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Environmental Research Jun 2024An efficient and economical way of eliminating fluoride from water is being investigated by employing the buoyant aquatic plant (Dal weed). Two post-pyrolysis chemical...
Comprehensive batch studies on removal of fluoride from aqueous solution by acid and alkali-activated adsorbents prepared from Dal lake weeds: Mechanism, Kinetics and Thermodynamics.
An efficient and economical way of eliminating fluoride from water is being investigated by employing the buoyant aquatic plant (Dal weed). Two post-pyrolysis chemical activation alteration techniques were implemented: acidic activation by employing sulfuric acid (H-activation) and alkaline activation using sodium hydroxide (OH-activation). The batch kinetic studies have been carried out considering varying starting fluoride levels such as 2 - 10 mg/L. The impact of diverse procedural factors, including dosage of Dal weed, starting fluoride level, pH and contact duration was observed to determine their influence on fluoride adsorption kinetics. Based on analyzed exploratory results, removal efficacy of 63% for the OH-activated carbon and 83% for H-activated carbon was achieved at commencing fluoride level of 10 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 0.8 g, at 25 °C after 120 minutes. The maximal fluoride uptake capacity for H-activated carbon was observed to be 78.158 mg/g. Kinetic investigations showed that the Freundlich isotherm model provided a satisfactory match with an R value of 0.99. The reaction order nature adhered to kinetics resembling pseudo second order. Thermodynamic investigation revealed endothermic sorption, with negative ΔG indicating spontaneous fluoride uptake. In comparison, the positive number for ΔS suggested random behavior at the contact involving the adsorbent and adsorbate. The investigations into the regeneration capabilities of the adsorbent material revealed that even after undergoing for five consecutive cycles of adsorption and regeneration, the adsorbent exhibited an uptake potential of 45%. The presence of competing ions in the solution negatively impacted defluoridation efficacy, with the influence following the order of HCO< NO< Cl< SO< PO.
PubMed: 38944101
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119493 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jun 2024Some studies have reported the removal of As (As) and fluoride (F) using different sacrificial anodes; however, they have been tested with a synthetic solution in a...
Some studies have reported the removal of As (As) and fluoride (F) using different sacrificial anodes; however, they have been tested with a synthetic solution in a batch system without hydrated silica (SiO) interaction. Due to the above, concurrent removal of As, F, and SiO from natural deep well water was evaluated (initial concentration: 35.5 μg L As, 1.1 mg LF, 147 mg L SiO, pH 8.6, and conductivity 1024 μS cm), by electrocoagulation (EC) process in continuous mode comparing three different configurations of sacrificial anodes (Al, Fe, and Al-Fe). EC was performed in a new reactor equipped with a small flow distributor and turbulence promoter at the entrance of the first channel to homogenize the flow. The best removal was found at j = 5 mA cm and u = 1.3 cm s, obtaining arsenic residual concentrations (C) of 1.33, 0.45, and 0.77 μg L, fluoride residual concentration ( [Formula: see text] ) of 0.221, 0.495, and 0.622 mg L and hydrated silica residual concentration ( [Formula: see text] ) of 21, 34, and 56 mg L, with costs of approximately 0.304, 0.198, and 0.228 USD m for the Al, Fe and Al-Fe anodes, respectively. Al anode outperforms Fe and Al-Fe anodes in concurrently removing As, F and SiO. The residual concentrations of As and F complied with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) (As < 10 μg L and F < 1 mg L). The spectroscopic analyses of the Al, Fe, and Al-Fe aggregates showed the formation of aluminosilicates, iron oxyhydroxides and oxides, and calcium and sodium silicates involved in removing As, F, and SiO. It is concluded that Al would serve as the most suitable sacrificial anode.
PubMed: 38941855
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121597 -
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in... Jun 2024Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have garnered significant interest as one of the most promising energy suppliers for power grid energy storage. However, the poor...
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have garnered significant interest as one of the most promising energy suppliers for power grid energy storage. However, the poor electrode/electrolyte interfacial stability leads to continual electrolyte decomposition and transition metal dissolution, resulting in rapid performance degradation of SIBs. In this work, we propose a strategy integrating multiple functional bonds to regulate electrode/electrolyte interphase by triple-coupling of succinonitrile (SN), sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6) and fluorinated ethylene carbonate (FEC). Theoretical calculation and experiment results show that the solvation structure of Na+ and ClO4- is effectively reconfigured by the solvated FEC, SN and PF6- in PC-based carbonate electrolyte. The newly developed electrolyte demonstrates increased Na+-FEC coordination, weakened interaction of Na+-PC and participation of SN and PF6- anions in solvation, resulting in the formation of a conformal interfacial layer comprising of sodium oxynitrides (NaNxOy), sodium fluoride (NaF) and phosphorus oxide compounds (NaPxOy). Consequently, a 3 Ah pouch full cell of hard carbon//NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 exhibits an excellent capacity retention of 90.4% after 1000 cycles. Detailed postmortem analysis of interface chemistry is further illustrated by multiple characterization methods. This study provides a new avenue for developing electrolyte formulations with multiple functional bonds integrated interphases to significantly improve the long-term cycling stability of SIBs.
PubMed: 38940896
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406277 -
Journal of Analytical Toxicology Jun 2024Brain can a useful specimen for toxicology testing as it is a protected and isolated organ with lower metabolic activity than other tissues, but there is currently no...
Brain can a useful specimen for toxicology testing as it is a protected and isolated organ with lower metabolic activity than other tissues, but there is currently no published data supporting the stability of stimulant drugs in prepared brain homogenates. Brain homogenates were evaluated to determine the stability of the following stimulant drugs: amphetamine, benzoylecgonine, bupropion, cocaethylene, cocaine, ephedrine, methylenedioxyamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methamphetamine, and phentermine. Four different homogenates were prepared at a 1:4 dilution with deionized water and fortified at 500 ng/mL of: cocaine without sodium fluoride, cocaine with 1% sodium fluoride, stimulant drugs other than cocaine without sodium fluoride, and stimulant drugs other than cocaine with 1% sodium fluoride. The fortified homogenates were aliquoted into 13x100 mm screw cap tubes and stored at room temperature (~20 °C), refrigerated (2-8 °C), or frozen (< -5 °C) and analyzed in triplicate on Days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90. Analytes were considered stable as long as the difference in analyte/internal standard response ratio from Day 0 was less than 20% and the peaks met qualitative acceptance criteria. All analytes were stable for up to 90 days when stored frozen with or without sodium fluoride and had variable stability at all other evaluated conditions.
PubMed: 38937871
DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae058 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Amidst the growing challenge of meeting global energy demands with conventional sources, self-powered devices offer promising solution. Flexible and stretchable...
Amidst the growing challenge of meeting global energy demands with conventional sources, self-powered devices offer promising solution. Flexible and stretchable electronics are pivotal in wearable technology, enhancing the scope and functionality of these devices. This study employs potassium sodium niobite-lithium antimonate (KNaNbO-LiSbO) nanoparticles as fillers in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to fabricate piezoelectric thin films. These films are integrated with fabric-based electrodes to develop high-performance, flexible self-powered sensors. The sensor comprises a fabric-based electrode with polypyrrole (PPy) coated on plain nylon fabric, a 0.93KNN-0.07LS/PVDF composite piezoelectric thin film, and a protective PET layer. Results demonstrate that the 0.93KNN-0.07LS/PVDF-PPy/nylon composite sensors exhibit a stable piezoelectric output. Under 6 Hz and 10 N excitation, the piezoelectric output reaches approximately 6.1 V upon pressing. Additionally, the device shows good linear sensitivity in the 2-20 N pressure range and produces clear, regular output waveforms under cyclic pressures of varying frequencies and amplitudes, indicating excellent response repeatability. Even after extensive bending, twisting, and 5000 pressing cycles, the sensors maintain considerable cyclic stability, demonstrating high durability. These tests collectively indicate that the developed sensors possess high sensitivity, flexibility, durability, stability, and significant self-powered potential. This research provides a reference for the next generation of textile-based electrodes and offers potential strategies for flexible, wearable applications.
PubMed: 38935057
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04738 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... Jun 2024There are sex differences in the extent, severity, and outcomes of coronary artery disease. We aimed to assess the influence of sex on coronary atherosclerotic plaque...
INTRODUCTION
There are sex differences in the extent, severity, and outcomes of coronary artery disease. We aimed to assess the influence of sex on coronary atherosclerotic plaque activity measured using coronary F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET), and to determine whether F-NaF PET has prognostic value in both women and men.
METHODS
In a post-hoc analysis of observational cohort studies of patients with coronary atherosclerosis who had undergone F-NaF PET CT angiography, we compared the coronary microcalcification activity (CMA) in women and men.
RESULTS
Baseline F-NaF PET CT angiography was available in 999 participants (151 (15%) women) with 4282 patient-years of follow-up. Compared to men, women had lower coronary calcium scores (116 [interquartile range, 27-434] versus 205 [51-571] Agatston units; p = 0.002) and CMA values (0.0 [0.0-1.12] versus 0.53 [0.0-2.54], p = 0.01). Following matching for plaque burden by coronary calcium scores and clinical comorbidities, there was no sex-related difference in CMA values (0.0 [0.0-1.12] versus 0.0 [0.0-1.23], p = 0.21) and similar proportions of women and men had no F-NaF uptake (53.0% (n = 80) and 48.3% (n = 73); p = 0.42), or CMA values > 1.56 (21.8% (n = 33) and 21.8% (n = 33); p = 1.00). Over a median follow-up of 4.5 [4.0-6.0] years, myocardial infarction occurred in 6.6% of women (n = 10) and 7.8% of men (n = 66). Coronary microcalcification activity greater than 0 was associated with a similarly increased risk of myocardial infarction in both women (HR: 3.83; 95% CI:1.10-18.49; p = 0.04) and men (HR: 5.29; 95% CI:2.28-12.28; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Although men present with more coronary atherosclerotic plaque than women, increased plaque activity is a strong predictor of future myocardial infarction regardless of sex.
PubMed: 38926161
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06810-x -
Archives of Oral Biology Jun 2024To develop a protocol for forming subsurface caries lesions on bovine enamel by dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in vitro.
OBJECTIVES
To develop a protocol for forming subsurface caries lesions on bovine enamel by dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in vitro.
DESIGN
Biofilms were grown on bovine enamel specimens in artificial saliva (AS) for seven days. After 24 h of formation, the AS was supplemented or not with fluoride (F) using sodium fluoride (0.005 or 0.008 ppm F), and the biofilms were exposed or not to a 20 % sucrose solution (reproducing a cariogenic challenge) once/day. On the seventh day, the biofilms were harvested and had their extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and inorganic components analyzed. The specimens were subjected to computed X-ray microtomography analysis to determine their mineral concentration. Data were compared using two-way analyses of variance, followed by Fisher's LSD or Student-Newman-Keuls tests (p < 0.05).
RESULTS
Biofilms exposed to the cariogenic challenge had significantly higher EPS concentrations than those not exposed, regardless of the presence of F. For biofilms grown with 0.008 ppm F, those exposed to the cariogenic challenge had lower F levels than those not exposed. For biofilms exposed to the cariogenic challenge, those grown with 0.008 ppm F had lower lesion depths and integrated mineral loss, and higher outer layers than those grown without F.
CONCLUSIONS
The dual biofilm model assessed was able to create subsurface caries lesions in bovine enamel in vitro, which was influenced by the presence of F in the culture medium and exposure to sucrose.
PubMed: 38924874
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.106029 -
Journal of Applied Oral Science :... 2024To evaluate the protective effect of an experimental solution containing TiF4/NaF on the development of radiation-induced dentin caries lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the protective effect of an experimental solution containing TiF4/NaF on the development of radiation-induced dentin caries lesions.
METHODOLOGY
bovine root samples were irradiated (70Gy) and distributed as following (n=12/group): Commercial Saliva (BioXtra), NaF (500 ppm F-), TiF4 (500 ppm F), TiF4/NaF (TiF4: 300 ppm F-, NaF: 190 ppm F-), and Phosphate buffer solution (PBS, negative control). Biofilm was produced using biofilm from irradiated patients and McBain saliva (0.2% of sucrose, at 37oC and 5% CO2) for five days. The treatments were applied 1x/day. Colony-forming units (CFU) were counted and demineralization was quantified by transversal microradiography. The ANOVA/Tukey test was applied for all parameters.
RESULTS
All treatments reduced CFU for total microorganisms. TiF4 reduced Lactobacillus sp. (7.04±0.26 log10 CFU/mL) and mutans streptococci (7.18±0.28) CFU the most, when compared to PBS (7.58±0.21 and 7.75±0.17) and followed by NaF (7.12±0.31 and 7.34±0.22) and TiF4/NaF (7.16±0.35 and 7.29± 0.29). TiF4 and Commercial saliva showed the lowest integrated mineral loss (ΔZ-vol%.mm) (1977±150 and 2062±243, respectively) when compared to PBS (4540±335), followed by NaF (2403±235) and TiF4/NaF (2340±200). Commercial saliva was the only to significantly reduce mineral loss (LD-µm) (111±25) compared to PBS (153±24).Mean mineral loss (R-vol%) decreased by 35.2% for TiF4 (18.2±3.3) when compared to PBS (28.1±2.9) Conclusion: TiF4/NaF has a comparable anti-cariogenic effect to TiF4 and Commercial saliva under the model in this study.
Topics: Sodium Fluoride; Cattle; Animals; Dentin; Dental Caries; Biofilms; Fluorides; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Time Factors; Analysis of Variance; Microradiography; Cariostatic Agents; Reproducibility of Results; Lactobacillus; Colony Count, Microbial; Tooth Demineralization; Humans; Materials Testing; Reference Values; Treatment Outcome; Statistics, Nonparametric; Titanium
PubMed: 38922242
DOI: 10.1590/1678-7757-2024-0024 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024Renowned for its agriculture, livestock, and mining, Zhob district, Pakistan, faces the urgent problem of declining groundwater quality due to natural and human-induced...
Renowned for its agriculture, livestock, and mining, Zhob district, Pakistan, faces the urgent problem of declining groundwater quality due to natural and human-induced factors. This deterioration poses significant challenges for residents who rely on groundwater for drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes. Therefore, this novel study aimed to carry out a comprehensive assessment of groundwater quality in Zhob district, considering various aspects such as hydrochemical characteristics, human health risks, and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. While previous studies may have focused on one or a few of these aspects, this study integrates multiple analyses to provide a holistic understanding of the groundwater quality situation in the region. Additionally, the study applies a range of common hydrochemical analysis methods (acid-base titration, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and ion chromatography), drinking water quality index (WQI), irrigation indices, and health risk assessment models, using 19 water quality parameters. This multi-method approach enhances the robustness and accuracy of the assessment, providing valuable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders. The results revealed that means of the majority of water quality parameters, such as pH (7.64), electrical conductivity (830.13 μScm), total dissolved solids (562.83 mgL), as well as various anions, and cations, were in line with drinking water norms. However, the water quality index (WQI) predominantly indicated poor drinking water quality (range = 51-75) at 50% sites, followed by good quality (range = 26-50) at 37% of the sites, with 10% of the sites exhibiting very poor quality (range = 76-100). For irrigation purposes, indices such as sodium percent (mean = 31.37%), sodium adsorption ratio (mean = 0.98 meqL), residual sodium carbonate (- 3.15 meqL), Kelley's index (mean = 0.49), and permeability (mean = 49.11%) indicated suitability without immediate treatment. However, the magnesium hazard (mean = 46.11%) and potential salinity (mean = 3.93) demonstrated that prolonged application of groundwater for irrigation needs soil management to avoid soil compaction and salinity. Water samples exhibit characteristics of medium salinity and low alkalinity (C2S1) as well as high salinity and low alkalinity (C3S1) categories. The Gibbs diagram results revealed that rock weathering, including silicate weathering and cation exchange, is the primary factor governing the hydrochemistry of groundwater. The hydrochemical composition is dominated by mixed Ca-Mg-Cl, followed by Na-Cl and Mg-Cl types. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment highlighted that fluoride (F) posed a higher risk compared with nitrate (NO). Additionally, ingestion was found to pose a higher risk to health compared to dermal contact, with children being particularly vulnerable. The average hazard index (HI) for children was 1.24, surpassing the allowable limit of 1, indicating detrimental health effects on this subpopulation. Conversely, average HI values for adult females (0.59) and adult males (0.44) were within safe levels, suggesting minimal concerns for these demographic groups. Overall, the study's interdisciplinary approach and depth of analysis make a significant contribution to understanding groundwater quality dynamics and associated risks in Zhob district, potentially informing future management and mitigation strategies.
PubMed: 38918296
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34046-7 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Jun 2024To describe the process whereby the screening of racing Thoroughbreds with accelerometer-based inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors followed by clinical evaluation...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the process whereby the screening of racing Thoroughbreds with accelerometer-based inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors followed by clinical evaluation and advanced imaging identified potentially catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in 3 horses.
ANIMALS
3 Thoroughbred racehorses.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
All cases demonstrated an abnormal stride pattern either during racing (cases 1 and 2) or while breezing (case 3) and were identified as being at very high risk of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury by an algorithm derived from IMU sensor files from > 20,000 horses' race starts. Veterinary examination and 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography were performed within 10 days of the respective race or breeze in each of the cases.
RESULTS
The intensity and location of the 18F-NaF uptake in the condyles of the third metacarpal bone in cases 1 and 2 identified them as at potential increased risk of condylar fracture. The pattern and intensity of the 18F-NaF uptake in case 3 indicated that the third carpal bone was likely responsible for the horse's lameness, with an impending slab fracture subsequently identified on radiographs. Following periods of convalescence, cases 1 and 2 returned to racing and were identified by the sensor system as no longer being at high risk of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury. Case 3 returned to training but has yet to return to racing.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
When worn by Thoroughbreds while racing or breezing, these IMU sensors can identify horses at high risk of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury, allowing for veterinary intervention and the potential avoidance of such injuries.
PubMed: 38906169
DOI: 10.2460/javma.24.02.0114