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The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist semaglutide has revolutionized the treatment of obesity, with other gut hormone-based drugs lined up that show even greater weight-lowering ability in obese patients. Nevertheless, bariatric surgery remains the mainstay treatment for severe obesity and achieves unparalleled weight loss that generally stands the test of time. While their underlying mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood, it is clear that the common denominator between GLP-1R agonists and bariatric surgery is that they suppress food intake by targeting the brain. In this Review, we highlight recent preclinical studies using contemporary neuroscientific techniques that provide novel concepts in the neural control of food intake and body weight with reference to endogenous GLP-1, GLP-1R agonists, and bariatric surgery. We start in the periphery with vagal, intestinofugal, and spinal sensory nerves and then progress through the brainstem up to the hypothalamus and finish at non-canonical brain feeding centers such as the zona incerta and lateral septum. Further defining the commonalities and differences between GLP-1R agonists and bariatric surgery in terms of how they target the brain may not only help bridge the gap between pharmacological and surgical interventions for weight loss but also provide a neural basis for their combined use when each individually fails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution because of the presence of heavy metals remains a serious worry. The present work demonstrates the exclusion of cobalt ion (or Co(II)) from water using novel and cost-effective biosorbents. Initially, the biosorbent was chemically modified using orthophosphoric acid and then subjected to calcination to result acid modified date seed biochar (AMDB). Three biosorbents (AMDB400, AMDB500, and AMDB600) were synthesized concerning different activation temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C). The maximum biosorption of Co(II) was achieved on AMDB600 (149.5 mg/g), followed by AMDB500 (138.33 mg/g), and ADMB400 (129.17 mg/g). For all three biosorbents, the Co(II) removal remained effective within 50–100 min; later it reached saturation. The kinetic analysis suggested strong Co(II) adsorption on AMDB surfaces. The Co(II)-AMDB biosorption data fits well with Temkin isotherm, indicating the heterogeneity on the biosorbent surface and no interaction between adsorbed Co(II)-Co(II) species. The thermodynamic analysis suggested the exothermic and spontaneous adsorption. The intraparticle diffusion of Co(II) within the biosorbent was surface diffusion controlled, as characterized by pore volume and surface diffusion model. The biosorbent reusability was 88.7% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. Thus, presently synthesized biosorbent could be novel and cost-effective for Co(II) and other heavy metal elimination from water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the green synthesis of Zn-MnO nanocomposites via the fungus Penicillium rubens. Herein, the synthesized Zn-MnO nanocomposites were confirmed by UV-spectrophotometry with a top peak (370 nm). Transmission electron microscopy confirmed irregular particles with a spherical-like shape ranging from 25.13 to 36.21 nm. Numerous functional groups were detected on the surface of Zn-MnO nanocomposite via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. X-Ray diffraction assay appeared that the synthesized Zn-MnO nanocomposites contained two different components, MnO (JCPDS 81-2261) and ZnO (JCPDS 36-1451), while energy dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the occurrence of manganese, zinc, oxygen, and carbon in Zn-MnO nanocomposites. Zn-MnO nanocomposites demonstrated excellent suppress effect versus the growth of various bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumoniae via agar well diffusion assays with inhibition areas of 36 ± 0.1, 25 ± 0.1, 27 ± 0.2, and 23 ± 0.2 mm, correspondingly. Alterations in the ultrastructure of the treated K. pneumoniae by Zn-MnO nanocomposite were recorded. Both the values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of Zn-MnO nanocomposite extended from 15.62 to 125 µg/mL employing the examined bacteria. The antibiofilm activity of Zn-MnO nanocomposites was 82.07, 75.43, 43.65, and 41.35% at 25% MIC, and 96.54, 93.0, 94.53, and 91.11% at 75% MIC against S. aureus, MRSA, K. pneumoniae, and S. typhi, respectively. At 25 to 75% MIC, Zn-MnO nanocomposites exhibited antihemolytic activity with the maximum activity of 96.3% at 75% MIC in the presence of MRSA. Extensive molecular docking studies were performed to identify the optimal location for manganese oxide and zinc oxide nanoclusters binding to MRSA. MnO-NPs and ZnO-NPs demonstrated inhibitory activity against the crystal structure of putative minohydrolase (PDB ID: 4EWT), methicillin acyl-penicillin binding protein 2a structure (PDB ID: 1MWU) and K2U bound crystal structure of class II peptide deformylase from MRSA (PDB ID: 6JFQ). The minimum binding energy was utilized to estimate the receptor’s binding site with NPs, providing additional understanding of the ways of action. Anti-inflammatory activity of Zn-MnO nanocomposites via cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes inhibition was documented with IC50 doses of 20.81 ± 0.68 µg/mL and 35.87 ± 1.35 µg/mL, respectively. Based on these outcomes, it was concluded that Zn-MnO nanocomposites could be useful agents for the management of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variability in long-term endovascular treatment outcomes for intracranial aneurysms has prompted questions regarding the effects of these treatments on aneurysm hemodynamics. Endovascular techniques disrupt aneurysmal blood flow and shear, but their influence on intra-aneurysmal pressure remains unclear. A better understanding of aneurysm pressure effects may aid in predicting outcomes and guiding treatment decisions. Methods: Medium and large aneurysm models with intramural pressure taps on the dome and parent artery were designed and 3D-printed with vessel-like physical properties from UV-cured materials. The models were connected to a comprehensive flow system consisting of a pulsatile pump and a viscosity-matched blood analog. The system provided physiological pressure and flow control. Real-time pressures were recorded in the aneurysm dome and parent artery during initial placement of coils, stents, flow diverters, and temporary balloons under simulated surgical conditions. Coiling, stent-assisted coiling, and flow diverter placement were performed in both aneurysm sizes. Temporary balloon placement was performed in a large aneurysm model. Results: Coiling resulted in 24–30% packing density and diminished intra-aneurysmal flow. Flow diverter placement reduced intra-aneurysmal flow with near complete flow interruption after placement of three consecutive devices across the aneurysm neck. Compared to untreated controls, real-time pressure measurements during coiling and flow diversion showed minimal changes (< 5%) in intra-aneurysmal pressures. Temporary balloon occlusion blocked the parent artery, increasing the pressure proximal to the site of occlusion (by 9%), and reducing the pressure distally (by 14%). This maneuver also dampened intra-aneurysmal pressure to the average distal vessel pressure measurement. Positive control aneurysm models were 3D-printed with a sealed, "healed" neck. These controls verified a sealed neck eliminates intra-aneurysmal pressure. Conclusion: Findings quantified minimal changes in intra-aneurysmal pressure during and immediately post-coiling and flow diversion. Intra-aneurysmal flow disruption alone has negligible impact on intra-aneurysmal pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of progression (FoP) is a stressful psychosocial condition that affects health and quality of life. Breast cancer is recognized as the most prevalent cancer among women globally. This study aims to determine the prevalence of FoP, coping strategies, and associated factors among Malaysian female breast cancer survivors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 242 female breast cancer patients recruited from the south of Malaysia using simple random sampling method. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, coping strategies and FoP level. Factors associated with FoP were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. The mean age was 55.1 (± 10.9) years. Majority of them were Malays, attained secondary ducation and above, married, unemployed, and in advanced cancer stages. Most patients had low FoP levels, with a smaller proportion having moderate-to-high FoP levels (10.7%). Higher education (AOR = 5.10, P = 0.050), being employed (AOR = 3.85, P = 0.020), advanced can cer stage (AOR = 4.23, P = 0.030), and adoption of avoidant coping strategy (AOR = 1.19, P = 0.009), were associated with higher FoP level. The level of FoP is low among Malaysian females with breast cancer. Higher levels of FoP were associated with higher educational levels, employment status, advanced cancer stage, and utilization of avoidant coping strategies. The fundamental cognitive process mainly affects FoP, rather than disease-related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study represents a comprehensive theoretical attempt to elucidate the dehydration mechanism of 1,3-Butanediol (1,3-BDO) using density functional methods, M06-2X and ωB97XD, as well as the ab initio composite method, complete basis set-quadratic Becke3 (CBS-QB3). The study revealed the atomization enthalpy (AE), bond dissociation energy (BDE), ionization energies (IE), and electron affinities (EA) of the parent molecule 1,3-BDO and all formed products at different levels of quantum chemistry. The obtained results were also compared against available theoretical and experimental data for mechanism validation. Thermodynamically, the results illustrated that despite the low barrier height of TS2, the pathway leading to 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD) formation is considered the most favorable, while the formation of 1,2-butadiene (1,2-BD) is less likely. From the analysis of BDE, the inner alcoholic OH group is stronger than the terminal one by 6.4 kJ/mol, and the terminal alcoholic O–H bond is weaker by 6.8 kJ/mol, indicating the higher acidity of the terminal alcoholic OH group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research used satellite imagery data to conduct a regional-based potential assessment for solar photovoltaic generating in the northern section of Nigeria. The mean annual global solar radiation from satellite image data was calculated and to compare it with meteorological data, the study area's temperature was ascertained using satellite images. ArcGIS was also used to determine the appropriateness axis for the development of solar photovoltaic stations in the northern part of Nigeria. Photovoltaic technology was utilized to transform the calculated amounts of solar radiation on a global scale into potential electrical energy. Results: The findings show that the northeast region has the highest annual mean value of global solar radiation (2179.5 kilowatts-hours/square-meter/Year), followed by the northwest region (2137.5 kilowatts-hours/square-meter/Year), and the north central region (1909.6 kilowatts-hours/square-meter/Year). The influence of global solar radiation also caused an increase in temperature. With an area value of 174,886 kilometer-square, the northeast region has the greatest suited axis for the development of solar PV stations, followed by the north central region (145,187 kilometer-square) and the northwest region (127,470 kilometer-square). The greatest photovoltaic technology, single-crystalline silicon (500.5 Gigawatts), is followed by multi-crystalline silicon (462.5 Gigawatts), cadmium-telluride (362.7 Gigawatts), and amorphous-silicon (81.10202.8 Gigawatts), which has the lowest value. Conclusions: It is discovered that Nigeria's north receives more solar radiation from the sun than the rest of the country, and that the region has the ability to produce enough electricity to power the entire nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A substantial share of patients at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) fail to achieve control of CVD risk factors, but clinicians lack a structured approach to identify these patients. We applied machine learning to longitudinal data from two completed randomized controlled trials among 1502 individuals with diabetes in urban India and Pakistan. Using commonly available clinical data, we predict each individual's risk of failing to achieve CVD risk factor control goals or meaningful improvements in risk factors at one year after baseline. When classifying those in the top quartile of predicted risk scores as at risk of failing to achieve goals or meaningful improvements, the precision for not achieving goals was 73% for HbA1c, 30% for SBP, and 24% for LDL, and for not achieving meaningful improvements 88% for HbA1c, 87% for SBP, and 85% for LDL. Such models could be integrated into routine care and enable efficient and targeted delivery of health resources in resource-constrained settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the development and analysis of magnesium-based metal matrix composites reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and tin (Sn) micro-particles. Employing the AZ31 alloy as the substrate material, these composites are fabricated using the bottom pouring stir-casting method. The research aims to assess the microstructural characteristics, micro-hardness, and tensile behavior of the AZ31 alloy and its composites, which feature 1.5 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles and varying levels of tin (Sn) content. Optical microscope analysis reveals uniform dispersion of TiO2 particles throughout the matrix, with noticeable clustering along grain boundaries. Grain size reduction is observed upon Sn addition, potentially contributing to improved mechanical properties. Microhardness testing shows enhanced hardness in TiO2-reinforced composites, attributed to TiO2 nanoparticles' reinforcing effect and tin's solid solution strengthening. Tensile testing significantly enhances ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength with TiO2 reinforcement, increasing Sn content to 6 wt%. However, excessive Sn addition (> 6 wt%) increases porosity and particle clustering, decreasing tensile characteristics. The altered textural properties induced by TiO2 nanoparticles contribute to improved tensile properties, while excessive Sn content leads to brittle fracture behaviour. This study provides valuable insights into the microstructural and mechanical behaviour of AZ31-based composites, offering guidance for future composite material design and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have been done on salicin (SA), which is a strong anti-inflammatory. Angiogenesis is an important mechanism for the growth of cancer, and inhibiting it is an effective antitumor treatment method. However, its widespread use in treating cancer is constrained by its poor bioavailability at tumor locations and inferior pharmacokinetics. The present investigation aimed to synthesize salicin-loaded nanoparticles (SANPs) and evaluate the antitumor potential of the SANPs using human MCF-7 cancer cells. SANPs were developed using the nanoprecipitation method, and they were examined using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SANPs provide a persistent pattern of drug delivery, as shown by the UV spectroscopic measurement of the in vitro drug release. SANPs were discovered to be more cytotoxic than free SA in MCF-7 cells using an MTT-based colorimetric test. In addition, in contrast to treatment with free SA in MCF-7 cells, treatment with SANPs dramatically enhanced the lipid peroxidation status (TBARS) values (P < 0.05) and intracellular ROS, and lowered GSH levels. Additionally, it was found that cancer cells had considerably changed apoptotic indicators, such as nuclear fragmentation and membrane blebbing, and mitochondrial membrane potential after being treated with SANPs. Together, the current study shows that the produced SANPs and free SA have anticancer potential in vitro in breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft-tissue sarcomas are uncommon, aggressive, and histologically heterogeneous, malignant tumors. Soft-tissue tumor types have different age and anatomical site distributions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and incidence of soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with primary soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities and pelvis between January 2006 and December 2015. The data were obtained from the Saudi Cancer Registry. Means and confidence intervals were reported for numerical variables, whereas the frequencies and percentages were reported for categorical variables. The chi-squared test and analysis of variance were used to test the associations between categorical numerical variables. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the hazard ratios for each sarcoma type. Of the 659 patients, 145 (22%) were aged 19–30 years, 365 (55.4%) were men, and 411 (62.4%) had lower limb sarcoma. Most of the tumors (54.3%) were localized. The incidence of sarcoma ranged from 2 to 2.9 cases per one million (average, 2.4 cases per one million). Moreover, liposarcoma was the most commonly diagnosed (n = 135; 20.5%), followed by undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 87; 13.2%). The incidence of soft-tissue sarcomas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were lower than those in Western countries. However, the distribution of soft-tissue sarcoma subtypes was similar to those in other countries. The survival rates in this study highlight the need for continued research and targeted interventions to improve the outcomes of patients with soft-tissue sarcomas, especially those with more aggressive subtypes, such as sarcoma not otherwise specified and rhabdomyosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, gold nanoparticle-doped WO3 and nanostructured tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films were produced via chemical spray pyrolysis. The process involved applying a thin layer of material to a glass substrate at 250 °C. The electrical and optical characteristics of films with different doping levels were ascertained using transmittance and absorbance spectra, electrical conductivity and resistivity tests, and so forth. The features of the un doped and doped films were then evaluated electrically in order to determine their conductivity, resistivity, charge carrier, and activation energy. The findings showed that Au was a major factor in film resistivity and that film resistivity decreased with increasing doping concentration. The films had a high NIR transmittance and were also semi-conductor. The formation of additional oxygen-deficient W18O49 phases may result in an increase in the density of oxygen deficit in the film, which could explain the observed decrease in band gap energy with more gold incorporation. Additionally, Au increased the refractive index because of crystallinity deterioration, which may alter the structure and bonding arrangement, and increased polarizability of the larger Au atomic radius relative to the W atomic radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of heavy metals, such as lead, from industrial wastewater is imperative due to their detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. This study delves into investigating the feasibility of employing a novel adsorbent, specifically a silica/klucel nanocomposite, for effectively extract lead from industrial effluents. The synthesis of this nanocomposite involved a simple and cost-effective method, combining silica nanoparticles with klucel. XRD, FTIR, E-SEM, Raman, and N2 gas adsorption at − 196 °C tools were employed to prospect the formation of silica/klucel nanocomposite. Outstandingly, treating 50 ml of 50 mg/l of lead with 10 mg of adsorbent exhibited rapid removal, which reached a maximum (95%) at 60 min contact time. The resulting composite demonstrated remarkable adsorption capabilities, primarily attributed to two factors: the expansive surface area of silica nanoparticles 139.1 m2/g and the porous structure provided by klucel. Through batch adsorption experiments, the nanocomposite's proficiency in removing lead ions from aqueous solutions became evident. The kinetics of the adsorption process were found to adhere closely to a pseudo-second-order model, hinting at chemical adsorption as the rate-determining step. Langmuir isotherm model revealed that lead ions tend to form a monolayer on the surface of the nanocomposite and the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) was 63.938 mg/g. Additionally, the nanocomposite, exhibited notable stability and could be reused multiple times, where 65% removal efficiency was announced until the 7th cycle without significant degradation in performance. In summary, the silica/klucel nanocomposite emerges as a promising and eco-friendly adsorbent for removing lead from industrial effluents. Its efficient performance and sustainability offer a compelling solution to combat heavy metal contamination, thereby contributing to environmental preservation and human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new deep-learning approach incorporating a superfluity mechanism to categorize knee X-ray images into osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal classes. The superfluity mechanism suggests the use of two distinct types of blocks. The rationale is that, unlike a conventional serially stacked layer, the superfluity concept involves concatenating multiple layers, enabling features to flow into two branches rather than a single branch. Two knee datasets have been utilized for training, validating, and testing the proposed model. We use transfer learning with two pre-trained models, AlexNet and ResNet50, comparing the results with those of the proposed model. The results indicate that the performance of the pre-trained models, namely AlexNet and ResNet50, was inferior to that of the proposed Superfluity DL architecture. The Superfluity DL model demonstrated the highest accuracy (85.42% for dataset1 and 79.39% for dataset2) among all the pre-trained models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) poses significant challenges for sustainable construction practices. OPC manufacturing emits substantial greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and demands extensive raw materials. In pursuit of greener alternatives, researchers explore geopolymer concrete (GPC), a revolutionary material that entirely replaces OPC, comprising industrial wastes/by-products activated through an alkaline solution. The study aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating quarry rock dust (QRD) into GPC production for environmentally sustainable structural applications. Circular columns (200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length) were formulated using GPC blends with fly ash, slag (SG), and QRD as a partial SG replacement. The structural performance of these columns, with and without steel fiber reinforcement, was evaluated under varied loading conditions. Results show that QRD is a valuable ingredient in GPC for structural concrete elements, offering performance comparable to traditional OPC concrete. Furthermore, the incorporation of steel fibers significantly enhances the peak axial loads, displacement response, and overall performance of GPC columns with or without QRD. Fiber-reinforced GPC columns demonstrated approximately 8–10% higher ultimate load capacity than equivalent OPC columns. Eccentricity was found to significantly reduce ductility, but fiber reinforcement offers substantial ductility improvements (25–55%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trifluoromethyl arenes (Ar–CF3) are amongst the commonly encountered fluorinated substructures in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material sciences. However, predominant methods to access Ar–CF3 possess several limitations, including harsh conditions, lack of availability of substrates, and poor regioselectivity, which combined restrict access to desirable highly functionalized Ar–CF3-containing compounds. To expand the scope of accessible Ar–CF3-based molecules, we present an orthogonal deoxyfluoroalkylation/aromatization approach that exploits readily accessible and programable cyclohexan(en)one substrates, which undergo a reliable 1,2-addition reaction with the Ruppert-Prakash reagent (TMSCF3) followed by aromatization to deliver highly functionalized Ar–CF3 compounds in a one/two-pot sequence. This general strategy enables access to highly substituted Ar–CF3-containing molecules that are difficult, expensive, and/or impossible to access by current synthetic methods. Trifluoromethyl arenes are amongst the commonly encountered fluorinated substructures in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material sciences. Herein, the authors report a deoxytrifluoromethylation/aromatization strategy that converts readily available cyclohexan(en)one substrate into highly substituted trifluoromethyl arenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the experimental results of a wide flat amplification bandwidth utilizing a partial double-pass hybrid fiber amplifier are demonstrated. Double-pass Raman gain at long band (L-band) wavelength region and single-pass erbium gain at conventional band (C-band) wavelength region are achieved. To achieve these two bands, two different laser pump units with a wavelength of 1495 and 1480 nm were used for Raman and erbium amplifier, respectively. The total pump power used is 490 mW (450 mW for Raman amplifier and 40 mW for erbium amplifier). At small input signal power region (− 30 dBm), a wide flat amplification bandwidth of 85 nm from 1530 to 1615 nm is obtained with an average gain level of 35 dB. The same flat amplification bandwidth is achieved for large input signal power (−5 dBm) with an average gain level of 16 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polynomial approach has previously been proposed for modelling the optical response of electromagnetic waves propagating across lossless multilayer thin films when a voltage is applied. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the propagation of electromagnetic plane waves in lossless, nonmagnetic multilayer thin films under the influence of external transverse voltage. The main objectives of this research are to analyse the optical response of thin films subjected to varying numbers of layers. The model involves introducing an external transverse potential to the multilayer thin films to evaluate the impact on the optical response. External voltage can provide a means to actively tune and control the optical properties of multilayer thin films. By applying a transverse voltage, it becomes possible to modify the reflectance, transmittance, and absorption spectra of the films. This ability to dynamically manipulate the optical behaviour opens up new avenues for designing reconfigurable and adaptive optical devices with versatile functionalities. In this present article, the optical responses of electromagnetic waves propagating through multilayer thin films fabricated from calcium fluoride and silicon dioxide are being modelled and generated using the WT code. Both CaF2 and SiO2 are lossless materials. CaF2 and SiO2, being largely different in resistivity, are expected to display an enhanced effect in the accumulation of charge at the interfaces of adjacent layers. Simulations are performed on the optical response of multilayer CaF2/SiO2 thin films subjected to a tuneable transverse potential. The model is computationally implemented in a MATLAB program written by the author, dubbed the Wave Tensor (WT) code. The study demonstrates that the WT code efficiently and reliably predicts the optical response of thin films containing alternating lossless-lossless materials. The optical responses are obtained for different numbers of thin film layers and at various values of external transverse potential. The results show that the impact of the thickness of layers is greater than that of applying transverse voltage. In other words, the effect of the propagation matrices is stronger than the interface matrices. The variance in resistivity of adjacent layers partially enhances the influence of the interface matrices when applying a transverse voltage, leading to more significant effects on the curves of reflections and transmissions. The significance of the obtained results lies in their potential applications in optoelectronic devices and Nano photonics. Understanding and controlling the optical properties of thin films under external electrical fields can enhance the performance of devices such as optical filters, waveguides, and photodetectors. Moreover, the findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions in layered structures and offer insights into the design and optimization of future nanostructured systems (Malek in Opt Quantum Electron 55:196, 2023; Al-Dossari in Opt Quantum Electron 55:484, 2023; Aly in Ismail Polym Bull, 2023; Aly in Sci Rep 13:9422, 2023). This research elucidates the optical behaviour of multilayer thin films under external transverse voltage and establishes a foundation for further investigations in the field (Shabat in Phys Scr 67:147, 2003; Taya in Optik Stuttg 122:666, 2011). The outcomes contribute to both applied and fundamental aspects of thin film optics and pave the way for future advancements in developing innovative optoelectronic devices and Nano photonic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex nonlinear Fokas–Lenells (FL) equation to obtain the explicit travelling wave solutions under different values parameters such as solitary wave solutions, kink solitary wave solutions and periodic wave solutions and others solutions are studied using the dynamical system approach. Also, the optical solitons for the FL equation, as well as the plane-wave, complex dark-singular, and complex periodic-singular solutions are obtained via the e x p (- Φ (ζ)) expansion method. In conclusion, graphical representations of these solutions are provided so that the dynamics of these waves can be viewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To study the association of pro-inflammatory markers with incident diabetes in India. Methods: We did a nested case–control study within the CARRS (Centre for Ardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia) cohort. Of the 5739 diabetes-free individuals at the baseline, 216 participants with incident diabetes and 432 age-, gender- and city-matched controls at 2-year follow-up were included. We measured high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), adiponectin, leptin and fetuin-A in the stored baseline blood samples. We did multivariate conditional logistic regression to estimate association of inflammatory markers (as quartiles) and incident diabetes. Covariates were baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipids, body mass index (BMI), family history of diabetes, smoking and alcohol use. Results: Baseline hsCRP and TNF-α were higher, and IL-6 and adiponectin were lower among cases vs. controls. In multivariate conditional logistic regression models, only quartile-3 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.96 [95% CI:1.39, 6.30]) and quartile-4 (OR: 2.58 [95% CI: 1.15, 5.79]) of TNF-α and quartile-4 of MCP-1 (OR: 2.55 [95% CI: 1.06, 6.16]) were positively associated with diabetes after adjusting for baseline FPG and BMI. These associations did not remain after adjusting for family history. High level (quartile-4) of IL-6 was negatively associated with diabetes after adjusting for all factors (OR: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.06, 0.55]). Conclusions: Higher TNF-α and MCP-1 levels and lower IL-6 were associated with higher risk of developing diabetes. Better understanding and potential methods of addressing these biomarkers, especially in relation to family history, are needed to address diabetes in South Asians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modal gain of the undoped and doped B 0.1 In 0.9 P / GaP and B 0.1 In 0.9 P / BP quantum dot (QD) structures are studied due to their importance, especially in Si-based devices. The first structure has three peaks, while the second structure has two peaks, where the first excited state (ES) peak is contained in the ground state (GS) one. The second ES peak is the highest for both structures. The B 0.1 In 0.9 P / GaP structure has a dip absorption results from the fourth state transition, peaked at 765 nm wavelength and covers the wavelength spectrum 600 - 2480 nm . The modal gain of B 0.1 In 0.9 P / BP QD structure doubles the other structure, peaked at 775 nm , and its spectrum covers 600 - 1360 nm . The difference in the bandwidth of their spectra comes from the bandgap difference of their barriers. In both structures, doping changes the spectrum from absorption to gain, indicating its high importance in increasing gain. For these two structures as QD semiconductor optical amplifiers (QDSOAs), the signal gain is increased by two orders compared to Sb-based QDSOAs and by one order compared to InGaAs / GaAs QDSOAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation revolved around the study of the time fractional Gardner equation, which was examined in terms of the conformable derivative. The reduction of the Gardner equation to an integer order nonlinear ordinary differential equation was carried out, and subsequently, the resulting equations were solved using the Jacobi elliptic function method. The construction of exact solutions, including solitary wave, periodic, and shock wave solutions, for the fractional order of the Gardner equation was performed. A comparison between the exact solutions and the fractional solutions was presented. This work is important because the suggested technique offers a simple and efficient way to examine a wide range of nonlinear fractional differential equations. By employing this approach, it becomes possible to solve several nonlinear time-fractional differential equations that involve conformable derivatives. The graphical representation of the resulting data simplifies the process of determining the physical significance of the equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their unparallel flexibility, conductivity, and transparency, silver nanowires (AgNWs) as high performance transparent conductive electrodes became potential in sundry applications (such as touch-screen, photovoltaics, and flexible optoelectronics). Nevertheless, the poor adhesion of AgNWs to flexible substrates and susceptibility to air-mediated oxidation make them unfavorable unless inhibited. Thus, some high quality aluminum nitride (AlN)-decorated AgNWs (AlN–AgNWs) were made on different substrates (glass, paper, and plastic) and characterized. The spray deposition, polyol, and radio frequency sputtering methods were used to produce the specimens. The role of various substrates on the performance of these AlN-decorated NWs was determined. The electrode made of AlN/AgNWs/glass and AlN/AgNWs/plastic displayed very high transmittance of 80.21% and 79.16% at 550 nm, and high sheet resistance of 62.3 Ω/sq and 150.3 Ω/sq, respectively. It was asserted that the adhesive and protective AlN coating on the AgNWs can significantly improve their durability without affecting the optical and electrical conductivity. In short, the fabricated electrodes demonstrated excellent performance, indicating their diverse practical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AZ31/1.5TiO2 metal matrix composite is added with different Sn (Tin) weight percentages to study the impacts on in vitro degradation and wear behaviour in simulated body fluid. The AZ31-xSn/1.5TiO2 (x = 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt%) composites were synthesized using stir casting. The microstructure of the alloy and the composites confirmed the existence of the intermetallic compound Mg17Al12 along the grain boundaries. When Sn was added, it dissolved in the Mg matrix and precipitated as an intermetallic compound (Mg2Sn). The Mg(OH)2 protective layer was found on the surface of the alloy and composites during the immersion test in simulated body fluid. As the immersion time increased to 48 hours, the layer started to break down, and corrosion pits appeared. The wear tests revealed that the simulated body fluid's lubrication effect effectively reduced the coefficient of friction (CoF) of the composites compared to dry sliding. But the corrosiveness of simulated body fluid resulted in a higher wear rate than under dry sliding conditions. Increasing the Sn content up to 6% improves wear resistance, and further Sn addition increases wear rate. The results of the worn surface morphology confirmed that abrasion was the dominant wear mechanism in dry sliding and simulated body fluid conditions. The increased oxygen content established the corrosion in simulated body fluid conditions in EDS spectra and corrosion pits on the worn surface morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A randomized, double-masked, multicenter, phase 2 trial to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of travoprost intraocular implant, an extended-release drug delivery system designed to provide uninterrupted sustained intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering therapy, thereby reducing patient treatment burden and improving adherence with IOP-lowering medication. Methods: Patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were administered a fast-eluting implant (FE implant, n = 51) and received twice-daily (BID) placebo eye drops, a slow-eluting (SE implant, n = 54) and received BID placebo eye drops, or underwent a sham surgical procedure and received BID timolol 0.5% (n = 49). IOP was measured at baseline, day 1–2, day 10, week 4, week 6, month 3, and every 3 months thereafter through 36 months. Efficacy was evaluated by mean change from 8:00 AM unmedicated baseline IOP through month 36, and the percentage of patients receiving the same or fewer topical IOP-lowering medications as at screening (pre-study). Safety was evaluated by adverse events and ophthalmic parameters. Results: Clinically and statistically relevant IOP-lowering treatment effects were observed through month 36 after a single administration of the travoprost implant compared with BID timolol with mean IOP reductions ranging from 7.6 to 8.8 mmHg for the FE implant group, from 7.3 to 8.0 mmHg for the SE implant group, and from 7.3 to 7.9 for the timolol group at the 8:00 AM timepoint (P < 0.0001 for all treatment groups at all visits). At months 12, 24, and 36, a greater percentage of FE and SE implant patients versus timolol patients were well controlled on the same or fewer topical IOP-lowering medications compared with screening with 63 and 69% for the FE and SE implants groups, respectively, versus 45% for the timolol group at month 36. The safety profile of the implant was favorable; there were no dislodgements, no explantations, no adverse events of conjunctival hyperemia or periorbital fat atrophy, no discontinuations due to study eye adverse events, nor any serious adverse events in the study eye. Comparable changes from baseline in corneal endothelial cell counts were observed in the three treatment groups over the 36 months. Conclusion: The travoprost intraocular implant demonstrated robust IOP-lowering and substantially reduced topical IOP-lowering medication burden for up to 36 months following a single administration, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The travoprost intraocular implant promises to be a meaningful addition to the interventional glaucoma armamentarium by addressing the key shortcomings of topical IOP-lowering medications, including low adherence and topical side effects while controlling IOP for up to 36 months. Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02754596 registered 28 April 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined solar irradiance by satellite images and converted it into electrical power using different type's photovoltaic technology. The process was done using the Aeronautical reconnaissance coverage geographical information system (ArcGIS). The mean annual global solar irradiance were calculated for the entire NES, while ArcGIS weighting overlay was used to determine the suitability area for the conversion. According to the study, Yobe received the higher global solar irradiance with an annual mean value of 2264.69 kWh/m2/year, followed by Borno 2244.94 Kwh/m2/year, Bauchi 2208.52 Kwh/m2/year, Gombe 2167.03 Kwh/m2/year Adamawa 2154.93 Kwh/m2/year, while Taraba has the least amount of global solar irradiance of 2017.96 kWh/m2/year. The suitable areas for Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe are as follows: 12,042.2, 17,069.1, 39,426.3, and 6755.99 Km2, 4924.82, and 23,215.5 Km2, respectively. And the electrical energy determined for different types of photovoltaic technology, i.e., Single-crystalline-silicon, Multi-crystalline-silicon, Amorphous-Silicon and Cadmium-Telluride for Adamawa, 194.3 MW, 179.8, 77.73 MW and 140.7 MW, Bauchi 306.4, 283.4, 122.6 and 222.1 MW Borno1101, 1019, 440.5 and 798.5 MW Gombe, 132.2, 122.3, 52.90 and 95.87 MW, Taraba 19.06, 17.63, 7.623 and 13.83 MW, Yobe 623.0, 576.3, 294.2 and 451.7 MW, respectively. It has been concluded that northeast states are blessed with abundant solar irradiance, which is suitable for installing a photovoltaic station, and single crystalline silicon is the best photovoltaic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Tibial shaft fractures are the most common type of long-bone fractures. External fixation (EF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN) are widely used surgical techniques for the definitive fixation of open tibial shaft fractures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare EF to IMN for the definitive fixation of open tibial fractures. Methods: Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched for eligible studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared EF to IMN for skeletally mature adults with open tibial fracture (Gustilo I, II, and III). We evaluated the following outcomes: superficial infection, pin-track infection, deep infection, malunion, nonunion, delayed union, and implant/hardware failure. The risk ratio (RR) was used to represent the desired outcomes. The statistical analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Results: A total of 12 RCTs that enrolled 1090 participants were deemed eligible for the analysis. EF showed a significantly higher rate of superficial infection, pin track infection, and malunion compared to IMN (RR = 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34 to 3.95; RR = 13.52, 95% CI: 6.16 to 29.66; RR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.73, respectively). No substantial difference was found between EF and IMN in terms of deep infection, nonunion, delayed union, or implant/hardware failure (RR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.98; RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.10; RR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.33; RR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.60, respectively). Discussion: The findings of our meta-analysis are consistent with the previous systematic reviews excepts for the implant/hardware failure which was found to be significant in favour of IMN by one of the previous reviews. Conclusion: This meta-analysis confirms that IMN is better than EF with respect to clinical outcomes and complication rate for the definitive fixation of open tibial fracture. Highlights: External fixation (EF) and intramedullary nailing (IN) are widely used for the definitive fixation of open tibial fractures. IMN is more preferred as it is associated with lower risk of infection. Recent randomized clinical trials demonstrated similar risk of infection between the two surgical techniques. We aimed to provide an updated meta-analysis comparing EF to IMN for the definitive fixation of open tibial fractures with respect to infection rate and fracture healing problems. Our review revealed that IMN offers lower rates of superficial infection, pin-track infection, and malunion, supporting the use of IMN over EF for the definitive fixation of open tibial fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phosphodiesterase type 10A (PDE10A) is highly enriched in striatum and is under evaluation as a drug target for several psychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases. Preclinical studies implicate PDE10A in the regulation of energy homeostasis, but the mechanisms remain unclear. By utilizing small‐animal PET/MRI and the novel radioligand [18F]‐AQ28A, we found marked levels of PDE10A in interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice. Pharmacological inactivation of PDE10A with the highly selective inhibitor MP‐10 recruited BAT and potentiated thermogenesis in vivo. In diet‐induced obese mice, chronic administration of MP‐10 caused weight loss associated with increased energy expenditure, browning of white adipose tissue, and improved insulin sensitivity. Analysis of human PET data further revealed marked levels of PDE10A in the supraclavicular region where brown/beige adipocytes are clustered in adults. Finally, the inhibition of PDE10A with MP‐10 stimulated thermogenic gene expression in human brown adipocytes and induced browning of human white adipocytes. Collectively, our findings highlight a novel thermoregulatory role for PDE10A in mouse and human adipocytes and promote PDE10A inhibitors as promising candidates for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in the most recent years due to its potential to address related issues to privacy, transparency, and security. In the healthcare industry, it is considered a promising solution to challenges related to data management, medical data privacy, and security. This paper proposes a novel framework for managing electronic medical healthcare records that uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create a secure and cost-effective solution. The proposed solution uses a serverless approach to reduce costs and only pay for the compute resources when needed. The framework focuses on improving the security of access to the blockchain network by implementing a multi-level security approach, starting from protecting the Hyperledger and implementing role-based access for end-users who require access to the stored data. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated by creating a role-based access matrix for three different user types and performing multiple experiments to validate access for each user type.Article highlights: Secured Hyperledger blockchain network using Amazon Web Services. Serverless solution for the API layer using Amazon Lambda function and API gateway and secured using Amazon Cognito. Three members in the network to support separation of concerns between medical facility, patient and enforcement authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite standardized surgical technique and peri-operative care, metabolic outcomes of bariatric surgery are not uniform. Adaptive changes in brain function may play a crucial role in achieving optimal postbariatric weight loss. This review follows the anatomic-physiologic structure of the postbariatric nutrient-gut-brain communication chain through its key stations and provides a concise summary of recent findings in bariatric physiology, with a special focus on the composition of the intestinal milieu, intestinal nutrient sensing, vagal nerve-mediated gastrointestinal satiation signals, circulating hormones and nutrients, as well as descending neural signals from the forebrain. The results of interventional studies using brain or vagal nerve stimulation to induce weight loss are also summarized. Ultimately, suggestions are made for future diagnostic and therapeutic research for the treatment of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Race/ethnic disparities in preventable diabetes-specific hospital care may exist among adults with diabetes who have Medicaid coverage. Objective: To examine race/ethnic disparities in utilization of preventable hospital care by adult Medicaid enrollees with diabetes across nine states over time. Design: Using serial cross-sectional state discharge records for emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient (IP) hospitalizations from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, we quantified race/ethnicity-specific, state-year preventable diabetes-specific hospital utilization. Participants: Non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic adult Medicaid enrollees aged 18–64 with a diabetes diagnosis (excluding gestational or secondary diabetes) who were discharged from hospital care in Arizona, Iowa, Kentucky, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Utah for the years 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. Main Measures: Non-Hispanic Black-over-White and Hispanic-over-White rate ratios constructed using age- standardized state-year, race/ethnicity-specific ED, and IP diabetes-specific utilization rates. Key Results: The ratio of Black-over-White ED utilization rates for preventable diabetes-specific hospital care increased across the 9 states in our sample from 1.4 (CI 95, 1.31–1.50) in 2008 to 1.73 (CI 95, 1.68–1.78) in 2017. The cross-year-state average non-Hispanic Black-over-White IP rate ratio was 1.46 (CI 95, 1.42–1.50), reflecting increases in some states and decreases in others. The across-state-year average Hispanic-over-White rate ratio for ED utilization was 0.67 (CI 95, 0.63–0.71). The across-state-year average Hispanic-over-White IP hospitalization rate ratio was 0.72 (CI 95, 0.69–0.75). Conclusions: Hospital utilization by non-Hispanic Black Medicaid enrollees with diabetes was consistently greater and often increased relative to utilization by White enrollees within state programs between 2008 and 2017. Hispanic enrollee hospital utilization was either lower or indistinguishable relative to White enrollee hospital utilization in most states, but Hispanic utilization increased faster than White utilization in some states. Among broader patterns, there is heterogeneity in the magnitude of race/ethnic disparities in hospital utilization trends across states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the effect of the Gr, and Sn particulates in the mechanical and wear resistance of Al-7Si alloy based composites. The Al-7Si/Gr/Sn composites were prepared with the proportion of 10wt.% graphite and varying wt.% of tin (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) particles through the bottom pouring stir casting method. The added Sn metal powder up to 7.5 wt.% was diffused in the lattice of hypo eutectic Al-7Si alloy and formed a solid solution. The hybridization of Sn with graphite in Al-7Si alloy matrix brought significant enhancement in the tribological and mechanical properties of the composites. The tear ridges and dimples noted in the composites expressed the ductile mode of fracture in all the composites. The wear rate and the coefficient of friction of the composites were decreased with the addition of Sn metal powder in the composite. The Sn metal powder surfaced during the wear process and formed a thin mechanically mixed tribo-layer and reduced the friction. The thin mechanically mixed tribo-layer at the interface restricted the direct contact of asperities in the mating surface and reduced the wear loss. The adhesive wear was noted to be active in the composites with Sn metal powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human tuberculosis is characterized by immunopathology that affects T-cell phenotype and functions. Previous studies found impaired T-cell response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in patients with acute tuberculosis. However, the influence of disease severity, affected T-cell subsets, and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Methods: Here we investigated PHA-induced and antigen-specific T-cell effector cytokines in tuberculosis patients (n = 55) as well as in healthy asymptomatic contacts (n = 32) from Ghana. Effects of Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis sputum burden and treatment response were analyzed and compared during follow-up. Finally, cytokine characteristics of the aberrant plasma milieu in tuberculosis were analyzed as a potential cause for impaired PHA response. Results: PHA-induced IFN-γ expression was significantly lower in sputum-positive tuberculosis patients as compared to both, contacts and paucibacillary cases, and efficiently discriminated the study groups. T-cell responses to PHA increased significantly early during treatment and this was more pronounced in tuberculosis patients with rapid treatment response. Analysis of alternative cytokines revealed distinct patterns and IL-22, as well as IL-10, showed comparable expression to IFN-γ in response to PHA. Finally, we found that high IL-6 plasma levels were strongly associated with impaired IFN-γ and IL-22 response to PHA. Conclusion: We conclude that impaired T-cell response to PHA stimulation in acute tuberculosis patients (i) was potentially caused by the aberrant plasma milieu, (ii) affected differentially polarized T-cell subsets, (iii) normalized early during treatment. This study shed light on the mechanisms of impaired T-cell functions in tuberculosis and yielded promising biomarker candidates for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objectives of this study were to prepare, mechanically characterize, and evaluate the dry sliding wear behaviour of AZ31/(0.5, 1.5, and 2.5) wt% TiO2 metal matrix composites and hybrid AZ31/1.5 wt% TiO2/(3, 6, 9, and 12) wt% Sn metal matrix composites. The microstructural characteristics of the synthesized composites reveal the uniform distribution of the reinforcement particles. When the amount of reinforcement was increased, the tensile characteristics improved up to 1.5 wt% of TiO2 in single-reinforcement composites and 6 wt% of Sn in hybrid composites and then started to decline. A similar pattern was also shown by the microhardness and compressive properties. From the study of the mechanical behaviour of AZ31 composites reinforced with TiO2, the composite with 1.5 wt% of TiO2 had better mechanical characteristics, and the reinforcement amount was chosen to fabricate hybrid composites additionally reinforced with Sn microparticles. For the AZ31 alloy, AZ31/1.5TiO2, and the hybrid composites, dry wear experiments were carried out using a pin-on-disc tribometer at the normal loads of 10 N, 20 N, 30 N, and 40 N, a sliding speed of 0.5 m/s, and for a total distance of 1000 m. In comparison to other composite samples, the hybrid composite with specimens containing 6 wt% of Sn showed a notable improvement in mechanical and wear characteristics. Through FESEM and EDS, the morphological examination of the worn surfaces identified various wear mechanisms, including abrasion, adhesion, and delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While robotic surgery is more costly and involves longer intra-operative time, it has a technical advantage over laparoscopic surgery. With our aging population, patients are being diagnosed with colon cancer at older ages. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic versus robotic colectomy short- and long-term outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with colon cancer at a national level. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Cancer Database. Subjects ≥ 80-years-old who were diagnosed with stage I to III colon adenocarcinoma and underwent a robotic or laparoscopic colectomy from 2010–2018 were included. The laparoscopic group was propensity-score matched in a 3:1 ratio to the robotic group with 9343 laparoscopic and 3116 robotic cases matched. The main outcomes evaluated were 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission rate, median survival, and length of stay. Results: There was no significant difference in the 30-day readmission rate (OR = 1.1, CI = 0.94–1.29, p = 0.23) or 30-day mortality rate (OR = 1.05, CI = 0.86–1.28, p = 0.63) between both groups. Robotic surgery was associated with higher overall survival (42 vs 44.7 months, p < 0.001) using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Robotic surgery had a statistically significant shorter length of stay (6.4 vs. 5.9 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Robotic colectomies are associated with higher median survival rates and decrease in the length of hospital stay compared to laparoscopic colectomies in the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental results obtained for the sextuple Brillouin Stokes line (0.48 nm) based on stimulated Brillouin scattering phenomenon are presented in this paper. Three ring laser cavities with unidirectional propagation are used. In each ring cavity, a dispersion compensation fibre (DCF) spool is used as a Brillouin gain medium. Two erbium amplifiers are used to amplify the generated Stokes signal and to overcome the path loss for the propagation Stokes lines. A maximum pump power of 500 mW at a central wavelength of 1480 nm is used for these two amplifiers. In our new structure, up to three sextuple Stokes lines with a high signal power of 10 dBm and a large optical signal-to-noise ratio of more than 55 dB are achieved. The generated Stokes lines can be tuned over a wavelength range of 15 nm from 1560 to 1575 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investments in digital health technologies such as artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and telemedicine may support Africa achieve United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal for Health by 2030. We aimed to characterize and map digital health ecosystems of all 54 countries in Africa in the context of endemic infectious and non-communicable diseases (ID and NCD). We performed a cross-national ecological analysis of digital health ecosystems using 20-year data from the World Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, World Health Organization, and Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to characterize ecological correlations between exposure (technology characteristics) and outcome (IDs and NCDs incidence/mortality) variables. Weighted linear combination model was used as the decision rule, combining disease burden, technology access, and economy, to explain, rank, and map digital health ecosystems of a given country. The perspective of our analysis was to support government decision-making. The 20-year trend showed that technology characteristics have been steadily growing in Africa, including internet access, mobile cellular and fixed broadband subscriptions, high-technology manufacturing, GDP per capita, and adult literacy, while many countries have been overwhelmed by a double burden of IDs and NCDs. Inverse correlations exist between technology characteristics and ID burdens, such as fixed broadband subscription and incidence of tuberculosis and malaria, or GDP per capita and incidence of tuberculosis and malaria. Based on our models, countries that should prioritize digital health investments were South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania for HIV; Nigeria, South Africa, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC) for tuberculosis; DROC, Nigeria, and Uganda for malaria; and Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia for endemic NCDs including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and malignancies. Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique were also highly affected by endemic IDs. By mapping digital health ecosystems in Africa, this study provides strategic guidance about where governments should prioritize digital health technology investments that require preliminary analysis of country-specific contexts to bring about sustainable health and economic returns. Building digital infrastructure should be a key part of economic development programs in countries with high disease burdens to ensure more equitable health outcomes. Though infrastructure developments alongside digital health technologies are the responsibility of governments, global health initiatives can cultivate digital health interventions substantially by bridging knowledge and investment gaps, both through technology transfer for local production and negotiation of prices for large-scale deployment of the most impactful digital health technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collaborative care (CC) is a multicomponent team-based approach to providing mental health care with systematic integration into outpatient medical settings. The 12-month INDEPENDENT CC intervention improved joint disease control measures in patients with both depression and diabetes at 12 and 24 months following randomization. Objective: This study investigated the durability of intervention effects on patient outcomes at 36 months following randomization. Participants: Adult patients with poorly controlled T2D and depression in India randomized to CC or usual care. Design: Post hoc analyses of between-group differences in patient outcomes at 36 months post-randomization (N = 331) and maintenance of outcomes from 12 to 36 months (N = 314). Main Measures: We evaluated combined risk factor improvement since baseline, defined as ≥ 50.0% reduction in Symptom Checklist Depression Scale (SCL-20) scores along with reduction of at least 0.5 percentage point hemoglobin A1C, 5 mmHg systolic blood pressure, or 10 mg/dL low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Improvements in single risk factors were also examined. Key Results: There were no between-group differences in improvements since baseline in multiple or single risk factors at 36 months. Patients in the CC group with improved outcomes at 12 months were more likely to maintain a ≥ 50.0% reduction since baseline in SCL-20 scores (CC [54.9%] vs. UC [40.9%]; RR: 1.27 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.56]) and 0.5 percentage point reduction since baseline in hemoglobin A1C (CC [31.9%] vs. UC [19.5%]; RR: 1.64 [95% CI: 1.11, 2.41]) at 36 months. Conclusions: While improvements since baseline in patient outcomes did not differ between the collaborative care and usual care groups at 36 months, patients who received CC were more likely to maintain improvements in depressive symptoms and glucose levels at 36 months if they had achieved these improvements at the end of active intervention. Trial Registration Number: NCT02022111 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research incorporates sustainable materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and recycled waste glass (RWG) as cement and fine aggregate replacement respectively to produce green dry mix mortar paving blocks. The GGBS and RWG contents in the mortar paving block were optimised using the response surface methodology (RSM), considering the performances of the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), flexural and compressive strengths, water absorption, and Cantabro loss. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was also conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of the optimised green mortar paving blocks. The RSM suggested that the paving block with optimum GGBS and RWG contents of 26.5% and 91.3%, respectively, could exhibit compressive strength of 36.5 MPa, which complied with the requirement for concrete segmental paving units (MA20). Excluding the mixes not fulfilling the MA20 requirement, the mix with 40% GGBS and 100% RWG exhibited the lowest values for the acidification potential (AP), global warming potential (GWP), photochemical oxidation (POCP), abiotic depletion potential for fossil fuel (ADPF), and water scarcity/strength ratio. Whereas, for eutrophication potential (EP) and abiotic depletion for elements (ADP (elements))/strength ratio, the mix with 100% RWG exhibited the lowest value. The optimised mix from RSM showed a similar performance as the two mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation of the electrical and optical response of a multilayer thin film composed of lossless material coupled with adjacent lossy material in an alternating arrangement when applying a transverse voltage across the multilayer thin film is conducted using a polynomial approach. The modelling of the lossy–lossless multilayer thin film is a generalization of our previous work on multilayer thin film made up of alternating lossy–lossy materials. It is the propagation matrix of the electromagnetic wave in the thin film that governs its propagation, while the interface matrix represents the coupling between layers at an interface. The present solution models the multilayer thin film as an effective capacitor constructed from a series of coupled capacitors, with every layer being considered as a capacitor coupled to the next. A transverse voltage can affect the amounts of electric charges that accumulate at the interface between adjacent 'capacitors'. The present model is constructed to describe nonmagnetic, lossy and lossless materials. With the aid of a home-developed code implementing the model, the reflection and transmission of multilayer Ge/MgO thin films are simulated. By tuning the transverse electric potential, geometrical and electrical parameters of an arbitrary lossy–lossless multilayer thin film, the code is capable of predicting nontrivial optical responses in terms of T λ , R λ , ϕ T λ , ϕ R (λ) . The code can serve as a useful tool for designing and optimizing lossless-lossy or lossless-lossless multilayer thin films to deliver desired optical functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a new neutral hybrid nonlinear differential equation in the context of a fractional generalized operator in the sense of ψ-Caputo. To emphasize the novelty of the manuscript, a pure technique of the noncompactness measures is applied to a hybrid system based on the notion of the modulus of continuity in Darbo's criterion that covers the existing results of other works published before. The Ulam–Hyers and generalized Ulam–Hyers stabilities are explored for the given neutral nonhybrid nonlinear problem. An application is prepared in the framework of an example to ensure the validity of theorems for different cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are common in Asian Americans and vary by subgroup. There may be further variation by social determinants of health (SDOHs), but few studies have examined this previously. Objective: To examine the associations of SDOHs and diabetes and hypertension within and across Asian subgroups in the USA Design: Series cross-sectional analyses Setting: National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) from 1999 to 2018 Participants: Asian-American adults (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, and Other Asian [Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other]) Measurements: Self-reported diabetes and hypertension prevalence in pooled 5-year increments over 1999–2018 and multivariable regression models to assess the adjusted prevalence of diabetes or hypertension by poverty, marital status, education, and years in the USA, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and health insurance status Results: From 1999–2003 to 2014–2018, the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of diabetes increased for Other Asians (absolute change: 4.6%) but not for other subgroups; age- and sex-adjusted hypertension prevalence significantly increased for Asian Indians and Other Asians (absolute change: 5–7.5%). For Filipinos, high school education or less was associated with an increase in diabetes prevalence over time (difference from 1999–2003 to 2014–2018: +6.0 (95% CI: 2.0–10.0)), while for Asian Indians, college education or higher was associated with an increase in diabetes prevalence for the same period (difference: +2.7 (95% CI: 0.01–5.4). Differences over the 2 time periods (1999–2003 and 2014–2018) show that Filipino and Other Asians, who lived in the USA for ≥10 years, increased in diabetes prevalence. Similar variations in associations of SDOHs by Asian subgroup were seen for hypertension. Limitations: Self-reported primary outcomes and multi-year data were pooled due to small sample sizes. Conclusions: The influence of SDOHs on cardiometabolic risk is not uniform among Asian Americans, implying tailored strategies may be needed for different population subgroups. Primary Funding Source: NIH [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ag-WO3/bentonite nanocomposites were synthesized through a sol–gel process, a microwave irradiation technique, and a sol-immobilization process to examine their impact on the photocatalytic activity in the degradation of humic acids. The optical and structural properties of the synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform-infrared spectra (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The presence of Ag and WO3 peaks in the XRD and EDX spectra confirmed the synthesis of Ag-WO3 nanoparticles in the composite. The monoclinic structure of the produced WO3 samples are shown by powder X-ray diffraction patterns. The WO3-based nanocomposites' photocatalytic activity was improved by the composition of Ag and bentonite, which reduced the optical bandgap energy of WO3. The binary (Ag-WO3) nanocomposite showed improved photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of humic acid (HA) from 58% (pristine WO3) to 82% (Ag-WO3) when compared with the pristine WO3 sample under the visible light irradiation. Notably, the ternary (Ag-WO3/bent) nanocomposite demonstrated an outstanding photocatalytic efficiency of HA degradation (91.0%) under normal conditions (pH = 7.0 and 25 °C). Humic acid degradation in Ag-WO3/bent was expressed by the pseudo-first-order kinetic. To summarize, integrating Ag, WO3, bentonite, and visible light radiation to activate HA efficiently can be offered as a successful and promising technique for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis-caused immunopathology is characterized by aberrant expression of plasma cytokines in human tuberculosis. Disease severity and long-term anti-mycobacterial treatment are potentially influenced by immunopathology and normalization of plasma cytokine levels during therapy may indicate treatment efficacy and recovery. Study design and methods: In this study, we analyzed the concentrations of selected plasma cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IP-10, IL-10, IL-22, IFNγ, GM-CSF, IL-8) and M. tuberculosis sputum burden in patients with tuberculosis (n = 76). Cytokine levels were compared to healthy contacts (n = 40) and changes under treatment were monitored (i.e., 6 and 16 weeks after treatment start). According to differences in M. tuberculosis sputum burden and conversion, tuberculosis patients were classified as paucibacillary as well as 'rapid' or 'slow' treatment responders. A subgroup of tuberculosis patients had fatal disease courses. Results: Six of seven cytokines were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients as compared to contacts and four of these (i.e., IL-6, IP-10, IL-10, and IL-22) were detectable in the majority of tuberculosis patients. IL-6 showed the strongest discriminating capacity for tuberculosis disease and in combination with IL-10 concentrations efficiently classified paucibacillary tuberculosis cases as well as those with fatal disease outcome. In addition, IL-6 and IP-10 levels decreased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment and analyses of subgroups with differential treatment response showed delayed decline of IL-6 levels in slow treatment responders. Conclusions: Combinations of different plasma cytokine (namely, IL-6, IL-10, and IP-10) efficiently classified tuberculosis patients with differential mycobacterial burden and especially IL-6 qualified as a biomarker candidate for early treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the manuscript is to study new optical soliton solutions of the Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar (KMN) equation via the ( G ′ / G , 1 / G )-expansion technique and the exponential rational function (ERF) procedure. The results are produced under the constraint conditions, and their graphical representation highlights them. These discoveries might aid in the comprehension of intricate nonlinear phenomena and oceanography. Studying the investigated equation in this paper is very important in explaining oceanographic phenomena such as rogue waves' ocean currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memsorb™ (DMF Medical, Halifax, Canada) is a novel device based upon membrane oxygenator technology designed to eliminate CO2 from exhaled gas when using a circle anesthesia circuit. Exhaled gases pass through semipermeable hollow fibers and sweep gas flowing through these fibers creates a diffusion gradient for CO2 removal. In vivo Memsorb™ performance was tested during target-controlled closed-circuit anesthesia (TCCCA) with desflurane in O2/air using a Zeus IE® anesthesia workstation (Dräger, Lübeck, Germany). Clinical care protocols for using this novel device were guided by in vitro performance results from a prior study (submitted simultaneously). After IRB approval, written informed consent was obtained from 10 ASA PS I–III patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. TCCCA targets were 39% inspired O2 concentration (FIO2) and 5.0% end-expired desflurane concentration (FETdes). Minute ventilation (MV) was adjusted to maintain 4.5–6.0% FETCO2. The O2/air (40% O2) sweep flow into the Memsorb™ was manually adjusted in an attempt to keep inspired CO2 concentration (FICO2) ≤ 0.8%. The following data were collected: FIO2, FETdes, FICO2, FETCO2, MV, fresh gas flow (FGF, O2 and air), sweep flow, and cumulative desflurane usage (Vdes). Vdes of the Zeus IE®—Memsorb™ combination was compared with historical Vdes observed in a previous study when soda lime (DrägerSorb 800 +) was used. Results are reported as median and inter-quartiles. A combination of manually adjusting sweep flow (26 [21,27] L/min) and MV sufficed to maintain FICO2 ≤ 0.8% and FETCO2 ≤ 6.0%, except in one patient in whom the target Zeus IE® FGF had to be increased to 0.7 L/min for 6 min. FIO2 and FETdes were maintained close to their targets. Zeus IE® FGF after 5 min was 0 [0,0] mL/min. Average Vdes after 50 min was higher with Memsorb™ (20.3 mL) compared to historical soda lime canister data (12.3 mL). During target-controlled closed-circuit anesthesia in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, the Memsorb™ maintained FICO2 ≤ 0.8% and FETCO2 ≤ 6.0%, and FIO2 remained close to target. Modest amounts of desflurane were lost with the use of the Memsorb™. The need for adjustments of sweep flow, minute ventilation, and occasionally Zeus IE® FGF indicates that the Memsorb™ system should preferentially be integrated into an automated closed-loop system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]