Palladium supported on a novel ordered mesoporous polypyrrole/carbon nanocomposite as a powerful heterogeneous catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids and ketones on water

Preparation of an ordered mesoporous polypyrrole/carbon (PPy/OMC) composite has been described through a two-step nanocasting process using KIT-6 as a template. Characterization of the PPy/OMC nanocomposite by various analysis methods such as TEM, XRD, TGA, SEM and N₂ sorption confirmed the preparation of a material with ordered mesoporous structure, uniform pore size distribution, high surface area and high stability. This nanocomposite was then used for the immobilization of palladium nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were almost uniformly distributed on the support with a narrow particle size of 20–25 nm, confirmed by various analysis methods. Performance of the Pd@PPy/OMC catalyst was evaluated in the aerobic oxidation of various primary and secondary alcohols on water as a green solvent, giving the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones in high yields and excellent selectivity. The catalyst could also be reused for at least 10 reaction runs without losing its catalytic activity and selectivity. High catalytic efficiency of the catalyst can be attributed to a strong synergism between the PPy/OMC and that of supported Pd nanoparticles.

Aerobic oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids and ketones in water using palladium species supported on an ordered mesoporous polypyrrole/carbon nanocomposite.     

Nurses experiences in chemical emergency departments: Iran–Iraq war, 1980–1988

BackgroundNurses have played a major role in taking care of the wounded across the centuries. One of the most important roles of Iranian nurses in wartime has been working in chemical emergency departments. This study investigated the nature of nursing practice in chemical emergency departments created in the context of the Iran–Iraq War fought during 1980–1988.MethodThis is a history methodology design with oral history and in-depth interview to detect nurses ‘actual experiences in chemical emergency departments while taking care of the chemically injured military forces.FindingsToday’s nurses emphasize finding new ways to fulfill the present nursing needs and to combine theory and practice in an appropriate framework.Having a retrospective approach to utilize nurses’ experience can well clarify the future way to achieve this goal.ConclusionThis study revealed the way the nurses prepared to take care of the chemically injured in miserable situations and their practice in chemical emergency departments. It highlighted their awareness of wartime nursing and the challenging experiences it brings.     

Targeting of VX2 rabbit liver tumor by selective delivery of 3-bromopyruvate: a biodistribution and survival study

The aim of this study was to determine the biodistribution and tumor targeting ability of (14)C-labeled 3-bromopyruvate ([(14)C]3-BrPA) after i.a. and i.v. delivery in the VX2 rabbit model. In addition, we evaluated the effects of [(14)C]3-BrPA on tumor and healthy tissue glucose metabolism by determining (18)F-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. Last, we determined the survival benefit of i.a. administered 3-BrPA. In total, 60 rabbits with VX2 liver tumor received either 1.75 mM [(14)C]3-BrPA i.a., 1.75 mM [(14)C]3-BrPA i.v., 20 mM [(14)C]3-BrPA i.v., or 25 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). All rabbits (with the exception of the 20 mM i.v. group) received FDG 1 h before sacrifice. Next, we compared survival of animals treated with i.a. administered 1.75 mM [(14)C]3-BrPA in 25 ml of PBS (n = 22) with controls (n = 10). After i.a. infusion, tumor uptake of [(14)C]3-BrPA was 1.8 +/- 0.2% percentage of injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g), whereas other tissues showed minimal uptake. After i.v. infusion (1.75 mM), tumor uptake of [(14)C]3-BrPA was 0.03 +/- 0.01% ID/g. After i.a. administration of [(14)C]3-BrPA, tumor uptake of FDG was 26 times lower than in controls. After i.v. administration of [(14)C]3-BrPA, there was no significant difference in tumor FDG uptake. Survival analysis showed that rabbits treated with 1.75 mM 3-BrPA survived longer (55 days) than controls (18.6 days). Intra-arterially delivered 3-BrPA has a favorable biodistribution profile, combining a high tumor uptake resulting in blockage of FDG uptake with no effects on healthy tissue. The local control of the liver tumor by 3-BrPA resulted in a significant survival benefit.     

Comparative study of Staphylococcus aureus from burn patients and healthcare workers in a burn center,Yazd, Iran

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift - Healthcare workers (HCWs) are proposed as the potential source of transmission of Staphylococcus aureus to hospitalized patients, especially in burn units. This...