Improved functionalization of oleic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can providemultiple benefits for biomedical applications in aqueous environments such asmagnetic separation or magnetic resonance imaging. To increase the colloidal stability and allow subsequent reactions, the introduction of hydrophilic functional groups onto the particles’ surface is essential. During this process, the original coating is exchanged by preferably covalently bonded ligands such as trialkoxysilanes. The duration of the silane exchange reaction, which commonly takes more than 24 h, is an important drawback for this approach. In this paper, we present a novel method, which introduces ultrasonication as an energy source to dramatically accelerate this process, resulting in high-quality waterdispersible nanoparticles around 10 nmin size. To prove the generic character, different functional groups were introduced on the surface including polyethylene glycol chains, carboxylic acid, amine, and thiol groups. Their colloidal stability in various aqueous buffer solutions as well as human plasma and serum was investigated to allow implementation in biomedical and sensing applications.status: publishe

Effect of aliskiren on post-discharge outcomes among diabetic and non-diabetic patients hospitalized for heart failure: insights from the ASTRONAUT trial

Aims The objective of the Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT) was to determine whether aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, would improve post-discharge outcomes in patients with hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) with reduced ejection fraction. Pre-specified subgroup analyses suggested potential heterogeneity in post-discharge outcomes with aliskiren in patients with and without baseline diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods and results ASTRONAUT included 953 patients without DM (aliskiren 489; placebo 464) and 662 patients with DM (aliskiren 319; placebo 343) (as reported by study investigators). Study endpoints included the first occurrence of cardiovascular death or HHF within 6 and 12 months, all-cause death within 6 and 12 months, and change from baseline in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at 1, 6, and 12 months. Data regarding risk of hyperkalaemia, renal impairment, and hypotension, and changes in additional serum biomarkers were collected. The effect of aliskiren on cardiovascular death or HHF within 6 months (primary endpoint) did not significantly differ by baseline DM status (P = 0.08 for interaction), but reached statistical significance at 12 months (non-DM: HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.64-0.99; DM: HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.91-1.47; P = 0.03 for interaction). Risk of 12-month all-cause death with aliskiren significantly differed by the presence of baseline DM (non-DM: HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94; DM: HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.15-2.33; P < 0.01 for interaction). Among non-diabetics, aliskiren significantly reduced NT-proBNP through 6 months and plasma troponin I and aldosterone through 12 months, as compared to placebo. Among diabetic patients, aliskiren reduced plasma troponin I and aldosterone relative to placebo through 1 month only. There was a trend towards differing risk of post-baseline potassium ≥6 mmol/L with aliskiren by underlying DM status (non-DM: HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.71-1.93; DM: HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.30-4.42; P = 0.07 for interaction). Conclusion This pre-specified subgroup analysis from the ASTRONAUT trial generates the hypothesis that the addition of aliskiren to standard HHF therapy in non-diabetic patients is generally well-tolerated and improves post-discharge outcomes and biomarker profiles. In contrast, diabetic patients receiving aliskiren appear to have worse post-discharge outcomes. Future prospective investigations are needed to confirm potential benefits of renin inhibition in a large cohort of HHF patients without D

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure &lt; 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt; 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

Adsorption of N,N,N&prime;,N&prime;-Tetraoctyl Diglycolamide on Hypercrosslinked Polysterene from a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Medium

The work considers for the first time the preparation of sorbents based on hypercrosslinked polysterene (HCP) and chelating agent N,N,N&prime;,N&prime;-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) by impregnation in the supercritical (SC) CO2 medium. Such sorbents can be applied for further isolation and separation of lanthanides, actinides and other metals. They are usually prepared by impregnation in toxic organic solvents (e.g., methanol, dichloromethane). Our study shows that application of SC CO2 instead of organic solvents can significantly speed up the impregnation, perfom it in one stage and make the process more eco-friendly. At the same time, the obtained sorbents are close in their parameters to the classical ones. This article presents the results of measuring the TODGA adsorption isotherms on two HCP sorbents (MN202 and MN270) on a wide range of SC fluid parameters. Adsorption measurements were carried out using on-line supercritical fluid chromatography and gravimetry. Based on the sorption capacity parameter, MN202 sorbent was selected as the better carrier for TODGA. An impregnation temperature increase within the range 313&ndash;343 K in isochoric conditions (&rho; = 0.780 g/mL) reduces the maximum of TODGA adsorption from ~0.68 mmol/g to ~0.49 mmol/g

Adsorption of N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyl Diglycolamide on Hypercrosslinked Polysterene from a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Medium

The work considers for the first time the preparation of sorbents based on hypercrosslinked polysterene (HCP) and chelating agent N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) by impregnation in the supercritical (SC) CO2 medium. Such sorbents can be applied for further isolation and separation of lanthanides, actinides and other metals. They are usually prepared by impregnation in toxic organic solvents (e.g., methanol, dichloromethane). Our study shows that application of SC CO2 instead of organic solvents can significantly speed up the impregnation, perfom it in one stage and make the process more eco-friendly. At the same time, the obtained sorbents are close in their parameters to the classical ones. This article presents the results of measuring the TODGA adsorption isotherms on two HCP sorbents (MN202 and MN270) on a wide range of SC fluid parameters. Adsorption measurements were carried out using on-line supercritical fluid chromatography and gravimetry. Based on the sorption capacity parameter, MN202 sorbent was selected as the better carrier for TODGA. An impregnation temperature increase within the range 313–343 K in isochoric conditions (ρ = 0.780 g/mL) reduces the maximum of TODGA adsorption from ~0.68 mmol/g to ~0.49 mmol/g.</jats:p

Дослідження спроможності почергової термічної нейтралізації відходів ракетного палива в одному агрегаті

In the article it is suggested to consider possibility of application of aggregates of thermal neutralization of components of rocket fuel for rendering of industrial hazwastes harmless. Advantages of aggregates of thermal neutralization are examined, principle of work of aggregates is described, and around to the example of high boiling, toxic components of rocket fuel chemical reactions that take place in the chamber of incineration are brought. A chamber of incineration is component part of aggregate, exactly in the chamber of incineration there is a process of elimination of hazardous substances in the environment of the created high temperatures. Taking into account the high cost of aggregates of neutralization, that will be a factor impedimental to widespread introduction of aggregates for the decline of the technogenic loading on ecology of Ukraine, the variant of reduction of expenses is offered at the use of aggregates of thermal neutralization by the association of function of aggregate of neutralization of oxidant and aggregate of neutralization of fuel in a single, universal aggregate. The article grounds actuality and necessity of works on creation of universal aggregate of thermal neutralization from the point of view of economic and ecological aspects. In the article technology and methodology of research tests of pre-production models of knots of serve of steams and hazwastes of high boiling components of rocket fuel are large-sized described in the aggregate of neutralization. The knots of serve of steams and hazwastes of high boiling components of rocket fuel are examined, as the most critical component parts of universal aggregate of neutralization from the point of view of changing of the neutralized substance. Tests carried out on water solutions of components of rocket fuel, which in this case, imitated the contact of internal cavities of knots of serve with aggressive, toxic environments. Terms at that there was probability of co-operation of bits and pieces of component of rocket fuel in stagnant zones in the moment of changing of the given component were created. Within the framework of the conducted research tests of pre-production models were considered and analyzed the got results. Conclusions over, confirmative possibility of application of single knots of serve practically, are brought.В статье рассматривается возможность применения агрегатов термической нейтрализации компонентов ракетного топлива для обезвреживания опасных промышленных отходов. Рассматриваются преимущества агрегатов термической нейтрализации, описывается принцип работы агрегатов, на примере высококипящих, токсичных компонентов ракетного топлива приводятся химические реакции, которые происходят в камере сжигания. Камера сжигания является составной частью агрегата, именно в камере сжигания в среде создаваемых высоких температур происходит процесс уничтожения опасных веществ. Учитывая высокую стоимость агрегатов нейтрализации, что будет являться фактором препятствующим широкомасштабному внедрению агрегатов для снижения техногенной нагрузки на экологию Украины, предлагается вариант сокращения затрат при использовании агрегатов термической нейтрализации путем объединения функции агрегата нейтрализации окислителя и агрегата нейтрализации горючего в едином, универсальном агрегате. Статья обосновывает актуальность и необходимость работ по созданию универсального агрегата термической нейтрализации с точки зрения экономических и экологических аспектов. В статье укрупненно описывается технология и методика исследовательских испытаний опытных образцов узлов подачи паров и промстоков высококипящих компонентов ракетного топлива в агрегат нейтрализации. Узлы подачи паров и промстоков высококипящих компонентов ракетного топлива рассматриваются, как наиболее критичные составные части универсального агрегата нейтрализации с точки зрения смены нейтрализуемого вещества. Опыты проводились на водных растворах компонентов ракетного топлива, которые в данном случае, имитировали контакт внутренних полостей узлов подачи с агрессивными, токсичными средами. Создавались условия, при которых существовала вероятность взаимодействия остатков компонента ракетного топлива в застойных зонах в момент смены подаваемого компонента. В рамках проведенных исследовательских испытаний опытных образцов были рассмотрены и проанализированы полученные результаты. Приводятся выводы, подтверждающие практически возможность применения единых узлов подачи.У статті розглянуто можливість застосування агрегатів термічної нейтралізації компонентів ракетного палива для знешкодження небезпечних промислових відходів. Наведено переваги агрегатів термічної нейтралізації, описано принцип роботи агрегатів на прикладі висококиплячих, токсичних компонентів ракетного палива, наведено хімічні реакції, що відбуваються у камері спалювання. Камера спалювання є складовою частиною агрегату, саме у ній у середовищі створюваних високих температур відбувається процес знищення небезпечних речовин. Враховуючи високу вартість агрегатів нейтралізації, що буде чинником, який перешкоджає впровадженню агрегатів для зниження техногенного навантаження на екологію України, пропонується варіант скорочення витрат при використанні агрегатів термічної нейтралізації шляхом об'єднання функції агрегату нейтралізації окисника й агрегату нейтралізації пального в єдиному, універсальному агрегаті. Обґрунтовано актуальність і необхідність робіт зі створення універсального агрегату термічної нейтралізації з точки зору економічних і екологічних аспектів. У статті загалом описано технологію і методику дослідницьких випробувань дослідних зразків вузлів подання пари і промстоков висококиплячих компонентів ракетного палива в агрегат нейтралізації. Вузли подання пари і промстоков висококиплячих компонентів ракетного палива розглядаються, як найбільш критичні складові частини універсального агрегату нейтралізації з точки зору зміни речовини, що нейтралізується. Досліди проводилися на водних розчинах компонентів ракетного палива, які в даному випадку, імітували контакт внутрішніх порожнин вузлів подання з агресивними, токсичними середовищами. Були створені умови, при яких існувала вірогідність взаємодії залишків компонента ракетного палива в застійних зонах у момент зміни компонента палива. У рамках проведених дослідницьких випробувань дослідних зразків були розглянуті та проаналізовані отримані результати. Наведено висновки, що підтверджують практичну можливість застосування єдиних вузлів подання

Shizan ketsuga /

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Viscosity Measurement of CO2&ndash;Solvent Mixtures for the Study of the Morphology and Size of Crystalline Particles Obtained Using Supercritical Antisolvent Precipitation

The viscosity values of CO2&ndash;dimethylphormamide, chloroform, methanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide mixtures were measured at a pressure of 150 bar and a temperature of 313 K. The correlation of the mean size of levofloxacin hydrochloride and malonic acid particles precipitated using the SAS method with the viscosity of the used CO2&ndash;solvent mixtures is shown. The high viscosity of the mixtures leads to slower mixing of the solution and the antisolvent. Therefore, crystallization occurs at large fractions of the solvent, and as a consequence at a lower supersaturation. This causes the formation of larger particles when using more viscous solvents in SAS