NASICON Membrane with High Ionic Conductivity Synthesized by High-Temperature Solid-State Reaction.

In the present work, we studied the impact of excess Na addition on the structure of the standard NASICON ion conductor along with Na ion transport mechanisms. In this sense, NASICON ceramic membranes (NZSP) were prepared by a simple chemical synthesis method, the solid state reaction (SSR), using an excess of 5% Na (Na3.15Zr2Si2PO12) and an excess of 10% Na (Na3.3Zr2Si2PO12), in order to improve the conduction properties of the ceramic membrane. The characterization of the NZSP nanoparticles was performed by measuring the particle size by dynamic light scattering (DLS), the morphology of the NASICON samples pre-sintered at 1100 °C was analyzed by the SEM method (scanning electron microscope), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to investigate the crystal structure of samples, while the surface area was measured using the BET technique. The electrical properties (i.e., ionic conductivity) were evaluated by impedance spectroscopic methods at room temperature (RT). Following the experiments for NASICON membranes without Na excess, with 5% Na excess, and with 10% Na excess synthesized at different pressing forces and sintering temperatures, it was found that membranes with a 10% Na excess, sintered at 1175 °C for 10 h, presented a good ionic conductivity (4.72 × 10-4 S/cm).

Preparation of Copper-Based Catalysts for Obtaining Methanol by the Chemical Impregnation Method.

This paper presents the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts for the direct hydrogenation process of CO2 to methanol. The development of the modern chemical industry is inextricably linked to the use of catalytic processes. As a result, currently over 80% of new technologies introduced in the chemical industry incorporate catalytic processes. Since the basic factor of catalytic processes is the catalysts, the studies for the deepening of the knowledge regarding the nature of the action of the catalysts, for the development of new catalysts and catalytic systems, as well as for their improvement, represent a research priority of a fundamental or applied nature. The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for the synthesis of green methanol, using precursors of an inorganic (copper nitrate, denoted by Cu/ZnO/Al2O3-1) and organic (copper acetate, denoted by Cu/ZnO/Al2O3-2) nature, are obtained by chemical impregnation that includes two stages: preparation and one of calcination. The preparation methods and conditions, as well as the physico-chemical properties of the catalyst precursor, play a major role in the behavior of the catalysts. The prepared catalysts were characterized using atomic adsorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, specific surface area and pore size analyses, adsorption, and the chemisorption of vapor (BET).

Noble Metals Functionalized on Graphene Oxide Obtained by Different Methods-New Catalytic Materials.

In recent years, research has focused on developing materials exhibiting outstanding mechanical, electrical, thermal, catalytic, magnetic and optical properties such as graphene/polymer, graphene/metal nanoparticles and graphene/ceramic nanocomposites. Two-dimensional sp2 hybridized graphene has become a material of choice in research due to the excellent properties it displays electrically, thermally, optically and mechanically. Noble nanomaterials also present special physical and chemical properties and, therefore, they provide model building blocks in modifying nanoscale structures for various applications, ranging from nanomedicine to catalysis and optics. The introduction of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) (Au, Ag and Pd) into chemically derived graphene is important in opening new avenues for both materials in different fields where they can provide hybrid materials with exceptional performance due to the synergistical result of the specific properties of each of the materials. This review presents the different synthetic procedures for preparing Pt, Ag, Pd and Au NP/graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites.

Past and present anthropic environmental stress reflect high susceptibility of natural freshwater ecosystems in Romania.

The concentrations of twelve heavy metals and trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn, Fe, and Al) in bed sediment and river freshwater that received sewage discharge, industrial wastewater inputs and mining residue were discussed. Spatial distribution, intra-annual trends and diffuse flux in 2019 in the middle and lower reaches of Olt River Basin (ORB) were investigated using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). We applied correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) to quantify metal distribution relationship within environmental factors (pH, air temperature) and organic matter existing in the ORB. Moreover, the 87Sr/86Sr and 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratios analysis was employed to conclude the possible origin of the contamination. PCA analysis categorized metal presence in the four-component model, which explains 91% (May), 92% (July) and 93% (September) of the variance and indicates the potential origins of pollutants. The HCA and correlation analysis emphasized the relationship between trace elements, heavy metals in water and sediments and physicochemical characteristics of water. It was observed a high discrepancy in metal distribution between riverbed sediments and water body. In September, correlation indices highlighted sparse positive relationship with trace elements in water and mainly negative correlation values with trace elements from sediments. The origin of pollutants in sediments and water appear to be both natural and human-related activities. In all seasons increased the total exchangeable concentration of Ni, Cu and Zn in the sediments downstream sewage treatment plants and upstream of dams. The consideration of environmental factors and physicochemical characteristics of water is required to develop strategies for pollution management, assessment and mitigation in the actual condition of climate change. This study evaluated the heavy metals pollution in the Olt River Basin over three periods in 2019 under human-induced changes.

Inflammation in COPD: pathogenesis, local and systemic effects.

COPD is a disease characterized by inflammation both in its stable phase and during exacerbations. Inflammation is present in the respiratory compartment, the inflammatory cells and different mediators of inflammation being present. Studies have shown that some mediators of inflammation have a high level at systemic level also, inducing a certain grade of systemic inflammation, mainly responsible for the systemic manifestation of the disease. It seems that the both local and the systemic inflammation are amplified during exacerbations. The purpose of this paper is to review the respiratory inflammatory reaction, to identify the main actors involved in the stable phase of the disease and during exacerbations, the systemic inflammation accompanying the local inflammation, and to find the possible interrelations between the systemic and local inflammation, on one hand, and the respiratory and extra-respiratory manifestations of COPD on the other hand. The understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms, which stay at the base of inflammation and of the possible interrelations shown, represents a theoretical interest and also a practical one, concerning the targets of different therapeutic agents which could be used in the management and in the control of the disease.

The metabolic and inflammatory profile in obese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and, according to current data, the global burden of these conditions will increase further. Obesity plays a major role in the development of the metabolic syndrome and has been identified as an important risk factor for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Adiposity is associated with insulin resistance even over relatively normal ranges of body fatness. There is strong evidence that altered adipose tissue function plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, as has recently been reviewed. Obesity is linked to respiratory diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome and accumulating evidence suggests an association between obesity and asthma. A potential link between obesity and COPD is also increasingly recognized although little data is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. The inflammatory and metabolic profile differs between obese with COPD and normo or underweight with COPD in part due to dysfunction of adipose tissue.

Are systemic inflammatory profiles different in patients with COPD and metabolic syndrome as compared to those with COPD alone?

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is frequent in patients with COPD, almost 50% of patients with COPD had one or more components of metabolic syndrome (MS). Moreover, it was demonstrated that BMI might be one of the determinants of COPD phenotype. Chronic comorbid diseases affect health outcomes in COPD, in fact, patients with COPD mainly die of non-respiratory disorders such as cardiovascular disease. Inflammation plays a key role in COPD and MS but we do not know the real inflammatory profile of these patients. A better understanding of the origin and consequences of systemic and local inflammation, and of potential therapies, will most likely lead to better care of patients with COPD. METHODS: We compared 64 consecutive, consenting smoker patients with COPD and MS (mean age: 62.7 +/- 0.7 years) with this serum inflammatory profile (hsCRP: 1.9 +/- 0.01 mg/dL, TNF-alpha: 6,4 +/- 0.1 pg/mL, adiponectin: 4.7 +/- 0.01 mg/L) versus 69 COPD smoker patients matched for age (mean age 61.4 +/- 0.4 years) with following serum inflammatory cytokine (CRP: 0.9 +/- 0.01 mg/dL, TNF-alpha: 3.9 pg/mL +/- 0.01, adiponectin: 9.3 +/- 0.01 mg/L). COPD and MS was diagnosed according to the GOLD criteria respectively IFD 2005 criteria. Data were expressed as mean +/- SE (standard error). Comparisons of parameters among the two groups were made by Student unpaired t test. The level of statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Serum TNF-alpha and high-sensitivity CRP levels in patients with COPD and MS were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of COPD alone. Plasma adiponectin levels in patients with COPD were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in subjects with COPD and MS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD and MS have a more exacerbated systemic inflammatory profile and a significantly reduced specific adipose response represented by adiponectin than patients with COPD alone. These results help us to better understand the inflammatory pattern in patients with COPD with metabolic disorders and permit us to sustain the regulatory role of adiponectin in metabolism balance. It is possible that this association between COPD and MS with a specific inflammatory pattern (high serum levels of CRP and TNF-a but with low plasma levels of adiponectin) to explain the high rate of death adjudicated as due to cardiovascular causes.

[HELLP syndrome--a severe form of pregnancy-induced hypertension. A case report]. / Sindromul HELLP--forma grava a hipertensiunii induse de sarcina.

HELLP syndrome consists in serious liver alterations during pregnancy induced hypertension, that causes hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. It is frequently accompanied by evidence of severe kidney and brain involvement. Our paper aims to stress the importance of an early accurate diagnosis and an adequate management by presenting an illustrative case.