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A set of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) was synthesized by precipitation in water-alcohol solutions under conditions when the physical-chemical parameters of synthesized NPs were controlled by changing the ratio of the reaction components. The size of CeO2 NPs is controlled largely by the dielectric constant of the reaction solution. An increase of the percentage of Ce3+ ions at the surface was observed with a concomitant reduction of the NP sizes. All synthesized CeO2 NPs possess relatively high positive values of zeta-potential (ζ > 40 mV) suggesting good stability in aqueous suspensions. Analysis of the valence- and size-dependent rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition revealed that catalase/peroxidase-like activity of CeO2 NPs is higher at a low percentage of Ce3+ at the NP surface. In contrast, smaller CeO2 NPs with a higher percentage of Ce3+ at the NP surface display a higher oxidase-like activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to intense pressure, technology companies have enacted policies to combat misinformation1–4. The enforcement of these policies has, however, led to technology companies being regularly accused of political bias5–7. We argue that differential sharing of misinformation by people identifying with different political groups8–15 could lead to political asymmetries in enforcement, even by unbiased policies. We first analysed 9,000 politically active Twitter users during the US 2020 presidential election. Although users estimated to be pro-Trump/conservative were indeed substantially more likely to be suspended than those estimated to be pro-Biden/liberal, users who were pro-Trump/conservative also shared far more links to various sets of low-quality news sites—even when news quality was determined by politically balanced groups of laypeople, or groups of only Republican laypeople—and had higher estimated likelihoods of being bots. We find similar associations between stated or inferred conservatism and low-quality news sharing (on the basis of both expert and politically balanced layperson ratings) in 7 other datasets of sharing from Twitter, Facebook and survey experiments, spanning 2016 to 2023 and including data from 16 different countries. Thus, even under politically neutral anti-misinformation policies, political asymmetries in enforcement should be expected. Political imbalance in enforcement need not imply bias on the part of social media companies implementing anti-misinformation policies.We find that conservatives tend to share more low-quality news through social media than liberals, and so even if technology companies enact politically neutral anti-misinformation policies, political asymmetries in enforcement should be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive surgery could improve cosmetic outcomes and reduce the risks of surgical injury with less postoperative pain and a quicker patient's discharge. Recently, transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) has been introduced in urogynecology with exciting results. Evidence Acquisition: After PROSPERO registration (n°CRD42023406815), we performed a comprehensive literature search on Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL, including peer-reviewed studies evaluating transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. No limits on time or type of study were applied. Evidence synthesis: Overall, 12 manuscripts were included in the analysis. Seven studies evaluated uterosacral ligament suspension, four studies evaluated sacral colpopexy, three evaluated sacrospinous ligament suspension, and one study evaluated lateral suspension. Overall success rates were high (>90%); however, definitions of success were heterogeneous. In terms of complication, most of the studies reported low-grade complications (Clavien–Dindo I and II); only two patients needed mesh removal because of mesh exposure. The risk of bias of the trials was rated in the medium to high-risk category. Conclusions: The present review highlights important initial results for vNOTES. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to better define its role in the management of urogynecological procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of transition metal chalcogenides are promising materialds for creating fairly cheap and efficient electro- and photocatalysts for producing hydrogen by splitting water. The method of pulsed laser ablation in liquid makes it possible to obtain nanoparticles, whose characteristics depend on the chemical nature of the ablated targets and the composition of liquid. Nanoparticles obtained by ablation of a WSe2 target with nanosecond laser pulses in water and isopropyl alcohol are studied. The size of the nanoparticles varies in the range from ~20 to ~200 nm. During laser ablation in water, the formation of tungsten oxide nanoparticles dominates. Nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation in alcohol contain nanophases with different valences of tungsten: W6+ (WO3), W5+ (W–Se–O), W4+ (WSe2), and W0. No obvious signs of carburization of these nanoparticles are found. In both cases, selenium not reacted with tungsten is released in the form of a crystalline and/or amorphous nanophase. The possibility of applying the created nanoparticles as photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosheets of layered perovskite-like oxides attract researchers as building blocks for the creation of a wide range of demanded nanomaterials. However, Ruddlesden–Popper phases are difficult to separate into nanosheets quantitatively via the conventional liquid-phase exfoliation procedure in aqueous solutions of bulky organic bases. The present study has considered systematically a relatively novel and efficient approach to a high-yield preparation of concentrated suspensions of perovskite nanosheets. For this, the Ruddlesden–Popper titanates HLnTiO4 and H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd) have been intercalated by n-alkylamines with various chain lengths, exposed to sonication in aqueous tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) and centrifuged to separate the nanosheet-containing supernatant. The experiments included variations of a wide range of conditions, which allowed for the achievement of impressive nanosheet concentrations in suspensions up to 2.1 g/L and yields up to 95%. The latter were found to strongly depend on the length of intercalated n-alkylamines. Despite the less expanded interlayer space, the titanates modified with short-chain amines demonstrated a much higher completeness of liquid-phase exfoliation as compared to those with long-chain ones. It was also shown that the exfoliation efficiency depends more on the sample stirring time in the TBAOH solution than on the sonication duration. Analysis of the titanate nanosheets obtained by means of dynamic light scattering, electron and atomic force microscopy revealed their lateral sizes of 30–250 nm and thickness of 2–4 nm. The investigated exfoliation strategy appears to be convenient for the high-yield production of perovskite nanosheet-based materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production, environmental remediation and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fertilization rates observed in 122 attempts at in-vitro fertilization were examined in relation to sperm characteristics assessed by visual and automated screening. Using linear regression analysis, a significant correlation was found between the fertilization rate and (i) evaluations in fresh semen sperm concentration, percentages of sperm motility, vitality and normal morphology and velocity, (ii) measurements in swim-up preparations of percentages of sperm motility, vitality and morphology, velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement. No significant correlation was found between the fertilization rate and any of the parameters studied in 24-h-old swim-up suspensions. Analysis by multiple variable stepwise linear regression showed an optimal correlation (R=0.62) between the observed fertilization rate and theoretical calculation obtained from the following predictive function: fertilization rate=−0.3+(0.008×swim-up motility)+(0.004×normal sperm morphology in fresh semen). Introduction of kinematic characteristics studied by automated screening improved the multiple correlation between the calculated and observed fertilization rate In cases of normal or mildly defective semen. Because of the limited availability of motile spermatozoa, automated analysis could not supersede classical sperm analysis in cases of more severe sperm defects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The selection of appropriate solvents into which carbon blacks can be dispersed optimally is important for product manufacture and performance. Molecular-level interactions determine solvent suitability but are difficult to measure; existing experimental approaches require slow/expensive tests of dispersion stability. NMR solvent relaxation measurements are shown to be a fast indicator of solvent suitability, with sensitivity to the solvent-particle intermolecular forces making it a reliable proxy for determining optimum dispersibility. A structured approach to relaxation measurements with a selection of both good and poor solvents yields the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) for the particle surface. Once obtained, suitable solvents (or solvent mixtures) can be selected from a database of HSP values to match the particle interface. The application of the NMR solvent relaxation approach for determining the HSP values is illustrated for a commercially available carbon black. Furthermore, individual solvent relaxation data for two solvents (e.g., hexane and IPA) with a variety of carbon blacks may be plotted against each other to highlight differences in surface chemistry. Using this approach, results are compared, for the first time, with data from inverse gas chromatography (IGC) with a relatively similar outcome. NMR solvent relaxation analysis provides a quick, facile, and cost-effective methodology to identify the replacement of both powder and solvent raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a nationally representative sample of African American adolescents from the National Survey of American Life Adolescent supplement (NSAL-A), this study examines intraracial diversity in two key dimensions of family organization—family structure and family integration—and assesses their relationship with youths' educational performance, namely, grades, grade repetition, and number of suspensions. Results show that there is substantial within-group heterogeneity in family organization among African Americans, and that patterns of organization vary systematically by level of household resources, specifically household income. Results also indicate that the relationship between family structure and family integration and Black adolescents' educational performance differs by resource level. These factors are generally unrelated to the grades, grade repetition, and number of suspensions of adolescents from low-income households, but they are associated with these outcomes for adolescents from the most economically advantaged households. Irrespective of household income, findings demonstrate that the substantive impact of family organization on Black youths' educational outcomes is small, which suggests that family organization has a more limited relationship with Black Americans' life chances than previously theorized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoangiogenesis is generally correlated with poor prognosis, due to the promotion of cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. The progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is frequently associated with an increased vascular density in bone marrow. From a molecular point of view, the small GTP-binding protein Rab11a, involved in the endosomal slow recycling pathway, has been shown to play a crucial role for the neoangiogenic process at the bone marrow of CML patients, by controlling the secretion of exosomes by CML cells, and by regulating the recycling of vascular endothelial factor receptors. The angiogenic potential of exosomes secreted by the CML cell line K562 has been previously observed using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with an anti-RAB11A oligonucleotide (AuNP@RAB11A) to downregulate RAB11A mRNA in K562 cell line which showed a 40% silencing of the mRNA after 6 h and 14% silencing of the protein after 12 h. Then, using the in vivo CAM model, these exosomes secreted by AuNP@RAB11A incubated K562 did not present the angiogenic potential of those secreted from untreated K562 cells. These results demonstrate the relevance of Rab11 for the neoangiogenesis mediated by tumor exosomes, whose deleterious effect may be counteracted via targeted silencing of these crucial genes; thus, decreasing the number of pro-tumoral exosomes at the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance expectations often improve performance. When individuals with high external performance expectations encounter early setbacks, however, they face impression management concerns and the prospect of embarrassment. As a result, when the going gets tough, individuals facing high external expectations may be less likely to persist than people facing low external expectations. In a field study of 328,515 men's professional tennis matches (Study 1), we employ a regression discontinuity design to demonstrate that, after losing the first set of a match, players who are expected to win (favorites) are significantly more likely to quit than players who are expected to lose (underdogs). We replicate this pattern of results in a laboratory experiment (Study 2) and provide evidence for our proposed mechanism: compared to individuals facing low external expectations, those facing high expectations are more easily embarrassed by poor performance and consequently less persistent following early setbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: To compare vaginal mesh exposure rates, adverse events and composite failure within 1 year postoperatively in patients who undergo vaginal hysterectomy with vaginal mesh attachment (TVH) versus laparoscopic hysterectomy with abdominal mesh attachment (TLH) for minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study is a secondary analysis of data collected retrospectively at one institution and the multicenter randomized control PACT trial. Women were excluded for no follow-up between 9 months and 2 years postoperatively or undergoing concurrent non-urogynecologic procedures. Results: Between 2010 and 2019, 182 patients underwent TLH and 132 TVH. There were 15 (4.8%) vaginal mesh exposures: 12 (6.6%) in the TLH and 3 (2.3%) in the TVH group (p = 0.133) with zero mesh erosions. Logistic regression analysis for mesh exposure in the TLH vs. TVH groups controlling for BMI, posterior repair and surgeon training also showed no significant difference (OR 4.8, 95% CI 0.94, 24.8, p = 0.059). The overall intraoperative complication rate was low (19/314, 6.1%) with a higher rate of bladder injury in the TLH group (4.4% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.049). The TLH group had a higher rate of UTI (8.2% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.027) and clean intermittent catheterization (11% vs. 3%, p = 0.009). At 1-year follow-up, there was no difference in composite failure (6%), bulge symptoms (5%) or retreatment (1%) between groups. Conclusions: At 1 year, there is no significant difference in vaginal mesh exposure rates between vaginal hysterectomy with vaginal mesh attachment and laparoscopic hysterectomy with abdominal mesh attachment. Both groups have equal efficacy with low rates of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An immunosuppressive microenvironment in lung concurs to pre-malignant lesions progression to cancer. Here, we explore if perturbing lung microbiota, which contribute to immunosuppression, by antibiotics or probiotic aerosol interferes with lung cancer development in a mouse carcinogen-induced tumor model. Urethane-injected mice were vancomycin/neomycin (V/N)-aerosolized or live or dead L. rhamnosus GG (L.RGG)-aerosolized, and tumor development was evaluated. Transcriptional profiling of lungs and IHC were performed. Tumor nodules number, diameter and area were reduced by live or heat-killed L.RGG, while only a decrease in nodule diameter was observed in V/N-treated lungs. Both L.RGG and V/N reduced Tregs in the lung. In L.RGG-treated groups, the gene encoding the joining chain (J chain) of immunoglobulins was increased, and higher J chain protein and IgA levels were observed. An increased infiltration of B, NK and myeloid-derived cells was predicted by TIMER 2.0. The Kaplan–Meier plotter revealed an association between high levels of J chain mRNA and good prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients that correlated with increased B and CD4 T cells and reduced Tregs and M2 macrophages. This study highlights L.RGG aerosol efficacy in impairing lung cancer growth by promoting local immunity and points to this non-invasive strategy to treat individuals at risk of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In settlements, special attention is given to the study of anthropogenic aerosol pollution, and insufficient attention is given to natural sources of pollution, especially from active zones of the Earth. The aim of this work was to study atmospheric pollution (the Srednyaya Akhtuba village (Volgograd region, Russia)) using indicators (pH; EC, μS/cm) of aerosol suspensions (washing off aerosols from the leaves of Prunus armeniaca L.) during 2018–2020 and the forecast of pollution sources. Research hypothesis: low mineralization and close to neutral acidity of aerosol suspensions indicate the purity of the atmospheric air, and there is no load of anthropogenic and natural sources. Acid mineralized aerosols were found in the residential area of Srednyaya Akhtuba, which indicates air pollution during 2018–2020. The correlation relationship between pH and EC in μS/cm was investigated using standard least squares regression. The results obtained indicate statistically significant differences between the experimental territory and the (relatively) clean location from 2018 to 2020 in terms of the studied indicators, as well as the revealed correlation between them in Srednyaya Akhtuba village, which indicates the revealed patterns and the influence of the system factor. Anthropogenic and natural sources were the system factors. The authors predict an active underground ancient volcanic zone in the area of Srednyaya Akhtuba with a possible natural load on the residential areas of the village, the assumption of which is based on analysis of heat anomaly maps using the Landsat-8 program and other programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective was to compare 30-day perioperative complications in women undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy with and without a concomitant hysterectomy. Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified women undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy between 2014 and 2018. Women were then stratified into two groups: sacrocolpopexy only and sacrocolpopexy + hysterectomy. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any 30-day postoperative complication. Group comparisons were performed using Student's t test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with the occurrence of any complication. Results: A total of 8,553 women underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, 5,123 (59.9%) of whom had a concomitant hysterectomy. Median operative time was longer in women who had sacrocolpopexy + hysterectomy compared with sacrocolpopexy alone (185 [129–241] versus 172 [130–224] min, p < 0.001). The rate of any 30-day postoperative complication did not differ between groups (sacrocolpopexy + hysterectomy 5.5% versus sacrocolpopexy alone 5.8%, p = 0.34). Likewise, organ space, deep, and superficial surgical site infections did not differ between groups. There was also no difference in reoperation or readmission rates between groups. On multivariate logistic regression, sacrocolpopexy + hysterectomy were not associated with increased odds of 30-day postoperative complications relative to women who underwent sacrocolpopexy alone. Conclusions: Complication rates during the first 30 days after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy are low and concomitant hysterectomy is not associated with increased risks of 30-day complications after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide nanomaterials (MONMs) are among the most highly utilized classes of nanomaterials worldwide, though their potential to induce DNA damage in living organisms is known. High-throughput in vitro assays have the potential to greatly expedite analysis and understanding of MONM induced toxicity while minimizing the overall use of animals. In this study, the high-throughput CometChip assay was used to assess the in vitro genotoxic potential of pristine copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) MONMs and microparticles (MPs), as well as five coated/surface-modified TiO2 NPs and zinc (II) chloride (ZnCl2) and copper (II) chloride (CuCl2) after 2–4 h of exposure. The CuO NPs, ZnO NPs and MPs, and ZnCl2 exposures induced dose- and time-dependent increases in DNA damage at both timepoints. TiO2 NPs surface coated with silica or silica–alumina and one pristine TiO2 NP of rutile crystal structure also induced subtle dose-dependent DNA damage. Concentration modelling at both post-exposure timepoints highlighted the contribution of the dissolved species to the response of ZnO, and the role of the nanoparticle fraction for CuO mediated genotoxicity, showing the differential impact that particle and dissolved fractions can have on genotoxicity induced by MONMs. The results imply that solubility alone may be insufficient to explain the biological behaviour of MONMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles have been intensively studied over a long period of time because they exhibit antibacterial properties in infection treatments, wound healing, or drug delivery systems. The advantages that silver nanoparticles offer regarding the functionalization confer prolonged stability and make them suitable for biomedical applications. Apart from functionalization, silver nanoparticles exhibit various shapes and sizes depending on the conditions used through their fabrications and depending on their final purpose. This paper presents a review of silver nanoparticles with respect to synthesis procedures, including the polluting green synthesis. Currently, the most commonly used characterization techniques required for nanoparticles investigation in antibacterial treatments are described briefly, since silver nanoparticles possess differences in their structure or morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The choice of whether or not to preserve the uterus in the case of patients with urogenital prolapse who undergo sacral colpopexy is still debated. We compared objective and subjective outcomes of laparoscopic sacral hysteropexy (LSHP) and laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with concomitant supracervical hysterectomy (LSCP/SCH) in patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted at the Urogynecology Department of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS of Rome and at the Diaconesses Croix Saint Simon Hospital of Paris. We collected data of 136 patients; 78 underwent LSHP and 58 underwent LSCP/SCH for pelvic organ prolapse between January 2016 and December 2017. Results: Patients of the two groups had similar preoperative characteristics. All patients completed 24-month follow-up evaluation. Overall, anatomical cure rate was 84.6% and 87.9% in the LSHP group and LSCP/SCH group, respectively, without statistically significant differences. In particular, in the LSHP group the anatomical success rate was 94.9%, 92.3% and 92.3% for the apical, anterior and posterior vaginal compartment whereas in the LSHP group LSCP/SCH was 100%, 91.4% and 94.8%, respectively. Subjective success rate was 89.7% among patients who underwent LSHP and 93.1% among women who underwent LSCP/SCH (p = 0.494). The median operative time (OT) was significantly shorter in LSHP. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of estimated blood loss, conversion to laparotomy and intra- and postoperative complications. Patients' satisfaction was high in both groups without statistical differences. Conclusions: Both laparoscopic procedures are safe and effective in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. LSHP can be offered as an alternative in women who are strongly motivated to preserve the uterus in the absence of abnormal uterine findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) is an established option for the treatment of apical, anterior, and proximal posterior compartment pelvic organ prolapses (POP). However, there is lack of evidence investigating how lower bowel tract symptoms (LBTS) may change after RSCP. Methods: Data from consecutive patients treated with RSCP for stage 3 or higher POP from 2012 to 2019 at a single tertiary referral center with at least 1 year of follow-up were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. RSCP was performed following a standardized technique which always employed both anterior and posterior hand-shaped meshes. Outcomes were collected at follow-up and analyzed. LBTS were evaluated through the Wexner questionnaire. Results: Overall, 114 women underwent RSCP. Eleven were excluded for missing data, whereas 12 had insufficient follow-up. Thus, 91 (79.8%) patients were included in this cohort. Median follow-up was 42 [interquartile range (IQR), 19–62] months. Mean age was 65 ± 10 years. In our series, RSCP was mainly performed for anterior and apical/medium stage 3 POP (in 95.6% of patients). Anatomic success rate of RSCP was 97.8%, with 89 patients with POP stage 0–1 at 12-month follow-up. Two patients (2.2%) experienced POP recurrence and were treated with redo-SCP. No patient experienced clinically significant posterior vaginal wall prolapse after RSCP. When analyzing LBTS, there was no significant change in postoperative total Wexner's score as compared to the preoperative value (p > 0.05). However, the manual assistance subscore was statistically significantly lower within the first-year follow-up (p = 0.04), but it spontaneously improved during the follow-up (p = 0.12). Conclusion: RSCP with simultaneous placement of both anterior and posterior mesh is safe and successful to treat high-stage POP in carefully selected patients. Of note, LBTS appear unaffected by posterior mesh placement, supporting its routine use to prevent posterior POP recurrence. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myeloid differentiation protein‐2 (MD‐2) is a lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein involved in lipopolysaccharide signalling via Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 plays an essential role in HDM‐mediated allergic airway inflammation. Moreover, MD‐2 is structurally similar to Der f 2, a major allergen from house dust mite (HDM). Objectives: We aimed to clarify the role of MD‐2 in the pathogenesis of HDM‐mediated allergic airway inflammation. Methods: Wild‐type (WT), TLR4 knockout and MD‐2 knockout mice were subjected to intranasal instillation of HDM extract, and asthmatic features were evaluated. We also evaluated gene sets regulated by MD‐2 in HDM‐treated airway epithelial cells and examined the function of dendritic cells from lymph nodes and from lungs. Results: Aggravated allergic airway inflammation with increased airway hyperresponsiveness was observed in MD‐2 knockout mice compared with WT and TLR4 knockout mice. Global gene expression analysis revealed an MD‐2 regulated proinflammatory response and reconstituted TLR4 signalling in airway epithelial cells. The ability of dendritic cells to evoke an allergic immune response was enhanced in MD‐2 knockout mice. Conclusions & clinical relevance: MD‐2 plays a protective role in HDM‐induced airway allergy with the proinflammatory regulation of airway epithelial cells and dendritic cells. MD‐2 may serve as a therapeutic target in the treatment of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents application notes on various uses of chromatography in environmental analysis biotechnology, and food sciences. Description of the routine determination of inorganic anions in water; Use of high-resolution spectroscopy for the analysis of emulsions and suspensions; Analysis of phytosterols.

Since it was first proposed in 2007, inertial microfluidics has been extensively studied in terms of theory, design, fabrication, and application. In recent years, with the rapid development of microfabrication technologies, a variety of channel structures that can focus, concentrate, separate, and capture bioparticles or fluids have been designed and manufactured to extend the range of potential biomedical applications of inertial microfluidics. Due to the advantages of high throughput, simplicity, and low device cost, inertial microfluidics is a promising candidate for rapid sample processing, especially for large-volume samples with low-abundance targets. As an approach to cellular sample pretreatment, inertial microfluidics has been widely employed to ensure downstream cell analysis and detection. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the application of inertial microfluidics for high-throughput cell analysis and detection is presented. According to application areas, the recent advances can be sorted into label-free cell mechanical phenotyping, sheathless flow cytometric counting, electrical impedance cytometer, high-throughput cellular image analysis, and other methods. Finally, the challenges and prospects of inertial microfluidics for cell analysis and detection are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciprofloxacin (CPX) is prone to spontaneous self-aggregation and formation of supramolecular dimers (π − π stacking) due to its complicated surface chemistry which has been associated with its anomalous solubility and instability in aqueous systems particularly near neutral pH. The surface characteristic of ciprofloxacin was modified through non-intuitive counterion interaction between CPX and diethylaminoethyl dextran (DDEX) to form nanoconjugate assembly. The CPX-DDEX nanoconjugate was confirmed by FTIR, SEM, DSC, TGA, and 1H-NMR. The DSC thermograms showed a remarkable 20% reduction in the melting temperature (Tm) of CPX from 268.57±1.11°C to 214.36±1.0211°C and 78% reduction in enthalpy of fusion (ΔHf) from 59.84 kJ/mol (180.59 J/g) to 12.90 kJ/mol (38.92 J/g), indicating increased solubility and dissolution efficiency. DDEX polymer alone exhibited pseudoplastic characteristics however with more viscous rather than elastic response, while the CPX-DDEX nanoconjugate suspensions exhibited remarkable elastic behavior with significantly increased storage modulus (G′) thus controlling and extending the release of CPX. The reconstituted freeze-dried CPX-DDEX nanoconjugate suspension was chemically stable throughout the 90-day study both in the refrigerator and at controlled room temperature, while the aqueous suspension of pure CPX without DDEX was only stable for 72 and 24 h, respectively. The dissolution efficiency of the CPX-DDEX nanoconjugate suspensions increased with increasing molar concentration of DDEX to a maximum of 100% at 50 μM of DDEX followed by a remarkable decrease within the 3-week study. It was apparent that the dissolution efficiency was governed by a critical balance between the CPX solubility and the viscoelastic characteristics of the polymeric nanoassembly. This study demonstrates the potential application of polymer-drug nanoconjugation formulation design to stabilization and flexible delivery of CPX from aqueous suspension systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spatially resolved one dimensional pressure filtration model was developed for a slurry of edible fat crystals. The model focuses on the expression step in which a cake is compressed to force the liquid through a filter cloth. The model describes the local oil flow in the shrinking cake modeled as a porous nonlinear elastic medium existing of two phases, viz. porous aggregates and interaggregate liquid. Conservation equations lead to a set of two differential equations (vs. time and vs. a material coordinate ω) for two void ratios, which are solved numerically by exploiting a finite‐difference scheme. A simulation with this model results in a spatially resolved cake composition and in the outflow velocity, both as a function of time, as well as the final solid fat contents of the cake. Simulation results for various filtration conditions are compared with experimental data collected in a pilot‐plant scale filter press. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study of the dewatering of wood‐pulp fiber suspensions by uniaxial compression is presented, to rationalize their dewatering dynamics within a two‐phase framework. Twenty‐seven pulp suspensions are examined, encompassing materials with different origins, preparation methodologies, and secondary treatments. For each suspension in this library, the network permeability and compressive yield stress are calibrated at low rates of dewatering. Faster compressions are then used to verify that a solid bulk viscosity is essential to match two‐phase model predictions with experimental observations, and to parameterize its magnitude. By comparing the results with a suspension of nylon fibers, we demonstrate that none of the wood‐pulp suspensions behave like an idealized fibrous porous medium. Nevertheless, the properties of pulp fiber networks can be reconciled within a two‐phase framework, and comparisons made between different wood‐pulp suspensions and between wood‐pulp and nylon fibers, by appealing to potential microstructural origins of their macroscopic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the validation of the harshness problem of the automotive active suspension system. Effects of hydraulic actuators on suspensions; Analysis of the problem through a model; Methodology used.

Plastic products, used in almost all aspects of daily life because of their low cost, durability, and portability, can be broken down into micro- and nano-scale plastics, thereby increasing the risk of human ingestion. Common plastic additives (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, nonylphenols, phthalic acid esters, etc.) will continue to be released into the environment during the aging and decomposition process, leading to an immeasurable and lasting negative impact on the environment. Recently, photocatalytic technology has been recognized as one of the promising proposals to degrade environmental organic pollutants, including plastics and plastic-derived chemicals. However, there are no systematic reviews on the photocatalytic degradation of plastics and plastic-derived chemicals in the current literature. Herein, the photocatalytic degradation of plastic fragments and major plastic-derived chemicals, including phthalic acid ester plasticizers, nonylphenol antioxidants, bisphenol A plasticizer and brominated flame retardants, is systematically investigated. And we reviewed the process and mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of these pollutants. The outlook section, offering insights into the future directions and prospects of photocatalytic degradation of plastics and plastic-derived chemicals, will be highlighted with the aim of overcoming the present limitations by exploiting more efficient photocatalysts and exploring creative application methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying the morphology, porous structure, and corrosion and diffusion properties of boehmite-containing calcium phosphate coatings formed by microarc oxidation on titanium substrates are presented. Boehmite nanoparticles obtained as a result of the AlN hydrolysis were deposited on the surface of microarc coatings with a developed relief. With an increase in the duration of the preliminary ultrasonic treatment (UST) of the AlN suspension in the interval of 20–60 min, the size of agglomerates of boehmite nanoparticles on the coating surface is decreased from 200 to 40 μm. The surface porosity of the modified coatings and the area occupied by boehmite particles are decreased from 36 to 33% and from 27 to 10%, respectively. Agglomerates with boehmite nanoparticles after 60 min of UST of an AlN powder suspension are distributed in the coating more uniformly than after 20 min of treatment. When the duration of UST of the initial suspensions is increased, the effective diffusion coefficients of the model biological fluid in porous coatings is decreased from 7.98 × 10–11 to 7.25 × 10–11 m2/s. Modification of calcium phosphate coatings with boehmite nanoparticles by varying the duration of UST of AlN powder increases the corrosion resistance of the surface layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concomitant apical suspension should be performed at the time of hysterectomy for uterine prolapse to reduce the risk of recurrent prolapse. Native tissue repair (NTR) and sacrocolpopexy (SCP) are commonly used apical suspension procedures; however, it remains unclear which one is preferred. This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of NTR and SCP in terms of surgical failure, complication and reoperation rates. Surgical failure was defined as the presence of vaginal bulge symptoms, any prolapse beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse. This retrospective cohort study included 523 patients who had undergone NTR (n = 272) or SCP (n = 251) along with hysterectomy for uterine prolapse and who had at least 4-month follow-up visits. During the median 3-year follow-up period, the surgical failure rate was higher in the NTR group (21.3% vs 6.4%, P < 0.01), with a low rate of retreatment in both groups. Overall complication rates were similar, but complications requiring surgical correction under anesthesia were more common in the SCP group (7.2% vs 0.4%, P < 0.01). As a result, the total reoperation rate was significantly higher in the SCP group (8.0% vs 2.6%, P = 0.02). Taken together, NTR may be a preferred option for apical suspension when hysterectomy is performed for uterine prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The depicted tomographic technique, Electrical Tomography, is a non-invasive and remotely operated imaging system that makes it possible to obtain valuable information about multiphase system flow behaviours: The 2D/3D images obtained are of extreme importance not only in the development of prediction models, but also in their real-time monitoring and control. It has high applicability in several industrial environments, such as chemistry, paper, petroleum, water and wastes industries, just to mention some. Understanding the behaviour of suspension flows continues to be a subject of great interest considering its industrial relevance, regardless of the long time and effort dedicated to it by the scientific and industrial communities. Information about several flow characteristics, such as flow regimen, relative velocity between phases, and spatial distribution of the phases, are essential for the development of exact models for description of processes involving pulp suspension. Among the diverse non-invasive techniques for flow characterisation that have been reported in the literature for obtaining experimental data about suspension flow in different processes, Electrical Tomography is one of the most interesting, since it presents perhaps the best compromise among cost, portability, and, above all, safety of handling (indeed there is no need to use radiation, which requires special care when using it). In this paper, a brief review and comparison between existing technologies for pulp suspension flow monitoring will be presented, together with their strengths and weaknesses. Emphasis is given to Electrical Tomography, because it offers the above-mentioned compromise and thus was the strategy adopted by the authors to characterise different flow processes (solid–liquid, liquid–liquid, fibres, etc.). The produced portable EIT system is described, and examples of results of its use for pulp suspension flow characterisation are reported and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although sacrocolpopexy (SCP) can provide durable apical support, the use of mesh may give rise to various complications, including vaginal mesh erosion. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for vaginal mesh erosion after SCP in Korean women. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 363 women who underwent SCP with type 1 polypropylene mesh. They were evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 months after surgery and then annually thereafter with respect to anatomy and complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were performed to identify the risk factors for mesh erosion. Results: During the median 2-year follow-up period, vaginal mesh erosion was found in 29 women (8.0%). Among them, 19 (65.5%) required surgical correction. Estrogenic status was the only independent risk factor for mesh erosion. The risk for mesh erosion was 4.5 times higher in premenopausal women than in menopausal women not on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.9–10.9, p<0.01). Menopausal women on ERT also had an increased risk, with a statistically marginal significance (hazard ratio 2.5, 95% CI 0.9–6.6; p = 0.07). Conclusions: Premenopausal or menopausal women on ERT are at high risk for mesh erosion after SCP with type 1 polypropylene mesh, and two-thirds of mesh erosion cases require reoperation. This information should be incorporated into patient counseling and treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) synthesized by lactic acid bacteria during fermentation significantly affect the rheology of set‐style acid milk gels and that of acid gel suspensions, produced from the gels by stirring. In this study, shear and uniaxial extensional flow of acid gel suspensions made with seven single strains of Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactococcus lactis was investigated. Six strains produced ropy EPS, and maximum filament length determined by using a continuous stretching method was up to four times higher than filament length of an EPS‐negative control strain. The systems containing ropy EPS showed a different response to shear and extensional deformation. In shear rheology, higher apparent viscosities and an enhanced structural breakdown was observed for acid gel suspensions with more pronounced ropiness. Breakup time and extensional viscosity, determined by using a Capillary Breakup Extensional Rheometer (CaBER™), significantly increased with increasing ropiness. The increase of extensional viscosity with increasing ropiness was, however, much higher than the effects of ropiness on shear viscosity. As relaxation times also depended on ropiness, it is concluded that ropiness is caused by EPS‐EPS interactions that can be better discriminated in extensional rheology. Practical applications: To improve the texture of fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria that are able to produce ropy exopolysaccharides (EPS) are increasingly used in the dairy industry. The EPS exhibit a significant influence on processing properties and sensory characteristics of the resulting products, which can be estimated by means of shear and extensional rheology. The current work provides information on these respective properties of acid gel suspensions, which facilitate product design by supporting the selection of appropriate starter cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]