Search Results (171)

Background/Objectives: Spanish-speaking patients face persistent barriers in accessing equitable audiological care, particularly when standardized language-appropriate tools are lacking. Two Spanish-language sentence recognition tests, the Spanish AzBio Sentence (SAzB) and the Latin American Hearing in Noise Test (LAH), are commonly used to evaluate speech perception in adults with hearing loss. However, performance differences between these measures may influence referral decisions for hearing intervention, such as cochlear implantation. This study compared test performance under varying noise and spatial conditions to guide appropriate test selection and reduce the risk of misclassification that may contribute to healthcare disparities. Methods: Twenty-one bilingual Spanish/English speaking adults with normal bilateral hearing completed speech perception testing using both the SAzB and LAH. Testing was conducted under two spatial configurations: (1) speech and noise presented from the front (0° azimuth) and (2) speech to the simulated poorer ear and noise to the better ear (90°/270° azimuth). Conditions included quiet and three signal-to-noise ratios (+10, +5, and 0 dB). Analyses included paired t-tests and one-way ANOVAs. Results: Participants scored significantly higher on the LAH than on the SAzB across all SNR conditions and configurations, with ceiling effects observed for the LAH. SAzB scores varied by language dominance, while LAH scores did not. No other differences were observed based on any further demographic information. Conclusions: The SAzB provides a more challenging and informative assessment of speech perception in noise. Relying on easier tests like the LAH may obscure real-world difficulties and delay appropriate referrals for hearing loss intervention, including cochlear implant evaluation. Selecting the most appropriate test is critical to avoiding under-referral and ensuring Spanish-speaking patients receive equitable and accurate care. Full article

Strain-induced deformations and phase evolutions are two hidden factors that may influence cytocompatibility of Gum Metal alloys during processing for relevant implant applications. In the present research, changes in cell viability of a new Gum Metal Ti-Nb-Zr alloy in its cold-rolled state and after heat treatments (at 700, 850, and 900 °C) were investigated by a comprehensive study of microstructural phases and their role in deformation mechanisms as well as mechanical properties. In its cold-rolled state, the alloy showed a lamellar microstructure along with stress-induced α″ martensite and ω phases, as confirmed by optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis. The instability in the β phase led to a strain-induced martensitic (SIM) transformation from β to α′/α″ phases, causing lower viability of MG-63 cells compared with commercially pure titanium. MG-63 cell viability was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the alloy heat-treated at 900 °C compared with those heat-treated at 700 and 850 °C. This can be directly attributed to the increased portion of the stable and dominant β phase. The stabilized β phase greatly improved the alloy’s cellular response by reducing harmful phase interactions and maintaining mechanical compatibility with bone (admissible strain of 1.3%). Importantly, heat treatment at high temperatures (between 850 and 900 °C) effectively converted the stress-induced α″ and ω phases back into a stable β phase matrix as the dominant phase. Full article

The electrical properties of contacts to p-type nitride semiconductor devices, based on gallium nitride, were simulated by ab initio and drift-diffusion calculations. The electrical properties of the contact are shown to be dominated by the electron-transfer process from the metal to GaN, which is related to the Fermi-level difference, as determined by both ab initio and model calculations. The results indicate a high potential barrier for holes, leading to the non-Ohmic character of the contact. The electrical nature of the Ni–Au contact formed by annealing in an oxygen atmosphere was elucidated. The influence of doping on the potential profile of p-type GaN was calculated using the drift-diffusion model. The energy-barrier height and width for hole transport were determined. Based on these results, a new type of contact is proposed. The contact is created by employing multiple-layer implantation of deep acceptors. The implementation of such a design promises to attain superior characteristics (resistance) compared with other contacts used in bipolar nitride semiconductor devices. The development of such contacts will remove one of the main obstacles in the development of highly efficient nitride optoelectronic devices, both LEDs and LDs: energy loss and excessive heat production close to the multiple-quantum-well system. Full article

Background: Spectacle independence is a key goal in refractive lens exchange (RLE), especially in younger, high-expectation patients. This study evaluates a novel extended monovision approach combining a monofocal aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) in the dominant eye with a rotationally asymmetric bifocal extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOL in the non-dominant eye. The strategy aims to optimize full-range visual performance while minimizing photic phenomena. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, presbyopic patients underwent bilateral RLE with a monofocal IOL (Hoya Vivinex XC1-SP; target: 0 diopters [D]) in the dominant eye and a rotationally asymmetric bifocal EDOF IOL (LENTIS LS-313 MF15; addition: +1.5 D; target: −1.25 D) in the non-dominant eye. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, at 6 m), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA, at 66 cm), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA, at 36 cm) were assessed. Additional evaluations included binocular defocus curves, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity, and photic phenomena. Spectacle independence and satisfaction were measured using the PRSIQ and NEI-RQL-42 questionnaires. Results: A total of 38 patients (76 eyes) were included. The mean postoperative binocular UDVA, UIVA, and UNVA were −0.03 ± 0.08, −0.08 ± 0.09, and 0.04 ± 0.08 logMAR, respectively. The defocus curve peaked at 0.0 D (6 m) with a mean visual acuity of −0.03 ± 0.08 logMAR. Functional vision better than 0.2 logMAR extended over defocus steps from +1.00 to −3.25 D. All patients were spectacle-independent for distance and intermediate vision, and 84% reported complete spectacle independence. Contrast sensitivity was within normal limits for age. Minimal photic phenomena were reported, and stereoacuity was preserved in 97% of patients (≤100 arcseconds). Conclusions: This innovative extended monovision approach, combining two different IOLs in a mini-monovision setup, provides excellent uncorrected visual acuity at all distances, high spectacle independence, and minimal side effects. It represents a compelling alternative to multifocal IOL implantation in presbyopic RLE candidates. Full article

Background: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart disorder characterized by structural and functional myocardial alterations, often accompanied by ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), which may ultimately result in sudden cardiac death (SCD). While mutations in genes coding for desmosomal components are commonly identified in affected individuals, genetic variants involving non-desmosomal proteins have recently been recognized as contributors to the disease’s etiology. In 2008, a mutation in the transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43) was identified as being responsible for a fully penetrant, sex-related, and severe form of ACM. This review aimed to systematically synthesize the current evidence on the natural history, electrocardiographic, and imaging findings as well as the clinical outcomes of TMEM43 cardiomyopathy. Methods: A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, following the PRISMA guidelines, using the terms “TMEM43” AND “cardiomyopathy”. After an initial screening of 144 retrieved articles, 80 were considered relevant. Upon a full-text review and eligibility assessment, 12 studies involving 903 individuals harboring TMEM43 variants were selected for inclusion. Results: Male patients more frequently carried the pathogenic TMEM43 variant (n = 505, 55.9%) and exhibited an earlier arrhythmic onset of the disease (33.2 years old versus 46.2 years old in female patients), supporting the need for earlier implantable cardioverter–defibrillator implantation (30.4 versus 42.2 years old). Palpitations, chest pain, and syncope were the most common presenting symptoms. Baseline electrocardiograms commonly demonstrated poor R wave progression, QRS prolongation, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Arrhythmic events, including malignant VAs and SCD, were early manifestations of the disease, especially in male patients. Frequent PVCs and left ventricular dilation were considered early markers of the disease and were predictive of arrhythmic events. Conversely, heart failure was reported as a late clinical outcome, requiring heart transplantation in a minority of cases (1.5%). Conclusions:TMEM43 cardiomyopathy is a fully penetrant autosomal dominant form of ACM, characterized by a well-defined clinical phenotype that is more severe and presents earlier in male patients. Full article

This work investigates the impact of an internal electric field on the annihilation characteristics of positrons implanted in a $180\left(10\right)\mathrm{nm}$ SiO₂ layer of a Metal-Oxide-Silicon (MOS) capacitor, using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS). By varying the gate voltage, electric fields up to $1.72\mathrm{MV}/\mathrm{cm}$ were applied. The measurements reveal a field-dependent suppression of positronium (Ps) formation by up to $64\%$, leading to an enhancement of free positron annihilation. The increase in free positrons suggests that vacancy clusters are the dominant defect type in the oxide layer. Additionally, drift towards the SiO₂/Si interface reveals not only larger void-like defects but also a distinct population of smaller traps that are less prominent when drifting to the Al/SiO₂ interface. In total, by combining positron drift with PALS, more detailed insights into the nature and spatial distribution of defects within the SiO₂ network and in particular near the SiO₂/Si interface are obtained. Full article

This study presents a multi-objective optimization framework for designing cylindrical triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices tailored for bone implant applications. Using an artificial neural network (ANN) as a surrogate model trained on simulated data, four key properties—ultimate stress (U), energy absorption (EA), surface area-to-volume ratio (SA/VR), and relative density (RD)—were predicted from seven lattice design parameters. To address anatomical variability, a novel implant size-based categorization (small, medium, and large) was introduced, and separate optimization runs were conducted for each group. The optimization was performed via the NSGA-II algorithm to maximize mechanical performance (U and EA) and surface efficiency (SA/VR), while filtering for biologically relevant RD values (20–40%). Separate optimization runs were conducted for small, medium, and large implant size groups. A total of 105 Pareto-optimal designs were identified, with 75 designs retained after RD filtering. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis revealed the dominant influence of thickness and unit cell size on target properties. Kernel density and boxplot comparisons confirmed distinct performance trends across size groups. The framework effectively balances competing design goals and enables the selection of size-specific lattices. The proposed approach provides a reproducible pathway for optimizing bioarchitectures, with the potential to accelerate the development of lattice-based implants in personalized medicine. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) to tailor the surface characteristics of Ti6Al4V directly during fabrication, eliminating the need for post-processing treatments potentially for dental implants. By adjusting the Volumetric Energy Density (VED) through controlled variations in the laser scanning speed, we achieved customized surface textures at both the micro- and nanoscale levels. SLM samples fabricated at moderate VED levels (50–100 W·mm³/s) exhibited optimized dual-scale surface roughness—a macro-roughness of up to 25.5–27.6 µm and micro-roughness of as low as 58.8–64.2 nm—resulting in significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, with water contact angles (WCAs) decreasing to ~62°, compared to ~80° on a standard grade 5 machined Ti6Al4V plate. The XPS analysis revealed that the surface oxygen content remains relatively stable at low VED values, with no significant increase. The surface topography plays a significant role in influencing the WCA, particularly when the VED values are low (below 200 W·mm³/s) during SLM, indicating the dominant effect of surface morphology over chemistry in these conditions. Biological assays using osteoblast-like MG-63 cells demonstrated that these as-built SLM surfaces supported a 1.5-fold-higher proliferation and improved cytoskeletal organization relative to the control, confirming the enhanced early cellular responses. These results highlight the capability of SLM to engineer bioactive implant surfaces through process-controlled morphology and chemistry, presenting a promising strategy for the next generation of dental implants suitable for immediate placement and osseointegration. Full article

This study evaluated the chemical composition and subcutaneous tissue biocompatibility of C-Point, a root canal filling material, compared to ProTaper gutta-percha cones (control). Material characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). For biocompatibility assessment, both materials were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal connective tissue of sixteen albino rats (n = 8 per group). Histological evaluation of inflammatory infiltrate intensity was performed at 30 and 60 days post-implantation, with statistical analysis (significance set at p < 0.05). SEM-EDS analysis revealed distinct elemental compositions: C-Point primarily contained zirconium and cobalt ions, while gutta-percha cones demonstrated a strong zinc signature with trace amounts of barium, aluminum, and sulfur. Both materials exhibited similar particulate morphology with radiopaque inclusions. Histologically, no significant difference in inflammatory response was observed between C-Point and gutta-percha at any time point (p > 0.05). All specimens developed a fibrous encapsulation. The inflammatory profile showed temporal dynamics, with lymphocyte predominance during early stages that progressively diminished by the study endpoint. These findings demonstrate that while C-Point possesses a unique elemental profile dominated by zirconium, its tissue biocompatibility parallels that of conventional gutta-percha obturation materials. However, due to the absence of mechanical testing and the limited in vivo follow-up period, the long-term stability of the material remains uncertain. Full article

This study, carried out from January to July 2022 in three provinces of Ecuador, aimed to evaluate the effect of two hormonal protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on the follicular dynamics, hormonal profile and fertility of dairy cows affected by repeat cow syndrome (RCS). Two groups of Holstein cows with RCS were formed, G1 (conventional) and G2 (J-Sinch), with 26 and 24 animals, respectively. Gynaecological examinations and hormonal determinations in blood serum were carried out. Follicular diameter and concentrations of FSH, LH and P4 were compared by t-Student test for independent samples, estrus and pregnancy were compared by binomial comparison of proportions, and factors associated with pregnancy were determined by a model of logistic regression (LR). In G1, the diameter of the dominant follicle was greater (p < 0.05) in the left ovary on day 7 following intravaginal device implantation. However, it was similar (p > 0.05) in the right ovary on days 7, 8 and 9. The estradiol and LH concentrations at the time of FTAI and the P4 concentrations 15 days after FTAI, as well as the pregnancy rate, were higher in G1 (p < 0.05). The LR model explained 60.91% of pregnancies (p < 0.001), and the concentrations of estradiol, LH and P4 and the absence of estrus at the time of FTAI had an influence on the pregnancy rate (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the inclusion of estradiol benzoate increased the dominant follicle diameter and the concentrations of estradiol, LH and P4 and the pregnancy rate at the first FTAI. Full article

This article provides an assessment of the impact of different levels of monovision upon early visual outcomes and quality of vision (QoV) following the bilateral implantation of enhanced monovision intraocular lenses (IOLs). Consecutive patients implanted bilaterally with the Rayone EMV (Rayner) were recruited. The dominant eye was targeted for emmetropia, and myopia was targeted in the nondominant eye. Patients were categorized based upon the postoperative refractive outcome in the nondominant eye as follows: Group A: −0.50 to −1.0 D (n = 40), Group B: <−1.00 = D (n = 46). Uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA), and near (UNVA) visual acuity, and QoV were compared 3 months postoperatively. Binocular UIVA was 0.05 ± 0.10 and −0.01 ± 0.11logMAR (p = 0.03) in the two respective groups, and binocular UNVA was 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.14 ± 0.09logMAR (p < 0.001). Day QoV was 8.77 ± 1.33 and 8.13 ± 1.34 for night QoV in group A, and 8.85 ± 0.99 and 7.85 ± 1.35, respectively, in group B. Group A had a lower spectacle independence rate of 55% compared to 89.1%. This IOL provides a satisfactory range of vision with high QoV satisfaction. A postoperative refractive error of −1.0 D or more in the nondominant eye significantly improves binocular UIVA, UNVA, and spectacle independence, without negatively impacting QoV. Full article

Background: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key regulator in angiogenesis and contributes to a successful implantation. The current study has the following objective: to perform genotyping and haplotyping analysis to confirm whether the VEGF-936C/T, VEGF-634C/G, and VEGF-2578C/A gene polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in Romanian females at reproductive age. Materials and Methods: In total, 41 infertile women experiencing recurrent implantation failure and 44 women with minor infertility were genotyped for VEGF polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP analysis. Results: The VEGF-936C/T polymorphism in the dominant model, (C/T+T/T), represents an increased risk factor for recurrent implantation failure, the odds being 2.70 (95% CI: [1.04, 7.00]). Also, VEGF-2578C/A gene polymorphism represents the risk factor of RIF under the codominant (adjusted-OR = 5.28, 95% CI: [1.42, 19.65]) and recessive models (adjusted-OR = 5.15, 95% CI: [1.55, 17.09]). Patients carrying the VEGF-T936 allele or VEGF-C2578 allele had 2.25-fold and 2.36-fold increased odds of implantation failure (95% CI: [1.05, 4.81], p = 0.034) and 95% CI: [1.27, 4.39], p = 0.006), respectively. The results of the haplotype-based regression analysis reveal that patient carriers of the VEGF-936/-634/-2578 T-C-A haplotype had 12.39 increased odds of RIF. Also, carriers of the VEGF-936/-2578 T-A haplotype had 9.56-fold (p = 0.0113) increased odds of RIF after adjusting for age. Conclusions: We found a significant association between VEGF-936C/T and VEGF-2578C/A polymorphisms and the odds of RIF in this cohort of Romanian infertile women. Haplotype analysis suggested the role of VEGF-936/-634/-2578 T-C-A and VEGF-936/-2578 T-A haplotypes as a risk factors for RIF. Full article

The worldwide distribution of aflatoxin B1, a carcinogenic mycotoxin, is changing due to climate change. This frequent contaminant of crops in tropical and subtropical regions is an emerging threat in Europe. Its first appearance in French maize was reported in 2015, a year with exceptional climatic conditions. But, from this year, such conditions (drought during spring and hot summers) occurred regularly, raising the question of a possible durable implantation of aflatoxigenic fungal species in French maize fields. To answer this question, 554 maize samples were collected during three consecutive years (2018–2020) throughout the French territory. They were subjected to mycological analysis and strains belonging to the Flavi section of the Aspergillus genus were identified, and their toxigenic potential was determined. This survey demonstrates that Aspergillus section Flavi are now frequent contaminants of maize since they were observed in more than 50% of samples in 2018 and 2019. This prevalence sharply increased in 2020 to reach 80% contamination. In parallel, the frequency of contamination with aflatoxins also increased. While it was very limited during the first two years of the study, despite favorable climatic conditions, contamination with aflatoxins was present in 16% of samples analyzed in 2020, exceeding E.U. regulation by 5%. Even if Aspergillus flavus is the dominant species, representing more than 90% of isolated strains, Aspergillus parasiticus seems to play a major role in grain contamination, as demonstrated by the presence of AFG in 50% of contaminated samples. These findings highlight the need to rethink the monitoring and management of aflatoxin risk in France for the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: The omental fat-augmented free flap (O-FAFF) is a novel technique for autologous breast reconstruction in patients who cannot use or who elect not to use more traditional donor sites. While the clinical outcomes of O-FAFF have been well studied, associated costs and resource utilization have not yet been investigated. The O-FAFF technique involves the use of an acellular dermal matrix and a two-team approach for laparoscopic harvest of the omentum, thereby increasing surgical and materials costs. This study compares the longitudinal cost-effectiveness study of O-FAFF breast reconstruction compared to reconstruction using implants or abdominal donor sites (deep inferior epigastric artery flap or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap). Methods: This cost-effectiveness analysis compared O-FAFF to abdominal free flap and implant-based reconstruction in adults. Markov cohort modeling was used to study cost-effectiveness from the payer perspective. Results: Compared to implant-based reconstruction, the incremental cost of O-FAFF reconstruction was USD 9227 and the incremental gain in breast quality-adjusted life-year (B-QALY) was 0.95, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of USD 9712.64/B-QALY gained, which is well under the acceptable cost-effectiveness threshold of USD 50,000 per B-QALY. Compared to abdominal flap reconstruction, O-FAFF reconstruction was associated with an incremental decrease in direct costs of USD 1410.10 and an incremental gain in B-QALYs of 0.36 and was thus the dominant strategy. Conclusions: The O-FAFF breast reconstruction technique is a cost-effective alternative to more traditional methods of breast reconstruction, including abdominal free flap techniques and implant-based reconstruction. As such, the O-FAFF technique represents an important novel modality for primary autologous reconstruction. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after bilateral implantation of a new hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens called Clareon (Alcon) using the mini-monovision technique. Methods: A single-center, prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted in Tandil (Buenos Aires, Argentina), including patients scheduled for cataract surgery. To achieve mini-monovision, the spherical equivalent was calculated between −0.25 and +0.25 D for the dominant eye, and between −0.75 and −1.00 D for the non-dominant eye. The main outcomes were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) evaluated at 66 cm. A secondary outcome, patient satisfaction, was assessed using the CatQuest-9SF questionnaire. Results: The mean binocular UDVA was 0.01 ± 0.05 logMAR three months after surgery, while the mean binocular UIVA was 0.20 ± 0.06 logMAR. The postoperative mean spherical equivalent in the dominant eye was −0.27 ± 0.12, and in the non-dominant eye was −0.87 ± 0.25. Before surgery, the CatQuest-9SF questionnaire revealed that 83.33% of patients were dissatisfied with their vision during daily activities. Over 50% reported significant difficulties with reading newspapers, sewing, and reading TV subtitles. Additionally, 66.6% struggled with recognizing faces, 50% with seeing product prices, and 50% with walking on uneven ground. Post-surgery, most patients experienced improved vision for daily tasks, with no reports of high dissatisfaction or significant difficulties. Patients were quite satisfied with their vision for hobbies and TV subtitles, and very satisfied (90%) with seeing supermarket prices. Conclusions: patients implanted with a new enhanced monofocal IOL using the mini-monovision technique showed improved distance and intermediate visual acuity, reduced need for glasses, and expressed a high degree of satisfaction. Full article