Journals
2025 EN
Mehta Bella · Yiyuan Yi · PearceFisher Diyu
+8 more
Objective Social determinants of health (SDOH), including race, have a key role in total hip arthroplasty (THA) disparities. We compared the collective influence of community‐level SDOH to the influence of individual factors such as race, on THA outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study of the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council Database (2012–2018) included 105,336 patients undergoing unilateral primary elective THA. We extracted “community” factors from the US census by geocoding patient zip codes, including walkability index, household income, foreign‐born individuals, English proficiency, computer and internet access, unpaid family workers, those lacking health insurances, and education. We trained an explainable boosting machine, a modern form of generalized additive models, to predict 90‐day readmission, 90‐day mortality, one‐year revision, and length of stay (LOS). Mean absolute scores were aggregated to measure variable importance (ie, variables that contributed most to the prediction). Results The rates of readmission, revision, and mortality were 8%, 1.5%, and 0.3%, respectively, with a median LOS of two days. Predictive performance measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.76 for mortality, 0.66 for readmission, and 0.57 for one‐year revision. For LOS, the root mean squared error was 0.41 (R 2 = 0.2). The top three predictors of mortality were community, discharge location, and age; for readmission, they were discharge location, age, and comorbidities; for revision, they were community, discharge location, and comorbidities; and for LOS, they were discharge location, community, and comorbidities. Conclusion Community‐level SDOH were significantly more important than individual race in contributing to the prediction of THA outcomes, especially for 90‐day mortality.
Journals
2025 EN
Khanna Dinesh · Spino Cathie · Tashkin Donald P.
+29 more
Objective Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can stabilize or improve lung function in systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD). We hypothesized that combining MMF with pirfenidone (PFD) would produce a significantly more rapid and/or greater improvement in lung function. Methods A randomized (1:1), double‐blind, placebo (PLA)‐controlled phase 2 trial was conducted in SSc‐ILD in which patients received PFD or PLA (801 mg three times daily) along with MMF (1,500 mg twice daily) for 18 months. The primary outcome was change in percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC‐%). Linear mixed‐effects models assessed treatment differences in a modified intention‐to‐treat population. Results Only fifty‐one of 150 intended subjects (34%) were randomized (MMF+PLA, n = 24; MMF+PFD, n = 27). The FVC‐% improved from baseline to 18 months by 2.24 ± 1.35 (least‐squares mean [LSM] ± SEM) in the MMF+PLA group and 2.09 ± 1.28 in the MMF+PFD group (LSM treatment difference −0.14; P = 0.93). Median time to achieve a ≥3% improvement in FVC‐% was numerically faster in the MMF+PFD versus MMF+PLA group (12.3 vs 17.8 months, respectively), but the difference was not significant ( P = 0.33). For secondary outcomes, only the change over 18 months in the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29‐item physical function score, favoring MMF+PFD, reached statistical significance ( P = 0.04). Although other related patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) numerically favored the MMF+PFD group, as did quantitative high‐resolution computed tomography measures of ILD, the differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. Early withdrawals from study medication and adverse events of special interest were numerically greater with MMF+PFD (n = 8 vs 2 and n = 20 vs 7, respectively). Conclusion In this underpowered study, there was no statistically significant treatment difference in overall change in FVC‐% between groups. MMF+PFD was not as well tolerated as MMF+PLA.
Journals
2025 EN
Mdkhana Bushra · Saheb SharifAskari Narjes · Cagliani Roberta
+7 more
Abstract DNA damage underlies the progression of asthma toward a severe, steroid hyporesponsive phenotype. The accumulation of double‐stranded DNA within the cytosol triggers the activation of cytosolic DNA‐sensing pathways, notably the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway. However, the precise role of STING in driving steroid hyporesponsiveness remains elusive and warrants further investigation. This study evaluates STING levels in human bronchial fibroblasts from severe asthmatic patients and in lung homogenates from a steroid hyporesponsive lung inflammation mouse model. STING level is assessed at baseline, post house dust mites (HDM) stimulation, and following treatment with dexamethasone and STING inhibitor. The effect of STING inhibitors on regulating steroid hyporesponsiveness particularly glucocorticoid receptor (GR)‐α/GR‐β ratio is also examined. Severe asthmatic fibroblasts exhibit elevated STING/IFN‐I pathway activation, further heightened by HDM and a similar pattern is seen in lung homogenates from steroid hyporesponsive mice. Dexamethasone combined with an STING inhibitor reduces STING activity, while dexamethasone alone is ineffective. Interestingly, the STING inhibitor restores steroid sensitivity by increasing the GRα/GRβ ratio. Furthermore, nanoparticle‐encapsulated STING inhibitor more effectively reduces airway hyperresponsiveness and restores steroid sensitivity than the free inhibitor. These findings emphasize STING's role in severe asthma pathogenesis, proposing nanoparticle delivery of STING inhibitors as a promising therapeutic strategy.
Journals
2025 EN
Abas AlShimaa M. · Sherif Mohamed H. · Ibrahim Sarah
Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects multiple organs, including the stomach. This research examines the effects of naringin and/or zinc on stomach and pancreatic tissues of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes is induced by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Three weeks after diabetes induction, rats receive eight weeks of treatment. Malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity are estimated colorimetrically. Asprosin and P‐selectin levels are assessed via ELISA. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐кB), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) genes is carried out. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is assessed immunohistochemically, and stomach and pancreatic tissues are examined histologically. Combined naringin and zinc treatment significantly reduces gastric Malondialdehyde, serum asprosin, and P‐selectin levels in serum, stomach, and pancreas compared to diabetic rats. Additionally, gastric NF‐кB expression is significantly lower, while PPAR γ and Nrf‐2 expressions are significantly higher compared to diabetic rats. Immunohistochemical analysis and histopathological examination confirm these findings. In conclusion, combined naringin and zinc treatment significantly improves gastric alterations in diabetic rats by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Nonetheless, it shows no additional impacts on pancreatic tissue compared to naringin or zinc alone.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Bashar · Becker Michael M. · Kunz Francesco
+2 more
Hybrid foams are promising materials for a wide range of applications due to their high strength and low weight. Due to the manufacturing process, the material properties are heterogeneous, therefore requiring characterization methods to quantify local coating layer thicknesses for both research and process scale‐up. Compared to microscopy, remanent magnetic scanning enables shorter turnaround times for the estimation of coating thickness. This study aims to improve quantitative characterization with magnetic scanning measurements by proposing an equivalent model for open‐cell hybrid foams. This model helps to identify possible sources of deviations in the thickness‐magnetic correlation that can occur in hybrid foams. Simulations reveal that several geometrical features contribute ambiguously to the magnetic field. The level of influence on the magnetic signal varies depending on the feature under investigation and its proximity to the surface. High influence is observed for displaced cells in the depth and vertical struts at varying depths compared to adjacent cells on the surface. This should be considered when using remanent magnetic scanning for the quantitative estimation of local coating thickness. In the future, more experimental data may help to use this approach for quantitative characterization of layer thicknesses and reduce ambiguity of the measured data.
Journals
2025 EN
Teber Pembe · Teber Ahmet · Karakaş İbrahim Hakkı
This study aims to develop a flexible and sustainable electromagnetic (EM) wave‐absorbing material by using hemp fabric as a substrate incorporated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnetic Ni‐Zn ferrite nanoparticles (NPs). In this context, the objective is to achieve effective EM attenuation across a wide frequency range using a green, lightweight composite to meet the rising demand for ecofriendly shielding in electronic and communication systems. Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 and MWCNT composite NPs are uniformly dispersed in a molten paraffin binder and impregnated into hemp fabrics. The magnetic NPs are synthesized via the microwave‐assisted combustion method. The EM parameters of the resulting structure are determined in the X‐band using experimental scattering data and the Nicholson–Ross–Weir method. Absorption performance is evaluated based on varying weight ratios of magnetic NPs and MWCNTs, with an emphasis on impedance matching. The results indicate that combining dielectric and magnetic components significantly enhances absorption. A maximum reflection loss of −72.42 dB and a 3.81 GHz bandwidth (covering over 90.71% of the X‐band) are achieved at 10.08 GHz. Increasing Ni‐Zn content shifts the resonance to higher frequencies. This sustainable, flexible composite shows strong potential for electromagnetic interference shielding, particularly in defense applications requiring radar invisibility.
Journals
2025 EN
Wang Liuwei · Gu Huidong · Wang Xiaojing
+9 more
This study systematically investigates the effects of indium (In) addition (4–17 wt%) on Sn0.5Ag0.7Cu5Bi solder joints through thermal analysis, microstructural characterization, and mechanical testing. Key findings reveal that 12 wt% In emerges as the optimal composition, offering superior mechanical performance with 87% ductile fracture and significantly suppressed intermetallic compound (IMC) growth. However, high‐In alloys (15–17 wt%) exhibit abnormal IMC thickening due to thermal activation near the aging temperature. Microstructural analysis suggests that In substitution at Sn sites causes the lattice to induce the aging local lattice contraction in η ′‐Cu 6 Sn 5 , generating internal stresses that lead to cracking in low‐In alloys after prolonged aging. Shear strength shows a nonmonotonic dependence on In content, decreasing as In increases, attributed to InSn 4 phase formation. This research identifies 12 wt% In as the optimal composition for Sn0.5Ag0.7Cu5Bi‐xIn solders, providing specific design rules for industrial applications: 1) enhanced drop resistance in mobile devices due to 87% ductile fracture; 2) cost reduction in automotive electronics by suppressing IMC growth (81% thickness reduction vs. 4In alloy); and 3) compatibility with flexible substrates via In‐induced lattice contraction, validated by density functional theory calculations. These guidelines enable reliable solder joints in high‐density IC packaging under thermal cycling.
Journals
2025 EN
Akter Mahmuda · Anik Habibur Rahman · Chowdhury Md. Kamrul Hassan
+5 more
Recent advancements in 3D‐printed smart textiles based on MXene have revolutionized wearable technology. MXenes, a class of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, offer exceptional structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, making them ideal for smart fabric applications. This review explores their use in wearable electronics, biomedical sensors, energy storage, environmental monitoring, and electromagnetic shielding. Key production processes influencing MXene performance in textiles are discussed, alongside challenges in scalability, durability, and sustainability. MXene‐based smart textiles represent a transformative direction in materials science, paving the way for intelligent, functional, and responsive wearable devices. Prospects for intelligent and responsive wearable devices will be created by the ongoing research and development that powers the advancement of MXene‐enabled textiles.
Journals
2025 EN
Elhassan Ahmed · Li Jialu · Abdalla Ibrahim
+4 more
Abstract The pursuit of eco‐friendly electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) materials with multifunctional capabilities has garnered significant attention in practical applications. However, achieving these desired qualities simultaneously poses a significant challenge. This study introduces a single‐step calcination and chemical polymerization process to obtain an environmentally friendly ant‐nest‐inspired hybrid composite by optimizing conductive polypyrrole nanotubes (PNTs) within a 3D carbonaceous structure. The biomimetic composite forms a highly efficient conductive network, providing a pathway for free electrons within the carbonaceous barriers and enhancing the conduction loss. Remarkably, the EMWA performance of the composite achieves ultrathin (1.6 mm), wide effective absorption band (5.4 GHz), and strong absorption intensity (−67.6 dB) features. Moreover, due to the complex and intertwined 3D continuous network, the obtained samples exhibit excellent thermal insulation and superhydrophobic behavior by inhibiting heat transfer and preventing localized areas from being prone to water absorption. These findings not only offer a sustainable and low‐cost production route for biomimetic carbonaceous composites but also demonstrate a high‐efficiency absorber with great multifunctionality as a green alternative to traditional EMWA materials.
Journals
2025 EN
Asim Saad · Tuftee Cody · Qureshi Asma Talib
+8 more
Abstract Biomaterials that integrate multiple functionalities, mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment to support cellular growth, and adhere robustly to damaged tissues are highly needed to advance tissue engineering. Protein‐based biomaterials are promising due to their inherent biocompatibility, biomimicry, biodegradation, and cell‐supportive properties. Herein, by leveraging the unique ability of dithiolanes to generate on‐demand in situ thiols, a new class of dithiolane‐modified, protein‐based biomaterial that combines unique, seemingly opposing functions for tissue engineering is developed. Dithiolane‐modified gelatin, a model protein used herein, enabled photoinitiator‐free photo‐crosslinking to form multi‐functional gelatin‐dithiolane (GelDT) hydrogels, which displayed exceptional long‐term stability in cell culture media (>28 days) to support the growth of both surface‐seeded and encapsulated cells. GelDT hydrogels allowed pre‐gelation tuning of biomechanical properties and biodegradation via introducing physical crosslinks, and post‐gelation tuning of matrix stress‐relaxation rate, via responding to exogenous thiols, independently of other parameters. Furthermore, GelDT enabled covalent immobilization of bio‐active molecules, glutathione‐responsive drug release, supported efficient 3D bioprinting due to its shear‐thinning ability, and demonstrated robust tissue adhesion in various contexts (bare skin, ex‐vivo, in‐vivo) due to covalent disulfide coupling with endogenous tissue thiols. Together, this study presents a novel multi‐responsive and multi‐functional protein‐based biomaterial, anticipated to advance tissue engineering and regeneration.