Structural Chemistry of Several Compounds Elucidated by Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction.

The single crystal X-ray diffraction structure of four compounds have been determined. Crystals of bis((mu)-acetato-O:O\u27)-bis 4\u27-nitro-2\u27-(2-pyridyl)phenyl-N dipalladium (II), (PdC(,13)H(,10) N(,2) O(,4))(,2), are monoclinic, space group I 2/c, with lattice constants: a = 14.300(3)(ANGSTROM), b = 9.939(1)(ANGSTROM), c= 18.822(2)(ANGSTROM), (beta) = 91.01(3)(DEGREES). The structure was solved by the heavy atom technique, and full-matrix least squares refinement resulted in a final R-value of 0.029, Rw = 0.050. The molecule has a folded conformation with Pd---Pd = 2,822(6)(ANGSTROM). Crystals of pseudo penta-O-acetyl-(beta)-D,L-Glucopyranose are monoclinic, space group P2(,1)/c, a = 11.580(2)(ANGSTROM), b = 8.276(1)(ANGSTROM), c = 22.031(2)(ANGSTROM), (beta) = 104.33(1)(DEGREES). The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final R value of 0.049 and Rw of 0.054. The pseudo-glucose ring has nearly a (\u274)C(,1) conformation with O(61) in the gg position. Ba (Pt(,x), Ni(,1-x))(CN)(,4) .4H(,2)O crystallizes in space group C2/c with lattice constants: a = 12.209(2)(ANGSTROM), b = 13.752(2)(ANGSTROM), c = 6.638(1)(ANGSTROM) and (beta) = 107.76(1)(DEGREES). The disordered structure consists of columns of M(CN)(,4)(\u272-) groups (M = Pt and Ni) stacked along the c axis with M-M distance of 3.319(1)(ANGSTROM). Planes of these groups are tilted by 4.1(1)(DEGREES) from the c axis. The CN(\u27-) ligands are found to be staggered with NC - M - M - CN torsion angles ranging from 42(DEGREES) to 48(DEGREES). The Ba(\u272+) ion has a ten fold coordination of bicapped square antiprismatic geometry. The crystal structure refined to R = 0.0469, Rw = 0.0699, and X = 0.59. 2,5-anhydro-(1,3,4,6-O-(\u272)H(,4))-D-Mannitol crystallizes in space group P2(,1)2(,1)2(,1) with a = 7.876(1)(ANGSTROM), b = 8.561(1)(ANGSTROM), c = 11.443(1)(ANGSTROM). The molecule does not have the expected C(,2) symmetry: the ring C - O bonds are unequal in length, and the conformation is slightly distorted from the ideal (\u274)T(,3) configuration

Effect of Buffer Layer selection on Perovskite-Based Solar Cell Efficiency: A Simulation Study Using OghmaNano Software

This simulation paper investigates the impact of incorporating three different buffer layers (CZTSE, CZTS, and CZS) on the efficiency of two different types of perovskite absorber layers (MAPbCl3 and MAGeI3) in a solar cell using the OghmaNano software. The absorber thickness is optimized for maximum efficiency, and then each type of buffer layer is optimized for further efficiency gains. Results show that MAGeI3 has higher efficiency values compared to MAPbCl3. Moreover, the CZS buffer layer demonstrates a remarkable increase in efficiency compared to CZTS and CZTSe buffer layers, with a difference of up to 23.35% for MAPbCl3 and 6.8% for MAGeI3. This study highlights the importance of buffer layer selection and optimization for achieving higher solar cell efficiency

Disclosure of Diagnosis and Prognosis to Cancer Patients in Traditional Societies: A Qualitative Assessment from Lebanon

Background: The issue of when, how, and whether to disclose full information about cancer diagnosis and prognosis to patients is still debated in some parts of the world, including Lebanon. Despite formal academic emphasis on a larger autonomy for Lebanese patients in deciding the course of their disease, there has been no apparent impact on either clinical practices nor public expectations.  The topic of full disclosure is rarely if ever discussed in open fora, or in mass media channels in Lebanon. Subjects and Method: Seven key stakeholders were identified and interviewed regarding obstacles to spelling out clear guidelines within our national context. The interviews were transcribed and subsequently analyzed for recurrent patterns and concepts.Results: Senior oncologists interviewed generally favored gradual disclosure and most perceived a changing trend among both patients and physicians towards more disclosure. They also agreed on a need for the formal training of residents and fellows to better communicate bad news to patients. All the interviewed physicians attested to the benefits of candid disclosure in terms of patient psychology and overall wellbeing. They also mentioned that psychological services, which may facilitate the disclosure process, are greatly under-utilized in oncology. Lawyers highlighted the vagueness of the current Lebanese legislation regarding the obligation of truthful disclosure in comparison to laws in developed countries and the implications on patient autonomy. Conclusion: The study identified the need for improvements at various levels, including interventions to modify the expectations of the Lebanese public regarding cancer disclosure and to clarify existing legislative texts.Keywords: Ethics; Legislation; Middle-East; DisclosureCorrespondence: James Feghali. Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon, 1101 North Calvert Street, 610, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202. E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone: +1-(267)-595-9995.Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2019), 4(2): 109-116https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2019.04.02.0

Mathematical modeling of the dynamic storage of iron in ferritin

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Iron is essential for the maintenance of basic cellular processes. In the regulation of its cellular levels, ferritin acts as the main intracellular iron storage protein. In this work we present a mathematical model for the dynamics of iron storage in ferritin during the process of intestinal iron absorption. A set of differential equations were established considering kinetic expressions for the main reactions and mass balances for ferritin, iron and a discrete population of ferritin species defined by their respective iron content.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Simulation results showing the evolution of ferritin iron content following a pulse of iron were compared with experimental data for ferritin iron distribution obtained with purified ferritin incubated <it>in vitro </it>with different iron levels. Distinctive features observed experimentally were successfully captured by the model, namely the distribution pattern of iron into ferritin protein nanocages with different iron content and the role of ferritin as a controller of the cytosolic labile iron pool (cLIP). Ferritin stabilizes the cLIP for a wide range of total intracellular iron concentrations, but the model predicts an exponential increment of the cLIP at an iron content > 2,500 Fe/ferritin protein cage, when the storage capacity of ferritin is exceeded.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results presented support the role of ferritin as an iron buffer in a cellular system. Moreover, the model predicts desirable characteristics for a buffer protein such as effective removal of excess iron, which keeps intracellular cLIP levels approximately constant even when large perturbations are introduced, and a freely available source of iron under iron starvation. In addition, the simulated dynamics of the iron removal process are extremely fast, with ferritin acting as a first defense against dangerous iron fluctuations and providing the time required by the cell to activate slower transcriptional regulation mechanisms and adapt to iron stress conditions. In summary, the model captures the complexity of the iron-ferritin equilibrium, and can be used for further theoretical exploration of the role of ferritin in the regulation of intracellular labile iron levels and, in particular, as a relevant regulator of transepithelial iron transport during the process of intestinal iron absorption.</p

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18–49, 50–69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population

A framework for investigating the land degradation neutrality – Disaster risk reduction nexus at the sub-national scales

International audienc

Evaluation the effect of ectomycorrhizal fungi on Prunus cerasifera x salicina (Rosaceae) growth compared with chemical and organic fertilizer

Biofertilizer isconsidered as an alternative to chemical fertilizer to increase soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming. The use of biofertilizer is steadily increased in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and supplements. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of local ectomycorrhizal fungi isolated from the roots of some plants, on growth of Prunus cerasifera x salicinaunder greenhouse conditions. The impact of symbiotic fungus on the plant growthparameters wasmeasured by comparing the inoculated plants, with control plants and plants treated with chemical fertilizer and compost. The fungus isolated from P.cerasifera(myrobalan) roots in PDA media, and pure culture was obtained.50 plants were grown 10 for each parameter as follow:"10" seedlings planted in sterile soil without fungus and fertilizer (control); "10" seedlings planted in sterile soil was fertilizedwith theisolatedfungus; "10" seedlings planted in sterile soil was fertilizedbychemical fertilizers without fungus; "10" seedlings planted in sterile soil 50% and 50% compost; "10" seedlings planted in 100% compost.Our results showeda positive influence of the ectomycorrhizal fungi on the growthparametersof P.cerasifera x salicinaseedling compared with control, chemical fertilizer and compost, in all growth parameters. Thedifferentgrowth parameters weremeasuredafter incubationof plant seedlingsin the green house for four months. We concludedthat the use of ectomycorrhizal fungi gave positive influence on the growth of plant. According to these results,we strongly recommend the use of symbiotic fungi as total or partial substitute of other fertilizer.Biofertilizer isconsidered as an alternative to chemical fertilizer to increase soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming. The use of biofertilizer is steadily increased in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and supplements. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of local ectomycorrhizal fungi isolated from the roots of some plants, on growth of Prunus cerasifera x salicinaunder greenhouse conditions. The impact of symbiotic fungus on the plant growthparameters wasmeasured by comparing the inoculated plants, with control plants and plants treated with chemical fertilizer and compost. The fungus isolated from P.cerasifera(myrobalan) roots in PDA media, and pure culture was obtained.50 plants were grown 10 for each parameter as follow:"10" seedlings planted in sterile soil without fungus and fertilizer (control); "10" seedlings planted in sterile soil was fertilizedwith theisolatedfungus; "10" seedlings planted in sterile soil was fertilizedbychemical fertilizers without fungus; "10" seedlings planted in sterile soil 50% and 50% compost; "10" seedlings planted in 100% compost.Our results showeda positive influence of the ectomycorrhizal fungi on the growthparametersof P.cerasifera x salicinaseedling compared with control, chemical fertilizer and compost, in all growth parameters. Thedifferentgrowth parameters weremeasuredafter incubationof plant seedlingsin the green house for four months. We concludedthat the use of ectomycorrhizal fungi gave positive influence on the growth of plant. According to these results,we strongly recommend the use of symbiotic fungi as total or partial substitute of other fertilizer

Disclosure of Diagnosis and Prognosis to Cancer Patients in Traditional Societies: A Qualitative Assessment from Lebanon

Background: The issue of when, how, and whether to disclose full information about cancer diagnosis and prognosis to patients is still debated in some parts of the world, including Lebanon. Despite formal academic emphasis on a larger autonomy for Lebanese patients in deciding the course of their disease, there has been no apparent impact on either clinical practices nor public expectations. The topic of full disclosure is rarely if ever discussed in open fora, or in mass media channels in Lebanon. Subjects and Method: Seven key stakeholders were identified and interviewed regarding obstacles to spelling out clear guidelines within our national context. The interviews were transcribed and subsequently analyzed for recurrent patterns and concepts. Results: Senior oncologists interviewed generally favored gradual disclosure and most perceived a changing trend among both patients and physicians towards more disclosure. They also agreed on a need for the formal training of residents and fellows to better communicate bad news to patients. All the interviewed physicians attested to the benefits of candid disclosure in terms of patient psychology and overall wellbeing. They also mentioned that psychological services, which may facilitate the disclosure process, are greatly under-utilized in oncology. Lawyers highlighted the vagueness of the current Lebanese legislation regarding the obligation of truthful disclosure in comparison to laws in developed countries and the implications on patient autonomy. Conclusion: The study identified the need for improvements at various levels, including interventions to modify the expectations of the Lebanese public regarding cancer disclosure and to clarify existing legislative texts

Changements dans l'occupation du sol et l'aménagement des paysages du Mont-Liban du Néolithique aux époques historiques

International audienceThe French-Lebanese Nahr Ibrahim Project was undertaken on the valley of this major river in Mount Lebanon. It aims to characterize the environmental impacts on forests, soils and water resources of landscape terracing (a typical feature of Mount Lebanon), and of settlement patterns in the Holocene. The definition of transitional periods and the timescales of changes are examined through archaeological and historical data, 14C datings, geology and soil science (paleosols), paleobotany (anthracology, carpology, phytholits), anthropology and ancient photographs (due to the Jesuit Fathers in the beginnings of the XX c.). The study of the Nahr Ibrahim watershed is linked to a multiscalar approach of the territory lying between Nahr el-Kelb toward south and Nahr ej-Jaouz toward north in order to map the variations in land-use. The present paper focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the archaeological data base to achieve this mapping. We then expose the main aspects of the study of a four meters polygenetic soil profile in regard to the first records from a recent excavation on the most ancient sedentary settlement known in the mountain. The integrative approach brings into light the environmental answers to the exploitation of natural resources and in return the adaptation of societies to these variations in the second half of the Holocene, from the forest clearing around 6000 BP up to recent landscape and socio-economical changes.Le projet de recherche franco-libanais "Nahr Ibrahim" initié autour de la vallée éponyme de ce fleuve majeur du Mont‑Liban s’attache à caractériser les impacts sur l'environnement forestier, les sols et les ressources en eau de la construction des paysages en terrasses, et des formes de peuplement à l'Holocène. La définition des transitions et les temporalités des changements sont examinées à partir des données archéologiques et historiques, radiochronologiques (14C), géologiques et pédologiques, paléobotaniques (anthracologie, carpologie, phytolithes), ethnologiques et iconographiques (dont les photographies du début du XXe s. par les Pères Jésuites). L'étude du bassin versant du Nahr Ibrahim est articulée à une approche multiscalaire du territoire entre le Nahr el‑Kelb au sud et le Nahr ej‑Jaouz au nord, pour cartographier les variations de l'occupation du sol. Dans cet article, nous discutons les apports et les limites de la carte archéologique puis nous mettons en perspective l'étude d'un profil de sol polygénique plurimétrique avec les premiers résultats provenant de la fouille de l'habitat sédentaire le plus ancien documenté à ce jour dans la montagne libanaise. L'approche intégrative met en évidence des réponses de l'environnement à l’exploitation des ressources par les sociétés et des adaptations de ces dernières aux changements dans la seconde moitié de l'Holocène, depuis les défrichements vers 6000 BP jusqu'aux mutations paysagères et socio-économiques récentes