Protein-based foaming agents exhibit potential for exceptional foaming capacity with broad industrial applicability, yet their high production costs drive the need for cost-effective and sustainable alternatives. This study unveils a novel synergistic strategy combining pH-shifting and calcium ion addition to transform organic waste compost protein (CP) into a high-performance foaming agent. Our approach utilizes pH-driven conformational adjustments to expose latent binding sites for calcium, enabling targeted interfacial reinforcement. The foaming capacity (FC) of the resulting CP was exceptional (>480 %). While untreated CP exhibited limited foam stability (FS, 58.86 %), 0.1 mol/L Ca2+ alone boosted FS to 81.31 %, and pH-shifting alone achieved 70.21 %. The dual treatment synergized these effects, reaching 85.02 % FS while fully retaining FC. Advanced characterization revealed two mechanisms: (1) calcium-specific interfacial pattern, evidenced by SEM-EDS showing calcium enrichment at bubble surfaces (21.67 % vs. 5.39 % in controls), and (2) protein restructuring, where Ca2+ coordinated with carboxyl/amino groups to compact CP's secondary structure with an increase of α-helix content from 5.46 % to 6.96 % and (α-helix/(β-sheet+random coil) ratio increased by 32 %. Crucially, pH-shifting further amplified protein adsorption at air-water interfaces by 113 % (from 12.2 % to 26.06 %), creating viscoelastic films resistant to coalescence. The synergy between molecular-level structural changes and interfacial calcium-protein complexes accounts for the markedly enhanced FS. This study provides a theoretical foundation and a technical pathway for producing cost-effective, eco-friendly foaming agents derived from organic waste compost protein, thereby facilitating its high-value valorization.
To predict how movement strategies shape fitness in a changing world, we must build mechanistic models of species' ranges and range shifts that align environmental data with the scales of individual perception and decision-making and jointly model biological processes from the individual to the population scale.
Understanding how the brain evaluates aversion and appetition to guide behavior is an important question. Here, we investigated the role of dopamine signaling in the tail of the striatum (TS) in regulating competing valence-based behaviors and learning. TS dopamine dynamics were monitored as mice performed a classical conditioning task in which an odor cue predicted either an aversive air puff or a water reward. Initially, mice exhibited anticipatory blinking, which diminished over time, while anticipatory licking emerged later, coinciding with adaptation to the air puff. Dopamine responses in the TS to the air puff and its associated odor were initially elevated but declined with repeated exposure. Ablation of TS dopamine inhibited avoidance learning and accelerated appetitive learning. Optogenetic disruption of dopaminergic decline suppressed adaptation and hindered appetitive learning. These findings demonstrate that TS dopamine dynamics are essential for avoidance and adaptation to aversive stimuli, which indirectly modulates appetitive learning, underscoring a regulatory mechanism for shifting between defensive and reward-seeking behaviors.
Early life-history traits of seahorses are closely linked to juvenile survival, dispersal potential and the onset of substrate attachment; however, detailed stage-resolved descriptions remain limited for many Hippocampus species. This study examined reproductive behaviour and early ontogenetic development of the Korean seahorse, Hippocampus haema, during a 40-day laboratory rearing period. Newborns were released in a relatively advanced skeletal condition, particularly in the caudal skeleton. Skeletal staining showed that the caudal bony plates were already ossified and connected at birth, whereas the trunk plates were still only partially connected. Consistent with this condition, newborns bent the prehensile tail and attached to nearby structures immediately after release, indicating functional competence for substrate attachment at birth and suggesting a very short or indistinct planktonic phase under the observed conditions. Coronet morphology changed markedly during juvenile development, with the anterior coronet spine progressively fusing with the coronet. Morphometric model comparison did not strongly support a continuous power function allometry across measured traits. However, segmented regression identified a significant breakpoint in snout depth at 21.3 mm standard length, after which snout depth increased approximately 2.6-fold more steeply. These findings indicate that H. haema is characterised by advanced caudal skeletal development at birth, immediate tail attachment, dynamic coronet development and a discrete ontogenetic shift in snout depth growth. This stage-resolved description provides baseline information for identifying early developmental stages and interpreting early life history variation in this species.
This study evaluated the spatial relationship between the clinical stoma site and the radiographic source of odontogenic sinus tracts, the distribution of stoma surface locations, and patient factors that predict shift. This prospective study comprised 100 consecutive patients with draining intraoral sinus tracts. A size-25 gutta-percha (GP) cone was traced into each tract and a periapical radiograph obtained using the paralleling technique. Shift was measured in tooth units. Non-parametric and chi-square tests were applied (α = .05, two-tailed). Of 100 patients, 80% showed shift. Only 20 (20%) had the stoma directly over the problematic tooth; among the 80 shifted cases, 49 (61.3%) showed 0.5-unit shift (stoma between two adjacent teeth), 26 (32.5%) showed 1-tooth-width shift, and 5 (6.2%) demonstrated 2-tooth-width shift. Buccal openings were most common (82%). Stoma surface location did not affect shift distance, direction, or occurrence (all P > .05). A moderate correlation was found between patient age and shift distance (Spearman rs = 0.278, P < .05). Sex, jaw, tooth category, and stoma location did not predict the occurrence of the shift. Sinus tract stomas were misleading in 80% of cases. The most common pattern was a 0.5-unit shift (stoma between two adjacent teeth), occurring in 61.3% of displaced cases. Stoma surface location did not predict shift. Patient age was significant in predicting shift magnitude. GP cone tracing remains mandatory; clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in older patients.
This study aimed to compare the classification of birth size using the Fenton 2025 third-generation growth charts versus the widely used Fenton 2013 charts in preterm infants born before 35 weeks' gestation. This retrospective, observational cohort study included preterm infants born at <35 weeks' gestation and admitted to a tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 2019 and August 2025. Birth weight, head circumference (HC), and length were classified using sex-specific Fenton 2013 and Fenton 2025 growth chart calculators. Infants were categorized as small for gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile), appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th-90th percentile), or large for gestational age (LGA, >90th percentile). Agreement between chart versions was assessed using weighted Cohen's kappa, and marginal distributions were compared using the Stuart-Maxwell test. A total of 1,121 infants (56.9% male) were included, with a mean (standard deviation) gestational age of 31.6 (3.2) weeks and birth weight of 1,648 (595) g. Overall agreement between the two chart versions was high for all anthropometric measures. For birth weight, overall concordance was 87.2%, with moderate agreement (κ = 0.64). The proportion classified as SGA increased from 12.0% using Fenton 2013 to 23.0% using Fenton 2025 (p = 0.001), reflecting a downward shift in birth weight z-scores and reclassification of 13.2% of infants from AGA to SGA. Agreement was stronger for HC (93.5%, κ = 0.80) and length (96.3%, κ = 0.90), with minimal reclassification. Classification differences varied by gestational age, with greater shifts observed at later preterm gestations. In preterm infants born before 35 weeks' gestation, the Fenton 2025 growth charts demonstrate high overall agreement with the Fenton 2013 charts but identify a substantially higher proportion of infants as SGA based on birth weight. These differences may have important clinical and research implications and warrant careful consideration. · Fenton 2025 identifies more SGA preterm infants.. · Birth weight shows the greatest classification change.. · Reclassification of birth weight predominates around the 10th percentile..
How medium chemistry shifts the relative contributions of composition-associated interfacial processes and particle-cell contact remains unresolved. Here we compare morphologically matched rod-like cerium dioxide (CeO2) and cerium phosphate (CePO4) against Escherichia coli in organic- and ligand-rich Luria-Bertani broth (LB) and nutrient-free, ligand-poor normal saline (NS). In LB, CePO4 (100 mg/L) significantly delayed growth (OD600 decreased by 16.1% at 3 h) and reduced viability (CFU decreased by 14.7%; Live/Dead decreased by 15.8%), whereas CeO2 produced no detectable effect at the same dose. Ce L3-edge XANES with linear-combination fitting of bacterial pellets indicated CePO4 remained predominantly Ce (III) and showed a minor carboxylate-like proxy contribution (5.7% at 3 h; 9.5% at 6 h), accompanied by a larger operationally defined exchangeable cerium pool (acid-desorbable cerium: 255.5 ± 42.5 μg/L for CePO4 versus 141.3 ± 23.7 μg/L for CeO2). In NS, interfacial transformation was curtailed and toxicity increased for both materials, showing enhanced membrane injury consistent with a greater contribution from particle-cell contact under ligand-poor conditions. Proteomics and a conditional single-ion membrane simulation support the plausibility that hydrated Ce(III), if present at the bacterial interface, can coordinate outer-membrane phosphate groups, linking interfacial cerium availability to stress phenotypes. Together, these results show that medium chemistry shifts the relative contributions of cerium species-associated and particle-contact-associated processes, informing safer-by-design cerium nanomaterials and more realistic antibacterial testing frameworks.
Partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) systems treating low chemical oxygen demand (COD)/NH₄⁺-N ratio (C/N) municipal wastewater face challenges due to limited substrates and microbial imbalance. This study assessed the regulatory effect of low-dose hydrazine (2 mg/L) in a single-stage PN/A reactor fed with post-carbon-capture influent (C/N ≈ 1.5-2) over 118 days. Hydrazine selectively suppressed nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), raising the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria/NOB ratio from 1.41 to 10.64 and increasing autotrophic nitrogen removal from 38 % to 51 %. Upon withdrawal, NOB recovered, confirming reversible inhibition. Suspended sludge showed reduced diversity and protein-rich extracellular polymeric substances, while biofilm communities exhibited increased diversity and enriched anammox-compatible populations (Candidatus Kuenenia and Brocadia). Functional prediction indicated a shift from heterotrophic denitrification to anammox-dominant pathways under low C/N conditions. These shifts enhanced process stability and microbial resilience. The findings demonstrate that low-dose hydrazine promotes autotrophic nitrogen removal by restructuring the microbial community, offering a practical strategy for optimizing PN/A performance in low-strength wastewater treatment.
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals may experience physiologic changes from gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) that complicate clinical calculations with binary sex variables. Common tools such as the Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (CrCl) equation and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease pooled cohort equations (ACC/AHA ASCVD PCE) require binary sex inputs; however, no national or international guidelines specify whether sex assigned at birth or gender identity should be used when completing these clinical calculations that have binary sex inputs. To evaluate (1) pharmacists' practices and confidence in using sex assigned at birth versus gender identity when calculating CrCl with the Cockcroft-Gault equation and ASCVD risk with the ACC/AHA ASCVD PCE in TGD patients and (2) the effects of GAHT on these decisions. This IRB-approved, cross-sectional survey of licensed pharmacists (October 2024-February 2025) assessed clinical decision-making in transfeminine and transmasculine patients with and without long-established GAHT, as well as confidence and prior training. Paired comparisons were analyzed using McNemar's test to test for the effects of GAHT on these decisions. A total of 190 pharmacists completed the survey. Most respondents selected sex assigned at birth for calculating CrCl using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and ACC/AHA ASCVD PCE in patients not receiving GAHT (85.2-85.4%). In patients with long-established GAHT, there was a consistent and statistically significant shift away from using sex assigned at birth (p < 0.001) when compared to patients not on long-established GAHT. Confidence was low overall (median 1-2 [IQR 1-3]), and 90% reported no prior training. Training was associated with higher confidence (p < 0.05), but not with consistent decision-making. Pharmacists demonstrate inconsistent approaches and low confidence in deciding binary sex inputs in clinical calculations for TGD patients. Decision-making shifts with long-established GAHT and training improves confidence.
The assessment of hemodynamic parameters plays an important role for the diagnosis and detection of cardiovascular diseases. One of the promising techniques for the non-invasive and continuous monitoring of arterial hemodynamics is the impedance
plethysmography (IPG), which aims to measure the pulsatile volume change of superficial arteries. Crucial for the success of an IPG measurement is the selection of a setup that effectively targets the artery. This work analyzes the influence of the injection
frequency alteration on the sensitivity distribution of an IPG measurement and the sensitivity towards the radial artery. The analysis is performed both in simulation and using study data obtained from 41 participants. The simulation consists of a finite element model representing the lower forearm and a fixed IPG setup, in which the sensitivity distribution is analyzed for different excitation frequencies between 3 kHz and 100 kHz. To allow for comparison, the IPG study utilizes the same five excitation frequencies between 3 kHz and 100 kHz. The results of the finite element simulation show that increasing excitation frequency shifts the region of large sensitivity away from the artery and especially towards deeper muscle tissue layers. The analysis of the study data supports
this hypothesis by demonstrating that lower-frequency excitation yields larger relative pulsatile changes than larger excitation frequencies, thus indicating a larger sensitivity towards the pulsatile artery. The results of this paper show, that injection frequency directly affects the sensitivity regions. Analysis of the FEM and study results indicate that the largest sensitivity towards the radial artery occurs at the smallest injection frequency. Thus, comparison of IPG measurements performed at different excitation frequencies should be interpreted carefully, comparability between individual measurements may be limited.
This study performed a bibliometric analysis of global research on human facial recognition for forensic purposes, identifying trends in techniques, anatomical regions, and methodological evolution over five decades. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, BVS, and Lilacs) were searched without language or year restrictions. We included studies focusing on human identification through clinical or imaging facial examinations. Data regarding year, journal, authors, keywords, age group, examination type, and methods (metric, morphological, or volumetric) were extracted. Two independent investigators used Rayyan™ for selection, and descriptive analysis was performed using VantagePoint™ and Excel™. From 5016 identified articles, 424 studies published between 1970 and 2022 were included (four systematic reviews, three clinical, 377 observational, and 40 laboratory studies). Forensic Science International was the leading journal (n = 113), and Stephan CN was the most prolific author. Photography was the most used examination (n = 125). Metric analysis prevailed as the primary method (n = 221). While the total face was the most frequent focus (n = 239), the nose emerged as the most studied isolated region (n = 20). Most studies (n = 415) reported identification results. Facial identification research has grown significantly, with photography and metric methods remaining the current standards. However, bibliometric trends point toward a paradigm shift: the integration of Artificial Intelligence and 3D volumetric analysis is emerging as a critical frontier to overcome the limitations of conventional 2D techniques, offering superior precision and optimized forensic workflows.
Exercise generates transient systemic redox and hemodynamic signals that influence oxygen delivery, vascular tone, and metabolic adaptation in both health and disease. Red blood cells (RBCs) are increasingly recognized as regulated redox-responsive cells rather than passive oxygen carriers. This narrative review integrates mechanistic and translational evidence linking RBC deformability, microvascular transit, and perfusion matching to exercise-induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), hemodynamic shear, hemoglobin redox cycling, antioxidant buffering, and nitric oxide (NO)-related signaling. RBC redox architecture, supported by glutathione and thioredoxin systems maintained by pentose phosphate pathway-derived nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), limits membrane lipid and protein damage during recurrent oxidative oscillations and restrains hemoglobin auto-oxidation. Exercise-induced changes in red blood cell nitric oxide synthase (RBC-NOS) activity, S-nitrosylation chemistry, nitrite reduction, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mediated purinergic signaling may further influence NO bioavailability and downstream endothelial responses. However, severe, prolonged, unaccustomed, or insufficiently recovered oxidative stress may shift these adaptive responses toward methemoglobin accumulation, band-3 aggregation, vesiculation, phosphatidylserine-positive erythrocyte clearance, hemolysis, and impaired microvascular regulation. We therefore propose an intensity-duration-recovery framework in which moderate, transient, and adequately recovered redox/shear pulses support RBC deformability and microvascular adaptation, whereas prolonged or repeatedly performed high-intensity exercise may exceed erythrocyte buffering capacity and promote hemolytic injury or premature erythrocyte clearance. Because RBC redox dysfunction overlaps with cardiometabolic, vascular, hematological, and exercise-intolerance-related disease settings, standardized RBC-contained redox biomarkers may help improve the interpretation of exercise responses and support phenotype-aware exercise prescription.
Understanding how selection shapes disease risk remains challenging. Variants influencing complex traits, including common diseases, can also impact fitness and thus be constrained by purifying selection. Consequently, genetic variance underlying disease susceptibility may be attributed to low-frequency, population-specific variants. We analyzed 509,817 genome-wide variants from 72,635 Han Taiwanese individuals to identify loci showing age-dependent allele frequency shifts that signal ongoing selection. After adjusting for potential age-related population structure, we detected 168 variants deviating from neutrality, with most showing declining frequencies in younger generations, consistent with purifying selection on deleterious alleles influencing disease risk. These variants were enriched for rare alleles (≤0.1%) and disease-associated variants. At BRCA1, we identified 16 rare pathogenic variants in strong linkage disequilibrium undergoing purifying selection that coexist with a positively selected haplotype, revealing temporally fluctuating selection; comparable patterns at BRCA2 and MLH1 suggest recurrent selective trade-offs in DNA repair genes. Phenome-wide association analysis across 30 hematologic and cardiometabolic traits linked a subset of candidates to increased erythrocyte volume and reduced hemoglobin concentration, suggesting subclinical physiological effects. These results demonstrate ongoing natural selection on disease-relevant variation, particularly affecting hematologic traits in the Han Taiwanese population, and highlight opportunities to refine precision-medicine risk models.
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in elderly patients, yet effective interventions remain limited. Mitochondrial dysfunction and microglial M1 polarization contribute to POD pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate whether lidocaine (LID) ameliorates POD by activating mitophagy to suppress mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) and inhibit M1 microglial polarization. A mouse model of POD was established by laparotomy in male C57BL/6J mice, which were randomly divided into four groups (n=6 each): sham, POD, POD+LID (8mg/kg, i.v.), and POD+LID+Mdivi‑1 (25mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioral tests (open field and Y‑maze), serum inflammatory and oxidative markers, hippocampal histology, mitophagy-related proteins, microglial polarization markers, mROS, and ATP were assessed. In vitro, LPS-stimulated BV2 cells were treated with LID (10μg/mL), Mdivi‑1 (5μM), or the mROS scavenger Mito‑TEMPO (1.5mM) to evaluate mitochondrial function, mROS, and polarization. LID treatment significantly improved behavioral performance, as evidenced by increased central zone exploration and Y‑maze alternation rate, reduced serum TNF‑α and IL‑1β, elevated IL‑10, and attenuated oxidative stress (decreased MDA, increased SOD) in POD mice. LID also restored hippocampal mitochondrial morphology, enhanced mitophagy (reduced p62, increased PINK1, Parkin, and LC3‑II/LC3‑I ratio), and shifted microglial polarization from M1 (decreased CD86/iNOS) to M2 (increased CD206/Arg‑1). All these effects were reversed by Mdivi‑1. In BV2 cells, LID reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, IL‑1β), increased IL‑10, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased mROS, and promoted M2 polarization; these effects were blocked by Mdivi‑1 and rescued by Mito‑TEMPO. LID activates mitophagy, reduces mROS, and promotes M2 microglial polarization, thereby alleviating POD, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent xenobiotics linked to neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neurological disorders. PFAS-induced gut microbiota remodelling may disrupt gut-brain signalling, thereby affecting brain functions and behaviour. Integrating microbiome endpoints (diversity, taxonomic shifts, and metabolic configuration) into PFAS research provides a framework to elucidate toxicodynamic mechanisms and to inform the development of targeted, mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.
Since the 1960s, the southern floods-northern droughts dipole pattern of East Asian summer precipitation became abnormally active in the early 1990s but weakened markedly after the late 2000s. During its active periods, the dipole produced widespread flooding south of the Yangtze River basin and severe droughts to the north. However, the mechanisms underlying this precipitation dipole remain inconclusive, leaving uncertain whether it may re-intensify and threaten East Asia's hydrological balance in the future. Here we show that a prolonged phase alignment between the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and the tropospheric El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerted a dominant influence by modulating the East Asian subtropical westerly jet, thereby shaping the observed precipitation dipole. This mechanism is confirmed by climate simulations, in which prescribing historically observed QBO and ENSO forcings in the BCC-CSM2-MR model successfully reproduces the southern floods-northern droughts dipole pattern that became pronounced after the early 1990s. Future projections indicate that such QBO-ENSO alignments may recur under any emission scenario, suggesting that the currently weakened dipole could re-emerge in a future climate. Our findings underscore the critical role of stratosphere-troposphere coupling in regulating East Asian hydroclimate variability and offer an early-warning perspective for future shifts in regional water resources.
Cisplatin (DDP) is a primary chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its limited sensitivity necessitates new strategies to enhance its effectiveness. M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment amplify the anti-tumor efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapeutics, and M1 macrophage-derived exosomes (M1-Exos) have been shown to suppress tumor progression through microRNA delivery. This study aimed to investigate the role of M1-Exos in boosting DDP's anti-NSCLC effect and explore the underlying mechanisms. M1 macrophages were induced from Mφ macrophages using IFN-γ, and M1-Exos were isolated and characterized. RT-qPCR confirmed the predominance of miR-378a-3p in M1-Exos. NSCLC cell and mouse models were treated with M1-Exos, mmu-miR-378a-3 inhibitor, and DDP. M1-Exos uptake was examined by immunofluorescence, M1 and M2 macrophage marker levels by RT-qPCR, apoptotic rates and macrophage ratios by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation and DDP IC50 by MTT and colony formation assays. A dual-luciferase reporter assay explored miR-378a-3p's interaction with YAP1, and HIPPO pathway protein levels were quantified by western blot. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that M1-Exos enhanced the anti-NSCLC effect of DDP by reducing tumor cell proliferation, enhancing apoptosis, and diminishing tumor growth. Mechanistically, M1-Exos activated the HIPPO signaling pathway by regulating p-YAP/YAP1, YAP1, TAZ, LATS1, and TEAD1 and encouraged M2 to M1 macrophage reprogramming. Inhibition of miR-378a-3p markedly reduced these effects. No obvious changes in serum ALT, AST, BUN, or BCr levels were observed among treatment groups. In conclusion, M1-Exos, rich in miR-378a-3p, targets YAP1 to activate the HIPPO signaling pathway and shift macrophage phenotypes from M2 to M1, thereby augmenting DDP's anti-tumor impact through reduced NSCLC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.
The UK's diagnostic imaging services continue to face workforce shortages, with increasing reliance on internationally trained radiographers to fill critical staffing gaps and sustain service delivery. Recent proposals to introduce an "earned settlement" framework represent a shift from time-based to conditional pathways to permanence, incorporating extended qualifying periods and income-based criteria. While immigration policy is crucial for maintaining this workforce, its impact on retention, well-being, and service stability remains unclear. This review presents a conceptual policy analysis of settlement policy: UK Home Office, A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: Statement and Accompanying Consultation on Earned Settlement (2025), as a form of workforce infrastructure in diagnostic imaging. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and PubMed. These were combined with a structured narrative review and an analysis of the UK Home Office consultation policy document. The review was guided by the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) and established narrative synthesis guidance. Evidence suggests that prolonged immigration uncertainty may exacerbate occupational stress and increase exit intentions among migrant imaging professionals, though the available evidence base limits causal attribution. Income-based settlement accelerators appear structurally misaligned with NHS pay arrangements. Organisational integration interventions show promise but may be undermined by settlement insecurity. The current earned settlement proposal risks undermining retention and the sustainability of imaging services in the UK. Sector-specific settlement pathways, transitional protections, and contribution metrics that align with public service realities are vital to supporting a stable imaging workforce. The review highlights the importance of senior leadership awareness of wider immigration policy. Specifically, awareness of the settlement requirements for international staff will provide insight into the drivers of their professional motivation.
Internal phosphorus (P) loading from sediments remains a major bottleneck for the long-term remediation of eutrophic waters. Although electrochemical strategies for vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O) formation show promise for phosphate removal from wastewater, they typically rely on precise pH control, severely limiting their potential for in situ application in complex natural sediments. Here, a low-current-density electrochemical system is reported that directs labile sedimentary P toward crystalline vivianite under bulk aerobic laboratory conditions. Using iron electrodes at 1 mA cm-2, 32% of sedimentary P and 37% of aqueous-system P were converted into vivianite-bound P, within the range reported for authigenic vivianite in Fe-rich, low-sulfidation sediments. Increasing current density accelerated P immobilization but shifted the products toward ferrihydrite-adsorbed P and amorphous Fe-P. XANES and EXAFS showed that low current density preserved Fe(II)-rich products with higher Fe-centered connectivity, whereas higher current densities promoted Fe oxidation and structural disordering. Complementary XRD, XPS, FTIR, Raman, and SEM-EDS supported the formation of layered Fe-P particles with Fe/P ratios close to vivianite stoichiometry at low current density. The low-current condition maintained a favorable pH evolution and sustained Fe2+ supply, thereby favoring Fe(II)-phosphate crystallization over Fe hydroxide/amorphous Fe-P formation. This work demonstrates a charge-quantified, pathway-selective electrochemical mineralization strategy for converting labile sedimentary P into crystalline Fe(II)-phosphate under controlled sediment-water conditions.
To evaluate how the 10-year integration of minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH) at a safety net hospital impacted surgical approach, perioperative outcomes, and equity of MIH access across racial groups in an underserved patient population. Observational - Retrospective chart review. A single, university-affiliated urban safety-net hospital. The institution serves as a primary teaching site for the one of the largest Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs in the country and provides care to a predominantly underinsured patient population. 3,004 patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications between 2010-2020. Implementation of minimally invasive surgical practices as well as the establishment of a Complex Benign Gynecology fellowship program at an urban safety-net hospital. Over the 10-year implementation period, the proportion of laparoscopic hysterectomies increased from 9% to 46% (p<0.05), while abdominal hysterectomies decreased from 68% to 27% (p<0.05). In this time, the proportion of perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 1 and 2) decreased from 45.4% in 2010 to 26.8% in 2020 (p<0.05). Grade 3 and 4 complications were consistently rare (< 3%). Operating times did not significantly change over time; however, the median blood loss per surgery decreased from 300 to 200 mL and the median hospital stay was reduced by 50%, from 61 to 30 hours (p<.001). The transition to MIH was associated with significantly increased diagnoses of adenomyosis and endometriosis (p < 0.001). The systematic implementation of MIH in a safety-net setting is feasible and effective, associated with a decrease in complication rates and hospital stays. The shift to minimally invasive techniques additionally improved the often delayed diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis, which are often associated with significant diagnostic delays. These findings demonstrate that increased access to minimally invasive surgery is essential to quality care in safety net populations.