Compelling Prospect Research Articles

A custom-built single-channel in-ear electroencephalography sensor for sleep phase detection: an interdependent solution for at-home sleep studies.

Sleep is vital for health. It has regenerative and protective functions. Its disruption reduces the quality of life and increases susceptibility to disease. During sleep, there is a cyclicity of distinct phases that are studied for clinical purposes using polysomnography (PSG), a costly and technically demanding method that compromises the quality of natural sleep. The search for simpler devices for recording biological signals at home addresses some of these issues. We have reworked a single-channel in-ear electroencephalography (EEG) sensor grounded to a commercially available memory foam earplug with conductive tape. A total of 14 healthy volunteers underwent a full night of simultaneous PSG, in-ear EEG and actigraphy recordings. We analysed the performance of the methods in terms of sleep metrics and staging. In another group of 14 patients evaluated for sleep-related pathologies, PSG and in-ear EEG were recorded simultaneously, the latter in two different configurations (with and without a contralateral reference on the scalp). In both groups, the in-ear EEG sensor showed a strong correlation, agreement and reliability with the 'gold standard' of PSG and thus supported accurate sleep classification, which is not feasible with actigraphy. Single-channel in-ear EEG offers compelling prospects for simplifying sleep parameterisation in both healthy individuals and clinical patients and paves the way for reliable assessments in a broader range of clinical situations, namely by integrating Level 3 polysomnography devices. In addition, addressing the recognised overestimation of the apnea-hypopnea index, due to the lack of an EEG signal, and the sparse information on sleep metrics could prove fundamental for optimised clinical decision making.

Dynamics of Active Defects on the Anisotropic Surface of an Ellipsoidal Droplet

We investigate the steady state of an ellipsoidal active nematic shell using experiments and numerical simulations. We create the shells by coating microsized ellipsoidal droplets with a protein-based active cytoskeletal gel, thus obtaining ellipsoidal core-shell structures. This system provides the appropriate conditions of confinement and geometry to investigate the impact of nonuniform curvature on an orderly active nematic fluid that features the minimum number of defects required by topology. We identify new time-dependent states where topological defects periodically oscillate between translational and rotational regimes, resulting in the spontaneous emergence of chirality. Our simulations of active nematohydrodynamics demonstrate that, beyond topology and activity, the dynamics of the active material are profoundly influenced by the local curvature and viscous anisotropy of the underlying droplet, as well as by external hydrodynamic forces stemming from the self-sustained rotational motion of defects. These results illustrate how the incorporation of curvature gradients into active nematic shells orchestrates remarkable spatiotemporal patterns, offering new insights into biological processes and providing compelling prospects for designing bioinspired micromachines. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Gut microbiome: A revolution in type II diabetes mellitus.

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has experienced a dramatic increase globally across countries of various income levels over the past three decades. The persistent prevalence of T2DM is attributed to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. While numerous pharmaceutical therapies have been developed, there remains an urgent need for innovative treatment approaches that offer effectiveness without significant adverse effects. In this context, the exploration of the gut microbiome presents a promising avenue. Research has increasingly shown that the gut microbiome of individuals with T2DM exhibits distinct differences compared to healthy individuals, suggesting its potential role in the disease's pathogenesis and progression. This emerging field offers diverse applications, particularly in modifying the gut environment through the administration of prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiome transfer. These inter-ventions aim to restore a healthy microbiome balance, which could potentially alleviate or even reverse the metabolic dysfunctions associated with T2DM. Although current results from clinical trials have not yet shown dramatic effects on diabetes management, the groundwork has been laid for deeper investigation. Ongoing and future clinical trials are critical to advancing our understanding of the microbiome's impact on diabetes. By further elucidating the mechanisms through which microbiome alterations influence insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, researchers can develop more targeted interventions. The potential to harness the gut microbiome in developing new therapeutic strategies offers a compelling prospect to transform the treatment landscape of T2DM, potentially reducing the disease's burden significantly with approaches that are less reliant on traditional pharmaceuticals and more focused on holistic, systemic health improvements.

Rate-Dependent Formation Processes in Li-O2 Batteries: Phase-Field Modeling with the Marcus Kinetics

Lithium-oxygen batteries (Li-O2) present a compelling prospect for the next generation of batteries owing to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density.[1] Yet, the performance of Li-O2 batteries is significantly limited by the current-dependent morphology of insulating oxides.[2-3] Existing mathematical models using Butler-Volmer kinetics exhibit uncertainties and inaccuracies.[4-5] In this study, we propose the integration of Marcus kinetics with the existing phase-field model to resolve a few outstanding inconsistencies between theoretical predictions and experimental discoveries. Notably, utilizing the Marcus kinetics enables a quantitative assessment of the role of solvation energy in current-dependet particle growth as opposed to film growth. Experimental results further verify the new theoretical predictions. This research offers valuable insights for the future design of Li-O2 batteries.[1] Bruce, P. G., Freunberger, S. A., Hardwick, L. J., & Tarascon, J.-M. (2012). Nucleation and growth of lithium peroxide in the Li-O2 battery. Nature Materials, 11, 19–29.[2] Read, J. (2002). Characterization of the Lithium/Oxygen Organic Electrolyte Battery. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 149, A1190-A1195.[3] Kraytsberg, A., & Ein-Eli, Y. (2011). Review on Li–air batteries—Opportunities, limitations and perspective. Journal of Power Sources, 196, 886-893.[4] Lau, S., & Archer, L. A. (2015). Nucleation and growth of lithium peroxide in the Li-O2 battery. Nano Letters, 15(9), 6108–6114.[5] Horstmann, B., Gallant, B., Mitchell, R., Bessler, W. G., Shao-Horn, Y., & Bazant, M. Z. (2013). Rate-dependent morphology of Li2O2 growth in Li-O2 batteries. Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 4(24), 4227–4232.

Room-temperature quantum nanoplasmonic coherent perfect absorption

Light-matter superposition states obtained via strong coupling play a decisive role in quantum information processing, but the deleterious effects of material dissipation and environment-induced decoherence inevitably destroy coherent light-matter polaritons over time. Here, we propose the use of coherent perfect absorption under near-field driving to prepare and protect the polaritonic states of a single quantum emitter interacting with a plasmonic nanocavity at room temperature. Our scheme of quantum nanoplasmonic coherent perfect absorption leverages an inherent frequency specificity to selectively initialize the coupled system in a chosen plasmon-emitter dressed state, while the coherent, unidirectional and non-perturbing near-field energy transfer from a proximal plasmonic waveguide can in principle render the dressed state robust against dynamic dissipation under ambient conditions. Our study establishes a previously unexplored paradigm for quantum state preparation and coherence preservation in plasmonic cavity quantum electrodynamics, offering compelling prospects for elevating quantum nanophotonic technologies to ambient temperatures.

Helium's impact: Unraveling bubble formation in Fe2AlB2 under extreme conditions of temperature and fluence

Layered carbides and borides, blending ceramic and metallic characteristics, present compelling prospects for future nuclear reactor applications due to their complex nanolaminate crystal structure. To explore the behavior of Fe2AlB2 under different conditions, helium irradiation is conducted across saturation fluences and under different annealing and irradiation temperatures. Room temperature (RT) irradiation causes some changes: a-lattice expands 0.3 %, c-lattice contracts 0.07 %, and an embedded amorphous layer into the matrix is formed. 400 °C annealing keeps an amorphous structure whereas 800 °C annealing fully recrystallizes with bubble growth. Increasing the irradiation temperature to 400 °C with the same fluence, smaller bubbles form without an amorphous layer, indicating defect recombination depends on helium attachment to vacancies. Under irradiation at 700 °C, faceted bubbles develop exclusively within Fe2AlB2, with no such bubbles in Al2O3. These faceted bubbles align themselves along (110) planes. Simultaneously, irradiation prompts tangled dislocations within the damaged layer, fostering the congregation of polygonal bubbles along grain boundaries (GBs) and creating denuded areas at GBs. Fe2AlB2 demonstrates remarkable oxidation resistance under high-temperature irradiation, maintaining surface stability without the cracks seen in ion-irradiated Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC at RT.Fe2AlB2 shows promise for use in reactors operating at temperatures above 500 °C due to its resilience to irradiation. Further investigation is warranted for its application in reactors operating in environments exceeding this threshold temperature.

Preparation of inorganic salt particles by reactive crystallization in an annular swirling flow reactor

This study investigates the performance of an annular conical swirling flow reactor in liquid–liquid reactions for the preparation of inorganic salt particles. Utilizing Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, it was observed that the conical design effectively inhibited the attenuation of swirling flow intensity along the axial direction, with the primary mass transfer region close to the central conical wall. In comparison to a stirred reactor, calcium carbonate particles synthesized in the swirling flow reactor exhibited more uniform morphology, smoother and defect-free surface. Notably, the average particle size remained consistently within 5–6 μm (excluding the 0.3 M feedstock), whereas stirring led to particles with an average size ranging from 8-11 μm. Analysis of the residence time distribution curve revealed minimal back mixing in the swirling flow reactor, ensuring nearly equal growth time for salt particles, thus yielding particles with a uniform size distribution. As a result, the swirling flow reactor presents compelling prospects for applications in reactive crystallization.

Exploring Therapeutic Frontiers: Unveiling the Potential of Natural Diterpenoid Derivatives in Addressing Neurological Disorders.

Neurological disorders present a formidable challenge in healthcare, necessitating the continuous exploration of innovative therapeutic avenues. This review delves into the burgeoning field of natural diterpenoid derivatives and their promising role in addressing neurological disorders. Derived from natural sources, these compounds exhibit a diverse range of pharmacological properties, positioning them as potential agents for treating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The review highlights recent advancements, shedding light on the multifaceted mechanisms through which diterpenoid derivatives exert their effects, from antiinflammatory to neuroprotective actions. As the scientific community navigates the translational journey from bench to bedside, integrating these natural compounds into neurotherapeutics emerges as a compelling prospect. This exploration of the therapeutic frontiers of natural diterpenoid derivatives signifies a significant step towards innovative and effective strategies in the management of neurological disorders. It highlights the potential of natural compounds to revolutionize neurotherapeutics.

Dynamically reconfigurable all-optical neural network based on a hybrid graphene metasurface array

In recent years, optical neural networks (ONNs) have received considerable attention for their intrinsic parallelism and low energy consumption, making them a vital area of research. However, the current passive diffractive ONNs lack dynamic tunability after fabrication for specific tasks. Here, we propose a dynamically reconfigurable diffractive deep neural network based on a hybrid graphene metasurface array, wherein the transmission and refractive index of each pixel can be finely adjusted via gate voltage. This capability enables the tailored modulation of the incident light’s amplitude and phase at each pixel, aligning with specific task requirements. The simulation results show the attainability of a dynamic modulation range of 7.97dB (ranging from −8.56dB to −0.591dB). Additionally, this proposed diffractive neural network platform incorporates an ultrathin structure comprising a one-atom-thick graphene layer and nanoscale metallic metastructures, rendering it compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. Notably, a classification accuracy of 92.14% for a single-layer neural network operating in the terahertz spectrum is achieved based on the calculation result. This proposed platform presents compelling prospects for constructing various artificial neural network architectures with applications ranging from drug screening to automotive driving and vision sensing.

Liquid Crystal Metasurface for On‐Demand Terahertz Beam Forming Over 110° Field‐Of‐View

AbstractThe terahertz spectral region, which bridges between electronics and optics, is poised to play an important role in the development of transformative wireless communication and imaging systems with unprecedented functionality. Currently, a major challenge in terahertz technology is to develop high‐performance terahertz beam‐forming devices that can dynamically shape the terahertz radiation in a flexible manner. Existing terahertz beam‐forming devices have limited coding bits, field‐of‐view, and beam gain. Here, a reconfigurable liquid crystal‐integrated terahertz metasurface is experimentally demonstrated, with each metasurface unit cell being independently addressable. The metasurface has a 260° continuous phase tuning range with a liquid crystal layer thickness of only 1% of the free‐space wavelength. The terahertz wave diffracted from the metasurface can be steered toward a wide range of directions is shown, covering a record‐large 110° field‐of‐view with a peak gain of 25 dBi. The metasurface also features a low power consumption and sub‐second switching time. Furthermore, the formation of multiple terahertz beams is demonstrated, with the direction of each beam and the power ratio between beams adjustable on demand. The proposed liquid crystal metasurface possesses compelling prospects for future terahertz communication and imaging applications.

Identifying novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulators from clinically approved drugs: In silico screening and In vitro validation

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functions as a vital ligand-activated transcription factor, governing both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Notably, it responds to xenobiotics, leading to a diverse array of outcomes. In the context of drug repurposing, we present here a combined approach of utilizing structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. This approach aims to identify potential AhR modulators from Drugbank repository of clinically approved drugs. By focusing on the AhR PAS-B binding pocket, our screening protocol included binding affinities calculations, complex stability, and interactions within the binding site as a filtering method. Comprehensive evaluations of all DrugBank small molecule database revealed ten promising hits. This included flibanserin, butoconazole, luliconazole, naftifine, triclabendazole, rosiglitazone, empagliflozin, benperidol, nebivolol, and zucapsaicin. Each exhibiting diverse binding behaviors and remarkably very low binding free energy. Experimental studies further illuminated their modulation of AhR signaling, and showing that they are consistently reducing AhR activity, except for luliconazole, which intriguingly enhances the AhR activity. This work demonstrates the possibility of using computational modelling as a quick screening tool to predict new AhR modulators from extensive drug libraries. Importantly, these findings hold immense therapeutic potential for addressing AhR-associated disorders. Consequently, it offers compelling prospects for innovative interventions through drug repurposing.

Free‐Standing Janus Nanosheets: Ultrafast Self‐Assembly and Versatile Biphase‐Application

AbstractThe development of stable Janus architectures suitable for biphasic applications holds significant importance. A novel approach is introduced for interfacial supramolecular self‐assembly, resulting in 2D Janus nanosheets (OA‐TA/Fe) exhibiting an amphiphilic nature. These nanosheets consist of hydrophilic coordination complexes of ferric ions (Fe3+) and tannic acid (TA) on one side of both surfaces and hydrophobic alkyl chains on the other side of both surfaces. The synthesis of these 2D Janus nanosheets involves a simple, ultrafast, and environmentally benign process, eliminating the need for time‐consuming multistep procedures and harsh synthetic conditions typically associated with Janus architecture formation. By exploiting the inherent singular anisotropic wettability inherent in OA‐TA/Fe‐2, the efficacy of these innovative Janus nanosheets in the efficient separation of various organic liquid‐in‐water and water‐in‐organic liquid emulsions is elucidated. Subsequent post‐modification of OA‐TA/Fe has facilitated the highly efficient remediation of contaminated oily wastewater, serving as a model biphasic catalysis reaction, wherein the Janus nanosheets function simultaneously as emulsifiers and catalysts within biphasic mixtures. The methodology establishes a rapid self‐assembly approach for the creation of amphiphilic free‐standing Janus nanosheets, offering compelling prospects for their application in diverse fields, as exemplified by, but not limited to, the case studies presented herein.

Analysis of seed dormancy breakage and seedling growth in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) through the electrical stimulation method: a scientific perspective aimed at promoting bioethanol production

This pioneering study meticulously focused on the underexplored realm of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), utilizing commercial seeds to mitigate potential biases. The research intricately interwove the intricate facets of electrical stimulation, delineating its profound implications on the estimative bioethanol production of sweet sorghum, with potential extrapolation to future investigations involving sugarcane. Executed within the controlled confines of a greenhouse, after seed treatment procured from a local market, the commercial seeds underwent an electrifying metamorphosis. In the pursuit of enhancing the fresh biomass output of sweet sorghum, a nuanced interplay with electrical currents transpired. Noteworthy findings surfaced, elucidating that the attainment of optimal outcomes necessitated meticulous control over the applied electrical current. The identified optimal parameter advocated maintaining a conservative threshold of 50 mA during a seed treatment duration spanning approximately 15 min. However, as the experimental cadence intensified, the narrative evolved with a bold revelation, indicating that exploration of higher electrical currents, peaking at 150 mA, could yield favorable results under the condition of a truncated seed treatment time, notably as brief as 5 min. The delicate equilibrium achieved in this electrical choreography presented a compelling prospect for redefining the production paradigm of sweet sorghum. After analyzing the germination results, the estimative production projections derived from treatment #3 paint a vivid picture of the sorghum biomass production potential. A visionary forecast materialized, envisioning an impressive 25 t/ha of sweet sorghum, coupled with a remarkable total conversion rate into bioethanol reaching 1.5 million cubic meters. This transcendence transcends the boundaries of a conventional study; it signifies a leap into the future, pushing the envelope of conventional wisdom in the relentless pursuit of innovation in sustainable energy.

Sierpinski-fractal inspired ultra-broadband UV-NIR meta absorber: Notable impact on the self-stabilization of light-sail or solar-sail

Light's fundamental characteristics can enable an extensive plethora of possibilities. In a recent study, to the best of our knowledge, it has been reported for the very first time that meta-absorber-based light-sails (mainly for solar sails) can be a potential alternative to reflector-based light-sails. However, a notable property of practical light-sail or solar sail is self-stabilization for real-world applications, which has never been investigated for meta-absorber-based light-sails. This article presents a highly efficient ultra-wideband (UWB) metamaterial absorber, followed by numerous numerical analyses to demonstrate its effectiveness. The absorptivity has been shown to be greater than 90% for the entire spectrum of ultra-violet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR), i.e., 300–1800 nm. Furthermore, we extend the absorber's applicability to light-sail's stabilization. One of the notable findings of this work: the subwavelength metamaterial unit cell showcases exceptional stability while being subjected to a conventional plane-polarized source. It showed that the ‘absorption’ assists in mitigating the destabilizing effects of the plane-polarized source. The utilization of the Sierpinski-Carpet-Meta-Absorber (SCMA), a fractal-based ultra-wideband (UWB) metamaterial, represents a compelling prospect as an alternative to traditional reflectors in the development of advanced light-sails for space exploration, owing to its capacity to enhance optical force and facilitate self-stabilization. Our results indicate that the combination of the unique properties of the metamaterial would enable a significant advancement over current attitude control by demonstrating an approach to induce a roll torque on the sail, which is a current limitation in present state-of-the-art technology.

Application of Ayurvedic Bhasma for the Treatment of Cancer

ABSTRACT The application of Ayurvedic Bhasma in cancer treatment has garnered increasing interest due to its potential as an alternative therapeutic approach. Bhasma, a herbo-mineral formulation that consists of bioactive nanoparticles used in traditional Indian medicine, has shown promising preclinical evidence for its anticancer properties. Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system practiced in the Indian subcontinent, has successfully used various formulations to prevent or treat arbuda, which can be correlated with cancer. These formulations include Swarna Bhasma, Heerak Bhasma, Abhrak Bhasma, Manikya Bhasma, Yashada Bhasma, and many more. Using Ayurvedic medicines, the side effects of chemotherapy can be minimized, thereby increasing the life span of patients. With the advent of nanotechnology, traditional drug design and delivery are being looked upon in a completely new perspective. The anticancer activity of certain Bhasma is attributed to the presence of metallic nanoparticle content, enhancing its bioavailability and targeted action on cancer cells. In preclinical studies, some Bhasmas have demonstrated potential in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing tumor growth. However, at the same time, limitations in the use of Bhasma for cancer treatment, such as the lack of standardized synthesis processes and documented scientific validation, have also been acknowledged. The multifaceted analysis presented underscores the need for rigorous research, including clinical trials, to validate the safety, efficacy, and specific applications of Bhasma in different cancer types and stages. Although the health-beneficial effects of these Bhasmas have been known for a long time, their mechanism of action is not clearly understood yet at least for some Bhasmas that have shown potential in clinical trials. Therefore, further detailed studies are needed to understand the therapeutic mode of action for different Bhasma. However, despite these limitations, the integration of Ayurvedic Bhasma into cancer treatment regimens emerges as a compelling prospect, potentially yielding synergistic effects.

Large language model, AI and scientific research: why ChatGPT is only the beginning.

ChatGPT, a conversational artificial intelligence model based on the generative pre-trained transformer GPT architecture, has garnered widespread attention due to its user-friendly nature and diverse capabilities. This technology enables users of all backgrounds to effortlessly engage in human-like conversations and receive coherent and intelligible responses. Beyond casual interactions, ChatGPT offers compelling prospects for scientific research, facilitating tasks like literature review and content summarization, ultimately expediting and enhancing the academic writing process. Still, in the field of medicine and surgery, it has already shown its endless potential in many tasks (enhancing decision-making processes, aiding in surgical planning and simulation, providing real-time assistance during surgery, improving postoperative care and rehabilitation, contributing to training, education, research, and development). However, it is crucial to acknowledge the model's limitations, encompassing knowledge constraints and the potential for erroneous responses, as well as ethical and legal considerations. This paper explores the potential benefits and pitfalls of these innovative technologies in scientific research, shedding light on their transformative impact while addressing concerns surrounding their use.

The vital role of exercise and nutrition in COVID-19 rehabilitation: synergizing strength.

Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global healthcare community has faced the challenge of understanding and addressing the ongoing and multi-faceted SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes. As millions of individuals worldwide continue to navigate the complexities of post-hospitalization recovery, reinfection rates, and the increasing prevalence of Long-COVID symptoms, comprehensive COVID-19 rehabilitation strategies are greatly needed. Previous studies have highlighted the potential synergy between exercise and nutrition, suggesting that their integration into patient rehabilitation programs may yield improved clinical outcomes for survivors of COVID-19. Our group aimed to consolidate existing knowledge following the implementation of patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) search strategies on the distinct and combined impacts of exercise and nutrition interventions in facilitating the recovery of COVID-19 patients following hospitalization, with a specific focus on their implications for both public health and clinical practice. The incorporation of targeted nutritional strategies alongside exercise-based programs may expedite patient recovery, ultimately promoting independence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Nonetheless, an imperative for expanded scientific inquiry remains, particularly in the realm of combined interventions. This mini-review underscores the compelling prospects offered by an amalgamated approach, advocating for the seamless integration of exercise and nutrition as integral components of post-hospitalization COVID-19 rehabilitation. The pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic effects and effectiveness of exercise and nutrition stands as a crucial objective in advancing patient care and refining recovery strategies in the wake of this enduring global health crisis.

Self-adaptable calcium-based bioactive phosphosilicate-infused gelatin-hyaluronic hydrogel for orthopedic regeneration

Bone regeneration is a critical and intricate process vital for healing fractures, defects, and injuries. Although conventional bone grafts are commonly used, they may fall short of optimal outcomes, thereby driving the need for alternative therapies. This research endeavors to explore synergistically designed Hyalo Glass Gel (HGG), and its explicitly for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The HGG composite comprises a modifiable calcium-based bioactive phosphosilicates-incorporated/crosslinked gelatin-hyaluronic scaffold showcasing promising functional characteristics. The study underscores the distinct attributes of each constituent (gelatin (Gel), hyaluronic acid (HA), and 45S5 calcium sodium phosphosilicates (BG)), and their cooperative influences on the scaffold's performance. Careful manipulation of crosslinking methods facilitates customization of HGG's mechanical attributes, degradation kinetics, and structural features, aligning them with the requisites of bone tissue engineering applications. Moreover, the integration of BG augments the scaffold's bioactivity, thereby expediting tissue regenerative processes. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses HGG's physicochemical aspects, mechanical traits rooted in viscoelasticity, as well as its biodegradability, in-vitro bioactivity, and interactions with stem cells. The result obtained underscores the viscoelastic nature of HGG, substantiating its capacity to foster mesenchymal stem cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. Significantly, HGG manifests biocompatibility and adjustable attributes, exhibits pronounced drug (vancomycin) retention abilities, rendering it apt for wound healing, drug delivery, and bone regeneration. Its distinctive composition, tailored attributes, and mimicry of bone tissue's extracellular matrix (ECM) due to its bioactive nature, collectively situate its potential as a versatile biomaterial for subsequent research and development endeavors with compelling prospects in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Coronary computed tomography angiography analysis using artificial intelligence for stenosis quantification and stent segmentation: a multicenter study.

Accurate interpretation of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a labor-intensive and expertise-driven endeavor, as inexperienced readers may inadvertently overestimate stenosis severity. Recent artificial intelligence (AI) advances in medical imaging present compelling prospects for auxiliary diagnostic tools in CCTA. This study aimed to externally validate an AI-assisted analysis system capable of rapidly evaluating stenosis severity, exploring its potential integration into routine clinical workflows. This multicenter study consisted of an internal and external cohort of patients who underwent CCTA scans between April 2017 and February 2023. CCTA scans were evaluated using Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) scores to determine stenosis severity, while ground-truth stents were manually annotated by expert readers. The InferRead CT Heart (version 1.6; Infervision Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China), which incorporates AI-assisted coronary artery stenosis quantification and automatic stent segmentation, was employed for CCTA scan analysis. AI-based stenosis assessment performance was determined using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), while the AI-based stent segmentation overlap was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). For ≥50% stenosis diagnoses, the AI system attained per-patient sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV surpassing 90.0% for the internal dataset; for the external dataset, the per-patient values were 88.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 81.0-94.4%], 94.5% (95% CI: 90.7-97.6%), 90.0% (95% CI: 83.3-95.6%), and 93.4% (95% CI: 89.2-96.8%), respectively. For ≥70% stenosis diagnoses, the per-patient values on the internal dataset were 94.2% (95% CI: 89.2-98.1%), 95.8% (95% CI: 94.1-97.4%), 80.8% (95% CI: 73.5-87.7%), and 98.9% (95% CI: 97.9-99.6%), respectively; for the external dataset, the per-patient values were 91.9% (95% CI: 82.6-100.0%), 97.3% (95% CI: 94.9-99.1%), 85.0% (95% CI: 72.5-94.6%), and 98.6% (95% CI: 96.8-100.0%), respectively. Regarding CAD-RADS categorization, the Cohen kappa was 0.75 and 0.81 for the internal per-patient and per-vessel basis, respectively, and 0.72 and 0.76 for the external per-patient and per-vessel basis, respectively. The DSC for stent segmentation was 0.96±0.06. The AI-assisted analysis system for CCTA interpretation exhibited exceptional proficiency in stenosis quantification and stent segmentation, indicating that AI holds considerable potential in advancing CCTA postprocessing techniques.

Mechanical and tribological characterization of 3D printed-cryogenically treated thermoplastic polyurethane

In knee replacement surgery, the longevity of implants, particularly the plastic spacer between the femur and tibial metallic component, has profound implications. Traditionally, Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been the material of choice, yet its susceptibility to rapid wear necessitates the exploration of alternatives. Among these, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a promising candidate. This study delves into the transformative impact of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on the tribological, mechanical, and surface attributes of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) - produced TPU.Key findings unveil a substantial enhancement in the wear performance of DCT-treated TPU compared to its untreated counterpart. Moreover, extrusion temperature (ET) and print speed (PS) emerge as pivotal parameters, with optimal outcomes observed at 250 °C and 15 mm/s, signifying their paramount importance. In contrast, layer thickness (LT) and raster orientation (RO) exhibit less influence on tribological properties. Furthermore, a notable transformation in surface characteristics is evident, with untreated TPU presenting a smoother profile than treated TPU.This research underscores the potential of deep cryogenic treatment to augment the tribological and mechanical properties of TPU, rendering it a compelling prospect for orthopedic implants. These findings contribute significantly to the ongoing endeavor to enhance implant materials and their durability in biomedical applications.