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1.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 174: 116544, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38599058

ABSTRACT

The current study was designed to investigate the potential of a synthetic therapeutic agent for better management of pain and inflammation, exhibiting minimal to non-existent ulcerogenic effects. The effect of 1-(2-chlorobenzoyl)-3-(2,3-dichlorophenyl) thiourea was assessed through model systems of nociception and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. In addition, the ulcerogenic potential was evaluated in rats using the NSAID-induced pyloric ligation model, followed by histopathological and biochemical analysis. The test was conducted on eight groups of albino rats, comprising of group I (normal saline), groups II and III (aspirin® at doses of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, respectively), groups IV and V (indomethacin at doses of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, respectively), and groups VI, VII, and VIII (lead-compound at 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg doses, respectively). Furthermore, molecular docking analyses were performed to predict potential molecular target site interactions. The results showed that the lead-compound, administered at doses of 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg, yielded significant reductions in chemically and thermally induced nociceptive pain, aligning with the levels observed for aspirin® and tramadol. The compound also effectively suppressed inflammatory response in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. As for the ulcerogenic effects, the compound groups displayed no considerable alterations compared to the aspirin® and indomethacin groups, which displayed substantial increases in ulcer scores, total acidity, free acidity, and gastric juice volume, and a decrease in gastric juice pH. In conclusion, these findings suggest that our test compound exhibits potent antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory properties and is devoid of ulcerogenic effects.


Subject(s)
Inflammation , Molecular Docking Simulation , Nociception , Stomach Ulcer , Thiourea , Animals , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Stomach Ulcer/pathology , Stomach Ulcer/drug therapy , Thiourea/analogs & derivatives , Thiourea/pharmacology , Male , Nociception/drug effects , Mice , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/pathology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Analgesics/pharmacology , Analgesics/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry , Computer Simulation , Gastric Mucosa/drug effects , Gastric Mucosa/pathology , Gastric Mucosa/metabolism , Indomethacin/pharmacology , Pain/drug therapy , Pain/chemically induced , Pain/pathology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
2.
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak ; 33(8): 919-926, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37553934

ABSTRACT

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurological illness after Alzheimer's disease. According to research, medication alone can give palliative alleviation; however, freezing of gait (FOG) and balance can be treated with physical therapy. This meta-analysis aims to bridge gaps about exercise-based therapy's impact on balance and FOG in patients with PD. Google Scholar, CINHAL, Medline, PubMed, and PEDro were searched for 2016-2021 citations using the PIOD paradigm. Pooled effect size mean and SD were analysed using a fixed and random effects model. A total of 21 trials were included in this review, with SMD=0.60 and p=0.0007 utilising BBS. The pooled analysis revealed statistically significant impacts on exercise-based management in the experimental group. With SMD=0.87 and p<0.00001 using Mini-BESTest, the pooled analysis revealed that exercise-based management was also effective on balance in the experimental group. The fixed effect model of FOG in terms of SMD was used to draw the pooled effects of FOG in terms of SMD and FOG in terms of SMD (0.21; 95 percent CI -0.01 to 0.44; p=0.06). According to this research, several physiotherapy approaches such as exergaming, gamepad systems, virtual reality, gait exercises, and core training, help Parkinson's patients regain balance and FOG. Key Words: Parkinson's disease, Physical therapy techniques, Neurological rehabilitation, Balance, Freezing of gait, Motor symptoms.


Subject(s)
Gait Disorders, Neurologic , Parkinson Disease , Humans , Parkinson Disease/complications , Parkinson Disease/therapy , Gait Disorders, Neurologic/etiology , Gait Disorders, Neurologic/therapy , Exercise , Exercise Therapy/methods , Gait
3.
J Med Educ Curric Dev ; 10: 23821205231170522, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37187919

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Leadership and patient safety and quality improvement (PSQI) are recognized as essential parts of a physician's role and identity, which are important for residency training. Providing adequate opportunities for undergraduate medical students to learn skills related to these areas, and their importance, is challenging. Methods: The Western University Professional Identity Course (WUPIC) was introduced to develop leadership and PSQI skills in second-year medical students while also aiming to instill these topics into their identities. The experiential learning portion was a series of student-led and physician-mentored PSQI projects in clinical settings that synthesized leadership and PSQI principles. Course evaluation was done through pre/post-student surveys and physician mentor semi-structured interviews. Results: A total of 108 of 188 medical students (57.4%), and 11 mentors (20.7%), participated in the course evaluation. Student surveys and mentor interviews illustrated improved student ability to work in teams, self-lead, and engage in systems-level thinking through the course. Students improved their PSQI knowledge and comfort levels while also appreciating its importance. Conclusion: The findings from our study suggest that undergraduate medical students can be provided with an enriching leadership and PSQI experience through the implementation of faculty-mentored but student-led groups at the core of the curricular intervention. As students enter their clinical years, their first-hand PSQI experience will serve them well in increasing their capacity and confidence to take on leadership roles.

4.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 24(38): 23289-23300, 2022 Oct 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36156000

ABSTRACT

New structurally flexible 1-methyl- and 1,2-dimethyl-imidazolium phosphate ionic liquids (ILs) bearing oligoethers have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized. These novel ILs revealed high thermal stabilities, low glass transitions, high conductivity and wide electrochemical stability windows up to 6 V. Both the cations and anions of 1-methyl-imidazolium ILs diffuse faster than the ions of 1,2-dimethyl-imidazolium ILs, as determined by pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR). The 1-methyl-imidazolium phosphate ILs showed relatively higher ionic conductivities and ion diffusivity as compared with the 1,2-dimethyl-imidazolium phosphate ILs. As expected, the diffusivity of all the ions increases with an increase in the temperature. The 1-methyl-imidazolium phosphate ILs formed hydrogen bonds with the phosphate anions, the strength of which is decreased with increasing temperature, as confirmed by variable temperature 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy. One of the representative IL, [EmDMIm][DEEP], presented promising elevated temperature performance as an electrolyte in a supercapacitor composed of multiwall carbon nanotubes and activated charcoal (MWCNT/AC) composite electrodes.

5.
Med Educ ; 56(12): 1184-1193, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35818740

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Physician leadership is multifaceted, but leadership training in medicine often is not. Leadership education and training for physicians are rarely grounded in conceptual leadership frameworks and suffer from a primary focus on cognitive leadership domains. Character-based leadership is a conceptual leadership framework that moves beyond cognitive competencies and articulates dimensions of character that promote effective leadership. The purpose of this study was to explore the relevance of character-based leadership in the medical context. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured interviews to explore health care professionals' perceptions of character in relation to effective leadership in medicine. All interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed. Consistent with descriptive qualitative inquiry, a qualitative latent content analysis was used. Simultaneous data collection and analysis incorporating character-based leadership as a theoretical framework was used to help organise the analysis of the data. The researchers met regularly to clarify coding structures and categorise codes until sufficiency was reached. RESULTS: Twenty-six individuals (12 doctors, 5 nurses, 2 social workers, 2 directors and a pharmacist, dietician, coordinator, administrator and unit clerk) participated. Character-based leadership resonated with participants; they deemed character essential for effective physician leadership. Participants reflected on different character dimensions they attributed to an effective physician leader, in particular, collaboration, humility and humanity. They shared examples of working in interdisciplinary health care teams to illustrate these in practice. Moreover, participants believed that effective physician leaders need not be in a positional leadership role and asserted that physicians who demonstrate character stand out as leaders regardless of their career stage. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a role for a character-based leadership framework in medical education. Participants recognised the execution of character in everyday practice, associated character with effective leadership and understood leadership in dispositional rather than positional terms. These findings provide important insights for expanding and enhancing existing leadership training interventions.


Subject(s)
Education, Medical , Physicians , Humans , Leadership , Patient Care Team , Administrative Personnel
6.
Front Chem ; 9: 686968, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34249860

ABSTRACT

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are being used as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs). However, low current densities limit their practical applications. Herein, we report a facile and economic synthesis of an iron-copper based LDH integrated with a cobalt-based metal-organic framework (ZIF-12) to form LDH-ZIF-12 composite (1) through a co-precipitation method. The as-synthesized composite 1 requires a low overpotential of 337 mV to achieve a catalytic current density of 10 mA cm-2 with a Tafel slope of 89 mV dec-1. Tafel analysis further demonstrates that 1 exhibits a slope of 89 mV dec-1 which is much lower than the slope of 284 mV dec-1 for LDH and 172 mV dec-1 for ZIF-12. The slope value of 1 is also lower than previously reported electrocatalysts, including Ni-Co LDH (113 mV dec-1) and Zn-Co LDH nanosheets (101 mV dec-1), under similar conditions. Controlled potential electrolysis and stability test experiments show the potential application of 1 as a heterogeneous electrocatalyst for water oxidation.

7.
ACS Omega ; 6(10): 6780-6790, 2021 Mar 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33748591

ABSTRACT

Porous carbon (PC) is obtained by carbonizing a zinc-coordination polymer (MOF-5) at 950 °C and PtM (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) nanoparticles (NPs), which are deposited on PC using the polyol method. Structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized materials are carried out by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and the porosity was determined using a N2 adsorption/desorption technique. The results revealed that PtM NPs are alloyed in the fcc phase and are well dispersed on the surface of PC. The electrochemical results show that PtM/PC 950 catalysts have higher methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) performances than commercial Pt/C (20%) catalysts. After 3000 s of chronoamperometry (CA) test, the MOR performances decreased in the order of Pt1Cu1/PC 950 > Pt1Ni1/PC 950 > Pt1Fe1/PC 950 > Pt1Zn1/PC 950 > Pt1Co1/PC 950. The high MOR activities of the synthesized catalysts are attributed to the effect of M on methanol dissociative chemisorption and improved tolerance of Pt against CO poisoning. The high specific surface area and porosity of the carbon support have an additional effect in boosting the MOR activities. Screening of the first row transition metals (d 5+n , n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) alloyed with Pt binary catalysts for MOR shows that Pt with d 8 (Ni) and d 9 (Cu) transition metals, in equivalent atomic ratios, are good anode catalysts for alcohol fuel cells.

8.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 4265, 2021 Feb 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33608600

ABSTRACT

The present research article is directed to study the heat and mass transference analysis of an incompressible Newtonian viscous fluid. The unsteady MHD natural convection flow over an infinite vertical plate with time dependent arbitrary shear stresses has been investigated. In heat and mass transfer analysis the chemical molecular diffusivity effects have been studied. Moreover, the infinite vertical plate is subjected to the phenomenon of exponential heating. For this study, we formulated the problem into three governing equations along with their corresponding initial and boundary conditions. The Laplace transform method has been used to gain the exact analytical solutions to the problem. Special cases of the obtained solutions are investigated. It is noticed that some well-known results from the published literature are achieved from these special cases. Finally, different physical parameters' responses are investigated graphically through Mathcad software.

9.
J Phys Chem B ; 124(52): 11962-11973, 2020 Dec 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33347763

ABSTRACT

Ionic liquids (ILs) composed of tetra(n-butyl)phosphonium [P4444]+ and tetra(n-butyl)ammonium [N4444]+ cations paired with 2-furoate [FuA]-, tetrahydo-2-furoate [HFuA]-, and thiophene-2-carboxylate [TpA]- anions are prepared to investigate the effects of electron delocalization in anion and the mutual interactions between cations and anions on their physical and electrochemical properties. The [P4444]+ cations-based ILs are found to be liquids, while the [N4444]+ cations-based ILs are semi-solids at room temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed higher decomposition temperatures and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed lower glass transition temperatures for phosphonium-based ILs than the ammonium-based counterparts. The ILs are arranged in the decreasing order of their ionic conductivities as [P4444][HFuA] (0.069 mS cm-1) > [P4444][FuA] (0.032 mS cm-1) > [P4444][TpA] (0.028 mS cm-1) at 20 °C. The oxidative limit of the ILs followed the sequence of [FuA]-> [TpA]-> [HFuA]-, as measured by linear sweep voltammetry. This order can be attributed to the electrons' delocalization in [FuA]- and in [TpA]- aromatic anions, which has enhanced the oxidative limit potentials and the overall electrochemical stabilities.

10.
J Phys Chem B ; 124(43): 9690-9700, 2020 Oct 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33078951

ABSTRACT

Here, we investigate the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of fluorine-free ionic liquid (IL)-based electrolytes with two different cations, tetrabutylphosphonium, (P4,4,4,4)+, and tetrabutylammonium, (N4,4,4,4)+, coupled to a new anion, 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetate anion (MEEA)-, for both neat and (P4,4,4,4)(MEEA) also doped with 10-40 mol % of Li(MEEA). We find relatively weaker cation-anion interactions in (P4,4,4,4)(MEEA) than in (N4,4,4,4)(MEEA), and for both ILs, the structural flexibility of the oligoether functionality in the anion results in low glass transition temperatures, also for the electrolytes made. The pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG NMR) data suggest faster diffusion of the (MEEA)- anion than (P4,4,4,4)+ cation in the neat IL, but the addition of a Li salt results in slightly lower mobility of the former than the latter and lower ionic conductivity. This agrees with the combined 7Li NMR and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy data, which unambiguously reveal preferential interactions between the lithium cations and the carboxylate groups of the IL anions, which also increased as a function of the lithium salt concentration. In total, these systems provide a stepping stone for further design of fluorine-free and low glass transition temperature IL-based electrolytes and also stress how crucial it is to control the strength of ion-ion interactions.

11.
Front Chem ; 8: 367, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32478034

ABSTRACT

Highly efficient, well-dispersed PtRu alloy nanoparticles supported on high surface area microporous carbon (MPC) electrocatalysts, are prepared and tested for formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). The MPC is obtained by controlled carbonization of a zinc-benzenetricarboxylate metal-organic framework (Zn-BTC MOF) precursor at 950°C, and PtRu (30 wt.%) nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared and deposited via a polyol chemical reduction method. The structural and morphological characterization of the synthesized electrocatalysts is carried out using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique, and gas adsorption analysis (BET). The FAOR performance of the catalysts is investigated through cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A correlation between high electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and high FAOR performance of the catalysts is observed. Among the materials employed, Pt1Ru2/MPC 950 with a high electrochemical surface area (25.3 m2 g-1) consequently showed superior activity of the FAOR (I r = 9.50 mA cm-2 and J m = 2,403 mA mg Pt - 1 ) at room temperature, with improved tolerance and stability toward carbonaceous species. The superior electrochemical performance, and tolerance to CO-poisoning and long-term stability is attributed to the high surface area carbon support (1,455 m2 g-1) and high percentage loading of ruthenium (20 wt.%). The addition of Ru promotes the efficiency of electrocatalyst by offering FAOR via a bifunctional mechanism.

12.
Molecules ; 25(10)2020 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32455570

ABSTRACT

Here we focus on the thermal and variable temperature electrochemical stabilities of two ionic liquids (ILs) having a common tributyloctyl phosphonium cation [P4,4,4,8]+ and two different orthoborate anions: bis(mandelato)borate [BMB]- and bis(salicylato)borate [BScB]-. The thermo-gravimetric analysis data suggest that [P4,4,4,8][BScB] is thermally more stable than [P4,4,4,8][BMB] in both nitrogen atmosphere and air, while the impedance spectroscopy reveals that [P4,4,4,8][BScB] has higher ionic conductivity than [P4,4,4,8][BMB] over the whole studied temperature range. In contrast, the electrochemical studies confirm that [P4,4,4,8][BMB] is more stable and exhibits a wider electrochemical stability window (ESW) on a glassy carbon electrode surface as compared to [P4,4,4,8][BScB]. A continuous decrease in the ESWs of both ILs is observed as a function of operation temperature.


Subject(s)
Anions/chemistry , Electrochemistry , Ionic Liquids/chemistry , Borates/chemistry , Electric Conductivity , Hot Temperature/adverse effects , Temperature
13.
Acad Med ; 95(3): 331, 2020 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32097152
14.
Acad Med ; 94(3): 440-449, 2019 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30379659

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate and interpret evidence relevant to leadership curricula in postgraduate medical education (PGME) to better understand leadership development in residency training. METHOD: The authors conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed, English-language articles from four databases published between 1980 and May 2, 2017 that describe specific interventions aimed at leadership development. They characterized the educational setting, curricular format, learner level, instructor type, pedagogical methods, conceptual leadership framework (including intervention domain), and evaluation outcomes. They used Kirkpatrick effectiveness scores and Best Evidence in Medical Education (BEME) Quality of Evidence scores to assess the quality of the interventions. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria. The classroom setting was the most common educational setting (described in 17 articles). Most curricula (described in 13 articles) were isolated, with all curricula ranging from three hours to five years. The most common instructor type was clinical faculty (13 articles). The most commonly used pedagogical method was small group/discussion, followed by didactic teaching (described in, respectively, 15 and 14 articles). Study authors evaluated both pre/post surveys of participant perceptions (n = 7) and just postintervention surveys (n = 10). The average Kirkpatrick Effectiveness score was 1.0. The average BEME Quality of Evidence score was 2. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that interventions for developing leadership during PGME lack grounding conceptual leadership frameworks, provide poor evaluation outcomes, and focus primarily on cognitive leadership domains. Medical educators should design future leadership interventions grounded in established conceptual frameworks and pursue a comprehensive approach that includes character development and emotional intelligence.


Subject(s)
Faculty, Medical/education , Leadership , Education, Medical, Graduate , Evidence-Based Medicine , Humans
15.
Small ; 13(37)2017 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28752934

ABSTRACT

Electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries have been extensively studied in recent decades for their excellent conversion efficiency, high energy capacity, and low environmental impact. However, sluggish kinetics of the oxygen-related reactions at air cathodes, i.e., oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), are still worth improving. Noble metals such as platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru) and their oxides are considered as the benchmark ORR and OER electrocatalysts, but they are expensive and prone to be poisoned due to the fuel crossover effect, and may suffer from agglomeration and leaching after long-term usage. To mitigate these limits, it is highly desirable to design alternative ORR/OER electrocatalysts with prominent performance. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous crystalline materials consisting metal ions/clusters coordinated by organic ligands. Their crystalline structure, tunable pore size and high surface area afford them wide opportunities as catalytic materials. This Review covers MOF-derived ORR/OER catalysts in electrochemical energy conversion, with a focus on the different strategies of material design and preparation, such as composition control and nanostructure fabrication, to improve the activity and durability of MOF-derived electrocatalysts.

16.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 8(32): 20793-801, 2016 Aug 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27467199

ABSTRACT

Boosting the durability of Pt nanoparticles by controlling the composition and morphology is extremely important for fuel cells commercialization. We deposit the Pt-Cu alloy nanoparticles over high surface area carbon in different metallic molar ratios and optimize the conditions to achieve desired material. The novel bimetallic electro-catalyst {Pt-Cu/PC-950 (15:15%)} offers exceptional electrocatalytic activity when tested for both oxygen reduction reaction and methanol oxidation reactions. A high mass activity of 0.043 mA/µgPt (based on Pt mass) is recorded for ORR. An outstanding longevity of this electro-catalyst is noticed when compared to 20 wt % Pt loaded either on PC-950 or commercial carbon. The high surface area carbon support offers enhanced activity and prevents the nanoparticles from agglomeration, migration, and dissolution as evident by TEM analysis.

17.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 8(27): 17268-75, 2016 Jul 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27327655

ABSTRACT

The development of highly competent electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at cathodes of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is extremely important for their long-term operation and wide applications. Herein, we present highly efficient ORR electrocatalysts based on Pt/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles dispersed on highly porous carbon obtained via pyrolysis of a metal-organic framework MOF-5. In comparison to the commercial Pt/C (20%), the electrocatalyst Pt-Ni/PC 950 (15:15%) in this study exhibits a pronounced positive shift of 90 mV in Eonset. In addition, it also demonstrates excellent long-term stability and durability during the 500-cycle continue-oxygen-supply (COS) accelerating durability tests (ADTs). The significantly improved activity and stability of Pt-Ni/PC 950 (15:15%) can be attributed to the Pt electron interaction with Ni and carbon support as has been proved in X-ray and microscopic analysis.

18.
Chempluschem ; 81(8): 718-723, 2016 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31968829

ABSTRACT

A series of Fe/Fe3 C-containing N-doped porous carbon materials (Fe/NC) were prepared by pyrolyzing composites that contained a metal-organic framework (MIL-88c-Fe) with dicyandiamide. The Fe/NC obtained at 800 °C (Fe/NC800) showed comparable onset potential and kinetics to that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst in catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Further measurements suggested that it has better durability and much higher methanol tolerance than Pt/C. Acid leaching was performed to reveal the critical role of Fe-containing sites in ORR catalysis.

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