Custom Biomedical FAIR Data Analysis in the Cloud Using CAVATICA.

The historically fragmented biomedical data ecosystem has moved towards harmonization under the findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles, creating more opportunities for cloud-based research. This shift is especially opportune for scientists across diverse domains interested in implementing creative, nonstandard computational analytic pipelines on large and varied datasets. However, executing custom cloud analyses may present difficulties, particularly for investigators lacking advanced computational expertise. Here, we present an accessible, streamlined approach for the cloud compute platform CAVATICA that offers a solution. We outline how we developed a custom workflow in the cloud, for analyzing whole genome sequences of case-parent trios to detect sex-specific genetic effects on orofacial cleft risk, which required several programming languages and custom software packages. The approach involves just three components: Docker to containerize software environments, tool creation for each analysis step, and a visual workflow editor to weave the tools into a Common Workflow Language (CWL) pipeline. Our approach should be accessible to any investigator with basic computational skills, is readily extended to implement any scalable high-throughput biomedical data analysis in the cloud, and is applicable to other commonly used compute platforms such as BioData Catalyst. We believe our approach empowers versatile data reuse and promotes accelerated biomedical discovery in a time of substantial FAIR data.

Effect of male parental gamma irradiation on host suitability of its F1 progeny of a lepidopteran tropical pest, Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) towards development and virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema thermophilum.

The suitability of F1 progeny insect larvae of the irradiated male parent, Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) for infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Steinernema thermophilum was assessed to comprehend the feasibility of combining EPNs with nuclear pest control tactic. As compared to the control, the IJs induced faster host mortality with reduced proliferation in F1 host larvae. IJs derived from F1 host larvae exhibited almost similar proliferation capacity on normal hosts as in control. Further, the molecular basis of EPNs induced mortality in F1 host larvae was evaluated. Dual stress of EPN infection and irradiation induced downregulation of the relative mRNA expression of antimicrobial genes and upregulated expression of antioxidative genes. A pronounced effect of EPNs in association with irradiation stress was apparent on host mortality. Radiation induced sterile F1 insect larvae of S. litura acted as a reasonably suitable host for EPNs and also provided the environment for developing viable EPNs for their potential use as biocontrol agents.

Physician perspectives of Helicobacter pylori diagnostic and treatment practices in Canada: results of a Canadian survey.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is prevalent worldwide and can lead to peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancer. Effective diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection by gastroenterologists and family physicians is crucial. However, there are differing views on optimal diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study is to understand the impressions of Canadian physicians regarding H. pylori diagnosis and treatment and whether impressions differ between gastroenterologists and family physicians. A second objective is to understand physician perspectives on rising antibiotic resistance and how that guides empiric management. METHODS: A survey facilitated via REDCap was administered to Canadian gastroenterologists and family physicians. A total of 105 participants completed the survey, including 43 gastroenterologists and 62 family physicians. Gastroenterologists were recruited from across the country and family physicians were recruited from Manitoba. RESULTS: For diagnosis of H. pylori, 67% of gastroenterologists reported endoscopic biopsies for histology assessment as most common and 73% of family physicians reported serology as their main diagnostic test. While nearly all gastroenterologists believed antibiotic resistance to be a problem, nearly one quarter of family physicians did not believe it was a problem. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability in practices among both gastroenterologists and family physicians regarding diagnosis of H. pylori infection. There was consensus that local antibiotic resistance patterns should guide management. If known, the degree and patterns of antibiotic resistance could bring a more uniform consensus to H. pylori management. Greater education of physicians, especially family physicians regarding management of H pylori is needed.

Tuning Multipolar Mie Scattering of Particles on a Dielectric-Covered Mirror.

Optically resonant particles are key building blocks of many nanophotonic devices such as optical antennas and metasurfaces. Because the functionalities of such devices are largely determined by the optical properties of individual resonators, extending the attainable responses from a given particle is highly desirable. Practically, this is usually achieved by introducing an asymmetric dielectric environment. However, commonly used simple substrates have limited influences on the optical properties of the particles atop. Here, we show that the multipolar scattering of silicon microspheres can be effectively modified by placing the particles on a dielectric-covered mirror, which tunes the coupling between the Mie resonances of microspheres and the standing waves and waveguide modes in the dielectric spacer. This tunability allows selective excitation, enhancement, suppression, and even elimination of the multipolar resonances and enables scattering at extended wavelengths, providing transformative opportunities in controlling light-matter interactions for various applications. We further demonstrate with experiments the detection of molecular fingerprints by single-particle mid-infrared spectroscopy and with simulations strong optical repulsive forces that could elevate the particles from a substrate.

Odontogenic Cutaneous Fistula: A Zombie Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cutaneous fistula (OCF) is a pathologic communication between the cutaneous surface of the face and oral cavity. Majority of oral cutaneous fistulas are reported to arise from chronic dental infection. Delay in treatment may result in chronic tissue injury as well as cosmetic deformities. Lesions are often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed management. Misdiagnosis may be the result of the variability of clinical morphological presentation and location of lesions compounded by the lack of knowledge that these lesions can have dental etiology. It is estimated that half of patients with OCF undergo multiple dermatologic surgical operations, antibiotic regimens, and other excisions and biopsies before a correct diagnosis is made. Herein, we present a systematic review to detail cases of odontogenic cutaneous lesions that had been previously misdiagnosed or managed inappropriately. In addition, we include a case report from our own institution. The aims are to demonstrate various presentations of OCF, increase awareness of plastic surgeons and oral maxillofacial surgeons to this pathological condition, and reinforce the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from January 1, 2013 to July 24, 2023. The following search terms were utilized: "odontogenic cutaneous fistula" OR "odontogenic cutaneous sinus." RESULTS: Twenty-three articles published between 2013 and 2023 were included in this review. In addition, we report a case from our own institution. A total of 28 cases were included in the review. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of OCF is challenging for numerous reasons. Misdiagnosis can lead to multiple trials of antibiotics and surgical procedures as well as reoccurrence of the lesion. Cases summarized highlight the importance of communication between oral maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, other medical subspecialists, and dentists in the evaluation of patients with head and neck lesions. Physicians should consider dental etiology in the differential diagnosis of orofacial skin lesions, even if teeth appear normal on oral examination.

Nasopharyngoscopic Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Closure During Speech.

Definitive oronasal separation through closure of the velopharyngeal (VP) sphincter is necessary for the development of normal speech and feeding. Individuals with velopharyngeal incompetence or insufficiency often exhibit hypernasal speech, poor speech intelligibility, and nasal regurgitation. Assessment of VP sphincter function using nasopharyngoscopy is a key element in identifying VP dysfunction. A foundational understanding of normal anatomy and physiology of the velopharyngeal mechanism is paramount to successful diagnosis. This includes recognition of 4 distinct VP sphincter closure patterns: coronal, sagittal, circular, and circular with Passavant's ridge. In this study, the authors showcase 2 patients with velopharyngeal competence who presented to an ear, nose, and throat clinic for nasopharyngoscopic evaluation. This study sought to demonstrate the use of nasopharyngoscopy to recognize velopharyngeal closure patterns and discuss how they may influence the surgical management of VP dysfunction.

Influence of time-to-diagnosis on time-to-percutaneous coronary intervention for emergency department ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients: Time-to-electrocardiogram matters.

Objectives: Earlier electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with earlier percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and better patient outcomes. However, the exact relationship between timely ECG and timely PCI is unclear. Methods: We quantified the influence of door-to-ECG (D2E) time on ECG-to-PCI balloon (E2B) intervention in this three-year retrospective cohort study, including patients from 10 geographically diverse emergency departments (EDs) co-located with a PCI center. The study included 576 STEMI patients excluding those with a screening ECG before ED arrival or non-diagnostic initial ED ECG. We used a linear mixed-effects model to evaluate D2E's influence on E2B with piecewise linear terms for D2E times associated with time intervals designated as ED intake (0-10 min), triage (11-30 min), and main ED (>30 min). We adjusted for demographic and visit characteristics, past medical history, and included ED location as a random effect. Results: The median E2B interval was longer (76 vs 68 min, p < 0.001) in patients with D2E >10 min than in those with timely D2E. The proportion of patients identified at the intake, triage, and main ED intervals was 65.8%, 24.9%, and 9.7%, respectively. The D2E and E2B association was statistically significant in the triage phase, where a 1-minute change in D2E was associated with a 1.24-minute change in E2B (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-2.05, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Reducing D2E is associated with a shorter E2B. Targeting D2E reduction in patients currently diagnosed during triage (11-30 min) may be the greatest opportunity to improve D2B and could enable 24.9% more ED STEMI patients to achieve timely D2E.

Shorter Door-to-ECG Time Is Associated with Improved Mortality in STEMI Patients.

Background: Delayed intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with higher mortality. The association of door-to-ECG (D2E) with clinical outcomes has not been directly explored in a contemporary US-based population. Methods: This was a three-year, 10-center, retrospective cohort study of ED-diagnosed patients with STEMI comparing mortality between those who received timely (<10 min) vs. untimely (>10 min) diagnostic ECG. Among survivors, we explored left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) dysfunction during the STEMI encounter and recovery upon post-discharge follow-up. Results: Mortality was lower among those who received a timely ECG where one-week mortality was 5% (21/420) vs. 10.2% (26/256) among those with untimely ECGs (p = 0.016), and in-hospital mortality was 6.0% (25/420) vs. 10.9% (28/256) (p = 0.028). Data to compare change in LVEF metrics were available in only 24% of patients during the STEMI encounter and 46.5% on discharge follow-up. Conclusions: D2E within 10 min may be associated with a 50% reduction in mortality among ED STEMI patients. LVEF dysfunction is the primary resultant morbidity among STEMI survivors but was infrequently assessed despite low LVEF being an indication for survival-improving therapy. It will be difficult to assess the impact of STEMI care interventions without more consistent LVEF assessment.

Postoperative pain score does not correlate with injury severity in isolated tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: Appropriate management of acute postoperative pain is critical for patient care and practice management. The purpose of this study was to determine whether postoperative pain score correlates with injury severity in tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was completed at a single academic level one trauma center. All adult patients treated operatively for tibial plateau fractures who did not have concomitant injuries, previous injury to the ipsilateral tibia or knee joint, compartment syndrome, inadequate follow-up, or perioperative regional anesthesia were included (n = 88). The patients were split into groups based on the AO/OTA fracture classification (B-type vs C-type), energy mechanism, number of surgical approaches, need for temporizing external fixation, and operative time as a proxy for injury severity. The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score (average in the first 24 h, highest in the first 24 h, two- and six-week postoperative appointments). Psychosocial and comorbid factors that may affect pain were studied and controlled for (history of diabetes, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and previous opioid prescription). Additionally, opioid use in the postoperative period was studied and controlled for (morphine milligram equivalents (MME) administered in the first 24 h, discharge MME/day, total discharge MME, and opioid refills). RESULTS: VAS scores were similar between groups at each time point except the two-week postoperative time point. At the two-week postoperative time point, the absolute difference between the groups was 1.3. The groups were significantly different in several injury and surgical variables as expected, but were similar in all demographic, comorbid, and postoperative opioid factors. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clinical difference in postoperative pain between AO/OTA 41B and 41C tibial plateau fractures. This supports the idea of providers uncoupling nociception and pain in postoperative patients. Providers should consider minimizing extended opioid use, even in more severe injuries.

An Evaluation of Autologous Fat Injection as a Treatment for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: A Review and Integrated Data Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a condition characterized by incomplete separation of the oral and nasal cavities during speech production, thereby leading to speech abnormalities and audible nasal emissions. Subsequently, this adversely impacts communication and potentially interpersonal social interactions. Autologous fat grafting (AFG) to the velopharynx, a minimally invasive technique, aims to improve oronasal separation by providing bulk and advancing the posterior pharyngeal wall toward the soft palate. Despite its potential, the relative novelty of AFG in treating VPI has resulted in reporting of inconsistent indications, varied surgical techniques, and mixed outcomes across existing literature. METHODS: This systemic review examined the evidence of AFG for VPI treatment over the past decade (2013-2023). A thorough search across five electronic databases yielded 233 studies, with 20 meeting the inclusion criteria (e.g., utilized fat injection as their selected VPI treatment, conducted study in human subjects, did not perform additional surgical procedure at time of fat injection). Selected studies encompassed patient and surgical intervention characteristics, perceptual speech assessment (PSA) scores, gap sizes, nasalance measurements, and complications. RESULTS: The majority of patients had a prior cleft palate diagnosis (78.2%), in which nasoendoscopy was the prevalent method for visualizing the velopharyngeal port defect. Fat harvesting predominantly occurred from the abdomen (64.3%), with an average injection volume of 6.3 mL across studies. PSA and subjective gap size scores were consistently higher preoperatively than postoperatively. PSA score analysis from seven studies revealed significant and sustained improvements postoperatively. Gap size score analysis from four studies demonstrated similar preoperative and postoperative differences. Complications were reported in 17 studies, yielding a 2.7% summative complication rate among 594 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat grafting has emerged as a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment for mild to moderate VPI. However, challenges remain because of variability in patient selection criteria, diagnostic modalities, and outcome measurements. This review underscores the need for randomized control trials to directly compare AFG with standard-of-care surgical interventions, providing more conclusive evidence of its clinical efficacy.

Multiomic foundations of human prefrontal cortex tissue function.

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a region of the brain that in humans is involved in the production of higher-order functions such as cognition, emotion, perception, and behavior. Neurotransmission in the PFC produces higher-order functions by integrating information from other areas of the brain. At the foundation of neurotransmission, and by extension at the foundation of higher-order brain functions, are an untold number of coordinated molecular processes involving the DNA sequence variants in the genome, RNA transcripts in the transcriptome, and proteins in the proteome. These "multiomic" foundations are poorly understood in humans, perhaps in part because most modern studies that characterize the molecular state of the human PFC use tissue obtained when neurotransmission and higher-order brain functions have ceased (i.e., the postmortem state). Here, analyses are presented on data generated for the Living Brain Project (LBP) to investigate whether PFC tissue from individuals with intact higher-order brain function has characteristic multiomic foundations. Two complementary strategies were employed towards this end. The first strategy was to identify in PFC samples obtained from living study participants a signature of RNA transcript expression associated with neurotransmission measured intracranially at the time of PFC sampling, in some cases while participants performed a task engaging higher-order brain functions. The second strategy was to perform multiomic comparisons between PFC samples obtained from individuals with intact higher-order brain function at the time of sampling (i.e., living study participants) and PFC samples obtained in the postmortem state. RNA transcript expression within multiple PFC cell types was associated with fluctuations of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and/or noradrenergic neurotransmission in the substantia nigra measured while participants played a computer game that engaged higher-order brain functions. A subset of these associations - termed the "transcriptional program associated with neurotransmission" (TPAWN) - were reproduced in analyses of brain RNA transcript expression and intracranial neurotransmission data obtained from a second LBP cohort and from a cohort in an independent study. RNA transcripts involved in TPAWN were found to be (1) enriched for RNA transcripts associated with measures of neurotransmission in rodent and cell models, (2) enriched for RNA transcripts encoded by evolutionarily constrained genes, (3) depleted of RNA transcripts regulated by common DNA sequence variants, and (4) enriched for RNA transcripts implicated in higher-order brain functions by human population genetic studies. In PFC excitatory neurons of living study participants, higher expression of the genes in TPAWN tracked with higher expression of RNA transcripts that in rodent PFC samples are markers of a class of excitatory neurons that connect the PFC to deep brain structures. TPAWN was further reproduced by RNA transcript expression patterns differentiating living PFC samples from postmortem PFC samples, and significant differences between living and postmortem PFC samples were additionally observed with respect to (1) the expression of most primary RNA transcripts, mature RNA transcripts, and proteins, (2) the splicing of most primary RNA transcripts into mature RNA transcripts, (3) the patterns of co-expression between RNA transcripts and proteins, and (4) the effects of some DNA sequence variants on RNA transcript and protein expression. Taken together, this report highlights that studies of brain tissue obtained in a safe and ethical manner from large cohorts of living individuals can help advance understanding of the multiomic foundations of brain function.

The Top 100 Most-Cited Publications in Clinical Craniofacial Research.

INTRODUCTION: Craniosynostosis is a birth defect defined as premature closure of sutures leading to possible neurological deficits and cosmetic deformities. Most of the current literature to date focuses on craniosynostosis etiology by analyzing genetics. This paper is a bibliometric analysis of the most influential works related to the clinical management of craniosynostosis to help guide clinicians in their decision-making. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Clarivate Web of Science database was used to identify the top 100 most-cited articles addressing the clinical management of craniosynostosis. A bibliometric review was performed to analyze publication metrics and track research trends. RESULTS: The 100 most-cited publications pertaining to craniosynostosis management were cited a cumulative 12,779 times. The highest cited article was Shillito and colleagues' "Craniosynostosis: A Review Of 519 Surgical Patients" with 352 citations. The oldest clinical craniosynostosis article dates back to 1948, and the most recent was published in 2016. The year with the most clinical-focused publications was 2011. The most prolific author was Renier, D. The United States produced 56 of the 100 articles. Most articles (n=52) were level 3 evidence. DISCUSSION: This bibliometric evaluation of craniosynostosis provides insight into the most impactful literature on this topic. The highest cited articles retrospectively analyze large sample sizes, outline proper evaluation, discuss intervention timelines, and highlight specific treatment plans for this birth defect. By filtering through existing literature, this analysis can guide clinicians on the management of craniosynostosis to maximize patient outcomes.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Primary Refractory Tinnitus: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: tinnitus is a common and often debilitating condition with limited evidence-based treatment options. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an approved treatment modality for certain neurological conditions; its experimental use as a treatment modality for severe tinnitus is novel and beginning to show promise. This systematic review focuses on the current evidence for the safety and efficacy of DBS for treatment of refractory tinnitus. METHODS: a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE was performed to identify peer-reviewed studies on DBS of non-cortical structures for the primary indication of tinnitus treatment. Three studies were identified as meeting these criteria, one of which had two related sub-studies. RESULTS: seven patients with available data who underwent DBS for tinnitus were identified. DBS targets included nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule (vALIC), caudate nucleus, and the medial geniculate body (MGB) of the thalamus. All studies used the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) as a primary outcome measure. DBS of the caudate was most commonly reported (n = 5), with a mean TFI improvement of 23.3 points. Only one subject underwent DBS targeting the NAc/vALIC (extrapolated TFI improvement 46.8) and one subject underwent DBS targeting the MGB (TFI improvement 59 points). CONCLUSIONS: DBS is a promising treatment option for refractory subjective tinnitus, with early data, from small patient cohorts in multiple studies, suggesting its safety and efficacy. Further studies with a larger patient population are needed to support this safety and efficacy before implementing this treatment to daily practice.

Application of 3D Printing in Cleft Lip and Palate Repair.

This manuscript reviews the transformative impact of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in the treatment and management of cleft lip and palate (CLP), highlighting its application across presurgical planning, surgical training, implantable scaffolds, and postoperative care. By integrating patient-specific data through computer-aided design and manufacturing, 3D printing offers tailored solutions that improve surgical outcomes, reduce operation times, and enhance patient care. The review synthesizes current research findings, technical advancements, and clinical applications, illustrating the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize CLP treatment. Further, it discusses the future directions of combining 3D printing with other innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, 4D printing, and in situ bioprinting for more comprehensive care strategies. This paper underscores the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration and further research to overcome existing challenges and fully utilize the capabilities of 3D printing in CLP repair.

The impact of source and consumption of news on mental distress among inflammatory bowel disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: We sought to understand the trends in media use, and how consumption and source affected mental health of persons with inflammatory bowel disease during the early parts of the pandemic. Dissemination of news during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was integral to educating the public but also could be harmful if constantly consumed, leading to worsening anxiety. Methods: We performed a survey study in autumn 2020 during the second wave of COVID-19 in Manitoba. The survey included questions on consumption of COVID-19 news, along with validated measures of perceived stress, generalized anxiety, health anxiety, and depression. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess trusted sources of news as a predictor of clinically significant mental health symptoms. Results: Of the 2940 participants in the registry, 1384 (47.1%) persons responded. The most trusted sources of news were television (64.2%), internet (46.1%), newspaper (27.6%), friends/family (21.7%), social media (16.9%), and radio (16.6%). Those who trusted social media had higher odds of depression (aOR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22), and perceived stress (aOR 2.56, 95%CI 1.09-2.21). Persons who reported extreme difficulty limiting their time-consuming news about COVID-19 and who spent more than 1 h daily consuming information on COVID-19 both had increased odds of any clinically significant mental health symptoms. Conclusions: It is unknown if consumption of COVID-19 news led to heightened mental health symptoms or if increasing anxieties and concerns led to consuming more news. Further research is needed to assess whether these elevated mental health symptoms led to worse disease outcomes.

Polyphosphazene-Based Anion-Anchored Polymer Electrolytes For All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Safety concerns of traditional liquid electrolytes, especially when paired with lithium (Li) metal anodes, have stimulated research of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) to exploit the superior thermal and mechanical properties of polymers. Polyphosphazenes are primarily known for their use as flame retardant materials and have demonstrated high Li-ion conductivity owing to their highly flexible P = N backbone which promotes Li-ion conduction via inter- and intrachain hopping along the polymer backbone. While polyphosphazenes are largely unexplored as SPEs in the literature, a few existing examples showed promising ionic conductivity. By anchoring the anion to the polymer backbone, one may primarily allow the movement of Li ions, alleviating the detrimental effects of polarization that are common in conventional dual-ion conducting SPEs. Anion-anchored SPEs, known as single Li-ion conducting solid polymer electrolytes (SLiC-SPEs), exhibit high Li-ion transference numbers (tLi+), which limits Li dendrite growth, thus further increasing the safety of SPEs. However, previously reported SLiC-SPEs suffer from inadequate ionic conductivity, small electrochemical stability windows (ESWs), and limited cycling stability. Herein, we report three polyphosphazene-based SLiC-SPEs comprising lithiated polyphosphazenes. The SLiC polyphosphazenes were prepared through a facile synthesis route, opening the door for enhanced tunability of polymer properties via facile macromolecular nucleophilic substitution and subsequent lithiation. State-of-the-art characterization techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (ssNMR) were employed to probe the effect of the polymer structure on Li-ion dynamics and other electrochemical properties. Produced SPEs showed thermal stability up to ∼208 °C with ionic conductivities comparable to that of the best-reported SLiC-SPEs that definitively comprise no solvents or plasticizers. Among the three lithiated polyphosphazenes, the SPE containing dilithium poly[bis(trifluoroethylamino)phosphazene] (pTFAP2Li) exhibited the most promising electrochemical characteristics with tLi+ of 0.76 and compatibility with both Li metal anodes and LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes; through 40 cycles at 100 °C, the PEO-pTFAP2Li blend showed 81.2% capacity utilization and 86.8% capacity retention. This work constitutes one of the first successful demonstrations of the cycling performance of a true all-solid-state Li-metal battery using SLiC polyphosphazene SPEs.

The Excited-State Lifetime of Poly(NDI2OD-T2) Is Intrinsically Short.

Conjugated polymers composed of alternating electron donor and acceptor segments have come to dominate the materials being considered for organic photoelectrodes and solar cells, in large part because of their favorable near-infrared absorption. The prototypical electron-transporting push-pull polymer poly(NDI2OD-T2) (N2200) is one such material. While reasonably efficient organic solar cells can be fabricated with N2200 as the acceptor, it generally fails to contribute as much photocurrent from its absorption bands as the donor with which it is paired. Moreover, transient absorption studies have shown N2200 to have a consistently short excited-state lifetime (∼100 ps) that is dominated by a ground-state recovery. In this paper, we investigate whether these characteristics are intrinsic to the backbone structure of this polymer or if these are extrinsic effects from ubiquitous solution-phase and thin-film aggregates. We compare the solution-phase photophysics of N2200 with those of a pair of model compounds composed of alternating bithiophene (T2) donor and naphthalene diimide (NDI) acceptor units, NDI-T2-NDI and T2-NDI-T2, in a dilute solution. We find that the model compounds have even faster ground-state recovery dynamics (τ = 45, 27 ps) than the polymer (τ = 133 ps), despite remaining molecularly isolated in solution. In these molecules, as in the case of the N2200 polymer, the lowest excited state has a T2 to NDI charge-transfer (CT) character. Electronic-structure calculations indicate that the short lifetime of this state is due to fast nonradiative decay to the ground state (GS) promoted by strong CT-GS electronic coupling and strong electron-vibrational coupling with high-frequency (quantum) normal modes.

Management of Maxillofacial Trauma in Pregnant Women.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma during pregnancy deserves special attention as management must be directed towards both the mother and the fetus. Management of maxillofacial fractures in pregnancy can adversely affect the well-being of the fetus by impinging on normal functions such as respiration, mastication, and nutrition. Pregnancy complicates the management of facial injury due to the maintenance of the patent airway, anesthesia considerations, and imaging restraints. The purpose of this study is to use three illustrative from our own institution to further elucidate education on the management of mandible fracture in pregnancy with a focus on multidisciplinary treatment and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all cases of facial fractures admitted to Ryder Trauma Center from 2012 to 2022. During this time, 4,910 patients presented with facial fractures 1319 patients were female. Three of the patients were pregnant at the time of admission. Demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and management information were collected. RESULTS: Patient 1 was a 20-year-old female presented to Ryder Trauma Center following a motor vehicle collision. She was 17 weeks pregnant at the time of admission and was found to have a left mandibular angle fracture. Patient 2 was a 14-year-old female who presented to Ryder Trauma Center status post gunshot wound to the mandible after she and her brother were unknowingly playing with a loaded gun. She was 18 weeks pregnant at the time of admission, with a past medical history of domestic violence, suicidal ideation, and major depressive disorder. Patient 3 was a 20-year-old female 36 weeks pregnant at the time of admission. She presented with a right paraymphyseal fracture and left mandibular angle fracture as a result of falling on the stairs. Patients all underwent surgical repair of fractures.