Search Results (778)

This study establishes a covalently anchored wettability alteration strategy for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using perfluorinated siloxane (CQ), addressing limitations of conventional modifiers reliant on unstable physical adsorption. Instead, CQ forms irreversible chemical bonds with rock surfaces via Si-O-Si linkages (verified by FT-IR/EDS), imparting durable amphiphobicity with water and oil contact angles of 135° and 116°, respectively. This modification exhibits exceptional stability: increasing salinity from 2536 to 10,659 mg/L reduced angles by only 6° (water) and 4° (oil), while 70 °C aging in aqueous/oleic phases preserved amphiphobicity without reversion—supported by >300 °C thermal decomposition in TGA; confirming chemical bonding durability. Mechanistic analysis identifies dual EOR pathways: amphiphobic surfaces lower rolling angles, surface free energy (SFE), and fluid adhesion to facilitate pore migration, while CQ intrinsically reduces oil-water interfacial tension (IFT). Core displacement experiments showed that injecting 0.05 wt% CQ followed by secondary waterflooding yielded an additional 10–18% increase in oil recovery. This improvement is attributed to enhanced mobilization of residual oil, with greater EOR efficacy observed in smaller pore throats. Field trials at the Huabei Oilfield validated practical applicability: Production rates of test wells C-9 and C-17 increased several-fold, accompanied by reduced water cuts. Integrating fundamental research, laboratory experiments, and field validation, this work systematically demonstrates a wettability-alteration-based EOR method and offers important technical insights for analogous reservoir development. Full article

While anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a successful procedure that provides reliable pain relief and restoration of function in most patients, its success has been limited by glenoid component loosening. While series reporting the outcomes of inlay glenoid components have demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes with low rates of component loosening and need for revision, surgeons have been hesitant to adopt these implants due to concerns of inadequate pain relief secondary to the remaining glenoid rim contacting the humeral head implant. The inset glenoid component, a variant of the traditional inlay components, has gained interest because its design aims to achieve similar stability to traditional inlay components through implantation within strong subchondral bone, reduce the amount of glenoid vault removed compared to inlay components, and has a glenoid face designed to limit the rocking-horse phenomenon. In limited series, the inset glenoid component has demonstrated superior biomechanical and clinical performance compared to traditional onlay glenoid components. Although there have been minimal clinical studies investigating the inset glenoid in comparison to onlay and inlay components to date, a subset of case series with short-term follow-up have demonstrated favorable outcomes. The purpose of this article was to review the design rationale, biomechanical evidence, and clinical performance of the inset glenoid component. Full article

The burden of depression is a public health concern, and traditional treatment approaches to mental health alone may be insufficient. The effects of contact with nature on wellbeing have been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties. Thus, self-guided nature-based interventions (NBIs) present a promising approach to improving mental health and wellbeing. However, there is limited evidence on the development of such interventions. This two-armed pilot randomised controlled trial aimed at determining the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a novel, 4-week, self-help NBI (Roots and Shoots©). Forty-seven participants were randomised (1:1) to either receive the Roots and Shoots intervention or a waitlist control. Participants in both conditions completed measures including wellbeing (primary outcome) and depressive symptoms, rumination, sleep and nature relatedness (secondary outcomes) at three timepoints: baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1) and 4 weeks (T2). Those who completed the intervention period reported high acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention. The findings from this pilot study indicate potential for improvements in wellbeing following the intervention, which appears reasonably feasible and acceptable. Future research is warranted to further investigate the efficacy of this novel NBI in a larger, powered clinical trial. Full article

Introduction: Prior research underscores self-esteem as a core determinant of life satisfaction and overall well-being. However, few studies have examined this relationship within the unique sociocultural context of Saudi Arabia. This study assesses the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction in adolescents, as well as the potential moderating effects of demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 502 adolescents aged 13–18, selected from urban and rural regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Data were collected via online survey platforms. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regressions were performed using SPSS version 26. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between life satisfaction and self-esteem scores (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). Adolescents reporting dissatisfaction with life had over seven times greater odds of low self-esteem (OR = 7.2; 95% CI: 3.75–13.83). Higher life satisfaction was associated with being in secondary education, having a family income of 10,000 Saudi Riyal (SR) or more, and living with both parents. Additionally, prior contact with a psychologist was linked to lower self-esteem and reduced life satisfaction. Conclusions: Findings confirm self-esteem as a strong predictor of life satisfaction among Saudi adolescents. Socioeconomic status, family structure, and previous psychological consultation also influenced outcomes. These results emphasize the critical need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to the Saudi context. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of implementing early mental health screening and support programs within schools to provide accessible and preventive care for youth. Full article

Rapid screening of foodborne pathogens is critical for food safety, yet current detection techniques often suffer from low efficiency and complexity. In this study, we developed a sliding microfluidic colorimetric biosensor for the fast, sensitive, and multiplex detection of Salmonella. First, the target bacteria were specifically captured by antibody-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in the microfluidic chip, forming magnetic bead–bacteria complexes. Then, through motor-assisted sliding of the chip, manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoflowers conjugated with secondary antibodies were introduced to bind the captured bacteria, generating a dual-antibody sandwich structure. Finally, a second sliding step brought the complexes into contact with a chromogenic substrate, where the MnO₂ nanoflowers catalyzed a colorimetric reaction, and the resulting signal was used to quantify the Salmonella concentration. Under optimized conditions, the biosensor achieved a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL within 20 min. In spiked pork samples, the average recovery rate of Salmonella ranged from 94.9% to 125.4%, with a coefficient of variation between 4.0% and 6.8%. By integrating mixing, separation, washing, catalysis, and detection into a single chip, this microfluidic biosensor offers a user-friendly, time-efficient, and highly sensitive platform, showing great potential for the on-site detection of foodborne pathogens. Full article

Objectives: Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a Gram-negative organism, is a well-recognized cause of hospital outbreaks, often linked to a contaminated shared source, such as multidose medications. In this study, we report an outbreak of Bcc infections in a tertiary care hospital, associated with the intrinsic contamination of a prepared solution used in interventional radiology (IR) procedures. Additionally, we provide a detailed explanation of the interventions implemented to control and interrupt the outbreak. Methods: Records from the infection control committee from 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2024 were screened to identify cases with Bcc growth in cultured blood, urine, or respiratory samples. Clinical and laboratory data were collected in March 2025. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional methods and MALDI-TOF (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Controls were matched to cases by ward, date of initial growth, and duration of hospitalization. Demographic and clinical data of these patients were systematically collected and analyzed. Microbiological cultures were obtained from environmental objects of concern and certain medications. Results: A total of 82 Burkholderia species were identified. We enrolled 77 cases and 77 matched controls. The source of contamination was identified in ready-to-use intravenous medications (remifentanil and magnesium preparations) in the IR department. These preparations were compounded in advance by the team and were used repeatedly. Although the outbreak originated from contaminated IV medications used in IR, secondary transmission likely affected 28 non-IR patients via fomites, shared environments, and possible lapses in isolation precautions. The mortality rate among the cases was 16.9%. Infection with Bcc was associated with prolonged intensive care unit stays (p = 0.018) and an extended overall hospitalization duration (p < 0.001); however, it was not associated with increased mortality. The enforcement of contact precautions and comprehensive environmental decontamination successfully reduced the incidence of the Bcc outbreak. No pathogens were detected in cultures obtained after the disinfection. Conclusions: The hospital transmission of Bcc is likely driven by cross-contamination, invasive medical procedures, and the administration of contaminated medications. Implementing stringent infection control measures such as staff retraining, updated policies on medication use, enhanced environmental decontamination, and strict adherence to isolation precautions has proven effective in curbing the spread of virulent and transmissible Bcc. Full article

Background: Very preterm infants are at increased risk of impairment. The objective was to explore the effect of immediate parent–infant skin-to-skin contact at very preterm birth on cognition, motor, social, and language development during the two first years. Methods: The Immediate Parent-Infant Skin-To-Skin Study (IPISTOSS) was a clinical trial with inclusions between April 2018 to June 2021, in three Scandinavian neonatal intensive care units. Infants were randomised at gestational age 28 + 0 to 32 + 6 weeks plus days, to immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact at birth or conventional care, during the first six hours of life. Results: At three months, 42 infants underwent a General Movement Assessment. At four and 12 months, 69 and 62 infants, respectively, were assessed with the Alberta Motor Infant Scale. At 24 months, language and cognition were tested in 62 infants with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition. Parents completed the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers for 57 infants. There were no significant differences in motor development, cognition, or autism spectrum disorders. A significant difference in language scores in favour of immediate skin-to-skin contact, was found, when adjusted for fathers’ education, mothers’ education, and infants’ sex, Beta (95% CI): 32.00 (7.57, 56.43) p = 0.01, 11.51 (8.94, 55.06) p = 0.007, and 32.00 (7.85, 56.15) p = 0.01, respectively. Conclusions: Skin-to-skin contact immediately at birth did not enhance cognition, motor, or social development during the first two years of life but may have been important for language skills. Our findings support the World Health Organisation guidelines recommending iSSC for preterm born infants in all settings. Full article

Industrial effluents pose a significant concern because they contain a variety of metals and metalloids that have detrimental effects on the environment. Conventional techniques are widely used in effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to remove metallic pollutants; however, they are less effective, are costly, and generate secondary toxic waste. Mycosorbent would be a sustainable and economical alternative to conventional techniques, as it offers numerous advantages. In this study, we shed light on the development of mycosorbent, which could be potentially applicable in the treatment of industrial effluent. In a competitive (i.e., multimetal system) optimisation study, mycosorbent AD2 exhibited a maximum biosorption capacity of 3.7 to 6.20 mg/g at pH 6.0, with an initial metal ion concentration of 25 mg/L, a contact time of 2 h, at 50 ± 2 °C, and a pH_PZC of 5.3. The metal-removal capacity increased up to 1.23-fold after optimisation. The thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the AD2 mycosorbent facilitated an endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous biosorption process. The FT-IR and SEM characterisation analysis confirmed the adsorption of metals on the surface of the mycosorbent from the aqueous system. This study demonstrated that mycosorbent could be an effective tool for combating metallic pollutants in various industrial effluents. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of the healing abutment height on secondary implant stability measured by resonance frequency analysis. In this prospective observational clinical study of 30 implants, the secondary stability of the implant was measured via resonance frequency analysis of the abutment during the osseointegration process. Methods: Two groups were compared: a <4 group (n = 15), with a space between the healing abutment and the antagonist of <4 mm, and a ≥4 group (n = 15), with a space of ≥4 mm. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the implant stability values obtained at surgery (T0) and at the eighth week of osseointegration (T8) were observed between the two groups, with higher values for the <4 group. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a trend towards a significant relationship with the mean force (−0.6546) and a linear inverse relationship, so that by decreasing the distance between the abutment and the contact with the antagonist, the secondary implant stability values increased. A comparison of the mesial and distal peri-implant marginal bone levels at T0 and T8 did not reveal statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). A greater healing abutment height, placing it closer to the antagonist, increases and accelerates secondary stability, as measured by resonance frequency analysis. Conclusions: The results of the study support the recommendation of using high healing abutments, placing the abutment close to the opposing occlusal plane, according to biomechanical criteria. Full article

Background: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a non-invasive, time-efficient strategy that has been shown to acutely enhance athletic performance. The present study examined the effects of 5 min of IPC on vertical and horizontal jump performance. A secondary aim was to explore the associations between outcomes of the 5-Hop (5-H) test and drop jump performance, in order to provide further evidence supporting the validity of the 5-H test for assessing reactive strength characteristics in trained jumpers. Methods: Twelve trained track and field jumpers (nine males, three females, age: 23.2 ± 2.9 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 71.5 ± 8.0 kg) completed two conditions: an IPC condition applied to one leg and a control condition applied to the contralateral leg. In the first week, one leg was assigned to IPC and the other to the control condition, while in the second week, the conditions for each leg were reversed. Vertical single-leg performance was evaluated by drop jump (DJ) height, ground contact time, and reactive strength index (RSI). Horizontal jump performance was assessed by a five-hop (5-H) test during which total distance (TD), total time (TT), and reactive hopping index (RHI) were obtained. Results: Compared to the control condition, IPC enhanced DJ height (+ 3.6%) and RSI (+ 7.8%) (p < 0.05, g = 0.16 and 0.32, respectively) and reduced contact time (−4.4% p < 0.05, g = 0.41). Also, IPC resulted in significant improvements in TD (+ 4.1%) and RHI (+ 3.9%) during the 5-H test (p < 0.05, g = 0.32 and 0.42, respectively), while TT remained unchanged. Conclusions: A single cycle of IPC acutely improved vertical and horizontal jump performance and reactive strength indices in trained jumpers. These findings support the use of IPC as a practical, time-efficient method to enhance neuromuscular performance in explosive tasks. Full article

Background: South Africa launched a school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme in 2014 and has achieved a national coverage of more than 80%. However, there is subnational variation in coverage, with eThekwini District in the province of KwaZulu-Natal having the lowest coverage at 40%. Knowledge of the factors associated with vaccine acceptance in this district would inform tailored strategies to improve coverage, which could be extrapolated to similar settings. We conducted this cross-sectional study to assess the factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptance in eThekwini District. Methods: We used stratified random sampling to select caregivers of children aged 9–14 years in the district. We interviewed participants in April–May 2023 and employed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptance. Results: Of 793 individuals contacted, 713 (89.9%) participated. Most were women (86.1%) and had a mean age of 42.6 ± 11.6 years and secondary or lower education (83.8%). Most participants knew about the HPV vaccination programme (86.0%) and accepted HPV vaccination (93.5%). The latter includes 42.9% who had already vaccinated their daughters and 50.6% who were willing to allow their daughters to be vaccinated. A negligible proportion was either undecided (2.1%) or unwilling (4.4%) to accept HPV vaccination. Awareness of the programme (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.22; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.01–13.56), confidence in vaccine safety (aOR 19.69; 95%CI 5.86–66.15), and endorsement by religious leaders (aOR 5.06; 95%CI 1.56–16.45) were independent predictors of vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the critical role of the provision of information and education about the benefits and safety of HPV vaccination. Full article

In this study, CGMCC NO:28566, a strain that can efficiently convert Ethyl 4-chloroacetoacetate(COBE) to (R)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate((R)-CHBE), was screened by soil-sieving bacteria. In order to improve the transformation effect of the strain, the natural low-eutectic solvent (NADES), which can alter the cell permeability, was utilized for assisted catalysis, and a better catalytic effect was achieved. This study was carried out using a co-culture of strains with NADES and secondary addition of NADES on the basis of co-culture, and 10 NADESs were screened at the same time. The co-catalytic effect of 0.5% (w/v) choline chloride: urea (1:2) (ChCl:U (1:2)) was found to be the most significant, with a yield of (R)-CHBE reaching 89.1%, which was 58.2% higher than that of the control group, with a 99% ee value. Furthermore, the catalytic results demonstrated that the co-culture of the strain with NADES during fermentation yielded superior outcomes to the secondary addition of NADES during the reaction buffer. Furthermore, the catalytic effect of ChCl:U (1:2) was demonstrated to be superior to that of its individual components or single-component blends, due to its distinctive valence bonding advantage. The results indicate that the addition of 0.5% (w/v) ChCl:U (1:2) during the co-culture process has the effect of improving cell permeability to a certain extent, thereby increasing the contact between the substrate and the enzyme during the whole-cell catalytic reactions. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a critical environmental challenge in China’s aquatic ecosystems, driven by rapid industrialization and population growth. This review synthesizes recent findings on the abundance, morphology, and polymer types of MPs in China’s freshwater systems (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and coastal marine environments. Spatial analysis reveals significant variability in MP abundance, ranging from 0.1 items/L in Tibet’s Lalu Wetland to 30.8 items/L in Beijing’s Qinghe River, with polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) dominating polymer profiles. Coastal regions exhibit distinct contamination patterns, with the Yellow Sea (5.3 ± 2.0 items/L) and the South China Sea (180 ± 80 items/m³) showing the highest MP loads, primarily as fibers and fragments. Fluvial transport, atmospheric deposition, and coastal anthropogenic activities (e.g., fisheries, tourism) are identified as major pathways for marine MP influx. Secondary MPs from degraded plastics and primary MPs from industrial/domestic effluents pose synergistic risks through the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants. Human exposure routes—ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact—are linked to inflammatory, metabolic, and carcinogenic health outcomes. Policy interventions, including bans on microbeads and non-degradable plastics, demonstrate progress in pollution mitigation. This work underscores the urgency of integrated source control, advanced wastewater treatment, and transboundary monitoring to address MP contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Objectives: In the animal model, we aim to evaluate the bone behavior in two innovative and different laser-treated (L1–L2) titanium implants compared to sandblasted and acid-etched (SBAE) used as control. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty-seven dental implants (8.5 × 3.3 mm) used for the study (Sweden & Martina, Due Carraie Padova-Italy) were placed in three Pelibuey female sheep. Implant surface profilometric, contact angle and EDX analysis were detected. After 15, 30 and 90 days, histological, histomorphometric, SEM-EDX analysis and Bone-to-implant Contact (BIC), Dynamic Osseointegration Index (DOI) and Bone Quality Index (BQI) (as Calcium and Phosphorous atomic percentages ratio) were performed. Results: All surfaces showed relevant profilometric and wettability differences. After 15 days, BIC₁₅ showed great differences in L2 (42.1 ± 2.6) compared to L1 (5.2 ± 3.1) and SBAE (23.3 ± 3.9) as well as after 30 days (L2 (82.4 ± 2.2), L1 (56.2 ± 1.3) and SBAE (77.3 ± 0.4)). After 90 days, relevant lower BIC₉₀ values were detected in L1 (68.4 ± 0.2) compared to L2 (86.4 ± 0.1) and SBAE (86.2 ± 0.6). The DOI showed higher rates of bone growth in L2 after 15 (DOI₁₅ = 2.81) and 30 days (DOI₃₀ = 2.83), compared to L1 (DOI₁₅ = 0.38, DOI₃₀ = 3.40) and SBAE (DOI₁₅ = 1.55, DOI₃₀ = 2.58). The DOI₉₀ drastic slowdown in SBAE (0.96), L1 (0.76), and L2 (0.95) confirmed the Early Osseointegration (EO) as a crucial phase. Moreover, before loading, the lower global BQI in L1 (Ca 44.43 ± 0.08–P 46.14 ± 5.15) and SBAE (Ca 45.31 ± 2.08–P 48.28 ± 1.12) compared to L2 (Ca 79.81 ± 2.08–P 81.85 ± 3.14) allows to assert that osseointegration process and bone healing could not be considered complete if compared to the native bone. Conclusions: The BIC, DOI, and BQI results showed that osseointegration is a dynamic process, confirming the crucial role of surface characteristics able to influence it, especially the early osseointegration (EO) phase. The short-time L2 implants’ higher bone quantity and quality results, compared to L1 and SBAE, suggested the fundamental role of this innovative laser-obtained surface in “secondary stability” and predictable long-term clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: Sexual assault victims involving penetration are at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can effectively prevent HIV infection if initiated promptly within 72 h following exposure and adhered to for 28 days. Nonetheless, therapeutic adherence amongst sexual assault victims is low. Victim-centered care, provided by specially trained forensic nurses and midwives, may increase adherence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case–control study to evaluate the impact of sexual assault center (SAC)—centered care on adherence to PEP compared to care received in the emergency department (ED). Data from January 2011 to February 2022 were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the association between centralized specific care for sexual assault victims and completion of the 28-day PEP regimen. The secondary outcome assessed was provision of psychological support within 5 days following the assault. Results: We analyzed 856 patients of whom 403 (47.1%) received care at a specialized center for sexual assault victims. Attendance at the SAC, relative to the ED, was not associated with greater probability of PEP completion both in the unadjusted (52% vs. 50.6%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.39; p = 0.666) and adjusted (OR: 0.81, 95%CI 0.58–1.11; p = 0.193) analysis. The care provided at the SAC was associated with improved early (42.7% vs. 21.5%; p < 0.001) and delayed (67.3% vs. 33.7%; p < 0.001) psychological support. Conclusions: SAC-centered care is not associated with an increase in PEP completion rates in sexual assault victims beyond the increase associated with improved access to early and delayed psychological support. Other measures to improve PEP completion rates should be developed. What is already known on this topic—Completion rates for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among victims of sexual assault are low. Specialized sexual assault centers, which provide comprehensive care and are distinct from emergency departments, have been suggested as a potential means of improving treatment adherence and completion rates. However, their actual impact on treatment completion remains unclear. What this study adds—This study found that HIV PEP completion rates in sexual assault victims were not significantly improved by centralized care in a specialized sexual assault center when compared to care initiated in the emergency department and continued within a sexually transmitted infection clinic. However, linkage to urgent psychological and psychiatric care was better in the specialized sexual assault center. How this study might affect research, practice or policy—Healthcare providers in sexual assault centers should be more aware of their critical role in promoting PEP adherence and improving completion rates. Policymakers should ensure that measures aimed at improving HIV PEP outcomes are implemented at all points of patient contact in these centers. Further research is needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of specialized sexual assault centers. Full article