Exposición a temperaturas extremas y su efecto en la gestación en un departamento de Colombia / Exposure to extreme temperatures and its effect on pregnancy in a department of Colombia

Introducción: Diversas investigaciones han establecido la relación entre temperatura y duración del embarazo, la exposición a temperaturas altas durante el embarazo plantea interrogantes en especial el papel que esta juega frente a los partos prematuros y partos de bajo peso, es indispensable determinar si las temperaturas altas o bajas tienen un comportamiento protector o de riesgo sobre el feto durante la gestación en regiones tropicales. Objetivo: describir la relación entre la exposición a temperaturas altas y bajas durante el embarazo y su efecto en la edad gestacional y peso al momento del parto en los recién nacidos del departamento del Guaviare-Colombia. Metodología: Estudio tipo observacional, analítico, retrospectivo de corte transversal que busco determinar la relación entre exposición a temperaturas altas y bajas durante el embarazo y su efecto en la edad gestacional y peso al momento del parto en los recién nacidos, el universo estuvo conformado por 10.137 nacidos vivos, de los cuales 9.932 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se determinó Odds Ratio para estimar la asociación entre las variables. Resultados: Dentro de la semana de retraso 3 el estar expuesto a temperaturas máximas percentil 90 es un factor protector para la ganancia ponderal de peso OR < 1, la exposición a temperaturas mínimas percentil 10 se asoció como factor protector para el parto prematuro en la semana de retraso 1 y 2 OR < 1.Conclusión: A pesar del beneficio de las altas y bajas temperaturas durante el embarazo en la ganancia ponderal de peso y disminución del parto prematuro, es recomendable prevenir la exposición a temperaturas extremas durante el periodo de gestación[AU]

Introduction: Various investigations have established the relationship between temperature and duration of pregnancy. Exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy raises questions, especially the role it plays in premature births and low-weight births. It is essential to determine whether high temperatures or low have a protective or risky behavior on the fetus during pregnancy in tropical regions.Objective: to describe the relationship between exposure to high and low temperatures during pregnancy and its effect on gestational age and weight at the time of delivery in newborns in the department of Guaviare-Colombia.Methodology:Observational, analytical, retrospective cross-sectional study that sought to determine the relationship between exposure to high and low temperatures during pregnancy and its effect on gestational age and weight at the time of delivery in newborns. The universe was made up of 10,137 births. alive, of which 9,932 met the inclusion criteria. Odds Ratio was determined to estimate the association between the variables.Results:Within the 3rd week of delay, being exposed to maximum temperatures at the 90th percentile is a protective factor for weight gain OR < 1, exposure to minimum temperatures at the 10th percentile was associated as a protective factor for premature birth in the week. of delay 1 and 2 OR < 1. Conclusion: Despite the benefit of high and low temperatures during pregnancy in weight gain and reduction in premature birth, it is advisable to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures during the gestation period[AU]

Introdução: Várias investigações estabeleceram a relação entre temperatura e duração da gravidez. A exposição a altas temperaturas durante a gravidez levanta questões, especialmente o papel que desempenha nos partos prematuros e nos nascimentos de baixo peso. É essencial determinar se as temperaturas altas ou baixas têm um comportamento protetor ou de risco para o feto durante a gravidez em regiões tropicais. Objetivo:descrever a relação entre a exposição a altas e baixas temperaturas durante a gravidez e seu efeito na idade gestacional e no peso no momento do parto em recém-nascidos no departamento de Guaviare-Colômbia. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, analítico, retrospectivo e transversal que buscou determinar a relação entre a exposição a altas e baixas temperaturas durante a gravidez e seu efeito na idade gestacional e no peso no momento do parto em recém-nascidos. O universo foi composto por 10.137 nascimentos. vivos, dos quais 9.932 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. O Odds Ratio foi determinado para estimar a associação entre as variáveis. Resultados:Na 3ª semana de atraso, a exposição a temperaturas máximas no percentil 90 é fator de proteção para ganho de peso OR < 1, a exposição a temperaturas mínimas no percentil 10 foi associada como fator de proteção para parto prematuro na semana. de atraso 1 e 2 OR < 1.Conclusão:Apesar do benefício das altas e baixas temperaturas durante a gravidez no ganho de peso e redução do parto prematuro, é aconselhável evitar a exposição a temperaturas extremas durante o período de gestação[AU]

Ultralow Thermal Conductivity in Vacancy-Ordered Halide Perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 with Strong Anharmonicity and Wave-Like Tunneling of Low-Energy Phonons.

Halide perovskites are of great interest due to their exceptional optical and optoelectronic properties. However, thermal conductivity of many halide perovskites remains unexplored. In this study, an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity κL (0.24 W m-1 K-1 at 300 K) is reported and its weak temperature dependence (≈T-0.27) in an all-inorganic vacancy-ordered halide perovskite, Cs3Bi2Br9. The intrinsically ultralow κL can be attributed to the soft low-lying phonon modes with strong anharmonicity, which have been revealed by combining experimental heat capacity and Raman spectroscopy measurements, and first-principles calculations. It is shown that the highly anharmonic phonons originate from the Bi 6s2 lone pair expression with antibonding states of Bi 6s and Br 4p orbitals driven by the dynamic BiBr6 octahedral distortion. Theoretical calculations reveal that these low-energy phonons are mostly contributed by large Br motions induced dynamic distortion of BiBr6 octahedra and large Cs rattling motions, verified by the synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function analysis. In addition, the weak temperature dependence of κL can be traced to the wave-like tunneling of phonons, induced by the low-lying phonon modes. This work reveals the strong anharmonicity and wave-like tunneling of low-energy phonons for designing efficient vacancy-ordered halide perovskites with intrinsically low κL.

Photodynamic therapy based on bismuth oxyiodide nanoparticles for nondestructive tooth whitening.

Achieving a desired whitening effect through short treatments without using peroxide and without compromising the integrity of tooth enamel remains a challenge in teeth whitening. Here, we developed a highly safe and efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) strategy based on visible light-activated bismuth oxyiodide nanoparticles for nondestructive tooth whitening. The Bi7O9I3 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited efficient photocatalytic activity owing to their narrow band gap, effectively harnessing the broad spectrum of visible light to generate ample electrons and holes. Meanwhile, the presence of oxygen vacancies, low oxidation state Bi3+ and the high specific surface area endow Bi7O9I3 NPs with effective electron-hole separation ability and potent redox potentials. Empowered by these characteristics, Bi7O9I3 NPs effectively catalyzed O2 into radicals (O2•-), facilitating the degradation of dental surface pigment molecules for tooth whitening. Concurrently, they eradicated oral bacteria and bacterial biofilms adhering to tooth surfaces, thereby having a positive effect on the effectiveness of tooth whitening. This PDT strategy with Bi7O9I3 NPs shows broad application prospects in tooth whitening.

Ultrasonic-Driven Degradation of Organic Pollutants Using Piezoelectric Catalysts WS2/Bi2WO6 Heterojunction Composites.

Water pollution has been made worse by the widespread use of organic dyes and their discharge, which has coincided with the industry's rapid development. Piezoelectric catalysis, as an effective wastewater purification method with promising applications, can enhance the catalyst activity by collecting tiny vibrations in nature and is not limited by sunlight. In this work, we designed and synthesized intriguing WS2/Bi2WO6 heterojunction nanocomposites, investigated their shape, structure, and piezoelectric characteristics using a range of characterization techniques, and used ultrasound to accelerate the organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation in wastewater. In comparison to the pristine monomaterials, the results demonstrated that the heterojunction composites demonstrated excellent degradation and stability of RhB under ultrasonic circumstances. The existence of heterojunctions and the internal piezoelectric field created by ultrasonic driving work in concert to boost catalytic performance, and the organic dye's rate of degradation is further accelerated by the carriers that are mutually transferred between the composites.

Air quality forecasting using a spatiotemporal hybrid deep learning model based on VMD-GAT-BiLSTM.

The precise forecasting of air quality is of great significance as an integral component of early warning systems. This remains a formidable challenge owing to the limited information of emission source and the considerable uncertainties inherent in dynamic processes. To improve the accuracy of air quality forecasting, this work proposes a new spatiotemporal hybrid deep learning model based on variational mode decomposition (VMD), graph attention networks (GAT) and bi-directional long short-term memory (BiLSTM), referred to as VMD-GAT-BiLSTM, for air quality forecasting. The proposed model initially employ a VMD to decompose original PM2.5 data into a series of relatively stable sub-sequences, thus reducing the influence of unknown factors on model prediction capabilities. For each sub-sequence, a GAT is then designed to explore deep spatial relationships among different monitoring stations. Next, a BiLSTM is utilized to learn the temporal features of each decomposed sub-sequence. Finally, the forecasting results of each decomposed sub-sequence are aggregated and summed as the final air quality prediction results. Experiment results on the collected Beijing air quality dataset show that the proposed model presents superior performance to other used methods on both short-term and long-term air quality forecasting tasks.

Up-conversion luminescence and temperature sensing properties of Ho3+-, Tm3+-, and Yb3+-codoped Bi2WO6 materials in a water environment.

A series of x%Ho3+, 5 %Tm3+, y%Yb3+:Bi2WO6 (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5; y = 0.5, 1, 3) luminescent materials was prepared using a high-temperature solid-phase method. The microstructure, up-conversion luminescence, and temperature sensing properties of the synthesized powders were analyzed. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that doping with Ho3+, Tm3+, and Yb3+ ions at certain concentrations did not affect the orthorhombic crystal structure of the Bi2WO6 host. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of the sample consisted of lumpy particles with a particle size range of 1-5 µm and agglomeration. SEM mapping and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that each element was relatively uniformly distributed on the particle surface. Under 980 nm excitation (380 mW), the strongest luminescence of the sample was obtained when both Ho3+ and Yb3+ doping concentrations were 1 %. Compared with the luminescence of the 5 %Tm3+ and 1 %Yb3+:Bi2WO6 sample, with increasing Ho3+ concentrations, the luminescence intensity of Tm3+ was first enhanced and subsequently weakened, whereas the luminescence of Ho3+ was significantly weakened, which indicates the positive energy transfer from Ho3+ â†’ Tm3+. At 980 nm (80-380 mW), for the 1 %Ho3+, 5 %Tm3+, and 1 %Yb3+:Bi2WO6 sample, the 538 nm, 545 nm, 660 nm, and 804 nm emission peaks originated from the two-photon absorption. FIR660 nm/804 nm, FIR545 nm/804 nm, and FIR538 nm/804 nm were used to characterize the temperature and corresponded to temperature sensitivities Sr of 0.0046 K-1, 0.022 K-1 and 0.024 K-1 at 573 K, respectively. At 498 K, the minimum temperature resolution δT values were 0.03384 K, 0.03203 K and 0.04373 K. When the temperature increased from 298 K to 573 K, the powder sample luminescence gradually shifted from the yellow-green region to the red region. The results of environmental discoloration and thermochromic performance tests indicate that this sample has potential application in optical anti-counterfeiting. FIR804 nm /660 nm and FIR804 nm /538 nm were obtained for the 40 NTU turbidity suspension under identical excitation conditions. At 298 K, for the 40 NTU turbidity sample, the maximum Sr values were 0.0197 K-1 and 0.0405 K-1; at 340 K, the minimum temperature resolutions δT values were 0.54037 K and 0.66237 K. When the temperature decreased from 340 K to 298 K, the luminescence of the 40 NTU suspension samples gradually shifted from the yellow region to the green region.

Empowering distribution system operators: A review of distributed energy resource forecasting techniques.

Effective management of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and optimization of grid operations are crucial responsibilities of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). Hence, this comprehensive critical review aims to analyze the current state of DER forecasting practices for DSOs and their implications for achieving the SDG goals. These goals underscore the significance of clean and accessible energy, advancements in infrastructure, sustainable urban development, climate change mitigation, and collaborative partnerships. The review's core focuses on the DER forecasting techniques employed by DSOs. It explores various aspects, including data collection methods, load forecasting models, DER generation forecasting, aggregation and integration techniques, and the role of advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. The review highlights the critical role of accurate DER forecasts in optimizing grid operations, managing energy flows, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the review examines the implications of DER forecasting for DSOs in achieving the SDGs. It discusses how DER forecasting facilitates the transition to affordable and clean energy, enhances industry innovation and infrastructure, builds sustainable cities and communities, drives climate action efforts, and fosters stakeholder partnerships. However, the review also identifies challenges and limitations in DER forecasting, including data availability, forecasting accuracy, uncertainty management, and regulatory barriers. It emphasizes further research and development in improved forecasting algorithms, advanced data analytics, and enhanced communication and coordination mechanisms. Finally, this comprehensive critical review highlights the importance of DER forecasting for DSOs in achieving the SDGs. Accurate forecasting can promote sustainable and clean energy practices, drive innovation, build resilient communities, mitigate climate change, and foster collaborative partnerships. The review emphasizes the necessity of advancing DER forecasting techniques and addressing associated challenges to fully realize the potential of DERs in contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future. This comprehensive critical review aims to analyze the current state of DER forecasting practices for DSOs and their implications for achieving the SDG goals. As Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) play an increasingly significant role in the transition to sustainable energy systems, accurate forecasting techniques are essential for optimizing grid operations and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. By effectively managing DERs, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) contribute to the advancement of several SDGs, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). This review explores the intersection of DER forecasting with the SDGs, highlighting how forecasting initiatives can support national and global efforts toward sustainable development by providing insights into energy demand, grid stability, and renewable energy integration. The goals and targets are derived from an analysis of current trends and the identification of potential development scenarios by 2030. Both optimistic and pessimistic projections are utilized for communicating with the general public and national governments concerning DSM network planning. Utilizing data from various nations enables the identification of effective strategies and the prediction of similar trends in other areas. Simultaneously, the magnitude of activities related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) enables the improvement and efficient organization of data gathering on a global basis. This, in turn, provides a foundation for future forecasting endeavours.

Safety evaluation of bi-layered allogenic keratinocyte and fibroblast skin substitute for diabetic foot ulcers-SAFESKIN-DFU: A Phase 1 clinical trial.

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of a local skin substitute product in the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients were evaluated over 6 months. Skin substitutes were applied twice at 2-week intervals. Patients were monitored for any possible adverse effects and wound improvement. RESULTS: The results indicated the overall safety of the skin substitute, with only few adverse effects unrelated to this product. Significant reduction in wound size was observed in four patients during the initial 12-week treatment phase, with complete closure in two patients at 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a bi-layered allogeneic keratinocyte and fibroblast skin substitute in patients with chronic DFU was safe and associated with favourable wound healing results. Adherence to standard treatment protocols, including optimal offloading, is essential to maximize the likelihood of successful wound healing.

Enhancing Benzylamine Electro-oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution through in-situ Electrochemical Activation of CoC2O4 Nanoarray.

The sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) seriously restricts the overall efficiency of water splitting. Here, we present an environmentally friendly and efficient aniline oxidation (BOR) to replace the sluggish OER, accomplishing the co-production of H2 and high value-added benzonitrile (BN) at low voltages. Cobalt oxalates grown on cobalt foam (CoC2O4·2H2O/CF) are adopted as the pre-catalysts, which further evolve into working electrocatalysts active for BOR and HER after appropriate electrochemical activation. Thereinto, cyclic voltammetry activation at positive potentials is performed to reconstruct cobalt oxalate via extensive oxidation, resulting in enriched Co(III) species and nanoporous structures beneficial for BOR, while chronoamperometry at negative potentials is introduced for the cathodic activation toward efficient HER with obvious improvement. The two activated electrodes can be combined into a two-electrode system, which achieves a high current density of 75 mA cm-2 at the voltage of 1.95 V, with the high Faraday efficiencies of both BOR (90.0%) and HER (90.0%) and the satisfactory yield of BN (76.8%).

Conversion of anti-tissue factor antibody sequences to chimeric antigen receptor and bi-specific T-cell engager format.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of antibody-targeted therapy of solid cancers is limited by the lack of consistent tumour-associated antigen expression. However, tumour-associated antigens shared with non-malignant cells may still be targeted using conditionally activated-antibodies, or by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or CAR NK cells activated either by the tumour microenvironment or following 'unlocking' via multiple antigen-recognition. In this study, we have focused on tissue factor (TF; CD142), a type I membrane protein present on a range of solid tumours as a basis for future development of conditionally-activated BiTE or CAR T cells. TF is frequently upregulated on multiple solid tumours providing a selective advantage for growth, immune evasion and metastasis, as well as contributing to the pathology of thrombosis via the extrinsic coagulation pathway. METHODS: Two well-characterised anti-TF monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were cloned into expression or transposon vectors to produce single chain (scFv) BiTE for assessment as CAR and CD28-CD3-based CAR or CD3-based BiTE. The affinities of both scFv formats for TF were determined by surface plasmon resonance. Jurkat cell line-based assays were used to confirm the activity of the BiTE or CAR constructs. RESULTS: The anti-TF mAb hATR-5 and TF8-5G9 mAb were shown to maintain their nanomolar affinities following conversion into a single chain (scFv) format and could be utilised as CD28-CD3-based CAR or CD3-based BiTE format. CONCLUSION: Because of the broad expression of TF on a range of solid cancers, anti-TF antibody formats provide a useful addition for the development of conditionally activated biologics for antibody and cellular-based therapy.

Direct Growth of Bi2SeO5 Thin Films for High-k Dielectrics via Atomic Layer Deposition.

This study describes a modified atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for fabricating BiOxSey thin films, targeting their application as high-k dielectrics in semiconductor devices, especially for two-dimensional semiconductors. Using an intermediate-enhanced ALD technique for Bi2Se3 and a plasma-enhanced ALD process for Bi2O3, a method for the sequential deposition of Bi2SeO5 ternary films has been established. The thin film has been deposited on SiO2 and TiN substrates, exhibiting growth rates of 0.17 to 0.16 nm·cycle-1 without an incubation period, thanks to facile nucleation characteristics. The resulting film exhibited high flatness and reached 96% of its theoretical density, forming a uniform nanocrystalline structure. Electrical evaluations using metal-insulator-metal capacitors indicated the dielectric constant (∼17.6) and electrical breakdown strength (2.6 MV·cm-1), demonstrating their potential as a dielectric layer.

Downgrading BI-RADS categories in ultrasound using strain elastography and computer-aided diagnosis system: a multicenter, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether adding elastography strain ratio (SR) and a deep learning based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system to breast ultrasound (US) can help reclassify Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3 & 4a-c categories and avoid unnecessary biopsies. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter study included 1049 masses (691 benign, 358 malignant) with assigned BI-RADS 3 & 4a-c between 2020 and 2022. CAD results was dichotomized possibly malignant vs. benign. All patients underwent SR and CAD examinations and histopathological findings were the standard of reference. Reduction of unnecessary biopsies (biopsies in benign lesions) and missed malignancies after reclassified (new BI-RADS 3) with SR and CAD were the outcome measures. RESULTS: Following the routine conventional breast US assessment, 48.6% (336 of 691 masses) underwent unnecessary biopsies. After reclassifying BI-RADS 4a masses (SR cut-off < 2.90, CAD dichotomized possibly benign), 25.62% (177 of 691 masses) underwent an unnecessary biopsies corresponding to a 50.14% (177 vs. 355) reduction of unnecessary biopsies. After reclassification, only 1.72% (9 of 523 masses) malignancies were missed in the new BI-RADS 3 group. CONCLUSION: Adding SR and CAD to clinical practice may show an optimal performance in reclassifying BI-RADS 4a to 3 categories, and 50.14% masses would be benefit by keeping the rate of undetected malignancies with an acceptable value of 1.72%. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Leveraging the potential of SR in conjunction with CAD holds immense promise in substantially reducing the biopsy frequency associated with BI-RADS 3 and 4A lesions, thereby conferring substantial advantages upon patients encompassed within this cohort.

Breast multiparametric ultrasound: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) in the characterization of focal breast lesions (FBLs). METHODS: This prospective study enrolled patients undergoing multiparametric breast ultrasound for FBLs. An experienced breast radiologist evaluated the following ultrasound features: US BI-RADS category, vascularization pattern (internal, vessels in rim and combined) and presence of penetrating vessels with each Doppler method (Color-Doppler, Power-Doppler, Microvascular imaging), strain ratio (SR) and Tsukuba score (TS) with Strain Elastography (SE), Emax, Emean, Emin and Eratio with 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE). Core biopsy for all BI-RADS 4-5 FBLs and 24-month follow-up for all BI-RADS 2-3 FBLs were considered for standard of reference. The diagnostic performance was assessed with the area under curve (AUCs) and cut-off values were determined according to the Youden's index. RESULTS: A total of 139 FBLs were included with 75/139 (53.9%) benign and 64/139 (46.1%) malignant FBLs. Internal vascularization patterns (p < 0.001), penetrating vessels (p < 0.001), TS 4-5 (p < 0.001) and all 2D-SWE parameters (p < 0.001) were significantly different between benign and malignant FBLs. The BI-RADS score provided an AUC of 0.876 (95% CI 0.810-0.926) for the diagnosis of malignant FBLs. Among the 2D-SWE measurements, an excellent diagnostic performance was observed for Emax with an AUC of 0.915 (95% CI 0.856-0.956) and Emean of 0.908 (95% CI 0.847-0.951). Optimal cutoff for the diagnosis of malignant FBLs were US BI-RADS > 3, Strain Ratio > 2.52, Tsukuba Score > 3, Emax > 82.6 kPa, Emean > 66.0 kPa, Emin > 54.4 kPa and Eratio > 330.8. Multiparametric ultrasound, particularly SWE, can improve specificity in the characterization of FBLs.

The Chiraiya project: a retrospective analysis of breast cancer detection gaps addressed via mobile mammography in Jammu Province, India.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer remains a pervasive threat to women worldwide, with increasing incidence rates necessitating effective screening strategies. Timely detection with mammography has emerged as the primary tool for mass screening. This retrospective study, which is part of the Chiraiya Project, aimed to evaluate breast lesion patients identified during opportunistic mammography screening camps in Jammu Province, India. METHODS: A total of 1505 women aged 40 years and older were screened using a mobile mammographic unit over a five-year period, excluding 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion criterion was women in the specified age group, while the exclusion criterion was women with open breast wounds, history of breast cancer or a history of breast surgery. The screening process involved comprehensive data collection using a detailed Proforma, followed by mammographic assessments conducted within strategically stationed mobile units. Radiological interpretations utilizing the BI-RADS system were performed, accompanied by meticulous documentation of patient demographics, habits, literacy, medical history, and breastfeeding practices. Participants were recruited through collaborations with NGOs, army camps, village panchayats, and urban cooperatives. Screening camps were scheduled periodically, with each camp accommodating 90 patients or fewer. RESULTS: Among the 1505 patients, most were aged 45-50 years. The number of screenings increased yearly, peaking at 441 in 2022. The BI-RADS II was the most common finding (48.77%), indicating the presence of benign lesions, while the BI-RADS 0 (32.96%) required further evaluation. Higher-risk categories (BI-RADS III, IV, V) were less common, with BI-RADS V being the rarest. Follow-up adherence was highest in the BI-RADS III, IV, and V categories, with BI-RADS V achieving 100% follow-up. However, only 320 of 496 BI-RADS 0 patients were followed up, indicating a gap in continuity of care. The overall follow-up rate was 66.89%. Compared to urban areas, rural areas demonstrated greater screening uptake but lower follow-up rates, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to improve follow-up care access, especially in rural contexts. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the efficacy of a mobile mammographic unit in reaching marginalized populations. Adherence to screening protocols has emerged as a linchpin for early detection, improved prognosis, and holistic public health enhancement. Addressing misconceptions surrounding mammographic screenings, especially in rural settings, is crucial. These findings call for intensified efforts in advocacy and education to promote the benefits of breast cancer screening initiatives. Future interventions should prioritize improving access to follow-up care and addressing screening to enhance breast cancer management in Jammu Province.

A novel Bi12O17Cl2/GO/Co3O4 Z-type heterojunction photocatalyst with ZIF-67 derivative modified for highly efficient degradation of antibiotics under visible light.

Levofloxacin (LVX) is difficult to be naturally degraded by microorganisms in water, and its residues in water will pose significant risks to human health and ecological environment. In this study, Bi12O17Cl2 was used as the main body, Bi12O17Cl2/GO/Co3O4 composite photocatalyst was prepared by pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) combined with in-situ precipitation method and used to degrade LVX. A sequence of characterizations shows that addition of Co3O4 and graphene oxide (GO) increases the visible light response range, improves the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes (e--h+) of photocatalyst, and thus improves the degradation efficiency of LVX. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the LVX degradation rate of Bi12O17Cl2/1.5GO/7.5Co3O4 can reach 91.2 % at 120 min, and its reaction rate constant is the largest (0.0151 min-1), which is 2.17, 13.14 and 1.53 times that of Bi12O17Cl2, Co3O4 and Bi12O17Cl2/7.5Co3O4, respectively, showing better photocatalytic performance. Simultaneously, the recycling stability of Bi12O17Cl2/1.5GO/7.5Co3O4 was also verified. The capture experiments and electron EPR test results showed that superoxide radicals (•O2-) and photogenerated holes (h+) were the primary active substances in the reaction process. Finally, combined with HPLC-MS results, the photocatalytic degradation pathway of LVX was derived. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the design of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs)-derivative modified Bi12O17Cl2-based photocatalysts.

Fracture resistance, marginal and internal adaptation of innovative 3D-printed graded structure crown using a 3D jet printing technology.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study aimed to create a graded structured dental crown using 3D printing technology and investigate the fracture resistance and the adaptation of this new design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dental crown with a uniform thickness of 1.5 mm was designed, and the exported stereolithography file (STL) was used to manufacture 30 crowns in three groups (n = 10), solid (SC), bilayer (BL), and multilayer (ML) crowns using  3D jet printing technology. Marginal and internal gaps were measured using the silicone replica technique. Crowns were then luted to a resin die using a temporary luting agent and the fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used to compare the fracture resistance and the adaptation of crowns at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Mean marginal and internal gap of the ML group were 80 and 82 mm, respectively; which were significantly (p < 0.05) smaller than BL (203 and 183 mm) and SC (318 and 221 mm) groups. The SC group showed the highest mean load at fracture (2330 N) which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the BL (1716 N) and ML (1516 N) groups. CONCLUSION: 3D jet printing technology provides an opportunity to manufacture crowns in a graded structure with various mechanical properties. This study provided an example of graded structured crowns and presented their fracture resistance. SC group had the highest fracture resistance; however, ML had the best marginal and internal adaptation.

Ultrahigh Power Factor of Sputtered Nanocrystalline N-Type Bi2Te3 Thin Film via Vacancy Defect Modulation and Ti Additives.

Magnetron-sputtered thermoelectric thin films have the potential for reproducibility and scalability. However, lattice mismatch during sputtering can lead to increased defects in the epitaxial layer, which poses a significant challenge to improving their thermoelectric performance. In this work, nanocrystalline n-type Bi2Te3 thin films with an average grain size of ≈110 nm are prepared using high-temperature sputtering and post-annealing. Herein, it is demonstrated that high-temperature treatment exacerbates Te evaporation, creating Te vacancies and electron-like effects. Annealing improves crystallinity, increases grain size, and reduces defects, which significantly increases carrier mobility. Furthermore, the pre-deposited Ti additives are ionized at high temperatures and partially diffused into Bi2Te3, resulting in a Ti doping effect that increases the carrier concentration. Overall, the 1 µm thick n-type Bi2Te3 thin film exhibits a room temperature resistivity as low as 3.56 × 10-6 Ω∙m. Notably, a 5 µm thick Bi2Te3 thin film achieves a record power factor of 6.66 mW mK-2 at room temperature, which is the highest value reported to date for n-type Bi2Te3 thin films using magnetron sputtering. This work demonstrates the potential for large-scale of high-quality Bi2Te3-based thin films and devices for room-temperature TE applications.

Hierarchical Bi2O3 nanosheets and ZIF-8 derived porous nitrogen-doped carbon fibers as novel assembled nanocomposites for high-performance flexible supercapacitors.

The unique design of the core-shell heterostructure is significant for obtaining electrode materials with excellent electrochemical properties. In this paper, porous carbon nanofibers (NPC@PPZ) embedded with N-doped porous carbon nanoparticles are used to construct flexible electrodes (NPC@PPZ@Bi2O3). Zeolite imidazole skeleton (ZIF)-8 and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) derived porous carbon fibers and Bi2O3 nanosheets, were utilized as the porous core and multilayer shell, respectively. The unique core and shell result in abundant pores and channels for fast ion transport and storage, high specific surface area, and additional electroactive sites. This perfect structural design enables the NPC@PPZ@Bi2O3 composite electrode to have excellent electrochemical performance. The results show that this electrode can obtain a high specific capacitance of 697 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and a stable cycling performance at a high current density of 5 A g-1. The strategy developed in this study provides a new approach for the design and fabrication of flexible supercapacitors by electrostatic spinning combined with hierarchical porous structures.

Early detection of abiotic stress in plants through SNARE proteins using hybrid feature fusion model.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for most of the population across the globe. Plants are often considered life savers for humanity, having evolved complex adaptations to cope with adverse environmental conditions. Protecting agricultural produce from devastating conditions such as stress is essential for the sustainable development of the nation. Plants respond to various environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, heat, cold, etc. Abiotic stress can significantly impact crop yield and development posing a major threat to agriculture. SNARE proteins play a major role in pathological processes as they are vital proteins in the life sciences. These proteins act as key players in stress responses. Feature extraction is essential for visualizing the underlying structure of the SNARE proteins in analyzing the root cause of abiotic stress in plants. To address this issue, we developed a hybrid model to capture the hidden structures of the SNAREs. A feature fusion technique has been devised by combining the potential strengths of convolutional neural networks (CNN) with a high dimensional radial basis function (RBF) network. Additionally, we employ a bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) network to classify the presence of SNARE proteins. Our feature fusion model successfully identified abiotic stress in plants with an accuracy of 74.6%. When compared with various existing frameworks, our model demonstrates superior classification results.