Complex Process Research Articles

Patient and clinician perceptions of blunt chest trauma management and recovery: a qualitative study.

To explore patient and clinician perceptions of blunt chest trauma management and recovery, when discharged directly home from the Emergency Department (ED). This was a qualitative study, completed in a trauma unit in Wales. Blunt chest trauma was defined as an isolated blunt injury to the chest wall, resulting in bruising or rib fractures. Data collection involved semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups with patients and clinicians respectively. Data analysis was completed using reflexive thematic coding. Twelve patient interviews and three focus groups (23 clinicians) were conducted. In the interviews, seven males and five females participated, with a mean age of 54 years (range 28-74). Clinicians included nurses, doctors, and therapists. Two main themes emerged; 1) the ED experience and 2) recovery once home; each with a number of sub-themes. Results highlighted the significant impact of pain on recovery, and that there is a disjuncture between organisational perspectives of clinicians, and the individual personal perspective of patients. Recovery from blunt chest trauma for patients discharged directly home from the ED is a challenging and complex process. Protocol-driven care does not always lead to good patient experience, as it focuses primarily on hospital services and resources.

Mechanical Stability and Unfolding Pathways of Parallel Tetrameric G-Quadruplexes Probed by Pulling Simulations.

Guanine quadruplex (GQ) is a noncanonical nucleic acid structure formed by guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences. Folding of GQs is a complex process, where several aspects remain elusive, despite being important for understanding structure formation and biological functions of GQs. Pulling experiments are a common tool for acquiring insights into the folding landscape of GQs. Herein, we applied a computational pulling strategy─steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations─in combination with standard molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the unfolding landscapes of tetrameric parallel GQs. We identified anisotropic properties of elastic conformational changes, unfolding transitions, and GQ mechanical stabilities. Using a special set of structural parameters, we found that the vertical component of pulling force (perpendicular to the average G-quartet plane) plays a significant role in disrupting GQ structures and weakening their mechanical stabilities. We demonstrated that the magnitude of the vertical force component depends on the pulling anchor positions and the number of G-quartets. Typical unfolding transitions for tetrameric parallel GQs involve base unzipping, opening of the G-stem, strand slippage, and rotation to cross-like structures. The unzipping was detected as the first and dominant unfolding event, and it usually started at the 3'-end. Furthermore, results from both SMD and standard MD simulations indicate that partial spiral conformations serve as a transient ensemble during the (un)folding of GQs.

Feedback Loop Failure Modes in Medical Diagnosis: How Biases Can Emerge and Be Reinforced.

Medical diagnosis in practice connects to research through continuous feedback loops: Studies of diagnosed cases shape our understanding of disease, which shapes future diagnostic practice. Without accounting for an imperfect and complex diagnostic process in which some cases are more likely to be diagnosed correctly (or diagnosed at all), the feedback loop can inadvertently exacerbate future diagnostic errors and biases. A feedback loop failure occurs if misleading evidence about disease etiology encourages systematic errors that self-perpetuate, compromising future diagnoses and patient care. This article defines scenarios for feedback loop failure in medical diagnosis. Through simulated cases, we characterize how disease incidence, presentation, and risk factors can be misunderstood when observational data are summarized naive to biases arising from diagnostic error. A fourth simulation extends to a progressive disease. When severe cases of a disease are diagnosed more readily, less severe cases go undiagnosed, increasingly leading to underestimation of the prevalence and heterogeneity of the disease presentation. Observed differences in incidence and symptoms between demographic groups may be driven by differences in risk, presentation, the diagnostic process itself, or a combination of these. We suggested how perceptions about risk factors and representativeness may drive the likelihood of diagnosis. Differing diagnosis rates between patient groups can feed back to increasingly greater diagnostic errors and disparities in the timing of diagnosis and treatment. A feedback loop between past data and future medical practice may seem obviously beneficial. However, under plausible scenarios, poorly implemented feedback loops can degrade care. Direct summaries from observational data based on diagnosed individuals may be misleading, especially concerning those symptoms and risk factors that influence the diagnostic process itself. Current evidence about a disease can (and should) influence the diagnostic process. A feedback loop failure may occur if biased "evidence" encourages diagnostic errors, leading to future errors in the evidence base.When diagnostic accuracy varies for mild versus severe cases or between demographic groups, incorrect conclusions about disease prevalence and presentation will result without specifically accounting for such variability.Use of demographic characteristics in the diagnostic process should be done with careful justification, in particular avoiding potential cognitive biases and overcorrection.

Flame Spray Pyrolysis Synthesis of Ultra-Small High-Entropy Alloy-Supported Oxide Nanoparticles for CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysts.

The synthesis of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with ultra-small particle sizes has long been a challenging task. The complex and time-consuming synthesis process hinders their practical application and widespread adoption. This study presents the novel synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles loaded with a quinary high-entropy alloy through flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) for the first time. The extremely fast heating rate of flame combustion makes the precursor fast pyrolysis gasification, high temperature in the flame field promotes the metal vapor mixing uniformly, and the fast quenching process can reduce the particle aggregation sintering, the ultra-small particle size of HEA firmly attached to the TiO2 surface. The catalysts prepared via this gas-to-particle pathway exhibit excellent performance in CO2 hydrogenation, achieving a conversion rate of 62% at 450°C, and maintaining their activity for over 220h without significant particle agglomeration. This finding provides valuable insights for the future design of catalytically active materials with enhanced activity and long-term stability.

Autophagy-targeting modulation to promote peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract Nerve regeneration following traumatic peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies is a complex process modulated by diverse factors and intricate molecular mechanisms. Past studies have focused on factors that stimulate axonal outgrowth and myelin regeneration. However, recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of autophagy in peripheral nerve regeneration, particularly in the context of traumatic injuries. Consequently, autophagy-targeting modulation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration. Our current understanding suggests that activating autophagy facilitates the rapid clearance of damaged axons and myelin sheaths, thereby enhancing neuronal survival and mitigating injury-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. These actions collectively contribute to creating a favorable microenvironment for structural and functional nerve regeneration. A range of autophagy- inducing drugs and interventions have demonstrated beneficial effects in alleviating peripheral neuropathy and promoting nerve regeneration in preclinical models of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries. This review delves into the regulation of autophagy in cell types involved in peripheral nerve regeneration, summarizing the potential drugs and interventions that can be harnessed to promote this process. We hope that our review will offer novel insights and perspectives on the exploitation of autophagy pathways in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies.

Using cultural-historical activity theory to describe a university-wide blended learning initiative

Institution-wide evaluations of Blended Learning implementations are rare. Even less common are evaluations that report the sociocultural context of the implementation. Recently, an Australian university in the western region of Victoria embarked on an initiative to blend all course units over a three-year period. Stemming from a rigorous analysis of reporting documents and participantresearcher observations, an attempt has been made to describe the sociocultural context of this blended learning initiative through the lens of Engestrom’s Cultural-historical Activity Theory (CHAT). This description, along with the challenges surfaced will serve as a precursor to the university-wide impact evaluation of this blended learning initiative. The objective of the analysis was to reify the complex processes, intricate relationships and dynamic environmental elements, which tend not to be captured by impact evaluations. Understanding what exactly is going on will enable the University to situate evaluation findings in the context of factors that might have helped or hampered the achievement of outcomes, and remediate process-related problems in a timely manner. Amidst the flurry of focused and coordinated blended learning activities, eight key process-related challenges emerged: Staff Capacity, Engagement, Deployment, Workload, Technological Issues, Project Management, Communication and Unit Stability. These challenges could potentially make or break ‘the Blend’ if not adequately addressed. This paper highlights the value of process evaluations for online and blended learning implementations and argues for such evaluations to be grounded in ontological realities reflected on accountability reports and observational data.

Negotiating Between Belief and Custom: The Encounters of Han Muslim Converts in China

ABSTRACT The conversion of Han Chinese in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to Islam is a complex and dynamic process that goes beyond the mere adoption of a new faith. Potential converts undergo a multifaceted journey involving learning about Islam, reflecting on Hui and Han ethnic cultures and customs, and understanding the historical relationship between Islam as a religion and ethnic Hui Chinese people. Through this process, Han converts gradually develop a pluralistic and multilayered identity that encompasses their Han ethnicity and Muslim faith. The article emphasizes the importance of daily inter-group interactions and the use of various strategies to resolve conflicts while adhering to Islamic beliefs. It introduces a theoretical framework consisting of discursive, local, and configurable values to analyze the nuances of everyday experiences among Han converts. This framework provides a structured approach to understanding the complexities of identity formation and enrich ongoing discussions within the Islamic anthropological research community.

Perspectives and Experiences of Stakeholders on Self-Disclosure of Peers in Mental Health Services.

With the movement towards recovery-oriented mental health (MH) services, individuals with MH lived-experience are increasingly employed as peer providers (peers). Peers are unique in that they bring knowledge from experience and eye-level connection to service users that enhance the quality of services and humanize MH systems' culture. In Israel, hundreds of peers are employed in various roles and settings across the MH system. However, peer integration into MH services faces challenges. One issue involves the use of self-disclosure (SD) in MH services which varies with explicitness across roles and settings. This study sought to understand perspectives and experiences regarding peers' SD (use & sharing of knowledge from experience) among different stakeholders in MH health services. Six focus groups and 4 semi-structured interviews (N = 42) were conducted as a part of a larger international project (UPSIDES; ERC Horizon 2020, Moran et al., Trials 21:371, 2020). Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four categories and 7 themes were identified regarding current perspectives and experiences with peers' SD in MH organizations: (i) Restrained or cautious organizational approach to SD; (ii) Attitudes of peers to SD approach; (iii) The influence of designated peer roles on SD; and (iv) Unwarranted SD of peers working in traditional roles. The findings reveal that peers' SD in MH services is a complex process. Organizationalapproaches were often controlling of non-designated peers' SD practices; participants had diverse attitudes for and against peers' SD; SD occurred according to personal preferences, specific peer role and the director's approach to peers' SD; Conflictual SD dilemmas emerged in relation to service users and staff. SD sometimes occurs unwarrantely due to ill mental health. The presence of peer-designated roles positively impacts peers' SD. We interpret thecurrent mix of views and general conduct of peer SD practice in statutory MH services as related to three aspects: 1. The presence of a traditional therapeutic SD model vs. a peer SD model - with the former currently being dominant. 2. Insufficient proficiency and skill development in peers' SD. 3. Stigmatic notions about peer SD among service users and staff. Together, these aspects interrelate and sometimes create a negative cycle create tension and confusion.A need to develop professionalism of peer SD in statutory services is highlighted alongside enhancing staff and service user acknowledgement of the value of peer SD. Developing peer-designated roles can positively impacts peer SD in MH statutory services. Training, support, and organizational interventions are required to further support for peer-oriented SD and the enhancement of a person-centered and recovery orientation of MH services.

Possibilities of Using Phaseolus Vulgaris and Phaseolus Lunatus Beans in Pasta Production

In last decade, in scientific literature, various pulses dominate as raw material of new pasta development. The production of pulse pasta is complex technological process, generally based on extrusion technology. The aim of the study was to produce spaghetti-type pasta from Phaseolus vulgaris (variety unknown) and Phaseolus lunatus (variety Kontra). The recipes made with xanthan gum and corn starch as a binder, the optimal cooking time and water absorption capacity was determined. In the experiment, wheat semolina spaghetti was used as a control sample. Four types of spaghetti were prepared using a single-screw extruder, then dried in a rotary oven and stored until analysis. Pasta cooking properties have been determined. The obtained data were compared using t-test. There were significant differences between obtained spaghetti and control sample. The results confirm that beans can be used in pasta production.

Defending Race-Conscious Policy

Beginning in the 1980s, a coalition of community groups, activists, and non-profits loosely referred to as the “environmental justice movement” campaigned to draw awareness to the disproportionate distribution of environmental burdens to low-income communities of color. These burdens cause severely negative health impacts, reduce property values (which in turn reduce generational wealth), and im-pact quality of life. Low-income communities of color also receive few-er environmental benefits, including parks and green space (which re-duces heat in urban areas) and access to healthy food. Climate change further threatens vulnerable communities by causing increased heat in already-overheated neighborhoods, more frequent and severe storms, and rising sea levels in coastal areas. In 2019, New York State enacted the Climate Leadership and Com-munity Protection Act (CLCPA), an ambitious piece of legislation that creates a framework to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions and to invest in “disadvantaged communities” (DACs). The latter goal reflects the environmental justice movement’s success. The current set of criteria developed under the CLCPA to identify U.S. census tracts within New York as DACs considers, among a large set of factors, the racial and ethnic demographics of the tracts. While this approach re-flects the environmental justice movement’s values, it also makes the CLCPA vulnerable to a potential constitutional challenge. Drawing on decades of precedent from the U.S. Supreme Court in cases regarding affirmative action programs, a plaintiff might bring a case arguing that the New York State government is distributing benefits based onindividuals’ race or ethnicity, in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. This Note examines the degree to which the CLCPA’s current DAC criteria are vulnerable to such a challenge, and sets forth how the state might argue that the DAC criteria do not violate the Equal Protection Clause. Specifically, this Note argues that the state could mount a strong argument at the outset that such a plaintiff cannot satisfy the requirements for standing. In the alternative, the state could argue that the criteria should not draw strict scrutiny because race and eth-nicity are relatively insignificant factors in a complex and context-sensitive process. If the criteria do draw strict scrutiny, the govern-ment could argue that it has a compelling interest in remedying the ef-fects of its past acts of racial discrimination, and that the criteria are narrowly tailored to this interest. And finally, the government could argue that even if the criteria are unconstitutional for considering race, the issue is severable, and the criteria can be easily amended to remove race and ethnicity.

Digital twins in aircraft production and MRO: challenges and opportunities

AbstractThe digital twin (DT) concept, value-adding connecting the real and digital world, has been a rising trend in recent years, while the implementation and observation of challenges are still subject to research. Implementations of holistic Digital Twins of tangible and intangible assets of complex products or processes are often ideal-theoretic; instead, only subsystems and processes are replicated, which digital representations serve specific, meaningful applications. Specifically, with its distinct characteristics, the aviation industry and its production show various future application scenarios, which we use case-driven outline in this work. Therefore, we first summarize common, industry-neutral challenges of implementing Digital Twins and give an overview of aircraft production characteristics. Then, we will outline different fields of utilizing the Digital Twin concept and highlight integrational, organizational, and compliance-related challenges as well as opportunities in the context of aircraft production and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). The use cases are located at different aircraft life cycle phases, from production system development, production supplying logistics, and Quality Assurance (QA) up to retrofit.

Proteo-transcriptomic profiles reveal key regulatory pathways and functions of LDHA in the ovulation of domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)

BackgroundIn poultry, the smooth transition of follicles from the preovulatory-to-postovulatory phase impacts egg production in hens and can benefit the poultry industry. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying follicular ovulation in avians is a complex biological process that remains unclear.ResultsCritical biochemical events involved in ovulation in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) were evaluated by transcriptomics, proteomics, and in vitro assays. Comparative transcriptome analyses of the largest preovulatory follicle (F1) and postovulatory follicle (POF1) in continuous laying (CL) and intermittent laying (IL) chickens indicated the greatest difference between CL_F1 and IL_F1, with 950 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the smallest difference between CL_POF1 and IL_POF1, with 14 DEGs. Additionally, data-independent acquisition proteomics revealed 252 differentially abundant proteins between CL_F1 and IL_F1. Perivitelline membrane synthesis, steroid biosynthesis, lysosomes, and oxidative phosphorylation were identified as pivotal pathways contributing to ovulation regulation. In particular, the regulation of zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3, plasminogen activator, cathepsin A, and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) was shown to be essential for ovulation. Furthermore, the inhibition of LDHA decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis of ovarian follicles in vitro.ConclusionsThis study reveals several important biochemical events involved in the process of ovulation, as well as crucial role of LDHA. These findings improve our understanding of ovulation and its regulatory mechanisms in avian species.

Therapeutic Potential of Nanocarrier Mediated Delivery of Peptides for Wound Healing: Current Status, Challenges and Future Prospective.

Wound healing presents a complex physiological process that involves a sequence of events orchestrated by various cellular and molecular mechanisms. In recent years, there has been growing interest in leveraging nanomaterials and peptides to enhance wound healing outcomes. Nanocarriers offer unique properties such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable physicochemical characteristics, and the ability to deliver therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. Similarly, peptides, with their diverse biological activities and low immunogenicity, hold great promise as therapeutics in wound healing applications. In this review, authors explore the potential of peptides as bioactive components in wound healing formulations, focusing on their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative properties. Despite the significant progress made in this field, several challenges remain, including the need for standardized characterization methods, optimization of biocompatibility and safety profiles, and translation from bench to bedside. Furthermore, developing multifunctional nanomaterial-peptide hybrid systems represents promising avenues for future research. Overall, the integration of nanomaterials made up of natural or synthetic polymers with peptide-based formulations holds tremendous therapeutic potential in advancing the field of wound healing and improving clinical outcomes for patients with acute and chronic wounds.

An Ecological Perspective on Agency: L2 Learners’ Sociopragmatic Interpretations and Strategies in a Study Abroad Context

In applied linguistics, there has been a growing body of L2 pragmatics studies that investigate the intricate relationship between language learners’ subjective pragmatic choices and various contextual factors. The current study contributes to the understanding of language learner agency by illustrating the complex processes through which language learners enact their agency in response to varying contextual factors when making their sociopragmatic interpretations and strategies. To capture the ecological nature of agency, this study conceptualizes agency as contextually, interpersonally, intrapersonally, spatially, and temporally embedded. Through the in-depth examination of the accounts of three L2 learners of Japanese regarding their interactions with religious group members during their study abroad in Japan, this study demonstrates language learners’ divergent ways of enacting their agency, stemming from their orientations to the unique configurations of various contextual attributes in the L2 interactions. Such differences were rooted in and guided by their past experiences, present environments, and future aspirations that impacted their sociopragmatic perceptions, expectations, and choices. This study provides a complicated picture of language learner agency as a dialogic and reflexive process in which learners interact with contextual factors and adapt their sociopragmatic choices. Thus, it calls for an ecological, processual, and holistic approach to language learner agency through the close examination of the ways in which various contextual factors come together in L2 interactions, the process of how language learners orient to dynamic configurations of contextual factors, and what guides such orientations.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ПРОЦЕССОВ КОМПЛЕКСООБРАЗОВАНИЯ В ПОЛИМЕРНЫХ БИОДЕГРАДИРУЕМЫХ КОМПОЗИЦИЯХ

One of the possible directions of the development of targeted substance delivery systems is the creation and introduction of biodegradable polymers into production. Their distinctive feature is that they are capable of spontaneously gradually degradation in the body due to natural biochemical processes. There is an increasing spread pharmaceutical form, which use similar excipients in their technology – medicinal ocular insert. Modified cellulose, gums and rare-cross-linked acrylic polymers are used to create a biodegradable matrix base. In terms of development approach, ocular inserts can be divided into two groups according to the principle of matrix biodegradation. In non-biodegradable composites, the effect of prolongation of the therapeutic effect is observed due to the release of the active substance from the non-decomposing matrix. This fact can be confirmed by both pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial methods. The classic tests regulated by the Pharmacopoeia of the XV edition include the "Dissolution" test (GPM.1.4.2.0014 "Dissolution of solid pharmaceutical dose forms"), and for non–pharmacopoeial ones – dialysis through a semipermeable membrane according to Kruvchinsky or using Franz's dialysis cells. The analysis of the kinetics of dissolution helps to determine and select the most suitable matrix-forming agent to be used in the composition with other substances in the composition of ocular insert. Ocular inserts with a biodegradable matrix have a second factor that affects the release of active substances – the formation of complexes or associates between parts of the matrix and the active ingredient molecules. These intermolecular compounds can indirectly prolong the effect of the drug. All features must be taken into account in the development of ocular inserts, since they, among other things, help to model fundamentally new ways of targeted delivery of substances. In this case, it is necessary to develop a test for the second modified release factor, which would reliably determine the presence of complexation processes within the selected ocular inserts model.

The cellular composition of chronic subdural hematoma

IntroductionThe pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) remains to be fully understood. Basic knowledge of the composition and features of cells in the CSDH fluid may contribute to the understanding of the seemingly complex processes involved in CSDH formation and recurrence.This study is the first to examine the composition of cells and of cellular features in both systemic blood and subdural fluid from CSDH patients. We hypothesized that the cellular composition and features in the hematoma fluid may be; 1) different from that in the systemic blood; 2) different between patients with and without recurrence; 3) and different between the first and second operation in patients with recurrent CSDH.MethodsSystemic blood and subdural hematoma fluid were collected from CSDH patients with and without recurrent CSDH at the time of primary and secondary surgery. Analyses of cells and cellular features included total number of white blood cells, erythroblasts, reticulocytes, platelets, neutrophilocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, reticulocytes, immature granulocytes, mean corpuscular cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin and hematocrit.ResultsOf the 85 included patients, 20 patients were operated for a recurrent CSDH within 90 days follow-up. All cells found in the systemic blood were present in the CSDH fluid, but the composition was different (p < 0.0001). MCV was higher in the hematoma fluid from the primary operation of patients later developing a recurrent CSDH compared to patients not developing recurrence (p = 0.009). Also, the percentage distribution of inflammatory cells in hematoma fluid from patients with recurrent CSDH was different between the first and second operation (p = 0.0017).ConclusionThis study is the first to investigate the cellular composition of CSDH fluid. Compared to systemic blood and to a reference distribution, an increased number of immune cells were present in the hematoma fluid, supporting an inflammatory component of the CSDH pathophysiology. MCV was higher in the subdural fluid at time of the first operation of CSDH patients later developing recurrence.Clinical trial registrationThe study was approved by the Scientific Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (Journal no. H-20051073.

Admission plasma concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and -C-reactive protein have additive prognostic value in patients with STEMI

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by Righospitalets Forskningsfond (07IO) Lundbeck Foundation (R186-2015-2132). Background Inflammation plays an apparent critical role in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is associated with mortality. However, the complex process is poorly understood. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a novel biomarker originating from mature neutrophils and renal tubular cells. It has previously been shown to be associated with mortality and acute kidney injury in ACS patients. In this study we sought to assess the potential additive prognostic value of NGAL and its relation to other markers of inflammation. Methods In 1556 consecutive ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, NGAL and C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma concentration were measured at hospital admission, before acute coronary angiography. Patients were stratified to plasma concentration of both biomarkers &amp;gt;/&amp;lt; the median concentration into 4 groups (low NGAL/ low CRP (group 1), low NGAL/high CRP (2), high NGAL/low CRP (3), high NGAL/high CRP(4)). Primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Results In total, 477 (31%), 324 (21%), 316 (20%), and 439 (28%) patients were stratified in group 1-4, respectively. With 0, 1, or 2 biomarker plasma concentration above the median (group 1 – 4), patients were older (61 – 67 years old, p&amp;lt;0.0001), had more comorbidity (hypertension (40 – 53%), p=0.002; previous stroke (4.0 – 9.9%), p=0.007; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (2.6 – 10%), p&amp;lt;0.0001; chronic kidney dysfunction (CKD) (0.6 – 11%), p&amp;lt;0.0001) and more critical per-infarction circumstances (time from symptom debut to angiography (170 – 229 minutes), p&amp;lt;0.0001; cardiogenic shock (1.3 – 14%), p&amp;lt;0.0001, cardiac arrest (0.8 – 3.4%), p=0.0002) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (48 – 43%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Increased NGAL and CRP was associated with 30-day all-cause mortality (Figure A). Only high NGAL/high CRP was independently associated with 30-day mortality in a cox proportional hazard model when adjusting for age, hypertension, previous stroke, CKD, LVEF, and cardiogenic shock (HR (95% CI) 5.19 (1.20 – 22.52), p=0.03). Both CRP and NGAL had significant predictive value of 30-day mortality (AUC ROC 0.67, p&amp;lt;0.0001 and 0.78, p&amp;lt;0.0001, respectively). Combining NGAL and CRP did, however, not increase the predictive value of NGAL alone (AUC ROC 0.77, p=0.86) (Figure B). Conclusion Combined admission NGAL and CRP plasma concentration was independently associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in STEMI patients. Adding CRP to NGAL did, however, not increase the predictive value.Figure AFigure B

Review and Assessment of Existing and Future Techniques for Traceability with Particular Focus on Applicability to ABS Plastics

It is generally recognized that the use of physical and digital information-based solutions for tracking plastic materials along a value chain can favour the transition to a circular economy and help to overcome obstacles. In the near future, traceability and information exchange between all actors in the value chain of the plastics industry will be crucial to establishing more effective recycling systems. Recycling plastics is a complex process that is particularly complicated in the case of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic because of its versatility and use in many applications. This literature study is part of a larger EU-funded project with the acronym ABSolEU (Paving the way for an ABS recycling revolution in the EU). One of its goals is to propose a suitable traceability system for ABS products through physical marking with a digital connection to a suitable data-management system to facilitate the circular use of ABS. The aim of this paper is therefore to review and assess the current and future techniques for traceability with a particular focus on their use for ABS plastics as a basis for this proposal. The scientific literature and initiatives are discussed within three technological areas, viz., labelling and traceability systems currently in use, digital data sharing systems and physical marking. The first section includes some examples of systems used commonly today. For data sharing, three digital technologies are discussed, viz., Digital Product Passports, blockchain solutions and certification systems, which identify a product through information that is attached to it and store, share and analyse data throughout the product’s life cycle. Finally, several different methods for physical marking are described and evaluated, including different labels on a product’s surface and the addition of a specific material to a polymer matrix that can be identified at any point in time with the use of a special light source or device. The conclusion from this study is that the most promising data management technology for the near future is blockchain technology, which could be shared by all ABS products. Regarding physical marking, producers must evaluate different options for individual products, using the most appropriate and economical technology for each specific product. It is also important to evaluate what information should be attached to a specific product to meet the needs of all actors in the value chain.

Visible-Light-Promoted C3-Sulfenylindoles with Arylsulfonyl Chlorides via Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex.

In this study, we present an efficient approach for the synthesis of 3-sulfenyl indoles through an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex-promoted photoreaction. This sulfenylation reaction leverages sulfonyl chlorides as the sulfur source and employs PPh3 as the reductant without the need for any transition-metal catalyst or photocatalyst. At the same time, the relaxation process of the excited EDA complex was theoretically investigated at the method and multiconfiguration second-order perturbation//complete active space self-consistent field/PCM level of theory, which involves the π bond of indoles injecting an electron to the antibonding orbital of the S-Cl bond in arylsulfonyl chlorides.

Deciphering Charge Transfer Processes in Transition Metal Complexes from the Perspective of Ultrafast Electronic and Nuclear Motions.

Chemical transformations in charge transfer states result from the interplay between electronic dynamics and nuclear reorganization along excited-state trajectories. Here, we investigate the ultrafast structural dynamics following photoinduced electron transfer from the metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer state of an electron donor, a Pt dimer complex, to a covalently linked electron acceptor group using ultrafast time-resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering and optical transient absorption spectroscopy methods to disentangle the interdependence of the excited-state electronic and nuclear dynamics. Following photoexcitation, Pt-Pt bond formation and contraction takes up to 1 ps, much slower than the corresponding process in analogous complexes without electron acceptor groups. Because the Pt-Pt distance change is slow with respect to excited-state electron transfer, it can affect the rate of electron transfer. These results have potential impacts on controlling electron transfer rates via structural alterations to the electron donor group, tuning the charge transfer driving force.