Advancements in sustainable platinum and palladium recovery: unveiling superior adsorption efficiency and selectivity with a novel silica-anchored acylthiourea adsorbent.

This study addresses the pressing issue of depleting natural resources of platinum group metals (PGMs), driven by their widespread use in modern applications and increasing demand for renewable energy technologies. With conventional sources dwindling, the search for economically viable recovery methods from alternative sources has become crucial. Our focus was on innovating efficient recovery strategies, leading to the development of two novel silica-anchored adsorbents: DTMSP-BT-SG, a highly efficient acylthiourea adsorbent, and BTMSPA-SG, a silica-anchored amine adsorbent. We conducted comprehensive experiments under PGM mining wastewater conditions, varying parameters such as adsorbent mass, pH, concentration, contact time, competing ions, and volume. DTMSP-BT-SG demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving maximum adsorption efficiencies of >98% for Pt and >99% for Pd at pH 2, 0.5 g L-1 dosage, and 5 mg L-1 concentration. In contrast, under the same conditions, BTMSPA-SG recovered <56% and <89% of Pt and Pd, respectively. The experimental data for both adsorbents were analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models for concentration and pseudo-first and second-order models for contact time. The Langmuir model best described the adsorption data, indicating homogenous monolayer adsorption of Pt and Pd. The kinetic models suggested a pseudo-second-order process, implying chemisorption. Furthermore, in the presence of competing ions and other PGMs, DTMSP-BT-SG exhibited significantly higher recovery rates for Pt and Pd compared to BTMSPA-SG. Overall, DTMSP-BT-SG emerged as a more selective and efficient adsorbent across varied parameters. Its exceptional adsorption efficiency, coupled with cost-effectiveness, positions it as a promising and competitive recovery agent for extracting PGMs from mining wastewaters.

Acute kidney injury associated with nephrotoxic drugs in critically ill patients: a multicenter cohort study using electronic health record data.

Background: Nephrotoxic drugs frequently cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, there is a lack of large pharmaco-epidemiological studies investigating the associations between drugs and AKI. Importantly, AKI risk factors may also be indications or contraindications for drugs and thereby confound the associations. Here, we aimed to estimate the associations between commonly administered (potentially) nephrotoxic drug groups and AKI in adult ICU patients whilst adjusting for confounding. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective observational study, we included adult ICU admissions to 13 Dutch ICUs. We measured exposure to 44 predefined (potentially) nephrotoxic drug groups. The outcome was AKI during ICU admission. The association between each drug group and AKI was estimated using etiological cause-specific Cox proportional hazard models and adjusted for confounding. To facilitate an (independent) informed assessment of residual confounding, we manually identified drug group-specific confounders using a large drug knowledge database and existing literature. Results: We included 92 616 ICU admissions, of which 13 492 developed AKI (15%). We found 14 drug groups to be associated with a higher hazard of AKI after adjustment for confounding. These groups included established (e.g. aminoglycosides), less well established (e.g. opioids) and controversial (e.g. sympathomimetics with α- and ß-effect) drugs. Conclusions: The results confirm existing insights and provide new ones regarding drug associated AKI in adult ICU patients. These insights warrant caution and extra monitoring when prescribing nephrotoxic drugs in the ICU and indicate which drug groups require further investigation.

Mackler's Triad: An Evolving Case of Boerhaave Syndrome in the Emergency Department.

An elderly lady, known with a background history of Alzheimer's dementia, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and a reported history of self-induced vomiting, presented to our emergency department with a two-day history of vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, and malaise. Initial clinical examination and investigations only demonstrated mild dehydration. Despite a satisfactory response to initial symptomatic treatment, with complete cessation of vomiting, the patient had a recent sudden deterioration. Due to continued forcible belching, it was found that she had developed a sudden onset of back pain and subcutaneous emphysema. A CT scan showed mid-oesophageal rupture along with pneumomediastinum and bilateral pneumothoraxes. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with Boerhaave syndrome. Due to her clinical factors and the risk of surgical management, it was decided that she should be managed non-operatively with oesophageal stenting and bilateral chest drains, which was met with a good clinical course and outcome.

Electronic health record-based prediction models for in-hospital adverse drug event diagnosis or prognosis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review to characterize and critically appraise developed prediction models based on structured electronic health record (EHR) data for adverse drug event (ADE) diagnosis and prognosis in adult hospitalized patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the Embase and Medline databases (from January 1, 1999, to July 4, 2022) for articles utilizing structured EHR data to develop ADE prediction models for adult inpatients. For our systematic evidence synthesis and critical appraisal, we applied the Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS). RESULTS: Twenty-five articles were included. Studies often did not report crucial information such as patient characteristics or the method for handling missing data. In addition, studies frequently applied inappropriate methods, such as univariable screening for predictor selection. Furthermore, the majority of the studies utilized ADE labels that only described an adverse symptom while not assessing causality or utilizing a causal model. None of the models were externally validated. CONCLUSIONS: Several challenges should be addressed before the models can be widely implemented, including the adherence to reporting standards and the adoption of best practice methods for model development and validation. In addition, we propose a reorientation of the ADE prediction modeling domain to include causality as a fundamental challenge that needs to be addressed in future studies, either through acquiring ADE labels via formal causality assessments or the usage of adverse event labels in combination with causal prediction modeling.

Incorrect application of the KDIGO acute kidney injury staging criteria.

Background: Recent research demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis and staging criteria implementations in clinical research. Here we report an additional issue in the implementation of the criteria: the incorrect description and application of a stage 3 serum creatinine (SCr) criterion. Instead of an increase in SCr to or beyond 4.0 mg/dL, studies apparently interpreted this criterion as an increase in SCr by 4.0 mg/dL. Methods: Using a sample of 8124 consecutive intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, we illustrate the implications of such incorrect application. The AKI stage distributions associated with the correct and incorrect stage 3 SCr criterion implementations were compared, both with and without the stage 3 renal replacement therapy (RRT) criterion. In addition, we compared chronic kidney disease presence, ICU mortality rates and hospital mortality rates associated with each of the AKI stages and the misclassified cases. Results: Where incorrect implementation of the SCr stage 3 criterion showed a stage 3 AKI rate of 29%, correct implementation revealed a rate of 34%, mainly due to shifts from stage 1 to stage 3. Without the stage 3 RRT criterion, the stage 3 AKI rates were 9% and 19% after incorrect and correct implementation, respectively. The ICU and hospital mortality rates in cases misclassified as stage 1 or 2 were similar to those in cases correctly classified as stage 1 instead of stage 3. Conclusions: While incorrect implementation of the SCr stage 3 criterion has significant consequences for AKI severity epidemiology, consequences for clinical decision making may be less severe. We urge researchers and clinicians to verify their implementation of the AKI staging criteria.

Synthesis and evaluation of the anticancer activity of [Pt(diimine)(N,N-dibutyl-N'-acylthiourea)]+ complexes.

Despite the concerted efforts to develop targeted cancer treatments, these therapies are plagued by the rapid development of resistance and serious adverse drug reactions. Based on the wide clinical use and successes of the platinum drugs like cisplatin and oxaliplatin, we investigated the synthesis and potential anticancer efficacy of alternative platinum complexes. A series of nine cationic square planar platinum(ii) complexes were synthesized and characterized and then evaluated for their anticancer activity. The complexes were of the type [Pt(diimine)(Ln-κO,S)]+ where diimine is either 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp) or dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline (dpq) and Ln-κO,S representing various N,N-dibutyl-N'-acylthiourea ligands. The anticancer activity of the synthesised complexes was evaluated against two lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H1975) and a colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the most cytotoxic compounds were determined and the mode of cell death evaluated. The structure-activity relationships indicated that complexes with the 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline variation of the diimine ligand were the most active against the cell lines tested, while the activity of complexes based on the acylthiourea ligand varied between the cell lines. IC50 values for the three active platinum complexes were in the low micromolar range for the three cell lines and ranged between 0.68 µM and 2.28 µM. Changes to cell morphology indicate that the active platinum complexes induce cell death by both apoptosis and paraptosis. The complexes were able to induce the nuclear expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, which is an indicator of DNA damage. The collective data indicate that these platinum complexes are valuable lead compounds for further analysis and cancer drug discovery.

Bimetallic Paddlewheel-type Dirhodium(II,II) Acetate and Formamidinate Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Electrochemistry, and Hydroformylation Activity.

Classical hydroformylation catalysts use mononuclear rhodium(I) complexes as precursors; however, very few examples of bimetallic systems have been reported. Herein, we report fully substituted dirhodium(II,II) complexes (C1-C6) containing acetate and diphenylformamidinate bridging ligands (L1-L4). The structure and geometry around these paddlewheel-type, bimetallic cores were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes C3-C6 show electrochemical redox reactions, with the expected reduction (Rh24+/3+) and two oxidation (Rh24+/5+ and Rh25+/6+) electron transfer processes. Furthermore, the bimetallic complexes were evaluated as catalyst precursors for the hydroformylation of 1-octene, with the acetate-containing complexes (C1 and C2) showing near quantitative conversion (>99%) of 1-octene, excellent activity and chemoselectivity toward aldehydes (>98%), with moderate regioselectivity toward linear products. Replacement of the acetate with diphenylformamidinate ligands (complexes C3-C6) yielded moderate-to-good chemoselectivity and regioselectivity, favoring linear aldehydes.

Removal of platinum (IV) from aqueous solutions with yeast-functionalised bentonite.

There is a need for cheap but, efficient methods for the removal of precious metals from wastewaters, which are normally lost during mineral processing. Moreover, the disposal of yeast waste from brewing has been a problem in many parts of the world. In this study, the removal of Pt(IV) from aqueous solutions using the readily available bentonite clay functionalised with spent yeast from brewing was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pt(IV) with 100 mg yeast-functionalised bentonite at pH 2 within 90 min was 255 µg g-1 (98.5% efficiency) but, decreased as pH increased. The adsorption capacity of Pt(IV) was insignificantly (p > 0.05) affected by the presence of competing ions (Fe(III), Ca(II), Mg(II), K(I), Co(II), Ni(II), Hf(IV), Zn(II) and other platinum group metals (PGMs)). Moreover, most of these metals were significantly adsorbed along with Pt(IV). The indicative cost-benefit analysis showed that 1 kg of the yeast-functionalised bentonite can remove ∼700 g Pt(IV) in which a profit of more than USD20000 can be made. The bentonite functionalised with spent yeast from brewing has a potential to recover lost PGMs in wastewater. Since, this is a cheap process, the mining and other industries can make much profit from such recoveries.

Cation-π induced aggregation of water-soluble [Pt(II)(diimine)(L(n)-S,O)]+ complexes studied by 1H DOSY NMR and TEM: from 'dimer aggregates' in acetonitrile to nano-aggregates ('metallogels') in water.

(1)H NMR chemical shift concentration dependence as well as the diffusion coefficients from DOSY NMR of mixed ligand [Pt(II)(1,10-phenanthroline)(N-pyrrolidyl-N-(2,2-dimethylpropanoyl)thiourea)]Cl ([Pt(II)(phen)(L(1)-S,O)]Cl) dissolved in mixtures of acetonitrile-water in the range 0-30% (v/v) D(2)O-CD(3)CN shows that the complex cation (M(+) = [Pt(II)(phen)(L(1)-S,O)](+)) aggregates to form dimers, 2M(+) ⇌ {M(+)}(2), with association constants ranging from K(D)(CD(3)CN) = 17 ± 2 M(-1) to K(D)(30% (v/v) D(2)O-CD(3)CN) = 71 ± 8 M(-1) at 299.3 K, presumably via non-covalent cation-π interactions. Experimental data are consistent with an 'offset' face-to-face cation-π stacking arrangement of the planar cation. However in water-rich solvent mixtures from >30% (v/v) D(2)O-CD(3)CN to pure D(2)O, the extent of aggregation significantly increases until a critical aggregation concentration (CAC) is reached, estimated to be 9.6 and 10.3 mM from (1)H NMR chemical shift concentration dependence and DOSY NMR measurements respectively. Above the CAC the formation of nano-structures formulated as {[Pt(II)(phen)(L(1)-S,O)](+)}(n)Cl(-)(y) (n, y > 2) is indicated. DOSY studies show a significant decrease of the average diffusion coefficient D(obs) as a function of increasing concentration of [Pt(II)(phen)(L(1)-S,O)]Cl in D(2)O. The aggregation number (N) estimated from hydrodynamic volumes of the mononuclear [Pt(II)(phen)(L(1)-S,O)](+) cation (V(H)(0)), and those V(H) estimated from D(obs) (N = V(H)/V(H)(0)) as a function of total complex concentration, ranges from ~2 to ~735 in pure D(2)O. Above the CAC well defined nano-structures which may be loosely termed "metallogels" could be characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy. As expected the addition of NaCl appears to increase the extent of aggregate formation, by presumably stabilizing the formation of nano-sized {[Pt(II)(phen)(L(1)-S,O)](+)}(n)Cl(-)(y) aggregates preventing excessive positive electrostatic charge build-up.

Calcification of modern foldable hydrogel intraocular lens designs.

PURPOSE: To report and compare clinical and pathological features of hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) of three major designs, explanted from patients who had visual disturbances caused by opacification of the lens optic. METHODS: Eighty-seven hydrophilic acrylic IOLs (25 Hydroview, 54 SC60B-OUV, and 8 Aqua-Sense lenses) were explanted and sent to our center. Most patients became symptomatic during the second year after cataract surgery. A fine granularity was observed on the surface of the lens optic in the case of Hydroview. With the SC60B-OUV and Aqua-Sense lenses, the opacity resembled a nuclear cataract. Gross examination, light microscopy and staining with alizarin red and the von Kossa method (for calcium) were performed. Some lenses were submitted for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). RESULTS: Light microscopic and SEM analyses revealed the presence of irregular granular deposits on the external optical surfaces of Hydroview lenses. With the SC60B-OUV lenses, the opacity was caused by the presence of multiple fine, granular deposits within the lens optic, distributed in a line parallel to the anterior and posterior curvatures of the optic, with a clear zone just beneath its external surfaces. The Aqua-Sense lenses exhibited both patterns simultaneously. The deposits in all cases stained positive with alizarin red and von Kossa method. EDS also demonstrated the presence of calcium and phosphates within the deposits. CONCLUSION: Differences in the water content of the hydrophilic acrylic materials used in the manufacture of these three lens designs may be responsible for the different patterns of calcium precipitation. Careful clinical follow up of patients implanted with these lenses is necessary to determine if this phenomenon is rare and sporadic or may be more widespread.

Post cataract-intraocular lens (IOL) surgery opacification.

Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation has no doubt been one of the most satisfying advances of medicine. Millions of individuals with visual disability or frank blindness from cataracts had and continue to have benefit from this procedure. It has been reported by ophthalmologists that the modern cataract-intraocular lens (IOL) surgery is safe and complication-free most of the time. This makes the watchword for any cataract surgeon to be 'implantation,' 'implantation,' 'implantation.' In the mid-1980s, as IOLs were evolving rapidly, the watchword of the implant surgeon was 'fixation,' 'fixation,' 'fixation.' Most techniques, lenses and surgical adjuncts now allow us to achieve the basic requirement for successful IOL implantation, namely long-term stable IOL fixation in the capsular bag. However despite this advancement some items 'slipped through cracks.' In this article, we would like to alert the reader to a new watchword, namely 'opacification,' 'opacification,' 'opacification.' Here we will be talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Examples of the 'good' include the recent successes now being achieved in reducing the incidence of posterior capsule opacification. Examples of the 'bad' include various proliferations of anterior capsule cells, problems caused by silicone oil adherence to IOLs and problems with piggyback IOLs. The 'ugly' include the sometimes striking and often visually disabling opacifications occurring on and within IOL optics, both on some modern foldable IOLs as well as a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) optic degradation occurring with some models a decade or more after implantation.

[Postoperative opacification of posterior chamber intraocular lenses - a review]. / Postoperative Trübung von Hinterkammerlinsen - eine Ubersicht.

Postoperative opacification of intraocular lenses (IOLs) is a very unpleasant complication for the ophthalmic surgeon and the patient. We report on our experiences with opacification of different foldable IOL designs and rigid poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) posterior chamber lenses.1. Snowflake degeneration of PMMA IOLs: This condition is an unanticipated and surprising late postoperative finding 8 to 15 years after implantation. In our opinion, this complication is probably not related to the PMMA biomaterial itself, but rather it appears to represent a manufacturing problem that has affected a selected, albeit large number of lenses manufactured in the 1980s-mid 1990s.2. Degeneration of UV absorber material and calcium deposits within the optic of hydrophilic IOLs: Two years postoperatively degenerations of UV absorber material and calcium deposits within the optic of single piece hydrophilic acrylic lenses SC60B-OUV manufactured by MDR (Medical developmental research Inc. Clearwater FL, USA) can occur. Although the precise mechanism is not fully known, it was assumed that these opacifications are due to premature aging of the UV blocking agent incorporated in the lens biomaterial and calcification.3. Calcification on the surface of the Bausch & Lomb Hydroviewtrade mark IOLs: Twelve to 15 months postoperatively granular surface calcifications in Hydroviewtrade mark IOLs occured. The mechanism is not fully understood. According to Bausch and Lomb studies, part of the components of the packaging contained silicone, which may have come off the packaging onto the lens optic, where it then appears to be a catalyst for calcium precipitation. The manufacturer has correlated a change in packaging with the appearance of the opacification. The manufacturer now believes that this problem has been solved. However, final verification will require a careful 1 - 2 years clinical study.4. Glistenings in the hydrophobic acrylic AcrySoftrade mark IOLs: The time frame of glistenings in the AcrySoftrade mark IOLs is highly variable. It has been suggested that the occurrence of glistenings may be related to variations in the temperature of the lens just prior to and or during insertion into the eye. Formation of vacuoles may occur within the submersed acrylic polymer when there is a transient increase and then decrease in temperature during the surgical procedure. "Glistenings" may then subsequently form by ingress of anterior chamber fluid. Contrast sensitivity can been decreased in some patients, but clinically significant decrease of visual acuity has been rare.

[Influence of surgery-related factors on the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates of 3-piece silicone IOLs - analysis of 457 pseudophakic human globes obtained post mortem]. / Einfluss chirurgischer Faktoren auf die Kapsulotomierate dreistückiger Silikon-Intraokularlinsen - Analyse 457 pseudophaker Autopsieaugen12.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze any possible surgical reasons which may have had caused posterior capsule opacification in 3-piece silicone IOLs that had required Nd:YAG laser treatment. Special attention was given to 1) quality of cortical clean up, 2) type of haptic fixation, and 3) continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) size and shape. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human eyes obtained post-mortem implanted with 3-piece silicone optic - PMMA haptic (SI 40 NB) and 3-piece silicone optic - Prolene haptic (SI 30 NB) designs IOLs, accessioned between January 1993 and December 2000 were evaluated by gross examination from behind under an operating microscope using the Miyake-Apple posterior photographic technique. The area and intensity of Soemmerring's ring and type of fixation was studied in 457 eyes. The mean diameter of the CCC and relation of the CCC edge to the optic rim were analyzed in 221 eyes. RESULTS: 1) The amount of Soemmerring's ring formation was significantly larger in the group of IOLs requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomy in both the SI 40 NB and SI 30 NB design than in the IOLs without capsulotomies. 2) The percentage of not in-the-bag fixated IOLs in both the SI 40 NB and SI 30 NB design was larger in the "Nd:YAG groups", without being statistically significant. 3) The "Nd:YAG groups" showed a significant higher amount of non overlapping clock hours of the CCC edge in relation to the optic rim. CONCLUSION: 1) The data confirm the clinical assumption that the incidence of PCO is correlated with the cortical clean up. 2) Our findings also support the clinical assumption, that poor IOL fixation increases the risk of PCO. 3) This study also verifies the relation of the CCC to PCO, namely a relatively small CCC covering the entire optic rim is best to reduce the Nd:YAG laser rate.