Simple Protocol Research Articles

Direct One-Pot Synthesis of Tetrazole Derivatives from Aldehydes under Metal-Free Conditions

AbstractA simple and efficient one-pot protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 1H-tetrazole and 1-methyltetrazole derivatives from aldehydes under mild and metal-free conditions using ammonium azide or methyl azide, respectively. A number of tetrazole derivatives were obtained in moderate to high yields (75–92%) in green solvents at a moderate temperature. These reactions presumably proceed through the formation of a nitrile in situ. The mild conditions and the easy workup and purification make this method highly valuable.

Standardization of myocardial protection: comment on "Cardiac surgery 2023 reviewed".

There have been few recent innovations since the introduction of cardioplegia more than 50 years ago. Surprisingly, cardioplegia as one of the most essential steps in terms of heart muscle protection during a surgical procedure requiring cardiac arrest has never been really standardized. As a consequence, a considerable variety of cardioplegic solutions and applications have developed: cold versus warm, crystalloid versus blood cardioplegia, antegrade versus retrograde or both, as well as different time schedules for repeated administration. A new cardioplegia solution, called CardioplexolTM, has recently received CE-market approval as a drug - following two phase III studies. CardioplexolTM shows several advantages: the administration follows a very simple protocol, minimizing the risk of errors in manipulation, diastolic arrest occurs immediately, thus allowing immediate begin of the cardiac work once the aorta has been cross clamped. The very low volume of crystalloid solution (e.g. 100 ml as induction and a second application of 100 ml following 45-60 minutes of ischemia), avoids hemodilution and therefore the need for filtration during surgery. In addition, the injection through the aortic root canula eliminates the need for an additional cardioplegia pump and its disposable tubing system. This simplified cardioplegia that is not inferior to Buckberg solution has the potential for standardization of myocardial protection protocols.

A simplified fluid-sensitive MRI protocol for the hands to detect inflammation without contrast administration: a large study of symptom-free subjects from the general population as a reference for normality.

MRI of the hands is valuable for risk-stratification in patients with arthralgia at-risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Contrast-enhanced MRI is considered standard for assessment of RA, but has practical disadvantages. It also shows inflammation-like features in the general population, especially at older age, which should be considered in image interpretation. The modified-Dixon(mDixon) technique is reliable compared to contrast-enhanced sequences. Moreover, this short protocol without contrast-enhancement is patient-friendly. Whether it also shows inflammation-like features in the general population is unknown. We studied this to support accurate use in the clinic. Two hundred twenty symptom-free volunteers from different age-categories were recruited from the general population and underwent mDixon MRI of both hands. Two readers independently scored MRIs for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bone marrow edema (BME) in the metacarpophalangeal-joints (MCP) and wrists according to the RAMRIS. Features were considered present if scored by both readers; frequencies > 5% were considered relevant in terms of specificity and determined per age-category (< 40/40- < 60/ ≥ 60-years). Higher age correlated with higher BME-scores (p-value < 0.005), but not with synovitis and tenosynovitis-scores. BME (grade 1) occurred in some bones in people aged ≥ 60, 14% had BME in the lunate, 7% in metacarpal-1, and 6% in the trapezium. Synovitis and tenosynovitis did not occur in > 5%, except for grade-1 synovitis in the right distal radio-ulnar-joint in people aged ≥ 60 (11%). On mDixon MRI, inflammatory features in the hands of the general population are rare. This facilitates image interpretation. To prevent overinterpretation, only several locations should be considered when evaluating people aged ≥ 60-years.

Digital vs. Conventional Removable Complete Dentures: A Retrospective Study on Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency in Edentulous Patients: Clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency analysis of digital dentures.

This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency of conventional and digital prosthodontic protocols, with a specific focus on milled and 3D-printed digital removable complete dentures. This retrospective clinical study was conducted at the Removable Prosthodontics Department of the University of Siena. 60 patients were divided into two groups: 30 received conventional complete dentures, while the remaining 30 received digital complete dentures (15 milled and 15 3D-printed). Clinical outcomes were assessed using OHIP-14, bite force measurements, and masticatory performance tests before and six months after treatment. Treatment-related metrics, including chairside time, follow-up time, and laboratory costs, were recorded and compared across the groups. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of differences between conventional and digital complete dentures, as well as between milled and 3D-printed digital complete dentures. The study revealed that digital complete dentures significantly reduced chairside time compared to conventional dentures, with average times of 154.31 ± 13.19 minutes for digital dentures and 218.00 ± 20.75 minutes for conventional dentures (p < 0.0001). Laboratory costs were found to be statistically lower for digital dentures, (€378.79 ± 137.46 vs. €459.15 ± 63.72, p = 0.0059) compared to conventional dentures. No statistically significant differences were observed in bite force or masticatory performance between the groups. OHIP-14 scores indicated slightly lower patient satisfaction with digital dentures, but the difference was not clinically significant. Digital removable dentures, including both milled and 3D-printed models, offer a practical and efficient alternative to conventional dentures, particularly in terms of reducing chairside time and laboratory costs. Digital removable dentures offer a practical and efficient alternative to conventional dentures, particularly in terms of reducing chairside time and costs. These simplified digital protocols could be applied in residential facilities or within national healthcare programs, improving access to prosthetic care for a larger number of patients.

Unraveling the Complexity and Advancements of Transdifferentiation Technologies in the Biomedical Field and Their Potential Clinical Relevance.

Chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and organ failure currently depend on conventional pharmaceutical treatment, which may cause detrimental side effects in the long term. In this regard, cell-based therapy has emerged as a suitable alternative for treating these chronic diseases. Transdifferentiation technologies have evolved as a suitable therapeutic alternative that converts one differentiated somatic cell into another phenotype by using transcription factors (TFs), small molecules, or small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules (miRNA). The transdifferentiation techniques rely on simple, fast, standardized, and versatile protocols with minimal chance of tumorigenicity and genotoxicity. However, there are still challenges and limitations that need to be addressed to enhance their clinical translation percentage in the near future. Taking this into account, we have delineated the features and strategies used in the transdifferentiation techniques. Then, we delved into different intermediate states that were attained during transdifferentiation. Advancements in transdifferentiation techniques in the field of tissue engineering, autoimmunity, and cancer therapy were dissected. Furthermore, limitations, challenges, and future perspectives are outlined in this review to provide a whole new picture of the transdifferentiation techniques. Advancements in molecular biology, interdisciplinary research, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence will push the frontiers of this technology further to establish new avenues for biomedical research.

Multilayer Ultratranslucent Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Treated With Multimode Universal Adhesive System Containing Zirconia Primer: A Clinical Report

ABSTRACTIntroductionUltratranslucent zirconia combines high mechanical strength and esthetics, making it ideal for monolithic restorations. This case report describes a total rehabilitation of the upper dental arch with single‐unit crowns made of multilayer ultratranslucent zirconia (Prettau 4 Anterior, Zirkonzahn), as well as the use of a simplified adhesive cementation protocol for this type of ceramic.Materials and MethodsA 64‐year‐old female patient sought rehabilitative treatment, after planning in a semi‐adjustable articulator, interim prostheses, from tooth 2 to 15, were installed to restore occlusal vertical dimension and esthetics. After all surgical, periodontal, and endodontic procedures, impressions of the upper and lower arches were taken. In the maxilla, 14 zirconia crowns with a color gradient were fabricated and cemented, with their internal surface treated with a multimode adhesive system containing zirconia primer (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE). The same adhesive system was applied to the preparations, and the crowns were cemented with dual resin cement (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE).ResultsAfter the crowns exhibited excellent esthetic results, with only a minor fracture observed on the palatal cusps of the right first upper premolars.ConclusionsThus, ultratranslucent zirconia appears to be a viable option for oral rehabilitation with single‐unit crowns due to its excellent clinical performance.Clinical SignificanceMonolithic ultratranslucent zirconia crowns are able to reproduce the natural characteristics of dental elements. Additionally, the application of 10‐methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate‐based primer has proven to be an efficient surface treatment for adhesive cementation of UT zirconia.

A Resilient and Reusable Ion-Tagged Cu(II) Catalyst for the Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 2-(N-Arylamino)benzothiazoles

AbstractA simple, quick, and cost-effective protocol is presented herein for the sustainable synthesis of 2-(N-arylamino)benzothiazoles from 2-haloanilines and arylisothiocyanates by using an ionic liquid supported heterogeneous Cu(II) catalyst derived from N-methylimidazole. Compared to the use of homogeneous catalysts and additives, which require long reaction times and high reaction temperatures, this methodology has a broad substrate scope and proceeds in short reaction times to afford compounds in excellent yields under microwave irradiation. In addition, the catalyst can be extracted easily and is recyclable up to five times with no significant loss in catalytic activity.

Current gaps in acute reperfusion therapies.

Advances in intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy have significantly reduced disability and improved outcomes associated with acute ischemic stroke. An expansion of indications for reperfusion therapies in select groups of patients to permit treatment in an extended time window, with large ischemic core, and with simplified imaging protocols have enabled a broader group of patients access to disability-sparing therapy. Cerebroprotection has had renewed development in the era of acute reperfusion. In this review, we highlight recent developments in stroke reperfusion research and related questions that are under study or remain unanswered.

A simple, rapid, and low-cost approach for colloidal nanoparticle-based surface enhanced Raman Scattering detection of endosulfan pesticide at trace levels

Abstract Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly specific, sensitive, and portable technique with great potential for on-site pesticide detection and monitoring. Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide known for its high toxicity, slow degradation, and bioaccumulation, has poor affinity for metallic SERS substrates. This study presents a label-free SERS detection method for endosulfan, using aggregating agents like potassium chloride (KCl), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium bromide (KBr), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to modify the behavior of Ag colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) and enhance the SERS signal of endosulfan molecules trapped within formed hot-spots. We analyzed the UV–Vis spectra, the hydrodynamic diameter, and zeta-potential of Ag NPs with the addition of these agents and endosulfan. Successful detection of both α- and ß- endosulfan isomers at μM concentrations in both ethanol and methanol was achieved with KOH-treated Ag NPs. The method was also applied to detect endosulfan in real water samples, along with simultaneous detection of λ-cyhalothrin, showcasing its capability to identify multiple analytes. The selectivity and specificity were confirmed using a mixture of endosulfan and thiabendazole, highlighting the crucial role of selecting the appropriate aggregating agent for each analyte. Overall, the findings emphasize the potential of aggregating agents to mediate the SERS enhancement of endosulfan, facilitating simple and rapid protocols for environmental pollutant detection, while shedding light on the intricate interplay between NP behavior, surface chemistry, and analyte interaction.

Surfactant‐Free, Simple Hydrothermal Synthesis of Morphologically Porous, Three‐Dimensional SnS2 Nanomaterial as Long term Stable Electrode for Supercapacitor Application

AbstractTin disulfide (SnS2) is a prominent candidate in the class of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), whose multiple electrical and electrochemical applications have recently steered much attention to energy storage devices like batteries and supercapacitors. Previous studies on the material came under the efforts to improve its applications by doping, creating composites, and other heterogeneous structures, which are complicated and less economical. Thus, pristine SnS2, utilizing its morphological features in conjunction with a suitable synthesis method, was investigated to improve efficiency and reduce cost without confusing processes or structural iterations. In this work, SnS2 is synthesized in its bare form using the hydrothermal method to investigate its potential supercapacitor application. The synthesis route followed a cost‐efficient and simple protocol, and the material shows a porous morphology favoring electrode–electrolyte interaction desirable for supercapacitors. A comprehensive study on the structural, morphological, and surface features done by XRD, FESEM, EDX, XPS, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis confirmed the formation of SnS2 and interior structure. Supercapacitor analysis by CV, GCD, EIS, and cyclic stability tests reveal an intermittent energy storage mechanism, with a capacitance of 109.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and high cyclic retention of 106% at 5 A g−1 after 7000 cycles.

In vitro germination of date palm somatic embryos and conversion into plants under dark culture conditions: novel protocol to reducing the time and production costs

All of previous studies germinated the somatic embryos of date palm under light while neglecting germination under darkness that mimics germination in nature under soil. Studying the effect of light and darkness on the germination of somatic embryos led to the development of a modified protocol for inducing date palm somatic embryo germination and conversion into plants. Two types of somatic embryos were obtained, individual somatic embryos with bipolar structures and cluster primary embryos that multiplied to the cluster somatic embryos. The cluster embryos produced cluster shoots up on germination, while individual embryos developed into a single plantlet. The cluster somatic embryos that germinated in the dark exhibited sustained and vigorous growth, leading to the formation of long etiolated stems with thin leaves. Germination under darkness significantly shortened the conversion period of cluster somatic embryos into plants from 20 weeks, when using light, to only 7 weeks for both germination and elongation in one stage. Moreover, the plants incubated in the dark had the greatest percentage of rooting and plant acclimatization. Taken together, these results led to the development of an efficient new and simple protocol for date palm micropropagation, which led to improved germination and growth and significantly reduced time and costs.

Detection of fetal congenital heart defects on three-vessel view ultrasound videos

Background:Detecting congenital heart defects (CHDs) is challenging due to the difficulty of identifying subtle abnormalities in fetal heart structures. Objectives:To develop a deep learning-based method for segmenting vessels in the three-vessel view (3VV) to characterise the vessels by size and spatial relationships to detect abnormal fetal hearts. Methods:We present a deep learning-based method that takes as input a fetal heart ultrasound (US) video of the three vessels view (3VV) and an anchor frame, which contains the segmentation of the pulmonary artery (PA), aorta (Ao), and superior vena cava (SVC) in the 3VV. The method automatically segments the anatomical structures subsequent to the anchor frame and classifies the US video as normal or abnormal. The method consists of two phases. The first phase combines three residual networks (ResNets) extended with a self-attention block and a refinement module. The second phase extends a ResNet with two CoordConv layers integrating spatial coordinates. We assess segmentation performance using the intersection over union (IoU) and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) metrics and classification of US videos using sensitivity and specificity. We also investigate the tolerance to failure of the method by introducing mislabelled anchor frames. The dataset used in this study consists of 150 US videos of the 3VV; 50 videos were used for training, and 100 videos (50 normal videos, 50 abnormal videos) for testing. Results:In terms of anatomical structure segmentation accuracy, the method achieves an average IoU of 89.5% (99.5% for PA, 85.0% for Ao, and 84.1% for SVC), and an average DSC of 0.950% (0.946% for PA, 0.969% for Ao, and 0.934% for SVC). Detection of abnormal videos achieved a sensitivity of 0.99 and specificity of 1.0. The tolerance to failure analysis shows a decrease in the sensitivity of 0.023 and 0.015 for normal and abnormal case videos, respectively. Conclusions:The initial evaluation of our approach to fetal CHDs on 3VV ultrasound videos is promising but requires further refinement and evaluation on a larger dataset to assess clinical utility. The approach is designed to be translatable to low-resource settings where fetal echocardiography experts are unavailable due to the simple acquisition protocol.

Ru(II)‐catalyzed ortho C−H Arylation of Heterocyclic Biaryls

AbstractRu(II)‐Pheox complexes are known catalysts for carbene insertion reactions. Herein we teach them a new trick: how to perform ortho C−H arylation processes! Our operationally simple protocol tolerates structurally diverse directing groups and both aryl iodides and diaryliodonium salts as transfer groups.

Pulsed-Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation with a Novel Simplified Protocol: the PFA Dose Study

BackgroundPulsed-field ablation (PFA) using a pentaspline-catheter for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is performed in a standardized fashion. Whether a reduced number of applications results in similar clinical outcomes has not been fully investigated. ObjectivesTo assess a simplified PFA-dosing protocol for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) compared to a standard protocol.Method: consecutive Patients undergoing their first PVI using PFA were enrolled. In the simple PFA-group, patients received 4 applications/PV (2x basket and 2x flower configuration) whereas 8 applications/PV (4x basket and 4x flower configuration) were used in the standard PFA-group. ResultsWe included 245 patients (32% female, median age 66 years): 96 patients were in the simple PFA-group (39%) and 149 in the standard PFA-group (61%). Median procedure duration, left atrial dwell time and fluoroscopy time were significantly shorter in the simple-PFA group compared to the standard PFA-group with 40 [25–55] min vs. 53 [41–67] min (p<0.001); 22 [13–37] min vs. 37 [27–50] min (p<0.001); 9 [7–12] min vs. 11 [9–14] min (p<0.001), respectively. First pass isolation was similar for the simple PFA and the standard PFA-group (95% vs. 95%, p>0.999). Overall, 4 procedural complications were observed, all in the standard PFA-group (p=0.303). During a median follow-up of 373 days, freedom from atrial arrhythmias was 79% in the simple PFA-group and 77% in the standard PFA-group (p=0.767), respectively. Findings were confirmed when only comparing patients who received PVI with/without EAM. ConclusionIn conclusion, the novel simplified PFA-protocol was associated with increased procedural efficiency while maintaining non-inferior efficacy and safety compared to the standard PFA-protocol.

Outpatient periurethral injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®) under local anesthesia in the office: a prospective single-center series

ObjectiveTo report our experience of outpatient peri-urethral injections of Bulkamid® under local anesthesia in the office in female patients for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®) is a relatively recent bulking agent which may have a better safety profile than previous generations. MethodsThe data of all women who underwent outpatient peri-urethral Bulkamid® injections under local anesthesia in the office at a single academic center were collected prospectively between November 2019 and August 2023. This therapeutic option was offered to patients who had SUI if > 80-year-old and/or had multiple comorbidities or if they declined all other therapeutic options. ResultsNinety-two patients were included. The mean age was 78 years (30-97). Twenty-two patients experienced postoperative complications (21%), seventeen were Clavien 1 complication, only one complication was Clavien =4. The USP SUI and OAB subscores and the ICIQ-SF were all significantly improved at 3 months (p<0.001). The VAS for urethral coaptation self-assessed by the surgeon at the end of the procedure was the strongest predictor of postoperative outcomes.Peri-urethral Bulkamid® injections are feasible in an outpatient setting in the office using a simplified local anesthesia protocol with a great tolerance and with similar functional outcomes than previously reported. The injections have a low rate of complications and every complication has been well tolerated. ConclusionThese options may be of great value in frail patients and those looking for a minimally invasive treatment. The local anesthesia protocol with the office setting may be of particular interest.

Optimized simple culture protocol for inducing mature myotubes from MYOD1-overexpressed human iPS cells

The forced expression system of MYOD1, a master gene for myogenic differentiation, can efficiently and rapidly reproduce muscle differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Despite these advantages of the MYOD1 overexpression system, developed myotubes are relatively immature and do not recapitulate several aspects of striated muscle fibers. Here, we developed a simple optimized protocol using an alternative culture medium for maximizing the advantages of the MYOD1 overexpression system, and successfully improved the formation of multinucleated mature myotubes within 10 days. In this study, we generated hiPSCs derived from healthy donors and an individual with congenial muscular dystrophy caused by LMNA mutation (laminopathy), and compared disease-associated phenotypes in differentiated myotubes generated by the conventional method and by our new optimized culture method. Using our optimized method, abnormal myonuclear shape was pronounced in the patient-derived iPSCs. In addition, abnormal accumulation of the nuclear membrane protein emerin was observed in LMNA-mutant hiPSCs. Our new culture method is expected to be widely applicable as a MYOD1 overexpression model of hiPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells for the analysis of a variety of muscle diseases.

Assessment of Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection in Meat Samples: Optimization of Pre-analytical Conditions.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is considered an anthropozoonosis. Genotypes with zoonotic potential (mainly HEV-3 and HEV-4) can be transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked pork, wild boar, deer meat, or processed products. This study aims to explore methodologies for processing meat samples to establish a protocol for HEV detection in meat. The analysis of pre-analytical conditions involved comparing homogenization with PBS versus TRIzol, comparing tissue disruption methods (ultra-turrax versus mortar and pestle), and assessing nucleic acid extraction techniques (spin columns and magnetic beads) across three types of artificially contaminated meat matrices: pork, salmon (fish-meat), and salami. Each test included a process control virus (PP7) and an HEV transcript. Molecular detection was performed via RT-qPCR. Results indicated that TRIzol provided better recovery rates for homogenization, while spin columns were the most effective option for RNA extraction. Both the ultra-turrax homogenizer and the mortar-pestle methods were effective for pork and fish-meat homogenization, while the use of the UT yielded superior results for salami. HEV recovery rates were 36.7%, 26.3%, and 34.1% for salami, salmon, and pork meat, respectively. In conclusion, we reached a simple and reliable protocol for the detection of RNA-HEV from three meat matrices. This method, which includes homogenization with TRIzol, mechanical tissue disruption, and RNA extraction using spin columns followed by real-time PCR, can be applied in future studies to evaluate HEV prevalence in food sources and contribute to the discussion about HEV detection methodologies.

Optimization of a disposable pipette tips extraction (DPX) for the analysis of psychoactive substances in sweat specimens using Design of Experiments.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to emerge in the marketplace and are often found as substances in traditional illicit drug materials, and users are often unaware of the presence of other drugs. The proper identification and confirmation of the exposure to a drug is made possible when a biological specimen is collected and tested. Sweat is an alternative biological matrix of great interest for clinical, and forensic analysis. One of the reasons is attributed to its expanded drug detection window, enabling a greater monitoring capacity, and provision of information on prospective drug use. However, the concentrations of drugs in sweat samples are often low, which requires highly sensitive and selective methods. Disposable pipette tips extraction (DPX) is a new miniaturized solid phase extraction technique capable of efficiently extracting analytes from biological specimens, providing high recoveries, and requiring minimized solvent use. This study describes the development and optimization of two methods for the extraction of basic and neutral psychoactive substances from sweat samples using GC-MS and Design of Experiments (DoE). The following extraction parameters were optimized by DoE techniques: sample volume, elution solvent volume, washing solvent volume, sample aspiration time, elution solvent aspiration time, and number of cycles performed, including the elution step. It was possible to design a simple extraction protocol that provided optimized recoveries for both basic and neutral compounds. The sum of analyte areas increased at a rate of 54.7% for compounds of basic character and 39.2% for compounds of neutral character. Therefore, our results were satisfactory, demonstrating that DPX can be successfully used for extracting the target drugs from sweat samples.

Intraprocedural Three-Dimensional Imaging Registration Optimizes Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Focused Ultrasound and Facilitates Novel Applications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transcranial magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has revolutionized ablative treatment of essential tremor in recent years. However, limitations in precision targeting may account for suboptimal efficacy and significant side effects. We describe a simple intraprocedural three-dimensional image-guided lesion shaping technique that can improve overall outcomes of MRgFUS for essential tremor and facilitate expansion to novel indications. METHODS: A retrospective review of 84 consecutive MRgFUS procedures performed at Pennsylvania Hospital was performed. Comparison of patient demographics, treatment parameters, and clinical outcomes before and after implementation of this protocol was conducted. Further application of this technique in pallidotomy treatments and ablative disconnection of hypothalamic hamartoma are described. RESULTS: After implementation, the median of total number of sonications (7 vs 9, P = .001), number of therapeutic sonications (3 vs 4, P &lt; .0001), and interval time between the first and last sonication (46:10 vs 68:53 minutes, P = .0004) were significantly reduced. Patients expressed greater satisfaction of treatment (94.1% vs 82.4%, P = .018), greater global impression of change (CGI) (7 vs 6, P = .033), and reduced median number of side effects at 6 months (0 vs 1, P = .026). We also successfully implemented this protocol for novel indications. CONCLUSION: Intraprocedural lesion shaping for MRgFUS is a simple and versatile imaging protocol augmentation that improves ablation precision and can improve treatment efficacy and broader neurological application.

A Case Study on Integrating an Eco-Design Tool into the Construction Decision-Making Process

To enhance the sustainability of construction and meet the sector’s environmental agenda, it is essential to comprehensively scrutinize the environmental, social, and economic impacts of construction projects from the project’s design stage. Such assessment is of utmost importance to minimize the impacts of both new construction and rehabilitation projects and is particularly critical during the selection of building materials and construction solutions. This work reports improvements in functionality and user-friendliness of an eco-design tool (UAveiroGreenBuilding) targeting the construction/rehabilitation sector and previously developed within our research group. The optimized version of the eco-design tool underwent validation through the assessment of competitive window frame materials (e.g., wood, PVC, and aluminum) for potential implementation in a rehabilitation project. Windows with PVC frames were identified as the preferred window configuration due to their superior environmental performance and favorable economic profile. Additionally, a digital communication interface was developed to connect the eco-design tool with building information modeling (BIM) projects, achieved through a routine integrated using a Dynamo application. Such successful integration not only streamlined and expedited the data transfer process by obviating the need for manual input but it also enabled the storage of environmental data throughout the life cycle of the project using a simple and reliable data storage protocol.