Synthesis and characterization of MgAl2O4 spinel precursor sol prepared by inorganic salts

Magnesium aluminate (MgAl₂O₄) spinel precursor sol was prepared using aluminum nitrate and magnesium nitrate as the precursors for alumina and magnesia, respectively. The obtained sol owned a translucent, homogenous, and stable appearance with a density of 1.19 g/cm³, and at the temperatures above 60 °C, converted to a soft and clear gel. The measured pH of sol was in the range of 3–4, and at the calcination temperature of 1000 °C, the solid content of 6% was reached. TGA/DSC analysis was utilized to study the thermal behavior of the sol. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied to recognize the existing bounds in the dried and calcined sol. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the formation of single-phase MgAl₂O₄ up to 600 °C. According to the FESEM images, the grain size for the sol calcined at 1000 °C was estimated at around 50 nm.     

Foam Cells as Therapeutic Targets in Atherosclerosis with a Focus on the Regulatory Roles of Non-Coding RNAs

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of human cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality around the world. Various physiological and pathological processes are involved, including chronic inflammation, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, development of an environment characterized by oxidative stress and improper immune responses. Accordingly, the expansion of novel targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis is necessary. In this study, we focus on the role of foam cells in the development of atherosclerosis. The specific therapeutic goals associated with each stage in the formation of foam cells and the development of atherosclerosis will be considered. Processing and metabolism of cholesterol in the macrophage is one of the main steps in foam cell formation. Cholesterol processing involves lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification and cholesterol efflux, which ultimately leads to cholesterol equilibrium in the macrophage. Recently, many preclinical studies have appeared concerning the role of non-encoding RNAs in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Non-encoding RNAs, especially microRNAs, are considered regulators of lipid metabolism by affecting the expression of genes involved in the uptake (e.g., CD36 and LOX1) esterification (ACAT1) and efflux (ABCA1, ABCG1) of cholesterol. They are also able to regulate inflammatory pathways, produce cytokines and mediate foam cell apoptosis. We have reviewed important preclinical evidence of their therapeutic targeting in atherosclerosis, with a special focus on foam cell formation.     

Design and planning for accessibility: lessons from Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s neighborhoods

Journal of Housing and the Built Environment - Although Abu Dhabi and Dubai have similar political and planning systems, the two cities’ neighborhoods feature different morphological layouts....     

Improved gas transport properties of polyurethane–urea membranes through incorporating a cadmium-based metal organic framework

The increasing need for more efficient separation processes has motivated the development of polymer membranes that can provide fast and selective transport. In this work, cadmium-based metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles and a polyurethane–urea (PUU) elastomer were synthesized. New mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were then fabricated from the nanoparticles and the PUU. SEM images verified that embedding the nanoparticles changes the morphology of the PUU and the nanoparticles disperse well in the PUU due to satisfactory compatibility of the polymer and nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the soft segment of the PUU. With increased temperature, gas permeabilities of the MMMs improved but their sieving ability deteriorated. An MMM incorporating 2.5 wt % of the MOF showed a CO₂ permeability of ~140 barrer and a CO₂/N₂ selectivity of ~30, which are 89 and 38% higher than those of the pristine membrane. Gas permeation tests showed that the higher CO₂/N₂ selectivity of the MMMs was due to improved solubility selectivity and the higher CO₂ permeability was a result of improved CO₂ diffusivity and solubility coefficients. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 137, 48704.     

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoclay-Based (Na-MMT and Bentonite) Polyacrylamide Hydrogels as Water Shut-Off Agent for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Silicon - A novel poly(acrylamide)/ clay mineral composite was synthesized by controlled radical polymerization of acrylamide, clay minerals using potassium persulfate (KPS) and N,...     

Exosomes as Biomarkers for Female Reproductive Diseases Diagnosis and Therapy

Cell–cell communication is an essential mechanism for the maintenance and development of various organs, including the female reproductive system. Today, it is well-known that the function of the female reproductive system and successful pregnancy are related to appropriate follicular growth, oogenesis, implantation, embryo development, and proper fertilization, dependent on the main regulators of cellular crosstalk, exosomes. During exosome synthesis, selective packaging of different factors into these vesicles happens within the originating cells. Therefore, exosomes contain both genetic and proteomic data that could be applied as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in pregnancy-associated disorders or placental functions. In this context, the present review aims to compile information about the potential exosomes with key molecular cargos that are dysregulated in female reproductive diseases which lead to infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), Asherman syndrome, endometriosis, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and preeclampsia, as well as signaling pathways related to the regulation of the reproductive system and pregnancy outcome during these pathological conditions. This review might help us realize the etiology of reproductive dysfunction and improve the early diagnosis and treatment of the related complications.     

Protection by extracellular glutathione against sulfur mustard induced toxicity in vitro

BACKGROUND: Salmeterol xinafoate is a highly selective beta2-adrenoceptor for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutic properties of a recently introduced, long acting antiasthmatic drug. METHODS: Recent English-language publications were selected using Medline as database. RESULTS: Salmeterol's pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutic properties are reviewed and aspects related to salmeterol's unusual duration of action, its high potency, beta2-selectivity, possible antiinflammatory actions, its interaction with other drugs, low systemic adverse effects, dosage, and administration are also discussed. CONCLUSION: Salmeterol is a safe long-acting beta2-agonist very useful for maintenance treatment of asthma.     

Optimal Management of Solid Waste in Smart Cities using Internet of Things

Wireless Personal Communications - Smart cities are benefiting from Internet of Things (IoT) in optimizing their services. Smart waste management systems can provide substantial savings in time,...     

Visible-light-active silver- , vanadium-codoped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with improved photocatalytic activity

Optimized doped TiO₂ is necessary for efficient visible light harvesting and widening the applications spectrum of TiO₂-based materials. Titanium dioxide doped with silver and/or vanadium has been synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method without post-calcination. Codoping induced visible light absorption while maintaining the photoactive anatase phase along with good crystallinity. Synthesized products are in nanometer range and possess high specific surface area. Having nearly spherical morphology, the particles are distributed and the particle size estimated from TEM observation is in accordance with the XRD results. Spectroscopic investigations reveal that the doped atoms successfully entered the TiO₂ lattice modifying the band structure. The narrowed band gap allows visible light photons for absorption, and the codoped samples displayed enhanced visible light absorption among the synthesized samples. Photodegradation performance evaluated under visible light irradiations showed that silver- , vanadium-codoped TiO₂ have the best visible light photocatalytic activity attributed to stable configuration, high visible light absorption, coupling between silver and vanadium and their optimal doping concentration.