Full Exposure Research Articles

The Effect of Temperature and UV Manipulation on Anthocyanins, Flavonols, and Hydroxycinnamoyl-Tartrates in cv Nebbiolo Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

This research aimed to identify the effects of increased temperature and decreased ultraviolet (UV) exposure on berry characteristics and quality parameters of cv Nebbiolo, identifying the potential risks associated with climate change for the quality of grapes and the identity of Barolo wine. This two-year research (2022 and 2023) was performed in three vineyards, located at different elevations in La Morra (Piedmont, northwestern Italy), monitored from the beginning of veraison to harvest. A split-plot design was set up, applying a passive greenhouse amplifying temperature in the bunch zone (‘T’ = increased temperature; ‘C’ = control temperature) and UV-blocking plastics over individual bunches (‘1’ = full UV exposure; ‘0’ = UV-blocked). Berry weight, skin weight, and juice total soluble solids were measured. Grape skin anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acid tartaric esters were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Both treatments negatively influenced the berry weight but not the skin weight; the increased T had a negative impact on the sugar per berry content. Limited UV and increased temperature negatively impacted total anthocyanins at harvest and on di-hydroxylated anthocyanins. Limited UV-depressed flavonol concentration and high temperature decreased their synthesis. Increased UV promoted cis-p-coumaroyl tartaric acid and decreased trans-p-coumaroyl tartaric acid. The results of this research are valuable for improving the quality production of Nebbiolo through understanding the impacts of increased temperature and alterations to UV exposure expected by climate change.

Real-world outcomes of pyrotinib-based therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer with brain metastases: A multicentre, retrospective analysis

ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib-based therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer with brain metastases (BM) in the real-world setting. MethodsData of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BM treated with pyrotinib-based therapy from a multicetre, registered, real-world study were analyzed. ResultsAmong 45 female patients, the overall objective response rate (ORR) was 62.2%, higher in 1st/2nd-line than ≥3rd-line (71.0% vs. 42.9%, P=0.072). The objective response rate of intracranial lesions (CNS-ORR) was 71.1 %, with a significantly higher CNS-ORR observed in the 1st or 2nd-line subgroup compared to that of ≥3rd-line subgroup (83.9% vs. 42.9%, P<0.05). By the end of follow-up, 20 patients (44.4%) died, and the 1-year survival rate was 73.3%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.1 months (95% CI 6.7-11.5). Patients with 1 or 2 BM had a longer median PFS of 12.0 months compared to 7.7 months for those with ≥3 BM (P=0.01). In addition, 1- or 2-line therapy and full dose exposure of pyrotinib of 320mg-400mg/day were associated with improved median PFS (all P>0.05). The median intracranial PFS (CNS-PFS) was 11.4 months (95% CI 7.5-15.3). However, local intervention plus systemic treatment seemed to prolong CNS-PFS compared with systemic treatment alone (13.7 vs. 9.1 months, P=0.128). Diarrhea was most common (88.9%), 24.4% grade 3. ConclusionsThe pyrotinib-based therapy is effective for HER-2 positive breast cancer with BM, especially in 1st- or 2nd-line treatment, with tolerable adverse events. However, insufficient dosing of pyrotinib may impair efficacy outcomes.Micro Abstract: This study is aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib-based chemotherapy against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer with brain metastases (BM) in the real-world setting. The clinical outcome data of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BM treated with pyrotinib-based therapy from a multicenter, registered, real-world study were comprehensively analyzed. Our study showed that the pyrotinib-based therapy could be effective for HER-2-positive breast cancer with BM, especially in first- or second-line treatments, with tolerable adverse events.

Tree crowns broken off by windstorms are an unstable life raft for Collembola

There are a number of ways to clear the aftermath of a windthrow disturbance of forest stands, the most common practice being to remove all broken trees and broken-off crowns lying on the ground. This practice leads to complete exposure of the soil, which deprives soil invertebrates (including Collembola) of the protection of trees that affords them a chance of surviving. Accordingly, following a windthrow disturbance of pine stands in 2017, a three-year study of collembolan assemblages was undertaken in stands spared from salvage logging. We aimed to test the effect of three different levels of disturbance (severely, moderately and least disturbed stands with a canopy cover of 0–20%, 20–60% and 60–90%, respectively) on the survival of Collembola assemblages and to determine its association with changes in the soil environment and in the LAI index. Additionally, in the severely and moderately disturbed stands, Collembola were sampled between crowns of fallen trees and under the crowns. There were no significant differences in density, species richness and proportions of individuals of belowground “soil” and aboveground “epedaphic” species between the Collembolan assemblages that were associated with the degree of windthrow disturbance and time since disturbance. The study confirmed the presence of a significantly higher number of species and proportion of “epedaphic” species, and a lower proportion of “soil” species in the assemblages sampled under fallen tree crowns than between crowns. Analysis of principal response curves (PRC) yielded unexpected results as it indicated that these differences were significant only in the first year post-disturbance, thus suggesting a very short-lasting protective effect of tree crowns on Collembola, RDA analysis with preselected factors from environmental variables of interest (LAI of standing and fallen tree crowns, soil respiration, soil temperature and humidity, soil pH and soil nitrogen and carbon content) indicated the LAI index as significant for the Collembolan assemblages in the first yearpost-disturbance, soil moisture in the second year, and soil temperature in the third year. This sequence of significant indices over a three year period is compatible with the fallen crowns becoming more and more thinned as a result of needles falling off (from shade to full exposure to sunlight). We nevertheless postulate that at least some trees or their crowns lying on the ground should be left in place during clearance of windthrow-affected tree stands to facilitate restoration of the soil biota.

Improved precision on 2–3 oscillation parameters using the synergy between DUNE and T2HK

A high-precision measurement of ∆m312\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\Delta {m}_{31}^2 $$\\end{document} and θ23 is inevitable to estimate the Earth’s matter effect in long-baseline experiments which in turn plays an important role in addressing the issue of neutrino mass ordering and to measure the value of CP phase in 3ν framework. After reviewing the results from the past and present experiments, and discussing the near-future sensitivities from the IceCube Upgrade and KM3NeT/ORCA, we study the expected improvements in the precision of 2–3 oscillation parameters that the next-generation long-baseline experiments, DUNE and T2HK, can bring either in isolation or combination. We highlight the relevance of the possible complementarities between these two experiments in obtaining the improved sensitivities in determining the deviation from maximal mixing of θ23, excluding the wrong-octant solution of θ23, and obtaining high precision on 2–3 oscillation parameters, as compared to their individual performances. We observe that for the current best-fit values of the oscillation parameters and assuming normal mass ordering (NMO), DUNE + T2HK can establish the non-maximal θ23 and exclude the wrong octant solution of θ23 at around 7σ C.L. with their nominal exposures. We find that DUNE + T2HK can improve the current relative 1σ precision on sin2θ23∆m312\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\left(\\Delta {m}_{31}^2\\right) $$\\end{document} by a factor of 7 (5) assuming NMO. Also, we notice that with less than half of their nominal exposures, the combination of DUNE and T2HK can achieve the sensitivities that are expected from these individual experiments using their full exposures. We also portray how the synergy between DUNE and T2HK can provide better constraints on (sin2θ23–δCP) plane as compared to their individual reach.

Are Environmental Levels of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs a Reason for Concern? Chronic Life-Cycle Effects of Naproxen in Zebrafish.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NPX) is among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide, being detected in surface waters within the ng to μg/L range. Considering the limited chronic ecotoxicity data available for NPX in aquatic ecosystems, the present study aimed at evaluating its impact in the model organism Danio rerio, following a full life-cycle exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1 to 5.0 μg/L). An integration of apical endpoints, i.e., survival, growth, and reproduction, with gonad histopathology and gene transcription (RNA-seq) was performed to provide additional insights into the mode of action (MoA) of NPX. NPX decreased zebrafish growth and reproduction and led to histopathological alterations in gonads at concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/L. At the molecular level, 0.7 μg/L of NPX led to a disruption in gonads transcription of genes involved in several biological processes associated with reproduction, mainly involving steroid hormone biosynthesis and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic machineries. Collectively, these results show that environmentally realistic concentrations of NPX affect zebrafish reproduction and associated signaling pathways, indicating that current hazard and risk assessment data for NPX underestimate the environmental risk of this pharmaceutical.

Exposure assessment and risks associated with wearing silver nanoparticle-coated textiles

Background Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are used increasingly in consumer and healthcare fabrics due to their antimicrobial properties. Abrasive leaching experiments have shown that AgNPs can be released during textile wear and cause a dermal exposure. Derived-no-effect-limit value for AgNPs ranges from 0.01 to 0.0375 mg/kg-body-weight, and thus, low exposures levels can cause relevant risk. Methods In this study AgNP release from textiles by artificial sweat immersion and mechanical stress was investigated. A mass balance model was used to calculate dermal Ag exposure and potential intake via percutaneous absorption and inadvertent (peri-)oral intake during wear of face mask, suit with a full body exposure and gloves. Mass flow analysis was performed for up to 8-h wear time and by using Ag penetration rate constants reported for fresh-, cryopreserved- and glycerolized skin grafts. Results Dermal intake risk characterization ratio (RCR) during 8-h wear time for glycerolized skin was up to 0.02 for face mask and 0.9 for full body wear in a worst-case condition. Wearing gloves for 1-h followed by single unintentional fingertip mouthing (contact area 11.5 cm2) resulted in an RCR of 0.0002. RCR varied depending on the type of textile-product, exposure wear duration and skin type. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive assessment of AgNPs release from textiles and their potential impact on human dermal exposure and was essential for understanding the safety implications for different exposure scenarios and mitigating potential risks.

Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeleri' Wheeler's Dwarf Pittosporum

This document provides an overview of Wheeler’s dwarf pittosporum, an evergreen shrub known for its compact, rounded form and dark green foliage. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its moderate growth rate, dense texture, and specific leaf and flower attributes. The document also covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, such as its need for well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure, and highlights its uses in landscaping, particularly in coastal areas. Additionally, it notes the plant’s susceptibility to certain pests and diseases, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and care. Original publication date October 1999.

Unveiling the mechanisms of reproductive toxicity induced by full life-cycle exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate in male zebrafish

Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), a commonly used organophosphate flame retardant, has garnered considerable concern owing to its pervasive presence in the environment and its toxic effects on living organisms. The perpetuation of populations and species hinges on successful reproduction, yet research into the mechanisms underlying reproductive toxicity remains scant, particularly in aquatic species. In this work, zebrafish embryos were exposed to TCEP (0, 0.8, 4, 20, and 100 µg/L) for 120 days until sexual maturation, and multiple reproductive endpoints were investigated in male zebrafish. Our results showed that the body weight, body length, and gonadal-somatic index (GSI) were remarkably decreased in all TCEP treatment groups (except GSI in the 0.8 µg/L TCEP-treated group). Long-term exposure to TCEP led to reduced reproductive capacity of male zebrafish, as evidenced by decreased fertilization. Histological observation gave an indication of delayed testicular development and inhibited spermatogenesis under TCEP stress. The content of testosterone (T) was significantly elevated in all TCEP treatment group, whereas 17 β-estradiol (E2) levels remained stable. Transcriptome analysis revealed a lot of downregulated genes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and sperm motility, which might account for the imbalance of steroid hormone levels, retarded spermatogenesis and declined fertilization success. Overall, these findings offered a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the male reproductive toxicity caused by TCEP, highlight the risk of TCEP on reproductive health of fish.

A Novel Composite Material UiO-66-Br@MBC for Mercury Removal from Flue Gas: Preparation and Mechanism.

To reduce the mercury content in flue gas from coal-fired power plants and to obtain high-performance, low-cost mercury adsorbents, a novel composite material was prepared by structural design through the in situ growth method. Functionalization treatments such as the modification of functional groups and multilayer loading of polymetallic were conducted. These materials include the MOF material UiO-66 and modified biochar doped with Fe/Ce polymetallic, both of which contain unsaturated metal centrals and oxygen-containing functional groups. On the basis of obtaining the effects of adsorption temperature and composite ratio on the Hg0 removal characteristics, coupling and synergistic mechanisms between the various types of active centers included were investigated by using a variety of characterization and analysis tools. The active adsorption sites and oxidation sites were identified during this process, and the constitutive relationship between the physicochemical properties and the performance of Hg0 removal was established. The temperature-programmed desorption technique, Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation, and adsorption kinetic model were employed to reveal the mechanism of Hg0 removal. The results showed that the UiO-66-Br@MBC composite adsorbent possessed an excellent Hg0 removal performance at adsorption temperatures ranging from 50 to 250 °C, and targeted construction of adsorption and oxidation sites while maintaining thermal stability. The Hg0 removal by the composites is the result of both adsorption and oxidation. The micropores and small pore mesopores in the samples provide physical adsorption sites. The modified biochar acts as a carrier to facilitate the full exposure of the central metal zirconium ions, the formation of more active sites, and the process of electron transfer. The doping modification of the Br element can enhance the overall redox ability of the sample, and the introduced Fe and Ce polymetallic ions can work in concert to promote the oxidation process of Hg0. The excellent regulation of the ratio between adsorption and oxidation sites on the surface of the composite material finally led to a significant boost in the samples' capacity to remove Hg0.

Ferrocene-based 2D metal–organic framework nanosheet for highly efficient photocatalytic seawater uranium recovery

Sustainable uranium supply is critical for the long-term development of nuclear energy. The photocatalytic reduction of soluble hexavalent uranium to insoluble tetravalent uranium using photocatalysts has been recognized as a highly promising method for uranium recovery. However, existing photocatalysts face limitations such as restricted visible-light absorption and poor charge transfer capability, which hinder their photocatalytic uranium recovery performance. In this work, 1,1′-ferrocene dicarboxylic acid (FcDA) was introduced to synthesize the photocatalyst Zr-Fc-MOF3. The incorporation of FcDA broadened the visible light absorption range and reduced the band gap of Zr-Fc-MOF3, thereby enhancing electron-hole pair separation and carrier transport efficiencies. Moreover, the two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet structure of Zr-Fc-MOF3 provided a large surface area, allowing full exposure of active sites. Additionally, Fe(II) in FcDA generated photoelectrons upon light excitation to facilitate uranium reduction, and the recyclable redox behavior of Fe(II) conferred high reusability of the photocatalyst. Consequently, Zr-Fc-MOF3 demonstrated a high photocatalytic uranium recovery capacity of 8.29 mg g−1 over 10 days in natural seawater (NSW), with a uranium recovery rate of 0.829 mg g−1 d−1, surpassing most other photocatalysts applied in NSW. These findings suggest that designing 2D nanosheet materials with ligands capable of efficient photoelectron generation is a promising approach for developing high-performance uranium recovery photocatalysts.

Hollow TiO2/Bi2MoO6 Janus-nanofibers for photo-reforming of antibiotics into carbon monoxide

Photo-reforming is an environmentally friendly technology for converting organic wastewater into carbon monoxide (CO), a potential energy source and an important industrial material. Achieving efficient photo-reforming of CO production remains a challenge due to the limitation on fast photogenerated carrier recombination. Here, the TiO2/Bi2MoO6 hetero-nanofibers are well-designed to possess unique Janus interface and ingenious hollow structure. The photo-deposition experiments demonstrated that the Janus binary interface can realize the directional migration of interfacial charges and the spatial separation of redox sites. Moreover, the hollow framework allows full exposure of the bicomponent to reactants and provides excellent optical absorption through multiple light scattering inside the tube, as evidenced by theoretical simulations via COMSOL Multiphysics. The photo-reforming yield of CO from 6000 ppm tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) solution reaches 2.69 μmol∙g−1∙h−1 (corresponding degradation rate of 44.55 % after 5 h), about 1.44-fold superior to that of the TiO2/Bi2MoO6 core-shell hetero-nanofibers. 13C isotope tracing experiments showed that the efficiency of CO production in the photocatalytic TCH oxidation process is superior to that in carbon dioxide reduction process. Furthermore, when oxygen was introduced into the photocatalytic system, the photo-reforming CO yield from the TCH solution was significantly increased to 60.45 μmol∙g−1∙h−1, which was 22.47 and 5.12 times higher than in carbon dioxide and air atmosphere, respectively. This work provides a promising interfacial engineering to design efficient photo-reforming catalysts for energy production and environmental remediation.

Ultrafine IrNi nanoparticles supported onto titanium nitride as low-iridium and highly active OER electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

The development of cost-effective and highly efficient iridium-based catalysts for the anode of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) is urgently required. This study utilized a straightforward wet-chemical method to produce IrNi nanoparticles that were supported on titanium nitride (TiN), where the ultra-small particle size of 1.9 nm for IrNi nanoparticles and the structural support provided by TiN ensure the full exposure of catalytic sites. The electronic interaction between Ir-Ni and Ir-TiN enhances the intrinsic activity of the catalytic sites. The developed catalyst exhibits excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance, with an overpotential of just 267 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and a mass activity of 1.07 A mgIr−1 at 1.55 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is more than 14 times that of commercial IrO2. Furthermore, its catalytic performance is validated in a PEMWE single cell, along with stable operation for 100 h. The proposed design of the supported iridium-based alloy catalysts in this study presents a novel and referential method for developing anode catalysts in PEMWEs.

Flying microbes-survival in the extreme conditions of the stratosphere during a stratospheric balloon flight experiment.

Earth's stratosphere is a hostile environment that has challenged microbial survival. We set out to test the effect of stratosphere exposure on survival of single species (Bacillus subtilis) and complex microbial communities from soils and sediment. B. subtilis survival was strongly impacted by sun exposure, i.e., ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with only 1% survival at full sun exposure. Complex microbial communities had high survival rates, and the soil or sediment matrix may have provided protection against radiation and desiccation, supporting the survival of environmental microorganisms.

Constructing 2D Polyphenols-Based Crosslinked Networks for Ultrafast and Selective Uranium Extraction from Seawater.

The role of tannins (TA), a well-known abundant and ecologically friendly chelating ligand, in metal capture has long been studied. Different kinds of TA-containing adsorbents are synthesized for uranium capture, while most adsorbents suffer from unfavorable adsorption kinetics. Herein, the design and preparation of a TA-containing 2D crosslinked network adsorbent (TANP) is reported. The ≈1.8-nanometer-thick TANP films curl up into micrometer-scale pores, which contribute to fast mass transfer and full exposure of active sites. The coordination environment of uranyl (UO2 2+) ions is explored by integrated analysis of U L3-edge XANES and EXAFS. Density functional theory calculations indicate the energetically favorable UO2 2+ binding. Consequently, TANP with excellent adsorption kinetics presents a high uranium capture capacity (14.62mg-Ug-Ads-1) and a high adsorption rate (0.97mgg-1day-1) together with excellent selectivity and biofouling resistance. Life cycle assessment and cost analysis demonstrate that TANP has tremendous potential for application in industrial-scale uranium extraction from seawater.

Upconverting Ultra-Thin Bi2O2CO3 Nanosheets for Synergistic Photodynamic Therapy and Radiotherapy.

Synergistic therapy has become the major therapeutic method for malignant tumors in clinical. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiotherapy (RT) always combine together because of their identical anti-tumor mechanisms, that is reactive oxygen species are generated by the use of radiosensitizers after irradiation by X-ray to efficiently kill cancer cells, PDT also follows similar mechanism. Full exposure of energy-absorbing species in nanomaterials to X-ray or near-infrared light irradiation makes the energy interchange between nanomaterials and surrounding H2O or dissolved oxygen easier, however, it remains challenging. Herein, an ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet (NS) is developed, Bi2O2CO3, doped with lanthanide ions to give out upconversion luminescence, where the high Z elements Bi, Yb, and Er promote the radio-sensitizing effect. To the surprise, lanthanide activator ions gave out completely different luminescence properties compared with traditional upconversion nanoparticles. Less dopant of Er ions in nanosheets lattice resulted in brighter red emission, which provides more efficient PDT. Under RT/PDT combined treatment, NS shows a good tumor growth-inhibiting effect. In addition, synergistic therapy requires lower radiation dose than conventional radiotherapy and lower light power than single photodynamic therapy, thus greatly reducing radiation damage caused by RT and thermal damage caused by PDT.

Interface Modulation of 2D Superlattice Heterostructures with Oxygen-enriched Sites and Dissolution Restraint for Effective Rare-earth Elements Extraction

Effective recovery of rare earth elements from wastewater is crucial for the modern industry, as well as for protecting the human health and ecosystem. Nevertheless, it is still challenging to realize efficient and selective low-concentration rare earth extraction in systems containing high levels competing metal ions. Here, we report on the fabrication of two-dimensional superlattice heterostructures (VOGO-x) through the alternating restacking of VOPO4 nanosheets and GO-PDDA nanosheets via electrostatic self-assembly. The meticulously organized molecular scale of superlattice heterostructures enable the full exposure of accessible adsorption sites and facilitate the transport of rare earth ions, meanwhile the abundant oxygen-containing phosphate groups within the interlayer can realize selective rare earth ions extraction. Furthermore, the tunable interlayer interaction can promote structure stability to prevent dissolution. Consequently, VOGO-11 possesses excellent rare earth adsorption performance, with a saturated adsorption capacity (Nd(III) 631.52 mg/g, Dy(III) 689.48 mg/g, Lu(III) 716.06 mg/g), high utilization rate of adsorption sites and short adsorption equilibrium time of simply 10 min in the REE aqueous solution. Furthermore, VOGO-11 exhibits outstanding selective rare earth adsorption ability over a wide range of metal ions in the low-concentration simulated wastewater and actual leaching tailings. These results demonstrate the material’s promising potential in capturing rare earth ions and pave the way to the development of two-dimensional superlattice heterostructures through interface modulation for effective rare earth extraction.

Engineering shrinkage resistance of nano-structured hydrogels in seawater for fast uranium capture

Synthetic hydrogels, which are 3D networks composed of crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains, have been created using various crosslinked ways for uranium capture due to full exposure of chelate functional groups. However, the conventional honeycomb-like hydrogels exhibit non-connected micropore structure, which locks abundant water molecules and hence is unfavorable for mass transfer. Herein, we demonstrate a simple synthesis of the nano-structured hydrogel with activated nanogels as nano-crosslinkers (denoted as PGP hydrogel), and probe into the relationship between hydrogel structural parameters and uranium adsorption kinetics. It is found that the PGP hydrogel with a low crosslinking density of ∼0.02 mol/m3 possesses interconnected micropores, thereby facilitating diffusion of uranyl ions (UO22+) in 3D polymeric networks. Furthermore, a freeze-assisted soaking strategy is proposed to endow PGP hydrogel (denoted as target hydrogel) with strong shrinkage resistance in natural seawater, resulting in a ∼40 % increase in water permeance to reach 369 Lm−2h−1MPa−1. Correspondingly, the adsorption equilibrium time is shortened to ∼11 days. Although the uranium uptake capacity of PGP hydrogels with and without freeze-assisted soaking treatment remain basically unchanged (∼9.73 mg-U/g-Ads), a high uranium adsorption rate of 0.88 mg/g/d for the target hydrogel surpasses most currently available polymer adsorbents. The presented strategy is generalizable to a broader range of applications involving the adsorption of economically valuable ions in seawater or brine lake.

Robot-assisted Exploration of the Alcock Canal: A Novel Surgical Technique

ObjectiveTo demonstrate a safe and reproducible surgical approach to the Alcock canal with a full decompression of the pudendal nerve. SettingPudendal neuralgia, a condition causing debilitating pelvic pain, is traditionally managed through a trans-gluteal incision.1-2 This surgical approach offers limited visualization and ability for nerve decompression.3 With the current technique, a full exposure and decompression of the pudendal nerve was achieved. ParticipantsA 44-year-old para 2 with symptoms of left pudendal neuralgia. InterventionsA 44-year-old para 2 presented with burning vaginal pain radiating to the left groin that was aggravated with sitting. She underwent a robotic-assisted left sacrospinous ligament transection and fasciotomy of the obturator internus muscle for suspected pudendal neuralgia. The surgery was performed with three robotic ports using the daVinci® Xi robotic system. ConclusionWith the enhanced access to the pudendal nerve provided by the novel surgical technique demonstrated in this study, a more comprehensive nerve decompression can be performed. This technique was successfully applied to a patient with pudendal neuralgia. There were no immediate intra-operative or post-operative complications. In short-term follow-up, the patient had significant relief of preoperative symptoms. While all surgical procedures for pudendal neuralgia have a risk of pudendal nerve and vessel injury,4 the presented technique has the potential to limit these risks by providing an enhanced view of the relevant anatomy. Future adaptation and refinement of this technique may contribute to the advancement of the surgical management of pudendal neuralgia.

Novel fluorinated MIL-88B assisted hydrogen-bonded organic framework derived high efficiency oxygen reduction catalyst in microbial fuel cell

The crux to promote the utilization of air-cathode microbial fuel cell (AC-MFC) is to find high-efficiency and low-budget oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, which can replace Pt-based catalysts, reduce electrode cost and thus improve the cost-effectiveness of AC-MFC. In this work, a three-dimensional network carbon structure F-MIL-HOF loaded with Fe2O3 material composites have been successfully synthesized by carbonizing by NH4F-fluorinated MIL-88B combined with a high nitrogen content hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) to evince excellent catalytic property for ORR in both alkaline and neutral electrolytes. The Fe2O3 obtained after carbonization of MIL-88B portrays efficient ORR catalytic activity, and the combination with the natural pore-rich HOF precisely solves the problems of uncontrolled growth and agglomeration during Fe2O3 synthesis, achieving the high dispersion and full exposure of Fe2O3 nanoparticles as active sites. As-synthesized F-MIL-HOF as cathodic catalyst reaches a limiting current density of 6.40 mA cm−2 in alkaline condition, which exhibits an advantage performance over commercial Pt/C (6.26 mA cm−2). Furthermore, F-MIL-HOF shows approximately four-electron pathway with better methanol resistance and stability than Pt/C, and the performance only decreases by 10.2 % in the stability test, which still had efficient ORR catalytic performance. F-MIL-HOF is an emerging alternative electro-catalyst for AC-MFC.

Intrasylvian Retraction Technique to Facilitate the Sylvian Fissure Dissection: A Clinical Study of 125 Cases.

Although many authors have recommended the retractorless technique to avoid retractor-induced brain injury, others usually use brain retractors with a meticulous technique to facilitate the surgery, especially for sylvian fissure dissection. The intrasylvian retraction technique was described for sylvian fissure opening, but no clinical evidence was found. We evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique for the distal transsylvian approach. We reviewed the video records of clinical cases where the distal transsylvian approach was performed using the intrasylvian retraction technique for aneurysm treatment and middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass between September 2018 and August 2022. Operative techniques are described. The efficacy and safety of the technique were assessed by full exposure of the sylvian fissure and new postoperative perisylvian hematoma, respectively. One hundred twenty-five cases were included and had an average age of 53.5 (range 16-85) years. Women comprised 73.6%. Aneurysm surgery, pure MCA revascularization, and aneurysm surgery with MCA revascularization were 106 (84.8%), 12 (9.6%), and 7 cases (5.6%), respectively. The most common aneurysm location was the internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery junction in 37 cases (34.9%), followed by the anterior communicating artery in 27 (25.5%). Full exposure of the Sylvian fissure was achieved in all cases. No perisylvian hematoma was detected by immediate postoperative computed tomography in any patient. Using an appropriate technique for brain retractor application, sylvian fissure dissection was safely performed. The intrasylvian retraction technique effectively facilitated sylvian fissure dissection and provided wide exposure for the distal transsylvian approach.