Sulfated zirconium oxide-decorated magnetite KCC-1 as a durable and recyclable adsorbent for the efficient removal of asphaltene from crude oil

Sulfated zirconium oxide (ZrO₂/SO₄²⁻) as a highly durable acidic reagent was immobilized on magnetite KCC-1 nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/KCC-1@ZrO₂/SO₄²⁻ NPs), and the resulting hybrid was used as a highly efficient recyclable adsorbent for the adsorption and removal of asphaltene from crude oil. The presence of ZrO₂/SO₄²⁻ groups not only promotes the adsorption capacity, but also helps recycle the adsorbents without any significant efficiency loss arising from its high chemical resistance. The results showed an obvious synergistic effect between the magnetic core (Fe₃O₄ NPs), fibrous silica (KCC-1) and the sulfated zirconium oxide groups with high correlation for asphaltene adsorption. The effective parameters in asphaltene adsorption, including initial asphaltene concentration, catalyst concentration and temperature, were investigated. Maximum adsorption occurred in the presence of 0.7 g L⁻¹ of the adsorbent, at a concentration of 2000 mg L⁻¹ of asphaltene. The asphaltene adsorption by NPs follows a quasi-second order adsorption kinetics. Asphaltene adsorption kinetics were studied by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. The prominent advantage of the adsorbent is its ability to be recovered after each adsorption by acid treatment, so that no significant reduction in adsorbent adsorption activity was observed, which can be directly attributed to the presence of ZrO₂/SO₄²⁻ groups in the hybrid.

A new, efficient and recyclable hybrid based on immobilized sulfated zirconium oxide on magnetite fibrous silica (KCC-1) has been developed and utilized for the efficient adsorption and removal of asphaltene from crude oil.     

Toxicity of Nd2WO6 nanoparticles to the microalga Dunaliella salina: synthesis of nanoparticles and investigation of their impact on microalgae

The presence of nanoparticles in the environment and their impact on existing organisms is one of the main concerns of researchers working in this field. In this research, Nd₂WO₆ nanoparticles were prepared by an ultrasonic procedure for the first time. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were applied to identify and prove the purity of these particles. In addition to increasing the reaction rate and efficiency with the help of a radical generation mechanism, ultrasound was able to aid the synthesis of these particles. After confirming nanoparticle formation, the optimal nanoparticles in view of scale and morphology were selected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optimal particles at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ppm) were mixed into the algae growth medium to investigate the effects of the nanoparticles on Dunaliella salina growth. Biological parameters, including the number of cells, biomass, specific growth rate, pigments, and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured after ten days. Growth parameters showed an increasing trend in concentrations up to 50 ppm; however, at a concentration of 100 ppm, a significant decrease was observed in contrast to the nanoparticles-free treatment. The MDA content showed a linear relationship with enhanced concentration of the nanoparticles. The examination of biological parameters showed that the algae response to stress was dependent on the concentration of nanoparticles. The results showed that 50 ppm of nanoparticles are suitable for increasing algae and achieving a suitable growth rate for commercial purposes. However, in higher concentrations, algal growth inhibition occurs, which is of great importance from a biotechnological point of view.

In this work, Nd₂WO₆ nanoparticles were synthesized by the ultrasonic method for the first time. Also, for the first time, the impact of these nanoparticles on the environment was investigated.     

Understanding liquid–liquid equilibria in binary mixtures of hydrocarbons with a thermally robust perarylphosphonium-based ionic liquid

Binary mixtures of hydrocarbons and a thermally robust ionic liquid (IL) incorporating a perarylphosphonium-based cation are investigated experimentally and computationally. Experimentally, it is seen that excess toluene added to the IL forms two distinct liquid phases, an “ion-rich” phase of fixed composition and a phase that is nearly pure toluene. Conversely, n-heptane is observed to be essentially immiscible in the neat IL. Molecular dynamics simulations capture both of these behaviours. Furthermore, the simulated composition of the toluene-rich IL phase is within 10% of the experimentally determined composition. Additional simulations are performed on the binary mixtures of the IL and ten other small hydrocarbons having mixed aromatic/aliphatic character. It is found that hydrocarbons with a predominant aliphatic character are largely immiscible with the IL, while those with a predominant aromatic character readily mix with the IL. A detailed analysis of the structure and energetic changes that occur on mixing reveals the nature of the ion-rich phase. The simulations show a bicontinuous phase with hydrocarbon uptake akin to absorption and swelling by a porous absorbent. Aromatic hydrocarbons are driven into the neat IL via dispersion forces with the IL cations and, to a lesser extent, the IL anions. The ion–ion network expands to accommodate the hydrocarbons, yet maintains a core connective structure. At a certain loading, this network becomes stretched to its limit. The energetic penalty associated with breaking the core connective network outweighs the gain from new hydrocarbon–IL interactions, leaving additional hydrocarbons in the neat phase. The spatially alternating charge of the expanded IL network is shown to interact favourably with the stacked aromatic subphase, something not possible for aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Binary mixtures of hydrocarbons and a thermally robust ionic liquid (IL) incorporating a perarylphosphonium-based cation are investigated experimentally and computationally.     

Study of Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

Background Alzheimer''s disease (AD) affects several people worldwide and has devastating impacts on society with a limited number of approaches for its pharmacological treatment. The main causes of AD are not clear yet. However, the formation of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein, and disruption of redox homeostasis may cause AD. These causes have a positive correlation with oxidative stress, producing reactive ions, which are responsible for altering the physiological condition of the body.Conclusion Ongoing research recommended the use of phytochemicals as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to hinder the onset and progression of AD. The natural compound structures, including lignans, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief introduction to AD along with the use of natural compounds as new therapeutic approaches for its management.     

Clinical and imaging features in fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA)

Pediatric Radiology - Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare and recently described complex vascular malformation. The clinical and imaging features and morphology can be confusing and...     

Review of policies,data, and interventions to improve maternal nutrition in Afghanistan

Malnutrition contributes to direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality, which is particularly high in Afghanistan. Women's nutritional status before, during, and after pregnancy affects their own well‐being and mortality risk and their children's health outcomes. Though maternal nutrition interventions have documented positive impact on select child health outcomes, there are limited data regarding the effects of maternal nutrition interventions on maternal health outcomes globally. This scoping review maps policies, data, and interventions aiming to address poor maternal nutrition outcomes in Afghanistan. We used broad search categories and approaches including database and website searches, hand searches of reference lists from relevant articles, policy and programme document requests, and key informant interviews. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed by type of source document, such as studies with measures related to maternal nutrition, relevant policies and strategies, and programmatic research or evaluation by a third party with explicit interventions targeting maternal nutrition. We abstracted documents systematically, summarized content, and synthesized data. We included 20 policies and strategies, 29 data reports, and nine intervention evaluations. The availability of maternal nutrition intervention data and the inclusion of nutrition indicators, such as minimum dietary diversity, have increased substantially since 2013, yet few nutrition evaluations and population surveys include maternal outcomes as primary or even secondary outcomes. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that target maternal nutrition in Afghanistan. Policies and strategies more recently have shifted towards multisectoral efforts and specifically target nutrition needs of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. This scoping review presents evidence from more than 10 years of efforts to improve the maternal nutrition status of Afghan women. We recommend a combination of investments in measuring maternal nutrition indicators and improving maternal nutrition knowledge and behaviours.     

An alternative diagnostic method of eruptive vellus hair cysts: Report of a familial case with pruritus

Eruptive vellus hair cysts (EVHC) represent a developmental abnormality of vellus hair follicles. Up till now more than 150 cases of EVHC have been published in the literature, but it appears to be more common than recognized. The diagnostic hallmark is the presence of vellus hair shafts within the cystic space. Firstly to evaluate the potential benefit of new diagnostic method of EVHC using a dermatoscope and secondly to report a familial case of EVHC where females were only affected. Five women from the same family with a clinical diagnosis of EVHC were included in the study. The diagnosis of EVHC was confirmed by skin biopsy with histologic examination in four patients. New diagnostic approach of the cyst contents examination with using a handheld dermatoscope was performed in all patients. Numerous vellus hair shafts were detected on the images of the cysts content taken with dermatoscope and applying the above‐mentioned method in all patients. We suggest that it seems possible to differentiate EVHC by using the dermatoscope, which appears to be simple, quick, and less time consuming.     

Trichopsychodermatology: The Psychiatric and Psychosocial Aspects of Hair Disorders

Medical conditions involving hair are typically managed by a dermatologist. However, a significant psychosocial association has been found both in the development of hair conditions through primary pathologic involvement and as secondary comorbidity. Trichopsychodermatology is an emerging field aiming to better understand the psychiatric and psychosocial impacts of disorders involving hair. Trichotillomania or hair‐pulling disorder, alopecia areata, telegenic effluvium, anagen effluvium, and cicatricial alopecia represent common conditions within trichopsychodermatology. A lack in awareness, knowledge, and training of the field exists, which can act as a barrier for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a holistic understanding of specific psychotrichologic conditions that healthcare providers may encounter in order to facilitate the process of developing high‐quality future therapeutic interventions.     

Psychological aspects of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery: Clinical and therapeutic implications

Recently there is a surge in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery procedures. Several patient seeking various cosmetics procedures present to aesthetic surgery clinics and demanding procedures which are out of proportion. Several of these patients have under‐recognized or untreated psychiatric disorders. Proper screening and evaluation of these patients could save money and resources. This brief review focuses on current trends, clinical and psychological assessment and expectations on the part of patients and recommendations regarding management of these patients.     

Therapeutic and etiologic considerations related to blood group and triggers in psoriasis—A retrospective study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ABO blood, groups and triggers, including food, of psoriasis. A total of 683 psoriasis patients were included in the retrospective study and divided into groups based on their blood group (ABO). Patients were asked to complete a series questions related to the effect of certain foods and other triggers on their psoriasis symptoms. A significant difference between blood groups and the effect of different triggers on the initiation and exacerbation of psoriasis was noted. Furthermore, similarities in response were found between blood groups sharing the same alleles, such as A and AB, or B and AB. Results from this study suggest a link between blood group type and triggering factors of psoriasis. The data show that different blood groups are significantly more likely to have different initiating and exacerbating triggers for psoriasis.