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Christian Angelo I Ventura,1,2 Benjamin J Lawner,3,4 Jennifer E Guyther,3– 5 Jason Gullion6 1Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2Department of Natural and Physical Sciences, Baltimore City Community College, Baltimore, MD, USA; 3Office of the Medical Director, Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore, MD, USA; 4Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 5Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 6Office of Quality Improvement, Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Christian Angelo I Ventura, Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA, Tel +1 (732) 372-2141, Email cventura@bccc.eduAbstract: This preliminary study was a rapid retrospective analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases from Baltimore City between January 2020 and December 2022, using data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival. Of the 1,282 cases in 2022, 27.4% received bystander CPR compared to 40.7% in Maryland and 40.8% nationwide. These findings suggest individuals experiencing OHCA in Baltimore City are 45% less likely to receive bystander CPR. Despite community education initiatives and dispatch-assisted protocols, the low bystander CPR rate indicates significant barriers to intervention. Addressing these disparities may necessitate a health equity-focused investigation into public awareness, CPR training access, and sociocultural factors.Keywords: out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency medical services

Christian Angelo I Ventura,1 Edward E Denton,2 Jessica A David3 1Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Allied Health, Baltimore City Community College, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA; Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; 3Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USACorrespondence: Christian Angelo I Ventura, Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA, Tel +1 732 372-2141, Email cventura@bccc.edu; cventu12@jhmi.eduAbstract: This study aimed to analyze the use of generative artificial intelligence in the emergency trauma care setting through a brief scoping review of literature published between 2014 and 2024. An exploration of the NCBI repository was performed using a search string of selected keywords that returned N=87 results; articles that met the inclusion criteria (n=28) were reviewed and analyzed. Heterogeneity sources were explored and identified by a significance threshold of P < 0.10 or an I2 value exceeding 50%. If applicable, articles were categorized within three primary domains: triage, diagnostics, or treatment. Findings suggest that CNNs demonstrate strong diagnostic performance for diverse traumatic injuries, but generalized integration requires expanded prospective multi-center validation. Injury scoring models currently experience calibration gaps in mortality quantification and lesion localization that can undermine clinical utility by permitting false negatives. Triage predictive models now confront transparency, explainability, and healthcare ecosystem integration barriers limiting real-world translation. The most significant literature gap centers on treatment-oriented generative AI applications that provide real-time guidance for urgent trauma interventions rather than just analytical support.Keywords: artificial intelligence, machine-learning, emergency medicine, traumatology

Industrial discharge of hazardous organic and synthetic chemicals, such as antibacterials and dyes, poses severe risks to human health and the environment. This study was conducted to address the urgent need for efficient and stable zinc-oxide-based photocatalysts to degrade such pollutants. A novel approach to synthesizing silver-loaded zinc oxide (Ag@Z) catalysts was introduced by using a simple and efficient combination of hydrothermal and precipitation methods. Comprehensive characterization of Ag@Z photocatalysts was performed using XRD, XPS, Raman, UV–vis adsorption, FTIR, and SEM, revealing an enhancement of structural, optical, and morphological properties in comparison to pure zinc oxide. Notably, the 5%Ag@Z catalyst exhibited the highest degradation efficiency among the other synthesized catalysts under UV-C light irradiation, and enhanced the degradation rate of pure zinc oxide (Z) by 1.14 and 1.64 times, for Triclosan (TCS) and Methylene Blue (MB), respectively. the effect of catalyst dose and initial concentration was studied. A mechanism of degradation was proposed after investigating the effect of major reactive species. The 5%Ag@Z catalyst increased the photostability, which is a major problem of zinc oxide due to photocorrosion after reusability. We found that 50% and 74% of energy consumption for the photocatalytic degradation of TCS and MB by 5%Ag@Z, respectively, was saved in compassion with zinc oxide. The remarkable photocatalytic performance and the good recovery rate of Ag@Z photocatalysts demonstrate their high potential for photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in water.

Christian Angelo I Ventura,1 Edward E Denton2,3 1Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; 3Department of Health Policy and Management, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USACorrespondence: Christian Angelo I Ventura, Tel +1 732 372-2141, Email cventu12@jhmi.eduAbstract: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is likely to experience transformative changes due to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In this short commentary, we aim to preliminarily explore some profound implications of AI advancements on EMS systems and practice.Keywords: EMS, artificial intelligence, prehospital, machine learning, EMT, paramedic

This research delves deeply into the intricate degradation kinetics of triclosan, employing two distinct methodologies: UV and simulated solar irradiation. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, the study endeavors to elucidate the efficacy of these techniques, aiming to shed light on their respective methodological strengths and limitations. The study compares the efficacy of UV and simulated solar irradiation techniques for triclosan degradation, revealing that both methods exhibit effectiveness in degrading triclosan, with variations observed in degradation rates and byproduct formation. Through a detailed examination of the kinetics of triclosan degradation, the study reveals the intricate pathways and mechanisms involved in the photodegradation process. Results highlight the influence of irradiance levels and residence times on degradation efficiency. The research identifies optimal conditions for triclosan degradation, emphasizing the importance of residence time and irradiance levels. Results show that a residence time of 4 h and an irradiance level of 450 W m−2 maximize degradation efficiency. Analysis of degradation byproducts provides insights into the transformation pathways of triclosan under UV and simulated solar irradiation, indicating the formation of 2,4-dichlorophenol, quinone, and hydroquinone as primary byproducts.

Christian Angelo I Ventura,1– 3 Edward E Denton,3– 5 Jessica Anastacia David,6 Brianna J Schoenfelder,7 Lillian Mela,8 Rebecca P Lumia,9 Rachel B Rudi,3 Barnita Haldar3,10 1Department of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Boston, MA, USA; 2Department of Health, Behavior and Society (Incoming), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA; 3EMS Pandemic Response Research Laboratory Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA; 4Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, USA; 5Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, USA; 6Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University New Brunswick, Brunswick, NJ, USA; 7Department of Neuroscience, Temple University Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 8Department of Nursing, Simmons University Boston, Boston, MA, USA; 9Department of Biology, Northeastern University Boston, Boston, MA, USA; 10Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USACorrespondence: Christian Angelo I Ventura, Tel +1 (732) 372-2141, Email venturachri@gmail.com; cventura@bu.eduAbstract: This study aimed to analyze prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US through a brief systematic review of available literature in context with international prehospital counterparts. An exploration of the NCBI repository was performed using a search string of relevant keywords which returned n=5128 results; articles that met the inclusion criteria (n=77) were reviewed and analyzed in accordance with PRISMA and PROSPERO recommendations. Methodical quality was assessed using critical appraisal tools, and the Egger’s test was used for risk of bias reduction upon linear regression analysis of a funnel plot. Sources of heterogeneity as defined by P < 0.10 or I^2 > 50% were interrogated. Findings were considered within ten domains: structural/systemic; clinical outcomes; clinical assessment; treatment; special populations; dispatch/activation; education; mental health; perspectives/experiences; and transport. Findings suggest, EMS clinicians have likely made significant and unmeasured contributions to care during the pandemic via nontraditional roles, ie, COVID-19 testing and vaccine deployment. EMS plays a critical role in counteracting the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the worsening opioid epidemic, both of which disproportionately impact patients of color. As such, being uniquely influential on clinical outcomes, these providers may benefit from standardized education on care and access disparities such as racial identity. Access to distance learning continuing education opportunities may increase rates of provider recertification. Additionally, there is a high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among surveyed nationally registered EMS providers. Continued rigorous investigation on the impact of COVID-19 on EMS systems and personnel is warranted to ensure informed preparation for future pandemic and infectious disease responses.Keywords: EMS, COVID-19, prehospital, pandemic response, EMT, paramedic

Bullying is a social problem that has been studied most in schools but affects other social contexts. However, there is a general lack of studies on bullying in sports. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bullying among youth soccer players. Participants were 1,980 soccer players (88.2% boys) aged 8 to 13 years (Mage = 10.5, SD = 1.68) from 25 clubs in Catalonia, Spain. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of bullying from the perspective of victims, bullies, and bystanders. The overall bullying victimization rate was 8.9%, with higher rates observed in the younger categories (p < .001); 5.2% of victims experienced bullying in both their soccer club and at school. The bullying and bystander rates were 14.8% and 34.7%, respectively, with significant differences between boys and girls (15.5% of boys and 9% of girls were bullies [p < .05], while 36.4% of boys and 21.9% of girls were bystanders [p < .001]). Verbal bullying was the main type of bullying reported. The locker room and pitch were the most common locations, and victims were more likely to deal with bullying on their own than to ask for help. Bullying is present in grassroots soccer, and anti-bullying programs are needed to instill ethical and moral values in athletes and equip coaches with the necessary skills to prevent, detect, and address bullying situations.

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) for toluene absorption and desorption in ionic liquids (ILs) has been investigated for seven commercial ILs in bulk and thin liquid layer. ILs with imidazolium cations of different alkyl chain lengths and a Hofmeister series of anions including [CH3COO], [I], [BF4], [HSO4], and [PF6] were included. Absorption capacity for toluene increases with increasing kosmotropicity of the cation and anion, while the absorption rate in bulk ILs is governed by viscosity and that in thin ILs layer by the oil-water partition coefficient (Kow). A regenerability coefficient (Rp) measures toluene desorption and IL regeneration. The release rate as measured by dRp/dt correlates well with the Kow and viscosity of the ILs and tx, the time required to completely desorb toluene is related to its ionic strength as measured from v(C2H) of the imidazolium cation. These properties are in turn governed by the kosmotropicity of the cation and anion pair forming the IL.

The use of nanomaterials for the controlled release of drugs aims to enhance their effectiveness, especially when poorly soluble in water, and achieve their rapid, localized, and effective administration. The present study focuses on the use of a Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) as vehicle for the transport and controlled release of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) as model due to its favorable physicochemical characteristics. The objective is to synthesize the ZIF-8 material loaded with CIP through encapsulation for subsequent release of the drug in neutral and acid physiological media. In addition, functionalization of the CIP/ZIF compound with magnetic nanoparticles (NP) was sought to increase its traceability through the possible use of magnetic fields. Characterizations by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and TGA showed a satisfactory synthesis of both pure ZIF-8 and ciprofloxacin-loaded ZIF-8, with high crystallinity and thermal stability. The release profiles showed an abrupt initial release that stabilized over time. A much higher release (20–80% greater) was obtained in acid versus neutral pH in all cases, attributable to the collapse of the ZIF-8 structure in acid media. In addition, functionalization of the material with iron NPs did not affect the behavior of the system during drug release. Antimicrobial activity tests against E. coli and S. aureus showed that ZIF-8 per se exerts antimicrobial activity, while the compounds CIP/ZIF and magnetic CIP/ZIF increased the antimicrobial capacity of pure CIP by 10–20%. The ZIF-8 system has high potential as a drug carrier and release agent for the treatment of diseases, especially those that cause acidification of the cellular environment, achieving a rapid, localized, and targeted action with the possibility of achieving traceability of the system after its magnetic functionalization.

This study evaluated the waste generated by a Spanish marble-producing company as adsorbent for the removal of copper (Cu [II]) from aqueous media. Six marble waste sludge samples were studied, and the following operational parameters were analyzed in discontinuous regime, including pollutant concentration, pH, temperature, nature of aqueous medium, and ionic strength. The applicability of the adsorbent material was assessed with experiments in both continuous and discontinuous regimes under close-to-real-life conditions. A pseudo-second order model yielded a better fit to the kinetic data. Application of the intraparticle diffusion model revealed two well-differentiated adsorption stages, in which the external material transfer is negligible and intraparticle diffusion is the controlling stage. The equilibrium study was better fitted to a Freundlich-type isotherm, predicting elevated maximum adsorption values (22.7 mg g−1) at a relatively low initial Cu (II) concentration (25 ppm), yielding a highly favorable chemisorption process (n >> 1). X-ray fluorescence study identified calcite (CaCO3) as the main component of marble waste sludges. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, Cu (II) ion adsorption occurred by intercalation of the metallic cation between CaCO3 layers and by the formation of surface complexes such as CaCO3 and Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. Cu (II) was more effectively removed at medium pH, lower temperature, and lower ionic strength of the aqueous medium. The salinity and dissolved organic matter in surface, ground-, and waste-waters negatively affected the Cu (II) removal process in both continuous and discontinuous regimes by competing for active adsorption sites. These findings demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of marble-derived waste sludges as low-cost and readily available adsorbents for the treatment of waters polluted by Cu (II) under close-to-real-life conditions.