Nitrogen-enriched flexible metal-organic framework for CO2 adsorption.

A novel MOF named [Zn2(L)(DMF)] was synthesized using solvothermal methods from the reaction of the new linker (4,4',4''-(4,4',4''-(benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(methylene))tris(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4,1-diyl))tribenzoic acid) and Zn(NO3)2·6H2O. This new MOF was characterized by means of different techniques: powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, suitable crystals were obtained, which allowed us to perform the X-Ray structure determination of this MOF. The capability of these new MOF to adsorb CO2 at different temperatures was measured and its isosteric enthalpy of adsorption was calculated. The novel MOF shows an uncommon node composed of a Zn3(-COO)6(DMF)2, and the asymmetric unit contains one crystallographically independent linker, one DMF molecule, and two Zn atoms. The [Zn2(L)(DMF)] MOF is a microporous material with high crystallinity and stability up to 250 °C. The multiple nitrogenated pyrazole linkers in its framework enhance its CO2 adsorption capabilities. This material exhibits a low CO2 isosteric enthalpy of adsorption (Hads), comparable to previously reported values for similar nitrogenated materials. All the observed CO2 adsorption capacities were further supported by DFT calculations.

Exploring the potential of Canavalia ensiformis for phytoremediation of B10 biodiesel-contaminated soil: insights on aromatic compound degradation and soil fertility.

The widespread use of petroleum-based fuels poses a significant environmental problem due to the risks associated with accidental spills. Among the treatments available, phytoremediation is increasingly accepted as an effective and low-cost solution. This study aimed to evaluate the degradation of the aromatic fraction of biodiesel B10 and the soil fertility analysis in artificially contaminated soils treated with phytoremediation. The experimental design consisted of a 3x3 factorial, with three types of soil treatment: control, autoclaved, and planted with C. ensiformis L, and three levels of B10 biodiesel contamination: 0, 1, and 2%, to simulate spills of 30,000 and 60,000 L ha-1. The soil was analyzed at three depths: 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm. The results indicated that aromatic compound degradation after phytoremediation was superior to 92,76% and 88,65% for 1% and 2% B10 soil contamination, respectively. The fuel contamination affected soil fertility, reducing the availability of phosphorus and zinc while increasing the Total Organic Carbon (TOC), pH, and the availability of manganese and iron for plants.

Numerous studies have been carried out on the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with diesel. However, the potential impact of biodiesel-diesel blends on soil fertility has not been fully explored, leading to a critical knowledge gap. This work investigates the novel effects of biodiesel-diesel blends on phytoremediation and soil fertility, allowing us to expand our understanding of the effectiveness of this approach to remediate contaminated sites.

Modulation of CO2 adsorption in novel pillar-layered MOFs based on carboxylate-pyrazole flexible linker.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention as sorbents due to their high surface area, tunable pore volume and pore size, coordinatively unsaturated metal sites, and ability to install desired functional groups by post-synthetic modification. Herein, we report three new MOFs with pillar-paddlewheel structures that have been synthesized solvothermally from the mixture of the carboxylate-pyrazole flexible linker (H2L), 4,4-bipyridine (BPY)/triethylenediamine (DABCO), and Zn(ii)/Cu(ii) ions. The MOFs obtained, namely [ZnII(L)BPY], [CuII(L)BPY], and [CuII(L)DABCO], exhibit two-fold interpenetration and dinuclear paddle-wheel nodes. The Zn(ii)/Cu(ii) cations are coordinated by two equatorial L linkers that result in two-dimensional sheets which in turn are pillared by BPY or DABCO in the perpendicular direction to obtain a neutral three-dimensional framework that shows one-dimensional square channels. The three pillar-layered MOFs were characterized as microporous materials showing high crystalline stability after activation at 120 °C and CO2 adsorption. All MOFs contain uncoordinated Lewis basic pyrazole nitrogen atoms in the framework which have an affinity toward CO2 and hence could potentially serve as CO2 adsorption material. The CO2 uptake capacity was initially enhanced by replacing Zn with Cu and then replacing the pillar, going from BPY to DABCO. Overall, all the MOFs exhibit low isosteric heat (Qst) of adsorption which signifies an advantage due to the energy required for the adsorption and regeneration processes.

Descripción de las alteraciones cardiacas por ecocardiografía de los pacientes con acromegalia / Description of cardiac disorders by echocardiography in patients with acromegaly

Objetivo: describir las alteraciones ecocardiográficas de los pacientes con acromegalia del Servicio de Endocrinología del Hospital de San José. Metodología: serie de casos de pacientes que asistieron a la clínica de acromegalia del servicio. Se hizo una descripción de las características clínicas relacionadas con la patología de base y sus comorbilidades. El compromiso cardiaco se documentó mediante la toma de electrocardiograma, evaluando arritmias y la evaluación del QT prolongado. El estudio por ecocardiografía transtorácica identificó la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda, la disfunción valvular, hipertensión pulmonar y el trastorno segmentario de la motilidad ventricular. Resultados: se obtuvo información de 26 pacientes, 69% sexo femenino, 61% mayores de 50 años, con una mediana de evolución de la enfermedad de cinco años. El 92% presentaba macroadenoma, la mayoría de ellos llevados a cirugía. En 21 reportes ecocardiográficos se identificó que 61% de pacientes tenía FEVI mayor a 60% y ninguno de ellos presentó FEVI menor a 45%; 38% de pacientes presentaba hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. La disfunción diastólica fue reportada en 21%, insuficiencia mitral leve en 14%, estenosis aórtica leve en 4%. Se realizaron 24 electrocardiogramas todos con evidencia de ritmo sinusal, extrasístoles ventriculares en 12.5%, sin prolongación del intervalo QT. Conclusión: no se detectó compromiso en la fracción de eyección ni trastornos de motilidad y hubo una baja frecuencia de disfunción diastólica; la hipertrofia ventricular y las alteraciones valvulares fueron menos frecuentes a lo reportado en la literatura y se documentaron extrasístoles ventriculares como única alteración electrocardiográfica. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 30-35).

Objective: to describe echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with acromegaly in the Hospital San José, Endocrinology Service. Methodology: case series of patients who attended the service acromegaly clinic. A description of the clinical features related to the underlying disease and its comorbidities was made. Cardiac involvement was documented by electrocardiogram, evaluating arrhythmias and prolonged QT. The study by transthoracic echocardiography identified left ventricular ejection fraction, valve dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension and ventricular segmental motility disorder. Results: data of 26 patients was obtained. 69% female, 61% over 50 years, with a median disease progression of five years. 92% showed macroadenoma and most of them underwent surgery. In 21 echocardiographic reports 61% of patients had LVEF greater than 60% and none had LVEF less than 45%; 38% of patients had left ventricular hypertrophy. Diastolic dysfunction was reported in 21%, mild mitral insufficiency in 14%, mild aortic stenosis in 4%. 24 electrocardiograms were performed, all with evidence of sinus rhythm, premature ventricular contractions in 12.5% without QT prolongation. Conclusion: no compromise on ejection fraction or motility disorders were detected and there was a low frequency of diastolic dysfunction; ventricular hypertrophy and valvular abnormalities were less frequent than that reported in the literature and ventricular premature beats as a single electrocardiographic abnormality were documented. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 30-35).

Caracterización de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y el control metabólico en el paciente hospitalizado / Characterization of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic control in the hospitalized patient

Introducción: la prevalencia de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 se ha incrementado, siendo una de las primeras causas de hospitalización y de muerte en la población mayor de 45 años. Objetivo: describir las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con diabetes tipo dos hospitalizados en el servicio de medicina interna durante el periodo comprendido entre octubre de 2010 y agosto de 2012 en el hospital de San José, Bogotá, Colombia. Material y métodos: se reporta una serie de casos de pacientes adultos diabéticos tipo 2 hospitalizados, independiente del motivo de ingreso. Se determinaron características demográficas, variables asociadas con la diabetes (tiempo de evolución, tratamiento, control por médico especialista y complicaciones crónicas), estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones intrahospitalarias y mortalidad. Resultados: 318 pacientes, 283 diabéticos conocidos y 35 con diabetes de novo, edad promedio 65 años (DE 13.7). La principal causa de admisión fue enfermedad infecciosa (43%), seguido de descompensación metabólica (21%). El 81% se encontraba fuera de las metas de control metabólico. La neuropatía (68%) y la nefropatía diabética (66%) son las complicaciones crónicas más frecuentes. El 71% presentaban hipertensión arterial. Los pacientes con un mal control metabólico tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria mayor a 10 días de 17.5% respecto a 12% de aquellos con buen control metabólico. Se presentaron 17 defunciones (5.3%) principalmente por complicaciones infecciosas. Conclusiones: un importante número de pacientes diabéticos a su ingreso se encuentran fuera de metas de control metabólico, con una alta prevalencia de complicaciones crónicas y una mayor estancia hospitalaria. Contrario a reportes de la literatura, los pacientes diabéticos de novo no presentaron complicaciones intrahospitalarias.

Introduction: the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased, being one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in the population over 45 years. Objective: to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized in the internal medicine service during the period between October 2010 and August 2012 in the Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia. Material and methods: a series of cases of adult patients with type 2 diabetes independent from the reason for its hospitalization, is reported. Demographic characteristics, variables associated with diabetes (time of evolution, treatment, control by specialist and chronic complications), hospital stay, hospital complications and mortality were determined. Results: 318 patients, 283 known diabetics and 35 with de novo diabetes, mean age 65 years (SD 13.7). The leading cause of hospitalization was infectious disease (43%), followed by metabolic decompensation (21%). 81% was outside the goal of metabolic control. Neuropathy (68%) and diabetic nephropathy (66%) are the most common chronic complications. 71% had arterial hypertension. 17.5% of patients with poor metabolic control had a hospital stay longer to 10 days compared to 12% of those with good metabolic control. 17 deaths (5.3%) occurred mainly due to infectious complications. Conclusions: A significant number of diabetic patients on admission are outside metabolic control goals, with a high prevalence of chronic complications and longer hospital stay. Contrary to literature reviews, de novo diabetic patients showed no hospital complications.

Insuficiencia cardíaca aguda: factores asociados con mortalidad. Hospital de San José, julio 2007 - agosto 2008 Bogotá D.C. Colombia / Acute heart failure: associated mortality risk factors: San Jose Hospital, July 2007 - August 2008 Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: la insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es una afección que genera buen número de hospitalizaciones y cuya prevalencia se ha incrementado en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, no se ha logrado definir un sistema de clasificación basado en los factores predictores de mal pronóstico en los pacientes que requieren hospitalización y que podrían morir durante ésta. Objetivos: describir los enfermos con falla cardíaca aguda y definir cuáles pueden ser los factores asociados con mortalidad por IC descompensada en los que ingresan a urgencias del Hospital de San José de Bogotá. Métodos: estudio descriptivo prospectivo en el período julio 2007 a agosto 2008, de los pacientes que ingresaran con IC descompensada al servicio de urgencias, evaluación de factores asociados mediante un instrumento de recolección y análisis de datos a través de medidas de asociación. Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 129 pacientes. Se encontró una mortalidad de 4,2 en el grupo con IC descompensada, valores altos de creatinina, tensión arterial sistólica elevada y sin diferencia de distribución en cuanto al género. El 50 tenía diagnóstico de enfermedad coronaria y los hallazgos ecocardiográficos más frecuentes demostraron reducción de la fracción de eyección, disfunción diastólica e insuficiencia de la válvula mitral. Discusión: los resultados son comparables con la población mundial, pero se necesita hacer un seguimiento a mayor plazo y tener en cuenta otras variables que han demostrado estar asociadas con el desenlace fatal.

Introduction: The prevalence of heart failure (HF) has increased over the last decades and causes a considerable number of hospital admissions. However, a model to identify inhospital mortality risk predictors in patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF) is not yet available. Objectives: to describe patients with AHF and to identify which could be the mortality risk factors on patients presenting with decompensated HF to the Emergency Room at the San José Hospital in Bogotá. Methods: this is a descriptive prospective study performed from July 2007 through August 2008, on patients presenting with decompensated HF to the ER, the assessment of associated factors was conducted through measures of association using a data collection and analysis tool. Results: 129 patients were enrolled in the study. Findings included a mortality rate of 4.2 in the decompensated HF group, increase in serum creatinine, increased systolic arterial pressure and a no gender-related difference in distribution. Fifty-percent (50) had a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and the most common associated echocardiographic findings revealed a decreased ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction and mitral valve insufficiency. Discussion: these results are comparable to those of global population, but further longer follow-up is necessary considering other variables shown to be associated with a fatal outcome.