Evaluation of sponge wipe surface sampling for collection of potential surrogates for non-spore-forming bioterrorism agents.

AIM: Evaluate the efficacy of sponge wipe sampling at recovering potential bacterial surrogates for Category A and B non-spore-forming bacterial bioterrorism agents from hard, nonporous surfaces. METHODS: A literature survey identified seven nonpathogenic bacteria as potential surrogates for selected Category A and B non-spore-forming bacterial agents. Small (2 × 4 cm) and large (35.6 × 35.6 cm) coupons made from either stainless steel, plastic, or glass, were inoculated and utilized to assess persistence and surface sampling efficiency, respectively. Three commercially available premoistened sponge wipes (3M™, Sani-Stick®, and Solar-Cult®) were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean recoveries from persistence testing indicated that three microorganisms (Yersinia ruckeri, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens) demonstrated sufficient persistence across all tested material types. Sampling of large inoculated (≥107 CFU per sample) coupons resulted in mean recoveries ranging from 6.6 to 3.4 Log10 CFU per sample. Mean recoveries for the Solar-Cult®, 3M™ sponge wipes, and Sani-Sticks® across all test organisms and all material types were ≥5.7, ≥3.7, and ≥3.4 Log10 CFU per sample, respectively. Mean recoveries for glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic across all test organisms and all sponge types were ≥3.8, ≥3.7, and ≥3.4 Log10 CFU per sample, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery results suggest that sponge wipe sampling can effectively be used to recover non-spore-forming bacterial cells from hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel, ABS plastic, and glass.

Magnetocaloric Properties in Rare-Earth-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Influence of Magnetic Density and Hydrostatic Pressure.

Magnetic refrigeration based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in metal-organic frameworks (MOF) is regarded as an attractive approach to create more sustainable cooling systems with higher efficiency than traditional ones. Here, we report a study of the MCE in a series of rare-earth-based MOFs. We have considered the selection of the rare-earth cation by investigating materials belonging to the α-rare-earth polymeric framework-4 (α-RPF-4) MOF family, synthesized with different rare-earth cations, and observed that paramagnetic moment and saturation magnetization play an important role in enhancing the magnetic entropy change ΔSM. The effect of structural parameters has also been considered by investigating three classes of metal-organic Gd materials built up from different types of inorganic secondary building units, including clusters (as in Gd-UiO-66), one-dimensional (as in α-RPF-4), and layered (as in Gd-LRH) conformations. Moreover, the analysis of the hydrostatic pressure influence reveals a significant increase in the -ΔSM and relative cooling power (RCP) with values between 4.3 and 16.3 and 121-509 J/kg. Specifically, the RCPmax found was ∼683 J/kg for Gd-UiO-66, which is higher than the one recently observed for Gd2SiO5 (649.5 J/kg). The present study demonstrates that the engineering of metal-organic framework systems based on high Gd densities may favor enhancing of magnetocaloric responses even at low pressures, thus promoting a new design strategy for efficient cooling devices.

Improvement in Smell Using Monoclonal Antibodies Among Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Impairment of smell is more commonly related to chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) than without, especially when asthma and/or NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease and type 2 inflammation are also present. Therapeutic options include intranasal and systemic corticosteroids, surgery, and, more recently, biological therapy. We summarize current knowledge on the effect of biologics on olfaction in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases from January 2001 to June 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: adult patients with CRS treated with dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, or reslizumab; and studies published in English reporting outcomes for sense of smell based on psychophysical and/or subjective tools. We excluded reports that did not assess CRSwNP, loss of smell evaluated with a method other than those accepted in the inclusion criteria, review articles, and expert opinions. No funding was received. RESULTS: Dupilumab has demonstrated rapid and sustained long-term improvement in smell in clinical trials and in real life. Omalizumab improves smell at 24 weeks. This improvement is maintained in the long-term, although it is not clinically relevant. Mepolizumab and benralizumab improved smell in the long term based on a subjective scale. No studies examining the improvement in smell in patients with CRSwNP treated with reslizumab were found. Indirect comparisons by meta-analysis consistently conclude that dupilumab is the most effective biologic for improving impaired sense of smell. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab seems to be more efficacious for improving the sense of smell than omalizumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab.

Exacerbations Among Patients With Asthma Are Largely Dependent on the Presence of Multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Comorbidities can influence asthma control and promote asthma exacerbations (AEs). However, the impact of multimorbidity in AEs, assessed based on long-term follow-up of patients with asthma of different degrees of severity, has received little attention in real-life conditions. To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and predictors of AEs in patients who had presented at least 1 AE in the previous year in the MEchanism of Genesis and Evolution of Asthma (MEGA) cohort. METHODS: The work-up included a detailed clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood counts, induced sputum, skin prick-tests, asthma questionnaires, and assessment of multimorbidity. The number of moderate-severe AEs in the preceding year was registered for each patient. RESULTS: The study population comprised 486 patients with asthma (23.7% mild, 35% moderate, 41.3% severe). Disease remained uncontrolled in 41.9%, and 47.3% presented ≥1 moderate-severe AE, with a mean (SD) annual exacerbation rate of 0.47 (0.91) vs 2.11 (2.82) in mild and severe asthma, respectively. Comorbidity was detected in 56.4% (66.6% among those with severe asthma). Bronchiectasis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, atopy, psychiatric illnesses, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were significantly associated with AEs. No associations were found for FeNO, blood eosinophils, or total serum IgE. Sputum eosinophilia and a high-T2 inflammatory pattern were significantly associated with AEs. Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant association with asthma severity, uncontrolled disease, and low prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a high frequency of AE in the MEGA cohort. This was strongly associated with multimorbidity, asthma severity, poor asthma control, airflow obstruction, higher sputum eosinophils, and a very high-T2 inflammatory pattern.

Improvement in Olfaction in Patients With CRSwNP and Severe Asthma Taking Anti-IgE and Anti-IL-5 Biologics: A Real-Life Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), which is characterized by partial loss of smell (hyposmia) or total loss of smell (anosmia), is commonly associated with asthma and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD). CRSwNP worsens disease severity and quality of life. The objective of this real-world study was to determine whether biological treatments prescribed for severe asthma can improve olfaction in patients with CRSwNP. A further objective was to compare the improvement in in olfaction in N-ERD and non-N-ERD subgroups. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective, observational study of 206 patients with severe asthma and CRSwNP undergoing biological treatment (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, or reslizumab). RESULTS: Olfaction improved after treatment with all 4 monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab [35.8%], mepolizumab [35.4%], reslizumab [35.7%], and benralizumab [39.1%]), with no differences between the groups. Olfaction was more likely to improve in patients with atopy, more frequent use of short-course systemic corticosteroids, and larger polyp size. The proportion of patients whose olfaction improved was similar between the N-ERD (37%) and non-N-ERD (35.7%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first real-world study to compare improvement in olfaction among patients undergoing long-term treatment with omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, or benralizumab for severe asthma and associated CRSwNP. Approximately 4 out of 10 patients reported a subjective improvement in olfaction (with nonsignificant differences between biologic drugs). No differences were found for improved olfaction between the N-ERD and non-N-ERD groups.

Heterometallic Molecular Complexes Act as Messenger Building Units to Encode Desired Metal-Atom Combinations to Multivariate Metal-Organic Frameworks.

A novel synthetic approach is described for the targeted preparation of multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) with specific combinations of metal elements. This methodology is based on the use of molecular complexes that already comprise desired metal-atom combinations, as building units for the MTV-MOF synthesis. These units are transformed into the MOF structural constituents through a ligand/linker exchange process that involves structural modifications while preserving their originally encoded atomic combination. Thus, through the use of heterometallic ring-shaped molecules combining gallium and nickel or cobalt, we have obtained MOFs with identical combinations of the metal elements, now incorporated in the rod-shaped secondary building unit, as confirmed with a combination of X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques.

Study of the Addition Mechanism of 1H-Indazole and Its 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-Nitro Derivatives to Formaldehyde in Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid Solutions.

The reaction of NH-indazoles with formaldehyde in aqueous hydrochloric acid has been experimentally studied by solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and crystallography. The mechanism of the formation of N1-CH2OH derivatives was determined. For the first time, 2-substituted derivatives have been characterized by multinuclear NMR. Theoretically, calculations with gauge-invariant atomic orbitals (GIAOs) at the Becke three-parameter (exchange) Lee-Yang-Parr B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level have provided a sound basis for the experimental observations. The first X-ray structures of four (1H-indazol-1-yl)methanol derivatives are reported.

Building a Green, Robust, and Efficient Bi-MOF Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Strecker Reaction of Ketones.

In this work, we present the new [Bi14(µ3-O)9(µ4-O)2(µ3-OH)5(3,5-DSB)5(H2O)3]·7H2O, BiPF-4 (bismuth polymeric framework─4) MOF, its microwave hydrothermal synthesis, as well as its behavior as a heterogeneous catalyst in the multicomponent organic Strecker reaction. The BiPF-4 material shows a three-dimensional (3D) framework formed by peculiar inorganic oxo-hydroxo-bismutate layers connected among them through the 3,5-dsb (3,5-disulfobenzoic acid) linker. These two-dimensional (2D) layers, built by junctions of Bi7 polyhedra SBU, provide the material of many Lewis acid catalytic sites because of the mixing in the metal coordination number. BiPF-4 is a highly robust, green, and stable material that demonstrates an excellent heterogeneous catalytic activity in the multicomponent Strecker reaction of ketones carried out in one-pot synthesis, bringing a reliable platform of novel green materials based on nontoxic and abundant metal sources such as bismuth.

Evaluating the impact of ultraviolet C exposure conditions on coliphage MS2 inactivation on surfaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised interest in using devices that generate ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation as an alternative approach for reducing or eliminating microorganisms on surfaces. Studies investigating the efficacy of UVC radiation against pathogens use a wide range of laboratory methods and experimental conditions that can make cross-comparison of results and extrapolation of findings to real-world settings difficult. Here, we use three different UVC-generating sources - a broad-spectrum pulsed xenon light, a continuous light-emitting diode (LED), and a low-pressure mercury vapour lamp - to evaluate the impact of different experimental conditions on UVC efficacy against the coliphage MS2 on surfaces. We find that a nonlinear dose-response relationship exists for all three light sources, meaning that linear extrapolation of doses resulting in a 1-log10 (90%) reduction does not accurately predict the dose required for higher (e.g. 3-log10 or 99.9%) log10 reductions. In addition, our results show that the inoculum characteristics and underlying substrate play an important role in determining UVC efficacy. Variations in microscopic surface topography may shield MS2 from UVC radiation to different degrees, which impacts UVC device efficacy. These findings are important to consider in comparing results from different UVC studies and in estimating device performance in field conditions.

Inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage on copper film deployed in high touch areas of a public transport system.

Although SARS-CoV-2 is primarily an airborne risk, the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the need for self-disinfection surfaces that could withstand the demand of high occupant densities characteristic of public transportation systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the durability and antiviral activity of a copper film deployed for 90 days in two high touch locations within an active metropolitan bus and railcar. The antiviral efficacy of this copper film after being deployed in transit vehicles for 90 days (deployed copper film) was then compared to new (unused) copper film to determine if frequent touches and cleaning protocols could decrease the efficacy of the copper films. Deployed copper film, new copper film, and aluminium foil (positive control) coupons were inoculated with ~1 × 106 MS2 virus particles, allowed a contact time of either 5- or 10-min, and analysed for residual viral infectiousness. On both new and deployed copper films, MS2 was completely inactivated (≥5 log reduction) at both time points. These results suggest that the copper film may provide the durability demanded by high touch public spaces while maintaining the antiviral activity necessary to reduce exposure risk and viral transmission via surfaces in public transportation settings.

Framework Adaptability and Concerted Structural Response in a Bismuth Metal-Organic Framework Catalyst.

Bismuth metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous catalysts are scarce, and there is little knowledge on the influence of the MOF features on their resulting activity and behavior. Here, we present the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity in the one-pot multicomponent Strecker reaction with ketones of three new MOFs prepared with the combination of indium or bismuth and 4,4',4'',4'''-methanetetrayltetrabenzoic acid. One of them, denoted BiPF-7, is very robust and chemically stable, and demonstrates a high activity in the formation of the desired α-aminonitriles. The interaction of the catalytic substrates with the metal centers in this MOF has been crystallographically characterized, showcasing a concerted framework adaptability process that involves structural changes in framework components that are not directly involved in the binding of the guests.

The Effect of Auxiliary Nitrogenated Linkers on the Design of New Cadmium-Based Coordination Polymers as Sensors for the Detection of Explosive Materials.

Three new cadmium-based coordination polymers, denoted [Cd(hfipbb)(4,4'-bipy)] (CdPF-1), [Cd(hfipbb)(2,2'-bipy)] (CdPF-2), and [Cd(hfipbb)(1,10-phen)] (CdPF-3), have been hydrothermally synthesized by using the well-known V-shaped organic linker 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid) (H2 hfipbb), together with different nitrogenated auxiliary linkers. Considering the d10 configuration of the transition metal selected, the luminescent properties for these CdPF-n materials were explored, finding that materials CdPF-2 and CdPF-3 act as excellent sensors in the detection of explosive nitro aromatic compounds. The photoluminescence properties of CdPF-2 and CdPF-3 revealed that significant and sensitive fluorescence quenching was observed toward NP (nitrophenol) for CdPF-2 and PA (picric acid) for CdPF-3 in MeOH suspensions.

Functional Examination of the Upper and Lower Airways in Asthma and Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Considerations in the Post-SARS-CoV-2 Era.

Airway examination procedures can potentially transmit infectious diseases to patients and to the health care professionals who perform them via various mechanisms. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted most of the activity of the clinics and laboratories involved in assessment of lung and nasal function, and clear recommendations in this regard have been made. Today, we still do not know for sure what its consequences will be in the short or long term, since important gaps remain in our knowledge of aspects as fundamental as virus transmission mechanisms, pathophysiology, immune response, and diagnosis. In this review, we study the examination techniques used to assess patients with respiratory allergy, asthma, and associated diseases during this period and highlight their possible advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we focus on exploring the entire upper and lower airways, from the perspective of the safety of both health professionals and patients and their specific characteristics. We also analyze the intrinsic value of these interventions in terms of diagnosis and patient management. The changing situation of COVID-19 may mean that some of the assertions presented in this review will have to be modified in the future. While we seek to ensure a consistently broad approach, some differences in operational details may apply owing to local regulations.

Successful outcome following resection of metachronous pancreatic metastasis from a rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic metastases (PM) are rare, comprising 3% of pancreatic tumours removed in sizable series of operations. This report presents the first case of metachronous pancreatic metastases from rhabdomyosarcoma successfully treated by pancreaticoduodenectomy. CASE REPORT: A 19-year old man was admitted with a tumor in the head of the pancreas, 1 year after undergoing removal of an alveolar RMS from the right hand. . Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrates a solitary hypodence tumour of the pancreas. The patient underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy and the postoperative course was uneventful. Pathologic examination confirmed the metastatic alveolar RMS without lymph node involvement. At most recent follow-up, 36 months after pancreaticoduodenectomy, the patient has no evidence of disease. CONCLUSION: Although rare, rhabdomyosarcoma can metastasize to the pancreas. The surgeons must be aware of this complication, and that such pancreatic metastases are potentially resectable with a good long term outcome.

Untangling the Mechanochromic Properties of Benzothiadiazole-Based Luminescent Polymorphs through Supramolecular Organic Framework Topology.

Two new luminophore polymorphs of 4-bromo-7-(4-nonylphenyl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (1α and 1ß) exhibiting different color emissions, which switch into each other in response to shear force and solvent vapors, are presented and their X-ray structure is determined. Supramolecular organic framework topology (SOFT) studies on the two polymorphic structures led us to conclude that the mechanochromic phase transformation can be explained on the basis of modifications in their respective topological nets: mab and pcu for 1α and 1ß, respectively, as a result of the breaking and restoration of a number of weak supramolecular interactions. The color changes accompanying this transformation have been rationalized with the help of time-dependent density functional theory. We firmly believe that our findings will inspire future research on the design of novel stimuli-responsive organic materials with switchable properties based on their supramolecular interactions by establishing clear SOFT-property relationships.

Encoding Metal-Cation Arrangements in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Programming the Composition of Electrocatalytically Active Multimetal Oxides.

In the present contribution, we report how through the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) composed of addressable combinations of up to four different metal elements it is possible to program the composition of multimetal oxides, which are not attainable by other synthetic methodologies. Thus, due to the ability to distribute multiple metal cations at specific locations in the MOF secondary building units it is possible to code and transfer selected metal ratios to multimetal oxides with novel, desired compositions through a simple calcination process. The demonstration of an enhancement in the electrocatalytic activity of new oxides by preadjusting the metal ratios is here reported for the oxygen reduction reaction, for which activity values comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts are reached, while showing long stability and methanol tolerance.

Three-Dimensional Phthalocyanine Metal-Catecholates for High Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction.

The synthesis of a new anionic 3D metal-catecholate framework, termed MOF-1992, is achieved by linking tetratopic cobalt phthalocyanin-2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaol linkers with Fe3(-C2O2-)6(OH2)2 trimers into an extended framework of roc topology. MOF-1992 exhibits sterically accessible Co active sites together with charge transfer properties. Cathodes based on MOF-1992 and carbon black (CB) display a high coverage of electroactive sites (270 nmol cm-2) and a high current density (-16.5 mA cm-2; overpotential, -0.52 V) for the CO2 to CO reduction reaction in water (faradaic efficiency, 80%). Over the 6 h experiment, MOF-1992/CB cathodes reach turnover numbers of 5800 with turnover frequencies of 0.20 s-1 per active site.