TiO2 Co-doped with Zr and Ag shows highly efficient visible light photocatalytic behavior suitable for treatment of polluted water

The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of zirconium (Zr) and silver (Ag) doping on the photoactivity of titania (TiO₂). Zr–Ag (ZA) co-doped TiO₂ products were fabricated via sol–gel technique and their properties (structural and chemical) were characterized. The weight ratio of TiO₂ was fixed, while weight ratios of Zr and Ag were varied from 2 to 4, 6 and 8 wt% while synthesized samples were calcined at 400 °C for 3 h. The XRD results demonstrated that the incorporation of metal doping agents failed to alter the host material's lattice structure, however, its crystallite size was reduced from 13.54 to 5.05 nm with increasing Zr⁴⁺ and Ag⁺ concentrations. FTIR spectroscopy was used to examine various functional groups. In the attained spectra, an ample absorption peak between 500 and 1000 cm⁻¹ was recorded, which was ascribed to Ti–O–Ti linkage vibration mode present within TiO₂. Surface morphology, microstructure, SAED patterns and elemental composition were examined with FE-SEM, HR-TEM and EDX, which served to confirm the ZA-doped TiO₂ product. Band gap energy of the co-doped material was significantly reduced as indicated by a higher wavelength redshift in the spectra. The photoactivity and kinetics of photo-products were investigated by observing photo-decolorization of methylene blue (MB) under a radiation source. Photodecomposition of MB was dramatically enhanced when titania co-doped with Zr and Ag was employed compared to un-doped or mono-doped TiO₂. The ZA (8 wt%) co-doped TiO₂ photocatalyst depicted the maximum MB removal efficiency (∼93%) within 90 min under a light source.

The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of zirconium (Zr) and silver (Ag) doping on the photoactivity of titania (TiO₂).

Association of Estimated GFR (By MDRD) with the Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) in Different Stages of CKD among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Most of the mortalities among Diabetic Nephropathy patients are cardiovascular, if we identify the risk factor, measures can be taken to prevent it. Hence an objective was set to evaluate the association between carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) with eGFR in patients of CKD stage III, IV and V among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; also, correlation with age, BMI, lipid profile. This cross-sectional, observational study was performed in 70 patients in different stages of CKD in Diabetic Patients selected by Inclusion Criteria (Diabetic nephropathy patients with stages III, IV, V and exclusion Criteria (Acute kidney injury, History of carotid surgery, Patients of MI and stroke). This study was performed in Department of Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Radiology and Imaging, laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Department of Microbiology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (By standard method in laboratory) from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016. eGFR was measured by MDRD formula and the CIMT was measured using an ultrasonographic examination. The mean CIMT was 0.9±0.21mm, and 62.9% of the subjects showed IMT thickening (≥1mm). The carotid IMT elevated significantly with the stage progression of CKD (Overall eGFR mean 28.8±14.5mL/min/1.73m² in CIMT<1mm with range from 6 to 54 and 9.1±9.0mL/min/1.73m² in CIMT ≥1mm with range from 3 to 32 (p=0.001). The eGFR was significantly lower in the patients with CIMT thickening than those without CIMT thickening. eGFR was also significantly associated with CKD stages (p=0.001), serum creatinine (p=0.001), BMI (r = -0.330, p=0.005), and negatively associated with age group, duration of hypertension, smoking. However, the CIMT was not significantly different among the patients at different stages of diabetic nephropathy (r = -0.172, p=156) and age group. It has been concluded that the mean CIMT was markedly high in patients with CKD compared to normal expected value. This study showed a relationship between the CIMT and the renal parameters as eGFR and the stages of diabetic nephropathy with a confirm association between the CIMT and diabetic macroangiopathy.

The clinical and genetic characteristics of permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) in the state of Qatar

Background

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare condition that occurs within the first six months of life. Permanent NDM (PNDM) is caused by mutations in specific genes that are known for their expression at early and/or late stages of pancreatic beta‐ cell development, and are either involved in beta‐cell survival, insulin processing, regulation, and release. The native population in Qatar continues to practice consanguineous marriages that lead to a high level of homozygosity. To our knowledge, there is no previous report on the genomics of NDM among the Qatari population. The aims of the current study are to identify patients with NDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2016, and examine their clinical and genetic characteristics.

Methods

To calculate the incidence of PNDM, all patients with PNDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2016 were compared to the total number of live births over the 16‐year‐period. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate the genetic etiology in the PNDM cohort.

Results

PNDM was diagnosed in nine (n = 9) patients with an estimated incidence rate of 1:22,938 live births among the indigenous Qatari. Seven different mutations in six genes (PTF1A, GCK, SLC2A2, EIF2AK3, INS, and HNF1B) were identified. In the majority of cases, the genetic etiology was part of a previously identified autosomal recessive disorder. Two novel de novo mutations were identified in INS and HNF1B.

Conclusion

Qatar has the second highest reported incidence of PNDM worldwide. A majority of PNDM cases present as rare familial autosomal recessive disorders. Pancreas associated transcription factor 1a (PTF1A) enhancer deletions are the most common cause of PNDM in Qatar, with only a few previous cases reported in the literature.

Pre-transplant histology does not improve prediction of 5-year kidney allograft outcomes above and beyond clinical parameters

Pre-implant kidney biopsy is used to determine suitability of marginal donor kidneys for transplantation. However, there is limited data examining the utility of pre-implant histology in predicting medium term graft outcome. This retrospective study examined kidney transplants over a 10-year period at a single center to determine if pre-implant histology can identify cases of eGFR ≤35 ml/min/1.73m² at 5 year follow up beyond a clinical predictive logistic regression model. We also compared outcomes of dual kidney transplants with standard single kidney transplants. Of 1195 transplants, 171 received a pre-implant kidney biopsy and 15 were dual transplants. There was no significant difference in graft and patient survival rates. Median eGFR was lower in recipients of biopsied kidneys compared with standard kidney transplants (44 vs. 54 ml/min/1.73m², p < .001). Median eGFR of dual transplant and standard kidney transplants were similar (58 vs. 54 ml/min/1.73m², p = .64). Glomerular sclerosis (p = .05) and Karpinski Score (p = .03) were significant predictors of eGFR at 5-years in multivariate analysis but did not improve discrimination of eGFR ≤35 ml/min/1.73m² at 5-years beyond a clinical prediction model comprising donor age, donor hypertension and terminal donor creatinine (C-statistic 0.67 vs. 0.66; p = .647). Pre-implant histology did not improve prediction of medium-term graft outcomes beyond clinical predictors alone. Allograft function of dual transplant kidneys was similar to standard transplants, suggesting that there is scope to increase utilization of kidneys considered marginal based on histology.

Development of a selective androgen receptor modulator for transdermal use in hypogonadal patients

We have identified a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), termed LY305, that is bioavailable through a transdermal route of administration while highly cleared via hepatic metabolism to limit parent compound exposure in the liver. Selection of this compound and its transdermal formulation was based on the optimization of skin absorption properties using both in vitro and in vivo skin models that supported PBPK modeling for human PK predictions. This molecule is an agonist in perineal muscle while being a weak partial agonist in the androgenic tissues such as prostate. When LY305 was tested in animal models of skeletal atrophy it restored the skeletal muscle mass through accelerated repair. In a bone fracture model, LY305 remained osteoprotective in the regenerating tissue and void of deleterious effects. Finally, in a small cohort of healthy volunteers, we assessed the safety and tolerability of LY305 when administered transdermally. LY305 showed a dose-dependent increase in serum exposure and was well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Notably, there were no statistically significant changes to hematocrit or HDL after 4-week treatment period. Collectively, LY305 represents a first of its kind de novo development of a non-steroidal transdermal SARM with unique properties which could find clinical utility in hypogonadal men.

Synthesis and Dielectric Properties of Nanocrystalline Strontium Bismuth Niobate

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization and dielectric properties of nanocrystalline ferroelectric ceramic of strontium bismuth niobate (SrBi₂Nb₂O₉; SBN). The material was prepared by simple sol–gel combustion route using strontium nitrate, bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and niobium oxide in presence of sucrose. During synthesis, the sucrose played dual role, i.e., as the gelling agent and combustion fuel. The prepared material was characterized in detail using several techniques such as differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric (DTA-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). These techniques were utilized to describe the thermal stability, crystal structure, crystallite size and morphologies of the prepared material. Further, the dielectric properties of the prepared SBN sample were investigated at various frequencies and temperatures.

Tuberculosis is a Mimicker of JIA: A Rare Case Report

Cystic tuberculosis of the bone is a rare form of tuberculosis (TB). The condition presents like Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) of children. In children, the lesions symmetrically involve the peripheral skeleton, which are less sclerotic than adults. A case report is presented here where the patient presented with i) the extensive involvement of bones with cystic lesion, ii) Hand & feet involvement with multiple bony exostosis iii) Synovial swelling of multiple joints and 4) fever for 6 months. Swelling of the joints was disproportionately greater than pain. For the last 6 month patient developed low grade fever with evening rise of temperature & dry cough. There was associated anorexia & significant weight loss. Patient was moderately anaemic & there was cervical lymphadenopathy on both sides. The chest examination revealed features suggestive of consolidation in the right lung. Regarding MSK findings there was swelling of both knee & right wrist with G-II tenderness, sublaxation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligament with mild effusion. Bony exostosis at the base of left index finger & at the base of right middle finger was found. Investigation shows low Hb, very high ESR, positive tuberculin test. X-ray Chest suggestive of consolidation, FNA of right cervical lymph node consistent with tuberculosis. X-ray Pelvis has shown expansile mixed sclerotic radiolucent areas with interval septation involving upper part of both femoral shafts. MRI findings of right knee joint were suggestive of tuberculous osteomyelitis. At this stage the patient was put on Anti-TB chemotherapy. After 2 month and 4 month of follow up with Anti-TB drug both MSK & lung condition was improved significantly. Ultimately the patient was diagnosed as cystic tuberculosis of bone & continued Anti-TB drugs.

Data Fitting to Study Ablated Hard Dental Tissues by Nanosecond Laser Irradiation

Laser ablation of dental hard tissues is one of the most important laser applications in dentistry. Many works have reported the interaction of laser radiations with tooth material to optimize laser parameters such as wavelength, energy density, etc. This work has focused on determining the relationship between energy density and ablation thresholds using pulsed, 5 nanosecond, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet; Nd:Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) laser at 1064 nanometer. For enamel and dentin tissues, the ablations have been performed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The ablation thresholds and relationship between energy densities and peak areas of calcium lines, which appeared in LIBS, were determined using data fitting. Furthermore, the morphological changes were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Moreover, the chemical stability of the tooth material after ablation has been studied using Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The differences between carbon atomic % of non-irradiated and irradiated samples were tested using statistical t-test. Results revealed that the best fitting between energy densities and peak areas of calcium lines were exponential and linear for enamel and dentin, respectively. In addition, the ablation threshold of Nd:YAG lasers in enamel was higher than that of dentin. The morphology of the surrounded ablated region of enamel showed thermal damages. For enamel, the EDX quantitative analysis showed that the atomic % of carbon increased significantly when laser energy density increased.

Effects of Very Low Dose Fast Neutrons on Cell Membrane And Secondary Protein Structure in Rat Erythrocytes

The effects of ionizing radiation on biological cells have been reported in several literatures. Most of them were mainly concerned with doses greater than 0.01 Gy and were also concerned with gamma rays. On the other hand, the studies on very low dose fast neutrons (VLDFN) are rare. In this study, we have investigated the effects of VLDFN on cell membrane and protein secondary structure of rat erythrocytes. Twelve female Wistar rats were irradiated with neutrons of total dose 0.009 Gy (²⁴¹Am-Be, 0.2 mGy/h) and twelve others were used as control. Blood samples were taken at the 0, 4th, 8th, and 12th days postirradiation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of rat erythrocytes were recorded. Second derivative and curve fitting were used to analysis FTIR spectra. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to classify group spectra. The second derivative and curve fitting of FTIR spectra revealed that the most significant alterations in the cell membrane and protein secondary structure upon neutron irradiation were detected after 4 days postirradiation. The increase in membrane polarity, phospholipids chain length, packing, and unsaturation were noticed from the corresponding measured FTIR area ratios. This may be due to the membrane lipid peroxidation. The observed band shift in the CH₂ stretching bands toward the lower frequencies may be associated with the decrease in membrane fluidity. The curve fitting of the amide I revealed an increase in the percentage area of α-helix opposing a decrease in the β-structure protein secondary structure, which may be attributed to protein denaturation. The results provide detailed insights into the VLDFN effects on erythrocytes. VLDFN can cause an oxidative stress to the irradiated erythrocytes, which appears clearly after 4 days postirradiation.