bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of MgAl‐LDH/halloysite composite materials for efficient CO2 adsorption
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Zhou Yao , Gong Weifeng , Tang Tongtong , Yang Yu , Yao Chao , Zuo ShiXiang , Li Xiazhang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundCO2 emissions have had negative impacts on various aspects of life and the environment, making the development of materials with high CO2 adsorption performance crucial.ResultIn this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a carrier to prepare MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) via a convenient coprecipitation method, resulting in MgAl‐LDH/HNT composite material, which was then evaluated for its CO2 adsorption performance. The physicochemical properties of the composite material were characterized using various methods. Results showed that the 1:1 ratio MgAl‐LDH/HNT composite exhibited superior material structure, with a specific surface area reaching 178.24 m2 g−1. In CO2 adsorption performance tests, the 1:1 MgAl‐LDH/HNT composite showed the best adsorption performance, with a CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.91 mmol g−1. This adsorption process includes physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. Kinetic analysis results indicate that the adsorption process is mainly dominated by physical adsorption. The material also demonstrated good performance in cyclic stability tests, maintaining a regeneration efficiency of over 94% after six cycles.ConclusionThe MgAl‐LDH/HNT material has good properties and stability. This provides an effective pathway and direction for the development of new adsorbents with higher CO2 adsorption performance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Understanding Bacterial Resistance to Heavy Metals and Nanoparticles: Mechanisms, Implications, and Challenges
Authors: Prabhu Chaitra , Satyaprasad Akshath Uchangi , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAntimicrobial resistance is a global health problem as it contributes to high mortality rates in several infectious diseases. To address this issue, engineered nanoparticles/nano‐formulations of antibiotics have emerged as a promising strategy. Nanoparticles are typically defined as materials with dimensions up to 100 nm and are made of different materials such as inorganic particles, lipids, polymers, etc. They are widely dispersed in the environment through various consumer products, and their clinical applications are diverse, ranging from contrast agents in imaging to carriers for gene and drug delivery. Nanoparticles can also act as antimicrobial agents either on their own or in combination with traditional antibiotics to produce synergistic effects, earning them the label of “next‐generation therapeutics.” They have also shown great effectiveness against multidrug‐resistant pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. However, overexposure or prolonged exposure to sublethal doses of nanoparticles can promote the development of resistance in human pathogens. The resistance can arise from various factors such as genetic mutation, horizontal gene transfer, production of reactive oxygen species, changes in the outer membrane of bacteria, efflux‐induced resistance, cross‐resistance from intrinsic antibiotic resistance determinants, plasmid‐mediated resistance, and many more. Continuous exposure to nanoparticles can also transform an antibiotic‐susceptible bacterial pathogen into multidrug resistance. Considering all these, the current review focuses on the mode of action of different heavy metals and nanoparticles and possible mechanisms through which bacteria attain resistance towards these heavy metals and nanoparticles.
Intraseasonal Variability and Physical Characteristics of the Break and Active Phases of the Mainland Indochina Southwest Monsoon
Authors: Oo Kyaw Than , Chen Haishan , Du Xinguan , Jonah Kazora , Dong Yinshuo , Zhang Fangmin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe term ‘break’ is traditionally meant only for dry spells occurring after monsoon onset in the region. Simply put, the daily rainfall of the monsoon pauses across the region for a few days, which is called a ‘break spell’, and the revised pattern is called ‘active’. Researchers have suggested that standardised anomalies of three consecutive days of rainfall prevail when categorising active and break spells. This study examined break spells and active spells at interannual, intraseasonal, and decadal scales by examining the frequency and spatial distribution of three consecutive days of rainfall occurrences of different intensities linked to break and active events over the mainland Indochina region. The difference in the surface‐to‐upper wind circulation between active spells with excessive moist convection and intense break events with less rainfall was explained by various atmospheric parameters. During active phases, the easterly jet migrated south, while subtropical westerly entered lower latitudes during the break. During break spellings, the upper and lower troposphere jet winds will be weaker and dislocated over the study area but stronger during active time. La Niña encourages more break days than active days and distinguishing between vertical meridional circulation and intense break events with a heat trough‐type circulation and active spells with moist convection is crucial for developing suitable prediction tools.
Interactive Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Phosphorus on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown Under Salt‐Affected Soil Conditions
Authors: Abbas Misbah , Murtaza Ghulam , Owens Gary , Khursheed Muhammad Moaz , Hussain Tajammal 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimThe current study aimed to assess the potential of foliar‐applied zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) in improving wheat growth and mitigating the zinc (Zn) deficiency stress that is increased by the negative interaction between Zn and phosphorus (P) under saline–sodic soil conditions.MethodsA wire house trial was conducted to produce Zn‐enriched wheat grains following exposure to nZnO and to examine the interaction of applied Zn with the plant‐required P (PRP) (200 mg P kg−1). The treatments were: no nZnO and no P (control), no nZnO with PRP, nZnO‐primed seed with PRP, foliar application of nZnO with PRP, fertigation of nZnO with PRP, soil application of nZnO with PRP, and foliar and soil application of nZnO with PRP, designated as C, PRP, Seed‐nZnO+P, Foliar‐nZnO+P, Fertigation‐nZnO+P, Soil‐nZnO+P, and Foliar‐Soil‐nZnO+P, respectively. For each treatment, 100 mg L−1 Zn was used, except for Foliar‐Soil‐nZnO+P, for which 50 mg L−1 Zn solution was used during foliar application, and 50 mg kg−1 Zn was applied to the soil. Soil chemical parameters (pHs, ECe, sodium adsorption ratio [SAR], organic matter, soil Zn, and available P) were determined before the trial.ResultsThe method of nZnO application influenced Zn–P interactions and affected the final Zn and P contents in soil, root, shoot, and grain of wheat. Foliar‐Soil‐nZnO+P showed optimum response compared to other amendments, having 11.8 mg kg−1 P and 6.93 mg kg−1 Zn concentration in soil. The maximum P concentration in root, shoot, and grain (3.1, 3.0, and 2.8 g kg−1, respectively) and maximum Zn concentration in root, shoot, and grain (0.067, 0.055, and 0.030 g kg−1, respectively) were found where Foliar‐Soil‐nZnO+P used in combination. Similarly, a 96% increase in grain weight pers pot was observed in Foliar‐Soil‐nZnO+P when compared with control. The application of Foliar‐Soil‐nZnO+P showed improved plant height (57%), spike length (44%), shoot dry weight (3.42 times), membrane stability index (99%), relative water content (39%), SPAD value (35%), photosynthetic rate (5.56 times), and transpiration rate (77%) compared with control.ConclusionFoliar and soil application of nZnO along with the PRP dose resulted in the least negative Zn–P interaction and optimal Zn concentrations in wheat grain and yield. These optimal results were attributed to rapid stomatal penetration of Zn via foliar application and minimum reaction time of soil‐applied nZnO, which minimized Zn–P complex formation. It is recommended that for Zn fertilization in salt‐affected soil, a combined foliar and soil application should be done to minimize negative Zn‐P interactions.
Sleep duration among breastfed, goat milk‐based or cow's milk‐based infant formula‐fed infants: Post hoc analyses from a double‐blind RCT
Authors: van Lee Linde , Meijer‐Krommenhoek Yvonne , He Tao , van der Zee Lucie , Verkade Henkjan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo determine total, night‐ and daytime sleep duration and waking frequency among infants exclusively fed goat milk‐based infant formula (GMF) or cow's milk‐based infant formula (CMF) enroled in a randomised controlled trial and compare these to a human milk (HM) fed reference group.MethodsPost hoc analysis from a double‐blind randomised controlled trial in 304 healthy term infants was performed. Formula‐fed infants were randomly assigned to receive exclusively GMF or CMF for a period of 112 days and compared to a reference group fed HM. Sleep was assessed using a 3‐day 24‐h diary before the five visits throughout the trial. The association between feeding type and sleep was studied longitudinally and cross‐sectionally at the five visits. All models were adjusted for infant sex and study site of enrolment. For associations between formula‐fed infants and the non‐randomised HM group, additional adjustments were made.ResultsTotal sleep duration slowly and similarly decreased over the course of study duration for all groups, with a decrease of about an hour between the first and last measurement. Longitudinally, daytime sleep duration was significantly longer for GMF (mean 8.6 h, standard error [SE] 0.17) and HM (8.8, 0.18) fed infants as compared to CMF (8.1, 0.17; p < 0.05). Cross‐sectional analyses show that infants fed GMF or HM had higher total sleep duration than infants fed CMF at all visits, with significant differences between the groups at Visits 3 and 4.ConclusionsIn infants fed GMF a significantly longer daytime sleep duration and a non‐significant trend towards a longer total sleep duration were found when compared to infants fed CMF. These findings suggest that nutrition plays a role in sleep duration.
Collagen Density Is Associated With Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Li Fengling , Wei Yani , Li Li , Chen Fei , Bao Chunjuan , Bu Hong , Zhang Zhang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesThe tumor‐associated stroma is an essential compartment in breast cancer, and collagen fiber organization in the stroma has been reported to be correlated with prognosis. In this study, we sought to evaluate collagen fiber characteristics in relation to pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients.MethodsA total of 388 breast cancer patients receiving NAC were enrolled. The stroma type was manually assessed on pretreatment hematoxylin and eosin (HE)‐stained slides, and the collagen fiber features were quantified by a computer tool. The relationship between syndecan‐1 expression and collagen fibers and its correlation with treatment efficacy were detected by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe pCR rate of patients with collagen‐dominant stroma was lower than that of patients with lymphocyte‐dominant stroma (19.6% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.001). Patients who achieved pCR had straighter and less dense fibers in pretreatment biopsied tissue than non‐pCR patients (p = 0.031, p = 0.044). Additionally, the pCR group had greater syndecans‐1 expression on the tumor epithelium than the non‐pCR group (p < 0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference in the stroma (p = 0.333). Collagen fiber density was the only factor associated with pCR after correction for other clinicopathological variables in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients (OR 0.466, 95% CI 0.227‐0.956, p = 0.037); patients with lower fiber density had a greater pCR rate (37.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.021).ConclusionsCollagen fiber density was associated with pCR in patients with breast cancer, and it could be a potential candidate for discriminating between responders and nonresponders for TNBC patients receiving NAC.
Scoliosis instrumentation alters primary and coupled motions of the spine: An in vitro study using entire thoracolumbar spine and rib cage specimens
Authors: Liebsch Christian , Obid Peter , Vogt Morten , Schlager Benedikt , Wilke Hans‐Joachim 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundEffects of rigid posterior instrumentation on the three‐dimensional post‐operative spinal flexibility are widely unknown. Purpose of this in vitro study was to quantify these effects for characteristic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis instrumentations.MethodsSix fresh frozen human thoracic and lumbar spine specimens (C7‐S) with entire rib cage from young adult donors (26–45 years) without clinically relevant deformity were loaded quasi‐statically with pure moments of 5 Nm in flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Primary and coupled motions of all segments were measured using optical motion tracking. Specimens were tested without instrumentation and with posterior rod instrumentations ranging from T2 to L1 (for Lenke Type 2) and from T8 to L3 (for Lenke Type 5) based on survey results among spinal deformity surgeons. Statistical differences were evaluated using the pairwise Friedman test.ResultsPrimary ranges of motion were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in all six motion directions in the entire thoracic spine (T1‐L1) for both instrumentations, but solely in extension and axial rotation in the entire lumbar spine (L1‐S) for T8‐L3 instrumentation. Without instrumentation, strong ipsilateral axial rotation during primary lateral bending and strong contralateral lateral bending during primary axial rotation were detected in the thoracic spine (T1‐L1) and slight inverse coupled motions in the lumbar spine (L1‐S). While coupled axial rotation was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, especially in the upper thoracic spine (T1‐T5) for T2‐L1 instrumentation and in the lumbar spine (L1‐S) for T8‐L3 instrumentation, coupled lateral bending was solely significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the upper thoracic spine (T1‐T5) for T2‐L1 instrumentation. Coupled motions in primary flexion and extension were non‐existent and not affected by any fixation (p > 0.05).ConclusionsInstrumentation reduces the primary flexibility and diminishes the natural coupling behavior between lateral bending and axial rotation, primarily in the upper thoracic spine, potentially causing correction loss and junctional deformity in the long‐term.
Physiotherapists' Experiences and Perceived Acceptability of Delivering a Knee Bracing Intervention for People With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis in a Randomised Trial (PROP OA): A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bullock Laurna , Holden Melanie A. , Jinks Clare , Atiah Asamane Evans , Herron Dan , Borrelli Belinda , Callaghan Michael J. , Birrell Fraser , Halliday Nicola , Marshall Michelle , Sowden Gail , Ingram Carol , McBeth John , Dziedzic Krysia , Foster Nadine E. , Jowett Sue , Lawton Sarah , Mallen Christian D. , Peat George 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore physiotherapists' experiences and perceived acceptability of delivering a bracing intervention for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the ‘PROvision of braces for Patients with knee OA’ (PROP OA) randomised controlled trial.MethodSemi‐structured telephone interviews with consenting physiotherapists who received the PROP OA training programme and delivered the knee bracing intervention (advice, information and exercise instruction plus knee brace matched to patients' clinical and radiographic presentation and with adherence support). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two‐stage analytic framework: inductive thematic analysis preceded mapping to constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.ResultsEight physiotherapists were interviewed and six key themes were developed. Perceptions of the training programme were generally positive, but additional formal training and experiential learning consolidated confidence and skills in novel intervention components. Advice, information, and exercise instruction reflected usual physiotherapy care for knee OA. Physiotherapists were confident in delivering the knee brace, but determining the pattern of knee OA to inform brace type selection was challenging. Physiotherapists valued brace adherence enhancing strategies and the follow‐up appointment to facilitate adherence. Perceived impact of the bracing intervention for people with OA was positive. The bracing intervention was perceived as acceptable, although improving self‐efficacy to deliver novel intervention components (e.g., reading x‐rays) would enhance acceptability.ConclusionThe complex knee bracing intervention was broadly perceived as acceptable by physiotherapists. If implemented within clinical practice beyond the trial, physiotherapists might benefit from not only initial training in brace selection but also ongoing support and mentoring to increase self‐efficacy in delivery.
A Multi‐Zone Axisymmetric Model for Consolidation of Saturated Soils Improved by PVTD With Interfacial Thermal Resistance
Authors: Tang Kejie , Wen Minjie , Tian Yi , Zhu Xingyi , Wu Wenbing , Zhang Yiming , Mei Guoxiong , Ding Pan , Tu Yuan , Sun Anyuan , Liu Kaifu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDuring the process of treating soft soil foundations with prefabricated drainage drains (PVD), “soil columns” form around the PVD, and a “weak zone” forms outside the range of the “soil columns.” The difference in properties between the two forms a distinct interface, leading to a gradual decrease in drainage efficiency and obstruction of vertical drainage channels, which in turn causes cracks and lateral displacement in the soil during consolidation. The interfaces between adjacent soil layers are incomplete contact, and the water within the interstices impedes the transfer of heat, manifesting a thermal resistance effect. To address this phenomenon, a synchronous measurement system for the thermal gradient and the heat flux density between the soil interfaces has been developed. Applying Fourier's law of heat conduction, the thermal resistance coefficient has been determined. Based on the theory of thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling, a multi‐zone axisymmetric model for saturated soils that considers thermal resistance effect has been proposed. Semi‐analytical solutions were derived and validated through comparison with the custom FEM model and field experiments. The thermal consolidation characteristics of the multi‐zone soils under various thermal contact models have also been discussed, with a comprehensive analysis of the influence of different parameters. Outcomes show that: the generalized incomplete thermal contact model provides a better description of the thermal resistance phenomenon between multi‐zone soils interfaces; ignoring the thermal resistance effect leads to an overestimation of the deformation during the thermal consolidation, and, the thermal resistance effect decreases the influence of the thermo‐osmosis effect on the consolidation characteristics.
Effect of graphene nanoparticles on electrical, mechanical and viscoelastic behavior of CFRP multifunctional multiscale composites
Authors: Gupta Rishubh , Kumar Gaurav , Bisaria Himanshu , Zafar Sunny 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe present work investigates effect of the incorporation of GNPs into epoxy matrix composites reinforced with CFs on their electrical, mechanical and viscoelastic properties. The GNP content in the composite were added as 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% by weight. The study presents detailed analysis of conductivity mechanism revealing an 8‐fold increase in surface electrical conductivity at 0.4 wt% GNP content, reaching 2.32 S/m. The mechanical properties showed significant enhancement with the incorporation of GNPs up to 0.3 wt%, reaching a maximum tensile strength of 1008 MPa and peak flexural strength of 952 MPa, and the highest impact strength of 13 J/cm2. However, a decline in mechanical performance was observed at 0.4 wt% GNP content, primarily due to fiber‐matrix debonding. The DMA analysis further revealed an increase in the storage modulus and loss modulus at 0.1 wt% GNP content, reaching 10,099 and 1570 MPa, respectively. However, at higher GNP content, adverse effects on the composite's behavior were observed, attributed to uneven distribution and interactions of the GNPs.Highlights
Impact of GNPs on the electrical and viscoelastic properties of CFRP analyzed.
GNPs enhance surface electrical conductivity of CFRP composites at 0.4 wt%.
GNPs improve viscoelastic properties of CFRP composites at 0.1 wt%.
Suitable mechanisms illustrated, correlated with results and discussed.
Follow‐Up of Infants With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Following Maternal Primary Infection in the First Trimester and Normal Fetal Brain Imaging at Midgestation
Authors: Seidenari Anna , Dionisi Camilla , Nati Marina , Marsico Concetta , Gabrielli Liliana , Capretti Maria Grazia , Toni Francesco , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Simonazzi Giuliana 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine outcomes at birth and postnatal sequelae of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection following maternal primary infection in the first trimester with normal fetal brain imaging at midgestation.MethodsA retrospective, single‐center cohort study was conducted, including all cases of proven cCMV infection following maternal primary infection in the first trimester from 2014 until 2021 and normal fetal brain imaging before 22 weeks of gestation. All pregnancies were followed according to our protocol, which offers amniocentesis at least 8 weeks after the onset of infection, serial ultrasound scans, and a fetal MRI in the third trimester. No women received treatment with CMV hyperimmune globulin or Valacyclovir during pregnancy. Follow‐up of newborns was obtained, and newborns were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic at birth. Postnatal sequelae were evaluated, and cases with a follow‐up period of less than 12 months were excluded.ResultsWe found 42 newborns with cCMV, confirmed at birth by PCR for the CMV genome in neonatal urine samples, and normal fetal brain imaging up to 22 weeks of gestation. Extracerebral signs of infection were present in 3/42 fetuses at the second trimester ultrasound (20–22 weeks of gestation). In the third trimester (28–32 weeks of gestation), none showed abnormal brain sonographic findings, but four exhibited extracerebral signs of CMV infection. Among 42 newborns, 29 were classified as asymptomatic (29/42, 69.1%) and 13 as symptomatic at birth (13/42, 30.9%, 95%CI 17.6%–47.1%). Eight newborns had abnormal cranial ultrasound/MRI (8/42, 19%), one presented abnormal postnatal brain imaging associated with hearing loss and four had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) at initial assessment. All were treated with oral Valganciclovir. Four newborns with normal hearing at birth had delayed onset SNHL. One case of hearing loss improved after treatment and returned to normal hearing. At a median follow‐up of 35 months, 8 infants had hearing loss (8/42, 19%, 95%CI 8.6%–34.1%) and none presented with severe brain abnormalities.ConclusionFor infants with congenital CMV following untreated first trimester maternal primary infection, the absence of abnormal prenatal brain ultrasound findings at the mid‐trimester morphology scan does not rule out the possibility of postnatal neuroimaging anomalies or the need for treatment after birth. However, no severe brain abnormalities were detected after birth in our cohort, and the only observed sequelae were sensorineural hearing loss.