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Trapping of the abrasive particles between the doors of self-ligating brackets (SLBs) is a commonly encountered problem during the recycling of debonded brackets with the sandblasting method. Moreover, the pressure exerted during this process often displaces the bracket from the bracket holder. To address these issues, the present article describes a simple clinical tip to secure the SLBs during the recycling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrified modular reactors have been gaining attention due to their potential in reducing carbon emissions and meeting net-zero goals, where traditional reactors that burn fossil fuels to supply the endothermic heat of reaction can be replaced by electrified reactors integrated with renewable power. In this work, we demonstrate by modeling and calculations, the feasibility of hydrogen production by steam methane reforming (SMR) in electrically heated wire reactors, which can lead to a commercial pathway to produce hydrogen in bulk. We utilize a three-reaction network and an established kinetic model for SMR reactions to perform a detailed sensitivity analysis and evaluate the impact of process and other parameters such as power supply (electric heating), operating pressure, temperature, feed composition, catalyst loading and steam to carbon ratio, on methane conversion and hydrogen yield. • Scale-up feasibility of eSMR for hydrogen production is demonstrated. • Sensitivity analysis with feed composition, pressure and power supply is presented. • Reactor-performance in e-heating, isothermal and adiabatic operation is evaluated. • Proposed configuration can reduce CO 2 emission by integrating with renewable power. • Wire-based eSMR reactors enable scale-up and control using modular units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent days, the need for highly power efficient methods are required to create an environment that is sustainable and eco-friendly. Therefore, the usage of converters has increased exponentially. DC-DC converter is widely used in electronic devices powered by batteries to regulate the battery voltage to a suitable level. These converters convert the battery voltage to a different level, either higher or lower, depending on the device requirements. For instance, a boost converter can be used to increase the voltage for a device that requires a higher voltage than the battery can provide. Conversely, a buck converter can be used to reduce the voltage for a device that needs a lower voltage than the battery provides. This paper involves designing a new model of the SEPIC converter i.e., modified SEPIC converter that can operate bidirectionally by replacing the output diode of the conventional SEPIC converter with a switch. The converter is designed to increase the power efficiency and to reduce the need for using huge battery packs that is used to reduce the size and cost of the batteries to be used. The designed converter is connected to battery at source end and it performs boosting operation when connected to load and it operates in bucking mode when the battery is to be charged. The efficiency of the designed converter is around 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can be technically challenging in critically ill children in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This study was done to characterize the indications, technical aspects, safety, and outcomes of TPE in critically ill children admitted to PICU. Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective study by analyzing the electronic medical records of 33 critically ill children (1 month–18 years of age) who underwent TPE in PICU. Results: A total of 33 patients underwent 122 TPE sessions. The most common diagnosis for TPE was acute liver failure (48.48%). Invasive mechanical ventilator (MV) and renal replacement therapy (RRT-continuous RRT [CRRT]/intermittent hemodialysis) were needed in 72.7%. Vasoactive support was needed in 63.6%, of whom 76% needed ≥2 vasoactive medications. Organ dysfunction of ≥3 organs was seen in 66.6%. One patient was also on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Survival to intensive care unit discharge was 59.3%. Mortality was highest for liver failure (9/16: 56%), followed by sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (40%). TPE without needing dialysis had a survival rate of 75%, while TPE with CRRT had a survival rate of 45%. Survival with ≥3 organ dysfunction was 36.3%. Factors associated with increased mortality were MV (P = 0.0115), need for vasoactive medications (P = 0.0002), organ dysfunction (P = 0.005), and specific indications (P = 0.0458). Complications were noted in 2.4%. Conclusions: TPE can be performed safely in critically ill children in combination with RRT and ECMO. The need for MV, multiple vasoactive medications, liver failure, sepsis, and higher number of organ failures were significantly associated with mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PreE), the de novo onset of hypertension and proteinuria at 20 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study compared inflammatory biomarkers in PreE and normal pregnancies using paired samples of mothers and neonates. Twenty normal pregnant and 27 PreE patients were monitored for biomarkers, neonatal outcomes, and placental morphologies. Fetal and maternal serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sENG), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Placental thickness was 25 mm in early PreE subjects compared to 32 mm in late PreE subjects (P < 0.05). Placental volume was 296 cm3 in early PreE compared to 393 cm3 in late PreE (P < 0.05). The average hospital stay for PreE babies was longer (20 ± 5 days) compared to babies from normal pregnancies (2 ± 1 days; P < 0.05). PreE babies had a lower Ponderal index (2.28 ± 0.3) than those from normal pregnancies (2.95 ± 0.2; P < 0.05). sENG and sFLT-1 had cord values like the maternal values, while VEGF and PlGF did not. PreE alters the intrauterine environment by activating chemical mediators that result in maternal and fetal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]