Highly enhanced chloramphenicol adsorption performance of MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons modified with tannic acid.

The worldwide demand for antibiotics has experienced a notable surge, propelled by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in the global healthcare sector. A prominent challenge confronting humanity is the unregulated release of antibiotic-laden wastewater into the environment, posing significant threats to public health. The adoption of affordable carbon-based adsorbents emerges as a promising strategy for mitigating the contamination of antibiotic wastewater. Here, we report the synthesis of novel porous carbons (MPC) through a direct pyrolysis of MIL-53-NH2(Al) and tannic acid (TANA) under N2 atmosphere at 800 °C for 4 h. The effect of TANA amount ratios (0%-20%, wt wt-1) on porous carbon structure and adsorption performance was investigated. Results showed that TANA modification resulted in decreased surface area (1,600 m2 g-1-949 m2 g-1) and pore volume (2.3 cm3 g-1-1.7 cm3 g-1), but supplied hydroxyl functional groups. Adsorption kinetic, intraparticle diffusion, and isotherm were examined, indicating the best fit of Elovich and Langmuir models. 10%-TANA-MPC obtained an ultrahigh adsorption capacity of 564.4 mg g-1, which was approximately 2.1 times higher than that of unmodified porous carbon. 10%-TANA-MPC could be easily recycled up to 5 times, and after reuse, this adsorbent still remained highly stable in morphology and surface area. The contribution of H bonding, pore-filling, electrostatic and π-π interactions to chloramphenicol adsorption was clarified. It is recommended that TANA-modified MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons act as a potential adsorbent for removal of pollutants effectively.

Emerging trends in hydrogen and synfuel generation: a state-of-the-art review.

The current work investigated emerging fields for generating and consuming hydrogen and synthetic Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels, especially from detrimental greenhouse gases, CO2 and CH4. Technologies for syngas generation ranging from partial oxidation, auto-thermal, dry, photothermal and wet or steam reforming of methane were adequately reviewed alongside biomass valorisation for hydrogen generation, water electrolysis and climate challenges due to methane flaring, production, storage, transportation, challenges and opportunities in CO2 and CH4 utilisation. Under the same conditions, dry reforming produces more coke than steam reforming. However, combining the two techniques produces syngas with a high H2/CO ratio, which is suitable for producing long-chain hydrocarbons. Although the steam methane reforming (SMR) process has been industrialised, it is well known to consume significant energy. However, coke production via catalytic methane decomposition, the prime hindrance to large-scale implementation of these techniques for hydrogen production, could be addressed by coupling CO with CO2 conversion to alter the H2/CO ratio of syngas, increasing the reaction temperatures in dry reforming, or increasing the steam content fed in steam reforming. Optimised hydrogen production and generation of green fuels from CO2 and CH4 can be achieved by implementing these strategies.

Synthesis strategies, regeneration, cost analysis, challenges and future prospects of bacterial cellulose-based aerogels for water treatment: A review.

Clean water is an integral part of industries, agricultural activities and human life, but water contamination by toxic dyes, heavy metals, and oil spills is increasingly serious in the world. Aerogels with unique properties such as highly porous and extremely low density, tunable surface modification, excellent reusability, and thermal stability can contribute to addressing these issues. Thanks to high purity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, bacterial cellulose can be an ideal precursor source to produce aerogels. Here, we review the modification, regeneration, and applications of bacterial cellulose-based aerogels for water treatment. The modification of bacterial cellulose-based aerogels undergoes coating of hydrophobic agents, carbonization, and incorporation with other materials, e.g., ZIF-67, graphene oxide, nanoparticles, polyaniline. We emphasized features of modified aerogels on porosity, hydrophobicity, density, surface chemistry, and regeneration. Although major limits are relevant to the use of toxic coating agents, difficulty in bacterial culture, and production cost, the bacterial cellulose aerogels can obtain high performance for water treatment, particularly, catastrophic oil spills.

A waste-to-wealth conversion of plastic bottles into effective carbon-based adsorbents for removal of tetracycline antibiotic from water.

Currently, plastic waste and antibiotic wastewater are two of the most critical environmental problems, calling for urgent measures to take. A waste-to-wealth strategy for the conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles into value-added materials such as carbon composite is highly recommended to clean wastewater contaminated by antibiotics. Inspired by this idea, we develop a novel PET-AC-ZFO composite by incorporating PET plastic-derived KOH-activated carbon (AC) with ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) particles for adsorptive removal of tetracycline (TTC). PET-derived carbon (PET-C), KOH-activated PET-derived carbon (PET-AC), and PET-AC-ZFO were characterized using physicochemical analyses. Central composite design (CCD) was used to obtain a quadratic model by TTC concentration (K), adsorbent dosage (L), and pH (M). PET-AC-ZFO possessed micropores (d ≈ 2 nm) and exceptionally high surface area of 1110 m2 g-1. Nearly 90% TTC could be removed by PET-AC-ZFO composite. Bangham kinetic and Langmuir isotherm were two most fitted models. Theoretical maximum TTC adsorption capacity was 45.1 mg g-1. This study suggested the role of hydrogen bonds, pore-filling interactions, and π-π interactions as the main interactions of the adsorption process. Thus, a strategy for conversion of PET bottles into PET-AC-ZFO can contribute to both plastic recycling and antibiotic wastewater mitigation.

Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Outpatient Radiology No-shows Versus Cancellations.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess prevalence of missed outpatient radiology appointments and sociodemographic factors associated with no-shows vs. cancellations. METHODS: Adults with outpatient radiology appointments in 2022 and January 2023 at a single tertiary academic health center were included. Generalized estimating equation regression was used to evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with missed vs. completed appointments, no-shows vs. cancellations and time interval between cancellations and appointments. RESULTS: 19,262 (24.3%) examinations were either a cancellation (22.3%) or no-show (2.0%) among 9713 patients (mean age 60.8 ± 15.5; 67.1% female, 63.9% White, 20.0% Asian, 22.0% Hispanics). Among cancellations, 70.19% were patient-initiated. Age ≥ 65 significantly decreased the probability of missed appointments by 5.4% point (pp) (95% CI: 3.7-7.2) or no-shows (4.2 pp; 95% CI, 1.4-6.9), while being single increased probability of missed appointments (2.2 pp; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1) or no-shows (2.6 pp; 95% CI, 1.2-4.1). Those uninsured or with public insurance were 1.3-4.9 pp more likely to miss appointments than commercial insurance, and 2.2-7.6 pp more likely to have no-shows than cancellations. Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods 4.9 pp (95% CI, 3.9-6.0) increased likelihood of missing appointment and was associated with shorter time interval between cancellation and appointment. English speakers were 2.2 pp (95% CI, 1.1-3.3) more likely to miss their exam, while 2.7 pp (95% CI, 1.1-0.4.3) less likely to be a no-show than cancellation. CONCLUSION: Cancellations represented a significant portion of missed appointments. Specific sociodemographic subgroups exhibited higher tendencies for having missed appointments and no-shows.

Platelet-rich fibrin as an apical barrier for MTA placement in the treatment of teeth with open apices: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) apical barrier for the placement of MTA for the treatment of teeth with periapical lesions and open apices. METHODS: A total of thirty teeth on twenty-eight patients with open apices and periapical periodontitis were enrolled and divided into two groups in the present pilot study. In the PRF group (fourteen teeth in thirteen patients), nonsurgical endodontic treatment was performed using PRF as an apical matrix, after which the apical plug of the MTA was created. For the non-PRF group (fourteen teeth in fourteen patients), nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed using only the MTA for an apical plug with no further periapical intervention. Clinical findings and periapical digital radiographs were used for evaluating the healing progress after periodic follow-ups of 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. The horizontal dimension of the periapical lesion was gauged, and the changes in the dimensions were recorded each time. The Friedman test, Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc correction, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05 serving as the threshold for determining statistical significance. RESULTS: All patients in both groups in the present pilot study had no clinical symptoms after 1 month, with a significant reduction in the periapical lesion after periodic appointments. The lesion width of the PRF group was significantly smaller than that of the non-PRF group in the sixth and ninth month after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PRF is a promising apical barrier matrix when combined with MTA for the treatment of teeth with open apices and periapical periodontitis. Small number of study subjects and the short time of follow-up period limit the generalizability of these results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR, TCTR20221109006. Registered 09 November 2022 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20221109006 .

Recent advances and challenges of the green ZnO-based composites biosynthesized using plant extracts for water treatment.

Recently, there has been a notable rise in the prevalence of persistent pollutants in the environment, posing a significant hazard due to their toxicity and enduring nature. Conventional wastewater treatment methods employed in treatment plants rarely address these persistent pollutants adequately. Meanwhile, the concept of green synthesis has garnered considerable attention, owing to its environmentally friendly approach that utilizes fewer toxic chemicals and solvents. The utilization of materials derived from sustainable sources presents a promising avenue for solving pressing environmental concerns. Among the various sources of biological agents, plants stand out for their accessibility, eco-friendliness, and rich reserves of phytochemicals suitable for material synthesis. The plant extract-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) has emerged as a promising solution for applications in wastewater treatment. Thorough investigations into the factors influencing the properties of these green ZnONPs are essential to establish a detailed and reliable synthesis process. Major weaknesses inherent in ZnONPs can be addressed by changing the optical, magnetic, and interface properties through doping with various semiconductor materials. Consequently, research efforts to mitigate water pollution are being driven by both the future prospects and limitations of ZnO-based composites. This review underscores the recent advancements of plant extract-mediated ZnONP composites for water treatment.

Synthesis of MnFe2O4/activated carbon derived from durian shell waste for removal of indole in water: Optimization, modelling, and mechanism.

While durian shell is often discharged into landfills, this waste can be a potential and zero-cost raw material to synthesize carbon-based adsorbents with purposes of saving costs and minimizing environmental contamination. Indole (IDO) is one of serious organic pollutants that influence aquatic species and human health; hence, the necessity for IDO removal is worth considering. Here, we synthesized a magnetic composite, denoted as MFOAC, based on activated carbon (AC) derived from durian shell waste incorporated with MnFe2O4 (MFO) to adsorb IDO in water. MFOAC showed a microporous structure, along with a high surface area and pore volume, at 518.9 m2/g, and 0.106 cm3/g, respectively. Optimization of factors affecting the IDO removal of MFOAC were implemented by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms suggested a suitable model for MFOAC to remove IDO. MFOAC was recyclable with 3 cycles. Main interactions involving in the IDO adsorption mechanism onto MFOAC were clarified, including pore filling, n-π interaction, π-π interaction, Yoshida H-bonding, H-bonding.

Synthesis of magnetic MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co, Zn, Fe) supported on porous carbons derived from Bidens pilosa weed and their adsorptive comparison of toxic dyes.

Bidens pilosa is classified as an invasive plant and has become a problematic weed to many agricultural crops. This species strongly germinates, grows and reproduces and competing for nutrients with local plants. To lessen the influence of Bidens pilosa, therefore, converting this harmful species into carbon materials as adsorbents in harm-to-wealth and valorization strategies is required. Here, we synthesized a series of magnetic composites based on MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co, Zn, Fe) supported on porous carbon (MFOAC) derived from Bidens pilosa by a facile hydrothermal method. The Bidens pilosa carbon was initially activated by condensed H3PO4 to increase the surface chemistry. We observed that porous carbon loaded NiFe2O4 (NFOAC) reached the highest surface area (795.7 m2 g-1), followed by CoFe2O4/AC (449.1 m2 g-1), Fe3O4/AC (426.1 m2 g-1), ZnFe2O4/AC (409.5 m2 g-1). Morphological results showed nanoparticles were well-dispersed on the surface of carbon. RhB, MO, and MR dyes were used as adsorbate to test the adsorption by MFOAC. Effect of time (0-360 min), concentration (5-50 mg L-1), dosage (0.05-0.2 g L-1), and pH (3-9) on dyes adsorption onto MFOAC was investigated. It was found that NFOAC obtained the highest maximum adsorption capacity against dyes, RhB (107.96 mg g-1) < MO (148.05 mg g-1) < MR (153.1 mg g-1). Several mechanisms such as H bonding, π-π stacking, cation-π interaction, and electrostatic interaction were suggested. With sufficient stability and capacity, NFOAC can be used as potential adsorbent for real water treatment systems.

Optimization of hydrothermal synthesis conditions of Bidens pilosa-derived NiFe2O4@AC for dye adsorption using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design.

The presence of stable and hazardous organic dyes in industrial effluents poses significant risks to both public health and the environment. Activated carbons and biochars are widely used adsorbents for removal of these pollutants, but they often have several disadvantages such as poor recoverability and inseparability from water in the post-adsorption process. Incorporating a magnetic component into activated carbons can address these drawbacks. This study aims to optimizing the production of NiFe2O4-loaded activated carbon (NiFe2O4@AC) derived from a Bidens pilosa biomass source through a hydrothermal method for the adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO), and methyl red (MR) dyes. Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD) were applied to analyze the key synthesis factors such as NiFe2O4 loading percentage (10-50%), hydrothermal temperature (120-180 °C), and reaction time (6-18 h). The optimized condition was found at a NiFe2O4 loading of 19.93%, a temperature of 135.55 °C, and a reaction time of 16.54 h. The optimum NiFe2O4@AC demonstrated excellent sorption efficiencies of higher than 92.98-97.10% against all three dyes. This adsorbent was characterized, exhibiting a well-developed porous structure with a high surface area of 973.5 m2 g-1. Kinetic and isotherm were studied with the best fit of pseudo-second-order, and Freundlich or Temkin. Qmax values were determined to be 204.07, 266.16, and 177.70 mg g-1 for RhB, MO, and MR, respectively. By selecting HCl as an elution, NiFe2O4@AC could be efficiently reused for at least 4 cycles. Thus, the Bidens pilosa-derived NiFe2O4@AC can be a promising material for effective and recyclable removal of dye pollutants from wastewater.

Recent progress and challenges of MOF-based nanocomposites in bioimaging, biosensing and biocarriers for drug delivery.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a burgeoning class of coordination polymers, have garnered significant attention due to their outstanding structure, porosity, and stability. They have been extensively studied in catalysis, energy storage, water harvesting, selective gas separation, and electrochemical applications. Recent advancements in post-synthetic strategies, surface functionality, and biocompatibility have expanded the application scope of MOFs, particularly in various biomedical fields. Herein, we review MOF-based nanomaterials bioimaging nanoplatforms in magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and fluorescence imaging. MOFs serve as the foundation for biosensors, demonstrating efficiency in sensing H2O2, tumor biomarkers, microRNA, and living cancer cells. MOF-based carriers are well designed in drug delivery systems and anticancer treatment therapies. Additionally, we examine the challenges and prospects of MOFs in surface modification, release of metal ions, and interaction with intracellular components, as well as their toxicity and long-term effects.

Effect of pyrolysis temperature on characteristics and chloramphenicol adsorption performance of NH2-MIL-53(Al)-derived amine-functionalized porous carbons.

Several activities such as aquaculture, human and feedstock therapies can directly release antibiotics into water. Due to high stability, low hydrolysis and non-biodegradation, they can accumulate in the aqueous environment and transport to aquatic species. Here, we synthesized amine-functionalized porous carbons (ANC) by a direct-pyrolysis process of NH2-MIL-53(Al) as a sacrificial template at between 600 and 900 °C and utilized them to eliminate chloramphenicol antibiotic from water. The NH2-MIL-53(Al)-derived porous carbons obtained high surface areas (304.7-1600 m2 g-1) and chloramphenicol adsorption capacities (148.3-261.5 mg g-1). Several factors such as hydrogen bonding, Yoshida hydrogen bonding, and π-π interaction, hydrophobic interaction possibly controlled adsorption mechanisms. The ANC800 could be reused four cycles along with high stability in structure. As a result, NH2-MIL-53(Al)-derived porous carbons are recommended as recyclable and efficient adsorbents to the treatment of antibiotics in water.

Novel films of pectin extracted from ambarella fruit peel and jackfruit seed slimy sheath: Effect of ionic crosslinking on the properties of pectin film.

Here, we prepared ionically crosslinked films using pectin extracted from agro-wastes, specifically ambarella peels (AFP) and jackfruit seed slimy sheath (JFS). Physiochemical properties of pectins, including moisture content, molecular weight (Mw), degree of esterification (DE), and galacturonic acid (GA), were analyzed. Optimal extraction was determined, i.e., citric acid concentration 0.3 M, time 60 min, solid/liquid ratio 1:25, and temperature 90 °C for AFP or 85 °C for JFS. Pectin yields under these conditions were 29.67 % ± 0.35 % and 29.93 ± 0.49 %, respectively. AFP pectin revealed Mw, DE, and GA values of 533.20 kDa, 67.08 % ± 0.68 %, and 75.39 ± 0.82 %, while JFS pectin exhibited values of 859.94 kDa, 63.04 % ± 0.47 %, and 78.63 % ± 0.71 %, respectively. The pectin films crosslinked with Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, or Zn2+ exhibited enhanced tensile strength and Young's modulus, along with reduced elongation at break, moisture content, water solubility, water vapor permeability, and oxygen permeability. Structural analyses indicated metal ions were effectively crosslinked with carboxyl groups of pectin. Notably, the Cu2+-crosslinked film demonstrated superior water resistance, mechanical properties, and exhibited the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activities among all tested films. Therefore, the pectin films represent a promising avenue to produce eco-friendly food packaging materials with excellent properties.

Tecoma stans floral extract-mediated synthesis of MgFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of coomassie brilliant blue dye.

Toxic organic dyes-containing wastewater treatment by adsorption and photocatalytic techniques is widely applied, but adsorbents and photocatalysts are often synthesized through chemical methods, leading to secondary pollution by released chemicals. Here, we report a benign method using Tecoma stans floral extract to produce MgFe2O4/ZnO (MGFOZ) nanoparticles for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) dye. Green MGFOZ owned a surface area of 9.65 m2/g and an average grain size of 54 nm. This bio-based nanomaterial showed higher removal percentage and better recyclability (up to five cycles) than green MgFe2O4 and ZnO nanoparticles. CBB adsorption by MGFOZ was examined by kinetic and isotherm models with better fittings of Bangham and Langmuir or Temkin. RSM-based optimization was conducted to reach an actual adsorption capacity of 147.68 mg/g. Moreover, MGFOZ/visible light system showed a degradation efficiency of 89% CBB dye after 120 min. CBB adsorption can be controlled by both physisorption and chemisorption while •O2- and •OH radicals are responsible for photo-degradation of CBB dye. This study suggested that MGFOZ can be a promising adsorbent and catalyst for removal of organic dyes in water.

Gut Microbiome of Patients With Breast Cancer in Vietnam.

PURPOSE: Gut microbiota play an important role in human health, including cancer. Cancer and its treatment, in turn, may alter the gut microbiome. To understand this complex relationship, we profiled the gut microbiome of 356 Vietnamese patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stool samples were collected before chemotherapy, with 162 pre- and 194 postsurgery. The gut microbiome was measured by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Associations of gut microbial diversity, taxa abundance, and gut microbiome health index (GMHI) with sociodemographic, clinical factors, and tumor characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: Postsurgery samples were associated with significantly lower α- and ß-diversities (P < .001) and showed significant differences in the abundance of 15% of 2,864 investigated taxa (false discovery rate [FDR] <0.1) compared with presurgery samples. An unhealthy gut microbiome was prevalent among patients with breast cancer, with a mean GMHI of -0.79 and -2.81 in pre- and postsurgery stool samples, respectively. In an analysis of 162 presurgery stool samples, diagnosis delay was significantly associated with lower α-diversity, variation in ß-diversity, an increased abundance of species Enorma massiliensis, and a decreased abundance of Faecalicoccus pleomorphus. High intake of fiber was significantly associated with lower α-diversity and a higher abundance of species belonging to Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, and Bacteroides gena (FDR < 0.1). We did not find that cancer stage and subtype, menopausal status, comorbidity, antibiotic use during 3 months before stool collection, or physical activity was significantly associated with α- and ß-diversities or GMHI although a few significant differences were observed in taxa abundance. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that diagnosis delay, high fiber intake, and breast cancer surgery, which is always followed by antibiotic prophylaxis in Vietnam, led to a less diverse and unhealthy gut microbiome among patients with breast cancer.

Gut microbiome in association with chemotherapy-induced toxicities among patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Little research has focused on the relationship between gut microbiome and chemotherapy-induced toxicity. METHODS: This prospective study involves 301 patients with breast cancer who had prechemotherapy stool samples collected. Gut microbiome was sequenced by shotgun metagenomics; associations with chemotherapy-induced toxicities during first-line treatment by gut microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic pathways with severe (i.e., grade ≥3) hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities were evaluated via multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: High prechemotherapy α-diversity was associated with a significantly reduced risk of both severe hematological toxicity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; p = .048) and neutropenia (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; p = .016). A high abundance of phylum Synergistota, class Synergistia, and order Synergistales were significantly associated with a reduced risk of severe neutropenia; conversely, enrichment of phylum Firmicutes C, class Negativicutes, phylum Firmicutes I, and class Bacilli A, order Paenibacillales were significantly associated with an increased risk of severe neutropenia (p range: 0.012-2.32 × 10-3; false discovery rate <0.1). Significant positive associations were also observed between severe nausea/vomiting and high Chao1 indexes, ß-diversity (p < .05), 20 species belonging to the family Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae (p value range: 6.14 × 10-3 to 1.33 × 10-5; false discovery rate <0.1), and three metabolic pathways involved in reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle I and cycle II, and an incomplete reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle (p < .01). Conversely, a high abundance of species Odoribacter laneus and the pathway related to the L-proline biosynthesis II were inversely associated with severe nausea/vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that gut microbiota may be a potential preventive target to reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity.

Feasibility of Screening for Financial Hardship and Health-Related Social Needs at Radiology Encounters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of financial hardship and health-related social needs (HRSNs) among outpatients undergoing advanced imaging services and assess the feasibility of screening for financial and social needs during radiology encounters. METHODS: Adult patients receiving CT, MRI, or PET/CT at outpatient imaging centers of an academic tertiary center were asked to complete a 15-minute survey with adapted validated questions inquiring about their experience of financial hardship related to imaging and HRSNs, and the appropriateness of screening for financial and social needs at radiology encounters. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with perceived appropriateness of screening and level of interest in meeting with financial counselors. RESULTS: A total of 430 patients responded (10.0% response rate; mean age: 57.1 years; 57.4% female; 54.5% White; 22.1% Hispanic; 19.1% Asian; 1% Black). A total of 35% reported experiencing financial hardship with imaging; 47.5% reported material hardship, 15.3% reported cost-related care nonadherence, and 5.3% reported cost-related imaging nonadherence. Overall, 35.9% had at least one HRSN, with food insecurity being the most common (28.3%). The majority (79.7%) felt that being screened for HRSNs at radiology encounters is appropriate, with those experiencing imaging hardship being more likely to feel that screening is appropriate (odds ratio [OR]: 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-6.56). Overall, 29.5% were interested in meeting with a financial counselor, with those with imaging hardship (OR: 3.70; 95% CI, 1.96-6.97) and HRSNs (OR: 2.87; 95% CI, 1.32-6.24) and who felt uncomfortable with screening (OR: 2.83; 95% CI, 1.14-7.03) being more likely to be interested. DISCUSSION: Financial hardship and HRSNs are common among outpatients undergoing advanced imaging, with the majority reporting that getting screened at radiology encounters is appropriate.

Boosting the catalytic activity of nanostructured ZnFe2O4 spinels incorporating with Cu2+ for photo-Fenton degradation under visible light.

Methylene blue (MB) is hazardous in natural water because this dye causes serious diseases that endangers public health and ecosystems. Photocatalytic degradation is a prominent technique for achieving the effective elimination of dye pollutants from wastewater and contribute vitally to ecology and environmental safety. Herein, Cu2+-substituted ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials (CuxZn1-xFe2O4; x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6) were synthesized, characterized, and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of MB dye beneath visible light with the assistance of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The feature of the photo-catalysts was determined by XRD, EDX, FTIR, DRS, BET, SEM, and TEM techniques. Incorporation of Cu2+ ions changed the crystalline phase, particle size, morphology, and surface area. The photocatalysis condition was optimized with the following major factors, the amout of doping Cu2+ ions, H2O2 concentration, adsorbent dosage, and MB concentration. As a result, the photocatalytic MB degradation efficiency by Cu0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 catalyst was 99.83% within 90 min under LED light (λ ≥ 420 nm), which was around 4 folds higher than that of pure ZnFe2O4. The photo-Fenton kinetics were in accordance with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.981), giving the highes rate constant of 0.034 min-1. It can be, therefore, concluded that Cu2+ substitution considerably boosted the photocatalytic activity of CuxZn1-xFe2O4 ZnFe2O4, suggesting a bright prospect of Cu0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 as a photo-catalyst in the dyes wastewater treatment.

Mechanistic Insights and Synthetic Explorations of the Photoredox-Catalyzed Activation of Halophosphines.

The light-driven activation of halophosphines R2PX (R = alkyl- or aryl, X = Cl, Br) by an IrIII-based photocatalyst is described. It is shown that initially formed secondary phosphines R2PH react readily with the remaining R2PX in a parent-child reaction to form diphosphines R2P-PR2. Aryl-containing diphosphines can be further reduced to secondary phosphines RAr2PH under identical photoredox conditions. Dihalophosphines RPX2 are also activated by the photoredox protocol, giving rise to unusual 3-, 4-, and 5-membered cyclophosphines. Transient absorption studies show that the excited state of the Ir photocatalyst is reductively quenched by the DIPEA (N,N-di-iso-propylethylamine) electron donor. Electron transfer to R2PX is however unexpectedly slow and cannot compete with recombination with the oxidized donor DIPEA•+. As DIPEA is not a perfectly reversible donor, a small proportion of the total IrII population escapes recombination, providing the reductant for the observed transformations.

Biosynthesis of green CuO@C nanocomposite using Combretum indicum flower extract for organic dye removal: adsorption performance, modeling, and recyclability studies.

Water contamination becomes one of the most high-priority environmental concerns, calling for the efficient treatment techniques. Bionanocomposites can be robust adsorbents, but the synthesis requires toxic chemicals or energy consuming and cause the secondary pollution. Green nanocomposites can be biogenically synthesized using the plant extract to end up with a critically safe strategy. Herein, we used the flower extract of Combretum indicum plant as a bio-based reductant and carbonaceous source for the green CuO@C nanocomposite. This green nanoadsorbent obtained a specific surface area of 17.33 m2/g, good crystallinity, and functional group-containing surface, i.e., -OH and -CONH-. We also conducted the optimization of parameters, i.e., concentration, CuO@C dose, pH, time, and temperature, and reached removal efficiencies towards malachite green (MG, 83.23%), Congo red (CR, 84.60%), brilliant blue (BB, 71.39%), and methylene blue (MB, 23.67%). The maximum adsorption capacities were found as ordered, MG (46.387 mg/g) > MB (23.154 mg/g) > BB (22.8 mg/g) > CR dye (11.063 mg/g). Through the intra-particle diffusion kinetic model, MG and BB adsorption endured a three-step process, while CR and MB adsorption was a two-step process. The recyclability of the green CuO@C nanocomposite was three cycles with 67.54% for the final cycle of BB removal. Moreover, the nanoadsorbent displayed a high stability, checked by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR analysis, EDX spectra, and SEM images. It is recommended that the green CuO@C nanocomposite biosynthesized using the Combretum indicum flower extract can be a good alternative for the dye treatment from wastewater.