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In this work, the possibility of fabricating composite magneto-optical ceramics by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of nanopowders and high-temperature vacuum sintering of the compacts was investigated. Holmium oxide was chosen as a magneto-optical material for the study because of its transparency in the mid-IR range. Nanopowders of magneto-optical (Ho0.95La0.05)2O3 (HoLa) material were made by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. Nanopowders of (Y0.9La0.1)2O3 (YLa) were made by laser synthesis for an inactive matrix. The process of formation of one- and two-layer compacts by EPD of the nanopowders from alcohol suspensions was studied in detail. Acetylacetone was shown to be a good dispersant to obtain alcohol suspensions of the nanopowders, characterized by high zeta potential values (+29–+80 mV), and to carry out a stable EPD process. One-layer compacts were made from the HoLa and YLa nanopowders with a density of 30–43%. It was found out that the introduction of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) into the suspension leads to a decrease in the mass and thickness of the green bodies deposited, but does not significantly affect their density. The possibility of making two-layer (YLa/HoLa) compacts with a thickness of up to 2.6 mm and a density of up to 46% was demonstrated. Sintering such compacts in a vacuum at a temperature of 1750 °C for 10 h leads to the formation of ceramics with a homogeneous boundary between the YLa/HoLa layers and a thickness of the interdiffused ion layer of about 30 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic effects in terms of mitochondria and hereditary substances have been characterized in vitro for individual rare earth elements, while, the joint effects of mixed elements exposure in the population remain ambiguous. Based on the Occupational Chromate Exposure Dynamic Cohort of China, this study investigated the relationship between 15 blood rare earth elements (cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, terbium, thulium, yttrium, and ytterbium) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (MtDNACN) as well as peripheral blood lymphocyte micronucleus frequency (MNF). The elastic net was used to select elements highly correlated with effect indicators, whose dose-response relationships were further illustrated by restricted cubic splines. Bayesian kernel regression was employed to explore the combined effects of elements and the contributions of single element. The results showed that most rare earth elements were positively correlated with effect indicators, with yttrium showing the strongest association (β (95% CI): 0.139 (0.1089 – 0.189) for MtDNACN, 0.937 (0.345 – 1.684) for MNF). In the mixed exposure model, with the exposure level fixed at the 50th percentile as the reference, the effect estimates on MtDNACN and MNF increased by 0.228 and 0.598 units, respectively, at the 75th percentile. The single effect analysis implied that yttrium, lanthanum and terbium contributed the most to the elevation of MtDNACN, while yttrium posed the highest risk for genetic damage, accordingly, we provided recommendations to prioritize these elements of concern. In addition, we observed a chief mediating effect of MtDNACN on the elevation of MNF caused by lanthanum, whereas further mechanistic exploration is required to confirm this finding. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study sought to provide reproducible and patient-oriented metrics to assess the rate of “successful” outcomes (Trifecta) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Clinical and surgical predictors of failure to achieve Trifecta were investigated. Materials and Methods: We queried our prospectively collected database of all patients treated with HoLEP between March 2017 and January 2021. Trifecta was defined as the contemporary presence of: (1) no postoperative complication within 3 months; (2) no urinary incontinence at 3-months follow-up; and (3) 3-month postoperative max flow-rate >15 mL/s. Cases were grouped according to Trifecta achievement. All surgical procedures were carried out by a single surgeon. Surgical experience was divided into two different eras according to the number of procedures conducted (surgical era). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of Trifecta failure. Results: Overall 305 patients were included. Of these, 192 patients (63.0%) achieved Trifecta. Preoperative patient-related features were comparable between the two groups, except for a higher post-void residual (PVR) in non-Trifecta patients (median 180 vs. 130 mL, p=0.003). A significant proportion of Trifecta patients (88.5%) were treated in the second surgical era and in 126 (65.6%) cases an en-bloc enucleation was performed. Multivariate analysis confirmed PVR ≥250 mL, first surgical era and standard three-lobes enucleation technique as independent predictors of Trifecta failure. Conclusions: In our experience the rate of “successful” HoLEP, defined according to our newly introduced Trifecta metric, was 63.0%. We demonstrated that surgical strategy together with rising experience and baseline PVR are key elements to forecast the outcomes.

ABSTRACT Introduction We assessed the efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with high comorbidity burden. Materials and methods Data from patients treated with HoLEP at our academic referral center from March 2017 to January 2021 were prospectively collected. Patients were divided according to their CCI (Charlson Comorbidity Index). Perioperative surgical data and 3-month functional outcomes were collected. Results Out of 305 patients included, 107 (35.1%) and 198 (64.9%) were classified as CCI ≥ 3 and < 3, respectively. The groups were comparable in terms of baseline prostate size, symptoms severity, post-void residue and Qmax. The amount of energy delivered during HoLEP (141.3 vs. 118.0 KJ, p=0.01) and lasing time (38 vs 31 minutes, p=0.01) were significantly higher in patients with CCI ≥ 3. However, median enucleation, morcellation and overall surgical time were comparable between the two groups (all p>0.05). Intraoperative complications rate (9.3% vs. 9.5%, p=0.77), median time to catheter removal and hospital stay were comparable between the two cohorts. Similarly, early (30 days) and delayed (>30 days) surgical complications rates were not significantly different between the two groups. At 3-month follow up, functional outcomes using validated questionnaires did not differ between the two groups (all p>0.05). Conclusions HoLEP represents a safe and effective treatment option for BPH also in patients with high comorbidity burden.

Background: Lithotripsy with holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is the current gold standard for treating stones of the upper urinary tract (UUT). The recently introduced thulium fiber laser (TFL) has the potential to be more efficient and as safe as Ho:YAG. Objective: To compare the performance and complications between Ho:YAG and TFL for UUT lithotripsy. Design, setting, and participants: This was a prospective single-center study of 182 patients treated between February 2021 and February 2022. In a consecutive approach, laser lithotripsy was performed via ureteroscopy with Ho:YAG for 5 mo, and then with TFL for 5 mo. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Our primary outcome was stone-free (SF) status at 3 mo after ureteroscopy with Ho:YAG versus TFL lithotripsy. Secondary outcomes were complication rates and results regarding the cumulative stone size. Patients were followed at 3 mo with abdominal imaging (ultrasound or computed tomography). Results and limitations: The study cohort comprised 76 patients treated with Ho:YAG laser and 100 patients treated with TFL. Cumulative stone size was significantly higher in the TFL than in the Ho:YAG group (20.4 vs 14.8 mm; p = 0.01). SF status was similar in both groups (68.4% vs 72%; p = 0.06). Complication rates were comparable. In subgroup analysis, the SF rate was significantly higher (81.6% vs 62.5%; p = 0.04) and the operative time was shorter for stones measuring 1–2 cm, whereas the results were similar for stones 2 cm. The lack of randomization and single-center design are the main limitations of the study. Conclusions: TFL and Ho:YAG lithotripsy are comparable in terms of the SF rate and safety for the treatment of UUT lithiasis. According to our study, for a cumulative stone size of 1–2 cm, TFL is more effective than Ho:YAG. Patient summary: We compared the efficiency and safety of two laser types for the treatment of stones in the upper urinary tract. We found that stone-free status at 3 months did not significantly differ between the holmium and thulium lasers.

Purpose: Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy requires high amperage power and has an upper limit of frequency and a minimal fiber size. The technology utilizing thulium-doped fiber offers low pulse energy settings and high pulse frequencies up to 2,400 Hz. We compared the novel SuperPulsed thulium fiber laser (SOLTIVE™; Olympus) to a commercially available 120 W Ho:YAG laser. Materials and Methods: Bench-top testing was conducted with 125 mm3 standardized BegoStones (Bego USA). Time to ablate the stone into particles 2 mm remained using SOLTIVE™ than Ho:YAG laser (2.10 vs. 7.20 fragments). After delivering 2 kJ, dusting (1.05±0.08 mg/s) was faster using SOLTIVE™ (0.1 J 200 Hz short pulse) than 120 W 0.46±0.09 mg/s (0.3 J 70 Hz Moses) (p=0.005). SOLTIVE™ (0.1 J 200 Hz) produced more dust particles

Abstract Polyurethanes, versatile polymers extensively explored across industries, can be augmented by incorporating complementary materials like lanthanides. This research presents a novel approach, employing a one-shot synthesis to create polyurethane-lanthanide composites using polyol, isocyanate, samarium, and holmium oxides. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy affirmed successful polyurethane matrix formation, while XRD unveiled distinct phases in lanthanide-loaded matrices versus soft, low-crystallinity polyurethane in control foam. Optical microscopy displayed morphology alterations due to samarium and holmium. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed heightened composite thermal stability compared to control foam. Looking ahead, these outcomes prompt further exploration of polyurethane-lanthanide composites, particularly in harnessing property changes for diverse applications.

This letter is a comment on a study that examined the use of the Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser with Vapor Tunnel (VT) technology for treating non-complex kidney stones. The authors of the comment raise questions about the characteristics and effectiveness of the VT pulse compared to other pulse modulations. They also discuss the study design and suggest that including consecutive patients and comparing the VT group with a different laser source would have been beneficial. The authors conclude that further clinical studies are needed to confirm the findings and compare VT with other laser modes. [Extracted from the article]

Case: Intrauterine device (IUD) is used worldwide as an effective contraceptive method, but the migration of IUD is a serious complication. We report the case of IUD migration leading to bladder calculus formation and a minimally invasive transurethral surgical approach was performed for treatment. Holmium laser was used to break up the bladder calculus and cut through the bladder mucosa where the IUD was attached, finally the IUD was removed through the urethra. this minimally invasive procedure is a safe and effective treatment for IUD migration, and similar cases have not been reported in the literature. Conclusion: that the secondary bladder calculus were smashed by intense pulse mode of holmium laser, and the bladder tissue around the attached IUD was opened by cutting mode of holmium laser, and finally the IUD was completely removed from urethra, this surgical method is safe and effective, and there is no case report on IUD removal of transurethral cystoscope in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have shown great application prospects in the field of optoelectronics owing to their superior optical and optoelectronic properties. Bandgap engineering and impurity doping are effective ways to achieve regulation of luminous properties in the visible light region. However, realizing efficient deep red and wide‐range tunable near‐infrared (NIR) emission remains a challenge. Here, a series of rare earth (RE3+) ions (RE = Nd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) doped Cs4Cd1−xMnxSb2Cl12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) quadruple perovskites are designed. An efficient tunable luminescence from red to NIR light is achieved based on the energy transfer (ET) from Mn2+ to RE3+ by building the Mn2+ energy bridge, which covers the NIR‐I (650–900 nm) and NIR‐II (900–1700 nm) regions. Moreover, the ET efficiency is availably influenced by the doping concentration of Mn2+. Interestingly, the energy bridge from Mn2+ to RE3+ is cut off because of the increased bandgap when Bi3+ is introduced into the RE3+‐doped Cs4Cd0.4Mn0.6Sb2−yBiyCl12 (0 ≤ y ≤ 2) lattice. Through bandgap engineering, the ET from Mn2+ to RE3+ resembles an "optical energy shutter" which quenches the NIR emission of RE3+ owing to the mismatched energy level but enhances the emission of Mn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gastrointestinal pain (colic) is one of the most frequent emergencies seen in equine practice and can be caused by several different processes, making diagnosis challenging. Deciding between medical and surgical treatment is very important and, when needed, early surgical intervention can improve survival. However, colic surgery is an invasive and expensive treatment. Results from physical examination and clinical parameters are used to identify surgical cases and establish the prognosis. No individual parameter or group of parameters has been shown to be sensitive or specific for this. This study investigated if arterial blood gas, electrolyte and acid-base analysis in conscious horses presenting with signs of colic and breathing ambient air differed from previously reported values in healthy horses and had diagnostic or prognostic value. We found significant differences between previously described data from healthy horses and the study cohort of colic cases, between some different types of colic, between surgical and non-surgical cases and between surviving and non-surviving animals. From these data, we identified specific components which demonstrated diagnostic and prognostic value. The study aimed to investigate if arterial blood analysis in conscious horses presenting with signs of colic and breathing ambient air had diagnostic or prognostic value. Arterial blood samples from 352 horses presenting with colic at a university equine referral hospital were analysed for pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), concentrations of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), ionised calcium (Ca2+) and chloride (Cl−), actual and standardised plasma bicarbonate concentration (HCO3− (P) and HCO3− (P, st)), blood and extracellular fluid base excess (Base (B) and Base (ecf)) and anion gap (AG). Results were compared to previously reported values for healthy horses, and comparisons were made between final diagnosis, treatment and survival to hospital discharge. Significant differences were found between colic cases and healthy reference values between some primary aetiologies. Overall, surgical and non-surgical colic cases differed in Ca2+ and Cl− concentrations and Ca2+ differed between cases that survived to discharge and those that did not. PaO2 differed between small intestinal surgical cases that survived and those that did not. From these results, we developed regression models that demonstrated excellent or good predictive value in identifying the likelihood of surgical versus medical management and survival to hospital discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare outcomes in males given perioperative tranexamic acid (TXA) during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) to a historical cohort that did not receive TXA. Our cohort included HoLEP patients (N = 1037) from August 2018 through November 2022. Exclusion criteria included history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or coronary stent placed within 18 months. The primary predictor was TXA during HoLEP. The primary outcome variable was a return to the operating room (RTOR) for bleeding. Secondary outcomes included catheter reinsertion, transfusion, and clotting complications. Multivariable models evaluating associations of TXA with outcomes were adjusted for potential confounders. In our cohort, 214/1035 had one or more complications with 81 having a Clavien-Dindo Grade of 3a or higher, 114/1037 with catheter reinsertion, 36/1037 RTOR for bleeding, and 15/1035 had a transfusion. TXA use was not associated with 30-day RTOR. 3.7% of those without TXA had a RTOR, and 3.1% of those with TXA had a RTOR (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.28-1.38, P =.25). Transfusion rates were higher for those without TXA (2.0%) compared to with (0.5%). This was statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted odds ratio 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.69, P =.016) and after correction for multiple testing (corrected P =.048). TXA use was not associated with catheter reinsertion or clotting complications. Routine perioperative intravenous TXA in HoLEP patients was not associated with a reduction of RTOR for bleeding, catheter reinsertion, or clotting complications. TXA was associated with decreased transfusions with a low overall event rate of 1.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective: The study's primary objective was to compare the laser efficiency and clinical outcomes of two widely used systems, the holmium MOSES laser and the thulium fiber laser (TFL), in managing kidney stones. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the impact of stone composition on laser efficacy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) for solitary renal calculi between December 2020 and August 2022 at our institution and had a 3-month postoperative CT scan. Patient demographics and stone parameters were recorded, including stone site, size, volume, and density. Intraoperative data were collected and analyzed, including total operative time, ureteroscopy time, lasing time, technique, total energy delivered, and stone composition. All patients underwent a CT scan at 3 months follow-up. We recorded the presence of residual stones and the percentage of stone volume reduction. Ablation efficiency was calculated by dividing the energy utilized (J) by the stone volume (mm3). The ablation speed was calculated by dividing the stone volume (mm3) by the lasing time (seconds). Patients with a stone size <4 mm were deemed stone-free. Results: The MOSES and TFL groups comprised 62 and 49 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups for baseline patient demographics or stone characteristics. The two modalities had comparable total energy, laser time, efficacy, and ablation speeds. No differences were detected in stone-free rates or complications between both groups. When dealing with calcium phosphate stones, we observed that the lasing time was significantly shorter with MOSES than TFL (7.95 vs 10.85 minutes, respectively [p = 0.01]). Conclusions: MOSES and TFL laser systems had comparable efficacy for lithotripsy of renal calculi during f-URS; however, calcium phosphate stones had a longer lasing time with TFL. REB Number: 100210. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has evidenced-based advantages in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) relative to other interventions. Unfortunately, the adoption of HoLEP has remained relatively low in Medicare and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program populations. HoLEPs role as an inpatient surgical intervention is changing as advancements in the technique and systems have demonstrated the feasibility of same-day discharge. Thus, our objective was to evaluate national HoLEP trends in ambulatory surgery settings from 2016 to 2019. Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) is the largest national all-payer database of ambulatory surgical encounters, managed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the 2016 and 2019 NASS was performed. Rates of BPH surgeries were calculated and stratified by age, census region, and primary payer to compare across time points for trends. Chi-squared tests and two-sample t-tests were completed for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results: The total number of ambulatory BPH surgeries fell 20% between 2016 (n = 124,538) and 2019 (n = 100,593). In 2016, HoLEP lagged behind photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) with 4.7% of surgeries but rose to the second most common procedure in 2019 with 8.3% of total surgeries. TURP was the most common intervention (62.6% in 2016, 90.7% in 2019). Simple prostatectomy was the most expensive intervention. By U.S. census region, more HoLEPs were carried out in the South (43.1% in 2016, 37.5% in 2019) and Midwest (26.8% in 2016, 31.7% in 2019). Conclusions: Overall, HoLEP uptake is increasing. HoLEP has replaced greenlight PVP as the second most frequently used intervention. The rate of ambulatory HoLEPs has nearly doubled despite a general decrease in the number of surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, Faraday isolators and rotators for high‐power lasers are popular research topics; therefore, finding magneto‐optical materials with excellent Verdet constants and thermal properties is crucial. In this study, novel holmium scandium aluminum garnet (HoSAG) magneto‐optical ceramics were fabricated using vacuum sintering. This study improved the traditional ball milling method and pre‐synthesized powders with great sinterability after secondary ball milling and sieving. Different pre‐synthesis temperatures were found to have significant effects on the particle size and micromorphology of the synthesized powders. HoSAG ceramics with 0.05 wt% MgO sintering aid and held at 1700°C for 30 h reached a transmittance of 76.7% at 1550 nm. Meanwhile, HoSAG transparent ceramics maintain higher transmittance in the infrared region (>1500 nm) than terbium gallium garnet (TGG) crystals, indicating better application prospects. The Verdet constants of HoSAG magneto‐optical ceramics at 405, 532, 808, and 1064 nm were −421.5, −181.2, −65, and −32.3 rad T−1 m−1, respectively, which are slightly less than those of TGG magneto‐optical ceramics. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of HoSAG ceramics at 300.00 K was 4.89 W m−1 K−1, which is comparable to that of the TGG ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a liver cancer with a poor prognosis, which is often not resectable at diagnosis. The search for novel effective treatments for ICC continues, but without much progress. One of the options is treatment with small particles carrying radionuclides yttrium-90 or holmium-166, which are delivered to the tumor through the artery to irradiate it locally. This allows for fewer side effects than systemic treatments while achieving good tumor control. While substantial evidence has accumulated for yttrium-90 radiotherapy, much less evidence is available for the more recent holmium-166. This work describes a series of seven patients with ICC treated with holmium-166 transarterial radiotherapy. Most of the patients achieved good tumor control after treatment and had no severe adverse events, highlighting the tolerability of the therapy. In cases of palliative intent of the treatment, this approach can help improve the quality of life and prolong the remaining years of life. Background: Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is used to treat primary and secondary malignancies in the liver that are not amenable to curative resection. Accumulating evidence demonstrates the efficacy and safety of TARE with yttrium-90 (90Y), which is the most widely used radionuclide for TARE, and later with holmium-166 (166Ho) for various indications. However, the safety and efficacy of 166Ho TARE in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains to be studied. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study of seven consecutive patients with ICC who were treated with 166-Ho-TARE in our center. We recorded the clinical parameters and outcomes of the TARE procedures, the tumor response according to mRECIST, subsequent treatments, and adverse events. Results: Three out of the seven patients had a partial or complete response. Two patients had stable disease after the first TARE procedure, and two of the patients (one with a complete response, and one with stable disease) were alive at the time of analysis. No serious adverse events related to the procedure were recorded. Conclusions: This is the first case series reporting the safety and tumor response outcomes of 166Ho-TARE for ICC. The treatment demonstrated its versatility, allowing for reaching a high tumor dose, which is important for improving tumor response and treating patients in a palliative setting, where safety and the preservation of quality of life are paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EPR spectra of impurity Ho3+ ions in oriented SrY2O4 single-crystals are registered at the temperature 4.2 K in the frequency range from 70 to 180 GHz. The results of measurements evidence for the substitution of Ho3+ ions for the Y3+ ions at the structurally nonequivalent sites R1 and R2 with the local Cs point symmetry. The values of g-factors, hyperfine structure constants and the energy gaps between the ground and the first excited non-degenherate crystal-field sublevels of the ground 5I8 multiplet are determined. The observed specific features of the ground states of Ho3+ ions (non-Kramers doublets with the zero-field splittings of 4.30 and 1.67 cm–1) open a possibility to identify transitions in optical spectra of SrY2O4:Ho and inelastic neutron scattering spectra of SrHo2O4 crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Minimal invasiveness improves outcome in many surgical fields including urology. We aimed to assess intraoperative performance and clinical outcome of miniaturized holmium laser enucleation of prostate (MiLEP) (22FR). Methods: We ran a propensity score-matched analysis among all consecutive laser enucleations of prostate performed between 9/2022 and 2/2023. It resulted in two matched comparison groups: MiLEP 22 FR (n = 40) and holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP 26 Fr) (n = 40). Statistical analysis was performed. Results: MiLEP was associated with significantly less intraoperative irrigation (20.5 L vs 15 L, p = 0.002E−3), less decrease in body core temperature (0.6°C vs 0.1°C, p = 0.003E−5), and less need for meatal dilation (25% vs 78%, p = 0.01E−3). These parameters were identified as being independent in the multivariate analysis. There was a trend toward less and a shorter period of postoperative stress incontinence (SI) for the MiLEP group compared to the HoLEP group: 15% and 42% (p = 0.01) at 1 month, 8% and 14% (p = 0.07) at 2 months, and 0 and 0.3% (p = 1) at 3 months, respectively. There were no differences in prostatic enucleation effectiveness, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and improvement in the international prostate symptom score and quality of life score. Conclusions: MiLEP is feasible and provides better maintenance of body core temperature, reduction in amount of fluid irrigation, and decrease in need for meatal dilation without affecting effectiveness in comparison with HoLEP. MiLEP may reduce early postoperative stress incontinence, thereby shortening the recovery period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of urolithiasis has undergone significant advancements with the introduction of pulsed lasers, particularly the holmium:yttrium–aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser, which is currently considered the gold standard in endourology. However, the Ho:YAG laser has certain limitations, such as the inability to support small laser fibers (150 μm) and the requirement of a heavy water cooling system, making it challenging to transfer between operating rooms. These limitations have led to the emergence of new laser technologies, including the thulium fiber laser (TFL) and the thulium:yttrium–aluminum-garnet laser (Tm:YAG), as potential alternatives to the Ho:YAG laser. Methods: In this review, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TFL, Ho:YAG, and Tm:YAG lasers in real-life scenarios by comparing clinical trial data with laboratory findings. A literature review was conducted, and relevant in vitro studies and clinical trials until March 2023 were analyzed. Results: The findings indicate that TFL has demonstrated high ablation efficiency for stones of any composition, size, and location, superior the capabilities of Ho:YAG lasers. TFL has shown superior dusting and fragmentation abilities, lower retropulsion, and increased patient safety. The laser parameters, such as ablation efficiency, speed, operative time, dust quality, retropulsion, visibility, temperature safety, and stone-free rate, were compared between laboratory studies and clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Although the number of studies on TFL is limited, the available evidence suggests that TFL represents a significant advancement in laser technology for lithotripsy. However, further research is needed to fully explore the implications and limitations of TFL and Tm:YAG lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficiency, and size-dependency of the ‘Inverted omega En-bloc (Ʊ)’ holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 716 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP under the care of a single surgeon from 2014–2021. These patients were treated using the ‘Inverted omega En-bloc’ HoLEP technique for BPH. The patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (<40 mL, n=328), Group 2 (40–60 mL, n=221), and Group 3 (≤60 mL, n=167). Perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes were assessed and analyzed. Results: The perioperative parameters, like enucleation time (45.8±26.9 min), morcellation time (13.2±47.5 min), and catheterization duration (1.6±1.2 d) significantly differed to favor smaller prostate sizes (p<0.01). Significant improvements in the IPSS (total, voiding, storage, and quality of life), post-void residual urine, and maximum flow rate were observed 3 months post- HoLEP and continued during the 1-year follow-up period in all groups (p<0.01). The postoperative complications included urethral stricture in 11 patients (1.5%), bladder neck contracture in 12 (1.7%), urinary incontinence in 14 (2.0%), and bladder injuries in 4 (0.6%). Bladder neck contractures occurred only in Group 1. The postoperative surgical management for complications included urethral sounding (n=9, 1.3%), endoscopic internal urethrotomy (n=2, 0.3%), and re-HoLEP for bladder neck contractures in (n=12, 1.7%). The rate of re-HoLEP for regrowing adenomas was 15 (2.1%). Postoperative medications exceeding 6 months were α-blocker (n=22, 3.1%), cholinergics (n=16, 2.2%), anticholinergics (n=58, 8.1%), antidiuretics (n=18, 2.5%), and daily PDE5 inhibitor (n=38, 5.3%). Thirty-four patients (4.7%) had postoperative incidental prostate cancer. Conclusions: The inverted omega En-bloc HoLEP technique is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH. Moreover, ‘Inverted omega En-bloc’ HoLEP is a size-independent and effective method for all prostate sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a novel method of medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right‐angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction and to compare the reconstruction outcome of orbital floor reconstruction with modified and traditional methods. Methods: The data of 23 patients who underwent maxillectomy and orbital floor defect reconstruction by individualized titanium mesh in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. While eight patients received modified orbital floor reconstruction with titanium mesh and angled screwdriver (group A), 15 patients received traditional orbital floor reconstruction (group B). The contact area with buccal flap for titanium mesh in groups A and B was calculated. Titanium mesh deformation, fracture or exposure was recorded. Postoperative ophthalmic function and success of esthetic restoration were assessed. Results: Mean follow‐up was for 15.7 months (range, 9–22 months). The contact area with buccal flap for the modified titanium mesh in group A (13.11 ± 1.41 cm2) was significantly less than that of the traditional titanium mesh in group B (21.83 ± 1.23 cm2; p <.05). The exposure of titanium mesh occurred in two patients in group B. The self‐evaluation of facial symmetry for 23 patients showed no significant difference between group A (7.75 ± 0.71) and group B (6.68 ± 1.30; p >.05). No specific complications were reported. Conclusion: We propose a novel method of zygomatic medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right‐angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction, which has the potential to prevent the postoperative exposure of titanium mesh. Level of Evidence: Level III (Retrospective comparative study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The luminescence of β - N a Y F 4 : H o 3 + , Y b 3 + @ P E I -coffee microparticles suspended in water was studied using three different types of coffee from Peru: the first from Rioja, the second from Cuzco, and the third one from Chanchamayo. The upconversion (UC) emission of these microparticles was studied for emission wavelengths of 542nm, 645nm and 753nm corresponding to 5 F 4 , 5 S 2 → 5 I 8 ; 5 F 5 → 5 I 8 and 5 F 4 , 5 S 2 → 5 I 7 transitions respectively, varying the intensity of the 980nm diode laser used to excite the microparticles. The average relations A v g I 21 , A v g I 31 , and A v g I 23 of the UC emission intensities were used to identify the different coffee varieties. A v g I 21 = 0.3 for coffee A, and 0.17 for coffees B and C. A v g I 31 = 0.26 for coffee A and 0.17 for coffees B and C. A v g I 23 was used to identify coffee B from coffee C. For coffee, A, A v g I 23 = 1.2 for coffee A,1 for coffee B and 0.9 for coffee C. The UC emission changes in the samples showed that the β - N a Y F 4 : H o 3 + , Y b 3 + @ P E I microparticles can be used as microsensors in the identification of coffee varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of death in the European population, primarily attributed to atherosclerosis and subsequent complications. Although statin drugs effectively prevent atherosclerosis, they fail to reduce plaque size and vascular stenosis. Bare metal stents (BMS) have shown promise in acute coronary disease treatment but are associated with restenosis in the stent. Drug-eluting stents (DES) have improved restenosis rates but present long-term complications. To overcome these limitations, nanomaterial-based modifications of the stent surfaces have been explored. This study focuses on the incorporation of detonation nanodiamonds (NDs) into a plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating on nitinol stents to enhance their performance. The functionalized ND showed a high surface-to-volume ratio and was incorporated into the oxide layer to mimic high-density lipoproteins (HDL) for reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We provide substantial characterization of DND, including stability in two media (acetone and water), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The characterization of the modified ND revealed successful functionalization and adequate suspension stability. Scanning electron microscopy with EDX demonstrated successful incorporation of DND into the ceramic layer, but the formation of a porous surface is possible only in the high-voltage PEO. The biological assessment demonstrated the biocompatibility of the decorated nitinol surface with enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation. This study presents a novel approach to improving the performance of nitinol stents using ND-based surface modifications, providing a promising avenue for cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to identify the risk factors for salvage procedure (SP) required for refractory adenomatous tissue resistant to morcellation during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Methods: Patients who underwent HoLEP between January 2010 and April 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital were analyzed. SPs were defined as cases of conversion to resection of the prostatic tissue using an electrosurgical loop after morcellation or secondary morcellation a few days after surgery or conversion to open cystotomy. Results: Among a total of 2,427 patients, 260 were identified as having SP (SP group) (transurethral resection-nodule [n=250, 96.1%], secondary morcellation a few days after surgery [n=9, 3.5%], and conversion to open cystotomy [n=1, 0.4%]). Patients in the SP group were older and had higher 5-α reductase inhibitors use, higher prostate-specific antigen, larger total prostate volume, and larger transition zone volume (TZV) than those in the non-SP group. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, only age and TZV were associated with SP. Compared to 40s and 50s, the odds ratios (ORs) were 3.84 in 60s (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-10.78, P=0.011), 4.53 in 70s (95% CI, 1.62-12.62, P=0.004), and 6.59 in 80s or older (95% CI, 2.23-19.46, P=0.001). The ORs of the SP were analyzed per TZV quartile. Compared to TZV ≤ 20.3 mL, the OR was 3.75 in 32.0 mL 60 years or those with TZV >32 mL. In order to more efficiently remove these resistant adenomas, it is necessary to develop more efficient morcellators in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the utilization of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) using a large real-world cohort. We compare the safety, readmission, and retreatment rates of HoLEP to other widely used endoscopic surgical interventions for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate, and prostatic urethral lift. Men who underwent endoscopic treatments for BPH from 2000 to 2019 were identified in the Premier Healthcare Database (n = 218,793). We compared the relative proportion of each procedure performed and annual physician volume data to identify trends in adoption and utilization. Readmission and retreatment rates were determined at both 30- and 90-days postoperation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between procedure type and outcomes. HoLEP accounted for 3.2% (n = 6967) of all the BPH procedures performed between 2000 and 2019 and increased from 1.1% of the procedures in 2008 to 4% in 2019. Patients undergoing HoLEP had lower odds of 90-days readmission compared to TURP (Odds ratio (OR) 0.87, p = 0.025). HoLEP had similar odds of retreatment compared to TURP at both 1-year (OR 0.96, p = 0.7) and 2-years (OR 0.98, p = 0.9), while patients undergoing photoselective vaporization of the prostate and prostatic urethral lift were more likely to retreat within 2-years (OR 1.20, P < 0.001; OR 1.87, P < 0.001). HoLEP is a safe therapy for BPH with lower readmission and comparable retreatment rates to the gold standard TURP. Despite this, the utilization of HoLEP has lagged behind other endoscopic procedures and remains low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New York University Langone Health has three accredited bariatric centers, with altogether ten different bariatric surgeons. This retrospective analysis compares individual surgeon techniques in laparoscopic or robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to identify potential associations with perioperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: All adult patients who underwent RYGB between 2017 and 2021 at NYU Langone Health campuses were evaluated via electronic medical records and MBSAQIP 30-day follow-up data. We surveyed all ten practicing bariatric surgeons to analyze the relationship between their techniques and total adverse outcomes. Bleeding, SSI, mortality, readmission, and reoperation were specifically sub-analyzed via logistic regression. Results: 54 (7.59%) out of 711 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic RYGB encountered an adverse outcome. Lower adverse outcomes were observed with laparoscopic approach, creating the JJ anastomosis first, flat positioning, division of the mesentery, Covidien™ laparoscopic staplers, gold staples, unidirectional JJ anastomosis, hand-sewn common enterotomy, 100-cm Roux limb, 50-cm biliopancreatic limb, and routine EGD. Lower bleeding rates were observed with flat positioning, gold staples, hand-sewn common enterotomy, 50-cm biliopancreatic limb, and routine EGD. Lower readmission rates were observed in laparoscopic, flat positioning, Covidien™ staplers, unidirectional JJ anastomosis, and hand-sewn common enterotomy. Gold staples had lower reoperation rates. Otherwise, there was no statistically significant difference in SSI. Conclusion: Certain surgical techniques in RYGB within our bariatric surgery group had significant effects on the rates of total adverse outcomes, bleeding, readmission, and reoperation. Our findings warrant further investigation into the aforementioned techniques via multivariate regression models or prospective study design. Limitations: This study was limited by the inherent nature of its retrospective and univariate statistical design. We did not account for the interaction between techniques. The sample size of surgeons was small, and follow-up of 30 days was relatively short. We did not include patient characteristics in the model or control for surgeon skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effect of prophylactic bladder neck incision (BNI) at time of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is unknown. The aim of our study was to examine HoLEP outcomes with a specific focus on rates of bladder neck contractures (BNCs), with and without utilizing prophylactic BNI. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of HoLEP patients from January 2021 until January 2022. Outcomes of patients who underwent BNI at time of HoLEP were compared with those who underwent standard HoLEP alone. Student's t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions were performed using SAS Studio. Results: In total, 421 patients underwent HoLEP. BNI was concurrently performed in 74 (17.6%) HoLEP patients. BNI patients were younger (67.5 ± 9.0 years vs 71.1 ± 8.2 years, p = 0.00007) and had smaller prostates (60.7 ± 30.3 cc vs 133.2 ± 64.5 cc, p < 0.0001). Procedure, enucleation, and morcellation times were shorter in the BNI group (all p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in same-day discharge rates (90.4% vs 87.7%, p = 0.5), short-term functional outcomes, emergency department (ED) visits, or readmission rates between the two groups. At 14 months mean follow-up, two BNCs occurred in patients in the control group (0.6%), and no BNCs occurred in patients who underwent BNI (0.0%, p = 0.5). Conclusions: BNI at time of HoLEP did not decrease the ability to achieve same-day discharge or increase 90-day complications, ED visits, or readmission rates. No BNCs occurred in patients who underwent prophylactic BNI (0.0%) despite a smaller gland size and lower specimen weight in this cohort. Further prospective studies are required to conclude if concurrent BNI at time of HoLEP is protective against BNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a valid and safe procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. This study aimed to examine the perioperative outcomes of HoLEP using a new laser platform, Lumenis Pulse™ 120H, and a previous laser platform, VersaPulse Select 80W. Methods: A total of 612 patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation were enrolled, including 188 and 424 patients who underwent enucleation using Lumenis Pulse 120H and VersaPulse Select 80W, respectively. They were matched using propensity scores with preoperative patient characteristics, and the differences between the two groups, including operative time, enucleated specimen, transfusion rate, and complication rate, were examined. Results: Propensity score-matched cohort comprised 364 patients with 182 in the Lumenis Pulse 120H group (50.0%) and 182 in the VersaPulse Select 80W group (50.0%). Operative time was significantly shorter with Lumenis Pulse 120H (55.2 ± 34.4 vs 101.4 ± 54.3 minutes, p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant differences were seen in resected specimen weight (43.8 ± 29.8 vs 39.6 ± 22.6 g, p = 0.36), rate of incidental prostate cancer (7.7% vs 10.4%, p = 0.36), transfusion rate (0.6% vs 1.1%, p = 0.56), and perioperative complication rates, including urinary tract infection, hematuria, urinary retention, and capsular perforation (5.0% vs 5.0%, 4.4% vs 2.7%, 0.5% vs 4.4%, 0.5% vs 0%, respectively, p = 0.13). Conclusions: Lumenis Pulse 120H improved the operative time significantly, which is regarded as one of the disadvantages of HoLEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports an innovative and unprecedented use of Holmium: YAG laser in the extraction of a foreign body impacted in the upper oesophagus without complications. Hence, Holmium-YAG laser can be a safe, efficient and successful aid to fragment the impacted foreign bodies to assist in their removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti1-xHoxO2 (x= 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) thin films are synthesized by a sol-gel method and deposited by a dip-coating technique on the glass substrates. The films' crystal structures are examined by an X-ray diffraction technique, while the morphological properties are investigated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectrophotometry are used to analyze the optical properties. Based on the X-ray diffraction patterns, all the films belong to the anatase phase. It is observed that the surface characteristics, such as the morphology, film thickness, and roughness change significantly with the holmium substitution. The optical investigations reveal that the transmittance, band gap energies, and luminescence properties can be adjusted by the holmium substitution. According to the current study, holmium substituted TiO2 thin films with improved optical properties may be a suitable candidate for applications that require a wide band gap and high optical transparency as well as luminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femur fractures are common in immature dogs. As compared to stainless steel, titanium implants are lighter and allow controlled micro-motion at the site of fracture that stimulates early callus formation by limiting stress shielding. Cited literature reports successful clinical use of titanium elastic nails for the stabilization of long bone fractures in young human patients; however, there is paucity of information on this technique is dogs. This study was planned with an objective to compare titanium elastic nails (TENS) and single end-threaded pin for the management of femoral fractures in young dogs. Methods: The study included 20 clinical cases (10 male and 10 female) of dogs suffering from distal femoral fracture with a mean±SD age of 5.70±5.60 month, body weight 11.09±4.48 kg since 3.05±2.35 days. The cases were divided into 2 groups; using TENS (n=10; group 1) and stainless steel end-threaded intramedullary pin (n=10; group 2). Result: Group 1 dogs demonstrated better fracture reduction score, early and uniform callus and better implant stability as compared to group 2, radiographically. Early weight bearing and minimum postoperative complications with better functional outcome including joint mobility was reported in group 1. In conclusions, TENS is superior fracture fixation technique for the repair of supracondylar or distal third femur fractures in young dogs with better functional outcome, minimal stiffness of stifle joint and early weight bearing, in comparison to single end threaded intramedullary pin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of mid-term follow-up in low-power (LP) Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) compared with high-power (HP) surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021. Ninety male patients >50 years who underwent HoLEP for BPH were randomly assigned to HP (80 W/2 J/40 Hz) and LP (24 W/2 J/12 Hz) groups. The primary endpoint was the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) six months after surgery. The secondary endpoints were perioperative results and postoperative outcomes at two weeks, three and six months after the surgery, including Clavien–Dindo complication classification. Results: At six months after HoLEP, 41 and 42 patients were followed up in the HP and LP groups, respectively. There was no difference in the preoperative characteristics between the two groups. The prostate volumes were 67.1±23.7 mL for the HP group and 64.3±25.7 mL for the LP group (p=0.592), respectively. Although the total operative time was significantly longer by 13.1 minutes in the LP group (47.8±20.3 min vs. 60.9±23.3 min, p=0.006), the total delivered energy was significantly lower, which was only about 68% of the HP group (58.2±23.9 kJ vs. 39.9±13.2 kJ, p<0.001). Surgical outcomes significantly improved postoperatively in both groups compared to baseline, except for storage symptoms. Improvement in IPSS storage subscore was observed from the immediate postoperative 2 weeks in the LP group (8.1±3.1 to 6.9±3.8, p<0.001), whereas there was no significant recovery in the HP group (8.0±3.2 to 7.7±3.4, p=0.842). In the 6-month follow, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the IPSS total score (5.9±5.6 vs. 7.3±5.3, p=0.260) as well as IPSS storage subscore. In addition, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications, including bleeding or urinary incontinence, between the two groups. Conclusions: The HoLEP procedure performed using an LP laser device resulted in lower total delivered energy, faster recovery, and significantly improved surgical outcomes up to mid-term follow-up. There was no difference in efficiency or safety between the HP device system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, nickel ferrite-based photocatalysts with enhanced light utilizing electrical charge transport properties have been reported for environmental remediation applications. The cobalt and holmium co-doped nickel ferrite [Ni1−x(Co)xFe2−y(Ho)yO4] nanoparticles and bare nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles have been prepared via surfactant-supported wet-chemical techniques. The as-prepared ferritic photocatalyst's structural, morphological, and light harvesting features have been examined in detail using well-known physical, electronic, and optical methods. The co-doped ferrite photocatalyst's tuned structural features enable it to absorb maximum wavelengths from the U.V. and visible regions. This is because the co-doped Ni1−x(Co)xFe2−y(Ho)yO4 optical band gap is 1.73 eV; hence, the wavelength from the visible part possesses sufficient energies to trigger the electronic excitation in co-doped ferrite photocatalysts. Moreover, the co-doping-induced structural defects in the ferrite photocatalyst. These defects act as a reservoir for the charge species, mainly electrons, so the process of charge recombination is almost hampered for the Ni1−x(Co)xFe2−y(Ho)yO4 photocatalyst. In application terms, the photomineralization capabilities of doped and bare ferrite photocatalysts have been explored using crystal violet (CV) dye. The comparative photocatalytic evaluation of both nickel ferrite-based photocatalysts shows that co-doped ferrite degraded 96.02 % of CV dye. In comparison, the undoped one only degraded 64.84 % after 80 min of W-lamp light exposure. The results demonstrated that the Ho and Co co-doped ferrite photocatalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity, suggesting its potential for environmental remediation applications in textile industrial discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended longevity leads to greater numbers of elderly patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who seek surgical solutions. We assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of octogenarians and nonagenarians with BPH who underwent en bloc holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). Retrospective cohort of all consecutive HoLEP patients treated in our medical center between January 2020 and January 2023. Cohort was divided into group aged < 80 years (n = 290) and group aged ≥ 80 years (n = 77). Their demographics, presentations, indications, and outcomes were compared. Octogenarians and nonagenarians had higher rates of indwelling catheters (p = 0.00001), chronic retention (p = 0.00006), larger prostates (p = 0.03), higher American Anesthesiology Association scores (p = 0.000001), and more antiplatelet medications (p = 0.0003) at presentation. They had longer operations (median 115 vs 90 min, respectively, p = 0.0008), longer hospital stay (median 2 vs 1 day, p = 0.01E−7), a higher complication rate (17% vs 7%, p = 0.02), and a higher transitory urinary incontinence (TUI) rate (54% vs 9%, p = 0.00001). TUI was more prevalent in the older group with indwelling catheters (61% vs, 13%, p = 0.00001). The functional outcome was similar for both age groups, and all patients could void spontaneously after the procedure. En-bloc HoLEP improves urinary symptoms and quality of life in patients ≥ 80 years of age despite larger prostates, more comorbidities, and higher complications rate, compared to younger men. HoLEP bestows a significant improvement in urologic quality of life regardless of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Naxiguole Banded Iron Formation (BIF), located in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt, Northwest China, is hosted by the Jinshuikou Group and has a Fe of 75 Mt at a grade of 15–28.83 wt.% Fe. In this paper, we use integrated petrological, geochemical, and geochronological data to limit the age and origin of the Naxiguole BIF. Country rocks mainly comprise marble, felsic paragneiss, plagioclase amphibolite schist, and biotite plagioclase gneiss. The features of sedimentary structure (blastopsammitic texture and blastobedding structure) and trace elements (e.g. La, Ni, Zr) from the country rock indicate that their protoliths are sedimentary rock. The 141 detrital zircons from the Jinshuikou Group yield a minimum age of 908 Ma, which can be considered the upper limit for the Naxiguole BIF. According to the age (602 Ma) of the mafic rocks intruding into the Jinshuikou Group, it is reasonable to assume that the formation age of BIF can be limited at 908–602 Ma (i.e. Neoproterozoic). The high contents of Al2O3 + TiO2 (3–6 wt.%), ΣREE (36–135 ppm) for BIF samples suggest that terrestrial clastic material contributed to BIF formation. The BIF samples show seawater-like features, such as depletion in LREEs, positive Y anomaly and high Y/Ho ratios (30.7–57.5, average = 42.5), implying that the Naxiguole BIF precipitated from seawater. The positive Eu/Eu*PAAS anomalies (average 1.52) suggest the influence of high-T hydrothermal fluids. Based on positive Eu anomalies and high terrestrial clastic components and no obvious Ce anomalies, the Naxiguole BIF was formed in an anoxic or suboxic sedimentary basin within active continental island arc, and is similar to Superior-type BIFs worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to introduce a new surgical procedure for the resection of sigmoid colon tumours invading the bladder by combining laparoscopy and cystoscopy, and the feasibility and safety of the method were verified. The data of 6 patients with sigmoid colon cancer invading the bladder in a tertiary hospital in Chongqing from January 2020 to October 2022 were collected, sigmoid colon tumour resection was performed by this procedure, and the data related to the surgery were recorded. All six patients successfully underwent sigmoid colon tumour resection, and all sigmoid colon and bladder resections had negative margins. The mean total operative time was 211.66 ± 27.33 min, and the mean resection time of the bladder tumour was 22.16 ± 4.63 min. The median blood loss was 100 ml, and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was nineteen. There were no serious intraoperative complications in any of the cases. After operation, the first flatus and defecation were 4 and 4.5 days, respectively. The mean time of drainage tube retention and the time of bladder flushing were 3 and 1.5 days, respectively. The mean time of urinary tube retention was 7.5 days. There were no intestinal obstructions, dysuria, or other complications. For patients with sigmoid colon tumours invading the bladder, this method can effectively resect sigmoid colon tumours and minimize the loss of bladder tissue at the same time, which helps to prolong the survival of these patients. The surgical method is safe, reliable, and feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the purity level and impurity composition of rare-earth metals represented at the Exhibition–Collection of Extrapure Substances and present estimates of the average and total concentrations of elemental impurities in the purest samples. We analyze the impurity composition of the entire array of rare-earth metals and contributions of particular groups of impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline phosphors NaY0.8–xYb0.2HoxF4 (x = 0–0.1) were first synthesized by the hydrothermal method. All synthesized compounds have hexagonal β-NaYF4 crystalline phase. It has been found that holmium(III) ions isomorphically replace yttrium ions. The maximum intensity of up-conversion emission in the visible region of the spectrum upon 973-nm excitation is observed for the compound NaY0.78Yb0.2Ho0.02F4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) are both well-established, minimally invasive surgical treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic enlargement. We have reported the first comparative analysis of both techniques in patients with prostates of ≥200 cc. Materials and Methods: Between 2009 and 2020 a total of 53 patients with a prostate volume of ≥200 cc were surgically treated at OLV Hospital Aalst (Belgium): 31 underwent RASP and 22 underwent HoLEP. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included uroflowmetry with maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR), as well as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (IPSS-QoL). The complication rates were evaluated according to the Clavien–Dindo Classification. Results: Patients treated with RASP had significantly larger prostate volumes compared with HoLEP (median 226 cc vs 204.5 cc, p = 0.004). After a median follow-up of 14 months, both groups showed a significant improvement in the maximum flow rate (+10.60 mL/s vs +10.70 mL/s, p = 0.724) and a reduction of the IPSS score (−12.50 vs −9, p = 0.246) as well as improvement of the QoL (−3 vs −3, p = 0.880). Median operative time was similar in both groups (150 minutes vs 132.5 minutes, p = 0.665). The amount of resected tissue was lower in the RASP group (134.5 g vs 180 g, p = 0.029) and there was no significant difference in postoperative prostate-specific antigen (1.2 ng/mL vs 0.8 ng/mL, p = 0.112). Despite a similar median catheterization time (3 days vs 2 days, p = 0.748), the median hospitalization time was shorter in the HoLEP group (4 days vs 3 days, p = 0.052). Complication rates were similar in both groups (32% vs 36%, p = 0.987). Conclusion: Our results suggest similar outcomes for RASP and HoLEP in patients with very large prostates ≥200 cc. These findings will require external validation at other high-volume centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our study aimed to describe the outcomes of transurethral enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for large-sized benign prostatic hyperplasia over 150 mL (bBPH). Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study of patients undergoing HoLEP for bBPH. The primary endpoint was the success of the procedure, defined by a mixed criteria: complete endoscopic enucleation of the prostate, absence of blood transfusion or reoperation for bleeding, post-operative improvement of quality of life (assessed by a ≥ 2 points increase at in the 8th question of the IPSS test) and post-operative continence (no pads use) at 3 months. Results: Eighty-one patients were included with a mean age of 73.9 ± 7.3 and a mean measured prostate volume of 183.3 ± 34.5 cc. The mean operative time was 57.5 ± 29.7 min and the average wet weight of resected tissue removed was 151.8 ± 44.7 g. Mean hospitalization stay was 1.3 ± 0.7 days with a mean post-operative catheterization period of 1.9 ± 0.9 days. The success of the surgery was achieved in 77 patients (95%). Functional improvements were found at 1 and 6 months for Qmax, post-void residual, IPSS and QoL-IPSS. The 30-day complication rate was 9.9%. The average PSA level dropped from 14.8 ± 11.6 ng/mL at baseline to 0.8 ± 0.5 ng/mL at 6 months. Conclusion: HoLEP for bBPH is both safe and efficient. Regarding the benefit/risk balance, it should be highlighted as the gold standard for the management of big BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the factors that may be associated with a 2-month high baseline level of Total Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with Holmium Laser (HoLEP). Materials and methods: Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of adult males undergoing HoLEP at a single tertiary institution from September 2015 to February 2021. Pre-operative epidemiological, clinical characteristics and post-operative factors were analyzed and a multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors independently related to PSA decline. Results: A total of 175 men aged 49–92 years with a prostate size ranging from 25 to 450 cc underwent HoLEP, and after excluding data from patients due to loss of follow-up or incomplete data, 126 patients were included in the final analysis. The patients were divided into group A (n = 84), which included patients with postoperative PSA nadir lower than 1 ng/ml, and group B(n = 42), with postoperative PSA levels greater than 1 ng/ml. In the univariate analysis there was a correlation between the variation of the PSA value and the percentage of resected tissue (p = 0.028), for each 1 g of resected prostate there was a reduction of 0.104 ng/mL, furthermore there was a difference between the means of age of group A (71.56 years) and group B (68.17 years) (p = 0.042). In the multivariate analysis, the use of statins and lower postoperative PSA levels (p = 0.024; HR = 3.71) were correlated. Conclusions: Our results indicate that PSA after HoLEP is correlated with patient's age, the presence of incidental prostate cancer, and the use of statins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered a size-independent gold standard for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and there is no upper limit of prostate weight that can be treated. Tissue retrieval can be time-consuming in cases of significant prostatic enlargement, which may lead to intraoperative hypothermia. As there are few studies on perioperative hypothermia in HoLEP, we conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent HoLEP at our hospital. Methods: The data of 147 patients who underwent HoLEP at our hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed for the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia (temperature <36°C); age, body mass index (BMI), anesthesia method, body temperature, total fluid infusion, operation time, and irrigation fluid were the explanatory variables. Results: Intraoperative hypothermia was observed in 46 of 147 patients (31.3%). Simple logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.13, p = 0.021), BMI (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.96, p = 0.017), spinal anesthesia (OR: 4.92, 95% CI: 1.86–14.99, p = 0.002), and surgical time (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06, p = 0.006) were predictors of hypothermia. The decrease in body temperature was more pronounced with longer-duration surgery and reached 0.58°C at 180 min. Conclusion: General anesthesia, instead of spinal anesthesia, is recommended in high-risk patients with advanced age or low BMI to avoid intraoperative hypothermia during HoLEP. Two-stage morcellation may be considered for large adenomas, when a prolonged operative time and hypothermia are anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain the maximum up-conversion luminescence intensity of Ho3+/Yb3+-doped NaGd(MoO4)2 phosphors, samples with 1.00%Ho3+/22.89%Yb3+ doping concentration were prepared by high-temperature solid-phase method. The doping concentration of 1.00%Ho3+/22.89%Yb3+ corresponds to the maximum luminescence intensity of red light excited by a 980 nm laser. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the prepared samples were in pure NaGd(MoO4)2 phase. Under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, the measured and theoretical luminescence intensities of the optimal sample are close to each other. The relationship between different pumping currents and up-conversion luminescence intensity was tested. The red light of the sample was proved to be a two-photon process. Up-conversion luminescence mechanism of the sample was discussed in detail. Finally, we measured the emission spectrum of the optimal sample in the up-conversion to temperature. It was fitted using the fluorescence intensity ratio formula, and its relative sensitivity was calculated to be 0.0204 K-1 at 440 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of laser beams with metal oxide nanoparticles can be proposed for water remediation and cancer treatment. In this paper, H2Ti3O7 nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized by anodization technique and characterized using UV–visible, Raman scattering and FTIR and spectroscopies, field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The results declare that monoclinic hydrogen titanium oxide with a mean crystallite size of 16.0 nm is formed. The H2Ti3O7 NTs also have an average outer diameter and shell thickness of 34.0 nm and 1.69 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the NTs have considerable thermal stability and high colloidal stability with a negative surface charge value of − 39.6 mV. Additionally, the interactions of different laser lights with H2Ti3O7 NTs in the vicinity of lung and prostate cancer as two of the first frequent malignancy worldwide in male cancer with a significant increasing trend are in vitro investigated. The effects of various concentrations of bare H2Ti3O7 NTs at different incubation times in the presence and absence of laser light are investigated to estimate the effectiveness of the photodynamic therapy. Also, different laser wavelengths, laser intensities, and exposure times are applied to treat lung (A549 cells) and prostate (LNCap cells) treatment. The results indicated that H2Ti3O7 NTs can be an excellent candidate for the treatment of lung and prostate cancers and the reasons for the success of the treatment in dark and irradiated conditions are described in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying thin films and superlattices of rare-earth helimagnets Dy and Ho using a neutron reflectometer are presented. Neutron reflectometry is shown to allow the magnetic phase transitions in these nanostructures to be studied and information about the periodicity of magnetic helices in them to be collected. It is proposed to create a neutron reflectometer capable of conducting polarization analysis on the DARIA compact neutron source, optimized for studying long-period magnetic ordering in rare-earth helimagnets, and the possible directions of this optimization are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, CePO4:Ho3+ nanomaterials are prepared by a productive polyol method which shows the dual mode of behavior in Photoluminescence. The up-conversion spectra at 980nm excitation display a sharp brilliant peak at ~520nm-~550nm, ~630nm, -670nm resulting in the (5F4, 5S2-5I8) and (5F5-5I8) of Ho3+ ions, and it is also found that the sample radiates green and red colors. The down-conversion peaks show maximum absorption at 300nm which exhibit peaks at ~450nm, ~520nm-~550nm, and 630nm-~670nm respectively. The rare earth ions doped nanomaterials show up-conversion radiation and down-conversion radiation. This type of energetic work has an extensive range of applications, including lasers, metal ion sensors, bio-imaging, temperature and stress sensors, radiation damage sensors, and defense and cyber security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a versatile sol–gel approach for low-phonon nanocrystalline (HoxY1−x)2Ti2O7, x = <0.01, 0.40> exhibiting luminescence within the spectral range 2000–3000 nm. The nanocrystalline structure of (HoxY1−x)2Ti2O7 was studied and the effect of the composition and phonon energy on the luminescence properties was evaluated. Regular distribution of Ho3+ ions inside the pyrochlore crystal lattice was proved leading to a regular increase of the unit cell parameter. The luminescence intensity recorded at 2025 nm reached a maximum for the composition (Ho0.03Y0.96)2Ti2O7. The radiative lifetime recorded at 2025 nm regularly decreased with increasing content of Ho3+ ions inside the pyrochlore lattice from 6.32 to 0.22 ms. The phonon energy of the samples was smaller than 700 cm−1 allowing the luminescence spectral range to be extended up to 2900 nm. Further tailoring of the chemical composition can improve the emission at 2860 nm providing a promising high thermally and chemically stable alternative to conventional fluoride or chalcogenide glasses. Highlights: We present a versatile sol–gel approach to preparing (HoxY1−x)2Ti2O7x = <0.01, 0.40>. The content of Ho3+ ions in the lattice has a major impact on the luminescence properties. The optimal content of Ho3+ ions to maximize the luminescence intensity is identified. Low phonon energy of (HoxY1−x)2Ti2O7 allows the radiative transition at 2860 nm to be activated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]