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CMOS image sensor (CIS) plays a crucial role in diverse optical applications by facilitating the capture of images in the visible and near-infrared spectra. The enhancement of image resolution in CIS by an increase in pixel density is becoming more significant and realizable with the recent progress of nanofabrication. However, as pixel size decreases towards the diffraction limit, there is an inevitable trade-off between the scale-down of pixel size and the enhancement of optical sensitivity. Recently, to overcome this, an entirely new concept of spectral sensing using a nanophotonic-based color router has been proposed. In this work, we present a metasurface-based spectral router to effectively split the spectrum from visible to near-infrared and redirect through the four optical channels to the targeted pixel surfaces. We optimize the metasurface that simultaneously controls the phases of the transmitted light of targeted spectra, i.e. red (R), green (G), blue (B), and near-infrared (NIR), which is the largest number of channels reported based on a single layered metasurface and has an optical efficiency that surpasses the efficiency of conventional color filter systems.

Objectives Materials and methods Results Conclusion This study aims to share the experiences and outcomes of laparoscopic pneumovesical repair for vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF).A retrospective review of medical records from a single institution over 10 years was conducted. The focus was on patients who underwent VVF repair using a pneumovesical approach with three 5 mm laparoscopic ports. The study evaluated perioperative parameters, postoperative outcomes, and complication rates to assess the efficacy and safety of this surgical method. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was used to determine the learning curve based on operative time.Of the 26 patients with VVF, 23 (88.5%) had successful fistula closure after the first surgery. One patient required open surgery conversion due to challenges in maintaining pneumovesicum, and two experienced recurrences, although successful repairs were achieved in subsequent surgeries. The average patient age was 47.4 years, with a mean operative time of 99.9 min. The postoperative hospital stay averaged 9.1 days, and catheterization lasted about 11 days. The CUSUM chart indicated a learning curve, with fluctuations until the 19th case, followed by a consistent upward pattern.Laparoscopic pneumovesical VVF repair is an effective and safe technique, especially suitable for fistulas near the ureteral orifice or deep in the vaginal cavity. The method demonstrates favorable outcomes with minimal complications and allows for easy reoperation if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rapid development of Pb‐based perovskites, the presence of toxic Pb and insufficient stability remain discouraging factors for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Therefore, research on Pb‐free absorbers exhibiting long‐term stability is required. Herein, AgBi(I1−xBrx)4 thin films having a hexagonal rudorffite structure were fabricated using a solution process in ambient atmosphere for cost‐effective and environmentally benign photovoltaics. Br substitution increases the grain size and results in a pinhole‐free morphology. Furthermore, photoluminescence analyses confirm that Br substitution reduces the trap‐state density. Consequently, device efficiency is enhanced through Br substitution. Importantly, Br substitution results in considerably improved device stability, with devices maintaining 80 % of their initial efficiency for 26 days in ambient atmosphere without encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple hydrogen bonds construct a porous crystalline network, known as a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF). Although hydrogen bonds have relatively weak bond strength compared to covalent bonds, they contribute to the structural flexibility of HOFs. This flexibility sometimes manifests as an S-shaped isotherm, providing a high gas working capacity crucial for effective gas storage. Despite the recognized potential of HOFs, there are limited examples of gas storage under high pressure to date. Herein, we report the synthesis and hydrogen gas storage properties of HOF 1 ([(H2dobpdc)(GuaH)2]) for the first time. This framework, constructed through multiple hydrogen bonds, exhibits excellent structural stability over one year and selective hydrogen gas adsorption and storage based on its structural flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the dynamics of generating microdroplets by impacting a droplet onto a micropore on superhydrophobic copper substrates. It identifies the necessary impact velocities for single microdroplet formation for each micropore and characterizes microdroplet size in relation to micropore diameter. The results underscore the significant role of viscosity, especially as the diameter of the micropore decreases. For micropores measuring 400 μm, an increase in viscosity up to 8 cP does not alter the critical impact velocities, while smaller diameters of 50 and 100 μm see a notable change in critical velocities with even minor increases in viscosity. Remarkably, the diameter of the microdroplet remains consistent regardless of changes in the liquid viscosity or impact velocity. This research showcases two practical uses of single microdroplets: printing on paper and fabricating microbeads. The insights gained from these findings pave the way for advancements in printing technology and microfabrication techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis, a disease defined by the primary bone strength due to a low bone mineral density, is a bone disorder associated with increased mortality in the older adult population. Osteoporosis is mainly treated via hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphates, and anti-bone resorption agents. However, these agents exert severe side effects, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents. Many studies are focusing on osteogenic agents as they increase the bone density, which is essential for osteoporosis treatment. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of Diospyros lotus L. leaf extract (DLE) and its components on osteoporosis in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and ovariectomized mice and to elucidate the underlying related pathways. DLE enhanced the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, with a 1.5-fold elevation in ALP activity, and increased the levels of osteogenic molecules, RUNX family transcription factor 2, and osterix. This alteration resulted from the activation of bone morphogenic protein 2/4 (BMP2/4) and transformation of growth factor β (TGF β) pathways. In ovariectomized mice, DLE suppressed the decrease in bone mineral density by 50% and improved the expression of other bone markers, which was confirmed by the 3~40-fold increase in osteogenic proteins and mRNA expression levels in bone marrow cells. The three major compounds identified in DLE exhibited osteogenic and estrogenic activities with their aglycones, as previously reported. Among the major compounds, myricitrin alone was not as strong as whole DLE with all its constituents. The osteogenic activity of DLE was partially suppressed by the inhibitor of estrogen signaling, indicating that the estrogenic activity of DLE participated in its osteogenic activity. Overall, DLE suppresses osteoporosis by inducing osteoblast differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The clinical application of doxorubicin (DOX), a potent anthracycline anticancer drug that effectively treats various malignancies, is limited by its side effects, such as cardiomyopathy. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor‐1 (APE1/Ref‐1) is a multifunctional protein that can be secreted and is a promising target for the reduction of DOX‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the protective role of secretory APE1/Ref‐1 against DOX‐induced cardiac injury. Methods and results: Designated adenoviral preprotrypsin‐leading sequence APE1/Ref‐1 (Ad‐PPTLS‐APE1/Ref‐1) was used to overexpress secretory APE1/Ref‐1 and assess its role in preventing DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy in vitro. Our findings revealed that exposure to secretory APE1/Ref‐1 significantly decreased N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. In addition, secretory APE1/Ref‐1 reduced the severity of cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity models. The observed cardioprotective effects of secretory APE1/Ref‐1 were mediated via inhibition of the p53 signalling pathway and enhancement of cell viability through attenuation of oxidative stress in DOX‐treated cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that secretory APE1/Ref‐1 has the potential to inhibit DOX‐induced cardiac toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and p53 related apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that secretory APE1/Ref‐1 supplementation is a promising strategy to attenuate DOX‐induced cardiomyocyte damage in a preclinical model. Further clinical investigations are essential to validate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the intervention in human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]