Air-stable double halide perovskite CsCuBiBr: synthesis and memristor application.

The excellent optical and electronic properties of halide perovskite materials have attracted researchers to investigate this particular field. However, the instability in ambient conditions and toxicity of materials like lead have given some setbacks to commercial use. To overcome these issues, perovskite-inspired materials with less toxic and excellent air-stable materials are being studied.

Pulmonary function in swimmers exposed to disinfection by-products: a narrative review.

Swimming produces many psychophysiological effects, including blood, hormonal, enzymatic, pulmonary, cardiovascular and energetic adaptations. However, asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly prevalent medical issues among elite endurance-trained swimmers, where exercise-induced asthma or bronchospasm is frequently reported. Heavy endurance swimming training, especially under adverse conditions, stresses the airway mucosa, leading to inflammatory changes, as observed in induced sputum in competitive swimmers.

The Impact on the Quality of Life Among Newly Diagnosed Children With Coeliac Disease in Malta: A Child Versus Parent Perspective.

Background and objective Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition that is managed by following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Its incidence is rising, and no cure is currently available. CD in children has a significant impact on both patients and their caregivers as they adapt to a new lifestyle.

Receiver design for the REACH global 21-cm signal experiment.

We detail the REACH radiometric system designed to enable measurements of the 21-cm neutral hydrogen line. Included is the radiometer architecture and end-to-end system simulations as well as a discussion of the challenges intrinsic to highly-calibratable system development. Following this, we share laboratory results based on the calculation of noise wave parameters utilising an over-constrained least squares approach.

Examining the prevention approach in National Dementia Plans from European and North American countries.

Objectives: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of National Dementia Plans (NDPs) from selected European and North American countries, focusing on the distinct prevention strategies outlined and the approaches employed for reducing dementia risk.

Method: The sample consisted of 16 NDPs from Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA. These NDPs were retrieved from the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) database, with regular updates checked on official governmental websites.

Pulmonary vein stenosis following radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation: Presentation, diagnosis, and management using self-expandable, bare metal stents.

Unlabelled: Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a rare complication following PV isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation. Despite the benefit of early intervention, screening is not conducted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion. Standardized management approaches are unavailable for this serious complication.

Recovery from pulmonary oxygen toxicity: a new (ESOT) model.

Arieli has previously demonstrated that the exposure metric K could be used to predict pulmonary oxygen toxicity (POT) based on changes in Vital Capacity (VC). Our previous findings indicate that the Equivalent Surface Oxygen Time (ESOT) allows the estimation of POT without loss of accuracy compared to K. In this work, we have further investigated POT recovery.

Optimizing the hyperbaric chamber pressurization profile during standard hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Middle ear barotrauma (MEBT) is the most common complication in providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). This study explored the impact of altering the shape of the time-pressure curve with the aim of reducing the occurrence of MEBT and optimizing the HBO experience during the pressurization process. Four distinct mathematically derived protocols-Constant Pressure Difference (CPD), Constant Volume Difference (CVD), Constant Ratio (CR), and Inverted Constant Ratio (ICR)-were investigated using computer simulations on a simple ear model.

Circular RNAs in the management of human osteoporosis.

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease producing reduction in bone mass with consequent bone fragility. Circular ribonucleic acid (CircRNA) is a form of RNA that forms a loop structure rather than a linear one. CircRNA can be used for therapeutic purposes, including molecular targets or to test new therapies.

Acts from the cracks: Representations and positions of the decolonial in the geopolitical (de)construction of power-entangled knowledge.

This paper examines the geopolitical implications of knowledge production in psychology through two studies that respond to the growing body of work on the 'Decolonisation of Knowledge' and the 'Decolonisation of Psychology' over the past two decades. By adopting a constructivist approach, particularly through the lens of Social Representation Theory (SRT), these studies explore the ways in which geopolitical contexts shape decolonial activism within psychological and scientific discourse. The first study sheds light on the lexical divergences in the construction of knowledge within the domains of psychology.

Is the time to task failure during severe intensity exercise associated with muscle, blood, and respiratory changes?

The study aimed to verify the physiological and metabolic parameters associated with the time to task failure (TTF) during cycling exercise performed within the severe-intensity domain. Forty-five healthy and physically active males participated in two independent experiments. In experiment 1, after a graded exercise test, participants underwent constant work rate cycling efforts (CWR) at 115% of peak power output to assess neuromuscular function (Potentiated twitch) pre- and post-exercise.

Deciphering key nano-bio interface descriptors to predict nanoparticle-induced lung fibrosis.

Background: The advancement of nanotechnology underscores the imperative need for establishing in silico predictive models to assess safety, particularly in the context of chronic respiratory afflictions such as lung fibrosis, a pathogenic transformation that is irreversible. While the compilation of predictive descriptors is pivotal for in silico model development, key features specifically tailored for predicting lung fibrosis remain elusive. This study aimed to uncover the essential predictive descriptors governing nanoparticle-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

A case of xanthogranulomatous epididymitis complicated by florid testicular cystic ectasia.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation (XGI) is a rare, benign inflammatory condition of unclear pathogenesis, characterised by infiltration and subsequent destruction of normal tissue by lipid-laden macrophages together with lymphocytes and plasma cells. A 56-year-old gentleman was referred to the urology department of our hospital due to concerns that his right testicle felt firmer than his left over the preceding six months. He was investigated and subsequently underwent a right sided orchidectomy.

Assessment of DFT Functionals for Structural Determination of Lanthanide(III) Complexes Using Ligand Field Splitting.

Lanthanide (Ln) tetrakis complexes, C[Ln(L)], are important for applications due to their high quantum yields, solubility, and stability. Their luminescent properties depend on the structure, particularly the coordination polyhedron, the assessment of computational methods for calculating their structures is paramount. Usually, this assessment uses the RMSD of distances in the [Ln(L)] complex or {LnO} polyhedron between crystallographic and calculated structures.

A Bleed From the Distal Anastomosis Site of a Bypass Graft From the Left Common Iliac Artery to the Celiac Trunk Treated With a Surgeon-Modified Fenestrated Endograft.

Purpose: The use of surgeon-modified fenestrated endograft to treat a bleeding complication in the common iliac artery.

Technique: An Endurant limb graft was modified on back table in theater after planning the fenestration using a semi-automated centerline. The Endurant stent was planned to land flush at the aortic bifurcation.

Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry.

Background And Aims: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.

Evaluating student understanding of core pharmacokinetic concepts.

Both educators and graduates have expressed concern about a perceived pharmacology knowledge gap that includes difficulty applying fundamental principles to clinical and research problems. Consequently, we sought to determine the extent to which current students can explain the meaning of, and appropriately apply, a subset of core concepts, and to identify any misconceptions arising from the responses. Of the twenty-four pharmacology core concepts arising from the recent international collaboration, four pharmacokinetic concepts were chosen, namely drug bioavailability, drug clearance, volume of distribution, and steady-state concentration.

Postprandial Vascular Effects of a High Potassium Meal in Patients with Treated Hypertension.

Background: There is compelling evidence of an inverse association between potassium intake and blood pressure (BP). A potential mechanism for this effect may be dietary potassium-mediated augmentation of endothelium-dependent relaxation. To date, studies have investigated potassium intake supplementation over several weeks in healthy volunteers with variable results on vascular function.

Untangling the role of single-atom substitution on the improvement of the hydrogen evolution reaction of YNS MXene in acidic media.

The production of hydrogen (H) fuel through electrocatalysis is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional and environmentally harmful energy sources. However, the discovery of cost-effective and efficient materials for this purpose remains a significant challenge. In this study, we explore the potential of the transition-metal-substituted YNS MXene as a promising candidate for hydrogen production through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Hip Fractures in Malta: Does Delay in Surgery Affect Clinical Outcomes?

Introduction: Hip fractures are common and are a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly population, particularly when treatment is delayed. The British Orthopaedic Association's (BOA) guidelines state that surgical treatment should be performed within 36 hours of admission. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delays in surgery on clinical outcomes and to evaluate mortality rates over a three-year follow-up period following proximal femoral fractures.

Mycelium-based composites: An updated comprehensive overview.

Mycelium-based composites hold significant potential as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, offering innovative solutions to the escalating challenges of global warming and climate change. This review examines their production techniques, advantages, and limitations, emphasizing their role in addressing pressing environmental and economic concerns. Current applications span various industries, including manufacturing and biomedical fields, where mycelium-based composites demonstrate the capacity to mitigate environmental impact and enhance economic sustainability.

Risk factors associated with postpartum anxiety in Australia, Europe, and North America: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Background: Reducing the prevalence and consequences of anxiety following childbirth (postpartum anxiety) is a strategic priority in the UK and many similar nations; a comprehensive review of risk factors can support the development of interventions and guide further research.

Methods: This registered systematic review was guided by 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' (PRISMA) and analysed using 'Synthesis Without Meta-analysis' (SWiM) to answer the question; 'What factors have been reported to increase the risk of maternal postpartum anxiety (PPA) in Australia, Europe, and North America?'. MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for relevant research from Australia, Europe, and North America, published up to July 2021.

Global, regional, and national survey on burden and Quality of Care Index (QCI) of orofacial clefts: Global burden of disease systematic analysis 1990-2019.

Background: Orofacial clefts are the most common craniofacial anomalies that include a variety of conditions affecting the lips and oral cavity. They remain a significant global public health challenge. Despite this, the quality of care for orofacial clefts has not been investigated at global and country levels.

Vibration Welding of PLA/PHBV Blend Composites with Nanocrystalline Cellulose.

Thermoplastic composites have garnered significant attention in various industries due to their exceptional properties, such as recyclability and ease of molding. In particular, biocomposites, which combine biopolymers with natural fibers, represent a promising alternative to petroleum-based materials, offering biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the efficacy of joining PLA/PHBV-based biocomposites modified with nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) using vibration welding, which restricts their potential applications.

The Human Nasal Microbiome: A Perspective Study During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Malta.

The human respiratory tract is colonized by a complex microbial community that helps maintain respiratory health and plays a crucial role in defending the host from infections. Respiratory viruses have been demonstrated to alter microbiota composition, resulting in opportunistic species expansion, and increasing the disease severity and host susceptibility to bacterial co-infections. This study aims to examine the compositional differences in the nasal microbiota between SARS-CoV-2-infected and non-infected patients.