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A fully biodegradable, ultra‐sensitive, and soft strain sensor is pivotal for temporary, real‐time monitoring of microdeformations, crucial in disease diagnosis, surgical precision, and prognosis of muscular, and vascular conditions. Nevertheless, the strain sensitivity of previous biodegradable sensors, denoted by gauge factor (GF) up to ≈100, falls short of requirements for complex biomedical monitoring scenarios, specifically monitoring cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases with microscale variations in vascular surface strain. Here, a fully biodegradable, ultra‐sensitive crack‐based flexible strain sensor is introduced achieving GF of 1355 at 1.5% strain through integration of molybdenum (Mo) film, molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) adhesion layer, and polycaprolactone (PCL) substrate. Analysis of crack morphology of biodegradable thin‐film metals, including Mo, tungsten (W), and magnesium (Mg), reveals material‐dependent sensitivity and repeatability of crack‐based strain sensors. The effect of the adhesion layer and polymer substrate is also investigated. Overall morphological studies on the sensor present a comprehensive understanding of metal film cracking behavior and corresponding performance characterization, showing significant potential for highly sensitive sensors. A hybrid membrane composed of candelilla wax (Cw), beeswax (Bw), and polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate (PBAT) is introduced to provide hydrophobic, yet flexible encapsulation. In vivo, short‐term (≈3 days) monitoring of vascular pulsatility underscores the potential of the sensing tool for rapid, accurate, and temporal disease diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ultra‐broadband polarization rotator with advanced angular adjustability is proposed for functional devices such as displays and smart windows. The new solution offers dynamic control of light polarization across a broad range of wavelengths, encompassing the complete visible spectrum, ultraviolet and near‐infrared. Moreover, it boasts a smaller footprint, faster response times, and lower dispersion compared to conventional rotators. The findings are remarkable in that they show that as the viewing angle increases, the hybrid alignment takes on a twist‐like configuration, with the polarization rotation angle determined by the spatial variation in the twist angle. This intriguing behavior leads to an improved range of angular adjustability, as the effective polarization rotation depth is extended. The improved angular adjustability of reconfigurable smart devices surpasses the limitations of traditional polarization rotators, unlocking new innovative possibilities. For example, the rotator plays a crucial role in display technologies, allowing for effective control of viewing angles and minimizing reflection from disturbing external light. Similarly, in smart windows, it optimizes energy conservation by regulating direct sunlight transmission while ensuring clear visibility in normal conditions. It is believed that the proposed advanced ultra‐broadband polarization rotator is a significant step forward in the development of reconfigurable smart devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, can combine to exacerbate the development and severity of cardiovascular disease. Treatment goals may be more effectively achieved if multiple disease factors are targeted with combination treatment. We enrolled 202 patients who were randomly divided into the following three groups: telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg, telmisartan 80 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg, and telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg. The primary efficacy variables were changes from baseline in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (MSSBP) between telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg and telmisartan 80 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg at 8 weeks, and the percent changes from baseline in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol between telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg and telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg at 8 weeks. The secondary efficacy variables were changes in MSSBP, mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (MSDBP), LDL cholesterol and other lipid levels at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, as well as observed adverse events during follow‐up. There were no significant differences between the three groups in demographic characteristics and no significant difference among the three groups in terms of baseline characteristics for the validity evaluation variables. The mean overall treatment compliance in the three groups was, respectively, 98.42%, 96.68%, and 98.12%, indicating strong compliance for all patients. The Least‐Square (LS) mean (SE) for changes in MSSBP in the two (telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg and telmisartan 80 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg) groups were −19.3 (2.68) mm Hg and −6.69 (2.76) mm Hg. The difference between the two groups was significant (−12.60 (2.77) mm Hg, 95% CI −18.06 to −7.14, P <.0001). The LS Mean for the percent changes from baseline in LDL cholesterol in the two (telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg and telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg) groups were −52.45 (3.23) % and 2.68 (3.15) %. The difference between the two groups was significant (−55.13 (3.20) %, 95% CI −61.45 to −48.81, P <.0001). There were no adverse events leading to discontinuation or death. Combined administration of telmisartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg and rosuvastatin 20 mg for the treatment of hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia significantly reduces blood pressure and improves lipid control. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03067688. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Previous studies demonstrated conflicting results regarding the association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The statistical power was not sufficient because of modest sample sizes of these studies. We analysed a large population‐based cohort to evaluate the association between NAFLD and AF. Methods: We evaluated 334 280 healthy individuals without comorbidities who underwent National Health check‐ups in South Korea from 2009 to 2014. NAFLD was defined by a surrogate marker, the fatty liver index (FLI). The association between FLI and AF incidence was analysed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: During a median follow‐up of 5.3 years, 1415 subjects (0.4%) were newly diagnosed with AF. Subjects were categorized into quartile groups according to FLI (range: Q1, 0‐4.9; Q2, 5.0‐12.5; Q3, 12.6‐31.0; Q4, >31.0). The cumulative incidence of AF was significantly higher in subjects with higher FLIs than in those with lower FLIs (Q1, 167 [0.2%]; Q2, 281 [0.3%]; Q3, 470 [0.6%]; Q4, 497 [0.6%]; P <.001). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) indicated that a higher FLI was independently associated with an increased risk for AF (HR between Q4 and Q1, 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11‐1.63; P =.002). After further adjustment for the interim events (diabetes, hypertension, heart failure and myocardial infarction), this association remained statistically significant (HR between Q4 and Q1, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.03; P =.001). Conclusions: NAFLD, assessed by FLI, was independently associated with increased risk for AF in healthy Korean population. Moreover, NAFLD itself predisposes to AF independently of the interim events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are extremely toxic and fatal to humans. It is required to quickly identify the released chemical agents and warn against the CWAs for protecting human life. The primary CWA contamination due to attacks occurs mostly on the ground surface, and Raman spectroscopy can quickly identify CWA on the surface in a non‐contact manner. In particular, the interference can be reduced by avoiding the fluorescence of materials on the surface while increasing the Raman‐scattering intensity with the excitation light source of deep ultra violet (UV) smaller than 250 nm. In this study, the Raman spectra of 18 chemical agents, including major CWAs, were measured using a Raman spectroscopy system with 248‐nm deep‐UV light source, and the spectral characteristics of each agent were analyzed. From the results, we confirmed that deep‐UV Raman spectroscopy could be the main method for quickly and accurately detecting and identifying CWA contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral separation of 4‐hydroxyphenylglycine, phenylglycine, tryptophan, methionine, and 2,2,2‐trifluoro‐1‐(9‐anthryl)ethanol (TFAE) was performed under ultrasound reduction at room temperature and high temperature (50 °C). At high temperature (50 °C), both α and Rs were improved slightly under ultrasound reduction as compared to those under non‐ultrasonic and ultrasonic irradiation (50 watt/L) conditions. Even at low temperatures, the largest α was observed under ultrasound reduction conditions, except in the case of methionine. However, at low temperature, Rs was reduced under ultrasound (50 watt/L) irradiation, but was improved under ultrasound reduction rather than under the continuous ultrasonic irradiation. Similar to the fact that gradient elution (based on solvent polarity) can improve α , ultrasound reduction can improve α and Rs. Ultrasound reduction is demonstrated to aid the rapid separation of chiral compounds with improved resolution, especially, at high temperatures. Although chromatographic separation using ultrasound has been rarely dealt with until now, ultrasound can be used as an external field in chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although cardiac manifestation of Behçet disease (BD) has been described in sporadic reports, its timely diagnosis remains difficult. The objective of this study was to describe early cardiac manifestations of BD. We also performed a comprehensive classification of systemic BD activity and compared their cardiac manifestations. Methods: A prospective screening using speckle tracking echocardiography was performed in 85 patients with BD who had no history of heart disease. After excluding subjects with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (n = 1), atrial fibrillation (n = 2), or inadequate echocardiographic images (n = 1), we analyzed their clinical and echocardiographic parameters including LV global longitudinal strains (GLS) and compared them with those of an age‐ and gender‐matched control group (n = 145). Systemic BD activity was classified as minimal (Group A), controlled (Group B), and active (Group C). Results: In 81 study patients (59 females, age of 51 ± 11 years), echocardiography revealed a mean LVEF of 64 ± 5% without any significant valvular dysfunction or aortic aneurysm. Although there was no difference in LVEF between the control group and the patient group, the patient group showed significant reduction in GLS (‐17.1 ± 2.9% vs ‐20.8 ± 2.2%, P < .001). Groups A (n = 21, 26%), B (n = 47, 58%), and C (n = 13, 58%) consistently showed reduction in GLS compared with the control group. However, there was no significant difference in cardiac manifestations among these groups according to systemic disease activity. Conclusion: Patients with BD present intrinsic LV dysfunction despite no apparent abnormality on routine echocardiography. However, their cardiac manifestations are not proportional to systemic BD activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD), chitosan, and collagen on tocopherol and oxidative stability in heated oils were determined under moisture added condition at 180°C in this study. Collagen was added in the form of a mesh structure with different pore sizes (50, 100, 200, and 300 μm) whereas chitosan was added in the form of gel. Presence of 1% w/w β-CD significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced the formation of p-anisidine compared to controls. Collagens also acted as antioxidants irrespective of pore sizes whereas chitosan gel failed to act as antioxidant or prooxidant. Collagen and β-CD significantly ( p < 0.05) protected the decomposition of total tocopherols while chitosan failed to show such protection. Collagen with pore size of 300 μm significantly ( p < 0.05) stabilized γ- and δ- tocopherols compared to controls and oils added with β-CD, chitosan, or collagen with pore size of 50 μm. The addition of β-CD, chitosan, and collagen significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced the moisture content in heated oil compared to controls. β-CD or collagen mesh structure can be used in heated oils like frying condition to control the rates of lipid oxidation. Addition of biopolymers may extend the oxidative stability and shelf-life of heated oils and help to produce more food products. Practical applications: β-Cyclodextrin and collagen mesh structure in heated oils can enhance the stability of antioxidants like tocopherols and the oxidative stability were greatly enhanced in heated oils. Therefore, addition of β-cylcodextrin or collagen mesh structure can be used in heated oils like frying condition to control the rates of lipid oxidation and extend the operation time in frying oils. Addition of β-cyclodextrin and collagen mesh structure significantly enhanced the oxidative stability in heated oils. The stability of tocopherols especially γ- and δ-tocopherols increases when collagen mesh structure is added. Moisture content is decreased in heated oils when β-cyclodextrin, chitosan, and collagen are added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of stripping treatment and the presence of α-tocopherol on oxidative stability of stripped or non-stripped soybean oils containing quercetin or rutin (0.4 mM) stored at 25°C for 45 days. The degree of oxidation of oils was determined by analyzing headspace oxygen content, conjugated dienoic acid, and p-anisidine values. The contents of remaining α-tocopherol and the moisture content in soybean oils were also determined. Added quercetin or rutin acted as an antioxidant in stripped soybean oils and as a prooxidant in non-stripped soybean oils. The presence of 0.05 and 0.1 mM α-tocopherol accelerated the rates of lipid oxidation in non-stripped oils containing quercetin or rutin. Moisture content in non-stripped oils with rutin was significantly higher than that in other samples, and increased with the concentration of α-tocopherol ( p < 0.05). In addition, quercetin and rutin helped increase the moisture content in stripped oils, but not in non-stripped oils. Quercetin and rutin accelerated the decomposition of α-tocopherol in both stripped and non-stripped oils. The oxidative stability of oils containing tocopherols and phenolic compounds depended on the stripping process. Practical application: Phenolic compounds are natural antioxidants and are frequently found in edible oils. The presence of quercetin and rutin, which are aglycone and its glycoside phenolic compound, respectively, altered the oxidative stability of oils depending on the stripping process. The moisture content in oils could play an important role in the oxidative stability of bulk oils. For industrial applications, phenolic compounds should be added with care because they could lower the oxidative stability of non-stripped oils. Added quercetin or rutin acted as an antioxidant in stripped soybean oils and as a prooxidant in non-stripped soybean oils. Quercetin and rutin increased the moisture content in stripped oils, but not in non-stripped oils. Quercetin and rutin accelerated the decomposition of α-tocopherol in both stripped and non-stripped oils. The oxidative stability of oils containing tocopherols and phenolic compounds depended on the stripping process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of the alkyl chain length of rosmarinate alkyl esters on the oxidative stability in photosensitized oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were determined by lipid hydroperoxides and headspace volatile analyses. Antioxidant capacities of 20 μM rosmarinate esters with alkyl chain length of 0, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 20 were tested in O/W emulsion containing stripped soybean oil, Tween 20 as an emulsifier, and riboflavin as a photosensitizer. Synergistic or antagonistic effects of 20 μM α-tocopherol in the presence of rosmarinate alkyl esters were also determined. Samples containing rosmarinate with 4 and 8 alkyl esters showed lower lipid hydroperoxides and headspace volatiles than those without rosmarinate and those with 0, 12, 18, and 20 alkyl esters, which indicates that phenolic free radical scavengers showed antioxidant capacities non-linearly in riboflavin photosensitized O/W emulsions. Antagonistic rather than synergistic effects were observed in all rosmarinate alkyl esters with α-tocopherol in current conditions although rosmarinates with 4, 8, and 12 alkyl esters showed better antioxidant capacities than those with other alkyl chain length. The results of this study clearly showed that rosmarinates need the proper length of non-polar groups to show optimum antioxidant capacities in O/W emulsions with Tween 20 as an emulsifier under riboflavin photosensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Stand-off Raman spectroscopy is emerging as a noble method that can rapidly detect contamination of the ground surface by toxic chemicals such as CWAs. The detection system for Raman spectroscopy is composed of a laser source, conditioning optics, an optical receiver, an optical fiber bundle, and a spectrometer. The Raman spectroscopy system was constructed by applying a 213-nm solid laser in replacement of the 248 nm gas laser and it improves the usability in onsite measurement.

Background No large-scale study has compared the clinical impact of triple antiplatelet therapy (TAPT: aspirin, clopidogrel, and cilostazol) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on adverse limb events in patients with diabetes after endovascular therapy (EVT) for peripheral artery disease. Thus, we investigate the effect of cilostazol added to a DAPT on the clinical outcomes after EVT in patients with diabetes using a nationwide, multicenter, real-world registry. Methods and Results A total of 990 patients with diabetes who underwent EVT were enrolled from the retrospective cohorts of a Korean multicenter EVT registry and were divided according to the antiplatelet regimen (TAPT [n=350; 35.4%] versus DAPT [n=640; 64.6%]). After propensity score matching based on clinical characteristics, a total of 350 pairs were compared for clinical outcomes. The primary end points were major adverse limb events, a composite of major amputation, minor amputation, and reintervention. For the matched study groups, the lesion length was 125.4±102.0 mm, and severe calcification was observed in 47.4%. The technical success rate (96.9% versus 94.0%; P =0.102) and the complication rate (6.9% versus 6.6%; P >0.999) were similar between the TAPT and DAPT groups. At 2-year follow-up, the incidence of major adverse limb events (16.6% versus 19.4%; P =0.260) did not differ between the 2 groups. However, the TAPT group showed less minor amputation than the DAPT group (2.0% versus 6.3%; P =0.004). In multivariate analysis, TAPT was an independent predictor of minor amputation (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.354 [95% CI, 0.158-0.794]; P =0.012). Conclusions In patients with diabetes undergoing EVT for peripheral artery disease, TAPT did not decrease the incidence of major adverse limb events but may be associated with a decreased risk of minor amputation.

Background With advances in peripheral artery disease ( PAD ) treatments such as endovascular treatment ( EVT ), personalized patient assessment is important. Data on sex differences in clinical outcome for PAD patients undergoing EVT have been limited, and studies have produced conflicting results. This study sought to compare midterm clinical outcomes between women and men in a large population of patients with PAD undergoing EVT . Methods and Results The K- VIS ELLA (Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Disease) registry is a nationwide, multicenter, observational study that includes 3073 PAD patients undergoing EVT . The study population was divided into men (n=2523) and women (n=550). The primary outcome was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and major amputation; the secondary outcome included major adverse limb events. Women had more comorbidities and more severe and complex target lesions than men. Women showed higher rates of death, myocardial infarction, or major amputation than men (14.8% versus 9.8%, adjusted hazard ratio 1.350, 95% CI 1.017-1.792, P=0.038), and higher rates of major adverse limb events (19.9% versus 14.5%, adjusted hazard ratio 1.301, 95% CI 1.014-1.670, P=0.039) and procedural complications (10.2% versus 5.9%, P<0.001) based on multivariable analysis. In patients with claudication, the primary outcome incidence was significantly higher in women (hazard ratio 2.088, 95% CI 1.421-3.068, P<0.001). In contrast, there was no significant difference in primary outcome for patients with critical limb ischemia between the 2 groups (hazard ratio 1.164, 95% CI 0.800-1.694, P=0.426). A significant interaction ( P=0.035) between patient presentation and outcome was observed. Conclusions In a large population of patients with PAD undergoing EVT , women had higher rates of death, myocardial infarction, or major amputation than men and higher rates of complex lesions, procedural complications, and limb-specific adverse events.

Objective: We sought to compare intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography (IV-MCE) with intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (IC-MCE) in detecting no-reflow and predicting the short-term outcome of left ventricular function after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)., Methods: IC-MCE and IV-MCE were performed immediately after PCI (D1) of 28 patients with anterior wall AMI. IV-MCE was repeated at the next day of PCI (D2), and left ventricular systolic function was evaluated at D2 and 30 days later (D30)., Results: There was good agreement between IC-MCE and IV-MCE at D1 in determining no-reflow (kappa= 0.78, P < 0.001) as well as between IV-MCE at D1 and D2 (kappa= 0.93, P < 0.001). The patients with no-reflow on IC-MCE (n = 13) and those on IV-MCE at D2 (n = 11) showed no improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 1 month (49 +/- 9% to 48 +/- 7%, P = 0.55, and 51 +/- 6% to 49 +/- 7%, P = 0.20). However, the patients with reflow on IC-MCE (n = 15) and those on IV-MCE at D2 (n = 17) demonstrated significant improvement in LVEF (55 +/- 6% to 62 +/- 5%, P < 0.005, and 53 +/- 7% to 60 +/- 8%, P < 0.005). In predicting segmental functional recovery after 1 month, sensitivity and specificity of IC-MCE were 85% and 67%, respectively, and those of IV-MCE at D2 were 95% and 40%, respectively., Conclusion: IV-MCE at D2 might be substituted for IC-MCE performed immediately after PCI for the evaluation of no-reflow and prediction of left ventricular systolic function after 1 month in patients with anterior wall AMI.