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In this study, porous silicon (PS) and aluminum (Al) doped porous silicon were synthesized through an electrochemical method, utilizing carefully selected parameters. The etching procedure was calibrated with a 4:1 HF/ethanol ratio, maintaining a current of 20 mA for 20 min, and incorporating 0.05 g of doping powder. Comprehensive structural analysis using FESEM-EDX revealed the incorporation of Al into the porous silicon matrix. Subsequently, the samples were covered with a finger mask, which facilitated the creation of an interdigitated electrode using a sputtering deposition method. The I–V characteristics of the samples were systematically studied, showing an increase in bias voltage at the source correlated with the measured current. Remarkably, upon X-ray exposure, pulses were successfully measured, highlighting the potential of these materials for radiation detection. These pulses were evaluated under various X-ray irradiation parameters using a sample detector. The study successfully identified the optimal parameters for PS and Al-PS as (90 V, 100 mA, 1 s) and (100 V, 10 mA, 0.5 s), respectively. This research underscores the potential applications of these materials in advanced electronic devices and sensors. The unique properties of synthesized porous silicon, particularly when doped with aluminum, could be beneficial in areas such as photovoltaics, biosensors, and photonics. Additionally, the material's efficiency in detecting X-ray radiation suggests its suitability for medical imaging, security scanning, and radiation monitoring systems. Based on the I–V characteristic studies, these materials may be well-suited for use in electronic components requiring precise control of electrical properties. Overall, this study not only enhances our understanding of porous silicon and aluminum-doped porous silicon but also opens up new avenues for their application in a wide range of sensing technologies.

Nanoscience research aims to produce nanoparticles without adverse effects for medical applications. The pulsed laser ablation (PLA) technique was utilized in this study to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using bovine serum albumin (BSA) in simulated body fluid (SBF) at the fundamental wavelength of the Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm). BSA acted as a stabilizer, reducing and capping agent to produce spherically shaped AuNPs (diameter 3–10 nm). The successful synthesis of AuNPs was confirmed through color changes and UV–vis spectroscopy. The agglomeration and precipitation of AuNPs are attributed to the presence of BSA in the solution, and electrostatic repulsion interactions between BSA and Au nanoclusters. The effect of salt concentration of SBF on BSA stability as well as the interaction of BSA conjugated AuNPs to form complexes was studied using molecular dynamic simulations. Our results show that the stability of AuNPs-BSA conjugates increase with the salt concentration of BSA. Moreover, the synthesized AuNPs exhibit low toxicity and high biocompatibility, supporting their application in drug delivery. Investigation of the cytotoxic effect of the synthesized AuNPs show that normal fibroblast cells (L929) remain intact after treatment whereas a dose-dependent inhibition effect on the growth of cervix cancer cells (HeLa) is observed. In general, this study presents an effective, environmentally-friendly, and facile approach to the synthesis of multifunctional AuNPs using the PLA technique, as a promising efficacious therapeutic treatment of cervical cancer.

Objectives: The efforts are being focused to utilise sustainable resources such as vegetable oils, which are amenable to chemical transformations producing monomers and polymers yielding protective coatings. The present manuscript describes the preparation of nanocomposite coatings from corn oil (CO). Methods: CO was subjected to amidation followed by esterification by cinnamic acid producing CO cinnamate-amide (COCA). COCA was next enriched with Fe2O3 nanoparticles (COCA/ Fe2O3) and crosslinked with phenol formaldehyde to produce polymeric coatings on mild steel panels. Results: COCA obtained was rich in functional groups: benzene ring, conjugated with an acrylic group, ester and amide functional group with pendant alkyl chain, and terminal hydroxyl group. The multiple functional groups and nanoparticles offered good adhesion, scratch resistance and flexibility to the resulting nanocomposite coatings. COCA/Fe2O3 coatings showed good physico-mechanical properties and corrosion resistance performance in 3.5 wt% NaCl medium and can be safely used upto 225 °C.

This paper reports the structures, morphologies, optical properties, and photoconversion efficiency (η%) of the In2S3/ZnO core-shell heterostructures nanorod arrays (IZCSHNRAs) produced via the controlled successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) cycles. As-produced samples were characterized using XRD, FESEM, TEM, UV-Vis, PL, XPS and FTIR techniques. The proposed IZCSHNRAs revealed nearly double photocurrent density and η% values compared to the pure ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNRAs). In addition, the light absorption, crystallinity and microstructures of the specimens were appreciably improved with the increase of the SILAR cycles. The deposited nanoparticles of In2S3 (ISNPs) on the ZNRAs surface was responsible for the improvement in the heterostructures, light absorption and photogenerated electron–hole pairs separation, thus enhancing the photoconversion performance. It is established that a simple SILAR approach can be very useful to produce good quality IZCSHNRAs-based photoelectrodes required for the future development of high performance photoelectrochemical cells (PECs).

Background: Von Willebrand factor (VWF) elevation correlates with the left atrial blood stasis in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, the long-term impact of elevated VWF in patients with NVAF is not well established. Methods: To assess the impact of VWF and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) in conjunction with echocardiographic measures of left atrium blood stasis on clinical outcomes, 414 NVAF prospectively recruited (October 4, 2007, to April 27, 2009) patients were followed for 3 years. VWF antigen, VWF activity, ADAMTS13 activity, and echocardiographic findings were assessed at baseline. Thromboembolism (TE) (stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA)), myocardial infarction, or TE of other locations), major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and all-cause mortality were assessed by clinical follow-up, questionnaire, or telephone communication. Results: Among 374 patients (mean age, 63.4 ± 12.7 years; 25% females) who had complete follow-up data, there were 33 TE in 32 patients (8.6%), 18 deaths (5.1%), and 33 bleeding events (21 major bleeding and 12 clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding) in 25 patients (6.7%). VWF antigen was predictive of TE in the univariate examination (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.007, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002, 1.013, P = 0.011) but not in multivariate analysis. VWF was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.020, P = 0.011) and a composite of TE and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.012, P = 0.039) in multivariate analysis. ADAMTS13 was not predictive of clinical outcomes in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Among patients with NVAF, VWF is an independent predictor of poor outcomes including death and a composite of death and TE. As such, VWF measure may help identify high-risk patients and provide further stratification beyond CHA2DS2-VASc assessment. Résumé: Contexte: Une élévation du facteur de Von Willebrand (FVW) concorde avec une stase sanguine dans l'oreillette gauche dans la fibrillation auriculaire non valvulaire (FANV). Les répercussions à long terme d'un taux élevé du FVW chez les patients présentant une FANV ne sont toutefois pas bien établies. Méthodologie: Pour évaluer les répercussions sur les résultats cliniques du FVW et d'une désintégrine et métalloprotéinase de motif type 1 (ADAMTS13) conjointement avec les mesures échocardiographiques de la stase sanguine dans l'oreillette gauche, 414 patients atteints de FANV ont été inscrits de façon prospective (du 4 octobre 2007 au 27 avril 2009) pour faire l'objet d'un suivi de 3 ans. L'antigène du FVW, l'activité du FVW, l'activité d'ADAMTS13, et les résultats de l'échocardiographie ont été évalués au départ. La thromboembolie (TE) (accident vasculaire cérébral/accident ischémique transitoire, infarctus du myocarde, ou TE survenant ailleurs), l'hémorragie majeure, l'hémorragie non majeure pertinente sur le plan clinique et la mortalité toutes causes ont été évaluées au suivi clinique, par questionnaire, ou lors d'un appel téléphonique. Résultats: Parmi les 374 patients (âge moyen : 63,4 ± 12,7 ans; 25 % de femmes) ayant participé au suivi jusqu'à sa fin, on a relevé 33 TE chez 32 patients (8,6 %), 18 décès (5,1 %) et 33 événements hémorragiques (21 hémorragies majeures et 12 hémorragies non majeures pertinentes sur le plan clinique) chez 25 patients (6,7 %). L'antigène du FW était prédictif d'une TE selon l'analyse univariée (risque relatif [RR] : 1,007; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : de 1,002 à 1,013; p = 0,011), mais non selon l'analyse multivariée. Le FVW était un facteur prédictif indépendant de la mortalité toutes causes (RR : 1,011; IC à 95 % : de 1,003 à 1,020; p = 0,011) et des événements regroupés de TE et de mortalité toutes causes (RR : 1,006; IC à 95 % : de 1,001 à 1,012; p = 0,039) dans l'analyse multivariée. La protéase ADAMTS13 ne constituait pas un facteur prédictif des résultats cliniques dans l'analyse multivariée. Conclusions: Parmi les patients présentant une FANV, le FVW était un facteur prédictif indépendant de résultats défavorables, notamment de décès et des événements regroupant les décès et la TE. La mesure du FVW pourrait donc aider à cibler les patients à risque élevé, et permettre une stratification au-delà de l'évaluation du score CHA2DS2-VASc.

A 65-year-old woman presented with an acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and was found to have a rare single coronary artery anomaly on coronary angiography. A complete occlusion at the mid right coronary artery was identified as the culprit lesion and underwent successful percutaneous revascularization with stenting. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Even though several studies have demonstrated the use of Indium Tin Oxides (ITO) as an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET), the effect of different doses of gamma radiation on the intrinsic properties of the ITO films has not been considered. This study investigates the effect of gamma irradiation on the structural, optical, morphological and electrical properties as well as pH sensitivity (as an extended gate field effect transistor) of ITO thin films. ITO thin films with thickness of 400 nm were prepared using a radio frequency sputtering technique. The samples were then subjected to various doses of gamma radiation from a Co-60 radio-isotope (0.5 kGy, 1 kGy, 1.5 kGy, and 2 kGy). The structural and morphological changes as well as transmission and absorption of the thin films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and UV–Vis spectrophotometry, before and after irradiation. The irradiated ITO thin films were then used as an extended gate field effect transistor to determine its ability to improve sensitivity as pH sensors. The grain size and transmittance in the range 300–900 nm of the ITO films were found to decrease with increasing gamma irradiation dose. In contrast, the uniformity and surface roughness of ITO thin films increased with increasing gamma radiation dose due to the formation of lattice defects. Moreover, the electrical resistance of the thin films increased with increasing dose because of the low current density and high number of surface defects associated with irradiation. The pH sensitivity of the ITO thin films improved after irradiation, possibly due to the concomitant increase in surface roughness with increasing radiation dose. The improvements in the pH sensitivity of ITO thin films after irradiation justify their potential use as pH sensors. Keywords: Indium Tin Oxide, Thin films, Gamma irradiation, Optical band gap, X-ray diffraction, EGFET, pH sensor

Despite the different treatment options for irreparable and massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs), there is no optimal treatment. Thirty percent of total RCTs can be classified as irreparable because of the massive tear size and severe muscle atrophy. The reported treatment failure rate is approximately 40% for massive RCTs. RCTs may be treated conservatively or surgically depending on pain, disability, and functional demands. The surgical treatment options are many, but decision making is a challenge; the real challenge is to apply the correct procedure for the correct indication in each patient. The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) was used for augmentation to bridge the gap in immobile, massive RCTs. An arthroscopic biceps-incorporating technique was used for repair of large and massive RCTs, avoiding undue tension on the rotator cuff (RC). Recently, the LHBT was used for superior capsular reconstruction. This article describes the use of the LHBT for reconstruction of massive and irreparable RCTs through the following steps: (1) open exposure of the RCT, (2) debridement and subacromial decompression, (3) biceps tenotomy at the LHBT’s origin on the glenoid, (4) LHBT and RC cuff mobilization, (5) passage of the LHBT through the mobilized RC and reflection onto itself, (6) tuberoplasty, and (7) fixation of the RC complex at the RC footprint.

While the development of the quantum photonics field, including emitter–light coupling using photonic system, has given a lot of attention, it offers quantum control of light. However, the main challenge is coupling to strongly photonic mode localization with nanosystem accuracy. This paper highlights the numerical simulations employed by atomically spin tight-binding model of realistically sized InGaN/GaN dots-in nanowire (NW) architectures. The effects of active region size/shapes, crystal growth directions, graded surface/interface properties, strain relaxation distributions, and polarization-induced potentials on the oscillator strengths of InGaN-based lasers have been investigated. The 3D nanofocused photonic modes, which have been deterministically coupled to multiple quantum dots (QDs) through graded surface/interface technique, have been demonstrated. By using a thin graded layers of a site-controlled pyramidal QDs, the photonic nanofocusing on these QDs at the nonpolar pyramid apex has been geometrically accomplished and successfully leads to stronger characteristics in terms of exciton bandgap energy and polarized emission rate compared to its polar counterpart. For optimum coupling, the nonpolar NW, with intrinsically lower built-in field, exhibits an enhancement of the QDs emission rate as high as 0.98, which is 12% greater than that in a recently reported semipolar MQD structure. The atomistic simulated emission rate for the core QDs buried in NW structure is then incorporated into a TCAD simulator to obtain laser device characteristics. Here, the achievement of truncated pyramid–electrically injected graded surface-emitting laser by nanofocusing the photonic modes formed in InGaN NW has been reported. The nonpolar laser device operates at ~ 402 nm and exhibits a threshold current of ~ 391 A/cm2, which is lower nine order of magnitude lower compared to recently reported semipolar green laser diodes. Our model benchmarking has been done against a reported experiment of polar InGaN disks in GaN NW. Significantly, this engineering innovation proves the viability of InGaN nonpolar quantum dots-in-nanowire architecture as low threshold, high polarized, coherent blue nanoscale lasing emitters, and opens future trends toward a next-generation of electrically injected and interfacial grading-emitting nanolasers operating at high-frequency up to a GHz range.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging derived right ventricular (RV) volumes are often necessary for optimal timing of pulmonary valve replacement in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This practice is based on previous studies that reported preoperative RV volumetric thresholds that predicted postoperative RV remodeling. As a result, pulmonary valve replacements are being performed even in asymptomatic patients based on RV volumetric thresholds that predict complete postoperative RVOT remodeling. Hence, RV volumes are now being used as surrogate markers/endpoints for future cardiovascular outcomes. Unfortunately, there are no studies showing survival benefit for performing pulmonary valve replacement at smaller RV volumes. This review underscores some of the limitations of using RV volumes as surrogate markers for clinical outcomes, and also highlights knowledge gaps about the pathophysiologic mechanism of cardiovascular death in the TOF population. Keywords: Right ventricular volumes, Tetralogy of fallot, Cardiovascular mortality

Background: Left heart filling pressures, as measured by pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), is associated with heart failure related mortality. Because of the prognostic importance of PAWP, several echocardiographic indices have been proposed for noninvasive assessment of PAWP. However, these indices have not been validated in the congenital heart disease population. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between echocardiographic indices of PAWP, and the effect of high PAWP on transplant-free survival in adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods: Retrospective study of adult TOF patients that underwent cardiac catheterization at Mayo Clinic, 1990–2017. We selected these pre-defined set of echocardiographic indices of LV diastolic function: mitral valve early velocity (E), mitral valve early and late velocity ratio (E/A), mitral valve deceleration time (DT), mitral annular tissue Doppler early velocity (e′), and left atrial volume index (LAVI). Results: Of the echocardiographic indices analyzed among 213 patients (age 37 ± 14 years), only E velocity (β = 5.83, standard error = 1.52, p 28 ml/m2 had sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 63% (AUC 0.712), and E velocity > 1.0 m/s had sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 89% (AUC 0.692), for detecting PAWP > 15 mmHg. LAVI > 28 ml/m2 was associated with reduced 10-year transplant-free survival (49% vs 90%, p

Background (Problem): Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin film used as a transparent electrode. Given its high demand for the manufacture of transparent electrodes (high visible light transmittance, low resistance) in applications such as liquid crystal displays, touch screens, light emitting devices and solar cells, ITO thin films have attracted immense research interest. Objectives: This study determines the effect of grain size on the optical and electrical properties of the ITO thin films under different annealing temperatures. Materials and methods: ITO thin film was deposited at room temperature by a high frequency magnetron sputtering method using a target composed of In2O3 and SnO2. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the thin films annealed at 250 °C, 350 °C, 450 °C and 550 °C for 1 h were then analyzed. Results: The research shows the grain size of indium-tin oxide thin films is strongly related to annealing conditions. The grain size was found to increase with increasing annealing temperature, although the crystal structure did not change for all the samples. It was observed that the lowest resistivity (500 × 10−4 Ω-cm) and highest optical transmittances (90–98%) of ITO films were obtained at annealing temperature of 450 °C. At low annealing temperatures, the measured resistivity is dependent on the effect of grain size, where it decreases with increasing grain size. Conclusion: This work showed that the grain size of ITO thin films is strongly influenced by post annealing technique and conditions applied, thus providing a tool for enhancing the optical and electrical properties of the film. Keywords: ITO grain size, Annealing, Optical properties, Structure, Resistivity

Combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are the most common type of combined ligamentous injury of the knee. The optimal treatment for these combined injuries is controversial. Combined ACL and MCL–posterior oblique ligament (POL) reconstruction avoids late anteromedial rotatory instability and chronic valgus instability of the knee and decreases the increased stress on the ACL graft. Graft choice (hamstring tendon autograft, quadriceps bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft, or Achilles tendon allograft) and anatomic restoration of the medial and posteromedial corner of the knee are challenges of this combined reconstruction. This article describes a technique that allows combined ACL and MCL-POL reconstruction. The hamstring tendons from the contralateral limb are tripled and used as the ACL graft. The gracilis tendon from the ipsilateral limb is doubled and used as the MCL-POL graft. The semitendinosus tendon of the ipsilateral limb is preserved. After ACL reconstruction, the MCL-POL graft is suspended on the ACL graft at the distal end of the tibial tunnel and the graft limbs are used for open reconstruction of the MCL and POL. Three interference screws (Arthrex, Naples, FL) and 1 metal staple are used for graft fixation of this combined reconstruction.

There is no ideal surgical technique for the treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations. Reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments (CCLs) for the treatment of AC dislocations is evolving. Many techniques for CCL reconstruction have been described. They differ mainly in the method of fixation, number of tunnels, and graft used. The surgeon should select among hamstring autograft reconstruction, coracoacromial ligament transfer, and conjoint tendon transfer for CCL reconstruction. Early on, conjoint tendon transfer to the lateral clavicle was described for the treatment of high-grade AC dislocation. Dynamic instability occurred with poor long-term outcomes. The procedure was abandoned. Recently, proximally based conjoint tendon transfer for CCL reconstruction was described, but the technique is nonanatomic and leads to anterior displacement of the clavicle and malreduction. This article describes modified conjoint tendon transfer. The technique may yield stable, anatomic, biological reconstruction of the CCL for the treatment of acute high-grade AC dislocation. It consists of the following steps: (1) creation of clavicular holes, (2) coracoid osteotomy, (3) conjoint tendon mobilization, (4) conjoint tendon transfer and fixation to the CCL footprint on the undersurface of the clavicle, and (5) AC reduction and conjoint tendon tenodesis to the bed of the retained coracoid process.

An untreated posterolateral corner (PLC) injury in patients with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may be a leading cause of ACL reconstruction failure. Combined ACL and PLC reconstruction is discussed in few studies in the literature. Femoral tunnel intersection in combined reconstruction has been reported to be high. Short grafts may render combined reconstruction undoable. This Technical Note describes a technique that allows a combined ACL and PLC reconstruction. The ACL graft is a 4-stranded hamstring tendon graft from 1 limb. The PLC graft is a doubled semitendinosus tendon graft from the contralateral side. One femoral tunnel is used connecting the femoral attachment of the PLC on the lateral wall of the lateral femoral condyle to the anatomic femoral ACL footprint on the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle. The PLC graft is suspended on the ACL graft to be anchored on the cortex of the lateral femoral condyle with added fixation by an interference screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL). The PLC graft limbs are used for open reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament. This Technical Note describes a technique of combined ACL and PLC reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts through a single femoral tunnel using graft-to-graft suspension and fixation.

Background: Genetic diversity of sheep in Jordan was investigated using microsatellite markers (MS). Six ovine and bovine MS located on chromosomes 2 and 6 of sheep genome were genotyped on 294 individual from ten geographical regions. Results: The number of alleles per locus (A), the expected heterozygosity (He) and observed heterozygosity (Ho) were measured. Overall A, He and Ho were 12.67, 0.820 and 0.684, respectively. On the other hand, genetic distances undoubtedly revealed the expected degree of differentiation among the studied populations. The finding showed closeness of three populations from south (Maan, Showbak and Tafeilah) to each other. Populations from the middle regions of Jordan (Karak, Madaba, Amman, AzZarqa and Mafraq) were found to be in one cluster. Only two populations of the middle region were an exception: AlSalt and Dead Sea. Finally, sheep populations from Irbid were located in separated cluster. It was clear that the studied predefined populations were subdivided from four populations and would be most probably accounted as ancestral populations. These results indicate that number of population is less than the predefined population as ten based on geographical sampling areas. Conclusions: The possible inference might be that geographical location, genetic migration, similar selection forces, and common ancestor account for population admixture and subdivision of Awassi sheep breed in Jordan. Finally, the present study sheds new light on the molecular and population genetics of Awassi sheep from different regions of Jordan and to utilize the possible findings for future management of genetic conservation under conditions of climate changes and crossbreeding policy.

A method for 10% Ni/SiO2 catalyst is developed for acetylation of phenol, substituted phenols, naphthols, substituted alcohols under mild liquid phase conditions affording aromatic esters with maximum conversions of 50–80% and 100% selectivity. The catalyst showed remarkable reusability for up to 4 cycles. This methodology is eco-friendly, economic with Ni/SiO2 catalysts exhibiting no loss of activity the first report for acetylation of substituted phenols to esters with 10% Ni/SiO2 catalyst.

Aim: There is limited research on Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and especially in Bahrain. This is the first study to describe the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of OHCA in Bahrain. Methods: This was a retrospective national observational study on OHCA patients in Bahrain using the Utstein framework for resuscitation. Data was collected between 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2023 from the electronic medical records of the only three governmental hospitals emergency departments (EDs) and National Ambulance (NA). Results: The annual incidence of OHCA attended by (Emergency Medical Services) EMS was nearly 21 per 100,000 population. The majority were males (n = 228, 68.8 %) with median age of 65 years (IQR=49–78). Most OHCA cases were witnessed (n = 265, 81 %), with (n = 247, 76 %) happened at home/residence. Rates for bystander CPR was low (n = 122, 36.8 %) and bystander automated external defibrillator (AED) was not performed in any of the cases. The OHCA cases transported by the NA was (n = 314, 94.8 %), with median response time of 9 min (IQR=7–12). However, only (n = 20, 6.0 %) were witnessed by EMS, and (n = 7, 2.1 %) received EMS defibrillation for shockable rhythms. First monitored rhythms included shockable rhythm in (n = 28, 8.5 %) versus non-shockable rhythm in (n = 303, 91.5 %). In the EDs, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in (n = 60, 18.1 %) cases. But survival rate to hospital discharge at 30-day was (n = 4, 1.2 %) and survival rate to hospital discharge with good neurological outcomes was (n = 0, 0 %). Conclusion: In Bahrain the estimated annual incidence of OHCA is 21 individuals per 100,000 population, with a very low survival rate. Solutions should focus on community-level CPR and AED training, evaluating OHCA care provided by EMS, and establishing OHCA registry.

Background: Prostate Cancer screening was not rational for people who were suffered from other serious diseases and had a low quality of life. Biopsy and Prostate-Specific Antigen based screening also had imperfect information, pain, and costs. Finding the Prostate Cancer screening stopping age was important because after an age, Prostate-Specific Antigen test was not recommended and patients should not perform subsequent procedures. It could reduce the economic burden of Prostate Cancer. In this study, we modeled the effects of Prostate Cancer risk and comorbidities on the Prostate Cancer screening stopping age. Methods: first, using a Markov model for PC progression, we provided a model for optimal Prostate Cancer screening stopping age. Second, we explored the relationship between comorbidities effects, Prostate Cancer risk and the stopping age. Results: Our results suggest that the stopping age was an increasing function of PC risk and comorbidities effects. Screening should be stopped before 70 years. Finding showed that for men with diseases such as stroke or heart diseases, screening should not be performed at any age. Conclusions: Personalizing PC screening through paying more attention to PC risk can improve efficiency of screening. The role of personal characteristics such as race, family history, and previous PSA in PC screening decision-making was highlighted by stratifying men in different PC risk groups to find their stopping age. Incorporating comorbidity effects shows that severity of comorbidity was a crucial factor in PC screening stopping age decision-making process.

Aims of the study: After arriving in host countries, most refugees are confronted with numerous post-migration stressors (e.g., separation from family, discrimination, and employment difficulties). Post-migration living difficulties (PMLDs) significantly contribute to the development and persistence of mental disorders. Effective treatment approaches focusing on reducing post-migration stress are urgently needed. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a brief psychological intervention, Problem Management Plus (PM+), on PMLDs among Syrian refugees in two European countries. Methods: We merged data from two single-blind feasibility trials with Syrian refugees experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress and impaired functioning in Switzerland (N = 59) and the Netherlands (N = 60). Participants were randomised to receive either five sessions of PM+ or an enhanced care-as-usual control condition. PMLDs were assessed at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. To estimate treatment effect on PMLD, linear mixed model analysis was performed. Results: Three months after the intervention, participants in the PM+ condition reported significantly fewer PMLDs compared to the control condition. Further analyses at item-level showed that interpersonal and family related PMLDs, such as “worries about family back home” significantly improved over time in the PM+ condition. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that brief psychological interventions have the potential to reduce PMLDs in refugees and asylum seekers. The reduction of post-migration stress in turn may subsequently lead to an overall reduction in psychological distress.Clinical Trial Numbers: BASEC Nr. 2017–0117 (Swiss trial) and NL61361.029.17, 7 September 2017 (Dutch trial).

Study region: Study region: Hablehrood River (HR) watershed in the northern part of the Iranian Central Plateau. Study focus: Finding the most economical management scenarios for implementing biological best management practices (BMPs) in the HR watershed is one way to solve the runoff issue in the study area. As, the best types, quantities, and locations of arid and semi-arid rangeland biological BMPs have not yet been identified or determined using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) or genetic algorithm (GA) to maximize runoff reductions at the lowest possible cost in arid and semi-arid rangelands, therefore, to estimate runoff and best identify biological management scenarios at the watershed scale in the current study, the SWAT and a GA model have been used. After determining the hydrological response units (HRUs), eight biological watershed management scenarios were identified through a combination of biological management activities. To determine the best management practice with the highest runoff reduction and the lowest possible cost, optimization was performed by GA based optimization model. New hydrological insights for the region: The simulation results of this study show that all the developed biological BMPs had a significant effect on the surface runoff rate reduction and reduced the surface runoff from 4.4% to 8.2%. The fifth scenario including seeding using machine (SUM) and seeding without machine (SWM) biological activities as optimal and the best scenario with weighted coefficients of 0.95 and 0.05 for runoff reduction and cost, respectively, was determined to be the optimum practice. The results further indicate that runoff would be decreased by 76.4 million cubic meters compared base scenario runoff volume, at a cost of 469.8 billion IR Rials. The lowest volume of surface runoff, however, was related to scenario number eight, while it had the highest cost (1114.3 billion IR Rials) among all scenarios. Using optimization methods, decision-makers and managers may pinpoint the best biological BMP scenarios in terms of kinds, locations, and amounts that might reduce runoff rates as much as possible at the lowest possible cost.

This work presents the hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical TiO2 nanorods (NRs) grown for the first time from a pulsed laser deposited Ti seed layer on carbon paper (CP) substrate without the use of templates or binders. XRD reveals that TiO2-NRs crystallize in rutile phase. The as-prepared TiO2-NRs greatly enhances the electroactivity and stability of Pt towards ethanol oxidation reaction. Durability studies with chronoamperometry show the specific mass activity of the Pt/TiO2-NRs/CP catalyst is 47.92 ​mA ​mg−1 that is 7 times superior to that of the Pt commercial (6.72 ​mA ​mg−1). The Pt/TiO2-NRs/CP as anode in a membraneless microfluidic ethanol fuel cell delivers a maximum current density of 56.4 ​mA ​cm−2 and 5.1 ​mW ​cm−2 and a durability similar to commercial Pt anode of which the Pt loading is 16.7 higher than the Pt/TiO2-NRs/CP catalyst. This performance can be credited to the 3-D open porous interface built of hierarchical TiO2-NRs, which offers favorable electrolyte accessibility, better stability and straight pathways for the movement of electrons towards the electrode. Finally, the free-standing nature, the low platinum loading and the high stability make the TiO2-NRs/CP a promising catalyst support for fuel cell technologies.

Refugees undergo traumatic events during the premigration and transit phases and also experience severe difficulties after resettlement in a new country, and they are therefore at high risk of developing mental health problems. The present studies examined if intergroup contact with members of the receiving society moderates these negative impacts on refugees’ mental health. Two studies with refugees in Switzerland (N = 262) revealed both buffering and exacerbating effects of intergroup contact. Having more Swiss friends was associated with a less negative relationship between postmigration living difficulties and mental health. Surprisingly, having more Swiss friends was also associated with a more negative relationship between traumatization and mental health. These results suggest that intergroup contact may help refugees adjust to the living conditions in the receiving society, but may pose a risk regarding trauma-related disorders.