Efficient degradation of benzalkonium chloride by FeMn-CA300 catalyst activated persulfate process: Surface hydroxyl potentiation mechanism and degradation pathway.

The consumption of disinfectants increased dramatically with the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic. Benzalkonium chloride (DDBAC), a cationic surfactant disinfectant for import and export cargoes, is used for effective degradation method. For DDBAC effective degradation, polyhedral Fe-Mn bimetallic catalyst of Prussian blue analogue (FeMn-CA300) was novelty developed for rapid peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Results showed that the Fe/Mn redox and surface hydroxyl groups in the catalyst played an important role in the DDBAC-enhanced degradation. The removal effectiveness of 10 mg L-1 DDBAC was up to 99.4% in 80 min under the initial pH = 7, catalyst dosage of 0.4 g L-1, and PMS concentration of 15 mmol L-1. In addition, FeMn-CA300 had a wide pH applicability range. The results indicated that hydroxyls, sulfate radicals, and singlet oxygen could effectively improve the degradation efficiency, where sulfate radicals played a crucial role. Finally, the corresponding degradation path of DDBAC was further provided according to GC-MS results. The results of this study provide new insights into the degradation of DDBAC, thereby highlighting the great potential of FeMnca300/PMS to control refractory organic compounds in the aqueous phase.

Definition and clinical variability of SHANK3-related Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is an infrequently described syndrome that presents with a disturbed development, neurological and psychiatric characteristics, and sometimes other comorbidities. As part of the development of European medical guidelines we studied the definition, phenotype, genotype-phenotype characteristics, and natural history of the syndrome. The number of confirmed diagnoses of PMS in different European countries was also assessed and it could be concluded that PMS is underdiagnosed. The incidence of PMS in European countries is estimated to be at least 1 in 30,000. Next generation sequencing, including analysis of copy number variations, as first tier in diagnostics of individuals with intellectual disability will likely yield a larger number of individuals with PMS than presently known. A definition of PMS by its phenotype is at the present not possible, and therefore PMS-SHANK3 related is defined by the presence of SHANK3 haploinsufficiency, either by a deletion involving region 22q13.2-33 or a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in SHANK3. In summarizing the phenotype, we subdivided it into that of individuals with a 22q13 deletion and that of those with a pathogenic/likely pathogenic SHANK3 variant. The phenotype of individuals with PMS is variable, depending in part on the deletion size or whether only a variant of SHANK3 is present. The core phenotype in the domains development, neurology, and senses are similar in those with deletions and SHANK3 variants, but individuals with a SHANK3 variant more often are reported to have behavioural disorders and less often urogenital malformations and lymphedema. The behavioural disorders may, however, be a less outstanding feature in individuals with deletions accompanied by more severe intellectual disability. Data available on the natural history are limited. Results of clinical trials using IGF-1, intranasal insulin, and oxytocin are available, other trials are in progress. The present guidelines for PMS aim at offering tools to caregivers and families to provide optimal care to individuals with PMS.

Tracking changes in atmospheric particulate matter at a semi-urban site in Central France over the past decade.

Nearly 10-year (2013-2022) data on atmospheric particulate matters (PMs) were collected to investigate the air quality in a suburban site of Orléans city (France). The PM10 concentration decreased slightly between 2013 and 2022. PMs concentrations showed a monthly variation with higher concentration in cold periods. PM10 presented a clear bimodal diurnal variation peaking at morning rush hour and midnight, whereas the fine PMs such as PM2.5 and PM1.0 only had significant peaks during nighttime. Further, PM10 had more pronounced week-end effect than other fine PMs. COVID-19 lockdown impact on PMs levels was further investigated, showing that the lockdown during cold season could result in an increase of PMs concentrations because of the enhanced household heating. We concluded that PM10 could originate from biomass burning and fossil fuel related activities, air parcels from the western Europe through Paris were also important source of PM10 in the investigated area. Fine PMs, such as PM2.5 and PM1.0, originated mainly from biomass burning in addition to secondary formation at the local scale. This study provides a long-term PMs measurement database to explore the sources and characterization of PMs in central France, which could support future regulation and formulation of air quality standards.

Racial, ethnic, and sex-based disparities among high-risk individuals undergoing pancreatic cancer surveillance

Background: The international, multi-center Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium enrolls high-risk individuals (HRIs) undergoing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) surveillance. Enrollment began in 2020, and despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PRECEDE Consortium rapidly accrued a large cohort of HRIs. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of this cohort and assess racial, ethnic, and sex-based disparities. Method(s): The PRECEDE Consortium (NCT04970056) is a prospective, multicenter study focused on improving survival from PDAC through early detection. Data from all HRIs who met criteria for PDAC surveillance and enrolled between May 2020 - March 2022 were collected and included in the analysis. Result(s): During the study period, 1299 HRIs enrolled in PRECEDE at 32 centers. HRIs were excluded if enrollment data was incomplete or criteria for PDAC surveillance were not met. Of 1113 who were included, 47.2% met criteria for familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) and 45.4% had a family history of PDAC along with a PV in a PDAC-risk gene (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM). The remainder had familial atypical mole melanoma syndrome (5.7%), Peutz- Jeghers syndrome (1.6%), or hereditary pancreatitis (0.2%). More females than males enrolled (65.9% vs. 33.5%). The distribution of HRIs by race and ethnicity is depicted;the majority identified as white (87.7%). Study participants were primarily from the US (82.7%), the median age was 61 (27-85) and 18.5% had Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Nearly all HRIs consented to allow access to imaging data (99.6%), collection of germline DNA (97.7%), and biosample collection (99.5%). There were no race, ethnicity, or sex-based differences in rates of consent for collection of imaging, DNA, or biosamples. Conclusion(s): Enrollment of HRIs in prospective studies of PDAC surveillance is essential for advancing early detection research in PDAC. A distinct advantage of the PRECEDE Consortium for examining enrollment disparities is that recruitment began in 2020, providing a unique and current snapshot of the international PDAC surveillance landscape. Despite the recent attention on addressing disparities in healthcare delivery, significant racial, ethnic, and sex-based disparities persisted in the cohort of HRIs enrolled in the PRECEDE Consortium. Ensuring that the diversity of participants in the PRECEDE Consortium mirrors the communities served by participating centers is crucial. Further examining and addressing the reasons for these disparities is a major focus of the PRECEDE Consortium moving forward.

Decoloniality in the Psychedelic Research Space

AimsSince the 1950's, there has been increasing interest in the potential of the psychedelic experience to generate an enhanced state of emotional well-being in those suffering from a range of mental disorders. Following the so-called ‘War on Drugs’, much of this research was curtailed until a new surge of interest resulting in a ‘psychedelic renaissance’. This has come at a time where powerful institutions, including the medical sphere, are being asked to address their oppressive and damaging pasts;these narratives bear particular relevance to psychedelic research given the widespread use of entheogenic plants as medicines and tools for spiritual healing amongst indigenous groups worldwide, and the political history of the War on Drugs. The aim of this study was to explore how those in the psychedelic community have come to understand what it means to ‘decolonise’ this space and to situate these conversations within existing literature.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants who were recruited using theoretical and snowball sampling. Data collection and analysis were carried out from a critical theoretical standpoint, further borrowing from aspects of constructivist grounded theory methodologies. This involved open coding of existing literature to devise an interview guide, followed by coding of interview transcripts to generate several key themes as they emerged from the primary data.ResultsAnalysis of the data generated 8 sub-themes, which were then combined to create the 4 main themes;• The Making of a ‘New’ Medicine• Scientism and Spirituality• Appreciation vs Appropriation• Beyond DecriminalisationA theoretical framework which sought to bridge decolonial and social justice approaches was used to understand how participants made links between these two related but distinct concepts. Foucauldian theories of biopower were also explored and integrated into the discussion. Participants assigned wide-ranging meaning to the concept of decoloniality in reference to psychedelic research, though there were calls not to appropriate the term itself and senselessly apply it to any issues of injustice.ConclusionThe study demonstrated the participants’ willingness to engage in a discussion which explored some uncomfortable truths regarding psychedelic research. There was a suggestion amongst some participants that the space can never be truly decolonised given the capitalist and neo-colonial manifestations within the current space. Future research should seek to facilitate more critical discussion of the epistemic, material, and geopolitical injustices which exist, and critical indigenous methodologies offer a meaningful way of understanding and undoing the hierarchical power structures currently at play.

Impact of COVID-19 induced lockdown to sustain Employee Performance Management Systems in NCR Corporates

All hell broke loose in the Corporate world in March 2020 when India went under total lockdown in a matter of days. The equation between Work (How work gets done), Worker (Who does it) and Workplace (Where work gets done) was altered at the fastest pace in Human history. This paradigm shifts also coincided with the Appraisal/Year End Cycle. Most of the Indian corporates follow the Financial Year cycle (April to March) for their annual performance appraisal/management process. Human Resources department was at the forefront of every Board Room's agenda within the corporates of the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The challenging and interesting part about life of an HR professional is to help business take the hard decisions in the most objective yet humane way possible. Therefore, perhaps rightfully, there wasn't one single solution or a clear thought process emerging across participating organizations. And to borrow from Gabriel Garcia Marquez “Our code of ethics supposes that we doctors are made of wood” - there is similar thinking on HR as well. Hopefully this time it will not be so. This paper presents an overview of the changes to the PMS system and its outcomes undertaken by HR managers in Corporates of National Capital Region. HR managers of 117 corporates were surveyed through a structured questionnaire between the period 5th April, 2020 through 15th April, 2020. The main objective of this publication is to document and contribute to the body of knowledge changes that were introduced due to an unforeseen calamity. © The Electrochemical Society

Physical activity and anxiety with complaints of PMS in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a menstrual cycle disorder that frequently appears in women. As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus pandemic, the school from home program was implemented, which could affect physical activity and anxiety and therefore increase the incidence of PMS. This cross-sectional research analyzed the relationship between physical activity and anxiety with PMS in adolescents. The population was 221 adolescent girls in Surabaya, Indonesia. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the 143 respondents. The independent variables were physical activity and anxiety while the dependent variable was PMS. The data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by the Spearman Rho test with a level of significance α<0.05. The results showed no significant correlation between physical activity and PMS among adolescents, however there was a significant correlation between anxiety and PMS in adolescents (p=0.000;r=0.463). Adolescents with anxiety have higher risk of PMS. The higher level of anxiety will be the more severe the symptoms of PMS. © 2022, Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama. All rights reserved.

Single-rating, multi-rating 360° performance management and organizational outcomes: evidence from the UAE

PurposeThis study is an academic attempt to bridge the gap between Western theories and the under-researched non-western contexts by studying the characteristics of traditional and modern performance management systems (PMSs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Drawing on the expectancy theory, this study aims to discuss the significant causal relationship between the implementation of single-rating, multi-rating 360° performance management (PM) and organizational outcomes such as trust, commitment, satisfaction and intention to leave.Design/methodology/approachUsing the self-reported measures and survey method, data were collected from 439 employees from different organizations across the UAE. Explanatory factor analysis, simple linear regression and multi-group were used to test the proposed conceptual model and examine the mediation and moderation impact.FindingsThe study explored the best-practices attributes of the traditional single-rating, multi-rating 360° PM within a non-western context. This study also provides empirical evidence on the significant role of uncertainty avoidance and power distance orientation as a mediator between the relationship between these PMSs and trust, commitment, job satisfaction and intention to leave. Finally, this paper examined the effect of many demographic variables (such as gender, age, industry type […]) on the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables.Originality/valueThis study extends research on PM theories and models. Another important aspect of this study is that its model has been tested on the UAE’s data, an underrepresented geographic region in the management literature. Given all the PM’s positive characteristics, the way that this feedback is viewed and interpreted by employees may be moderated according to the employee’s management level, age, gender and many other demographics.