Torsional disorder in tetraphenyl [3]-cumulenes: Insight into the excited state quenching.

Cumulenes are linear molecules consisting of consecutive double bonds linking chains of sp-hybridized carbon atoms. They have primarily been of interest for potential use as molecular wires or in other nanoscale electronic devices, but more recently other applications such as catalysis or even light harvesting through singlet fission have been speculated. Despite the recent theoretical and experimental interest, photoexcitation of cumulenes typically results in quenching on the picosecond timescale, and the exact quenching mechanism for even the simplest of [3]-cumulenes lacks a clear explanation. In this report, we perform transient absorption spectroscopy on a set of model [3]-cumulene derivatives in a wide range of environmental conditions to demonstrate that planarization of phenyl groups ultimately quenches the excited state. By restricting this intermolecular motion, we increase the excited state lifetime out to a few nanoseconds, strongly enhancing the photoluminescence and demonstrating an approach to stabilize them for photochemical applications.

Brain Stiffness Correlates With Pathological Tissue in Patients With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Due to Rasmussen Encephalitis and Focal Cortical Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Complete resection of epileptogenic zone is the single most important determinant of favorable seizure outcomes in resective surgery. However, identifying and resecting this zone is challenging in patients harboring diffuse; MRI-occult malformations of cortical development, such as focal cortical dysplasia; or acquired pathology, such as Rasmussen encephalitis. Intraoperative adjuncts that can aid in identifying the lesion and/or epileptogenic zone can optimize the extent of resection and seizure outcome. We sought to study a novel intraoperative tool, brain tonometer, to measure brain stiffness and correlate with histopathological and radiological findings. METHODS: Brain stiffness was measured at various presumed normal and abnormal areas of the cortex during surgery in 2 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. These results were correlated with preoperative and intraoperative neuroimaging and histopathology. RESULTS: We found brain stiffness correlated well with the degree of inflammation and cortical disorganization. CONCLUSION: Brain tonometry may help to intraoperatively identify inflammatory brain tissue along with structural and histopathological abnormalities. In select cases, this could potentially allow more tailored resections of the underlying lesion, to ensure complete removal of the epileptogenic lesion and improve the probability of achieving seizure freedom, while sparing normal brain leading to better functional outcomes.

Subjective Well-Being, Positive Affect, Life Satisfaction, and Happiness With Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may face challenges maintaining their subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and positive emotions. This scoping review's purpose was to summarize studies on these positive psychological constructs among people with MS. METHODS: Observational and interventional studies that included measures of subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, or positive affect were identified. Variables associated with these constructs were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: The review included 22 observational and 10 interventional studies. Variables were categorized into each of the ICF domains. Cognitive behavior therapy was the most common intervention, with content and dosing varying widely. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect are crucial components of community and individual health. The findings of this scoping review highlight the complex interplay between function, personal factors, and environmental conditions in influencing positive psychological constructs. Given the limited evidence, rehabilitation nurses should leverage their skills in delivering holistic care and adopt data-driven approaches to integrate positive psychological strategies into care plans. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to measure and compare interventions aimed at improving these constructs and to examine the influence of personal and environmental factors among diverse MS populations.

Ethnicity, gender, and geographical distribution of dentists in Taiwan in 1939 (Showa 14).

Background/purpose: Taiwan's dentistry entered into a new era of modernization and flourished during the Japanese colonial period. However, we know very little about the composition of dentists at that time. This study attempted to analyze the ethnicity, gender, and geographical distribution of dentists in Taiwan in 1939 (Showa 14). Materials and methods: The methods of documentary analysis and secondary data analysis were adopted to find the composition of dentists during the late Japanese colonial period through a name list of contract dentists for the Postal Savings Insurance published in August 1939 (Showa 14) by the Taiwan Government Transportation Department Information Bureau. Results: The total number of contract dentists was 368, accounting for 86.79% of the 424 practicing dentists in Taiwan in 1939 (Showa 14). Of the 368 contract dentists (328 males and 40 females), 225 (61.14%) were Taiwanese and 143 (38.86%) were Japanese. Among the 8 prefectures in Taiwan, Tainan Prefecture had the largest number of dentists (97), followed by Taipei (84) and Taichung (78) prefectures. The number of contract dentists per 100,000 people was 6.24, equivalent to 16,021 people served by each contract dentist in 1939 (Showa 14). The chi-square test for the trend analysis of gender distribution indicated a significantly higher proportion of male than female contract dentists in either Taiwanese or Japanese ethnic group. Conclusion: In the late Japanese colonial period, the number of Taiwanese dentists exceeded that of Japanese dentists. Furthermore, there were more male than female dentists in either the Taiwanese or the Japanese population.

Colloidal TiO2 nanocrystals with engineered defectivity and optical properties.

Partially reduced forms of titanium dioxide (sometimes called "black" titania) have attracted widespread interest as promising photocatalysts of oxidation due to their absorption in the visible region. The main approaches to produce it rely on postprocessing at high temperatures (up to 800 °C) and high pressures (up to 40 bar) or on highly reactive precursors (e.g., TiH2), and yield powders with poorly controlled sizes, shapes, defect concentrations and distributions. We describe an approach for the one-step synthesis of TiO2 colloidal nanocrystals at atmospheric pressure and temperatures as low as 280 °C. The temperature of the reaction allows the density of oxygen vacancies to be controlled by nearly two orders of magnitude independently of their size, shape, or colloidal stability. This synthetic pathway appears to produce vacancies that are homogeneously distributed in the nanocrystals, rather than being concentrated in an amorphous shell. As a result, the defects are protected from oxidation and result in stable optical properties in oxidizing environments.

Plasma-based post-processing of colloidal nanocrystals for applications in heterogeneous catalysis.

This review summarizes the work on the use of plasmas to post-process nanostructures, in particular colloidal nanocrystals, as promising candidates for applications of heterogeneous catalysis. Using plasma to clean or modify the surface of nanostructures is a more precisely controlled method compared to other conventional methods, which is preferable when strict requirements for nanostructure morphology or chemical composition are necessary. The ability of plasma post-processing to create mesoporous materials with high surface areas and controlled microstructure, surfaces, and interfaces has transformational potential in catalysis and other applications that leverage surface/interface processes.

The temporospatial relationship between mouse dental pulp stem cells and tooth innervation.

Background/purpose: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) exhibit versatile differentiation capabilities, including neural differentiation, prompting the hypothesis that they may be implicated in the neurodevelopment of teeth. This study aimed to explore the temporospatial dynamics between DPSCs and tooth innervation, employing immunofluorescence staining and fluorescent dye injections to investigate the distribution of DPSCs, neural stem cells (NSCs), nerve growth cones, and sensory nerves in developing mouse tooth germs at various stages. Materials and methods: Immunofluorescence staining targeting CD146, Nestin, and GAP-43, along with the injection of AM1-43 fluorescent dye, were utilized to observe the distribution of DPSCs, NSCs, nerve growth cones, and sensory nerves in mouse tooth germs at different developmental stages. Results: Positive CD146 immunostaining was observed in microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes within and around the tooth germ. The percentage of CD146-positive cells remained consistent between 4-day-old and 8-day-old second molar tooth germs. Conversely, Nestin expression in odontoblasts and their processes decreased in 8-day-old tooth germs compared to 4-day-old ones. Positive immunostaining for GAP-43 and AM1-43 fluorescence revealed the entry of nerve growth cones and sensory nerves into the pulp in 8-day-old tooth germs, while these elements were confined to the dental follicle in 4-day-old germs. No co-localization of CD146-positive DPSCs with nerve growth cones and sensory nerves was observed. Conclusion: DPSCs and NSCs were present in dental pulp tissue before nerves penetrated the pulp. The decline in NSCs after nerve entry suggests a potential role for DPSCs and NSCs in attracting neural growth and/or differentiation within the pulp.

Patient and caregiver perspectives of fluid discharge protocols following pituitary surgery.

Background: Post-operative fluid restriction after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary tumors may effectively prevent delayed hyponatremia, the most common cause of readmission. However, implementation of individualized fluid restriction interventions after discharge is often complex and poses challenges for provider and patient. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors necessary for successful implementation of fluid restriction and discharge care protocols following TSS. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with fifteen patients and four caregivers on fluid discharge protocols were conducted following TSS. Patients and caregivers who had surgery before and after the implementation of updated discharge protocols were interviewed. Data were analyzed inductively using a procedure informed by rapid and thematic analysis. Results: Most patients and caregivers perceived fluid restriction protocols as acceptable and feasible when indicated. Facilitators to the protocols included clear communication about the purpose of and strategies for fluid restriction, access to the care team, and involvement of patients' caregivers in care discussions. Barriers included patient confusion about differences in the care plan between teams, physical discomfort of fluid restriction, increased burden of tracking fluids during recovery, and lack of clarity surrounding desmopressin prescriptions. Conclusion: Outpatient fluid restriction protocols are a feasible intervention following pituitary surgery but requires frequent patient communication and education. This evaluation highlights the importance of patient engagement and feedback to effectively develop and implement complex clinical interventions.

Small vessel cerebrovascular disease is associated with cognition in prospective Alzheimer's clinical trial participants.

BACKGROUND: Secondary prevention clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) target amyloid accumulation in asymptomatic, amyloid-positive individuals, but it is unclear to what extent other pathophysiological processes, such as small vessel cerebrovascular disease, account for participant performance on the primary cognitive outcomes in those trials. White matter hyperintensities are areas of increased signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that reflect small vessel cerebrovascular disease. They are associated with cognitive functioning in older adults and with clinical presentation and course of AD, particularly when distributed in posterior brain regions. The purpose of this study was to examine to what degree regional WMH volume is associated with performance on the primary cognitive outcome measure in the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) study, a secondary prevention trial. METHODS: Data from 1791 participants (59.5% women, mean age (SD) 71.6 (4.74)) in the A4 study and the Longitudinal Evaluation of Amyloid Risk and Neurodegeneration (LEARN) companion study at the screening visit were used to quantify WMH volumes on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR images. Cognition was assessed with the preclinical Alzheimer cognitive composite (PACC). We tested the association of total and regional WMH volumes with PACC performance, adjusting for age, education, and amyloid positivity status, with general linear models. We also considered interactions between WMH and amyloid positivity status. RESULTS: Increased frontal and parietal lobe WMH volume was associated with poorer performance on the PACC. While amyloid positivity was also associated with lower cognitive test scores, WMH volumes did not interact with amyloid positivity status. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the potential of small vessel cerebrovascular disease to drive AD-related cognitive profiles. Measures of small vessel cerebrovascular disease should be considered when evaluating outcome in trials, both as potential effect modifiers and as a possible target for intervention or prevention.

Gaze Patterns of Normal and Microtia Ears Pre- and Post-Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To understand attentional preferences for normal and microtia ears. METHODS: Eye-tracking technology was used to characterize gaze preferences. A total of 71 participants viewed images of 5 patients with unilateral microtia. Profile images of patient faces and isolated ears including normal, microtia, and post-reconstruction microtia ears were shown. Total time of fixation in predefined areas of interest (AOI) was measured. Inferential statistics were used to assess significance of fixation differences between AOIs within and between facial or auricular features. RESULTS: The ear received most visual attention in lateral view of the face (1.91 s, 1.66-2.16 s) [mean, 95% CI], followed by features of the "central triangle"-the eyes (1.26 s, 1.06-1.46), nose (0.48 s, 0.38-0.58), and mouth (0.15 s, 0.15-0.20). In frontal view, microtia ears received less attention following surgical reconstruction (0.74 s vs. 0.4 s, p < 0.001). The concha was the most attended feature for both normal (2.97 s, 2.7-3.23) and reconstructed microtia ears (1.87 s, 1.61-2.13). Scars on reconstructed ears altered the typical visual scanpath. CONCLUSION: The ear is an attentional gaze landmark of the face. Attention to microtia ears, both pre- and post-reconstruction, differs from gaze patterns of normal ears. The concha was the most attended to subunit of the ear. Attentional gaze may provide an unbiased method to determine what is important in reconstructive surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:3136-3142, 2024.

Risk of Aspiration Increased by Post-swallow Residue in Infant Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of aspiration associated with post-swallow residue subsites in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in bottle-fed infants <1 year of age. METHODS: This is a retrospective matched-pairs cohort study at an academic tertiary children's hospital. FEES and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) trials performed within the same infant <5 days apart were paired by matching bolus consistency and bottle flow rate. Positive aspiration was defined by the "or rule" in which aspiration is positive when either FEES or VFSS within a matched pair is positive. RESULTS: Eighty-seven FEES-VFSS matched pairs from 29 patients (16 males; mean [SD] age, 2.9 [2.8] months) were included. The rate of positive aspiration, as defined by the "or rule", was 59% (51/87). In FEES, post-swallow pyriform sinus residue was present in 16% (14/87) and anterior commissure residue 27% (31/87). Risk of positive aspiration was increased by pyriform sinus residue (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-19.3, p < 0.01) and anterior commissure residue in FEES (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.1, p = 0.03). In the neonate subgroup, <1 month of age, multivariate-adjusted analysis showed that anterior commissure residue had better diagnostic accuracy for aspiration than in older infants (overall 70% vs. 42%, p < 0.01; sensitivity 60% vs. 10%, p < 0.01), whereas pyriform sinus residue had worse accuracy (overall 41% vs. 70%, p = 0.02; sensitivity 13% vs. 43%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pyriform sinus and anterior commissure residue during infant FEES were associated with fivefold and twofold increased risk of aspiration, respectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3: Using a retrospective matched-pairs cohort, this study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of post-swallow residue in FEES for predicting aspiration. Laryngoscope, 134:1431-1436, 2024.

Suture Stenting After Sialendoscopy: A Novel Technique That Reduces Risk of Recurrent Parotitis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic sialadenitis is associated with decreased quality of life and recurrent infections. While sialendoscopy with stenting is effective in relieving symptoms of sialadenitis, currently available stents are rigid and poorly tolerated by patients, leading to early removal and potential for adverse scarring. This study examines whether sutures can be used as a stenting material to improve patient comfort and reduce recurrence risk. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of a consecutive series of adult patients with chronic sialadenitis undergoing sialendoscopy with or without suture stenting. Data were collected between 2014 and 2018 with a 3-year follow-up period ending in 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence of sialadenitis within 3 years of surgery. Secondary outcomes were stent dislodgement and patient-reported discomfort. RESULTS: We included 63 patients with parotid sialadenitis of whom 28 underwent suture stenting and 35 did not receive stenting after sialendoscopy. Stents were well tolerated, with a mean duration of 34.5 days, and only 2 of 28 stents (7.1%) accidentally dislodged within the first week. Suture stenting significantly reduced symptom recurrence after sialendoscopy (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.45, p = 0.003; 3-year sialadenitis recurrence rate: 7.1% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.005). Cox multivariate regression for clinicodemographic variables showed an HR of 0.04 (95% CI 0.01-0.19, p < 0.001) for the risk of symptom recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Suture stenting after sialendoscopy is low cost, available across all institutions, well-tolerated by patients, and highly efficacious in reducing risk of recurrent sialadenitis after sialendoscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:614-621, 2024.