bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicological Impacts of Microplastics: Effects on Levels of Cellular Thiols in Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Murano Carola , Palumbo Anna , Leone Serena
Published: April 2023

Over the last decade, the biological impact of microplastics in marine environments has become a serious global concern. Beyond their biological complexity, it is believed that many lethal and sublethal effects related to microplastic toxicity are triggered by oxidative stress and subsequently activated pathways. Thus, for marine organisms, having efficient mechanisms to fight the accumulation of oxidizing agents becomes indispensable to counteract the effects of microplastics. To date, our knowledge of the physiological effects of microplastics and the response of the antioxidant system in benthic species remains limited. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of short-term exposure on the levels of two fundamental nonprotein antioxidants, glutathione (GSH) and ovothiol (OSH), in different tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Our results show that the metabolism of OSH and GSH in mussels is clearly affected by acute microplastic exposure, and that the antioxidant response differs based on sex and reproductive stage. Indeed, although in the reproductive season the overall levels of GSH and OSH in different tissues significantly increase with respect to the control condition, the antioxidant response of the organisms, especially males, in the spent stage often exhibits a biphasic U-shaped dose–response effect. Our study represents a pivotal investigation on the effects of microplastic exposure on the pools of two fundamental cellular antioxidants, with potential ecodiagnostic implications to forecast the stress status after exposure to microplastics, and highlights the possibility that the effects of these contaminants may vary over time based on the physiological condition of the animals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1607–1613. © 2023 SETAC
Glacier changes and their impacts on the melt runoff in high and moderate elevation ranges of Himalayan Upper Ganges Basin
Authors: Singh Vishal , Jain Sanjay Kumar , Nagale Devendra Shashikant , Singh Japjeet
Published: April 2023

The rise in temperatures over the Himalayan regions due to climate change have shown profound effects on the seasonality and long‐term availability of snow melt runoff and glacier melt runoff. As per the sixth assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Himalayan glaciers are retreating and the fraction of precipitation falling as snow is altering. This study analyses the effect of snow‐glacier changes on the melt runoff (1986–2020) over the Upper Ganga river basin (up to Rishikesh) using a fully distributed model namely, Spatial Process in Hydrology (SPHY), which governs by Temperature Index Model approach with varying degree‐day factors. This study performs the two‐step calibration approach for model parameterization and to evaluate the snow and glacier melt runoff utilizing the observed discharge and real time satellite datasets. The SPHY derived snow cover was compared with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived snow covers. Results show that the SPHY modelled fractional snow covers found comparable to MODIS derived snow covers (~70%–90% correlation). The R2 based comparison of SPHY modelled runoff (Q) and observed Q at two gauges namely, Maneri (~0.85) and Rishikesh (~0.80) found reasonable. For the assessment of glacier changes and corresponding melt runoff, temporal glacier maps (i.e., for years 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020) were prepared utilizing the Landsat imageries. Results showed a noticeable reduction in the glacier areas (~5% mass reduction in 30 years) and an increase in glacier melt runoff at different stations (e.g., at Bhojwasa ~3%–4% and at Rishikesh ~1%–2%). Similarly, a decrease in snow melt runoff (~3%–4%) and an increase in rainfall runoff (~3%) were computed. A month wise percent of change analysis has shown significant fluctuations in the magnitude and seasonality of all runoff components (i.e., snow Q, glacier Q, base Q and rainfall induced Q) in the Himalayan Upper Ganga basin.
Functional analyses of undesirable behavior by nonhumans: A concise review
Authors: Rotta Katarina , Essig Lindsay , Davis Jade , Poling Alan
Published: April 2023

We reviewed 13 articles that used functional analysis in the assessment of undesirable behavior emitted by dogs, cats, a baboon, a lemur, a chimpanzee, and a vulture. The functional analysis produced a clear outcome for 32 of 33 subjects, demonstrating its efficacy with nonhumans. We propose several avenues for further examination of its application to nonhumans.
PHarmacistavoidance or reductions in medical costs inCRITicallyill adults rounding with oneSERVICEcompared to two or more services:PHARM‐CRIT‐SERVICE
Authors: Smetana Keaton S. , Flannery Alexander H. , Gurnani Payal K. , Peppard William J. , Van Berkel Patel Megan A. , Joyce Cara , Rech Megan A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Intensive care unit (ICU) pharmacists are integral members of the interdisciplinary health care team. Pharmacy staffing models vary by ICU and hospital, and clinical pharmacists may cover one ICU service or multiple services. It is presently unknown how covering or rounding on multiple services relative to one service impacts the quantity of interventions made or the acceptance rate of those interventions.

Methods

Exploratory analysis of the PHarmacist Avoidance or Reductions in Medical costs in CRITically ill adults (PHARM‐CRIT) study, a multicenter, prospective, observational study was performed between August 2018 and January 2019 in academic medical centers and community hospitals throughout the United States. ICU pharmacists documented recommendations and accepted interventions. Pharmacists that covered one service were compared to those who covered two or more services or no services.

Results

218 ICU pharmacists participated across 85 centers. There were 2905 shifts and the primary rounding structure was one service (n = 1766, 60.8%) compared to covering two or more services (n = 822, 28.3%), and no rounding (n = 317, 10.9%). The percent of pharmacists with accepted interventions was higher with one service compared to the other groups: one service (45.7% ± 1.8) vs. no rounding (12.7% ± 1) (odds ratio [OR] 4.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.19–5.78]) and one service vs. two or more services (31.6% ± 1.6) (OR 1.81 [95% CI 1.67–1.95]). This was also observed when comparing two or more services to no rounding (OR 2.73 [95% CI 2.32–3.2]). The probability of an intervention being accepted was highest in pharmacists rounding on one service, followed by two or more services, and least likely without rounding. Increasing the patient load of the pharmacist in any of the rounding structures resulted in a decline in interventions being accepted.

Conclusions

ICU pharmacists rounding with one service relative to two or more or none had more interventions attempted and accepted.
Origin of structure and stability of M@C18 (M = Cu, Ag, and Au) complexes with D9h point group
Authors: Pooja  , Pawar Ravinder
Published: April 2023

Theoretical predictions and recent experimental studies lead to the discovery of an exciting new member of the carbon allotrope family polyynic cyclo[18]carbon (C18). Present investigation aims to probe the structure, stability, and properties of coinage metal (M)@C18 complexes using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The DFT results unequivocally show that even Cu@C18, Ag@C18, and Au@C18 complexes substantially preserve the ground state polyynic structure of C18. It is also worth to mention that only Au@C18 is a stable D9h structure, however the symmetry is distorted in the case of Cu@C18 and Ag@C18. Due to computational limitations, in this investigation the M@C18 complexes were scrutinized using the C2v sub abelian group of D9h. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of D9h conformers are a singlet a1 and two same value singlets a1 ⊕ b1 generated from doublet e, respectively. The non‐covalent interaction index (NCI), quantum theory of atoms in molecule (QTAIM), and energy decomposition analysis (EDA) vividly explains the interaction between a coinage metal atom and C18 ring. It is found from the results that the stability of Cu@C18 Ag@C18, and Au@C18 is governed by the attractive electrostatic, orbital and dispersion interaction.
Delayed progressive sensorineural hearing loss due to a novel compound heterozygous PTPRQ mutation in a Chinese patient
Authors: Qin Yao , Ma Yi’nan , Zeng Zhen’gang , Zhong Zhen , Qi Yu , Liu Yuhe
Published: April 2023

Background

The Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Q (PTPRQ) gene encodes a member of the type III receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatase family found in the stereocilium. Mutations in PTPRQ are mostly associated with deafness, autosomal recessive type 84 (DFNB 84), which usually results in progressive familial hearing loss.

Methods

A 25‐year‐old woman and her sister, both with postlingual‐delayed progressive sensorineural hearing loss, were examined. They were from a nonconsanguineous marriage and had no family history of hearing loss. New compound heterozygous PTPRQ gene mutations, nonsense (c.90C > A, p.Y30X) and splice (c.5426 + 1G > A) mutations in two PTPRQ alleles, were identified in the two sisters and were presumably autosomal recessive. The c.90C > A (p.Y30X) mutation was mapped to exon 2 of PTPRQ (NM_001145026).

Results

The c.90C > A mutation leads to a premature stop codon and a truncated protein. The c.5426 + 1G > A mutation leads to a truncated protein lacking the extracellular domain. Hence, both mutations were predicted to be pathogenic, leading to a deficiency of the extracellular, transmembrane, and phosphatase domains because of nonsense‐mediated mRNA degradation.

Conclusions

This study increases the spectrum of PTPRQ gene mutations that might be involved in delayed progressive autosomal recessive non‐syndromic hearing loss.
Student learning of head and neck anatomy using cone beam computed tomography and immersive virtual reality
Authors: Kim‐Berman Hera , Bui Duy , Lee Katelyn , Mitchell Vanessa , Bonine Brandon , Benavides Erika , Soki Fabiana , Ramaswamy Vidya
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of student learning of anatomy and 3D imaging concepts using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and immersive virtual reality (VR) technology.

Methodology

Ninety (n = 90) first year dental students with no previous experience in 3D imaging were recruited. All participants completed a 10‐item, multiple‐choice questionnaire (MCQ) and a pre‐survey prior to the educational intervention. Following a brief video orientation on CBCT and anatomy, each participant underwent a one‐on‐one educational intervention using immersive VR with calibrated instructors to identify head and neck anatomic structures using a VR/CBCT educational tool. Immediately following the intervention, all participants completed a postsurvey, a second MCQ, NASA task load index and presence questionnaires. Participants completed a third MCQ 2 weeks following the intervention. Analysis of objective measures of performance on MCQ's (p < 0.05) and subjective data from the questionnaires was completed.

Results

The students doubled their mean test scores 2.45 ± 1.274 to 5.99 ± 1.576 on MCQ's immediately following the educational intervention (p < 0.05). The significant increase in the MCQ test scores was maintained after 2 weeks, 5.73 ± 1.721 (p < 0.05). There were no gender differences in student test performance. Students rated the immersive VR/CBCT educational intervention experience highly for control, sensory, and realism factors with minimal distraction and frustration factors.

Conclusion

Results from this study show that immersive VR/CBCT educational intervention improved test performance and contributed to information recall in students. Further benefits reported by participants include the sense of presence and increased engagement using immersive VR.
Insights into genetic assistant practice and the workforce in North America
Authors: Krutish Angela , Liu Xiao‐Qing , Kelly Christine , Chin Shannon R. , Hartley Jessica N.
Published: April 2023

Genetic assistant positions are now widely integrated in genetic services to address genetic counselor shortages and ultimately improve efficiency. While over 40% of genetic counselors report working with a genetic assistant (“NSGC Professional Status Survey: Work Environment,” 2022), there is limited information about the genetic assistant workforce. The present study surveyed 164 genetic assistants and 139 individuals with experience working with genetic assistants (specifically genetic counselors, residents, geneticists, and administrative staff). Information was collected about genetic assistant demographics, positions, roles and responsibilities, and career paths. The data revealed that the genetic assistant workforce is demographically similar to the genetic counselor workforce and that most genetic assistants intend to pursue a career in genetic counseling. The genetic assistant positions were heterogeneous in terms of the roles and responsibilities assigned, even when separated by work setting. Lastly, participants reported that there were at least 144 genetic assistants across their institutions, a number that has likely grown since the time of the survey. The findings from this study highlight important opportunities for future research and focus, especially development of a scope of practice and competencies for genetic assistants, as well as the potential to use genetic assistant positions as an avenue to improve diversity within the genetic counseling workforce.
Pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine‐based scaffolds as antibacterial agents: Synthetic strategies, reactions, and in vitro biological evaluation
Authors: Mourad Asmaa Kamal , Mohammed Fatehia K. , Essawy Abd El‐Naby Ibrahim , Soliman Ahmed Yousef , Sayed Samar Magdy
Published: April 2023

Pyrazolopyrimidine scaffold is one of the most favored heterocycles in drug discovery. Herein, a convenient and efficient protocol for the assembly of the hitherto unreported 4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)‐3‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine‐6‐thiol (1) was disclosed. This approach comprises arylidene formation via a Knoevenagel condensation reaction between commercially available 3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one and 4‐(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde followed by a subsequent cyclization reaction with thiourea. Thereafter, a series of assorted fused and attached heterocycles originating from pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine derivative 1 was synthesized. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the novel assembled heterocycles was in vitro evaluated against diversified Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. Various analytical and spectroscopic methods were utilized to confirm the proposed structures of the newly‐synthesized compounds.
Pediatric Tracheostomy Emergency Readiness Assessment Tool: International Consensus Recommendations
Authors: Schiff Elliot , Propst Evan J. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Johnson Kaalan , Lounsbury David W. , Brenner Michael J. , Tawfik Marc‐Mina ,   Pediatric Tracheostomy Emergency Readiness Workgroup, Yang Christina J.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To achieve consensus on critical steps and create an assessment tool for actual and simulated pediatric tracheostomy emergencies that incorporates human and systems factors along with tracheostomy‐specific steps.

Methods

A modified Delphi method was used. Using REDCap software, an instrument comprising 29 potential items was circulated to 171 tracheostomy and simulation experts. Consensus criteria were determined a priori with a goal of consolidating and ordering 15 to 25 final items. In the first round, items were rated as “keep” or “remove”. In the second and third rounds, experts were asked to rate the importance of each item on a 9‐point Likert scale. Items were refined in subsequent iterations based on analysis of results and respondents' comments.

Results

The response rates were 125/171 (73.1%) for the first round, 111/125 (88.8%) for the second round, and 109/125 (87.2%) for the third round. 133 comments were incorporated. Consensus (>60% participants scoring ≥8, or mean score >7.5) was reached on 22 items distributed across three domains. There were 12, 4, and 6 items in the domains of tracheostomy‐specific steps, team and personnel factors, and equipment respectively.

Conclusions

The resultant assessment tool can be used to assess both tracheostomy‐specific steps as well as systems factors affecting hospital team response to simulated and clinical pediatric tracheostomy emergencies. The tool can also be used to guide debriefing discussions of both simulated and clinical emergencies, and to spur quality improvement initiatives.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 133:3588–3601, 2023
Generation of Haploid Spermatids on Silk Fibroin‐Alginate‐Laminin‐Based Porous 3D Scaffolds
Authors: Bashiri Zahra , Moghaddaszadeh Ali , Falak Reza , Khadivi Farnaz , Afzali Azita , Abbasi Mehdi , Sharifi Ali Mohammad , Asgari Hamid Reza , Ghanbari Farid , Koruji Morteza
Published: April 2023

In vitro production of sperm is a desirable idea for fertility preservation in azoospermic men and prepubertal boys suffering from cancer. In this study, a biocompatible porous scaffold based on a triad mixture of silk fibroin (SF), alginate (Alg), and laminin (LM) is developed to facilitate the differentiation of mouse spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs). Following SF extraction, the content is analyzed by SDS‐PAGE and stable porous 3D scaffolds are successfully prepared by merely Alg, SF, and a combination of Alg‐SF, or Alg‐SF‐LM through freeze‐drying. Then, the biomimetic scaffolds are characterized regarding the structural and biological properties, water absorption capacity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical behavior. Neonatal mice testicular cells are seeded on three‐dimensional scaffolds and their differentiation efficiency is evaluated using real‐time PCR, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry. Blend matrices showed uniform porous microstructures with interconnected networks, which maintained long‐term stability and mechanical properties better than homogenous structures. Molecular analysis of the cells after 21 days of culture showed that the expression of differentiation‐related proteins in cells that are developed in composite scaffolds is significantly higher than in other groups. The application of a composite system can lead to the differentiation of SSCs, paving the way for a novel infertility treatment landscape in the future.
Consolidation of Stone Materials by Organic and Hybrid Polymers: An Overview
Authors: Mariani Alberto , Malucelli Giulio
Published: April 2023

Historic stone buildings and monuments undergo a gradual, unstoppable, and episodic deterioration due to environmental or climatic impact, biological or mechanical deterioration, or, in the case of better‐preserved structures, inadequate maintenance. Water infiltration, freezing and thawing, carbonation, wind erosion, acid rain, and graffiti/vandalism are the key “environmental” issues that strongly impact cultural heritage and therefore must be limited or even prevented. This interaction leads to the occurrence of different phenomena, possibly involving blistering phenomena on the stone surface, its gradual weather away, leaving a sound surface behind, or the dropping away of the bulk material, because of prolonged weathering, in a single event. It is noteworthy that, quite often, the stone may appear perfectly intact to the naked eye, though it is losing its cohesion beneath its surface. Therefore, it becomes necessary to either efficiently protect the stone substrates to prolong their life, or to fix the damage that already occurred by means of effective, reliable, and long‐lasting consolidation/restoration strategies. This work aims at summarizing the current state‐of‐the‐art referring to the use of monomeric/oligomeric or polymeric consolidants, providing the reader with some perspectives for the next future.
On the qualitative analyses solutions of new mathematical models of integro‐differential equations with infinite delay
Authors: Tunç Cemil , Tunç Osman , Wen Ching‐Feng , Yao Jen‐Chi
Published: April 2023

This paper deals with the uniformly stability (US), globally uniformly asymptotically stability (GUAS) and instability of zero solution as well as integrability and boundedness of nonzero solutions of certain nonlinear integro‐differential equations (IDEs). We prove five new theorems, which include sufficient conditions related to these fundamental qualitative properties of solutions to the IDEs considered. The main tools used in the proof are two new and suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskiiˇ functionals (LKFs). In particular cases, two numerical examples are given and solved via the fourth order Runge–Kutta method (RKM) in MATLAB to illustrate the theoretical results of this paper. Compared with the existing results on the fundamental qualitative behaviors of scalar IDEs, our results are new, original, more effective and convenient for tests and applications.
Treatment of short bowel syndrome: Breaking the therapeutic ceiling?
Authors: Wauters Lucas , Joly Francisca
Published: April 2023

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most common cause of chronic intestinal failure, requiring home parenteral support (intravenous fluid, parenteral nutrition, or parenteral nutrition with intravenous fluid) to compensate for severe malabsorption. The loss of mucosal absorptive area after extensive intestinal resection is accompanied by an accelerated transit and hypersecretion. Changes in physiology and clinical outcomes differ between patients with SBS with or without the distal ileum and/or colon‐in‐continuity. This narrative review summarizes the treatments used in SBS, with a focus on novel approaches with intestinotrophic agents. During the early postoperative years, spontaneous adaptation occurs and can be induced or accelerated with conventional therapies, which include dietary and fluid modifications and antidiarrheal and antisecretory drugs. Based on the proadaptive role of enterohormones (eg, glucagon‐like peptide [GLP]‐2), analogues have been developed to allow enhanced or hyperadaptation after a period of stabilization. Teduglutide is the first GLP‐2 analogue developed and commercialized with proadaptive effects resulting in reduced parenteral support needs; however, the potential for weaning of parenteral support is variable. Whether early treatment with enterohormones or accelerated hyperadaptation would further improve absorption and outcomes remains to be shown. Longer‐acting GLP‐2 analogues are currently being investigated. Encouraging reports with GLP‐1 agonists require confirmation in randomized trials, and dual GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 analogues have yet to be clinically investigated. Future studies will prove whether the timing and/or combinations of different enterohormones will be able to break the ceiling of intestinal rehabilitation in SBS.
Quantifying Faculty Perception of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Within Academic Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Departments
Authors: Renslo Bryan , Sawaf Tuleen , Virgen Celina G. , Sykes Kevin J. , Villwock Jennifer , Chiu Alexander G. , Clark James H.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Investigating faculty perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) among academic otolaryngology programs.

Study Design

Quantitative survey.

Setting

Academic otolaryngology departments.

Methods

The DEI Inventory was developed by a multi‐institutional health equity consortium and disseminated within 16 academic otolaryngology programs. The inventory consisted of 25 items graded on a 5‐point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree), 2 yes/no questions, and 5 items reflecting overall DEI, stress, and burnout among academic otolaryngologists. Validated imposter phenomenon and personality trait measures were also included.

Results

The inventory received 158 (31.0%) partial and 111 (21.8%) full responses. No significant differences were identified in DEI scores by race. Compared to males, females reported lower scores on the overall DEI Inventory (3.6 vs 4.3, p < .001). Female respondents also reported greater levels of imposter phenomenon than their male counterparts (53.2 vs 47.5, p = .049).

Conclusion

Preliminary responses to our DEI Inventory suggest that faculty perception of DEI is not impacted by race. Female faculty report considerably lower perceptions of DEI than their male counterparts and experience greater levels of imposter phenomenon. The results of the DEI Inventory can help departments design meaningful interventions to improve levels of DEI among faculty.
Burdens of disease and caregiver burden in complex vascular malformations
Authors: Kalbfell Rachel , Wang Wendy , Fishman Shelbie , Kerr Anna M. , Sisk Bryan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Vascular malformations (VMs) are rare diseases that affect a wide age range of patients and require complicated care and management. The strain these conditions put on patients and their caretakers is not well understood. This study aims to characterize those burdens in young adult patients and parents of patients with VMs to improve communication, health‐related quality of life, and caregiver burden.

Methods

We performed semi‐structured interviews with patients and parents of patients with VMs. Interviews were conducted via telephone or video‐call software, recorded, and transcribed. The transcriptions were analyzed to identify burden themes through multiple rounds of codebook development and refinement. The final codebook was applied to all interviews.

Results

Twenty‐five young adult patients and 34 parent interviews were performed and led to the identification of four primary themes of disease burden that showed up in almost every interview: burdens of the disease process, logistical and financial burdens, psychological and emotional burdens, and social burdens. Persistent uncertainty was prominent and exacerbated all other burdens as well.

Discussion

We found that patients and parents struggle with burdens in a wider breadth of life experiences than have been previously characterized in the literature. They feel stressors of isolation, struggles with their identity, and even traumatic experiences from prior medical encounters. It is critical for providers of these patients and families to be aware of the burdens that they face outside of the immediate medical context. Acknowledging and providing space to address these burdens has the potential to greatly improve therapeutic relationships.
Structural/Compositional‐Tailoring of Nickel Hexacyanoferrate Electrodes for Highly Efficient Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Bao Yang , Hao Jinxin , Zhang Shu , Zhu Dechun , Li Feihu
Published: April 2023

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) represent a crucial class of intercalation electrode materials for electrochemical water desalination. It is shown here that structural/compositional tailoring of PBAs, the nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) electrodes in particular, can efficiently modulate their capacitive deionization (CDI) performance (e.g., desalination capacity, cyclability, selectivity, etc.). Both the desalination capacity and the cyclability of NiHCF electrodes are highly dependent on their structural/compositional features such as crystallinity, morphology, hierarchy, and coatings. It is demonstrated that the CDI cell with hierarchically structured NiHCF nanoframe (NiHCF‐NF) electrode exhibits a superior desalination capacity of 121.38 mg g−1, a high charge efficiency of up to 82%, and a large capacity retention of 88% after 40 cycles intercalation/deintercalation. In addition, it is discovered that coating of carbon (C) film over NiHCF can lower its desalination capacity owing to the partial blockage of diffusion openings by the coated C film. Moreover, the hierarchical NiHCF‐NF electrode also demonstrates a superior selectivity toward monovalent sodium ions (Na+) over divalent calcium (Ca2+) and magnesim (Mg2+) ions, allowing it to be a promising platform for preferential capturing Na+ ions from brines. Overall, the structural/compositional tailoring strategies would offer a viable option for the rational design of other intercalation electrode materials applied in CDI techniques.
Synthesis and Characterization of Luminescent Binuclear μ‐HS Cu(I) Complexes
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Kuang Xiaofei , Wang Ming‐Ming , Yang Hui , Mi Ying‐Hao , Lu Can‐Zhong
Published: April 2023

Photoactive Cu(I) complexes are promising luminescent materials owing to their abundant reserves and marvelous biocompatibility. In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of two binuclear sulfur‐bridged Cu(I) complexes (POP)2Cu2(μ‐HS/Cl)2 ⋅ 0.92MeOH 1 (POP=(oxybis(2,1‐phenylene))bis(diphenylphosphine)) and (POP)2Cu2(μ‐HS)2 2, which were prepared by one‐pot facile solvothermal method with copper‐4‐tert‐butylbenzenethiol (CuSC6H4tBu) and POP as precursors. Complex 1 exhibits sky‐blue emission while complex 2 displays blue. Complex 1 was systemically investigated by PXRD, UV‐vis spectrum, IR, TGA and steady‐state spectra. Temperature‐dependent steady‐state emission and decay lifetime indicate that complex 1 is a typical phosphorescent emitter.
Application of Simulation Chambers to Investigate Interfacial Processes
Authors: Alpert Peter A. , Bernard François , Connolly Paul , Crabeck Odile , George Christian , Kaiser Jan , Möhler Ottmar , Niedermeier Dennis , Nowak Jakub , Perrier Sébastien , Seakins Paul , Stratmann Frank , Thomas Max
Published: April 2023

Earlier chapters of this work have described procedures and protocols that are applicable to most chambers, this chapter has a slightly different focus; we predominantly consider multiphase processes where the applications are on phase transfer of chemical species rather than chemical reactions and the processes are generally occurring in highly specialized chambers. Three areas are described. Firstly, cloud formation processes; here, precise control of physical and thermodynamic properties is required to generate reproducible results. The second area examined is the air/sea interface, looking at the formation of aerosols from nonanoic acid as a surfactant with humic acid as a photosensitizer. The final apparatus described is the Roland von Glasow sea-ice chamber where a detailed protocol for the reproducible formation of sea-ice is given along with an outlook of future work. The systems studied in all three sections are characterized by difficulties in making detailed in situ observations in the real world, either due to the transitory nature of systems or the practical difficulties in accessing the systems. While these specialized simulation chambers may not perfectly reproduce conditions in the real world, the chambers do provide more facile opportunities for making extended and reproducible measurements to investigate fundamental physical and chemical processes, at significantly lower costs.
Improving Efficacy of Tsunami Warnings Along the West Coast of the United States
Authors: Williamson Amy , Allen Richard M.
Published: April 2023

Tsunamis cause significant damage and loss of life, particularly for the nearest communities, where the tsunami may arrive in minutes. These local communities often do not receive an informed or timely alert under traditional warning pathways. In response, numerous tsunami early warning (TEW) algorithms have been developed with the goal of providing informed tsunami source characterization for use in rapid, localized warning. An overlooked aspect of TEW is the means that this crucial information is disseminated. Current operations focus heavily on the time an alert is issued from a warning center, however, that alert passes through multiple groups and agencies before it is conveyed to affected communities. This distribution path can create further delays and contributes to inconsistencies in the message timeliness and content. In this study, we provide the framework and advocate for the use of a rapid dissemination tool, that we call WaveAlert, that would leverage preexisting advances in earthquake early warning systems to provide timely, clear, and consistent alerts to the public by use of the MyShake EEW phone app. This proposed tsunami dissemination tool would be able to provide consistent, public facing tsunami alerts over the duration of the hazard with the added benefit of low message latencies and high spatial resolution in who can be targeted for messages. We illustrate the need for rapid alerting strategies through a retrospective look at the alerting process during the 2022 Tonga tsunami and through a modeled potential near-field Cascadia timeline example affecting the west coast of the US.
Mobile, alltagsnahe digitale Technologien für die Prävention der Alzheimer-Demenz: kognitive Gesundheit und kognitive Sicherheit
Authors: Düzel Emrah , Thyrian Jochen René
Published: April 2023

Es ist allgemein akzeptiert, dass die Versorgung der Alzheimer-Erkrankung durch präventive Maßnahmen zur Risikoreduktion flankiert werden sollte, um kognitive Funktionen möglichst lange aufrecht zu erhalten. Aber sowohl die Forschung als auch die Entwicklung von Versorgungskonzepten stehen hier vor Herausforderungen. Zum einen erfordert die präventive Risikoreduktion ein hohes Maß an medizinischer Interdisziplinarität der Neurologie und Psychiatrie mit anderen Disziplinen, zum anderen müssen Patienten ein hohes Maß an Gesundheitskompetenz entwickeln sowie Eigenmotivation und Adhärenz aufbringen. In diesem Konzeptpapier geht es um die Frage, wie mobile, alltagsnahe digitale Technologien helfen können, diese Herausforderungen zu adressieren. Die zentrale Prämisse ist die über Disziplinen hinweg koordinierte Strukturierung der Prävention mit den Schwerpunkten kognitive Gesundheit und kognitive Sicherheit. Kognitive Gesundheit fokussiert auf eine Reduktion lebensstilassoziierter Risikofaktoren. Kognitive Sicherheit betrifft die Minimierung iatrogen verursachter Nebenwirkungen auf kognitive Funktionen. Bei den digitalen Technologien, die in diesem Zusammenhang relevant werden, handelt es sich um mobile Smartphone- oder Tablet-basierte Apps zur alltagsnahen und hochfrequenten Erfassung kognitiver Funktionen, Apps, die als Companion-Technologien die Implementierung von Lifestyleänderungen coachen können, Apps, die bei der Reduktion iatrogener Risiken assistieren können und solche, die Gesundheitskompetenz von Patienten und Angehörigen verbessern können. Entsprechende Medizinprodukte sind in ihrem Entwicklungsstand unterschiedlich weit fortgeschritten. Daher geht es in diesem Konzeptpapier nicht um eine Produktübersicht, sondern um das prinzipielle Zusammenspiel potenzieller Lösungen in der Prävention der Alzheimer-Demenz in den Bereichen kognitive Gesundheit und kognitive Sicherheit.
Spaces of positive scalar curvature metrics on totally nonspin manifolds with spin boundary
Authors: Frenck Georg
Published: April 2023

In this article we study the space of positive scalar curvature metrics on totally nonspin manifolds with spin boundary. We prove that for such manifolds of certain dimensions, those spaces are not connected and have nontrivial fundamental group. Furthermore we show that a well-known propagation technique for detection results on spaces of positive scalar curvature metrics on spin manifolds ceases to work in the totally nonspin case.
A randomized controlled study of ureteral stent extraction string on patient’s quality of life and stent-related complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position
Authors: Qi Yuanjiong , Kong Hailong , Xing Haonan , Zhang Zhihong , Chen Yue , Qi Shiyong
Published: April 2023

To demonstrate the Tianjin Institute of Urology (TJIU) technique to place and remove the ureteral stent with extraction string after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Additionally, we aim to compare the pain experienced during stent removal, quality of life during stent retention, and stent-related complications between patients with and without extraction string. 65 patients were included in the final analysis in the string group constructed by the TJIU technique and 66 patients in the conventional double-J ureteral stent (non-string) group. All patients underwent the surgery in a prone position under general anesthesia. They completed the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) on postoperative days (POD) 7, as well as before their ureteral stent was removed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score (0–10) was completed immediately after the removal of the ureteral stent. Moreover, a specialized person was responsible for recording stent-related complications. All patients completed the USSQ on POD 7, and we did not find a difference in scores in each field. However, there was a significant difference in the “sex” domain before removing the ureteral stent (4.34 vs 3.23; p = 0.01). Notably, the use of extraction string after PCNL could decrease the pain associated with stent removal significantly (mean VAS scores 1.45 vs 2.76; p < 0.01). Extraction string did not increase the incidence of stent-related complications. We concluded that placing a ureteral stent with an extraction string after PCNL reduces the pain of ureteral stent removal without increasing complications such as accidental removal of the stent, febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).
Free-viewing gaze patterns reveal a mood-congruency bias in MDD during an affective fMRI/eye-tracking task
Authors: Sun Rui , Fietz Julia , Erhart Mira , Poehlchen Dorothee , Henco Lara , Brückl Tanja M. ,   BeCOME study team, Binder Elisabeth B. , Erhardt Angelika , Lucae Susanne , Grandi Norma C. , Namendorf Tamara , Elbau Immanuel , Leuchs Laura , Brem Anna Katharine , Schilbach Leonhard , Ilić-Ćoćić Sanja , Ziebula Julius , von Mücke-Heim Iven-Alex , Kim Yeho , Pape Julius , Czisch Michael , Saemann Philipp G. , Spoormaker Victor I.
Published: April 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been related to abnormal amygdala activity during emotional face processing. However, a recent large-scale study (n = 28,638) found no such correlation, which is probably due to the low precision of fMRI measurements. To address this issue, we used simultaneous fMRI and eye-tracking measurements during a commonly employed emotional face recognition task. Eye-tracking provide high-precision data, which can be used to enrich and potentially stabilize fMRI readouts. With the behavioral response, we additionally divided the active task period into a task-related and a free-viewing phase to explore the gaze patterns of MDD patients and healthy controls (HC) and compare their respective neural correlates. Our analysis showed that a mood-congruency attentional bias could be detected in MDD compared to healthy controls during the free-viewing phase but without parallel amygdala disruption. Moreover, the neural correlates of gaze patterns reflected more prefrontal fMRI activity in the free-viewing than the task-related phase. Taken together, spontaneous emotional processing in free viewing might lead to a more pronounced mood-congruency bias in MDD, which indicates that combined fMRI with eye-tracking measurement could be beneficial for our understanding of the underlying psychopathology of MDD in different emotional processing phases.

Trial Registration: The BeCOME study is registered on ClinicalTrials (gov: NCT03984084) by the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany.
Damage modelling of a bridge pier subjected to multiple earthquakes: a comparative study
Authors: Turchetti F. , Tubaldi E. , Patelli E. , Castaldo P. , Málaga-Chuquitaype C.
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses and compares two recently developed methodologies for the prediction of damage accumulation in structures subjected to multiple earthquakes within their lifetime, one based on a regression model and one based on a Markov-chain based approach. A stochastic earthquake hazard model is considered for generating sample sequences of ground motion records that are then used to estimate the probabilistic distribution of the damage accumulated during the time interval of interest using the various methodologies. A simulation-based approach provides a reference solution against which the other methodologies are compared. Besides assessing the effectiveness and accuracy of the two methodologies, some improvements of the regression model are proposed and evaluated. The comparison between the methodologies is carried out by examining a reinforced concrete (RC) bridge pier model and using the Park–Ang damage index to describe the damage accumulation. The study results demonstrate the importance of considering the possibility of occurrence of multiple shocks in estimating the life-cycle performance of structures and highlight strengths and drawbacks of the investigated methodologies.
Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Arcs of Various Gases at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Villarreal-Medina Rodrigo , Murphy Anthony B. , Méndez Patricio F. , Ramírez-Argáez Marco A.
Published: April 2023

This work expands findings about the dominant heat transfer mechanisms in argon and helium arcs at atmospheric pressure for monoatomic (Ar, He, 50% Ar–50% He), diatomic (air, $${\hbox{N}}_{2}$$

N
2

, $${\hbox{O}}_{2}$$

O
2

, $${\hbox{F}}_{2}$$

F
2

, $${\hbox{Cl}}_{2}$$

Cl
2

), and triatomic ($${\hbox{CO}}_{2}$$

CO
2

) gases. The objective is to understand the dominant mechanisms in atmospheric plasmas through validated numerical modeling for GTAW welding process. Arcs of all gases have lengths of 10 mm and 200 A current. Five heat transfer mechanisms are considered: Joule heating, convection, radiation, conduction, and Thomson effect. Results indicate that the general structure of the arcs and dominant mechanisms are qualitatively similar for all gases; sizes change depending on the gas. The dominant energy input near the cathode is Joule heating, while that near the anode is convection. The dominant energy output always follows the same sequence: Thomson effect next to the cathode followed by convection, radiation in the arc column, and conduction near the anode. Joule heating is the most significant in Ar, while in He, it has the lowest significance. This is due to differences in electric conductivity of He (higher up to 21,000 K and lower beyond 21,000 K than other gases) and high viscosity of He, which creates a small Joule heating versus a large convection region. He transfers the most heat towards the anode by convection while $${\hbox{N}}_{2}$$

N
2

has the lowest; due to the high enthalpy and viscosity of He compared to $${\hbox{N}}_{2}$$

N
2

. Finally, Ar has the most significant radiative emission and He the smallest due to their net emission coefficient.
Thailand’s net-zero emissions by 2050: analysis of economy-wide impacts
Authors: Rajbhandari Salony , Winyuchakrit Pornphimol , Pradhan Bijay Bahadur , Chaichaloempreecha Achiraya , Pita Piti , Limmeechokchai Bundit
Published: April 2023

This paper aims at exploring the economy-wide impacts of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 in Thailand. This study developed a recursive dynamic Asia-Pacific Integrated Model/Computable General Equilibrium (AIM/CGE) model of Thailand for the assessment. The macroeconomic impacts of Thailand’s net-zero GHG emission targets by 2050 are analyzed relative to its 2-degree pathway. Results indicate that Thailand should put more effort in GHG mitigation actions to achieve the emissions peak by 2025 and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Improvement in energy efficiency; increasing electrification; expanding renewable energy utilization; deploying green hydrogen; bioenergy; carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); and behavioral changes are the key identified pillars of decarbonization to drive Thailand towards the pathways of net-zero emissions by 2050. Results show that there is a possibility of attaining net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 at the expense of an economic loss for Thailand. The gross domestic product (GDP) loss would be as high as 8.5% in 2050 to attain net-zero emissions. Lower productivity from the energy intensive industries such as petroleum refineries, coal and lignite mining, manufacturing industries, and transport are the key contributing sectors to the GDP losses. The price of carbon mitigation would shoot up to reach USD 734 per tCO2eq in 2050 from USD 14 per tCO2eq in 2025 to attain net-zero emissions in 2050.
BRAF inhibitors in BRAF V600E-mutated ameloblastoma: systematic review of rare cases in the literature
Authors: Ebeling Marcel , Scheurer Mario , Sakkas Andreas , Pietzka Sebastian , Schramm Alexander , Wilde Frank
Published: April 2023

Background

Ameloblastoma in 66% of the cases harbor a somatic mutation of the “mitogen-activated protein kinase” signaling pathway (BRAF V600E). In V600E mutations, BRAF is in the permanent “on” state and relays the growth-promoting signals independently of the EGFR pathway. Therefore, mutant BRAF represents a target for handful of new drugs.

Methods

We conducted a literature search, with the search terms “Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib, Ameloblastoma, and BRAF.” These included seven case reports with nine patients who underwent monotherapy with Dabrafenib or Vemurafenib or combination therapy with Dabrafenib and Trametinib.

Results

The patients age ranges from 10 years up to 86 years. The distribution of women and men is 4:5. Patients with an initial diagnosis of ameloblastoma, as well as recurrences or metastasized ameloblastoma were treated. Indications cover neoadjuvant therapy up to the use in metastasized patients in an irresectable state. Results ranging from “only” tumor size reduction to restitutio ad integrum.

Conclusion

We see the use of BRAF Inhibitors to reduce tumor size with consecutive surgical treatment as a reasonable option for therapy. However, we are aware that at present the data are based only on case reports with the longest follow-up of just 38 months. We encourage further clinical trials in the use of BRAF Inhibitors for selecting ameloblastoma patients in a multi-center setting.
CACA guidelines for ultrasound hyperthermia for oral and maxillofacial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ju Houyu , Zheng Jiawei , Sun Moyi , Tang Zhangui , Yang Daoke , Ran Wei , Sun Zhijun , Shang Wei , Meng Jian , Wu Heming , Xi Qing , Yang Kai , Wang Jun , Huang Li , Qiu Jiaxuan , Wu Yunteng , Ren Guoxin , Dai Zhifei , Guo Wei
Published: April 2023

Most of the patients with oral and maxillofacial malignancy are in the middle and advanced stages at diagnosis and the incidence rate is increasing in recent years. Chemotherapy alone is difficult to benefit the survival of patients with advanced oral and maxillofacial malignancy. Ultrasound hyperthermia is a new and effective treatment for malignant tumor, which is developing rapidly in addition to conventional treatment. However, at present, ultrasound hyperthermia has not been widely used in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial malignancy. Therefore, formation of a guideline on ultrasound hyperthermia for oral and maxillofacial malignancy is mandatory, in order to promote and standardize the clinical practice of ultrasound hyperthermia in this field, and improve the long-term survival rate and quality of life of patients.