Successful Decontamination of 99TcO4‐ in Groundwater at Legacy Nuclear Sites by a Cationic Metal‐Organic Framework with Hydrophobic Pockets

99Tc contamination at legacy nuclear sites is one of the most serious and yet unsolved environmental issues associated with nuclear power development. Selective remediation of 99TcO4‐ in the presence of large excess of NO3‐ and SO42‐ from natural waste systems represents a significant scientific and technical challenge given anions with higher charge density are often preferentially sorbed by traditional anion‐exchange materials, which is known as the Hofmeister Bias selectivity. We report here a solution to this challenge based on a stable three‐dimensional cationic metal‐organic framework material, SCU‐102 (Ni2(tipm)3(NO3)4), formed by hydrophobic tetradentate neutral ligands and Ni2+ ions. SCU‐102 exhibits fast sorption kinetics, large capacity (291 mg/g), high distribution coefficient and, most importantly, the record high TcO4‐ uptake selectivity among all anion‐exchange materials reported to date. This material can almost quantitatively remove TcO4‐ in the presence of large access of NO3‐ and SO42‐. The decontamination experiments based on both a simulated low activity waste stream, and contaminated groundwater at the Hanford site confirm that SCU‐102 represents the optimal Tc scavenger with the highest clean up efficiency. First principle simulation reveals that the origin of the exceptional selectivity is the recognition of TcO4‐ by the abundant hydrophobic pockets in the structure.

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Coordination‐induced Spin State Switching of an Aminyl‐radical‐bridged NiII‐Porphyrin Dimer between Doublet and Sextet States

A bis(NiII‐porphyrinyl)aminyl radical with meso‐C6F5 groups was prepared as a spin‐delocalized stable aminyl radical with a doublet spin state. Upon addition of pyridine, both NiII centers became hexacoordinated by accepting two axial pyridines, which triggered a spin state change of the NiII centers from diamagnetic (S = 0) to paramagnetic (S = 1). The resulting high‐spin NiII centers interact with the aminyl radical ferromagnetically to give rise to an overall sextet state (S = 5/2). Importantly, this coordination‐induced spin‐state switching can be conducted in a reversible manner, in that washing of the high‐spin radical with aqueous hydrochloric acid regenerates the original doublet radical in good yield.

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Controlled Reduction of Carboxamides to Alcohols or Amines by Zinc Hydrides

New protocols for controlled reduction of carboxamides to alcohols or amines were established using combination of sodium hydride (NaH) and zinc halides (ZnX2). Use of the different halide on ZnX2 dictates the selectivity, where the NaH‐ZnI2 system delivers alcohols and that with ZnCl2 gives amines. Extensive mechanistic studies by experimental and theoretical approaches imply that polymeric zinc hydride (ZnH2)∞ is responsible for alcohol formation, whereas dimeric zinc chloride hydride (H‐Zn‐Cl)2 is the key species for production of amines.

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Chiral Self‐Discrimination and Guest Recognition in Helicene‐based Coordination Cages

Chiral, nano‐sized confinements play a major role for enantioselective recognition and reaction control in biological systems. Supramolecular self‐assembly gives access to artificial mimics with tunable sizes and properties. Here, a new family of [Pd2L4] coordination cages based on a chiral [6]helicene backbone is introduced. The racemic mixture of bis‐monodenate pyridyl ligand L1 assembles with PdII cations under chiral self‐discrimination selectively to an achiral meso cage cis‐[Pd2L1P2L1M2]. Enantiopure L1 forms homochiral cages [Pd2L1P/M4]. Longer derivative L2 forms chiral cages [Pd2L2P/M4] with larger cavities, able to bind optical isomers of chiral guests with different affinities. Owing to its distinct chiroptical properties, this cage can distinguish non‐chiral guests of different lengths, as they were found to squeeze or elongate the cavity under modulation of the helicenes' helical pitch. CD spectroscopic results are supported by ion mobility mass spectrometry. L2 was further found to yield a unique homochiral, interpenetrated double‐cage [Pd4L2P/M8], as supported by NMR, MS and single crystal X‐ray results.

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Peripheral Venous Blood Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) for Predicting the Survival of Patients With Gastric Cancer Treated With SOX or XELOX Regimen Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Technology in Cancer Research &Treatment, Volume 18, Issue , January 2019.


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Expression and characterization of two glucuronoyl esterases from Thielavia terrestris and their application in enzymatic hydrolysis of corn bran

Abstract

The thermophilic fungus Thielavia terrestris when cultured on cellulose produces a cocktail of thermal hydrolases with potential application in saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass and other biotechnological areas. Glucuronoyl esterases are considered to play a unique role as accessory enzymes in lignocellulosic material biodegradation by cleaving the covalent ester linkage between 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid (MeGlcA) and lignin in lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs). Two glucuronoyl esterases from T. terrestris named TtGE1 and TtGE2 were expressed in Pichia pastoris. Both esterases displayed features of thermophilic enzymes, with the optimal temperature at 45 °C and 55 °C. TtGE1 and TtGE2 exhibited activity towards methyl (4-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranosid) uronate (Me-GlcA-pNP) but no catalytic activity to benzyl-D-glucuronate (BnzGlcA), indicating the difference in substrate specificity from previously studied fungal GEs. A substantial increase in the release of monomeric sugars and glucuronic acid from autohydrolysis of corn bran was observed by the supplementing TtGEs into commercial xylanase; the results clearly demonstrated that the TtGEs played a significant role in this degradation process. This research on TtGEs enriches our knowledge of this novel class of fungal GEs. These newly characterized TtGEs could be used as promising accessory enzymes to improve the hydrolysis efficiency of commercial enzymes in saccharification of lignocellulosic materials due to their thermophilic characteristics.

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Combination of ssDNA recombineering and CRISPR-Cas9 for Pseudomonas putida KT2440 genome editing

Abstract

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a Gram-negative, biosafety strain that plays important roles in environmental and biotechnological applications. Highly efficient genome editing strategy is essential to the elucidation of gene function and construction of metabolic engineered strains. Building on our previously established recombineering-mediated markerless and scarless P. putida KT2440 chromosomal gene deletion methods, herein we combined single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) recombineering and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies for P. putida KT2440 genome editing. Firstly, an inactive kanamycin resistance gene was knocked into the P. putida KT2440 chromosome. Then, based on kanamycin selection, recombinase gene selection, ssDNA recombineering condition optimization, and gRNA expression promoter selection were performed. A two-plasmid genome editing system was established; the first is a broad host range, RK2 replicon–based plasmid cloned with the tightly regulated redβ and cas9 genes; the second is a broad host range, pBBR1 replicon–based, sgRNA expression plasmid. Gene point mutations and gene deletions were carried out; the genome editing efficiency is as high as 100%. The method will expedite the P. putida KT2440 metabolic engineering and synthetic biology studies.

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Replacement of the Nasal Dorsum with a Diced Cartilage Glue Graft

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 053-057
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677802

The reconstruction of the nasal dorsum after a hump resection is challenging if narrowing of the nose is to be avoided, the nasal skin is very thin, and the nasal bones are short. This report describes the replacement of the bony and cartilaginous nasal dorsum after resection with an anatomically shaped dorsal replacement graft of diced cartilage in fibrin glue. The technique is illustrated with a clinical case and sonographic morphometry of the nasal dorsum and tip. A modification of the diced cartilage glue graft for thin-skinned patients is presented.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Digital Analysis of Nasal Airflow Facilitating Decision Support in Rhinosurgery

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 003-008
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677720

Successful functional surgery on the nasal framework requires reliable and comprehensive diagnosis. In this regard, the authors introduce a new methodology: Digital Analysis of Nasal Airflow (diANA). It is based on computational fluid dynamics, a statistical shape model of the healthy nasal cavity and rhinologic expertise. diANA necessitates an anonymized tomographic dataset of the paranasal sinuses including the complete nasal cavity and, when available, clinical information. The principle of diANA is to compare the morphology and the respective airflow of an individual nose with those of a reference. This enables morphometric aberrations and consecutive flow field anomalies to localize and quantify within a patient's nasal cavity. Finally, an elaborated expert opinion with instructive visualizations is provided. Using diANA might support surgeons in decision-making, avoiding unnecessary surgery, gaining more precision, and target-orientation for indicated operations.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Current Practical Concepts for Using Rib in Secondary Rhinoplasty

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 031-046
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677801

Rhinoplasty is universally considered as the most demanding procedure in facial plastic surgery. Secondary rhinoplasty is its crown jewel, even more complex, and likewise highly fascinating. The evolution of thought and practice in rhinoplasty in the last decades has been quick and steady, progressively acknowledging the importance of maintaining structure in primary rhinoplasty and rebuilding structure in secondary procedures. No longer is the paradigm to achieve a small, thin, and pointy nose, but rather a well-proportioned nose which looks natural, albeit elegant and breathing well. Rib is an essential tool in many secondary procedures, and thus some important concepts have to be well understood and some finesse points mastered. This will provide an elegant reconstruction, identical if possible, or at least not far apart, to what could be achieved by a well-executed primary rhinoplasty, while avoiding the feared luck of a bulky nose stuffed with grafts. These guiding concepts and specific nuances regarding harvesting rib and working with it are the scope and contents of this article.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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The Healthy Nasal Cavity—Characteristics of Morphology and Related Airflow Based on a Statistical Shape Model Viewed from a Surgeon's Perspective

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 009-013
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677721

Functional surgery on the nasal framework requires referential criteria to objectively assess nasal breathing for indication and follow-up. This motivated us to generate a mean geometry of the nasal cavity based on a statistical shape model. In this study, the authors could demonstrate that the introduced nasal cavity's mean geometry features characteristics of the inner shape and airflow, which are commonly observed in symptom-free subjects. Therefore, the mean geometry might serve as a reference-like model when one considers qualitative aspects. However, to facilitate quantitative considerations and statistical inference, further research is necessary. Additionally, the authors were able to obtain details about the importance of the isthmus nasi and the inferior turbinate for the intranasal airstream.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Profile Templates to Use during Surgery in Precision Rhinoplasty

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 111-112
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677830

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Nasal Valve Lift in Nasal Valve Stenosis—A 2 Years Clinical Trial

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 014-022
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677854

A clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of nasal valve lift treatment using absorbable, polylactic acid, self-retaining cone threads (Silhouette Soft) in patients with nasal valve stenosis. Sixty patients (n = 60) were included in this prospective study which was performed from January 2015 until December 2018, 19 patients dropped out due to noncompliance. Initially, participants were divided into two equal groups. One was treated by nasal valve lift only, the other additionally received turbinoplasty. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate the sense of nasal ventilation. Patients' satisfaction was examined by a categorical scale, preoperatively, after 1 week, and after 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. For statistical analysis, an univariant variance analysis was conducted to test the significance of differences in nasal breathing within one group at different points of postoperative controls, with the statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Moreover, the two groups were compared with each other regarding results of the categorical scale. After surgical treatment, an improvement is reported by all participants. Average VAS scores were significantly lower between preoperative and every postoperative rating. Although a decline in the effect of breathing improvement is recognizable as threads are dissolved, patients' satisfaction in improvement of nasal breathing is persistent in most cases, even at long-term observation. Overall, these results demonstrate that valve lift is an effective method to treat patients with nasal valve stenosis.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Outcomes in Rhinoplasty

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 047-052
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677829

In recent years, there is an increasing trend to use health-related quality of life questionnaires after surgical procedures. The idea is to prove the success of an operation by objectively measurable parameters. Rhinoplasty is by far the most frequently performed surgery of facial plastic surgery. One of the most difficult parts of rhinoplasty is to measure the outcomes after surgery. Rhinoplasty is a unique operation because the surgeon affects three aspects: shape, function, and psychology of the patient. In an ideal world, the surgeon should have objective means of screening that cover these three aspects before and after surgery to measure outcomes. The goal of this article is to review these tools and compare them.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Minimally Invasive Rhinoplasty Technique Using a Hyaluronic Acid Filler and Polydioxanone Threads: An Effective Combination

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 109-110
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677719

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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Open Piezo Preservation Rhinoplasty: A Case Report of the New Rhinoplasty Approach

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 113-118
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1678578

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

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New Tools and Proven Techniques in Rhinoplasty

Facial plast Surg 2019; 35: 001-002
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677885

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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The economic and environmental benefits analysis for food waste anaerobic treatment: a case study in Beijing

Abstract

The disposal of food waste has attracted worldwide attention. Each year, the amount of wasted food accounts for an estimated one third of annual food production globally. This large amount of food waste has caused serious land, water, and air pollution. In the past, most research on food waste was focused solely on food waste disposal processing. Only a few studies analysed the flow of materials in food waste treatment processes. Therefore, this paper focused on the process of food waste anaerobic treatment in Beijing and investigated the treatment. According to a life cycle theory, the food waste treatment process is divided into three processes: "collection and transportation, disposal, and resource utilization." This paper analysed the input and output of food waste treatment in different processes and evaluated the economic and environmental costs and benefits of food waste treatment. The study found that 200 t of food waste anaerobic treatment can obtain benefits 66,888 Chinese yuan, generate electricity energy 43,350 kW⋅h, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions 16,087 kg. Generally, the economic and environmental benefits of the food waste anaerobic treatment project are considerable. However, the economic benefits are mainly from government subsidies. There are many impurities in food waste, which indicates some problems in food waste treatment. Thus, the proposals to strengthen waste classification, optimize the layout of garbage collection and transportation, and accelerate the development of waste treatment plants have been put forward.

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A medium-throughput screen for inhibitors of human metapneumovirus

Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2019.


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The hematologic effects of BTEX exposure among elderly residents in Nanjing: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Few studies have examined the effects of environmental concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) on the hematologic system of residents near a petrochemical complex. This study evaluated the potential effects of blood BTEX concentrations on the hematologic parameters of residents in a community near a petrochemical complex (contaminated group) and another community free of known petrochemical pollution (control group). Volunteer residents were randomly recruited. Each participant completed a questionnaire and donated blood samples to evaluate blood BTEX concentrations and hematologic parameters. We found the mean concentrations of blood BTEX of the contaminated group were 1.2 to 6.7 times higher than the control group. Multiple hematologic parameters of participants were significantly different between the two study groups. Inverse associations were found for ln-transformed blood benzene concentrations with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (β = − 2.75) and platelet counts (β = −8.18). Several weaker associations were also observed between other compounds and multiple hematologic parameters. Our results suggest that the residents living near petrochemical complexes have higher blood BTEX concentrations. Furthermore, the increased blood BTEX levels in residents are associated with the reduction in RBC counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCHC, and platelet counts. This study provided particularly important information for the health risk assessment of residents living near petrochemical complexes.

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