Initiation Of Feeding Research Articles

Lactation Initiation During COVID-19 at a Single Military Hospital.

Human milk is associated with positive short- and long-term health outcomes. Women's choice to breastfeed is influenced by personal, social, health, and economic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted health care delivery, non-emergent health care services, and family lifestyles, primarily in the early months of 2020. The aim of this study was to determine if breastfeeding initiation rates differed during a global pandemic among women in the military health care system. This was a cross-sectional chart review study. We compiled all birthing event health records from March to August in 2019 and 2020 from a single military medical center. Of the 2,737 maternal-infant dyads available, 1,463 met complete inclusion criteria and were analyzed to determine associations between delivery year, maternal and infant characteristics, and initial feeding methods. Institutional research approvals were obtained from the university and medical center institutional review boards. There was no significant association between breastfeeding initiation rates and delivery year (X2(1) = 2.898, P = .089). Some maternal and infant characteristics significantly associated with the feeding method in the logistic regression model and differed by delivery year. Black women were 1.9 times less likely to initiate breastfeeding compared to White women; this disparity became more pronounced in 2020. Multiparous mothers, those who gave birth via cesarean section, and those at earlier gestational ages (32-37 weeks) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding. Models differed by delivery year, with only Black race and cesarean birth significantly impacting the overall model in 2020. Maternal age, military status, military rank, marital status, birth complications, and infant gender were not associated with the feeding method. Overall breastfeeding initiation rates did not differ during the COVID-19 pandemic when rates in 2020 were compared to those in the year prior. Race, birth method, parity, and gestational age were associated with breastfeeding initiation rates in women cared for at military centers.

Transformation of organosolv lignin into sustainable aromatics: Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation using carbon-supported bimetallic MoRu catalyst

While lignin holds potential as a sustainable source for fuels and chemicals, it faces hurdles due to its large molecular size, low heating values, and high oxygen content. In this study, the reductive depolymerization of organosolv lignin was investigated using mono-/bimetallic carbon-supported catalysts. At 340 °C, the MoRu/AC catalyst significantly reduced organosolv lignin feed's molecular weight from 2600 to 460 g/mol, yielding ∼70 % depolymerized organosolv lignin with a higher heating value of 32.92 MJ/kg, mainly composed of substituted phenolic compounds/aromatic hydrocarbons. Conversely, the MoRu/ACP catalyst underperformed, possibly due to residual acidity triggering undesirable side reactions like condensation. Thorough investigations revealed that introducing Mo into Ru catalysts significantly influences the hydrodeoxygenation process, resulting in H/C and O/C ratios of 1.29 and 0.20, contrasting with the initial feed's 1.05 and 0.35 ratios. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations showed lower energy barriers for breaking Caryl−OH/Caryl−O* bonds in guaiacol, a model compound, due to MoRu interactions, implying a promising deoxygenation potential for organosolv lignin transformation. The successful production of high-value bio-oil from technical lignin using the MoRu catalyst showcases its potential to pave the way toward carbon neutrality by offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels and chemicals.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Cumene Production Through Reactor Output Recycling Modification in a Heat Exchanger

Cumene production generally involves irreversible and exothermic reactions that leads to an increase in product temperature and needs to be cooled for further processes. The high temperature of reactor product can be utilized as a heat transfer fluid in heat exchanger. This modification process is essential for improving energy efficiency by recycling the reactor output with high temperature as a heat transfer fluid, so that the implementation of replacing the heater with a heat exchanger can be carried out for the process of increasing the initial feed temperature. In an effort to enhance energy efficiency in the cumene production process, simulations were conducted using HYSYS and the comparison of energy efficiency for both basic and modified processes can be evidenced by comparing the total amount of energy required during the process. The results shows that the total amount of energy required for the modified process is 39,814,003.7 kJ/h, while for the basic process is 40,588,937.4 kJ/h, with a difference of 774,933.7299 kJ/h. Since the total amount of energy required in the modified process is smaller than the basic process, then the modification process will increase the energy efficiency of cumene production. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Sesquiterpene lactones enriched-fractions obtained from Cynara cardunculus extract diaultrafiltration

Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) are allelopathic compounds that demonstrate great potential of use in sustainable weed management. In this study, membrane processing technology was used for ethanolic Cynara cardunculus leaves extract (CcLE) ultra- and nanofiltration to produce SL-enriched fractions with increased phytotoxic activity. Experiments were conducted to select an ultrafiltration membrane (DuraMem500, DuraMem900 and SuezGH2000) for SL recovery and high molecular weight compounds (MWC) removal. SuezGH2000, which had rejection percentage of 50 % and 88 % for cynaropicrin (Cyn) and chlorophyll, respectively, was used for a sequential purification along with DuraMem200 for lower MWC removal. Since Cyn content on initial feed (11.9 %) and permeate (11.2 %) were similar, as well as phytotoxic activity, the results suggested that DuraMem200 was unsuitable for CcLE fractionation. SuezGH2000 revealed a slight increase on SL content, so, the permeation profile and enhancement of SL content were evaluated. An increase on SL content (36.0–71.0 %) was obtained after 2.3 diavolumes, followed by a decrease between 2.6 and 4.7 diavolumes. Phytotoxic activity evaluations revealed a direct association with SL content with enhancement of activity, particularly at inhibiting shoot growth of Portulaca oleracea. This study revealed SuezGH2000 effectiveness on SL purity improvement on CcLE fractions after 2.3 diavolumes and its potential to be used as a bioherbicide active component.

Fractionation of Extracellular Polymeric Substances by Aqueous Three-Phase Partitioning Systems.

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are natural polymers secreted by microorganisms and represent a key chemical for the development of a range of circular economy applications. The production of EPS comes with notable challenges such as downstream processing. In this work, a three-phase partitioning (TPP) system was investigated as a fractionation technique for the separation of polysaccharides and proteins, both present in the EPS culture broth. The effect of the type of phase-forming compounds (alcohol, polymer, or ionic liquid, in combination with salt) and its concentration were evaluated and compared to the results previously obtained with model systems. The recyclability of phase-forming compounds used to form the fractionation platform was assessed by ultrafiltration. The best fractionation of EPS was achieved using a TPP system composed of 23 wt % ethanol and 25% K3C6H5O7 as 82% EPS-PS partitioned to the salt-rich/bottom phase, and 76% EPS-PN was recovered as an interfacial precipitate, which could be readily resolubilized in water. This represented an increase of 1.24 and 2.83-fold in the purity of EPS-PS and EPS-PN, respectively, in relation to the initial feed concentration. Finally, high recovery yields of phase-forming compounds (>99%) and fractionated EPS (>80%) were obtained using ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) as the regeneration technique. The substantial fractionation yields, selectivity, and recyclability of the phase-forming compounds confirm the potential of TPP systems in combination with UF/DF as the separation method for real biopolymer mixtures. Key contributions of this study include the demonstration of the applicability of a readily scalable and cost-effective separation technique for the fractionation of EPS from real EPS-containing broths, while also the limitations of prescreening with model systems became clear through the observed deviating trends between model system studies and real broth studies.

Plug Flow Reactor (PFR) Design for the Production of 100,000 tons per year of Cumene from the Catalytic Alkylation of Propylene and Benzene

In a bid to meet the ever-growing global demand for cumene based on its wide range of industrial applications and economic importance, the research considered the design of a plug-flow reactor (PFR) for the production of 100,000 tons of cumene per year from the catalytic alkylation of propylene and benzene. The PFR design models were developed by performing the mass and energy balance over the reactor at steady-state operation. The steady-state PFR performance models were simulated using the MATLAB R2023a version at an initial feed and operating temperature of 481.10 K and 483 K with varying fractional conversions from 0 to 0.95 at 0.05 intervals. At a maximum fractional conversion of 0.95, the PFR design specification for volume, height, diameter, space time, space velocity, quantity of heat generated, and quantity of heat generated per unit volume of the reactor was 19.7707 m3, 4.6523 m, 2.3261 m, 3.8766 s, 0.2580 s-1, 1.8035 J/s, and 0.03448 J/sm3, respectively. The profile behavior of the PFR functional parameters at changes in fractional conversion is in agreement with the trend for PFR operation at steady-state conditions, as shown in Figures 2–10. The evaluation of the PFR yearly production dependent on the reactor volume stood at $2,049.838. The article has shown that PFR is a suitable reaction medium for the catalytic alkylation process for optimum production of cumene and sustainability.

Kangaroo Mother Care Induced Serum Oxytocin Facilitates Prolactin and IL-10 Among Emergency Cesarean Mothers.

The rate of cesarean section is increasing from 15% to 40% in recent years. The type of delivery influences the hormonal, emotional and mental health of the mother, which correlates positively or negatively with the health benefits of the newborn. There have been many published studies on kangaroo mother care for mothers undergoing elective cesarean section, but there is still a lack of understanding about emergency cesarean section. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of KMC practice for mothers undergoing emergency cesarean section in terms of hormone levels such as oxytocin, cortisol, prolactin, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. This retrospective analysis used remnant serum (KMC group = 16; control group = 9), and clinical data such as KMC practice (15-30 minutes three or four times daily until discharge), breastfeeding initiation time, feeding time, crying time and hospital stay were extracted from the electronic database. All hormone and cytokine expressions were quantitatively determined by ELISA. Comparisons within and between groups were performed using appropriate statistical tests. In the KMC group, increased levels of the hormone oxytocin significantly reduced cortisol and IL-6 and negatively influenced prolactin and IL-10 levels. The elevated prolactin facilitates overall lactation behaviour, of which 64% reported breastfeeding directly at the breast. The cytokine analysis revealed a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and thereby an improved wound healing was seen in the KMC group. These quantitative results strongly encourage the use of KMC for mothers undergoing emergency cesarean section. These simple yet effective breastfeeding strategies promote maternal and infant health, which can reduce medication use.

Identifying novel clinical phenotypes of acute respiratory distress syndrome using trajectories of daily fluid balance: a secondary analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundPreviously identified phenotypes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) could not reveal the dynamic change of phenotypes over time. We aimed to identify novel clinical phenotypes in ARDS using trajectories of fluid balance, to test whether phenotypes respond differently to different treatment, and to develop a simplified model for phenotype identification.MethodsFACTT (conservative vs liberal fluid management) trial was classified as a development cohort, joint latent class mixed models (JLCMMs) were employed to identify trajectories of fluid balance. Heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) for fluid management strategy across phenotypes was investigated. We also constructed a parsimonious probabilistic model using baseline data to predict the fluid trajectories in the development cohort. The trajectory groups and the probabilistic model were externally validated in EDEN (initial trophic vs full enteral feeding) trial.ResultsUsing JLCMM, we identified two trajectory groups in the development cohort: Class 1 (n = 758, 76.4% of the cohort) had an early positive fluid balance, but achieved negative fluid balance rapidly, and Class 2 (n = 234, 24.6% of the cohort) was characterized by persistent positive fluid balance. Compared to Class 1 patients, patients in Class 2 had significantly higher 60-day mortality (53.5% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.001), and fewer ventilator-free days (0 vs. 20, p < 0.001). A significant HTE between phenotypes and fluid management strategies was observed in the FACTT. An 8-variables model was derived for phenotype assignment.ConclusionsWe identified and validated two novel clinical trajectories for ARDS patients, with both prognostic and predictive enrichment. The trajectories of ARDS can be identified with simple classifier models.

Iron Oxide-Copper Mineral Associations in Supergene Zones: Insights into Flotation Challenges and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology.

In this study, batch flotation tests were conducted to investigate the flotation of oxidized copper ore from the supergene zone of the Bounhas deposit. Utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) anchored on the Box-Behnken Design (BBD), the effects of parameters such as collector dosage, sulfidizing agent, copper oxide and iron oxide grades, and particle size on copper recovery were explored. ANOVA and response surface plots elucidated the complex behavior of copper flotation. Mineralogical analyses of the initial feed and postflotation tails were performed on an industrial scale using advanced Zeiss microscopy. The quadratic model with an R 2 of 94.49% accurately captured the impact of the process parameters on copper recovery. Among the key findings, the sulfidizing agent exhibited the most substantial quadratic effect, while the copper oxide grade had the most substantial linear impact on recovery. A pivotal observation was the link between copper losses in tailings and specific iron oxide-copper associations. Optimization identified conditions leading to a maximum copper recovery rate of 71.49%. When validated industrially, the model demonstrated robust applicability for analogous mineral processing contexts. The study's mineralogical insights enhance our understanding of the supergene zone mineralization and offer a solid foundation for subsequent in-depth mineral processing studies.

Thermadapt shape memory vitrimeric polymyrcene elastomer

Earlier studies of β-Myrcene (Myr)/ β-ketoester functional (acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (AAEMA) copolymers exhibited compositional drift, leading to ambiguity in microstructure/thermomechanical property correlations while shape memory recovery times were excessively long ~1 h. The terpene-based 1,3-diene Myr and AAEMA were copolymerized via nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) with an initial Myr molar feed ratio ranging from 0.1 to 0.9. Reactivity ratios estimated by the Meyer-Lowry method were rMyr = 0.20 and rAAEMA = 0.22 with respective 95% confidence intervals of [0.13, 0.37] and [0.15, 0.23], suggesting alternating copolymerization. Bulk terpolymerization with styrene (Sty) afforded linear poly(Myr-stat-Sty-stat-AAEMA) prepolymers designed to modulate glass transition temperature Tg and stiffness. Subsequent cross-linking with isophorone diamine (IPDA) formed catalyst-free vinylogous urethane dynamic linkages. ATR-FTIR, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile measurements confirmed the recyclability of vitrimers through hot pressing at 110 °C, demonstrating minimal changes in rheological and mechanical properties even after four cycles. By heating the vitrimers to above their Tg (to ~45 °C), they exhibited a shape memory effect with high shape fixity and fast shape recovery (< 1 min). The vitrimers could undergo permanent shape reprogramming through reconfiguration of dynamic bonds at ~110 °C. This work shows the adaptability of Myr-based rubbers by vitrification and appropriate copolymerization for the synthesis of more sustainable elastomers with stimuli responsive properties.

Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices in Rural and Urban Regions of Indonesia

Background. The global strategy on infant and child feeding recommends the best pattern of feeding for infants and young child feeding (IYCF) from birth to 24 months. Practices of proper feeding of children up to 2 years of age contribute to a child’s survival, growth, and development because they can prevent micronutrient deficiencies, morbidity, and obesity in later life. This study aims to determine the risk factors for the failure of IYCF practice in urban and rural Indonesia. Materials and Methods. The study used Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) 2017 data with a cross-sectional research design. The sampling technique used systematic probability proportional to size sampling. The number of samples was 4,869 children consisting of 2,424 children in urban and 2,445 children in rural. Bivariate analysis using chi-square test. Multivariate analysis using multivariate logistic regression. Results. The study found that most of the children in urban (79.3%) and rural (97.2%) did not practice IYCF under the recommendations. There is a difference in the proportion of IYCF practices between urban and rural areas (p &lt;0.001). The risk factors for the failure of IYCF practice in urban areas are socioeconomic, maternal age, and age at first marriage. The poorest socioeconomic is at risk of 2.4 times, maternal age &gt; 35 years are at risk of 1.5 times, age at first marriage is less than 21 years at risk of 2.1 times carrying out IYCF practices not according to recommendations compared to the comparison group. The risk factors for the failure of IYCF practice in rural are socioeconomic, maternal education, quantity, and quality of antenatal care (ANC). The poorest socioeconomic is at risk of 2.1 times, mothers with primary education are at 1.5 times, the quantity of ANC is not good at risk at 1.9 times, the quality of ANC is not good risk at 1.5 times practicing IYCF is not according to the recommendations compared to the comparison group. Conclusion. The practice of IYCF in Indonesia starting from giving early breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding according to recommendations is still low. The priority of IYCF intervention through education and assistance to pregnant women needs to be a sustainable program.

Optimizing Operational Parameters for Lithium Hydroxide Production via Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis

Traditional lithium hydroxide production techniques, like lithium sulfate and lithium carbonate causticizing methods, suffer from drawbacks including high specific energy consumption, time-consuming processes, and low recovery rates. The conversion of lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide using bipolar membrane electrodialysis is straightforward; however, the influence of operational parameters on bipolar membrane electrodialysis performance have not been investigated. Herein, the impact of the current density (20 mA/cm2~80 mA/cm2), feed concentration (0.5 M~2.5 M), initial feed pH (2.5, 3.5 and 4.5), and the volume ratio of the feed and base solution (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) on the current efficiency and specific energy consumption in the bipolar membrane electrodialysis was systematically investigated. The bipolar membrane electrodialysis process showed promising results under optimal conditions with a current density of 50 mA/cm2 and an initial lithium chloride concentration of 1.5 M. This process achieved a current efficiency of 75.86% with a specific energy consumption of 3.65 kwh/kg lithium hydroxide while also demonstrating a lithium hydroxide recovery rate exceeding 90% with a purity of about 95%. This work will provide valuable guidance for hands on implementation of bipolar membrane electrodialysis technology in the production of LiOH.

Bulk Free Radical Terpolymerization of Butyl Acrylate, 2-Methylene-1,3-Dioxepane and Vinyl Acetate: Terpolymer Reactivity Ratio Estimation.

This investigation introduces the first estimation of ternary reactivity ratios for a butyl acrylate (BA), 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO), and vinyl acetate (VAc) system at 50 °C, with an aim to develop biodegradable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). In this study, we applied the error-in-variables model (EVM) to estimate reactivity ratios. The ternary reactivity ratios were found to be r12 = 0.417, r21 = 0.071, r13 = 4.459, r31 = 0.198, r23 = 0.260, and r32 = 55.339 (BA/MDO/VAc 1/2/3), contrasting with their binary counterparts, which are significantly different, indicating the critical need for ternary system analysis to accurately model multicomponent polymerization systems. Through the application of a recast Alfrey-Goldfinger model, this investigation predicts the terpolymer's instantaneous and cumulative compositions at various conversion levels, based on the ternary reactivity ratios. These predictions not only provide crucial insights into the incorporation of MDO across different initial feed compositions but also offer estimates of the final terpolymer compositions and distributions, underscoring their potential in designing compostable or degradable polymers.

216 Is weaning body weight more important than early post-weaning feed intake? A meta-analysis exploring electronic feeding stations data

Abstract The present meta-analysis investigated the effects of initial voluntary post-weaning feed intake (FI) and weaning body weight (BW) on daily FI and body weight (BW) development in nursery pigs housed in electronic feeding stations (EFS). In total, 18 studies (2006-2017, Trouw Nutrition, The Netherland) were used containing 1,177 mixed-sex pigs weaned at ~25 d (7.3 ± 1.5 kg BW). Studies lasted for 14 d (3 studies;162 pigs), 21 d (3 studies; 154 pigs), 31 d (7 studies; 467 pigs), or up to 38 to 52 d (5 studies; 394 pigs) post-weaning. Pigs were housed in pens with single-space EFS with 10 to 12 pigs/pen. Daily individual FI and BW at different timepoints were determined. Across studies various dietary treatments were applied by EFS with a feed phase change on d 4-8 (13 studies) or d 14 (5 studies). Classes were created with pigs above or below their respective study median on a) cumulative FI over the initial 4 d post-weaning (Fid 0-3; Hfi and Lfi), and b) BW0 (Hbw and Lbw). Mixed models were used to analyze data including FId0-3 and BW0 classes, time post-weaning, and their interactions as fixed effects while study and pen were random effects and pig was repeated measure over time. In a separate model, the FI before and after change from phase 1 to phase 2 was studied in the 2 × 2 with the diet change day as covariate. Pigs with Hfi showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) daily FI until d 14 than their Lfi counterparts (Figure 1). Thereafter, LfiHbw pigs showed a greater FI to an intermediate level with HfiHbw being greatest and LfiLbw least (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Between d 20-28, LfiLbw pigs had the least FI among groups (P &amp;lt; 0.001). From d 28 onward, HfiHbw showed greater daily FI than the other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with LfiLbw often having the lowest FI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) or similar to HfiLbw and LfiHbw (P &amp;gt;0.05). The BW0 was similar between FId0-3 classes (P &amp;gt;0.05), i.e., 8.26, 8.26, 6.85 and 6.77 kg BW for HfiHbw, LfiHbw, HfiLbw and LfiLbw, respectively whereas final BW were all different (i.e., 23.9, 21.8, 20.8 and 18.4 kg BW, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.001). In absolute figures, all groups had 10 g similar decrease of FI the day of feed phase change followed with 8 g increase the day after (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Time spent eating per feeder visit, steadily increased from d0 (14 min) to d5 (170 min), being greater for Hfi than Lfi (P &amp;lt; 0.05). From d 6 onward, it remained ~172 min/visit showing some tendencies (P &amp;lt; 0.10) for HfiHbw spending less time. In conclusion, the present study pointed out the relevance of weaning BW and initial post-weaning FI as independent factors influencing both daily feed intake behavior and growth performance for the nursery phase.

Innovative continuum of care to promote exclusive breast feeding in Pakistan: protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundBreastmilk being the ideal nutrition from birth to 2 years and beyond has many health benefits for both newborn and mothers. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of...

Performance and Cost Benefit of Organic Acid Supplementation in Broiler Diets Containing Graded Levels of Soaked &lt;i&gt;Balanite Aegyptiaca&lt;/i&gt; Fruit Meal

Balanite aegyptiaca fruit meal (BAFM) is an alternative feed source that requires processing and supplementation with additives to enhance its utilization in broiler diets. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day old broiler chickens were used for the study. They were allotted to four experimental treatments each replicated thrice with ten (10) chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. Raw BAFM fruit was processed by soaking for 24 hours, dried and incorporated in the diets at 0.00, 2.50, 5.00 and 7.50% in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Acidifier (Fysal®) was supplemented in the diets of T2-T4 at 0.1%. The study monitored the following parameters; initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, and mortality rate. Cost benefit was also determined at the end of the study. Results obtained indicate that growth performance was poorer in chickens fed the control diet compared to others. Starter-phase chicks fed diets with the highest BAFM dietary inclusion level (7.5%) exhibited enhanced weight gain, improved feed conversion efficiency, and reduced feed cost per unit weight gain, while the pooled performance showed that the parameters declined at 7.5%. Cost benefit showed that feed cost per kilogram gain reduced up to 5% inclusion level of BAFM in the diets while it slightly increased at 7.5%, though better than the control group. At 5% dietary inclusion of BAFM with acidifier supplementation, feed cost per kilogram gain reduced by ₦95.22 (18.49%). Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that soaked BAFM and acidifiers are good supplements that can be utilized in broiler diets at 5.0% and 0.1% respectively.

Enantioselective separation of (±)‐epinephrine by chiral acidic molecularly imprinted polymer

AbstractIn this study, we look into how poly[(4‐styrenesulfonic acid)‐co‐(4‐vinylpyridine)] crosslinked with divinylbenzene can be used as a copolymeric material to effectively recognize l‐epinephrine (L‐EP) and chirally separate (±)‐EP. It was first possible to synthesize and analyze L‐EP‐styrene‐4‐sulfonamide (L‐EP‐SSA). The resulting chiral sulfonamide was used to copolymerize with a 4‐vinylpyridine–divinylbenzene mixture. The integrated L‐EP species were removed by heating the polymer materials under strong alkaline conditions to degrade the sulfonamide links, followed by acidification in HCl solution. The imprinted L‐EP‐IP materials were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The produced L‐EP‐IP displayed selectivity characteristics indicative of an affinity for L‐EP almost eleven times higher than that for d‐epinephrine (D‐EP). At a pH of 7, Langmuir adsorption experiments demonstrated a maximal capacity of 165 mg g−1. Following optical separation by means of a column method, enantiomeric excess levels of L‐ and D‐EP in the initial feeding and subsequent recovering solutions were calculated to be 93% and 80%, respectively. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

The timing of minimally invasive surgery for prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts

ObjectiveThere are no clear evidence-based recommendations concerning when patients with prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts (CCs) should undergo surgery. This study was primarily designed to explore the proper timing of minimally invasive surgery for prenatally diagnosed CC patients.MethodsSeventy-three patients with prenatally diagnosed CC were enrolled in this study and divided into 4 subgroups according to age at surgery (15 patients in the < 1 month group, 27 in the 1–2 months group, 14 in the 2–3 months group and 17 in the > 3 months group). Eighty-five healthy infants were recruited and divided into 4 age groups (29 in the < 1 month group, 20 in the 1–2 month group, 19 in the 2–3 month group and 17 in the > 3 month group). Preoperative data were collected and compared between CC patients and healthy controls in 4 age groups. Additionally, 73 patients were divided into laparoscopic and open groups to compare postoperative recovery indices and the occurrence of complications to determine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic CC application in neonates and young infants.ResultsTwenty-one of 73 (28.8%) patients who were prenatally diagnosed with CCs experienced various clinical symptoms, and 15 of 21 (71.4%) patients experienced clinical symptoms less than 2 months after birth. No differences were found in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) or aspartate transaminase (APRI) levels between CC patients and controls at ≤ 1 month or 1–2 months of age (all p > 0.05), while higher levels were found in CC patients at 2–3 months or > 3 months of age (all p < 0.05). ALT, AST and DBIL levels 1 week after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery in CC patients who underwent laparoscopic CC excision at > 2 months of age, while DBIL levels 1 week after surgery were also significantly lower than those before surgery in patients who underwent CC excision at ≤ 2 months of age. The initial oral feeding time in the laparoscopic surgery group was significantly earlier than that in the open surgery group for both CC patients who underwent CC excision at ≤ 2 months of age and those > 2 months of age (all p < 0.05). No differences were found in the rates of anastomotic leakage or stricture formation between the laparoscopic and open surgery groups at ≤ 2 months or > 2 months of age.ConclusionMost clinical symptoms attributed to CC occur less than 2 months after birth, while liver function and liver fibrosis may deteriorate after 2 months of age in patients with prenatally diagnosed CC. Laparoscopic surgery for CC in newborns and young infants (either less than or more than 2 months old) is safe and feasible and can shorten the initial oral feeding time without increasing complications such as postoperative anastomotic leakage or stricture. Thus, performing laparoscopic CC excisions within 2 months after birth in patients with prenatally diagnosed CC may be appropriate.

Equilibrium Study of Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane to Syngas

Fugacity coefficients for the components in the gas mixture are determined using the Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK) equation of state. The Gibbs free energy minimization method is employed to determine the equilibrium composition of the components for CO2 reforming of CH4 to syngas. To utilize CO2 efficiently and avoid carbon deposition, CO2 composition in the initial feed should not be greater than 1 (nCH4,0 = 1), and the reaction is preferably operated at atmospheric pressure. Setting nCH4,0:nCO2,0 to 1:1, and increasing nO2,0 in the feed from 0 to 1.0 to adjust the initial composition, results in a decrease in the syngas equilibrium yield, and a increase in both nCO2,e and nH2O,e. The temperature required for complete carbon deposition removal decreased. Considering the effective utilization of CO2 at nCH4,0:nCO2,0 1:1, it is recommended to set nO2,0 in the feed to less than 0.5.

One-pot strategy for the preparation of nanoparticles grafted with bimodal polymers: An in-silico insight

Polymer nanocomposites composed of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant interest due to their diverse functional applications in various domains. The emerging concept of bimodal polymer brushes within the grafting-nanoparticle framework offers control over interfacial entropic and enthalpic interactions. Here, we introduce a novel one-pot strategy that integrates “grafting-to” and “grafting-from” methods to create polymer-grafted bimodal NPs. Utilizing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with a stochastic reaction model, we explore the factors influencing grafting density and polydispersity in these NPs. Our findings demonstrate that this one-pot strategy achieves a polydispersity similar to the two-step “grafting-from then grafting-to” process, while attaining a moderate grafting density comparable to the “grafting-to then grafting-from” approach. Consequently, we analyze factors such as “grafting-from” reaction rates, and initial feeding ratios, step-addition techniques which collectively influence the final grafting density and polydispersity index within this one-pot strategy. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of the kinetics behind synthesizing bimodal polymer-grafted NPs and offers insights for designing polymer-based nanocomposites with improved performance.