Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of a rutile unit featuring a titanium-oxide cluster by Pb2+ doping

Titanium-oxide clusters (TOCs) are well-defined molecular models for TiO2 materials and provide the opportunity to study the structure-activity relationships of TiO2. Here, we report a new Pb-doped TOC, Ti12Pb2, which resembles a two-layer decker of the {TiTi6} structural units of rutile TiO2 with two Ti4+ ions replaced by two Pb2+ ions. Its electronic structure, photoresponse, and photocatalytic performances were investigated and compared with those of the Ti14 cluster, which is isostructural to Ti12Pb2. Our results indicate that Pb2+ does not affect the electronic structure, but it greatly enhances the photocatalytic activity by improving the charge-separation and interfacial charge-transfer properties of the TOC. The successful synthesis of Ti12Pb2 highlights the roles of closed-shell heterometal ions in the construction of new TOCs. Our mechanism may be an inspiration for understanding the structure-activity relationships of closed-shell heterometal-doped TiO2.

Reaction-Induced Liquid Crystalline Polybenzoxazine Bearing Aromatic Amide Side Branches

In this study, a nematic phase structure is incorporated into polybenzoxazine to increase its thermal conductivity. A simple route for the synthesis of a thermally conductive polybenzoxazine containing liquid crystalline (LC) structure by grafting oligomeric p-sulfophenylene-terephthalamide (PSTA) is offered. Benzoxazine monomer of pHBA-da is synthesized via Mannich reaction of p-hydroxy benzoic acid, p-formaldehyde, and dodecyl amine. After ring-opening polymerization, the oligomer benzoxazine of OBZ─COOH is obtained. The OBZ─COOH/PSTA mixture is prepared by mixing PSTA with OBZ─COOH. Afterward, the grafted copolymer is named OBZ─PSTA copolymer. The liquid crystalline behavior of OBZ─COOH/PSTA is studied by polarized optical microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering analysis. The results show that the OBZ─PSTA forms the LC structure during isothermal and non-isothermal curing. The LC structure displays a floral textured nematic phase. The phase formation is induced by an amidation reaction. Due to the grafts of LC PSTA, the thermal conductivity of OBZ─PSTA is 0.296 W m-1 K-1 , which is 26% greater than OBZ─COOH. The glass transition temperature (Tg ) of OBZ─PSTA is 241 °C. The 5% (Td5 ) and 10% weight loss temperatures (Td10 ) of OBZ─PSTA are 346 and 362 °C, respectively.

Divalent Heterometal Doped Titanium-Oxide Cluster Polymers: Structures, Photoresponse, and Photocatalysis

Five cluster polymers based on heterometal-doped titanium-oxide cluster (TOC) monomers are reported. The monomers feature Ti10-oxide cluster cores and are connected to the divalent closed-shell heterometal anchors by salicylate ligands. The Sr2+, Ba2+, and Pb2+ dopants cause the monomers to bind head-to-head and generate linear chains, while the Ca2+ and Cd2+ lead to head-to-tail connections and zigzag chains. The cluster polymers are responsive to visible-light up to 565 nm and photo-catalytically active in both H2 evolution and CO2/epoxide cycloaddition reactions. The photo-absorption, photo-charge separation, and photocatalytic properties of the cluster polymers are dependent on the heterometal dopants in order Cd > Pb > Ba > Sr > Ca. Heterometals serve as the catalytic sites in the cluster polymers, which depending on the contribution of the pCB bottom, facilitate photo-charge separation and interfacial charge transfer, further enhancing catalytic activity. The tunable compositions and topologies of the cluster polymers shown herein may inspire the design and synthesis of more multidimensional functional metal-oxide cluster materials for a variety of applications in the future.

Altitudinal distribution and seasonal migration of asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in kaghan and Siran Valleys, Pakistan

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is considered one of the largest carnivores inhabiting different territories including coniferous and broad-leaved forests, extending from sea level to the elevation of 4300 m. The Kaghan and Siran Valleys in Pakistan's District Mansehra were the location of the current study. To evaluate the altitudinal distribution and seasonal movement of Asiatic black bears in the region, we used three approaches (sign distribution survey, questionnaire-based survey, and scat collecting). A total of 1858 bear signs were observed during the field survey, the highest number of signs was dig marks (1213) followed by plant uprooting. Dig marks (MER: 7.574) were observed repeatedly in each potential site of both valleys followed by plant uprooting (MER: 1.594). Similarly, the altitudinal distribution of black bears was determined through the frequency of signs concerning elevation (m). Elevation of the study area ranged from 1300 to 3500 m and the most abundant population was recorded at the elevation of 2501-3000 m followed by 2001-2500 m. About 52% of local communities encountered black bears during the summer season in the field followed by Spring (23%.8) and winter (15.3%). Manshi Reserver forest (24.5%) from Kaghan and Panjul Reserve forest (31.6) from Siran Valley are the potential summer migratory spots. Eleven scat samples were collected with a 0.103 encounter rate (ER). Most of the scats (about 70%) were observed within the maize crop field in the summer season at low elevation, while just 30% of the scat was observed in the winter season in the forest.

Variability in the presentation of complicated jejunal diverticulosis

Jejunal diverticulosis is a rare disease which normally presents for the first time with acute complications, often requiring surgical intervention. The diverticulae are acquired, occurring more commonly after middle age, but their aetiology is unclear. We discuss this condition in the context of four cases which presented to our hospital as emergencies over a five year period: small bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, small bowel volvulus, and visceral perforation. Our aim is to encourage clinicians to include jejunal diverticular disease as a differential diagnosis in patients with abdominal symptoms.

Increased Demand for Pharmaceutical Drugs Containing Potassium Iodide In Connection with the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine increased concerns in the German population of a release of radioactive substances, e.g.radioactive iodine. A high dose of potassium iodide (PI) may prevent accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland. Therefore, the German government keeps a sufficient quantity of PI in stock for public supply in case of an emergency. We investigated ambulatory drug dispensing rates of PI and found that the total dispensing of PI (statutory health insurance (SHI), private health insurance (PHI), and overthe-counter (OTC)) increased by 106% from February to March 2022. Changes in PI dispensing were mainly due to an increase in OTC sales, where PI as an antidote showed a sevenfold increase from around 930 packages (February 2022) to 6,500 packages (March 2022), while SHI and PHI dispensing remained relatively low. Furthermore, we investigated whether these changes in dispensing raised the number of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR). We found no increase of ADR reports related to the use of PI-containing medicinal products between February and September 2022, neither in our national pharmacovigilance nor in the European EudraVigilance database. The data suggest that the mere possibility of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine raised the demand of PI in Germany. Thus, timely and proactive information and reassurance of the public of supply reliability by the Government in a case of a nuclear emergency could be helpful in preventing potential drug shortages and unfounded concern.

A butterfly-like lead-doped titanium-oxide compound with high performance in photocatalytic cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxide

The cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ to epoxides is quite promising for CO₂ capture and storage as well as the production of value-added fine chemicals. Herein, a novel atomically precise lead-doped titanium-oxide cluster with the formula Ti₁₀Pb₂O₁₆(phen)₄(Ac)₁₂(DMF)₂ (denoted as Ti10Pb2; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; Ac = acetate; DMF = dimethylformamide) was synthesized through a facile solvothermal process, and is a molecular photocatalyst with surface-anchored main-group metal active sites. Its structure was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and other complementary techniques. Ti10Pb2 showed high photo-response and charge-separation efficiency under simulated sunlight irradiation. Ti10Pb2 was successfully used in the cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ with epoxides under solvent-free conditions. While its catalytic activity due to the Lewis acidity was moderate, simulated solar light irradiation further enhanced the reaction rate, demonstrating the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and Lewis-acid thermocatalysis.

Lead-Decorated Titanium Oxide Compound with a High Performance in Catalytic CO2 Insertion to Epoxides

The CO₂ cycloaddition to epoxides is an efficient method for CO₂ capture and storage, important not only for reducing greenhouse gas emission but also for producing cyclic carbonates, which are valuable industrial materials. In this study, we report a novel high-nuclearity titanium oxide cluster (TOC) inlayed with main-group element Pb²⁺, H₂Ti₁₆Pb₉O₂₄(SA)₁₈(DMF)₁₀(OH₂)₂ (denoted as 1; SA = salicylate; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), which has the property of visible-light absorption and has shown high catalytic activities for cycloadditions of CO₂ under visible-light irradiation. The cluster was synthesized in a high yield in a facial solvothermal process. Its structure and electronic structure were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, density functional theory calculations, and complementary techniques. The cycloaddition reactions were performed under solvent-free conditions. While the catalytic activity due to the Lewis acidity was moderate, visible-light irradiation further folded the reaction rates. The turnover number reached 3400 with a turnover frequency of 120 h^-1. Mechanism studies indicated a synergistic effect of the Lewis acidity and photogenerated charge carriers. The performance of 1 in reversible I₂ uptake was also investigated. This study demonstrates the high potential of heterometal-decorated TOCs in the cost-effective and efficient CO₂ cycloaddition reaction under mild conditions.

Polyethylene glycol capped copper ferrite porous nanostructured materials for efficient photocatalytic degradation of bromophenol blue

Three different types (blank, annealed, and functionalized) of copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The CuFe₂O₄ NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. FTIR analysis confirmed that 3-APTES is successfully grafted on the surface of CuFe₂O₄ NPs. XRD results show the amorphous nature of blank CuFe₂O₄ NPs, and crystalline structure was observed for annealed and functionalized CuFe₂O₄ NPs. XRD results revealed that crystallite size ranges from 23.6 to 34.6 nm. SEM micrographs of blank CuFe₂O₄ NPs show the irregular shape and size of the nanostructure. The spherical and strongly linked structure was seen in the micrograph of functionalized CuFe₂O₄ NPs. EDX analysis revealed the nanostructure composed of Fe, Cu, O, and a small percentage of Si. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of synthesized CuFe₂O₄ NPs was examined under UV irradiation in an aqueous medium against bromophenol blue (BPB) dye. The effect of different parameters such as irradiation time and pH on the photodegradation of BPB dye was studied by all three types of CuFe₂O₄ photocatalyst. Results show that the maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency was observed for functionalized CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles that degraded 98% of BPB dye in the acidic medium at pH = 1. The optimum contact time for dye degradation was 120 min by synthesized photocatalyst. Photodegradation performance of blank and annealed CuFe₂O₄ NPs is less than 90%. The synthesized CuFe₂O₄ NPs were recycled and reused, which shows good photocatalytic degradation efficiency up to 4 consecutive cycles. The kinetic model displayed that degradation reaction followed pseudo 1^st order kinetics. The blank, annealed, and functionalized CuFe₂O₄ NPs have turnover numbers of 10.7x10 (Mudhoo et al., 2019), 12.9x10 (Mudhoo et al., 2019), and 22.2x10 (Mudhoo et al., 2019) (kg^-1 sec^-1) accordingly. In conclusion, all results revealed the high efficiency of prepared photocatalyst for tested hazardous dye from wastewater and encouraged more work on photodegradation of organic pollutants from wastewater.

Efficacy of pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for Leishmania tropica

The present study compares the in vitro effects of nanoparticles loaded pentamidine drug and conventional pentamidine on Leishmania tropica. Herein, pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PTN-CNPs) have been synthesized through an ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Next, the physical characteristics of PTN-CNPs were determined through the surface texture, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, drug loading content (DLC), and encapsulation efficacy (EE) and compared its efficacy with free pentamidine (PTN) drug against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes forms of L. tropica in vitro. The PTN-CNPs displayed a spherical shape having a size of 88 nm, an almost negative surface charge (-3.09 mV), EE for PTN entrapment of 86%, and in vitro drug release of 92% after 36 h. In vitro antileishmanial activity of PTN-CNPs and free PTN was performed against Leishmania tropica KWH23 promastigote and axenic amastigote using 3-(4, 5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyletetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It was observed that the effect of PTN-CNPs and free PTN on both forms of the parasite was dose and time dependent. Free PTN presented low efficacy even at higher dose (40 µg/ml) with 25.6 ± 1.3 and 26.5 ±1.4 mean viability rate of the promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, respectively after 72 hrs incubation. While PTN-CNPs showed strong antileishmanial effects on both forms of parasite with 16 ± 0.4 and 19 ± 0.7 mean viability rate at the same higher concentration (40 µg/ml) after 72 hrs incubation. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of PTN-CNPs toward promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained as 0.1375 µg/ml and 0.1910 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, PTN-CNPs effectively inhibited both forms of the L. tropica; however, its effect was more salient on promastigotes. This data indicates that the PTN-CNPs act as a target drug delivery system. However, further research is needed to support its efficacy in animal and human CL.

New picolinate-functionalized titanium-oxide clusters: syntheses, structures and photocatalytic H2 evolution

Two nanosized titanium-oxide clusters (TOCs), Ti₁₂(μ₂-O)₁₄(μ₃-O)₄PA₁₆ (1; PA = 2-picolinate) and Ti₁₂(μ₂-O)₁₈PA₁₈ (2) were synthesized by using 2-picolinic acid and Ti(OⁱPr)₄ in one-pot reactions. Their structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. Although both have the same core composition of Ti₁₂O₁₈, 1 exhibited superior H₂ evolution activity of up to 180 μmol h^-1 g^-1, which is nearly eight times faster than 2. Mechanism studies revealed that 1 could induce the assembly of 2.3 nm PtNPs into 10-30 nm supra-nanoparticle structures, which contributed to the increased H₂ evolution rate.

Cr-Ti Mixed Oxide Molecular Cages: Synthesis, Structure, Photoresponse, and Photocatalytic Properties

The solvothermal reaction of titanium isopropoxide and chromate in the presence of benzoate produced two novel host-guest clusters encapsulating Cs⁺ or H₃O⁺, (H₃O)@Ti₇Cr₁₄ and Cs@Ti₇Cr₁₄. The most remarkable feature is that the Ti₇O₇ ring is concentrically embraced by a Cr₁₄O₁₄ ring to form a rigid Ti₇Cr₁₄ host. ESI-MS and ¹³³Cs NMR revealed that the overall framework structures are preserved, whereas the benzoate ligands on the two clusters may be labile in solutions. Both (H₃O)@Ti₇Cr₁₄ and Cs@Ti₇Cr₁₄ exhibit good UV-vis light-responsive properties and photocatalytic activities, with absorption edges extending up to 780 nm. Cs@Ti₇Cr₁₄ is an effective visible-light-responsive photocatalyst in both the heterogeneous methylene dye degradation and homogeneous CO₂ cycloaddition reaction under mild conditions like room temperature and 1 bar of CO₂. According to the mechanism studies, Cs⁺, as a rigid guest, can significantly improve the photogenerated charge separation efficiency of the Ti₇Cr₁₄ host, thereby improving its interface charge separation properties, photocurrent, and photocatalytic activities. Our findings not only provide new members of heterometallic titanium oxide clusters to enrich the metal oxide cluster family but also open up new possibilities for their photoresponses, which may play an important role in solar energy harvesting for sustainable chemistry.

Three year clinical outcomes of fractional flow reserve guided coronary revascularization using a monorail pressure sensor microcatheter

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has a Class 1A recommendation for guiding coronary revascularization in stable coronary artery disease. Deferral of revascularization for coronary stenosis of FFR >0.80 has shown favorable long-term outcomes, yet the adoption in real-world practice is limited. To date, there is no study on FFR guided PCI in the Malaysian population.

Objective

(1) To explore the 3-year clinical outcome of FFR guided coronary revascularization.

(2) To compare the clinical outcome of FFR guided deferral of coronary revascularization versus FFR guided revascularization. The primary outcome was a composite of all cause mortality, non fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia driven target vessel revascularization (TVR)

Results

Thirty-five patients were lost to follow up leaving 78 patients (95 vessels) for final analysis. The mean age was 59.3 ± 9.4 years old. 69 (88.5%) patients were male, 24 (30.7%) had diabetes mellitus, 58 (74.3%) had dyslipidemia, 61 (78.2%) had hypertension and 45 (57.7%) were smokers. The mean LVEF was 56.7 ± 14.7%. FFR to the LAD artery was performed in 64 (82%) patients. Based on the FFR value of 0.80, 47 (60.2%) patients had FFR guided deferral of coronary revascularization and 31 (39.7%) patients had FFR guided revascularization.

At 3 years, 11 (14.1%) patients met the primary outcome, mainly driven by all-cause mortality (11.5%). The primary outcome was met in 14.9% of FFR guided deferral versus 12.9% of FFR guided revascularization (p = 0.828). All-cause mortality was 12.7% in patients with FFR guided deferral compared to 9.7% in patients with FFR guided revascularization at 3 years (p = 0.712). 

Cox proportional hazards model did not demonstrate any independent predictors associated with the primary outcome or all cause mortality. 

Conclusion

FFR guided deferral of revascularization was safe and had comparable long-term clinical outcomes to FFR guided PCI. To our knowledge, this is the first study on long-term clinical outcome on FFR guided revascularization in Malaysia. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curve primary end point  Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curve all cause mortality

Syntheses, Structures and Ligand Binding Modes of Titanium-Oxide Complexes of 2-Picolinate

Six titanium-oxide clusters (TOCs) comprised of 6-19 Ti atoms all of which are of nanometer size were synthesized with the functionalization of 2-picolinate (PA). Their structures were determined by single-crystal...

A Mesoporous Lead-Doped Titanium Oxide Compound with High Performance and Recyclability in I2 Uptake and Photocatalysis

A three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous material with an atomically precise structure, Ti₁₆Pb₅O₁₆(C₆H₅CO₂)₂(OCH₃)₄₀ (Ti₁₆Pb₅), comprised of a novel high-nuclearity Pb-doped titanium oxide cluster (TOC), was synthesized. Ti₁₆Pb₅ exhibited a surface area of 45 m² g^-1 and a pore diameter of 3.5 nm. It exhibited an uptake capacity of I₂ of ≤2.2 g g^-1 in vapor, and the performance was maintained after seven uptake-release cycles. Ti₁₆Pb₅ also showed a high adsorption ratio and capacity (93% and 3.1 g g^-1) in hexane. The characterization data, including Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and powder X-ray diffraction, suggested the lattice structure of Ti₁₆Pb₅ was rigid and I₂ was accommodated in the pores of Ti₁₆Pb₅. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of using a TOC in I₂ adsorption. In addition, Ti₁₆Pb₅ showed excellent activity and recyclability in visible-light degradation of dye pollutants and photocurrent generation. Our structural analysis suggested the alkoxide ligands within the channels of Ti₁₆Pb₅ build up a confined polar environment and thereby facilitate I₂ accommodation, and meanwhile, the improved performances and stabilities of Ti₁₆Pb₅ are correlated with its cluster-based, 3D hierarchical structure.

Semi-automated left ventricular endocardial detection versus hand-tracing in the measurement of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction in daily clinical practice

Background

The common method of assessing left ventricle (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) is hand-tracing Biplane Simpson method. Alternatively, ultrasound vendors offer different semi-automated LV endocardial border detection software with anatomical intelligence to assess LV volumes and EF. By using speckle-tracking technique, this software tracks the LV endocardium throughout the cardiac cycle and computes the LV volumes in every image frame using the disk summation method from which a volume-curve is generated, and the EF is calculated using the maximum and minimum volumes obtained. Data on the performance of this method in comparison with the hand-tracing Biplane Simpson method in daily clinical practice is scarce.

Purpose

To determine the accuracy of LV volumes and EF using semi-automated LV endocardial detection tracing, and to compare the reproducibility of this method with the hand-tracing Biplane Simpson method, among operators with varying level of experience in echocardiography.

Methods

This was a single center retrospective observational study, conducted in year 2020. 127 patients, aged >18 years, who underwent clinically indicated transthoracic echocardiography were recruited. The echocardiographic images were analyzed independently in a blinded fashion by 3 operators – a sonographer, a fellow-in-training and a cardiologist specialized in echocardiography. The LV volumes and EF were first measured using hand-tracing Biplane Simpson method, then repeated using semi-automated tracing at a different time and the operator were blinded to the initial hand-tracing measurements.

Results

The mean age of patients was 50±16 years, 35.4% were male, mean body surface area was 1.62±0.18m2, 92.1% were in sinus rhythm, and 61.4% had good acoustic window. Table 1 shows the LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and EF, measured using different method, by the 3 operators. There were excellent correlation and agreement between semi-automated tracing measurements and hand-tracing measurements of LV EDV (r=0.985, LOA [mean ± 1.96 SD] 16.9 ml, ICC 0.991), ESV (r=0.990, LOA 12.7 ml, ICC 0.994) and EF (r=0.962, LOA 7.43%, ICC 0.967) by experienced cardiologist. The limit of agreement (LOA) between cardiologist and sonographer for semi-automated tracing measurement of LV EDV, ESV and EF were 29.13 ml, 19.74 ml and 9.25% respectively, which was comparable with that of hand-tracing measurement. The agreement between cardiologist and fellow-in-training for semi-automated tracing measurement of LV volumes and EF was slightly better than hand-tracing method, with a LOA of 25.60 ml, 17.48 ml and 7.08%, for EDV, ESV and EF respectively (Table 2).

Conclusion

In daily clinical practice, measurement of LV volumes and EF using semi-automated LV endocardial tracing method is accurate and demonstrates comparable reproducibility with hand-tracing Biplane Simpson method among operators with different level of experience in echocardiography.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Assembly of Interlocked Superstructures with a Titanium Oxide Molecular Ring in Water

[2]Catenane, [2]rotaxane, and [2]pseudorotaxane based on a cyclic titanium oxide cluster, [Ti₈O₈(SO₄)₁₆]^16- (Ti₈), and cyclic/linear alkylammonium cations are reported. Their syntheses, structures, spectroscopy, and stability in water were studied. These molecules were synthesized from and remained intact upon redissolution in acidic water. Hence, the cluster Ti₈ is a promising metal oxide ring that can be used as an inorganic analogue of crown ether to assemble inorganic-organic hybrid mechanical interlocked supramolecular assemblies in water.

Giant phonon anomalies in the proximate Kitaev quantum spin liquid α-RuCl3

The Kitaev quantum spin liquid epitomizes an entangled topological state, for which two flavors of fractionalized low-energy excitations are predicted: the itinerant Majorana fermion and the Z2 gauge flux. It was proposed recently that fingerprints of fractional excitations are encoded in the phonon spectra of Kitaev quantum spin liquids through a novel fractional-excitation-phonon coupling. Here, we detect anomalous phonon effects in α-RuCl3 using inelastic X-ray scattering with meV resolution. At high temperature, we discover interlaced optical phonons intercepting a transverse acoustic phonon between 3 and 7 meV. Upon decreasing temperature, the optical phonons display a large intensity enhancement near the Kitaev energy, JK~8 meV, that coincides with a giant acoustic phonon softening near the Z2 gauge flux energy scale. These phonon anomalies signify the coupling of phonon and Kitaev magnetic excitations in α-RuCl3 and demonstrates a proof-of-principle method to detect anomalous excitations in topological quantum materials.

Effect of different protein based feed on the growth of mahseer

For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

Associations of observational and genetically determined caffeine intake with coronary artery disease and diabetes

Background

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychostimulant and is associated with lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, whether these associations are causal remains unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with caffeine intake, and to investigate possible causal links between genetically determined caffeine intake and CAD or T2D. Additionally, we aimed to replicate previous observational findings between caffeine intake and CAD or T2D.

Methods

Genome wide associated studies (GWAS) were performed on caffeine intake from coffee, tea or both in 407,072 UK Biobank participants. Identified variants were used in a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate evidence for causal links between caffeine intake and CAD in CARDIoGRAMplusC4D (60,801 cases; 123,504 controls) or T2D in DIAGRAM (26,676 cases; 132,532 controls). Observational associations were tested within UK Biobank using Cox regression analyses.

Results

Moderate observational caffeine intakes from coffee or tea were associated with lower risks of CAD or T2D compared to no or high intake, with the lowest risks at intakes of 120–180 mg/day from coffee for CAD (HR=0.77 [95% CI: 0.73–0.82; P<1e-16]), and 300–360 mg/day for T2D (HR=0.76 [95% CI: 0.67–0.86]; P=1.57e-5). GWAS identified 51 novel genetic loci associated with caffeine intake, enriched for central nervous system genes. In contrast to observational analyses, MR analyses in CARDIoGRAMplusC4D and DIAGRAM yielded no evidence for causal links between caffeine intake and the development of CAD or T2D.

Conclusions

MR analyses indicate caffeine intake might not protect against CAD or T2D, despite protective associations in observational analyses.

Manhattan_plot_CaffeineIntake

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Electronic coupling in square planar La4Ni3O8

A study of addexcitation in La4Ni3O8(La-438) using x-ray absorption scattering and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at the Ni K-edge is presented. The incident energy dependence of thisddexcitation shows a maximum at the 1s→ 4pπtransition. Its intensity at the main edge is proportional to the amount of incident x-ray polarization parallel to thec-axis. These observations suggest that the RIXS process underlying this excitation includes a strong Ni 3d-Ni 4pCoulomb interaction and excludes the '4p-as-spectator' approximation. The dominant Ni 3dCoulomb interaction is with Ni 4pπwith limited or no interaction with the Ni 4pσ. An insulating gap closing is observed as a function of temperature.

Utilization of Biomass Fly Ash for Improving Quality of Organic Dye-Contaminated Water

Development of innovative methodologies to convert biomass ash into useful materials is essential to sustain the growing use of biomass for energy production. Herein, a simple chemical modification approach is employed to functionalize biomass fly ash (BFA) with 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) to develop an inexpensive and efficient adsorbent for water remediation. The amine-functionalized BFA (BFA-APTES) was fully characterized by employing a range of characterization techniques. Adsorption behavior of BFA-APTES was evaluated against two anionic dyes, namely, alizarin red S (ARS) and bromothymol blue (BTB). In the course of experimental data analysis, the computation tools of data fitting for linear and nonlinear form of Langmuir, Freundlich, and the modified Langmuir-Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used with the aid of Matlab R2019b. In order to highlight the misuse of linearization of adsorption models, the sum of the squares of residues (SSE) values obtained from nonlinear models are compared with R 2 values obtained from the linear regression. The accuracy of the data fitting was checked by the use of SSE as an error function instead of the coefficient of determination, R 2. The dye adsorption capacity of BFA-APTES was also compared with the nonfunctionalized BFA. The maximum adsorption capacities of BFA-APTES for ARS and BTB dye molecules were calculated to be around 13.42 and 15.44 mg/g, respectively. This value is approximately 2-3 times higher than the pristine BFA. A reasonable agreement between the calculated and experimental values of q e obtained from the nonlinear form of kinetic models verified the importance of using equations in their original form. The experimentally calculated thermodynamic parameters including molar standard Gibbs free energy (Δad G m 0) and molar standard enthalpy change (Δad H m 0) reflected that the process of adsorption of dye molecules on the BFA-APTES adsorbent was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Moreover, the used BFA-APTES adsorbent could be regenerated and reused for several cycles with significant dye adsorption capacity. The remediation capability of the BFA-APTES adsorbent against ARS dye was also demonstrated by packing a small column filled with the BFA-APTES adsorbent and passing a solution of ARS through it. Overall, we provide a simple and scalable route to convert BFA into an efficient adsorbent for water remediation applications.

Lifestyle factors associated with cardiovascular risk among healthcare workers from the tertiary hospitals in Sarawak

INTRODUCTION

A cross-sectional study is used to evaluate the lifestyle factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among healthcare workers in tertiary hospitals in Sarawak, Malaysia.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey using the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ) was administered to, and anthropometric measurements were collected from, 494 healthcare workers.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects was 32.4±8.4, with a range of 19 to 59 years. The subjects were from the allied health (45.5%), management and professional (25.1%) and executive (29.4%) fields. Overall, 47.4% of the subjects were of normal weight, 30.2% were overweight, 17.2% were obese and 5.2% were underweight. The mean number of working hours per week for the subjects was 47.6±14.0 with the highest working hours found among the management and professional group, followed by the executive and allied health groups. Overall, 39.7% of the healthcare workers worked office hours, 36.6% worked within the shift system, 20.9% worked office hours and were on-call and the remaining 2.8% worked a mixture of office hours and shifts. Based on the SLIQ score, 58.1% were classified as at intermediate risk for CVD, 38.5% were in the healthy category and 3.4% were in the unhealthy category. Factors associated with a healthier lifestyle were being female (Odds Ratio [OR]= 12.1; CI=3.2-46.4), professional (mean score= 6.70), in the allied health group (mean score=7.33) and in the normal BMI group (OR= 9.3, CI= 1.8-47.0).

CONCLUSION

In our study, healthcare workers had an intermediate risk of developing CVD in the future. Thus, there is a need to intervene in the lifestyle factors contributing to CVD.

P13 Safety and efficacy of sacubitril-valsartan initiation during and after acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Background

The PIONEER-HF trial has demonstrated the safety of Sacubitril-Valsartan initiation during acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) compared to Enalapril. The efficacy outcome was also addressed by the surrogate end point of reduction in NT-proBNP. However, the safety and efficacy of Sacubitril-Valsartan initiation during ADHF compared to initiation after ADHF was unknown.

Objectives

(1) To compare the safety and efficacy of Sacubitril-Valsartan initiation during ADHF(inpatient) to initiation after ADHF(outpatient). (2) To explore the echocardiogram parameters associated with Sacubitril-Valsartan initiation during ADHF(inpatient) versus after ADHF(outpatient).

Methods

We enrolled patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) initiated on Sacubitril-Valsartan from February 2017 to December 2018. The baseline characteristics, echocardiogram parameters (changes in LVEF and positive remodeling), composite safety outcomes (hypotension, interruption of Sacubitril-Valsartan and worsening of renal function), and efficacy outcomes (cardiac death, readmission for heart failure) were compared.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were identified out of which 21 patients started Entresto after ADHF (outpatient group) and 16 patients during ADHF (inpatient group). The median follow-up duration was 196 days (IQR: 105 to 328days). The baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Outpatient groups achieved a significantly higher maximally tolerable dose of Sacubitril-Valsartan compared to inpatient group (median 400mg/day versus 200mg/day, p = 0.008) despite a similar starting dose (median 100mg/day versus 100mg/day, p = 0.127). The composite efficacy outcomes were similar between the 2 groups (4.8% versus 18.8%, p = 0.296). The composite safety outcome was similar between the groups (18.8% versus 4.8%, HR5.70 p = 0.054, 95%CI 0.967 to 33.60). Both groups achieved a significant improvement in LVEF after initiation of Sacubitril-Valsartan therapy: mean LVEF 23.44 ± 7.88% to 34.30 ± 13.88% (p = 0.001) in outpatient group; mean LVEF 22.99 ± 11.31% to 38.81 ± 13.91% (p = 0.002) in inpatient group. Reverse remodeling (reduction of LVESV≥15%) was similar between the 2 groups (61.9% versus 50.0%, p = 0.506).

Conclusions

Among patients with HFrEF in ADHF, initiation of Sacubitril-Valsartan therapy during or after ADHF led to similar safety and efficacy. Overall, there was a significant improvement in LVEF and positive remodeling of the LV regardless of the timing of initiation of therapy.