Tailoring the topology of ZIF-67 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) adsorbents to capture humic acids

Chlorination is a versatile technique to combat water-borne pathogens. Over the last years, there has been continued research interest to abate the formation of chlorinated disinfection by-products (DBPs). To prevent hazardous DBPs in drinking water, it is decided to diminish organic precursors, among which humic acids (HA) resulting from the decomposition and transformation of biomass. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have recently received tremendous attention in water purification. Herein, customized ZIF-67 MOFs possessing various physicochemical properties were prepared by changing the cobalt source. The HA removal by ZIF-67-Cl, ZIF-67-OAc, ZIF-67-NO3, and ZIF-67-SO4 were 85.6%, 68.9%, 86.1%, and 87.4%, respectively, evidently affected by the specific surface area. HA uptake by ZIF-67-SO4 indicated a removal efficiency beyond 90% in 4  90% after 60 min mixing the solution with 0.3 g L-1 ZIF-67-SO4. Notably, an acceptable removal performance (∼72.3%) was obtained even at HA concentrations up to 100 mg L-1. The equilibrium data fitted well with the isotherm models in the order of Langmuir> Hill > BET> Khan > Redlich-Peterson> Jovanovic> Freundlich > and Temkin. The maximum adsorption capacity qm for HA uptake by ZIF-67-SO4 was 175.89 mg g-1, well above the majority of adsorbents. The pseudo-first-order model described the rate of HA adsorption by time. In conclusion, ZIF-67-SO4 presented promising adsorptive properties against HA. Further studies would be needed to minimize cobalt leaching from the ZIF-67-SO4 structure and improve its reusability safely, to ensure its effectiveness and the economy of adsorption system.

Boosting the adsorptive and photocatalytic performance of MIL-101(Fe) against methylene blue dye through a thermal post-synthesis modification

Photocatalytic degradation under ultra-low powered light is a viable advanced oxidation process technique against extensive emerging contaminants. As a new and remarkable class of nanoporous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), attract interest for the supreme adsorptive and photocatalytic functionalities. An outstanding MOF, MIL-101(Fe) chosen as a photocatalyst template for the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 by a simple thermal modification to improve the structural properties toward methylene blue (MB) eradication. Octahedron-like α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst (Modified MIL-101(Fe), M-MIL-101(Fe)) was superior in dispersion and separation properties in aqueous medium. Moreover, the adsorptive and catalytic performance was increased for modified form by ~ 7.3% and ~ 17.1% compared to pristine MIL-101(Fe), respectively. Synergistic improvement of MB removal achieved by simultaneous adsorption/degradation under 5-W LED irradiation. Parametric study indicated an 18.1% and 44.5% improvement in MB removal was observed by increasing pH from 4 to 10, and M-MIL-101(Fe) dose from 0.2 to 1 g L-1, respectively. MB removal followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the process efficiency dropped by 38% as MB concentration increased from 5 to 20 mg L-1. Radical trapping tests revealed the significant role of [Formula: see text] and electron radicals as the major participants in dye degradation. A significant loss in the efficiency of M-MIL-101(Fe) was observed in the reusability tests that is good to study further. In conclusion, a simple thermal post-synthesis modification on MIL-101(Fe) improved its structural, catalytic, and adsorptive properties against MB.

Nickel and iron-based metal-organic frameworks for removal of organic and inorganic model contaminants

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of porous nanomaterials in the field of environmental remediation. Ni-MOF and Fe-MOF were chosen for their advantages such as structural robustness and ease of synthesis route. The structure of prepared MOFs was characterized using FE-SEM, XRD, FTIR, and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The efficiency of MOFs to remove organic model contaminants (anionic Alizarin Red S (ARS) and cationic malachite green (MG) and inorganic fluoride was studied. Fe-MOF and Ni-MOF adsorbed 67, 88, 6% and 32, 5, and 9% of fluoride, ARS, and MG, respectively. Further study on ARS adsorption by Fe-MOF showed that the removal efficiency was high in a wide range of pH from 3 to 9. Moreover, dye removal was directly increased by adsorbent mass (0.1-0.75 g/L) and decreased by ARS concentration (25-100 mg/L). The pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model with a q_max of 176.68 mg/g described the experimental data well. The separation factor, K_L, was in the range of 0-1, which means the adsorption process was favorable. In conclusion, Fe-MOF showed remarkable adsorption of organic and inorganic model contaminants.

Highly efficient solar photocatalytic degradation of a textile dye by TiO2/graphene quantum dots nanocomposite

Herein, two sunlight responsive photocatalysts including TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) and TiO₂/graphene quantum dots (GQDs) nanocomposite for degrading a textile dye, Reactive Black 5 (RB5), were prepared. The results showed that 100% of 50 ppm RB5 could be degraded by TiO₂ NPs and TiO₂/GQDs within 60 and 30 min sunlight irradiation, respectively. Hence, much better photocatalytic activity in degradation of RB5 was achieved by TiO₂/GQDs under sunlight irradiation compared with pure TiO₂ NPs due to its lower band gap (2.13 eV) and electron/hole recombination rate. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of RB5 by TiO₂ NPs was elucidated by adding some scavengers to the solution. The main reactive species contributing to RB5 degradation were surface hydroxyl radicals. The first-order solar degradation rate constant of RB5 for TiO₂/GQDs is greater than that of TiO₂ NPs under sunlight illumination.

Expression Analysis of the Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01433 in Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most fatal human cancers both in males and females. This type of cancer is categorized to different subtypes among them is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 80% of all cases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to influence the pathogenic course of lung cancer. However, the contribution of LINC01433 lncRNA in this type of cancer in Iranian patients is not clear.

PURPOSE

In the current project, we evaluated expression of LINC01433 in 42 NSCLC samples and their paired non-tumoral tissues using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction method. Samples were collected from patients admitted to Labbafinejad Hospital during 2016-2017.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the expression of LINC01433 between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues (expression ratio 0.67, p = 0.42). Expression of this lncRNA was not associated with any of clinical and demographic data including age, gender, smoking history, stage or cancer subtype.

CONCLUSION

Based on the similar expression levels of this lncRNA between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues and lack of association between expression levels and clinical data, this lncRNA is not a possible contributor to lung cancer in Iranian patients. However, expression analysis of this lncRNA in larger sample sizes is needed to verify our results.

Ocular effects associated with the chronic administration of the adenosine A(1) agonist cyclohexyladenosine

PURPOSE

To investigate changes in ocular responses associated with the chronic administration of the adenosine A(1) agonist cyclohexyladenosine (CHA).

METHODS

New Zealand White rabbits were treated unilaterally twice-a-day for 30 days with CHA (165 or 500 microg) or vehicle. Intraocular pressures (IOPs) and pupil diameters (PDs) were evaluated over the course of the study. At the end of the study period, outflow facility was determined in selected animals and compared to naïve vehicle- and CHA-treated animals.

RESULTS

In rabbits receiving 165 microg of CHA, ipsilateral IOPs at 2 and 6 hours post-drug exhibited progressively greater reduction over the course of the study. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between study duration and lower IOP at 2 and 6 hours post-drug. In rabbits receiving 500 microg of CHA, ipsilateral IOP reductions at 2 hours post-drug were similar throughout the 30-day study. However, analysis of ipsilateral IOPs 6 hours following CHA administration, demonstrated a significant correlation between study duration and lower IOPs. Enhanced contralateral responses at 2 hours post- drug, were also measured in rabbits receiving 165 or 500 microg of CHA. In animals receiving chronic CHA treatment for 30 days, outflow facility 3 hours post-CHA was significantly elevated over that measured in naïve vehicle-treated rabbits. Although mean outflow facility in chronic treatment animals was slightly elevated over CHA-induced increases in naïve rabbits, this difference was not significant. No evidence of tolerance was observed for either dose during the course of these studies. No change in PD during the course of these studies was measured.

CONCLUSIONS

The chronic administration of the adenosine A(1) agonist CHA twice daily produced no evidence of tolerance. Unexpectedly, the IOP response to CHA was enhanced with chronic administration. These data provide evidence that the use of adenosine A(1) agonists may be useful in the chronic treatment of ocular hypertension at doses lower than those identified in acute IOP studies.

Progressive osteoporosis during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Hypogonadism is a prominent risk factor for osteoporosis in older men. However, bone loss during androgen ablation therapy for prostate cancer has rarely been quantitated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Femoral neck bone mineral density was determined in 26 men before orchiectomy or chemical castration as initial hormone therapy for prostate cancer and at 6-month intervals thereafter for 6 to 42 months. Measurements were made in 16 other men at 12 to 24 months beginning 3 to 8 years after the onset of castration. Baseline and post-castration bone loss was related to several host and tumor characteristics, and compared to similar measurements in 12 control subjects.

RESULTS

Average age corrected baseline femoral neck bone mineral density was higher in controls than in treated men and remained essentially unchanged for 2 years. Following orchiectomy average bone mineral density decreased 2.4% and 7.6%, respectively, during years 1 and 2 (2-year loss 2.5% to 17.0%), with similar losses documented in men undergoing chemical castration. Average bone mineral density decreased 1.4% to 2.6% per year 3 to 8 years after uninterrupted androgen deprivation. Age corrected baseline bone mineral density was greater in men who were obese, younger than 75 years or participated in regular exercise but the influence of each characteristic could not be isolated. Post-castration bone loss was greater in men who were obese, younger than 75 years without regular exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemical or surgical castration in men with prostate cancer is usually followed by greatly accelerated bone loss which may be superimposed on a bone mass already depleted before hormonal therapy. Baseline bone mass and subsequent bone loss may be influenced by host obesity, age and exercise habits.

Long-term studies of cold-stored rabbit femoral artery and vein autografts

In previous studies we have shown that 80-100% of rabbit femoral vascular autografts cold-stored at 4 degrees C for 3 weeks remain patent 3 weeks after reinsertion in the femoral artery. The present study reports the effect on graft patency of increasing either the period of cold storage prior to reinsertion or the duration of reperfusion to 6 months. Rabbit femoral blood vessels were cold-stored (CS) at 4 degrees C for varying periods. CS autografts were reinserted into the contralateral leg for 3 weeks or 6 months. Graft patency was determined and grafts examined by histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopical techniques. Six months after reinsertion patency of 4-week CS arterial and 1-week CS venous grafts was 40% and 27% respectively, very much lower than the 80-100% seen after 3 weeks reperfusion. Arterial grafts CS for 6 months had a patency rate of 70% after 3 weeks reperfusion but 0% after 6 months. Morphological examination suggests that the delayed failure of cold-stored vascular grafts is caused by thrombus superimposed on intimal hyperplasia within the graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Cold-stored vascular grafts are useful prostheses when only 3-4 weeks graft patency is required. They are not suitable for use when long-term graft patency is needed.

Evaluation of ultrasound as a tool in the follow-up of patients with breast implants: a preliminary, prospective study

We prospectively reviewed clinical findings in 93 patients with 154 silicone breast implants (SBIs), as well as ultrasound findings in 57 patients with 94 SBIs. Ultrasound findings of implant wall redundancy, combined with abnormal silicone echogenicity, correlated well with predicted and surgically confirmed SBI rupture. Age-related implant findings (i.e., length of time since implant placement) included capsular contracture, a variety of abnormal ultrasound findings, subjective reports of joint pain or fatigue, and a greater probability of rupture. Prospective screening of otherwise satisfied patients with SBIs raises concerns about the need for removal when satisfactory alternatives for maintaining breast size are limited. The ability to predict impending rupture will increase this dilemma.

Leukemic dermal infiltrates at permanent indwelling central venous catheter insertion sites

Three cases of leukemic dermal infiltrates at permanent indwelling central venous catheter insertion sites in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia are reported. Two patients had a localized soft tissue mass at the previous permanent indwelling catheter insertion site as the sole initial manifestation of relapse after achieving complete remission and undergoing bone marrow transplantation. The third patient had catheter tunnel sepsis preceding leukemic dermal infiltration. A review of the English language literature showed that this condition is rare with no specific pathogenetic mechanisms identified. Patients with unresolved catheter tunnel infections in acute leukemia and persistent chest wall masses that appear after a previous permanent indwelling catheter should have a biopsy done and be treated promptly.

Successful replantation of nose by microsurgical technique, and review of literature

We present a case of total amputation of a major portion of the nose of a 10-year-old boy, which was successfully replanted by microsurgical technique. A 489-year review of the literature revealed the rarity of successful nasal replacement following amputation.

Seal finger in a wildlife ranger

We describe a case of septic arthritis of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb in a man following a seal bite. Early and continued treatment with antibiotics of the penicillin family failed to control the infection. Empirical treatment with tetracycline resolved the infection, but the patient has permanent joint damage. In apparently ordinary infective conditions, which fail to respond to therapy, the history may suggest that an unusual organism is responsible.

Effects of glucocorticosteroids in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

Glucocorticosteroid, methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS), 30 mg/kg of body weight, or dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP), 6 mg/kg of body weight, were given intravenously to 60 patients, divided into two groups of 30 45 minutes prior to cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary artery bypass. These two groups were compared with 30 patients in a control group receiving a placebo and undergoing the same surgery. The study was carried out in a double-lind fashion. Patients receiving MPSS had a significantly higher cardiac index in both the preoperative and postoperative periods. This was accompanied by a decreased peripheral resistance. Patients receiving either MPSS or DSP also showed some evidence for the "washout" phenomenon indicating the possibility of better microcirculatory flow. Gluconeogenesis may have been enhanced in both groups receiving MPSS or DSP, but the evidence was greater in thos patients receiving MPSS. There were no hospital deaths in any of the three groups totaling 90 patients.