Natural indigo toxicity for aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

Indigo is a widely used colorant available from natural and synthetic origin. It is practically insoluble in water. Indigo can reach aquatic sediments through wastewater discharges from dyeing processes, terrestrial compartments from the treatment sludges used as biosolids and dyed textiles disposed in landfills.

Co/CoO hetero-nanoparticles incorporated into lignin-derived carbon nanofibers as a self-supported bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries.

The large-scale application of rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs) necessitates the development of high-efficiency and cost-effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, the density functional theory calculations were performed to reveal the charge redistribution induced by the Co/CoO heterojunction integrating with N-doped carbon, which could optimize the d-band center, thereby accelerating O transformed into OOH* in the ORR and the conversion of O* into OOH* in OER. Guided by theoretical calculations, Co/CoO hetero-nanoparticles-decorated lignin-derived N-doped porous carbon nanofibers (Co-LCFs-800) were synthesized to use as an advanced self-supported bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst.

Prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among 15-49-year-old women in Sierra Leone: A secondary data analysis of Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey of 2019.

Background: Undernutrition of women of childbearing age is pertinent for maternal and offspring health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition (underweight and stunting) among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Sierra Leone using a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Demographic Health Survey.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements and maternal characteristics were obtained from the Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey (SLDHS) of 2019.

Impact of Skin Decontamination Wipe Solutions on the Percutaneous Absorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

Firefighter occupational exposures were categorized as a class 1 (known) carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2022. As a result, firefighters have become heavily focused on identifying effective and easy to implement decontamination strategies to reduce their chemical exposures. Skin decontamination using wipes post-exposure is one decontamination strategy that every firefighter has available to them.

Skin Permeability of Perfluorocarboxylic Acids Using Flow-Through Diffusion on Porcine Skin.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in a variety of places including cosmetics, rain jackets, dust, and water. PFAS have also been applied to occupational gear to protect against water and oils. However, PFAS have been identified as immunosuppressants and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a specific PFAS, has been identified as carcinogenic.

Boosting Zn Intercalation in High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries with Coupling-Induced Biphase Interface.

Effectively addressing the trade-off between fast charging kinetics and long cycle life of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) has proven challenging due to JahnTeller distortion and high lattice strain induced by inserted Zn ions in cathode structures. Herein, a hybrid cathode of NiCoO-MnO with abundant electrochemical phase interfaces and interface coupling induced defects is developed via a simple electrochemical oxidation strategy to boost rich redox reactions. The formation of Ni─O─Mn and Co─O─Mn bonds promoted the electron transfer between the biphase interface, adjusted the electron density of the material body, effectively alleviated the electrostatic effect between Zn embedding and the main frame, and further maintained the stability of the structure and alleviated the dissolution of manganese.

Exploring the Prospects and Challenges of Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foams (F3) as Alternatives to Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF): A Review.

This review provides a comparative analysis of the performance, toxicity, environmental impact, and health risks associated with fluorotelomer-based/short-chain AFFF and F3. Despite notable progress in F3 development, achieving comparable performance remains challenging in some cases. F3 formulations, while promising, are yet to be considered a direct replacement for AFFF in all Class B fire suppression scenarios due to variations in their performance across different fuel types and test conditions.

Biological tissue for transcatheter aortic valve: The effect of crimping on fatigue strength.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become today the most attractive procedure to relieve patients from aortic valve disease. However, the procedure requires crimping biological tissue within a metallic stent for low diameter catheter insertion purpose. This step induces specific stress in the leaflets especially when the crimping diameter is small.

Linker Encouraged Solid State Synthesis of MOF Derived Z-Scheme NiCoO/NiO/C toward Efficient Removal of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants from Water.

Here, we represent a solid-state route for the construction of MOF derived multifunctional Z-scheme NiCoO/NiO/C applied for the photocatalytic removal of methylene blue (dye) and tetracycline (drug) and the reduction of Cr(VI) (heavy metal). The developed solid-state method yielded a highly effective NiCoO/NiO/C catalyst by mechanically grinding independently produced Ni and Co-MOFs and subsequently pyrolyzing them. The use of different linkers in the Ni MOF (H-BTC linker) and Co-MOF (2-methylimidazole linker) proved to be effective in constructing the NiCoO/NiO/C composite, ensuring a nonaggregated distribution on a carbon framework.

Percutaneous Absorption of Fireground Contaminants: Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, and Benzo[a]pyrene in Porcine Skin in an Artificial Sweat Vehicle.

Firefighters face significant risks of exposure to toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), during fire suppression activities. PAHs have been found in the air, on the gear and equipment, and in biological samples such as the skin, breath, urine, and blood of firefighters after fire response. However, the extent to which exposure occurs via inhalation, dermal absorption, or ingestion is unclear.

Recent advances on applications of single-walled carbon nanotubes as cutting-edge optical nanosensors for biosensing technologies.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) possess outstanding photophysical properties which has garnered interest towards utilizing these materials for biosensing and imaging applications. The near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence within the tissue transparent region along with their photostability and sizes in the nanoscale make SWCNTs valued candidates for the development of optical sensors. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development and the applications of SWCNT-based nano-biosensors.

Encapsulated stretchable amphibious strain sensors.

Soft and stretchable strain sensors have found wide applications in health monitoring, motion tracking, and robotic sensing. There is a growing demand for strain sensors in amphibious environments, such as implantable sensors, wearable sensors for swimmers/divers, and underwater robotic sensors. However, developing a sensitive, stretchable, and robust amphibious strain sensor remains challenging.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: A Health Humanities Consortium Initiative.

The Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDIB) committee formed in 2022 in order to support diversity and inclusion in the Health Humanities Consortium and to advance best practices for equity and inclusion in the field of medical and health humanities. This Forum Essay describes our first year of work, including participant-led commitment statement crafting and strategic planning. Health humanities-specific JEDIB work is described in detail in essays about disability justice; gender, sex, sexuality, and reproductive justice; and Indigeneity from a decolonial standpoint.

From farm to function: Exploring new possibilities with jute nanocellulose applications.

Recent scientific interest has surged in the application of bioresources within nanotechnology, primarily because of their eco-friendly nature, wide availability, and cost-effectiveness. Jute is globally recognized as the second most prevalent source of natural cellulose fibers, and it produces a significant quantity of jute sticks as a byproduct. Nanocellulose (NC), which includes cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), exhibits exceptional properties such as high strength, toughness, crystallinity, thermal stability, and stiffness.

Preparation and Characterization of Hydrogels Fabricated From Chitosan and Poly(vinyl alcohol) for Tissue Engineering Applications.

In this study, we report on the preparation, characterization, and cytocompatibility of hydrogels for biomedical applications made from two different molecular weights of chitosan (CS) blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chemically cross-linked with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) followed by freeze-drying. A series of CS-PVA hydrogels were synthesized with different amounts of chitosan (1%, 2%, and 3% by weight). The structure of these CS-PVA hydrogels was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Chitosan microflower-embedded gelatin sponges for advanced wound management and hemostatic applications.

The study explored the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and hemostatic properties of chitosan microflowers (CMF) in sponge form. The main objective was to enhance the preparation of CMF by employing varying quantities of calcium chloride (CaCl) and tripolyphosphate (TPP). CMF was then combined with gelatin (GE) in different proportions to produce three sponge samples: CMF0@GE, CMF1@GE, and CMF2@GE.

Distinct genetic origins of eumelanin levels and barring patterns in cichlid fishes.

Pigment patterns are incredibly diverse across vertebrates and are shaped by multiple selective pressures from predator avoidance to mate choice. A common pattern across fishes, but for which we know little about the underlying mechanisms, is repeated melanic vertical bars. To understand the genetic factors that modify the level or pattern of vertical barring, we generated a genetic cross of 322 F2 hybrids between two cichlid species with distinct barring patterns, Aulonocara koningsi and Metriaclima mbenjii.

Synthesis, magnetic and NMR spectroscopic properties of the MAlPt series (M = Ca, Y, La-Nd, Sm-Er).

Following recent investigation in the ternary system Sr-Al-Pt led to the discovery of SrAlPt which crystallizes in the orthorhombic YNiSi type () structure. Interestingly, only two more aluminum representatives, CeAlPt and EuAlPt, have been reported to adopt this structure type. Therefore, we decided to investigate the existence range of compounds adopting the YNiSi type structure.

Development of Optical Nanosensors for Detection of Potassium Ions and Assessment of Their Biocompatibility with Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Imbalance of potassium-ion levels in the body can lead to physiological dysfunctions, which can adversely impact cardiovascular, neurological, and ocular health. Thus, quantitative measurement of potassium ions in a biological system is crucial for personal health monitoring. Nanomaterials can be used to aid in disease diagnosis and monitoring therapies.

Immobilization of biosynthesized gallium nanoparticles in Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Sodium alginate films: Potent bactericidal protection against food spoilage bacteria.

The increasing threat of spoilage bacterial infections, driven by the resistance of bacteria to many antimicrobial treatments, is a significant worldwide public health problem, especially concerning food preservation. To tackle these difficulties, this research investigates the possibility of using packaging sheets that include antimicrobial agents and increasing the prolonged storage time by preventing the bioburden of foodborne pathogens. This approach uses metal nanoparticles' ability to prevent harmful bacteria that cause food spoiling.

A Comparatively Low Cost, Easy-To-Fabricate, and Environmentally Friendly PVDF/Garnet Composite Solid Electrolyte for Use in Lithium Metal Cells Paired with Lithium Iron Phosphate and Silicon.

Solid electrolytes may be the answer to overcome many obstacles in developing the next generation of renewable batteries. A novel composite solid electrolyte (CSE) composed of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) base with an active nanofiber filler of aluminum-doped garnet Li ceramic, Li salt lithium -(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), Li fluoride (LiF) stabilizing additive, and plasticizer sulfolane was fabricated. In a Li|CSE|LFP cell with this CSE, a high capacity of 168 mAh g with a retention of 98% after 200 cycles was obtained, representing the best performance to date of a solid electrolyte with a PVDF base and a garnet inorganic filler.

Key features of blend denim fabrics performance with dyed weft silk yarn and different weave structures.

This research aimed to weave the warp indigo-dyed cotton yarn with un-dyed or dyed silk yarn and analyze the impact of different weft yarn structures on the properties of denim fabrics. The dyed silk yarn was performed by a selection of different anionic indigo and non-indigo blue dyestuffs. The dyeing shades of the anionic Indigo Carmine dye on silk exhibited high build-up at the acidic pH range 2-2.

Interface engineered cascade-type electronic structure of 2D/0D/2D CdS-CdCO/SnO quantum dots/g-CN nanocomposite for boosting solar-driven photocatalysis.

A rational design of heterojunctions with high-quality contacts is essential for efficiently separating photogenerated charge carries and boosting the solar-driven harvesting capability. Herein, we fabricated a novel heterojunction of SnO quantum dots-anchored CdS-CdCO with g-CN nanosheets as a superior photocatalyst. SnO quantum dots (SQDs) with positively charged surfaces were tightly anchored on the negatively charged surface of CdS nanosheets (NSs).

The natural anthraquinone dye emodin: Eco/genotoxicological characterization for aquatic organisms.

Emodin is an anthraquinone secondary metabolite produced by several species of plants and fungi. Emodin is known for its pharmacological versatility, and, in the textile industry, for its good dyeing properties. However, its use in the textile industry can result in the formation and disposal of large volumes of wastewater.