Tailoring Localized Electrolyte via a Dual-Functional Protein Membrane toward Stable Zn Anodes.

Considerable attention has been by far paid to stabilizing metallic Zn anodes, where side reactions and dendrite formation still remain detrimental to their practical advancement. Electrolyte modification or protected layer design is widely reported; nonetheless, an effective maneuver to synergize both tactics has been rarely explored. Herein, we propose a localized electrolyte optimization via the introduction of a dual-functional biomass modificator over the Zn anode. Instrumental characterization in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulation indicates local solvation structure transformation owing to the limitation of bound water with intermolecular hydrogen bonds, effectively suppressing hydrogen evolutions. Meanwhile, the optimized nucleation throughout the protein membrane allows uniform Zn deposition. Accordingly, the symmetric cell exhibits an elongated lifespan of 3280 h at 1.0 mA cm-2/1.0 mAh cm-2, while the capacity retention of the full cell sustains 91.1% after 2000 cycles at 5.0 A g-1. The localized electrolyte tailoring via protein membrane introduction might offer insights into operational metal anode protection.

Establishing Pinhole Deposition Mode of Zn via Scalable Monolayer Graphene Film.

The uneven texture evolution of Zn during electrodeposition would adversely impact upon the lifespan of aqueous Zn metal batteries. To address this issue, tremendous endeavors are made to induce Zn(002) orientational deposition employing graphene and its derivatives. Nevertheless, the effect of prototype graphene film over Zn deposition behavior has garnered less attention. Here, it is attempted to solve such a puzzle via utilizing transferred high-quality graphene film with controllable layer numbers in a scalable manner on a Zn foil. The multilayer graphene fails to facilitate a Zn epitaxial deposition, whereas the monolayer film with slight breakages steers a unique pinhole deposition mode. In-depth electrochemical measurements and theoretical simulations discover that the transferred graphene film not only acts as an armor to inhibit side reactions but also serves as a buffer layer to homogenize initial Zn nucleation and decrease Zn migration barrier, accordingly enabling a smooth deposition layer with closely stacked polycrystalline domains. As a result, both assembled symmetric and full cells manage to deliver satisfactory electrochemical performances. This study proposes a concept of "pinhole deposition" to dictate Zn electrodeposition and broadens the horizons of graphene-modified Zn anodes.

Outcomes of preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis underwent cytoreductive surgery

Background This study aims to assess and compare the extent to which preoperative chemotherapy prior to CRS improves survival in patients diagnosed with CRCPM. Methods We included 251 patients from 2012 to 2019 in our center. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was used to minimize the selection bias. Survival analysis was performed to compare the survival outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors. Result The baseline characteristics were well balanced using IPTW (standardized mean difference < 0.1). Preoperative chemotherapy cannot significantly improve overall survival (HR, 1.03; 95% CI 0.71–1.49; P = 0.88). In subgroup analysis, we found that intestinal obstruction after preoperative chemotherapy significantly reduced survival (HR, 2.25; 95% CI 1.01–5.03; P = 0.048), while in the upfront surgery group, intestinal obstruction had no impact on prognosis. Conclusion For CRCPM patients treated with CRS, preoperative chemotherapy does not seem to prolong overall survival. Furthermore, the emergence of intestinal obstruction after chemotherapy may compromise the effectiveness of treatment, resulting in a worse prognosis. This finding has important clinical implications for treatment decisions (AU)

Dendrite-Free and High-Rate Potassium Metal Batteries Sustained by an Inorganic-Rich SEI.

Potassium metal battery is an appealing candidate for future energy storage. However, its application is plagued by the notorious dendrite proliferation at the anode side, which entails the formation of vulnerable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and non-uniform potassium deposition on the current collector. Here, this work reports a dual-modification design of aluminum current collector to render dendrite-free potassium anodes with favorable reversibility. This work achieves to modulate the electronic structure of the designed current collector and accordingly attain an SEI architecture with robust inorganic-rich constituents, which is evidenced by detailed cryo-EM inspection and X-ray depth profiling. The thus-produced SEI manages to expedite ionic conductivity and guide homogeneous potassium deposition. Compared to the potassium metal cells assembled using typical aluminum current collector, cells based on the designed current collector realize improved rate capability (maintaining 400 h under 50 mA cm-2 ) and low-temperature durability (stable operation at -50 °C). Moreover, scalable production of the current collector allows for the sustainable construction of high-safety potassium metal batteries, with the potential for reducing the manufacturing cost.

Outcomes of preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis underwent cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess and compare the extent to which preoperative chemotherapy prior to CRS improves survival in patients diagnosed with CRCPM. METHODS: We included 251 patients from 2012 to 2019 in our center. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was used to minimize the selection bias. Survival analysis was performed to compare the survival outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors. RESULT: The baseline characteristics were well balanced using IPTW (standardized mean difference < 0.1). Preoperative chemotherapy cannot significantly improve overall survival (HR, 1.03; 95% CI 0.71-1.49; P = 0.88). In subgroup analysis, we found that intestinal obstruction after preoperative chemotherapy significantly reduced survival (HR, 2.25; 95% CI 1.01-5.03; P = 0.048), while in the upfront surgery group, intestinal obstruction had no impact on prognosis. CONCLUSION: For CRCPM patients treated with CRS, preoperative chemotherapy does not seem to prolong overall survival. Furthermore, the emergence of intestinal obstruction after chemotherapy may compromise the effectiveness of treatment, resulting in a worse prognosis. This finding has important clinical implications for treatment decisions.

Photochemical reductive deamination of alpha-amino aryl alkyl ketones.

Photochemical reductive deamination of alpha-amino aryl alkyl ketones under photosensitizer-free conditions is presented. This protocol features high efficiency and selectivity. A plausible reaction pathway is proposed based on ultraviolet-visible absorption investigation, control experiments and deuterium-labelling studies. Mechanistic study reveals that the alpha-hydrogen atom of the ketone product originated from water.

A Holistic Additive Protocol Steers Dendrite-Free Zn(101) Orientational Electrodeposition.

Orientation guidance has shown its cutting edges in electrodeposition modulation to promote Zn anode stability toward commercialized standards. Nevertheless, large-scale orientational deposition is handicapped by the competition between Zn-ion reduction and mass transfer. Herein, a holistic electrolyte additive protocol is put forward via incorporating bio-derived dextrin molecules into a zinc sulfate electrolyte bath. Electrochemical tests in combination with molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate the alleviation of concentration polarization throughout accelerating Zn2+ diffusion and retarding their reduction. The predominant (101) texture on inert current collectors (i.e., Cu, Ti, and stainless steel) and (101)/(002) textures on Zn foils afford homogeneous electrical field distribution, which is contributed by the work difference to form the 2D nucleus and the adsorption of dextrin molecules, respectively. Consequently, the symmetric cell harvests a longevous cycling lifespan of over 4000 h at 0.5 mA cm-2 /0.5 mAh cm-2 while the Zn@Cu electrode sustains for 240 h at a high depth of discharge of 40%.

Adolescent experiences with online racial discrimination: Implications for prevention and coping.

Online aggression represents a wide range of negative experiences, including online discrimination targeting individuals based on race, but adolescent perspectives are not well-represented. We interviewed 15 adolescents regarding their experiences with online racial discrimination. After a phenomenological analysis, four main themes emerged: types of online racial aggression, processes supporting online racism, personal coping, and strategies to prevent online racial aggression. These themes provided insights into adolescent experiences, including feelings about targeted online racial discrimination, intersectionality with sexual harassment, and comfort through processing with friends. This study highlights adolescents' thoughts regarding advocacy, education, and social media reform to prevent online racial aggression. Future research should ensure that youth voices from minoritized racial backgrounds are integrated into efforts to address these critical social issues.

New-onset Glaucoma Following Moderna COVID-19 Vaccination.

Aim: To report a case of new-onset glaucoma following administration of the Moderna (mRNA-1273) vaccine. Background: Previous studies have reported a low incidence of ocular adverse events induced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. The literature on open-angle glaucoma associated with COVID-19 vaccination is limited. Case description: The patient complained of blurred vision 2 days following the administration of the second dose of the Moderna vaccine in July 2021. At presentation, the ophthalmic examination showed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) of 30 mm Hg in her right eye (OD) and 18 mm Hg in her left eye (OS). There were no signs of intraocular inflammation or glaucomatous optic neuropathy at the initial presentation. She was treated with a topical ß-blocker first. In addition, 1 month later, her IOPs were 28 mm Hg OD and 26 mm Hg OS. Although treated with multiple antiglaucoma medications, her optic cup-to-disc ratios were increased in both eyes (OU) compared to May 2019. She developed a glaucomatous visual field (VF) defect OD in October 2021. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in OU. Conclusion: Glaucoma may be a rare but severe ocular adverse event of the Moderna vaccines. The ophthalmologist should pay attention to the risk of increased IOP following COVID-19 vaccination. Clinical significance: We reported a case of new-onset open-angle glaucoma presumably associated with COVID-19 vaccination. How to cite this article: Su Y, Yeh S, Chen M. New-onset Glaucoma Following Moderna COVID-19 Vaccination. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):106-109.

Rationalized Electroepitaxy toward Scalable Single-Crystal Zn Anodes.

Electroepitaxy is recognized as an effective approach to prepare metal electrodes with nearly complete reversibility. Nevertheless, large-scale manipulation is still not attainable owing to complicated interfacial chemistry. Here, the feasibility of extending Zn electroepitaxy toward the bulk phase over a mass-produced mono-oriented Cu(111) foil is demonstrated. Interfacial Cu-Zn alloy and turbulent electroosmosis are circumvented by adopting a potentiostatic electrodeposition protocol. The as-prepared Zn single-crystalline anode enables stable cycling of symmetric cells at a stringent current density of 50.0 mA cm-2 . The assembled full cell further sustaines a capacity retention of 95.7% at 5.0 A g-1 for 1500 cycles, accompanied by a controllably low N/P ratio of 7.5. In addition to Zn, Ni electroepitaxy can be realized by using the same approach. This study may inspire rational exploration of the design of high-end metal electrodes.

A Transcendental Phenomenology of School Counselors' Lived Experiences Transforming Remote Counseling Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The purpose of this study is to explore school counselors' experiences migrating counseling services online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 14 school counselors with a focus on the use of technology and transformative practices. Findings of the study included five composite themes: (a) changes in school counseling services using technology; (b) reaching families for equity; (c) changes in relationship with stakeholders; (d) school counselors' adjustment to grief, loss, and role confusion; and (e) positive outcomes for the future. We discuss the essence of the lived experience and implications for school counselors.

Healing Wounds Efficiently with Biomimetic Soft Matter: Injectable Self-Healing Neutral Glycol Chitosan/Dibenzaldehyde-Terminated Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogel with Inherent Antibacterial Properties.

The high prevalence of acquiring skin wounds, along with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains that lead to infections, impose a threat to the physical, mental, and socioeconomic health of society. Among the wide array of wound dressings developed, hydrogels are regarded as a biomimetic soft matter of choice owing to their ability to provide a moist environment ideal for healing. Herein, neutral glycol chitosan (GC) was cross-linked via imine bonds with varying concentrations of dibenzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol (DP) to give glycol chitosan/dibenzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol hydrogels (GC/DP). These dynamic Schiff base linkages (absorption peak at 1638 cm-1) within the hydrogel structure endowed their ability to recover from damage as characterized by high-low strain exposure in continuous step strain rheology. Along with their good injectability and biodegradability, the hydrogels exhibited remarkable inhibition against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. GC/DP hydrogels demonstrated high LC50 values in vivo using zebrafish embryos as a model system due to their relative biocompatibility and a remarkable 93.4 ± 0.88% wound contraction at 30-dpw against 49.1 ± 3.40% of the control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that developed injectable glycol chitosan/dibenzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol self-healing hydrogels for application in wound healing with intrinsic bacteriostatic properties against the three bacteria.

Synchronous Dual Electrolyte Additive Sustains Zn Metal Anode with 5600†h Lifespan.

Despite conspicuous merits of Zn metal anodes, the commercialization is still handicapped by rampant dendrite formation and notorious side reaction. Manipulating the nucleation mode and deposition orientation of Zn is a key to rendering stabilized Zn anodes. Here, a dual electrolyte additive strategy is put forward via the direct cooperation of xylitol (XY) and graphene oxide (GO) species into typical zinc sulfate electrolyte. As verified by molecular dynamics simulations, the incorporated XY molecules could regulate the solvation structure of Zn2+ , thus inhibiting hydrogen evolution and side reactions. The self-assembled GO layer is in favor of facilitating the desolvation process to accelerate reaction kinetics. Progressive nucleation and orientational deposition can be realized under the synergistic modulation, enabling a dense and uniform Zn deposition. Consequently, symmetric cell based on dual additives harvests a highly reversible cycling of 5600 h at 1.0 mA cm-2 /1.0 mAh cm-2 .

Artificial Interphase Layer for Stabilized Zn Anodes: Progress and Prospects.

The burgeoning Li-ion battery is regarded as a powerful energy storage system by virtue of its high energy density. However, inescapable issues concerning safety and cost aspects retard its prospect in certain application scenarios. Accordingly, strenuous efforts have been devoted to the development of the emerging aqueous Zn-ion battery (AZIB) as an alternative to inflammable organic batteries. In particular, the instability from the anode side severely impedes the commercialization of AZIB. Constructing an artificial interphase layer (AIL) has been widely employed as an effective strategy to stabilize the Zn anode. This review specializes in the state-of-the-art of AIL design for Zn anode protection, encompassing the preparation methods, mechanism investigations, and device performances based on the classification of functional materials. To begin with, the origins of Zn instability are interpreted from the perspective of electrical field, mass transfer, and nucleation process, followed by a comprehensive summary with respect to functions of AIL and its designing criteria. In the end, current challenges and future outlooks based upon theoretical and experimental considerations are included.

Pantoea dispersa rhinosinusitis: clinical aspects of a rare sinonasal pathogen.

PURPOSE: There is no report in the literature targeting the role of Pantoea dispersa in rhinosinusitis and P. dispersa has not been identified as a commensal bacterium in the sinonasal cavity. We aimed to investigate the role of P. dispersa in rhinosinusitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with rhinosinusitis at a medical center in Taiwan. RESULTS: A total of 274 rhinosinusitis patients underwent sinus culture between July 2017 and July 2019. All 23 patients with acute P. dispersa rhinosinusitis experienced purulent rhinorrhea; three (13%) had nasal obstruction, but none had olfactory dysfunction, facial pressure/pain and nasal polyp. The patients with P. dispersa received a significantly shorter duration of antibiotic treatment (19.9 ± 2.6 vs. 28.9 ± 2.5 days, P = 0.015) and had lower surgery rate (0% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.043) than other patients. Patients with olfactory dysfunction were more likely to receive surgical treatment (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Acute rhinosinusitis caused by P. dispersa resulted in less surgical interventions and shorter treatment durations. Olfactory dysfunction may imply longer course and possibility for surgical intervention in chronic rhinosinusitis. The present study revealed that P. dispersa had the potential to colonize in human sinonasal cavities and cause rhinosinusitis.

The Dosage, Context, and Modality of Interventions to Prevent Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization: a Systematic Review.

Past reviews of cyberbullying preventative interventions have critiqued the field regarding scientific rigor, and a meta-analysis found that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of such interventions were more effective than non-RCTs. However, no review has examined the risk of bias, dosage, modality, and delivery context of such programs to date. The current study addresses this gap through a systematic review of the literature. Potential articles (N = 4,737) from 4 databases were identified and screened (Academic Search Premier including ERIC, PsychINFO, and the Psychology and Behavioral Collection; PubMed; Web of Science; Compendex); 72 articles were reviewed for eligibility. Final articles included (N = 30) were based on a rigorous search process guided by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The majority of studies were conducted in Europe; two were conducted in the USA, three in Australia, and two in the Middle East. Efforts to reduce risk of bias were evaluated using the Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Harvest plots were constructed to qualitatively illustrate the rigor, dosage, modality, and context of the interventions, and meta-analytic random effects models were conducted to examine effect sizes of the interventions on cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Results suggest that cyberbullying interventions delivered through schools are effective, though expanded follow-up time is suggested, and additional evidence is needed for home settings and digital delivery.

Interfacial Manipulation via In Situ Grown ZnSe Cultivator toward Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anodes.

Zn metal anode has garnered growing scientific and industrial interest owing to its appropriate redox potential, low cost, and high safety. Nevertheless, the instability of Zn anode caused by dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, and side reactions has greatly hampered its commercialization. Herein, an in situ grown ZnSe overlayer is crafted over one side of commercial Zn foil via chemical vapor deposition in a scalable manner, aiming to achieve optimized electrolyte/Zn interfaces with large-scale viability. Impressively, thus-derived ZnSe coating functions as a cultivator to guide oriented growth of Zn (002) plane at the infancy stage of stripping/plating cycles, thereby inhibiting the formation of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of side reactions. As a result, high cyclic stability (1530 h at 1.0 mA cm-2 /1.0 mAh cm-2 ; 172 h at 30.0 mA cm-2 /10.0 mAh cm-2 ) in symmetric cells is harvested. Meanwhile, when paired with V2 O5 based cathode, assembled full cell achieves an outstanding capacity (194.5 mAh g-1 ) and elongated lifespan (a capacity retention of 84% after 1000 cycles) at 5.0 A g-1 . The reversible Zn anode enabled by the interfacial manipulation strategy via ZnSe cultivator is anticipated to satisfy the demand of commercial use.

Monolithic Plasmonic Waveguide Architecture for Passive and Active Optical Circuits.

Guided-wave plasmonic circuits are promising platforms for sensing, interconnection, and quantum applications in the subdiffraction regime. Nonetheless, the loss-confinement trade-off remains a collective bottleneck for plasmonic-enhanced optical processes. Here, we report a unique plasmonic waveguide architecture that can alleviate such trade-off and improve the efficiencies of plasmonic-based emission, light-matter-interaction, and detection simultaneously. Specifically, record experimental attributes such as normalized Purcell factor approaching 104, 10 dB amplitude modulation with <1 dB insertion loss and fJ-level switching energy, and photodetection sensitivity and internal quantum efficiency of -54 dBm and 6.4% respectively have been realized within our amorphous-based, coupled-mode plasmonic structure. The ability to support multiple optoelectronic phenomena while providing performance gains over existing plasmonic and dielectric counterparts offers a clear path toward reconfigurable, monolithic plasmonic circuits.