Efficient Extraction of Phenols from Coal Tar and Preparation of Phenolic Resin-Based Porous Carbon for Advanced Supercapacitor Application.

Developing simple and efficient extraction methods for phenolic substances from coal tar, which facilitate their direct transformation into high-performance electrode materials, holds considerable practical significance. In this study, amide-zinc chloride deep eutectic solvents are employed for efficient phenol extraction. The optimal phenol extraction process is subsequently investigated, and it is found that the robust hydrogen bonding interactions between solvents and phenols significantly enhance extraction efficiency.

Protein-Guided Biomimetic Calcification Constructing 3D Nitrogen-Rich Core-Shell Structures Realizing High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Biomimetic calcification is a micro-crystallization process that mimics the natural biomineralization process, where biomacromolecules regulate the formation of inorganic minerals. In this study, it is presented that a protein-assisted biomimetic calcification method for the in situ synthesis of nitrogen-doped metal-organic framework (MOF) materials. A series of unique core-shell structures are created by utilizing proteins as templates and guiding agents in the nucleation step, creating ideal conditions for shell growth.

Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Nanoscintillators for X-Ray-Induced Photodynamic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

X-ray induced photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) leverages penetrating X-ray to generate singlet oxygen (O) for treating deep-seated tumors. However, conventional X-PDT typically relies on heavy metal inorganic scintillators and organic photosensitizers to produce O, which presents challenges related to toxicity and energy conversion efficiency. In this study, highly biocompatible organic phosphorescent nanoscintillators based on hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOF) are designed and engineered, termed BPT-HOF@PEG, to enhance X-PDT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.

Transferrin-Based Bismuth Nanoparticles for Radiotherapy with Immunomodulation Against Orthotopic Glioma.

Modern radiotherapy frequently employs radiosensitizers for radiation dose deposition and triggers an immunomodulatory effect to enhance tumor destruction. However, developing glioma-targeted sensitizers remains challenging due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and multicomponent instability. This study aims to green-synthesize transferrin-bismuth nanoparticles (TBNPs) as biosafe radiosensitizers to enhance X-ray absorption by tumors and stimulate the immune response for glioma therapy.

Associations Between Upper Extremity Function, Activities of Daily Living, and Functional Capacity in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Objective: Limited information is available regarding the associations between upper extremity function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and functional capacity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study aimed to investigate the associations between upper extremity function, ADLs, and functional capacity in patients with HFrEF.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 patients with HFrEF.

Multiscale Understanding of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Mechanisms, Electrocatalysts, Polymers, and Cell Management.

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are among the most promising sustainable electrochemical technologies to help solve energy challenges. Compared to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), AEMFCs offer a broader choice of catalyst materials and a less corrosive operating environment for the bipolar plates and the membrane. This can lead to potentially lower costs and longer operational life than PEMFCs.

Weakening Pd─O Bonds by an Amorphous Pd Layer to Promote Electrocatalysis.

Construction of core-shell structured electrocatalysts with a thin noble metal shell is an effective strategy for lowering the usage of the noble metal and improving electrocatalytic properties because of the structure-induced geometric and electronic effects. Here, the synthesis of a novel core-shell structured nanocatalyst consisting of a thin amorphous Pd shell and a crystalline PdCu core and its significantly improved electrocatalytic properties for both formic acid oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions are shown. The electrocatalyst exhibits 4.

Intelligent Optimization Design Framework for Alternating Current Pulse Modulation Electrohydrodynamic Printing Process Parameters.

To achieve efficient size tuning of printed microstructures on insulating substrates, an integrated process parameter intelligent optimization design framework for alternating current pulse modulation electrohydrodynamic (AC-EHD) printing is proposed for the first time. The framework is comprised of two stages: the construction of a prediction model and the acquisition of process parameters. The first stage employs the elk herd optimizer(EHO)-artificial neural network(ANN) to establish a mapping relationship between printing process parameters and the size of deposited droplets.

Neurological and Cognitive Effects of Hypothyroidism in Patients With Epilepsy: A Study on Anti-Seizure Medicines Therapy.

The primary objective of this study was to examine neurological disorders and cognitive impairments in patients with secondary hypothyroidism and epilepsy undergoing treatment with antiepileptic medications. The study included 184 patients divided into three groups: Group 1 (subclinical hypothyroidism, n = 60), Group 2 (manifest hypothyroidism, n = 64), and Group 3 (control, n = 60). Patients in Group 2 received levothyroxine therapy (initial dose of 25 μg/day, titrated to 50-100 μg/day), while Groups 1 and 2 were treated with anti-seizure medications (valproic acid, 40 mg/kg/day).

AIE-Active Antibacterial Photosensitizer Disrupting Bacterial Structure: Multicenter Validation against Drug-Resistant Pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global challenge in treating bacterial infections, creating an urgent need for broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents that can effectively combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Despite advancements in novel antimicrobial agents, many fail to comprehensively cover common resistant bacterial strains or undergo rigorous multi-center validation. Herein, a cationic AIE-active photosensitizers are developed, ITPM, derived from a triphenylamine-pyridine backbone to address the MDR challenge.

A Wenzel Interfaces Design for Homogeneous Solute Distribution Obtains Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

The coffee-ring effect, caused by uneven deposition of colloidal particles in perovskite precursor solutions, leads to poor uniformity in perovskite films prepared through large-area printing. In this work, the surface of SnO is roughened to construct a Wenzel model, successfully achieving a super-hydrophilic interface. This modification significantly accelerates the spreading of the perovskite precursor solution, reducing the response delay time of perovskite colloidal particles during the printing process.

Chronic stress resulting from stressful life events and its role in the onset of primary Sjögren's syndrome: a comparative analysis using the modified Holmes-Rahe stress scale.

Recent years brought considerable attention to the connection between chronic stress and the development of autoimmune diseases. However, little is still known about the impact of prolonged stress reactions on the onset and course of primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS). This study aimed to seek for associations between chronic stress, resulting from stressful life events, and pSS.

A multilevel framework for recruitment and retention in implementation trials: An illustrative example.

Background: Implementation and hybrid effectiveness-implementation trials aspire to speed the translation of science into practice by generating crucial evidence for improving the uptake of effective health interventions. By design, they pose unique recruitment and retention challenges due to their aims, units of analysis, and sampling plans, which typically require many clinical sites (i.e.

Macular Pigment Changes and Visual Recovery Following Successful Full-Thickness Macular Hole Closure Using the Inverted Flap Technique.

: This study aimed to assess the role of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in patients with a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) compared to healthy controls, evaluating postoperative changes in MPOD and exploring potential correlations with visual outcomes. : This prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study included 16 eyes from FTMH patients who achieved anatomical hole closure following pars plana vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique. Each eye underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including BCVA and intraocular pressure measurements, anterior segment evaluation, fundus examination, and macular assessment with Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT, Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering Inc.

Does Scapular and Thoracic Morphology Affect Latarjet Alpha Angle?

This study aimed to determine the relationship between alpha angle (the angle between the screws and the glenoid) and thoracic diameters in patients undergoing the Latarjet procedure. Defining the relationship between thoracic morphology and alpha angle is aimed at filling the gap in the literature and improving surgical outcomes. This retrospective study analyzed 74 patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2022 and 2024.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Peri-Implant Fractures Associated with Short Proximal Femur Nails: Prevention Strategies and Key Insights.

: Hip fractures are prevalent among the elderly and impose a significant burden on healthcare systems due to the associated high morbidity and costs. The increasing use of intramedullary nails for hip fracture fixation has inadvertently introduced risks; these implants can alter bone elasticity and create stress concentrations, leading to peri-implant fractures. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of peri-implant hip fractures, evaluate the potential causes of such fractures, determine the type of treatment provided, assess the outcomes of said treatments, and establish possible improvement strategies.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Phase III Clinical Trials.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood, leading to severe disability and negatively affecting patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the adoption, reporting and assessment methodology of HRQoL in phase III clinical trials involving children with JIA. An electronic and manual search was conducted to identify primary and secondary publications of pharmacological trials conducted between 2012 and 2023.

Effect of Combined Proteinuria and Increased Renal Resistive Index on Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

An increased renal resistive index (RRI) and proteinuria can predict an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of various causes. This study hypothesized that the RRI and proteinuria interact to determine disease progression in patients with CKDs of unknown origin. : One hundred and fifty six patients (age 76.

Gross Motor Development by Age and Functional Level in Children with Cerebral Palsy from 6 Months to 17 Years-A Norwegian Population-Based Registry Study.

Cerebral palsy is a complex lifespan disability caused by a lesion to the immature brain. Evaluation of interventions for children with cerebral palsy requires valid and reliable outcome measures. Motor development curves and reference percentiles for The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) are valuable tools for following, predicting, comparing, and evaluating changes in gross motor skills.

Lobectomy vs. MRgLITT in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE): A Pilot Study Investigating Vestibulo-Spatial Functions.

: About 65 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy, with temporal lobe epilepsy being the most common type resistant to drugs and often requiring surgical treatment. Although open surgical approaches, such as temporal lobectomy, have been the method of choice for decades, minimally invasive MRgLITT has demonstrated promising results. However, it remains unknown whether patients who underwent one of these two approaches would show better performance on vestibulo-spatial tasks.

Renal T1 Times on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Reflect Renal Dysfunction and Are Associated with Adverse Outcomes: Insights from an All-Comer Cohort.

Renal disease is common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with advanced mapping techniques is the gold standard for characterizing myocardial tissue, and renal tissue is often visualized on these maps. However, it remains unclear whether renal T1 times accurately reflect renal dysfunction or predict adverse outcomes.

Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

: Sexual dysfunction (SD) in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients is a common and distressing concern, although it remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. Indeed, the prevalence of SD in PD ranges from 42.6% to 79% in men and from 36% to 87.

Evaluation of Ocular Irritation Sensitivity: Implications of Clinical Parameters, Pain Sensitivity, and Tear Neuromediator Profiles.

Sensitivity to ocular irritation varies among individuals, being influenced by clinical, subjective, and biochemical factors. This study aimed to evaluate individual variability in ocular irritation sensitivity, focusing on clinical parameters, pain perception, and tear neuromediator profiles. Sixty female participants aged 20-40 were classified into high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity groups based on their response to an irritant (Tween20).

Correlation Between Voltage and Impedance Mapping in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) represents the cornerstone of paroxysmal (PAF) and persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) ablation. Impedance values provide insights on tissue conductive properties. Consecutive patients undergoing PAF and PsAF ablation were prospectively enrolled.

Relationship Between Inflammatory Readings and the Degree of Coronary Atherosclerosis (Pilot Study).

Some calculated total blood count readings are investigated as novel additional readings to help with evaluation of personalized CAD patients' clinical management and prognosis. We aimed to investigate the association between readings such as NLR, MLR, PLR, NMR, LMR, MHR, SII, and SIRI and the severity of CAD in patients with SAP. This retrospective pilot study included 166 patients.