Potential Impact Research Articles

Perovskite photovoltaics for aerospace applications − life cycle assessment and cost analysis

In the past few years, we have witnessed a rapid evolution of perovskite solar cells. In this study, we employ life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify the potential environmental impacts of perovskite solar cells (PSC) optimised for aerospace applications but could be used in conventional terrestrial applications too. One PSC module is manufactured by spin coating equipped with ITO glass and gold cathode. The other PSC module is manufactured by slot-die coating with a PET layer and carbon cathode and gold cathode respectively. Life cycle assessment is employed to compare potential environmental impact of two manufacture methods by impact method of Recipe(H), as well as the fabrication cost of PSC module. The primary data of material and energy used for fabricating PSCs are collected from spin coating with lab scale and slot-die coating with pilot scale. The life cycle impact assessment of the PSC module in the pilot scale shows much lower in all the assessed 18 impact categories than in the lab scale thanks to the material use efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Gold as a conduct electrode has the highest impacts in both spin coating and slot-die coating modules. Calculating with a two-year lifetime (typical of aerospace applications), the impact of global warming potential from the PSC module with carbon electrode with pilot scale used in a terrestrial application is calculated to be 12 g/kWh.

Interceptive management of potential maxillary cuspid impaction: a case report

Interceptive management of potential maxillary cuspid impaction: a case report

Comparison of Surgical and Colonoscopy Tissue to Establish Colorectal Patient-derived Organoids.

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are ex vivo models that retain the functions and characteristics of individualized source tissues, including a simulated tumor microenvironment. However, the potential impact of undiscovered differences between tissue sources on PDO growth and progression remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the growth and condition of PDO models originating from surgical resection and colonoscopy and to provide practical insights for PDO studies. Tissue samples and relevant patient clinical information were collected to establish organoid models. PDOs were derived from both surgical and colonoscopy tissues. The growth of the organoids, including their state, size, and success rate of establishment, was recorded and analyzed. The activity of the organoids at the end stage of growth was detected using calcein-AM fluorescence staining. The results showed that the early growth phase of 2/3 colonoscopy-derived organoids was faster compared to surgical PDOs, with a growth difference observed within 11-13 days of establishment. However, colonoscopy-derived organoids exhibited a diminished growth trend after this time. There were no significant differences observed in the terminal area and quantity between the two types of tissue-derived organoids. Immunofluorescence assays of the PDOs revealed that the surgical PDOs possessed a denser cell mass with relatively higher viability than colonoscopy-derived PDOs. In the establishment of colorectal patient-derived organoids, surgically derived organoids require a slightly longer establishment period, while colonoscopy-derived organoids should be passaged prior to growth inhibition to preserve organoid viability.

Exploring the Views, Perspectives, and Current Practices of Educational Speech-Language Pathologists and Psychologists in Canada: How Childhood Developmental Language Disorders Are Identified and Diagnosed.

Across Canada, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and educational psychologists (EPs) work in schools to identify and diagnose childhood learning difficulties, including language disorders; however, both professional groups use different terms to identify and diagnose them. Using the term developmental language disorder (DLD), developed by the CATALISE consortium, would provide consistency across fields. To effectively implement the use of DLD, it is crucial to understand how EPs and SLPs currently identify childhood language disorders and to investigate the potential impact of a practice change in this area. The study conducted 13 moderated focus groups and one one-on-one semistructured interview across six Canadian provinces in English and French. We found some social and structural barriers that impact SLPs' and EPs' current practice of identifying and diagnosing language disorders generally (e.g., the belief that children should not be labeled "too early," institutions that prioritize certain professional diagnoses over others, board policies that do not allocate funds for language disorders, professionals' reticence to convey difficult information such as a diagnosis to collaborators) and DLD specifically (e.g., different professional taxonomies, lack of familiarity with or uncertainty about the label, not recognized as a condition in schools that may or may not even identify language disorder as a category of exceptionality). Nevertheless, the focus groups also revealed the extent to which DLD could be useful in their current practice. Both EPs and SLPs acknowledged the importance of working together; therefore, DLD could inspire more collaborative practice between SLPs and EPs around language disorders.

Magnetic transition of 1D ferromagnetic catalysts during the NO electroreduction

Exploration of magnetic phase transitions during electrochemical processes is of great importance for rational design of supported magnetic-metal electrocatalysts. Herein, we systematically investigated the magnetic transition between ferromagnetism (FM) and anti-ferromagnetism (AFM) in one-dimensional ferromagnetic Co chain supported on graphene (Co4N8-gra) during NO electroreduction (NORR) process, focusing on the impact of potential and acidity on the catalytic property and magnetic transition. A combination of catalytic kinetics calculations and microkinetic simulations reveals that the Co4N8-gra exhibits excellent NH3 selectivity and thermal stability. In the implicit solvent model, the general reaction follows optimal pathway: * + NO(g) → *NO → *HNO → *H2NO → *H2NOH → *NH2 → *NH3 → * + NH3, with the potential-determining step (PDS) identified as *NO → *HNO. In acidic solvent, the magnetic transitions follow the pathway (FM → AFM2 → AFM2 → AFM2 → AFM1 → AFM1 → AFM1 → FM) under an applied potential of −0.20 V/RHE. In neutral solvent, the magnetic transitions occur according to this pathway (FM → AFM2 → AFM2 → FM → AFM1 → AFM1 → AFM1 → FM) under an applied potential of −0.14 V/RHE. In an alkaline solvent, the magnetic transitions proceed along this sequence (FM → AFM1 → AFM2 → FM → AFM1 → AFM1 → AFM1 → FM) under an ultralow potential of −0.08 V/RHE. Essentially, the improvement of catalytic property is attributed to the synergistic influence of external potential and magnetic-state transition on the adsorption of reaction species (e.g., NO and NH3). Magnetic transitions are closely associated with ligand field effect of metal site with variable valence electron induced by applied potential. In general, this study provides valuable insights for the controllable design of magnetic metal catalysts.

The impact of potential and realized absorptive capacity on open innovation: the moderating role of knowledge-oriented leadership

Purpose This study aims to analyze the effects of the components of absorptive capacity (ACAP) – potential absorptive capacity (PACAP) and realized absorptive capacity (RACAP) on inbound and outbound open innovation (OI). In addition, this study investigates the moderating role that knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) plays in the relationship between ACAP and OI. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a quantitative approach, using structural equation modeling, in a sample of 218 companies in the Brazilian manufacturing sector, using a random sampling technique and self-administered questionnaire. Findings The results indicate that while PACAP positively influences inbound and outbound OI, RACAP has a significant relationship only with outbound OI. In addition, KOL moderates the significant relationships between PACAP and RACAP and OI, indicating that the development of a leadership that fosters learning and interaction between employees and sectors of the organization impacts the innovation results of companies in the manufacturing sector. Practical implications This study also shows that managers must have an active role in the construction of an organizational context that supports learning through initiatives that encourage the process of trial and error, teamwork and cooperation between employees. Originality/value This research advances previous studies by relating the two components of ACAP (PACAP and RACAP) with the two OI models (inbound and outbound), in addition to analyzing the moderating role that KOL plays in this relationship between ACAP and OI.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-1 ratio is an important indicator predicting in-hospital death in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Dyslipidemia plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aims to investigate the value of two indices associated with lipid metabolism, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein B ratio (LBR) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-1 ratio (HAR), to predict in-hospital death in patients with ACS. This single-center, retrospective, observational study included 3,366 consecutive ACS patients in Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University from July 2013 to January 2018. The clinical and laboratory data were extracted, and the in-hospital death and hospitalization days were also recorded. All patients were equally divided into four groups according to quartiles of HAR: Q1 (HAR < 1.0283), Q2 (1.0283 ≤ HAR < 1.0860), Q3 (1.0860 ≤ HAR < 1.1798), and Q4 (HAR ≥ 1.1798). Overall, HAR was positively associated with the counts of neutrophils and monocytes, whereas negatively correlated to lymphocyte counts. HAR was negatively correlated to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Compared to other three groups, in-hospital mortality (vs. Q1, Q2, and Q3, p < 0.001) and hospitalization length (vs. Q1, Q2, and Q3, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the Q4 group. When grouped by LBR, however, there was no significant difference in LVEF, in-hospital mortality, and hospitalization length among groups. After adjusting potential impact from age, systolic blood pressure, creatine, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, glucose, and uric acid, multivariate analysis indicated that HAR was an independent factor predicting in-hospital death among ACS patients. HAR had good predictive value for patients' in-hospital death after the occurrence of acute coronary events, but LBR was not related to in-hospital adverse events.

Bereavement during lockdown: the potential impact of COVID-19 restrictions on grief and post-traumatic stress disorder in a Turkish-Muslim population

ABSTRACT The current study examined whether disruption to performing Islamic death rituals could be linked to core bereavement and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Turkish-Muslim individuals who lost their close relatives to COVID-19. Participants (n = 52) completed a Demographic Information and Bereavement Experience (DIBEF) form with items probing demographics, attendance to rituals, receiving social support, and perceived disruption to bereavement via COVID-19 restrictions. The Core Bereavement Items (CBI) and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) were used to measure symptomatology. The results showed that 92.3% of the participants did not receive condolence visitors, 98.1% failed to say goodbye, and 78.8% could not practice their religious duties. Importantly, perceived disruption score was significantly linked to the CBI (but not PCL-C) scores. The potential role of perceived disruption to bereavement in aggravating the grief response is discussed in relation to the dual process model of coping with bereavement.

Principal Support and Teacher Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Collective Teacher Efficacy

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;This study investigated the extent to which demographic variables, principal support and teacher self-efficacy contribute to the collective teacher efficacy. In the study, a non-probability purposive sample was used, which included 761 teachers working in compulsory primary schools in all parts of the Republic of Croatia. The first part of the administered online questionnaire provided data on sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, while in the second part, the following scales were used: The Principal Support Scale, The Teacher Sense of Teacher Efficacy Scale and The Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale. The results of the performed regression analyses show that: 1) the demographic variables - workplace, promotion to a higher rank and principal support have a predictive value in explaining teachers’ self-efficacy; 2) an average number of students per class, promotion to a higher rank, principal support, teacher engagement and teaching strategies have a predictive value in explaining collective teacher efficacy. The findings of this study will be discussed in terms of their potential impact and future research.&lt;/p&gt;

FBLN5 was Regulated by PRDM9, and Promoted Senescence and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are ideal seed cells for periodontal tissue regeneration. Our previous studies have indicated that the histone methyltransferase PRDM9 plays an important role in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Whether FBLN5, which is a downstream gene of PRDM9, also has a potential impact on hPDLSCs is still unclear. Senescence was assessed using β-galactosidase and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Osteogenic differentiation potential of hPDLSCs was measured through Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and Alizarin red detection, while gene expression levels were evaluated using western blot and RT-qPCR analysis. FBLN5 overexpression promoted the osteogenic differentiation and senescence of hPDLSCs. FBLN5 knockdown inhibited the osteogenic differentiation and senescence of hPDLSCs. Knockdown of PRDM9 decreased the expression of FBLN5 in hPDLSCs and inhibited senescence of hPDLSCs. Additionally, both FBLN5 and PRDM9 promoted the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, Erk1/2 and JNK. The p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor SB203580 and the Erk1/2 pathway inhibitor PD98059 have the same effects on inhibiting the osteogenic differentiation and senescence of hPDLSCs. The JNK pathway inhibitor SP600125 reduced the senescence of hPDLSCs. FBLN5 promoted senescence and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs via activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. FBLN5 was positively targeted by PRDM9, which also activated the MAPK signaling pathway.

Use of targeted SMS messaging to encourage COVID-19 oral antiviral uptake in South West Victoria.

During winter 2022, as part of a multifaceted approach to optimise oral antiviral uptake in the Barwon South West region in Victoria, Australia, the Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) implemented an innovative, targeted SMS messaging program that encouraged people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be assessed for antiviral treatment. In this study, we investigated patterns of antiviral uptake, identified barriers and facilitators to accessing antivirals, and examined the potential impact of targeted SMS messaging on oral antiviral uptake. We conducted a cross-sectional study of notified COVID-19 cases aged 50 years and older, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 30-49 years, in the BSWPHU catchment area over a 6-week period commencing 21 July 2022. We analysed survey data using descriptive statistics and generalised linear models. Of the 3829 survey respondents, 36.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35.2, 38.2) reported being prescribed oral antivirals, with 75.4% (95% CI 72.8, 77.9) of these aged ≥70. Antiviral prescriptions increased significantly over the 6-week survey period. Most prescriptions (87.5%; 95% CI 85.7, 89.2) were provided by the respondents' usual general practitioners (GPs). Barriers to receiving antivirals included respondents being unable to get a medical appointment in time (3.7%; 95% CI 3.1, 4.2), testing too late in their illness (2.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 2.8) and being unable to access medications in time after receiving a prescription (0.2%; 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Facilitators to receiving antivirals included respondents first hearing about antivirals from a trusted source such as a family member, friend or usual doctor. Nearly one in eight people who were prescribed antivirals reported first hearing about them from the SMS message sent by BSWPHU. Oral antiviral treatment uptake in south-west Victoria in July-August 2022 was high among survey respondents and increased over time. GPs were the key prescribers in the community. Targeted SMS messaging to COVID-19 cases is a simple, low-cost intervention that potentially increases antiviral uptake.

Exposure to community violence as a mechanism linking neighborhood disadvantage to amygdala reactivity and the protective role of parental nurturance.

Emerging literature links neighborhood disadvantage to altered neural function in regions supporting socioemotional and threat processing. Few studies, however, have examined the proximal mechanisms through which neighborhood disadvantage is associated with neural functioning. In a sample of 7- to 19-year-old twins recruited from disadvantaged neighborhoods (354 families, 708 twins; 54.5% boys; 78.5% White, 13.0% Black, 8.5% other racial/ethnic group membership), we found that exposure to community violence was related to increased amygdala reactivity during socioemotional processing and may be one mechanism linking neighborhood disadvantage to amygdala functioning. Importantly, parenting behavior appeared to modulate these effects, such that high parental nurturance buffered the effect of exposure to community violence on amygdala reactivity. These findings elucidate the potential impact of exposure to community violence on brain function and highlight the role parents can play in protecting youth from the neural effects of exposure to adversity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Health-related quality of life following trauma: Prevalence of problems and factors associated with six-month outcomes in a New Zealand cohort

Injury is a leading cause of health loss in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu (New Zealand; NZ). The NZ Trauma Registry was established in 2015 to monitor outcomes in those experiencing severe injury and to identify ways of improving the quality of care for these patients. Few NZ studies have assessed outcomes in trauma patients using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) despite increasing recognition that the impacts of injury are better understood through PROMs. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported problems with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes six months post-injury, and identify factors associated with these, in a cohort of Māori (the Indigenous population of NZ) and non-Māori individuals who had experienced major trauma. HRQoL outcomes were measured according to the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L. This information, along with sociodemographic data, was collected via structured telephone interviews. Participants (n=870), aged 16 years or more, were recruited following admission to a trauma hospital in one of three (of NZ's four) trauma regions. Multivariable models were developed using modified Poisson Regression to identify factors associated with outcomes for both Māori and non-Māori patients. The prevalence and severity of problems across each of the five EQ-5D-5L dimensions was similar for Māori and non-Māori except for Anxiety/Depression. The prevalence and severity of problems with Anxiety/Depression was greater for Māori. Factors associated with HRQoL problems at six-months were also largely similar for each cohort. Those commonly associated with outcomes were age, hospital length of stay, adequacy of household income, and participants’ expectations regarding recovery from injury. Further research examining recovery expectations in trauma patients to determine which factors contribute to formulating recovery expectations, and the potential impact of recovery expectations on treatment and rehabilitation, would be of value. Should expectations, at least in part, influence HRQoL outcomes, then routinely collecting data on patients’ recovery expectations, adequacy of household income and potential barriers to treatment and rehabilitation, could help inform post-hospital treatment plans, and identify those who may require additional support following discharge from hospital.

Systematic Review Examining the Reporting of Race and Ethnicity in Sport-Related Concussion Studies.

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is an evolving public health concern among youth athletes. Despite emerging evidence that race and ethnicity are important factors in determining concussion outcomes, studies examining race and ethnicity are limited. We conducted a systematic review to (1) determine the prevalence of SRC studies in which participants' race or ethnicity is reported, (2) describe how race and ethnicity are used within each study, and (3) assess predictive factors for the reporting of race and ethnicity. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. Study inclusion criteria were (1) primary and peer-reviewed research; (2) related to the diagnosis, treatment, or recovery of SRC; (3) involving school-aged athletes (ages 5 to 25); and (4) with 25 or more participants. The search was performed in March 2021 and included only studies published after March 2013. For each article, we looked at whether race and ethnicity were reported, and if so, which races or ethnicities were mentioned. For each race or ethnicity mentioned, we extracted the corresponding sample size and how they were used as variables in the study. Of 4583 studies screened, 854 articles met inclusion criteria. Of the included articles, 132 (15.5%) reported race, and 65 (7.6%) reported ethnicity, whereas 721 (84.4%) reported neither. When examining the demographic characteristics of the 132 studies that reported race, 69.8% of athletes were White. Additionally, 79.5% of these studies used race solely as a demographic descriptor as opposed to a main exposure or covariate of interest. Studies published more recently were more likely to report race. Further, studies in specific study or journal topics and specific geographic locations of the authors were more likely to report race. Reporting of race and ethnicity is limited in current SRC literature. Future authors should improve the reporting of race and ethnicity, diversify study samples by focusing on enrolling athletes from underrepresented groups, and consider the potential effect of race and ethnicity as social determinants of health on risk factors, recovery, and long-term sequelae after SRC.

Landslide hazard assessment and agricultural vulnerability using a geospatial approach

The village of Cukilan, Semarang Regency, Indonesia, is predominantly utilized for agricultural purposes, facilitated by its high rainfall suitable for various crops. Despite the benefits it provides to farmers, the elevated rainfall also poses natural disaster risks, particularly landslides, which can adversely affect surrounding communities. This study aims to map landslide potentials and evaluate their impacts on the agricultural sector in the Cukilan Village, Semarang Regency. The research methodology encompasses a literature review focusing on landslide potential estimation and field survey. The literature review aims to obtain landslide potential distribution maps compiled by DVMBG, considering rainfall, slope, geology, land use, and soil types. Field surveys validate conditions based on landslide potential estimations, involving random soil sampling and analyzing parameters like permeability, texture, bulk density, depth, and surface density. The research findings reveal the impact of landslide potential on the agricultural sector and the mapping of landslide potential areas in Cukilan Village, depicting various risk levels: very high (0.71% of total area, covering 5 ha), high (13.24%, 93 ha), moderate (56.55%, 397 ha), and low (29.48%, 207 ha). Based on these findings, it is evident that managing landslide disaster risks in agricultural development in the area is crucial, including the implementation of safer land use planning and appropriate mitigation strategies.

A Promising Breakthrough: The Potential of VORASIDENIB in the Treatment of Low-grade Glioma.

Gliomas are common malignant brain tumors characterized by diffuse brain infiltration. World Health Organization grade II and grade III diffuse gliomas are considered lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) and have isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. LGGs are challenging due to their infiltrative nature, making them capable of progressing into higher-grade malignancies. Vorasidenib is a novel therapeutic agent targeting mutant IDH1/2, sparking interest in the field. Vorasidenib inhibits mutant IDH1/2 through a unique mechanism, reducing the production of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). This alteration affects key enzymes and DNA methylation, impacting tumor growth and invasion. Preclinical Evidence: Preclinical studies show vorasidenib's efficacy in inhibiting mutant IDH1/2 and 2-HG production in glioma models. It suppresses tumor growth, making it a potential treatment option. Early clinical trials demonstrate vorasidenib's clinical activity in non-enhancing gliomas. It reduces 2-hydroxyglutarate levels and tumor cell proliferation, with an objective response rate and prolonged progression-free survival. The drug's safety profile is favorable. Challenges and Future Directions: Challenges include identifying predictive biomarkers and optimizing sequencing or combinations with existing therapies. Further research is needed to establish long-term effectiveness, evaluate side effects, and explore combinations with immunotherapy. orasidenib significantly advances LGG treatment, targeting a prevalent mutation and slowing tumor growth. Promising preclinical and clinical evidence and manageable side effects suggest its potential impact on LGG management. However, more research, including large trials, is needed to confirm its efficacy and role in treatment.

Unlocking the role of 3d electrons on ferromagnetism and spin-dependent transport properties in K2GeNiX6 (X=Br, I) for spintronics and thermoelectric applications

In our quest for novel materials, we undertake a rigorous ab-initio investigation to unravel the structural stability, electronic profile, and thermoelectric properties of halide double perovskites K2GeNiX6 (X = Br, I). Our exploration commences with a meticulous evaluation of structural and thermodynamic stability, utilizing diverse metrics for comprehensive scrutiny. Subsequently, we optimize the structures using the GGA-PBE potential at the behest of the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state to identify energetically favoured configurations. The ferromagnetic phase emerges as the ground state, supported by positive Curie-Weiss constant values of 120 K for K2GeNiBr6 and 100 K for K2GeNiI6, respectively. To elucidate the precise determination of the electronic structure, we utilized the highly sophisticated TB-mBJ potential, unveiling a ferromagnetic semiconductor nature for both materials. The band structure exhibits a pronounced asymmetry, indicating the presence of spin-magnetic moments. Notably, K2GeNiBr6 and K2GeNiI6 display substantial magnetic moments of 2 μB each, primarily associated with the 3d-transition element Ni2+. Additionally, we determine the Curie temperature, disclosing substantial values of 510 K and 430 K for K2GeNiBr6 and K2GeNiI6, respectively. Our investigation extends to encompass thermodynamic parameters, considering vibrational contributions to internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, and other factors that collectively serve as indicators of thermal stability. Finally, we examine the impact of both chemical potential and temperature variations on key thermoelectric parameters, specifically the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and the figure of merit (zT). The findings unveil a significant thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) with values of 1.00 and 0.99 for K2GeNiBr6 and K2GeNiI6, respectively. The overall comprehensive analysis underscores the substantial potential of these tailored materials in applications pertaining to semiconductor spintronics and thermoelectric devices.

Examining Tongue Size in OSA Patients with Lateral Cephalometric Radiography

Aim: This article aims to investigate tongue dimensions in patients using lateral cephalometric radiography, examining the potential impact of differences in tongue size on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). The data obtained in this study may contribute to a better understanding of the risk factors involved in the development of OSAS.&#x0D; Methods: This study included 80 patients, with 34 females and 46 males. Among these patients, 48 were in the patient group with OSA, and 32 were in the control group AHI

Incidental pathogenic germline alterations detected through liquid biopsy in patients with solid tumors: prevalence, clinical utility and implications.

Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive approach for detecting tumor biomarkers in blood, has emerged as a leading-edge technique in cancer precision medicine. New evidence has shown that liquid biopsies can incidentally detect pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) associated with cancer predisposition, including in patients with a cancer for which genetic testing is not recommended. The ability to detect these incidental PGV in cancer patients through liquid biopsy raises important questions regarding the management of this information and its clinical implications. This incidental identification of PGVs raises concerns about cancer predisposition and the potential impact on patient management, not only in terms of providing access to treatment based on the tumor molecular profiling, but also the management of revealing genetic predisposition in patients and families. Understanding how to interpret this information is essential to ensure proper decision-making and to optimize cancer treatment and prevention strategies. In this review we provide a comprehensive summary of current evidence of incidental PGVs in cancer predisposition genes identified by liquid biopsy in patients with cancer. We critically review the methodological considerations of liquid biopsy as a tool for germline diagnosis, clinical utility and potential implications for cancer prevention, treatment, and research.

DFT-1/2 for ionic insulators: Impact of self-energy potential on band gap correction

DFT-1/2 is an efficient band gap correction method for density functional theory under local density approximation or generalized gradient approximation. Nevertheless, it still predicts lower band gaps than experimental in highly ionic insulators, such as LiF and CsCl. In this study, we emphasize that the problem is more severe for halides. For example, the DFT-1/2 band gap for Li2O is much more satisfactory than that for LiF. Notwithstanding the traditional belief that high ionicity is the key, we ascribe the main reason to the fact that the self-energy potentials (SEPs) used for anions were derived based on neutral atoms. Extensive tests have shown that an SEP derived from an atom/ion with fewer electrons is stronger than that derived with more electrons. The degree of enhancement in the O SEP, based on O rather than O2–, could generally compensate for the loss of SEP in the trimming process. In the case of halides, such compensation is insufficient, resulting in small band gaps. For ionic nitrides involving N3–, the SEP is undesirably large if it is derived from a neutral N atom. Equivalent scaling factors are prescribed for the SEPs of F and N, with the former being greater and the latter being smaller than unity. With proper SEP scaling factors according to the charge carried by the anion, the DFT-1/2 band gaps are greatly improved for highly ionic insulators.