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This prospective single-arm study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a refractive multifocal contact lens for the correction of presbyopia in 22 patients. The participants underwent clinical examinations before and 1 week after wearing a refractive multifocal contact lens (OptaCon ZOOM). The primary endpoints were the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA). Defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were analyzed. A slit-lamp examination was performed for safety analysis. Contact lens comfort and patient satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. No significant difference in CDVA was observed before and 1 week after refractive multifocal contact lens use (p = 0.127), whereas DCNVA was significantly improved after 1 week (p < 0.001). The contrast sensitivity was not significantly affected at any spatial frequency under mesopic or photopic conditions. OSDI was significantly increased (p = 0.023). The patient-reported satisfaction scores were 96.2, 91.9, and 85.0 out of 100 at far, intermediate, and near distances, respectively. No significant adverse events were observed. Refractive multifocal contact lenses improved near vision while maintaining distance vision in presbyopic patients, without compromising contrast sensitivity. The study results suggest that OptaCon ZOOM can be considered safe and effective for the correction of presbyopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are used in a range of energy storage applications, such as mobile phones, electronic devices, and automobiles. Some recent research on LIBs has looked at replacing carbonaceous anode materials with transition metal oxides due to their high theoretical capacity, ranging from 500 to 1000 mAh g−1. In particular, NiO is considered as one of the most promising options due to its high theoretical capacity (718 mAh g−1). Herein, a porous NiO/Ni anode is fabricated via freezing/drying followed by thermal oxidation. The fabricated porous NiO/Ni anode is then characterized using X‐ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The cycling performance of the freeze‐cast NiO/Ni anode is evaluated using a half‐coin cell test, and it demonstrates superior electrochemical performance and good cycling stability during the charging/discharging process. The freeze‐cast NiO/Ni anode also exhibits a higher rate performance when compared with that of commercial Ni foam and a conventional graphite anode. It is revealed that the initial crystalline surface oxide layer is amorphized, and the lattice defect density increases in the Ni struts during the lithiation process. However, these microstructure changes did not influence considerably the good electrochemical performance of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrin sealants and topical glue have been studied to reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) after pancreatico-enteric anastomosis, but a definitive innovation is still needed. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of fibrin sealant patch applied to pancreatico-enteric anastomosis to reduce postoperative complications, including POPF. Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective, randomized, phase IV trial involving three pancreaticobiliary surgeons. The primary outcome was POPF; secondary outcomes included complications, drain removal days, hospital stay, readmission rate, and cost. Risk factors for POPF were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 124 patients were enrolled. Biochemical leakage (BL) or POPF occurred in 16 patients (25.8%) in the intervention group and 23 patients (37.1%) in the control group (no statistical significance). Clinically relevant POPF occurred in 4 patients (6.5%) in both the intervention and control groups (p = 1.000). Hospital stay (11.6 days vs. 12.1 days, p = 0.585) and drain removal days (5.7 days vs. 5.3 days, p = 0.281) were not statistically different between two groups. Complication rates were not different between the two groups (p = 0.506); nor were readmission rates (12.9% vs. 11.3%, p = 1.000) or cost ($13,549 vs. $15,038, p = 0.103). In multivariable analysis, age and soft pancreas texture were independent risk factors for BL or POPF in this study. Applying fibrin sealant patch is not a negative risk factor, but the p value may indicate a likelihood of reducing the incidence of BL (p = 0.084). Conclusions: Fibrin sealant patches after pancreaticojejunostomy did not reduce the incidence of POPF or other postoperative complications. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03269955). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate whether the combination of inflammatory markers could provide predictive powers for mortality in individual patients on dialysis and develop a predictive model for mortality according to dialysis modality. Data for inflammatory markers were obtained at the time of enrollment from 3,309 patients on dialysis from a prospective multicenter cohort. Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to derive a prediction model of mortality and the integrated area under the curve (iAUC) was calculated to compare the predictive accuracy of the models. The incremental additions of albumin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), white blood count (WBC), and ferritin to the conventional risk factors showed the highest predictive powers for all-cause mortality in the entire population (NRI, 21.0; IDI, 0.045) and patients on peritoneal dialysis (NRI, 25.7; IDI, 0.061). The addition of albumin and hsCRP to the conventional risk factors markedly increased predictive powers for all-cause mortality in HD patients (NRI, 19.0; IDI, 0.035). The prediction model for all-cause mortality using conventional risk factors and combination of inflammatory markers with highest NRI value (iAUC, 0.741; 95% CI, 0.722–0.761) was the most accurate in the entire population compared with a model including conventional risk factors alone (iAUC, 0.719; 95% CI, 0.700–0.738) or model including only significant conventional risk factors and inflammatory markers (iAUC, 0.734; 95% CI, 0.714–0.754). Using multiple inflammatory markers practically available in a clinic can provide higher predictive power for all-cause mortality in patients on dialysis. The predictive model for mortality based on combinations of inflammatory markers enables a stratified risk assessment. However, the optimal combination for the predictive model was different in each dialysis modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Our study aims to evaluate the association between thigh muscle crosssectional area (TMA) using computed tomography (CT), or appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and physical performance levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Patients were included if they were on HD for ≥6 months (n = 84). ASM and TMA were adjusted to body weight (BW, kg) or height² (Ht², m²). Each participant performed a short physical performance battery test (SPPB), a sit-to-stand for 30 second test (STS30), a 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), a timed up and go test (TUG), and hand grip strength (HGS) test. Results: Correlation coefficients for SPPB, GS, 5STS, STS30, 6-MWT, and TUG were highest in TMA/BW. Results from partial correlation or linear regression analyses displayed similar trends to those derived from Pearson's correlation analyses. An increase in TMA/BW or TMA/Ht2 was associated with a decreased odds ratio of low SPPB, GS, or HGS in multivariate analyses. Indices using DEXA were associated with a decreased odds ratio of a low HGS only in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: TMA indices using CT may be more valuable in predicting physical performance or strength in HD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the increasing demands for advanced power sources, present-day lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) must provide a higher energy and power density and better cycling stability than conventional LIBs. This study suggests a promising electrode design solution to this problem using Cu, Co, and Ti scaffolds with a microscale porous structure synthesized via freeze-casting. CoO and TiO layers are uniformly formed on the Co and Ti scaffolds, respectively, through a simple thermal heat-treatment process, and a SnO layer is formed on the Cu scaffold through electroless plating and thermal oxidation. This paper characterizes and evaluates the physical and electrochemical properties of the proposed electrodes using scanning electron microscopy, four-point probe and coin-cell tests to confirm the feasibility of their potential use in LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Confirming the epidural space during epidural anesthesia relies mainly on feel and experience, which are difficult techniques for a trainee to learn. We designed an epidural simulator for trainees to experience loss of resistance (LOR) and various degrees of pressure resistance. Methods: The simulator consists of a Perifix LOR syringe and 1-, 5-, 10- and 50-mL syringes assembled by three-way stopcocks. A total of 89 anesthesiologists evaluated the simulator, given the choice of either the intermittent technique with air or continuous technique with saline. Sudden LOR and applicability of the simulator for training purposes were assessed using the numerical rating score (NRS). Pressure resistance at each lumbar structure was evaluated by the anesthesiologists using the intermittent technique with air. Results: Seventy-four anesthesiologists used the intermittent technique with air and 15 used the continuous technique with saline. The NRSs for sudden LOR and the applicability for training purposes were 8 and 9 (median), respectively. The pressure resistance to a 50-mL syringe was regarded as the epidural space (odds ratio 602.3 for 5-mL syringe and 144.4 for 10-mL syringe) by 89 % of anesthesiologists using air for LOR. Resistance to the 10-mL syringe was most frequently considered as muscle, subcutaneous fat, or the interspinous ligament, while resistance to the 1-mL syringe was considered as the ligamentum flavum (odds ratio 2.3 for 5-mL syringe and 18.6 for 10-mL syringe). Conclusions: Our epidural simulator is a simple, low-cost device that can be easily constructed. It was shown to provide valid haptic feedback as a promising tool for training novice anesthesiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reducible metal-organic framework (MOF), iron(III) trimesate, denoted as MIL-100(Fe), was investigated for the separation and purification of methane/ethane/ethylene/acetylene and an acetylene/CO2 mixtures by using sorption isotherms, breakthrough experiments, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations, and IR spectroscopic analysis. The MIL-100(Fe) showed high adsorption selectivity not only for acetylene and ethylene over methane and ethane, but also for acetylene over CO2. The separation and purification of acetylene over ethylene was also possible for MIL-100(Fe) activated at 423 K. According to the data obtained from operando IR spectroscopy, the unsaturated FeIII sites and surface OH groups are mainly responsible for the successful separation of the acetylene/ethylene mixture, whereas the unsaturated FeII sites have a detrimental effect on both separation and purification. The potential of MIL-100(Fe) for the separation of a mixture of C2H2/CO2 was also examined by using the IAST calculations and transient breakthrough simulations. Comparing the IAST selectivity calculations of C2H2/CO2 for four MOFs selected from the literature, the selectivity with MIL-100(Fe) was higher than those of CuBTC, ZJU-60a, and PCP-33, but lower than that of HOF-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective collaboration and communication among health care team members are critical for providing safe medical care. Interprofessional education aims to instruct healthcare students how to learn with, from, and about healthcare professionals from different occupations to encourage effective collaboration to provide safe and high-quality patient care. The purpose of this study is to confirm the effectiveness of Interprofessional education by comparing students' attitudes toward interprofessional learning before and after simulation-based interprofessional education, the perception of teamwork and collaboration between physicians and nurses, and the self-reported competency differences among students in interprofessional practice. Methods: The survey responses from 37 5th-year medical students and 38 4th-year nursing students who participated in an interprofessional education program were analyzed. The Attitude Towards Teamwork in Training Undergoing Designed Educational Simulation scale, the Jefferson Scale of Attitudes Toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration, and the Interprofessional Education Collaborative competency scale were used for this study. The demographic distribution of the study participants was obtained, and the perception differences before and after participation in interprofessional education between medical and nursing students were analyzed. Results: After interprofessional education, student awareness of interprofessional learning and self-competency in interprofessional practice improved. Total scores for the Jefferson Scale of Attitudes Toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration did not change significantly among medical students but increased significantly among nursing students. Additionally, there was no significant change in the perception of the role of other professions among either medical or nursing students. Conclusions: We observed an effect of interprofessional education on cultivating self-confidence and recognizing the importance of interprofessional collaboration between medical professions. It can be inferred that exposure to collaboration situations through Interprofessional education leads to a positive perception of interprofessional learning. However, even after their interprofessional education experience, existing perceptions of the role of other professional groups in the collaboration situation did not change, which shows the limitations of a one-time short-term program. This suggests that efforts should be made to ensure continuous exposure to social interaction experiences with other professions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of a High-Capacity NiO/Ni Foam Anode for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries In the article, number 2000351, the group of Jeno Gubicza and co-workers revealed that the Ni foam fabricated via freeze casting in combination with thermal oxidation is a promising canditate as an anode material in Li ion batteries. The as-processed Ni foam anode demonstrated good cycling and rate performance during charging/discharging process. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Medical school faculty members have been reported to be highly likely to suffer burnout. Research is being conducted on professional self-concepts as a factor that relieves burnout in many professions. However, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between professional self-concept and burnout among medical school faculty. Professional self-concept means a perception of oneself as a member of the profession. It influences an individual's thoughts, actions, and emotions. The more positive the professional self-concept, the higher is the self-esteem in the profession, which can contribute to reducing burnout. This study aimed to investigate the professional self-concept and incidence of burnout among medical school clinical faculty members, and to ascertain the factors that affect professional self-concept with respect to burnout. Methods: A total of 68 clinical faculty members at the Ajou University School of Medicine completed a modified form of the professional self-concept scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. We undertook the following statistical analyses: a descriptive analysis to understand the distribution of participants, correlation analysis to indicate associations between variables and a multiple regression analysis to examine the influence of gender, position, and specialty on professional self-concept and burnout, and the effect of each subscale of professional self-concept on burnout. Results: As professional self-concept increases, burnout decreases. There was no significant difference between professional self-concept and burnout with respect to gender or field of medical specialty, while a significant difference was observed across faculty position levels. Additionally, the professional self-concept subscale, which included satisfaction and communication skill, was found to significantly affect burnout. Conclusions: This study shows that professional self-concept affects burnout. Through these results, we can infer that professional self-concept functioned to protect medical school faculty from burnout. This may be a strategy that fortifies the professional identity of medical school faculty, and it is suggested that educational programs that are directed toward this goal be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the association between radiologic spinal pathology and the response to medial branches block (MBB). This retrospective observational study compared 165 patients. A successful response was defined as ≥30% or a 2-point reduction in the numeric rating scale (NRS) compared with the baseline at the 1-month follow-up. The facet angle, facet angle difference, facet joint degeneration, disc height and spondylolisthesis grade were analyzed from an MRI at the L3 to S1 levels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate independent factors associated with a successful response of MBB. In the univariate analysis, the disc height at L5–S1 and facet angle difference at L3–4 were lower in the positive responders (p = 0.022 and p = 0.087, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the facet angle difference at L3–4 and disc height at L5–S1 were independent factors associated with a successful response (odds ratio = 0.948; p = 0.038 and odds ratio = 0.864; p = 0.038, respectively). In patients with a degenerative disc at L5–S1, MBB can lead to a good response for at least one month. In patients with facet tropism at L3–4 level, the response to MBB after one month is likely to be poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous metals have attracted great attention for their functional and structural applications; however, they often possess limited applicability in their pure form for the areas requiring decent strength and corrosion resistance. In this study, pure copper (Cu), pure nickel (Ni), and Cu–Ni alloy foams with five different compositions are successfully fabricated using freeze casting, resulting in open‐pore structures with varied porosity (from 55% to 75%). Their varied morphologies and crystal sizes are compared, and the lattice parameters and crystal sizes are calculated. The corrosion resistance of the synthesized Cu–Ni alloy foams is superior to those of the pure Cu and Ni foams. The weight loss rate of the Cu7Ni3 alloy foam is six times and five times slower than those of the pure Ni and pure Cu foams in a sulfuric corrosive environment, respectively. The yield strength of Cu7Ni3 alloy foam (53 ± 2% porosity) is 72 ± 2 MPa and its yield strength when normalized by the Gibson‐Ashby model is the largest with a value of up to 852 ± 3 MPa. The elastic modulus and hardness values are varied in the range of 73.4–152.4 GPa and 1.6–4.7 GPa, respectively, depending on the composition of the alloy foam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]