Influence of Organisational-Level Factors on Delayed Door-to-Balloon Time among Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the door-to-balloon (DTB) time and determine the organisational-level factors that influence delayed DTB times among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on all patients who presented to the emergency department at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, and underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions during 2018-2019. Results: The sample included 426 patients and the median DTB time was 142 minutes. The result of the bivariate logistic regression showed that patients who presented to the emergency department with atypical symptoms were 3 times more likely to have a delayed DTB time, when compared to patients who presented with typical symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 3.003, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.409-6.400; P = 0.004). In addition, patients who presented during off-hours were 2 times more likely to have a delayed DTB time, when compared to patients who presented during regular working hours (OR = 2.291, 95% CI: 1.284-4.087; P = 0.005). Conclusion: To meet the DTB time recommendation, it is important to ensure adequate staffing during both regular and irregular working hours. Results from this study can be used as a baseline for future studies and inform strategies for improving the quality of care.

Facile Transfer Hydrogenation of N-Heteroarenes and Nitroarenes Using Magnetically Recoverable Pd@SPIONs Catalyst.

Catalysts with active, selective, and reusable features are desirable for sustainable development. The present investigation involved the synthesis and characterization of bear-surfaced ultrasmall Pd particles (<1 nm) loaded onto the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (8-10 nm). The amount of Pd loading onto the surface of magnetite is recorded as 2.8 wt %. The characterization process covered the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. The Pd@Fe3O4 catalyst has shown remarkable efficacy in the hydrogenation of quinoline, resulting in the production of >99% N-ring hydrogenated (py-THQ) product. Additionally, the catalyst facilitated the conversion of nitroarenes into their corresponding aniline derivatives, where hydrogen was achieved by H2O molecules with the aid of tetrahydroxydiboron (THDB) as an equilibrium supportive at 80 °C in 1 h. The high efficiency of a transfer hydrogenation catalyst is closely related to the metal-support synergistic effect. The broader scope of functional group tolerance is evaluated. The potential mechanism underlying the hydrogenation process has been elucidated through the utilization of isotopic labeling investigations. The application of the heterocyclic compound hydrogenation reaction is extended to formulate the medicinally important tubular polymerization inhibitor drug synthesis. The investigation of the recyclability of Pd@Fe3O4 has been conducted.

Hydrogenation of CO2 into Value-added Chemicals Using Solid-Supported Catalysts.

Reducing CO2 emissions is an urgent global priority. In this context, several mitigation strategies, including CO2 tax and stringent legislation, have been adopted to halt the deterioration of the natural environment. Also, carbon recycling procedures undoubtedly help reduce net emissions into the atmosphere, enhancing sustainability. Utilizing Earth's abundant CO2 to produce high-potential green chemicals and light fuels opens new avenues for the chemical industry. In this context, many attempts have been devoted to converting CO2 as a feedstock into various value-added chemicals, such as CH4 , lower methanol, light olefins, gasoline, and higher hydrocarbons, for numerous applications involving various catalytic reactions. Although several CO2 -conversion methods have been used, including electrochemical, photochemical, and biological approaches, the hydrogenation method allows the reaction to be tuned to produce the targeted compound without significantly altering infrastructure. This review discusses the numerous hydrogenation routes and their challenges, such as catalyst design, operation, and the combined art of structure-activity relationships for the various product formations.

Synthesis and biodegradation testing of some synthetic oils based on ester.

Synthetic ester oils are widely used in many applications due to their ideal cleaning properties, lubricating performance and assured polarity. The majority of esters oils are more biodegradable. than any other base stock. For instance, oil soluble polyalkyleneglycols (PAGs) or polyalphaolephins (PAOs), are only biodegradable in the lower viscosity grades. The goal of this study is to create some synthetic base oils by two major protocols; the first is esterifying valeric acid with various glycols (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol and poly (ethylene glycol 400). The second involves esterification of propanoic acid, heptanoic acid, or octanoic acid with ethylene glycol. The reaction yield varies between 85 and 94%. The chemical composition of the prepared esters was examined using various spectroscopic methods (Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal properties investigation by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed pronounced thermal stability of the prepared esters. The biodegradability was verified versus two bacterial isolates (B1, B2). The results showed that percentage of degradation of the lube oil was in the range of 34% to 84% after 3 days of incubation. Moreover, the rheological study revealed that the prepared esters exhibited Newtonian rheological behaviours. Viscosity examination displayed that the esters based on ethylene glycol, such as (A), had the highest VI: 179 values when compared to those based on higher glycols. Viscosity and viscosity index results showed slight increase as the number of carbon atoms in the acid chain increases. At last, most of the synthesized esters possessed pour points ≤ - 32 °C: ≤ - 40 except in case of using higher acids like heptanoic acid and octanoic acid in preparation the pour point increases to - 9 °C and - 15 °C.

Relationship between saxagliptin use and left ventricular diastolic function assessed by cardiac MRI.

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of major cardiovascular events. In SAVOR-TIMI53 trial, the excess heart failure (HF) hospitalization among patients with T2DM in the saxagliptin group remains poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) diastolic function after 6 months of saxagliptin treatment using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients with T2DM. METHODS: In this prospective study, 16 T2DM patients without HF were prescribed saxagliptin as part of routine guideline-directed management. CMR performed at baseline and 6 months after initiation of saxagliptin treatment were evaluated in a blinded fashion. We assessed LV diastolic function by measuring LV peak filling rate with correction for end-diastolic volume (PFR/LVEDV), time to peak filling rate with correction for cardiac cycle (TPF/RR), and early diastolic strain rate parameters [global longitudinal diastolic strain rate (GLSR-E), global circumferential diastolic strain rate (GCSR-E)] by feature tracking (FT-CMR). RESULTS: Among the 16 patients (mean age of 59.9, 69% males, mean hemoglobin A1c 8.3%, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 57%), mean PFR was 314 ± 108 ml/s at baseline and did not change over 6 months (- 2.7, 95% CI - 35.6, 30.2, p = 0.86). There were also no significant changes in other diastolic parameters including PFR/EDV, TPF, TPF/RR, and GLSR-E and GCSR-E (all p > 0.50). CONCLUSION: In T2DM patients without HF receiving saxagliptin over 6 months, there were no significant subclinical changes in LV diastolic function as assessed by CMR.

Fabrication of Asymmetric Supercapacitors (AC@GQDs//AC) with High Electrochemical Performance Utilizing Activated Carbon and Graphene Quantum Dots.

Sugar cane bagasse stands as a prevalent and abundant form of solid agricultural waste, making it a prime candidate for innovative utilization. Harnessing its potential, we embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor to evaluate the sustainability of a molasses-based hydrothermal process to produce graphene quantum dots (GQDs). This pioneering initiative promises remarkable environmental benefits and holds immense economic potential. Embedding crystalline GQDs in activated carbon (AC) boost electrochemical efficiency by enhancing charge-transfer and ion migration kinetics. Optical, structural, and morphological evaluations were used to confirm the formation of GQDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation showed the size, shape, and fact that GQDs were monodispersed, and X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared determined the structure of GQDs. The electrodes with negative (AC) and positive (AC@GQDs) polarity demonstrate a considerable specific capacitance of 220 and 265 F g-1, respectively, when measured at 0.5 A g-1. Additionally, these electrodes exhibit high-rate capabilities of 165 and 230 F g-1 when measured at 5 A g-1, as determined by galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The supercapacitor device comprising asymmetric AC//AC@GQDs exhibits a specific capacitance of 118 F g-1. Furthermore, the asymmetric device exhibits exceptional cycling behavior, with an impressive 92% capacitance retention even after undergoing 10,000 cycles. This remarkable performance underscores the immense potential of both the negative and positive electrodes for real-world supercapacitor applications. Such findings pave the way for promising advancements in the field and offer exciting prospects for practical utilization.

Chiral resolution of (±)-flurbiprofen using molecularly imprinted hydrazidine-modified cellulose microparticles.

Flurbiprofen (FP) is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to treat arthritic conditions. FP has two enantiomers: S-FP and R-FP. S-FP has potent anti-inflammatory effects, while R-FP has nearly no such effects. Herein, molecularly imprinted microparticles produced from hydrazidine-cellulose (CHD) biopolymer for the preferential uptake of S-FP and chiral resolution of (±)-FP were developed. First, cyanoethylcellulose (CECN) was synthesized, and the -CN units were transformed into hydrazidine groups. The developed CHD was subsequently shaped into microparticles and ionically interacted with the S-FP enantiomer. The particles were then imprinted after being cross-linked with glutaraldehyde, and then the S-FP was removed to provide the S-FP enantio-selective sorbent (S-FPCHD). After characterization, the optimal removal settings for the S- and R-FP enantiomers were determined. The results indicated a capacity of 125 mg/g under the optimum pH range of 5-7. Also, S-FPCHD displayed a noticeable affinity toward S-FP with a 12-fold increase compared to the R-FP enantiomer. The chiral resolution of the (±)-FP was successfully attempted using separation columns, and the outlet sample of the loading solution displayed an enantiomeric excess (ee) of 93 % related to the R-FP, while the eluent solution displayed an ee value of 95 % related to the S-FP.

Intrinsic Dual-State Emission Zinc-Based MOF Rodlike Nanostructures with Applications in Smartphone Readout Visual-Based Detection for Tetracycline: MOF-Based Color Tonality.

Dual-state emitters (DSEs) are entities that exhibit fluorescence in both the solution and solid state, which open up a wide range of possibilities for their utilization in various fields. The development of detection platforms using intrinsic luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) is highly desirable for a variety of applications. DSE MOFs as a subclass of intrinsic LMOFs are highly attractive due to no need for encapsulation/functionalization by fluorophores and/or using luminescent linkers. Herein, a highly stable intrinsic dual-state blue emission (λem = 425 nm) zinc-based MOF with rodlike nanostructures (denoted as UoZ-2) was synthesized and characterized. To the best of our knowledge, intrinsic DSE of Zn-MOFs with blue emission in the dispersed form in solution and solid-state fluorescence have not been reported yet. When tetracycline (TC) was added, a continuous color evolution from blue to greenish-yellow with dramatic enhancement was observed due to aggregation induced emission (AIE). Thus, a sensitive ratiometry-based visual detection platform, in solution and on paper independently, was designed for detection of TC exploiting the DSE and AIE properties of UoZ-2 alone and UoZ-2:TC. The detection limit was estimated to be 4.5 nM, which is considered to be one of the most sensitive ratiometric fluorescent probes for TC sensing. The ratiometry paper-based UoZ-2 sensor displays a reliable TC quantitative analysis by recognizing RGB values in the on-site TC detection with satisfactory recoveries.

Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of Inorganic Pm3m and Pnma CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) Perovskite: A Theoretical Understanding from Density Functional Theory Calculations.

In this study, we investigated the optoelectronic properties of cubic (Pm3m) and orthorhombic (Pnma) CsPbX3 (X = I, Br, and Cl). We utilized the full potential linear augmented plane wave method, which is implemented in the WIEN2k code, to facilitate the investigation. Different exchange potentials were used to analyze the optoelectronic behavior using the available density functional theory methods. Our findings revealed that CsPbX3 perovskites display direct band gaps at the R and Г points for cubic (Pm3m) and orthorhombic (Pnma) structures, respectively. Among the exchange potentials, the mBJ-GGA method provided the most accurate results. These outcomes concurred with the experimental results. In both Pm3m and Pnma structures, interesting changes were observed when iodide (I) was replaced with bromine (Br) and then chlorine (Cl). The direct band gap at the R and Г points shifted to higher energy levels. Similarly, when I was replaced with Br and Cl, there was a noticeable decrease in the absorption coefficient, dielectric constants, refractive index, and reflectivity, in addition to a band gap shift to higher energy levels.

Enhance the oral insulin delivery route using a modified chitosan-based formulation fabricated by microwave.

Chitosan (Cs) was subjected to ball milling and subsequently functionalized with Dinitro salicylic acid (Cs-DNS) to enhance the efficacy of oral insulin delivery. The hydrodynamic spherical particle sizes exhibited 33.29 ± 5.08 nm for modified Cs-DNS NPs. Irrespective of insulin entrapment, zeta potential measurements revealed positively charged Cs-DNS NPs (+ 35 ± 3.5 mV). The entrapment performance (EP%) was evaluated in vitro, and insulin release patterns at various pH levels. The EP% for Cs-DNS NPs was 99.3 ± 1.6. Cs- DNS NPs retained a considerable amount of insulin (92 %) in an acidic medium, and significant quantities were released at increasing pH values over time. In vivo investigations, the diabetic rats which taken insulin-incorporated NPs had lower serum glucose levels (SGL) after 3 h to (39.4 ± 0.6 %) for Cs- DNS NPs. For insulin-incorporated Cs- DNS NPs, the bioavailability (BA%) and pharmacological availability (PA%) were 17.5 ± 0.31 % and 8.6 ± 0.8 %, respectively. The assertion above highlights the significance and effectiveness of modified chitosan in promoting insulin delivery, decreasing SGL levels, and guaranteeing safety.

Prevalence and characteristics of obesity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in primary care centers in Bahrain: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a complex health problem characterized by abnormal and excessive body weight. Globally, the epidemic of obesity is escalating, and today, around one-third of the world's adult population is overweight or obese. Obesity is a risk factor and a predictor of poor outcomes of diabetes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of obesity in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at five primary care centers in Bahrain. Obesity was assessed using body mass index, while glycemic control status was assessed using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Means and standard deviation were computed for continuous variables, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Student's t-test and Mann-WhitneyU test, as appropriate, were performed to determine statistical significance between two continuous variables. Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test were used to test for statistical significance for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 732 participants were included; the mean age was 58.4 ± 11.3 years. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (63.5%), followed by hyperlipidemia (51.9%). Most participants (59.8%) had HbA1c levels of more than 7%, 20.9% had HbA1c levels between 7% and 8%, and 38.9% had HbA1c levels of more than 8%. Of the cohort, 47.5% were obese and 35.0% were overweight. Obesity was significantly higher in Bahraini patients and females (P < 0.001). Lower obesity rates were observed among patients who exercised regularly (P < 0.001) and patients who followed diet control measures (P = 0.039). In addition, we found higher obesity rates were found in patients with uncontrolled diabetes (P = 0.004), hypertension (P = 0.032), and hyperlipidemia (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Obesity is prevalent among type-2 diabetic patients and is associated with poor glycemic outcomes. Thus, more efforts should be taken by physicians to address obesity in diabetic patients as it negatively impacts their glycemic control.

Kidney cell culture Macaca fascicularis as a candidate for vaccine development and in vitro model.

BACKGROUND: Cell culture is the proliferation of a cell population in vitro by isolating from the original tissue or growing from existing ones. One essential source is the monkey kidney cell cultures which have an essential role in biomedical study. This is due to the significant homology between the human and macaque genomes making these useful for cultivating human viruses, especially enteroviruses, and growing vaccines. METHODS: This study developed cell cultures derived from the kidney of Macaca fascicularis (Mf) and validated its gene expression. RESULTS: The primary cultures were successfully subcultured up to six passages, grew as monolayers, and exhibited epithelial-like morphology. The cultured cells remained heterogeneous in phenotype and they expressed CD155 and CD46 as viral receptors, cell morphology (CD24, endosialin, and vWF), proliferation, also apoptosis markers (Ki67 and p53). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the cell cultures can be used as in vitro model cells for vaccine development and bioactive compound.

Surface Passivation for Promotes Bi-Excitonic Amplified Spontaneous Emission in CsPb(Br/Cl)3 Perovskite at Room Temperature.

Perovskite-type lead halides exhibit promising performances in optoelectronic applications, for which lasers are one of the most promising applications. Although the bulk structure has some advantages, perovskite has additional advantages at the nanoscale owing to its high crystallinity given by a lower trap density. Although the nanoscale can produce efficient light emission, its comparatively poor chemical and colloidal stability limits further development of devices based on this material. Nevertheless, bulk perovskites are promising as optical amplifiers. There has been some developmental progress in the study of optical response and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) as a benchmark for perovskite bulk phase laser applications. Therefore, to achieve high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and large optical gains, material development is essential. One of the aspects in which these goals can be achieved is the incorporation of a bulk structure of high-quality crystallization films based on inorganic perovskite, such as cesium lead halide (CsPb(Br/Cl)3), in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer and encapsulation with the optimal thickness of the polymer to achieve complete surface coverage, prevent degradation, surface states, and surface defects, and suppress emission at depth. Sequential evaporation of the perovskite precursors using a single-source thermal evaporation technique (TET) effectively deposited two layers. The PL and ASEs of the bare and modified films with a thickness of 400 nm PMMA were demonstrated. The encapsulation layer maintained the quantum yield of the perovskite layer in the air for more than two years while providing added optical gain compared to the bare film. Under a picosecond pulse laser, the PL wavelength of single excitons and ASE wavelength associated with the stimulated decay of bi-excitons were achieved. The two ASE bands were highly correlated and competed with each other; they were classified as exciton and bi-exciton recombination, respectively. According to the ASE results, bi-exciton emission could be observed in an ultrastable CsPb(Br/Cl)3 film modified by PMMA with a very low excitation energy density of 110 µJ/cm2. Compared with the bare film, the ASE threshold was lowered by approximately 5%. A bi-exciton has a binding energy (26.78 meV) smaller than the binding energy of the exciton (70.20 meV).

Biodegradable wound dressing-based collagen/hyaluronic acid loaded antibacterial agents for wound healing application.

Three biodegradable wound dressing based on binary Collagen (COL), Hyaluronic acid (HA) crosslinked loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Gentamicin (GENT) and AgNPs/GENT successfully prepared using freeze drying technique. Chemical evaluations for synthesized membranes were carried out using FTIR- ATR. While physical properties were evaluated through swelling and degradation percent. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against G+, G-, yeast and fungi. Finally, cytotoxicity and wound healing evaluations were carried out against skin fibroblast normal cell line, while anti-inflammatory evaluated using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The three produced membrane showed physically interaction between polymer network and the loaded antibiotic. Swelling properties showed superior results for three membranes. Degradability of prepared sheets was rapidly no more than three days. Toxicity evaluations and anti-inflammatory showed superior results for all examined samples except mixed with AgNPs and Gentamicin (GENT). Antibacterial activity showed resistance to G+, G- and yeast. All prepared sheet showed safe towards cell except COL/HA/AgNPs/GENT. Wound healing studied showed efficient of both COL/HA/AgNPs and COL/HA/GENT compared to blank and mixed membrane COL/HA/AgNPs/GENT. The obtained results recommended COL/HA loaded individually either AgNPs or Gentamicin (GENT) as antibacterial and wound healing sheet rather than mixed prepared membrane.

Welfare assessment of slow loris (Nycticebus spp.) at an Indonesian primate rehabilitation center: Development and validation of body condition score.

Body condition scoring (BCS) assessment can reflect animal welfare status and help the veterinarian to make a quick health management decision, including for confiscated slow loris (Nycticebus spp.). The confiscated slow loris should be rehabilitated in a rehabilitation center before being released. It is essential to monitor the welfare of slow loris to ensure that candidates are released. Assessment of animal welfare status requires representative measurable criteria and indicators. However, there is no standardized BCS for slow loris yet. This study focuses on developing and validating BCS based on body weight and circumference. In this study, 180 individuals were evaluated and scored. We measured body weight and circumferences to validate the assessment of BCS. There are no significant differences in body weight and circumferences within species and sexes. Muscle mass and fat deposits were palpated, visually viewed, and grouped in five BCS. There was a significant difference in body weight and circumference between BCS levels. According to this study, the development of BCS is valid and can be used to slow loris in prevailing circumstances and any ex-situ facilities.

Facile Hydrogenation of Furfural by MOF-Derived Graphitic Carbon Wrapped FeCo Bimetallic Catalysts.

A catalytic system for selective transformation of furfural into biofuel is highly desirable. However, selective hydrogenation of the C=O group over the furan ring of furfural to produce ether in one step is challenging. Here, we report the preparation of a series of magnetically recoverable FeCo@GC nano-alloys (37-40 nm). Fe3 O4 (3-5 nm) and MOF-71 (Co), used as the Co and C source, were mixed together in a range of Fe/Co ratios, and then encapsulated in a graphitic carbon (GC) shell to prepare such alloys. STEM-HAADF shows the darker core made of FeCo and the shell of graphitic carbon. Furfural is hydrogenated to produce >99% isopropyl furfuryl ether in isopropanol with >99% conversion at 170 °C under 40 bars of H2 , whereas n-chain alcohol, such as ethanol, produces corresponding ethyl levulinate in 93%. The synergistic effect due to the charge transfer from Fe to Co leads to higher reactivity of FeCo@GC. The catalyst, which can be separated from the reaction medium using a simple magnet without significant damage to the surface or composition, retained its reactivity and selectivity for up to four consecutive cycles.

Effect of Duration of Hemostatic Compression on Radial Artery Occlusion after Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is now a major concern in transradial approach (TRA). RAO limits future radial artery use for further TRA, for as a conduit during CABG, for invasive hemodynamic monitoring and for creation of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients through same vascular approach. The effect of duration of hemostatic compression of RAO is unknown in Bangladesh. This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh (NICVD) from September 2018 to August 2019, to evaluate the effect of duration of hemostatic compression on the incidence of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial percutaneous coronary intervention. A total of 140 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through TRA. RAO was defined as an absence of antegrade flow or monophasic flow or invert flow on Duplex study. In this study 70 patients (Group I) received 2 hours hemostatic compression after transradial PCI. Another 70 patients (Group II) received 6 hours hemostatic compression after transradial PCI. Radial arterial blood flow assessed at early (24 hours) and late (30 days) by color duplex study after the procedure in both groups. Early radial artery occlusion occurred in 4.3% of patients in Group I and 12.8% of patients in Group II, (p=0.04). Late radial artery occlusion occurred in 2.8% of patients in Group I and 11.4% of patients in Group II, the difference was statistically significant (p=0.04). From multivariate logistic regression analysis duration of hemostatic compression time 6 hours (p=0.01), post-procedural nitroglycerine use (p=0.03) and procedure time (p=0.03) were predictors of RAO. Shorter duration of hemostatic compression is associated with a lower incidence of early and late radial artery occlusion after transradial intervention.

Successful Growth of TiO2 Nanocrystals with {001} Facets for Solar Cells.

The growth of nanocrystals (NCs) from metal oxide-based substrates with exposed high-energy facets is of particular importance for many important applications, such as solar cells as photoanodes due to the high reactivity of these facets. The hydrothermal method remains a current trend for the synthesis of metal oxide nanostructures in general and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in particular since the calcination of the resulting powder after the completion of the hydrothermal method no longer requires a high temperature. This work aims to use a rapid hydrothermal method to synthesize numerous TiO2-NCs, namely, TiO2 nanosheets (TiO2-NSs), TiO2 nanorods (TiO2-NRs), and nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). In these ideas, a simple non-aqueous one-pot solvothermal method was employed to prepare TiO2-NSs using tetrabutyl titanate Ti(OBu)4 as a precursor and hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a morphology control agent. Ti(OBu)4 alone was subjected to alcoholysis in ethanol, yielding only pure nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). Subsequently, in this work, the hazardous chemical HF was replaced by sodium fluoride (NaF) as a means of controlling morphology to produce TiO2-NRs. The latter method was required for the growth of high purity brookite TiO2 NRs structure, the most difficult TiO2 polymorph to synthesize. The fabricated components are then morphologically evaluated using equipment, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the results, the TEM image of the developed NCs shows the presence of TiO2-NSs with an average side length of about 20-30 nm and a thickness of 5-7 nm. In addition, the image TEM shows TiO2-NRs with diameters between 10 and 20 nm and lengths between 80 and 100 nm, together with crystals of smaller size. The phase of the crystals is good, confirmed by XRD. The anatase structure, typical of TiO2-NS and TiO2-NPs, and the high-purity brookite-TiO2-NRs structure, were evident in the produced nanocrystals, according to XRD. SAED patterns confirm that the synthesis of high quality single crystalline TiO2-NSs and TiO2-NRs with the exposed {001} facets are the exposed facets, which have the upper and lower dominant facets, high reactivity, high surface energy, and high surface area. TiO2-NSs and TiO2-NRs could be grown, corresponding to about 80% and 85% of the {001} outer surface area in the nanocrystal, respectively.

Quinazolinones, the Winning Horse in Drug Discovery.

Quinazolines are nitrogen-containing heterocycles that consist of a benzene ring fused with a pyrimidine ring. Quinazolinones, oxidized quinazolines, are promising compounds with a wide range of biological activities. In the pharmaceutical field, quinazolinones are the building blocks of more than 150 naturally occurring alkaloids isolated from different plants, microorganisms, and animals. Scientists give a continuous interest in this moiety due to their stability and relatively easy methods for preparation. Their lipophilicity is another reason for this interest as it helps quinazolinones in penetration through the blood-brain barrier which makes them suitable for targeting different central nervous system diseases. Various modifications to the substitutions around the quinazolinone system changed their biological activity significantly due to changes in their physicochemical properties. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of quinazolinone revealed that positions 2, 6, and 8 of the ring systems are significant for different pharmacological activities. In addition, it has been suggested that the addition of different heterocyclic moieties at position 3 could increase activity. In this review, we will highlight the chemical properties of quinazolinones, including their chemical reactions and different methods for their preparation. Moreover, we will try to modify some of the old SAR studies according to their updated biological activities in the last twelve years.