Metal Cage Research Articles

Evaluación comparativa de un suplemento alimenticio artesanal y cuatro balanceados comerciales sobre la eficiencia productiva de cuyes parrilleros

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of growing guinea pigs, fed with green alfalfa forage and an artisanal supplement widely spread in the Mantaro Valley, Peru, made from wheat byproduct, whole yellow corn and soy cake in the base ratio of 3:2:1, compared to four commercial feeds, in terms of weight gain (BWG), feed conversion (FC), carcass yield (CY), and economic merit. In total, 60 male and female red-line guinea pigs, 18 ± 3 days old and weighing 318 ± 35 g, were used. They were distributed in five metal cages with four levels each. A randomized Complete Block Design was used considering sex as a block. The effect achieved by the artisanal supplement on BWG, FC and CY were similar to that achieved by two commercial products, but superior to the other two; however, it showed a better economic return in terms of unit profit margin and relative profitability due to the lower food cost recorded. It is concluded that the artisanal formulation is appropriate to be used in the fattening of guinea pigs due to its easy preparation and effectiveness in achieving an adequate productive response and greater economic remuneration.

Monitoring the Dynamics of the Galvanic Replacement Reaction to Develop Free-Standing Electrocatalysts

Hydrogen (H2) is well-known for its potential to become the future fuel and bring a more sustainable energy system [1]. The selective electrooxidation of organic compounds from biomass appears to be a possible substitute for the kinetically slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode, which increases the electrical energy input for a conventional water electrolysis in alkaline media [2]. However, this approach is currently impeded by limited fundamental knowledge of the different active sites of electrocatalysts. The latter can be used to control selectivity at low potential and high current density to co-generate value-added products at the anode instead of CO2 by complete oxidation. Nanostructured gold-based multi-metal electrocatalysts can meet such objectives. Particularly in the electro-valorization of cellulosic biomass at electrode potentials unfavorable to C-C bond breaking and high overall cell voltage.To develop such electrocatalysts, we have initiated a multivariate methodology to study the dynamics of galvanic replacement between silver and gold. This procedure allows us to control nanoporosity and nanoalloying in the resulting gas diffusion electrode (GDE): GDE-Ag1-xAux. GDE-Ag represents the electrode upon which Ag particles were electrochemically grown prior to reaction with Au(III). Thermodynamically, silver with E°(Ag+/Ag) = 0.8 V vs SHE (standard hydrogen electrode) can be replaced by gold with E°(AuCl4 –/Au) = 1.0 V vs SHE according to: 3Ag + xKAuCl4(aq) → 3xAgCl + xKCl + Ag3-3xAux.[2,3] From a kinetic point of view, the challenge is to capture in real time the formation of metal cages of Ag-Au alloys after a '3by1' atomic exchange that introduces nanoporosity and electronic strain as silver and gold have a similar atomic radius. To interrogate the driving force behind this redox process, we have also established an electrochemical methodology to extract quantitative data, allowing detailed capture of the mixed electrochemical and mass transport (diffusion) kinetics. As the precipitation product AgCl leads to pore fouling, we have developed an efficient methodology to trigger its instant dissolution as soon as it is formed, thus promoting the production of a high-quality alloy. As shown in Figure 1, upon injection of a KAuCl4 solution into a degassed solution in contact with the GDE-Ag electrode, the open circuit potential (OCP) begins to change. This evolution is due to the modification of the electrochemical interface as silver atoms are progressively replaced by gold atoms. Thereby, leading to a regulated potential defined either by the Ag(I)/Ag redox couple, or by the Au(III)/Au pair. Interestingly, we found that the OCP variation logically depends on initial conditions such as Ag loading on the GDE, KAuCl4 concentration, Ag particle size, etc. This fundamental knowledge has led to the synthesis of efficient electrocatalysts for the oxidation of cellulose subunits in alkaline media with an onset electrode potential much lower than OER (E < 1 V vs RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode)). Indeed, the formation of an alloy phase, the creation of nanoporosity within it and the free-standing nature amplify, through synergistic and electronic effects, the electrocatalytic efficiency. Acknowledgments This work was funded by French National Research Agency (ANR-22-CE43-0004).

Insect Diversity on Decomposing Domestic Piglets (Sus domesticus ERXLEBEN) Carcasses at Umudike, Southeast Nigeria

Outdoor experiments were carried out to identify arthropods colonizing ground-placed and hung piglets (Sus domesticus) carcasses, their species diversity, and decomposition pattern. The trial was carried out in two seasons: July to September, 2019 (wet), and January to March, 2020 (dry) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria. A total of four healthy piglets with average weight of 3.73 kg were sacrificed for the trial. The piglets died by dislocating their cervical vertebrate (to mimic natural death); two were placed on the ground in metal cage whereas the other two were hung on a tree. Data on carcasses arthropod populations, temperature, weights and decomposition stages and rates were collected. Results showed that the total arthropod taxa of seventeen genera, ten families in four orders were recorded from the carcasses. A total of 29,629 individual insects were counted, belonging mainly to; Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Dermestidae, Staphylinodea, Pyrrhocoridae and Formidae. Their species abundance was; Musca spp. (37.09 %), Chrysomya spp. (12.97 %), Pheidole spp. (12.09), Componotus spp. (9.69 %), Monomorium spp. (6.04 %), respectively. Higher number of insects were collected from ground-placed piglets (34.08%) than hung piglets (28.06%). More insects were recorded during the dry (55.28%) than wet (44.11%) season. Higher insect diversity was also recorded amongst insect species on ground-placed (0.80) than hung (0.72) carcasses. Data also showed that five stages (fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay and skeletonization) of decomposition were observed over a duration of 10 days. This study provided base-line data on the local insect fauna associated with the stages of decomposition with emphases on their arrival time, and it is crucial for estimating the post-mortem interval during forensic investigations in south eastern Nigeria.

Oxygen-Dependent Interactions between the Ruthenium Cage and the Photoreleased Inhibitor in NAMPT-Targeted Photoactivated Chemotherapy.

Photoactivated chemotherapy agents form a new branch of physically targeted anticancer agents with potentially lower systemic side effects for patients. On the other hand, limited information exists on the intracellular interactions between the photoreleased metal cage and the photoreleased anticancer inhibitor. In this work, we report a new biological study of the known photoactivated compound Ru-STF31 in the glioblastoma cancer cell line, U87MG. Ru-STF31 targets nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), an enzyme overexpressed in U87MG. Ru-STF31 is activated by red light irradiation and releases two photoproducts: the ruthenium cage and the cytotoxic inhibitor STF31. This study shows that Ru-STF31 can significantly decrease intracellular NAD+ levels in both normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (1% O2) U87MG cells. Strikingly, NAD+ depletion by light activation of Ru-STF31 in hypoxic U87MG cells could not be rescued by the addition of extracellular NAD+. Our data suggest an oxygen-dependent active role of the ruthenium photocage released by light activation.

IMPACTION BONE GRAFTING OF LARGE DEFECTS IN ANKLE AND HINDFOOT FUSIONS

BackgroundAnkle and hindfoot fusion in the presence of large bony defects represents a challenging problem. Treatment options include acute shortening and fusion or void filling with metal cages or structural allograft, which both have historically low union rates. Impaction grafting is an alternative option.MethodsA 2 centre retrospective review of consecutive series of 32 patients undergoing hindfoot fusions with impaction bone grafting of morselised femoral head allograft to fill large bony void defects was performed. Union was assessed clinically and with either plain radiography or weightbearing CT scanning. Indications included failed total ankle replacement (24 patients), talar osteonecrosis (6 patients) and fracture non-union (2 patients). Mean depth of the defect was 29 ±10.7 mm and mean maximal cross-sectional area was 15.9 ±5.8 cm2. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis was performed in 24 patients, ankle arthrodesis in 7 patients and triple arthrodesis in 1 patient.ResultsMean age was 57 years (19–76 years). Mean follow-up of 22.8 ±8.3 months. 22% were smokers. There were 4 tibiotalar non-unions (12.5%), two of which were symptomatic. 10 TTC arthrodesis patients united at the tibiotalar joint but not at the subtalar joint (31.3%), but only two of these were symptomatic. The combined symptomatic non-union rate was 12.5%. Mean time to union was 9.6 ±5.9 months. One subtalar non-union patient underwent re-operation at 78 months post-operatively after failure of metalwork. Two (13%) patients developed a stress fracture above the metalwork that healed with non-operative measures. There was no bone graft collapse with all patients maintaining bone length.ConclusionImpaction of morselised femoral head allograft can be used to fill large bony voids around the ankle and hindfoot when undertaking arthrodesis, with rapid graft incorporation and no graft collapse despite early loading. This technique offers satisfactory union outcomes without the need for shortening or synthetic cages.

Assembled MXene-Liquid Metal Cages on Silicon Microparticles as Self-Healing Battery Anodes.

In pursuit of higher energy density in lithium-ion batteries, silicon (Si) has been recognized as a promising candidate to replace commercial graphite due to its high theoretical capacity. However, the pulverization issue of Si microparticles during lithiation/delithiation results in electrical contact loss and increased side reactions, significantly limiting its practical applications. Herein, we propose to utilize liquid metal (LM) particles as the bridging agent, which assemble conductive MXene (Ti3C2Tx) sheets via coordination chemistry, forming cage-like structures encapsulating mSi particles as self-healing high-energy anodes. Due to the integration of robust Ti3C2Tx sheets and deformable LM particles as conductive buffering cages, simultaneously high-rate capability and cyclability can be realized. Post-mortem analysis revealed the cage structural integrity and the maintained electrical percolating network after cycling. This work introduces an effective approach to accommodate structural change via a resilient encapsulating cage and offers useful interface design considerations for versatile battery electrodes.

Solvent effects and Raman enhancement during the adsorption of atrazine on pristine Ag, Au, Cu and mixed clusters

Investigation of the adsorption properties of a herbicide, atrazine (6-chloro-4-N-ethyl-2-N-propan-2-yl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) (CPD) with Ag, Au, Cu and their mixed clusters are presented using density functional theory (DFT) analysis. With metal clusters, it is found that CPD forms stable clusters, the drug-cluster complexation energy is maximum in CPD-Au2Cu (−38.69 and −45.79 kcal/mol) in vacuum and aqueous phase in comparison with other clusters. Dipole moment of the CPD-metal systems is higher than that of CPD. Clustering of CPD with metal cages enhances the Raman signals due to surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. The exothermic processes and fluctuations in entropy during the processes were altered for all clusters as a result of CPD adsorption to the cages, indicating a change to a more ordered structure. Wavefunction based analysis indicated that there are significant non-covalent interactions (NCIs) between the system and the metal clusters.

Characterization of additively manufactured lumbar interbody fusion cages based on triply periodic minimal surfaces

The advent of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) allows the fabrication of open-porous bone implants such as lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) cages. However, common LIF cages feature massive support structures and cavities for bone substitute material to meet regulatory requirements with respect to mechanical and biological properties. Since the use of autologous bone substitutes involves significant costs and risks, research is being conducted into alternative designs. This is where the present study comes in by exploring the potential of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) for metallic LIF cages without supports and cavities in a holistic approach. Specifically, various homogeneous and graded scaffolds with pore size of 400–1100μm and volume fraction of ≤0.25 are designed before being produced from Ti-6Al-4V ELI powder using LPBF. Morphological characterization demonstrates a high process fidelity with a maximum of 8.7% target/actual deviation for the volume fraction. This promotes structural integrity so that the compressive strength of 69MPa or 20.6kN complies with the minimum requirements of ASTM F2077. Based on in vitro cell tests, a mineralization process including bone matrix formation is observed in all variants, with the homogeneous scaffold with 1100μm pore size proving to be particularly beneficial. In conclusion, the results encourage the further development of TPMS based LIF cages without support structures and cavities.

Revealing the adsorption nature of disulfiram on metal clusters (Au, Pt, Ag, Pd, Cu, and Ni): DFT analysis, SERS enhancement and sensor properties

The electrical and vibrational characteristics of disulfiram (DSM) with Au/Pt/Ag/Pd/Cu/Ni metal cages are analyzed using the DFT method. The current study shows that complexes have energy gaps that are distinct from those of pure metal clusters and are surprisingly stable. Reactivity descriptors including hardness, chemical potential and electrophilicity are estimated in order to thoroughly examine the electronic property. Raman modes are enhanced, particularly for complexesI, as a result of SERS effect. The DSM and metal clusters exchange charges, which induces a dipole moment. The change in the FMOs energy of the metal clusters after interaction has a substantial impact on electrical conductivity and work function. The metal clusters for DSM can be used as a work function-based sensor in addition to an electronic sensor. On the other hand, DSM with metal clusters has a longer recovery period, suggesting that it can be stored or taken out of a particular environment.

Evaluation of rabbit young stock grown using starter compound feed by growth intensity and functional state of the body

The possibility of improving the technology of raising suckling and weaned kits aged 18–42 days, which would involve the use of starter compound feed, was studied in the conducted research. The object of the research was the livestock of rabbits of the Poltava Silver breed. The research was conducted at the experimental rabbitry of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources. The experiments were carried out in a closed capital ventilated premises using metal cages for keeping suckling does with litters measuring 95×39 cm, equipped with feeders and automatic waterers. The cages intended for feeding suckling kits with starter compound feed were slightly modified: an additional feeder was installed in the compartment for young stock, and only the kits had the possibility of free movement between different compartments of the cage. By the method of group analogs from nests of suckling 18-day-old kits, two subgroups of 25 heads each were formed. The preparatory period lasted 5 days, and the main one – 19 days (raising up to 42 days of age, with weaning at 35). Suckling does of both groups were fed a complete granulated feed PK 91 (for adult rabbits and does aged 90 days and older “Lux”) produced by LLC “KreMix”. For the animals of the experimental group, a recipe for additional complete granulated starter compound feed was developed, produced at a farm in the village of Tashlik, Smila district. Thus, both starter compound feed and feed for feeding suckling does were used for the kits of the experimental group, and for the analogs of the control group - the same feed as for the does. The conducted research revealed that the use of complete granulated starter compound feed for feeding young rabbits aged 18–42 days as an additional feed, developed according to international standards, did not lead to an increase in the total cost of feed per 1 kg of live weight gain, but on the contrary, reduced it. Due to the increase in the retention rate of the replacement young stock in the experimental group by 8.0 % provided its realization for further breeding per 100 heads, contributed to additional income of 1015.28 UAH. (market realization price – 140.00 UAH/kg of live weight). Based on the conducted research, an information database of growth and development indicators of replacement young stock of rabbits when fed starter compound feed at the age of 18–42 days has been created.

Do Osteobiologics Augment Fusion in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery Performed With Mechanical Interbody Devices (Polyether ether ketone, Carbon Fiber, Metal Cages) and is the Fusion Rate Comparable to that With Autograft? A Systematic Review.

Systematic Review of the Literature. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review describing fusion rates for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using autograft vs various interbody devices augmented with different osteobiologic materials. A systematic review limited to the English language was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane library using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Studies that evaluated fusion after ACDF using autografts and osteobiologics combined with PEEK, carbon fibre, or metal cages were searched for. Articles in full text that met the criteria were included in the review. The main outcomes evaluated were the time taken to merge, the definition of the fusion assessment, and the modality of the fusion assessment. The risk of bias of each article was assessed by the MINORS score or ROB 2.0 depending on the randomisation process. The total number of references reviewed was six hundred and eighty-two. After applying the inclusion criteria, 54 were selected for the retrieval of the full text. Eight studies were selected and included for final analysis in this study. Fusion rates were reported between 83.3% and 100% for autograft groups compared to 46.5% and 100% for various interbody device/osteobiological combinations. The overall quality of the evidence in all radiographic fusion studies was considered insufficient due to a serious risk of bias. Mechanical interbody devices augmented with osteobiologics performed similarly to autografts in terms of reliability and efficacy. Their time to fusion and fusion rate were comparable to autografts at the end of the final follow-up.

Geometries, Electronic Structures, Bonding Properties, and Stability Strategy of Endohedral Metallofullerenes TM@C28 (TM = Sc−, Y−, La−, Ti, Zr, Hf, V+, Nb+, Ta+)

We performed quantum chemical calculations on the geometries, electronic structures, bonding properties, and stability strategy of endohedral metallofullerenes TM@C28 (TM = Sc−, Y−, La−, Ti, Zr, Hf, V+, Nb+, Ta+). Our calculations revealed that there are three different lowest-energy structures with C2v, C3v, and Td symmetries for TM@C28. The HOMO–LUMO gap of all these structures ranges from 1.35 eV to 2.31 eV, in which [V@C28]+ has the lowest HOMO–LUMO gap of 1.35 eV. The molecular orbitals are mainly composed of fullerene cage orbitals and slightly encapsulated metal orbitals. The bonding analysis on the metal–cage interactions reveals they are dominated by the Coulomb term ΔEelstat and the orbital interaction term ΔEorb, in which the orbital interaction term ΔEorb contributes more than the Coulomb term ΔEelstat. The addition of one or two CF3 groups to [V@C28]+ could increase the HOMO–LUMO gap and further increase the stability of [V@C28]+.

Computational analysis of anti-cancer drug hydroxyurea adsorption on nanocages of gold, silver and copper: SERS and DFT assessment

The use of nanostructures in targeted drug delivery is effective in decreasing anticancer drug toxicity. Here, we discuss the theoretically predicted adsorption and interaction behavior of hydroxyurea [HU] with nano metal cages (nmC). HU interact the nmC through the N4 in primary amine with energies of −29.776, −30.684 and −22.105 kcal/mol for Au, Ag and Cu cage, respectively. As a result of reactivity studies, HU complexes with nmC (Au/Ag/Cu) are becoming more electrophilic and this gives the nmC system their bioactivity. It is suggested that nanocage is going to change the FMO's energy levels by means of absorption, so that it is used in drug administration. DOS and MEP were accomplished to gain additional understandings into the reactivity of proposed complexes. Method for improving the Raman signal of biomolecules is surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which uses nanosized metal substrates. Chemical enhancement is evidenced by Mulliken charge distributions of all systems for detection and chemical compositions and exerts a significant role in determining them. In HU complexes containing nmC (Au/Ag/Cu), electron density was detected via ELF and LOL calculations. Based on the results of a non-covalent interaction (NCI) analysis, Van der Waals/hydrogen bonds/repulsive steric – interactions have been found. The title compound will also be analyzed in order to determine its bioactivity and drug likeness parameters, as a result, we will able to create a molecule with a highly favorable pharmacological profile and use the docking method to determine the values of the interaction energies for drug delivery. This study suggests that adsorption of drugs on nanocage surface occurs physically and functionalizing the nanocage has increased adsorption energy.

Advances in revision surgery after primary total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip

To review research advances of revision surgery after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with Crowe type Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The recent literature on revision surgery after primary THA in patients with Crowe type Ⅳ DDH was reviewed. The reasons for revision surgery were analyzed and the difficulties of revision surgery, the management methods, and the related prosthesis choices were summarized. Patients with Crowe type Ⅳ DDH have small anteroposterior diameter of the acetabulum, large variation in acetabular and femoral anteversion angles, severe soft tissue contractures, which make both THA and revision surgery more difficult. There are many reasons for patients undergoing revision surgery after primary THA, mainly due to aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. Therefore, it is necessary to restore anatomical structures in primary THA, as much as possible and reduce the generation of wear particles to avoid postoperative loosening of the prosthesis. Due to the anatomical characteristics of Crowe type Ⅳ DDH, the patients have acetabular and femoral bone defects, and the repair and reconstruction of bone defects become the key to revision surgery. The acetabular side is usually reconstructed with the appropriate acetabular cup or combined metal block, Cage, or custom component depending on the extent of the bone defect, while the femoral side is preferred to the S-ROM prosthesis. In addition, the prosthetic interface should be ceramic-ceramic or ceramic-highly cross-linked polyethylene wherever possible. The reasons leading to revision surgery after primary THA in patients with Crowe type Ⅳ DDH and the surgical difficulties have been clarified, and a large number of clinical studies have proposed corresponding revision modalities based on which good early- and mid-term outcomes have been obtained, but further follow-up is needed to clarify the long-term outcomes. With technological advances and the development of new materials, personalized prostheses for these patients are expected to become a reality.

Inverse shielding and mutual exclusion for PET-MR hybrid imaging concerning induced positronium hyperfine splits radiations

Prevalent PET imaging reconstructs 2γ-photon pairs emitted after an annihilation from para-positronium (p-Ps) and rejects 3γ events from ortho-positronium (o-Ps) as noises. The 3γ/2γ decay ratio is ~ 3/7 in human body theoretically but in fact significantly lower due to pick-off process, hence PET imaging quality is well controlled. In a PET-MR hybrid unit, the MR magnetic field alters positronium decay patterns through magnetic quenching: all o-Ps and excited p-Ps states are split into finer quantum states under strong magnetic field, thus transitions between some triplet and singlet finer states (mz = 0) were no longer forbidden, thus some o-Ps converts to p-Ps spontaneously by emitting hyperfine split (HFS) photons, which also drops 3γ/2γ ratio hence helps PET imaging quality. However, inverse magnetic quenching might also occur if any external source of HFS frequencies is nearby, thus many p-Ps convert to o-Ps by absorbing those HFS photons (induced HFS transitions). This will dramatically increase 3γ/2γ ratio and hence degrade PET imaging quality instantaneously. The HFS spectrum lies in a broad range of microwaves, from 0.02 to 200 GHz. To prevent inverse magnetic quenching, it is necessary to block external microwave sources outside the hybrid vault, by adding a thin metal layer at all directions of the vault. This could be achieved by adopting the metallic Faraday Cage, which was originally for MR shielding, with possible amendment if necessary. The frequencies of excitation pulses in MR imaging overlap with HFS spectrum, however, the chance for mutual interference during hybrid imaging is small, hence there seems no need to veto each other during hybrid scans.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Non-Isolated-Pentagon-Rule Isomer of Th@C76:Th@C1(17418)-C76

A novel Non-Isolated-Pentagon-Rule (non-IPR) isomer of thorium-based endohedral mono-metallofullerenes (mono-EMFs), Th@C1(17418)-C76, was successfully synthesized and characterized using MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The molecular structure of this non-IPR isomer was determined unambiguously as Th@C1(17418)-C76 using a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystallographic results further revealed that the optimal Th site resided at the intersection of two adjacent pentagons, similar to that of U@C1(17418)-C76. Additionally, the UV-vis-NIR spectra of Th@C1(17418)-C76 exhibited distinct differences compared to the previously reported U@C1(17418)-C76, highlighting the distinctive electronic structure of actinium-based endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs). The Raman spectrum of Th@C1(17418)-C76 exhibited similarities to that previously reported for thorium-based EMFs, indicating the analogous strong metal–cage interactions of thorium-based EMFs.

A Bismuth‐Based Zeolitic Organic Framework with Coordination‐Linked Metal Cages for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to HCOOH

AbstractZeolitic metal–organic frameworks (ZMOFs) have emerged as one of the most promsing catalysts for energy conversion, but they suffer from either weak bonding between metal‐organic cubes (MOCs) that decrease their stability during catalysis processes or low activity due to inadequate active sites. In this work, through ligand‐directing strategy, we successfully obtain an unprecedented bismuth‐based ZMOF (Bi‐ZMOF) featuring a ACO topological crystal structure with strong coordination bonding between the Bi‐based cages. As a result, it enables efficient reduction of CO2 to formic acid (HCOOH) with Faradaic efficiency as high as 91 %. A combination of in situ surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation reveals that the Bi−N coordination contributes to facilitating charge transfer from N to Bi atoms, which stabilize the intermediate to boost the reduction efficiency of CO2 to HCOOH. This finding highlights the importance of the coordination environment of metal active sites on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. We believe that this work will offer a new clue to rationally design zeolitic MOFs for catalytic reaction

A Bismuth-Based Zeolitic Organic Framework with Coordination-Linked Metal Cages for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to HCOOH.

Zeolitic metal-organic frameworks (ZMOFs) have emerged as one of the most promsing catalysts for energy conversion, but they suffer from either weak bonding between metal-organic cubes (MOCs) that decrease their stability during catalysis processes or low activity due to inadequate active sites. In this work, through ligand-directing strategy, we successfully obtain an unprecedented bismuth-based ZMOF (Bi-ZMOF) featuring a ACO topological crystal structure with strong coordination bonding between the Bi-based cages. As a result, it enables efficient reduction of CO2 to formic acid (HCOOH) with Faradaic efficiency as high as 91 %. A combination of in situ surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation reveals that the Bi-N coordination contributes to facilitating charge transfer from N to Bi atoms, which stabilize the intermediate to boost the reduction efficiency of CO2 to HCOOH. This finding highlights the importance of the coordination environment of metal active sites on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. We believe that this work will offer a new clue to rationally design zeolitic MOFs for catalytic reaction.

Ecological succession of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the decomposition of pig carcasses in Cerrado areas of Brazil.

This research aims to describe the process of ecological succession by associating the decomposition stages of pig carcasses with flies from the Calliphoridae family (Diptera). For this, 6 pig carcasses were exposed in Maranhão's Cerrado, utilizing metal cages with sawdust trays to catch immature specimens and "suspended traps" to capture adults. Adults of the Hemilucilia benoisti Séguy, and Hemilucilia townsendi Shannon species were only associated with the swelling stage. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was associated with 2 stages (black putrefaction and fermentation). The species Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were associated with 4 of the 5 stages of decomposition, the latter being the only 1 associated with the initial stage. The larvae abandoned the carcasses to pupate from the second stage of decomposition, with L. eximia being the only 1 leaving the carcasses in the swelling stage, and C. albiceps the only 1 associated with both the fermentation and dry stages. Our findings indicate that calliphorid species can help forensic investigators estimine the post-mortem interval of cadavers in situations similar to those detailed in this study. Since there was a link between adult and immature species and certain stages, they can be used as indicators in future forensic investigations.

Congenital Cervical Scoliosis Treated with Concave Side Distraction with Three-Dimensional Printed Titanium Cage.

Single-center, retrospective study. Hemivertebra resection is the only treatment option for congenital cervical scoliosis (CCS). However, this procedure is complex and technically demanding. It often requires a considerably long operation, and there is substantial intraoperative bleeding. Therefore, we have attempted to treat CCS with a concave side distraction comprising a three-dimensional (3D) printed titanium cage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique for the treatment of patients with CCS. A series of 22 patients with CCS who underwent a concave side distraction technique between 2019 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Radiological measurements included the Cobb angle of the distraction segments, the kyphosis angle, the range of movement, and the distraction correction angle. Student's t-test and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study included 12 males and 10 females whose ages ranged from 6 to 14 years old (9.8 ± 2.1 years old). Follow-up times ranged from 15 to 30 months (25.8 ± 3.6 months). Among 22 patients, two patients developed a postoperative C5 nerve root palsy and recovered after being treated with conservative treatment for 6 months. The duration of surgery ranged from 229 to 756 min (389 ± 112 min), and the estimated volume of blood loss ranged from 100 to 600mL (235 ± 121 mL). The coronal Cobb angle (p < 0.001), kyphosis angle (p < 0.05), and range of movement (p < 0.001) between the last follow-up and preoperative period were significantly different. A total of 28 segments were distracted, and the Cobb angle of the distraction segment ranged from 2.4 to 14.1° (8.5 ± 3.0°). There were six upper cervical spines (8.9 ± 1.9°) and 22 lower cervical spines (8.4 ± 3.2°) with no significant difference between them (p = 0.130). In addition, there was no correlation between the angle of the concave side distraction and patients' age (r = 0.018, p = 0.315). The fusion was solid between the bone and the customized 3D-printed pore metal cage at the final follow-up. The concave side distraction comprisinga customized 3D-printed titanium cage implantation can provide satisfactory correction results and is a safe and reliable procedure for treating CCS.