Rich Group Research Articles

Co-Occurrence Patterns of Soil Fungal and Bacterial Communities in Subtropical Forest-Transforming Areas.

Soil microbial communities are engineers of important biogeochemical processes and play a critical role in regulating the functions and stability of forest ecosystem. However, few studies have assessed microbial interactions during forest conversion, which is essential to the understanding of the structure and function of soil microbiome. Herein, we investigated the co-occurrence network pattern and putative functions of fungal and bacterial communities in forest-transforming areas (five sites that cover the typical forests) using high-throughput sequencing of the ITS genes and 16S rRNA. Our study showed that the bacterial network had higher average connectivity and more links than fungal network, which might indicate that the bacterial community had more complex internal interactions compared with fungal one. Alphaproteobacteria_unclassfied, Telmatobacter, 0319-6A21 and Latescibacteria_unclassfied were the keystone taxa in bacterial network. For the fungal community network, the keystone taxon was Ceratobasidium. A structural equation model indicated that the available potassium and total organic carbon were important soil environmental factors, which affected all microbial modules, including bacterial and fungi. Total nitrogen had significant effects on the bacterial module that contains a relatively rich group of nitrogen cycling functions, and pH influenced the bacterial module which have higher potential functions of carbon cycling. And, more fungal modules were directly affected by forest structure (S Tree) compared with bacterial ones. This study provides new insights into our understanding of the feedback of underground creatures to forest conversion and highlights the importance of microbial modules in the nutrient cycling process.

Modification of melamine sponge by solid-phase esterification of citric acid-polyvinyl alcohol and its selective adsorption for cationic dyes

In the work, the functionalized melamine sponge has been successfully prepared by an in-situ solid esterification reaction of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and citric acid (CA) monomers. The esterification products were evenly coated onto the surface of the sponge framework of the melamine sponge (MS) by the mild heat treatment. Characterization results showed that the as-prepared PVA/CA@MS was provided with a rich hydroxyl group and carboxyl groups due to the as-formed cross-linked hydrogel and the suspending carboxyl group derived from the citric acid monomer. Therefore, the as-prepared 3D PVA/CA@MS was employed as the specific adsorbent to remove cationic dyes due to its oxygen-containing group. The adsorption performance of 3D PVA/CA@MS for cationic methylene blue and methyl violet was systemically carried out by kinetic and isothermal adsorption investigation. The data analyses suggested that the adsorption for PVA/CA@MS for MB and MV followed Langmuir isotherm adsorption and the maximum experimental adsorption capacities were 137.6 and 262.5 mg•g−1, respectively. The pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic model fitted well with the experimental data of the time-dependent adsorption process. Mechanistic studies indicated that the electrostatic interaction was the main driving force for the adsorption of cationic dyes. These results demonstrated that the as-fabricated 3D PVA/CA@MS with easy separation performance was an efficient adsorbent for the selective removal of cationic dyes.

Three derivatives of phenacyldiphenylphosphine oxide: influence of aromatic and alkyl substituents on the luminescence sensitization of four Ln(NO3)3 salts.

A series of four β-carbonylphosphine oxide compounds have been synthesized, and their complexes with the nitrate salts of Sm3+, Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+ have been characterized in solution and in the solid state. Analysis of the complexes using IR and NMR suggests that metal-ligand binding occurs mainly through the phosphine oxide group of the ligand, with some involvement of the carbonyl group. All 16 complexes luminesce in solutions of acetonitrile, albeit with varying degrees of intensity. The highest quantum yield values obtained for this series are those where the ligand contains an aryl carbonyl group paired with an electron rich phosphine oxide group (29.8 and 11% for the Tb3+ and Eu3+ complexes, respectively). In contrast, the longest emission lifetime values were found for complexes where the ligand contains a bulky substituent on the carbonyl group paired with an electron rich phosphine oxide (1.86, 1.402, 0.045 ms for the Tb3+, Eu3+ and Sm3+ complexes, respectively).

Fabrication of magnesium oxide adsorbent by cellulosic filter paper fibre bio-templating for CO2 adsorption application

The filter paper bio-templating method has become a promising pathway in the fabrication of MgO with tunned physicochemical features. The filter paper-templated MgO (MgO-FPT) has been subjected to several characterisation analyses, and it has revealed that filter paper templating has demonstrated a positive outcome toward an improvement of physicochemical features, i.e., improved surface reactivity and surface area compared to MgO prepared via direct thermal degradation method of magnesium salt (MgO-CT). As the evidence of the FTIR spectra, the MgO-FPT has demonstrated a surface rich CO2-associated functional group, which indicate the enhanced surface reactivity of the MgO, which increase of the adsorbent affinity toward CO2 (even from atmospheric surrounding). Together with the improved structural features compared to MgO-CT (two-fold high surface area), it has significantly refined the CO2 adsorption uptake capacity to almost 15 times higher than MgO-CT with only 0.247 mmol/g. This shows the potential filter paper bio-templating method for the metal oxide-based adsorbent fabrication for CO2 adsorption application.

Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

The basic aim of this study was aimed to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity of River Panjkora in both upper and lower Dir districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.Fish samples were collected by using fishnets from March to September 2020. A total of 724 specimens were collected and classified into 5 families, 14 genera, and 18 species. The overall results revealed that most fish fauna of river Panjkora contains 8 species of family Cyprinidae (56.49%) followed by 4 species of Nemacheilidae (24.44%), 2 species of Channidae (10.63%), and Sisoridae (7.04%), and 1 species of Mastacembelidae (1.38%), respectively. Among all kinds of fish species, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16.57%) was highly dominated and followed by Carassius auratus (11.87%) and Racoma labiata (9.66%) and were reported as highly abundant, especially during April, May, and June. The least abundant species were Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii, and Mastacembelus armatus, that constituting 2.48%, 2.20%, and 1.38% of the total fish samples. The Overall Simpson's diversity (1-D= 0.919) and Simpson's Reciprocal index values (1/D= 12.3876), and Shannon's index (H= 2.68) were indicating that river Panjkora contains a quite rich and diverse group of fish species. The highest microplastics observed in site 7 compared to other study area. Conservation steps should be taken as a top priority to protect and conserve the marine environment and natural heritage from further loss, extinction and stop or minimize losses incurred through irresponsible fishery practices.

Early childhood teachers’ reflections on participating in a district-wide one-to-one device program

This qualitative study explored how kindergarten teachers talked about their experiences implementing tablets in their classrooms as part of a district-wide one-to-one device initiative. Fourteen kindergarten teachers from six schools within a large urban school district shared their personal reflections and contributed to rich focus group conversations about the varied opportunities and challenges they had experienced. Data analyses highlighted two overarching themes illustrating teachers’ conversations around tablets: structural formats and perceived barriers and challenges they encountered. Within these two broad categories, we identify five major themes and provide a rich description of the teachers’ storied accounts. Results from our study provide evidence that large-scale device implementation in early childhood classrooms requires training and support that goes beyond how to use the devices themselves and develops teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). Findings also suggest that developing a clear technology plan as well as identifying classroom resource needs are important steps in planning a large-scale one-to-one device initiative in early childhood classrooms.

A carbonyl-rich conjugated organic compound for aqueous rechargeable Na+ storage with wide voltage window workability

Organic compounds have become an important electrode material for aqueous electrochemical energy storage. However, organic electrodes still face poor performance in aqueous batteries due to insufficient electrochemical activity. In this work, a novel conjugated quinone compound containing a rich carbonyl group was designed. The quinone compound was synthesized by a simple dehydration reaction of pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetrone (PTO) and 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (1,2-AQ); it contains 4 pyrazines (CN) from AQ and 4 carbonyl groups (CO), as well as a large number of active sites and the excellent conductivity brought by its conjugated structure ensures the high theoretical capacity of PTO-AQ. In the context of aqueous sodium ion batteries (ASIBs), the electrode material known as PTO-AQ exhibits a notable reversible discharge capacity of 117.9 mAh/g when subjected to a current density of 1 A/g; impressively, it maintained a capacity retention rate of 74.3 % even after undergoing 500 charge and discharge cycles, a performance significantly surpassing that of pristine PTO and AQ. Notably, PTO-AQ exhibits a wide operating voltage range (-1.0–0.5 V) and a cycle life of up to 10,000 cycles. In situ Raman and ex situ measurements were used to analyze the structural changes of PTO-AQ during charge and discharge and the energy storage mechanism in NaAC. The effective promotion of Na+ storage brought by a rich carbonyl group was obtained. The structural energy level and electrostatic potential of PTO-AQ were calculated, and the active center distribution of PTO-AQ was obtained. This work serves as a guide for designing high-performance aqueous organic electrode materials that operate across a wide voltage range while also explaining their energy storage mechanism.

The influence of zinc on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palatal shelves during the fusion phase in mice and identification of a special protein family based on gene expression in cleft palate

Objective: To investigate the effect of the trace element zinc (Zn) on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palate shelvesduring the fusion phase, and to screen candidate genes of the Zn-finger special protein (Sp) family that were differentially expressed between the cleft palate and the normal palate to explore the mechanism of Zn in the development of cleft palate. Methods: Zn-rich, normal-Zn, low-Zn, and Zn-deficient diets were fed to female mice and, for the resultant fetuses, paraffin slices of their heads were made at embryonicdays 14.5 and 16.5. Using terminaldeoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, the number of apoptotic cells in the palatal shelves was counted, and cell proliferation activity was detected using proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining. Total RNA from the palatal shelves of fetal mice was extracted from the Zn-rich diet, normal Zn-diet, and Zn-deficient-diet groups. We used microarray analysis to examine the expression of genes to identify intergroup differential gene expression and polymerase chain reaction tests to validate the results. Results: At ED14.5, the incidence of cleft palate in the regular zinc group, zinc rich group, low zinc group, and zinc deficient group was 8% (3/36), 2% (1/39), 29% (12/41), and 39% (15/38), respectively. The HE staining results at ED14.5 showed that both the left and right palatal processes in the zinc group had been lifted up and were in contact and connected with each other. In the zinc deficiency group, the left and right palatine processes remained vertically downwards on both sides of the tongue, ultimately forming cleft palate; In the low zinc group, the left and right palatine processes were raised but not in contact, ultimately resulting in cleft palate. There is no significant difference between the zinc rich group and the regular zinc group. At ED14.5, the positive rates of proliferative cells in the palatal process of fetal mice in the regular zinc group (80.29% ± 7.39%) and the zinc rich group (87.69% ± 6.62%) were significantly higher than those in the zinc deficient group (56.05% ± 16.13%) and the low zinc group (56.22% ± 9.61%) (t=4.32, P<0.05). The apoptosis index of fetal rat palatal process cells in the zinc deficient group (38.80% ± 3.10%) and the low zinc group (28.80% ± 6.19%) were significantly higher than those in the regular zinc group (16.80% ± 1.82%) (t=19.35, P<0.001; t=5.81, P<0.001). There were 663 differentially expressed genes in the zinc rich group and the zinc deficient group, with 513 up-regulated genes and 150 down-regulated genes, among which Sp5 was found to be located. The real time PCR results showed that compared with the regular zinc group (2.22 ± 0.36), the expression level of Sp5mRNA in the palatal process tissue of the zinc deficient group (1.23 ± 0.38) significantly increased (P<0.05), while the zinc rich group (3.68 ± 0.90) significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions: Trace element Zn content was found to be closely related to the occurrence of cleft palate in mice offspring, with a lack of Zn leading to cleft palate.

SEEDEATERS AND SEEDS AT A TECOMA SAVANNA IN THE SOUTHERN PANTANAL, BRAZIL

Seedeaters (Sporophila spp.) comprise a rich Neotropical bird group of seed consumers common in open habitats. In this study, we documented the feeding habits of seedeaters and seed production at a Tecoma savanna (dominated by Tabebuia aurea) in southern Pantanal, Brazil. We also analyzed the relationship between seed offer (abundance, richness, and diversity) and the number of seedeaters foraging across seasons. Six species (Sporophila angolensis, S. caerulescens, S. collaris S. hypoxantha, S.leucoptera, and S. lineola) occurred in the savanna, mainly in the height of the wet season, when seed production increased abruptly, attracting seedeaters. Seedeaters used 14 of 16 grass species that produced seeds. Indeed, the number of foraging seedeaters paralleled the abundance and diversity of seeds, and the number of species consumed. During much of the dry season, when seeds were not produced, the few remaining seedeaters mostly consumed arthropods and flowers. The diet of seedeaters ranged from mostly seeds (S. angolensis) to a moderate proportion of flowers and arthropods (S. leucoptera). The offer of a rich set of seeds attractive to seedeaters indicates that the Tecoma savanna is a seasonally important habitat for these birds. Of concern, large areas of native grasses in the Pantanal have recently been transformed into exotic pastures, and extensive fires have become common. Thus, conservation of this singular area is important for seedeaters, which move over wide areas searching for an abundant and diverse seed supply.

Socioeconomic inequality in self-rated health and its determinants: an Oaxaca blinder decomposition in Ilam, West of Iran during 2023

AimTo determine inequality and decompose it’s in Self-Rated Health (SRH).MethodThis population-based cross-sectional study was undertaken on the entire population of the city of Ilam, Iran, in 2023. Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling with proportion-to-size approach was used to select the participants. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique was used to show the amount of inequity in SRH and to decompose of the gap of SRH between the poor and the rich group of participants.Results1370 persons participated in the study. The 59.38% of participants stated good SRH status and just 8.86% of participants had poor SRH status. The results of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition revealed a considerable gap (15.87%) in the poor status of SRH between the rich and the poor. A large proportion (89.66%) of this difference was described by explained portion of the model. The results of decomposition showed that economic status was directly responsible for explaining 27.98% of overall inequality gap between rich and poor people. Moreover, hopelessness to future (32.64%), having an underlying disease (18.34%) and difference in the education level (10.71%) were associated with an increase in inequality disfavoring the poor.ConclusionFor people suffering from underlying disease, it is suggested to devise policies to improve access to/and remove healthcare utilization barriers. To address hopelessness to future, it is recommended to carry out further studies to reveal factors which affect it in more details. This can help policy makers to formulate more realistic and evidence-informed policies on order to lessen the current socioeconomic inequity in SRH.

Adolescent social media use: cultivating and constraining competence

ABSTRACT According to self-determination theory competence is a basic psychological need that is crucial for wellbeing. Social contexts strongly influence whether competence is supported or thwarted. Given that social media is a pervasive social context within adolescents’ lives, it can play a crucial role in competence development. Three qualitative methods were used to investigate mid-adolescents’ perspectives of how their social media use impacts competence. Participants included 36 students aged 15 years from four Australian schools. All participants completed a rich picture mapping activity and focus group discussions. A sub-sample of 11 students participated in follow-up interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated two overarching themes. The first theme cultivating competence includes sub-themes; enhancing social competencies, mastery experiences and goal accomplishment, and social media expertise. The second theme constraining competence includes sub-themes; ineffectance within the social media environment, interfering with sleep, and hindering learning. Findings demonstrated that social media contributes to today’s adolescents encountering unique experiences with regards to competence development. Furthermore, adolescents’ interactions on social media have broad implications for competence within online and offline realms. This study identifies aspects of social media use that can be targeted to help adolescents engage with social media in ways that cultivate rather than constrain competence.

Utility of contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography for prediction of pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer

ObjectivesContrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH-EUS) plays an important role in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CH-EUS is useful for predicting the treatment efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) determined by pathological response. MethodsPatients who underwent CH-EUS before chemotherapy and surgical resection were divided into two groups according to poor (group-P) or rich tumor vascularity (group-R) determined by enhancement pattern on early- and late-phase CH-EUS. The pathological response to chemotherapy was categorized according to Evans’ classification. Pathological analysis showing tumor cell destruction (>50 %) defined a good response. ResultsEarly-phase CH-EUS classified 44 patients into group-R and 50 into group-P, whereas late-phase CH-EUS classified 10 into group-R and 84 into group-P. Early-phase CH-EUS classification resulted in significantly higher numbers of patients with a good response in the rich group (n = 19) than in the poor group (n = 4; P = 0.0015). Multivariate analysis showed that assignment to the rich group was the strongest independent factor associated with chemosensitivity (P = 0.006, hazard ratio = 5.66, 95 % confidence interval: 1.17–19.27). In resectable patients, the enhancement pattern was the only independent factor associated with chemosensitivity (group-P vs. group-R, P = 0.003; HR [95 % CI], 14.59 [1.38–154.38]). Late-phase CH-EUS did not reveal a significant difference between group-P and group-R. ConclusionsEvaluation of vascular pattern on CH-EUS could be useful for predicting the efficacy of NAC in patients with pancreatic cancer. The enhancement pattern on CH-EUS could be a one of the useful features for determining NAC indications in resectable pancreatic cancer patients.

Self-Powered TENG with High Humidity Sensitivity from PVA Film Modified by LiCl and MXene.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising for a variety of applications that require a reliable output performance and stability. In this work, by utilizing the synergistic effect of lithium chloride (LiCl) and MXene, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based composite films with humidity-sensitive properties were prepared and employed as a friction layer to achieve self-powered TENGs with enhanced output performance under high humidity. The composite material demonstrates exceptional and stable output performance in the humidity range of 30-95% while exhibiting a strong linear correlation with increasing relative humidity (RH). At 95% RH, its short-circuit current increases up to 31.91 μA, which is three times the output of the TENG fabricated by PVA and PTFE (P-TENG). The rich hydroxyl group in PVA, the strong hygroscopicity of LiCl, and the microcapacitor network provided by MXene nanosheets significantly improve the water absorption capacity and surface roughness of the composite material, resulting in an excellent triboelectric output of TENG. Short-circuit current of the TENG in a wide range of RH (from 50% to 98%) responds very sensitively to humidity fluctuations in the environment and superior adsorption-desorption performance as humidity decreases. Furthermore, TENG regarded as a power supply in high humidity conditions was realized and it can light up 240 LEDs instantaneously with the transfer charge density of TENG reaching 194.37 μC m-2. This technology presents an effective method for stable energy harvesting and self-powered sensing in fog, the ocean, and other high-humidity environments.

A conjugated Donor-acceptor blend passivation interlayer for the high-performance carbon-based perovskite solar cells

The interfacial properties between perovskite active layer and carbon electrode significantly affects the energy conversion efficiency and stability of carbon-based perovskite solar cells. In this work a conjugated Donor-Acceptor blend with a dendrite shaped copper phthalocyanine derivative 8TPAEPC as a donor (D) and Y6 as a typical acceptor (A) was designed to enhance the carrier extraction across the perovskite/carbon interface. The respective D and A molecules form strong interactions with I− and Pb2+ on the surface of perovskite by rich functional group atoms, which can synergistically passivate the non-radiative defects. Moreover, the dipoles from D-A coupling construct a strong internal built-in electric field for further suppression of the unwanted recomination. Compared with 8TPAEPC, 8TPAEPC-Y6 blend exhibits the faster charge interface transfer dynamics. Consequently, Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C–PSCs) optimized by 8TPAEPC-Y6 achieve champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.07%, superior to those with 8TPAEPC (16.08%), Y6 (15.68%) and pristine perovskite (14.06%). Meanwhile, the C–PSCs with the hydrophobic 8TPAEPC-Y6 blend greatly improved moisture long-term stability that over 90% PCE could remain as long as 90 days. This work finds out an innovative D-A blend interfacial solution for achieving highly efficient and stable C–PSCs.

Constructing amphipathic molecular layer to assists de-solvation process for dendrite-free Zn anode

Due to the excellent safety feature, substantial theoretical capacity and abundant zinc reserves in the earth's crust, Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising as the next generation energy storage system. However, the problem of dendrite growth and the related side reactions in Zn surface limit their further development and application. Herein, an amphipathic molecular layer (Polyacrylic Acid, named as PAA) is constructed on Zn surface to hinder the side reactions and zinc dendrites by intervening the de-solvation process. It is found that the rich hydroxyl group in polyacrylic acid is very hydrophilic. On the contrary, hydrocarbon group on the other side is nearly hydrophobic. The amphiphilic PAA molecular layer on Zn surface results in lower de-solvation energy barrier, thus inhibits the decomposition of water and related side reactions. Additionally, the accumulate abundant negative charge at the interface of polyacrylic acid and Zn surface can attract homogeneous deposition of Zn atoms. Using only 0.01 M PAA as additive in 2.0 M ZnSO4 electrolyte. Zn||Zn symmetric cells expresses a superior cycling stability of 4643 h (5 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2). This study provides new insights into the long-life AZIBs modulated by amphipathic molecular layer.

Plasma or Fibrin Matrix? A Comparative Study between PRP versus PRFM Therapy in Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most common conditions encountered in surgical OPD. The incidence of a diabetic foot ulcer is around 15% among the diabetic population. Around 80% of non-traumatic amputation is due to chronic diabetic foot ulcer. Recent advances are made in treating wounds in which platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) therapy have proven beneficial. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted from February 2021 to February 2023, for a period of 2 years which included 42 patients. Group A received autologous platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) and group B received autologous platelet rich fibrin matrix therapy (PRFM) each consisting of 21 patients. Results: PRFM Group showed better reduction in ulcer size compared to respective PRP Group, and demonstrated statistically significant p-values. Around 47% of the subjects had complete closure of the ulcer after 5 sessions of PRP dressing while it was 90% with PRFM dressing.

Covalent assembly synthesis of covalent organic framework and MXene based composite for the adsorption of fluoroquinolones

Widespread use of fluoroquinolones (FQs) leads to its continuous excretion and release into the environment, resulting in the accumulation in water, animal-derived food etc., and posing a threat to environment and humans. Thus, the development of highly efficient FQs removal methods is of great significance. Herein, a composite (COF@MXene) was manufactured using a covalent assembly synthesis strategy by connecting covalent organic frameworks (COF) and NH2-MXene through a Schiff-base reaction. COF@MXene had the advantages of both COF and MXene, not only had good crystallinity, thermal stability and rich functional group properties, but also had high protein exclusion ability (Exclusion efficiency>97%) and good adsorption capacities for FQs including ciprofloxacin (CIP), lomefloxacin (LOM), moxifloxacin (MOX), gatifloxacin (GAT) and levofloxacin (LEV). The maximal adsorption capacities for them ranged from 54.63 to 147.91 mg·g−1, which were higher than those of COF (15.99–64.06 mg·g−1) and MXene (27.58–33.92 mg·g−1). The adsorption experimental data of adsorption isotherm and kinetics separately followed the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. Through density functional theory (DFT), Forcite calculation, UV-Vis and XPS analyses, pore size selectivity, electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions were determined as the main driving forces for FQs adsorption. Finally, COF@MXene coupled with HPLC-DAD was employed for the analysis of FQs from water, egg and drug samples, and the recoveries were satisfactory. This work reported a covalent assembly synthesis strategy for the preparation of COF@MXene composite for FQs removal. This approach may establish a viable route for gentle fabrication of COF and MXene based composites for various applications.

Fabrication of high-crystallinity covalent organic framework and its nylon based membrane: Application in the enrichment and interception of dyes

Because of their high carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, dyes pose a great threat to the environment and humans, and the development of highly efficient dye removal methods is of great significance. Herein, a novel fluorine-rich COF (TPTF-COF) with high crystallinity was synthesized by connecting 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl) benzene (TPB) and 1,3,5-tri(3-fluoro-4-formylphenyl) benzene (TF) at room temperature using acetonitrile as solvent. Owing to its large specific surface area (1084.61 m2·g−1), high crystallinity, high thermal stability, and rich functional group properties, TPTF-COF showed good adsorption capacities (20.63–386.30 mg·g−1) for six selected dyes. Based on TPTF-COF, a six-well plate assisted in-situ assembly method that can achieve the simultaneous synthesis of six sheets of TPTF-COF-based nylon membranes at a relatively low temperature (40 ℃) and within a short reaction time (48 h) was developed using aminodized nylon membrane as supports. The membrane with good uniformity showed high adsorption for the selected dyes, and thus showed good rejection, especially for Congo red (rejection >94%). Owing to the large gap between the aminodized nylon membranes, the TPTF-COF-based nylon membrane also exhibited superior water flux. The results of experimental and computational studies revealed that the pore size selectivity of TPTF-COF, π-π interaction, hydrogen bond and electrostatic interactions between TPTF-COF and dyes led to these selective adsorption effects. In this study, a new six-well plate assisted in-situ synthesis strategy for the preparation of imine-linked COF-based nylon membranes for dye removal, was developed. This approach may establish a viable route for the high-throughput and gentle fabrication of COF-based membranes for various applications.

Prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy in India

Increase in the prevalence of hysterectomy among low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India has become a significant concern. Reports based on either a particular group or region show an increasing trend in hysterectomy, but there is a dearth of national-level data in this domain. Hence, there seems to be an urgent need to garner evidence on the prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy, which could pave the way for future programs and policies. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hysterectomy and assess its determinants using a nationally representative sample. An observational analysis was conducted using data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2018. 38,154 women aged > 18 years were included. A multivariable logistic regression, presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to predict the association between various socio-demographic characteristics and hysterectomy. A separate multivariable logistic regression model was executed to determine the association between selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and hysterectomy. Survey weights compensated the complex study design. The overall prevalence of hysterectomy was around 11.35%. Excessive menstrual bleeding followed by fibroids emerged as the leading causes of hysterectomy. The various determinants of hysterectomy were urban residents [AOR: 1.54 (1.21–1.96)], other backward class [AOR: 2.19 (1.72–2.78], working women [AOR: 1.19(1–1.42)] and the most affluent (rich) group [AOR: 2.06 (1.62–2.63)]. Hysterectomy was associated with cancer [AOR: 4.83 (2.51–9.29)], diabetes [AOR: 1.79 (1.25–2.57)], hypertension [AOR: 1.48 (1.27–1.71)] and joint diseases [AOR: 1.43 (1.09–1.88)]. Hysterectomy is considerably prevalent in India, which cannot be overlooked. Health promotion regarding hysterectomy and its implications is needed especially among urban residents, affluent groups and those with a higher body mass index. Health programmes aimed at women should follow a life course approach by prioritizing health and overall well-being even after reproductive years.

Biochemical and Physiological Dynamics in Ligament Injury &amp; Healing

Ligaments play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system. When maximal and sub-maximal ligamentous injury occur, a cascading response is initiated, starting with platelet plug formation and ending with remodeling. A rodent model was used to examine the role of modulating the initial recruitment of platelets and their impact on biochemical, histological, functional, and mechanical material properties. Functional gait testing, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), histological evaluations, and material property testing were performed. Animals (n=150) were randomized to a no-treatment group, a platelet rich fibrin treatment group and, a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSIAD) treatment group. Initial results show that antiinflammatory drugs slow gait functional recovery; whereas, PRF shows faster functional recovery. PRF shows a faster increase in VEGF, and NSAIDs slows down VEGF and reduced its intensity. Evaluating injury recovery and impact of treatment methods, in both occupational and sports settings, provides insights about the healing response.