Function Testing Research Articles

An Overlooked Disease: Minimal Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS). A Narrative Review.

A far more common disease than Cushing's syndrome is subclinical hypercortisolism or mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), with an overall prevalence of 0.2-2%. This review aims to shed light on the prevalence, screening and diagnostic criteria, comorbidities, and management of Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS). Studies eligible targeted MACS regarding prevalence, screening, comorbidities, management, and clinical outcome. This is a mini-review. IRB approval was not needed. The 1 mg Dexamethasone suppression test (DST) remains the first screening test. MACS is associated with adverse cardiometabolic and renal outcomes, osteoporosis and osteopenia, immunodeficiency, depression, coagulopathy, and sarcopenia. Surgery is the gold standard treatment. Medical therapy is recommended when surgery is contraindicated or not feasible. Clinically silent hypercortisolism is a frequent entity that necessitates early detection and treatment. The production of cortisol should be looked at as a spectrum where subtle, undetectable levels can still be produced. They know its association with adverse health outcomes. MACS is no longer considered an asymptomatic disorder; repeated hormonal and functional tests are crucial to prevent multiorgan damage.

Esophageal Function Testing Patterns in the Evaluation and Management of Lung Transplantation: Results of a National Survey.

We surveyed esophageal motility laboratories affiliated with adult pulmonary transplant centers to determine esophageal function testing (EFT) practices. Gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal dysmotility are associated with worse lung transplant outcomes, yet no consensus guidelines for EFT exist in this population. A deidentified online survey was sent to gastrointestinal motility laboratory directors of 49 academic and community-affiliated medical centers that perform lung transplants. Practice characteristics, including annual lung transplant volume and institutional EFT practices pre-lung transplantation and post-lung transplantation were queried. Respondents were categorized by transplant volume into small and large programs based on median annual volume. Among 35 respondents (71% response rate), the median annual transplant volume was 37, and there were 18 large programs. Institutional EFT protocols were used pretransplant by 24 programs (68.6%) and post-transplant by 12 programs (34.2%). Among small and large programs, 52.9% and 72.2% always obtained high-resolution manometry before transplant, respectively. Endoscopy before transplant was performed more often in small programs (n=17, 100%) compared with large programs (n=15,83.3%). Pretransplant endoscopy ( P =0.04), barium esophagram ( P <0.01), and high-resolution manometry ( P =0.04) were more common than post-transplant. In contrast, post-transplant reflux monitoring off-therapy was more common than pretransplant ( P =0.01). In general, pulmonologists direct referrals for EFT and gastroenterology consultation (n=28, 80.0%), with symptoms primarily prompting testing. In the absence of established guidelines, substantial variability exists in pretransplant and post-transplant EFT, directed by pulmonologists. Standardized EFT protocols and gastroenterologist-directed management of esophageal dysfunction has potential to improve lung transplant outcomes.

Silence of the lungs: comparing measures of slow and noncommunicating lung units from pulmonary function tests with computed tomography.

Multiple breath washout (MBW) has successfully assessed the silent lung zone particularly in cystic fibrosis lung disease, however, it is limited to the communicating lung only. There are a number of different pulmonary function methods that can assess what is commonly referred to as trapped air, with varying approaches and sensitivity. Twenty-five people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) underwent MBW, spirometry, body plethysmography, and spirometry-controlled computed tomography (spiro-CT) on the same day. PwCF also performed extensions to MBW that evaluate air trapping, including our novel extension (MBWShX), which reveals the extent of underventilated lung units (UVLU). In addition, we used two previously established 5-breath methods that provide a volume of trapped gas (VTG). We used trapped air % from spiro-CT as the gold standard for comparison. UVLU derived from MBWShX showed the best agreement with trapped air %, both in terms of correlation (RS 0.89, P < 0.0001) and sensitivity (79%). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a significant underestimation of the VTG by both 5-breath methods (-249 mL [95% CI -10,796; 580 mL] and -203 mL [95% CI -997; 591 mL], respectively). Parameters from both spirometry and body plethysmography were suboptimal at assessing this pathophysiology. The parameters from MBWShX demonstrated the best relationship with spiro-CT and had the best sensitivity compared with the other pulmonary function methods assessed in this study. MBWShX shows promise to assess and monitor this critical pathophysiological feature, which has been shown to be a driver of lung disease progression in pwCF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We consider the term "trapped air" either in the use of imaging or pulmonary function testing, something of a misnomer that can lead to an inaccurate assessment of an important physiological feature. Instead, we propose the term underventilated lung units (UVLU). Of the many pulmonary function methods we used in this study, we found that the use of multiple breath washout with short extension (MBWShX) to be the best nonimaging method.

Implications of the 2022 lung function update and GLI global reference equations among patients with interstitial lung disease

BackgroundLung function testing remains a cornerstone in the assessment and management of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. The clinical implications of the Global Lung function Initiative (GLI) reference equations and...

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Teknologi Augmented Reality (AR) dengan Algoritma Vuforia SDK pada Mata Pelajaran IPA Kelas VIII di Madrasah Al-Aqsha (MTS)

This research aims to develop learning media in the form of an Android-based Augmented Reality application on human respiratory system material which can provide information about the introduction of respiratory system organs and their processes, and markerless images of the shapes of the organs which have been input into the Vuforia SDK library. This research develops an Augmented Reality application as an introduction to the organs of the respiratory system using several tools such as: MDLC, Unity, ARToolkit to better understand students about the respiratory system. The application of Augmented Reality in this research uses the Marker Based methods. The Augmented Reality application for recognizing the respiratory system in humans was tested using BlackBox with results of passing the system functional test 100% and usability testing results using a questionnaire. The learnability aspect was 4.47, efficiency 4.43, memorability 4.2, errors 4.5, and satisfaction 4.52, this application was tested in the "Good" category. Although there are problems with the quality of the camera and lighting, the test results show that this application is interesting and worthy of being developed again, so the implementation of Augmented Reality on MTS Al-Aqsa is the right step to support the method concept learning.

Risk Stratification and Management of Acute Respiratory Failure in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease

Objectives: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are the most common causes of acute neuromuscular respiratory failure resulting in ICU admission. This synthetic narrative review summarizes the evidence for the prediction and management of acute neuromuscular respiratory failure due to GBS and MG. Data Sources: We searched PubMed for relevant literature and reviewed bibliographies of included articles for additional relevant studies. Study Selection: English-language publications were reviewed. Data Extraction: Data regarding study methodology, patient population, evaluation metrics, respiratory interventions, and clinical outcomes were qualitatively assessed. Data Synthesis: No single tool has sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of acute neuromuscular respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Multimodal assessment, integrating history, examination maneuvers (single breath count, neck flexion strength, bulbar weakness, and paradoxical breathing) and pulmonary function testing are ideal for risk stratification. The Erasmus GBS Respiratory Insufficiency Score is a validated tool useful for GBS. Noninvasive ventilation can be effective in MG but may not be safe in early GBS. Airway management considerations are similar across both conditions, but dysautonomia in GBS requires specific attention. Extubation failure is common in MG, and early tracheostomy may be beneficial for MG. Prolonged ventilatory support is common, and good functional outcomes may occur even when prolonged ventilation is required. Conclusions: Multimodal assessments integrating several bedside indicators of bulbar and respiratory muscle function can aid in evidence-based risk stratification for respiratory failure among those with neuromuscular disease. Serial evaluations may help establish a patient’s trajectory and to determine timing of respiratory intervention.

Clinical variability of equine asthma phenotypes and analysis of diagnostic steps in phenotype differentiation

BackgroundEquine asthma is a common, non-infectious, chronic lung disease that affects up to 80% of the horse population. Strict phenotyping and identification of subclinically asthmatic horses can be challenging. The aim of this study was to describe equine asthma phenotypes (mild, moderate, and severe asthma) defined by BALF cytology and occurrence of clinical signs in a population of privately owned horses and to identify the variables and examination steps with best discriminative potential. The standardised examination protocol included clinical examinations, blood work, airway endoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, arterial blood gas analysis and radiography under clinical conditions performed by one veterinarian.ResultsOut of 26 horses, four were diagnosed with mild (subclinical), seven with moderate, and seven with severe asthma based on clinical examination and BALF cytology. Eight horses served as controls. Cough with history of coughing was the strongest variable in phenotype differentiation. Factor analysis revealed an increasing clinical variability with disease severity and an overlapping of clinical presentations between phenotypes. Elevated mast cell (4/4 horses) and neutrophil counts (3/4 horses) in bronchoalveolar lavage cytology differentiated mild asthmatic horses from healthy horses. Moderate and severe asthmatic horses were characterised by clinical signs and neutrophil counts.ConclusionsThe results indicate that medical history, clinical examination and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology are minimum indispensable steps to diagnose equine asthma and that phenotypes are clinically overlapping. A differentiation of three phenotypes without neutrophil and mast cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage cytology is not sufficient for clinical diagnostics. A comparably exact diagnosis cannot be achieved by relying on alternative examinations used in this study. Screenings of inconspicuous horses with bronchoalveolar lavage can aid in diagnosing subclinically affected animals, however, group size was small, the procedure is invasive and clinical relevance of slightly elevated cells in bronchoalveolar lavage remains unclear. Clinical relevance could not be clarified in this study, since follow-up examinations or lung function testing were not performed.

Management of cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation (LT). Based on current worldwide guidelines, the most effective strategies for avoiding post-transplant CMV infection are antiviral prophylaxis and pre-emptive treatment. CMV- IgG serology is the established technique for pretransplant screening of both donors and recipients. The clinical presentation of CMV infection and disease exhibits variability, prompting clinicians to consistently consider this possibility, particularly within the first year post-transplantation or subsequent to heightened immunosuppression. At annual symposia to discuss CMV prevention and how treatment outcomes can be improved, evidence on the incorporation of immune functional tests into clinical practice is presented, and the results of studies with new antiviral treatments are evaluated. Although there are ongoing studies on the use of letermovir and maribavir in solid organ transplantation, a consensus reflected in the guidelines has not been formed. Determining the most appropriate strategy at the individual level appears to be the key to enhancing outcomes. Although prevention strategies reduce the risk of CMV disease, the disease can still occur in up to 50% of high-risk patients. A balance between the risk of infection and disease development and the use of immunosuppressants must be considered when talking about the proper management of CMV in solid organ transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to establish a comprehensive framework for the management of CMV in patients who have had LT.

The Association Between Hypothyroidism and Cognitive Function Change in Women across the Menopause Transition: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

Background: Patients treated for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy may present with persistent hypothyroidism symptoms, including cognitive symptoms, despite having a normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. It remains unclear whether LT4 monotherapy is sufficient to normalize cognitive function outcomes over time. Methods: This is a multisite longitudinal study of a diverse group of women during midlife representing 5 ethnic/racial groups from 7 enrollment sites across the United States in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Women were screened for a history of thyroid disease and the use of LT4. The study consisted of two primary groups: women with LT4-treated hypothyroidism and control women without thyroid disease. Each participant completed up to 9 cognitive assessments over the study period testing processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory (immediate and delayed recall). Multivariable generalized linear mixed models of scores for each cognitive assessment were developed to determine the association between LT4-treated hypothyroidism and cognitive function trajectories. Covariates included sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and menopausal status (pre/early peri, late peri, and surgical/post). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of abnormal TSH levels and practice effects (i.e., improvements in scoring after repeated testing). Results: Of the 2033 women who were included in the study, 227 (11.2%) met criteria for LT4-treated hypothyroidism. At baseline, both processing speed and working memory scores were higher in LT4-treated women (mean processing speed scores: 56.5 vs 54.4; p value = 0.006; mean working memory scores: 6.8 vs 6.4; p value = 0.018). However, when considering the effect of LT4-treated hypothyroidism over time, there were no significant differences in the rate of cognitive decline (in any measure) between the hypothyroidism and control groups with or without covariate adjustment. The results were similar when considering LT4-treated women with abnormal TSH levels or after minimizing practice effects. Conclusions: We observed no difference in cognitive decline between women with LT4-treated hypothyroidism and women without thyroid disease. For similar aged patients with cognitive complaints, if thyroid function testing is normal, clinicians should consider causes other than inadequate thyroid hormone treatment to explain these symptoms.

Thyroid function and antibody testing in patients receiving pegylated-interferon therapy

Thyroid function and antibody testing in patients receiving pegylated-interferon therapy

Relationship between symptoms and results on spirometry in adults seen in non-tertiary public health facilities presenting with preserved ratio impaired spirometry.

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), defined by reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) without meeting criteria for airway obstruction, is often encountered in clinical practice. The management of this heterogeneous condition in individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms is challenging, especially under limited diagnostic resources. Since 2020, all consecutive patients referred for spirometry at our institution have been invited to participate in our registry. Other than spirometry, no other physiological lung function testing is available in this public health service. Therefore, we reviewed our databank with the aim of assessing: i) the proportion of symptomatic patients aged 18 years or older referred for spirometry presenting with PRISm; ii) the rate of inhaled medication used in this group, suggesting a referral diagnosis of obstructive airway disease (OAD); and iii) the relationship between symptoms and results on spirometry in PRISM compared to a group with obstruction matched by FEV1. To this end, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the Asthma Control Test (ACT) were conjointly responded to by 1032 participants, irrespective of the clinical suspicion. We found that 22% had PRISM, of whom 200 were paired with obstruction by FEV1 (68±10% of predicted). The CAT and ACT results were well-correlated in both groups (r=-0.727 and -0,698, respectively; p<0.001) and used to measure symptoms. Participants in the final sample (n=400) were aged 62±13 years; 70% were ever smokers; and 55% reported household exposure to biomass smoke (at least 5 years). The CAT responses were in the range of moderate symptoms (17±9) and ACT borderline for uncontrolled symptoms (19±5). The main differences were higher body mass index (33±7 versus 29±7 kg/m2; p<0.001) and proportion of females (72 versus 49%; p<0.001) in PRISm compared to obstruction. This group had lower exposure to tobacco (65 versus 76% of ever-smokers) but greater exposure to biomass smoke (61 versus 49%) (p<0.05 for all). The rate of inhaled medication use was as high in PRISm as in obstruction (80%). Notwithstanding matched FEV1, we found less prominent signs of airway disease in PRISM: marginally reduced FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (94±8% of predicted); higher expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity, despite presumed lower lung volumes (lower FVC); and lower rate of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. In an identical multivariate model, FEV1 predicted symptoms of obstruction only. In conclusion, these data raise suspicion of a substantial rate of misclassification of individuals with PRISM as having OAD in healthcare facilities with constraints on diagnostic resources.

Aconitate decarboxylase 1 mediates the acute airway inflammatory response to environmental exposures.

Environmental lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and microbial component-enriched organic dusts cause significant lung disease. These environmental exposures induce the recruitment and activation of distinct lung monocyte/macrophage subpopulations involved in disease pathogenesis. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1) was one of the most upregulated genes following LPS (vs. saline) exposure of murine whole lungs with transcriptomic profiling of sorted lung monocyte/macrophage subpopulations also highlighting its significance. Given monocyte/macrophage activation can be tightly linked to metabolism, the objective of these studies was to determine the role of the immunometabolic regulator ACOD1 in environmental exposure-induced lung inflammation. Wild-type (WT) mice were intratracheally (i.t.) instilled with 10 μg of LPS or saline. Whole lungs were profiled using bulk RNA sequencing or sorted to isolate monocyte/macrophage subpopulations. Sorted subpopulations were then characterized transcriptomically using a NanoString innate immunity multiplex array 48 h post-exposure. Next, WT and Acod1-/- mice were instilled with LPS, 25% organic dust extract (ODE), or saline, whereupon serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissues were collected. BALF metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were quantified by mass spectrometry. Cytokines/chemokines and tissue remodeling mediators were quantitated by ELISA. Lung immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Invasive lung function testing was performed 3 h post-LPS with WT and Acod1-/- mice. Acod1-/- mice treated with LPS demonstrated decreased BALF levels of itaconate, TCA cycle reprogramming, decreased BALF neutrophils, increased lung CD4+ T cells, decreased BALF and lung levels of TNF-α, and decreased BALF CXCL1 compared to WT animals. In comparison, Acod1-/- mice treated with ODE demonstrated decreased serum pentraxin-2, BALF levels of itaconate, lung total cell, neutrophil, monocyte, and B-cell infiltrates with decreased BALF levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased lung CXCL1 vs. WT animals. Mediators of tissue remodeling (TIMP1, MMP-8, MMP-9) were also decreased in the LPS-exposed Acod1-/- mice, with MMP-9 also reduced in ODE-exposed Acod1-/- mice. Lung function assessments demonstrated a blunted response to LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in Acod1-/- animals. Acod1 is robustly upregulated in the lungs following LPS exposure and encodes a key immunometabolic regulator. ACOD1 mediates the proinflammatory response to acute inhaled environmental LPS and organic dust exposure-induced lung inflammation.

Nociceptive threshold measurement as a non‐invasive functional test of an epidural injection in a dog

AbstractWe present a case of a 3‐year‐old, male Border Collie with severe hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis undergoing total hip replacement, notably having a history of a previous hip surgery with inadequate epidural analgesia. Our objective was to evaluate epidural efficacy before surgery using nociceptive threshold measurement. Nociceptive thresholds were measured with transdermal electrical stimulation via the Dolosys Pain Tracker device. The dog received epidural ropivacaine and morphine, resulting in a cessation of withdrawal response and electromyographic activity. This effect was confirmed under anaesthesia. Postoperatively, the dog recovered without relevant complications. In conclusion, nociceptive threshold measurement using the Dolosys Pain Tracker device allowed immediate confirmation of epidural efficacy, reducing the risk of intraoperative analgesic inadequacy. This approach may enhance surgical pain management in challenging cases.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affects the functional performance of 6-min step test in chronic heart failure: a 3-year follow-up study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic heart failure (CHF) present a decrease in functional capacity due to the intrinsic nature of both pathologies. It is not known about the potential impact of T2DM on functional capacity when assessed by 6-min step test (6MST) and its effect as a prognostic marker for fatal and non-fatal events in patients with CHF.Objectiveto evaluate the coexistence of T2DM and CHF in functional capacity through 6MST when compared to CHF non-T2DM, as well as to investigate the different cardiovascular responses to 6MST and the risk of mortality, decompensation of CHF and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) over 36 months.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study with 36 months of follow-up in individuals with T2DM and CHF. All participants completed a clinical assessment, followed by pulmonary function testing, echocardiography, and 6MST. The 6MST was performed on a 20 cm high step and cardiovascular responses were collected: heart rate, systemic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, BORG dyspnea and fatigue. The risk of mortality, acute myocardial infarction and decompensation of CHF was evaluated.ResultsEighty-six participants were included. The CHF-T2DM group had a significantly lower functional capacity than the CHF non-T2DM group (p < 0.05). Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (L), ejection fraction (%), gender and T2DM influence and are predictors of functional capacity (p < 0.05; adjusted R squared: 0.419). CHF-T2DM group presented a higher risk of mortality and acute myocardial infarction over the 36 months of follow-up (p < 0.05), but not to the risk of decompensation (p > 0.05).ConclusionT2DM negatively affects the functional performance of 6MST in patients with CHF. Gender, ejection fraction (%), FEV1 (L) and T2DM itself negatively influence exercise performance.

Design, development and multi-scenario application of portable multifunctional test master based on μM-PMU: The case study of Lingang new City Grid, Shanghai

With the large-scale access of new energy generation and electric vehicle charging piles to the grids, power generation and loads are characterized by random fluctuations and intermittency, which affect the stable operation of the distribution network. μM-PMU is capable of realizing the dynamic process monitoring of the grids. In order to solve the function and performance testing problems of multiple application scenarios of μM-PMU, this thesis develops a portable master station based on synchronous phasor measurement system to realize zero drift, voltage amplitude measurement accuracy, voltage phase angle accuracy, current amplitude measurement accuracy, current phase angle measurement accuracy, frequency measurement accuracy, voltage amplitude change with frequency accuracy, and voltage phase angle change with frequency accuracy, Accuracy of current amplitude with frequency change, accuracy of current phase angle with frequency change, active power accuracy, reactive power accuracy, amplitude step response, phase angle step response, frequency step response, a total of 15 test items. It can automatically calculate test results and generate test reports according to different equipment models, reducing the mistakes and calculation errors that may be caused by manually recording test data and improving the accuracy of test results and calculation precision.

Label-free assessment of complement-dependent cytotoxicity of therapeutic antibodies via a whole-cell MALDI mass spectrometry bioassay

Potency assessment of monoclonal antibodies or corresponding biosimilars in cell-based assays is an essential prerequisite in biopharmaceutical research and development. However, cellular bioassays are still subject to limitations in sample throughput, speed, and often need costly reagents or labels as they are based on an indirect readout by luminescence or fluorescence. In contrast, whole-cell Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a direct, fast and label-free technology for functional drug screening being able to unravel the molecular complexity of cellular response to pharmaceutical reagents. However, this approach has not yet been used for cellular testing of biologicals. In this study, we have conceived, developed and benchmarked a label-free MALDI-MS based cell bioassay workflow for the functional assessment of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) of Rituximab antibody. By computational evaluation of response profiles followed by subsequent m/z feature annotation via fragmentation analysis and trapped ion mobility MS, we identified adenosine triphosphate and glutathione as readily MS-assessable metabolite markers for CDC and demonstrate that robust concentration–response characteristics can be obtained by MALDI-TOF MS. Statistical assay performance indicators suggest that whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS could complement the toolbox for functional cellular testing of biopharmaceuticals.

VHIT and fHIT in Patients With Migraine, Vestibular Migraine, and Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness.

Impairment in the integration of different vestibular stimuli is the proposed mechanisms in vestibular migraine (VM). In this study, it was aimed to assess the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and dynamic visual acuity (DVA) in patients with VM and to compare the results with migraine without vestibular symptoms (MwoV), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) to find out if there are discriminative differences and search for a correlation with the levels of anxiety. Twenty-two patients with MwoV, 23 patients with VM, 22 patients with PPPD, and 23 healthy controls (HC) were studied. Video head impulse test (vHIT) and functional head impulse test (fHIT) without and with an optokinetic background (OB) were performed. Percentage of correctly identified optotypes (CA%) was considered for the fHIT test. Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) was used to assess anxiety. Lateral canal vHIT gain of the patient groups were not different from the healthy controls (p > 0.05). fHIT and fHIT/OB CA% results of all patient groups were lower than the HC (p < 0.005), and VM patients had the lowest scores for both tests. BAI scores of the PPPD patients were the highest and a correlation between anxiety levels, and fHIT results could not be identified (p > 0.05). Prominent CA% drop by the use of an OB was the main finding in patients with VM. This discriminative feature was not correlated with anxiety scores. Difficulty in resolving the conflict between visual and vestibular inputs seem to be the underlying mechanism. 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Enhancement of peroxymonosulfate activation with nickel foam-supported CuCo2O4 for tetracycline degradation: Performance and mechanism insights

The modulation of bimetallic oxide structures and development of efficient, easily recoverable catalysts are expected to effectively overcome the limitations associated with powdered catalysts in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). In this study, CuCo2O4 was successfully immobilized on the surface of nickel foam (NF) via an electrodeposition-calcination procedure, with highly efficient activation of PMS for tetracycline (TC) degradation (0.55 min−1). Besides acting as a support carrier and providing ample active sites, NF mediated electron transport, prevented the leaching of metal ions and enhanced the efficiency of recycling. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental tests illustrated that Cu/Co dual-sites can efficiently adsorb PMS, enabling simultaneous reduction and oxidation reactions. The dual-site synergy substantially decreased the adsorption barrier and increased the electron transfer rate. Especially, the Cu+/Cu2+ redox couple acted as an electron donor and facilitated rapid charge transfer, leading to the conversion of Co3+ to Co2+. Moreover, the CuCo2O4@NF + PMS system effectively eliminated TC by employing radical pathways (SO4•−, •OH) and nonradical processes (1O2, e−). Therefore, this study introduces a new approach to overcome the limitations of powdered bimetallic oxides, providing a promising solution for practical applications.

2D mesh-knots metal organic frameworks functionalized with phytic acid for improving flame retardancy

Metal ions and organic compounds were adopted to form a two-dimensional mesh-knots metal organic frameworks (TMMOFs), which could functionalize with Phytic Acid (PA) for fireproof. The results of the functional group test show that two-dimensional mesh-knots metal organic frameworks (TM), TM with -NH2 (TMN) and TMN with PA (TMNP) have been successfully prepared by coordination bond. The samples appeared irregular ellipsoid with size of particles below 100 nm. The values of limiting oxygen index (LOI) test depicted the flame resistance have been enhanced from 22.7 % to 30 % due to the addition of -NH2 and PA. The peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) value of TM-PA@wood declined noticeably by 55.9 % and 68.6 % compared to pure wood. CO2 emissions intensity of TMNP@wood declined from about 0.40 to 0.12 compared with samples without PA. The CO2 and CO maximum production of TMNP@wood were significantly lower 246% and 64% than TMN@wood, respectively. PA and ZrO2 after combustion could catalyze wood to form carbon residue as condense phase, delay and minimize the peak of CO2 and CO to reduce toxicity. This work provides an effective strategy for synthesis and application of two-dimensional materials in flame retardant field.

Association of Quality of Life and Visual Function in Glaucoma with Tests of Structure and Function.

In addition to standard automated perimetry tests, contrast sensitivity testing and macular analyses may predict changes in the quality of life in patients at different stages of glaucoma. To examine the relationship between functional and structural tests of visual function and the 25-item National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in patients with different stages of glaucoma. Standard automated perimetry tests, optical coherence tomography scans, and contrast sensitivity (CS) testing were prospectively performed in 160 patients with glaucoma. The Hoddap-Parrish-Anderson staging system was used for glaucoma staging. Health-related quality of life questionnaires (NEI-VFQ-25, SF-36) were also administered to all patients. The study group comprised 29 patients with suspected glaucoma, 104 with mild glaucoma, 15 with moderate glaucoma, and 12 with severe glaucoma. The mean total score of the NEI-VFQ-25 was 88.8±8.2. The SF-36 did not show a significant correlation with the data on functional and structural tests of visual function, whereas the NEI-VFQ-25 showed a low to moderate correlation (r=0.212--0.492). Vision parameters can explain up to 18.6% of the total score of the NEI-VFQ-25. CS was the only function significantly correlated with glaucoma suspects, while in the early stages, VA was the strongest correlated function with the NEI-VFQ-25 total score (P=0.003 and r=0.551; P=0.001 and r=0.343, respectively). The impact of the visual field on vision-related quality of life increased in the advanced stages (P=0.013, r=0.688). The macular retinal ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer thickness remained associated with NEI-VFQ-25 at all stages of glaucoma (r=0.335-0.802). The NEI-VFQ-25 total score and most of the subscales were correlated with the physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 (r=0.159-0.587). VA correlated the most with quality of life in glaucoma patients, as measured with the NEI-VFQ-25 to assess quality of life in glaucoma. The impact of visual functions on quality of life varies at different stages of glaucoma.