Constructed wetlands for the removal of organic micropollutants from wastewater: Current status, progress, and challenges.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) represent a promising treatment option for micropollutants (MPs) in wastewater with the aid of their eco-friendly, low-energy, economically feasible, and ecologically sustainable nature. This paper offers a comprehensive review on CW technology with respect to the key strategies for MP removal such as phytoremediation, substrate adsorption, and microbial degradation. It explores the important factors controlling the performance of CWs (e.g., in terms of configurations, substrates, plant-microbe interactions, temperature, pH, oxygen levels, hydraulic loading rate, and retention time) along with the discussions on the pivotal role of microbial populations in CWs and plant-microbe cooperative remediation dynamics, particularly diverse organic MP patterns in CWs. As such, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the strategies for optimizing MP treatment and for enhancing the efficiency of CW systems. In addition, process-based models of constructed wetlands along with model simulations based on the artificial neural network (ANN) method are also described in relation to the data exploratory techniques. This work is expected to help open up new possibilities for plant-microbe cooperative remediation in relation to diverse patterns of organic MPs in CWs.

Optimization of gearbox housing shape for agricultural UTV using structural-acoustic coupled analysis.

In this study, gearbox radiated noise was successfully reduced through housing shape optimization. First, dynamic and structural-acoustic coupled analysis models of an agricultural UTV gearbox were developed. Then, the test equipment was configured to match that of the simulation model, and a test was conducted. The analysis and test results showed errors within 0.1 dB for vibration and 0.2 dB(A) for noise, indicating that the models were reliable. The housing design was then optimized using topology optimization based on the developed structural-acoustic coupling analysis model. The sound pressure level around the housing was used as an objective function for topology optimization. The optimal distribution of materials for the housing was also derived to reduce the radiated noise. Lastly, the housing rib was designed based on the optimization result, and an improvement in the radiated noise by approximately 2.43 dB(A) was confirmed in the operation area.

Site-specific effects of dobutamine on cardiac conduction and refractoriness.

BACKGROUND: Isoproterenol, a non-specific beta agonist, is commonly used during electrophysiology studies (EPS). However, with the significant increase in the price of isoproterenol in 2015 and the increasing number of catheter ablations performed, the cost implications cannot be ignored. Dobutamine is a less expensive synthetic compound developed from isoproterenol with a similar mechanism to enhance cardiac conduction and shorten refractoriness, thus making it a feasible substitute with a lower cost. However, the use of dobutamine for EPS has not been well-reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine the site-specific effects of various doses of dobutamine on cardiac conduction and refractoriness and assess its safety during EPS. METHODS: From February 2020 to October 2020, 40 non-consecutive patients scheduled for elective EPS, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and premature ventricular contraction ablations at a single center were consented and prospectively enrolled to assess the effect of dobutamine on the cardiac conduction system. At the end of each ablation procedure, measures of cardiac conduction and refractoriness were recorded at baseline and with incremental doses of dobutamine at 5, 10, 15, and 20 mcg/kg/min. For the primary analysis, the change per dose of dobutamine from baseline to each dosing level of dobutamine received by the patients, comparing atrioventricular node block cycle length (AVNBCL), ventricular atrial block cycle length (VABCL) and sinus cycle length (SCL), was tested using mixed-effect regression. For the secondary analysis, dobutamine dose level was tested for association with relative changes from baseline of each electrophysiologic parameter (SCL, AVNBCL, VABCL, atrioventricular node effective refractory period (AVNERP), AH, QRS, QT, QTc, atrial effective refractory period (AERP), ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), using mixed-effect regression. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also assessed. The Holm-Bonferroni method was used to adjust for multiple testing. RESULTS: For the primary analysis there was no statistically significant change of AVNBCL and VABCL relative to SCL from baseline to each dose level of dobutamine. The SCL, AVNBCL, VABCL, AVNERP, AERP, VERP and the AH, and QT intervals all demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from baseline to at least one dose level with incremental dobutamine dosing. Two patients (5%) developed hypotension during the study and one patient (2.5%) received a vasopressor. Two patients (5%) had induced arrhythmias but otherwise no major adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was no statistically significant change of AVNBCL and VABCL relative to SCL from baseline to any dose level of dobutamine. As expected, the AH and QT intervals, and the VABCL, VERP, AERP and AVNERP all significantly decreased from baseline to at least one dose level with an escalation in dobutamine dose. Dobutamine was well-tolerated and safe to use during EPS.

Outcomes and complications after treatment for anteromedial facet fracture of the coronoid process: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the anteromedial facet (AMF) of the coronoid process is associated with varus posteromedial rotatory instability (VPMRI). However, there is still controversy regarding the optimal treatment for AMF fracture. The purpose of this study is to report on a systematic review of the outcomes and complications after treatment for AMF fracture. METHODS: This study was conducted using electronic databases, PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus. Studies reporting outcome scores and complications were included. Studies that did not utilize O'Driscoll classification for AMF fractures were excluded. Through conduct of a thorough review of included studies, definite VPMRI were identified and cases involving other injury mechanisms were excluded. RESULTS: Fifteen articles reporting on 246 patients were included. According to O'Driscoll classification, 6.2% of cases were anteromedial subtype I, 73.7% were subtype II, and 20.1% were subtype III. Two-hundred sixteen patients (87.8%) were treated surgically and 30 patients (12.2%) were treated conservatively. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries were 76.2% (157/206) and medial collateral ligament injuries were 16.9% (33/195). Among 216 cases who underwent surgical treatment, depending on the fragment size, displacement, and instability, coronoid fixation was performed in 189 cases and LCL repair alone was performed in 27 cases. The mean final Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92.1 and the Broberg & Morrey score was 89.5. The overall complication and reoperation rates were 17.7% (41/232) and 12.9% (26/202). CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical and conservative treatment for AMF fractures resulted in satisfactory final clinical outcomes. However, high complication and reoperation rates were observed.

Is the Direct Fixation of Displaced Quadrilateral Plates in Acetabular Fractures Necessary?

Quadrilateral plate fractures represent a heterogeneous group of acetabular fractures. Accurate reduction is required to prevent post-traumatic arthritis. The purpose of this study is to determine the reduction effect of the direct fixation of quadrilateral plates in acetabular fractures, and to evaluate the strength of direct fixation compared to indirect fixation. Between 2005 and 2021, 49 patients underwent surgery for open reduction and internal fixation in acetabular fractures with severely displaced quadrilateral plates. Twenty-nine patients comprised the indirect fixation group, and twenty patients comprised the direct fixation group. In a comparison of primary outcome between two groups, 10 out of 29 indirect-group patients and 1 out of 20 direct-group patients developed post-traumatic osteoarthritis, wherein the difference between the two groups is statistically significant. In the assessment of postoperative Matta's radiological reduction status, 19 out of 20 patients in the direct group had achieved anatomical and congruent reduction. The treatment using a direct reduction and internal fixation improved the reduction quality of articular displacement and offered a better survivorship of the affected hip joint.

Graphene Oxide Nanostructures as Nanoplatforms for Delivering Natural Therapeutic Agents: Applications in Cancer Treatment, Bacterial Infections, and Bone Regeneration Medicine.

Graphene, fullerenes, diamond, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots are just a few of the carbon-based nanomaterials that have gained enormous popularity in a variety of scientific disciplines and industrial uses. As a two-dimensional material in the creation of therapeutic delivery systems for many illnesses, nanosized graphene oxide (NGO) is now garnering a large amount of attention among these materials. In addition to other benefits, NGO functions as a drug nanocarrier with remarkable biocompatibility, high pharmaceutical loading capacity, controlled drug release capability, biological imaging efficiency, multifunctional nanoplatform properties, and the power to increase the therapeutic efficacy of loaded agents. Thus, NGO is a perfect nanoplatform for the development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) to both detect and treat a variety of ailments. This review article's main focus is on investigating surface functionality, drug-loading methods, and drug release patterns designed particularly for smart delivery systems. The paper also examines the relevance of using NGOs to build DDSs and considers prospective uses in the treatment of diseases including cancer, infection by bacteria, and bone regeneration medicine. These factors cover the use of naturally occurring medicinal substances produced from plant-based sources.

A holistic approach for process intensification of nicotinamide mononucleotide production via high cell density cultivation under exponential feeding strategy.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) subsists in all living organisms and has drawn tremendous attention as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product for several diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, aging, and vascular dysfunction. Here, NMN was produced intracellularly in a high cell density bioreactor using an engineered Escherichiacoli strain via exponential feeding of co-substrates. Fed-batch culture via exponential feeding of co-substrate (glucose) and continuous feeding of substrate (nicotinamide) were performed using different cumulative nicotinamide concentrations. The highest concentration of 19.3 g/L NMN with a dry cell weight of 117 g/L was acquired from a cumulative nicotinamide concentration of 7.2 g/L with a conversion of 98 % from nicotinamide in 28 h. Further, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis validated the NMN production. This approach will be beneficial in achieving simultaneously low cost and ensuring high quality and quantity of NMN production.

Clinical outcome of rim-plate-augmented separate vertical wiring with supplementary fixation for the treatment of patellar fracture associated comminuted inferior pole.

Despite the variety of treatment methods, comminuted inferior pole fractures of the patella remain difficult and technically demanding to achieve stable internal fixation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of rim plate-augmented separate vertical wiring with supplementary fixation in the management of comminuted inferior pole fractures, AO/OTA 34-A1, C2, and C3, which has the secondary horizontal fracture line on lower articular boundary. From our study, bony union was achieved in all patients at an average of 3.1 ± 1.4 months after surgery. There was no patient with loss of reduction, fixation failure, or infection during follow-up. The average final range of motion was 131.6° ± 7.2°. Lysholm knee scores gradually increased over 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively by 58.7, 74.0, 82.9, and 89.4, respectively. Isokinetic peak torque deficit of the knee extensor muscles in 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively was 59.9%, 49.7%, 35.7%, and 28.1%, respectively. The rim plate-augmented separate vertical wiring with supplementary fixation for the treatment of patellar fracture associated comminuted inferior pole is effective and can be safely applied AO/OTA 34-C2 or C3 with favorable outcomes.

The Clinical Efficacy of Contouring Periarticular Plates on a 3D Printed Bone Model.

We report our experience of preoperative plate contouring for periarticular fractures using three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology and describe its benefits. We enrolled 34 patients, including 11 with humerus midshaft fractures, 12 with tibia plateau fractures, 2 with pilon fractures, and 9 with acetabulum fractures. The entire process of plate contouring over the 3DP model was videotaped and retrospectively analyzed. The total time and number of trials for the intraoperative positioning of precontoured plates and any further intraoperative contouring events were prospectively recorded. The mismatch between the planned and postoperative plate positions was evaluated. The average plate contouring time was 9.2 min for humerus shaft, 13.8 min for tibia plateau fractures, 8.8 min for pilon fractures, and 11.6 min for acetabular fractures. Most precontoured plates (88%, 30/34) could sit on the planned position without mismatch. In addition, only one patient with humerus shaft fracture required additional intraoperative contouring. Preoperative patient specific periarticular plate contouring using a 3DP model is a simple and efficient method that may alleviate the surgical challenges involved in plate contouring and positioning.

Valorization of organic wastes using bioreactors for polyhydroxyalkanoate production: Recent advancement, sustainable approaches, challenges, and future perspectives.

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are encouraging biodegradable polymers, which may ease the environmental problems caused by petroleum-derived plastics. However, there is a growing waste removal problem and the high price of pure feedstocks for PHA biosynthesis. This has directed to the forthcoming requirement to upgrade waste streams from various industries as feedstocks for PHA production. This review covers the state-of-the-art progress in utilizing low-cost carbon substrates, effective upstream and downstream processes, and waste stream recycling to sustain entire process circularity. This review also enlightens the use of various batch, fed-batch, continuous, and semi-continuous bioreactor systems with flexible results to enhance the productivity and simultaneously cost reduction. The life-cycle and techno-economic analyses, advanced tools and strategies for microbial PHA biosynthesis, and numerous factors affecting PHA commercialization were also covered. The review includes the ongoing and upcoming strategies viz. metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, morphology engineering, and automation to expand PHA diversity, diminish production costs, and improve PHA production with an objective of "zero-waste" and "circular bioeconomy" for a sustainable future.

One-pot treatment of Saccharophagus degradans for polyhydroxyalkanoate production from brown seaweed.

The conventional production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from waste biomass requires a pretreatment step (acid or alkali) for reducing sugar extraction, followed by bacterial fermentation. This study aims to find a greener approach for PHA production from brown seaweed. Saccharophagus degradans can be a promising bacterium for simultaneous reducing sugar and PHA production, bypassing the need for a pretreatment step. Cell retention cultures of S. degradans in membrane bioreactor resulted in approximately 4- and 3-fold higher PHA concentrations than batch cultures using glucose and seaweed as carbon sources, respectively. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance results revealed identical peaks for the resulting PHA and standard poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). The developed one step process using cell retention culture of S. degradans could be a beneficial process for scalable and sustainable PHA production.

Green Synthesis of Controlled Shape Silver Nanostructures and Their Peroxidase, Catalytic Degradation, and Antibacterial Activity.

Nanoparticles with unique shapes have garnered significant interest due to their enhanced surface area-to-volume ratio, leading to improved potential compared to their spherical counterparts. The present study focuses on a biological approach to producing different silver nanostructures employing Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Phytoextract provides metabolites, serving as reducing and stabilizing agents in the reaction. Two different silver nanostructures, dendritic (AgNDs) and spherical (AgNPs), were successfully formed by adjusting the phytoextract concentration with and without copper ions in the reaction system, resulting in particle sizes of ~300 ± 30 nm (AgNDs) and ~100 ± 30 nm (AgNPs). These nanostructures were characterized by several techniques to ascertain their physicochemical properties; the surface was distinguished by functional groups related to polyphenols due to plant extract that led to critical controlling of the shape of nanoparticles. Nanostructures performance was assessed in terms of peroxidase-like activity, catalytic behavior for dye degradation, and antibacterial activity. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that AgNDs demonstrated significantly higher peroxidase activity compared to AgNPs when evaluated using chromogenic reagent 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine. Furthermore, AgNDs exhibited enhanced catalytic degradation activities, achieving degradation percentages of 92.2% and 91.0% for methyl orange and methylene blue dyes, respectively, compared to 66.6% and 58.0% for AgNPs. Additionally, AgNDs exhibited superior antibacterial properties against Gram-negative E. coli compared to Gram-positive S. aureus, as evidenced by the calculated zone of inhibition. These findings highlight the potential of the green synthesis method in generating novel nanoparticle morphologies, such as dendritic shape, compared with the traditionally synthesized spherical shape of silver nanostructures. The synthesis of such unique nanostructures holds promise for various applications and further investigations in diverse sectors, including chemical and biomedical fields.

Ex Vivo Transdermal Delivery of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Microneedles.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which has recently been spotlighted as an anti-aging agent, is a precursor of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide that plays an important role in intracellular redox reactions. NMN capsules for oral administration currently on the market have a problem in that they are almost fully metabolized in the stomach and liver and excreted as nicotinamide. Therefore, there is a need to develop a patient-friendly delivery method that can improve the bioavailability of NMN. For this purpose, various polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based microneedle patches were fabricated to develop a transdermal delivery system for NMN. First, the molecular weight effect of PVA on the shape and microstructure of microneedles was studied. After selecting the optimal molecular weight PVA, the swelling of the microneedles and the ex vivo release of NMN were studied. The effect of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and dimethyl sulfoxide on NMN release was also investigated. The highest NMN release of 91.94% in 18 h was obtained using a 9.5 kDa molecular weight PVA microneedle containing NMN and CMC.

Microwave-assisted cassava pulp hydrolysis as food waste biorefinery for biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate production.

Cassava pulp is one of the most abundant agricultural residues that can cause serious disposal problems. This study aimed to apply a biorefinery approach by examining the feasibility of microwave-assisted cassava pulp hydrolysis to attain sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. Four factors, namely, the liquid-to-solid ratio (20 mL/g, 10 mL/g, 7.5 mL/g, and 5 mL/g), types of acids (H2SO4 and H3PO4), watt power (600 W, 700 W, and 800 W) and time (3, 5 and 8 min), were carefully investigated. The highest fermentable sugar content of 88.1 g/L ± 0.7 g/L (0.88 g fermentable sugars/g dry cassava pulp) was achieved when 20 mL/g cassava pulp was hydrolyzed with 2.5% (v/v) H2SO4 under microwave irradiation at 800 W for 8 min. Glucose was a major product (82.0 g/L ± 5.2 g/L). The inhibitor concentration was 5.17 g/L ± 0.01 g/L, and the levulinic acid concentration was 5.15 g/L ± 0.01 g/L. The results indicated that the liquid-to-solid ratio, diluted acid concentration, irradiation watt power and time were important factors in producing fermentable sugars from acid hydrolysis under microwave irradiation. The crude hydrolysate was used for PHB production by Cupriavidus necator strain A-04. The hydrolysate to nutrients ratio of 30:70 (v/v) yielded a cell dry weight of 7.5 g/L ± 0.1 g/L containing PHB content of 66.8% ± 0.3% (w/w), resulting in a yield Y P / S (g-PHB/g- S P H B ) of 0.35 g/g. This study demonstrated that the microwave-assisted cassava pulp hydrolysate developed in this study provided a high amount of glucose (88.1% conversion) and resulted in a low concentration of inhibitors without xylose; this was successfully achieved without pregelatinization, alkaline pretreatment or detoxification.

Concomitant leadless pacing in pacemaker-dependent patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction for active infection: Mid-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The rate of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) due to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection continues to rise. CIED infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Temporary pacing in patients with active CIED infections after TLE can be challenging. Leadless pacing has emerged as an alternative approach in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the outcomes of a strategy using concomitant leadless pacemaker implantation and TLE in patients with active infections and ongoing pacing requirements. METHODS: This study involved all leadless pacemaker implantation procedures performed during TLE between June 2018 and September 2022 in the setting of active infection. Demographic characteristics, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 86 patients with indications for ongoing pacing, 60 (70%) men with mean age 77.4 ± 10.5 years, who underwent TLE and concomitant leadless pacemaker implantation in the setting of active infection. There were no procedure-related complications. Sixty-five patients (76%) had evidence of bacteremia, 80% of whom were discharged to complete their antimicrobial treatment. During a median follow-up of 163 days (interquartile range 57-403 days), there were no recurrent infections. Of the 25 deaths (29%) during the study period, 22 (88%) were unrelated to the initial infection. Nine deceased patients (36%) had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Candida infections, 3 of whom had persistent infection despite TLE. CONCLUSION: Leadless pacing is a safe and efficacious approach for the management of patients with pacing requirements that undergo CIED extraction in the setting of active infection.

Structure-mechanical analysis of various fixation constructs for basicervical fractures of the proximal femur and clinical implications; finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This present study was conducted to determine the structural-mechanical stability of various fixation constructs through finite element (FE) analysis following simulation of a basicervical fracture and to introduce the clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We simulated fracture models by using a right synthetic femur (SAWBONES®). We imported the implant models into ANSYS® for placement in an optimal position. Five assembly models were constructed: (1) multiple cancellous screws (MCS), (2) FNS (femoral neck system®), (3) dynamic hip screw (DHS), (4) DHS with anti-rotation 7.0 screw (DHS + screw), and PFNA-II (Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-II®). The femur model's distal end was completely fixed and 7° abducted. We set the force vector at a 3° angle laterally and 15° posteriorly from the vertical ground. Analysis was done using Ansys® software with von Mises stress (VMS) in megapascals (MPa) and displacement (mm) RESULTS: The displacements of the proximal femur were 10.25 mm for MCS, 9.66 mm for DHS, 9.44 mm for DHS + screw, 9.86 mm for FNS, and 9.31 mm for PFNA-II. The maximum implant VMS was 148.94 MPa for MCS, 414.66 MPa for DHS, 385.59 MPa for DSH + screw, 464.07 MPa for FNS, and 505.07 MPa for PFNA-II. The maximum VMS at the fracture site was 621.13 MPa for MCS, 464.14 MPa for DHS, 64.51 MPa for DHS + screw, 344.54 MPa for FNS, and 647.49 MPa for PFNA-II. The maximum VMS at the fracture site was in the superior area with the high point around the posterior screw in the MCS, anterosuperior corner in the DHS, the posteroinferior site of the FNS, and posterosuperior site around the entry point in the PFNA-II. In the DHS + screw, the stresses were distributed evenly and disappeared at the maximum VMS fracture site. CONCLUSION: Based on the fracture site and implant's stress distribution, the model receiving the optimal load was a DHS + screw construct, and the FNS implant could be applied to anatomically reduced fractures without comminution. Considering the high-stress concentration around the entry point, a PFNA-II fixation has a high probability of head-neck fragment rotational instability.

Thermal Transport Properties of Phonons in Halide Perovskites.

Halide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for various applications, such as photovoltaic, optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. The knowledge of the thermal transport of halide perovskites is essential for enhancing the device performance for these applications and improving the understanding of heat transport in complicated material systems with atomic disorders. In this work, the current understanding of the experimentally and theoretically obtained thermal transport properties of halide perovskites is reviewed. This study comprehensively examines the reported thermal conductivity of methylammonium lead iodide, which is a prototype material, and provides theoretical frameworks for its lattice vibrational properties. The frameworks and discussions are extended to other halide perovskites and derivative structures. The implications for device applications, such as solar cells and thermoelectrics, are discussed.