Effect of titanium oxide/reduced graphene (TiO2/rGO) addition onto water flux and reverse salt diffusion thin-film nanocomposite forward osmosis membranes.

Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) forward osmosis (FO) membranes have attracted significant attention due to their potential for solving global water scarcity problems. In this study, we investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) and titanium oxide/reduced graphene (TiO2/rGO) additions on the performance of TFN-FO membranes, specifically focusing on water flux and reverse salt diffusion. Membranes with varying concentrations of TiO2 and TiO2/rGO were fabricated as interfacial polymerizing M-phenylenediamine (MPD) and benzenetricarbonyl tricholoride (TMC) monomers with TiO2 and its reduced graphene composites (TiO2/rGO). The TMC solution was supplemented with TiO2 and its reduced graphene composites (TiO2/rGO) to enhance FO performance and reverse solute flux. All MPD/TMC polyamide membranes are characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements. The results demonstrate that incorporating TiO2/rGO into the membrane thin layer improves water flux and reduces reverse salt diffusion. In contrast to the TFC membrane (10.24 L m-2h-1 and 6.53 g/m2 h), higher water flux and higher reverse solute flux were detected in the case of TiO2and TiO2/rGO-merged TFC skin membranes (18.81 and 24.52 L m-2h-1 and 2.74 and 2.15 g/m2 h, respectively). The effects of TiO2 and TiO2/rGO stacking on the skin membrane and the performance of TiO2 and TiO2/rGO skin membranes have been thoroughly studied. Additionally, being investigated is the impact of draw solution concentration.

Comparison of gait parameters in distal femoral replacement using a metallic endoprosthesis versus allograft reconstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Restoration of gait mechanics after reconstruction have been associated with improved functional outcomes and increased longevity of the reconstruction. The goal of this study is to compare the gait mechanics of an allograft reconstruction of the distal femur to both metallic endoprosthetic reconstruction relative to normal control subjects. METHODS: Gait parameters were captured using motion capture system, and then analyzed and compared for patients with metallic endoprosthetic reconstructions, and patients with allograft reconstructions of the distal femur following resection of malignant bone tumor, with subjects having no history of musculoskeletal disorders serving as a control group. RESULTS: All reconstructed distal femurs following tumor resection resulted in decreased range of motion reflected in observed flexion/extension angles compared to the normal limbs. The allograft reconstructed knees demonstrated normal patterns of rotation whereas the metal subjects had abnormal patterns of rotation and statistically significant differences in rotational moments. CONCLUSION: Allograft distal femoral reconstruction after malignant excision remains a viable option for surgeons faced with problems associated with iatrogenic muscle, bone and soft tissue defects.