Search

Background: There is underutilization of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics for first-episode schizophrenia (FES) despite having convenient dosing and treatment retention. LAIs are predominantly used for patients with poor compliance, chronic course, and multiple relapses. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two treatment naïve patients with the first episode of Schizophrenia (DSM-5) were assessed for baseline severity of psychopathology using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and quality of life (QOL) using the WHOQOL-BREF scale. Patients were randomized to receive either oral haloperidol or LAI haloperidol for a period of 12 weeks. Results: Both the groups had a significant reduction in PANSS scores and improvement in QoL over 12 weeks period (P = 0.0001). The LAI group showed greater adherence and significantly better quality of life than the oral group (P = 0.023). The mean numbers of side effects were less in the LAI group at week 2 as compared to the oral group. Conclusion: LAI haloperidol is similar to oral haloperidol in patients with FES with respect to treatment response and offers benefits in form of a lesser number of side effects during early treatment, overall better adherence rates, and better QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a performance prediction method for piezoelectric injection systems, based on finite element simulations. Two indexes representing the system performance are proposed: jetting velocity and droplet diameter. By combining Taguchi's orthogonal array method and finite element simulation (FES), a finite element model of the droplet injection process, with different parameter combinations, was established. The two performance indexes, jetting velocity and droplet diameter, were accurately predicted, and their variation with time were investigated. Finally, the accuracy of the predicted results of the FES model was verified by experiments. The errors of the predicted jetting velocity and droplet diameter were 3.02% and 2.20%, respectively. It is verified that the proposed method has better reliability and robustness than the traditional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 10%, predominantly due to delayed diagnosis and a lack of effective treatment options. In the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), neutrophils are among the immune cell types that are most prevalent and are linked to a poor clinical prognosis. However, treatments that target tumorassociated neutrophils are limited despite recent developments in our understanding of neutrophil function in cancer. The feline sarcoma oncogene (FES) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase previously associated with leukemia and hematopoietic homeostasis. Here we describe a newly derived FES null mouse with no distinct phenotype and no defects in hematopoietic homeostasis including neutrophil viability. The immune cell composition and neutrophil population were analyzed with flow cytometry, colony-forming unit (CFU) assay, and a neutrophil viability assay, while the response to PDAC was examined with an in vivo cancer model. In an experimental metastasis model, the FES null model displayed a reduced PDAC hepatic metastatic burden and a reduction in neutrophils granulocytes. Accordingly, our results indicate FES as a potential target for PDAC TME modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional electrical stimulation of the ankle dorsiflexor (DF-FES) may have advantages over ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) in managing pediatric cerebral palsy (CP). This study assessed the functional benefit and orthotic effect of DF-FES in children with hemiplegic CP. We conducted an open-label prospective study on children with hemiplegic CP ≥ 6 years who used DF-FES for five months. The functional benefit was assessed by repeated motor function tests and the measurement of ankle biomechanical parameters. Kinematic and spatiotemporal parameters were assessed by gait analysis after one and five months. The orthotic effect was defined by dorsiflexion ≥ 0° with DF-FES at either the mid or terminal swing. Among 26 eligible patients, 15 (median age 8.2 years, range 6–15.6) completed the study. After five months of DF-FES use, the results on the Community Balance and Mobility Scale improved, and the distance in the Six-Minute Walk Test decreased (six-point median difference, 95% CI (1.89, 8.1), –30 m, 95% CI (−83.67, −2.6), respectively, p < 0.05) compared to baseline. No significant changes were seen in biomechanical and kinematic parameters. Twelve patients (80%) who showed an orthotic effect at the final gait analysis experienced more supported walking over time, with a trend toward slower walking. We conclude that the continuous use of DF–FES increases postural control and may cause slower but more controlled gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography is a powerful and well-established tool in breast cancer management. In this review, we aim to address the current place of the main PET radiopharmaceuticals in breast cancer care and offer perspectives on potential future radiopharmaceutical and technological advancements. A special focus is given to the following: the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the clinical management of breast cancer patients, especially during staging; detection of recurrence and evaluation of treatment response; the role of 16α-18Ffluoro-17β-oestradiol positron emission tomography in oestrogen receptors positive breast cancer; the promising radiopharmaceuticals, such as 89Zr-trastuzumab and 68Ga- or 18F-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor; and the application of artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abuse of antibiotics leads to a significant increase in bacterial resistance, which makes it difficult to treat bacterial infections. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new strategies for efficient antibacterial and wound healing. Recently, nanozymes based antibacterial agents have attracted increasing attention for their multifunction and high efficiency. In this study, we report a FeS@lauramidopropyl betaine (LAB-35)@Ti3C2 nanozyme as a high-efficiency antibacterial agent for near infrared (NIR) light induced photothermal enhanced chemodynamic antibacteria and wound healing. The FeS@LAB-35@Ti3C2 nanozyme possesses peroxidase-like catalysis activity, which can promote the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) through catalyzing the decomposition of H2O2. FeS@LAB-35@Ti3C2 has photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 65.1%), and it exhibits enhanced catalytic activity under NIR light irradiation. The in vitro antibacterial experiments demonstrate the excellent antibacterial activity of FeS@LAB-35@Ti3C2 against representative Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The animal experiments indicate that FeS@LAB-35@Ti3C2 nanozyme can effectively inhibit wound ulceration and promote wound healing. Overall, this study proposes FeS@LAB-35@Ti3C2 nanozyme that integrates chemodynamic and photothermal therapy, which provides an efficient strategy for bacterial inhibition and wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Genetic variants causing diseases with hypertension as a secondary feature have previously been identified. Studies focussing on primary hypertension have utilised common and latterly rare genetic variants in attempts to elucidate the genetic contribution to the risk of primary hypertension. Summary: Using genome-wide association studies (GWASs), associations of hypertension with hundreds of common genetic variants have been reported, implicating thousands of genes. Individual variants have small effect sizes and cumulatively account for around 6% of genetic risk. The common variant signal is enriched for relevant tissues and physiological processes, while some variants are associated with traits expected to have secondary impacts on hypertension risk, such as fruit intake, BMI, or time watching television. Studies using rare variants obtained from exome sequence data have implicated a small number of genes for which impaired function has moderate effects on blood pressure and/or hypertension risk. Notably, genetic variants which impair elements of guanylate cyclase activation, stimulated by either natriuretic hormones or nitric oxide, increase hypertension risk. Conversely, variants impairing dopamine beta-hydroxylase or renin production are associated with lower blood pressure. Variants for which a definite effect can be designated remain cumulatively extremely rare and again make only a small contribution to overall genetic risk. Although these results are of interest, it is not clear that they provide radical new insights or identify drug targets which were not previously known. Nor does it seem that genetic testing could be useful in terms of quantifying disease risk or guiding treatment. Key Messages: Research has increased our knowledge about the relationship between naturally occurring genetic variation and risk of hypertension. Although some results serve to confirm our understanding of underlying physiology, their value in terms of potentially leading to practical advances in the management of hypertension appears questionable.

Introduction: A previous study of 200,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants to test for association of rare coding variants with hypertension implicated two genes at exome-wide significance, DNMT3A and FES. A total of 42 genes had an uncorrected p value

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 10%, predominantly due to delayed diagnosis and a lack of effective treatment options. In the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), neutrophils are among the immune cell types that are most prevalent and are linked to a poor clinical prognosis. However, treatments that target tumor-associated neutrophils are limited despite recent developments in our understanding of neutrophil function in cancer. The feline sarcoma oncogene (FES) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase previously associated with leukemia and hematopoietic homeostasis. Here we describe a newly derived FES null mouse with no distinct phenotype and no defects in hematopoietic homeostasis including neutrophil viability. The immune cell composition and neutrophil population were analyzed with flow cytometry, colony-forming unit (CFU) assay, and a neutrophil viability assay, while the response to PDAC was examined with an in vivo cancer model. In an experimental metastasis model, the FES null model displayed a reduced PDAC hepatic metastatic burden and a reduction in neutrophils granulocytes. Accordingly, our results indicate FES as a potential target for PDAC TME modulation.

A perished, one-year-old, male-neutered minipig was submitted for pathological examination after a brief history of anorexia and hypothermia. Necropsy revealed an obese body condition and multifocal to coalescing severe necroses of the visceral fatty tissue, especially of the perirenal region. Histopathologic examination showed severe chronic granulomatous and necrotising steatitis and optically empty vacuoles in the lumen of small and capillary blood vessels of lung, liver and kidney, consisting of lipid droplets ascertained by Sudan red stain. Lipid embolism occurs after traumatic insults such as long-bone fracture or orthopaedic surgery in both human and veterinary medicine. Non-traumatic lipid embolism, as observed in this case, is rare and the pathogenesis is still obscure.

Tetracycline (TC), an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infectious diseases, is easily transferred to environmental matrixes and then sparks environmental concerns. In this study, TC was selected as a target pollutant to investigate the degradation performance of persulfate (PS) based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using FeS as the activator (FeS/PS). The results showed that with optimal PS and FeS concentrations of 1 mM and a pseudo-second-order rate constant (k2) of 3.45 L mmol−1 min−1, 91.39% of TC, was effectively removed within 60 min. From the perspective of degradation rate, apart from CO32−, TC decompositions by FeS/PS were hardly disturbed by the coexistence of different concentrations of Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, and humin acid. The degradation of TC under the O2 bubbling, N2 bubbling, and light-proof conditions also had limited effects on these AOPs. In addition, FeS exhibited excellent stability and recyclability when used as a PS activator for TC removal. The PS activated by old FeS and used FeS showed nearly identical performances on TC removal compared with the fresh FeS. It is suggested that homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions are jointly responsible for TC oxidation by FeS/PS. With the contributions of the generated, highly reactive SO4−•, and, in particular, •OH, TC enabled the mineralization of inorganic products eventually. Therefore, FeS/PS is highly recommended as an alternative AOPs in the future for TC-contaminated wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is the most important component of the cores of terrestrial planets, and iron sulfide (FeS) is one of the preferred candidates present in these cores. FeS is also ubiquitous in Earth's crust, peridotites, and extraterrestrial samples. Knowledge of the phase stability of FeS and Fe isotope fractionation between FeS phases and mantle silicates is of great importance for understanding the interior of the Earth and terrestrial planets. In this study, first-principles methods were used to study the pressure-dependent phase stability of FeS and equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation in FeS, hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Fe, and mantle silicates at the pressure of Earth's interior. FeS underwent four phase transitions at 0 K. The first is the transition from FeS I to FeS II at 2.8 GPa, the second from FeS II to FeS III at 7.5 GPa, the third from FeS III to FeS VI at 74.2 GPa, and the fourth from FeS VI to FeS VII at 122.2 GPa. Apart from the fact that the transition from FeS I to FeS II causes negligible Fe isotope fractionation, other phase transitions can cause measurable Fe isotope fractionation at corresponding pressures along the geotherm. Fe isotopes exhibit measurable fractionation between FeS and mantle silicates under mantle pressure–temperature conditions. Each phase was more enriched in heavy Fe with increasing depth in the pressure range of 7.5–90 GPa. If the silicate mantle is enriched in heavy Fe relative to the core or Fe has negligible isotope fractionation between them under the core-mantle boundary (CMB) conditions of the Earth, the Fe2+/(Fe2++Mg) in (Fe2+, Mg)SiO 3 post-perovskite is less than 50%. At the temperature–pressure conditions of Earth's core, equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation between hcp Fe and FeS VII can be neglected. FeS III is more likely to exist in the Martian core relative to FeS VI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Metal sulfides are regarded as efficient scavengers for heavy metals. However, the heavy metal adsorption capacity of metal sulfides is far from its theoretical values due to the insufficient exposure of adsorption sites. Surface modification of metal sulfides is considered one of the most effective strategies for improving heavy metal removal performance. Here, microalgae-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were used as a green modifier for mediating nano-MnS/FeS formation to enhance Cd2+ removal. With the addition of 1 wt% CQDs, the Cd2+ adsorption capacity of 1 %CQDs-MnS reached 481 mg/g at 25 °C and 648.6 mg/g at 45 °C, which surpassed most of the previously reported metal sulfides. Furthermore, the CQDs-modified MnS displayed a better Cd2+ removal capacity than the commercial modifier sodium alginate. The mechanism analysis suggested that decreasing the particle size to expose more adsorption sites and providing additional chelating sites derived from the CQDs are two main reasons why CQDs enhance the Cd2+ adsorption capacity of metal sulfides. This study presents an exceptional cadmium nano-adsorbent of 1 %CQDs-MnS and provides a new perspective on the enhancement of heavy metal removal by using CQDs as a promising and universal green modifier that mediates the formation of metal sulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES), open-loop and closed-loop control strategies have been developed to restore functions of the lower limbs: walking, standing up, maintaining posture, and cycling. These strategies require sensors that provide feedback information on muscle activity or biomechanics of movement. Since muscle response induced by transcutaneous FES is nonlinear, time-varying, and dependent on muscle fatigue evolution, the choice of sensor type and control strategy becomes critical. The main objective of this review is to provide state-of-the-art, emerging, current, and previous solutions in terms of control strategies. Focus is given on transcutaneous FES systems for the lower limbs. Using Compendex and Inspec databases, a total of 135 review and conference articles were included in this review. Recent studies mainly use inertial sensors, although the use of electromyograms for lower limbs has become more frequent. Currently, several researchers are opting for nonlinear controllers to overcome the nonlinear and time-varying effects of FES. More development is needed in the field of systems using inertial sensors for nonlinear control. Further studies are needed to validate nonlinear control systems in patients with neuromuscular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a common toxic heavy metal in the environment. Taking Cd(II) as a target contaminant, we systematically compared the performances of three Fe-based nanomaterials (nano zero valent iron, nZVI; sulfidated nZVI, S-nZVI; and nano FeS, nFeS) for Cd immobilization under anaerobic conditions. Effects of nanomaterials doses, initial pH, co-existing ions, and humic acid (HA) were examined. Under identical conditions, at varied doses or initial pH, Cd(II) removal by three materials followed the order of S-nZVI > nFeS > nZVI. At pH 6, the Cd(II) removal within 24 hours for S-nZVI, nFeS, and nZVI (dose of 20 mg/L) were 93.50%, 89.12% and 4.10%, respectively. The fast initial reaction rate of nZVI did not lead to a high removal capacity. The Cd removal was slightly impacted or even improved with co-existing ions (at 50 mg/L or 200 mg/L) or HA (at 2 mg/L or 20 mg/L). Characterization results revealed that nZVI immobilized Cd through coprecipitation, surface complexation, and reduction, whereas the mechanisms for sulfidated materials involved replacement, coprecipitation, and surface complexation, with replacement as the predominant reaction. A strong linear correlation between Cd(II) removal and Fe(II) dissolution was observed, and we proposed a novel pseudo-second-order kinetic model to simulate Fe(II) dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-sulfur nano compounds have been proven to be effective in mercury removal, but the agglomeration, poor dispersion and mobility, and easy oxidation challenges limit their application. Herein, carbon black originating from pyrolysis of waste tires was used as a carrier of nano-FeS to obtain an efficient adsorbent (C@PDA-FeS). It is found that the C@PDA-FeS shows outstanding adsorption ability, excellent selectivity, and high removal rate. A maximum adsorption capacity of 1754 mg/g is obtained, and the residual Hg(II) ion concentration is as low as 3.2 μg/L in the simulated industrial wastewater, which meets the industrial discharge standard under the optimal conditions. Meanwhile, the removal rate of Hg(II) ion can reach 99.8% after up to 10 cycles. More importantly, the C@PDA-FeS still shows good adsorption efficiency, and the removal rate of Hg(II) ion is over 99% (25 mg/L Hg(II) concentration) after 90 days of storage, demonstrating the long-term stability and promising future of the adsorbent. In addition, the waste adsorbent (C@PDA-FeS/HgS) is reused as a photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue, and the corresponding degradation rate is 92.9% (10 mg/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carrier effect of kaolinite enhances the activity of FeS. • Benzo(a)pyrene and chromium(VI) can be rapidly removed with FeS/kaolinite composite. • Thermodynamic, kinetic and adsorption isotherm analyses were systematically elucidated. • This study provides a feasible solution to simultaneous removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Novel FeS/kaolinite composite (K-FeS) were successfully prepared using an in-situ precipitation method. At 30 % FeS loading, 1 g/L of the composite material by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was able to completely remove 20 mg/L benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 40 mg/L Cr(VI) within 20 min under optimized conditions. The simultaneous removal experiments of BaP and Cr(VI) for the influence factors of BaP concentration, Cr(VI) concentration, composites dosage and PMS dosage to be 20 mg/L, 40 mg/L, 1 g/L, and 0.75 mmol/L, respectively. Experiments on environmental factors show that low temperature and acidic conditions are more favorable for material activity, and the addition of Cl- could promote the removal of BaP and Cr(VI). Comparative experiments showed that the simultaneous presence of BaP and Cr(VI) did not affect the removal of each other. The pseudo second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model were better to fit the experimental data, and the thermodynamic analyses indicated that the removal processes of BaP and Cr(VI) were spontaneous and exothermic. Besides, the quenching experiments yielded that SO 4 − and OH played a dominant role in BaP removal, and Cr(VI) removal mainly depended on the reduction of composites. This study expands the application of clay minerals in water treatment and suggests new strategies for simultaneous treatment of multiple pollutants in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological properties of the different modified layers of plasma nitrocarburized and post-sulfurized on 38CrMoAl steel under oil lubrication were investigated, and the wear mechanism was proposed. The modified layers were prepared by the plasma nitrocarburized at 520 °C for 5 h and post-sulfurized at 160 °C for 1, 3, and 5 h. The morphology, phase structures, and composition were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, three-dimensional white light interferometry, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The sliding-wear characteristics were investigated by ball-on-disk wear tests against GCr15 steel counterparts. The results show that the nitrocarburized layer mainly comprises ε-Fe 2-3 (N, C) and γ ′-Fe 4 (N, C), with a surface hardness of 1250 HV 0.1. The nitrocarburized treatment significantly improved the wear resistance of the 38CrMoAl steel. For the plasma nitrocarburized and post-sulfurized samples, a sulfurized layer mainly consisting of FeS and FeS 2 was formed on the nitrocarburized layer. The wear mass loss and friction coefficient of the duplex samples are significantly reduced due to the thin FeS layer acting as a solid lubricant. A two-step method, plasma nitrocarburized and post-sulfurized duplex treatment, further improves tribological performance, which is crucial for engineering applications. • Plasma nitrocarburized and post-sulfurized duplex treatment can improve tribological performance. • Hollow cathode discharge resolves the main issues present in traditional methods. • The sulfurized layer provides an excellent solid lubrication effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed a novel method for efficient zinc extraction from EAFD. • Achieved impressive extraction rates of 95.33% for zinc and 0.17% for iron. • Revealed the reactions and phase transformations involved in zinc extraction. • Successfully elucidated the mechanism of zinc and iron extraction and separation. Electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) is a hazardous solid waste generated as a byproduct in the steelmaking process, containing significant amounts of zinc and iron, making it a primary secondary source of zinc. The separation of zinc and iron in an environmentally-friendly and efficient manner poses a crucial technological challenge for the safe disposal and resource utilization of EAFD, facilitating the recovery of valuable zinc and the direct reuse of iron as raw materials for ironmaking. In this study, a novel method for restructuring zinc-bearing phases into sulfated compounds through low-temperature roasting by introducing FeS in EAFD were proposed. Simultaneously, the iron-containing phases undergo a transformation into Fe 2 O 3. Subsequently, efficient separation of zinc and iron is achieved through a leaching process using dilute sulfuric acid. The conditions for the theoretical transformation of zinc-containing phases into ZnSO 4 and iron-containing phases into Fe 2 O 3 in EAFD were determined by thermodynamic calculations incorporating FeS. The temperature range for sulfation calcination was determined to be within 550–700 °C based on TG-DSC analysis and the evaluation of SO 2 release during the decomposition of FeS. The optimal conditions for the roasting process were determined as an E/F ratio of 1:3, a temperature of 650 °C, and a duration of 3 h. In addition, the optimal conditions for the leaching process were determined as the addition of 1 mL of 1 M H 2 SO 4 and a liquid–solid ratio of 25 mL/g. Under these conditions, the extractions of Zn and Fe reached 95.33 % and 0.17 %, respectively. The mechanism of phase reconstruction from zinc-containing phases to sulfate phases in EAFD was thoroughly analyzed, revealing that the Zn species in EAFD were transformed into Zn 3 O(SO 4) 2 through solid–solid and gas–solid reactions, while the majority of Fe species in EAFD and FeS were converted into Fe 2 O 3. Effective separation of zinc and iron was achieved by dissolving Zn 3 O(SO 4) 2 in diluted sulfuric acid while retaining Fe 2 O 3 in the residue. This study provides a fresh perspective on the recovery of zinc from zinc-containing solid waste resources, offering significant potential for the sustainable management and utilization of EAFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contracting in 2009 of the National Pact for Industrial Emergence signals the start of integrated industrial platform projects, considered to be the first clusters to promote Morocco’s Global Trades. The city of Fez hosts such projects with the two mega projects of Fez Shore and Ras El Ma. Studying the making of Ras El Ma’s industrial platform, provides additional elements that allow larger comprehension of the cluster-dynamic in Morocco, and does away with deterministic economic readings and innovative industrial modeling-strategies. Thinking through the genesis of the Ras El Ma project, is an occasion to understand the extent to which historical factors and the “experiential frame” are matrices allowing the actors to compose with uncertainty and complexity; features which, for the past few years, characterize all public action in Morocco.

FeS/WS2 nanocomposites were synthesized by sulfurizing Fe2O3/WO3 powders obtained by a hydrothermal method. Many WS2 nanosheets with a thickness of less than 5 nm are scattered from a same center to form a flower-like microsphere while these FeS nanoparticles are attached to these WS2 nanosheets. When used as the photocatalyst, these FeS/WS2 nanocomposites have excellent activity under UV irradiation, which can be attributed to the large specific surface area and the charge separation effect in these two materials. So this paper shows a simple method to synthesize two-dimensional sulfide heterojunction for effective photocatalysis.

Iron based nanostructures of iron sulfide (FeS2), iron selenide (FeSe2) and iron sulfo selenide (FeSxSe1-x) have been synthesised by one pot approach, using Fe(III) or Fe(II) chloride as iron source and sulfur or selenium powder as S and Se source in oleylamine. These as-synthesised nanostructures were characterized by X-rays diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and energy dispersion X-rays (EDX) spectroscopy. The as-prepared nanostructures were also investigated for their performance as photocatalysts for the degradation of a carcinogenic industrial dye RS3B directly under solar light. The detailed HR-TEM investigations show that kinetic factor (reaction time) plays a crucial role in synthesis of nanostructures and with 30 min, much better quality of nanostructures with improved crystallinity, dimensions, yields and electronic properties were obtained as-compered to those synthesized with one hour reaction time. This observation was true for all three materials (FeS2, FeSe2 and FeSSe). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria pose a great threat to human health. Non-antibiotic-dependent antibacterial strategies have become the focus of research. Among them, chemical dynamic treatment-based (CDT) therapeutic systems, which catalyze the production of hydroxyl radicals by enzymes, have achieved tremendous success for antibacterial purposes. However, limited kinetics of the Fenton reaction, poor permeability, and short half-life of hydroxyl radicals compromise the antibacterial effects of CDT. In addition, difficulties in the early diagnosis of infection lead to drug abuse and delayed treatment. Herein, a polydopamine coated ferrous sulfide theranostic platform adsorbing a hypochlorite responsive probe with photothermal treatment (PTT) enhanced CDT was synthesized. The probe component was used for the early diagnosis of infection. PTT not only inactivated bacteria by hyperthermia but also accelerated the Fenton reaction to produce more ·OH. In vitro antibacterial experiments demonstrated that the multifunctional theranostic platform has a broad antibacterial spectrum, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), drug-resistant Escherichia coli (DR E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In addition, in vivo antibacterial experiments demonstrated that nanoparticles could effectively rescue S. aureus- infected full-thickness skin defects with negligible cytotoxicity. This study proposes an efficient and multifunctional theranostic platform for bacterial infection, providing an effective synergistic antibacterial strategy for the treatment of antibiotic resistance. An infection responsive theranostic platform (ClO− probe@FeS@PDA) is prepared. ·CDT is enhanced prominently by PTT at a relative low temperature. · FeS@PDA exhibits good antibacterial performance against drug resistant bacteria in vitro and in vivo. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FeS thin films are deposited by chemical bath deposition (CBD) and spin coating deposition. The iron nitrate nonahydrate and sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate are employed as precursor chemicals for Fe and S ions, respectively. The CBD thin film thickness is found to be optimum for deposition time of 120 min and pH of 2.5. Similarly, in case of spin coating deposition, the film deposition is found optimum at rotation speed of 2000 rpm and 20 s deposition time. The analysis for chemical composition of the thin films showed them to be near stoichiometric. The structural analysis showed the thin films to possess tetragonal unit cell structure having mackinawite FeS phase. The crystallite size determined by Scherrer’s and Hall-Williamson relation showed it to be larger in case of CBD compared to spin coating deposition. The surface morphology of the deposited thin films showed them to be uniform. The indices assigned to electron diffraction rings of both the thin films matched to X-ray diffraction planes. The optical study showed both the thin films possess direct bandgap having values of 1.75 eV for CBD and 1.81 eV for spin coating deposited thin films. The refractive index variation with wavelength showed both the films have good stability making them suitable for visible range optical applications. The photoluminescence study of the thin films showed them to possess single peaks arising due to near band edge emission by excitons recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a control law for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) application fields. This work aims to command the knee joint movement of patients in the seated position suffering from neurological disorders that lead to a partial or total paralysis of the limb. For this purpose, we propose the synthesis of an adaptive continuous control that permits to the knee joint the tracking of a time-varying desired angle. The knee movement is represented by the dynamical model of the lower limb. The designed control ensures an asymptotic stability while considering constraints such as unknown model parameters, unknown perturbation effects and unknown spasticity and fatigue parameters. The applicability and the effectiveness of the designed control law are shown through the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar water splitting is essential for future sustainable hydrogen production using renewable resources, but it remains challenging due to expensive solar generators and inefficient electrocatalysts. Herein, we propose a solar thermoelectric water electrolysis system using multifunctional iron foam-supported iron sulfide nanosheet arrays (FeS/IF) as the photothermal conversion unit in solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) and electroactive electrode in water electrolysis. The photothermal FeS/IF rapidly converts solar light to localized heat, supplying the desirable temperature difference for thermoelectric power generation. Meanwhile, the FeS/IF acts as a bifunctional electrode to effectively catalyze the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline media. As a prototype integrated system, four series-connected FeS/IF-STEG are applied to self-power water splitting with the production rate of 10.7 and 5.3 μmol h−1 for hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. The present study offers new opportunities for rational design of integrated energy systems from renewable solar to sustainable hydrogen. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high toxicity of thallium (Tl), Tl-containing wastewater has caused severe environmental problems. In this study, we have developed a new sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)–modified nano-FeS material (CMC-FeS) as adsorben to remove Tl(I) from water. The adsorbents are compared with the adsorbents of ferrous sulfide-zero valent iron composite (FeS-Fe). The physical and chemical properties of the adsorbents were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). These adsorption experiments show that the adsorption capacity could reach 86.97 mg/g at a CMC-FeS dosage of 2 g/L. The influence of different pH, solid–liquid ratios, co-existing ions, and temperature on the adsorbent has been investigated. The results show that the adsorbent is a potential adsorbent and the modified method by using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a very effective method for removing thallium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was developed to find out the effect of heated cylinder configurations in accordance with the magnetic field on the natural convective flow within a square cavity. In the cavity, four types of configurations—left bottom heated cylinder (LBC), right bottom heated cylinder (RBC), left top heated cylinder (LTC) and right top heated cylinder (RTC)—were considered in the investigation. The current mathematical problem was formulated using the non-linear governing equations and then solved by engaging the process of Galerkin weighted residuals based on the finite element scheme (FES). The investigation of the present problem was conducted using numerous parameters: the Rayleigh number (Ra = 103–105), the Hartmann number (Ha = 0–200) at Pr = 0.71 on the flow field, thermal pattern and the variation of heat inside the enclosure. The clarifications of the numerical result were exhibited in the form of streamlines, isotherms, velocity profiles and temperature profiles, local and mean Nusselt number, along with heated cylinder configurations. From the obtained outcomes, it was observed that the rate of heat transport, as well as the local Nusselt number, decreased for the LBC and LTC configurations, but increased for the RBC and RTC configurations with the increase of the Hartmann number within the square cavity. In addition, the mean Nusselt number for the LBC, RBC, LTC and RTC configurations increased when the Hartmann number was absent, but decreased when the Hartmann number increased in the cavity. The computational results were verified in relation to a published work and were found to be in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PET/CT using 16α-[ 18 F]-fluoro-17β-estradiol (FES) noninvasively images tissues expressing estrogen receptors (ERs). FES has undergone extensive clinicopathologic validation for ER-positive breast cancer and in 2020 received FDA approval for clinical use as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with recurrent or metastatic ER-positive breast cancer. Clinical use of FES PET/CT is increasing but is not widespread in the United States. This AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review explores the present status and future directions of FES PET/CT, including image interpretation, existing and emerging uses, knowledge gaps, and current controversies. Specific controversies discussed include whether both FES PET/CT and FDG PET/CT are warranted in certain scenarios, whether further workup is required after negative FES PET/CT results, whether FES PET/CT findings should inform endocrine therapy selection, and whether immunohistochemistry should remain the stand-alone reference standard for determining ER status for all breast cancers. Consensus opinions from the panel include agreement with the appropriate clinical uses of FES PET/CT published by a multidisciplinary expert work group in 2023, anticipated expanded clinical use of FES PET/CT for staging ER-positive invasive lobular carcinomas and low-grade invasive ductal carcinomas pending ongoing clinical trial results, and the need for further research regarding the use of FES PET/CT for nonbreast malignancies expressing ER.

Pure sulfur (S 8 and Li 2 S) all solid-state batteries inherently suffer from low electronic conductivities, requiring the use of carbon additives, resulting in decreased active material loading at the expense of increased loading of the passive components. In this work, a transition metal sulfide in combination with lithium disulfide is employed as a dual cation-anion redox conversion composite cathode system. The transition metal sulfide undergoes cation redox, enhancing the electronic conductivity, whereas the lithium disulfide undergoes anion redox, enabling high-voltage redox conducive to achieving high energy densities. Carbon-free cathode composites with active material loadings above 6.0 mg cm -2 attaining areal capacities of ∼4 mAh cm -2 are demonstrated with the possibility to further increase the active mass loading above 10 mg cm -2 achieving cathode areal capacities above 6 mAh cm -2 , albeit with less cycle stability. In addition, the effective partial transport and thermal properties of the composites are investigated to better understand FeS:Li 2 S cathode properties at the composite level. The work introduced here provides an alternative route and blueprint toward designing new dual conversion cathode systems, which can operate without carbon additives enabling higher active material loadings and areal capacities.

Invasive lobular cancer (ILC) is the second most frequent histological type of breast cancer (BC) and includes a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases with unique characteristics, especially the infiltrative growth pattern and metastatic spread. [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is extensively used in oncology and BC patient evaluation. Its role in ILCs is considered suboptimal due to its low FDG avidity. Therefore, ILCs could benefit from molecular imaging with non-FDG tracers that target other specific pathways, contributing to precision medicine. This narrative review aims to summarize the current literature on the use of FDG-PET/CT in ILC and to discuss future opportunities given by the development of innovative non-FDG radiotracers.

Fe3O4 is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a stabilized anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been prepared by introducing the electrode stabilizer FeS into Fe3O4 loaded on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to form in-plane structured composite (Fe3O4/FeS/RGO). The XRD and XPS results showed that the Fe3O4/FeS/RGO composite was successfully obtained by facile annealing method. The Raman result illustrated that the RGO should be multi-layer graphene sheets. The TGA result showed that the content of RGO was closed to 19.2%. The SEM and TEM images indicated that Fe3O4 and FeS form polyhedral structure particles, and Fe3O4/FeS particles were loaded on RGO. Owing to the existing FeS, polyhedron Fe3O4/FeS with multi-, high-energy facets exposed can be formed to enhance the over-all reactivity, capacity, cycle stability and rate performance of anode, while RGO serves as a host surface to load polyhedron Fe3O4/FeS and additive to increase the conductivity. The as-prepared Fe3O4/FeS/RGO composite exhibits high cycle stability (675.5 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles at 500 mA g−1) and excellent rate performance (472.5 mA h g−1 at 1000 mA g−1) without adding any conductive agent as an anode of LIBs. Our work provides a building block for LIBs’ system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Positron emission tomography (PET), typically combined with computed tomography (CT), has become a critical advanced imaging technique in oncology. With PET-CT, a radioactive molecule (radiotracer) is injected in the bloodstream and localizes to sites of tumor because of specific cellular features of the tumor that accumulate the targeting radiotracer. The CT scan, performed at the same time, provides information to facilitate assessment of the amount of radioactivity from deep or dense structures, and to provide detailed anatomic information. PET-CT has a variety of applications in oncology, including staging, therapeutic response assessment, restaging, and surveillance. This series of six review articles provides an overview of the value, applications, and imaging and interpretive strategies of PET-CT in the more common adult malignancies. The second article in this series addresses the use of PET-CT in breast cancer and other primary thoracic malignancies. Positron emission tomography combined with x-ray computed tomography (PET-CT) is an advanced imaging modality with oncologic applications that include staging, therapy assessment, restaging, and surveillance. This six-part series of review articles provides practical information to providers and imaging professionals regarding the best use of PET-CT for the more common adult malignancies. The second article of this series addresses primary thoracic malignancy and breast cancer. For primary thoracic malignancy, the focus will be on lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, thymoma, and thymic carcinoma, with an emphasis on the use of FDG PET-CT. For breast cancer, the various histologic subtypes will be addressed, and will include 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved 18F-fluoroestradiol (FES), and 18F sodium fluoride (NaF). The pitfalls and nuances of PET-CT in breast and primary thoracic malignancies and the imaging features that distinguish between subcategories of these tumors are addressed. This review will serve as a resource for the appropriate roles and limitations of PET-CT in the clinical management of patients with breast and primary thoracic malignancies for healthcare professionals caring for adult patients with these cancers. It also serves as a practical guide for imaging providers, including radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and their trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Art-E is the property of Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Fine Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)