Fabrication of hierarchical sapphire nanostructures using ultrafast laser induced morphology change.

Sapphire is an attractive material in photonic, optoelectronic, and transparent ceramic applications that stand to benefit from surface functionalization effects stemming from micro/nanostructures. Here we investigate the use of ultrafast lasers for fabricating nanostructures in sapphire by exploring the relationship between irradiation parameters, morphology change, and selective etching. In this approach an ultrafast laser pulse is focused on the sapphire substrate to change the crystalline morphology to amorphous or polycrystalline, which is characterized by examining different vibrational modes using Raman spectroscopy.

A case series in vertebral body tethering results in improvement in coronal Cobb angle but deterioration in axial rotation: a 3-dimensional analysis.

Background: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) has shown improvements in coronal and sagittal plane correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, but axial correction over time remains unexplored. Three-dimensional (3D) spine reconstruction was used to analyse correctional changes in all spinal planes post VBT surgery.

Case Description: AIS subjects who underwent thoracic VBT surgery with a minimum 2-year follow-up were assessed.

A case study: exploring the impact of 3D printed models on cognitive integration during clinical skills training.

Background: Cognitive integration occurs when trainees make conceptual connections between relevant knowledges and is known to improve learning. While several experimental studies have demonstrated how text and audio-visual instruction can be designed to enhance cognitive integration, clinical skills training in real-world contexts may require alternative educational strategies. Introducing three-dimensional (3D) printed models during clinical skills instruction may offer unique learning opportunities to support cognitive integration.

Mobile health applications for older people in Asia: protocol for a systematic review of end-user perceptions and recommendations.

Introduction: Mobile technology has revolutionised the way people interact with others and gain access to healthcare services. Given that cultural background is a strong moderator for technology penetration, this systematic review aims to examine end-user perceptions and design recommendations for mobile health applications among Asian older people.

Methods And Analysis: Five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) will be searched until May 2025.

Advancements in Nanoparticle-Based Adjuvants for Enhanced Tuberculosis Vaccination: A Review.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of more effective vaccines. Nanoparticle-based adjuvants represent a promising approach to enhancing tuberculosis vaccine efficacy. This review focuses on the advantages of nanoparticulate-loaded vaccines, emphasizing their ability to improve antigen delivery, safety, and immunogenicity.

Current trends in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring among Asia-Pacific countries: an Asia-Pacific Spine Society survey.

Study Design: A prospective web-based survey.

Purpose: Although intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is critical in spine surgery, its usage is largely based on the surgeon's discretion, and studies on its usage trends in Asia-Pacific countries are lacking. This study aimed to examine current trends in IONM usage in Asia-Pacific countries.

Enhancing university students' engagement in studying assistive technology by case-based active learning: a pilot study in Hong Kong.

Assistive technology (AT) professionals are in pressing need with nowadays growing aged/disabled population, so as well-designed higher education programs in this field. This study designed and implemented a case-based active learning approach within an undergraduate course related to AT in Hong Kong, and assessed its impact on enhancing student engagement over two academic years. A total of twelve multimedia patient case dossiers on six major physical disabilities were created.

Normative values of spinal and peripheral proprioception in position sense among healthy adolescents and young adults.

Establishing normative values and understanding how proprioception varies among body parts is crucial. However, the variability across individuals, especially adolescents, makes it difficult to establish norms. This prevents further investigation into classifying patients with abnormal proprioception.

Impact of hospital lead extraction volume on management of cardiac implantable electronic device-associated infective endocarditis.

Aims: Utilization of transvenous lead extraction/removal (TLE) for the management of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-associated infective endocarditis (IE) remains low. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of hospital TLE procedural volume on TLE utilization and outcomes for patients with CIED-associated IE.

Methods And Results: Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we evaluated 21 545 admissions for patients (mean age 70 years, 39% female) with CIEDs hospitalized with IE at TLE centres.

Molecular Profiling Identifies CD49d and CD79b as Predictive Markers for Acquired Acalabrutinib Resistance in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Contemporary studies of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) resistance focus on mutations in the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, but alternative mechanisms of resistance remain undefined. Here, we sought to identify novel predictive markers of acquired resistance to acalabrutinib, a second-generation BTKi, in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Clinical samples from 41 patients with relapsed/refractory or treatment-naive CLL receiving acalabrutinib as part of a clinical trial (NCT02029443) were divided into two groups: those who continued to respond to treatment (NP, n = 23) and those who developed progressive disease on acalabrutinib therapy (PD, n = 18).

The potential carcinogenicity of orthopaedic implants - a scoping review.

Background: Every year, hundreds of thousands of patients receive an orthopaedic or dental implant containing metals such as cobalt, chromium and titanium. Since the European Chemicals Agency (2020) classified pure cobalt metal as a Category 1B carcinogen, manufacturers of products containing ≥ 0.1% of this metal must perform a risk assessment and justify that there are no viable alternatives.

Current Status of Vertebral Body Tethering for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Umbrella Review.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent spinal deformity among teenagers worldwide. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is an innovative, minimally invasive technique developed to address spinal curvature by modulating vertebral growth. However, the existing body of evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of VBT in treating AIS is fragmented and requires thorough consolidation and critical assessment.

Similarities and differences in self-reported symptoms and comorbidities between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Objectives: Patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) experience a wide array of symptoms and system disorders. This study aimed to identify whether differences occurred in 115 self-reported symptoms and comorbidities in patients diagnosed with hEDS or HSD.

Methods: In this study we analysed self-reported data from an EDS Clinic intake questionnaire in patients diagnosed with hEDS, HSD or no hypermobile conditions.

Explainable AI and trust: How news media shapes public support for AI-powered autonomous passenger drones.

This study delves into the intricate relationships between attention to AI in news media, perceived AI explainability, trust in AI, and public support for autonomous passenger drones. Using structural equation modelling ( = 1,002), we found significant associations between perceived AI explainability and all trust dimensions (i.e.

How Reliable is the Assessment of Fusion Status Following ACDF Using Dynamic Flexion-Extension Radiographs?

Study Design: Reliability study.

Objectives: The radiographic diagnosis of non-union is not standardized. Prior authors have suggested using a cutoff of <1 mm interspinous process motion (ISPM) on flexion-extension radiographs, but the ability of practicing surgeons to make these measurements reliably is not clear.

Outcomes with loncastuximab tesirine following CAR T-cell therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The efficacy of loncastuximab tesirine (lonca) following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) progression/failure is unknown. Hence, we sought to examine real-world use and outcomes of lonca following CAR-T in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the USA. In this retrospective study, we included adults (age ≥ 18 years) with R/R DLBCL who received lonca monotherapy as third- (3 L) or fourth line (4 L) treatment after progressing on second line (2 L) or 3 L CAR-T, respectively.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy with SPECT/CT.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an essential Nuclear Medicine exam for assessing hepatobiliary abnormalities and planning therapy. We aim to offer a thorough and all-encompassing analysis of hepatobiliary imaging with SPECT to emphasize the practicality, precision in diagnosis, surgical or transplant planning, and advanced uses of SPECT/CT in assessing hepatobiliary disease. Readers can anticipate acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the subsequent facets.

A comparison of patients receiving vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the public and private hospital setting.

Purpose: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a new growth-modulating surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requiring a distinct skillset and intraoperative setup. We compared perioperative details and outcomes of VBTs performed in a public pediatric orthopedic hospital and a general private hospital setting.

Methods: We identified all patients receiving VBT for AIS from 1/2020 to 12/2023 with ≥ 6 months post-operative follow-up, with surgeries performed by the same senior surgeons.

Effect of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet on Postprandial Sleepiness: A Pilot Study.

Background: Postprandial sleepiness refers to the state of excessive drowsiness that occurs after consuming a meal. This transient phenomenon is experienced by many individuals, often leading to decreased productivity and impaired cognitive performance. This study examined the effect of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet on postprandial sleepiness.