RESUMO
Downsizing zeolite crystals is a rational solution to address the challenge of slow adsorption rates for industrial applications. In this work, we report an environmentally friendly seed-assisted method for synthesizing nanoscale zeolite P, which has been shown to be promising for binary separations. The potassium-exchanged form of nanoagglomerates demonstrates dramatically enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity, improved diffusion rate, and separation performance. Single-component CO2 adsorption at equilibrium demonstrated higher CO2 uptake and faster adsorption kinetics (ca. 1400 s vs >130000 s) for nanosized zeolite (KP1) compared to its micron-sized (KP2) counterpart. The diffusion kinetics analysis revealed the relation between the crystal size and the transport mechanism. The micron-sized KP2 sample was primarily governed by a surface barrier resistance mechanism, while in KP1, the diffusion process involved both intracrystalline and surface barrier resistance, facilitating the surface diffusion process and enhancing the overall diffusion rate. Breakthrough curve analysis confirmed these findings as fast and efficient CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separations recorded for the nanosized sample. The results showed remarkably enhanced breakthrough time for KP2 vs KP1 in CO2/N2 (1.0 vs 10.9 min) and CO2/CH4 (1.1 vs 9.9 min) mixtures, along with much higher adsorption capacity for CO2/N2 (0.18 vs 1.33 mmol/g) and CO2/CH4 (0.18 vs 1.21 mmol/g) mixtures. The set of experimental data demonstrates the importance of zeolite crystal engineering for improving the gas separation performance of processes involving CO2, N2, and CH4.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To assess the tolerance and efficacy of targeted therapies prescribed off-label in refractory low-prevalence autoimmune and inflammatory systemic diseases. METHODS: The TATA registry (TArgeted Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases) is a prospective, observational, national and independent cohort follow-up. The inclusion criteria in the registry are as follows: age >18 years; low-prevalence autoimmune and inflammatory systemic disease treated with off-label drugs started after 1 January 2019. RESULTS: Hundred (100) patients (79 women) were enrolled. The median age was 52.5 years (95% CI 49 to 56) and the median disease duration before enrolment was 5 years (3 to 7). The targeted therapies at enrolment were as follows: Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription inhibitors (44%), anti-interleukin (IL)-6R (22%), anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL-23 and anti-IL-17 (9%), anti-B cell activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor family (5%), abatacept (5%), other targeted treatments (9%) and combination of targeted treatments (6%). 73% of patients were receiving corticosteroid therapy at enrolment (median dose 10 mg/day). The current median follow-up time is 9 months (8 to 10).Safety: 11 serious infections (incidence rate of 14.8/100 patient-years) and 1 cancer (1.3 cancers/100 patient-years) were observed. Two patients died from severe COVID-19 (2.7 deaths/100 patient-years).Efficacy: the targeted treatment was considered effective by the clinician in 56% of patients and allowed, in responders, a median reduction of oral corticosteroids of 15 (9 to 21) mg/day, below 7.5 mg/day in 76% of patients, while 28% discontinued. CONCLUSION: These initial results of the TATA registry confirm the diversity of targeted treatments prescribed off-label in refractory autoimmune diseases and their corticosteroid-sparing effect when effective. Tolerance was acceptable in these refractory patients with a long history of treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.
