The Uniform Distribution of Hydroxyapatite in a Polyurethane Foam-Based Scaffold (PU/HAp) to Enhance Bone Repair in a Calvarial Defect Model.

Polyurethane (PU) is a promising material for addressing challenges in bone grafting. This study was designed to enhance the bone grafting capabilities of PU by integrating hydroxyapatite (HAp), which is known for its osteoconductive and osteoinductive potential. Moreover, a uniform distribution of HAp in the porous structure of PU increased the effectiveness of bone grafts. PEG/APTES-modified scaffolds were prepared through self-foaming reactions. A uniform pore structure was generated during the spontaneous foaming reaction, and HAp was uniformly distributed in the PU structure (PU15HAp and PU30HAp) during foaming. Compared with the PU scaffolds, the HAp-modified PU scaffolds exhibited significantly greater protein absorption. Importantly, the effect of the HAp-modified PU scaffold on bone repair was tested in a rat calvarial defect model. The microstructure of the newly formed bone was analyzed with microcomputed tomography (µ-CT). Bone regeneration at the defect site was significantly greater in the HAp-modified PU scaffold group than in the PU group. This innovative HAp-modified PU scaffold improves current bone graft materials, providing a promising avenue for improved bone regeneration.

Nationwide law enforcement impact on the pet bird trade in China.

Conservation enforcement is a direct strategy to combat illegal wildlife trade in open markets. Yet, its large-scale effectiveness has not been widely assessed due to the lack of extensive market data. Between August 2016 and June 2017, a national coordinated enforcement campaign led by the leading Chinese authority to combat illegal migratory bird trade coincided with the largest-ever pet bird market survey across China by voluntary birdwatchers before and after the enforcement, which served as a unique natural experiment. Across 73 markets from 22 Chinese provinces, the dataset contains 140,723 birds of 346 species from 48 families and recorded a drastic decline in bird abundance traded after enforcement. Notably, species protected under China's Wildlife Protection Law declined significantly, while commercially bred species increased, although responses to enforcement were spatially heterogeneous. Our model showed that the national protection level was the best predictor for the trend of traded species, even after accounting for confounding factors such as regional baseline enforcement pressure and wild native bird populations. However, the widely traded native songbirds were not offered adequate national protection. Future policies should consider the pet bird trade patterns, target key areas of trade, and develop a more systematic market survey design to monitor trade.

Neural consequences of 5-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation over right hemisphere: An eLORETA EEG study.

INTRODUCTION: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 5-Hz to the right hemisphere can effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to explore the neural mechanisms that drive the therapeutic benefits. METHODS: We collected electroencephalography (EEG) data from 24 participants with anxiety disorders before and after a tACS treatment session. tACS was applied over the right hemisphere, with 1.0 mA at F4, 1.0 mA at P4, and 2.0 mA at T8 (10-10 EEG convention). With eLORETA, we transformed the scalp signals into the current source density in the cortex. We then assessed the differences between post- and pre-treatment brain maps across multiple spectra (delta to low gamma) with non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: We observed a trend of heightened power in alpha and reduced power in mid-to-high beta and low gamma, in accord with the EEG markers of anxiolytic effects reported in previous studies. Additionally, we observed a consistent trend of de-synchronization at the stimulating sites across spectra. CONCLUSION: tACS 5-Hz over the right hemisphere demonstrated EEG markers of anxiety reduction. The after-effects of tACS on the brain are intricate and cannot be explained solely by the widely circulated entrainment theory. Rather, our results support the involvement of plasticity mechanisms in the offline effects of tACS.

Structure of Graphene Grown on Cu(111): X-Ray Standing Wave Measurement and Density Functional Theory Prediction.

We report the quantitative adsorption structure of pristine graphene on Cu(111) determined using the normal incidence x-ray standing wave technique. The experiments constitute an important benchmark reference for the development of density functional theory approximations able to capture long-range dispersion interactions. Electronic structure calculations based on many-body dispersion-inclusive density functional theory are able to accurately predict the absolute measure and variation of adsorption height when the coexistence of multiple moiré superstructures is considered. This provides a structural model consistent with scanning probe microscopy results.

Tripod transcranial alternating current stimulation at 5-Hz to alleviate anxiety symptoms: A preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most common applications of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) at low current intensity is to induce a relaxed state or reduce anxiety. With technical advancement, different waveforms, montages, and parameters can be incorporated into the treatment regimen. We developed a novel protocol to treat individuals with anxiety disorders by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). METHODS: A total of 27 individuals with anxiety disorders underwent tACS treatment for 12 sessions, with each session lasting 25 min. tACS at 5 Hz was applied to F4 (1.0 mA), P4 (1.0 mA), and T8 (2.0 mA) EEG lead positions (tripod), with sinewave oscillation between T8 and F4/P4. We evaluated the primary and secondary outcomes using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients, 19 (70.4 %) experienced a reduction in symptom severity >50 %, with an average reduction of BAI 58.5 %. All reported side effects were mild, with itching or tingling being the most common complaint. No significant differences were noted in attention, linguistic working memory, visuospatial working memory, or long-term memory in neuropsychological assessments. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the potential of this novel tripod tACS design as a rapid anxiety alleviator and the importance of a clinical trial to verify its efficacy.

Fabrication of a Three-Dimensional Microfluidic System from Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) Using an Intermiscibility Vacuum Bonding Technique.

In this study, the fabrication of microfluidic chips through the bonding of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) boards featuring designed patterns to create a three-dimensional sandwich structure with embedded microchannels was explored. A key focus was optimization of the interface quality of bonded PMMA pairs by adjusting the solvent, such as such as acetone, alcohol, and their mixture. Annealing was conducted below 50 °C to leverage the advantages of low-temperature bonding. Because of the differences in the chemical reactivity of PMMA toward acetone, alcohol, and their combinations, the resulting defect densities at the bonding interfaces differed significantly under low-temperature annealing conditions. To achieve the optimal sealing integrity, bonding pressures of 30 N, 40 N, and 50 N were evaluated. The interface was analyzed through microstructural examination via optical microscopy and stress measurements were determined using digital photoelasticity, while the bonding strength was assessed through tensile testing.

Patient experience with bronchoscopy: topical versus monitored anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare patient experiences during bronchoscopy procedures using either topical anesthesia (TA) or monitored anesthesia care (MA). The goal was to identify circumstances where patients could achieve similar levels of tolerance and satisfaction using only TA, especially in resource-limited settings. METHODS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent bronchoscopy with either TA or MA. Data collected included demographics, indications for bronchoscopy, procedure time, and complications during the procedure. A quality assurance survey was administered to assess patient experience and satisfaction with both procedures. A pre-specified subgroup analysis was performed based on procedure invasiveness and time. RESULTS: This study enrolled 350 (TA 251; MA 99) patients, with an average age of 65 years. Main indications for bronchoscopy included tumor diagnosis (38%), esophageal cancer staging (18%), and pulmonary infection (17%). The average duration of the procedures was 20 min, with MA being associated with a significantly longer procedure time than TA (31 min vs. 16 min; P < 0.001). The overall satisfaction rating with bronchoscopy was significantly higher in the MA group (visual analogue scale, 8.9 vs. 8.2; P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that when less invasive or shorter procedures were performed, TA patients reported tolerance and satisfaction levels comparable to MA patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy with MA offered patients a better experience and greater satisfaction; however, in settings with limited resources, TA alone may provide similar levels of patient tolerance and satisfaction during less invasive or shorter procedures.

Probing the role of surface termination in the adsorption of azupyrene on copper.

The role of the inorganic substrate termination, within the organic-inorganic interface, has been well studied for systems that contain strong localised bonding. However, how varying the substrate termination affects coordination to delocalised electronic states, like that found in aromatic molecules, is an open question. Azupyrene, a non-alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is known to bind strongly to metal surfaces through its delocalised π orbitals, thus yielding an ideal probe into delocalised surface-adsorbate interactions. Normal incidence X-ray standing wave (NIXSW) measurements and density functional theory calculations are reported for the adsorption of azupyrene on the (111), (110) and (100) surface facets of copper to investigate the dependence of the adsorption structure on the substrate termination. Structural models based on hybrid density functional theory calculations with non-local many-body dispersion yield excellent agreement with the experimental NIXSW results. No statistically significant difference in the azupyrene adsorption height was observed between the (111) and (100) surfaces. On the Cu(110) surface, the molecule was found to adsorb 0.06 ± 0.04 Å closer to the substrate than on the other surface facets. The most energetically favoured adsorption site on each surface, as determined by DFT, is subtly different, but in each case involved a configuration where the aromatic rings were centred above a hollow site, consistent with previous reports for the adsorption of small aromatic molecules on metal surfaces.

Achieving environmental stability in an atomically thin quantum spin Hall insulator via graphene intercalation.

Atomic monolayers on semiconductor surfaces represent an emerging class of functional quantum materials in the two-dimensional limit - ranging from superconductors and Mott insulators to ferroelectrics and quantum spin Hall insulators. Indenene, a triangular monolayer of indium with a gap of ~ 120 meV is a quantum spin Hall insulator whose micron-scale epitaxial growth on SiC(0001) makes it technologically relevant. However, its suitability for room-temperature spintronics is challenged by the instability of its topological character in air. It is imperative to develop a strategy to protect the topological nature of indenene during ex situ processing and device fabrication. Here we show that intercalation of indenene into epitaxial graphene provides effective protection from the oxidising environment, while preserving an intact topological character. Our approach opens a rich realm of ex situ experimental opportunities, priming monolayer quantum spin Hall insulators for realistic device fabrication and access to topologically protected edge channels.

Endocrine profile of the kisspeptin receptor agonist MVT-602 in healthy premenopausal women with and without ovarian stimulation: results from 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical tricals.

BACKGROUND: Kisspeptin is an essential regulator of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone release and is required for physiological ovulation. Native kisspeptin-54 can induce oocyte maturation during in vitro fertilization treatment, including in women who are at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. MVT-602 is a potent kisspeptin receptor agonist with prospective utility to treat anovulatory disorders by triggering oocyte maturation and ovulation during medically assisted reproduction (MAR). Currently, the endocrine profile of MVT-602 during ovarian stimulation is unreported. OBJECTIVE: To determine the endocrine profile of MVT-602 in the follicular phase of healthy premenopausal women (phase-1 trial), and after minimal ovarian stimulation to more closely reflect the endocrine milieu encountered during MAR (phase-2a trial). DESIGN: Two randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding trials. SETTING: Clinical trials unit. PATIENTS: Healthy women aged 18-35 years, either without (phase-1; n = 24), or with ovarian stimulation (phase-2a; n = 75). INTERVENTIONS: Phase-1: single subcutaneous dose of MVT-602 (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 µg) or placebo, (n = 6 per dose). Phase-2a: single subcutaneous dose of MVT-602 (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 µg; n = 16-17 per dose), triptorelin 0.2 mg (n = 5; active comparator), or placebo (n = 5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Phase-1: safety/tolerability; pharmacokinetics; and pharmacodynamics (luteinizing hormone [LH] and other reproductive hormones). Phase-2a: safety/tolerability; pharmacokinetics; pharmacodynamics (LH and other reproductive hormones); and time to ovulation assessed by transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS: In both the trials, MVT-602 was safe and well tolerated across the entire dose range. It was rapidly absorbed and eliminated, with a mean elimination half-life of 1.3-2.2 hours. In the phase-2a trial, LH concentrations increased dose dependently; mean maximum change from baseline of 82.4 IU/L at 24.8 hours was observed after administration of 3 µg MVT-602 and remained >15 IU/L for 33 hours. Time to ovulation after drug administration was 3.3-3.9 days (MVT-602), 3.4 days (triptorelin), and 5.5 days (placebo). Ovulation occurred within 5 days of administration in 100% (3 µg), 88% (1 µg), 82% (0.3 µg), and 75% (0.1 µg), of women after MVT-602, 100% after triptorelin and 60% after placebo. CONCLUSIONS: MVT-602 induces LH concentrations of similar amplitude and duration as the physiological midcycle LH surge with potential utility for induction of oocyte maturation and ovulation during MAR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EUDRA-CT: 2017-003812-38, 2018-001379-20.

Concordant dynamic changes of global network properties in the frontoparietal and limbic compartments: An EEG study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite its complexity, deciphering nodal interaction is imperative to understanding a neural network. Network interaction is an even more complicated topic that must be addressed. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the brain waves of two canonical brain structures, i.e., the frontoparietal and limbic compartments, during a resting state. METHODS: Electroencephalography (EEG) of 51 subjects in eye-closed condition was analyzed, and the eLORETA method was applied to convert the signals from the scalp to the brain. By way of community detection, representative neural nodes and the associated mean activities were retrieved. Total and lagged coherences were computed to indicate functional connectivity between those neural nodes. Two global network properties were elucidated based on the connectivity measures, i.e., global efficiency and mean functional connectivity strength. The temporal correlation of the global network indices between the two studied networks was explored. RESULTS: It was found that there was a significant trend of positive correlation across the four metrics (lagged vs. total coherence x global efficiency vs. average connectivity). In other words, when the neural interaction in the FP network was stronger, so did that in the limbic network, and vice versa. Notably, the above interaction was not spectrally specific and only existed at a finer temporal scale (under hundreds of milliseconds level). CONCLUSION: The concordant change in network properties indicates an intricate balance between FP and LM compartments. Possible mechanisms and implications for the findings are discussed.

Flexible dispersion engineering using polymer patterning in nanophotonic waveguides.

We demonstrate the engineering of waveguide dispersion by lithographically patterning the polymer cladding on silicon nitride waveguide resonators. Both normal and anomalous dispersion, ranging from - 462 to 409 ps/nm/km, can be achieved for the same waveguide dimension within an integrated photonic chip. In the meantime, this simple process shows no impact on the waveguide loss and the quality factor of the waveguide resonators, offering flexibility in tailoring designable dispersion for a universal photonic platform. In addition, by adjusting the coverage ratio of cladding, relatively low dispersion (≈ - 130 ps/nm/km) is also demonstrated in the same waveguide resonator, yielding the potentials for zero-dispersive waveguide resonators by a proper coverage ratio of the polymer cladding.

Combined Electrochemical, XPS, and STXM Study of Lithium Nitride as a Protective Coating for Lithium Metal and Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Li3N is an excellent protective coating material for lithium electrodes with very high lithium-ion conductivity and low electronic conductivity, but the formation of stable and homogeneous coatings is technically very difficult. Here, we show that protective Li3N coatings can be simply formed by the direct reaction of electrodeposited lithium electrodes with N2 gas, whereas using battery-grade lithium foil is problematic due to the presence of a native passivation layer that hampers that reaction. The protective Li3N coating is effective at preventing lithium dendrite formation, as found from unidirectional plating and plating-stripping measurements in Li-Li cells. The Li3N coating also efficiently suppresses the parasitic reactions of polysulfides and other electrolyte species with the lithium electrode, as demonstrated by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. The protection of the lithium electrode against corrosion by polysulfides and other electrolyte species, as well as the promotion of smooth deposits without dendrites, makes the Li3N coating highly promising for applications in lithium metal batteries, such as lithium-sulfur batteries. The present findings show that the formation of Li3N can be achieved with lithium electrodes covered by a secondary electrolyte interface layer, which proves that the in situ formation of Li3N coatings inside the batteries is attainable.

Insights into the coexistence of birds and humans in cropland through meta-analyses of bird exclosure studies, crop loss mitigation experiments, and social surveys.

Birds share lands with humans at a substantial scale and affect crops. Yet, at a global scale, systematic evaluations of human-bird coexistence in croplands are scarce. Here, we compiled and used meta-analysis approaches to synthesize multiple global datasets of ecological and social dimensions to understand this complex coexistence system. Our result shows that birds usually increase woody, but not herbaceous, crop production, implying that crop loss mitigation efforts are critical for a better coexistence. We reveal that many nonlethal technical measures are more effective in reducing crop loss, e.g., using scaring devices and changing sow practices, than other available methods. Besides, we find that stakeholders from low-income countries are more likely to perceive the crop losses caused by birds and are less positive toward birds than those from high-income ones. Based on our evidence, we identified potential regional clusters, particularly in tropical areas, for implementing win-win coexistence strategies. Overall, we provide an evidence-based knowledge flow and solutions for stakeholders to integrate the conservation and management of birds in croplands.

Emergent and robust ferromagnetic-insulating state in highly strained ferroelastic LaCoO3 thin films.

Transition metal oxides are promising candidates for the next generation of spintronic devices due to their fascinating properties that can be effectively engineered by strain, defects, and microstructure. An excellent example can be found in ferroelastic LaCoO3 with paramagnetism in bulk. In contrast, unexpected ferromagnetism is observed in tensile-strained LaCoO3 films, however, its origin remains controversial. Here we simultaneously reveal the formation of ordered oxygen vacancies and previously unreported long-range suppression of CoO6 octahedral rotations throughout LaCoO3 films. Supported by density functional theory calculations, we find that the strong modification of Co 3d-O 2p hybridization associated with the increase of both Co-O-Co bond angle and Co-O bond length weakens the crystal-field splitting and facilitates an ordered high-spin state of Co ions, inducing an emergent ferromagnetic-insulating state. Our work provides unique insights into underlying mechanisms driving the ferromagnetic-insulating state in tensile-strained ferroelastic LaCoO3 films while suggesting potential applications toward low-power spintronic devices.

Detailed Analysis of the Synthesis and Structure of MAX Phase (Mo0.75V0.25)5AlC4 and Its MXene Sibling (Mo0.75V0.25)5C4.

MAX phases with the general formula Mn+1AXn are layered carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides with varying stacking sequence of layers of M6X octahedra and the A element depending on n. While "211" MAXphases (n = 1) are very common, MAX phases with higher n, especially n ≥ 3, have hardly been prepared. This work addresses open questions regarding the synthesis conditions, structure, and chemical composition of the "514" MAX phase. In contrast to literature reports, no oxide is needed to form the MAX phase, yet multiple heating steps at 1,600 °C are required. Using high-resolution X-ray diffraction, the structure of (Mo1-xVx)5AlC4 is thoroughly investigated, and Rietveld refinement suggests P-6c2 as the most fitting space group. SEM/EDS and XPS show that the chemical composition of the MAX phase is (Mo0.75V0.25)5AlC4. It was also exfoliated into its MXene sibling (Mo0.75V0.25)5C4 using two different techniques (using HF and an HF/HCl mixture) that lead to different surface terminations as shown by XPS/HAXPES measurements. Initial investigations of the electrocatalytic properties of both MXene versions show that, depending on the etchant, (Mo0.75V0.25)5C4 can reduce hydrogen at 10 mA cm-2 with an overpotential of 166 mV (HF only) or 425 mV (HF/HCl) after cycling the samples, which makes them a potential candidate as an HER catalyst.

A Randomized Open-Label Study of Relugolix Alone or Relugolix Combination Therapy in Premenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Relugolix is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist. Relugolix 40-mg monotherapy is associated with vasomotor symptoms and long-term bone mineral density loss due to hypoestrogenism. This study assessed whether the addition of estradiol (E2) 1 mg and norethindrone acetate (NETA) 0.5 mg to relugolix 40 mg (relugolix combination therapy) provides systemic E2 concentrations in the 20-50 pg/mL range to minimize these undesirable effects. METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label, parallel-group study to assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of relugolix 40 mg alone or in combination with E2 1 mg and NETA 0.5 mg in healthy premenopausal women. Eligible women were randomized 1:1 to receive relugolix alone or relugolix plus E2/NETA for 6 weeks. Study assessments included pharmacokinetic parameters of E2, estrone, and relugolix in both treatment groups, and norethindrone in the relugolix plus E2/NETA treatment group at weeks 3 and 6. RESULTS: Median E2 24 h average concentrations with the relugolix plus E2/NETA group (N = 23) were 31.5 pg/mL, 26 pg/mL higher compared with the relugolix-alone group (6.2 pg/mL) (N = 25). There were 86.4% of participants in the relugolix plus E2/NETA group who had E2 average concentrations exceeding 20 pg/mL, the threshold expected to minimize bone mineral density loss, compared with 21.1% in the relugolix-alone group. Both treatments were generally safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Relugolix 40 mg in combination with E2 1 mg and NETA 0.5 mg provided systemic E2 concentrations within a range expected to minimize the risk of undesirable effects of hypoestrogenism associated with the administration of relugolix alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier no. NCT04978688. Trial registration date: 27 July, 2021; retrospectively registered.