Increase In Surface Area Research Articles

Tin sulfide dendritic hybrids enhanced by metallic carbon nanotubes for superior supercapacitor performance

This study presents a facile, one-step solvothermal approach to enhance the performance of SnS2-based supercapacitor electrodes through the incorporation of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes (m-SWNTs) via a one-step solvothermal method. The resulting dendritic heterostructures exhibit significantly improved electrochemical properties compared to pristine SnS2. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, XPS, FE-SEM, and BET analysis reveals that m-SWNT incorporation leads to a significant 111.3 % increase in specific surface area and a 255.1 % increase in pore volume for the optimized SNSC5 sample. This structural modification translates to enhanced electrochemical performance, with SNSC5 demonstrating a high specific capacitance of 161 F.g−1 at 1 A.g−1, excellent cyclic stability (94.2 % retention after 5000 cycles), and a high power density of 84.7 Wkg−1. The synergistic effect of the dendritic morphology and m-SWNT network facilitates improved electron transport and ion accessibility. Furthermore, a symmetric solid-state supercapacitor device based on SNSC5 successfully powered LEDs when charged by a solar panel, showcasing its potential for practical energy storage applications. This work provides valuable insights into the design of high-performance electrode materials for next-generation supercapacitors.

Light Drought Stress Positively Influenced Root Morphological and Endogenous Hormones in Pinus massoniana Seedlings Inoculated with Suillus luteus

Aims An ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECMF) may enhance plant drought resistance. However, there is limited information regarding the effects of ECMFs on drought resistance in Pinus massoniana Lamb., a native species representing an afforestation pioneer tree in subtropical regions of China. Methods In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of ECMF Suillus luteus inoculation on the root morphology and endogenous hormones of P. massoniana, including roots, leaves, and stems, under various water treatment conditions. Four water levels (regular, light, moderate, and severe drought) and three inoculations (inoculated Suillus luteus, numbered S12 and S13, and non-ECMF-inoculated) were compared using a factorial design. Results Under drought stress, P. massoniana seedlings inoculated with S12 and S13 had significantly increased root morphology development (p < 0.05). Light drought positively influenced root development, resulting in a more than twofold increase in root length and root surface area compared to non-inoculated seedlings. Concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in roots, stems, and leaves of inoculated S12 and S13 plants were elevated, whereas abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were significantly lower, compared to non-inoculated seedlings. The ABA concentrations in the roots of S12 and S13 inoculated seedlings under light drought stress were 1.5 times lower than those in non-inoculated controls. Moreover, root development was positively correlated with plant total GA, IAA, and ZR but negatively correlated with ABA. ConclusionsS. luteus can promote the root growth and development of P. massoniana seedlings, notably by regulating the balance in the concentration of endogenous hormones, thus improving the drought resistance of P. massoniana seedlings.

Condensed tannins from black wattle as a promising nutritional additive for Nile tilapia: Growth, immune and antioxidant responses, and gut morphology

The present study aimed to investigate the potential of condensed tannins (CT), derived from black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) tree bark, as a nutritional additive for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles. CT are known for their antioxidant and immune-modulating properties, and their inclusion in aquafeeds may enhance fish health and performance. In this study, six diets were formulated: one control diet (Con) with no additives, and five experimental diets supplemented with CT extract at concentrations of 150, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg (CT150, CT250, CT500, CT750, CT1000, respectively). The selection of these doses was based on previous studies indicating that lower concentrations (below 1000 mg/kg of diet) of tannins may offer benefits, while higher concentrations could exhibit antinutritional effects. After a 90-day feeding trial, fish fed the CT150 diet exhibited significantly higher growth compared to the control group. Additionally, fish in the CT150 group showed higher plasma lysozyme activity, while myeloperoxidase activity and hemolytic activity of the complement system were significantly higher in all tannin-fed groups compared to the control. Notably, CT150-fed fish demonstrated liver antioxidant responses comparable to or better than the control group, with no significant increase in lipid peroxidation, suggesting antioxidant protection. Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in intestinal villi density in the CT150 and CT500 groups compared to the control. While all groups showed an increase in absorption surface area (ASA), this increase was statistically significant only in the CT250, CT500, and CT750 groups when compared to the control. Furthermore, the CT150 diet led to the highest survival rate (80 %) following a bacterial challenge. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with 150 mg/kg of CT from black wattle bark provides the most beneficial effects on growth, immune response, and survival in Nile tilapia juveniles.

Tailoring Cell Attachment onto Melt Electrowritten Scaffolds via a Phase Separated Hydrogel Coating with Peptide Functionalization

AbstractHighly porous scaffolds with a high surface area can be designed and fabricated via melt electrowriting (MEW). Here, the study introduces morphological features onto the MEW microfibers via a hydrogel coating of phase‐separated poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA). This coating is achieved by capturing phase‐separated droplets of pHEMA onto poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) microfibers via dip‐coating, resulting in a hydrogel coating with webbed structures across pores of the MEW scaffold. Excess pHEMA droplets are removed and phase separation is quenched by washing in water, and then functionalized by dipping the pHEMA coated scaffold into a buffered peptide solution. It is demonstrated that a cysteine‐terminated peptide sequence (Cys‐Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser‐Gly (CG‐RGD‐SG)) promotes fibroblast adhesion on the hydrogel‐coated MEW scaffolds compared to unmodified pHEMA and compared to scrambled peptide sequence. Due to the protein‐resistant nature of pHEMA, the hydrogel‐coated scaffolds show less cell attachment than non‐coated PCL scaffolds, while RGD‐functionalized pHEMA scaffolds achieve 2.8‐fold increase in cell attachment (p = 0.02) when compared to non‐functionalized pHEMA. The study therefore presents a platform that combines PCL scaffolds of microscale fibers with a phase‐separated pHEMA hydrogel coating that maintains the high porosity of MEW scaffolds yet increases surface area and, importantly, introduces the capability for tailoring cell attachment via peptide functionalization.

Effect of Plasma Treatment on Self-Cleaning Features of Acrylic Paint/TiO2-Coated Surfaces for Environmental Pollutant Removal

This study investigates the characterization and performance of self-cleaning TiO2 surfaces synthesized through a one-step preparation process, followed by enhancement via plasma treatment. The process involved coating aluminum foil with an acrylic paint mixture containing nanoparticles of different mass compositions and subsequent plasma treatment using a continuous plasma arc. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphology of the treated surfaces, showing an increase in surface area of plasma-treated materials. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed changes in oxygen and titanium in acrylic paint/TiO2 surfaces as the TiO2 content increased, indicating successful TiO2 incorporation. Raman spectroscopy showed that the bulk structure of self-cleaning acrylic paints is mainly preserved after plasma treatment. Alternating current impedance spectroscopy assessed that plasma treatment reduced agglomeration and increased active sites, especially for the acrylic paint/TiO2 surfaces with 0.5 mg/cm3 TiO2. The contact angle measurements indicated that plasma treatment enhanced the superhydrophobic characteristics and potential self-cleaning abilities of produced acrylic paint/TiO2 surfaces. The efficacy of these plasma-treated surfaces in self-cleaning was evaluated by testing their performance against puddle sediment and automotive oil samples. The study demonstrated that plasma treatment positively impacted the self-cleaning ability of the acrylic paint/TiO2 surfaces, particularly those with 0.5 mg/cm3 TiO2. This enhancement was attributed to the formation of functional groups, improved water repellency, and possible increases in surface area, which collectively contribute to the sustainable self-cleaning properties of the treated surfaces.

Anchoring Perovskite-Like Bi4Ti3O12 and Plasmonic Bi on Defect-Rich Yellow TiO2-x for Enhanced Catalytic Activity toward Degradation of Pollutants upon Visible Light.

The efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalytic processes is currently limited due to the fast recombination of photocarriers, poor light absorption, and inefficient surface catalytic characteristics. In this study, defect-rich yellow TiO2-x nanoparticles (abbreviated as D-TiO2) with high surface area and significant absorption in the visible range were integrated with perovskite-like Bi4Ti3O12 to synthesize binary D-TiO2/Bi4Ti3O12 nanocomposites. To overcome the problem of insufficient activity, we integrated the optimized D-TiO2/Bi4Ti3O12 nanocomposite with plasmonic Bi nanoparticles. Significantly, the optimized D-TiO2/Bi4Ti3O12/Bi-2 nanocomposite efficiently removed tetracycline (TC) in 50 min through production of •OH, h+, and •O2- species, whose removal rate promoted 10.6, 3.18, 5.01, and 1.84 compared with the white TiO2 (abbreviated as W-TiO2), D-TiO2, Bi4Ti3O12, and D-TiO2/Bi4Ti3O12 (20%) photocatalysts, respectively. The outstanding performance of the D-TiO2/Bi4Ti3O12/Bi photocatalyst was attributed to its quantum dot size, low resistance for charge migration, increased surface area, oxygen vacancies in D-TiO2, and developed n-n heterojunction among D-TiO2 and Bi4Ti3O12, which accelerated charge transfer and promoted the generation of active species. Furthermore, the stability tests showed that the TC degradation efficiency still reached 96% after four recycles, indicating the remarkable stability of the photocatalyst. Eventually, the biocompatible nature of the treated solution over the optimized photocatalyst was also revealed from an investigation of the growth of lentil seeds.

Recycling of Poly(l-Lactic acid) based 3D printed objects using Sn, Ti and triazabicyclodecene-based catalysts in film or microfiber form

In this study, 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) objects were recycled into lactide monomers using various commercially available catalysts, including triazabicyclodecene (TBD), tin (II) ethylhexanoate; Sn(Oct)2 and titanium (IV) isopropoxide; Ti(OiPr)4. The PLA objects were first dissolved in dichloromethane and then processed into catalyst embedded films or electrospun fibers. The degradation of PLA was performed under both static air and nitrogen flow conditions, demonstrating that electrospun fibers with 0.5 % mol catalyst loadings exhibited superior degradation performance compared to films. For instance, the electrospun fibers with Sn(Oct)2 catalyst achieved a turnover frequency (TOF) of 3400 h−1. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and degradation constant (kobs) calculations confirmed that the fibers had a significantly higher degradation rate due to their increased surface area and better catalyst distribution. The isolation of l-lactic acid (L-LA) from the degradation products was achieved with an average yield of 95 %, indicating the effectiveness of the recycling process. This research highlights the potential for efficient PLA recycling using catalyst-embedded electrospun fibers, offering a sustainable approach to polymer waste management.

An Observational Study on Implication of Postoperative Visceral Edema, Assessed by CT Scan, on Complications Following Bowel Resection and Anastomosis, in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Maharashtra, India

Introduction: Surgeries involving bowel resection and anastomosis are quite common. Fluid overload, leading to tissue edema and impaired tissue perfusion, may contribute to anastomotic leak, which is one of the most dreaded complication. Methods: In our current study, CT scan, done on postoperative day-4, was used to assess visceral edema, and its effect on development of complications post bowel anastomosis and increase in value of cross section of body trunk area ≥20% was taken as an independent risk factor of severe complication. Results: Twenty three patients were enrolled in the study, 7 of them developed complications. The most common complication observed was wound infection (Clavein Dindo grade II). Only 2 patients (28.57%) had an increase in CT area >20%. Among patients who developed complications, 33.3% had an increase in CT area and 28.6% did not. Various other factors – preoperative albumin level, timing of surgery, duration of surgery – also lead to development of complications. Statistically, no significant association could be derived between the increase in CT area and development of complications. Conclusion: As per the findings of the current study, higher fluid balance was not reflected by an increase in body surface area on CT Scan. Hence, use of CT scan as a tool to assess visceral edema needs further evaluation.

Enhanced electrochemical activity of boron doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles towards supercapacitor application

Doping via metal/nonmetal/metalloid dopants in to the crystal structural surface of cobalt oxide nanoparticles are promising for creating electroactive supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance. Herein, we fabricate boron doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles (B@Co3O4) via a facile co-precipitation route for supercapacitor applications. The incorporation of boron into cobalt oxide nanoparticles (3M B@Co3O4) brings a ∼4.2-fold increase in a specific surface area (548.126 m2g-1), decrease in band gap energy and reduced in crystalline size. Consequently, the B doped Co3O4 NPs displays a maximum specific capacitance of 998.12 F/g, which is ∼1.50-fold increased as compared to 668.79 F/g of the pristine Co3O4 NPs at current density 1.5mA/cm2 and scan rate 2mV/s in 1 M KOH electrolyte solution. Moreover, 3 M B@Co3O4 NPs demonstrates excellent power density 711.14W/kg and high energy density 195.96Wh/kg Wh/kg. Hence, we believe that boron doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles are a promising electroactive material for the supercapacitive applications.

Molecular signatures of cortical expansion in the human foetal brain

The third trimester of human gestation is characterised by rapid increases in brain volume and cortical surface area. Recent studies have revealed a remarkable molecular diversity across the prenatal cortex but little is known about how this diversity translates into the differential rates of cortical expansion observed during gestation. We present a digital resource, μBrain, to facilitate knowledge translation between molecular and anatomical descriptions of the prenatal brain. Using μBrain, we evaluate the molecular signatures of preferentially-expanded cortical regions, quantified in utero using magnetic resonance imaging. Our findings demonstrate a spatial coupling between areal differences in the timing of neurogenesis and rates of neocortical expansion during gestation. We identify genes, upregulated from mid-gestation, that are highly expressed in rapidly expanding neocortex and implicated in genetic disorders with cognitive sequelae. The μBrain atlas provides a tool to comprehensively map early brain development across domains, model systems and resolution scales.

Modulating drug retention and release via surface anchors using hyperthermia and photothermal effects of Fe3O4-SiO2 core-shell mesoporous nanoparticles

Core-shell nanocarriers (Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG/DOX) with a core-shell structure were created as possible materials for controlled drug retention and release. With a notable increase in pore volume and surface area, the 3-(Trimethylsilyl)propionic acid (TESPA) anchors on the pore walls of SiO2 nanoparticles (MSN). The doxorubicin (DOX) is controlled and stored by a network of polyethylene glycol (PEG) layers that cover the MSN pore by TESPA anchor as a result of interactions between the layers and the high density of functional groups at the pore mouth. Rather than the Brownian motion contribution, magnetic hysteresis losses account for the magnetic hyperthermia contribution to the heating efficiency of the investigated core-shell configuration. Fe3O4 NPs' magnetism and capacity for photothermal conversion make its core an appealing choice for photothermal treatment. By appropriately adjusting the following variables, the combination of magnetic field and NIR irradiation can control localized heating: i. NIR irradiation density; ii. magnetic field intensity; iii. time of use; and iv. concentration of Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG/DOX core-shell solution. This combination is ideal for bioapplications and clinical trials. The two-step NIR irradiation procedure or magnetic field intensity control allows for the rapid delivery of roughly seven times the maximum amount of stored doxorubicin in only 5 min. Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG nanocarriers with their core-shell structure have great potential as therapeutic agents with controllable drug delivery and targetability.

Enzymatic bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotor sensor for xanthine detection

Enzymatic bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotors modified screen-printed electrodes were designed for the determination of xanthine. The bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotors were prepared by electrochemical template deposition. Morphological and structural characterization revealed that the smaller size and active mobility of the particles contribute to a larger specific surface area. The increase in surface area enhances electro-catalytic activities and sensitivity. These improved properties enable the newly created xanthine oxidase-modified Cu-Ni micromotors to function effectively as a high-performance sensor. Designed specifically for detecting xanthine, this sensor boasts high sensitivity, a broad measurement range, low detection limits, and excellent reproducibility and stability. The enzymatic bimetallic micromotor-based sensor was also successfully employed to measure xanthine levels. The limits of detection were determined to be 15.7 nM and 21.53 μM for xanthine concentration ranges of 0.1 μM–1 μM and 10 μM–300 μM, respectively, based on electrochemical signals under a magnetic field. Besides, the detection limit was calculated as 9.02 μM for xanthine concentrations ranging from 0.3 μM to 20 μM, based on the speed of the micromotors under a magnetic field (S/N = 3). The impressive results highlight the significant potential of bimetallic Cu-Ni micromotors as sensors, suggesting their promising applications in monitoring food freshness and enhancing security technology.

Layered high-entropy sulfides: boosting electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction by cocktail effects

Abstract This study explores high-entropy sulfides (HESs) as potential electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Novel Pa-3 and Pnma structured HESs containing Fe, Mn, Ni, Co and Mo, were synthesized via a facile mechanochemical method. Structural and chemical properties were extensively characterized using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic performance of four as-prepared HESs in alkaline electrolyte for HER reveals the remarkable outperformance compared to medium-entropy and conventional sulfides. Particularly, (Fe0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Mo0.2)S2 demonstrated outstanding activities, with minimal overpotentials (187 mV at 10 mA cm–2) and outstanding durability under harsh alkaline conditions (a mere polarization increase ΔE = 17 mV after 14 h via chronopotentiometry). The remarkable catalytic activities can be attributed to synergistic effects resulting from the cocktail effects within the high-entropy disulfide. The introduction of Mo contributes to the formation of a layered structure, which leads to an increased surface area and thus to a superior HER performance compared to other HES and conventional sulfides. This work demonstrates the promising potential of HES and underscores that further development for catalytic applications paves the way for innovative routes to new and more efficient active materials for HER catalysis.

Characteristics and Efficiency of Heat Transfer for Natural Convection by Ag-CuO/H2O Hybrid Nanofluid Inside a Square Cavity with Corrugated Walls

A parametric numerical study is conducted on laminar natural convection and heat transfer in a cavity with opposing undulated walls saturated with a hybrid Ag-CuO/water nanofluid. The two vertical walls of the sinusoidally undulated cavity are maintained at hot and cold temperatures, while the upper and lower walls are thermally insulated. The investigation examines the effects of relevant parameters such as the sinusoidally undulated geometry of the walls for different volumetric fractions of nanoparticles (0% ≤φ≤6%) and Rayleigh numbers (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106) Thefinite-volumee discretization method is employed to solve the system of governing equations. The results indicate that an increase in the volumetric fraction of nanoparticles enhances the heat exchange rate in the cavity. Additionally, the Rayleigh number, with a significant increase in surface area, strongly influences the dominant heat transfer mode in the cavity. Furthermore, an increase in the number of wall undulations leads to a reduction in the heat transfer rate.

Synergistic leaching of lithium from clay-type lithium ore using sulfuric acid and oxalic acid

With the escalating market demand for lithium, the development and efficient utilization of lithium resources have become crucial. This study introduced a method for leaching lithium from raw clay-type lithium ores using a composite sulfuric acid oxalic acid system. The experimental results revealed that the optimal conditions for the leaching process included roasting temperature of 600 °C, sulfuric acid concentration of 0.8 mol/L, liquid-solid ratio of 5 mL/g, leaching temperature of 90 °C, leaching duration of 90 min, and oxalic acid dosage of 2 g. Under these conditions, the leaching efficiency of lithium reached 93.45 %. The structural changes during the lithium leaching process and leaching mechanism were analyzed by XRD, SEM, TOF-SIMS. It was found that the minerals after mixed-acid leaching showed a loose morphology, a decrease in the average particle size, and a significant increase in the specific surface area as well as the pore volume, leading to improved lithium leaching efficiency. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the mixed-acid leaching of lithium from clay-type lithium ores was explored. According to this mechanism, sulfuric acid first dissociated H+, which disrupted the mineral structure, allowing further destruction by oxalic acid. During this process, Li+ was continuously replaced by H+ and reacted with C2O42− dissociated from oxalic acid to form water-soluble Li2C2O4.

A highly-efficient peroxymonosulfate activator using a sewage sludge derived biochar supported cobalt oxide: Mechanism and characteristics

The application of biochar derived from sewage sludge (BS) in Fenton-like reactions for contaminant removal has attracted considerable attention. Herein, a BS-supported Co3O4 (BS-Co3O4) catalyst was synthesized using a simple two-step hydrothermal-calcination process to achieve highly efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The introduction of biochar effectively inhibited the aggregation of Co3O4 and reduced cobalt leaching. Compared to Co3O4, the mesoporous BS-Co3O4 exhibited an 8-fold increase in specific surface area (SSA) to 111.92 m2∙g−1, and a 46 %-66.4 % reduction in crystal plane size. The interaction between biochar and cobalt oxide resulted in several notable enhancements in the BS-Co3O4 composite. Specifically, there was an increase in sp2 carbon content, a 42.69 % rise in capacitance, and a 79.99 % reduction in charge transfer resistance. These improvements contributed to enhanced PMS activation performance. The BS-Co3O4 also contained a higher content of Co(II), sp2 carbon, and oxygen vacancies (OV). Co(II) played a crucial role in the redox reaction, accelerating the formation of SO4•− and 1O2 during the PMS activation process. Additionally, OV acted as electron capture centers, further promoting the generation of 1O2. Evidence from reactive species investigations and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests indicated that SO4•− and 1O2 were the main reactive radicals for eliminating tetracycline (TC). Based on the identification of TC intermediates, two potential degradation pathways were proposed, and a reduction in intermediate toxicity was observed. Experiments involving interference and repetition demonstrated that the BS-Co3O4 catalyst was stable and reusable. This work provides a solution with low metal leaching, high recycling performance, and safety for antibiotic wastewater treatment.

Efficient RhB degradation and antimicrobial activity with molecular docking study of polymers doped ZnSe nanostructure

A facile coprecipitation approach was adopted to synthesize zinc selenide (ZnSe) doped with a fixed amount (3 wt%) of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and different concentrations (2 and 4 wt%) of eudragit to form ternary nanostructure (NSs). Eud and CTAB inhibit the dimension and reduce the rate of recombination of NSs to intensify catalytic performance against rhodamine B (RhB) and bactericidal action against MDR Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Doped ZnSe increase active sites, porosity, and surface area to enhance the degradation of RhB dye and antimicrobial efficacy to kill pathogenic S. aureus. Assessment of 4 wt% Eud/CTAB exhibited effective performance for degradation of RhB and bactericidal potential highlights an impressive 94.3 % degradation efficiency and 8.85 ± 0.05 mm of the inhibition zone against MDR S. aureus. Computational molecular docking studies suggest that NSs, such as Eud/CTAB-doped ZnSe, have the ability to inhibit the DNA gyrase enzyme in MDR S. aureus.

Enhanced bioactivity and anticancer properties of mesoporous La2O3-doped CaO-P2O5-SiO2 bioactive system for bone regeneration applications

Bioactive samples having composition x.La2O3.(43-x)CaO.15P2O5.42SiO2 (x=0,1,2,3 mol%) were successfully synthesized in the laboratory via the sol-gel method. These samples have been analysed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis, both before and after immersion in simulated body fluid. The outcomes clearly reveal the formation of hydroxyapatite within one day of in vitro analysis in samples doped with lanthanum oxide. Using Brunauer-Emmett and Teller technique, increase in surface area for doped samples has been observed. Additionally, it has been found that all samples are mesoporous in nature having pore sizes in the range of 6-13 nm. The prepared samples are loaded with ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic to study their drug release properties in phosphate buffer saline by employing UV-Visible spectroscopy. The Higuchi model demonstrated the best fit with the in vitro drug release profile, which displayed the highest correlation value. To ensure the samples are non-toxic, biocompatibility studies have been performed using alamarBlue, Pico green and live-dead cells assays. All samples show excellent cell viability and better proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells. The anti-cancer property of the doped samples has also been evaluated using MTT assay on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell line. All the samples have exhibited significant growth inhibition towards the cancerous cell line. Phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy studies on EAC cancer cell line treated with the doped samples have displayed the characteristic features of cell death. Also, flow cytometric analysis reveal decreased mitochondrial membrane potential for all the samples which also indicates features of cancer cell death. Extensive efforts were made to determine the optimal chemical composition of the prepared samples for their further use in bone implants. The synthesized compositions possess the potential for bone regeneration treatments and addressing breast cancer bone metastasis due to their bioactivity, high surface area, mesoporous nature, anticancer properties and appreciable cell viability.

Association Between Tibiofemoral Bone Shape Features and Retears After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

A retear after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a common and devastating complication. Knee bone morphology is associated with the risk of ACL injuries, ACL retears, and osteoarthritis, and a combination of tools that derive bone shape from clinical imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and statistical shape modeling, could identify patients at risk of developing these joint conditions. To identify bone shape features before primary ACL reconstruction in patients with an eventual retear compared to those with a known intact ACL graft. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Bone was automatically segmented on 2-dimensional proton density-weighted MRI of the knee in patients at the time of the initial ACL injury using deep convolutional neural networks. Patients with a subsequent retear after reconstruction within 3 years (22 femurs, 19 tibias) were compared with those with an intact ACL graft at 3 years (20 femurs, 22 tibias) using statistical shape modeling to identify preoperative bone shape features predictive of a retear after ACL reconstruction. Statistical shape modeling revealed 2 specific bone shape features (modes) in the femur and 1 mode in the tibia that demonstrated significant differences at the time of the initial injury in patients with subsequent retears. In the femur, a narrower intercondylar notch width, a widened medial condylar width, an increased femoral condylar offset ratio, increased surface area along the lateral femoral condyle relative to the medial condyle, and a more prominent trochlear sulcus at the time of the initial injury were associated with retears after ACL reconstruction. In the tibia, a diminished ACL facet prominence, a squared lateral and medial tibial plateaus, and a broader and flattened tibial spine at the time of the initial injury were associated with retears after ACL reconstruction. Using the automatic bone segmentation pipeline on preoperative MRI, the authors identified bone shape features associated with a retear after ACL reconstruction. The use of this pipeline enables large-scale studies of bone shape on MRI and could predict patients at risk of ACL retears to alter treatment decisions.

Noble‐Metal‐Free Modified TiO2 Nanotube Arrays (TNTAs) for Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO Under Visible Light

AbstractIn the past decades, TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) have gained a great attention as a durable photocatalyst for CO2 reduction due to their unique properties. TNTAs have been widely modified with noble metals for increasing their absorption of visible light and limiting their associated rapid electron‐hole recombination rate. However, these metals are extremely expensive, which limits their practical applications in the fields of energy and environment. In this study, three noble‐metal‐free materials of graphitic carbon nitrides, metal–organic framework, and reduced graphene oxide were used for modifying pure TNTAs through a simple drying‐deposition method. The modified TNTAs samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses for approving successful synthesis of these nanocomposites. Finally, the modified TNTAs nanocomposites were investigated for their ability in converting the CO2 gas to CO under visible light. However, the TNTAs modified with graphitic carbon nitrides displayed the highest CO productions of 27551 µmol m−2 which represents 16% enhancement compared to that of pure TNTAs (23871 µmol m−2). The enhanced CO2 photoreduction performance of modified TNTAs is attributed to promoted light absorption, increased surface area, and improved electrical conductivity.