Human herpesvirus-6 viral load and antibody titer in serum samples of patients with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundDespite the number of cases with definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) being on increase, the role of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection as a trigger for MS disease still is deliberated. Based on antibody detection and quantitative HHV-6 polymerase chain reaction assay, this study was achieved to find out the possible association between infection with HHV-6 and clinical progression of MS disease.MethodsA total of 108 serum samples were obtained from 30 MS patients followed prospectively for a 6-month period. These samples were analyzed for the presence of HHV-6 DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for anti-HHV-6 IgG titer. Activation of the disease was determined by either magnetic resonance imaging or by clinical status of the patients. Control groups were also included.ResultsThe average antibody index for the MS patients in the first sample collection was higher than both control groups (p = 0.001). HHV-6 DNA was detected in the serum samples of 10 of 30 MS patients. The mean HHV-6 viral load in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) with and without relapse was 973 and 714, respectively. Seven patients showed an exacerbation during the study period. Of those, four patients had HHV-6 DNA in their collected samples. The prevalence of HHV-6 DNA was significantly higher in patients with MS as compared with control groups (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe results indicate that HHV-6 is implicated somehow in MS disease. Over time, rising HHV-6 IgG antibody titers together with an exacerbation and detection of HHV-6 DNA in serum samples of some MS patients suggests possible association between the reactivation of the virus and disease progression

Mixed matrix membranes based on 6FDA polyimide with silica and zeolite microsphere dispersed phases

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) prepared with 6FDA-DAM polymer using ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41 spheres (MSSs), Grignard surface functionalized MSSs (Mg-MSSs) and hollow zeolite spheres are studied to evaluate the effects of surface modification on performance. Performance near or above the so-called permeability-selectivity trade-off curve was achieved for the H2/CH4, CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and O2/N2 systems. Two loadings (8 wt % and 16 wt %) of MSSs were tested using both constant volume and Wicke-Kallenbach sweep gas permeation systems. Besides single gas H2, CO2, O2, N2, and CH4 tests, mixed gas (50/50 vol %) selectivities were obtained for H2/CH4, CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and O2/N2 and found to show enhancements vs. single gases for CO2 including cases. Mg-MSS/6FDA-DAM was the best performing MMM with H2/CH4, CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and O2/N2 separation selectivities of 21.8 (794 Barrer of H2), 24.4 (1214 Barrer of CO2), 31.5 (1245 Barrer of CO2), and 4.3 (178 Barrer of O2), respectively

Metal-organic framework based mixed matrix membranes: a solution for highly efficient CO2 capture?

The field of metal-organic framework based mixed matrix membranes (M(4)s) is critically reviewed, with special emphasis on their application in CO2 capture during energy generation. After introducing the most relevant parameters affecting membrane performance, we define targets in terms of selectivity and productivity based on existing literature on process design for pre- and post-combustion CO2 capture. Subsequently, the state of the art in M(4)s is reviewed against these targets. Because final application of these membranes will only be possible if thin separation layers can be produced, the latest advances in the manufacture of M-4 hollow fibers are discussed. Finally, the recent efforts in understanding the separation performance of these complex composite materials and future research directions are outlined.European Commission FP7 608490 ERC 33574