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1.
Molecules ; 29(15)2024 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39124962

ABSTRACT

New heterometallic antenna terephthalate MOFs, namely, (EuxM1-x)2bdc3·4H2O (M = Y, La, Gd) (x = 0.001-1), were synthesized by a one-step method from aqueous solutions. The resulting compounds are isomorphic to each other; the crystalline phase corresponds to Ln2bdc3∙4H2O. Upon 300 nm excitation to the singlet excited state of terephthalate ions, all compounds exhibit a bright red emission corresponding to the of 5D0-7FJ (J = 0-4) f-f transitions of Eu3+ ions. The Eu(III) concentration dependence of the photophysical properties was carefully studied. We revealed that Gd-doping results in photoluminescence enhancement due to the heavy atom effect. To quantitatively compare the antenna effect among different compounds, we proposed the new approach, where the quantum yield of the 5D0 formation is used to characterize the efficiency of energy transfer from the ligand antenna to the Eu3+ emitter.

2.
Polymers (Basel) ; 16(15)2024 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39125209

ABSTRACT

This study focused on synthesizing a cellulose-based hydrogel nanocomposite as a green hydrogel by adding a microcrystalline cellulose (MC) solution to carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na) with citric acid as a cross-linker. Y2O3 nanoparticles were incorporated during hydrogel preparation in different ratios (0.00% (0 mmol), 0.03% (0.017 mmol), 0.07% (0.04 mmol) and 0.10% (0.44 mmol)). FTIR analysis confirmed the cross-linking reaction, while XRD analysis revealed the hydrogels' amorphous nature and identified sodium citrate crystals formed from the reaction between citric acid and CMC-Na. The swelling test in deionized water (pH 6.5) at 25 °C showed a maximum swelling percentage of 150% after 24 h in the highest nanoparticle ratio. The resulting cellulose hydrogels were flexible and exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The synthesized cellulose-based hydrogel nanocomposites are eco-friendly and suitable for medical applications.

3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 18299, 2024 Aug 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39112730

ABSTRACT

Photocatalysis is essential for wastewater cleanup and clean energy, and in this current study, we have synthesized nanomaterials (iron oxide-based) for photocatalytic pollution degradation and hydrogen production. The performance of aluminium oxide/ferric oxide (Al2O3/Fe2O3), samarium oxide/ferric oxide (Sm2O3/Fe2O3) and yttrium oxide/ferric oxide (Y2O3/Fe2O3) were compared for the production of hydrogen (H2) and degradation of dye under natural sunlight. Various characterisation equipment was used to characterize these photocatalysts' structure, morphology, elemental content, binding energy and band gap. The hydrogen recovery efficiency of iron oxide-based photocatalysts from sulphide-containing wastewater is assessed. Y2O3/Fe2O3 has shown the highest hydrogen production of 340 mL/h. The influence of operating factors such as sulphide ion concentration, catalyst quantity, and photocatalyst photolytic solution volume on hydrogen production is studied. The optimal values were 0.25 M, 0.2 g/L, and 1L, respectively. The developed photocatalyst passed multiple cycles of stability testing. Fe2O3 has shown the highest Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation efficiency of 94% under visible light.

4.
Acta Crystallogr B Struct Sci Cryst Eng Mater ; 80(Pt 4): 340-346, 2024 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39136539

ABSTRACT

An algorithm is proposed for determining the orientational relationships and crystal unit-cell parameters of thin films using a laboratory X-ray diffractometer and stereographic projections. It is illustrated by the treatment of experimental data obtained for yttrium orthoferrite YFeO3 films on single crystalline sapphire (Al2O3) substrates for film thicknesses in the range from 100 to 7000 Å. Precise determination of unit-cell constants and angles is possible by combining the results of X-ray measurements made in the in-plane and out-of-plane geometries. The unit-cell unit parameters and orientation relationships for thin films were determined. For the studied films, typical errors in determining unit-cell parameters and angles are better than 0.17 Šand 0.17°, respectively.

5.
Ann Nucl Med ; 2024 Aug 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39207630

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the response of the primary and metastatic liver tumors to radioembolization with 90Y glass microspheres and investigate its correlations with dosimetric variables calculated with 90Y PET/MRI. METHODS: In this ambispective study, 44 patients treated with 90Y glass microspheres and imaged with 90Y PET/MRI were included for analysis. Dosimetric analysis was performed for every perfused lesion using dose-volume histograms. Response was assessed by comparing pre-treatment and follow-up total lesion glycolysis (TLG) values derived from 18F-FDG PET imaging. The relationship between ΔTLG and log-transformed dosimetric variables was analyzed with linear mixed effects regression models. ROC analyses were performed to compare discriminatory power of the variables in predicting response and complete response. RESULTS: Regression and ROC analyses demonstrated that mean tumor dose and almost all D values were statistically significant predictors of treatment response and complete treatment response. Specifically, D60, D70 and D80 values exhibited significantly higher discriminatory power for predicting treatment response compared to the mean dose (Dmean) delivered to tumor. High specificity cut-off values to predict response were determined as 160.75 Gy for Dmean, 95.50 Gy for D60, 89 Gy for D70, and 59.50 Gy for D80. Similarly, high-specificity cut-off values to predict complete response were 262.75 Gy for Dmean, 173 Gy for D70, 140.5 Gy for D80, and 100 Gy for D90. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that voxel-based dosimetry with post-treatment 90Y PET/MRI can predict response to treatment. D60, D70 and D80 variables also did have greater discriminatory power compared to Dmean in prediction of response. In addition, we present high-specificity cut-offs to predict response (CR + PR) and complete response (CR) for both Dmean and several D variables derived from dose-volume histograms.

6.
J Lasers Med Sci ; 15: e24, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39188929

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Facial partial unilateral lentiginosis (PUL) is an infrequent skin pigmentation disorder characterized by multiple lentigines. Despite the availability of various treatment modalities, there is no standard treatment for PUL. This study reports a successful treatment of facial PUL in a female patient using a novel 532-nm Nd:YAG fractional picosecond laser (FPL). Case Report: The patient underwent four treatment sessions at four-week intervals. The treatments were administered using a 9 mm high coverage handpiece micro lens array (MLA), with a fluence of 0.2-0.4 J/cm2, a frequency of 2 Hz for 2-3 passes, and approximately 10% overlap. The treatment was well-tolerated by the patient, with significant improvement in pigmentation and no significant side effects observed. The outcomes confirmed the efficacy of the 532-nm Nd:YAG FPL in treating facial PUL. Conclusion: The 532-nm Nd:YAG FPL appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for facial PUL, offering significant improvement in pigmentation without notable side effects.

7.
Ann Hepatol ; 30(1): 101539, 2024 Aug 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39179159

ABSTRACT

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has emerged as a viable endovascular treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification, SIRT is currently recommended for early- and intermediate-stage HCC that is unsuitable for alternative locoregional therapies. Additionally, SIRT remains a recommended treatment for patients with advanced-stage HCC and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) without extrahepatic metastasis. Several studies have shown that SIRT is a versatile and promising treatment with a wide range of applications. Consequently, given its favourable characteristics in various scenarios, SIRT could be an encouraging treatment option for patients with HCC across different BCLC stages. Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have focused on better understanding the prognostic factors associated with SIRT to identify patients who derive the most benefit from this treatment or to refine the optimal technical procedures of SIRT. Several variables can influence treatment decisions, with a growing emphasis on a personalised approach. This review, based on the literature, will focus on the prognostic factors associated with the effectiveness of radioembolization and related complications. By comprehensively analysing these factors, we aimed to provide a clearer understanding of how to optimise the use of SIRT in managing HCC patients, thereby enhancing outcomes across various clinical scenarios.

8.
Lasers Med Sci ; 39(1): 167, 2024 Jul 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38954050

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, lasers are used in various medical fields. Ophthalmology was the first medical specialty to utilize lasers in patient treatment and still remains the leading medical field that uses laser energy for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser is one of the most common lasers used in ophthalmology. It is a solid-state laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm that works on the principle of photodisruption. Since its introduction in ophthalmology over 40 years ago, it has found various applications, mainly for procedures where cutting or disruption of ocular tissue is required. Compared to surgical alternatives, the use of Nd: YAG lasers on ocular tissue is minimally invasive. In this review, we focus on the two most common ophthalmic applications of Nd: YAG laser - laser peripheral iridotomy and posterior capsulotomy. The history of the techniques, current trends, potential complications, and the prognosis for future use is discussed.


Subject(s)
Lasers, Solid-State , Humans , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Laser Therapy/methods , Laser Therapy/instrumentation , Posterior Capsulotomy/methods , Iridectomy/methods , Ophthalmology , Iris/surgery
9.
Heliyon ; 10(12): e33006, 2024 Jun 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39022042

ABSTRACT

We compared the posterior capsule opacification incidences at 5 years postoperatively and the neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet capsulotomy rates at 10 years postoperatively for two types of intraocular lenses with different optical properties and shapes. This randomized, controlled, prospective, single-blinded study with intra-individual comparisons was conducted between July 21, 2009, and August 31, 2011, at the Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Tochigi, Japan. Thirty patients (60 eyes) underwent bilateral cataract surgery and received a XY1 intraocular lens in one eye and a FY-60AD intraocular lens in the other. Both intraocular lenses are acrylic and manufactured by HOYA. The XY1 lens is a single-piece, tinted intraocular lens featuring an ultraviolet/ozone treatment on the posterior surface of the lens optic, aimed at enhancing posterior capsule adhesion to prevent posterior capsule opacification. Conversely, the FY-60AD is a tinted intraocular lens with modified polymethylmethacrylate C-loops and no ultraviolet/ozone treatment of the optic. Scheimpflug images were taken using EAS-1000 (NIDEK Co., Ltd., Aichi, Japan), and the scattered light intensity (computer compatible tape) on the posterior surface of the intraocular lens was calculated and evaluated as the posterior capsule opacification. The scattered light values of the XY1 and FY-60AD groups were 6.50 ± 5.69 and 11.64 ± 5.30 computer compatible tape, respectively, at 5 years postoperatively. The cumulative survival incidence after neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser capsulotomy was 74.8 % in the XY1 group and 13.8 % in the FY-60AD group at 10 years postoperatively. The surface-modified intraocular lens XY1 reduced the incidence of posterior capsule opacification even 10 years after surgery. Surface modification to increase the adhesion between the intraocular lens and the capsule effectively prevents posterior capsule opacification.

10.
Cureus ; 16(6): e62363, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39006699

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study with propensity score (PS) matching aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy with vaginal and urethral erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser (VEL+UEL) (SP Dynamis; Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia) in the treatment of overactive bladder with urinary incontinence (OAB-wet). METHODS: The study included female OAB-wet patients aged 65 and above who were already taking OAB medication. Data obtained from electronic medical records were subjected to propensity score matching. All patients received instructions on pelvic floor exercises and were prescribed an appropriate dose of OAB medication. The VEL+UEL group (n=30) underwent three monthly laser sessions, while the control group (n=30) did not receive the treatment. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), three-day urination diary, and Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS). Medication usage and adverse events were also assessed. Statistical analysis and R code were performed using the AI chatbot GPT-4.0. RESULTS: The VEL+UEL group showed significant improvements in OABSS score, ICIQ-SF score, voided volume, daytime frequency, nocturia, and VHIS after 12 months of treatment (p<0.001). Notably, 13.3% of patients transitioned from OAB-wet to OAB-dry. In contrast, the control group did not exhibit significant changes. Medication use was significantly reduced in the VEL+UEL group compared to the control group (p<0.001). No long-term side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with VEL+UEL demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of OAB-wet. Improvements in OAB symptoms, voided volume, frequency, nocturia, and vaginal health were observed, with a subset of patients transitioning to OAB-dry. VEL+UEL therapy offers a potential treatment option for OAB-wet, reducing medication use and improving patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to investigate the mechanism, long-term effects, safety, and cost-effectiveness of VEL+UEL therapy.

11.
Neurosci Lett ; 837: 137895, 2024 Aug 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39025434

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3NPs) have recently attracted much attention for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the effects of Y2O3NPs in animal models of AD are less studied. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Y2O3NPs in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats, a reliable animal model of AD, with special emphasis on cognitive function, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were stereotaxically injected with STZ (3 mg/kg, 3 µl/ventricle). Three weeks after STZ injection, cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, and passive avoidance tasks. Intraperitoneal treatment with Y2O3NPs (0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 mg/kg) was started 24 h after the STZ injection and continued for 21 days. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) and components involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, NRF-1, and TFAM) were measured in the hippocampus. The results indicated that STZ induced cognitive impairment and led to neuroinflammation and mitochondrial biogenesis impairment in the hippocampus of rats. Interestingly, treatment with Y2O3NPs effectively reduced STZ-induced cognitive deficits in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by attenuating neuroinflammation and mitochondrial biogenesis impairment. These findings suggest that Y2O3NPs can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for treating or ameliorating the neuropathological effects associated with AD.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Hippocampus , Nanoparticles , Organelle Biogenesis , Rats, Wistar , Streptozocin , Yttrium , Animals , Male , Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy , Cognitive Dysfunction/metabolism , Streptozocin/toxicity , Nanoparticles/administration & dosage , Rats , Hippocampus/metabolism , Hippocampus/drug effects , Yttrium/pharmacology , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism , Mitochondria/drug effects , Mitochondria/metabolism , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Alzheimer Disease/chemically induced , Disease Models, Animal
12.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 17474, 2024 Jul 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39079954

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we present a new type of isolator based on one-way surface magnetoplasmons (SMPs) at microwave frequencies, and it is the first time that an experimental prototype of isolator with wideband and ultra-high isolation is realized using SMP waveguide. The proposed model with gyromagnetic and dielectric layers is systematically analyzed to obtain the dispersion properties of all the possible modes, and a one-way SMP mode is found to have the unidirectional transmission property. In simulation and experiment with metallic waveguide loaded with yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) ferrite, the scattering parameters and the field distributions agree well with the analysis and verify the one-way transmission property. The isolation is found to be as high as 80 dB and the typical value of insertion loss is 1 dB. Besides, the one-way transmission band can be controlled by changing the magnetic bias. From theoretical analysis and simulation, it is found that with a tiny value of 10 Oe of the magnetic bias, the relative bandwidth can be tuned to be greater than 50%. Compared with conventional isolators, this one-way SMP isolator has the advantages of ultra-high isolation, wide relative frequency band, and requires much smaller bias field, which has promising potential in non-reciprocal applications.

13.
Materials (Basel) ; 17(14)2024 Jul 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39063718

ABSTRACT

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)-based optical fiber is one of the research hotspots in the field of fiber lasers due to its combined advantages of a wide doping range of rare earth ions and the high mechanical strength of YAG material, as well as the flexibility and small size of the fiber structure. YAG-based optical fibers and related laser devices can be used in communication, sensing, medicine, etc. A comprehensive review of YAG-based optical fibers is provided in this paper. Firstly, the fabrication processes of YAG-based optical fibers are summarized and the structure and properties of fibers are classified and compared. Secondly, according to the optical wavelength regions, rare earth-doped YAG-based optical fibers for the applications of single-frequency and mode-locked fiber lasers are summarized. Lastly, the development challenges in both the fabrication and applications of YAG-based optical fibers are discussed.

14.
Materials (Basel) ; 17(14)2024 Jul 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39063824

ABSTRACT

In this study, Y2O3 coating is used as an interlayer between Al2O3 substrate and a ceramic coating; this is in order to minimize the morphological distortion produced by a single deposition of the ceramic coating on the Al2O3 substrate, which is performed using the aerosol method. The interlayer coating, which comprises the Y2O3 phase, is deposited on the Al2O3 substrate using an e-beam evaporator. The crystal structure of the powder that was used to process the coating is identified as cubic Y2O3. In contrast, the crystal structure of the top-coating layer and interlayer indicates the presence of two kinds of Y2O3 phases, which possess cubic and monoclinic structures. The single Y2O3 coating without an interlayer exhibits microcracks around the interface between the coating and the substrate, which can be attributed to the stress that occurs during aerosol deposition. In contrast, no cracks are found in the aerosol-deposited Y2O3 coating and interlayer, which show a desirable microstructure. The single Y2O3 coating and the Y2O3 coating with an interlayer exhibit similar hardness and elastic modulus values. Nevertheless, the Y2O3 coating with an interlayer exhibits a higher level of adhesion than the single Y2O3 coating, with a value of 14.8 N compared to 10.2 N.

15.
Cureus ; 16(6): e63370, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39070462

ABSTRACT

A 71-year-old, one-eyed female patient presented with a loss of vision in the right eye due to trauma 20 years ago and a progressive diminution of vision in the left eye over the past six years. An ambiguous history of some surgery performed on the left eye was elicited, with no available records, adding an element of uncertainty to this case. Visual acuity (VA) was noted as no light perception (No PL) in the right eye and light perception with accurate projection of rays (PL+, PR accurate) in the left eye. Anterior segment slit-lamp evaluation of the right eye showed a shrunken globe with low intraocular pressure (IOP). The left eye exhibited signs of chronic uveitis with occlusio pupillae, non-visualization of the lens, and a doubtful conjunctival bleb with scleral thinning superior to the limbus. B-scan evaluation was suggestive of phthisis in the right eye and an equivocal lens shadow in the left eye. A yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) pupillary membranotomy was planned for the left eye under steroid cover and was cautiously attempted, successfully detaching the occlusio membrane and revealing an underlying complicated cataract beneath it. Post-laser, medical management included topical anti-glaucoma and steroid medications, along with systemic steroids. The VA improved from PL+, PR accurate to 3/60 (improving to 6/60 with a Retinal Acuity Meter). After stabilization of the uveitis over the next few weeks and under a steroid cover, a temporal clear-corneal phacoemulsification was cautiously performed with intra-operative management of the small pupil, and a hydrophobic lens was implanted. At one month post-surgery, the patient's best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 6/12 for distance and N6 for near. This report highlights a compelling instance wherein the neodymium:Yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser was efficaciously employed for a lesser-known application in resolving a diagnostic dilemma and for instituting an interim treatment strategy in a challenging case involving a one-eyed patient prior to planning a definitive surgery. This case emphasizes the importance of thinking out of the box, ensuring comprehensive preoperative and careful intra-operative precautions in the management of patients diagnosed with complex ocular inflammatory conditions, so as to optimize visual outcomes, eventually resulting in achieving a gratifying reduction of visual disability and improvement of quality of life.

16.
Int Med Case Rep J ; 17: 683-693, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39071183

ABSTRACT

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), also known as "secondary cataract", is a common complication following cataract surgery that can significantly impair visual acuity. The incidence of PCO varies widely in the literature, influenced by intraocular lens (IOL) type and patient risk factors. Neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy is the standard treatment for PCO-related visual impairment. Recurrence of PCO after initial treatment with YAG capsulotomy, though more common in children, is rare in adults. Its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are similar to that of primary PCO, which includes proliferation, migration, and/or clustering of lens epithelial cells (LECs), with subsequent reclosure of the posterior aperture. Potential risk factors for PCO recurrence that have been speculated through a comprehensive search of the current literature include younger age, female sex, high myopia, diabetes, vitrectomized status, uveitis, low-diopter IOLs, and certain IOL types with higher water content. We present a case of recurrent PCO in a highly myopic 48-year-old male following cataract surgery and implantable collamer lens (ICL) explantation who received a hydrophobic acrylic lens with 4% water content. Surgical techniques that may reduce recurrent PCO occurrence and appropriate postoperative care are emphasized to assist surgeons in their approach to patients at high-risk for this complication.

17.
Materials (Basel) ; 17(13)2024 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38998446

ABSTRACT

The utilization of 3D printing technology for the fabrication of intricate transparent ceramics overcomes the limitations associated with conventional molding processes, thereby presenting a highly promising solution. In this study, we employed direct ink writing (DIW) to prepare yttrium oxide transparent ceramics using a ceramic slurry with excellent moldability, solid content of 45 vol%, and shear-thinning behavior. A successfully printed transparent yttrium oxide ring measuring 30 mm in diameter, 10 mm in inner diameter, and 0.9 mm in thickness was obtained from the aforementioned slurry. After de-binding and sintering procedures, the printed ceramic exhibited in-line transmittance of 71% at 850 nm. This work not only produced complex yttria transparent ceramics with intricate shapes, but also achieved in-line transmittance that was comparable to that of the CIP method (79%), which can meet certain optical applications.

18.
JCEM Case Rep ; 2(8): luae103, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39076377

ABSTRACT

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) can often have an indolent course despite distant metastatic disease. Additionally, given that metastatic MTC is incurable and systemic therapies have non-negligeable toxicities, localized treatments are often favored in presence of oligo-progressive disease. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 (Y90) has emerged as a safe and efficacious treatment for nonresectable primary and metastatic liver tumors, yet data supporting its use in metastatic MTC are limited. We present the case of a patient with hereditary MTC and large bilobar liver metastases who demonstrated tumor response and resolution of their paraneoplastic diarrhea following TARE with Y90 microspheres.

19.
Chemphyschem ; : e202400544, 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38888162

ABSTRACT

Nanoclusters exhibit electronic, optical, and magnetic properties that differ significantly from those of extended and molecular systems with comparable stoichiometries. In this work, we examined the structural, energetic, and electronic characteristics of yttrium-doped boron clusters (YBn,  n =2-14) with robust wavefunction analysis tools. Special emphasis is placed on the elucidation of the potential aromatic character exhibited by the resultant molecules and how it can affect their chemical bonding and stability. Our results revealed that the YBn stability is governed by the maximization of the ionic Y-B interactions. This is evidenced from the lowest-energy conformations, which manifest as half-sandwich structures wherein the majority of boron atoms are bonded to yttrium. The stabilization of such chemical contacts comes at the expense of a notorious depletion of the Y local electron density, crystallizing in a considerable ionic character, close to Y2+ + Bn2-. Such a  charge transfer is coupled to the enhancement of the electron delocalization within the YBn lattice, resulting in quite remarkable local and global aromatic characters. Altogether, this study shows how the toolkit of real space chemical bonding descriptors can offer valuable insights into the structural and electronic properties,  of YBn clusters, contributing to a better understanding of their behavior.

20.
Eur Urol Focus ; 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38897872

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thulium fiber laser (TFL) emerged as a competitor of holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser for anatomic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). The aim was to compare the surgical outcomes of Ho:YAG and TFL for AEEP. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify reports published from inception until January 2024. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The coprimary outcomes were the postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL), and peak urinary flow (Qmax). KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Five studies met our inclusion criteria, and data from 1287 and 1555 patients who underwent AEEP with Ho:YAG (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate [HoLEP]) and TFL (thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate [ThuFLEP]), respectively, were reviewed. ThuFLEP was associated with a better IPSS at 3 mo even if the difference was not clinically significant (mean difference [MD] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.88; p < 0.001). No difference was found for IPSS at 6-12 mo (p = 0.9), and IPSS-QoL at 3 mo (p = 0.9) and 6-12 mo (p = 0.2). HoLEP was associated with a better Qmax at 3 mo (MD 1.41 ml/s, 95% CI: 0.51-2.30; p = 0.002) and ThuFLEP at 6-12 mo (MD -2.61 ml/s, 95% CI: -4.68 to 0.59; p = 0.01), but the differences were not clinically significant. No difference was found in the major (p = 0.3) and overall (p = 0.3) complication rates. HoLEP was associated with shorter enucleation (MD -11.86, 95% CI: -22.36 to 1.36; p = 0.03) but not total operative time (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The present review provides the most updated evidence on the impact of Ho:YAG and TFL in AEEP, demonstrating that these two energy sources are effective in relieving bothersome LUTS in men with BPO. PATIENT SUMMARY: Thulium fiber laser is a new energy source that can be used safely for performing endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in men with bothersome symptoms associated with benign prostatic enlargement.

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