Superior sequence-controlled poly(L-lactide)-based bioplastic with tunable seawater biodegradation.

Developing superior-performance marine-biodegradable plastics remains a critical challenge in mitigating marine plastic pollution. Commercially available biodegradable polymers, such as poly(L-lactide) (PLA), undergo slow degradation in complex marine environments. This study introduces an innovative bioplastic design that employs a facile ring-opening and coupling reaction to incorporate hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) into PLA, yielding PEG-PLA copolymers with either sequence-controlled alternating or random structures. These materials exhibit exceptional toughness in both wet and dry states, with an elongation at break of 1446.8% in the wet state. Specifically, PEG4kPLA2k copolymer biodegraded rapidly in proteinase K enzymatic solutions and had a significant weight loss of 71.5% after 28 d in seawater. The degradation primarily affects the PLA segments within the PEG-PLA copolymer, as evidenced by structural changes confirmed through comprehensive characterization techniques. The seawater biodegradability, in line with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 306 Marine biodegradation test guideline, reached 72.63%, verified by quantitative biochemical oxygen demand analysis, demonstrating rapid chain scission in marine environments. The capacity of PEG-PLA bioplastic to withstand DI water and rapidly biodegrade in seawater makes it a promising candidate for preventing marine plastic pollution.

Electroneutralization desalination with spontaneous chemoelectric power generation.

This study designs a novel electroneutralization desalination cell using reaction heat from acidic-alkaline wastewater neutralization to desalinate wastewater and generates chemoelectric power. Several key performance indicators are measured in terms of the energy, environmental and economic aspects of the system, including the ionic flux, the electrical energy produced, the electrical energy consumption for desalination, parasitic losses, overall energy conversion efficiency and desalination performance. The maximum peak power density is ∼31.5 mW/cm2 at 83.5 mA/cm2 and the desalination efficiency is 62 % using brine. The overall energy conversion efficiency is ∼81.8 % and the desalination followed the zero-order reaction. Assuming a 1.5 million litres per day treatment capacity integrated with reverse osmosis, the system has environmental and economic benefits, with 44.5 kg-CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions per cubic meter of treated brine, and a discounted payback period of 4.2 years. This study demonstrates a pioneering electroneutralization technique for self-sufficient brine valorization and wastewater reclamation.

Associations of ECG Signs of Ischemic and Non-Specific Signs of Metabolic Changes in the Myocardium With Unfavorable Cardiovascular Prognosis in a 7-Year Prospective Follow-Up of Young People Under 45 Years.

AIM: To study ischemic and/or nonspecific ECG signs of metabolic changes in the myocardium and to determine their relationship with unfavorable cardiovascular prognosis in a 7-year prospective observation of young people under 45 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional population survey of a random sample aged 25-44 years (n=1363) was conducted in Novosibirsk. The survey program used the standardized epidemiological Rose questionnaire. Biochemical tests were used to measure blood concentrations of total cholesterol (C), triglycerides (TG), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C), and fasting blood plasma glucose. Systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP), the presence of arterial hypertension (AH), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and smoking status were assessed. ECG was recorded at rest in 12 standard leads followed by interpretation according to the Minnesota Code. The presence of ischemic and/or nonspecific ECG signs of metabolic changes in the myocardium was determined. Subjects with ECG signs of ischemic changes in the myocardium were selected for long-term follow-up and additional examination by cardiologists. Then the whole cohort was monitored for 7 years, and cardiovascular events were recorded, including using data from the WHO Myocardial Infarction Registry in Novosibirsk. For statistical analysis of the results, cardiovascular events were combined into a composite endpoint. RESULTS: During 7 years, 40 people (27 men and 13 women) had an unfavorable cardiovascular prognosis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a 7-year unfavorable cardiovascular prognosis in people younger than 45 years was associated with signs of ischemic myocardial alterations identified on the background ECG (OR 5.319, 95% CI: 1.543-18.342, p=0.008) and nonspecific ECG signs of metabolic changes in the myocardium (OR 2.978, 95% CI: 1.216-7.216, p=0.017) regardless of age, gender, the presence of arterial hypertension (AH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). CONCLUSION: In young people under 45 years of age, not only ECG signs of ischemic changes in the myocardium, but also nonspecific ECG signs of metabolic changes in the myocardium are associated with an unfavorable cardiovascular prognosis, directly and independently on age and gender, in a long-term, 7-year period.

[Genetic basis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction]. / Geneticheskie osnovy postoperatsionnoi kognitivnoi disfunktsii.

This review highlights literature data on potential genetic markers that potentially influence the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction, such as TOMM40, APOE, TREM2, METTL3, PGC1a, HMGB1 and ERMN. The main pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by these genes and leading to the development of cognitive impairment after anesthesia are described. The paper systematizes previously published works that provide evidence of the impact of specific genetic variants on the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

[Results of the first All-Russian consensus conference on bariatric surgery]. / Rezul'taty pervoi vserossiiskoi konsensus-konferentsii po bariatricheskoi khirurgii.

Until now, there has not been organized consensus for standardization in bariatric surgery In Russia. We present the results of the first Bariatric Surgery Consensus Conference conducted in Barnaul (March, 2023). A list of questions was proposed within 6 blocks: 1) general issues of bariatric surgery, 2) sleeve gastrectomy, 3) one-anastomosis gastric bypass («mini-gastric bypass¼), 4) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, 5) Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch and other options for biliopancreatic bypass, 6) rare procedures. Consensus (>70% agreement) was reached for 51 out of 96 statements. Stratification by the level of expertise was carried out, and responses of the expert group were compared with responses of all participants.

Influence of optical clearing agents on the scattering properties of human nail bed and blood microrheological properties: In vivo and in vitro study.

Optical clearing agents (OCAs) are substances that temporarily modify tissue's optical properties, enabling better imaging and light penetration. This study aimed to assess the impact of OCAs on the nail bed and blood using in vivo and in vitro optical methods. In the in vivo part, OCAs were applied to the nail bed, and optical coherence tomography and optical digital capillaroscopy were used to evaluate their effects on optical clearing and capillary blood flow, respectively. In the in vitro part, the collected blood samples were incubated with the OCA and blood aggregation properties were estimated using diffuse light scattering techniques. The results indicate that OCAs significantly influence the optical properties of the nail bed and blood microrheology. These findings suggest that OCAs hold promise for improving optical imaging and diagnostics, particularly for nail bed applications, and can modify blood microrheology.

[The Generative Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Nursing: A New Chapter in Enhancing Care Quality and Education].

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a recent major breakthrough in technology development and, in recent years, generative AI has emerged as another trendsetter. The application of generative AI technologies in the healthcare sector has not only opened new possibilities for improving the efficiency of medical diagnoses but also provided healthcare professionals with more-accurate patient monitoring capabilities and optimized care processes. Combining generative AI with nursing expertise holds out the potential of creating a more valuable model of nursing care. The impact of generative AI on the nursing profession poses both challenges and opportunities. By applying appropriate strategies, it is possible to create more advanced and humane nursing values that enhance overall nursing efficiencies and align the nursing field with modern technological advancements. In this article, the development of AI and generative AI is reviewed, and the potential for their application to nursing care is discussed, with the goal of stimulating innovative thinking and new strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration between technology and nursing.

Dog sperm cryopreservation using cryovials and different dilution steps.

BACKGROUND: The conventional sperm freezing method for dog sperm is with straws and includes two-step dilution and a long equilibration time. OBJECTIVE: To develop a more efficient freezing method using cryovials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three freezing protocols using cryovials (0.5 mL) were conducted with dog spermatozoa at 1 x 108 sperm/mL: Group 1 spermatozoa were cooled in cryovials and extender 1 (E1) and extender 2 (E1 +1 M glycerol) at 4 degree C for 50 min and then frozen over LN2 for 20 min; Group 2 sperm was cooled and frozen in cryovials with a mixture of E1 and E2 (1:1) in a deep freezer (-80 degree C) for 30 min; Group 3 sperm in cryovials and E1 were cooled at 4 degree C for 20 min, cooled for an additional 20 min after addition of E2 (E1:E2, 1:1), and then frozen using LN2/ vapour for 20 min. The control (Group 4) consisted of spermatozoa in straws being frozen using the conventional freezing method using two-step dilution. All groups were plunged and stored in LN2 after freezing and their functional performance and gene expression determined. RESULTS: Progressive motility and acrosome integrity were highest (P < 0.05) in Groups 2, 3 and 4 (only acrosome integrity). Viability in Group 3 was significantly better that in the other Groups, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation index were significantly lower in Group 2 than the other Groups. The expression of sperm mitochondria-associated cysteine-rich protein (SMCP) and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) genes was highest (P < 0.05) in Group 2 and the expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX) was lowest (P < 0.05) in Group 4. CONCLUSION: The sperm frozen using cryovials, one step dilution and the deep freezer (Group 2) proved to be a simple and suitable cryopreservation method for dog sperm. https://doi.org/10.54680/fr24110110312.

Recapitulating the immune system of hemophilia A patients with inhibitors using immunodeficient mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Treating hemophilia A patients who develop inhibitors remains a clinical challenge. A mouse model of hemophilia A can be used to test the efficacy of strategies for inhibitor suppression, but the differences in the immune systems of mice and humans limit its utility. To address this shortcoming, we established a humanized NOD/SCID-IL2rγnull hemophilia A (hu-NSG-HA) mouse model with a severely deficient mouse immune system presenting a patient's adapted immune cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Through intrasplenic injection with patient inhibitor-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), utilizing an adeno-associated viral delivery system expressing human BLyS, and regular FVIII challenge, human C19+ B cells were expanded in vivo to secrete anti-FVIII antibodies. Both the inhibitor and the human anti-FVIII IgG, including the predominant subclasses (IgG1 and IgG4) present in the majority of inhibitor patients, were detected in the mouse model. We further segregated and expanded the different clones of human anti-FVIII-secreting cells through subsequent transplantation of splenocytes derived from hu-NSG-HA mice into another NSG-HA mouse. By transplanting a patient's PBMCs into the NSG-HA mouse model, we demonstrated the success of reintroducing a strong anti-FVIII immune response for a short period in mice with the immune systems of inhibitor-positive patients. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a potential tool for directly obtaining functional human-derived antigen-specific antibodies and antibody-secreting cells, which may have therapeutic value for testing patient-specific immune responses to treatment options to assist in clinical decisions.

СANCER INCIDENCE IN UKRAINE: TRENDS IN 2010-2019 AND THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, a sharp decrease in the number of new cancer cases was registered in Ukraine in the setting of the quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which contrasted with the previous trends. AIM: To study trends of cancer incidence rates in Ukraine in the recent decade and to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer detection in 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records on cancer cases diagnosed during 2010-2020 (n = 1,498,911) from the database of the National Cancer Registry of Ukraine were used; the data being submitted early in 2022. Trends of the age-standardized incidence rates in 2010-2019 were estimated by the Joinpoint Regression Program. RESULTS: During 2010-2019, the incidence rates increased (p < 0.05) for colon, prostate, and pharyngeal cancers in males and for colon, thyroid, and pancreas in females with the rates of other prevalent cancers being stable or decreasing (lung and larynx in males, cervix and rectum in females, stomach in both genders); the incidence increased mainly at the expense of the population aged 60-74 years. A significant decrease in cancer incidence was in males aged 40-59 years. In 2020, the serious negative impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the timely detection of cancer occurred in all adult age groups of the Ukrainian population and involved all the most common cancers. The most pronounced diminution of the incidence rate was observed for non-melanoma skin cancers (by 35.9%- 37.9%); the decrements of the rates for other prevalent cancers varied from -23.0% (prostate gland) to -9.7% (pharynx) in males and from -21.2% (kidney) to -9.1% (pancreas) in females, the greatest ones being in the population aged 75+. CONCLUSIONS: The sharp drop of the cancer incidence rates registered in Ukraine 2020 is evidently the result of the limited access to healthcare facilities as well as the reduced oncological alertness of the population due to the predominant focus on COVID-19 during the pandemic. However, it is not a manifestation of a decrease in cancer incidence as such. In the following years, this may increase the proportion of advanced-stage diagnoses, the load on the cancer care system, and cancer mortality in the Ukrainian population. An evaluation of the short-termand long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cancer burden in Ukraine requires further monitoring.

[Surgical treatment and prognostic factors in perihilar tumors]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie i faktory prognoza pri perikhilyarnoi opukholi.

OBJECTIVE: To study the results of surgical treatment in patients with perihilar tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 98 patients with perihilar tumors who underwent surgery. RESULTS: We prefer percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (n=58) for jaundice. Retrograde interventions were performed in 18 cases (20.5%), complications grade III-IV were more common (p=0.037) in the last group. Postoperative mortality was 12%. Complications developed in 81 patients (82.7%), grade ≥3 - in 39 (39.8%) cases. Portal vein resection (n=26) increased the incidence of complications grade ≥III (p=0.035) and portal vein thrombosis (p=0.0001). Chemotherapy after surgery was performed in 47 patients (48.0%), photodynamic therapy - in 7 (7.1%) patients. A 5-year overall survival was 28.1%, the median survival - 29 months. R2 resection and/or M1 stage (n=12) significantly worsened the prognosis and overall survival (16.5 vs. 31 months, p=0.0055). Lymph node (LN) lesion, microscopic status (R0 vs. R1) of resection margin, technique of decompression and isolated resection of extrahepatic bile ducts did not affect the prognosis, and we combined appropriate patients (n=72) for analysis. SI resection and excision of ≥6 lymph nodes were independent positive factors for disease-free survival (p=0.042 and p=0.007, respectively). Blood transfusion and high preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte index (NLI ≥2.15) worsened overall (p=0.009 and p=0.002, respectively) and disease-free survival (p=0.002 and 0.007, respectively). The absence of adjuvant therapy worsened disease-free survival alone (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: SI liver resection, adequate lymph node dissection and adjuvant therapy should be used for perihilar tumors. Isolated resection of extrahepatic bile ducts is permissible in some cases. Blood transfusion and NLI ≥2.15 are independent negative prognostic factors.

Cardiomyocyte Alpha-1A Adrenergic Receptors Mitigate Postinfarct Remodeling and Mortality by Constraining Necroptosis.

Clinical studies have shown that α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists (α-blockers) are associated with increased heart failure risk. The mechanism underlying that hazard and whether it arises from direct inhibition of cardiomyocyte α1-ARs or from systemic effects remain unclear. To address these issues, we created a mouse with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of the α1A-AR subtype and found that it experienced 70% mortality within 7 days of myocardial infarction driven, in part, by excessive activation of necroptosis. We also found that patients taking α-blockers at our center were at increased risk of death after myocardial infarction, providing clinical correlation for our translational animal models.

Prognostic value of longitudinal HbA1c variability in predicting the development of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort observational study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: This prospective cohort study aims to identify the optimal measure of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability and to explore its relationship with the development of new diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, building upon previous cross-sectional studies that highlighted a significant association between HbA1c visit-to-visit variability and DSPN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 321 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent comprehensive clinical assessments, neurophysiologic studies, and laboratory evaluations at enrollment and follow-up. Various indices, including HbA1c standard deviation (HbA1c SD), coefficient of variation (HbA1c CV), HbA1c change score (HbA1c HVS), and average real variability (HbA1c ARV), were employed to calculate the visit-to-visit variability HbA1c based on 3 month intervals. The investigation focused on examining the associations between these indices and the development of new DSPN. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration was 16.9 ± 6.9 months. The Cox proportional hazards model identified age (P = 0.001), diabetes duration (P = 0.024), and HbA1C ARV (P = 0.031) as the sole factors associated with the development of new DSPN. Furthermore, the cumulative risk of developing DSPN over 1 year demonstrated a significant association with HbA1C ARV (P = 0.03, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from age and diabetes duration, HbA1c variability emerged as a robust predictor for the occurrence of new DSPN. Among the various measures of HbA1c variability evaluated, HbA1c ARV demonstrated the highest potential as a reliable indicator for anticipating the onset of new DSPN.

Deleterious genetic changes in AGTPBP1 result in teratozoospermia with sperm head and flagella defects.

Approximately 10%-15% of couples worldwide are infertile, and male factors account for approximately half of these cases. Teratozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility. Although various mutations have been identified in teratozoospermia, these can vary among ethnic groups. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing to identify genetic changes potentially causative of teratozoospermia. Out of seven genes identified, one, ATP/GTP Binding Protein 1 (AGTPBP1), was characterized, and three missense changes were identified in two patients (Affected A: p.Glu423Asp and p.Pro631Leu; Affected B: p.Arg811His). In those two cases, severe sperm head and tail defects were observed. Moreover, AGTPBP1 localization showed a fragmented pattern compared to control participants, with specific localization in the neck and annulus regions. Using murine models, we found that AGTPBP1 is localized in the manchette structure, which is essential for sperm structure formation. Additionally, in Agtpbp1-null mice, we observed sperm head and tail defects similar to those in sperm from AGTPBP1-mutated cases, along with abnormal polyglutamylation tubulin and decreasing △-2 tubulin levels. In this study, we established a link between genetic changes in AGTPBP1 and human teratozoospermia for the first time and identified the role of AGTPBP1 in deglutamination, which is crucial for sperm formation.

Metabolic Blood Hormones in Young People With Electrocardiographic Signs of Ischemic Myocardial Changes.

Aim    To study changes in blood concentrations of metabolic hormones and adipocytokines in people aged 25-44 years with electrocardiographic (ECG) signs of ischemic changes in the myocardium.Material and methods This study was a part of a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of Novosibirsk population aged 25-44 years. The study included 1363 people divided into two groups: group 1, subjects with ECG signs of ischemic changes in the myocardium and group 2, subjects without ECG changes. Blood serum concentrations of adipocytokines and metabolic hormones were measured by multiplex assay on a Luminex MAGPIX flow-through fluorometer.Results    The group with ECG signs of myocardial ischemia had higher blood concentrations of adiponectin, resistin, glucagon, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) than in the comparison group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the glucagon concentration was associated with the presence of ECG signs of myocardial ischemia (OR, 1.019; CI, 1.018-1.034; p=0.017).Conclusion    In young people aged 25-44 years, higher blood concentrations of glucagon are associated with the presence of ECG signs of myocardial ischemia.

Structural and Functional Disturbances of the Thoracic Aorta in Atherosclerosis of Various Gradations.

Aim      To study global aortic circumferential strain in normal conditions and in atherosclerosis of various grades and to determine its role in prediction of structural and functional disorders of the thoracic aorta (TA) and coronary atherosclerosis using 2D speckle-tracking transesophageal echocardiography.Material and methods  182 patients with typical or probable angina were examined. The control group consisted of 11 healthy volunteers. TA was visualized along its entire length. The height of each atheroma was measured, and the total number of plaques in the TA was determined. Five stages of TA atherosclerosis were identified. In the descending TA, the global peak systolic circumferential strain (GCS, %) and the global peak systolic circumferential strain normalized to pulse arterial pressure (PAP) (GCS / PAP∙100) were calculated. All patients underwent coronary angiography. The number of coronary arteries (CAs) with >50 % stenosis was determined, and the SYNTAX Score was calculated.Results TA atherosclerosis was not detected in the control group. Among 182 patients, stage 1-5 TA atherosclerosis was found in 23 (12.6 %), 103 (56.6 %), 43 (23.6 %), 7 (3.8 %), and 6 (3.4 %) cases respectively. GCS and GCS / PAD decreased as the ultrasound stage of TA atherosclerosis increased as compared with the control group: 9.2 % and 15.3 for the control group; stage 1, 5.6 % and 8.9 (p<0.001); stage 2, 4.1 % and 5.9 (p<0.001); stage 3, 4 % and 5.8 (p<0.001); stage 4, 3.7 % and 4.9 (p<0.01); and stage 5, 2.6 % and 3.3 (p<0.01), respectively. ROC analysis showed that GCS ≥5.9 % (area under the curve, AUC, 0.94±0.03; p<0.001) and GCS / PAD ≥11.4 (AUC, 0.97±0.02; p <0.001) were predictors of intact TA. Also, GCS ≤4.85 % (AUC, 0.82±0.04; p<0.001) and GCS / PAD ≤8.06 (AUC, 0.87±0.03; p<0.001) were predictors of hemodynamically significant TA atherosclerosis (stages 3-5). GCS ≤4.05 % (AUC, 0.62±0.04; p=0.007) and GCS / PAD ≤5.95 (AUC, 0.61±0.04; p=0.018) were predictors of hemodynamically significant (>50 %) stenosing atherosclerosis of at least one CA. Furthermore, GCS ≤3.75 % (AUC, 0.67±0.07; p=0.039) and GCS / PAD ≤5.15 (AUC, 0.64±0.07; p=0.045) were predictors of severe and advanced coronary atherosclerosis (SYNTAX Score ≥22).Conclusion      GCS and GCS / PAD are new diagnostic markers of structural and functional disorders of TA in atherosclerosis of various grades. GCS and GCS / PAD are independent predictors of high-grade TA atherosclerosis (stages 3-5) with GCS / PAD demonstrating the highest level of significance. GCS and GCS / PAD are non-invasive predictors of severe and advanced CA atherosclerosis.

[Method for evaluating effectiveness of simulation trainings in surgical manipulations].

Performance of varies surgical manipulations (SM) is a key skill in surgery. To develop such skills simulation trainings (ST) are used, followed by a training transfer, which is the ultimate goal of ST However, this training goal is not always achievable - the share of doctors using laparoscopic intracorporal suturing after the training ranges from 43.8% to 72.2%. Therefore, to improve training transfer it is necessity to evaluate effectiveness of such training programs. Current methods evaluate training results either outside real practice or in practice but in small groups due to high cost and efforts consumed. The paper presents a new method to evaluate effectiveness of SM simulation training programs in general population of the trainees, evaluate additional effects of the training and analyze personal factors affecting the training results. The method is based on a survey of the ST program participants, and tested at the Training and Accreditation Center «Medical Simulation Center of the Botkin Hospital¼ within the program on laparoscopic intracorporal suturing. The rate of training transfer added up to 88.9%. The suggested method makes it possible to evaluate effectiveness of SM simulation training in general population of the trainees, analyze factors affecting the training results and use findings for improving ST programs and methods in general. The method can be recommended for a large-scale implementation in simulation training programs.

Search for Evidence of Baryogenesis and Dark Matter in B

A new dark sector antibaryon, denoted ψ_{D}, could be produced in decays of B mesons. This Letter presents a search for B^{+}→ψ_{D}+p (and the charge conjugate) decays in e^{+}e^{-} annihilations at 10.58 GeV, using data collected in the BABAR experiment. Data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 398 fb^{-1} are analyzed. No evidence for a signal is observed. Branching fraction upper limits in the range from 10^{-7}-10^{-5} are obtained at 90% confidence level for masses of 1.0

Unraveling the Potential of Electrochemical pH-Swing Processes for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization.

Global warming, driven by the accumulation of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, in the atmosphere, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental environmental impacts. To combat this critical issue, the deployment of CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) strategies has been considered as one of the technology-based solutions, leading to extensive scientific and engineering research. Electrochemical pH-swing (EPS) processes offer a promising approach to diverse CCU pathways, such as the delivery of pure CO2 gas, the delivery of bicarbonate (e.g., for microalgae cultivation), and the formation of carbonate minerals. In this study, we discuss several CCU pathways using EPS and provide an in-depth analysis of its mechanisms and potential applications, outlining its limitations from both thermodynamic and kinetic standpoints. The EPS process has demonstrated remarkable capabilities, achieving a CO2 capture efficiency of over 90% and unlocking valuable opportunities for CCU applications. We also develop an initial techno-economic assessment and provide the perspectives and challenges for future development and deployment of EPS. This study sheds light on the integration of EPS with CCU, closing the carbon cycle by effectively utilizing the products generated through the process, such as carbonate minerals and bicarbonate solution. For instance, the bicarbonate product can serve as a viable feedstock for bicarbonate-based microalgae production systems, with the added benefit of reducing costs by 40-80% compared to traditional gaseous CO2 delivery approaches. By integration of electrochemical technologies with CCU methods, this study underscores the immense potential for mitigating CO2 emissions and advancing sustainable practices to combat global warming. This study not only addresses the urgent need for effective solutions but also paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

[Disruption of corpus callosum microstructural integrity by diffusion MRI as a predictor of progression of cerebral microangiopathy]. / Narushenie mikrostrukturnoi tselostnosti mozolistogo tela po dannym diffuzionnoi MRT kak prediktor progressirovaniya tserebral'noi mikroangiopatii.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the microstructural integrity of the corpus callosum in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) using signal and biophysical diffusion MRI models and to identify the most sensitive markers of disease progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Diffusion MRI (3 Tesla) was performed in 166 patients (51.8% women; mean age 60.4±7.6) with cSVD and cognitive impairment of varying severity and in 44 healthy volunteers (65.9% women; mean age 59.6±6.8), followed by calculation of signal (diffusion tensor and diffusion kurtosis) and biophysical (WMTI, NODDI, MC-SMT) models, from which profiles of three corpus callosum segments were constructed. RESULTS: The best results were obtained for metrics in the forceps minor and body of the corpus callosum. Among the metrics of the signal models in the forceps minor, fraction anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusion (MD), which characterize the overall loss of microstructural integrity and increase in extra-axonal water, as well as indirect markers of demyelination when considering transverse diffusion parameters (radial diffusion and radial kurtosis), had the larger area under the curve according to the ROC analysis. Among the metrics of the biophysical models in the forceps minor, a larger area under the curve was found in the MC-SMT model for extra-axonal transverse diffusion (ETR), mean diffusion (EMD), and intra-axonal water fraction (INTRA), and in the WMTI model for intra-axonal water fraction (AWF). ETR had high inverse correlations with INTRA and AWF, while INTRA and AWF had high direct intercorrelations. CONCLUSION: Metrics of signaling (FA, MD, RD, RK) and biophysical patterns (ETR, EMD, INTRA, AWF) in the forceps minor and the corpus callosum body can be considered as indicators of cSVD progression. They indicate disease progression, mainly by an increase in extra-axonal water with the development of demyelination and tissue degeneration in the corpus callosum.