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Abstract The contamination of water by per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) is a pressing global issue due to their harmful effects on health and the environment. This study explores a cationic covalent organic framework (COF), TG-PD COF, for the efficient detection and removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water. Synthesized via a simple sonochemical method, TG-PD COF shows remarkable selectivity and sensitivity to PFOA, with a detection limit as low as 1.8 µg·L⁻¹. It achieves significant PFOA adsorption exceeding 2600 mg·g⁻¹ within seconds over several cycles in batch mode and complete removal at environmentally relevant concentrations in column adsorption. Results reveal unique adsorption behavior characterized by two phases, leveraging PFOA aggregation through hydrophobic interactions. Computer simulations elucidate the mechanisms underlying TG-PD COF’s sensing, adsorption, and charge transfer dynamics. Our findings position this COF design strategy as a promising solution for combating PFAS contamination in water bodies worldwide.

New record of carabid species Loxoncus renitens (Bates, 1886) from Indian mainland with additional records of subspecies Idiomelas fulvipes indus Kataev, 1997 from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with notes on their geographical distribution are provided.

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) has increasingly been recognized as a cost-effective method for fabricating intricate metallic parts, especially from nickel-based superalloys. This review covers key aspects of WAAM, including its versatile heat sources (GTAW, GMAW, CMT, and PAW) with unique advantages and limitations for customization. Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles are highlighted, enabling intricate geometries and addressing support structures, distortion control, and orientation. Several nickel-based superalloys (e.g., Inconel 718, Inconel 625, Inconel 617, Hastelloy C276, Hastelloy X, Haynes 282) are rigorously evaluated for WAAM suitability due to their high-temperatureature strength, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. The review analyzes process parameters like arc current, wire feed rate, and deposition path. It explores defect detection and prevention strategies and emphasizes post-processing methods (heat treatment, rolling, hot isostatic pressing) in enhancing microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties. Microstructural characterization techniques (optical microscopy and XRD) provide insights into grain structure, phase composition, and defect presence. In conclusion, this review underscores the paramount suitability of WAAM for producing defect-free and complex structures in nickel-based superalloys. Ongoing research and advancements in WAAM will undoubtedly improve its competitiveness and unlock its full potential in the field of additive manufacturing.

Abstract Background Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical prerequisite for left-sided cardiac interventions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage closure. Despite its routine nature, TSP can be technically demanding and carries a risk of complications. This study presents a novel, patient-specific, anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation training that can be used with X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging. Methods The TSP phantom was developed using additive manufacturing techniques and features a replaceable fossa ovalis (FO) component to allow for multiple punctures without replacing the entire model. Four cardiologists and one cardiology trainee performed TSP on the simulator, and their performance was assessed using four metrics: global isotropy index, distance from the centroid, time taken to perform TSP, and a set of 5-point Likert scale questions to evaluate the clinicians’ perception of the phantom’s realism and utility. Results The results demonstrate the simulator’s potential as a training tool for interventional cardiology, providing a realistic and controllable environment for clinicians to refine their TSP skills. Experienced cardiologists tended to cluster their puncture points closer to regions of the FO associated with higher global isotropy index scores, indicating a relationship between experience and optimal puncture localization. The questionnaire analysis revealed that participants generally agreed on the phantom’s realistic anatomical representation and ability to accurately visualize the TSP site under fluoroscopic guidance. Conclusions The TSP simulator can be incorporated into training programs, offering trainees the opportunity to improve tool handling, spatial coordination, and manual dexterity prior to performing the procedure on patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments are needed to establish the simulator’s impact on TSP performance and patient outcomes.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent articular and rheumatologic condition, impacting over 80% of individuals aged 55 and above. There exists a significant correlation between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and OA. Both Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and OA are common afflictions. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in alleviating pain and mitigating issues linked to the early stages of knee OA and DM. The rationale of this study is to determine whether isometric resistance exercise can achieve comparable or superior outcomes to dynamic resistance exercise in terms of long-term glycaemic control and physical function, while also being more tolerable for individuals with knee OA. Aim: To compare the efficacy of resistance exercises in diabetic patients with knee OA and specifically to examine how two resistance exercise protocols influence glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and functional performance. Materials and Methods: An interventional study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique. Approximately, 30 subjects were selected from the primary physiotherapy outpatient department in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study lasted for 12 weeks, from July 2022 to September 2022. The total population was split into two groups: Group-A received dynamic resistance exercises, whereas Group-B underwent isometric resistance exercises. Both pre- and post-treatment evaluations were performed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index questionnaire (WOMAC), alongside measuring HbA1c levels in all participants. Care instructions emphasised weight reduction, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing. Paired t test was used to compare the pre and post test WOMAC scores and p

This research explored the isolation of cellulose from coconut shells using ultrasound. It involved two types of cellulose isolation: alkali and bleached cellulose (ABC) and ultrasound-alkali-assisted isolated cellulose (UAIC). The products were characterized using various techniques, including attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The ATR-FTIR results confirmed the effective removal of lignin and hemicellulose in the ABC and UAIC samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the production of micro-sized cellulose. The TGA and XRD results showed improved thermal stability and crystallinity in ABC and UAIC, attributed to the elimination of non-cellulosic constituents. However, the thermal stability and crystallinity of UAIC were lower compared to ABC, likely due to the cavitation effect caused by sonication. The findings suggest that ultrasonication is an efficient and promising method for isolating cellulose.

Abstract Unpredictable deviations from an otherwise regular auditory sequence, as well as rare sounds following a period of silence, are detected automatically. Recent evidence suggests that the latter also elicit quick involuntary modulations of ongoing motor activity emerging as early as 100 ms following sound onset, which was attributed to supramodal processing. We explored such force modulations for both rare and deviant sounds. Participants (N = 29) pinched a force sensitive device and maintained a force of 1–2 N for periods of 1 min. Task-irrelevant tones were presented under two conditions. In the Rare condition, 4000 Hz tones were presented every 8-to-16 s. In the Roving condition, 4000 Hz and 2996 Hz tones were presented at rate of 1 s, with infrequent (p = 1/12) frequency changes. In the Rare condition, transient force modulations were observed with a significant increase at ~ 234 ms, and a decrease at ~ 350 ms. In the Roving condition with low frequency deviant tones, an increase in force was observed at ~ 277 ms followed by a decrease at ~ 413 ms. No significant modulations were observed during perception of high frequency deviants. These results suggest that both rare silence-breaking sounds and low-pitched deviants evoke automatic fluctuations of motor responses, which opens up the possibility that these force modulations are triggered by stimulus-specific change-detection processes.

The incidence of chronic diseases in contemporary society has been steadily rising with the ageing population. They place a significant strain on both people and the healthcare system, and they are the leading cause of death. As a result, novel detection methods that allow for early identification of chronic diseases to manage therapy are in high demand. Modern sensing tools have emerged in the form of biosensors, which can detect biomarkers and transform them into quantifiable signals. The fields of environmental science, agriculture, drug discovery, biotechnology, food safety, and medical diagnostics might all benefit from the data they provide. The development of more precise, sensitive, and selective diagnostic tools is, nevertheless, of the utmost importance, as is the ability to identify biomarkers as disease indicators at very low concentrations. Nano biosensors are a new generation of analytical instruments that have evolved from the integration of nanomaterials with biosensors. One promising option for continuous, real-time health monitoring is nanostructured biosensors, which provide exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility. Nano biosensors are categorized in this extensive study according to their size, production process, and transduction mechanism. Also, talk about the latest developments and uses for nano biosensors, and cover some important elements of them, focusing on their electrochemistry and optical characteristics. Further research is needed to fully understand nano biosensors and their potential as a tool for personalized treatment, since there are still many unknowns about their biocompatibility, toxicity, stability, and integration into the human body.

The quest for happiness is highly esteemed in every culture. Based on the theory of the positive activity model, the current study examined the role of psychological hardiness in happiness among youth. The study also investigated the parallel mediating role of vitality and materialistic values in the relationship between psychological hardiness and happiness. Data were collected from 414 youths selected through purposive sampling techniques. The variables of the study were measured through standardized instruments. Findings generated through structural equation modelling with the maximum likelihood estimation technique revealed that psychological hardiness was a significant predictor of happiness. Additionally, vitality and materialistic values partially mediated the relationship between psychological hardiness and happiness. The present study is one of the first to include vitality and materialistic values as a parallel intermediary mechanism to explain the relationship between psychological hardiness and happiness. Implications of the study are discussed in light of the study findings.

The use of back-to-back built-up channel beams in cold-formed steel (CFS) structures is steadily rising. The growing demand for CFS sections as a cost-effective design solution has driven the development of these CFS built-up sections. Despite this, there has been limited research on the performance of mild steel (MS) based CFS at high temperatures, particularly regarding its flexural behavior. This study thoroughly explores the behavior of MS-based CFS beams with different spans under high temperatures, followed by cooling with air or water. It assesses the impact of thermal loading and evaluates the effectiveness of these cooling methods. Experimental findings are validated and analyzed in conjunction with Finite Element Modeling (FEM) using ABAQUS and the Direct Strength Method (DSM). The study also conducts a parametric analysis to determine how the varying span that affects flexural capacity of beam. Among beams heated to the same temperature, those cooled with water exhibit slightly lower load capacities than those cooled with air. The maximum load observed is 91.21 kN for the reference specimen, while the minimum load is 39.82 kN for the specimen heated for 90 min and cooled with water, resulting in a 78.45% difference between these values. Additionally, as heating duration increases, ductility of beam also increases. Various failure modes are observed based on different heating and cooling conditions across different beam spans. This study offers valuable insights into the performance of MS-based CFS beams under thermal stress and different cooling conditions, providing important data for structural design and safety in construction.

An increasing number of medications have been explored to treat the progressive and irreversible Alzheimer's disease (AD) that stands as the predominant form of dementia among neurodegenerative ailments. However, assertions about toxic side effects of these drugs are a significant hurdle to overcome, calling for drug-free nanotherapeutics. Herein, a new therapeutic strategy devoid of conventional drugs or other cytotoxic species was developed. The constructed superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) nanospinners can accrete neurotoxic β-amyloid 42 oligomers (oAβ42) into aggregated magnetic plaques (mpAβ) by mechanical rotating force via remote interaction between nanoparticles and the applied magnetic field. While the cellular uptake of mpAβ attained from the magnetic stirring treatment by neuronal cells is severely limited, the facile phagocytic uptake of mpAβ by microglial cells leads to the polarization of the brain macrophages to M2 phenotype and thus the increased anti-inflammatory responses to the treatment. The SPION stirring treatment protects the AD mice from memory deterioration and maintain cognitive ability as evidenced from both nesting and Barnes maze tests. The examination of the oAβ42 injected brain tissues with the stirring treatment showed significant amelioration of functional impairment of neurons, microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes alongside no obvious tissue damage caused by stirring meanwhile complete degradation of SPION was observed at day 7 after the treatment. The in vitro and animal data of this work strongly corroborate that this new modality of undruggable stirring treatment with SPIONs provides a new feasible strategy for developing novel AD treatments.