Designing dicationic organic salts and ionic liquids exhibiting high fluorescence in the solid state.

Dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) are emerging as a powerful, next-generation approach to designing applied ILs because of their superior physicochemical properties as well as their diverse complexity and tunability for task specific applications. DILs are scarce in the literature compared to monocationic ILs (MILs), and one of their main issues is their expected tendency to possess higher melting temperatures. A series of 1,4-bis[2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl] benzene and 1,4-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzene quaternary salts (Q-BPEBs) with different counterions (bromide, tosylate, and triflimide) and carbon chain lengths (C, C, and C) have been synthesized for their potential as DILs with strong photoluminescent properties in the solid state.

Effectiveness of a Dedicated Rural General Surgery Residency Track: A 13-Year Analysis of the First ACGME Designated Rural Track.

Background: The shortage of general surgeons in rural America is well documented. The North Dakota community-based general surgery residency program initiated a unique approach to training for rural practice through a dedicated rural track. The rural track included 9 months of rotations in specialty rotations beneficial for rural practice.

Mixed Pt-Ni Halide Perovskites for Photovoltaic Application.

CsPtI is a promising photoabsorber with a direct bandgap of 1.4 eV and a high carrier lifetime; however, the cost of Pt inhibits its commercial viability. Here, we performed a cost analysis and experimentally explored the effect of replacing Pt with earth-abundant Ni in solution-processed Cs(PtNi)(I,Cl) thin films on the properties and stability of the perovskite material.

Efficacy of intermittent fasting on improving liver function in individuals with metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) can be an effective dietary therapy for weight loss and improving cardiometabolic health. However, there is scant evidence regarding the role of IF on indicators of liver function, particularly in adults with metabolic disorders. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of IF on liver function in adults with metabolic disorders.

Fundamental constraints and questions from the study of martian meteorites and the need for returned samples.

Physical materials from planetary bodies are crucial for understanding fundamental processes that constrain the evolution of the solar system, as samples can be analyzed at high precision and accuracy in Earth-based laboratories. Mars is the only planet outside of Earth from which we possess samples in the form of meteorites. Martian meteorites (n > 350) have enabled constraints to be placed on various aspects of the red planet's formation and evolution, notably: that Mars accreted and differentiated rapidly; that the planet has a complex volatile element evolution; and that it has always been volcanically active with a rich and diverse magmatic history.

Hydropersulfide (RSSH)-Mediated Hydrothiolation of Alkenes.

A hydropersulfide-mediated hydrothiolation reaction of alkenes has been developed for C-S bond formation with Markovnikov selectivity. This new approach is a transition-metal-, additive-, and solvent-free reaction under mild conditions. The reaction is postulated to proceed by an ionic mechanism with the release of elemental sulfur based on our control experiments and density functional theory calculations.

Designing and implementing the IDEAL Study: A randomized clinical trial of genotype disclosure for late-onset Alzheimer's disease in an urban Latino population.

Introduction: The (IDEAL) Study is a randomized clinical trial investigating the psychosocial, behavioral, and cognitive impacts of apolipoprotein E () genotype disclosure for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) among Latinos.

Methods: We used address-based sampling to recruit English- and Spanish-speaking Latinos aged 40-64 living in northern Manhattan for a community-based Baseline Survey about their knowledge and opinions about AD. Participants eligible for the clinical trial were invited to complete an Introductory Session, including AD and genetics education and informed consent, before undergoing genotyping for .

Treatment Decision-Making Among Chinese Americans With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Objective: There has been limited research on the influence of race and ethnicity on treatment decision-making for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This prospective study aims to investigate potential factors linked to treatment modality choice among patients with medically refractory CRS, distinguishing between Chinese American and non-Chinese American patients.

Methods: CRS patients with persistent symptoms despite prior medical treatment were prospectively enrolled.

Approaching Universal Prenatal Detection of Significant Cardiovascular Malformations in Nevada.

Objective: To report our recent experience with prenatal detection of significant cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) in Nevada's state-wide maternal population receiving prenatal care.

Methods: We queried our databases for those with significant CVMs diagnosed pre- or postnatally between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2024. We defined CVMs as those that required, would have required, or will likely require a therapeutic procedure in the first 12 months.

Salivary features of periodontitis and gingivitis in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cellular abnormalities, tissue and organ dysfunctions, and periodontitis. This investigation examined the relationship between the oral microbiome and salivary biomarkers in T2DM patients with or without periodontitis. This cohort (35-80 years) included systemically healthy non-periodontitis (NP; n = 31), T2DM without periodontitis (DWoP; n = 32) and T2DM with periodontitis (DWP; n = 29).

Associations between neonicotinoids and inflammation in US adults using hematological indices: NHANES 2015-2016.

Background: Toxicological studies suggest neonicotinoids increase oxidative stress and inflammation, but few epidemiological studies have explored these effects.

Methods: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 data were used to estimate associations between neonicotinoid exposure and inflammatory markers, including the C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte count ratio (CLR), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) using linear and multinomial logistic regression models. Sex was evaluated as a potential modifier.

Defining benefit: Clinically and biologically meaningful outcomes in the next-generation Alzheimer's disease clinical care pathway.

To understand the potential benefits of emerging Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies within and beyond clinical trial settings, there is a need to advance current outcome measurements into meaningful information relevant to all stakeholders. The relationship between the impact on disease biology and clinically measurable outcomes in cognition, function, and behavior must be considered when defining the meaningful benefit of early AD therapies. In this review, we discuss: (1) the lack of consideration for biomarkers in the current concept of meaningfulness in AD; (2) the lack of gold standards for determining minimal biologically and clinically important differences (MBCIDs) in AD trials; (3) how the treatment benefits of disease-modifying treatments are cumulative and increase over time; and (4) the different concepts of meaningfulness among key stakeholders.

Asymmetrical evolution of promoter methylation of mammalian genes after duplication.

Even though gene duplication is a key source of new genes and evolutionary innovation, it is unclear how duplicates survive the period immediately following gene duplication, in which both copies are functionally redundant. In the absence of epigenetic silencing, the abundance of the gene product would double after gene duplication, which would often have deleterious effects. However, recent duplicates exhibit low expression levels, which could be at least partially explained by high levels of promoter methylation.

Modeling Clustered DNA Damage by Ionizing Radiation Using Multinomial Damage Probabilities and Energy Imparted Spectra.

Simple and complex clustered DNA damage represent the critical initial damage caused by radiation. In this paper, a multinomial probability model of clustered damage is developed with probabilities dependent on the energy imparted to DNA and surrounding water molecules. The model consists of four probabilities: (A) direct damage of sugar-phosphate moieties leading to SSB, (B) OH radical formation with subsequent SSB and BD formation, (C) direct damage to DNA bases, and (D) energy imparted to histone proteins and other molecules in a volume not leading to SSB or BD.

Variations on a theme: non-canonical DUF3494 ice-binding proteins.

Among the many ice-binding proteins (IBPs) found in microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi and algae), the canonical DUF3494 beta-barrel type is the most common. Until now, little variation has been found in this structure: an initial coil leads into an alpha helix that directs the following coils into a reverse stack, with the final coil ending up next to the initial coil. Here, I show that there exist many bacterial proteins whose AlphaFold-predicted structures deviate from the DUF3494 structure so that they are not recognized as belonging to an existing DUF or Pfam family.

Olfactory function is reduced in a subset of former elite American football players with traumatic encephalopathy syndrome.

Former American football players are at risk for developing traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), the clinical disorder associated with neuropathologically diagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The objective of this study was to determine whether hyposmia is present in traumatic encephalopathy syndrome. The study included 119 former professional American football players, 60 former college football players, and 58 same-age asymptomatic unexposed men from the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project.

Sex-related differences in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This review aims to analyze sex-related differences in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS).

Methods: 10 studies were retrieved from PubMed and Embase comparing outcomes between men and women admitted with AMI complicated by CS. Pooled log odds ratios (OR) were calculated for binary outcomes using the Mantel-Haenszel method, and Hedges' g with the inverse-variance method was used for continuous outcomes.

Assessing the basis for regulatory crediting of virus LRVs for secondary biological wastewater treatment: A systematic review.

Regulatory frameworks for potable reuse often include stringent log reduction value (LRV) targets to ensure public health protection against exposure to viruses and protozoa. To achieve overall LRV targets and reduce associated capital and operational costs, it is important to maximize LRV credits awarded to each unit process in a potable reuse treatment train. This may include processes that are historically uncredited or undercredited, such as secondary biological wastewater treatment incorporating activated sludge and secondary clarification.

Addressing pain in people living with cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis foundation evidence-informed guidelines.

Even as many outcomes for people living with cystic fibrosis (PLwCF) improve, individuals still experience extensive symptom burdens. From birth, many PLwCF experience both pain as a symptom of their CF disease and procedural pain, posing detriments to health, functioning, and quality of life. Despite its prevalence and impact, there is no CF-specific guidance for the assessment and management of pain.