Hydrothermal and Co-Precipitation Combined with Photo-Reduced Preparation of Ag/AgBr/MgBiO Composites for Visible Light Degradation Toward Organics.

This study developed a MgBiO-based photocatalyst via low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis. AgBr was co-precipitated onto MgBiO, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were photo-reduced onto the surface. The photocatalytic performance, assessed by methylene blue (MB) degradation under white-light LED irradiation (2.

Characterization of carbon dots from fructus gardeniae (Zhi-zi) and gardenia charcoal (black Zhi-zi) via microwave-assisted extraction.

We employed a straightforward microwave-assisted extraction technique to investigate the presence of carbon dots (CDs) in Chinese herbal extracts derived from fructus gardeniae and gardenia charcoal, designated as CDs-1 and CDs-2, respectively. The found CDs exhibited unique photoluminescence with quantum yields of 0.95% for CDs-1 and 1.

Towards Designer Photocatalysts: Structure-Property Relationships in 2,6-Diaryl-pyryliums.

Fully organic photocatalyst systems are highly attractive, not merely because they are transition-metal free, but more importantly due to their unique and often potent reactivity. A detailed understanding of the various redox states, both ground and excited state, and specifically what structural parameters control them is therefore crucial for harnessing the full potential of these systems in organic synthesis. However, unlike their organometallic counterparts, detailed structure-property relationships for organic photocatalysts are largely absent from the literature.

The LTAR Cropland Common Experiment at Upper Mississippi River Basin-Ames.

Agricultural systems evolve from the interactions of climate, crops, soils, management practices (e.g., tillage, cover crops, nutrient management), and economic risks and rewards.

Facile Preparation of Tannic Acid-Gold Nanoparticles for Catalytic and Selective Detection of Mercury(II) and Iron(II) Ions in the Environmental Water Samples and Commercial Iron Supplement.

Tannic acid (TA), a plant-derived polyphenol rich in hydroxyl groups, serves as both a reducing agent and stabilizer for synthesizing gold nanoparticles (TA-AuNPs). This study presents a groundbreaking method that utilizes TA to fabricate TA-AuNPs and develop two distinct colorimetric detection systems for mercury (Hg) and iron (Fe) ions. The first detection system leverages the interaction between TA-AuNPs and Hg to enhance the peroxidase-like activity of TA-AuNPs, facilitating the production of hydroxyl radicals upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide, which subsequently oxidizes 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into a blue-colored product (ox-TMB).

How post overdose response efforts can address social determinants of health among people who use drugs: perspectives from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Post Overdose Response Team (PORT).

Individuals who have survived an overdose often have myriad needs that extend far beyond their drug use. The social determinants of health (SDOH) framework has been underutilized throughout the opioid overdose crisis, despite widespread acknowledgment that SDOH are contributors to the majority of health outcomes. Post Overdose Response Teams (PORTs) engage with individuals who have experienced 1 or more nonfatal overdoses and bear witness to the many ways in which overdose survivors experience instability with healthcare, housing, employment, and family structure.

One-Pot Synthesis of Tannic Acid-Au Nanoparticles for the Colorimetric Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose.

This study introduces a novel one-pot method employing tannic acid (TA) to synthesize stable gold nanoparticles (TA-AuNPs), which are characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We apply these TA-AuNPs in a newly developed colorimetric assay for hydrogen peroxide (HO) detection that utilizes the oxidation of iodide (I) on TA-AuNPs, leading to a detectable yellow color change in the solution. The reaction kinetics are captured by the rate equation R = 0.

Photomediated Hexafluoroisopropoxylation of Unactivated Aryl Halides.

The use of fluoroalkoxy groups, such as trifluoromethoxy and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy groups, in pharmaceutical and agrochemical development has increased dramatically in recent years. However, hexafluoroisopropoxy groups have remained significantly under-represented, presumably due to limited synthetic methods for accessing this substituent in good yields. Herein, we report a mild, photochemical nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SAr) approach for the synthesis of hexafluoroisopropyl aryl ethers from unactivated and abundant aryl halides.

Green Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots and Carbon Quantum Dot-Gold Nanoparticles for Applications in Bacterial Imaging and Catalytic Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds.

This study delves into the green synthesis and multifaceted applications of three types of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), namely, CQDs-1, CQDs-2, and CQDs-3. These CQDs were innovatively produced through a gentle pyrolysis process from distinct plant-based precursors: genipin with glucose for CQDs-1, genipin with extracted gardenia seeds for CQDs-2, and genipin with whole gardenia seeds for CQDs-3. Advanced analytical techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), were employed to detail the CQDs' structural and surface characteristics, revealing their unique functional groups and surface chemistries.

Mineral wealth paradox: health challenges and environmental risks in African resource-rich areas.

Background: Africa is blessed with vast arable land and enriched with valuable natural resources encompassing both renewable (like water, forests, and fisheries) and non-renewable (such as minerals, coal, gas, and oil). Under the right conditions, a natural resource boom should serve as an important driver for growth, development, and the transition from cottage industry to factory output. However, despite its wealth, Africa is often associated with the notion of a resource curse.

3D Printing of Biodegradable Polymeric Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery Applications.

Microneedle (MN) technology is an optimal choice for the delivery of drugs via the transdermal route, with a minimally invasive procedure. MN applications are varied from drug delivery, cosmetics, tissue engineering, vaccine delivery, and disease diagnostics. The MN is a biomedical device that offers many advantages including but not limited to a painless experience, being time-effective, and real-time sensing.

Nafion/Silver Nanoparticles as an Electrochemically Sensitive Interface for the Detection of Ractopamine in Pork Liver.

Many countries have allowed farmers to feed β-adrenergic receptor agonists, such as ractopamine (Rac), to animals to improve the quality of their meat. However, Rac consumption can cause health problems for humans; thus, detecting Rac in meat before its packaging is essential. Consequently, this study developed a simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with Nafion/silver nanoparticles (Nafion/AgNPs).

Green synthesis of gardenia seeds-based carbon dots for bacterial imaging and antioxidant activity in aqueous and oil samples.

In this work, luminescent carbon dots with gardenia seeds as carbon precursors (GCDs) were synthesized using a one-step mild pyrolysis process and were then used as probes for imaging of bacterial (). The GCDs showed a strong emission at 430 nm when excited at 370 nm. The relative fluorescence quantum yield of GCDs was found to be 1.

Newly Acquired Burnout During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Experiences of New York State Primary Care Clinicians.

The well-being of primary care clinicians represents an area of increasing interest amid concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated already high prevalence rates of clinician burnout. This retrospective cohort study was designed to identify demographic, clinical, and work-specific factors that may have contributed to newly acquired burnout after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous web-based questionnaire distributed in August 2020 to New York State (NYS) primary care clinicians, via email outreach and newsletters, produced 1,499 NYS primary care clinician survey respondents.

Selective detection of tricyclazole by optical technique using thiomalic acid-modified Au and Ag nanoparticle mixtures.

This study proposes the use of thiomalic acid-modified Au and Ag nanoparticle mixtures (TMA-Au/AgNP mixes) for the selective detection of tricyclazole. Upon the addition of tricyclazole, the color of TMA-Au/AgNP mixes solution changes from orange-red to lavender (red-shift). According to the density-functional theory calculations, tricyclazole-induced aggregation of TMA-Au/AgNP mixes through electron donor-acceptor interactions was proved.

Creation of a risk of harms informed consent form for dry needling: A nominal group technique.

Background: When consenting patients to dry needling treatment, it is necessary to inform patients of potential risks of harms.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify elements and framework for an Informed Consent (IC) risk of harm statement to improve patient decision-making.

Design: A virtual Nominal Group Technique (vNGT) methodology was used to achieve consensus among participants to identify what needs to be on a consent form, how it should be framed, and what it should state so patients understand the true risks.

Connecting improvisational exercises and pharmacy communication skills: A how-to guide.

Background And Purpose: Medical improvisation (improv) is increasingly being used to teach physicians, nurses, and other caregivers how to better communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team. This article describes how improvisational activities were incorporated within an existing pharmacy practice lab course and how to implement improv games targeting specific communication skills.

Educational Activity And Setting: Three hours of improvisational activities were incorporated into a semester-long pharmacy practice lab course.

A high performance dual-mode biosensor based on Nd-MOF nanosheets functionalized with ionic liquid and gold nanoparticles for sensing of ctDNA.

A dual-mode biosensor constructed based on photoelectrochemical (PEC) and electrochemical (EC) property was developed for assaying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is commonly used for triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis. Ionic liquid functionalized two-dimensional Nd-MOF nanosheets were successfully synthesized through a template-assisted reagent substituting reaction. Nd-MOF nanosheets integrated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were able to improve photocurrent response and supply active sites for assembling sensing elements.

Manual therapy and exercise for adhesive capsulitis: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) affects approximately 1% of the general population. Current research lacks clear guidance on the dosage of manual therapy and exercise interventions.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise in the management of AC, with a secondary aim of describing the available literature present on the dosage of interventions.

Computerized cognitive and social cognition training in schizophrenia for impulsive aggression.

Background: Schizophrenia is associated with an elevated risk for impulsive aggression for which there are few psychosocial treatment options. Neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits have been associated with aggression with social cognitive deficits seemingly a more proximal contributor. The current study examined the effects of combining cognitive and social cognition treatment on impulsive aggression among inpatients with chronic schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and a history of aggression compared to cognitive remediation treatment alone.

The Impact of Escape Room Gamification Using a Teleconferencing Platform on Pharmacy Student Learning.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to design and implement a virtual escape room game using the Zoom video conferencing platform to enhance third professional doctor of pharmacy students' knowledge of self-management of sexual health and pregnancy prevention and to assess student's perception of the activity.

Methods: Students were divided into five pre-assigned breakout rooms of five to six students each using the Zoom video conferencing platform, following the conclusion of the self-care sexual health and pregnancy prevention lecture. Once in the breakout room, students worked as a group to complete seven activities to gain access to a code needed to "escape the room.

Process Modelling, Scale-Up and Characterization of Acetaminophen Spray Dried Milk Powder as Novel Pediatric Dosage Form.

Purpose: Successful drug therapy in children is contingent upon hassle-free administration of pediatric dosage forms. Pediatric patients suffer from difficulty in swallowing due to weak esophagus muscles in their early age. Considering this challenge liquid formulations are preferred over solid dosage form among pediatric patients to avoid the possibility of choking which can be a serious life-threatening condition in children.

Planning for a Healthy Aging Program to Reduce Sedentary Behavior: Perceptions among Diverse Older Adults.

Reducing prolonged engagement in sedentary behavior is increasingly considered a viable pathway to older-adult health and continued functional ability. Community-based programs that aim to increase physical activity can improve programs' acceptability by integrating older adults' perspectives on sedentary behavior and healthy aging into their design. The purpose of this study was to better understand the perceptions of a diverse group of community-dwelling older adults regarding sedentary behavior and its influence on healthy aging.