Initial Rapid Uptake Research Articles

Green Nanoengineered Keratin Derived Bio‐Adsorbent for Heavy Metals Removal from Aqueous Media

AbstractExploiting poultry chicken feathers, a keratin‐rich by‐product offers a sustainable raw material for bio‐adsorbents in water remediation. This study developed a bio‐adsorbent from chicken feathers keratin (CFK), functionalized with surface‐modified graphene oxide (SMGO). The bio‐adsorbent was tested for adsorbing metal cations (Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Co) and oxyanions (As, Se, Cr) from water contaminated with 600 µg/L of each metal at pH 5.5, 7.5, and 10.5. Results showed optimal removal efficiencies at pH 7.5, with anions achieving ≥91.10% for As (III), ≥89.55% for Cr (VI), and ≥74.33% for Se (IV). Cations removal reached 96.34% for Co (II), 97.36% for Ni (II), 99.03% for Cd (II), 99.21% for Pb (II), and 59.06% for Zn (II). Kinetic studies indicated rapid initial uptake within the first 6 hours, reaching equilibrium at 24 hours. The bio‐adsorbent maintained high adsorption capacities over four regeneration cycles with minimal efficiency loss, showing strong stability and reusability. Removal efficiency followed the order: Pb (II) 〉 Cd (II) 〉 Ni (II) 〉 Co (II) 〉 Zn (II), correlating with their ionic radii. Ni2+ adsorbed more effectively than Co2+ due to a smaller ionic radius and stronger electrostatic attraction. These findings highlight CFK‐SMGO's efficacy in wastewater treatment, promoting bio‐based sustainable adsorbents.

(RE-)AIMing for Rapid Uptake: Pilot Evaluation of a Modified Hub and Spoke Model of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder.

Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an effective, evidence-based treatment, but significant gaps in implementation remain. We evaluate one novel approach to address this gap: a Hub and Spoke model to increase buprenorphine access and management. This outcome evaluation was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework using secondary data analysis of clinical and administrative data to characterize program outcomes for program Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, and Maintenance. Implementation was assessed through a chart review of provider progress notes and through key informant interviews with program staff to understand why this site was able to introduce a novel approach to MOUD. Nearly half of patients with opioid use disorder (45.48%, n=156) were reached by the program over 2 years. Of those, 91.67% had 1 or more program visits after an initial intake appointment, and 78.85% had a buprenorphine prescription. Patients in the program were 2.44 times more likely to have a buprenorphine prescription than those in comparator site that did not have a Hub and Spoke program (95% CI: 1.77-3.37; P <0.001). There was significantly greater program reach in year 1 than year 2, suggesting rapid initial uptake followed by modest program growth. Key informant interviews illustrated several themes regrading program implementation, including the importance of process champions, the beneficial impact of MOUD for patients, and addressing facility performance metrics. A supportive organizational culture and a receptive climate were also key factors for implementation. This program led to rapid improvement in MOUD uptake across the facility. Future efforts should focus on improving program maintenance, including supporting the exchange of patients from the hub to appropriate spokes.

Distribution and Mobility of Amines Confined in Porous Silica Supports Assessed via Neutron Scattering, NMR, and MD Simulations: Impacts on CO2 Sorption Kinetics and Capacities.

ConspectusSolid-supported amines are a promising class of CO2 sorbents capable of selectively capturing CO2 from diverse sources. The chemical interactions between the amine groups and CO2 give rise to the formation of strong CO2 adducts, such as alkylammonium carbamates, carbamic acids, and bicarbonates, which enable CO2 capture even at low driving force, such as with ultradilute CO2 streams. Among various solid-supported amine sorbents, oligomeric amines infused into oxide solid supports (noncovalently supported) are widely studied due to their ease of synthesis and low cost. This method allows for the construction of amine-rich sorbents while minimizing problems, such as leaching or evaporation, that occur with supported molecular amines.Researchers have pursued improved sorbents by tuning the physical and chemical properties of solid supports and amine phases. In terms of CO2 uptake, the amine efficiency, or the moles of sorbed CO2 per mole of amine sites, and uptake rate (CO2 capture per unit time) are the most critical factors determining the effectiveness of the material. While structure-property relationships have been developed for different porous oxide supports, the interaction(s) of the amine phase with the solid support, the structure and distribution of the organic phase within the pores, and the mobility of the amine phase within the pores are not well understood. These factors are important, because the kinetics of CO2 sorption, particularly when using the prototypical amine oligomer branched poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), follow an unconventional trend, with rapid initial uptake followed by a very slow, asymptotic approach to equilibrium. This suggests that the uptake of CO2 within such solid-supported amines is mass transfer-limited. Therefore, improving sorption performance can be facilitated by better understanding the amine structure and distribution within the pores.In this context, model solid-supported amine sorbents were constructed from a highly ordered, mesoporous silica SBA-15 support, and an array of techniques was used to probe the soft matter domains within these hybrid materials. The choice of SBA-15 as the model support was based on its ordered arrangement of mesopores with tunable physical and chemical properties, including pore size, particle lengths, and surface chemistries. Branched PEI─the most common amine phase used in solid CO2 sorbents─and its linear, low molecular weight analogue, tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), were deployed as the amine phases. Neutron scattering (NS), including small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS), alongside solid-state NMR (ssNMR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, was used to elucidate the structure and mobility of the amine phases within the pores of the support. Together, these tools, which have previously not been applied to such materials, provided new information regarding how the amine phases filled the support pores as the loading increased and the mobility of those amine phases. Varying pore surface-amine interactions led to unique trends for amine distributions and mobility; for instance, hydrophilic walls (i.e., attractive to amines) resulted in hampered motions with more intimate coordination to the walls, while amines around hydrophobic walls or walls with grafted chains that interrupt amine-wall coordination showed recovered mobility, with amines being more liberated from the walls. By correlating the structural and dynamic properties with CO2 sorption properties, novel relationships were identified, shedding light on the performance of the amine sorbents, and providing valuable guidance for the design of more effective supported amine sorbents.

Radiation synthesis of chitosan/poly(acrylamide-co-maleic acid) hydrogel for the removal of 152+154Eu (III) ions

Using gamma radiation, a chitosan-poly (acrylamide-co-maleic acid) hydrogel was created by copolymerizing acrylamide and maleic acid onto the surface of chitosan. The shape, thermal stability, and structure of the hydrogel were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis. The batch adsorption of 152+154Eu(III) ions from an aqueous solution showed a rapid initial uptake with an equilibrium time of 24 h at pH (∼4). The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were used to study the adsorption equilibrium data. The adsorption behavior of 152+154Eu(III) ions closely followed the Langmuir isotherm, exhibiting a maximum adsorption capacity of 144.96 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics of 152+154Eu(III) ions are best described by the pseudo-second order model. The thermodynamic parameters were studied and revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and favorable at a lower temperature. 0.1 M HCl and AlCl3 desorbed 152+154Eu(III) ions with 97.09% and 88.63%, respectively. Hence, the hydrogel will serve as a starting point for the adsorption of trivalent lanthanide ions in the future.

Can financial incentives and other nudges increase COVID-19 vaccinations among the vaccine hesitant? A randomized trial

Despite rapid initial uptake, COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States stalled within a few months of widespread rollout in 2021. In response, many state and local governments, employers and health systems used public health messaging, financial incentives and creative scheduling tools to increase vaccine uptake. Although these approaches drew on evidence from influenza and other vaccination efforts, they were largely untested in the context of SARS-CoV-2. In mid-2021, months after vaccines were widely available, we evaluated vaccination intentions and vaccine uptake using a randomized control trial. To do this, we recruited unvaccinated members of a Medicaid managed care plan in California (n = 2,701) and randomly assigned them to different public health messages, $10 or $50 financial incentives for vaccination, a simple vaccination appointment scheduler, or control. While messages increased vaccination intentions, none of the interventions increased vaccination rates. Estimates for financial incentives rule out even relatively small increases in vaccination rates. Small financial incentives and other behavioral nudges do not meaningfully increase COVID-19 vaccination rates amongst the vaccine hesitant.

Rapid Rollout and Initial Uptake of a Booster COVID-19 Vaccine Among Israel Defense Forces Soldiers.

The surge of breakthrough COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals has raised the prospects of booster dose administration. In Israel, concerns of waning immunity and dominance of the B.1.617.2 (delta) variant resulted in approval of a third-dose (booster) vaccination for the entire eligible population starting on August 29, 2021. This study aims to evaluate vaccine uptake for booster doses among a population of previously vaccinated individuals during a rapid rollout and to analyze socio-demographic characteristics associated with vaccine uptake. A cross-sectional study among Israel Defense Forces soldiers with high access to booster doses of BNT162b2. Subjects eligible for booster doses were voluntarily vaccinated at three vaccine sites constructed within soldiers’ bases. We analyzed associations between subjects’ socio-demographic characteristics and booster vaccine uptake at the culmination of vaccine rollout using logistic regression models. 1157 soldiers from an IDF brigade were eligible for third dose vaccination (received second dose > 5-months before rollout), with 978 (84.5%) receiving a third, booster dose during the study’s timeframe. Subjects’ median age was 20.5 (IQR 19.7–21.5) and 791 (68.4%) were male. Notable socio-demographic characteristics associated with increased vaccine uptake in a multivariable model included increased age (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.31), high socio-economic status (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.25–3.59) and female sex (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.26–2.74). Below-average cognitive function score was associated with decreased vaccine uptake (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.95). This study demonstrates that real-world vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle, even among a population previously acceptant to COVID-19 vaccines. Decreased uptake for vaccines may be associated with socio-demographic variables in-spite of high-access vaccine rollouts. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy among previously vaccinated individuals, along with the benefits of population-wide booster administration should be further investigated.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10935-022-00702-2.

Glucose-lowering drug use, glycemic outcomes, and severe hypoglycemia: 18-Year trends in 0·9 million adults with Diabetes in Hong Kong (2002–2019)

SummaryBackgroundImprovements in glycemic outcomes have stalled since 2010 in several international surveys. We previously reported improvements in glycemic control in 2007-2014 in Hong Kong coinciding with primary care reforms, use of dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and metformin. The aim of this study was to estimate more recent trends in drug use and glycemic outcomes following introduction of newer classes of glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs).MethodsUsing population-based data from the Hong Kong Diabetes Surveillance Database, we explored age-specific trends in proportion of patients reaching glycemic targets and incidence rates of severe hypoglycemia (SH) in 963,612 adults with diabetes in 2002-2019. We further assessed patterns of GLDs utilisation by presence of atherosclerotic-cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure, and estimated-glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).FindingsFollowing rapid decline in HbA1c from 7·7% to 7·2% in 2005-2014 (annual percentage change [APC]= -0·8, 95% CI:-1·0,-0·6), standardized mean HbA1c plateaued since 2014 (HbA1c 7·2% in 2019, APC=0·0, 95% CI:-0·2, 0·2). The incidence rates of SH declined from 3·4 to 0·7 events per 100-person years, but improvements levelled off since 2014. Use of metformin steadily increased (41·1 to 58·7%), sulfonylureas decreased (52·2 to 31·1%) while insulin remained static in 2002-2019. Adoption of DPP-4is slowed following initial rapid uptake in 2007-2011. DPP-4is remained the most widely prescribed newer GLD in all ages (14·3% in 2019). Use of glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) and sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) increased rapidly in 2015-2019 with 0·5% and 6% of users respectively in 2019.InterpretationFollowing rapid improvement in 2007-2014, glycemic control and SH rates had plateaued despite changing patterns of newer GLDs use in Hong Kong.FundingDr. Aimin Yang was supported by a CUHK Impact Research Fellowship Scheme.

Vanadium isotope fractionation during hydrothermal sedimentation: Implications for the vanadium cycle in the oceans

Variations of V isotope ratios (δ51V) in sedimentary rocks have been proposed as a potential proxy for paleo-oceanic redox conditions, although the marine δ51V system is not fully constrained. Hydrothermal sediments are known to be a significant sink of V from the ocean. However, the V isotope fractionation associated with the accumulation into hydrothermal sediments from seawater and its influence on the marine isotopic budget of V are still unexplored. This work presents the first V isotope study of hydrothermal sediments specifically samples from the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field and Pacific Ocean under influence of the hydrothermal plume arising from the southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR). The studied sediments show authigenic δ51V values ranging from −0.4 to −0.1‰, which is remarkably different from that of non-hydrothermal oxic sediments (−1.2 to −0.7‰) as well as open ocean seawater (+0.2‰). The V isotope composition of these hydrothermal sediments at TAG is likely controlled by the isotope fractionation during the rapid initial uptake of V from seawater into hydrothermal Fe oxyhydroxide particulates that precipitate when reducing hydrothermal fluids mix with oxic seawater. The sediments collected from the deep south Pacific Ocean west of SEPR show authigenic δ51V values overlapping with the range observed within the TAG field, despite their distal location extending to more than 4000 km from the buoyant portion of the SEPR hydrothermal plume. As has also been observed for Fe in particulates west of the SEPR, our results indicate the persistence of V within hydrothermal particulates (likely in the form of V-rich Fe oxyhydroxides) that settle to the sediments after long-range transport, while still preserving the original V isotope signature. Combination of this work with previous studies, allows us to establish a more robust mass balance model that assesses the effect of V removal by hydrothermal precipitation on the marine elemental and isotopic budget of V. Our new results suggest that the flux of V into the hydrothermal sink accounts for ∼13% of the global marine V input. This model also indicates that the V isotope composition of seawater could potentially be altered with variations in hydrothermal activity which is in addition to changes in the global marine redox conditions but likely on very different time scales. Thus, V isotope ratios have the potential to provide new insights into ancient ocean chemistry.

In Situ Calibration of Passive Samplers for Viruses in Wastewater

Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNAhas rapidly developed worldwide. In low-prevalence settings, sampling in sewage networks is proposed to monitor community transmission. Passive samplers are cost-effective and suitable for catchments where autosamplers cannot be operated. This resulted in their pioneering applications in some countries, even though their sampling kinetics for viruses remains unclear. We conducted in situ calibration of passive sampling materials (membranes, swabs, gauzes, and tampons) for the uptake of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), enterovirus, and human adenovirus 40/41. Passive samplers were deployed in wastewater influent and retrieved sequentially over 48 h. Membranes performed continuous sampling over 48 h with estimated linear sampling rates of 1 mL h–1 for PMMoV, 0.3 mL h–1 for enterovirus, and 33.1 mL h–1 for adenovirus. Tampons and swabs showed a rapid initial uptake of viruses and reached equilibrium after 8 h, while gauze uptake rates were potentially confounded by either inhibitors or viral losses during extended exposure. Additionally, monitoring SARS-CoV-2 at 17 sewer manholes showed that the detection ratio of membranes (14 of 17) was higher than that of tampons (8 of 17). This study demonstrated the ability of passive samplers to retain viral fragments, making them a practical tool for wastewater surveillance for the detection of disease outbreaks in communities.

Penetration rates of new pharmaceutical products in Europe: A comparative study of several classes recently launched in type-2 diabetes

BackgroundDifferent countries have their own systems for evaluating new medicines, and they make decisions as to when and how each new medicine is adopted. PurposeTo compare the rate of uptake of new diabetes medicines (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors [DPP-4Is], glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists [GLP1-RAs], and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors [SGLT2Is]) in the five most populated European countries. MethodsThe monthly volume of sales of antidiabetic drugs was extracted for each country from the IQVIA™ MIDAS® database for the period 2007 to 2016 and the defined daily doses (DDDs) were calculated. For each new drug, market shares were expressed as a percentage of the total market of non-insulin antidiabetic agents. ResultsSharp differences were observed between the countries. Overall, the highest and fastest rates of uptake were seen for Germany and Spain, compared to lower rates for the UK and Italy. This was especially marked for DPP-4Is, where the market share reached over 30% of non-insulin antidiabetic drugs in Germany and Spain, compared to around 10% in the UK and Italy. In France, there was an initial rapid uptake, which stabilized at around 20% after three years. Rates of uptake were lower for the other drugs, with the GLP1-RAs reaching a market share of 2.5–4.5% in Germany, Spain and France, compared to less than 2.5% in the UK and Italy. The SGLT2Is reached a market share of 5–8% in Spain and Germany, compared to less than 4% in the UK and Italy, and they were not launched at all in France in March 2020. ConclusionThe differences in the uptake of new antidiabetic drugs may reflect different methods for assessing and introducing new medicines, as well as cultural factors. The uptake of the new medicines would appear to be more cautious in the UK and Italy, perhaps due to concerns about cost-effectiveness, whereas in Germany and Spain, and possibly also France, a new medicine's potential benefits may be prioritized.

Utilization of mental health services in pediatric patients surviving penetrating trauma resulting from interpersonal violence

BackgroundViolent trauma has lasting psychological impacts. Our institution’s Community Violence Response Team (CVRT) offers mental health services to trauma victims. We characterized implementation and determined factors associated with utilization by pediatric survivors of interpersonal violence-related penetrating trauma. MethodsAnalysis included survivors (0–21 years) of violent penetrating injury at our institution (2011–2017). Injury and demographic data were collected. Nonparametric regression models determined factors associated with utilization. ResultsThere was initial rapid uptake of CVRT (2011–2013) after which it plateaued, serving >80% of eligible patients (2017). White race and higher injury severity were associated with receipt and duration of services. In post-hoc analysis, race was found to be associated with continued treatment but not with initial consultation. ConclusionSuccessful implementation required three years, aiding >80% of patients. CVRT is a blueprint to strengthen existing violence intervention programs. Efforts should be made to ensure that barriers to providing care, including those related to race, are overcome.

Transcriptome and metabolite analysis reveal the drought tolerance of foxtail millet significantly correlated with phenylpropanoids-related pathways during germination process under PEG stress

BackgroundFoxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] is an excellent crop known for its superior level of drought tolerance across the world. Especially, less water is needed during its germination period than the other cereal crops. However, the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the abiotic stress effects on seed germination of foxtail millet is largely unknown.ResultsThe water uptake pattern of foxtail millet seeds was ploted during germination period, according to which the germination time course of millet was separated into three phases. We sequenced the transcriptome of foxtail millet seeds, which were treated by PEG during different germination phases after sowing. The transcriptional studies revealed that more DEGs were identified during the further increase in water uptake period (phase III) than during the rapid initial uptake period (phase I) and the plateau period (phase II) under PEG stress. The pathway analysis of DEGs showed that the highly enriched categories were related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction and phenylalanine metabolism during phase III. The 20 phenylpropanoids-related genes of germinating foxtail millet were found to be down-regulated during the further increase in water uptake period under PEG stress. Further expression analysis identified 4 genes of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase 3, cinnamoyl-CoA reductase 1, cationic peroxidase SPC4 in phenylpropanoids-related pathway, which played important roles in foxtail millet in response to PEG stress during different germination periods. The studies of metabolites in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway revealed that higher amount of cinnamic acid was accumulated in germinating seeds under PEG stress, while the contents of p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and sinapic acid were decreased. And the effects of five phenolic compounds on germination and growth of foxtail millet showed that 1 mM concentration of cinnamic acid inhibited shoot and root growth, especially root development. Ferulic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic acid and p-coumaric acid could increase the root length and root/sprout in lower concentration.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that key genes and metabolites of foxtail millet related with phenylpropanoids pathway may play prominent roles in the regulation of resistance to drought during germination. Foxtail millet can probably avoid drought by regulating the levels of endogenous allelochemicals.

Facile Synthesis and Reuse of Magnetic Black Carbon Magnetite (BC-Mag) for Fast Carbamazepine Removal from Water.

Magnetic carbonaceous nanomaterials are needed in water treatment applications because they can offer both carbon surfaces for sorption of organic pollutants and ease of material magnetic retrieval for regeneration and reuse. In this study, we employed a facile one-step method to synthesize a black carbon-magnetite composite (BC-Mag) by high-temperature annealing of black carbon and hematite. The nanocomposite was easily dispersed and stable in water owing to the presence of negatively charged oxygen surface functional groups. Sorption kinetics with dissolved carbamazepine showed a rapid initial uptake with equilibrium achieved within only minutes. The sorption extent can be described with the Freundlich model, and surface area normalized sorption affinity was an order of magnitude greater than conventional granular activated carbon. The sorption extent of neutral carbamazepine remained constant between pH 2–10 while surface zeta potential decreased. BC-Mag can be reused for the sorption of carbamazepine up to six times without significant loss of the sorption extent.

Morphological changes of hydrophobic matrix and hydrophilic ionomers in water-swollen perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes detected using small-angle X-ray scattering

Time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was employed to examine the hydration dynamics of perfluorinated sulfonic acid membranes in contact with liquid water. Following thermal pretreatment of the membranes, a peak corresponding to the fluorocarbon polymer backbones was clearly observed in the SAXS profiles, in addition to a peak corresponding to the ionomer clusters consisting of hydrophilic side chains and water molecules. The variation of these two peaks was monitored with a frame time as low as 21 ms, which permitted the successful capture of the subsecond dynamics of water uptake by 25 and 50 μm thick membranes. The dynamics of the initial rapid water uptake were well reproduced using Fick's equation, although the thinner sample exhibited a smaller diffusion coefficient. This result suggests that the surface resistance influences the diffusion of water into the membrane. The initial rapid water absorption was followed by the slow and continuous reconstruction of the polymer structure. The measured dynamics of the two peaks indicated that, during this long-term reconstruction, the increase in the ionomer volume became slower and the fusion of clusters was the dominant factor responsible for increasing the ionomer spacing.

Microbial C:N:P stoichiometry and turnover depend on nutrients availability in soil: A 14C, 15N and 33P triple labelling study

Microbial biomass turnover and the associated recycling of carbon (Cmic), nitrogen (Nmic) and phosphorus (Pmic) depend on their stoichiometric relationships and plays a pivotal role for soil fertility. This study examines the responses of Cmic, Nmic, Pmic, the microbial respiration rate (CO2 efflux), and the total DNA content to C and nutrient addition in forest soils with very low (Low-P) and high P (High-P) contents. Both the Low-P and High-P soils were treated with a low and high level of C, N and P (5% and 200% of Cmic, Nmic and Pmic). Phosphorus (33P) was added before the addition of C (14C) and N (15N) to investigate the potential P limitation. We hypothesized two modes of microbial biomass C and nutrient turnover: 1) maintenance through intracellular metabolisms and/or 2) microbial growth and death through necromass reutilization. In Low-P soil, the 2-day-sooner increase of Cmic and Pmic compared to the increase of CO2 efflux and DNA content after high CN input showed the rapid initial uptake of C and limiting nutrients into microbial cells. It also demonstrated a lag period before microbial growth commenced. In High-P soil, however, the CO2 efflux and DNA content increased simultaneously with increases in microbial biomass, reflecting the microbial capacity for immediate growth. Afterwards, CO2 efflux and DNA content dropped to the level before CNP addition, with a decline of Cmic and Pmic in Low-P soil and a decline of Nmic in High-P soil, suggesting a C and P limitation in Low-P soil and N limitation in High-P soil. Under low CNP addition, the microorganisms in High-P soil are ready to grow, while those in Low-P soil are mainly in maintenance mode. The microorganisms under maintenance in low-P soil can switch to growth/death mode after removing the nutrient limitation. High CNP input caused a non-homeostatic response of Cmic: Nmic: Pmic stoichiometry from 691:105:1 to 33:1:1 in Low-P soil, mainly resulting from a higher storage of the limiting elements (C and P) in microbial biomass. The ratio remained stable under low CNP addition due to the endogenous metabolism of C and nutrient at maintenance. The C and nutrient were turnovered much faster by microorganisms in the growth/death mode, confirming a key principle of ecology: the stronger the limitation by an element, the more efficiently that element is retained within an organism, and the more intensively it is reused. The triple labeling approach linked with Cmic: Nmic: Pmic stoichiometry helped to identify the dominant maintenance and growth/death modes of microbial biomass CNP turnover in nutrient-limited and -unlimited soil.

Using neutron methods SANS and PGAA to study evolution of structure and composition of alkali-doped polybenzimidazole membranes

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes are investigated as compelling candidates for water electrolysis applications, drastically reducing the ohmic losses in contrast to thick ZrO2 based diaphragms. Using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) we have found that the structure of the (KOH doped) PBI changes with doping time on a minute time scale, and that the development of the structure is highly dependent on the KOH concentration. This data is correlated with macroscopic measurements of membrane swelling resulting from the doping process which also occurs on a minute time scale. Then, using prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) to follow the changes in time of the chemical composition, we have found that the K concentration of these samples only increases slightly with doping times after a very rapid initial uptake, reaching a saturation value that is relatively independent of KOH concentration for long doping times of up to 24 h. However measurements of similarly doped samples show increases in ion-conductivity of nearly 3 fold, and resistivity reductions of over 2 fold on the same time scales. These measurements prove that PGAA is a sensitive method to follow changes in the chemical compositions during doping, while SANS can give information on the sub-micro structural changes of polymer electrolyte membranes. Since these methods can be correlated with ex-situ measurements of composition, resistance, ion-conductivity and macro-structure, the combined use of PGAA and SANS provides a promising means for in-operando study in order to elucidate changes in membrane performance due to electrochemical cycling, as well as to help characterize and optimize doping parameters though in-situ doping measurements, by enabling real-time study of such membrane systems.

Heterogeneous biochars from agriculture residues and coal fly ash for the removal of heavy metals from coking wastewater.

While we have started down the path towards a global transition to a green economy, as with most things we began with the “low-hanging fruit,” such that increasingly difficult material and chemical conversions remain. Coking is one such example; it is unlikely that steel production will transition away from using coking coal anytime in the near future, such that coking wastewater remains a global environmental challenge. However, we can develop greener methods and materials to treat such waste. The present work demonstrates how wheat straw, an abundant agricultural residue, can be co-pyrolyzed and co-activated with coal fly ash to produce a high surface area biochar. Coal fly ash has previously been shown to promote devolatilization and deoxygenation of pyrolyzed biofuels. This work shows how coal fly ash increases microporosity as well as aromaticity of the surface functional groups, while decreasing carbonyl but preserving or only slightly decreasing ketones and carboxylic acids. CO2-activation of 5 and 10 wt% fly ash with wheat straw blends yields heterogeneous biochars with adsorption capacities upwards of 170 mgmetal gchar−1, with 5 wt% blends showing higher capacity and adsorption uptake rates than the 0 or 10 wt% blends. The adsorption of the four heavy metals ions (Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+) was chemical in nature, with cobalt preferentially adsorbing to the char surface. The overall adsorption rate is limited by an initial rapid uptake to fill available surface adsorption sites.

Australia on Track to Achieve Who HCV Elimination Targets Following Rapid Initial DAA Treatment Uptake: A Modelling Study

Background: Subsidized direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment recently became available to all adults living with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in Australia. An estimated 32,600 people initiated DAA HCV treatment in 2016, an increase from 3,750 (IFN-based) in 2014. Based on this rapid uptake we estimated the impact on HCV epidemiology and mortality in Australia and determined if Australia can meet the WHO HCV elimination targets by 2030. Methods: Used a previously developed mathematical model, we simulated pessimistic, intermediate and optimistic DAA treatment scenarios in Australia over 2016-2030. We assumed treatment and testing rates were initially higher for advanced fibrosis and the same across HCV transmission risk level sub-populations. We compared the results to the 2015 level and a counterfactual (IFN-based) scenario. After 2016, we assumed testing rates and current harm reduction programs remained in place to focus on the impact of DAA treatment uptake. Findings: During 2016-2030, we estimated an intermediate DAA treatment scenario (2016, 32,600 treated; 2017, 21,370 treated; 2018,17,100 treated; 2019 and beyond, 13,680 treated each year) would avert 40,420 new HCV infections, 13,260 liver-related deaths (15,320 in viraemic; -2,060 in cured), and 10,730 HCC cases, equating to a 53%, 63% and 75% reduction respectively, compared to the IFN-based scenario. The model also estimated that Australia will meet the WHO targets of 80% reduction in HCV incidence by 2026 and 80% of eligible people treated by 2028. Time to a 65% reduction in liver-related mortality varied considerably between HCV viraemic only cases (2026) and all cases (2047). Interpretation: Based on a feasible DAA treatment scenario incorporating declining uptake, Australia should meet key WHO HCV elimination targets in 10 to15 years. Despite a reduction in liver-related mortality risk among those who are cured, the pre-DAA escalation in those with advanced liver disease makes the achievement of the liver-related mortality target difficult. Funding: NSW Health, as part of the BBV & STI Research, Intervention and Strategic Evaluation Program (BRISE), and the Australian Government. Declaration of interests: GJD is an advisory board member and receives honorarium from Gilead, Merck, Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, has received research grant funding from Gilead, Merck, Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and travel sponsorship from Gilead, Merck, Abbvie, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. JG is a consultant/advisor and has received research grants from Abbvie, Cepheid, Gilead, Janssen, and Merck. CE and HR have received research grants from the John C Martin Foundation, Gilead Sciences, AbbVie, and WHO. RTG and JAK have provided project advice for Gilead.

Australia on track to achieve WHO HCV elimination targets following rapid initial DAA treatment uptake: A modelling study.

Subsidized direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment recently became available to all adults living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia. Based on rapid uptake (32600 people initiated DAA in 2016), we estimated the impact on HCV epidemiology and mortality in Australia and determined if Australia can meet the WHO HCV elimination targets by 2030. Using a mathematical model, we simulated pessimistic, intermediate and optimistic DAA treatment scenarios in Australia over 2016-2030. We assumed treatment and testing rates were initially higher for advanced fibrosis and the same across HCV transmission risk level sub-populations. We also assumed constant testing rates after 2016. We compared the results to the 2015 level and a counterfactual (IFN-based) scenario. During 2016-2030, we estimated an intermediate DAA treatment scenario (2016, 32600 treated; 2017, 21370 treated; 201817100 treated; 2019 and beyond, 13680 treated each year) would avert 40420 new HCV infections, 13260 liver-related deaths (15320 in viraemic; -2060 in cured) and 10730 HCC cases, equating to a 53%, 63% and 75% reduction, respectively, compared to the IFN-based scenario. The model also estimated that Australia will meet the WHO targets of incidence and treatment by 2028. Time to a 65% reduction in liver-related mortality varied considerably between HCV viraemic only cases (2026) and all cases (2047). Based on a feasible DAA treatment scenario incorporating declining uptake, Australia should meet key WHO HCV elimination targets in 10 to15years. The pre-DAA escalation in those with advanced liver disease makes the achievement of the liver-related mortality target difficult.

Ablation target cooling by maximizing the nanoparticle productivity in laser synthesis of colloids

Even if ultrashort laser pulses are used during the laser synthesis of colloids, a significant amount of laser energy is converted into thermal energy, which results in heating the ablation target and the colloid. To date, little attention has been paid to these heating effects in the literature. This study was focused on measurements of the process temperature during the high-power, ultrashort-pulsed laser ablation of a nickel target in a continuous water flow setup. Time-resolved monitoring of the temperature of the ablation target and of the colloid indicated that there was an initial rapid uptake of thermal energy followed by a thermally-stable state in which there was very little additional heating. Shifting the focal plane from behind the target onto its surface and further into the fluid provided insight concerning the different mechanisms of heat generation, dissipation, and transfer in the laser synthesis of colloids. It even was possible to distinguish the fluence effects and the colloid re-irradiation effects. New possibilities of process control were identified by correlating the productivity of laser ablation at different focal plane shifts with the measured thermal data. Counterintuitively, the temperature of the target was minimized via ablation cooling when the productivity of the process was maximized.