Mechanism of Optical and Electrical HS Gas Sensing of Pristine and Surface Functionalized ZnO Nanowires.

In this work, the sensing ability and the underlying reaction pathways of HS adsorption on two nanomaterial systems, pristine zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) and gold functionalized zinc oxide nanowires (Au@ZnO NWs), were explored in a side-by-side comparison of optical and electrical gas sensing. The properties of optical sensing were analyzed by photoluminescence intensity-over-time measurements (-) of as-grown ZnO NW samples, and the electrical gas-sensing properties were analyzed by current-over-time measurements (-) of ZnO NW chemically sensitive field-effect transistor (ChemFET) structures with a gas-sensitive open gate. The ZnO NWs were grown by high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and thereafter surface-functionalized with a thin Au nanoparticle layer by magnetron sputtering.

The Feasibility of Personalized Endpoints in Assessing Treatment Outcomes in Rare Disease: A Pilot Study of Goal Attainment Scaling in SCN2A-Associated Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy.

Objectives: For individuals living with rare neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those who are at the most severe end of the spectrum, standardized outcome measures may lack the sensitivity to capture small but meaningful changes. Personalized endpoints such as Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) allow the assessment of treatment response across variable baseline states and disease manifestations and thus provide a highly sensitive measure of efficacy. The current study tested the feasibility of using GAS in rare SCN2A-associated developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (SCN2A-DEE).

Circulating Tumor DNA Testing in Curatively Resected Colorectal Cancer and Salvage Resection.

Importance: Serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a routine surveillance strategy for patients with resected colorectal cancer, but how serial ctDNA monitoring is associated with potential curative outcomes has not been formally assessed.

Objective: To examine whether there is a benefit of adding serial ctDNA assays to standard-of-care imaging surveillance for potential curative outcomes in patients with resected colorectal cancer.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In this single-center (City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California), retrospective, case cohort study, patients with stage II to IV colorectal cancer underwent curative resection and were monitored with serial ctDNA assay and National Cancer Center Network (NCCN)-guided imaging surveillance from September 20, 2019, to April 3, 2024.

Impact of Persistent Combat-Related PTSD on Heart Disease and Chronic Disease Comorbidity in Aging Vietnam Veterans.

Objectives: To assess combat and combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as risk factors for heart disease and non-cardiac chronic disease comorbidity in deployed Vietnam veterans 50 years post-War.

Methods: A random sample of 735 Vietnam-deployed American Legionnaires was surveyed in 1984, 1998, and 2000 for combat exposure, probable PTSD, and history of diagnosed chronic illnesses.

Results: Twenty-eight percent reported a diagnosed heart condition; combat exposure in Vietnam was a significant predictor (OR = 1.

Tai Chi and Wellness Interventions for Veterans with Gulf War Illness: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Background: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi-symptom illness that affects up to one-third of the 700,000 American military personnel deployed to the Persian Gulf region in 1990 and 1991. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine feasibility and the relative efficacy of two 12-week in-person group treatments (Tai Chi and Wellness) to address GWI symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue, and changes in mood and cognitive functioning.

Method: Male and female veterans were randomly assigned to Tai Chi (n = 27) or Wellness (n = 26) group interventions and assessed at four time points: baseline, post-treatment, 3-, and 9-month follow-up.

How beliefs and policy characteristics shape the public acceptability of nutritional policies-A survey study in Germany.

Background: Despite the high prevalence of obesity in Germany, few effective political measures have been implemented to protect population health and improve the sustainability of food systems. One argument frequently raised against policy implementation is the lack of acceptability for policy measures in the German population.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the acceptability of policy measures currently discussed in Germany's national nutrition strategy and how perceived policy characteristics and participant characteristics influence policy acceptability.

Vitreous Cytokine Profile in an Eye with a Vasoproliferative Tumor.

Purpose: We present a patient with a primary vasoproliferative tumor (VPT) accompanied by vitreous haze and an epiretinal membrane (ERM). We report for the first time the vitreous cytokine profile from an eye with a primary VPT to explore the relationship between intraocular inflammation and these tumors.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of a single patient case.

Influence of Humeral Component Cement and Bone Grafting on Greater Tuberosity Healing and Functional Outcomes After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is increasingly used in the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) with reliable clinical improvement. However, the preferred techniques for humeral stem fixation are varied and may be influenced by patient and injury characteristics, including bone quality and fracture pattern. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to determine the effect of humeral component cementing and bone grafting on tuberosity healing rates and functional outcomes after RSA for PHFs.

Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Neurofeedback has been proposed for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but the efficacy of this intervention remains unclear.

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using probably blinded (ie, rated by individuals probably or certainly unaware of treatment allocation) or neuropsychological outcomes to test the efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD in terms of core symptom reduction and improved neuropsychological outcomes.

Data Sources: PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid (PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Embase + Embase Classic), and Web of Science, as well as the reference lists of eligible records and relevant systematic reviews, were searched until July 25, 2023, with no language limits.

Tracking outcomes of activity-based therapy after spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of current practice in Canada.

Purpose: Activity-based therapy (ABT) promotes neuromuscular activation below the injury level in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences and perceptions of Canadian clinicians and clinic administrators regarding assessment practices in community-based ABT programs.

Methods: Twelve participants from six community clinics, in four provinces, completed individual interviews that followed a semi-structured guide informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Weight Loss, Pathological Changes, and Inflammatory Effects from a Short-Term Ketogenic Diet in Overweight and Obese Men with Untreated Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance.

Background And Aims: Active Surveillance (AS) is a favored strategy for the management of indolent prostate cancers (PCs). Overweight and obese men harbor an increased risk of cancer progression during AS. We aim to prospectively evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a ketogenic diet (KD) weight-loss intervention in overweight men with PC.

German centralization strategy during COVID-19: Continuing or interrupting a trend?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries applied centralization strategies to the distribution of power between national government and regional/local governments over responsibility for regulatory tasks. As a result, health-policy decision-making competences were shifted from the regional level to the national level (vertical shift of decision-making competences). This centralization trend for the purpose of infection control is evident in Germany.

A Photochemical Strategy towards Michael Addition Reactions of Cyclopropenes.

The development of Michael addition reactions to conjugated cyclopropenes is a challenge in organic synthesis due to the fleeting and reactive nature of such strained Michael acceptor systems. Herein, the development of a photochemical approach towards such conjugated cyclopropenes is reported that serves as a strategic entry point to densely functionalized cyclopropanes in a diastereoselective fashion. The process involves the light-mediated generation of transient cyclopropenyl α,β-unsaturated esters from vinyl diazo esters, followed by an organic base catalyzed nucleophilic addition of N-heterocycles to directly access β-N-heterocyclic cyclopropanoic esters.

3D Creatine Kinase Imaging (CKI) for In Vivo Whole-Brain Mapping of Creatine Kinase Reaction Rates with P-Magnetization Transfer MR Fingerprinting.

The creatine kinase (CK) is a key enzyme involved in brain bioenergetics, playing a key role in brain function and the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric diseases, but imaging its activity noninvasively in the human brain in vivo remains a significant challenge. This study aims to advance the magnetization transfer (MT)- P magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) for 3D Creatine Kinase Imaging (CKI). The method was implemented and validated on a clinical 7 Tesla MRI scanner.

Assessing Communication Impairments in a Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorder: The Clinical Trials Readiness Study.

Background And Objectives: -related disorders (-RDs) entail severe impairments in multiple domains that could serve as nonseizure outcomes in clinical trials. This study evaluated the fitness for purpose of several clinical instruments with both standardized and alternative scoring and with some measures used out of their intended age range for assessing communication in -affected participants.

Methods: Parents of -affected children were recruited through FamilieSCN2A Foundation outreach for a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Assessment of the Breast Density Prevalence in Swiss Women with a Deep Convolutional Neural Network: A Cross-Sectional Study.

High breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer and can reduce the sensitivity of mammography. Given the influence of breast density on patient risk stratification and screening accuracy, it is crucial to monitor the prevalence of extremely dense breasts within local populations. Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding breast density prevalence in Switzerland.

Long-term impact of maternal prenatal smoking on EEG brain activity and internalizing/externalizing problem symptoms in young adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking during pregnancy on the development of the child. While previous research has established its detrimental effects during early childhood, understanding potential long-term consequences into adulthood remains limited. This study specifically aimed to explore the influence of prenatal smoking exposure on brain activity and whether internalizing and externalizing symptoms are influenced by prenatal smoking exposure in a cohort of young adults.

Novel approaches to measuring cognition in individuals with severe to profound functional impairment: A pilot study in SCN2A-related disorder.

Valid clinical outcome assessments with the ability to capture meaningful aspects of neurodevelopment for individuals with neurogenetic conditions associated with profound functional impairments are lacking, yet critical for clinical care and clinical trial readiness. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine and compare the initial psychometric properties of a series of commonly used standardized and norm-referenced measures of cognition and adaptive functioning as well as alternative measures of neurobehavioral functioning designed to capture responsivity (i.e.