Blocking Effect Research Articles

Tailoring Ion Transport in Li3-3yHo1+yCl6-xBrx via Transition-Metal Free Structural Planes and Charge Carrier Distribution.

Localized atomistic disorder in halide-based solid electrolytes (SEs) can be leveraged to boost Li+ mobility. In this study, Li+ transport in structurally modified Li3HoCl6, via Br- introduction and Li+ deficiency, is explored. The optimized Li3-3 yHo1+ yCl6- xBrx achieves an ionic conductivity of 3.8 mS cm-1 at 25°C, the highest reported for holmium halide materials. 6,7Li nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxometry investigations unveil enhanced ion dynamics with bromination, attaining a Li+ motional rate neighboring 116 MHz. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal mixed-anion-induced phase transitions with disproportionate octahedral expansions and distortions, creating Ho-free planes with favorable energetics for Li+ migration. Bond valence site energy analysis highlights preferred Li+ transport pathways, particularly in structural planes devoid of Ho3+ blocking effects. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate enhanced Li+ diffusion with Br- introduction into Li3HoCl6. Li-Ho electrostatic repulsions in the (001) plane presumably drive Li+ diffusion into the Ho-free (002) layer, enabling rapid intraplanar Li+ motion and exchange between the 2d and 4h sites. Li3-3 yHo1+ yCl6- xBrx also demonstrates good battery cycling stability. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate correlations between structure and ion transport and will help guide the design of high-performance fast ion conductors for all-solid-state batteries.

Scouting as a Strategy in Support of Mental Health Development Through the Formation of Sense of Self-Efficacy

Background: This research project examining the moderating role of the Scout Movement in supporting mental health through the shaping of personal competence is based on Bandura’s conception of social development (social cognitive theory) in terms of generating a sense of general self-efficacy. Methods: This research examined the moderating value of Scouting with regard to the connection between self-esteem and a sense of efficacy and styles of coping with stress in a group of 683 volunteers. Results: The results suggest that Scouting is a moderator of the relationship between the intensity of an emotion-focused stress coping style and a sense of self-efficacy—being a Scout intensifies the blocking effect of self-esteem on emotions in stressful situations, which can positively influence emotion regulation. Conclusions: The features described suggest the need to research Scouting as a non-formal education strategy to support the development of young people’s mental health in different theoretical and methodological contexts. This work provides conclusions regarding understanding the role of Scouting as a moderator in coping with stress and, consequently, ensuring good mental health. It detailed the knowledge pertaining to specific mechanisms thanks to which Scouting can influence the development of emotional regulation and adaptive response to stressful situations.

Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Dual-Specific Probe Targeting Glypican-3 and Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen for Hepatocellular Carcinoma PET Imaging.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising modality for early diagnosis, accurate detection, and staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hereby, a dual-specific probe targeting Glypican-3 (GPC3) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was evaluated for HCC PET imaging. The probe was prepared by conjugating TJ12P2, a GPC3-targeting peptide previously reported by our group, to a highly potent PSMA inhibitor via a polyethylene glycol linker and further tethered to the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) chelator. The resultant probe, NOTA-TJ12P2-PSMA, abbreviated as T2P, was labeled with gallium-68 and fluorine-18, respectively, and evaluated in murine HCC models of various levels of GPC3 and PSMA expression. Targeting specificity was confirmed by blocking studies. The synthesized [68Ga]Ga-T2P and [18F]AlF-T2P were stable in saline and fetal bovine serum for over 2 h, and bound to their respective targets with high affinity and specificity in cell assays. PET imaging at 60 min postinjection (p.i.) showed that [68Ga]Ga-T2P exhibited higher uptake (1.75 ± 0.16%ID/g) in Huh7 models with high expression of GPC3 and PSMA than gallium-68 labeled TJ12P2 (1.25 ± 0.07%ID/g, p < 0.01) or gallium-68 labeled PSMA-617 (1.07 ± 0.06%ID/g, p < 0.001). The uptake of [68Ga]Ga-T2P in Huh7 tumors was higher than that in PC-3 tumors with low expression of GPC3 or PSMA (0.55 ± 0.24%ID/g, p < 0.01). The uptake of [18F]AlF-T2P or [68Ga]Ga-T2P in the Huh7 tumor was substantially blocked by TJ12P2, TJ12P2 + PSMA, or T2P, but only partially blocked by PSMA. And the PSMA and TJ12P2 monomer blocking effect was less than that of TJ12P2 + PSMA and T2P. [18F]AlF-T2P had higher tumor-to-muscle ratios than [68Ga]Ga-T2P at 90 min postinjection (4.31 ± 0.10 vs 3.80 ± 0.17, p < 0.05) in Huh7 tumor models. To conclude, radiolabeled T2P exhibited a higher uptake and longer retention in Huh7 tumors than its monomeric counterparts. PET imaging via gallium-68 and fluorine-18 labeled T2P showed a similar imaging quality with comparable signal-to-background ratios. Our results demonstrate that T2P is a promising tool for future clinical diagnosis of HCC.

Effect of intracervical block on self-reported intrauterine device insertion pain: a single-center prospective survey study

Objective The study aimed to determine the incidence of self-reported pain during office-based intrauterine device (IUD) placement. Methods The study included patients who had IUD placement at our clinic from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024 with no prior history of vaginal delivery, who were between the ages of 14 and 48 years, did not have cervicitis, and were not pregnant. Informed consent was obtained, a prequestionnaire was completed, the IUD was placed in accordance with clinician preference, and a postquestionnaire was administered. Results Thirty-seven patients answered the question about expected pain. Two (5%) reported that their pain during IUD placement was none, 22 (59%) reported that pain was better than expected, 10 (27%) reported that pain was just as bad as expected, two (5%) reported pain was worse than expected, and one (3%) indicated that their pain during IUD placement was much worse than expected. Thirty-three patients received an intracervical or paracervical block, and five patients did not receive an intracervical or paracervical block; these groups reported visual analog pain scores of 35 ± 25 mm and 58 ± 14 mm, respectively (P = 0.22). Conclusion Approximately 8% of patients in our study reported worse or much worse than expected pain with IUD placement. Patients who received an intracervical or paracervical block reported less pain, but this difference was not statistically significant. Paracervical or intracervical blocks can decrease perceived pain with IUD insertion, increasing contraceptive options for those who are concerned about painful insertions; however larger studies are needed.

Pro's and con's of different blocks for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Although there are a lot of studies examining the effects of different blocks for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), the results are controversial. Paravertebral block, serratus anterior plane block and erector spinae plane block appear to be effective and beneficial for post-VATS analgesia, but probably in different manners. All three blocks can be suggested for daily practice, the choice should be based on personal experience and preference of the anesthetist. Better studies are required for objective decision.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block in the management of postoperative analgesia in living liver donors: a randomized, prospective study.

Living donor hepatectomy is a procedure associated with notable postoperative pain, impacting patient recovery and satisfaction. Addressing this challenge, we aimed to examine the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in postoperative analgesia management of patients undergoing living donor hepatectomy for liver transplantation. A single-center prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 who underwent elective living donor hepatectomy. Participants were randomized into ESPB (N.=20) and control (N.=21) groups. ESPB was performed under ultrasound guidance with 0.25% bupivacaine (20 mL bilaterally) at T7-T9 levels. The control group received no block. Postoperative analgesia included IV acetaminophen, opioids, alongside fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia. Pain intensity was assessed using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at various time intervals. Primary outcome was to compare postoperative opioid consumption levels and secondary outcomes were to evaluate postoperative pain scores, requirement of rescue analgesia, and opioid-related side effects. Patients in ESBP group exhibited lower total fentanyl consumption (P=0.023) and lower meperidine use for rescue analgesia (P=0.001) compared to controls. While static pain scores showed no significant difference, Group ESPB reported lower dynamic pain scores in the immediate postoperative period (P=0.047). The incidence of nausea was lower in Group ESPB (6 vs. 17, P=0.002) with no observed complications. ESPB displayed promise in effectively managing post-living donor hepatectomy pain, resulting in decreased opioid consumption, improved pain relief, and reduced rescue analgesia requirements. This technique holds potential to enhance recovery and patient satisfaction following donor hepatectomy.

Temperature Extended‐Two‐Fluid Tracking (txTFT) Method for Grouting Simulation in High‐Temperature Flowing Water

ABSTRACTAiming at the treatment problem for water inflow in a high geothermal environment, we proposed a grouting simulation method in high‐temperature flowing water: temperature extended‐two‐fluid tracking (txTFT) method. First, a transport model for solving the residence time of slurry was derived. Furthermore, a temperature transport model was established to describe the heat transfer between slurry and water. Finally, according to the fitted equation of slurry viscosity with residence time and temperature, the fine characterization of slurry viscosity was realized, and then the whole process simulation of grouting was realized. This method was used to reveal the blocking mechanism for grouting in high‐temperature flowing water of rock fractures. The results show that high‐temperature water limited the parallel‐flow diffusion of slurry and increased the counterflow diffusion and transverse diffusion of slurry. The higher the water temperature, the larger the grouting rate, and the lower the inlet pressure, the better the blocking effect of flowing water. The research results can provide theoretical guidance and application value for the grouting treatment of water inflow in a high geothermal environment.

Effect of serratus anterior plane block combined with oxycodone for transition analgesia on preventing emergence agitation after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Emergence agitation (EA) is more commonly observed after thoracic surgeries and can lead to serious complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) combined with oxycodone for transitional analgesia in preventing EA after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). A total of 121 adult patients scheduled for VATS under one-lung ventilation anesthesia were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups: preoperative SAPB without opioids for transitional analgesia near the end of the surgery (SAPB + SAL group, n = 39); preoperative SAPB with sufentanil at 0.1 µg/kg for transitional analgesia (SAPB + SF group, n = 42); and preoperative SAPB with oxycodone at 0.1 mg/kg for transitional analgesia (SAPB + OCD group, n = 40). In primary outcomes, the incidences of EA in the SAPB + SAL, SAPB + SF, and SAPB + OCD groups were 38.5%, 28.6%, and 7.5% respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in EA incidence between the SAPB + OCD and SAPB + SF groups (P = 0.0136). In secondary outcomes, compared to the SAPB + SF group, the SAPB + OCD group experienced shorter tracheal extubation time [15(9, 25) min vs. 21.5(14.5, 32.5) min; P = 0.0473] and PACU stay [67.5(55.0, 85.0) min vs. 87.5(70.0, 110.0) min; P = 0.0026]; lower NRS scores at 15 min and 2 h post-extubation (P < 0.01), and higher Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores post-surgery [113(98, 123) vs. 102(88, 112); P = 0.0122]. Our results suggest SAPB combined with oxycodone for transitional analgesia, compared with sufentanil, is more effective in preventing EA after VATS and conductive to rapid recovery postoperatively.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2300077473, Date: 09/11/2023.

Bilateral Rectus Sheath Block with Continuous Bupivacaine Infusions After Elective Open Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Multimodal analgesia has been shown to be effective in facilitating early postoperative gastrointestinal function and rehabilitation in patients undergoing open gastrectomy. We conducted a clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of bilateral rectus sheath block (RSB) with continuous bupivacaine infusion in comparison with placebo following elective open gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients indicated for elective open gastrectomy were screened, enrolled, and randomised between October 2021 and September 2023. The patients were randomised to either Group A (intervention—continuous bupivacaine) or Group B (control—NaCl saline). The primary outcome measures were the quantity of an opioid analgesic administered during the initial 72 h post-surgery and the level of postoperative pain as indicated by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Mann–Whitney U test was used for quantitative analysis while Pearson Chi-square was used for categorical variables. Results: A total of 60 patients completed the trial, with 30 patients in each of the two groups. Patients in Group A reported lower median VAS pain scores at all observed time points following surgery (p &lt; 0.001). No patient in Group A required rescue opioid analgesia, although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were necessary during the initial 12 h postoperatively. Clinically, Group A patients had a significantly shorter time to first gas (p = 0.001), a shorter time to first bowel movement (p &lt; 0.001), a shorter time to first out-of-bed activity (p &lt; 0.001), and a shorter overall hospitalisation duration (p &lt; 0.001) compared to Group B patients. Conclusions: Bilateral RSB with continuous bupivacaine infusion is effective in managing pain and can reduce the use of opioid analgesics in the postoperative period. Furthermore, it promotes early recovery, and a shorter hospital stay.

Declined S1 but Constant T1 Energy: Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence with Triplet Blocking Effect.

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules have been widely investigated in organic light emitting diodes (OLED), organic lasing, etc. Small singlet-triplet energy gap (ΔEST) and high radiative rate constants (kF) are highly desired to utilize triplet excitons efficiently and are beneficial to reduce efficiency roll-off of devices of OLED devices. The prevalent TADF molecules are via donor-acceptor molecular design, for which the decreasing of the ΔEST is often at the expense of reducing the kF. Herein, we demonstrated a new ΔEST modulation approach to construct TADF with high kF, based on triplet blocking effect, i.e., the extension of π-conjugation of a triplet constrainer (IB) leads to a gradually red-shifted S1 but a constant T1 energy and therefore reduced ΔEST controlled from monomer (IB), monomer-linker (IB-BF2), to dimer of IB-BF2-IB. The natural transition orbital analysis indicates that S1 state is delocalized while T1 state is localized as confirmed by time resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Therefore, the ΔEST is reduced from 0.60 eV, 0.46 eV to 0.25 eV, while keeping faster radiation rate (around 108 s-1) than that of conventional donor-acceptor molecules (106∼107 s-1). As a result, the emission mechanisms are regulated from fluorescence for IB, phosphorescence/TADF dual emissions for IB-BF2 to TADF for IB-BF2-IB. This paper proposed a new approach of ΔEST modulation and a new type of TADF molecule with high radiation rate, which is crucial for fundamental photophysics as well as material science.

Declined S1 but Constant T1 Energy: Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence with Triplet Blocking Effect

AbstractThermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules have been widely investigated in organic light emitting diodes (OLED), organic lasing, etc. Small singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST) and high radiative rate constants (kF) are highly desired to utilize triplet excitons efficiently and are beneficial to reduce efficiency roll‐off of devices of OLED devices. The prevalent TADF molecules are via donor‐acceptor molecular design, for which the decreasing of the ΔEST is often at the expense of reducing the kF. Herein, we demonstrated a new ΔEST modulation approach to construct TADF with high kF, based on triplet blocking effect, i.e., the extension of π‐conjugation of a triplet constrainer (IB) leads to a gradually red‐shifted S1 but a constant T1 energy and therefore reduced ΔEST controlled from monomer (IB), monomer‐linker (IB‐BF2), to dimer of IB‐BF2‐IB. The natural transition orbital analysis indicates that S1 state is delocalized while T1 state is localized as confirmed by time resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Therefore, the ΔEST is reduced from 0.60 eV, 0.46 eV to 0.25 eV, while keeping faster radiation rate (around 108 s−1) than that of conventional donor‐acceptor molecules (106∼107 s−1). As a result, the emission mechanisms are regulated from fluorescence for IB, phosphorescence/TADF dual emissions for IB‐BF2 to TADF for IB‐BF2‐IB. This paper proposed a new approach of ΔEST modulation and a new type of TADF molecule with high radiation rate, which is crucial for fundamental photophysics as well as material science.

The aluminum and titanium-doped zinc oxide films with improved blocking effect on copper diffusion

Low-cost transparent conductive oxide films and copper metallization play a crucial role in the advancement of silicon heterojunction technologies (SHJ) to the terawatt level. However, the mechanisms of interfacial diffusion of copper through a zinc-based transparent conductive oxides (TCO) layer into silicon are still not known. In this study, we report that for the aluminum and titanium-doped zinc oxide (ATZO) films prepared by the magnetron sputtering method in the n-Si/110 nm TCOs/50 nm Cu structure, compared with indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), the blocking effect on copper diffusion can be comparable to that of ITO more than that of AZO. The results show that the measured band gap value of ATZO is 3.64 eV, and in terms of carrier concentration, ATZO has a value of 3.7 × 1020 cm−3, which is much higher than the level of AZO. The sample with an ATZO layer also outperforms AZO in band gap, surface morphology, and conductivity, even after heat treatment up to 600 °C. It is important to note, however, that the high-temperature annealing used in this study may have induced changes in the crystallinity and alloy composition of the TCOs, which are not representative of typical SHJ operating conditions. Further studies with more moderate annealing temperatures are needed to better simulate real-world conditions. Nevertheless, ATZO films show strong potential as effective copper diffusion barriers in low-cost metallized photovoltaic applications, offering performance on par with ITO

Opioid-sparing effect of Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block in Robotic Cardiac Surgery: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Opioid-sparing effect of Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block in Robotic Cardiac Surgery: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Effect of stellate ganglion block on perioperative myocardial injury following thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer (SGBMI): protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMyocardial injury is a common complication of thoracoscopic surgery. The stellate ganglion block is believed to affect myocardial oxygen consumption. The Stellate Ganglion Block and Myocardial Injury (SGBMI) trial aims...

Integrated impacts of surrounding building density and gap permeability on pollutant dispersion in four-way street networks.

Gaps between buildings facing the streets can effectively accelerate the natural removal of pollutants in street canyons by enhancing ventilation and diffusion processes. This removal process is closely related to gap permeability (Pg, ratio of gap width to street length) and building density (λn) surrounding the streets. However, the integrated effects of these two parameters on pollutant dispersion remain unclear, because of the limited computational resources and the difficulty of traditional modeling methods to discrete the numerous buildings. Numerical simulations coupled with the porous media approach are performed for this purpose. Results indicate that for isolated streets surrounded by empty land (λn = 0), the high-speed airflow through the gaps causes significant flushing effects on pollutants in the street, and thus larger Pg induces better street air quality than the case without gaps (Pg = 0). Conversely, when the streets are surrounded by buildings (λn ≠ 0), the air quality is good for both smaller Pg = 0 and larger Pg = 52 %, and the worst case occurs in Pg = 24 %. Moreover, because of the blocking effect of surrounding buildings, the percentage of pollutant removal by the gaps decreases with increasing λn, which can reach up to 50 % for λn = 0, decreasing to 30 % for medium density (λn = 0.22). Notably, for high density (λn = 0.44), only when Pg > 52 % the pollutant concentration can be reduced compared to Pg = 0. The present findings can serve as principles for determining appropriate building gap layouts at different building densities, thereby improving the urban air quality more effectively.

Cooling layout optimization for a turbine blade squealer tip with the application of oval holes

For the purpose to enhance the cooling performance of the squealer tip under stage conditions, an automatic optimization framework was constructed to optimize the cooling holes on a squealer tip, including the utilization of oval-shaped holes. The analysis of the optimization results indicates that the configuration of the cooling holes with positive axial inclination and the reduction in the arrangement interval of holes that are assembled in the front cavity can effectively enhance the film attachment, resulting in augmented film coverage and cooling effectiveness. The coefficient of heat transfer in the region between and downstream the holes is observed to decrease in accordance with the film coverage. Meanwhile, the positive axial inclination guides the jets to accumulate towards the rear of the cavity, enhancing the blocking effect to leakage flow. The film attachment is further improved as the jets outflow along the long axis edge of oval holes, which exhibit low curvature. In general, the implementation of round hole optimization has led to an increase in cooling effectiveness by 54.85 % in comparison to the benchmark. Furthermore, the use of oval holes has resulted in a greater improvement of 67.65 %. The aerodynamic performance has remained uncompromised throughout these modifications.

Single-point ultrasound-guided iliohypogastric-ilioinguinal-genitofemoral nerve block for inguinal hernia surgery in older adult patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Ultrasound-guided nerve block can be used for perioperative analgesia and can potentially improve the course of recovery. Although iliohypogastric-ilioinguinal nerve block has been successfully used for inguinal hernia surgery, the poor blocking effect of intraoperative traction reflex remains a major drawback of this technique. The main objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of single-point ultrasound-guided iliohypogastric-ilioinguinal-genitofemoral nerve (GFN) blockage for open anterior inguinal hernia repair in older adults. A total of 40 older adult patients [categorized as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III, body mass index (BMI) ≤28 kg/m2, age ≥60 years] undergoing open anterior inguinal hernia repair (the Lichtenstein technique) from June 2018 to December 2019 were recruited and randomly separated into an iliohypogastric-ilioinguinal nerve block group (group A; n=20) and an iliohypogastric-ilioinguinal-GFN block group (group B; n=20). The numerical rating scale (NRS) score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) was the primary endpoint. Moreover, the following secondary indicators were recorded: the NRS score at 4 and 12 h after surgery and the duration of the nerve block; the total consumption of anesthetics; the occurrence of perioperative complications; and the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) at baseline (T0), before skin incision (T1), 1 min after skin incision (T2), after dissection of the hernial sac (T3), at mesh placement (T4), and at the end of surgery (T5). Patients in Group B had lower NRS scores in the PACU (0.9±0.7 vs. 2.1±0.9), at 4 hours post-operation (1.9±1 vs. 2.7±0.7), lower intraoperative traction response scores (0.6±0.8 vs. 1.7±1.2), and fewer postoperative complication scores (0.1±0.3 vs. 0.8±0.9) compared to group A (P<0.05). In addition, the MAP in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (P<0.01) at T2 (89.3±6.7 vs. 83.8±4.9), T3 (92.4±6.9 vs. 86.6±4.8), and T4 (87.8±5.2 vs. 83.1±4.6). The HR in group A was also higher than that in group B (P<0.05) at T2 (73.3±8.4 vs. 68.4±5.4) and T3 (77.0±14.7 vs. 68.7±6.9). Finally, compared to group B, group A showed a higher consumption of sufentanil (5.5±3.9 vs. 2.4±2.8) and lidocaine (3.4±2.3 vs. 1.0±2.0) (P<0.05). Performing an ultrasound-guided iliohypogastric-ilioinguinal-GFN block through a single puncture point is a feasible clinical approach. This strategy provides appropriate intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in older adult patients undergoing open anterior inguinal hernia repair and significantly reduces postoperative complications and thus has the potential to emerge as a novel analgesic option for inguinal hernia surgery. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200066573.

A Competition-Based Strategy for the Isolation of an Anti-Idiotypic Blocking Module and Fine-Tuning for Conditional Activation of a Therapeutic Antibody.

The masking of therapeutic antibodies by the installation of a blocking module that can be removed under certain physiological conditions, is becoming increasingly important to improve their safety and toxicity profile. To gain access to such masking units, we used chicken immunization in combination with yeast surface display and a competition-based FACS screening campaign to obtain anti-idiotypic single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments. This approach promotes the identification of functional masking units, since specificity and high affinity do not necessarily guarantee a paratope blocking effect. This strategy was used to isolate a scFv masking unit for the therapeutic antibody 6G11 (BI-1206), which is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma to block the inhibitory Fcγ receptor IIB (CD32b). N-terminal fusion of the anti-idiotypic scFv to the 6G11 light chain successfully abolished binding to FcγRIIB in vitro. For conditional activation, a cleavable linker for the tumor-associated protease MMP-9 was implemented. To improve demasking efficiency, the affinity of the scFv mask was attenuated through rational design. The substitution of one key amino acid in the masking scFv reduced the affinity toward the 6G11 paratope by factor 10 but still mediated 9800-fold blocking of receptor binding. Proteolytic demasking allowed full recovery of therapeutic antibody function in vitro, supporting the concept of conditional antibody activation using this anti-idiotypic binding module.

Retraction Note: Effects of bilateral Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block for perioperative pain management in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized study

Retraction Note: Effects of bilateral Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block for perioperative pain management in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized study

Towards proactive rumor control: When a budget constraint meets impression counts

The proliferation of rumors in online networks poses significant public safety risks and economic repercussions. Addressing this, we investigate the understudied aspect of rumor control: the interplay between influence block effect and user impression counts under budget constraints. We introduce two problem variants, RCIC and RCICB, tailored for diverse application contexts. Our study confronts two inherent challenges: the NP-hard nature of the problems and the non-submodularity of the influence block, which precludes direct greedy approaches. We develop a novel branch-and-bound framework for RCIC, achieving a (1−1/e−ϵ) approximation ratio, and enhance its efficacy with a progressive upper bound estimation, refining the ratio to (1−1/e−ϵ−ρ). Extending these techniques to RCICB, we attain approximation ratios of (12(1−1/e)−ϵ) and (12(1−1/e−ρ)−ϵ). We conduct experiments on real-world datasets to verify the efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of our methods.