Transformation of Graphite Recovered from Batteries into Functionalized Graphene-Based Sorbents and Application to Gas Desulfurization.

The recycling and recovery of value-added secondary raw materials such as spent Zn/C batteries is crucial to reduce the environmental impact of wastes and to achieve cost-effective and sustainable processing technologies. The aim of this work is to fabricate reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based sorbents with a desulfurization capability using recycled graphite from spent Zn/C batteries as raw material. Recycled graphite was obtained from a black mass recovered from the dismantling of spent batteries by a hydrometallurgical process. Graphene oxide (GO) obtained by the Tour's method was comparable to that obtained from pure graphite. rGO-based sorbents were prepared by doping obtained GO with NiO and ZnO precursors by a hydrothermal route with a final annealing step. Recycled graphite along with the obtained GO, intermediate (rGO-NiO-ZnO) and final composites (rGO-NiO-ZnO-400) were characterized by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) that corroborated the removal of metal impurities from the starting material as well as the presence of NiO- and ZnO-doped reduced graphene oxide. The performance of the prepared composites was evaluated by sulfidation tests under different conditions. The results revealed that the proposed rGO-NiO-ZnO composite present a desulfurization capability similar to that of commercial sorbents which constitutes a competitive alternative to syngas cleaning.

Influence of TP53 Gene Mutations and its Allelic Status in Myelodysplastic Syndromes with Isolated 5q Deletion.

Mutations in the TP53 gene, particularly multihit alterations, have been associated with unfavorable clinical features and prognosis in patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Despite this, the role of TP53 gene aberrations in MDS with isolated deletion of chromosome 5 [MDS-del(5q)] remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of TP53 gene mutations and their allelic state in patients with MDS-del(5q). To that end, a comprehensive analysis of TP53 abnormalities, examining both TP53 mutations and allelic imbalances, in 682 patients diagnosed with MDS-del(5q) was conducted. Twenty-four percent of TP53-mutated patients exhibited multihit alterations, while the remaining patients displayed monoallelic mutations. TP53 multihit alterations were predictive of an increased risk of leukemic transformation. The impact of monoallelic alterations was dependent on the variant allele frequency (VAF); patients with TP53 monoallelic mutations and VAF <20% exhibited behavior similar to TP53 wild type, and those with TP53 monoallelic mutations and VAF ≥20% presented outcomes equivalent to TP53 multihit patients. This study underscores the importance of considering TP53 allelic state and VAF in the risk stratification and treatment decision-making process for patients with MDS-del(5q).

Synthesis and Properties of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents via Heating-Stirring and Ultrasound.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as a greener alternative to other more polluting traditional solvents and have attracted a lot of interest in the last two decades. The DESs are less toxic dissolvents and have a lower environmental footprint. This paper presents an alternative synthesis method to the classical heating-stirring method. The ultrasound method is one of the most promising synthesis methods for DESs in terms of yield and energy efficiency. Therefore, the ultrasound synthesis method was studied to obtain hydrophobic (Aliquat 336:L-Menthol (3:7); Lidocaine:Decanoic acid (1:2)) and hydrophilic DESs based on choline chloride, urea, ethylene glycol and oxalic acid. The physical characterization of DESs via comparison of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed no difference between the DESs obtained by heating-stirring and ultrasound synthesis methods. The study and comparison of all the prepared DESs were carried out via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The density and viscosity properties of DESs were evaluated. The density values were similar for both synthesis methods. However, differences in viscosity values were detected due to the presence of some water in hygroscopic DESs.

By Medical Students, for Medical Students: A Narrative Medicine Antiracism Program.

Objectives: Medical schools have sought to incorporate concepts of race and racism in their curricula to facilitate students' abilities to grapple with healthcare disparities in the United States; however, these efforts frequently fail to address implicit bias or equip students with cultural humility, reflective capacity, and interpersonal skills required to navigate racialized systems in healthcare. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an antiracism narrative medicine (NM) program designed by and for preclinical medical students. Method: Preclinical medical students at a single center were eligible to participate from June-July 2021. Program evaluation included a postprogram qualitative interview and electronic survey. The semistructured interview included questions about program experience, lessons learned, and perspectives on antiracism curricula in medical education. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using open and axial coding. Survey data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 30 students registered. All (100%) respondents reported "somewhat true" or "very true" in the postprogram survey when asked about their ability to reflect on their own racial identity, racial identity of others, and influence of their racial identity on their future role as a healthcare worker through the program. Qualitative analysis revealed 3 themes: (1) curricular engagement; (2) racism and antiracism in medicine; and (3) group experience. Subthemes included: meaningful theoretical content; multimodal works and unique perspectives; race, identity, and intersectionality; deeper diversity, equity, and inclusion engagement; reconstructive visions; future oriented work; close reading and writing build confidence in discomfort; community and support system; and authentic space among peer learners. Conclusion: This virtual, peer-facilitated antiracism NM program provided an engaging and challenging experience for participants. Postprogram interviews revealed the program deepened students' understanding of racism, promoted self-reflection and community building, and propagated reconstructive visions for continuing antiracism work.

Systemic White supremacy: U.S. state policy, policing, discrimination, and suicidality across race and sexual identity.

Although suicide rates are stable or decreasing among White communities, rates are increasing among Black communities, a trend that appears to be disproportionately affecting Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) people. To understand the structural drivers and mechanisms of these trends, we examined associations between U.S. state-level racist and heterosexist criminal legal policies and policing, discrimination, and suicidality among White and Black, heterosexual and LGBQ, communities. We recruited 5,064 participants in 2021 using online census-driven quota sampling. Structural equation modeling estimated associations from objective indicators of racist and heterosexist criminal legal policies to self-reported police stops, discrimination, and suicidal ideation and behavior. For White heterosexual participants, racist (ß = -.22, SE = 0.03, p < .001) and heterosexist (ß = -.26, SE = 0.03, p < .001) policies were negatively associated with police stops. For White LGBQ participants, racist and heterosexist policies were not significantly associated with police stops. For Black heterosexual participants, racist (ß = .30, SE = 0.11, p = .005), but not heterosexist, policies were positively associated with police stops. For Black LGBQ participants, racist (ß = .57, SE = 0.08, p < .001) and heterosexist (ß = .65, SE = 0.09, p < .001) policies were positively associated with police stops which, in turn, were positively associated with discrimination and suicidal ideation and behavior. Results provide evidence that racist and heterosexist state policies are linked to policing and interpersonal drivers of suicide inequities and suggest that repealing/preventing oppressive policies should be a suicide prevention imperative. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Phacoemulsification with implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens in eyes with asteroid hyalosis and synchysis scintillans.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual outcomes in both eyes of patients who undergo phacoemulsification and trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and have asteroid hyalosis (AH) or synchysis scintillans (SS) in only one eye. METHODS: A retrospective comparative case series was performed. We evaluated uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), predictability, safety, efficacy, and satisfaction after implantation of the same model of trifocal IOL in both eyes (PhysIOL FineVision Pod-F and Micro-F and Rayner RayOne Trifocal). RESULTS: A total of 164 eyes of 82 patients (41 females, 50%) met the inclusion criteria. There were no statistically significant differences in sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent, UDVA, UIVA, or UNVA between the groups. Postoperative CDVA was slightly better in the control group (logMAR 0.03) than in the AH/SS group (logMAR 0.04) (P: 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences in predictability, safety index, or efficacy index between the groups. Overall subjective satisfaction was good (98.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Visual outcomes and satisfaction are good after implantation of trifocal IOLs in eyes with AH or SS. Therefore, trifocal IOLs should not be ruled out in these patients when no other vitreoretinal disorder is present.

Cocaine-Induced Asthma and the "Crack Lung": A Case Report.

Cocaine, the second most used illicit drug, is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other complications. Lung involvement associated with cocaine use, also known as "crack lung syndrome" (CLS), can elicit new-onset and exacerbate chronic pulmonary conditions. A 28-year-old female with a history of chronic controlled asthma arrived at the Emergency Department (ED), referring to cocaine inhalation, followed by symptoms compatible with an asthmatic crisis, requiring immediate steroid and bronchodilator therapy. Radiological studies and bronchoscopy confirmed CLS diagnosis. Despite treatment with oxygen, bronchodilators, and steroids, the asthmatic crises persisted. However, after 48 hours, we observed a complete regression of the lung infiltrates. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion, bronchoscopy findings, and the potential co-occurrence of CLS with asthma exacerbations. While computed tomography (CT) scans can be helpful, they should not be the only tool to diagnose CLS. The successful management of CLS involves the use of bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy and abstaining from cocaine use. Researchers should conduct further studies to diagnose and treat CLS in conjunction with acute asthma symptoms to assist this patient population better.

Visual outcomes of combined use of implantable collamer lens implantation and laser corneal visual correction for myopia over -18.00 diopters.

PURPOSE: To explore visual outcomes in patients with extreme myopia receiving an implantable collamer lens (ICL) at -18.00 diopters (D), with central port, followed by bioptics by laser vision correction (laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK] or photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]) to address residual myopia or myopic astigmatism. SETTING: Clínica Baviera (Aier Eye Hospital Group), Bilbao, Spain. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of cases. METHODS: The study assessed uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), predictability, safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction after implantation of the ICL and bioptics. The model implanted was V4c and EVO, with a correction of -18.00 D. Bioptics were performed at least 3 months after implantation, and patients were followed up for at least 3 months after LASIK or PRK. RESULTS: The analysis included 125 eyes from 90 patients. Of these, 51.2% underwent LASIK and 48.8% PRK. Mean time from implantation to bioptics was 5.9 ± 9.4 months. Patients were followed up for a mean of 40.2 ± 37.9 months after bioptics. Median manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -2.89 D before bioptics and -0.49 D after. Median CDVA was 0.18 logMAR before bioptics and 0.17 after. The mean safety and efficacy indices were 2.22 ± 1.88 and 2.06 ± 1.85, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Visual outcomes and safety indices after ICL implantation and subsequent LASIK or PRK in patients with extreme myopia are excellent.

Pituitary cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient with panhypopituitarism: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is the most common mycosis of the central nervous system. It may develop in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, the latter representing most cases. The most common presentation of the disease is meningitis, whereas intra-axial lesions in the form of cryptococcoma are less frequent with a greater tendency to present in immunocompetent patients. The presentation of pituitary cryptococcoma is exceptional. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is only one case published in the medical literature. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present the case of a 30-year-old male without a relevant medical history. He was referred to our center with a pituitary mass on magnetic resonance imaging and panhypopituitarism. The patient underwent endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection, and a histopathological diagnosis of pituitary cryptococcoma was made. Medical management included fluconazole and intravenous amphotericin. LESSONS: This case underscores the neurosurgical and medical management of an exceptional clinical presentation of pituitary cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is only one case published in the medical literature. This case provides an invaluable review of the clinical, imaging, and therapeutic considerations regarding this exceptional clinical entity.

Uncovering perturbations in human hematopoiesis associated with healthy aging and myeloid malignancies at single-cell resolution.

Early hematopoiesis is a continuous process in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) gradually differentiate toward specific lineages. Aging and myeloid malignant transformation are characterized by changes in the composition and regulation of HSPCs. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize an enriched population of human HSPCs obtained from young and elderly healthy individuals.Based on their transcriptional profile, we identified changes in the proportions of progenitor compartments during aging, and differences in their functionality, as evidenced by gene set enrichment analysis. Trajectory inference revealed that altered gene expression dynamics accompanied cell differentiation, which could explain aging-associated changes in hematopoiesis. Next, we focused on key regulators of transcription by constructing gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and detected regulons that were specifically active in elderly individuals. Using previous findings in healthy cells as a reference, we analyzed scRNA-seq data obtained from patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and detected specific alterations of the expression dynamics of genes involved in erythroid differentiation in all patients with MDS such as TRIB2. In addition, the comparison between transcriptional programs and GRNs regulating normal HSPCs and MDS HSPCs allowed identification of regulons that were specifically active in MDS cases such as SMAD1, HOXA6, POU2F2, and RUNX1 suggesting a role of these transcription factors (TFs) in the pathogenesis of the disease.In summary, we demonstrate that the combination of single-cell technologies with computational analysis tools enable the study of a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in complex biological systems such as early hematopoiesis and can be used to dissect perturbed differentiation trajectories associated with perturbations such as aging and malignant transformation. Furthermore, the identification of abnormal regulatory mechanisms associated with myeloid malignancies could be exploited for personalized therapeutic approaches in individual patients.

Our blood contains many different types of cells; red blood cells carry oxygen through the body, platelets help to stop bleeding and a variety of white blood cells fight infections. All of these critical components come from a pool of immature cells in bone marrow, which can develop and specialise into any of these. However, as we get older, these immature cells can accumulate damage, including mutations in specific genes. This increases the risk of diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a type of cancer in which the cells cannot develop and the patient does not have enough healthy mature blood cells. The changes in gene activity in the immature cells have previously been studied using samples from young and elderly people, as well as individuals with MDS. These studies examined large numbers of cells together, revealing differences between young and elderly people, and individuals with MDS. However, this does not describe how the different types alter their behaviour. To address this, Ainciburu, Ezponda et al. used a technique called single-cell RNA sequencing to study the gene activity in individual immature blood cells. This revealed changes associated with maturation that may account for the different combinations of cell populations in younger and older people. The results confirmed findings from previous studies and suggested new genes involved in ageing or MDS. Ainciburu, Ezponda et al. used these results to create an analytical system that highlights gene activity differences in individual MDS patients that are independent of age-related changes. These results provide new insights that could help further research into the development of MDS and the ageing process. In addition, scientists could study other diseases using this approach of analysing individual patients' gene activity. In future, this could help to personalise clinical decisions on diagnosis and treatment.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary HIV Care and Psychological Health Effects of iTHRIVE 365 for Black Same Gender Loving Men.

OBJECTIVES: This uncontrolled pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary HIV and psychological health effects of iTHRIVE 365, a multicomponent intervention designed by and for Black same gender loving men (SGLM) to promote: health knowledge and motivation, Black SGLM social support, affirming health care, and housing and other economic resources. DESIGN METHODS: We conducted a 14-day daily diary study with 32 Black SGLM living with HIV connected to THRIVE SS in Atlanta, GA. Daily surveys assessed intervention engagement, antiretroviral medication (ART) use, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and emotion regulation difficulties. App paradata (ie, process data detailing app usage) assessed amount of intervention engagement via page access. Participants began receiving access to the intervention on day 7. After the 14-day daily diary period, participants responded to follow-up items on the user-friendliness, usefulness, helpfulness, and whether they would recommend iTHRIVE 365 to others. Chi-square analyses examined associations between intervention engagement and ART use, and dynamic structural equation modelling assessed longitudinal associations from intervention engagement to next-day psychological health. This intervention trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05376397). RESULTS: On average, participants engaged with iTHRIVE 365 over once every other day and accessed intervention pages 4.65 times per day. Among participants who engaged with the intervention, 78% reported it was helpful to extremely helpful, 83% reported it was moderately to extremely useful, and 88% reported it was user-friendly and they would recommend it to others. On intervention engagement days, participants had higher odds of ART use, χ 2 (1) = 4.09, P = 0.04, than intervention nonengagement days. On days after intervention engagement, participants showed non-null decreases in depressive symptoms (τ = -0.14; 95% CI : = [-0.23, -0.05]) and emotion regulation difficulties (τ = -0.16; 95% CI : = [-0.24, -0.02]). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest iTHRIVE 365 is feasible, acceptable, and positively affects daily ART use, depressive symptoms, and emotion regulation difficulties.

iTHRIVE 365: A Community-Led, Multicomponent Health Promotion Intervention for Black Same Gender Loving Men.

Although health inequities among Black same gender loving men (SGLM) are well documented (e.g., chronic psychological disorders, HIV, suicide), there are few accessible, culturally affirming, and community-led interventions designed to reduce these inequities. The present manuscript describes the process through which we developed iTHRIVE 365, a multicomponent health-promotion intervention designed by Black SGLM for Black SGLM. We utilized a community-based participatory research approach (CBPR) that included collaboration between THRIVE SS, a Black SGLM-run community-based organization, and a multisectoral team of public health, research, and digital design professionals to develop the intervention. A five-phase development process included four phases of focus groups and a technical pilot to assess community priorities and incorporate input on each feature of the intervention. Directed content analysis indicated that participants wanted a multicomponent and technology-mediated intervention that promotes health knowledge and motivation, Black SGLM social support, access to affirming healthcare, and housing and economic resources. iTHRIVE 365 combines multilevel and culturally affirming intervention features to combat the effects of oppression and ultimately promote Black SGLM's biopsychosocial health.

Dynamic Adsorption of H2S onto a Goethite-Based Material.

The use of adsorption technology to remove H2S from synthetic gas (H2S and N2) using a goethite-based adsorbent was investigated. The influence of the H2S feed concentration (150-600 mg), the adsorbent dosage (1-4 g), and the gas flow rate (210-540 cm3/min) on the breakthrough curves and H2S adsorption on the adsorbent at the breakthrough point was investigated. Dynamic column experiments were performed to provide data for the theoretical models and to verify the performance of the system in the adsorption process. The theoretical models used in the present work were found to predict the adsorption breakthrough performance reasonably well.

Efficacy of cabergoline therapy in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas: A single center clinical experience.

Introduction: To evaluate the response to cabergoline (CBG) treatment in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA). Subjects and methods: Retrospective, single tertiary care center study. A total of 44 patients were treated with 3 mg/week of CBG, 32 after surgical treatment (transsphenoidal surgery [TSS] in 27 and TC in 5 patients) and 12 as primary therapy. Mean age was 59.2 ± 12 years and 23 (52.2%) were women. Response to therapy was ascertained by serial magnetic resonance imaging. The median duration of CBG therapy was 30 months (IQR 24-48). Response to CBG therapy was defined as a greater than 20% reduction in tumor size and volume. Results: A significant reduction in tumor size was documented in 29 patients (66%), whereas in 11 patients (25%) the tumor increased in size and in 4 (9%), it remained stable. Significant tumor shrinkage was documented in 4 (33.3%) of 12 patients treated primarily and in 23 (71.8%) of those treated secondarily. The three-year progression-free survival was 0.61. Conclusion: Cabergoline therapy is effective in reducing tumor growth in over two thirds of patients with NFPA, however 16% of patients will escape to this beneficial effect and will require alternative forms of treatment to halt tumor progression.

Obtaining and Characterization of Highly Crystalline Recycled Graphites from Different Types of Spent Batteries.

Spent batteries recycling is an important way to obtain low-cost graphite. Nevertheless, the obtaining of crystalline graphite with a rather low density of defects is required for many applications. In the present work, high-quality graphites have been obtained from different kinds of spent batteries. Black masses from spent alkaline batteries (batteries black masses, BBM), and lithium-ion batteries from smartphones (smartphone black masses, SBM) and electric and/or hybrid vehicles (lithium-ion black masses, LBM) were used as starting materials. A hydrometallurgical process was then used to obtain recycled graphites by acidic leaching. Different leaching conditions were used depending on the type of the initial black mass. The final solids were characterized by a wide set of complementary techniques. The performance as Li ion batteries anode of the sample with better structural quality was assessed.

The Genomic Landscape of Corticotroph Tumors: From Silent Adenomas to ACTH-Secreting Carcinomas.

Corticotroph cells give rise to aggressive and rare pituitary neoplasms comprising ACTH-producing adenomas resulting in Cushing disease (CD), clinically silent ACTH adenomas (SCA), Crooke cell adenomas (CCA) and ACTH-producing carcinomas (CA). The molecular pathogenesis of these tumors is still poorly understood. To better understand the genomic landscape of all the lesions of the corticotroph lineage, we sequenced the whole exome of three SCA, one CCA, four ACTH-secreting PA causing CD, one corticotrophinoma occurring in a CD patient who developed Nelson syndrome after adrenalectomy and one patient with an ACTH-producing CA. The ACTH-producing CA was the lesion with the highest number of single nucleotide variants (SNV) in genes such as USP8, TP53, AURKA, EGFR, HSD3B1 and CDKN1A. The USP8 variant was found only in the ACTH-CA and in the corticotrophinoma occurring in a patient with Nelson syndrome. In CCA, SNV in TP53, EGFR, HSD3B1 and CDKN1A SNV were present. HSD3B1 and CDKN1A SNVs were present in all three SCA, whereas in two of these tumors SNV in TP53, AURKA and EGFR were found. None of the analyzed tumors showed SNV in USP48, BRAF, BRG1 or CABLES1. The amplification of 17q12 was found in all tumors, except for the ACTH-producing carcinoma. The four clinically functioning ACTH adenomas and the ACTH-CA shared the amplification of 10q11.22 and showed more copy-number variation (CNV) gains and single-nucleotide variations than the nonfunctioning tumors.