the green synthesis of nanostructures is due to their environmental friendliness and no usage of toxic materials, environmental friendliness for the synthesis or stability of nanostructure. Bimetallic and core-shell NPs have many biomedical applications such as removing heavy metals, parasitology, molecular and microbial sensor, gene carrier, single bacterial detection, oligonucleotide detection and so on. The purpose of this study is to discuss briefly the biosynthesised bimetallic and core-shell NPs, their biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical checklists are in use to reduce errors for safer surgery. We aimed to study the effect of a previously designed performance-based self-administered intra-procedural checklist on the performance of trainees during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: Twenty-four laparoscopic cholecystectomies were enrolled into the study. Six surgical trainees each performed four procedures, two without the checklist and directly followed by two procedures with the checklist. A soft beeping sound reminded each trainee to apply the checklist every 4 min during the procedures. The unedited videos were analysed using the human reliability analysis technique for the number of consequential errors, number of interventions by the trainer, number of instrument movements and time execution. The trainees’ satisfaction was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Nonparametric test was used for data analysis. p value was defined as significant when p < 0.05.Results: Participants performed statistically better with the application of the checklist compared to when no checklist was used, respectively: Median [IQR] total number of errors 1.51 [0.80] versus 3.84 [1.42] (p = 0.002) and consequential errors 0.20 [0.12] versus 0.45 [0.42] (p = 0.005), and the number of instrument movements per time decreased from 11.90 [5.34] to 10.38 [5.16] (p = 0.04). With the introduction of the checklist, the number of interventions by the trainer per time decreased from 2.79 [1.85] to 0.43 [1.208] (p = 0.003). The trainees satisfaction score was 4.5 [1] for the first question, 4 [1] for the second question and 4 [2] for the third question.Conclusion: The self-administered intra-procedural checklist improved the performance of surgical trainees and decreased the number of interventions by the trainer during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The trainees were generally satisfied using the checklist during the procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of zinc sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) using a green approach was explored. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) were characterised by UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The leishmanicidal, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of the resulting synthesised ZnS NPs (<70 nm) were evaluated against Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes and amastigotes by MTT assay and using a macrophage model. The ZnS NPs were able to counteract the effects of oxidative metabolites as demonstrated by the oxidant activity. The IC50 value of butylated hydroxyanisole was 26.04 µg/ml as compared with the IC50 for ZnS NPs (90.95 µg/ml). The NPs displayed no cytotoxicity for the murine macrophaghes as the selectivity index (SI) fell into the safety range (SI ≥ 10). These nanomaterials exhibited good antileishmanial activity against the L. major stages that were comparable to that of Glucantime, the drug of choice. The IC50 values of ZnS NPs and Glucantime against amastigotes were 11.59 ± 2.51 and 4.95 ± 2.51 μg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values for ZnS NPs and Glucantime versus promastigote were 29.81 ± 3.15 and 14.75 ± 4.05 μg/ml, respectively. Further investigation is essential to explore the biological effects of ZnS NPs on animal and/or clinical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There is a strong evidence to suggest that 3D imaging improves the laparoscopic task performance when compared against 2D. However, to date, no study has explained why that might be. We identified six generic visual components during laparoscopic imaging and aimed to study each component in both 2D and 3D environments for comparison.Methods: Twenty-four consented laparoscopic novices performed specific isolated tasks in a laparoscopic Endo Trainer in 2D and 3D separately. The six endpoints were the accuracy in detecting changes in the laparoscopic images in the following components: distance, area, angle, curvature, volume and spatial coordinates. All the components except the spatial coordinates were assessed by creation, measurement and comparison. Each component was analysed between 2D and 3D groups and within each group at different values. Tests of spatial coordinates were video-recorded and analysed for error number and error types by human reliability analysis technique. Errors types included past-pointing, not reaching the object and touching the wrong object. The results were statistically analysed with independent T test.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between 2D and 3D accuracy in the angle, area, distance and curvature. 3D performed more accurately in comparing volumes (p = 0.05). In spatial coordinates, there were a statistically significant higher number of errors in 2D as compared to 3D (p < 0.001). Past-pointing and touching the wrong objects were significantly higher in 2D (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Between all the visual components, detecting change in volume and the spatial coordinates showed significant improvement in 3D environment when compared to 2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a numerical method based on the fuzzy transform for solving second-order differential equations with boundary conditions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the method by some examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the level of salivary endothelin-1 in premalignant and malignant lesions.Materials and Methods: In this study, 75 cases were investigated of which 25 cases were healthy, 25 cases had oral lichen planus (OLP), and 25 cases had oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In order to collect the saliva samples, the unstimulated spitting was used. The samples were collected between 9 and 12 a.m. They were sent to the lab shortly after being collected and salivary endothelin-1 was recorded for each sample according to the instruction of factory by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and optical density at a wavelength of 450 nm. SPSS version 20 and one-way ANOVA and LSD tests were used to analyze the data.Results: The mean of salivary endothelin-1 level in patients with OSCC was 163.98 pg/ml, in patients with OLP was 160.9 pg/ml, and in healthy people was 137.19 pg/ml. The analysis of one-way ANOVA suggested that the level of salivary endothelin-1 in both groups was the same and significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The level of salivary endothelin-1 in patients with SCC and OLP was higher than that in healthy group. Thus, it can be used as the latest therapeutic protocol for oral premalignant and malignant lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly viscous property of heavy oil often causes problems in its transportation in pipelines. Mixing heavy oil with light oil as well as ultrasound treatment are viable solutions to this problem. In this study, extra heavy crude oil samples were first diluted with 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 mL/mL (0, 5, 10, and 15 vol%) of a light crude oil; then the mixture was irradiated by ultrasonic waves for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min; finally the viscous shear functions of all mixtures was measured at different values of shear rate at different temperature levels. The results revealed that the minimum viscosity of the diluted extra heavy crude oil samples was obtained at 10 min of ultrasonic irradiation. Moreover, the viscosity reduction rate in relation to temperature decreases as temperature increases. In other words, the maximum viscosity reduction rate occurred at 0.05 mL/mL (5 vol%) of light crude oil. Using the experimental data, the parameters of common rheological models were obtained and a new modified Power Law model was presented to calculate the effect of shear rate and temperature simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on sackcloth fibre were used for the photodegradation of acid dye, and the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysts was predicted using the support vector machines model and artificial neural network model. Acid Red 73 was applied as a model compound. The experimental results were determined as the function of key factors such as initial H2O2 concentration, dye concentration, dissolved anions, pH, and time. The obtained results were used for training the models. To find the most suitable and reliable network, different algorithms and transfer functions were tested. The trial and error method was used to find the optimum number of neurons and layers. The root mean squared of error (RMSE), the sum of square error (SSE), and R2 for the models were calculated. Results show that support vector machines and neural network models can effectively learn and model the aforementioned process and predict the efficiency of photodegradation of coloured wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the goodness of fit of three mathematical functions (including: Legendre polynomials, Lidauer- Mäntysaari function and Wilmink function) for describing the lactation curve of primiparous Iranian Holstein cows by using multiple-trait random regression models ( MT-RRM). Lactational submodels provided the largest daily additive genetic ( AG) and permanent environmental ( PE) variance estimates at the end and at the onset of lactation, respectively, as well as low genetic correlations between peripheral test-day records. For all models, heritability estimates were highest at the end of lactation (245 to 305 days) and ranged from 0.05 to 0.26, 0.03 to 0.12 and 0.04 to 0.24 for milk, fat and protein yields, respectively. Generally, the genetic correlations between traits depend on how far apart they are or whether they are on the same day in any two traits. On average, genetic correlations between milk and fat were the lowest and those between fat and protein were intermediate, while those between milk and protein were the highest. Results from all criteria ( Akaike's and Schwarz's Bayesian information criterion, and −2*logarithm of the likelihood function) suggested that a model with 2 and 5 coefficients of Legendre polynomials for AG and PE effects, respectively, was the most adequate for fitting the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn2-based Heusler compounds have attracted a great deal of interest as half-metallic ferri- and ferromagnets and as materials for spintronic applications. In this paper, we report the synthesis, crystal structure, and disorder type of the new Heusler compounds Mn2RuGe, Mn2RhGa, and the redetermination of the crystal structure of Mn2RuSn. They crystallize cubic with L21b structure type in Fm $\bar{3}$ m, which is an inverse Heusler structure with a transition metal disorder of the type (Mn0.5, Y0.5)2Mn Z ( Y = Ru or Rh and Z = Ge, Ga or Sn). It is shown that an inverse Heusler structure can generally gain stability through the configurational part of the entropy of mixing at elevated temperatures without loosing too much enthalpy in the configurational part of the enthalpy of mixing owing to a special bond arrangement in the inverse type structure. The enthalpy of formation of transition-metal-based Heusler compounds and Al, Ga, and Ge as the main group metals obtained from DFT calculations and experimental data are used to confirm Burch's rule, which predicts the stability of transition-metal-based inverse Heusler compounds. Alloying tendencies as manifested in binary phase diagrams and the enthalpies obtained from the Miedema model are correlated with the stability of Heusler compounds. Burch's rule is in excellent agreement with the current available experimental data. The DFT data and general alloying tendencies show that deviations are expected from this rule. Miedema's model allows the estimation of the enthalpy of formation for the transition- and main group metal-based Heusler compounds, except for those having period 6 elements and Pd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is growing evidence that training on virtual reality simulators leads to improved performance in the animate and human operating room. However, they are expensive, have a limited availability, and involve complex systems. Portable simulators are significantly cheaper, more user-friendly, and are flexible systems that are more suited to a surgical trainee's busy schedule. The use of portable surgical simulators to train skills and reduce errors has never been evaluated in prospective, randomized clinical settings. The objective of this study was to determine if training on the portable Integrated Laparoscopic Simulator leads to improved performance of core laparoscopic skills. Methods: Core laparoscopic skills were identified by five experienced laparoscopic surgeons and modeled into two exercises and three basic tasks. Twenty surgically naive medical students had baseline laparoscopic skills assessed on a fixed simulator. Participants were randomized to either 14 h training on a portable laparoscopic simulator over a 3 week period, or control with no training. At 3 weeks two expert laparoscopic surgeons blinded to the allocation of participants assessed their pre- and post-intervention performances recorded on a CD-ROM. The outcome measures included time to complete and global rating scores of clipping and dissection tasks. Results: No differences were observed in baseline skills level between the two groups. The intervention group had better quality of scissors dissection ( p = 0.0038) and improved clipping skills ( p = 0.0051), and they took less time to accomplish the tasks ( p = 0.0099) in comparison to control. Conclusions: Training on the portable Integrated Laparoscopic Simulator significantly improved core laparoscopic skills in medical students with no prior experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-temperature shift reaction (MTS, 280-340 °C) has received much attention for use in fuel processors. In this study, bifunctional Pt-Ni/CeO2 catalysts were prepared by different Pt (0.1-0.5 %) and Ni (5-20 %) loadings, and investigated for MTS reaction. X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption and temperature-programmed reduction tests were used to characterize the prepared samples. The results showed that Pt-Ni bimetallic catalysts have higher CO conversion in comparison to Pt/CeO2 monometallic catalyst. Furthermore, the sequential synthesis method of Pt and Ni impregnation was preferred to the simultaneous one, which is due to the better Pt dispersion on catalytic surface. Steam to carbon ratio variations study showed the maximum CO conversion to be in the range of 4.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest regarding the WGS process has grown significantly, because of the recent progression in fuel cells as a clean technology for power generation. Due to the large volume and cost of WGS conventional two-stage reactors, and also problems related to pyrophoricity and lengthy reduction of customary catalysts, the current challenge is to develop more active and stable catalysts that convert CO in a single-stage medium temperature shift (MTS, 280-360 °C) reactor, which is applicable in small-scale fuel cells. Advanced and newly developed catalytic systems for hydrogen purification via MTS reactions are reviewed and discussed in this study. Pt-based catalysts on reducible oxide supports, e.g., CeO2 and TiO2, have mainly been used for this reaction. It is known that ceria is the most applicable active and stable support and highly promising for MTS reactions, considering its high oxygen storage capacity and mobility of surface oxygen/hydroxyl groups. New studies investigate modified ceria, e.g., CeZr, to improve its catalytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-eight Iranian Markhoz goats were allocated to six groups (n = 8) to study the effect of flushing and hormonal treatments on reproductive performance. Treatments were divided into two categories including, hormonal treatments and flushing. The goats in each group were fed the same basal ration and received one of the following treatments: Groups A and B - injection of GnRH and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) respectively; Groups C, D and E - a supplement of barley grain, soybean oil and sunflower oil in flushing diets, respectively, were offered and Group F - control (only received basal diet). In the flushing treatments, only the source of energy was different between rations. Both hormonal treatments and flushing treatments improved fertility and kidding rates. Treatment B with 16 and control with seven kids represented the highest and the lowest number of progeny respectively. Among flushing treatments, group C resulted in the highest number of kids being 15. Oestrogen levels in follicular phase increased with the injection of eCG and consumption of barley grain. GnRH injection and consumption of oil sources in the diet increased blood progesterone levels during ovulation and post-ovulation periods. Under current market conditions, using hormone or flushing can be profitable for Markhoz goats farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type of stent used for the management of patients with malignant dysphagia is chosen according to subjective physician’s preference. There is no recent study available to provide updated evidence on early outcomes related to the use of different types of stents. A literature search was performed using Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for comparative studies assessing different types of stents. The primary end point was stent-related mortality; secondary end points included: stent-related morbidity, successful palliation of dysphagia, and 30-day mortality. A random-effects model was used and heterogeneity was assessed. Twelve studies that included 911 patients compared metallic (46.54%) and plastic stents (53.45%), and eight studies that included 564 patients compared covered (43.26%) and uncovered metal stents (56.73%). Meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials showed that metallic stents were associated with significantly reduced stent-related mortality (1.7% vs. 11.1% for the plastic group, odds ratio (OR), 0.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06–0.74; P = 0.02), morbidity in the form of reduced esophageal perforation (1.4% vs. 9.4% for plastic stent, OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08–0.89; P = 0.03), and stent migration, yet increased rate of tumor in-growth (13% vs. 1.6% for plastic stents, OR, 4.84; 95% CI, 0.99–23.76; P = 0.05). Covered metallic stents had significantly less tumor in-growth than the uncovered and an increased migration rate. There was no significant difference between metallic and plastic stents in terms of any other stent-related morbidity and 30-day mortality. Self-expanding metallic stents are superior to plastic stents in terms of stent insertion-related mortality, morbidity, and quality of palliation. The uncovered variety is disadvantaged by high rate of tumor in-growth; adequately designed randomized, controlled trials need to examine outcomes and cost-effectiveness of covered versus uncovered metallic stents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐material direct ink writing (DIW) of smart materials opens new possibilities for manufacturing complex‐shaped structures with embedded sensing and actuation capabilities. In this study, DIW of UV‐curable piezoelectric actuators is developed, which do not require high‐temperature sintering, allowing direct integration with structural materials. Through particle size and ink rheology optimization, the highest d33*g33 piezoelectric constant compared to other DIW fabricated piezo composites is achieved, enabling tunable actuation performance. This is used to fabricate ultrasound transducers by printing piezoelectric vibrating membranes along with their support structures made from a structural ink. The impact of transducer design and scaling up transducer dimensions on the resonance behavior to design millimeter‐scale ultrasound transducers with desired out‐of‐plane displacement is explored. A significant increase in output pressure with increasing membrane dimensions is observed. Finally, a practical application is demonstrated by using the printed transducer for accurate proximity sensing using time of flight measurements. The scalability and flexibility of the reported DIW of piezo composites can open up new advancements in biomedical, human‐computer interaction, and aerospace fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymeric title compound, [Sn(C2H5)(C6H5)2-(C2H4ClO2)]n, adopts a carboxylate-bridged zigzag motif. The Sn center exhibits a trans-C3SnO2 trigonal-bipyramidal coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title coordination polymer, [Sn(C2H5)(C6H5)2(C2H2ClO2)] n, the five-coordinate Sn atom shows an SnC3O2 trigonal–bipyramidal geometry, with O atoms in the axial positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]