Metal Negatrode Supercapatteries: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Perspectives for High-Performance Energy Storage.

Metal negatrode supercapattery (MNSC) is an emerging technology that combines the high energy storage capabilities of batteries with the high-power delivery of supercapacitors, thereby offering promising solutions for various applications, such as energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential of MNSCs as a prospective energy storage technology. MNSCs utilize a specific configuration in which the negatrode consists of a metal or metal-rich electrode, such as sodium, aluminum, potassium, or zinc, whereas the positrode functions as a supercapacitor electrode. The utilization of negatrodes with low electrochemical potential and high electrical conductivity is crucial for achieving high specific energy in energy storage devices, despite facing numerous challenges. The present study discusses the design and fabrication aspects of MNSCs, including the selection of appropriate metal negatrodes, electrolytes, and positrodes, alongside the fundamental operational mechanisms. Additionally, this review explores the challenges encountered in MNSCs and proposes solutions to enhance their performance, such as addressing dendrite formation and instability of metal electrodes.

Efficacy of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine after lung transplantation: an updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Little data supports using tacrolimus versus cyclosporin for immunosuppression concerning acute rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome/Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction CLAD complications following lung transplantation (LTx). Our goal was to evaluate the use of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine in preventing these complications after LTx. METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by searching PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane through January 10th, 2024. We pooled dichotomous data using the risk ratio (RR) and continuous data using the mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We included Four RCTs with a total of 677 patients. Tacrolimus was significantly associated with decreased risk of acute rejection (RR: 1.21, 95% CI [1.03, 1.42], I2 = 25%, P = 0.02) compared with cyclosporine, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome/CLAD (RR: 1.87, 95% CI [1.26, 2.77], I2 = 52%, P = 0.002), and treatment withdrawal (RR: 3.11, 95% CI [2.06, 4.70], I2 = 0%, P = < 0.00001). However, tacrolimus significantly increased the risk of new-onset diabetes (RR: 0.33, 95% CI [0.12, 0.91], I2 = 0%, P = 0.03), and kidney dysfunction (RR: 0.79, 95% CI [0.66, 0.93], I2 = 0%, P = 0.006). In contrast, there was no difference in the incidence of all-cause mortality (RR: 91, 95% CI [0.68, 1.22], I2 = 0%, P = 0.53), arterial hypertension (RR: 2.40, 95% CI [0.41, 14.21], I2 = 92%, P = 0.33), and new cancer (RR: 1.57, 95% CI [0.79, 3.10], I2 = 4%, P = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus has decreased acute rejection episodes and CLAD rate than cyclosporine, but it increased the risk of new-onset diabetes and kidney dysfunction.

Nucleic acid vaccines-based therapy for triple-negative breast cancer: A new paradigm in tumor immunotherapy arena.

Nucleic acid vaccines (NAVs) have the potential to be economical, safe, and efficacious. Furthermore, just the chosen antigen in the pathogen is the target of the immune responses brought on by NAVs. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment shows great promise for nucleic acid-based vaccines, such as DNA (as plasmids) and RNA (as messenger RNA [mRNA]). Moreover, cancer vaccines offer a compelling approach that can elicit targeted and long-lasting immune responses against tumor antigens. Bacterial plasmids that encode antigens and immunostimulatory molecules serve as the foundation for DNA vaccines. In the 1990s, plasmid DNA encoding the influenza A nucleoprotein triggered a protective and targeted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response, marking the first instance of DNA vaccine-mediated immunity. Similarly, in vitro transcribed mRNA was first successfully used in animals in 1990. At that point, mice were given an injection of the gene encoding the mRNA sequence, and the researchers saw the production of a protein. We begin this review by summarizing our existing knowledge of NAVs. Next, we addressed NAV delivery, emphasizing the need to increase efficacy in TNBC.

Effective extracellular vesicles in glioma: Focusing on effective ncRNA exosomes and immunotherapy methods for treatment.

This comprehensive article explores the complex field of glioma treatment, with a focus on the important roles of non-coding RNAsRNAs (ncRNAs) and exosomes, as well as the potential synergies of immunotherapy. The investigation begins by examining the various functions of ncRNAs and their involvement in glioma pathogenesis, progression, and as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Special attention is given to exosomes as carriers of ncRNAs and their intricate dynamics within the tumor microenvironment. The exploration extends to immunotherapy methods, analyzing their mechanisms and clinical implications in the treatment of glioma. By synthesizing these components, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ncRNAs, exosomes, and immunotherapy interact, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of glioma research and therapeutic strategies.

Histopathological Tracing of HPV Genotypes 6 and 11 in Pediatric Patients in Medical City with Chronic Palatine and Pharyngeal Tonsillitis.

BACKGROUND: HPVs are considered to have high-oncogenic risk. These genotypes have been proven to have a causal link to cancers, in pediatric and youth patients, with high rates of HPV presence in the tonsillar tissues. OBJECTIVE: A prospective case-control research for determining HPV 6/11 genotypes in tonsillar specimens of children who underwent operations in the otolaryngology departments of the Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq, for their non-oncologic palatine and pharyngeal tonsillar hypertrophies. METHODS: This study enrolled 102 tonsillar tissues, 82 from pediatric patients aged from 4 to 12 years and who underwent tonsillectomies for non-oncologic palatine and pharyngeal tonsillar hypertrophies; 38 specimens were from single operations while 22 were multiple specimens from the same pediatric patients, represented as a total of 44 tissues). In addition, trimmed nasal tissues from 20 patients, with unremarkable pathological changes, were included as the control group. For HPV 6/11 DNA detection, specific DNA probes were used for the chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) technique. RESULTS: In the palatine tonsillar hypertrophied tissue group, 26.2% of the tissues revealed positive CISH signals for HPV 6/11 DNA. Regarding the pharyngeal tonsillar hypertrophied tissues, 22.5% of the specimens expressed positive CISH reactions. Among the 22 pediatric patients who had combined pharyngeal and palatine tonsillectomies, in 22.7% both sites expressed positive signals. No positive-CISH reactions were documented in the control nasal tissues. Statistically a significant difference was seen when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Significant rates of HPV were observed which pointed to the spread of HPV, among other STIs, and in mothers of at least this studied pediatric group. Also, this represented a critical mark as reservoir tissue sites, allowing transmission to other mucosal tissue localizations, playing part in their pathogenesis.

An overview on mRNA-based vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection.

The human monkeypox virus (Mpox) is classified as a member of the Poxviridae family and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox possesses double-stranded DNA, and there are two known genetic clades: those originating in West Africa and the Congo Basin, commonly known as Central African clades. Mpox may be treated with either the vaccinia vaccination or the therapeutics. Modifying the smallpox vaccine for treating and preventing Mpox has shown to be beneficial because of the strong link between smallpox and Mpox viruses and their categorization in the same family. Cross-protection against Mpox is effective with two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM). However, ACAM2000 has the potential for significant adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, whereas JYNNEOS has a lower risk profile. Moreover, Mpox has managed to resurface, although with modified characteristics, due to the discontinuation and cessation of the smallpox vaccine for 40 years. The safety and efficacy of the two leading mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have been shown in clinical trials and subsequent data analysis. This first mRNA treatment model involves injecting patients with messenger RNA to produce target proteins and elicit an immunological response. High potency, the possibility of safe administration, low-cost manufacture, and quick development is just a few of the benefits of RNA-based vaccines that pave the way for a viable alternative to conventional vaccines. When protecting against Mpox infection, mRNA vaccines are pretty efficient and may one day replace the present whole-virus vaccines. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the ongoing research, development, and testing of an mRNA vaccine against Mpox.

Synergistic biochar and Serratia marcescens tackle toxic metal contamination: A multifaceted machine learning approach.

Metal contamination in soil poses environmental and health risks requiring effective remediation strategies. This study introduces an innovative approach of synergistically employing biochar and bacterial inoculum of Serratia marcescens to address toxic metal (TM) contamination. Physicochemical, enzymatic, and microbial analyses were conducted, employing integrated biomarker response (IBR) and machine-learning approaches for toxicity estimation. The combined application significantly reduced the Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations by 71.6, 31.2, and 57.1%, respectively, while the Cu concentration increased by 85% in the individual Serratia marcescens treatment. Biochar enhanced microbial biomass by 33-44% after 25 days. Noteworthy physicochemical improvements included a 44.7% increase in organic content and a decrease in pH and electrical conductivity. The K⁺ and Ca2⁺ concentrations increased by 196.9 and 21.6%, respectively, while the Mg2⁺ content decreased by 86.4%. Network analysis revealed intricate relationships, displaying direct and indirect negative correlations between metals and soil physicochemical parameters. The IBR index values indicated effective mitigation of TM toxicity in Serratia marcescens and biochar with individual and combined treatments. Binary classification demonstrated high sensitivity (80.1%) and specificity (80.5%) in identifying TM-contaminated soil. These findings indicate significant biochar- and Serratia marcescens-induced impacts on toxic metal availability, physicochemical properties, and enzymatic activities in metal-contaminated soil, suggesting that blending soil with biochar and microorganisms is an effective remediation strategy.

Use and outcomes of hepatitis B virus-positive grafts in orthotopic liver transplantation in the United States from 1999 to 2021.

The demand for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is projected to increase, which indicates a need to expand the liver donor pool. We aimed to investigate the use of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive grafts and the outcomes of recipients undergoing OLT with HBV-positive grafts. We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing all deceased donors and OLT recipients in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database from January 1999 through March 2021. Donor HBV status was positive if hepatitis B surface antigen was positive or HBV nucleic acid testing was detectable. Recipients of HBV-positive allografts were matched 1:5 to recipients of HBV-negative allografts based on recipient and donor age, transplant year, recipient sex, donation after circulatory death, recipient location, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score at transplant. Among the 185,212 potential donors, 422 (0.2%) were HBV positive, and 265 (63%) of the HBV-positive grafts were transplanted (14 of 265 [5.3%] in HBV-positive recipients). The overall discard rate for HBV-positive donors of 37.2% (157/422) remained significantly higher than the discard rate for HBV-negative donors of 26.5% (49,026/185,212) during the study period ( p < 0.001). Recipients of HBV-positive ( n = 209) grafts had similar mortality (log-rank, p = 0.47) and graft loss (log-rank, p = 0.72) rates to the matched recipients of HBV-negative allografts ( n = 1045). The 3-year graft survival rate was 77.9% for the HBV-positive group and 79.7% in the matched HBV-negative group. Based on this analysis, transplant recipients of HBV-positive liver allografts do not experience increased rates of mortality or graft loss. One strategy that may help expand the donor pool and lower the waitlist mortality rate is using HBV-positive allografts.

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) is associated with obesity rates: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have highlighted the possible positive effects of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) against obesity. However, due to their inconsistent results, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively evaluate and critically review the results of studies evaluating the relationship between sRAGE with obesity among adult population. METHODS: In the systematic search, the eligibility criteria were as follows: studies conducted with a cross-sectional design, included apparently healthy adults, adults with obesity, or obesity-related disorders, aged over 18 years, and evaluated the association between general or central obesity indices with sRAGE. RESULTS: Our systematic search in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to 26 October, 2023 yielded a total of 21,612 articles. After removing duplicates, screening the titles and abstracts, and reading the full texts, 13 manuscripts were included in the final meta-analysis. According to our results, those at the highest category of circulating sRAGE concentration with median values of 934.92 pg/ml of sRAGE, had 1.9 kg/m2 lower body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -1.927; CI: -2.868, -0.986; P < 0.001) compared with those at the lowest category of sRAGE concentration with median values of 481.88 pg/ml. Also, being at the highest sRAGE category with the median values of 1302.3 pg/ml sRAGE, was accompanied with near 6 cm lower waist circumference (WC) (WMD: -5.602; CI: -8.820, -2.383; P < 0.001 with 86.4% heterogeneity of I2) compared with those at the lowest category of sRAGE concentration with median values of 500.525 pg/ml. Individuals with obesity had significantly lower circulating sRAGE concentrations (WMD: -135.105; CI: -256.491, -13.72; P = 0.029; with 79.5% heterogeneity of I2). According to the subgrouping and meta-regression results, country and baseline BMI were possible heterogeneity sources. According to Begg's and Egger's tests and funnel plots results, there was no publication bias. CONCLUSION: According to our results, higher circulating sRAGE concentrations was associated with lower BMI and WC among apparently healthy adults. Further randomized clinical trials are warranted for possible identification of causal associations.

Outcomes of modular cable exchange in HeartMate 3 patients versus conventional driveline repair in HeartMate II patients.

BACKGROUND: Driveline (DL) damages are a common difficulty among ventricular assist devices (VAD). Repairing the electrical fibers inside the DL on a running pump is hazardous and requires technical expertise, which is not easily available on site. A new feature of the HeartMate3 (Abbott, U.S.A.) LVAD is a modular driveline that allows an easy exchange of the DL cord. In this report we analyze our experiences with this feature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 302 patients who underwent either HeartMate II or HeartMate 3 implantation between February 2004 and September 2021. Patients were screened for driveline faults and need for exchange or repair of driveline or VAD exchange. Documented were baseline characteristics, reasons for DL or VAD exchange, and complications. Follow-up was three months after the procedure. RESULTS: We present a cohort of 302 patients who underwent either HMII (n = 107;35.4%) or HM 3 (n = 195; 64.5%) implantation. Out of those, 40 patients (40/302; 13.2%) required driveline repair (DLRe) or exchange (DLEx). Out of 107 HMII patients, 9 showed severe DL damages (9/107; 8.4%). Six patients (6/9; 66.6%) underwent DLRe, two patients (2/6; 33.3%) required VAD exchange after DLRe, one patient (1/2;50%) experienced emergency VAD exchange after pump stop. The DLRe procedure in the other four patients (4/6; 66.6%) was successful. Due to damage to the internal driveline two patients (2/9; 22.2%) underwent emergency device exchange and one patient (1/9;11.1%) was listed for transplantation. 31 out 195 HM3 patients underwent exchange of the modular DL. In none of the cases, damages of the internal fibers were the reasons for the exchange. In 100% of the cases, damages of the external coating were the reason for DL exchange. In none of the cases, complications occurred after the exchange procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Driveline damages are a habitual, recurrent complication in VAD patients. The exchange of the modular driveline cable of the HM3 is feasible and safe compared to the conventional DL repair in HMII patients. Risky repair attempts and surgical LVAD exchange due to major damages of the electrical fibers can be avoided successfully by the new feature of HM3 driveline.

Is there a sex gap in outcomes of comparable patients supported with left ventricular assist devices?

OBJECTIVES: Historically, females were described as suffering from worse outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, females' preoperative conditions are unique, making direct comparisons with males challenging. This study aimed to select through propensity score (PS) matching two preoperatively comparable populations of females and males and test if any real sex-related difference exists regarding survival and adverse events after LVAD implantation. METHODS: This retrospective single-center observational study investigated patients who received LVAD implantation between 2010 and 2018. PS matching was applied to balance preoperative heterogeneity between males and females. Primary endpoint was survival at follow-up. Secondary endpoints included perioperative outcomes and LVAD-related adverse events. RESULTS: 92 fully comparable females(n = 46) and males(n = 46) were selected after PS matching (median age:57 years, min-max:18-75). 26.1% of patients required preoperative mechanical circulatory support. Females needed more intraoperative fresh frozen plasma (p < 0.001) and platelets transfusions (p = 0.008) compared to males, but postoperative outcomes were comparable between groups. In-hospital, 1 and 2-year survival were 78.3%, 69.6% and 65.2%, respectively, with no differences between groups. Survival probability remained comparable up to 8 years of follow-up (p = 0.35). Overall, females showed a higher rate of strokes (p = 0.039) compared to males in the follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: After reducing preoperative heterogeneity between females and males, survival after LVAD implantation does not differ based on sex. However, differences might exist in terms of higher transfusions and strokes in females. Reducing preoperative sex disparities and developing intraoperative and anticoagulation strategies which acknowledge sex-related variations might help abolishing differences in LVAD outcomes.

Alcohol-related cirrhosis is associated with high coronary artery calcium scores in patients undergoing evaluation for orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in liver transplant patients. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score has been used to evaluate the risk of CAD in non-cirrhotic patients. However, its significance in cirrhotic patients is unknown. This study aimed to identify factors associated with elevated CAC scores in patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing liver transplant evaluation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent liver transplantation evaluation and had coronary CT scan between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients with prior history of CAD were excluded. CAC score was calculated based on the method described by Agatston. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included. 37.1% had alcohol-related liver disease and 27.4% had NASH cirrhosis. Mean CAC score was 261.1 ± SD, 463.84. Alcohol-related liver disease, male gender, and hypertension were significantly associated with CAC score >100 and only alcohol-related liver disease was associated with CAC score >300. In logistic regression, patients with alcohol-related liver disease had more than sixfold increase in risk of having CAC scores >100 and 300 (OR 6.14, and 6.70, respectively). CONCLUSION: Alcohol-related liver disease, male gender, and hypertension were significantly associated with an increased CAC score >100. However, alcohol-related liver disease was the only factor associated with CAC score >300.

Flying after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Literature on the air travel activities of patients supported by permanent mechanical assist devices is rare. To the best of our knowledge, no air travel guidelines or fitness prerequisites exist on whether and when ventricular assist device (VAD) patients are allowed to travel by plane after device implantation. In this study, we evaluated the topic of air travel after VAD implantation. This working group aimed to produce a report on air travel passengers supported by VADs, regarding their fitness to fly. Fifty left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients were surveyed in a worldwide multicenter study. The single survey was performed with a multimethod design, including interviews conducted face-to-face, online, and on phone. Out of 50 patients, 97% described their traveling by aircraft as perfect and uneventful during the flight. Eighty-five percent of the study participants consulted their medical practitioner before the flight. No patient reported the occurrence of a severe condition associated with flying. LVAD alarms, especially low flow alarms, did not occur in any of the devices. Thirty-five percent of the surveyed patients, however, stated a major problem pertaining to the security check procedures at the airport. The results of this study suggest that commercial air travel is safe for stable patients on permanent VAD support and traveling can be resumed securely after VAD implantation. Conscientious preparation by packing necessary devices, fluids, medications, and careful preparation for the airport security check is recommended.

Ocular comorbidities with direct-acting antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to detect the incidence and nature of ocular complications encountered in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs. METHODS: This study is a prospective follow-up study on 200 chronic HCV patients attending the Outpatient Hepatology Clinic of National Liver Institute who were indicated for direct-acting antiviral treatment (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin) in the period between January 2017 and December 2017 and referred to the Department of Ophthalmology of Menoufia University hospitals where full ophthalmological examinations were done at the first visit before the treatment, the second visit at the end of the treatment (3 months) and the third visit 3 months later (6 months). Follow-up for those patients was done by slit-lamp examination, IOP measurement by applanation tonometer, colored fundus photographs, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Patients who received direct-acting antiviral therapy showed no ocular complications throughout the 6-month period of follow-up. Besides, BCVA and C/D ratio did not show any changes with no statistically significant differences between three visits. No signs of uveitis appeared in patients prescribed to the therapy protocols. Also, FFA did not show any retinal vascular changes. However, two cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage were observed with triple therapy. CONCLUSION: Direct-acting antiviral treatment including sofosbuvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin appears to be safe and shows no detectable intraocular complications in the six-month follow-up period, and routine ophthalmic follow-up seems to be less required than in older anti-HCV medications.

High-Fidelity Simulation Training for the Diagnosis and Management of Adverse Contrast Media Reactions.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse reactions to contrast media are potentially life-threatening events that require prompt recognition and management by radiologists who may have little experience with them. The objectives of this project were to develop and assess a simulation-based program that would equip radiology trainees with appropriate knowledge and skills to recognize and manage adverse contrast media reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen adverse contrast media reaction scenarios were developed to run on high-fidelity adult and pediatric mannequins in a simulation center. Ninety-six radiology trainees (postgraduate year 2-6) participated in the program, which consisted of two didactic lectures and a simulation session. For each simulation session, seven scenarios were chosen. Objective quizzes assessing knowledge and subjective questionnaires assessing comfort were completed both before and after the simulation. A survey assessing the overall program was also completed. RESULTS: All 96 radiology trainees viewed the didactic lectures, attended a simulation session, and completed the pre- and postsimulation quizzes and questionnaires. Mean scores increased from 69% to 82% (p < 0.001) and from 3.1 to 4.5 out of 5 (p < 0.001) on the objective and subjective tests, respectively. Statistically significant improvement was also seen when participants were separated according to level of training. On the final program evaluation survey, scores ranged from 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5. CONCLUSION: We describe the development of a high-fidelity simulation program with a larger variety of scenarios than in prior studies that can provide radiologists the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and manage adverse contrast media reactions. We saw a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and comfort levels across all levels of training.

Improving Clinical Information on Head CT Requisitions From the Emergency Department to Aid Interpretation and Billing Efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: The accuracy of radiologic interpretations is higher when appropriate clinical information is provided, as is the likelihood of reimbursement for the studies. The purpose of this project was to evaluate and improve the quality of clinical information provided on head CT requisitions from an urban emergency department (ED). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study conducted from July 2015 to May 2016, attending neuroradiologists evaluated 1100 randomly selected ED requisitions for unenhanced head CT, grading them for clinical and billing adequacy on a scale of 0-2. After acquisition of baseline data (400 studies), an intervention was performed that consisted of education of ED staff on the importance of clinical information in requisitions. A reminder slide was placed on a large screen in the ED staff working area with examples of appropriate history. Postintervention data (700 studies) were subsequently obtained. Mean scores and payment lag time before versus after the intervention were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was found in mean scores after the intervention for both clinical (1.32 to 1.43, p = 0.003) and billing (1.64 to 1.74, p = 0.02) adequacy categories. The percentage of studies with a score of 2 increased in both categories, and the percentages of 0 and 1 scores declined. There was a 21.1-day decrease in payment lag time (from 75.8 to 54.7 days, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The quality of clinical information provided on imaging requisitions by ED faculty and residents improved after a fairly simple intervention. Billing efficiency improved, and payment lag time decreased substantially.