Microplastics in rivers of Gujarat (India) until the Arabian Sea: assessment of the sources, distribution and associated environmental risk.

Microplastics (MPs) have become a notable concern and are released into the environment through the disposal or fragmentation of large plastics. Rivers have been the major pathways for MPs present in the oceans, which significantly affects the marine environment. In the current study, water samples were collected from the upper stream and downstream of Damanganga and Tapi rivers across different sites in the state of Gujarat, India for exploration of MPs contamination.

Mechanical Model of Tensile Loading of Geotechnical Reinforcement Materials.

To reveal the mechanical behavior and deformation patterns of geotechnical reinforcement materials under tensile loading, a series of tensile tests were conducted on plastic geogrid rib, fiberglass geogrid rib, gabion steel wire, plastic geogrid mesh, fiberglass geogrid mesh, and gabion mesh. The full tensile force-strain relationships of the reinforcement materials were obtained. The failure modes of different geotechnical reinforcement materials were discussed.

Evaluation and comparison of reading man flap based on different designs of angles and central axial lengths using finite element method.

Different angles and central axis length combinations of the reading man flap were studied to determine the optimal angles and central axis length combinations for reducing the stress on the flap tip. First, different models and corresponding finite element models of flaps with different angles and central axial lengths were established by ANSYS software. Then, skin flap transfer was achieved through forced displacement, and the stress distributions of the flap with different angles and central axial lengths under different materials were obtained.

Life satisfaction around the world: Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups.

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset-with data collected between 2020 and 2022 -to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions.

Microglial-Biomimetic Memantine-Loaded Polydopamine Nanomedicines for Alleviating Depression.

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder, and monoamine-based antidepressants as first-line therapy remain ineffective in some patients. The synergistic modulation of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity could be a major strategy for treating depression. In this study, an inflammation-targeted microglial biomimetic system, PDA-Mem@M, is reported for treating depression.

Effect of high-pressure carbon dioxide combined with modified atmosphere packaging on the quality of fresh-cut squash during storage.

The study evaluated the application of a novel high-pressure microbial inactivation method combining dense carbon dioxide with modified atmosphere packaging on organic fresh-cut squash (Cucurbita moschata). Approximately 4 g or 32 g of squash was packed in plastic pouches filled with CO to test two different gas-to-product ratios and treated with the high-pressure method at previously optimized process conditions (45 °C, 6.0 MPa and 40 min).

Navigating the nano-world future: Harnessing cellulose nanocrystals from green sources for sustainable innovation.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a class of materials that have received significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential applications. CNCs are extracted from plant fibers and possess high strength, stiffness, and biocompatibility, making them attractive materials for use in various fields such as biomedical engineering, renewable energy, and nanotechnology. This provides an in-depth discussion of the extraction, characterization, and promising applications of CNCs.

Collaborative control technology and application of support and modification for soft-rock roadway in a kilometer-deep coal mine.

The soft-rock roadways in kilometer-deep coal mines are often damaged by large deformation and have to be periodically expanded and repaired, which seriously restricts the safe and efficient production of coal mines. A typical soft-rock roadway in a kilometer-deep coal mine is selected as the engineering, and the main reasons for roadway deformation are analyzed, and the ground stress and mechanical characteristics are obtained. The Flac numerical model, which can accurately reflect the deformation characteristics of surrounding rock in kilometer-deep soft-rock roadway, has been constructed, and the evolution laws of stress field and its damage mechanism have been analyzed with the vertical stress, vertical displacement and plastic zone.

Scale-Up of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Through Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity Under Defined Conditions.

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have shown excellent efficacy in clinical research and have prospective applications in the treatment of many diseases. However, the properties of the hAECs and their proliferative mechanisms remain unclear. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is performed on hAECs obtained from amniotic tissues at different gestational ages and passages during in vitro culture.

Recent advances in plant protein-based sustainable edible film and coatings for applications in the food-pharma industry - Opportunities and challenges: A review.

Plant protein-based edible film and coatings have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic packaging, offering biodegradable, non-toxic solutions. Their biocompatibility and film-forming properties make them suitable for direct application on food products, reducing reliance on non-degradable plastics and lowering environmental pollution. Despite their promising advantages, challenges remain in optimizing mechanical properties, production scalability, and consumer acceptance.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Rolled (TiC + Ti1400)/TC4 Composites.

One of the long-standing challenges in the field of titanium matrix composites is achieving the synergistic optimization of high strength and excellent ductility. When pursuing high strength characteristics in materials, it is often difficult to consider their ductility. Therefore, this study prepared a Ti1400 alloy and in situ synthesized TiC-reinforced (TiC + Ti1400)/TC4 composites using low-energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering technology, followed by hot rolling, to obtain titanium matrix composites with excellent mechanical properties.

Inhalable siRNA Targeting IL-11 Nanoparticles Significantly Inhibit Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis.

For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), interleukin 11 (IL-11) is a pivotal cytokine that stimulates the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, thus accelerating the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we develop an innovative inhalable small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system termed PEI-GBZA, which demonstrates impressive efficiency in loading siIL-11 targeting IL-11 (siIL-11) and substantially suppresses the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reduces neutrophil and macrophage recruitment, and ultimately relieves the established fibrotic lesions in the IPF model. PEI-GBZA is prepared by modifying low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (PEI) with 4-guanidinobenzoic acid (GBZA).

The effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiovascular function in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: A randomized trial.

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by intense central inflammation, leading to substantial post-hemorrhagic complications such as vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. Given the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and its ability to promote brain plasticity, taVNS has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for SAH patients. However, the effects of taVNS on cardiovascular dynamics in critically ill patients, like those with SAH, have not yet been investigated.

Characterizing Microglial Signaling Dynamics During Inflammation Using Single-Cell Mass Cytometry.

Microglia play a critical role in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and display remarkable plasticity in their response to inflammatory stimuli. However, the specific signaling profiles that microglia adopt during such challenges remain incompletely understood. Traditional transcriptomic approaches provide valuable insights, but fail to capture dynamic post-translational changes.

Influence of additives on the development, mechanical, functional characteristics and biodegradability of banana starch-based bio plastic films.

Starch-based bio plastics, due to their abundance, recyclability, and biodegradability, offer a promising alternative to conventional petrochemical-based plastics. Additives significantly influences the functionality of bioplastics. This study investigates the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at varying concentrations on banana starch-based bioplastic films, using glycerol as a plasticizer.

Thermal Resistance Enhancement and Wettability Amelioration of Poly(benzimidazole-aramid) Film by Silica Nanocomposites.

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, attributes that are derived from its unique structure comprising repeated benzene and imidazole rings. However, limitations such as relatively low thermal stability and moisture sensitivity restrict its application as a super engineering plastic. In this study, amide groups are incorporated into the PBI backbone to synthesize the copolymer poly(BI--A), effecting a structural modification at the molecular level.

Assessment of the Structural Integrity of the Portal Crane Elements After Long-Term Operation.

Evaluating the current technical condition and residual life of structures that may have reached or exceeded the end of their design life is a challenging issue in many industrial sectors. This paper focuses on the assessment of the structural integrity of structural elements of a seaport portal crane after operation for about 33 years. Test specimens were extracted from two crane elements, a jib (element A) as the most seriously loaded unit and, for comparison, a boom (element B) as the less loaded one, and machined in two different orientations, longitudinal and transversal.

Retraction notice to "NiMoO4 nanorods photocatalytic activity comparison under UV and visible light" [Environ. Res. 197 (2021) 111073].

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy).

Effect of Nb/B addition on the flow behavior and mechanical properties of low-carbon steel using compact strip production.

This work examines the effects of Nb and Nb-B additives on the high-temperature flow behavior and mechanical properties of low-carbon steel. The base, 0.015% Nb-bearing (15Nb alloy), and 0.

Advanced Catalysts for the Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste.

Plastic products bring convenience to various aspects of the daily lives due to their lightweight, durability and versatility, but the massive accumulation of post-consumer plastic waste is posing significant environmental challenges. Catalytic methods can effectively convert plastic waste into value-added feedstocks, with catalysts playing an important role in regulating the yield and selectivity of products. This review explores the latest advancements in advanced catalysts applied in thermal catalysis, microwave-assisted catalysis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and enzymatic catalysis reaction systems for the chemical recycling of plastic waste into valuable feedstocks.

Intelligent sequential degradation hydrogels by releasing bimetal-phenolic for enhanced diabetic wound healing.

Healing of diabetic wounds is significantly impeded by a complex environment comprising biofilm formation, excessive inflammation, and compromised angiogenic capacity, leading to a disordered physiological healing process. Restoration and maintenance of a normal and orderly healing process in diabetic wounds remain unmet therapeutic objectives. Herein, an innovative bimetal-phenolic network hydrogel system is designed with a concentric circular structure, enabling dual-drug delivery with differentiated release kinetics.

Virtual reality modulating dynamics of neuroplasticity: Innovations in neuro-motor rehabilitation.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a ground-breaking tool in neuroscience, revolutionizing our understanding of neuroplasticity and its implications for neurological rehabilitation. By immersing individuals in simulated environments, VR induces profound neurobiological transformations, affecting neuronal connectivity, sensory feedback mechanisms, motor learning processes, and cognitive functions. These changes highlight the dynamic interplay between molecular events, synaptic adaptations, and neural reorganization, emphasizing the potential of VR as a therapeutic intervention in various neurological disorders.

Remote sensing research on plastics in marine and inland water: Development, opportunities and challenge.

The accumulation of plastic waste from various sources into marine and inland water is considered a global problem due to its serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. In the past decade, remote sensing has played an important role in monitoring of plastic pollution in marine and inland water sources and has achieved a series of research results in this field. In this study, a comprehensive review was conducted on the development, opportunities, and challenges of datasets and methods in Marine and Inland Water Plastics Remote Sensing (MIWPRS) monitoring over the past decade, based on the Web of Science (WOS) core database.

Hydroxyl Spillover in Fe-Se Dual-Site Catalysts for Mixed Plastics Assay.

The complex composition of real plastic wastes poses a significant challenge for their large-scale disposal. A responsive on-site compositional analysis of plastics is informative in choosing downstream processing methods. Nanocatalyst-based assay kit is highly qualified for this scene; however, there remain no efficient nanocatalysts for plastics due to their highly inert chemistry.

Reverse-engineering the Venus figurines: An eco-life-course hypothesis for the aetiology of obesity in the Palaeolithic.

Evolutionary perspectives on obesity have been dominated by genetic frameworks, but plastic responses are also central to its aetiology. While often considered a relatively modern phenomenon, obesity was recorded during the Palaeolithic through small statuettes of the female form (Venus figurines). Even if the phenotype was rare, these statuettes indicate that some women achieved large body sizes during the last glacial maximum, a period of nutritional stress.