Non-classical growth mechanisms of functional inorganic crystals

This project relates to the non-classical growth of inorganic crystals with interesting morphologies that are highly desirable in industry. All crystals were synthesized via hydrothermal or solvothermal methods and their growth was studied by stopping each reaction at a range of different times, extracting the particles and analysing them using a variety of characterisation techniques. The main techniques used were scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy but other techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction and thermal gravimetric analysis, were also employed. Decorated ZnO microstadiums were studied where ZnO nanocones coat the inner and outer columnar walls of ZnO microstadiums. It was revealed that the polymer in the synthetic solution enhanced the aggregation of nanocrystallites of precursor ions on the microstadium surfaces, which then underwent recrystallization, forming ZnO nanocones. The presence of organic agents was also found to be crucial in the non-classical growth mechanisms of CaCO₃ and RHO-ZIF crystals as the presence of charged groups on the organic molecules led to the aggregation of precursor molecules/ions, preventing classical growth. The disordered aggregates underwent surface recrystallization, forming ‘core-shell’ structures where a thin layer of single crystal encased a disordered core. Over time the crystallisation extended from the surface inwards, towards the core, until true single crystals were formed. Organic molecules were also shown to play a role in the non-classical growth of 8-branched Cu₂O structures. In this case, however, studies of the electronic configuration of the main terminating facets of Cu₂O crystals revealed another key factor in their non-classical growth. Terminating hydroxyl groups on the Cu₂O surfaces could have different charges depending on the number of Cu⁺ ions they were coordinated to. The terminating {111} faces were the only ones to be coated with negatively charged hydroxyl groups, which explained the rapid growth on these surfaces as they were able to attract the positively charged metal/polymer precursor clusters. This new phenomenon was also found to be the main driving force in the rapid growth of branches in snowflake-like Fe₂O₃ crystals despite no organic agent being used. In this case, the {11-20} faces of the seed crystals had positively charged hydroxyl groups that were able to rapidly attract the negatively charged [Fe(CN) ₆]³⁻ ions in the aqueous solution

Risk Factors of Sexual Assault Victimization within the U.S. Military

INTRODUCTION: Sexual assault (SA) victimization affects thousands of service members in the military each year and identifying risk factors of SA is essential to inform prevention efforts. AIM: To synthesize literature on SA within the military to determine risk factors of SA incidence. METHODS: Risk factors from 6 epidemiological studies were compared via meta-analysis using R. Odds ratios and tests of heterogeneity were calculated to illustrate the collective odds of SA given each risk factor across the studies and to show variability. Odds ratios were calculated separately for risk factors only mentioned in one study. RESULTS: Women (OR =16.37), persons reporting sexual harassment during service (OR = 14.54), persons with a SA history (OR = 3.99), enlisted rank (OR = 2.47), non-married persons (OR = 2) and persons with no college experience were at greater risk of SA (OR = 1.32). Being White was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.76). Our descriptive analysis found that experiencing stalking (OR = 11.84), being a sexual minority (OR = 2.15) or transgender increased the risk of SA (OR = 1.91). However, transgender womxn were at lower risk of SA than transgender mxn (OR = 0.42). DISCUSSION: It may be useful to develop tailored prevention programs for those identified as at risk according to our findings. Further, more needs to be done to address the environmental and cultural factors specific to the military that perpetuate SA incidence

Growth mechanism of dendritic hematite via hydrolysis of ferricyanide

W.Z. thanks EPSRC for financial support to purchase the FEG SEM (EP/F019580/1).The detailed process of the hydrolysis of ferricyanide into dendritic α-Fe2O3 (hematite) crystals with snowflake-like, feather-like and leaf-like morphologies has been investigated. [Fe(CN)6]3– anions were found to polymerize into large, disordered soft matter aggregates at an early stage. The nucleation of hematite crystals took place near the surface of these aggregates via further hydrolysis. After the crystals grew to a certain size, branches started to appear. When the concentration of ferricyanide was low (i.e. 2 mM to 3.8 mM), growth was preferentially along the six equivalent directions, resulting in a flat snowflake-like shape, while high concentrations (i.e. 9 mM to 500 mM) of ferricyanide led to the growth of selective directions along the zone axes, forming a feather-like or leaf-like morphology. Highly selective adsorption and surface hydrolysis of [Fe(CN)6]3– anions on α-Fe2O3 crystals was found to be a crucial process in the formation of these novel morphologies. It was found that the polymeri- sation of ferricyanide led to a reduction of pH value and that the formation of Fe2O3 increased pH value. The pH value of the solution at the point when the branches start to grow can significantly affect the distribution of Lewis acidic sites on different surfaces and, therefore, change the growth direction. The newly established mechanism is complementary to the classical theories of crystal growth.PostprintPeer reviewe

STRATEGIJA GOSPODARSKOG RAZVOJA REPUBLIKE HRVATSKE

Polazište rada ide za tim da pri definiranju strategije gospodarskog razvoja valja poći od nalaza teorije o determinantama rasta i od poruka empirijskog procesa gospodarskog razvoja iz proteklih 46 poslijeratnih godina. Analizom prvog ukazuje se na šest ključnih determinanti rasta, s posebnim akcentom na ulogu znanja (odnosno, ljudskog kapitala) i infrastrukture (fizičke i socijalne), a analizom drugog na ulogu konkurencije, ali istodobno i na potencijal države u stimuliranju procesa rasta. Država mora napustiti funkciju proizvodnje i alokacije dobara, jer se ove ostvaruju najbolje kroz tržišnu konkurenciju, ali mora voditi brigu o: unapređivanju infrastrukture, ulaganjima u ljudski kapital i poticanju znanstvenih istraživanja i inovacija koje doprinose porastu opće produktivnosti činilaca. Briga o unapređivanju (fizičke i socijalne) infrastrukture implicira između inoga, kreiranje niz aktivnosti na liniji poticanja razvoja tržišta i konkurentne mikroekonomije, jasnog definiranja i zaštite vlasničkih prava, privlačenja kapitala, otvorenosti i stabilne makroekonomije. Slijedi, u našem se primjeru kao sastavni element strategije i pretpostavka razvoja nameće ubrzana tranzicija iz "naslijeđenog" komandnog u poduzetničko gospodarstvo i pretvorba društva u cjelini u istinsko "tržišno društvo". Privatizacija "društvenog vlasništva" i aktiviranje financijskog tržišta preduvjet su ostvarivanja te tranzicije, pa je time u mnogome determiniran i izbor modela provedbe privatizacije, odnosno pretvorbe društvenih poduzeća. Zadnji odjeljak rada bavi se pitanjem odnosa razvoja i kvalitete upravljanja (shvaćenog kao zadaće političke vlasti da rukovodi poslovima nacije), odnosno pitanjem što predstavlja dobro upravljanje - upravljanje koje ne koči, već potiče razvoj

Protein kinetics of superoxide dismutase-1 in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: Accumulation of misfolded superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) is a pathological hallmark of SOD1-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is observed in sporadic ALS where its role in pathogenesis is controversial. Understanding in vivo protein kinetics may clarify how SOD1 influences neurodegeneration and inform optimal dosing for therapies that lower SOD1 transcripts. METHODS: We employed stable isotope labeling paired with mass spectrometry to evaluate in vivo protein kinetics and concentration of soluble SOD1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SOD1 mutation carriers, sporadic ALS participants and controls. A deaminated SOD1 peptide, SDGPVKV, that correlates with protein stability was also measured. RESULTS: In participants with heterozygous SOD1 INTERPRETATION: These results highlight the ability of stable isotope labeling approaches and peptide deamidation to discern the influence of disease mutations on protein kinetics and stability and support implementation of this method to optimize clinical trial design of gene and molecular therapies for neurological disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03449212

Early Restrictive or Liberal Fluid Management for Sepsis-Induced Hypotension

BACKGROUND: Intravenous fluids and vasopressor agents are commonly used in early resuscitation of patients with sepsis, but comparative data for prioritizing their delivery are limited. METHODS: In an unblinded superiority trial conducted at 60 U.S. centers, we randomly assigned patients to either a restrictive fluid strategy (prioritizing vasopressors and lower intravenous fluid volumes) or a liberal fluid strategy (prioritizing higher volumes of intravenous fluids before vasopressor use) for a 24-hour period. Randomization occurred within 4 hours after a patient met the criteria for sepsis-induced hypotension refractory to initial treatment with 1 to 3 liters of intravenous fluid. We hypothesized that all-cause mortality before discharge home by day 90 (primary outcome) would be lower with a restrictive fluid strategy than with a liberal fluid strategy. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1563 patients were enrolled, with 782 assigned to the restrictive fluid group and 781 to the liberal fluid group. Resuscitation therapies that were administered during the 24-hour protocol period differed between the two groups; less intravenous fluid was administered in the restrictive fluid group than in the liberal fluid group (difference of medians, -2134 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2318 to -1949), whereas the restrictive fluid group had earlier, more prevalent, and longer duration of vasopressor use. Death from any cause before discharge home by day 90 occurred in 109 patients (14.0%) in the restrictive fluid group and in 116 patients (14.9%) in the liberal fluid group (estimated difference, -0.9 percentage points; 95% CI, -4.4 to 2.6; P = 0.61); 5 patients in the restrictive fluid group and 4 patients in the liberal fluid group had their data censored (lost to follow-up). The number of reported serious adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with sepsis-induced hypotension, the restrictive fluid strategy that was used in this trial did not result in significantly lower (or higher) mortality before discharge home by day 90 than the liberal fluid strategy. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; CLOVERS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03434028)

Managing Nystagmus in childhood

The onset of a spontaneous oscillation of the eyes can occur at any time in life but is most commonly encountered during childhood. In the UK, nystagmus in the general population has been reported to have a prevalence of 2.4 in 1000. It can occur as an isolated disorder, in association with a number of different eye conditions, or as a result of a range of neurological disorders. The onset of nystagmus in childhood is not rare and can be the cause of significant clinical and parental concern, and sometimes requires urgent investigation. There is currently no standard clinical approach to investigating nystagmus in childhood. This Clinical Practice Point provides a single point of reference for busy clinicians when managing these complex patients from differential diagnosis, through long-term management, to discharge. It also covers provision of support for patients and carers throughout and beyond clinical care pathways. This document is specific to nystagmus in children

Trial Participation and Outcomes Among English-Speaking and Spanish-Speaking Patients With Appendicitis Randomized to Antibiotics: A Secondary Analysis of the CODA Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Spanish-speaking participants are underrepresented in clinical trials, limiting study generalizability and contributing to ongoing health inequity. The Comparison of Outcomes of Antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial intentionally included Spanish-speaking participants. OBJECTIVE: To describe trial participation and compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking participants with acute appendicitis randomized to antibiotics. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study is a secondary analysis of the CODA trial, a pragmatic randomized trial comparing antibiotic therapy with appendectomy in adult patients with imaging-confirmed appendicitis enrolled at 25 centers across the US from May 1, 2016, to February 28, 2020. The trial was conducted in English and Spanish. All 776 participants randomized to antibiotics are included in this analysis. The data were analyzed from November 15, 2021, through August 24, 2022. INTERVENTION: Randomization to a 10-day course of antibiotics or appendectomy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Trial participation, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire scores (higher scores indicating a better health status), rate of appendectomy, treatment satisfaction, decisional regret, and days of work missed. Outcomes are also reported for a subset of participants that were recruited from the 5 sites with a large proportion of Spanish-speaking participants. RESULTS: Among eligible patients 476 of 1050 Spanish speakers (45%) and 1076 of 3982 of English speakers (27%) consented, comprising the 1552 participants who underwent 1:1 randomization (mean age, 38.0 years; 976 male [63%]). Of the 776 participants randomized to antibiotics, 238 were Spanish speaking (31%). Among Spanish speakers randomized to antibiotics, the rate of appendectomy was 22% (95% CI, 17%-28%) at 30 days and 45% (95% CI, 38%-52%) at 1 year, while in English speakers, these rates were 20% (95% CI, 16%-23%) at 30 days and 42% (95% CI 38%-47%) at 1 year. Mean EQ-5D scores were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.92-0.95) among Spanish speakers and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.91-0.93) among English speakers. Symptom resolution at 30 days was reported by 68% (95% CI, 61%-74%) of Spanish speakers and 69% (95% CI, 64%-73%) of English speakers. Spanish speakers missed 6.69 (95% CI, 5.51-7.87) days of work on average, while English speakers missed 3.76 (95% CI, 3.20-4.32) days. Presentation to the emergency department or urgent care, hospitalization, treatment dissatisfaction, and decisional regret were low for both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A high proportion of Spanish speakers participated in the CODA trial. Clinical and most patient-reported outcomes were similar for English- and Spanish-speaking participants treated with antibiotics. Spanish speakers reported more days of missed work

Health, education, and social care provision after diagnosis of childhood visual disability

Aim: To investigate the health, education, and social care provision for children newly diagnosed with visual disability.Method: This was a national prospective study, the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2 (BCVIS2), ascertaining new diagnoses of visual impairment or severe visual impairment and blindness (SVIBL), or equivalent vi-sion. Data collection was performed by managing clinicians up to 1-year follow-up, and included health and developmental needs, and health, education, and social care provision.Results: BCVIS2 identified 784 children newly diagnosed with visual impairment/SVIBL (313 with visual impairment, 471 with SVIBL). Most children had associated systemic disorders (559 [71%], 167 [54%] with visual impairment, and 392 [84%] with SVIBL). Care from multidisciplinary teams was provided for 549 children (70%). Two-thirds (515) had not received an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Fewer children with visual impairment had seen a specialist teacher (SVIBL 35%, visual impairment 28%, χ2p < 0.001), or had an EHCP (11% vs 7%, χ2p < 0 . 01).Interpretation: Families need additional support from managing clinicians to access recommended complex interventions such as the use of multidisciplinary teams and educational support. This need is pressing, as the population of children with visual impairment/SVIBL is expected to grow in size and complexity.This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited