Prolonged Time Research Articles

Oxidative Passivation of FAPbI3 via Femtosecond Laser for Enhanced Photoluminescence and Photoresponse Performance

AbstractThe presence of uncoordinated Pb atoms in perovskite materials, acting as non‐radiative recombination centers, significantly degrades the performance of perovskite‐based photoelectronic devices. Addressing this issue by passivating these deep energy level defects is essential for enhancing device performance. By now, the passivation methods are largely proposed by chemical additive engineering methods, which involve the oxidation of Pb through chemical additives. However, chemical passivation methods are often plagued by issues such as prolonged processing times, uncontrollable passivation regions uncontrollable, and environmental contamination. Here, a novel femtosecond laser oxidative passivation (FsLOP) technique for FAPbI3 is proposed, evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealing the formation of Pb─O bonds. The role of peroxide anions in oxidation passivation is highlighted as pivotal. The oxidative passivation effect is further corroborated by a four‐fold increase in photoluminescence (PL) intensity and an exceptional improvement in photoresponse performance, achieving a detectivity of 6.77 × 1012 Jones. This work provides a deeper insight into the interaction between femtosecond lasers and perovskite materials, proposing an efficient, precisely controlled, and environmentally friendly way to improve the performance of perovskite photoelectronic devices.

Glycopolymeric Nanoparticles Enrich Less Immunogenic Protein Coronas, Reduce Mononuclear Phagocyte Clearance, and Improve Tumor Delivery Compared to PEGylated Nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer significant promise as drug delivery vehicles; however, their in vivo efficacy is often hindered by the formation of a protein corona (PC), which influences key physiological responses such as blood circulation time, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and intracellular localization. Understanding NP-PC interactions is crucial for optimizing NP design for biomedical applications. Traditional approaches have utilized hydrophilic polymer coatings like polyethylene glycol (PEG) to resist protein adsorption, but glycopolymer-coated nanoparticles have emerged as potential alternatives due to their biocompatibility and ability to reduce the adsorption of highly immunogenic proteins. In this study, we synthesized and characterized glycopolymer-based poly[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate-b-poly(methacrylamidoglucopyranose) (PDPA-b-PMAG) NPs as an alternative to PEGylated NPs. We characterized the polymers using a range of techniques to establish their molecular weight and chemical composition. PMAG and PEG-based NPs showed equivalent physicochemical properties with sizes of ∼100 nm, spherical morphology, and neutral surface charges. We next assessed the magnitude of protein adsorption on both NPs and catalogued the identity of the adsorbed proteins using mass spectrometry-based techniques. The PMAG NPs were found to adsorb fewer proteins in vitro as well as fewer immunogenic proteins such as Immunoglobulins and Complement proteins. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were employed to examine cellular uptake in RAW 264.7 macrophages and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells, where PMAG NPs showed higher uptake into tumor cells over macrophages. In vivo studies in BALB/c mice with orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer xenografts showed that PMAG NPs exhibited prolonged circulation times and enhanced tumor accumulation compared to PEGylated NPs. The biodistribution analysis also revealed greater selectivity for tumor tissue over the liver for PMAG NPs. These findings highlight the potential of glycopolymeric NPs to improve tumor targeting and reduce macrophage uptake compared to PEGylated NPs, offering significant advancements in cancer nanomedicine and immunotherapy.

Time to recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis and its predictors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A retrospective follow up study, 2022.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most common, life-threatening, gastrointestinal disorders in neonates. The recovery time for neonates with NEC varies depending on disease severity, prompt diagnosis, and effective treatment. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the time to recover from necrotizing enterocolitis and its' predictors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. An institution-based retrospective follow-up study design was employed. A sample of 361 medical records of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis was selected using systematic random sampling. Diagnosis of NEC in this study required clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings. The survival function was described using Kaplan Meier survival curve and log-rank test. Bivariate and multivariate Cox-proportional hazard (Cox-PH) regression models were used for analysis. The median recovery time from necrotizing enterocolitis for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit was 12 days. The multivariable Cox-PH model showed that neonates classified as Stage III NEC (AHR: 0.42, 95% CI = 0.23-0.77) and those exposed to perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.74) had a negative impact on NEC recovery time. However, neonates with a birth weight of 1500-2499gm (AHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.58) and a platelet count greater than 150,000 (AHR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.24-2.48) had a positive effect on NEC recovery time. The recovery time for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit with necrotizing enterocolitis was longer. Comorbidities and advanced stage of NEC were associated with prolonged recovery time from NEC. However, neonates with better platelet count and birth weight greater than 1500mg had shorter recovery time from NEC.

Thrombin generation assay in COVID-19 patients shows a hypocoagulable pattern

Patients with COVID-19 often exhibit coagulopathy, which can significantly impact prognosis. Therefore, investigating coagulation in this context is clinically relevant. The thrombin generation assay (TGA) provides comprehensive data on individual clotting patterns. In our study, we utilized a calibrated automated thrombogram to globally assess coagulation in COVID-19 patients. The study included 67 COVID-19 patients (40 hospitalized in the medical ward and 27 in intensive care units) and 45 blood donors for comparison. Our analysis revealed significant differences in TGA parameters (lag time, time-to-peak, thrombin peak, and endogenous thrombin potential) between patients and blood donors, suggesting a hypocoagulable state in the former. Specifically, COVID-19 patients exhibited prolonged lag time and time-to-peak values, as well as lower thrombin peak and endogenous thrombin potential compared to blood donors (Mann-Whitney test: p<0.05); notably, no significant differences in thrombin generation were observed based on the clinical setting. These findings suggest a reduced capacity for thrombin generation, indicating a consumptive coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients and that in this context, thrombosis is primarily attributable to localized effects in the lungs, platelet activation, and/or prothrombotic endothelial dysfunction. The thrombin generation assay is instrumental in defining coagulation patterns in COVID-19 and may also be applicable to other infectious diseases.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Non-Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (pNETs): A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: This systematic review, using pairwise and network meta-analyses, aimed to compare the intraoperative, short-term, and long-term postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery (OS) for the management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Methods: Studies reporting on the effects of robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery on pNETs published before November 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL were analyzed. Results: Thirty-two studies with 5379 patients were included in this review, encompassing 2251 patients undergoing MIS (1334 laparoscopic, 508 robotic, and 409 unspecified MIS) and 3128 patients undergoing OS for pNETs management. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed that the MIS group had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay ((a low certainty of evidence), MD of −4.87 (−6.19 to −3.56)); less intraoperative blood loss ((a low certainty of evidence), MD of −108.47 (−177.47 to −39.47)); and decreased tumor recurrence ((a high certainty of evidence), RR of 0.46, 95% CI (0.33 to 0.63)). Subgroup analysis indicated a higher R0 resection rate and prolonged operative time for laparoscopic surgery than for OS. The network meta-analysis ranked the robotic approach as superior in terms of the length of hospital stay, followed by the laparoscopic and OS arms. Furthermore, it favored both MIS approaches over OS in terms of the R0 resection rate. No significant differences were found in severe postoperative complications, postoperative fistula formation, mortality, readmission, reoperation, or conversion rates. Conclusions: This review supports the safety of MIS for the treatment of pNETs. However, the varying certainty of evidence emphasizes the need for higher-quality studies.

Synergistic effect of thermomigration and electric current stressing on damping capacity of Sn58Bi solder

In order to evaluate the vibration resistance of Sn58Bi solder in serving electronic devices, the damping capacities of Sn58Bi solders after thermomigration (TM) test at a temperature gradient of 2000 °C/cm for different time (0, 120, 360, 720, and 1440 h) were characterized under electric current stressing (0, 4.0, and 8.0 A). The results indicate that the phase segregation of TM-tested Sn58Bi solders determines the damping performance of solders. The Bi-rich layer thickens with prolonged TM time and migrates in the direction from high temperature to low temperature. Both the critical strains (the values of dislocation getting rid of pining points) of strain-amplitude-related damping capacity curves increases with prolonged TM time, while decreases with increasing electric current. Moreover, both strain-amplitude-related and temperature-related damping capacity shows a general decreasing trend with prolonged TM time, while increases exponentially with increasing electric current. In addition, the damping mechanism changes from dislocation motion to phase boundary sliding with increasing temperature, and the transition temperature decreases with increasing current but generally increases with TM time.

Y Reverse: Modified technique in challenging airway management.

Self-expanding Y-metal stents (SEMS) are best suited lesions with involvement of the carina and proximal main bronchi; however, Y-stents can be difficult to place. These difficulties guided us to develop a modification of the classic technique that addresses some of the challenges during positioning. We present the Y reverse technique for Y stent insertion using a combination of rigid and flexible bronchoscopy. This retrospective study included 15 consecutive patients, suffering from tracheal-carina-lower main bronchi complex, hospitalized at the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the Vanvitelli University of Naples between October 2021 and October 2023. patients in which the length of the stenosis of the right bronchi was greater than that of the left bronchi, advanced oncological conditions, severe respiratory failure; exclusion criteria: Karnofsky scale with <40 points. All patients were admitted to the hospital and treated with Y-stent insertion using the modified technique Y reverse. The comparison between the group undergoing the Y reverse technique with the group undergoing the traditional positioning of the Y prosthesis has shown an improvement in respiratory function; prolongation of the mean survival time; improvement in SpO2 in spontaneous breathing; reduction mean time procedure. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Y Reverse is a safe and effective procedure that provides rapid symptom relief in individuals who have critical central airway obstruction near the distal portion of the trachea, carina, and main right and left bronchi.

Access Pain During Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Foraminal or Extraforaminal Disc Herniation.

Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) under local anesthesia is a promising minimally invasive surgical option for intractable lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, our understanding of access pain prediction during foraminal pathological procedures is limited. To our knowledge, no predictive rules for access pain have been established during TELD for foraminal or extraforaminal LDH. This study, with its potential for predicting access pain during TELD and discussing strategies for pain prevention and management, could significantly benefit the field of endoscopic spine surgery. This observational study included 73 consecutive patients who underwent TELD for foraminal or extraforaminal LDH between January 2017 and December 2022. Preoperative clinical and radiographic factors affecting significant access pain and the impact of access pain on clinical outcomes were evaluated. The rate of significant access pain was 13.70% (10 of 73 patients). Extraforaminal LDH tended to cause more severe pain than did foraminal LDH during TELD under local anesthesia (p < 0.05). Although the degree of access pain was not related to global clinical outcomes, increased pain was strongly associated with prolonged operative time and length of hospital stay (p < 0.05). TELD could be an effective surgical option for foraminal or extraforaminal LDH under local anesthesia. More access pain might develop during TELD for extraforaminal LDH. The extraforaminal component of LDH could narrow the safe working zone. Significant access pain might prolong the duration of surgery and hospitalization. Thus, a specialized technique is required for the clinical success of TELD.

Absence of dysregulation in amplitude and phase of circadian rhythm of core body temperature in idiopathic hypersomnia: A case-control study.

To investigate amplitude and phase of the circadian rhythm of core body temperature (CBT) via the continuous measure of the gastrointestinal temperature in participants with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), non-specified hypersomnia (NSH) compared to healthy controls (HC) in a constant routine standardized bedrest (BR) protocol. Consecutive participants evaluated in a National Reference Center for Rare Hypersomnias benefited from an extensive evaluation with one night polysomnography, followed by modified Multiple Sleep Latency Test (mMSLT), and a continuous 32-hour BR recording in standardized conditions. CBT was recorded via a telemetry pill (e-Celsius®) during the BR, modeled by a Cosinor, with extraction of MESOR, amplitude and phase. Participants with IH, diagnosed according to ICSD-3, were compared with participants with NSH (complaint of hypersomnolence but normal mMSLT and BR), and HC. Participants were divided in 4 groups based on their mMSLT mean sleep latency (mMSLT+,≤8min) and their BR total sleep time (BR+,≥19h). 108 participants (80% women, 28.3±7.8 y.o) were included in the analyses, 81 IH (83% women), 16 NSH (75% women), 11 HC (64% women). Cosinor amplitude and phase of CBT did not differ between IH, NSH and HC, nor in the subgroup analysis (37 BR+/mMSLT+, 35 BR+/mMSLT-, 9 BR-/mMSLT+, 27 BR-/mMSLT-). No difference in chronotypes was observed between groups. Women had a greater MESOR and reduced CBT amplitude compared to men. The circadian rhythm of CBT showed no difference in amplitude or phase between IH, NSH and HC, and was not related to prolonged sleep time or objective daytime sleepiness.

Biomechanical Analysis of Rectus Femoris Kinesio Taping Effects on Post-Muscle Fatigue Stop-Jump Task Performance

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of kinesio tape (KT) on the rectus femoris muscle in athletes and novices under pre- and post-fatigue conditions. Methods: Nineteen male volunteers took part, and fatigue was assessed using the Borg CR10 Scale. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using Vicon MX13+ infrared cameras (250 Hz) and Kistler force platforms (1500 Hz), respectively. Visual 3D v5.0 software analyzed the data, focusing on parameters like angular displacement, ground reaction forces (GRFs), impulse, and joint moments during a stop-jump task. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to assess group, fatigue, and KT effects. Results: There was a significant effect after applying KT. The results showed significant differences in knee flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexion moment, vertical impulse, and peak vertical GRFs between pre- and post-fatigue conditions (all p &lt; 0.05). The trained group exhibited less knee valgus ROM, higher hip flexion velocity at initial contact, and prolonged time to peak proximal tibia anterior shear force. Conclusions: KT application was found to reduce lower limb loading, improve force acceptance and joint stability, and alleviate fatigue-induced disparities. These findings highlight the potential of KT in enhancing lower limb strength and performance, particularly under fatigue.

Acne-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide among adolescents. Beyond its physical manifestations, acne can leave invisible psychological scars. We aimed to examine the protective and risk factors of acne-related quality of life, and its association with mental health outcomes. The analysis included data collected in 2023 from adolescents enrolled in the SEROCoV-KIDS population-based cohort. By combining the Acne Severity and Acne-Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) scales, three groups were established: Acne-LowAQoL (adolescents with acne and low Acne-related Quality of Life), Acne-HighAQoL, and NoAcne-HighAQoL. We used multinomial and logistic regression to assess the association between health behaviours, these groups, and mental health outcomes. Among 335 adolescents (mean age 16.1 years [SD 1.8], 56% female), 65 (19.4%) reported experiencing acne while maintaining a high Acne-QoL, 26 (7.7%) reported having acne and a low Acne-QoL and 244 (72.9%) reported having nearly no acne. Low engagement in physical activity (aOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.77), addictive use of social media (aOR: 3.78, 95%CI: 1.60-8.96), and prolonged screen time (aOR: 2.99, 95%CI: 1.26-7.08) were independently associated with Acne-LowAQoL. Conversely, those from the group Acne-HighAQoL reported higher social support (aOR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.07-3.54). Adolescents with Acne-LowAQoL showed lower levels of self-esteem, resilience, and increased psychological distress. Among adolescents with acne, physical activity and social support were positively associated with good acne-related quality of life, which translated into better mental health. In contrast, screen time and social media use notably reduced it. Dermatologists should incorporate these considerations into clinical practice to ensure effective patient care.

Exploring CDF gene family in wild potato under salinity stress unveils promising candidates for developing climate-resilient crops

The DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) gene family is a class of plant-specific transcription factors involved in diverse biological processes, including response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Members of this family have been reported in the cultivated potato Solanum tuberosum, but clues to the roles of several Dof genes are still lacking. Potato wild relatives represent a genetic reservoir for breeding as they could provide useful alleles for adaptation to the environment and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. We performed an in silico analysis to identify genes belonging to the Dof family in the wild potato S. commersonii, confirming that the identified Dof genes can be grouped in four classes (A, B, C, D), as reported for cultivated potato. A special focus was dedicated to Cycling Dof Factors (CDFs), which play a crucial role in plant responses to abiotic stresses. Analysis of available RNA-seq data confirmed CDF genes as regulated by stresses and often in a tissue specific manner. To ascertain their involvement in the stress response, S. tuberosum and S. commersonii plantlets growing in vitro were subjected to salt stress (80mM NaCl) for short (2 days) and prolonged (7 days) times. Analysis of phenotypic traits and qRT-PCR expression profiles of target CDF genes in aerial and root tissues showed differences between the two species. In addition, after saline treatment, changes in total phenols, proline, and malondialdehyde suggested a diverse perception of saline stress in S. commersonii vs. S. tuberosum. Overall, this study provided useful clues to the involvement of CDF genes in salt response and promoted the identification of potential candidate genes for further functional studies.

Dual modification of starch: Synergistic effects of ozonation and pulsed electric fields on structural, rheological, and functional attributes

Study evaluated the influence of ozonization (O3) time combined with pulsed electric fields (PEF) on the modification of bean starch structure. O₃ was used at a concentration of 0.045 g/L for 60 min (Oz1) and 120 min (Oz2) both individually and in combination with 30 kV/cm (P30). Carbonyl content was higher than the carboxyl content, especially with prolonged treatment times (Oz2), indicating partial oxidation. Additionally, higher levels of amylose and degrees of polymerization (DP ≥ 37 and DP 25–36) were observed in the oxidized starches, with significant changes only when combined with PEF. The main morphological and structural modifications included the presence of agglomerates, partial gelatinization, reduced crystallinity, and lower IR1047/1022 in the granules treated with PEF + O3. Oxidized starches exhibited higher solubility, resulting in lower values for rheological parameters, with PEF + 2 h of O3 (Oz2P) standing out. It can be used as prebiotics, controlled release agents and a texturizer for gluten-free foods.

Biomimetic Electrodynamic Metal-Organic Framework Nanosponges for Augmented Treatment of Biofilm Infections.

Electrodynamic therapy (EDT) is a promising alternative approach for antibacterial therapy, as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced efficiently in response to an electric field without relying on endogenous H2O2 and O2. However, the inherent toxicity of metallic catalysts and numerous bacterial toxins during the therapeutic process still hinder its development. Herein, biomimetic metal-organic (MOF@EV) nanosponges composed of ginger-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), and electrodynamic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are developed for the eradication of bacterial infections and the absorption of toxins. The prolonged circulation time of MOF@EV in vivo facilitates their accumulation at infection sites. More interestingly, MOF@EV can behave as nanosponges and effectively prevent host cells from binding to bacterial toxins, thereby reducing damage to cells. Subsequently, the MOF@EV nanosponges are discovered to work as electro-sensitizers, which is confirmed through both theoretical calculation and experimental verification. As a result, ROS is continuously produced under the electric field to achieve effective EDT-mediated bacterial eradication. Meanwhile, the treatment process of MOF@EV in vivo is visualized in mice infected with luciferase-expressing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and excellent biofilm eradication capacity and detoxification efficiency are demonstrated in a subcutaneous abscess model. This work provides a promising strategy for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Establishment and analysis of an animal model for nutcracker syndrome.

This study investigated the effects of renal vein congestion of varying durations on kidney damage by establishing an animal model of Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS). In addition, we assessed whether renal damage improved after relieving the congestion. We established a rat model of NCS and relieved renal congestion through secondary surgery, with renal vein reperfusion confirmed by animal ultrasound. Histopathological changes in congested kidneys were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9days using HE and Masson staining, and the expression of renal injury factors was determined using q-PCR. Renal tissue pathology changes were evident with prolonged obstruction time. Compared to the sham-operated group, no apparent fibrosis was observed in the kidneys at 3days post-congestion, whereas fibrosis was most severe at 9days post-congestion, with no significant improvement observed even after blood flow restoration. Six days post-congestion relief, some alleviation of renal fibrosis occurred. q-PCR results indicated a significant reduction in the expression of fibrosis markers after 3 or 6days of renal vein ligation release. Following blood flow restoration on the 9th day post-congestion, no significant changes in fibrosis markers were noted. Prolonged renal vein congestion in a rat model of NCS resulted in severe kidney damage and significant fibrosis after 9days. While relieving congestion within 6days led to some improvement, no reduction in fibrosis occurred after 9days, underscoring the importance of congestion duration in renal pathology.

Time-Dependent Resistance of Sol–Gel HfO2 Films to In Situ High-Temperature Laser Damage

Laser damage in films under long-term high-temperature conditions is a significant concern for advancing laser applications. This study focused on HfO2 films prepared using the sol–gel method with HfCl4 as a precursor. It examined the effects of temperature on various properties of the films, including their optical properties, microstructure, surface morphology, absorption, and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). The prepared film demonstrated desirable characteristics at the high temperature of 423 K, such as high transmittance, low absorption, and high LIDT. As the duration of its high-temperature exposure increased, the LIDT of the films gradually decreased. An intriguing finding was that the film’s LIDT exhibited an exponential decay pattern with prolonged heating time. This observation could be attributed to the power-law increase in defects on both the internal and surface areas of the film as the duration of high-temperature exposure lengthened. Moreover, even after a 15-day heating period at 423 K, the film maintained an LIDT of 12.9 J/cm2, indicating its potential applicability in practical high-temperature environments. This study provided a general pattern and a universal formula for understanding the laser damage of sol–gel films at high temperatures over time. Furthermore, it opened possibilities for future developments of laser films suitable for extreme environments.

Superior benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for diabetic kidney disease: A cohort study.

To compare cardiorenal outcomes of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) in a national diabetic kidney disease (DKD) population. A cohort study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and Laboratory Databases. Propensity score-matched prevalent new users of SGLT-2is (n = 1524) and DPP-4is (n = 6005) during 2017-2018 were selected from adults with DKD and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Composite renal outcomes included sustained eGFR decrease, renal failure and renal mortality. Composite cardiovascular (CV) outcomes included acute myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure and CV death. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared with DPP-4i users, SGLT-2i users had a reduced risk of composite renal endpoint (HR: 0.16; CI: 0.12-0.24), consistently for a prolonged time to 50% or higher eGFR decrease (HR 0.17; CI: 0.11-0.27), renal failure (HR: 0.14; CI: 0.08-0.23) and decreased renal death (HR: 0.10; CI: 0.01-0.70). SGLT-2i users had a better composite CV outcome than DPP-4i users (HR: 0.74; CI: 0.64-0.85), and lower risks of stroke (HR: 0.76; CI: 0.62-0.92) and hospitalization for heart failure (HR: 0.68; CI: 0.55-0.84). Findings were consistent in analyses stratified by concomitant antidiabetic agents or intervals between DKD diagnosis and study drug initiation. This study shows the superior cardiorenal benefits of SGLT-2is compared with DPP-4is in the DKD population, regardless of concomitant antidiabetic agents or time from DKD onset to study drug initiation. SGLT-2is should be prioritized in adult patients with DKD.

Unlocking Nanoprecipitation: A Pathway to High Reversibility in Nanofluidic Memristors.

Solid-state nanochannels have emerged as a promising platform for the development of ionic circuit components with analog properties to their traditional electronic counterparts. In the last years, nanofluidic devices with memristive properties have attracted special interest due to their applicability in, for example, the construction of brain-like computing systems. In this work, an asymmetric track-etched nanofluidic channel with memory-enhanced ion transport is reported. The results illustrate that the formation of nanoprecipitates on the channel walls induces memory effects in ion transport, leading to characteristic hysteresis loops in the current-voltage curves, a hallmark of memristive behavior. Notably, these memristive properties are achievable with a straightforward experimental setup that combines an aqueous solvent and a relatively low-soluble inorganic salt. The various conductance states can be rapidly and reversibly tuned over prolonged time scales. Furthermore, under appropriate measurement conditions, the nanofluidic device can alternate between different iontronic regimes and states, encompassing ion current rectification, ON-OFF states, and memristor-like behavior. These findings provide insights into the design and optimization of nanofluidic devices for bioinspired ionic circuit components.

Proteomic profiling of neutrophils and plasma in community-acquired pneumonia reveals crucial proteins in diverse biological pathways linked to clinical outcome.

Neutrophils play a dichotomous role in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), providing protection and potentially causing damage. Existing research on neutrophil function in CAP relies on animal studies, leaving a gap in patient-centered investigations. We used mass spectrometry to characterize the neutrophil proteome of moderately ill CAP patients at general ward admission and related the proteome to controls and clinical outcomes. We prospectively included 57 CAP patients and 26 controls and quantified 3482 proteins in neutrophil lysates and 386 proteins in concurrently collected plasma. The extensively studied granule-related proteins in animal models did not drive the neutrophil proteome changes associated with human CAP. Proteome alterations were primarily characterized by an increased abundance of proteins related to (aerobic) metabolic activity and (m)RNA translation/processing, concurrent with a diminished presence of cytoskeletal organization-related proteins (all pathways p<0.001). Higher and lower abundances of specific proteins, primarily constituents of these pathways, were associated with prolonged time to clinical stability in CAP. Moreover, we identified a pronounced presence of platelet-related proteins in neutrophil lysates of particularly viral CAP patients, suggesting the existence of neutrophil-platelet complexes in non-critically ill CAP patients. Of the proteins measured in neutrophils, 4.3% were detected in plasma. Our study presents new perspectives on the neutrophil proteome associated with CAP, laying the groundwork for forthcoming patient-centred investigations. Our results could pave the way for targeted strategies to fine-tune neutrophil responses, potentially improving CAP outcomes.

Prolonged Umbilical Port Insertion Time Increases the Incidence of Umbilical Surgical Site Infection in Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure for Inguinal Hernia in Children.

Introduction: Umbilical surgical site infection (U-SSI) is the most common complication of laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for the treatment of inguinal hernia in children. Prolonged operative time is known to increase the risk of SSI in general pediatric surgery; however, the association between prolonged operative time and post-LPEC U-SSI is unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the association between umbilical port insertion time and the incidence of U-SSI. Materials and Methods: The present study included all patients <16 years of age who underwent LPEC for the treatment of inguinal hernia between June 2018 and May 2023 at our institution. Those who underwent umbilical hernia repair or other procedures were excluded. We retrospectively collected and analyzed the following: patient demographics; operative data; and U-SSI data. The cutoff value for the umbilical port insertion time was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the incidence of U-SSI was compared based on the cutoff value, determined to be 8 minutes. Results: A total of 232 patients (133 boys; mean age, 4.6 ± 3.3 years) were eligible for the present study, 7 (3.0%) of which developed superficial incisional post-LPEC U-SSI within a median of 7.5 [4-19] days. The incidence of U-SSI was 20.0% in the long (≥8 minutes) versus 2.3% in the short (<8 minutes) umbilical port insertion time group (P = .03). Conclusion: Prolonged umbilical port insertion time (≥8 minutes) increases the incidence of post-LPEC U-SSI during the treatment of inguinal hernia in children.