The Effects of Chain Conformation and Nanostructure on the Dielectric Properties of Polymers.

The dielectric properties of polymers play a pivotal role in the development of advanced materials for energy storage, electronics, and insulation. This review comprehensively explores the critical relationship between polymer chain conformation, nanostructure, and dielectric properties, focusing on parameters such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and dielectric breakdown strength. It highlights how factors like chain rigidity, free volume, molecular alignment, and interfacial effects significantly influence dielectric performance.

Cochlear reimplantation rate, causes, and outcomes: a multicenter study.

Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate cochlear reimplantation rate, causes, and audiological outcomes in a large group of patients in a multicenter study.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients with cochlear reimplantation surgeries between 2000 and 2022 in five academic referral centers. The rate and reasons for cochlear reimplantation surgeries were evaluated.

Impact of Regulatory Risk Communication on Thrombosis With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome for COVID-19 Adenovirus Vector Vaccines on European Healthcare Professionals.

Purpose: The European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued regulatory actions and communications in 2021 on thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) associated with adenovirus vector vaccines Vaxzevria or Jcovden. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these actions on awareness, knowledge and implementation in practises of healthcare professionals (HCP).

Methods: Web-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted on HCPs engaged in the vaccination, monitoring or counselling about the vaccines.

The imbalance of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 and interferon gamma and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1ra in chronic insomnia disorder.

A growing body of literature suggests that cytokines can play an important role in chronic insomnia disorder (CID); however, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Here we show that serum levels of pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-12, IFN-γ and ICAM-1 are elevated in CID group when compared with healthy controls, and that the REM sleep duration diminishes with increased concentrations of IL-12 and IFN-γ in individuals with CID. Furthermore, we find that lowered serum concentration of IL-1ra is negatively correlated with severity of insomnia in CID group.

Prognostic value of systolic left ventricular ejection fraction using prospective ECG-triggered cardiac CT.

Background: Prospective ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging limits the ability to assess left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). We previously developed a new index derived from LV volume changes over 100 ​ms during systole (LVEF) as a surrogate of LV function in patients undergoing prospective ECG-triggered cardiac CT. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of LVEF.