Modulated Self-Assembly of Catalytically Active Metal–Organic Nanosheets Containing Zr6 Clusters and Dicarboxylate Ligands

Two-dimensional metal–organic nanosheets (MONs) have emerged as attractive alternatives to their three-dimensional metal–organic framework (MOF) counterparts for heterogeneous catalysis due to their greater external surface areas and higher accessibility of catalytically active sites. Zr MONs are particularly prized because of their chemical stability and high Lewis and Brønsted acidities of the Zr clusters. Herein, we show that careful control over modulated self-assembly and exfoliation conditions allows the isolation of the first example of a two-dimensional nanosheet wherein Zr6 clusters are linked by dicarboxylate ligands. The hxl topology MOF, termed GUF-14 (GUF = Glasgow University Framework), can be exfoliated into monolayer thickness hns topology MONs, and acid-induced removal of capping modulator units yields MONs with enhanced catalytic activity toward the formation of imines and the hydrolysis of an organophosphate nerve agent mimic. The discovery of GUF-14 serves as a valuable example of the undiscovered MOF/MON structural diversity extant in established metal–ligand systems that can be accessed by harnessing the power of modulated self-assembly protocols

Modulated self-assembly of hcp topology MOFs of Zr/Hf and the rxtended 4,4′-(Ethyne–1,2–diyl)dibenzoate linker

Careful control of synthetic conditions can enhance the structural diversity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) within individual metal-linker combinations. Herein, we show that hcp topology MOFs of both Zr(IV) and Hf(IV), linked by the extended (ethyne–1,2–diyl)dibenzoate linker, can be prepared by modulated self-assembly. The controlled addition of acetic acid and water to solvothermal syntheses is essential to generate these phase pure hcp topology materials, which are characterised experimentally and computationally. The central alkyne unit of the linker can be quantitatively brominated, but this results in partial degradation of the hcp phase, in contrast to the more stable fcu topology analogues. Nevertheless, the MOFs represent new members of the hcp topology isoreticular series showing high crystallinity and porosity, and demonstrate that new materials can be discovered in existing MOF phase spaces through judicious adjustment of key synthetic parameters

Mutations in DEPDC5 cause familial focal epilepsy with variable foci

<p>The majority of epilepsies are focal in origin, with seizures emanating from one brain region. Although focal epilepsies often arise from structural brain lesions, many affected individuals have normal brain imaging. The etiology is unknown in the majority of individuals, although genetic factors are increasingly recognized. Autosomal dominant familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) is notable because family members have seizures originating from different cortical regions(1). Using exome sequencing, we detected DEPDC5 mutations in two affected families. We subsequently identified mutations in five of six additional published large families with FFEVF. Study of families with focal epilepsy that were too small for conventional clinical diagnosis with FFEVF identified DEPDC5 mutations in approximately 12% of families (10/82). This high frequency establishes DEPDC5 mutations as a common cause of familial focal epilepsies. Shared homology with G protein signaling molecules and localization in human neurons suggest a role of DEPDC5 in neuronal signal transduction.</p>

Ventilation and outcomes following robotic-assisted abdominal surgery : an international, multicentre observational study

Background: International data on the epidemiology, ventilation practice, and outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) are lacking. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and to describe ventilator management after abdominal RAS. Methods: This was an international, multicentre, prospective study in 34 centres in nine countries. Patients >= 18 yr of age undergoing abdominal RAS were enrolled between April 2017 and March 2019. The Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) score was used to stratify for higher risk of PPCs (>= 26). The primary outcome was the incidence of PPCs. Secondary endpoints included the preoperative risk for PPCs and ventilator management. Results: Of 1167 subjects screened, 905 abdominal RAS patients were included. Overall, 590 (65.2%) patients were at increased risk for PPCs. Meanwhile, 172 (19%) patients sustained PPCs, which occurred more frequently in 132 (22.4%) patients at increased risk, compared with 40 (12.7%) patients at lower risk of PPCs (absolute risk difference: 12.2% [95% confidence intervals (CI), 6.8-17.6%]; P<0.001). Plateau and driving pressures were higher in patients at increased risk, compared with patients at low risk of PPCs, but no ventilatory variables were independently associated with increased occurrence of PPCs. Development of PPCs was associated with a longer hospital stay. Conclusions: One in five patients developed one or more PPCs (chiefly unplanned oxygen requirement), which was associated with a longer hospital stay. No ventilatory variables were independently associated with PPCs