Manganese-Titanium Mixed Ion Sieves for the Selective Adsorption of Lithium Ions from an Artificial Salt Lake Brine.

Lithium recovery is imperative to accommodate the increase in lithium demand. Salt lake brine contains a large amount of lithium and is one of the most important sources of lithium metal. In this study, Li2CO3, MnO2, and TiO2 particles were mixed, and the precursor of a manganese-titanium mixed ion sieve (M-T-LIS) was prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase method. M-T-LISs were obtained by DL-malic acid pickling. The adsorption experiment results noted single-layer chemical adsorption and maximum lithium adsorption of 32.32 mg/g. From the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and scanning electron microscopy results, the M-T-LIS provided adsorption sites after DL-malic acid pickling. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared results showed the ion exchange mechanism of the M-T-LIS adsorption. From the results of the Li+ desorption experiment and recoverability experiment, DL-malic acid was used to desorb Li+ from the M-T-LIS with a desorption rate of more than 90%. During the fifth cycle, the Li+ adsorption capacity of the M-T-LIS was more than 20 mg/g (25.90 mg/g), and the recovery efficiency was higher than 80% (81.42%). According to the selectivity experiment, the M-T-LIS had good selectivity for Li+ (adsorption capacity of 25.85 mg/g in the artificial salt lake brine), which indicates its good application potential.

Skin inflammation induced by ambient particulate matter in China.

Most published studies on particulate matter (PM) concerning PM2.5 and PM10 have focused on PM-induced effects on the respiratory system (particularly lung) and cardiovascular system effects. However, epidemiological and mechanistic studies suggest that PM2.5 and PM10 also affects the skin, which is a key health issue. In this study, we first reviewed the current status of PM2.5 and PM10 in China, including relevant regulations, concentration levels, chemical components, and emission sources. Next, we summarized the association between PM2.5 and PM10 or its representative components, in relation to skin inflammation as well as inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, acne, eczema, and skin aging. Finally, we determined the mechanism of oxidative stress or programmed cell death induced through PM, which can provide useful information for future research on PM-induced skin inflammation.

A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide.

Modern studies have shown that adaptogens can non-specifically enhance the resistance of human body under a wide range of external stress conditions with a multi-targeted and multi-channel network-like manner, especially by affect the immune-neuro-endocrine system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This review article draws the attention to the relationships of adaptogens, tonics from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ginseng-like herbs worldwide, which all have similar plant sources and clinical applications. To clarify the sources and pharmacological mechanisms of these plant-originated adaptogens, which will provide useful information for the utilization of adaptogens to improve the human health. Meanwhile, the TCMs and the world-wide ginseng-like herbs from each region's ethnopharmacology will be beneficial modernization and globalization.