Search Results (446)

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has improved safety in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, yet intermittent IONM (I-IONM) may miss traction injuries developing between stimulations. We evaluated the feasibility and clinical utility of a trend-based intermittent monitoring mode (NIM Vital NerveTrend®) that records closely spaced stimulations and plots amplitude and latency over time. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at a high-volume endocrine surgery unit (January–September 2025). Forty-four consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy and/or parathyroidectomy with NerveTrend® were enrolled. Electromyography (EMG) responses were categorized as Green (amplitude > 50% of baseline and latency < 110%), Yellow (amplitude < 50% or latency > 110%), Red (amplitude < 50% and latency > 110%), and Loss of Signal (LOS: amplitude <100 µV). Primary outcomes included LOS prevalence and the association between stimulation frequency and the appearance of Yellow trends. Ethical approval: AVEN protocol 486/2024/OSS/AOUPR; informed consent obtained. Results: Of 71 nerves at risk (NAR), 55 had a valid baseline and were analyzed; LOS occurred in 3/55 NAR (5.5%). The mean number of stimulations per NAR was 4.5 (range 1–9). Cases with both Green and Yellow points had a significantly higher mean number of stimulations than cases with only Green points (5.1 vs. 3.8; Student’s t-test p = 0.0059). One Red measurement occurred in a case that progressed to LOS. Conclusions: NerveTrend® provided near real-time functional feedback while maintaining the simplicity of I-IONM. Increased stimulation frequency was associated with early Yellow trend alerts, potentially signaling traction stress and enabling timely surgical adjustments. Larger multicenter studies and protocol standardization are warranted. Full article

The influence of YB₄ particle addition on the microstructure and the associated thermal and mechanical properties of AISI 420 stainless steel composites fabricated using the vacuum induction melting technique was investigated. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the presence of YB₄ particles within the BCC-structured martensitic matrix and also along the grain boundaries across all weight fractions. In addition, YB₄ addition resulted in a pronounced refinement of the martensitic matrix, as evidenced by a progressive reduction in the size of the packets, i.e., a group of martensitic laths/plates sharing the same habit plane variants with the parent austenite grain. The presence of YB₄ particles induced internal stresses and microstrains, leading to peak shifting and broadening of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks corresponding to that of the martensitic matrix phase. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreased significantly from 13.4 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ for monolithic AISI 420 to 8.06 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ for the AISI 420/4 wt.% YB₄ composite and was attributed to the excellent dimensional stability of YB₄ particles. The maximum hardness (913.12 HV) and tensile strength (930 MPa) were achieved for the AISI 420/4 wt.% YB₄ composite. Fractographic analysis using SEM indicated a transition from ductile to brittle fracture with increasing YB₄ content, suggesting a reduction in strain-hardening capacity. The contributions of various strengthening mechanisms were quantified using the summation of strengthening and modified Clyne models, revealing that strengthening due to load bearing is dominant across all composites. Insights gained from these results are important to strategize the design of boride-based metal-matrix composites with enhanced strength–ductility synergy for structural applications. Full article

This study examines the determinants of profitability for 21 Bulgarian commercial banks over the period from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2025, using financial statement data. Bank profitability is measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) and modeled within a panel autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) framework. The empirical specification combines bank-specific and macroeconomic variables, allowing for the identification of both long-run equilibrium relationships and short-run bank-level dynamics. The long-term results indicate that the net interest margin (NIM), net fee and commission margin (NFM), government bond yields, the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), and the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) positively affect profitability. On the other hand, higher unemployment, rising housing prices, increased loan loss impairments, and the ratio of cash holdings to total assets reduce profitability. The findings provide policy-relevant insights for bank management, regulators, and macroprudential authorities regarding efficiency, income diversification, and credit risk management. The findings facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of banking sector resilience and provide a foundation for the development and refinement of macroprudential and supervisory policy measures. Full article

This study examines the drivers of net interest margin (NIM) in developing economies, with a particular emphasis on Ethiopian commercial banks. It adopts an explanatory research design, analyzing quantitative data from the audited financial statements of 13 banks over 13 years (2012–2024), totaling 169 observations. Both Driscoll–Kraay fixed- and random-effects standard errors were computed in RStudio (version 4.5). The primary analysis relied on Driscoll–Kraay random regression outcomes, though fixed regression results were included for robustness checks. Findings indicate that the loan-to-deposit ratio, bank size, capital adequacy, and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have a significant positive impact on NIM, underscoring their role in enhancing profitability and stability. Conversely, inflation significantly reduces margins, while no substantial effects were observed for operational efficiency or GDP. These insights suggest that Ethiopian banks should focus on asset growth, maintaining strong capital reserves, increasing the loan-to-deposit ratio, and attracting FDI. Policymakers are encouraged to stabilize inflation and create a conducive environment to FDI to support sectoral growth. Future research could investigate operational efficiency alongside industry-specific indexes, such as the Herfindahl–Hirschman index for loans, assets, and income, to better understand variations in NIM. Full article

Neuroimmune interactions play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), with microglia acting as key mediators of neuroinflammation. Microglia exhibit dual roles, contributing to both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity depending on their activation state. In AD, amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation leads to chronic microglial activation, resulting in excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine release (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), oxidative stress, and synaptic dysfunction. In PD, α-synuclein aggregation triggers a similar neuroinflammatory cascade, exacerbating dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. Beyond inflammatory responses, microglia regulate synaptic plasticity, phagocytose pathological proteins, and interact with peripheral immune cells, influencing disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic variants in genes such as TREM2, CD33, and HLA modulate microglial function, thereby altering susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Dysregulated microglial responses, characterized by impaired clearance of protein aggregates and prolonged neuroinflammation, further amplify neuronal damage. Therapeutic strategies targeting microglial activation are under investigation, aiming to balance neuroinflammatory responses and enhance clearance mechanisms. Small-molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and modulators of innate immune pathways are being explored to mitigate microglia-driven pathology. Understanding the complex interplay between microglia and neurodegeneration could pave the way for precision medicine approaches, optimizing treatments based on individual immune profiles. Further research is essential to delineate microglial heterogeneity across disease stages and uncover novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Full article

Cholesterol acts as a metabolic cue that reshapes diverse signaling networks, including hedgehog and several sterol-regulated pathways orchestrated by key proteins, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2), sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), Niemann–Pick type C1 (NPC1), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Research over the past decade has highlighted cholesterol metabolism as a key modulator of cancer development and a promising therapeutic target. By integrating mechanistic and translational evidence, this review seeks to clarify how cholesterol metabolism interfaces with oncogenic signaling and set directions for future investigation. Accumulating preclinical and clinical data suggest that dysregulated cholesterol levels, often associated with high-fat diets, may contribute to tumorigenesis and malignant transformation. Implicated pathways, such as SREBP, NPC1, PCSK9, and SOAT1, orchestrate various processes of lipid metabolism, including cholesterol synthesis, esterification, receptor degradation, and transport, that harbor a tumorigenic environment and promote oncogenic processes. Additionally, these enzymes and corresponding pathways provide a promising direction for developing metabolism-oriented anticancer strategies. Cholesterol metabolism dysregulation serves as a major avenue for cancer signaling and growth, but studies also highlight key molecular mechanisms and targets for future treatments. Future studies should focus on expanding studies into further cancer types, investigating combination therapies, and developing novel inhibitors of key molecular targets. Full article

A new generation of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) that incorporate the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) has been shown to restore susceptibility to pyrethroids where P450 enzymes are the primary mechanism conferring the resistance. The present study evaluated the efficacy of YAHE 4.0, a PBO ITN, against wild free-flying Anopheles arabiensis in experimental huts in Lower Moshi, north-eastern Tanzania. It is the first evaluation of YAHE 4.0 in the country. Bio-efficacy evaluations, including susceptibility tests and cone bioassays, were conducted using the standard WHO guidelines. DuraNet Plus, a WHO-recommended PBO ITN, and Interceptor ITNs served as active and standard comparators, respectively. Unwashed and 20 times washed nets were subjected to experimental hut trials. Multiple logistic regression was employed to analyse experimental hut trial data. The results of the susceptibility testing showed that the An. arabiensis population of Lower Moshi was resistant to pyrethroids, but susceptible to organophosphates. Particularly, low mortality was recorded for cyhalothrin (2%) and alpha-cypermethrin (38%). Mortality rates to alpha-cypermethrin pirimiphos-methyl were 38% and 100%, respectively. The non-inferiority of YAHE 4.0 to DuraNet Plus ITN in terms of mortality and blood feeding was determined according to the WHO guidelines. The results for pooled unwashed and 20 times washed ITNs showed that YAHE 4.0 was superior to Interceptor ITN (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04–1.69; non-inferiority margin, NIM = 0.68; p-value = 0.023) and non-inferior to DuraNet Plus (AOR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.78–1.35; NIM = 0.72; p-value = 0.867) in terms of mortality. In terms of blood feeding inhibition for pooled unwashed and 20× washed ITNs, YAHE 4.0 was superior to both Interceptor ITN (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.64–1.00; NIM = 1.35; p-value = 0.049) and DuraNet Plus (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.52–0.86; NIM = 1.33; p-value = 0.002). Chemical analysis showed higher wash retention of active ingredients in YAHE 4.0 LLIN (88.9% for PBO and 94.9% for alpha-cypermethrin) compared to DuraNet Plus LLIN (89.2% for PBO and 90.5% for alphaypermethrin) before the hut trial. YAHE 4.0 LLIN demonstrated superior entomological efficacy and wash durability to DuraNet Plus and Interceptor LLINs, and fulfilled WHO non-inferiority criteria for mosquito mortality and blood-feeding inhibition. Therefore, YAHE 4.0 LLIN should be considered as an addition to the current list of pyrethroid-PBO nets used for control of pyrethroid-resistant vector populations with P450 enzymes as the main mechanism conferring resistance. Full article

This study investigates the interplay between asset quality, financial ratios, and market valuation in Indian commercial banks over a twelve-year period (2014–2025). Using a hybrid approach combining Structural Equation Modeling, correlation analysis, and trend evaluation, the research examines whether Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) influence market capitalization directly or through Return on Equity (ROE) as an intermediary. The findings reveal that NPAs exert a significant negative impact on both ROE and market value, while Net Interest Margin (NIM) emerges as a strong positive determinant of valuation. Conversely, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), though vital for regulatory compliance, shows no direct effect on market prices. Mediation analysis challenges conventional assumptions, indicating that profitability alone does not fully explain valuation dynamics. These insights underscore the need for integrated strategies addressing asset quality and operational efficiency, offering practical implications for policymakers, investors, and bank management in strengthening resilience and optimizing shareholder value. Full article

This study reports the synthesis of an activated nanoporous carbon material from Phyllanthus emblica (Amala)—a biomass material which is an eco-friendly, economical, and sustainable precursor used to prepare activated carbon using zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) activation at various temperatures (500–700 °C) under a nitrogen gas atmosphere. A sample that was carbonized at 700 °C (AmC_Z700) attained a high specific surface area of 1436 m² g⁻¹ and a total pore volume of 0.962 cm³ g⁻¹, and, when used in an electrode, showed excellent supercapacitance performance, attaining a high specific capacitance of 263 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, followed by 55% capacitance retention at 50 A g⁻¹. Additionally, the assembled symmetric supercapacitor cell, when operated at 1.2 V, delivered an energy density of 8.9 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 300 W kg⁻¹ and exhibited an excellent cycle life of 95% after 10,000 successive charge/discharge cycles, demonstrating the substantial potential of Phyllanthus emblica seed-derived carbon materials for the creation of high-performance supercapacitors. Full article

Lead-free chalcogenide perovskites are emerging as promising alternatives to hybrid halide perovskites due to their superior thermal stability, non-toxicity, and strong optical absorption. In this study, the photovoltaic performance of single-junction BaHfSe₃-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with the TCO/TiO₂/BaHfSe₃/Cu₂O/Au configuration is systematically investigated using SCAPS-1D simulations. Device optimization identifies TiO₂ and Cu₂O as suitable ETL and HTL materials, respectively. The optimized structure—TCO/TiO₂ (50 nm)/BaHfSe₃ (500 nm)/Cu₂O (100 nm)/Au—achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.47% under standard conditions. Simulation results reveal that device efficiency is influenced by absorber thickness and trap density. A detailed temperature-dependent study highlights that photovoltaic parameter efficiency is governed by the barrier alignment at the TCO/ETL interface. For lower TCO (Transparent Conducting Oxide) work functions (3.97–4.07 eV), PCE decreases monotonically with temperature, attributed to the increase in reverse saturation current resulting from a higher intrinsic carrier concentration. By contrast, higher TCO work functions (4.47–4.8 eV) yield an initial increase in efficiency with temperature, driven by reduced barrier height and favorable Fermi level shifts before efficiency declines at further elevated temperatures. These insights underscore the promise of BaHfSe₃ as a lead-free, environmentally robust perovskite absorber for next-generation PSCs, and highlight the critical importance of interface engineering for achieving optimal thermal and operational performance. Full article

A-site-ordered quadruple perovskite manganites, AMn₇O₁₂, show many interesting physical phenomena, including orbital and spin modulations, spin-induced multiferroic properties, and competitions between different magnetic ground states. Doping with Cu²⁺ can result in colossal magnetoresistance properties, ferrimagnetism, and additional structural modulations producing electric–dipole helicoidal textures. Many previous works have focused on large-concentration doping, reaching ACu₃Mn₄O₁₂ compositions. Small-concentration doping has been investigated in a limited number of systems, e.g., in BiCu_xMn_7−xO₁₂. In this work, we investigated solid solutions of NdCu_xMn_7−xO₁₂ with x = 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, prepared at 6 GPa and 1500 K. Specific heat measurements detected three magnetic transitions at x = 0 (at T_N3 = 9 K, T_N2 = 12 K, and T_N1 = 84 K) and two transitions at x = 0.1 (at T_N2 = 10 K and T_N1 = 78 K), while only one transition was found at x = 0.2 (T_N1 = 72 K) and x = 0.3 (T_N1 = 65 K). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements showed sharp and strong peaks near T_OO = 664 K at x = 0, corresponding to an orbital-order (OO) structural transition from I2/m to Im-3 symmetry. DSC anomalies were significantly broadened and their intensities were significantly reduced at x = 0.1–0.3, and structural transitions were observed near T_OO = 630 K at x = 0.1, T_OO = 600 K at x = 0.2, and T_OO = 570 K at x = 0.3. The x = 0.1 sample clearly showed double-peak features on the DSC curves near T_OO because of the presence of two close phases. High-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction studies gave strong evidence that phase separation phenomena took place in the x = 0.1–0.3 samples, where two I2/m phases with an approximate ratio of 1:1 were present (e.g., a = 7.47143 Å, b = 7.36828 Å, c = 7.46210 Å, and β = 90.9929° for one phase and a = 7.46596 Å, b = 7.37257 Å, c = 7.45756 Å, and β = 90.9328° for the second phase at x = 0.3). The Curie–Weiss temperature changed from negative (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) to positive (for x = 0.3). T_OO, T_N1, the Curie–Weiss temperature, and magnetization (at 5 K and 70 kOe) changed almost linearly with x. Full article

Methodological fusion of materials chemistry, which enables us to create materials, with nanotechnology, which enables us to control nanostructures, could enable us to create advanced functional materials with well controlled nanostructures. Positioned as a post-nanotechnology concept, nanoarchitectonics will enable this purpose. This review paper highlights the broad scope of applications of the new concept of nanoarchitectonics, selecting and discussing recent papers that contain the term ‘nanoarchitectonics’ in their titles. Topics include controls of dopant atoms in solid electrolytes, transforming the framework of carbon materials, single-atom catalysts, nanorobots and microrobots, functional nanoparticles, nanotubular materials, 2D-organic nanosheets and MXene nanosheets, nanosheet assemblies, nitrogen-doped carbon, nanoporous and mesoporous materials, nanozymes, polymeric materials, covalent organic frameworks, vesicle structures from synthetic polymers, chirality- and topology-controlled structures, chiral helices, Langmuir monolayers, LB films, LbL assembly, nanocellulose, DNA, peptides bacterial cell components, biomimetic nanoparticles, lipid membranes of protocells, organization of living cells, and the encapsulation of living cells with exogenous substances. Not limited to these examples selected in this review article, the concept of nanoarchitectonics is applicable to diverse materials systems. Nanoarchitectonics represents a conceptual framework for creating materials at all levels and can be likened to a method for everything in materials science. Developing technology that can universally create materials with unexpected functions could represent the final frontier of materials science. Nanoarchitectonics will play a significant part in achieving this final frontier in materials science. Full article