Long-Term Patency of Plastic Stents in Elderly Patients with Common Bile Duct Stones: A Prospective Pilot Study.

: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone extraction is the standard treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, when complete removal is not feasible, the temporary placement of a plastic stent (PS) is commonly used. This study aimed to assess 12-month stent patency in elderly patients with CBD stones.

Integrating Lithiophilic Gradient Structure with Nano-Ionic Channel Network to Regulate Li Distribution for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anode.

3D Li hosts with lithiophilic gradient structure are extensively explored to mitigate Li dendrite formation by promoting bottom-up Li plating and reducing local current density. However, the absence of well-defined nano-ionic channels in these designs limits their ability to regulate Li distribution, leading to uncontrolled Li dendrite growth under high current densities and large areal capacities. Herein, this study presents a novel graphene-based 3D Li host that integrates nano-ionic channel network into a lithiophilic gradient structure, denoted as IC-GGLH.

Multi-omics derivation of a core gene signature for predicting therapeutic response and characterizing immune dysregulation in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents unpredictable therapeutic responses and complex immune dysregulation. Current precision medicine approaches lack robust molecular tools integrating transcriptomic signatures with immune dynamics for personalized treatment guidance.

Methods: We performed multi-omics analyses of GEO datasets using machine learning algorithms (LASSO/Random Forest) to derive a four-gene signature.

Monolithic trifold flexure aluminum mirror optimized through the response surface method for wide field of view camera applications.

We developed a monolithic trifold flexure aluminum mirror specifically intended for wide field of view camera applications. Unlike previous studies, this work uniquely optimizes the trifold flexure design to simultaneously minimize alignment-induced stress and maintain optical alignment in linear astigmatism-free off-axis reflective systems. The response surface method identifies the optimal trifold flexure design that alleviates the root mean square (RMS) surface error from 0.

Design and analysis of a linear astigmatism-free confocal off-axis reflective collimator for aerial applications.

This paper presents the design and analysis of a linear astigmatism-free confocal off-axis reflective collimator for line-of-sight alignment in multi-wavelength/multi-field-of-view optical sensor modules. Comprising two off-axis mirrors and one flat mirror, the collimator has a 73 mm entrance pupil diameter and a 1200 mm focal length. Sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations using Optic Studio (ZEMAX) confirmed that the design meets all specified requirements.

A 3D iPSC retina model reveals non-cell-autonomous and non-neuronal mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in a lysosomal storage disorder.

Unlabelled: Disruption of photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) interface with loss of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs) in the retina is a pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative and retinal diseases including lysosomal storage disorder's like CLN3 disease. However, the retina is a functional composite and stem cell models of retina that enable investigation of the photoreceptor-RPE interface in healthy and diseased retina are lacking. Here, we developed a 3D human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retina model to investigate the photoreceptor-RPE interface in healthy and disease tissue.

Enhanced Nonvolatile Electrochemical Random-Access Memory and Artificial Synapse Characteristics through Oxygen Ion-Exchange Engineering in an Atomic-Layer-Deposited HfO Gate Insulator and a Zinc Oxide Channel Layer.

Enhanced nonvolatile memory and artificial synapse characteristics are achieved in oxygen ion-based ECRAM consisting of a low-temperature atomic layer-deposited (ALD) oxygen-deficient hafnium oxide (HfO) ion-exchange layer and zinc oxide (ZnO) channel layer. The drain current modulation of the device reaches a few orders of magnitude upon application of positive programming and negative erasing gate bias. Also, the device exhibits nonvolatile retention of modulated current up to >10 higher than the initial value for 24 h.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after Billroth II anastomosis: a comparison of gastroscope and duodenoscope.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Billroth II anastomosis is challenging due to post-surgical anatomical alterations. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of using a duodenoscope and a cap-assisted gastroscope in these patients.

Methods: Seventy-nine patients with Billroth II anastomosis and a naïve papilla were included in the study.

[Case of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of Bile Duct with Invasive Carcinoma after Choledochoduodenostomy for Intrahepatic Duct Stones].

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous techniques are performed for bile drainage and removing bile duct stones. Nevertheless, surgical stone removal can be performed in cases where cholelithiasis with concomitant choledocholithiasis is checked. While forming an anastomosis for bile drainage, the anatomical structure may change from its normal state.

Optimal timing for discontinuation of ERCP in cases of difficult selective biliary cannulation.

Background And Study Aims: Prolonged cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) increases risk of complications, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). This study aimed to determine optimal timing to discontinue ERCP when selective biliary cannulation (SBC) cannot be easily achieved.

Patients And Methods: Patients with naïve papilla who underwent ERCP between January 2021 and December 2021 were analyzed.

Molecular size reduction and functional properties of Atlantic salmon waste protein treated by subcritical water.

Atlantic salmon waste protein (AsWP) was hydrolyzed using subcritical water hydrolysis at 135-210 °C and 30-60 bar for 20 min, to reduce protein molecular size and produce hydrolysates with functional properties. At 195 °C and 50 bar, hydrolysis yield and degree of hydrolysis were highest at 88.47 % and 22.

Elucidating the Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity Effect of Co-Doped NiO Deposited on Ni Foam for Highly Stable Zn-Air Batteries.

The urgent need to alleviate global warming and limit the consumption of fossil fuels has prompted the development of rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs) considering their superior energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the unfavorable properties of conventional OER catalysts (including low electrical conductivity and the use of active site-blocking binders) hinder the development of practically viable ZABs. Herein, we report a distinct approach for directly synthesizing cobalt-doped nickel oxide (Co-NiO) with a chiral structure on porous Ni foam via a one-step hydrothermal process.

Artificial Synaptic Properties in Oxygen-Based Electrochemical Random-Access Memory with CeO Nanoparticle Assembly as Gate Insulator for Neuromorphic Computing.

Beyond the von Neumann architecture, neuromorphic computing attracts considerable attention as an energy-efficient computing system for data-centric applications. Among various synapse device candidates, a memtransistor with a three-terminal structure has been considered to be a promising one for artificial synapse with controllable weight update characteristics and strong immunity to disturbance due to decoupled write and read electrode. In this study, oxygen ion exchange-based electrochemical random-access memory consisting of the ZnO channel and CeO nanoparticle (NP) assembly as a gate insulator, also as an ion exchange layer, is proposed and investigated as an artificial synapse device for neuromorphic computing.

Mechanism of Chemically Induced Structural Evolution of Lead Azide under Hygrothermal Condition.

Aging behavior of pyrotechnic agents is a serious threat to the reliability of the practical application of pyrotechnic products, while multiple environmental factors make it challenging to characterize the aging mechanism of pyrotechnic agents. This paper explored the aging process of LA in four hygrothermal environments with morphology and structure analysis techniques. LA aging underwent three stages: rapid surface reaction with HO and CO, interior hydrolysis by HO, and CO reaction with lead oxides.

Carbon Nanofiber-Reinforced Carbon Black Support for Enhancing the Durability of Catalysts Used in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Against Carbon Corrosion.

This study addresses the critical challenge of carbon corrosion in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) by developing hybrid supports that combine the high surface area of carbon black (CB) with the superior crystallinity and graphitic structure of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Two commercially available CB samples were physically activated and composited with two types of CNFs synthesized via chemical vapor deposition using different carbon sources. The structure, morphology, and crystallinity of the resulting CNF-CB hybrid supports were characterized, and the performances of these hybrid supports in mitigating carbon corrosion and enhancing the PEMFC performance was evaluated through full-cell testing in collaboration with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufacturer (VinaTech, Seoul, Republic, of Korea), adhering to industry-standard fabrication and evaluation procedures.

Recent advances in recovering bioactive compounds from macroalgae and microalgae using subcritical water extraction: Prospective compounds and biological activities.

Algae, widely as a valuable marine biomass, are appreciated globally for their unique chemical compositions and exceptional nutritional benefits. Scientists are increasingly focusing on valorizing algae biomass to recover polysaccharides and bioactive extracts. Conventional methods commonly used to extract bioactive compounds have several limitations.

Alkene Carboxy-Alkylation via CO

Herein, we introduce a new platform for alkene carboxy-alkylation. This reaction is designed around CO addition to alkenes followed by radical polar crossover, which enables alkylation through carbanion attack on carbonyl electrophiles. We discovered that CO adds to alkenes faster than it reduces carbonyl electrophiles and that this reactivity can be exploited by accessing CO via hydrogen atom transfer from formate.

From microbes to medicine: harnessing the power of the microbiome in esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and poor prognosis, significantly influenced by dysbiosis in the esophageal, oral, and gut microbiota. This review provides an overview of the roles of microbiota dysbiosis in EC pathogenesis, emphasizing their impact on tumor progression, drug efficacy, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic interventions. Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nut use are major contributors to dysbiosis and EC development.

Subcritical Water Extraction of : Comparative Study of the Chemical Properties and Biological Activities across Different Parts.

The subcritical water extraction of (blade, sporophyll, and root) was evaluated to determine its chemical properties and biological activities. The extraction was conducted at 180 °C and 3 MPa. Root extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (43.

Construction and Preparation of the Novel ADN/CL-20 Cocrystal via Directional Hydrogen Bonding Design for Turning Hygroscopicity.

Ammonium dinitramide (ADN), as a novel and environmentally friendly oxidizer, has strong hygroscopicity when exposed to high-humidity air, which seriously hinders its application in solid propellants. Modification of oxidizers by cocrystallization is an effective strategy to improve the hygroscopicity of energetic components. In this paper, the theoretical simulation of ADN/CL-20 cocrystals was developed via a directional hydrogen bonding design to establish a cocrystal with improved hygroscopicity.