Design Limitations Research Articles

Analysis of Research Waste in Phase III/IV Randomized Controlled Trials of Botulinum Toxin Type A.

The application of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) outcomes of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) to actual patient care faces a significant hurdle due to research waste (RW). This includes the results of RCTs that have not been published even 4 years after completion and those with insufficiently reported outcomes and design flaws. The prevalence of RW within BoNT-A-associated RCTs remains uncertain. To assess the extent of RW (non-publication, insufficient reporting, and design flaws) in BoNT-A RCTs. The authors searched the ClinicalTrials using 'botulinum toxin type A' as the keyword. They verified the publication status through PubMed and Scopus searches. The adequacy of reporting was assessed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist, while design limitations were evaluated based on the risk of bias and systematic reviews. Two hundred twenty-eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria for characteristics presentation. The RW analysis omitted 53 RCTs completed after June 2020, which remained unpublished. Of the 175 RCTs assessed, 98 were published, 71 demonstrated adequate reporting, and 25 had design limitations. Altogether, 118 RCTs (67.4%) exhibited at least 1 trait of RW. Multicenter designs and registrations post-2014 were independent protective factors against RW. Within the 175 RCTs included in RW analysis, 67.4% of the studies presented some form of RW. The varied characteristics of the identified RW indicators offer essential insights for more rational planning of future BoNT-A RCTs.

Current applications and challenges in large language models for patient care: a systematic review

BackgroundThe introduction of large language models (LLMs) into clinical practice promises to improve patient education and empowerment, thereby personalizing medical care and broadening access to medical knowledge. Despite the popularity of LLMs, there is a significant gap in systematized information on their use in patient care. Therefore, this systematic review aims to synthesize current applications and limitations of LLMs in patient care.MethodsWe systematically searched 5 databases for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods articles on LLMs in patient care published between 2022 and 2023. From 4349 initial records, 89 studies across 29 medical specialties were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018. A data-driven convergent synthesis approach was applied for thematic syntheses of LLM applications and limitations using free line-by-line coding in Dedoose.ResultsWe show that most studies investigate Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT)-3.5 (53.2%, n = 66 of 124 different LLMs examined) and GPT-4 (26.6%, n = 33/124) in answering medical questions, followed by patient information generation, including medical text summarization or translation, and clinical documentation. Our analysis delineates two primary domains of LLM limitations: design and output. Design limitations include 6 second-order and 12 third-order codes, such as lack of medical domain optimization, data transparency, and accessibility issues, while output limitations include 9 second-order and 32 third-order codes, for example, non-reproducibility, non-comprehensiveness, incorrectness, unsafety, and bias.ConclusionsThis review systematically maps LLM applications and limitations in patient care, providing a foundational framework and taxonomy for their implementation and evaluation in healthcare settings.

A Modulation Strategy for Suppressing Current Ripple in H7 Current Source Inverters Through Coordinated Switching Operations

The DC bus current ripple is a critical performance parameter affecting the operation of current source inverters (CSIs). In high-power applications, CSIs often operate at lower switching frequencies to minimize losses. However, maintaining low levels of DC bus current ripple necessitates the use of large inductors on the DC side, which increases the size, weight, and cost of the system. This paper first explores the inherent limitations of conventional CSI designs. Subsequently, it proposes a hierarchical coordinated switching modulation strategy based on the H7 current source inverter (H7-CSI) to address the issue of DC bus current ripple. By segmenting the zero-vector states, the proposed method fully utilizes the modulation freedom of the H7-CSI, achieving high-frequency chopping effects on the DC-side current. Experimental results show that the new modulation strategy reduces the amplitude of DC bus current ripple to 43% of that achieved by conventional CSIs under similar switching loss conditions. Furthermore, the dynamic performance of the proposed scheme remains consistent with conventional CSIs. Spectrally, this method exhibits improved performance in the low-frequency range and slightly degraded performance in the high-frequency range, although the latter remains within acceptable limits.

Heat-powered IoT node: A synergistic fusion of thermoacoustic engine and triboelectric nanogenerator

This study presents the design and analysis of a thermal energy harvester that integrates a thermoacoustic engine (TAE) with a honeycomb-structured triboelectric nanogenerator (H-TENG), referred to as TAEH-TENG. This design is specifically developed to demonstrate the potential of thermal energy harvesting for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) applications. By leveraging the high energy conversion efficiency of TAEs and the exceptional robustness of H-TENGs, this harvester overcomes the limitations of traditional designs, which often involve complex or costly components. The experimental results revealed the oscillation characteristics of the TAEH-TENG: by utilizing a hot heat exchanger (HHE) with a length of 10 cm, the system can sustain oscillation over 150–350 °C. Furthermore, the harvester is capable of generating an open-circuit voltage of 25 V, an RMS current of 0.98 μA, and a peak power output of 0.48 mW, representing the highest power output achieved to date in comparison to previous studies. To further showcase the harvester's capability, an ultra-low-power IoT node was developed. Solely powered by the TAEH-TENG, the IoT node achieved cold-start, conducted in situ temperature measurement five times, and transmitted the data via Bluetooth within 120 s. This study not only showcases a fully self-powered IoT application but, more importantly, significantly advances the technology beyond the previous limitations faced by thermoacoustic and triboelectric integrations. By demonstrating the capability to power an ultra-low-power IoT node, this research highlights the TAEH-TENG's potential for practical, real-world energy solutions, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of heat-powered IoT applications.

Printed textile metasurfaces for gain and directivity enhancement

Abstract Wearable printed electronics are of significant recent interest for use in on-body communication devices, including antennas that are readily integrated into textiles using additive manufacturing. Directly printing the device onto textile reduces the need for costly, time-intensive processing steps; however, textile substrates impose design and performance limitations given that the design must be compatible with on-body usage and must also remain below maximum safe radiation levels. Herein, we present a passive solution for improving the performance of a commercial off the shelf omnidirectional antenna using textile metasurfaces. A modular system was developed for gain enhancement and pattern shaping using three metasurface elements with a band stop resonance at 6 GHz, where reflection is used to enhance gain. The versatility of a wearable metasurface is demonstrated for two of the designs which also offer a band pass at 2.4 GHz. Radiation pattern measurements conducted in an anechoic chamber showed that the metasurface achieved a gain improvement of up to 7.2 dB. This methodology enables a wearable, low-profile, passive, and non-destructive system for the improvement of existing wearable communication devices.

PET radiomics for histologic subtype classification of non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically review the literature and perform a meta-analysis of PET radiomics for histologic subtype classification in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched in English on human subjects for studies on distinguishing adenocarcinoma (ADC) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using PET radiomics published from inception until November 2024. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool and the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) were utilized to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was pooled to estimate predictive performance. An overall effect size was estimated using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 value. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Twelve studies were included in the analysis, yielding a pooled AUC of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-0.94). Despite this promising result, the studies showed limitations in both study design and methodological quality, as evidenced by a median RQS of 11/36. A significant degree of heterogeneity was observed among the studies, with an I2 of 92.20% (95% CI: 89.01-95.39) for sensitivity and 89.29% (95% CI: 84.48-94.10) for specificity. This meta-analysis highlights the potential utility of PET radiomics in distinguishing ADC from SCC. However, the observed high heterogeneity indicates substantial methodological variability across the included studies. Future research should focus on standardization, transparency, and multicenter collaborations to improve the reliability and clinical applicability of PET radiomics for histologic subtype classification in NSCLC.

The Design and Validation of an Open-Palm Data Glove for Precision Finger and Wrist Tracking.

Wearable motion capture gloves enable the precise analysis of hand and finger movements for a variety of uses, including robotic surgery, rehabilitation, and most commonly, virtual augmentation. However, many motion capture gloves restrict natural hand movement with a closed-palm design, including fabric over the palm and fingers. In order to alleviate slippage, improve comfort, reduce sizing issues, and eliminate movement restrictions, this paper presents a new low-cost data glove with an innovative open-palm and finger-free design. The new design improves usability and overall functionality by addressing the limitations of traditional closed-palm designs. It is especially beneficial in capturing movements in fields such as physical therapy and robotic surgery. The new glove incorporates resistive flex sensors (RFSs) at each finger and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) at the wrist joint to measure wrist flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation, and rotation. Initially the sensors were tested individually for drift, synchronisation delays, and linearity. The results show a drift of 6.60°/h in the IMU and no drift in the RFSs. There was a 0.06 s delay in the data captured by the IMU compared to the RFSs. The glove's performance was tested with a collaborate robot testing setup. In static conditions, it was found that the IMU had a worst case error across three trials of 7.01° and a mean absolute error (MAE) averaged over three trials of 4.85°, while RFSs had a worst case error of 3.77° and a MAE of 1.25° averaged over all five RFSs used. There was no clear correlation between measurement error and speed. Overall, the new glove design proved to accurately measure joint angles.

Registries on transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in heart failure: Current evidence and future perspectives.

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are the most common valvular heart diseases in patients with heart failure (HF). Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) devices designed for treating MR and TR have been successfully tested in randomized controlled trials, but methodological issues have often challenged their interpretation. This manuscript aimed to provide an overview of TEER registries on SMR and TR in HF, highlighting their key features, describing clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving these devices, and exploring the available data limitations. PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for registries reporting on TEER in SMR or TR. Registries were excluded if single-centre and with <100 patients. Twenty-six registries (46% prospective, 12% ongoing), including a total cohort of 18 925 patients, were retrieved for TEER in SMR, and six registries (50% retrospective, 33% ongoing) reported on the use of TEER for TR in a total cohort of 1412 patients. Limited geographical representativity outside North America and Europe, high number of missing values, and inconsistency in data reporting were the main existing evidence limitations. Registries on TEER represent a key data source in a setting where it is difficult to conduct randomized controlled trials. However, limitations in design, patient characterization, and outcomes reporting restrain their use. A novel conceptual framework for future prospective TEER registries, as proposed in this document, might inform current practice, address relevant clinical questions and future trial design.

Navigating the Complexities of Range of Motion in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Innovations and Future Directions.

With the growing popularity and broadening indications for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA), increasing modularity in design and adjustments to each component can enhance postoperative range of motion (ROM), thus expanding treatment capabilities. This review outlines the advancements developed to optimize ROM through modifications in glenoid and humeral components and the integration of computational tools for surgical planning. Enhancements in glenoid component design aim to mitigate complications like scapular notching and improve ROM, particularly in abduction and external rotation. Modifications to the humeral component, including adjustments in neck-shaft angle and lateralization, also contribute to ROM optimization. The integration of computational modeling and intraoperative navigation is advancing towards a more tailored approach to RSA to increase postoperative ROM. While RSA has evolved considerably since the introduction of the Grammont prosthesis, current research continues to improve upon implant design and positioning to overcome early design limitations. Modifications such as glenoid lateralization and inferior positioning and humeral neck-shaft angle and lateralization contribute to better postoperative ROM. The integration of these advancements in implant adjustments with computational modeling for surgical planning has the potential to enhance ROM and patient-specific outcomes. Translating these biomechanical improvements into clinical benefit remains a key area for future investigation.

Novel Class-AB Operational Amplifier for Compact and Energy-Efficient Wake-Up Sensor Systems.

This paper presents a novel rail-to-rail Class-AB operational amplifier tailored for wake-up systems in motion sensor applications. By addressing limitations in free Class-AB designs, such as large inrush current, unstable bias conditions, and area ineffiiency, the proposed design achieves a gain of 59 dB and unity gain frequency of 550 kHz driving a 5 pF load. The inrush current is reduced from 1 mA to 7 µA, increasing the battery life. The layout area is reduced by 53% compared to the free Class-AB design, making it highly suitable for compact implementations. Operating at a low power consumption of 2 µW with a 1.8 V supply, the amplifier achieves a Signal-to-Noise-and-Distortion Ratio (SNDR) of 22 dB. These advancements demonstrate the potential of the design for energy-efficient analog front-end solutions in IoT and portable systems.

Deformation behaviour, limitations in design, applications, and additive manufacturing of hierarchical honeycombs

Deformation behaviour, limitations in design, applications, and additive manufacturing of hierarchical honeycombs

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injection for pain relief in injured athletes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Sports injuries involving bi-articular muscles like the hip flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius significantly affect athletes' performance and quality of life. Comprehensive rehabilitation is crucial for a pain-free return to play (RTP). Over the past 15 years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged for its potential in tissue regeneration. However, the effects in pain relief and early RTP remained debated. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in pain management for injured athletes. A systematic review searched on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PRP injections in injured athletes up to May 28, 2024. Studies had to meet the following population, intervention, control and outcome (PICO) criteria: professional athletes treated with leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor PRP versus other treatments, with pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), numeric rating scale (NRS), or verbal rating scale (VRS) scales. Systematic review registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024552342). Out of total of 1675 articles, we included seven RCTs on PRP treatment for muscle injuries and tendinopathies in athletes. Two studies on hamstring injuries had conflicting results on PRP's efficacy; two studies on different muscles showed significant pain relief and quicker recovery with ultrasound-guided PRP, limited by small sample sizes and lack of double-blind protocols. For tendinopathies, an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction study with autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts showed significant pain improvements but had a small sample size. Another study on patellar tendinopathy found no PRP benefits over placebo. A third study found long-term improvement with PRP over shockwave therapy for patellar tendinitis, despite design limitations. This systematic review suggested that PRP might aid in pain management for athletes, but high-quality evidence is lacking. Further research with standardized methodologies is needed to confirm the PRP efficacy, which could complement multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Long-term Retrospective Case Series of the Pinhole Surgical Technique.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) was first described in the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD) in October 2012, in a case series involving 43 patients with 121 recession defects, including follow-up data for 37 patients with 85 Miller Class I-II recession defects over an average period of 20.0 ± 6.7 months. The current study provides a long-term follow-up assessment of 28 patients with 68 Miller Class I-II sites from the original study, with an average follow-up period of 173.8 ± 32.2 months (14.5 ± 2.7 years). The percentage of complete root coverage (CRC) for Class I-II sites was 81.2% in the original study and 77.9% in this follow-up study. The mean root defect coverage was 94.0% ± 14.8% in the original study and 86.6% ± 27.4% in the follow-up study. Within the limitations of this study's design, PST demonstrates long-term predictability and effectiveness in achieving sustained root coverage over an average period of 14.5 years.

Dual metal synergistic modulation of boron nitride for high-temperature wave-transparent metamaterials.

Electromagnetic metamaterials have demonstrated immense potential in the development of novel high-temperature wave-transparent materials, yet the requirements of their intricate structural design and strict stability pose dual challenges, particularly in high-speed radome applications. A strategy involving the synergistic modulation of boron nitride (BN) by dual metallic elements of Ca and Al (0.5Ca-0.5Al-BN) was proposed in this study, which elegantly integrates the advantages of metamaterial-like split ring resonator (SRR) features and h-BN's oxidation resistance enhancement. The highest wave transmittance at room temperature reaches 0.96 at 2-18 GHz. Notably, Al elements play a pivotal dual role in: (1) facilitating the solid solution of Ca to optimize the formation of metamaterial-like structures and (2) generating an amorphous Al2O3 protective layer to preferentially defend against surface oxidation. This further prevents the breakdown of metamaterial characteristics at high temperatures, thereby striking a dual balance between the preservation of metamaterial-like structures and the high temperature stability of BN. Notably, 0.5Ca-0.5Al-BN retains its metamaterial-like characteristics, with a low permittivity not exceeding 2 even after exposure to 1500 °C oxidation. The corresponding wave transmission rate remains above 0.7 in most frequency bands at incidence angles of 0°, 10°, and 30°, ensuring superior wave-transparent properties. Furthermore, 0.5Ca-0.5Al-BN exhibits great hydrophobicity, benefiting resistance to rain and snow erosion. By integrating the merits between fundamental materials and metamaterials, this work transcends the limitations of conventional metamaterial design and offers fresh insights and empirical support for developing high-speed aircraft radome materials.

A comprehensive review on TiO2-based heterogeneous photocatalytic technologies for emerging pollutants removal from water and wastewater: From engineering aspects to modeling approaches.

The increasing presence of emerging pollutants (EPs) in water poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating effective treatment solutions. Originating from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources, these contaminants threaten ecological and public health, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and efficient treatment methods. TiO2-based semiconductor photocatalysts have emerged as a promising approach for the degradation of EPs, leveraging their unique band structures and heterojunction schemes. However, few studies have examined the synergistic effects of operating conditions on these contaminants, representing a key knowledge gap in the field. This review addresses this gap by exploring recent trends in TiO2-driven heterogeneous photocatalysis for water and wastewater treatment, with an emphasis on photoreactor setups and configurations. Challenges in scaling up these photoreactors are also discussed. Furthermore, Machine Learning (ML) models play a crucial role in developing predictive frameworks for complex processes, highlighting intricate temporal dynamics essential for understanding EPs behavior. This capability integrates seamlessly with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, which is also addressed in this review. Together, these approaches illustrate how CFD can simulate the degradation of EPs by effectively coupling chemical kinetics, radiative transfer, and hydrodynamics in both suspended and immobilized photocatalysts. By elucidating the synergy between ML and CFD models, this study offers new insights into overcoming traditional limitations in photocatalytic process design and optimizing operating conditions. Finally, this review presents recommendations for future directions and insights on optimizing and modeling photocatalytic processes.

RENEWED: A follow-up study of the opicinumab phase 2 RENEW study in participants with acute optic neuritis

BackgroundThe randomized, phase 2 RENEW trial (NCT01721161) evaluated efficacy/safety of opicinumab (anti-LINGO-1) versus placebo in patients with first-episode unilateral acute optic neuritis (AON). Although no significant differences in the latency recovery of visual evoked potential (VEP) were observed between opicinumab and placebo groups in the intention to treat (ITT) population, the prespecified per-protocol (PP) population showed better recovery with opicinumab than with placebo. RENEWED (NCT02657915) was a one-visit, follow-up study 2 years after the last RENEW study visit (Week 32) designed to assess the long-term electrophysiological and clinical outcomes for participants previously enrolled and having received study treatment in RENEW. MethodsIn the original study (RENEW), participants (aged 18–55 years) with a first unilateral AON episode were enrolled ≤28 days from first symptom onset and after treatment with methylprednisolone 1 g/day intravenously for 3–5 days; these participants were randomized to receive opicinumab 100 mg/kg or placebo intravenously once every 4 weeks from baseline to Week 20, assessed up to Week 32. Participants who received ≥1 dose of opicinumab 100 mg/kg or placebo in RENEW were eligible for the RENEWED follow-up study. Participants enrolled in RENEWED at 2 years (with an additional up to 12-month window) after the last RENEW study visit (Week 32) in both ITT and PP populations. The primary endpoint was change in full-field VEP (FF-VEP) latency of the affected eye at RENEWED study visit versus baseline of the fellow eye in RENEW, comparing between participants who received opicinumab and placebo in RENEW. Clinical progression and severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) were assessed. A substudy evaluated latency recovery using multifocal VEP (mfVEP) as an exploratory endpoint. ResultsOf 82 RENEW participants, 52 (63.4%; opicinumab n=28, placebo n=24) enrolled in and completed RENEWED. The adjusted mean (95% CI) difference in FF-VEP latency delay between opicinumab and placebo groups was −6.0 (−14.6, 2.6) msec (p=0.165) for the PP population and −4.5 (−12.6, 3.7) msec (p=0.274) for the ITT population at the RENEWED study visit. Nominally significant improvement on mfVEP latency in the opicinumab group versus placebo was observed in participants of the mfVEP substudy (p=0.009). In participants from the PP population without clinically definite MS (CDMS) at RENEW baseline,12 (55%) in the opicinumab group and 12 (67%) in the placebo group developed CDMS from enrollment in the RENEW study up to RENEWED Day 1; the estimated proportion of participants with CDMS at 2 years after the last study visit assessment in RENEW was lower when treated with opicinumab (0.50) than when treated with placebo (0.61) (hazard ratio p-value=0.23). No benefit on visual acuity or other neurological functions was observed in the opicinumab group vs placebo in RENEWED. ConclusionThe numerically increased VEP latency recovery with opicinumab treatment in RENEWED was consistent with those observed in the parent study RENEW. However, the VEP latency and clinical data in RENEWED should be interpreted with caution, given the nature of the follow-up study, the small sample size and the limitation in study design.

Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials and Clinical Assessments of Sensory Function Over Time in Patients With Subacute Stroke.

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) following median nerve stimulation for chronological assessment of sensory function in patients with subacute stroke during rehabilitation. Design: Retrospective study. Patients: Forty-seven patients with hemiparesis due to stroke during the subacute phase. Methods: We screened 363 patients who underwent SEP measurements at a rehabilitation hospital. Among them, 47 who underwent SEP measurements within 1 week after admission and at least 2 weeks after the initial assessment were included in this study. Sensorimotor assessments, including the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWMT), pain sensation, position sensation, two-point discrimination, and Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) motor tests simultaneously with SEP measurements were available for 20 of the 47 patients. The relationship between the SEP peak count and each sensorimotor assessment was examined. Results: SEP amplitudes and latencies showed no significant differences between the initial and second assessments (paired t-test, p > 0.05). However, the counts of SEP peaks after NI (N20) increased (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.05), indicating changes in the SEP waveform. Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between SEP peak counts, stage, and all functional assessments (counts and SWMT, RS = -0.77, p < 0.001; counts and pain sensation, RS = -0.71, p < 0.001; counts and position sensation, RS = 0.75, p < 0.001; counts and two-point discrimination, RS = -0.74, p < 0.001; stage and SWMT, RS = -0.74, p < 0.001; stage and pain sensation, RS = -0.69, p < 0.001; stage and position sensation, RS = 0.74, p < 0.001; and stage and two-point discrimination, RS = -0.75, p < 0.001; all Spearman's rank correlation coefficients). Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the retrospective study design, our study highlights the utility of SEPs for evaluating sensory function in patients with subacute stroke, setting the foundation for further investigations on the use of SEPs to assess functional changes in patients with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation.

Amplification-free CRISPR/Cas based dual-enzymatic colorimetric nucleic acid biosensing device.

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is widely considered the gold standard in analytical fields, with applications spanning environmental monitoring, forensic science and clinical diagnostics, among others. However, its widespread use is often constrained by complicated assay procedures, the need for specialized equipment, and the complexity of reagent handling. In this study, we demonstrate a fully integrated 3D-printed biosensensing device employing a CRISPR/Cas12a-based dual-enzymatic mechanism for highly sensitive and user-friendly nucleic acid detection. A plastic probe stick was designed to host small-sized gold nanoparticles, enhancing enzyme labeling density. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was then conjugated via single-stranded DNA, requiring only a single enzyme substrate addition to generate a simple visual signal change. This approach eliminates the need for amplification or centrifugation steps, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 10 pM - among the highest sensitivities reported for amplification-free colorimetric nucleic acid detection. Furthermore, we developed a device that incorporates this probe stick, integrates all necessary reagents, and features a smartphone-compatible accessory for quantitative analysis. This allows end-users to perform visual or quantitative DNA analysis with simple operations, achieving a visual detection limit of approximately 100 pM, comparable to other CRISPR-based non-amplified nucleic acid detection methods. Additionally, the system successfully distinguished perfectly matched from mismatched nucleic acid sequences, demonstrating its specificity and versatility. Although certain design limitations affected the sensitivity of the integrated device compared to the probe stick alone, the simplicity and portability of this device make it a promising tool for rapid nucleic acid screening in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety control. This study paves the way for the development of practical biosensors for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications.

A Study on the Design of Gel Nail Art Using the Visual Texture of Architectural Exterior and Playability in the New Deconstructivism

Although the nail beauty industry is showing a wide range of growth by applying various materials and colors, it reached the limit of design, dismantled elements limited to various shapes and textures in the small space of the nail, and sublimated them into artistic trends to express new aesthetic values by adding individual tastes and autonomy. Therefore, a total of eight gel nail art pieces were produced and presented by fusing the playfulness characteristics of neoclassicism and eight visual textures of architectural exterior materials through literature review. The design applying bricks was expressed as an active attitude amid anxiety caused by rapid social changes by destroying another rule and order with a repeated structure. The design applying stone expresses the shape of the design in a design that achieves a harmony of symmetry and asymmetry by using dots, lines, and planes, and the surface is expressed as a design that realizes a rough texture. The design applying metal materials was expressed in a soft balance and a stable design by making metal materials, which are iron materials, curved. The design applying paint was expressed as a design that induces interest by creating a complementary relationship by adding a bumpy surface to the flat design. The design applying tiles expressed a satirical image in simplicity with a repeated structure while maintaining balance by connecting horizontally and vertically to planes and curves. The design applying exposed concrete expresses the dismantling of rules in simplicity and expressing ideas and thoughts through an autonomous design. The design applying wood was expressed as a design that induces humor by reconstructing and combining toothpicks that are common in everyday life. The glass-applied design is expressed as a design that stimulates interest by amplifying the curiosity inside the translucent by connecting the vertices of the square surface of the film and attaching them three-dimensionally on the nail. Therefore, this study presented a design that can advance with the present era with infinite possibilities of nail art design by providing a category of innovative ideas rather than creating them as motifs by approaching neo-deconstructionist playfulness characteristics and architectural exterior materials. It is expected that various gel nail art designs will be developed with creative artistic trends by predicting the trend of gel nail art design in the future and presenting it as basic data for subsequent studies related to acid dismantlementism and architectural exterior materials.

Catching a wave: On the suitability of traveling-wave solutions in epidemiological modeling.

Ordinary differential equation models such as the classical SIR model are widely used in epidemiology to study and predict infectious disease dynamics. However, these models typically assume that populations are homogeneously mixed, ignoring possible variations in disease prevalence due to spatial heterogeneity. To address this issue, reaction-diffusion models have been proposed as an alternative approach to modeling spatially continuous populations in which individuals move in a diffusive manner. In this study, we explore the conditions under which such spatial structure must be explicitly considered to accurately predict disease spread, and when the assumption of homogeneous mixing remains adequate. In particular, we derive a critical threshold for the diffusion coefficient below which disease transmission dynamics exhibit spatial heterogeneity. We validate our analytical results with individual-based simulations of disease transmission across a two-dimensional continuous landscape. Using this framework, we further explore how key epidemiological parameters such as the probability of disease establishment, its maximum incidence, and its final epidemic size are affected by incorporating spatial structure into SI, SIS, and SIR models. We discuss the implications of our findings for epidemiological modeling and identify design considerations and limitations for spatial simulation models of disease dynamics.