Efficient Removal of Deltamethrin from Aqueous Solutions Using a Novel Lanthanum Metal-Organic Framework: Adsorption Models and Optimization via Box-Behnken Design

Eliminating pesticides is essential for lowering the dangers to our environment. To do this effectively, it is crucial to find adsorbents with remarkable adsorption capacities, easy retrieval, and separation. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively recognized for their exceptional ability to absorb pollutants. Therefore, we used novel lanthanum metal-organic frameworks (La-MOFs) to eliminate deltamethrin (DEL) from aqueous solutions. We proved through experimentation that the La-MOF is an efficient adsorbent for DEL from water. A study of the material revealed that the adsorbent had a surface area of 952.96 m2 per gram and a pore volume of 1.038 cm3/g. These outcomes show how this substance can absorb particles. Utilizing kinetic models and conforming to the pseudo-second-order model, a thorough analysis of the efficiency of DEL adsorption onto La-MOF was conducted. To create a perfectly tailored approach, we utilized many parameters. The synthetic La-MOF adsorbent may undergo up to five steps of adsorption-desorption and has exceptional cyclability and reusability. To confirm purifying wastewater samples in the laboratory, the presentation of the established adsorbent was evaluated. For the management of industrial effluent and water filtration, the La-MOF adsorbent offered a simple and effective solution. Our investigation suggests that the method we describe for removing DEL from wastewater samples using the La-MOF adsorbent is unique.

Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Removal of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride: Removal Process Optimization and Biological Activity

This study looked at the doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) anticancer drug's adsorption characteristics on a silver-based metal-organic framework (Ag-MOF). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used for the characterization of Ag-MOF. The pore volume and surface area of Ag-MOF were determined through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) testing at 77 K to be 0.509 cm3/g and 676.059 m2/g, respectively. Adsorption at pH 6 was established to be the best for DOX compared to alkaline solution. Ag-MOF has a good capacity for eliminating DOX (1.85 mmol/g), according to adsorption experiments. From the adsorption results, we can find that Langmuir is the most fitted adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second order model best fitted the adsorption kinetics. The energy of activation for adsorption, which was determined to be 15.23 kJ/mol, also supported a chemisorption process. The mechanism of adsorption was evaluated, and details of all possible interactions between DOX and Ag-MOF were illustrated. On the other hand, while examining the impact of temperature, we identified the thermodynamic constraints as ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° and confirmed that the reaction was an endothermic one and spontaneous. Even after numerous reuse cycles, the efficiency remained constant. The synthetic adsorbent was remarkably recyclable at a rate of more than 91.6%. By using the MTT assay, the cytotoxicity of the tested Ag-MOF and DOX@Ag-MOF against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was evaluated in vitro. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Ag-MOF and DOX@Ag-MOF was also tested.

Chromoionophoric Probe-anchored Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres for Rapid and Reliable Naked-eye Detection of Ni(II) Ions in Petroleum Products and Removal from Electroplating Wastewater

This paper presents the expansion of an optical, chemical sensor that can rapidly and reliably detect, quantify, and remove Ni(II) ions in oil products and electroplating wastewater sources. The sensor is based on mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) that have an extraordinary surface area, uniform surface morphology, and capacious porosity, making them an excellent substrate for the anchoring of the chromoionophoic probe,3'-{(1E,1'E)-[(4-chloro-1,2 phenylene)bis (azaneylylidene)]-bis(methaneylylidene)}bis(2-hydroxybenzoic acid) (CPAMHP). The CPAMHP probe is highly selective and sensitive to Ni(II), enabling it to be used in naked-eye colorimetric recognition of Ni(II) ions. The MSNs provide several accessible exhibited sites for uniform anchoring of CPAMHP probe molecules, making it a viable chemical sensor even with the use of naked-eye sensing. The surface characters and structural analysis of the MSNs and CPAMHP sensor samples were examined using various techniques. The CPAMHP probe-anchored MSNs exhibit a clear and vivid color shift from pale yellow to green upon exposure to various concentrations of Ni(II) ions, with a reaction time down to approximately one minute. Furthermore, the MSNs can serve as a base to retrieve extremely trace amounts of Ni(II) ions, making the CPAMHP sensor a dual-functional device. The calculated limit of recognition for Ni(II) ions using the fabricated CPAMHP sensor samples is 0.318 ppb (5.43 x 10^-9 M). The results suggest that the proposed sensor is a promising tool for the sensitive and reliable detection of Ni(II) ions in petroleum products and for removing Ni(II) ions in electroplating wastewater; the data indicate an excellent removal of Ni (II) up to 96.8%, highlighting the high accuracy and precision of our CPAMHP sensor. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Modelling the Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Pollution in Makkah Saudi Arabia with a Supervised Machine Learning Approach

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, lockdowns were implemented in almost every single country in the world including Saudi Arabia. In this paper, the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on O₃, NO₂, and PM₁₀ in Makkah was analysed using air quality and meteorology data from five sites. Two approaches were employed: (a) comparing raw measured concentrations for the lockdown period in 2019 and 2020; and (b) comparing weather-corrected concentrations estimated by the machine learning approach with observed concentrations during the lockdown period. According to the first approach, the average levels of PM₁₀ and NO₂ decreased by 12% and 58.66%, respectively, whereas the levels of O₃ increased by 68.67%. According to the second approach, O₃ levels increased by 21.96%, while the levels of NO₂ and PM₁₀ decreased by 13.40% and 9.66%, respectively. The machine learning approach after removing the effect of changes in weather conditions demonstrated relatively less reductions in the levels of NO₂ and PM₁₀ and a smaller increase in the levels of O₃. This showed the importance of adjusting air pollutant levels for meteorological conditions. O₃ levels increased due to its inverse correlation with NO₂, which decreased during the lockdown period.

Simple preparation of novel photochromic polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose security barcode incorporated with lanthanide-doped aluminate for anticounterfeiting applications

Forgery and low-quality products pose a danger to the society. Therefore, there are increasing demands for the production of easy to recognize and difficult to copy anti-counterfeiting materials. Products with smart photochromic and fluorescent properties can change color and emission spectra responding to a light source. In this context, we devised a straightforward preparation of luminescent polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) nanocomposite to function as a transparent labeling film. The lanthanide-doped aluminate (LdA) was prepared in the nanoparticle form to indicate diameters of 35-115 nm. Different ratios of the lanthanide-doped aluminate (LdA) were physically dispersed in the PVA/CMC nanocomposite label film to provide photochromic, ultraviolet protection, antimicrobial activity and hydrophobic properties. Fluorescence peaks were detected at 365 and 519 nm to indicate a color change to green. As a result of increasing the phosphor ratio, improved superhydrophobic activity was achieved as the contact angle increased from 126.1° to 146.0° without affecting the film original physical and mechanical properties. Both UV protection and antibacterial activity were also investigated. The films showed quick and reversible photochromic response without fatigue. The current strategy reported the development of photochromic smart label that is transparent, cost-effective and flexible. As a result, numerous anticounterfeiting products can benefit from the current label for a better market. LdA-loaded PVA/CMC films demonstrated antibacterial activity between poor, good, very good and outstanding as the percentage of LdA in the film matrix increased. The current film can be applied as a transparent photochromic security barcode for anticounterfeiting applications and smart packaging.

Simple Preparation of Photoluminescent and Color-Tunable Polyester Resin Blended with Alkaline-Earth-Activated Aluminate Nanoparticles

A simple inorganic/organic nanocomposite was used to generate long-lasting phosphorescent pebbles for easy commercial manufacturing of smart products. An organic/inorganic nanocomposite was made from low-molecular-weight unsaturated polyester and rare-earth-activated strontium aluminum oxide nanoparticles doped with europium and dysprosium. The polyester resin was mixed with phosphorescent strontium aluminate oxide nanoparticles and methylethyl ketone peroxide as a cross-linking agent to create a viscous mixture that can be hardened in a few minutes at room temperature. Before adding the hardener catalyst, the phosphorescent strontium aluminate nanoparticles were dispersed throughout the polyester resin in a homogeneous manner to ensure that the pigment did not accumulate. Long-lasting, reversible luminescence was shown by the photoluminescent substrates. The emission was reported at 515 nm upon exciting the pebble at 365 nm. In normal visible light, both blank and luminescent pebbles had a translucent appearance. As a result of UV irradiation, the photoluminescent pebbles produced an intense green color. The three-dimensional CIE Lab (International Commission on Illumination) color coordinates and luminescence spectra were used to investigate the color changing characteristics. Photophysical characteristics, including excitation, emission, and lifetime, were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were employed to report the surface morphologies and elemental content. Without impairing the pebbles' original physico-mechanical characteristics, the pebbles showed improved superhydrophobic activity. The current simple colorless long-lasting phosphorescent nanocomposite can be applied to a variety of surfaces, like ceramics, glassware, tiles, and metals.

Geo-environmental approach to assess heavy metals around auto-body refinishing shops using bio-monitors

The vehicular industry is looking for continuous challenges to develop the sustainability of its manufacturing, maintenance processes, and vehicle emissions due to marketability, environmental, economic, and policy concerns. The present study focuses on the impact of these processes on the environment. In Pakistan, most of the auto-body refinishing processes are carried out in an open atmosphere. The shades of Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) are generally used for the outdoor practice of scrapping, grinding, and painting in auto-body refinishing shops of Pakistan. Azadirachta indica leaves were selected as bio-indicator. For the present work, 26 affected sites and 10 control sites were selected from Karachi city, which is the financial hub and biggest city of Pakistan. Concentrations of different metals (Fe, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A geographic information system (GIS) is used to present the variation in concentrations within Karachi city. The only positive correlation was observed in Pb and Mn (0.750). Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to identify the anthropogenic effect between auto-body refinishing areas and control areas. Almost all analyzed metals show higher concentration at affected sites but Pb (87.14 mg/kg), Mn (46.47 mg/kg) and Fe (146.95 mg/kg) were leading the values, as compared to their concentration at control sites, Pb (48.83 mg/kg), Mn (15.23 mg/kg) and Fe (43.07 mg/kg). All analyzed metals are frequently present in different color pigments, whereas Pb, Mn, and Fe may also come from other sources, like the anti-knocking agent, vehicular exhaust, and scraping of car surface.

Compound A Increases Cell Infiltration in Target Organs of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGVHD) in a Mouse Model

Systemic steroids are used to treat acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) caused by allogenic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT); however, their prolonged use results in complications. Hence, new agents for treating aGVHD are required. Recently, a new compound A (CpdA), with anti-inflammatory activity and reduced side effects compared to steroids, has been identified. Here, we aimed to determine whether CpdA can improve the outcome of aGVHD when administered after transplantation in a mouse model (C57BL/6 in B6D2F1). After conditioning with 9Gy total body irradiation, mice were infused with bone marrow (BM) cells and splenocytes from either syngeneic (B6D2F1) or allogeneic (C57BL/6) donors. The animals were subsequently treated (3 days/week) with 7.5 mg/kg CpdA from day +15 to day +28; the controls received 0.9% NaCl. Thereafter, the incidence and severity of aGVHD in aGVHD target organs were analyzed. Survival and clinical scores did not differ significantly; however, CpdA-treated animals showed high cell infiltration in the target organs. In bulk mixed lymphocyte reactions, CpdA treatment reduced the cell proliferation and expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared to controls, whereas levels of TNF, IL-23, chemokines, and chemokine receptors increased. CpdA significantly reduced proliferation in vitro but increased T cell infiltration in target organs.

Impact of outdoor and indoor meteorological conditions on the COVID-19 transmission in the western region of Saudi Arabia

Meteorological conditions may influence the incidence of many infectious diseases. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious, air-borne, emerging, viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic affected more than 210 countries and territories worldwide including Saudi Arabia. There are contradictory research papers about the correlation between meteorological parameters and incidence of COVID-19 in some countries worldwide. The current study investigates the impact of outdoor and indoor meteorological conditions on the daily recorded COVID-19 cases in western region (Makkah and Madinah cities) of Saudi Arabia over a period of 8 months from March to October 2020. Reports of the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases from the webpage of Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) were used. Considering, the incubation period of COVID-19 which ranged from 2 to 14 days, the relationships between daily COVID-19 cases and outdoor meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) using a lag time of 10 days are investigated. The results showed that the highest daily COVID-19 cases in Makkah and Madinah were reported during the hottest months of the year (April-July 2020) when outdoor temperature ranged from 26.51 to 40.71 °C in Makkah and of 23.89-41.20 °C in Madinah, respectively. Partial negative correlation was detected between outdoor relative humidity and daily recorded COVID-19 cases. No obvious correlation could be demonstrated between wind speed and daily COVID-19 cases. This indicated that most of SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in the cool, air-conditioned, dry, and bad-ventilated indoor environment in the investigated cities. These results will help the epidemiologists to understand the correlation between both outdoor and indoor meteorological conditions and SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility. These findings would be also a useful supplement to assist the local healthcare policymakers to implement and apply a specific preventive measures and education programs for controlling of COVID-19 transmission.

An overview of viruses discovered over the last decades and drug development for the current pandemic

Since the discovery of the yellow fever virus in 1901, thus far, two hundred nineteen viral species are recognized as human pathogens. Each year, the number of viruses causing infections in humans increases, triggering epidemics and pandemics, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Pointing to bats as the natural host, in 2019, a genome highly identical to a bat coronavirus (COVID-19) spread all over the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) officially confirmed it as a pandemic. The virus mainly spreads through the respiratory tract, uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor, and is characterized by symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue. Antivirals and vaccines have provided improvements in some cases, but the discovery of a new and diverse variety of viruses with outbreaks has posed a challenge in timely treatments for medical scientists. Currently, few specific antiviral strategies are being used, and many of the effective antiviral drugs and reported active molecules are under vital exploration. In this review, with the details of viral diseases, we summarize the current attempts in drug development, epidemiology, and the latest treatments and scientific advancements to combat the COVID-19 epidemic. Moreover, we discuss ways to reduce epidemics and pandemics in the near future.

Assessing the air quality of megacities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a case study from Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

Many countries are concerned about how concentrations of outdoor air pollutants have decreased due to control measures aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. In Saudi Arabia, the measures started with suspending entry to Saudi Arabia on February 27, 2020, and ended with full prevention of Saudis for outdoor movement on April 2, 2020, until the back return to normal life by the start of September 2020. These measures are expected to impact air quality levels during this period by decreasing the concentrations of air pollutants. This paper investigates the major trends of ambient air pollution (SO₂, NO₂, CO, O₃, and PM₁₀), and maps the spatiotemporal variability of air pollutants in Makkah city, using a continuous air quality monitoring network (6 sites) during the pre-pandemic period. Findings indicate the presence of a significant decrease of concentration rates during the lockdown period, compared with the pre-pandemic period, by 26.34% for SO₂, 28.99% for NO₂, 26.24% for CO, 11.62% for O₃, and 30.03% for PM₁₀. Therefore, the vehicular traffic activities represent 25–30% of the total air pollution load in Makkah city. The COVID-19 lockdown conditions in Makkah provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of the reduction of vehicular traffic activities on the air quality levels of Makkah city and similar mega-cities and introduce credible solutions to improve the conditions of the ambient environment and air quality in such settings.