-
ACS Omega May 2024The combination of the effects of nonthermal plasma using atmospheric pressure of plasma jet and the photocatalytic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles was used to...
The combination of the effects of nonthermal plasma using atmospheric pressure of plasma jet and the photocatalytic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles was used to study the plasma flow modes, electrical characteristics, nonthermal characteristics, antimicrobial measurements, and surface modifications. Using different wettabilities of argon discharges in a laminar flow: (i) wet I, wettability with 2.4 slm argon mixture with oxygen ratio O, equivalent to 15 mslm (Ar/O), and (ii) wet II, wettability (Ar/O) mixture combined with titanium dioxide, to accelerate the inactivation process on the nonwoven fabric surface. For wet 0, wet I, and wet II discharges, the average rate of heat transfer to the nonwoven silk fabric increased significantly. Specifically, it goes from 104.6 to 118.6 and then to 241.7 mW, respectively. The kinetic deactivation rate of increases starting at 0.20, then going up to 0.32, and finally reaching 0.57 min. The increased wettability of the TiO photocatalyst results in an enhanced bactericidal rate, which is caused by both the heat impact from the nonthermal jet and potentially photocatalytic disinfection, leading to the generation of active species. The mechanical parameters owing to different wettabilities and plasma interactions with the fabric membrane were tested for the treated samples, such as stiffness, ultimate yield strength, tensile strength, strain, hardening, elongation, resilience, and toughness.
PubMed: 38764619
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08858 -
Scientific Reports May 2024We present a new method for approximating two-body interatomic potentials from existing ab initio data based on representing the unknown function as an analytic...
We present a new method for approximating two-body interatomic potentials from existing ab initio data based on representing the unknown function as an analytic continued fraction. In this study, our method was first inspired by a representation of the unknown potential as a Dirichlet polynomial, i.e., the partial sum of some terms of a Dirichlet series. Our method allows for a close and computationally efficient approximation of the ab initio data for the noble gases Xenon (Xe), Krypton (Kr), Argon (Ar), and Neon (Ne), which are proportional to and to a very simple truncated continued fraction with integer coefficients and depending on only, where n is a natural number (with for Xe, for Kr, for Ar, and for Neon). For Helium (He), the data is well approximated with a function having only one variable with and a truncated continued fraction with (i.e., the third convergent of the expansion). Also, for He, we have found an interesting result, a Dirichlet polynomial of the form (with all integers), which provides a surprisingly good fit, not only in the attractive but also in the repulsive region. We also discuss lessons learned while facing the surprisingly challenging non-linear optimisation tasks in fitting these approximations and opportunities for parallelisation.
PubMed: 38750117
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60835-8 -
Journal of the Belgian Society of... 2024This study aimed to investigate ultrasound (US) features of thyroid nodules categorized as nondiagnostic (ND) and atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) according to...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate ultrasound (US) features of thyroid nodules categorized as nondiagnostic (ND) and atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) and their potential implications for clinical management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent thyroid nodules FNAC between 2019 and 2023. Nodules falling into the ND and AUS categories were analyzed for US features, nodule size, composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, echogenic foci, the distribution of the American College of Radiology's Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) categories, and other parameters. The study included a total of 1,199 patients and 1,252 nodules (ND: 1110; AUS: 142).
RESULTS
No significant differences in age, gender, nodule features, echogenicity, shape, margin, echogenic foci, TI-RADS scores, localization, number of nodules, or thyroid parenchymal disease presence were found between the ND and AUS categories ( > 0.05). Also, no statistically significant difference in nodule size (<10 mm vs. ≥10 mm) existed between the ND and AUS categories ( = 0.475). Both showed predominantly solid composition and hyperechoic/isoechoic echogenicity. High proportions of TI-RADS 4 nodules were observed in both groups, with 727 (65.5%) in ND and 95 (66.9%) in AUS.
CONCLUSION
This study found no statistically significant differences in US characteristics between the ND and AUS categories, indicating potential similarities in their radiological appearances. Also, no significant difference in nodule size (<10 mm and ≥10 mm) was observed between these categories. Clinical management should consider further investigations, including repeat FNAC, due to the diagnostic challenges and malignancy risk in both categories.
PubMed: 38737380
DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.3577 -
Open Life Sciences 2024Endobronchial leiomyomas are rare benign neoplasms of the lungs that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the bronchi and bronchioles. While surgical resection is the...
Endobronchial leiomyomas are rare benign neoplasms of the lungs that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the bronchi and bronchioles. While surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for these tumors, bronchoscopic interventional therapies are also effective and can help preserve lung function in certain cases. A 40-year-old male patient presented with a persistent cough and sputum production for over 4 months. A chest computed tomography scan revealed nodular lesions in the lower lobe bronchus, later confirmed as an endobronchial leiomyoma. The patient refused surgical intervention and opted for minimally invasive bronchoscopic treatments, including electric snare resection, argon plasma coagulation, and balloon dilation, resulting in a successful outcome with no recurrence during follow-up. Clinicians should consider bronchoscopic interventions as a viable treatment option for endobronchial leiomyomas patients who are either ineligible for surgical resection or opt not to undergo surgery.
PubMed: 38737105
DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0845 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction of aryl acetic acids and aryl nitriles has been achieved under an argon atmosphere in high yields. This...
The photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction of aryl acetic acids and aryl nitriles has been achieved under an argon atmosphere in high yields. This method provides a fast way to obtain prevalent aryl acetic acids from an abundant natural source. A tentative radical mechanism has been proposed.
PubMed: 38731647
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092156 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Interaction of the pre-organized complex of iron(II) trimethylacetate and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) [Fe(piv)(phen)] () (piv = (Me)CCO)) with 1,6-diaminohexane (dahx) in...
Interaction of the pre-organized complex of iron(II) trimethylacetate and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) [Fe(piv)(phen)] () (piv = (Me)CCO)) with 1,6-diaminohexane (dahx) in anhydrous acetonitrile yielded a 1D coordination polymer [FeO(piv)(dahx)] () and an organic salt of pivalic acid (Hdahx)(piv) (). The structure of the obtained compounds was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The phase purity of the complexes was determined by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. According to the single-crystal X-ray analysis, coordination polymer is formed due to the binding of a triangular carboxylate core {Fe(μ-O)(μ-piv)} with an aliphatic diamine ligand. Thermal behavior was investigated for compounds and in an argon atmosphere.
PubMed: 38731615
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092125 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Buckypaper (BP), a flexible and porous material, exhibits photovoltaic properties when exposed to light. In this study, we employed radio frequency (RF) sputtering of...
Buckypaper (BP), a flexible and porous material, exhibits photovoltaic properties when exposed to light. In this study, we employed radio frequency (RF) sputtering of zinc oxide (ZnO) followed by rapid thermal annealing to enhance the photovoltaic response of BP. We investigated the impact of various sputtering parameters, such as the gas flow ratio of argon to oxygen and deposition time, on the morphology, composition, resistivity, and photovoltaic characteristics of ZnO-modified BP. Additionally, the photovoltaic performance of the samples under different illumination modes and wavelengths was compared. It was found that optimal sputtering conditions-argon to oxygen flow ratio of 1:2, deposition time of 20 min, and power of 100 watts-resulted in a ZnO film thickness of approximately 45 nanometers. After annealing at 400 °C for 10 min, the ZnO-modified BP demonstrated a significant increase in photocurrent and photovoltage, along with a reduction in resistivity, compared to unmodified BP. Moreover, under gradient illumination, the ZnO-modified BP exhibited a photovoltage enhancement of 14.70-fold and a photocurrent increase of 13.86-fold, compared to uniform illumination. Under blue light, it showed a higher photovoltaic response than under other colors. The enhancement in photovoltaic response is attributed to the formation of a Schottky junction between ZnO and BP, an increased carrier concentration gradient, and an expanded light absorption spectrum. Our results validate that ZnO sputtering followed by annealing is an effective method for modifying BP for photovoltaic applications such as solar cells and photodetectors.
PubMed: 38727387
DOI: 10.3390/nano14090792 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Tellurium exhibits exceptional intrinsic electronic properties. However, investigations into the modulation of tellurium's electronic properties through physical...
Tellurium exhibits exceptional intrinsic electronic properties. However, investigations into the modulation of tellurium's electronic properties through physical modification are notably scarce. Here, we present a comprehensive study focused on the evolution of the electronic properties of tellurium crystal flakes under plasma irradiation treatment by employing conductive atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The plasma-treated tellurium experienced a process of defect generation through lattice breaking. Prior to the degradation of electronic transport performance due to plasma irradiation treatment, we made a remarkable observation: in the low-energy region of hydrogen plasma-treated tellurium, a notable enhancement in conductivity was unexpectedly detected. The mechanism underlying this enhancement in electronic transport performance was thoroughly elucidated by comparing it with the electronic structure induced by argon plasma irradiation. This study not only fundamentally uncovers the effects of plasma irradiation on tellurium crystal flakes but also unearths an unprecedented trend of enhanced electronic transport performance at low irradiation energies when utilizing hydrogen plasma. This abnormal trend bears significant implications for guiding the prospective application of tellurium-based 2D materials in the realm of electronic devices.
PubMed: 38727344
DOI: 10.3390/nano14090750 -
Gland Surgery Apr 2024Although thyroid tumors with tracheal stenosis are occasionally encountered, severe tracheal stenosis caused by benign thyroid tumors is rare. We herein describe a case...
BACKGROUND
Although thyroid tumors with tracheal stenosis are occasionally encountered, severe tracheal stenosis caused by benign thyroid tumors is rare. We herein describe a case in which a silicone tracheal stent was placed for severe tracheal stenosis induced by a giant goiter due to Graves' disease.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 93-year-old woman had been receiving thiamazole treatment for Graves' disease with a thyroid goiter for 32 years. She emergently presented to the hospital with sudden difficulty breathing and the temporary loss of consciousness. Although marked stridor was heard, the patient's respiratory status was stable in the first visit. Computed tomography revealed a giant thyroid goiter that extended to the mediastinum. The trachea was compressed by the sternal notch and thyroid gland, resulting in severe stenosis, and the tracheal lumen was only 1 mm. Surgical thyroidectomy was expected to be difficult due to the high risk of complications associated with the large size of the goiter and advanced age of the patient. Therefore, we decided to place a tracheal stent. A silicone stent (Dumon tube) was inserted into the site of tracheal stenosis under general anesthesia. After stent placement, respiratory distress symptoms improved, and no complications were observed. Three months after stent placement, the stent opening side was narrowed due to defective granulation and, thus, was cauterized with argon plasma coagulation.
CONCLUSIONS
We encountered a patient who was treated by tracheal silicone stent placement for severe tracheal stenosis induced by a giant goiter due to Graves' disease. A silicone stent effectively secures the airway for benign thyroid tumors that cause severe airway stenosis.
PubMed: 38720672
DOI: 10.21037/gs-23-499 -
PloS One 2024Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition that has the potential to develop into esophageal cancer (EC). Currently, there is a wide range of management... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition that has the potential to develop into esophageal cancer (EC). Currently, there is a wide range of management options available for individuals at different pathological stages in Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, there is currently a lack of knowledge regarding their comparative efficacy. To address this gap, we conducted a network meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to examine the comparative effectiveness of all regimens.
METHODS
Data extracted from eligible randomized controlled trials were utilized in a Bayesian network meta-analysis to examine the relative effectiveness of BE's treatment regimens and determine their ranking in terms of efficacy. The ranking probability for each regimen was assessed using the surfaces under cumulative ranking values. The outcomes under investigation were complete ablation of BE, neoplastic progression of BE, and complete eradication of dysplasia.
RESULTS
We identified twenty-three RCT studies with a total of 1675 participants, and ten different interventions. Regarding complete ablation of non-dysplastic BE, the comparative effectiveness ranking indicated that argon plasma coagulation (APC) was the most effective regimen, with the highest SUCRA value, while surveillance and PPI/H2RA were found to be the least efficacious regimens. For complete ablation of BE with low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, or esophageal cancer, photodynamic therapy (PDT) had the highest SUCRA value of 94.1%, indicating it as the best regimen. Additionally, for complete eradication of dysplasia, SUCRA plots showed a trend in ranking PDT as the highest with a SUCRA value of 91.2%. Finally, for neoplastic progression, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgery were found to perform significantly better than surveillance. The risk of bias assessment revealed that 6 studies had an overall high risk of bias. However, meta-regression with risk of bias as a covariate did not indicate any influence on the model. In terms of the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis evaluation, a high level of confidence was found for all treatment comparisons.
CONCLUSION
Endoscopic surveillance alone or PPI/H2RA alone may not be sufficient for managing BE, even in cases of non-dysplastic BE. However, APC has shown excellent efficacy in treating non-dysplastic BE. For cases of BE with low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, or esophageal cancer, PDT may be the optimal intervention as it can induce regression of BE metaplasia and prevent future progression of BE to dysplasia and EC.
Topics: Barrett Esophagus; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Esophageal Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Bayes Theorem; Precancerous Conditions; Treatment Outcome; Argon Plasma Coagulation; Disease Progression
PubMed: 38709808
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302204