Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline, nanoporous materials of interest for various applications, but current COF synthetic routes lead to insoluble aggregates which precludes processing for practical implementation. Here, we report a COF synthesis method that produces a stable, homogeneous suspension of crystalline COF nanoparticles that enables the preparation of COF monoliths, membranes, and films using conventional solution-processing techniques. Our approach involves the use of a polar solvent, diacid catalyst, and slow reagent mixing procedure at elevated temperatures which altogether enable access to crystalline COF nanoparticle suspension that does not aggregate or precipitate when kept at elevated temperatures. On cooling, the suspension undergoes a thermoreversible gelation transition to produce crystalline and highly porous COF materials. We further show that the modified synthesis approach is compatible with various COF chemistries, including both large-and small-pore imine COFs, hydrazone-linked COFs, and COFs with rhombic and hexagonal topologies, and in each case, we demonstrate that the final product has excellent crystallinity and porosity. The final materials contain both micro-and macropores, and the total porosity can be tuned through variation of sample annealing. Dynamic light scattering measurements reveal the presence of COF nanoparticles that grow with time at room temperature, transitioning from a homogeneous suspension to a gel. Finally, we prepare imine COF membranes and measure their rejection of polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers and oligomers, and these measurements exhibit size-dependent rejection and adsorption of PEG solutes. This work demonstrates a versatile processing strategy to create crystalline and porous COF materials using solution-processing techniques and will greatly advance the development of COFs for various applications.
Background The burden of musculoskeletal conditions varies from region to region based on environmental and geographical factors. Knowing the extent of a problem and identifying the factors contributing to it is imperative in devising a preventive or curative measure for a specific issue affecting our population. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have examined the pattern of orthopaedic disease presented to the OPD in the central region of Saudi Arabia. The present tudy aimed at establishing a baseline statistic regarding the pattern and demographics distribution of orthopaedic outpatient load in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among orthopaedic outpatients at the Saudi King Fahad specialist hospital in Qassim, Buraydah. The orthopaedics outpatient department (OPD) data were extracted from patients' computer records over six months (January 2021 to June 2021). Results A total of 740 patients were studied for their chief complaint diagnosis, and the study discovered that most patients (55%) were males aged 19-50 years (50.14%). Fractures were the most common diagnosis (21.1%), followed by arthritis (20.3%), sports injuries (10.7%), lower back pain (9.5%), and tendinopathies (9.1%). Males were significantly more likely than females to have osteoporosis, arthritis, sports injuries, joint stiffness, tendinopathies, and enthesopathies. On the other hand, females experienced significantly higher rates of spondylosis, soft tissue injuries, scoliosis, neck pain, lower back pain, and fractures. Furthermore, females are far more likely than males to be directed to the physiotherapy department. Conclusions The study recommends that better protocols and strategies may be developed for managing orthopaedic disorders in hospitals and health systems.
Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of dense connective tissue between the femur and the tibia. Many signs are associated with ACL injuries, which include joint effusion, altered movement, and decreased practical ability. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and awareness of ACL injury among the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 383 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 65. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were assessed with the help of a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. Data were analyzed using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Results: Most respondents reported that ACL injuries to be a multi-factorial condition caused by multiple factors, including sports activity, lifting heavy weights, inadequate warming up, lack of awareness of protective methods, and being overweight. Furthermore, the results indicated that the respondent's attributed rest could decrease the pain associated with an ACL injury. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant association between age groups, gender, and sports participation. The study recommended that more knowledge and awareness be developed about ACL injury to help manage it and reduce its incidence.
Background: Both in the United States and Europe, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and sudden cardiac arrest. When performed proficiently, basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) greatly improve a patient's chances of survival by limiting tissue damage. This research assessed the BLS-related attitudes and knowledge of fourth-year medical students who had previously completed their undergraduate degrees. Methodology: Data were collected in a retrospective cross-sectional study by researchers at the College of Medicine at Qassim University between May and August 2022. Two hundred twenty-five medical students were surveyed to assess their level of understanding and comfort when providing basic BLS using a 20-item survey. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Results: The results indicated a significant mean difference across four academic groups (P
Background: Coronavirus infection disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel viral respiratory tract infection that caused a global pandemic. It can be associated with many complications including acute respiratory failure which can lead to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This study evaluates the characteristic of patients with COVID-19 admitted for ICU care, and determine factors associated with poor outcome of care. Methodology: This is a retrospective review of patients admitted into the ICU of Buraidah Central Hospital on account of COVID-19 complications between March 2020 and October 2021. Records on patients` age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, co-morbidities, ventilatory support type, the occurrence of pneumothorax, duration of ICU stay, and outcome of treatment of disease were extracted and analyzed for descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test using SPSS version 28. Results: A total of 1035 patients were admitted into the ICU due to COVID-19 infection. The mean age of the patients was 59.95±21.10 years (range = 5-104 years). There were more males (N=695, 67.1%) than females (340, 32.9%). The majority of the patients (545; 52.7%) were elderly, followed by middle-aged adults (360; 34.8%); and were either overweight or obese (N= 849, 82%). More patients (568, 54.9%) were admitted in the year 2020, compared to the year 2021(467; 45.1%). Similarly, mortality rates were higher in the year 2020 (252, 44.4%) than in 2021 (219; 46.9%). There was a significant association between hospital course and patients who had higher BMI, endotracheal intubation, pneumothorax, emphysema, and co-morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus (p < .001). Also, there is a significant association between hospital course and the patient’s age, gender, and month of admission (p < .001). Also, there is a significant association between hospital course and the patient’s age, gender, and month of admission (p<.001). Conclusion: COVID-19 was an indication for ICU admission. Most patients were middle-aged or elderly and were predominantly male. Most admissions occurred during summer, and there has been a steady decline in admission rates and mortality. The male gender, obesity, and other co-morbidities are associated with worse outcomes.
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