Critical Evidence Research Articles

INTERNATIONAL DELPHI CONSENSUS ON WOUND CLOSURE AND DRESSING MANAGEMENT IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

The purpose of this modified Delphi study was to obtain consensus on wound closure (including best practices for each tissue layer of closure) and dressing management in total hip arthroplasty (THA), using an evidence-based approach.The Delphi panel included 20 orthopedic surgeons from Europe and North America. Eighteen statements were identified (14 specific to THA and 4 relating to both THA and total knee arthroplasty) using a targeted literature review. Consensus was developed on the statements with up to three rounds of anonymous voting per topic. Panelists ranked their agreement with each statement on a five-point Likert scale. An a priori threshold of 75% was required for consensus.In Round 1, 15 of 18 statements achieved consensus via a structured electronic questionnaire. In Round 2, the 3 statements that did not achieve consensus were revised during a virtual face to face meeting. An additional 2 statements were edited for clarity. In Round 3, the 5 revised statements achieved consensus via a structured electronic questionnaire. Wound closure related interventions that were recommended for use in THA included: 1) barbed sutures over non-barbed sutures (shorter closing times and overall cost savings); 2) subcuticular sutures over skin staples (lower risk of infections and higher patient preference); 3) mesh-adhesives over silver-impregnated dressings (lower rate of wound complications); 4) negative pressure wound therapy over other dressings (lower wound complications and reoperations and fewer dressing changes); 5) triclosan coated sutures (lower risk of surgical site infection).Using a modified Delphi approach, a panel of 20 orthopedic surgeons achieved consensus on 18 statements pertaining to multi-layer wound closure and dressing management in THA. This study forms the basis for identifying critical evidence gaps within wound management to help reduce variability in outcomes during THA.

Blockchain-based Pipeline Custody System (BPCS) for Preserving Critical Video Evidence

<p>The explosive development of network technology has driven the evolution of civilization, leading to the higher crime rate. Hence, CCTV cameras have been widely deployed to monitor criminal behaviors. The video of CCTV is considered as significant digital evidence. Due to the property of digital data, it is easily to copy and modify without electronic footprint, unlike the physical records. In case, the law enforcement starts to employ the blockchain technique due to its advantages, decentralization, transparency, and traceability, which can improve the legal effect. Unfortunately, blockchain network produces the tremendous overhead when it processes the data preservation based on the distributed communication. Thus, the gap and burden of data synchronization are the derivative issues. In order to solve the above problems, we aim to realize a blockchain-based pipeline custody system, so-called BPCS. The critical frame determination (CFD) technique is designed to catch the potential evidence image from the monitor, which is able to mitigate the storage cost of blockchain. Especially, the pipeline and directional ring strategy is proposed to aggregate the potential evidence in a batch file. This can reduce the burden on the chain of custody and shorten the time gap. The experimental results have demonstrated that BPCS can firmly possess the features of credibility and efficient through the comparisons and storage simulation.</p> <p> </p>

Different recovery patterns of the surviving bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis based on transcriptome profiling exposed to spherical or fibrous polyethylene microplastics

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants exuded from anthropogenic activities and ingested by animals in different ecosystems. This transcriptomic profiling study aimed to explore the impact of polyethylene MPs on Mytilus galloprovincialis, an ecologically significant bivalve species. The toxicity of two MPs types was found to result in increased cellular stress when exposed up to 14 days. Moreover, recovery mechanisms were also observed in progress. Mussels exhibited different gene expression patterns and molecular regulation in response to cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated a notable hindrance in cilia movement as MPs ingested through gills. Subsequent entry resulted in a significant disruption in the cytoskeletal organization, cellular projection, and cilia beat frequency. On day 4 (D4), signal transduction and activation of apoptosis evidenced the signs of toxic consequences. Mussels exposed to spherical MPs shown significant recovery on day 14 (D14), characterized by the upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes and antioxidant genes. The expression of P53 and BCL2 genes was pivotal in controlling the apoptotic process and promoting cell survival. Mussels exposed to fibrous MPs displayed a delayed cell survival effect. However, the elevated physiological stress due to fibrous MPs resulted in energy transfer by compensatory regulation of metabolic processes to expedite cellular recovery. These observations highlighted the intricate and varied reaction of cell survival mechanisms in mussels to recover toxicity. This study provides critical evidence of the ecotoxicological impacts of two different MPs and emphasizes the environmental risks they pose to aquatic ecosystems. Our conclusion highlights the detrimental effects of MPs on M. galloprovincialis and the need for more stringent regulations to protect marine ecosystems.

Forensic examination of lipsticks as trace evidence under different environmental conditions

Trace evidence such as fingerprints, biological fluids, fibres, glass, hairs, soils, and cosmetics have been considered most of the important materials on the crime scene, which can be potentially transferred or exchanged between two surfaces when one makes contact to another. Cosmetic products are one of the valuable trace pieces of evidence on crime scene that are generally used for beautification, moisturize, reinforcement of the skin, nutritiveness, and improve the feeling or sensory aspects. In this study, different lip cosmetic products including wax lipstick, liquid lipstick, gloss and lip balm were investigated as forensic evidence. For this, 102 of lip cosmetic samples (20 of lipstick, 14 of lip gloss, 22 of lip balm and 46 of liquid lipstick) were analyzed by using Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The differentiation between lip cosmetic products is detected. The effect of environmental conditions is studied. For this, lip cosmetic products are kept in various water medium such as simulated sea water, tap water, and distilled water in order to track the chemical stability by FTIR. Moreover, they are kept in different time of intervals from 1 day to 1 month to investigate the change over time. Staining of lip products to various substrates including fabric, glass and paper towel have been also explored. The effect of substrate type, lip cosmetic products, time and water sources have been systematically explored by FTIR and video spectral comparator (VSC). All the samples have been examined under different light sources such as visible light, UV-A (365 nm), infrared (695 nm) and spot (fluorescence) to observe the distinctive features of lip cosmetic samples on different substrates. The results have demonstrated that lip products including wax, liquids lipstick, gloss and lip balm have distinguishing character which is observed by FTIR and VSC8000. Moreover, the chemical stability of lip cosmetic products under different water sources could be characteristic tools for differentiating of lip cosmetic products. The outcomes show that cosmetic trace evidence found in water source could be critical evidence in crime scene investigation.

Does the economic motivation of firms to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promote the SDGs or merely SDG-washing? Critical empirical evidence from Japan and Vietnam

AbstractThe United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call on all firms to apply their creativity and innovation to solving sustainable development challenges. There is then an argument that firms should address the SDGs by applying the creating shared value (CSV) framework. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that this is nothing more than “business as usual” implemented in the name of the SDGs, or so-called SDG-washing, thereby limiting firm contributions to the SDGs. Although the SDG Compass, the most referenced business guideline on SDGs, currently encourages firms to address the SDGs using their economic motivation, it is uncertain whether it provides the right direction for achieving them. The purpose of this study is to address whether the economic motivation of firms to achieve the SDGs is practically preferable in contrast to the ethical motivation. Using data on Japanese and Vietnamese firms, we empirically analyse whether the degree of a firm’s proactiveness to address the SDGs depends on its economic and/or ethical motivations from a stakeholder management perspective. Our estimation results clarify that an ethical motivation continues to play a more significant role for firms in addressing the SDGs. Put differently, while CSV appears an attractive framework for firms to address the SDGs, its actual contribution remains partial and tentative, and it has thus been criticized for overemphasizing any economic motivation that potentially promotes SDG-washing. It is important to note that this could also ultimately decrease economic value by harming the firm’s reputation.

Positive Airway Pressure and Metabolic Markers in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Increasing evidence suggests an association between childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolic syndrome, with more research available on the potential impacts of positive airway pressure (PAP) on metabolic markers in children. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a systematic synthesis of the evidence on the effect of PAP use on metabolic markers in children with OSA. A search strategy with terms for "OSA" and metabolic markers in pediatrics was run to systematically assess 5 databases until August 26, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened eligible articles, extracted data, and conducted quality appraisal. Meta-analysis was done using random-effects models. Body mass index (BMI), glycemic, lipid, cardiovascular, and other metabolic and inflammatory markers were reported. Sixteen studies (N = 1,213) were included, 15 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT); most reported outcomes in children with obesity. Meta-analysis of 4 studies found no changes in BMI at median average follow-up of 12 months after PAP initiation. A reduction in heart rate and blood pressure parameters was demonstrated in several studies in children with OSA with and without obesity at a median average follow-up of 4.9 months after PAP initiation. Research in echocardiographic outcomes is limited, including one RCT in children with Down syndrome and OSA showing no changes in heart rate variability parameters. Evidence of improvements in glycemic and/or lipid control, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers with PAP therapy is even more limited and of limited clinical importance. Risk of bias was moderate to critical and outcome evidence very low. Although evidence on effects of PAP on metabolic markers in children with OSA is encouraging, available literature is limited. Longitudinal studies are still required to further assess the long-term influence of PAP on metabolic and inflammatory markers, particularly in children with obesity.

The World Health Organization Antenatal CorTicosteroids for Improving Outcomes in preterm Newborns (ACTION-III) Trial: study protocol for a multi-country, multi-centre, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled, individually randomized trial of antenatal corticosteroids for women at high probability of late preterm birth in hospitals in low- resource countries

BackgroundPreterm birth complications are the leading cause of newborn and under-5 mortality. Over 85% of all preterm births occur in the late preterm period, i.e. between 34 and < 37 weeks of gestation. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) prevent mortality and respiratory morbidity when administered to women at high risk of an early preterm birth, i.e. < 34 weeks’ gestation. However, the benefits and risks of ACS in the late preterm period are less clear; both guidelines and practices vary between settings. Emerging evidence suggests that the benefits of ACS may be achievable at lower doses than presently used. This trial aims to determine the efficacy and safety of two ACS regimens compared to placebo, when given to women with a high probability of late preterm birth, in hospitals in low-resource countries.MethodsWHO ACTION III trial is a parallel-group, three-arm, individually randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of two ACS regimens: dexamethasone phosphate 4 × 6 mg q12h or betamethasone phosphate 4 × 2 mg q 12 h. The trial is being conducted across seven sites in five countries—Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Eligible women are those with a gestational age between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 5 days, who have a high probability of preterm birth between 12 h and 7 days (up to 36 weeks 6 days gestation). The primary outcome is a composite of stillbirth or neonatal death within 72 h of birth or use of newborn respiratory support within 72 h of birth or prior to discharge from hospital, whichever is earlier. Secondary outcomes include safety and health utilization measures for both women and newborns. The sample size is 13,500 women.DiscussionThis trial will evaluate the benefits and possible harms of ACS when used in women likely to have a late preterm birth. It will also evaluate a lower-dose ACS regimen based on literature from pharmacokinetic studies. The results of this trial will provide robust critical evidence on the safe and appropriate use of ACS in the late preterm period internationally.Trial registrationISRCTN11434567. Registered on 7 June 2021.

Cohort profile: A population-based record linkage platform to address critical epidemiological evidence gaps in respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory infections

IntroductionThe Western Australia (WA) Respiratory Infections Linked Data Platform is a population-based cohort established to investigate the epidemiology of RSV and other respiratory infections in children aged 0-10 years, incorporating microbiological testing patterns, hospital admissions, emergency department presentations, and socio-demographic data. MethodsThe cohort was formed through individual linkages between datasets from the WA Department of Health including the Birth and Death Registry, Midwives Notification System (MNS), Hospital Morbidity Data Collection, Emergency Department Data Collection, WA Notifiable Diseases Database, WA Register of Developmental Anomalies, WA Cerebral Palsy Register, WA Antenatal Vaccination Database, WA Family Connections, and PathWest Respiratory Virus Surveillance Data. Hospitalisations and emergency department presentations were temporally linked to routine respiratory viral surveillance data. ResultsThe cohort consists of 368,830 WA births between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 with accompanying perinatal and demographic data, and with secondary care follow-up to 30 June 2022. Of these births, 24,660 (6.7%) identify as Aboriginal. A total of 4,077 (1.1%) children died from all causes during the study period (2010-2020), and 9.2% (33,818) of children were born preterm (&lt;37 weeks). ConclusionThe Respiratory Infections Linked Data Platform enables epidemiological investigations, identifying virus-specific risk groups, risk factors, clinical presentation, viral testing patterns, long-term impacts and accurate measures of viral incidence rates in risk and population sub-groups This will not only aid in the calculation of cost-effectiveness estimates of interventions such as immunisations, but also provide guidance for design and implementation of such programs to priority groups. The Respiratory Infections Linked Data Platform will also enable evaluation of the direct and indirect effects of maternal and infant vaccines and new therapeutics. Analyses using this platform will also generate epidemiological data needed for other respiratory viruses on the vaccine pipeline such as parainfluenza virus and human metapneumovirus.

Association of Handgrip Strength and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Middle-Aged Postmenopausal Women: An Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2019.

Handgrip strength is an indicator of overall muscle strength and has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that menopause is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women, and muscle strength decreases progressively after menopause. Despite the prognostic importance of the decline in muscle strength and increased cardiovascular disease risk among postmenopausal women, evidence of their association is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between handgrip strength and cardiovascular disease risk among postmenopausal, middle-aged Korean women. Using pooled cohort equations, we calculated the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among postmenopausal women (N = 2019) aged 50-64 years without cardiovascular disease history from the 2014-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Relative grip strength was defined as measured grip strength divided by body mass index. Logistic regression analysis of a complex sampling design was performed to evaluate the association between relative grip strength and a predicted 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5%. The average handgrip strength was 24.8 kg, and 5.2% of women were considered for sarcopenia (<18 kg). The quartile-stratified relative grip strength was negatively associated with 10-year ASCVD risk (p < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for the highest relative grip strength quartile was 0.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.78), and that of the group who breastfed for more than 12 months was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.36-2.25) for 10-year ASCVD risk. Increased handgrip strength may be associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk among middle-aged postmenopausal women in Korea. Our findings provide critical evidence regarding the importance of increasing handgrip strength among postmenopausal, middle-aged women to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Handgrip strength measurement might be a valuable screening tool for cardiovascular disease prevention.

A novel antibiotic 3-isopropylhexahydro-4H-pyrido[1,2-α]pyrazine-1,4(6H)-dione isolated from the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis QX928

A microbial strain designated Bacillus licheniformis QX928 was screened from hot springs in Sichuan Province, China, and a compound generated in the culture of this strain clearly inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853. The measured minimum inhibitory and lowest bactericidal concentrations were (13±0.17) and (22±0.72) mg L-1, respectively. The compound was identified as 3-isopropylhexahydro-4H-pyrido[1,2-α]pyrazine-1,4(6H)-dione (IPHPPD). A SciFinder search revealed that IPHPPD could be the first compound synthesized by microorganisms that had both antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing properties. At low concentrations, IPHPPD interfered with the signaling factors and population effects of P. aeruginosa, thereby altering the biofilm morphology and structure. IPHPPD more strongly inhibited P. aeruginosa at high concentrations, primarily by reducing its virulence factors, cell membrane permeability and energy metabolism. A transcriptome analysis highlighted the role of IPHPPD in the transcriptional regulation of cellular metabolism and quorum sensing. Thus, the results of this study provide critical evidence that IPHPPD is a potential target for drug development to prevent and treat diseases in animals.

Development of a simple screening method for analyzing cereulide toxin in fried rice using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The presence of cereulide, an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, in fried rice samples is critical evidence of food poisoning even in situations where B. cereus could not be detected. This study aims to develop a screening method for analyzing cereulide in fried rice using the QuEChERS procedure and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Cereulide was identified and quantified in fried rice samples using the QuEChERS extraction method and LC-MS/MS. The accuracies of the methods were determined by analyzing fortified blank samples at two concentrations (10 and 50µg/kg) conducted on three samples daily for five days. The QuEChERS procedure removed matrix compounds from fried rice. Characteristic MS/MS spectra enabled the identification of cereulide. As the matrix effects in seven fried rice samples were within ± 6%, an external solvent calibration curve could be used for quantification. This method exhibited good accuracy ranging from 88 to 89%. The relative standard deviations for both repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility were < 4%. These standard deviations satisfied the criteria of the Japanese validation guidelines for residues (MHLW 2010, Director Notice, Syoku-An No. 1224-1). The limit of quantification was 2μg/kg. The applicability of this method was confirmed using the analysis of cereulide in fried rice samples incubated with emetic Bacillus cereus. The QuEChERS extraction procedure described herein showed substantial promise as a reliable screening tool for cereulide in fried rice sample.

An epidemiological qualitative/quantitative SWOT-AHP analysis in order to highlight the positive or critical aspects of dental implants: A pilot study.

In recent years, dental implants are increasing in popularity due to their high success rate, demonstrated functionality, and aesthetic treatment results. Scientific research is very active in proposing improvements in the quality and survival of implants, taking into consideration various aspects. The objective of this study was to provide a holistic epidemiologic view of the state of dental implants, using a systematic approach based on a multimethod SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and AHP (analytical hierarchical process) qualitative-quantitative analysis to identify the characteristics that can determine their success or failure. The study used the hybrid method of SWOT-AHP. Analysis of the results showed that among strengths, the skill of the dentist was considered the most important factor, followed by the success of dental implants in the old people; among weaknesses, bruxism and chronic diseases were highlighted; for opportunities, biomechanical behavior, in terms of good mechanical strength and good tribological resistance to chemical and physical agents in the oral cavity, were considered the most important factors; finally, among threats, medical liability and biomechanical problems had equal weight. This study applied a multimethod SWOT-AHP approach to bring out favorable or critical evidence on the topic of dental implants. In accordance with the result of the strategic vector identified in the Twisting zone Adjustment type section, showed that implant surgery is a widespread technique but always needs improvement to increase the likelihood of success and reduce the complications that can lead to implant failure.

Comparative effectiveness research trial for antidepressant incomplete and non-responders with treatment resistant depression (ASCERTAIN-TRD) a randomized clinical trial

Further research is needed to help improve both the standard of care and the outcome for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A particularly critical evidence gap exists with respect to whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological augmentation is superior to antidepressant switch, or vice-versa. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of augmentation with aripiprazole or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus switching to the antidepressant venlafaxine XR (or duloxetine for those not eligible to receive venlafaxine) for treatment-resistant depression. In this multi-site, 8-week, randomized, open-label study, 278 subjects (196 females and 82 males, mean age 45.6 years (SD 15.3)) with treatment-resistant depression were assigned in a 1:1:1 fashion to treatment with either of these three interventions; 235 subjects completed the study. 260 randomized subjects with at least one post-baseline Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating (MADRS) assessment were included in the analysis. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (score change (standard error (se)) = −17.39 (1.3) (p = 0.015) but not aripiprazole augmentation (score change (se) = −14.9 (1.1) (p = 0.069) was superior to switch (score change (se) = −13.22 (1.1)) on the MADRS. Aripiprazole (mean change (se) = −37.79 (2.9) (p = 0.003) but not repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augmentation (mean change (se) = −42.96 (3.6) (p = 0.031) was superior to switch (mean change (se) = −34.45 (3.0)) on the symptoms of depression questionnaire. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augmentation was shown to be more effective than switching antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression on the study primary measure. In light of these findings, clinicians should consider repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augmentation early-on for treatment-resistant depression.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02977299

Abstract P18: Splicing polymorphism rs12459419 modulates antibody-bound internalization of CD33 isoforms

Abstract P18: Splicing polymorphism rs12459419 modulates antibody-bound internalization of CD33 isoforms

Protocol for the process evaluation of an intervention to improve antenatal smoking cessation support (MOHMQuit) in maternity services in New South Wales, Australia

IntroductionSmoking cessation in pregnancy remains a public health priority. Our team used the Behaviour Change Wheel to develop the Midwives and Obstetricians Helping Mothers to Quit smoking (MOHMQuit) intervention with...

Minimum labelling requirements for dermatology artificial intelligence-based Software as Medical Device (SaMD): A consensus statement.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds remarkable potential to improve care delivery in dermatology. End users (health professionals and general public) of AI-based Software as Medical Devices (SaMD) require relevant labelling information to ensure that these devices can be used appropriately. Currently, there are no clear minimum labelling requirements for dermatology AI-based SaMDs. Common labelling recommendations for AI-based SaMD identified in a recent literature review were evaluated by an Australian expert panel in digital health and dermatology via a modified Delphi consensus process. A nine-point Likert scale was used to indicate importance of 10 items, and voting was conducted to determine the specific characteristics to include for some items. Consensus was achieved when more than 75% of the experts agreed that inclusion of information was necessary. There was robust consensus supporting inclusion of all proposed items as minimum labelling requirements; indication for use, intended user, training and test data sets, algorithm design, image processing techniques, clinical validation, performance metrics, limitations, updates and adverse events. Nearly all suggested characteristics of the labelling items received endorsement, except for some characteristics related to performance metrics. Moreover, there was consensus that uniform labelling criteria should apply across all AI categories and risk classes set out by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. This study provides critical evidence for setting labelling standards by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to safeguard patients, health professionals, consumers, industry, and regulatory bodies from AI-based dermatology SaMDs that do not currently provide adequate information about how they were developed and tested.

Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine

BackgroundWhile community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample.MethodsUsing a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants’ answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices.Results373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.

Regulating Excess Electrons in Reducible Metal Oxides for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity: A Mini-Review.

Identifying a universal activity descriptor for metal oxides, akin to the d-band center for transition metals, remains a significant challenge in catalyst design, largely due to the intricate electronic structures of metal oxides. This review highlights a major advancement in formulating the number of excess electrons (NEE) as an activity descriptor for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on reducible metal oxide surfaces. We elaborate on the quantitative relationship between NEE and the adsorption properties of OER intermediates, and unveil the decisive role of the octet rule on the OER performance of these oxides. This insight provides a robust theoretical basis for designing effective OER catalysts. Moreover, we discuss critical experimental evidence supporting this theory and summarize recent advances in employing NEE as a guiding principle for developing highly efficient OER catalysts experimentally.

Benzyl alcohol promoted electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide and C2 production by Cu2O/Cu

Oxide-derived copper (OD-Cu)-based materials containing Cuδ+ (0 < δ ≤ 1) have been considered as promising electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) to produce valuable C2 products, which, however, suffer from poor stability, mainly due to the inevitable reduction of Cuδ+. We report here that the benzyl alcohol (BA) introduced in catholyte presents a markedly positive effect on the durability and C2 selectivity enhancement of ECO2RR when OD-Cu-based material is adopted as cathode electrocatalyst. The critical evidence of ECO2RR intermediates has been provided by in situ Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, which reveals the surface mechanisms of BA-assisted ECO2RR over OD-Cu catalysts. On the one hand, the introduction of BA increases the CO2 supply for ECO2RR by slowing down its neutralizing reaction, which results in the increased intermediate species coverage on the catalytic surface therefore the delayed self-reduction of Cuδ+; On the other hand, the interaction between BA and the intermediate species *CO during ECO2RR brings an enhanced selectivity of C2 products (FE C2 = 85.5 % at −1.38 V vs RHE). Besides, an energy-savings and economic electrolyzer can be achieved by coupling anodic BA oxidation reaction to benzoic acid and ECO2RR to C2 products with much lowered cell voltages.

Collaboration and Competition: A Social Network Analysis of Thailand’s Music Industry

This study quantitatively investigates the collaborative framework and competitive landscape of Thailand’s evolving music industry, driven by technological progress and changing consumer preferences. By examining data obtained from Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property, specifically 138,868 songs, it explores the complex network of relationships among music creators, artists, and various rights-holders, including those associated with recording, music, melodies, and lyrics. Utilizing social network analysis, this research uncovers a power law distribution in these networks, reflecting a scale-free market configuration. This characteristic is marked by a few dominant players exercising considerable market influence, contrasted with numerous less-interconnected participants. This investigation notes regular patterns of collaboration between artists and different rights-holders. Furthermore, the network of music creators displays small-world properties, with short collaborative distances fostering efficient information exchange and creative synergy. Crucially, this study identifies key influential players instrumental in directing the industry’s major trends, highlighting their role in market concentration. These significant findings will provide critical evidence for informing future policy development aimed at improving efficiency and equity in the digital content industries.