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A series of europium doped lanthanum oxychloride samples were prepared through solid state method which were utilized as an electrode material and also as photocatalyst. The compounds form tetragonal phase having P4/nmm space group (No. 129). The sample's energy band-gap vary in between 4.14 and 4.35 eV. With a carbon paste electrode in a 0.1 M KOH electrolyte, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical (AC) Impedance Spectroscopy are performed. Results reveal that the sample synthesized can be an electrode material for sensing tin in alkaline medium in the concentration range of 1 to 5 mM. Also, the samples are considered to be photocatalyst for the decolourization of Rhodamine.B (Rh.B) dye in aqueous medium concentration of 10 ppm using UV light irradiation. LaOCl:Eu3+ sample as catalyst be able to degrade the Rh.B dye to an extent of 90% in 60 mins. These results demonstrated the relevance of synthesized compound for sensor and photocatalytic applications. Novelty: In this article, the La1-xEuxOCl (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) synthesised compounds were characterized for morphological nature, structural feature, and functional group analysis with band gap energies. Very particularly for the first time the synthesized samples have undergone preliminary research into their possible usage as electrodes for sensor applicability involving the detection of Tin in alkaline media. Moreover, the samples offered improved photocatalytic effectiveness for the decolourization of Rhodamine.B dye under the UV light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical research of Perilla frutescens aerial parts led to isolation of 12 secondary metabolites, including one new 3-benzoxepin glucoside, perillafrutoside A (1), one new megastigmane glycoside, perillafrutoside B (2), and 10 known compounds. Their chemical structures were identified based on 1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD spectroscopic analyses. The structure of 2 was elucidated based on revision of the previously reported stereoisomer, (6R,9R)-blumenyl α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside. Evaluation of their antimicrobial effect revealed that compounds 1 and 5–11 inhibit Enterococcus faecalis growth, compounds 6, 7 and 9 suppress Staphylococcus aureus growth, whereas compounds 6 and 11 attenuate Candida albicans growth. This is the first report of the isolation of 3–5, 8–10 and 12 from the genus Perilla and the antimicrobial effect of compounds 3, 8 and 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of granular activated carbon (GAC) loaded with different combinations of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Ti was examined for the electrochemical degradation of an azo dye such as acid red B (AR-B). Among the bimetallic groups, the combination of Fe and Co exhibited the best degradation effect. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the morphology of the catalyst is CoFe2O4, and scanning electron microscopy manifested that the catalyst is distributed on the GAC surface and holes. The initial pH, hydraulic retention time, and current intensively affected the decolourisation and degradation efficiencies of AR-B, while the electrolyte types and concentrations did not exert any considerable effect. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy indicated that strong signals of hydroxyl radicals are produced by the Fe-Co/GAC electrodes. Results from fluorescence spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry suggested that hydroxyl radicals preferentially attack azo bonds during the degradation of AR-B, forming a series of compounds, and these compounds are finally degraded into small molecules of organic acids, carbon dioxide, and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is an entity derived from peripheral nerve damage that occurs during the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which manifests itself through pain with neuropathic characteristics. This can prove to be very difficult to manage in the chronic stages of disease reappearance. There currently exists a multitude of treatment alternatives for PHN, however, prevention through the early initiation of antiviral regimens is vital. There are various pharmacological options available, but it is important to individualize each patient to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Interventional procedures have become a cornerstone in difficult-to-manage cases, and have shown promising outcomes when used in a multimodal approach by experienced specialists. It is necessary to make an objective diagnosis of PHN and start early treatment. Additionally there is current evidence that vouches for interventional therapies as well as individualization, with a clear establishment of therapeutic objectives according to the needs of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has proved that the photo-Fenton system modified by polycarboxylic acid is effective against the degradation of organic pollutants. Still, its effect and impact on actual water bodies are not clear. Therefore, this study mainly discussed the effect of actual water elements on the degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol in photo-Fenton system modified by Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and its mechanism in pure water. The specific research contents were: the effect of initial concentration of 2,4-Dichlorophenol on its degradation efficiency; the effect of organic matters on the degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol; the effect of cations and anions; the effect of different actual water bodies. And the main results were as follows: In the effect of initial concentration, when the concentration of 2,4-Dichlorophenol was 20 mg·L−1, the degradation efficiency was the best (reached 100%). But, with the increase of initial concentration, the degradation efficiency of the system became worse and worse; the coexistence of the same kind of organic compounds can inhibit each other's degradation, and the degradation rate of pollutants in the mixed system was slower than that in the single system; the addition of anions and cations inhibited the degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol, and the degradation efficiency varied with the concentration of ions, in which the effect of anions was more complex; the degradation efficiency of 2,4-Dichlorophenol in three kinds of actual water bodies was lower than in deionized water, especially in PPMW. However, the degradation rates of DSTP and NLW were the fastest in the first 20 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An MBR treating filtrate from sludge ultra-dewatering (FSD) was studied to evaluate the real applicability to concentrated effluents. The MBR operation is comparable to conventional wastewater MBRs in terms of F/M and nitrogen to sludge ratios, SRT and MLSS in biological tanks. On the contrary, the volume treated is lower with a comparable pollution load, the effluent being concentrated in nitrogen and carbon. Very high and stable ammonium (97.7 ± 2.4%), total phosphorus (81.8 ± 11.9%), chemical (89.5 ± 2.3%) and biochemical oxygen demands (98.8 ± 0.7%) removals are observed despite a significant modification of the FSD composition. The MBR removal performances are whether comparable or greater than those reported at full-scale for Sharon or Anammox processes. The evolution of membranes properties, in particular, the decrease of permeability induced by the irreversible fouling, leads to a decrease of the daily permeate volume produced and an increase of the chemical cleaning need. The membrane lifespan was determined to be 5.5 years based on both the permeability loss and TSS in permeate. The permeability is directly correlated to the cumulated filtered flux of colloidal matter and a total of 350 kg O2/m2 of the membrane (COD in the supernatant) is needed to reach a permeability below 100 LMH/bar. The specific energy consumption is comparable to other wastewater MBRs in kWh/kgCOD removed but the intensive chemical cleanings need to be 2.5–4.5 times more frequent. Overall, it can be concluded that MBR is adapted to treat FSD efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience with nociceptive, nociplastic, and neuropathic components. An involvement of neurotropic B vitamins (B1 – thiamine, B6 – pyridoxine, and B12 – cyanocobalamin) as modulators of inflammation and pain has been long discussed. New evidence suggests their therapeutic potential in different pain conditions. In this review, we discuss the main role of neurotropic B vitamins on different nociceptive pathways in the nervous system and to describe their analgesic action mechanisms. The performed literature review showed that, through different mechanisms, these vitamins regulate several inflammatory and neural mediators in nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Some of these processes include aiming the activation of the descending pain modulatory system and in specific intracellular pathways, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and nerve regenerative effects. Moreover, recent data shows the antinociceptive, antiallodynic, and anti-hyperalgesic effects of the combination of these vitamins, as well as their synergistic effects with known analgesics. Understanding how vitamins B1, B6, and B12 affect several nociceptive mechanisms can therefore be of significance in the treatment of various pain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material extrusion additive manufacturing is of increased interest in producing materials with very high loadings of particles, specifically through the use of the direct ink write (DIW), or robocasting, technique and the use of highly loaded particle suspensions (HLS). Applications from biomedical composites to solid rocket propellants to powder metallurgy green bodies would benefit from the complex parts enabled by additive manufacturing but require very high particle contents during processing. This leads to very high viscosity fluids and challenges in flowing and curing the inks. In this comprehensive review, we examine the main components of designing an ink formulation and a DIW process: the ink rheology, the print mechanics and the solidification/post-processing. Our expanded discussion of these elements includes an introduction to the basics as well as the latest research in the field, so serves to both introduce a new practitioner and generate new ideas for those already working in the area. We finish with a discussion of two important applications and a perspective on the future directions of DIW for highly loaded particle materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel high throughput metal waste chips and foam electrodes were developed for the electrocoagulation of graywater for the first time. The developed electrodes were then compared with traditional metal plate electrodes, which showed higher efficiency of developed electrodes. The effective parameters of pH, electrode distance, applied voltage, and reaction time on COD removal were optimized using RSM as a multivariate optimization technique, and the data were analyzed by ANOVA, normal plot, residual distribution, and 3D plots. The optimal conditions for electrocoagulation of graywater using metal (Al) plate electrode were determined as a pH of 6.86, electrode distance of 5 mm, and applied voltage of 5 V for a reaction time of 10 min, resulting in 89.1% COD removal and 74% turbidity removal. Finally, the performance of aluminum plate electrodes, foam electrodes, and electrodes made from metal waste chips was compared using COD removal efficiency as the index, revealing 84%, 93%, and 87% COD removal, respectively. These results demonstrated that the newly developed electrodes are suitable for graywater treatment with excellent COD removal efficiency, metal chip waste recycling, and cost-saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unit energy consumption per kg pollutant removed (kWh/kgCODremoved) is used for the first time in assessing and ranking the sustainability of main treatment technologies of 1215 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China. The metric better measures the sustainability of main treatment technologies in WWTPs than unit energy consumption per cubic meter treated (kWh/m3). The energy consumption data of these WWTPs were selected from the database of 1399 WWTPs to evaluate the energy efficiency of different treatment technologies. 80.3% of the WWTPs applied anaerobic-oxic plus anaerobic–anoxic–oxic, oxidation ditch, and sequencing batch reactor as main technologies. Statistical analysis shows that the unit energy consumption of WWTPs decreases with increasing design flow rate, operation loading rate, and influent COD concentration. For example, the average unit energy consumption of SBR decreases from 2.76 kWh/kgCODremoved to 0.83 kWh/kgCODremoved when the design flow rate increases from less than 10,000 m3/d to 100,000–200,000 m3/d. The mean unit energy consumption of SBR decreases from 1.71 kWh/kgCODremoved to 1.32 kWh/ kgCODremoved and 2.85 kWh/ kgCODremoved to 0.63 kWh/kgCODremoved as the operation loading rate and COD removal increase from 40% to 100% and from less than 150 mg/L to over 450 mg/L, respectively. SBR has the lowest unit energy consumption among all the technologies. Therefore, SBR might be the most appropriate technology in small and medium-scale WWTPs in China. Regression equations were developed to predict the unit energy consumption for sustainable design treatment trains by input variables such as design flow rate, operation loading rate, and influent COD concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cyclopentenone derivative, 4-hydroxyhypocrenone A, and a new naturally-occurring wickerol derivative, 8-acetoxywickerol A, as well as two known compounds, hypocrenone A and wickerol B, were purified from Trichoderma atroviride A-YMD-9-4, an endophytic fungus isolated from the marine red alga Gracilaria verrucosa. The structures and relative configurations of two new isolates were established by a combination of 1 D/2D NMR, IR, and mass spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was assigned on the basis of ECD data analyzed by quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited weak inhibition of one or two marine phytoplankton species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complex neuropathic painful condition in which pain is a direct consequence of the response to peripheral nerve damage experienced during herpes zoster attack. PHN is the most common chronic complication of herpes zoster and it causes considerable suffering, affecting the physical functioning and psychological well-being of patients. To describe the effect of a conservative treatment using pain neuroscience education (PNE) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in a patient with trigeminal PHN. A 67-year-old woman sought care for pain, dysfunction, and sensory loss in the left jaw. The assessment included: 1) pain, using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), and classic body charts of the cranial region; 2) somatosensory function, by means of mechanical detection threshold (MDT) and pressure pain threshold (PPT); 3) jaw function, using the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20); and 4) psychosocial features, by means of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders Questionnaire-7 (GAD-7). Treatment consisted of 12 sessions of PNE and TENS. After treatment, a clinically significant improvement in NPRS, DN4, MDT, GCPS, and PHQ-9 was observed. In this case report, a treatment based on the combination of PNE and TENS seemed to have contributed to improving pain, sensory abnormalities, and jaw function. Psychosocial factors also showed a trend to improve after the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four sesquiterpenoids A-D (1–4) were isolated from the ethanol extracts of the leaves and stems from Schisandra chinensis. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by a combination of NMR, MS and ECD. Compounds 1–4 (10 μM) exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced LO2 cell damage with increasing cell viability by 18%, 17%, 16%, and 19% compared to the model group (bicyclol, 26%) at 10 μM, respectively. All the compounds displayed no cytotoxic activity against five human cell lines, which also suggested the safety of leaves and stems of S. chinensis as an edible vegetable in a degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new aaptamine alkaloids, named as 9-methoxy-N-demethylaaptanone (1), 3,5-dicarbomethoxy-1,​6-​naphthyridine (2), aaptosvanphongs A and B (3 and 4), and three known aaptamine alkaloids as 2-methoxy-3-oxoaaptamine (5), 8,9,9-trimethoxy-9H-benzo[de][1,6]-naphthyridine (6), and demethyl(oxy)aaptamine (7) were isolated from the sponge Aaptos by various chromatographic methods. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses (HR-ESI-MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR) and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1-7 significantly showed cytotoxic effects against SK-LU-1, MCF-7, HepG2, and SK-Mel-2 cell lines with IC50 values in range from 7.7 ± 0.8 to 51.4 ± 1.8 µM. Among them, compound 7 exhibited the most cytotoxic activity with corresponding IC50 values of 9.2 ± 1.0, 7.8 ± 0.6, 8.4 ± 0.8, and 7.7 ± 0.8 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a stochastic model was applied to investigate the degradation of landfill leachate by solar photo-Fenton processes. The coefficient of determination (R2) between experimental and predicted data ranged from 0.9958–0.9995. The optimal conditions for the initial phase (lasting 5–22 min) were high Fe2+ level, low pH level, and intermediate H2O2 level. For the second phase, optimal leachate degradation percentages were obtained by maintaining the pH, increasing H2O2, and decreasing Fe2+ to the lowest level. Determination of optimal reaction conditions (such as pH, Fe2+, and H2O2 values) for both degradation phases is of paramount importance for process scale-up. The major contribution of this study was the development of a tool that considers the effects of one or more reactions on organic carbon degradation. This was achieved by assessing the significance of the effects of experimental conditions on model parameters for the fast and slow steps of leachate degradation by advanced oxidation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehd. et Wils is a traditional Chinese medicine to treat acute appendicitis, rheumarthritis, abdominal pain, and painful menstruation for a long history. The investigation of S. cuneata led to the isolation and identification of twenty-three secondary metabolites, including two new compounds, sargentodoxosides A (1) and B (2), and twenty-one known ones (3-23). Their structural characterization was conducted by HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR spectra. All the isolated compounds were assayed for their agonistic activities against the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Nine of the isolated compounds displayed significant agonistic effects against FXR at 0.1 µM, suggesting that they could be served as potential agents for the development of FXR agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the EtOAc-soluble extract of the stems of Buchanania lucida, one new lignan, (+)-(8S,8′S)-5′-methoxy-4,4′-di-O-methylsecoisolariciresinol (1), together with five known compounds (2–6) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic interpretation. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined based on the Cotton effects in the ECD spectrum. In the tyrosinase inhibitory activity test, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (6) showed the strong effect, with an IC50 value of 9.35 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new diketopiperazine, cyclo-(d-8-acetoxyl-Pro-l-Leu) (1), together with eight known compounds (2–9) including three enterotoxins (2–4), four diketopiperazines (5–8) and maltol (9), were isolated from the mangrove derived-soil Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 41400. The planar structures of all compounds were determined from analysis of NMR spectra, MS, optical rotation and comparing with literature data. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was assigned by electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The isolated compounds (1–9) were tested for their acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and pancreatic lipase (PL) enzyme inhibitory activities. Among them, the new diketopiperazine (1) displayed preferable PL enzyme inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 27.3 μg/mL, while compounds 2, 5 and 6 showed weak PL enzyme inhibitory activity. Further molecular docking simulation exhibited that compound 1 could be well bind with the catalytic pocket of the PL. Besides, compound 9 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL, which was comparable to that of the positive control ampicillin with MIC value of 3.125 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synsepalum dulcifificum is an evergreen shrub native of tropical West Africa. It is very effective against a variety of diseases. However, the phytochemical investigation on this plant is limited till now. In our current study, seventeen compounds were isolated and identified from the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves. All of the compounds were obtained from S. dulcifificum for the first time. Compounds 4 and 9 were isolated from natural source for the second time. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of compounds 1, 4, 5, 9-11, and 15 were evaluated firstly. Compounds 6, 7, 13, and 14 exhibited significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS + assays, suggesting their potential application for an antioxidant drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alkaloid polygonatine C (3-(2'-furaldehyde-5'-methoxymethyl)5,6,7,8 -tetrahydroindolizin-8-one, 1) and a new saponin huangjingsterol B (3-β-hydroxyspirost-5,25-diene-12-one, 2), together with three known compounds 3–5 were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the Stewed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. The structures of these new compounds were identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR and MS, as well as chemical methods. The new compounds were tested for their Protective effect against Aβ25-35 induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress damage in PC12 cells. The results indicated that compounds 1–2 can be considered as promising lead compounds for further research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new cyclopentenoneacrylic acid derivatives, trichodermacid A (1), trichodermester A (2), and trichodermester B (3), together with thirteen known compounds, were isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of Trichoderma atroviride H548, a fungus derived from mangrove sediment. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including HR ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 2D-NMR techniques. The antifungal activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against tea pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis theae. Trichodermester A (2) showed potent anti P. theae activity with MIC of 125 μg/disc, while the other compounds were inactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging pollutants have been the subject of worldwide study because their continuous entry into the environment presents a risk to ecosystems and human health. Advanced oxidation processes show promise for eliminating or reducing the concentrations of emerging pollutants in water. This study aimed to investigate the treatment of aqueous systems containing the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol. An innovative method for persulfate activation catalysed by iron-modified diatomite (heterogeneous system) was compared to conventional homogeneous activation methods (iron activation, alkaline activation, and heat activation). Iron-modified diatomite was more efficient in activating persulfate than traditional processes, achieving 98% of pollutant removal. Experimental results indicated that the catalyst can be reused without loss of removal efficiency, with potential environmental and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of chemical constituents from the leaves and seeds of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla resulted in the isolation of one new phenolic glycoside, vitexnegheteroin M (1), together with eleven known compounds (2-12). Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and by comparison with the literature. Among them, compound 3 was obtained from the Vitex genus for the first time, and compounds 4-8, and 10-12 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Their anti-inflammatory activities were investigated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine microglial BV-2 cells. As the obtained results, compound 9 showed the strongest inhibitory activity against LPS-stimulated NO production in BV-2 cells with IC50 value ranging from 8.65 ± 0.67 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electro-Fenton system, which consists of a Pt gauze anode and a commercial carbon felt cathode, is commonly employed to generate in situ hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and regenerate ferrous catalyst for glyphosate degradation (a widely used herbicide in Vietnam) in aqueous solution. The absorbance measurements used to determine the glyphosate concentration during the electrolysis proved that glyphosate was degraded by pseudo-first-order kinetic. The influence of pH, current density, catalyst concentration and initial content of the glyphosate on mineralisation efficiency were studied by monitoring the total organic carbon (TOC) and hydrogen peroxide concentration during electrolysis. The results show that the maximal removal percentage of glyphosate was 91.91% with applied current density of 10 mA cm−2, pH 3, 0.1 mM Fe2+, 0.05 M Na2SO4, and 0.1 mM glyphosate in 40 min. The degrading rate constant of glyphosate degradation was calculated to be kapp = 0.063 min−1. In this 91.91% removal, 81.65% of glyphosate was mineralised and the remainder consists of intermediates produced during the electro-Fenton process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of the twigs of Cryptocarya impressinervia yielded 23 known compounds including 8 lignans, 3 phenylpropionates, 1 xanthone, 3 flavonoids, 1 phenylpropanoid, 1 substitued phenol, 1 triterpenoid, 3 sterols and 2 aliphatic compounds. All the compounds was isolated from C. impressinervia for the first time. 9,9'-O-Di-feruloyl-(-)-secoisolariciresinol (1) displayed significant cytotoxic activities on five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW-480), with IC50 values of 3.58, 4.55, 6.39, 5.09 and 4.80 μM, respectively. Rhusemialin A (2) showed significant activity against HL-60 with IC50 of 3.69 μM. Dihydrosinapyl ferulate (3) displayed moderate cytotoxic activities against five tested human cancer cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the constituents of C. impressinervia and cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-3 on the tested cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, quince seed mucilage (QSM) has been introduced as a novel biocoagulant for the pretreatment of leachate obtained from a composting facility. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study and optimize the effect of pH, QSM dosage and time on the coagulation performance. At the optimum conditions using 1370 mg L−1 of QSM at pH 3.8 and 29 min, 45.0% COD reduction was achieved in the coagulation-flocculation (CF) stage. After CF pretreatment stage, Fenton oxidation (FO) process was applied on the leachate. Maximum COD reduction was obtained at pH 2.5, H2O2 concentration of 190 mM, and Fe2+ concentration of 1.64 mM. At the optimum conditions of the combined treatment process, up to 84.4% COD, 99.4% turbidity and 98.2% BOD were removed. The combined CF/FO process using QSM in the CF stage was found to be an effective method for the treatment of compost leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the strong electron-withdrawing nature of Cl atom in CCl4, CCl4 could not readily be degraded by oxidation process. In the present study, aqueous electron (eaq-), a powerful reducing agent generated in UV-Na2SO3 system, was applied to reductively degradation of CCl4. The effects of several crucial factors (e.g. Na2SO3 concentration, solution pH, inorganic ions and NOM) on CCl4 degradation as well as degradation mechanism and pathway were systematically investigated. Results indicated that CCl4 was efficiently degraded in UV-Na2SO3 system and the process could be well described by pseudo-first order kinetic model. The degradation rate increased with the elevated Na2SO3 concentration (0–10 mmol/L) and solution pH (6.0–8.0), while remained approximately constant in alkaline conditions (pH = 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0). Nevertheless, O2, inorganic ions and NOM exerted a negative effect on CCl4 degradation and the removal efficiency of CCl4 in groundwater was only 31.7%. Mechanistic study implied that degradation of CCl4 was primarily induced by eaq-. CCl4 (10 mg/L) was almost completely dechlorinated within 60 min and the predominant intermediate products were CHCl3, C2Cl4 and C2HCl3. CHCl3 and CH2Cl2 were also rapidly degraded in the UV-Na2SO3 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study synthesized mixed metal oxide (MMO) anodes composed of (SnO2)93Sb5M2(M=Ce,Ta,Bi,Gd) through thermal decomposition calcinated at 500, 550, and 600 °C. The anodes were characterized by linear and cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, service lifetime tests, and morphology factors. Furthermore, physical characterizations included X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy to obtain information on their crystallographic structure and surface morphology, respectively. Finally, electrocatalytic activity was tested by electrolysis for 1 h in solutions containing 10 ppm of Diuron® using various electrolytes (Na2SO4, Na2CO3, NaNO3, NaCl). The highest superficial area and oxygen evolution onset potential, the longest service lifetime, and considerable Diuron® degradation rates in all electrolytes were obtained for (SnO2)93Sb5Ce2 (32%). However, it is essential to highlight the outstanding service lifetime presented by (SnO2)93Sb5Bi2 (46.32 h), overcoming the results for (SnO2)93Sb5Ce2 by over 50-fold. This behavior is associated with the peculiar nanoflower star-like surface organization seen in the scanning electron microscopy images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new C-geranyl flavonoids, paulownione D-G (1–4) were isolated from the 50% acetone-H2O extract of the flowers of Paulownia fortunei. The structures of the compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). All of the compounds (1–4) exhibited potent protection effects in H9c2 cardiocytes against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the successful synthesis of Zn0.5Ni0.5AlFeO4 magnetic nanoparticles applying tragacanth gel through the sol-gel technique, as an environmentally-friendly, economical and simple method for the first time. The prepared magnetic nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Based on the XRD result, the conformation of single phase cubic spinel structure with the average crystallite size of 10 nm was confirmed. The VSM result exhibited that the nanoparticles have the saturation magnetization of 33.82 emu/g and coercive field of 56 Oe. The organic dye degradation of reactive blue 21 (RB21) was specified utilizing the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles under visible light irradiation. The toxicity of the by-products derived from dye degradation was studied using phytotoxicity test and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the catalyst was measured with changing factors including photocatalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, pH, and contact time. The results presented that Zn0.5Ni0.5AlFeO4 MNPs could degrade 94% of the reactive blue 21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aimed to refine the operational parameters of the Fenton process, to compare Fenton-treated and non-treated leachate with respect to physicochemical variables and toxicity towards Daphnia magna, and to characterize the sludge. The optimal conditions for the Fenton treatment involved the use of a reagent containing 12 g Fe2+ L−1, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio of 9 and pH 2.0, with oxidation, flocculation and sedimentation times of 30, 10 and 15 min, respectively. Under these conditions, the values of the majority of parameters, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved organic carbon, true color (TC), carbohydrates, proteins, phosphorus, total solids, total volatile solids, dissolved volatile solids, Kjeldahl nitrogen, N-NH3 and iron, were reduced significantly after treatment. However, sludge production rate remained somewhat high (98 kg m−3 of treated leachate), although the specific resistance to filtration of the sludge was moderate (12 × 109 cm g−1). While the Fenton process achieved a satisfactory removal of COD (87%) and TC (91%), the treated leachate contained organic compounds that were resistant to oxidation and remained toxic towards D. magna. Hence we conclude that the Fenton process alone is not appropriate for treatment of leachate, because it could negatively affect the ecosystem in receiving water bodies, but it could represent a viable alternative for the pretreatment of landfill leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to synthesise TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in pure rutile structure at moderate temperature without calcination and use them as the catalyst for alachlor removal under UV-C radiation. The crystal structure, composition, and particle size of the synthesised TiO2 NPs were analysed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD spectra revealed the production of pure rutile TiO2. The individual and interactive effects of initial alachlor concentration (15–75 mg/L), TiO2 concentration (25–125 mg/L), pH (3–11), temperature (20–40 °C) and reaction time (15–75 min) on alachlor removal were investigated using the central composite design model based on the response surface methodology for experimental design, modelling and process optimization. The analysis of variance and multiple linear regression showed a good fit of the experimental data to the second-order polynomial model, with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.8176 and a model F-value of 19.55975, implying that the model was significant. The results showed that decrease in pH and the initial alachlor concentration and increase in TiO2 concentration resulted in an increase in alachlor removal rate. The maximum rate of alachlor removal (98.44%) at optimum conditions occurred at pH = 5, alachlor = 30 mg/L, TiO2=100 mg, temperature = 35 °C and reaction time = 60 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum metal matrix composites with high SiC particle content (SiCp/Al MMCs) was surface metalized with Ti layer by magnetron sputtering technology, and reaction brazing was performed on it by using rapidly cooled Al-12Si-5Mg (wt.%) foil as filler metal. Microstructures and properties of the brazed joints were observed and discussed by secondary electron imaging and shearing test, respectively. The bonding mechanisms of SiC particle/Ti coating layer/filler interfaces were analyzed by the thermodynamic method and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Results show that void-free joint is obtained at 575°C for a soaking time of 30 min, and it achieves a shear strength of 106.4 MPa. In the brazed seam, continuous Mg-O-rich layer (~1 μm thick) indicates that Mg promotes wetting in progress, and 45.54Ti-15.01Al-39.45Si (wt.%) intermetallic layer shows reaction brazing occurred by active Ti action. However, fracture is prior to occur in the intermetallic layer because of its high briteness when the brazed seam is subjected to high load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation on CH2Cl2 extract of the marine sponge Leucetta chagosensis, collected from the South China Sea, afforded two new 5,6-epoxysterols, 5α,6α-epoxycholesta-8(14),22(E)-diene-3β,7α-diol (1) and (24R)-24-ethyl-5α,6α-epoxycholesta-8(14),22(E)-diene-3β,7α-diol (2) along with ten known related steroid analogs (3–12). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic analyses, and comparison with the literature. All isolates were tested for cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines only known compounds 11 and 12 exhibited notable cytotoxic activity against A549 (IC50: 3.0 and 5.6 μM), PC9 (2.0 and 15.6 μM), and MCF-7 (9.4 and 11.8 μM) cell lines, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill leachate was pretreated by chemical flocculation with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) as a flocculant, and subsequently purified by the microelectrolysis-Fenton (MEF) process. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the MEF process, and the optimal conditions were initial pH 3.20, H2O2 concentration 3.57 g/L, and Fe-C dosage 104.52 g/L. The PAC coagulation combined with MEF processes obtained a superior decontamination performance, and the predicted chemical oxygen demand (COD) and humic acids (HA) removal were respectively 90.27% and 93.79%. The strong fluorescence peak at 425 nm and the trapping experiment showed that was generated during MEF, which had a strong oxidation ability to degrade organic recalcitrant pollutants. The ultraviolet–visible spectra and three-dimensional excitation–emission matrices spectra (3D-EEMs) indicated that PAC coagulation could preferentially remove protein-like substances, while the MEF process was effective in destructing organic recalcitrant pollutants, especially humic-like and fulvic-like substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the salinisation characteristics of a semi-arid river network in northern China and highlight the influencing factors and risks. The Ziya River Basin, a typical semi-arid river network located in the North China Plain, is studied herein. Overlying water, surface sediment and riparian soil samples were collected in July and December of 2014 in the Ziya River Basin. The results showed that the average concentrations of salt content in the overlying water and surface sediment of 10 rivers in the Ziya River Basin were 1105.64 and 2159.35 mg/L, respectively. High level of salinisation was found in most rivers not only in overlying water, but also in surface sediment. The impact of the salinisation of overlying water on riparian soil diminished with distance away from the shore and had no impact beyond 15 m from the shore. Heavy pollution can contribute greatly to the salinisation of the water column and can cause significant impacts on river sediment and riparian soil. Salinisation in the overlying water affects the sediment and riparian soil, and reveals that the high risk of salinisation in the Ziya River Basin has been underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three coordination compounds of formula {M(bmim)2Cl2} were synthetised (M = Co, Zn, and Hg) and fully characterised. Each complex incorporates 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole (bmim) as ligand. The coordination polyhedron around the metal center for all complexes has a quasi-regular tetragonal geometry. Density functional theory calculations were carried out on the title compounds and as well on hypothetical complexes (Cu, Ni), in order to elucidate their electronic and molecular structure. The calculations reproduced the Co, Zn, and Hg experimental structures and could predict stable complexes in the case of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions. The carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitory effects of the three complexes were investigated. Only compound {Hg(bmim)2Cl2} (3) exhibited a modest inhibitory effect against hCA I, probably due to the affinity of Hg(II) for His residues at the entrance of the active site cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new sesqui-neolignan compound, namely, sesqui-illisimonan A (1), one new neolignan, illisimonan A (2), and one new phenylpropanoid compound, illisimoid A (3) were isolated from the fruits of Illicium simonsii Maxim. The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic, including NMR, circular dichroism and calculated electronic circular dichroism methods. The antioxidant activities of compounds 1-3 were also evaluated. Vitamin E was selected as the positive control (IC50 = 49.73 ± 0.88 μM). Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 55.76 ± 1.30 and 59.36 ± 0.50 μM, respectively. However, the compound 3 didn’t show obvious antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore potential ecological hazards due to heavy metals in the Dianchi Lake Watershed, a three-stage European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure was applied to examine the spatial distributions and relative speciation ratios of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cr in Baoxiang River sediments during wet and dry seasons. The metal species have similar spatial variations during different seasons. In the upstream reaches of the Baoxiang River, heavy metals reside primarily in the non-extractable residual fraction (72-90%). In the midstream, the residual fraction (35-89%) remains dominant, but the extractable fraction increases, featuring especially notable increases in the reducible fraction (5-40%). Downstream, the Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cr residual fractions remain high (46-80%) and the extractable fractions increase rapidly; the Zn extractable fraction is quite high (65.5%). Anthropogenic sources drive changes in heavy metal speciation. Changes in the river environment, such as pH and oxidation-reduction potential, also affect speciation. The reducible fraction of heavy metals in Baoxiang River sediments is most sensitive to pH. Potential ecological risk assessments for these five elements indicate that risks from Zn and Pb are mild to moderate in the middle and lower reaches of the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sesquiterpene kalinturoside A (1), and 17 known compounds friedelan-3-ol (2), 24-ethyl-5a-cholesta-7, 22(E)-dien-3-one (3), friedelin (4), syringaresinol (5), α-spinasterol (6), ciwujiatone (7), syringic acid (8), scopoletin (9), apocynin (10), 1-(3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (11), apigenin (12), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (13), stigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucopy-ranoside (14), bidenoside C (15), citrusin (16), irioresinol A (17) and syringaresinol-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (18) were isolated from the herbs of Kalimeris integrifolia. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and MS. All of the compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) has been an effective technology for thein situchemical oxidation (ISCO) of many organic compounds including chlorinated alkanes and alkenes, but it has rarely been applied for oxidizing aromatic organochlorines. This study confirms the ability of permanganate to oxidize an aromatic chlorinated compound, pentachlorophenol (PCP), in an efficient manner at neutral pH. The rate of the reaction between KMnO4and PCP was calculated and the results indicated that the reaction between PCP and permanganate is relatively fast with a second-order rate constantk″ ∼ 30 M−1 s−1. Besides the kinetic aspect, the authors identified the main reaction by-products, and proposed a possible reaction mechanism scheme. The general pathway shows the formation of chlorinated intermediates, and ultimately, the complete mineralization to chloride, water, and CO2confirmed by total organic carbon and chloride measurement in solution. Flow-through column experiments, consisting of flushing a PCP-contaminated sandy or natural soil with oxidant, showed the good ability of permanganate to eliminate the pollutant. After 24 h of treatment, 77% and 56% of PCP abatement were obtained for sandy and natural soil, respectively. These findings show the high potential of permanganate for thein situremediation of aromatic organochlorine contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes the synthesis and characterisation of a magnetic crosslinked starch-graft-poly(acrylamide)-co-sodium xanthate (M-CSAX) nanocomposite based on magnetic starch (MCS), acrylamide (AM) and sodium xanthate that underwent heavy metal ions removal in response to an external magnetic field. The material was prepared using magnetic particle Fe3O4nanoflakes (NFs) together with vinylated starch and poly(acrylamide)-co-sodium xanthate via an ultrasound-assisted radical crosslinking/polymerisation reaction. MCS was synthesised by a direct compounding method using Fe3O4NFs as nuclear and vinylated starch as shell. The obtained M-CSAX has a saturation magnetisation value of 19.21 emu·g−1. Flocculation experiment results showed that the composites have functions of removing both turbidity and heavy metal ions from aqueous solution, and can adsorb 78.3% of Pb2+and 63% of Cu2+from the corresponding salt solutions. The findings of the present work highlight the potential for using M-CSAX as an effective and recyclable adsorbent for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (BiO)2CO3(BSC) nanostructures were synthesised by a hydrothermal reaction, and Bi2O3nanoparticles were then obtained by calcining BSC precursor at different temperatures. BSC and Bi2O3samples were then sputtering coated with Au to get the resultant Au/BSC and Au/Bi2O3for the investigation of the effect of the Au coating on the photocatalytic performance of the samples. The phase structure, morphology and composition of the samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra were used to measure the response of different catalysts to UV–vis light. The photocatalytic activity was investigated for the degradation of rhodamine 6G at room temperature and the light intensity was 1 sun. Bi2O3exhibited better photocatalytic performance than BSC due to the narrow band gap of Bi2O3, and the coating of Au also endowed the samples with higher photocatalytic capability as compared to the bare one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovativetreatment technology based on sulphate radicals induced oxidation was applied for the treatment of landfill leachate. The performance of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal in the Fe2+-activated persulphate system was moderate; however, the results of dissolved nitrogen (DN) and total phenols removal showed significant efficacy (≤39% and ≥87%, respectively).addition to thesystem enhanced the treatment efficacy and resulted in supplementary 15% of COD and 5% of DN removal. Hydroxyl radical-based H2O2/Fe2+treatment of the landfill leachate was performed as well; the results indicated higher removal efficacy of COD and DOC compared to thesystem. However, practical application of the H2O2/Fe2+system is considerably influenced by temperature rise and excessive foam formation. Generally, the ferrous ion-activated persulphate treatment could be a promising technology forex situas well asin situlandfill leachate treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, we report the manganese peroxdase production ability from a Fusarium sp. strain using an inexpensive medium of agriculture residues of either rice straw or wood chips as carbon source. The highest manganese peroxidase activity on rice straw medium and on wood chips was 1.76 U/mL by day 9 and 1.91 U/mL by day 12, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The thiamin is often used in the treatment of neuropathy, and pregabalin is often used to treat neuropathic pain. Our study examined the influence of thiamin on the efficacy of pregabalin in a rat model of spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups. The neuropathic pain-relieving properties were measured by plantar test, cold plate test, and hot plate test after administration of pregabalin (i.v) and/or thiamin (i.p) in SNL rats 14 days after operation. Results: In the therapy period, pregabalin, or thiamin alone all produced antinociceptive effects in rats with neuropathic pain. And combination treatment of thiamin and pregabalin resulted in an enhanced pain relief compared to the administration of pregabalin or thiamin alone. Conclusion: Combination of thiamin and pregabalin produces an additive antinociceptive effect in neuropathic pain rats, this drug combination may offer a beneficial treatment option for neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based sorbents have been proven to be cost-effective in removing pollutants from wastewater. Biochar from plant residue and agricultural waste is an emerging treatment technology. However, there is a limited number of studies on the effects of various biochar sources on metal adsorption. The aim of this study was using batch experiment to evaluate the adsorption of heavy metals in single- and multi-metal conditions onto pepper stem biochar. The maximum adsorption capacities (mg g−1) of metals by pepper stem biochar were in the order of Pb (131) ≫ Cr (76) > Cd (67) > Cu (48) > Zn (31) in the single-metal adsorption isotherm and Pb (91) ≫ Cu (39) > Cr (29) > Zn (20) > Cd (13) in the multi-metal adsorption isotherm. Lead was the most retained cation, whereas Cr and Cd could be easily exchanged and substituted by other metals (Pb or Cu). For pepper stem biochar, the Langmuir model provided a slightly better fit than the Freundlich model. Results from the batch experiments show that competitive adsorption among metals increases the mobility of these metals. Particularly, Cd adsorption capacity in multi-metal conditions was significantly reduced. Overall, the results suggested that competitive adsorption studies are necessary for obtaining an accurate estimation of the metal retention capacity of pepper stem biochar in natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Neuropathies often accompany vitamin B12 deficiency. Since many neuropathies are linked to oxidative stress and since B12 has both antioxidant and neurotrophic properties, B12 may also be effective treatment in non-deficient subjects. Thus, the characteristics and predictors of B12-responsive neuropathies and their relationship to disorders associated with increased oxidative stress (oxidant risks) were examined. Methods: Retrospective review of 78 subjects with neurological abnormalities treated with B12 and evaluated by the measurement of B12 and the B12-dependent metabolites, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine. Results: Sixty-five subjects had neurological improvement (83%), including 35 with other known causes of neuropathy. Only two responders had B12-responsive macrocytosis. Pretherapy B12, MMA, and homocysteine values were normal in 72, 33 and 54% of responders, with all three normal in 23%. Moreover, B12 therapy did not significantly decrease elevated MMA and homocysteine levels in 20 and 37%, respectively, of responders tested but did decrease both metabolites in 75% of evaluable nonresponders. At least one oxidant risk was present in 41 of the 46 responders with normal B12 levels (89%). Oral therapy was effective, but parenteral B12 improved responses in four subjects. Discussion: B12-responsive neuropathies are thus (1) common even when confounding disorders are present; (2) dissociated from the presence of hematological abnormalities; (3) dissociated from the presence of B12-responsive metabolical abnormalities; and (4) associated with the presence of oxidant risks when B12 levels are normal. Since no predictors of responses to B12 therapy were identified, empiric trials with parenteral B12 should be considered in appropriate subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]