Viable production of hydrogen and methane from polluted water using eco-friendly plasmonic Pd-TiO2 nanocomposites

Solar-to-fuel conversion is a novel clean energy approach that has gained the interest of many researchers. Solar-driven photocatalysts have become essential to providing valuable fuel gases such as methane and hydrogen. Solar energy has emerged as a renewable, abundant energy source that can efficiently drive photochemical reactions through plasmonic photocatalysis. As a capping agent, orange peel extract was used in this study in a microwave-assisted green method to incorporate titanium dioxide with distinct amounts (3, 5, and 7 wt%) from Pd-plasmonic nanoparticles (2-5 nm). The leading role for plasmonic nanoparticles made from Pd-metal is enhancing the photocatalyst's ability to capture visible light, improving its performance. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and UV-vis DRS analyses have investigated the obtained plasmonic photocatalysts' crystallographic, morphological, and optical characteristics. The UV-vis absorption spectra demonstrated the visible light absorption capacity attributed to the localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) behavior of the newly formed nanoplasmonic photocatalysts. The generated Pd-TiO2 nanomaterials' photocatalytic activity has been examined and evaluated for combustible gas production, including the formation of CH4 and H2 from the photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Yellow 15 (RY) during a deoxygenated photoreaction in a homemade solar photobiogas reactor.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir or ravidasvir in patients with COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial

Only a few treatments are approved for coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) infections, with continuous debate about their clinical impact. Repurposing antiviral treatments might prove the fastest way to identify effective therapy. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF) plus daclatasvir (DCV) or ravidasvir (RDV) added to standard care (SOC) for patients with moderate and severe COVID‐19 infection. Multicentre parallel randomized controlled open‐label trial. One hundred and twenty eligible patients with moderate and severe COVID‐19 infection were randomized to one of the study arms. Ten days of treatment with SOF plus DCV or RDV in addition to the standard of care compared to SOC. Follow up in 7 days. Sum of the counted symptoms at 7 and 10 days, mean change in oxygen saturation level, viral negativity, and rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Compared to SOC, the SOF‐DCV group experienced a significantly lower sum of the counted symptoms (fever, headache, generalized aches, or respiratory distress) combined with no evidence of deterioration (ICU admission and mechanical ventilation) on Days 7 and 10 of treatment. Oxygen saturation also significantly improved among the SOF‐DCV group compared to SOC starting from Day 4. The study also showed positive trends regarding the efficacy of SOF‐DCV with a lower incidence of mortality. On the other hand, adding SOF‐RDV to SOC did not show significant improvements in endpoints. The results support the efficacy and safety of SOF‐DCV as an add‐on to SOC for the treatment of moderate to severe COVID‐19 infections.

Novel fluorescent nano-sensor based on amino-functionalization of Eu3+:SrSnO3 for copper ion detection in food and real drink water samples

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties and have been widely utilized for different sensing applications. Herein, the Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS nanosensor was synthesized and its optical properties were analyzed using UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The TEM images of the synthesized nanophosphor Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS exhibited peanut-like morphology, composed of two or more spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter ∼33 nm. Effects of environmental pH values and doping concentrations as well as amino functionalization on the structure of Eu3+:SrSnO3 were investigated. The as-synthesized optical nanosensor was used for determination of copper ions based on a fluorescence quenching approach. Red emission with a long lifetime was obtained in the case of the 0.06 mol Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS sample. Under the optimal experimental conditions, a Stern-Volmer plot exhibited a good linearity for copper ions over the concentration (0.00-10.8) × 10-11 mol L-1 with a correlation efficient of 0.996 and a limit of detection 3.4 × 10-12 mol L-1. The fluorescent sensor was dynamically quenched via a coulombic interaction mechanism between the Eu3+ (5L6) and Cu2+. The Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS nanosensor with the optimal Eu3+ dopant concentration of 0.06 mol was applied for copper determination in food and real drink water samples with high recovery values. We believe that the developed nanosensor probe can also be used for the detection of other toxic compounds, with high selectivity and sensitivity.

Barium tungstate doped with terbium ion green nanophosphor: Low temperature preparation, characterization and potential applications

Production of Nano-Terbium doped barium tungstate and its potential applications as a phosphor in forensic science and anti-counterfeiting ink applications have not been reported in the literature to now. Herein, simple, sensitive and bi-functional green Nanophosphor based on BaWO₄: xTb³⁺ was prepared and characterized for latent prints and anti-counterfeiting ink applications. High crystalline tetragonal BaWO₄ phase was obtained with nano-spherical morphology. BWO: xTb³⁺ Nanophosphors emits a strong and dual green and bluish green colors which appear to the human eye upon UVC and UVA excitation resources, respectively. The lifetime values were increased with rising Tb³⁺ ion concentrations from 0.01 to 0.07 mol. BWO: xTb³⁺ Nanophosphor has successfully visualized latent print from various forensic non-porous and porous surfaces. Moreover, BWO: xTb³⁺ Nanophosphor was used to develop luminescent ink for anti-counterfeiting application.

Lanthanide complexes of spiropyran photoswitch and sensor: spectroscopic investigations and computational modelling

A number of novel lanthanide (Gd³⁺, Sm³⁺, and Tb³⁺) complexes of the 1′,3′-dihydro-8-methoxy-1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6-nitrospiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-(2H)-indole] (spiropyran; SP), a widely studied molecular photoswitch, were investigated.

Use of antibiotics and the prevalence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in patients with spinal cord injuries: an international, multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the use of antibiotics and the extent of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

AIMS

To record the use of antibiotics, establish the prevalence of AAD and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and assess if there was any seasonal variation in antibiotic use and incidence of AAD in patients with SCIs.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in six European SCI centres between October 2014 and June 2015. AAD was defined as two or more watery stools (Bristol Stool Scale type 5, 6 or 7) over 24 h.

FINDINGS

In total, 1267 adults (median age 54 years, 30.7% female) with SCIs (52.7% tetraplegia, 59% complete SCI) were included in this study. Among the 215 (17%) patients on antibiotics, the top three indications for antibiotics were urinary tract infections (UTIs), infected pressure ulcers and other skin infections. Thirty-two of these 215 (14.9%) patients developed AAD and two patients out of the total study population (2/1267; 0.16%) developed CDI. AAD was more common in summer than in spring, autumn or winter (30.3% vs 3.8%, 7.4% and 16.9%, respectively; P<0.01). AAD was associated with age ≥65 years, tetraplegia, higher body mass index, hypoalbuminaemia, polypharmacy, multiple antibiotic use and high-risk antibiotic use. Summer and winter seasons and male sex were identified as independent predictors for the development of AAD.

CONCLUSION

This survey found that AAD is common in patients with SCIs, and UTI is the most common cause of infection. Summer and winter seasons and male sex are unique predictors for AAD. Both AAD and UTIs are potentially preventable; therefore, further work should focus on preventing the over-use of antibiotics, and developing strategies to improve hospital infection control measures.

Evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of Ln3+-TiO2 nanomaterial using fluorescence technique for real wastewater treatment

Evaluation the photocatalytic activity of different Ln(3+) modified TiO2 nanomaterials using fluorescence based technique has rarely been reported. In the present work, xmol Ln(3+) modified TiO2 nanomaterials (Ln = Nd(3+), Sm(3+), Eu(3+), Gd(3+), Dy(3+) and Er(3+) ions; x = 0.005, 0.008, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03) were synthesized by sol-gel method and characterized using different advanced techniques. The photocatalytic efficiency of the modified TiO2 expressed in the charge carrier separation and OH radicals formation were assigned using TiO2 fluorescence quenching and fluorescence probe methods, respectively. The obtained fluorescence measurements confirm that doping treatment significantly decreases the electron-hole recombination probability in the obtained Ln(3+)/TiO2. Moreover, the rate of OH radicals formation is increased by doping. The highly active nanoparticles (0.02Gd(3+)/TiO2 and 0.01Eu(3+)/TiO2) were applied for industrial wastewater treatment using solar radiation as a renewable energy source.

Synthesis of highly active thin film based on TiO2 nanomaterial for self-cleaning application

Highly active self-cleaning surfaces were prepared from hydrothermally treated TiO2 nanomaterials for different times (0, 12, 24 and 36 h) under acidic condition. TiO2 thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). TiO2 thin film (hydrothermal 24h) exhibited hybrid morphology from accumulated plates, clusters, rods and spheres. The photo self-cleaning activity in term of quantitative determination of the active oxidative species (OH) produced on the thin film surfaces was evaluated using fluorescent probe method. The results show that, the highly active thin film is the hydrothermally treated for 24 h at 200 °C. The structural, morphology and photoactivity properties of nano-TiO2 thin films make it promising surfaces for self-cleaning application. Mineralization of commercial textile dye (Remazol Red RB-133, RR) from highly active TiO2 thin film surface was applied. Moreover, the durability of this nano-TiO2 thin film (hydrothermal 24h) was studied.

Photo-induced self-cleaning and sterilizing activity of Sm3+ doped ZnO nanomaterials

Highly active samarium doped zinc oxide self-cleaning and biocidal surfaces (x mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO where x=0, 1, 2 and 4 mol%) with crystalline porous structures were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Sm(3+)/ZnO thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS), UV-visible diffuse reflectance and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. The combination between doping and hydrothermal treatments significantly altered the morphology of ZnO into rod and plate-like nanoshapes structure and enhanced its absorption and emission of ultraviolet radiation. The photo-activity in term of quantitative determination of the active oxidative species (()OH) produced on the thin film surfaces was evaluated using fluorescent probe method. The results showed that, the hydrothermally treated 2.0 mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO film (S2) is the highly active one. The optical, structural, morphology and photo-activity properties of the highly active thin film (S2) make it promising surface for self-cleaning and sterilizing applications.

Synthesis, characterization and thermal studies of binary and/or mixed ligand complexes of Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(III) based on 2-(Hydroxybenzylidene) thiosemicarbazone: DNA binding affinity of binary Cu(II) complex

A new series of metal complexes of Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(III) with Schiff base ligand, H(2)L, 2-(Hydroxybenzylidene) thiosemicarbazone were synthesized. The mixed ligand complexes were prepared by using glycine (Gly), 2-aminopyridine (2-Ampy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) as secondary ligands. The structure of these complexes was identified and confirmed by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, UV-Vis, FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy and magnetic moment measurements as well as TG-DSC technique. The discussions of the prepared complexes indicate that the ligand behaves as a monoanionic tridentate ligand through ONS donor sites. Thermal studies suggested a mechanism for the degradation of the metal complexes as a function of temperature supporting the chelation modes and showed the possibility of obtaining new complexes pyrolytically in the solid state which cannot be synthesized from the solution. The absorption studies support that the binary Cu(II) complex exhibits a significant binding affinity to HS-DNA through intercalative mode.

Synthesis and thermal studies of tetraaza macrocylic ligand and its transition metal complexes. DNA binding affinity of copper complex

A Tetraaza Macrocylic Ligand (H2L) and its complexes, [Cd(H2L)(OH2)2](NO3)(2)·1/2OH2 (I), [Co(H2L)(OH2)](NO3)(2)·1/2OH2 (II), [Cu(H2L)(NO3)2]·3/2OH2 (III) and [Ni(H2L)(NO3)(OH2)]NO3·OH2 (IV), have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductivity, 1H NMR, UV-vis, FT-IR and mass spectroscopy. All results confirm that the prepared compounds have 1:1 metal-to-ligand stoichiometry, octahedral configuration and the ligand behaves as a neutral tetradendate towards the metal ions. [CdL(OH2)2] (V), [CoL(OH2)2] (VI), [CuL(OH2)2] (VII) and [Ni(H2L)(NO3)2] (VIII) were synthesized pyrolytically in solid state from corresponding compounds (I-IV). Analytical results of complexes (V-VIII) show that the ligand behaves either as a neutral tetradendate or dianionic tetradentate ligand towards the metal ions. The binding of H2L and its copper complex (III) to DNA has been investigated by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The experiments indicate that H2L and its copper complex (III) can bind to DNA through an intercalative mode. The H2L and its copper complex (III) exhibited anti-tumor activity against Ehrlich Acites Carcinoma (E.A.C) at the concentration of 100 μg/ml.

Analyses of prosthetic episodes in lower limb amputees

The provision and maintenance of prostheses in 100 trans-femoral amputees and 73 trans-tibial amputees were retrospectively analysed over a 10-year period. The aim of the study was to analyse the prosthetic episodes, i.e., the need for maintenance, repairs and replacements to a trans-femoral and a trans-tibial prosthesis and frequency of new sockets prescribed over the same period of use by established adult amputees. The study showed that the trans-femoral amputees needed 0.96 new prostheses, 3.27 new sockets, 2.31 major repairs, 3.36 component changes and 21.85 minor repairs. Younger trans-femoral amputees aged less than 60 years needed 1.1 new prostheses, 3.15 new sockets, 2.06 major repairs, 4.23 component changes and 20.49 minor repairs. Younger trans-femoral amputees needed significantly more changes of prosthetic components (p = 0.04). The associated study on 73 trans-tibial amputees showed that they needed 1.4 new prosthesis, 2.9 new sockets, 3.2 major repairs and 14.1 minor repairs over the same 10-year period. The introduction and prescription of modular prosthesis as opposed to conventional limbs used earlier has possibly allowed components to be easily replaced thus reducing the need to replace a whole new prosthesis.

Is the nasal cycle ablated in patients with high spinal cord trauma?

We have observed at our centre that patients with high spinal cord injury frequently complain of nasal obstruction requiring decongestants. This may be due to damage to the cervical sympathetic nerves supplying the nasal mucosa, which ablates the nasal cycle. In this study we assessed the nasal cycle in 10 patients with high spinal cord trauma (above T1 segment) using acoustic rhinometry. We found that all patients assessed within 1 year of injury had nasal obstruction and no nasal cycle. Patients with injuries between 1 and 4 years who complained of a nasal obstruction showed an irregular cycle. Patients with injuries older than 4 years showed a normal alternating reciprocal nasal cycle and an improvement of nasal symptoms. The exact reason for this recovery is presently not clear from this pilot study. Further research will be undertaken to assess reasons for the recovery and possible treatment regimens for this distressing condition.

Thrombosis of the IVC and azygous continuation of IVC by bronchogenic cancer: CT and MRI appearance

The authors describe the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a patient with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and azygous continuation of the IVC caused by bronchogenic carcinoma. CT has been touted as the modality of choice for mediastinal evaluation. MRI is presently considered to be the initial modality of choice for mediastinal vessel evaluation. MRI is noninvasive, there is no radiation dose to the patient, multiplanar imaging can be done, and there is no need for iodinated contrast material. The satisfactory evaluation of an individual patient may require the use of MRI and CT in a complementary fashion.

Serum and urinary amino acid pattern in schistosomal infection among Egyptians

The amino acid pattern in plasma and urine of Bilharzial Egyptian patients with different degrees of complications was investigated. The results obtained showed that in mansoniasis, accumulation of amino acids in the circulation is due to derangement in liver function which retards the utilization of amino acids in protein synthesis particularly in the advanced stage of the disease. This is also in part due to liver cell degeneration which parallel the severity of the infection. Aminoaciduria in haematobiasis is partly an overflow type, while in severe cases urinary tract tissue degeneration may be a participating factor. Aminoaciduria in haematobiasis is due to haematuria and urinary tract tissue degeneration.