Synthesis, Structure and (Photo)Catalytic Behavior of Ce-MOFs Containing Perfluoroalkylcarboxylate Linkers: Experimental and Theoretical Insights

Cerium-based Metal-Organic frameworks (Ce-MOFs) are attracting increasing interest due to their similar structural features to zirconium MOFs. The redox behavior of Ce(III/IV) adds a range of properties to the compounds. Recently, perfluorinated linkers have been used in the synthesis of MOFs to introduce new characteristic into the structure. We report the synthesis and structural characterization of Ce(IV)-based MOFs constructed using two perfluorinated alkyl linkers. Their structure, based on hexanuclear Ce6O4(OH)4 12+ clusters linked to each other by the dicarboxylate ions, has been solved ab-initio from X-ray powder diffraction data and refined by the Rietveld method. The crystallization kinetics and the MOF formation mechanism was also invesitigated by Synchrotron radiation with XAS spectroscopies (EXAFS and XANES). The MOFs present the same fcu cubic topology as observed in MOF-801 and UiO-66, and they showed good stability in water at different pH conditions. The electronic structure of these MOFs has been studied by DFT calculations in order to obtain insights into the density of states structure of the reported compounds, resulting in band gaps in the range of 2.8-3.1 eV. Their catalytic properties were tested both thermally and under visible light irradiation for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye.

Recent advances in the chemistry and applications of fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (F-MOFs)

Metal-organic frameworks are a class of porous crystalline materials based on the ordered connection of metal centers or metal clusters by organic linkers with comprehensive functionalities. The interest in these materials is rapidly moving towards their application in industry and real life. In this context, cheap and sustainable synthetic strategies of MOFs with tailored structures and functions are nowadays a topic widely studied from different points of view. In this review, fluorinated MOFs (F-MOFs) and their applications are investigated. The principal aim is to provide an overview of the structural features and the main application of MOFs containing fluorine atoms both as anionic units or as coordinating elements of more complex inorganic units and, therefore, directly linked to the structural metals or as part of fluorinated linkers used in the synthesis of MOFs. Herein we present a review of F-MOFs reported in the recent literature compared to benchmark compounds published over the last 10 years. The compounds are discussed in terms of their structure and properties according to the aforementioned classification, with an insight into the different chemical nature of the bonds. The application fields of F-MOFs, especially in sustainability related issues, such as harmful gas sorption and separation, will also be discussed. F-MOFs are compounds containing fluorine atoms in their framework and they can be based on: (a) fluorinated metallic or semi-metallic anionic clusters or: (b) fluorinated organic linkers or (c) eventually containing both the building blocks. The nature of a covalent C-F bond in terms of length, charge separation and dipole moment sensibly differs from that of a partly ionic M-F (M = metal) one so that the two classes of materials (points a and b) have different properties and they find various application fields. The study shows how the insertion of polar M-F and C-F bonds in the MOF structure may confer several advantages in terms of interaction with gaseous molecules and the compounds can find application in gas sorption and separation. In addition, hydrophobicity tends to increase compared to non-fluorinated analogues, resulting in an overall improvement in moisture stability.

On the high-temperature phase transition of a new chlorocadmate(ii) complex incorporating symmetrical Cd2Cl6 clusters: structural, optical and electrical properties

In the present investigation, a new hybrid crystal, with the formula [(C4H9)4P]2Cd2Cl6 has been synthesized by the slow evaporation method at room temperature. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Hirshfeld surface, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical measurement and complex impedance. Single crystal X-ray diffraction structural analysis revealed that the title compound crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P1̄ and cell parameters: a = 11.972 (1) Å, b = 15.418 (1) Å, c = 15.426 (2) Å, αa = 68.71 (2) °, β = 73.20 (3) ° and γ = 74.39 (2)°. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to investigate intermolecular interactions and associated 2D fingerprint plots, revealing quantitatively the relative contribution of these interactions in the crystal cohesion. DSC studies indicated one phase transition at about 348 K. Optical absorption spectra show that the band gap of [(C4H9)4P]2Cd2Cl6 is approximately 2.65 eV. The Nyquist plot showed only one semicircular arc, representing the grain effect in the electrical conduction. The thermal evolution of the conductivity of the grains presents an Arrhenius type behavior, demonstrating that charge carriers have to overcome different energy barriers while conducting and relaxing. Besides, the AC conductivity was analyzed by Jonscher's law and the conduction mechanism is well ensured by the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model.

Uncovering the Role of Electronic Doping in Lead-free Perovskite (CH3 NH3 )2 CuCl4-x Brx and Solar Cells Fabrication

Lead halide perovskites are attractive pigments to fabricate solar cells in the laboratory, owing to their high power conversion efficiency. However, given the presence of Pb, such materials also have a high level of toxicity and are carcinogenic for humans and aquatic life. Arguably, this hampers their acceptability for immediate commercialization. This study entails the synthesis, optoelectronic properties, and photovoltaic parameters of two-dimensional copper-based perovskites as an environmentally benign alternative to lead-based perovskites. The perovskites - (CH₃ NH₃ )₂ CuCl_4-x Br_x with x=0.3 and 0.66 - are derivatives of the stable (CH₃ NH₃ )₂ CuCl₄ . The single crystals and powders diffractograms suggest compositions with variations in Cl/Br ratio and dissimilar bromine localization in the inorganic framework. The copper mixed halide perovskite exhibits a narrow absorption with a bandgap of 2.54-2.63 eV related to the halide ratio disparity (crystal color variation). These findings demonstrate the impact of halides to optimize the stability of methylammonium copper perovskites and provide an effective pathway to design eco-friendly perovskites for optoelectronic applications.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Photocatalytic Properties of Two Isoreticular Ce(IV)-MOFs with an Infinite Rod-Shaped Inorganic Building Unit

The use of the V-shaped linker molecules 4,4'-oxydibenzoic acid (H₂ODB) and 4,4'-carbonyldibenzoic acid (H₂CDB) led to the discovery of two isoreticular Ce(IV)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of composition [CeO(H₂O)(L)], L = ODB^2-, CDB^2-, denoted CAU-58 (CAU = Christian-Albrechts-University). The recently developed Ce-MOF synthesis approach in acetonitrile as the solvent proved effective in accessing Ce(IV)-MOF structures with infinite rod-shaped inorganic building units (IBUs) and circumventing the formation of the predominantly observed hexanuclear [Ce₆O₈] cluster. For the structure determination of the isoreticular MOFs, three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data were used in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. [CeO(H₂O)(CDB)] shows reversible H₂O adsorption by stirring in water and thermal treatment at 190 °C, which leads to a unit cell volume change of 11%. The MOFs feature high thermal stabilities (T > 290 °C), which exceed those of most Ce(IV)-MOFs and can be attributed to the infinite rod-shaped IBU. Surface and bulk oxidation states of the cerium ions were analyzed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES). While Ce(III) ions are observed by the highly surface-sensitive XPS method, the bulk material contains predominantly Ce(IV) ions according to XANES. Application of the MOFs as catalysts for the catalytic degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solutions was also studied. While degradation activity for both MOFs was observed, only CAU-58-ODB revealed enhanced photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet (UV) light. The photocatalytic mechanism likely involves a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) from the linkers to the Ce(IV) centers. Analyses by XANES and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) demonstrate that leaching of Cerium ions as well as partial reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III) takes place during catalysis. At the same time, PXRD data confirm the structural stability of the remaining MOF catalysts.

Cooperative CO2 adsorption mechanism in a perfluorinated CeIV-based metal organic framework

Adsorbents able to uptake large amounts of gases within a narrow range of pressure, i.e., phase-change adsorbents, are emerging as highly interesting systems to achieve excellent gas separation performances with little energy input for regeneration. A recently discovered phase-change metal-organic framework (MOF) adsorbent is F4_MIL-140A(Ce), based on Ce^IV and tetrafluoroterephthalate. This MOF displays a non-hysteretic step-shaped CO₂ adsorption isotherm, reaching saturation in conditions of temperature and pressure compatible with real life application in post-combustion carbon capture, biogas upgrading and acetylene purification. Such peculiar behaviour is responsible for the exceptional CO₂/N₂ selectivity and reverse CO₂/C₂H₂ selectivity of F4_MIL-140A(Ce). Here, we combine data obtained from a wide pool of characterisation techniques - namely gas sorption analysis, in situ infrared spectroscopy, in situ powder X-ray diffraction, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, multinuclear solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and adsorption microcalorimetry - with periodic density functional theory simulations to provide evidence for the existence of a unique cooperative CO₂ adsorption mechanism in F4_MIL-140A(Ce). Such mechanism involves the concerted rotation of perfluorinated aromatic rings when a threshold partial pressure of CO₂ is reached, opening the gate towards an adsorption site where CO₂ interacts with both open metal sites and the fluorine atoms of the linker.

Increased CO2 Affinity and Adsorption Selectivity in MOF-801 Fluorinated Analogues

The novel Zr^IV-based perfluorinated metal-organic framework (PF-MOF) [Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(TFS)₆] (ZrTFS) was prepared under solvent-free conditions using the commercially available tetrafluorosuccinic acid (H₂TFS) as a bridging ditopic linker. Since H₂TFS can be seen as the fully aliphatic and perfluorinated C₄ analogue of fumaric acid, ZrTFS was found to be isoreticular to zirconium fumarate (MOF-801). The structure of ZrTFS was solved and refined from X-ray powder diffraction data. Despite this analogy, the gas adsorption capacity of ZrTFS is much lower than that of MOF-801; in the former, the presence of bulky fluorine atoms causes a considerable window size reduction. To have PF-MOFs with more accessible porosity, postsynthetic exchange (PSE) reactions on (defective) MOF-801 suspended in H₂TFS aqueous solutions were carried out. Despite the different H₂TFS concentrations used in the PSE process, the exchanges yielded two mixed-linker materials of similar minimal formulae [Zr₆O₄(μ₃-OH)₄(μ₁-OH)_2.08(H₂O)_2.08(FUM)_4.04(HTFS)_1.84] (PF-MOF1) and [Zr₆O₄(μ₃-OH)₄(μ₁-OH)_1.83(H₂O)_1.83(FUM)_4.04(HTFS)_2.09] (PF-MOF2) (FUM^2- = fumarate), where the perfluorinated linker was found to fully replace the capping acetate in the defective sites of pristine MOF-801. CO₂ and N₂ adsorption isotherms collected on all samples reveal that both CO₂ thermodynamic affinity (isosteric heat of adsorption at zero coverage, Q_st) and CO₂/N₂ adsorption selectivity increase with the amount of incorporated TFS^2-, reaching the maximum values of 30 kJ mol^-1 and 41 (IAST), respectively, in PF-MOF2. This confirms the beneficial effect coming from the introduction of fluorinated linkers in MOFs on their CO₂ adsorption ability. Finally, solid-state density functional theory calculations were carried out to cast light on the structural features and on the thermodynamics of CO₂ adsorption in MOF-801 and ZrTFS. Due to the difficulties in modeling a defective MOF, an intermediate structure containing both linkers in the framework was also designed. In this structure, the preferential CO₂ adsorption site is the tetrahedral pore in the "UiO-66-like" structure. The extra energy stabilization stems from a hydrogen bond interaction between CO₂ and a hydroxyl group on the inorganic cluster.

AB0813 Correspondence between patient-reported flare and disease activity score variation in axial spondyloarthritis

Background

There is currently no consensual definition of flare in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine thresholds of variations of BASDAI associated with patient-reported flare and to test performance of ASAS preliminary definitions of flare1.

Methods

This prospective study was proposed to all patients registered on the Spondy+ platform, a secure e-health platform for SpA patients. Every week during one year, patients were invited to connect to the platform to fill a BASDAI questionnaire, a 0-10 pain visual analogic scale and to answer to the following question: “has your disease flared up since last week?”. Variations of BASDAI and pain between connections were assessed and associated to the change of perception of flare. ROC curves were built to assess performances of BASDAI and VAS to identify patient-reported occurrence and resolution of flare. Performance of ASAS preliminary definitions of flare was also assessed.

Results

99 patients participated to this study for an average duration of 309 ± 148 days. 92% of them reported at least one episode of flare over follow-up. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was significantly higher for ΔBASDAI than for Δpain, to predict outbreak of flare (0.81 vs 0.77, p=0.02). In contrast, ΔBASDAI and Δpain were comparably accurate to predict flare resolution with no significant difference of AUC (0.78 vs 0.80, p=0.4). Best performance was obtained for an increase of 0.2 points of BASDAI (sensitivity=70%; specificity=79%) and 0.5 of pain VAS to predict outbreak of flare and a decrease of 0.4 points of BASDAI and 0.5 of pain VAS to predict flare resolution (Figure 1). None of the ASAS definitions yielded sensitivity values higher than 37% whereas specificity was higher than 95% for all of them.

Figure 1.

Sensitivity (red dots) and specificity (blue dots) according to ΔBASDAI (panels A,C) and Δpain (panels B,D) threshold as predictors of outbreak (panels A,B) or resolution (panels C,D) of flare.

Conclusion

ΔBASDAI appeared as a suitable variable to monitor both occurrence and resolution of SpA flare, as reported by patient.

References

[1]Gossec L et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2016;75:991–6. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208593

Acknowledgements

The authors thank MSD France for unrestricted financial support to the SPONDY+ platform and Frédéric Durand-Salmon for giving us the possibility to use SPONDY+, a patient support program developed by BEPATIENT.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

"Shake 'n Bake" Route to Functionalized Zr-UiO-66 Metal-Organic Frameworks

We report a novel synthetic procedure for the high-yield synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with fcu topology with a UiO-66-like structure starting from a range of commercial ZrIV precursors and various substituted dicarboxylic linkers. The syntheses are carried out by grinding in a ball mill the starting reagents, namely, Zr salts and the dicarboxylic linkers, in the presence of a small amount of acetic acid and water (1 mL total volume for 1 mmol of each reagent), followed by incubation at either room temperature or 120 °C. Such a simple "shake 'n bake" procedure, inspired by the solid-state reaction of inorganic materials, such as oxides, avoids the use of large amounts of solvents generally used for the syntheses of Zr-MOF. Acidity of the linkers and the amount of water are found to be crucial factors in affording materials of quality comparable to that of products obtained under solvo- or hydrothermal conditions.

Water immersion vs. air insufflation in canine duodenal endoscopy: is the future underwater?

Endoscopy represents a commonly employed technique for canine enteropathies. Different trials in human intestinal endoscopy have suggested that the introduction of water for luminal distension, in place of air, improves the visualization of the mucosal texture and decreases pain. The aim of the study was to compare water immersion (WI) vs. air insufflation (AI) during duodenoscopy in anesthetized dogs in terms of mucosal visualization and nociception. Twenty-five dogs undergoing duodenoscopy were included. The same image of the descending duodenum was recorded applying WI and AI. Each pair of images was analyzed using morphological skeletonization, an image entropy evaluation, and a subjective blind evaluation by three experienced endoscopists. To evaluate differences in nociception related to the procedure applied, heart rate and arterial blood pressure were measured before, during and after WI/AI. To compare the two methods, a t-test for paired data was applied for the image analysis, Fleiss' Kappa evaluation for the subjective evaluation and a Friedman test for anesthetic parameters. No differences were found between WI and AI using morphological skeletonization and entropy. The subjective evaluation identified the WI images as qualitatively better than the AI images, indicating substantial agreement between the operators. No differences in nociception were found. The results of the study pointed out the absence of changes in pain response between WI and AI, likely due to the sufficient control of nociception by the anesthesia. Based on subjective evaluation, but not confirmed by the image analysis, WI provided better image quality than AI.

Biogenic ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Novel Plant Extract: Application to Enhance Physiological and Biochemical Traits in Maize

The need to increase crop productivity and resistance directs interest in nanotechnology. Indeed, biogenic metal oxide nanoparticles can promote beneficial effects in plants, while their synthesis avoids the environmental impacts of conventional synthetic procedures. In this context, this research aimed to synthesize biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using, for the first time, an extract of a wild and spontaneous aquatic species, Lemna minor (duckweed). The effectiveness of this biogenic synthesis was evidenced for comparison with non-biogenic ZnO-NPs (obtained without using the plant extract), which have been synthesized in this research. XRD (X-ray diffraction), FE-SEM (field emission gun electron scanning microscopy), EDX (energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscope) and UV-vis (ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry) showed the biogenic approach effectiveness. The duckweed extract was subjected to UHPLC-ESI/QTOF-MS (ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry) phenolic profiling. This untargeted characterization highlighted a high and chemically diverse content in the duckweed extract of compounds potentially implicated in nanoparticulation. From an application standpoint, the effect of biogenic nanoparticles was investigated on some traits of maize subjected to seed priming with a wide range of biogenic ZnO-NPs concentrations. Inductive effects on the shoot and root biomass development were ascertained concerning the applied dosage. Furthermore, the biogenic ZnO-NPs stimulated the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanin. Finally, the study of malondialdehyde content (MDA) as a marker of the oxidative status further highlighted the beneficial and positive action of the biogenic ZnO-NPs on maize.

In Situ X-ray Diffraction Investigation of the Crystallisation of Perfluorinated CeIV -Based Metal-Organic Frameworks with UiO-66 and MIL-140 Architectures*

We report on the results of an in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction study of the crystallisation in aqueous medium of two recently discovered perfluorinated Ce^IV -based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), analogues of the already well investigated Zr^IV -based UiO-66 and MIL-140A, namely, F4_UiO-66(Ce) and F4_MIL-140A(Ce). The two MOFs were originally obtained in pure form in similar conditions, using ammonium cerium nitrate and tetrafluoroterephthalic acid as reagents, and small variations of the reaction parameters were found to yield mixed phases. Here, we investigate the crystallisation of these compounds, varying parameters such as temperature, amount of the protonation modulator nitric acid and amount of the coordination modulator acetic acid. When only HNO₃ is present in the reaction environment, only F4_MIL-140A(Ce) is obtained. Heating preferentially accelerates nucleation, which becomes rate determining below 57 °C. Upon addition of AcOH to the system, alongside HNO₃ , mixed-phased products are obtained. F4_UiO-66(Ce) is always formed faster, and no interconversion between the two phases occurs. In the case of F4_UiO-66(Ce), crystal growth is always the rate-determining step. A higher amount of HNO₃ favours the formation of F4_MIL-140A(Ce), whereas increasing the amount of AcOH favours the formation of F4_UiO-66(Ce). Based on the in situ results, a new optimised route to achieving a pure, high-quality F4_MIL-140A(Ce) phase in mild conditions (60 °C, 1 h) is also identified.

Molecular and heterogenized dinuclear Ir-Cp* water oxidation catalysts bearing EDTA or EDTMP as bridging and anchoring ligands

The development of efficient water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) is of key importance in order to drive sustainable reductive processes aimed at producing renewable fuels. Herein, two novel dinuclear complexes, [(Cp*Ir)₂(μ-κ³-O,N,O-H₄-EDTMP)] (Ir-H₄-EDTMP, H₄-EDTMP^4- = ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonate)) and [(Cp*Ir)₂(μ-κ³-O,N,O-EDTA)] (Ir-EDTA, EDTA^4- = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), were synthesized and completely characterized in solution, by multinuclear and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state, by single crystal X-Ray diffraction. They were supported onto rutile TiO₂ nanocrystals obtaining Ir-H₄-EDTMP@TiO₂ and Ir-EDTA@TiO₂ hybrid materials. Both molecular complexes and hybrid materials were found to be efficient catalysts for WO driven by NaIO₄, providing almost quantitative yields, and TON values only limited by the amount of NaIO₄ used. As for the molecular catalysts, Ir-H₄-EDTMP (TOF up to 184 min^-1) exhibited much higher activity than Ir-EDTA (TOF up to 19 min^-1), likely owing to the higher propensity of the former to generate a coordination vacancy through the dissociation of a Ir-OP bond (2.123 Å, significantly longer than Ir-OC, 2.0913 Å), which is a necessary step to activate these saturated complexes. Ir-H₄-EDTMP@TiO₂ (up to 33 min^-1) and Ir-EDTA@TiO₂ (up to 41 min^-1) hybrid materials showed similar activity that was only marginally reduced in the second and third catalytic runs carried out after having separated the supernatant, which did not show any sign of activity, instead. The observed TOF values for hybrid materials are higher than those reported for analogous systems deriving from heterogenized mononuclear complexes. This suggests that supporting dinuclear molecular precursors could be a successful strategy to obtain efficient heterogenized water oxidation catalysts.

Iridium-Doped Nanosized Zn-Al Layered Double Hydroxides as Efficient Water Oxidation Catalysts

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are an ideal platform to host catalytic metal centers for water oxidation (WO) owing to the high accessibility of water to the interlayer region, which makes all centers potentially reachable and activated. Herein, we report the syntheses of three iridium-doped zinc-aluminum LDHs (Ir-LDHs) nanomaterials (1-3, with about 80 nm of planar size and a thickness of 8 nm as derived by field emission scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction studies, respectively), carried out in the confined aqueous environment of reverse micelles, through a very simple and versatile procedure. These materials exhibit excellent catalytic performances in WO driven by NaIO4 at neutral pH and 25 °C, with an iridium content as low as 0.5 mol % (∼0.8 wt %), leading to quantitative oxygen yields (based on utilized NaIO4, turnover number up to ∼10,000). Nanomaterials 1-3 display the highest ever reported turnover frequency values (up to 402 min-1) for any heterogeneous and heterogenized catalyst, comparable only to those of the most efficient molecular iridium catalysts, tested under similar reaction conditions. The boost in activity can be traced to the increased surface area and pore volume (>5 times and 1 order of magnitude, respectively, higher than those of micrometric materials of size 0.3-1 μm) estimated for the nanosized particles, which guarantee higher noble metal accessibility. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies suggest that 1-3 nanomaterials, as-prepared and after catalysis, contain a mixture of isolated, single octahedral Ir(III) sites, with no evidence of Ir-Ir scattering from second-nearest neighbors, excluding the presence of IrO2 nanoparticles. The combination of the results obtained from XAS, elemental analysis, and ionic chromatography strongly suggests that iridium is embedded in the brucite-like structure of LDHs, having four hydroxyls and two chlorides as first neighbors. These results demonstrate that nanometric LDHs can be successfully exploited to engineer efficient WOCs, minimizing the amount of iridium used, consistent with the principle of the noble-metal atom economy.

THU0524 FACTORS EXPLAINING PATIENT PERSPECTIVE IN PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PSA): THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DETECTED BY ULTRASOUND (THE ECHOPRO STUDY)

Background:

Patient reported outcomes (PROs) reflect patients’ opinion on disease activity, impact of disease, quality of life (QoL) and are essential in the assessment of PsA patients. PROs may be influenced by several factors other than disease activity and severity. Ultrasound (US) is an objective tool to evaluate joint inflammation and structural damage in PsA.

Objectives:

This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the role of US-detected inflammation (synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis) and structural damage (erosions, enthesophytes, osteophytes, cortical irregularities), to explain PROs in PsA and to compare that to psoriasis (PsO) patients with and without musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms.

Methods:

PsA (CASPAR criteria) [1], PsO with MSK symptoms without fulfilling CASPAR criteria (symptoPsO) and PsO with no MSK symptoms (asymptoPsO) were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, disease duration and treatment were collected. All patients underwent to: a) dermatological and rheumatologic assessment: PsO severity, swollen joint count (SJC), tender JC (TJC), number of dactylitis and enthesitis; b) US evaluation of joints, tendons and entheses according to OMERACT definitions[2], (figure 1); c) PROs assessement: fatigue, disability (HAQ) and QoL (SF36). Variables were compared across groups (chi square or one-way ANOVA test). Correlations were evaluated using Spearman’s test.

Results:

208 patients (76 PsA, 64 symptoPsO and 68 asymptoPsO) with similar socio-demographic characteristics and PsO duration were included (table 1). Except for enthesophytes, all US changes were significantly higher in PsA, followed by symptoPsO patients.

Table 1.

Characteristics of the patients:

PsAN= 76SymptoPsON=64AsymptoPsON=68pFemales, N (%)33 (43.4)39 (55.7)23 (37.1)NSAge55.58 ± 12.7152.16 ± 15.6150.03 ± 14.66NSPsoriasis duration18.76 ± 13.3719.47 ± 15.9815.03 ± 12.29NSPASI0 (0; 36)3 (0; 16)5.5 (0; 22.1)<0.00168 TJC4 (0; 30)2 (0; 23)0<0.00166 SJC0 (0; 23)0 (0; 3)0<0.001Number of enthesitis3 (0; 13)2 (0; 13)0<0.001Number of dactylitis0 (0; 5)00NSFibromyalgia, N (%)6 (7.9)4 (5.7)0NSN of joints with US synovitis1 (0; 32)0 (0; 7)0 (0; 6)0.001N of US enthesitis0 (0; 11)0 (0; 2)0 (0; 2)<0.001N of US tenosynovitis0 (0; 7)0 (0; 1)0 (0; 1)0.005N of joints with US osthephytes/cortical irregularities2 (0; 22)1 (0; 25)1 (0; 21)0.027N of joints with US erosions0 (0; 4)0 (0; 2)0 (0; 2)0.016N of US entheses with enthesopthytes/calcifications3 (0; 9)2 (0; 10)1 (0; 8)NSN of US enthesis with erosions0 (0; 5)0 (0; 1)0 (0; 2)0.001Fatigue (0-10)4.91 ± 3.083.46 ± 3.402.57 ± 2.86<0.001HAQ (0-3)1 (0; 2)0 (0; 2)0 (0; 1)<0.001SF36 PF61.31 ± 30.0877.46 ± 25.0289.35 ± 19.25<0.001

Across all 3 groups, all PROs correlated mainly with demographic variables, comorbidities, TJC, clinical enthesitis, skin severity, depression and fibromyalgia points (r=0.24-0.72). SymptoPsO and PsA reported similar scores of fatigue and impact on most QoL domains, significantly higher than asymptoPsO. HAQ correlated with total number of joints with US irregularities/osteophytes in PsA (r= 0.23; p=0.05), and SF36 physical function with both US inflammatory and damage variables in all three groups (r=0.24-0.34).

Conclusion:

Quality of life, disability and fatigue were more impaired in PsA and symptoPsO patients than asymptoPsO. In all groups, PROs seem to be mostly associated with socio-demographic characteristics and comorbidities rather than objective measures such as US changes or clinical variables.

References:

[1]Taylor, Arthritis Rheum 2006

[2]Bruyn,J Rheumatol 2019

Acknowledgments:

This work was supported by PARTNER fellowship.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Investigating the effect of positional isomerism on the assembly of zirconium phosphonates based on tritopic linkers

Combination of the novel linker 2,4,6-tris[3-(phosphonomethyl)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine and Zr(iv) afforded a layered compound that lacks extended inorganic connectivity and displays good proton conductivity.

The chemistry of Ce-based metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained widespread attention due to their modular construction that allows the tuning of their properties. Within this vast class of compounds, metal carboxylates containing tri- and tetravalent metal ions have been in the focus of many studies due to their often high thermal and chemical stabilities. Cerium has a rich chemistry, which depends strongly on its oxidation state. Ce(iii) exhibits properties typically observed for rare earth elements, while Ce(iv) is mostly known for its oxidation behaviour. In MOF chemistry this is reflected in their unique optical and catalytic properties. The synthetic parameters for Ce(iii)- and Ce(iv)-MOFs also differ substantially and conditions must be chosen to prevent reduction of Ce(iv) for the formation of the latter. Ce(iii)-MOFs are usually reported in comprehensive studies together with those constructed with other RE elements and normally they are isostructural. They exhibit a greater structural diversity, which is reflected in the larger variety of inorganic building units. In contrast, the synthesis conditions of Ce(iv)-MOFs were only recently (2015) established. These lead selectively to hexanuclear Ce-O clusters that are well-known for Zr-MOFs and therefore very similar structural and isoreticluar chemistry is found. Hence Ce(iv)-MOFs exhibit often high porosity, while only a few porous Ce(iii)-MOFs have been described. Some of these show structural flexibility which makes them interesting for separation processes. For Ce(iv)-MOFs the redox properties are most relevant. Thus, they are intensively discussed for catalytic, photocatalytic and sensing applications. In this perspective, the synthesis, structural chemistry and properties of Ce-MOFs are summarized.

Ir- and Ru-doped layered double hydroxides as affordable heterogeneous catalysts for electrochemical water oxidation

Doping low-cost LDHs with noble metal atoms represents a promising approach to develop effective heterogeneous Water Oxidation Catalysts.

Solvent-Free Synthetic Route for Cerium(IV) Metal-Organic Frameworks with UiO-66 Architecture and Their Photocatalytic Applications

A near solvent-free synthetic route for Ce-UiO-66 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is presented. The MOFs are obtained by energetically grinding the reagents, cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and the carboxylic linkers, in a mortar for a few minutes with the addition of a small amount of acetic acid (AcOH) as a modulator (8.75 equiv, 0.5 mL). The slurry is then transferred into a 2 mL vial and heated at 120 °C for 1 day. The MOFs have been characterized for their composition, crystallinity, and porosity and employed as heterogeneous catalysts for the photo-oxidation reaction of substituted benzylic alcohols to benzaldaldehydes under near-ultraviolet light irradiation. The catalytic performances, such as selectivity, conversion, and kinetics, exceed those of similar systems studied by chemical oxidation using similar Ce-MOFs as a catalyst. Moreover, the MOFs were found to be reusable up to three cycles without loss of activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to fully describe the electronic structure of the best performing MOFs and to provide useful information on the catalytic activity experimentally observed.

Probing Internalization Effects and Biocompatibility of Ultrasmall Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks UiO-66 NP in U251 Glioblastoma Cancer Cells

The synthesis of ultrasmall UiO-66 nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of 25 nm, determined by X-ray powder diffraction and electron microscopies analysis, is reported. The NPs were stabilized in water by dialyzing the NP from the DMF used for the synthesis. DLS measurements confirmed the presence of particles of 100 nm, which are spherical aggregates of smaller particles of 20⁻30 nm size. The NP have a BET surface area of 700 m²/g with an external surface area of 300 m²/g. UiO-66_N (UiO-66 nanoparticles) were loaded with acridine orange as fluorescent probe. UV-vis spectroscopy analysis revealed no acridine loss after 48 h of agitation in simulated body fluid. The biocompatibility of UiO-66_N was evaluated in human glioblastoma (GBM) cell line U251, the most malignant (IV grade of WHO classification) among brain tumors. In U251 cells, UiO-66_N are inert since they do not alter the cell cycle, the viability, migration properties, and the expression of kinases involved in cancer cell growth. The internalization process was evident after a few hours of incubation. After 24 h, UiO-66_N@Acr (UiO-66_N loaded with acridine orange) were detectable around the nuclei of the cells. These data suggest that small UiO-66 are biocompatible NP and could represent a potential carrier for drug delivery in glioblastoma therapies.

What can only occur in supramolecular systems; first solid-state conversion of micro to nanostructures without any treatment in environmental conditions

The sonochemical reaction between lead acetate and 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline resulted in formation of one-dimensional pencil shaped [Pb₂(5-Clq-8-ol)₂(OAc)₂]_n (1) supramolecular polymer microrods. After three months, these crystalline microrods convert to amorphous nanoparticles of 1 without any treatment in environmental conditions. In the absence of ultrasonic waves, bulk sample of 1 with microrods morphology was obtained again. Surprisingly, these microrods convert to nanorods of 1 with more crystalline structure after three months. It seems that the sonochemical prepared sample of 1 has less crystalline stability than the bulk sample. Although conversion of bulk to nanostructures is very rare in other materials, existence of weak secondary interactions in supramolecular systems, become it possible.

Mixed Membrane Matrices Based on Nafion/UiO-66/SO3H-UiO-66 Nano-MOFs: Revealing the Effect of Crystal Size, Sulfonation, and Filler Loading on the Mechanical and Conductivity Properties

Mixed membrane matrices (MMMs) made up with Nafion and nanocrystals of zirconium metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 or the analogous sulfonated SO₃H-UiO-66 were prepared by varying the filler loading and the size of the crystals. The combined effects of size and loading, together with the presence of sulfonic groups covalently linked to the MOFs, were studied with regard to the conductivity and mechanical properties of the obtained composite matrices. A large screening of membranes was preliminarily made and, on the most promising samples, an accurate conductivity study at different relative humidities and temperatures was also carried out. The results showed that membranes containing large crystals (200 nm average size) in low amounts (around 2%) displayed the best results in terms of proton conductivity values, reaching values by 30% higher than those of pure Nafion, while leaving the mechanical properties substantially unchanged. On the contrary, MMMs containing MOFs of small size (20 nm average size) did not show any conductivity improvements if compared to pure Nafion membranes. The effect of MOF sulfonation was negligible at low filler loading whereas it became important at loading values around 10%. Finally, membranes with a high filler loading (up to 60 wt %) of sulfonated UiO-66 showed a slight reduction of conductivity in comparison with membranes loaded at 20% of nonsulfonated ones.

A survey on the effects of ultrasonic irradiation, reaction time and concentration of initial reagents on formation of kinetically or thermodynamically stable copper(I) metal-organic nanomaterials

In order to evaluation the effects of ultrasonic irradiations, concentration of initial reagents and reaction time on formation [Cu₄(MBT)₄] or [Cu₆(MBT)₆] copper(I) metal-organic nanomaterials, [HMBT=2-Mercaptobenzothiazole]_, we designed some experiments and synthesized six samples under different conditions. These nanostructures were characterized by IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It seems that the tetranuclear cluster of [Cu₄(MBT)₄] (2) is the kinetically stable product which is formed at the initial time of the reaction and as the time went, it converts to thermodynamically stable product of [Cu₆(MBT)₆] (1) with hexanuclear cluster unit. In the samples which synthesized with low concentration of initial reagents, against to those synthesized with high concentration of initial reagents, the ultrasonic irradiation does not have any effect on formation of any special morphology.

Studies the effects of ultrasonic irradiation and dielectric constants of solvents on formation of lead(II) supramolecular polymer; new precursors for synthesis of lead(II) oxide nanoparticles

In order to evaluation the effects of ultrasonic irradiations and dielectric constants of solvents on formation [Pb₂(5-Clq-8-ol)₂(OAc)₂]_n (1), [H5-Clq-8-ol=5-chloroquinolin-8-ol and OAc^-=acetate]_, we designed some experiments and synthesized six samples of 1 under different conditions. Microrods of a lead(II) supramolecular polymer, were synthesized under these conditions. These microstructures were characterized by IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that compound 1 with the best crystallinity can be obtained in the presence of MeCN and H₂O (as the bulk sample) and in the presence of MeCN and EtOH (by sonochemical process). The least agglomeration of microrods was observed in H₂O which is due to high dielectric constant of it. By considering all of the factors consist of crystallinity and agglomeration of the products and their corresponding histograms, it seems that MeCN is the best solvent for synthesis of 1. The samples which were synthesized in the presence of MeCN, had been used as new precursors for fabricating lead(II) oxide nanoparticles via thermal decomposition in oleic acid (OA).

A structural and (1)H NMR relaxometric study on novel layered carboxyalkylaminophosphonate nanocrystals with Gd(III) ions located in the framework

Novel Gd(III) carboxyalkylphosphonate nanocrystals were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Structural properties and (1)H NMR relaxometric behaviour in aqueous solution as a function of the magnetic field strength were investigated, aiming to evaluate the local chemical environment of the paramagnetic centres and their interaction and affinity with water molecules.

Accessing stable zirconium carboxy-aminophosphonate nanosheets as support for highly active Pd nanoparticles

Thin nanosheets from a layered zirconium phosphate-carboxyphosphonate is reported here. Small Pd nanoparticles have been supported on these nanosheets by an efficient method. The resulting Pd-catalyst was fully characterized and tested in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling. The catalytic system proved its efficiency as it was reused for several cycles and showed low Pd leaching.

A large national cohort of French patients with chronic recurrent multifocal osteitis

OBJECTIVE

To document more fully the characteristics of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) in pediatric patients, to collect data on the outcomes and management of the disease, and to define prognostic factors.

METHODS

One hundred seventy-eight patients were included (123 female patients and 55 male patients), with a mean ± SD age at diagnosis of 10.9 ± 2.9 years. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of CRMO, evidence of at least one lesion of osteitis confirmed by imaging, and development of the syndrome before age 18 years.

RESULTS

Longitudinal clinical and imaging studies revealed that only 12 of 178 CRMO patients (7%) had unifocal lesions at the last medical visit. We were able to apply the clinical chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis score to 110 of 178 patients (62%), which indicated that bone biopsy could have been avoided in 27 cases (25%). At the last medical visit, disease was in remission in only 73 of 171 patients (43%) (41% receiving therapy) after a mean ± SD of 47.9 ± 38.9 months; 44 of 171 patients (26%) experienced sequelae. Using cluster analysis, the CRMO cohort was separated into 3 homogeneous phenotypes (severe, mild, and intermediate). Patients with the severe phenotype had the worst prognosis. This group was entirely composed of male patients, most of whom had the multifocal form of CRMO and inflammatory syndrome. Patients with the mild phenotype had the best prognosis. This group was primarily composed of female patients with a unifocal form of CRMO and infrequent clavicle involvement and inflammatory syndrome. Patients with the intermediate phenotype had a good prognosis but greater reliance on treatment. This group primarily included female patients with multifocal lesions and inflammatory syndrome.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest CRMO cohort described in the literature to date. Clinical evolution and imaging investigations confirmed the multifocal pattern of the disease. Three distinct subgroups of CRMO patients were distinguished, with very different prognoses.

Efficient microwave assisted synthesis of metal–organic framework UiO-66: optimization and scale up

The microwave assisted synthesis of UiO-66 was optimized and scaled up to multigram production, evaluating the efficiency of the process by means of four quantitative indicators.

Structural characterization of the of inorganic and organic hydrotalcites

Layered double hydroxides are versatile materials used for intercalating bioactive molecules, both in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, with the purpose of protecting them from degradation, enhancing their water solubility to increase bioavailability, and/or obtaining modified release properties. Hydrotalcite is commercially available in its carbonate form, which is usually transformed into the nitrate form and finally exchanged by organic anions to obtain or regulate bioactivity or photo-activity effects (1). In this study all the steps of these transformations were characterized from the structural viewpoints by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and automated electron diffraction tomography (ADT). ADT allowed shedding light on the nitrate position and conformation inside LDH. XRPD demonstrated at first that the presence of carbonate impurities is able to drive the intercalation of organic molecules into LDH, since CO32- contaminated samples tend to assume d-spacings roughly multiple of LDH-CO3 d-spacing. Finally XRPD was employed at in situ conditions to unravel the structural transformation occurring during the substitution of carbonate by nitrate ion and of the nitrate ion by organic anions. The carbonate-nitrate substitutions resulted to be very rapid (only few seconds) and only the use of a fast area detector, coupled to synchrotron radiation, allowed obtaining reliable patterns to perform XRPD refinement of the disordered structure at the sub-second time resolution. The nitrate-organic substitution resulted slower and depending on the chemical properties of the organic molecules.

The use of a rigid tritopic phosphonic ligand for the synthesis of a robust honeycomb-like layered zirconium phosphonate framework

1,3,5-Tris(4-phosphonophenyl)benzene was synthesized via a microwave heating assisted route and was subsequently used for the preparation of a new zirconium phosphonate with honeycomb-like structure displaying remarkable thermal stability and hydrolysis resistance.

Ion exchange and intercalation properties of layered double hydroxides towards halide anions

The selectivity towards halides and the mechanism of ion exchange of ZnAl-LDH in the chloride form (X⁻ = F⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) were investigated using ion exchange isotherms of Cl⁻/X⁻.

Redox properties of LDH microcrystals coated with a catechol-bearing phosphonate derived from dopamine

The surface of Zn–Al-chloride LDH microcrystals (LDH = Layered Double Hydroxides) was activated by grafting a redox active catechol bearing bis-phosphonate obtained by dopamine derivatization.