Virtual reality obstacle avoidance training can be enhanced by physical feedback via perturbations: A proof-of-concept study.

Background: Fall injuries resulting from trips are a major health concern. Virtual reality (VR) offers an effective way of training obstacle avoidance while walking due to its ability to provide safe and meaningful real-time feedback during rehabilitation. This proof-of-concept study examined the benefit of providing physical feedback during obstacle avoidance gait training using VR.

Evaluating the perioperative risks in esophageal resection and reconstruction for esophageal carcinoma among elderly patients: A retrospective propensity score matching analysis.

Introduction: With the global aging, the number of elderly candidates for esophageal resection is increasing. However, studies on esophagectomy in elderly patients have yielded conflicting results, and individuals over 75 years old are frequently excluded from studies on esophageal cancer. This study aimed to analyze perioperative and survival outcomes post-esophagectomy in elderly patients using propensity score matching (PSM).

Enhanced ethylenediamine detection using WO3-BiVO4 nanoflakes heterostructure with exceptional adsorption capabilities: Experimental and theoretical studies.

The present work describes the synthesis of WO3-BiVO4- nanoflakes heterostructure (NFHs) by a single step hydrothermal method. The analysis of crystalline phases and structural behavior deduced the formation of good crystal quality WO3-BiVO4 NFHs. Under microscopic observation, the as-prepared WO3-BiVO4 displayed uniform and conspicuous nanoflakes like structures.

Walthard Cell Nests/Transitional Cell Metaplasia in Distal Fallopian Tubes and Pelvic Peritoneum Derived From Reserve Cells.

Transitional cell metaplasia (TCM) resembling benign urothelium is commonly seen around the distal fallopian tube and/or neighboring mesothelial surface; however, its histogenesis remains largely unknown. We observed the emergence of a cytokeratin (CK) 17-positive reserve cell layer in early TCM foci beneath the tubal epithelium, leading us to hypothesize that TCM could be derived from reserve cells. To elucidate the histogenetic process of TCM, we analyzed the histomorphologic features and immunoprofiles for CK17, CK5/6, p63, GATA-3, estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) in TCM foci arising in the tubal epithelium (31 foci) and pelvic mesothelium (35 foci).

Validation and expansion of Baveno VII criteria for cACLD and CSPH based on liver stiffness and platelet count: Correlation with risk of hepatic decompensation and death.

Background And Aims: Recently proposed "Rule-of-Five" criteria define compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) using liver stiffness (LS) and platelet count. We aimed to validate these criteria by determining whether they are associated with risk of adverse outcomes.

Approach And Results: Patients without prior hepatic decompensation or HCC who underwent LS and platelet measurements (n = 17,076) were categorized as follows: no cACLD (LS: 2.

Association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and violence cases in South Korea: A nationwide time-stratified care-crossover study.

Several studies reported the roles of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on violent behaviors; however, existing findings had a limitation in assessing the population-representative association between violence and PM2.5 due to the limited data availability: most studies have been based on homicides in monitored urban areas.

An improved biometric stress monitoring solution for working employees using heart rate variability data and Capsule Network model.

Biometric stress monitoring has become a critical area of research in understanding and managing health problems resulting from stress. One of the fields that emerged in this area is biometric stress monitoring, which provides continuous or real-time information about different anxiety levels among people by analyzing physiological signals and behavioral data. In this paper, we propose a new approach based on the CapsNets model for continuously monitoring psychophysiological stress.

How the Content of Interprofessional Safety Management Education Can Be Structured Through the Perception of Nursing Home Practitioners: A Mixed Methods Design.

Aim: This study aimed to assess perceptions of safety management, with a particular focus on interprofessional influences, to determine priorities for safety management training needs and to explore target areas for strengthening the capacity of nursing home practitioners.

Design: A mixed methods design was used.

Methods: A qualitative-driven mixed methods design was employed in two phases.

Peptide-Functionalized Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Systemic mRNA Delivery to the Brain.

Systemic delivery of large nucleic acids, such as mRNA, to the brain remains challenging in part due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the tendency of delivery vehicles to accumulate in the liver. Here, we design a peptide-functionalized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for targeted mRNA delivery to the brain. We utilize click chemistry to functionalize LNPs with peptides that target receptors overexpressed on brain endothelial cells and neurons, namely the RVG29, T7, AP2, and mApoE peptides.

Regulation of sarcomere formation and function in the healthy heart requires a titin intronic enhancer.

Heterozygous truncating variants in the sarcomere protein titin (TTN) are the most common genetic cause of heart failure. To understand mechanisms that regulate abundant cardiomyocyte TTN expression we characterized highly conserved intron 1 sequences that exhibited dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility during differentiation of human cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs). Homozygous deletion of these sequences in mice caused embryonic lethality while heterozygous mice demonstrated allele-specific reduction in Ttn expression.

Sex-Specific Validity of the PRE-DELIRIC Model and the E-PRE-DELIRIC Model for Predicting Delirium in Patients After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Several risk prediction models are used in intensive care units (ICUs) to detect delirium risk.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the sex-specific validity of the Prediction of Delirium in ICU patients (PRE-DELIRIC) and Early Prediction of Delirium in ICU patients (E-PRE-DELIRIC) models for predicting delirium in ICU patients after cardiac surgery.

Methods: Retrospective data from electronic medical records of ICU patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 2019 and December 2022 were examined.

The origin of patient-derived cancer organoids from pathologically undiagnosed specimen in patients with pancreatobiliary cancers.

Purpose: Tissue confirmation of pancreatobiliary cancer is often difficult because of the location of the tumor and structure of the surrounding blood vessels. Patient-derived cancer organoids (PDCOs) reflect the genomic characteristics of individual cancers. Although diverse attempts to construct PDCOs for various pancreatobiliary cancer models are ongoing, no research results have yet confirmed the possibility of performing a precise diagnosis on PDCOs derived from pathologically negative patient samples.

Anatomy and histology of the olfactory organ of the javelin goby Synechogobius hasta (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae).

The olfactory organ of Synechogobius hasta was investigated with a focus on its environmental adaptation, using stereo microscopy and light microscopy. This research revealed the following anatomical and histological characteristics: (i) tubular anterior nostril, (ii) one longitudinal lamella, (iii) two accessory nasal sacs, (iv) lymphatic cells in the lower part of the sensory epithelium, (v) four to five villi of olfactory receptor neurons, (vi) abundant blood capillaries beneath the sensory epithelium, and (vii) rod-shaped erythrocytes. These findings hint that the olfactory organ of S.

Effects of excessive bleaching on hair: comparative analysis of external morphology and internal microstructure.

This study investigates the impact of excessive bleaching on the external morphology and internal microstructure of hair, compared to untreated hair. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we observed significant changes in both the surface and internal structures of bleached hair. SEM analysis of normal hair revealed a relatively clean surface with intact cuticle scales, while bleached hair showed brittle, torn scales with a rough appearance.

Gut-brain axis and environmental factors in Parkinson's disease: bidirectional link between disease onset and progression.

Parkinson's disease has long been considered a disorder that primarily affects the brain, as it is defined by the dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra and the brain accumulation of Lewy bodies containing alpha-synuclein protein. In recent decades, however, accumulating research has revealed that Parkinson's disease also involves the gut and uncovered an intimate and important bidirectional link between the brain and the gut, called the "gut-brain axis." Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that gut dysfunction frequently precedes motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients, with findings including impaired intestinal permeability, heightened inflammation, and distinct gut microbiome profiles and metabolites.

Hidden face of Parkinson's disease: is it a new autoimmune disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and clinical symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowed movements. A key feature of Parkinson's disease is the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein, forming insoluble Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which contributes to neurodegeneration. These α-synuclein aggregates may act as autoantigens, leading to T-cell-mediated neuroinflammation and contributing to dopaminergic cell death.

Microelectrodes for Battery Materials.

The ability to measure current and voltage is core to both fundamental study and engineering of electrochemical systems, including batteries for energy storage. Electrochemical measurements have traditionally been conducted on macroscopic electrodes on the order of 1 cm or larger. In this Perspective, we review recent developments in using microscopic electrodes (<100 μm) for the study of battery materials.

Strategic design of emerging (K,Na)NbO-based perovskites for high-performance piezocatalysis and photo-piezocatalysis.

As a leading Pb-free perovskite material (ABO-type), potassium sodium niobate (K,Na)NbO (KNN)-based ferroelectrics/piezoelectrics have been widely used in electronics, energy conversion, and storage due to their exceptional ability to interconvert mechanical and electrical energies. Beyond traditional applications, the piezoelectric potential generated by mechanical strain or stress modifies their energy band structures and facilitates charge carrier separation and transport, drawing increasing attention in emerging fields such as piezocatalysis and photo-piezocatalysis. With excellent piezoelectric properties, chemical/thermal stability, and strain-tuning capability, KNN-based materials show great promise for high-performance piezocatalytic applications.

Concomitant, Acquired Cavo-Azygos Shunt and Spleno-Gastroepiploic Bypass After Multiple Venous Obstruction in a Dog.

A 13-year-old intact female Shih Tzu presented with anorexia, panting and pain of unknown origin. Physical examination was normal except for a systolic murmur (grade 3/6). Abdominal radiographs revealed an ill-defined area of increased opacity in the mid-abdomen.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of FreeStyle Libre 2 for Glucose Monitoring in White New Zealand Rabbits.

Background: Studies are currently being conducted on rabbits requiring serial glucose monitoring. The FreeStyle Libre 2 (FSL2), a serial glucose monitoring device, has been validated in humans, dogs and cats, but not in rabbits.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the FSL2 in rabbits.

CT-guided Left Stellate Ganglion Cryoneurolysis for Refractory Ventricular Arrhythmias.

Background Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, present substantial therapeutic challenges due to their high morbidity, mortality, and increasing prevalence. Current treatments often prove infeasible or inadequate in patients with refractory VAs. Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CT-guided left stellate ganglion cryoneurolysis (SGC) in the treatment of refractory VAs.