Refractory aromatic sulfur compounds present in gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels cause serious environmental problems and must be removed to minimize the emissions of SO x , according to environmental ...regulations worldwide. Herein, we present a novel approach for the removal of organosulfur compounds from model liquid fuel solutions employing a nonporous host crystalline material (A1) that undergoes transformation into cocrystals with aromatic sulfur compounds like benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) (i.e., A1⊃BT and A1⊃DBT). In experiments using a single component in cyclohexane solutions, crystalline A1 reached a quantitative uptake of DBT after 12 h at 25 °C with equimolar or slightly increased molar ratios of DBT over A1 (e.g., 1.45 ± 0.05 mmol of S/g of A1, which is equivalent to 267.3 ± 9.3 mg of DBT/g of A1 at C 0 = 3000 ppmwS). The crystalline material A1 can be recycled from cocrystal A1⊃DBT by a two-step process: (i) the generation of the solid A1⊃toluene upon extraction of DBT in toluene and (ii) the subsequent thermal treatment at 150 °C for desolvation to recover microcrystalline A1; after four recycling processes, the uptake capacity of A1 is maintained at 97.5%. In competitive experiments using a five-component equimolar cyclohexane solution containing BT, DBT, 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (DMDBT), fluorene (FLUO), and naphthalene (NAPH), the uptake efficiency of A1 after 12 h at 25 °C followed the trend: DBT > FLUO > NAPH > BT > DMDBT. The selective uptake of DBT in these model fuel solutions is explained by matching of the π-electron rich guest with π-electron deficient diamine linkers and concomitant CH−π interactions within the enclosed cavities of the double-tweezer B←N host A1, as exhibited in the X-ray crystal structure. Size fitting is important for guest selectivity because attempts to isolate cocrystals with DMDBT were unsuccessful. Crystal-to-cocrystal is a solution mediated phase transformation that competes favorably in the removal of DBT with several examples of high-surface nano/microporous materials and composites used in batch adsorption experiments, and A1 can be recycled without compromising efficiency. Thus, crystal-to-cocrystal transformation emerges as a remarkable methodology for the quantitative removal of aromatic organosulfur compounds from liquid fuels because it can be extended to many other aromatic fuel contaminants by using the appropriate host molecule to cocrystallize with it.
Abdominal obesity is highly prevalent in Mexico and has a poor prognosis in terms of the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and low levels of antibodies induced by infection and vaccination. ...We evaluated the humoral immune response induced by COVID-19 and five different vaccination schedules in Mexican individuals with abdominal obesity and the effects of other variables. This prospective longitudinal cohort study included 2084 samples from 389 participants. The levels of anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibodies were measured at various time points after vaccination. A high prevalence of hospitalization and oxygen use was observed in individuals with abdominal obesity (AO) who had COVID-19 before vaccination; however, they also had high levels of anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD-neutralizing IgG antibodies. The same was true for vaccination-induced antibody levels. However, their longevity was low. Interestingly, we did not observe significant differences in vaccine reactogenicity between abdominally obese and abdominally non-obese groups. Finally, individuals with a higher body mass index, older age, and previous COVID-19 had higher levels of antibodies induced by COVID-19 and vaccination. Therefore, it is important to evaluate other immunological and inflammatory factors to better understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in the presence of risk factors and to propose effective vaccination schedules for vulnerable populations.
The WHO has approved the use of several vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic; experience over the last 2 years has indicated that dose demand can only be covered using more than one design. ...Therefore, having scientific evidence of the performance of the different vaccines applied in a country is highly relevant. In Mexico, 5 vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were used, allowing a cohort study to analyze the generation of anti-S1/S2 IgG antibodies and anti-RBD antibodies with neutralizing activity at 0, 21, 90, and 180 days after vaccination. Five groups of participants were formed on the basis of the type of vaccine received and were divided on the basis of whether they previously had or did not have COVID-19. After completing the vaccination schedule, the seroprevalence was 95.5, 97.5, 81.0, 95.2, and 90.0% (BNT162b2, AZD1222, Convidecia, Sputnik V, and CoronaVac, respectively). Among the participants without COVID-19 prior to vaccination, the largest amount of antibodies in the 90-day period was observed in the BNT162b2 group, and the amount of antibodies in the Sputnik V group decreased the least over time. Even though the percentages of seroconversion obtained in this study were lower than those currently reported in other parts of the world, the tested vaccines are able, in most cases, to induce a good production of IgG antibodies anti-S1/S2 and neutralizing capacity. The fact that there are people who have not produced antibodies during the study leaves open some questions that must be investigated to avoid the appearance of serious cases of COVID-19.
Since the start of the vaccination programs against COVID-19 in 2020, it was evident that due to global shortages, the demand for the dose required in Mexico could only be covered by acquiring different vaccines. Therefore, determining the effectiveness of these and the longevity of acquired immunity is extremely important in a scenario where SARS-CoV-2 circulation becomes endemic and booster doses are required periodically. Our data reveal significant differences both in the generation of antibodies as well as in their longevity for the vaccines applied in the country but suggest that, in general, the Mexican population can reach a high capacity to neutralize the virus, therefore, regarding less the variant for which they were designed.
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of contracting infections. This study aimed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 infection associated with obesity and to assess its role in the specific ...antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in 2021. This study included 980 participants from the State of Mexico who participated in a serological survey where they were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD antibodies and asked for height, weight, and previous infection data via a questionnaire. Of the cohort of 980 participants, 451 (46.02%) were seropositive at the time of recruitment (45.2% symptomatic and 54.8% asymptomatic). The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection with obesity was 2.18 (95% CI: 1.51–3.16), 2.58 (95% CI: 1.63–4.09), and 1.88 (95% CI: 1.18–2.98) for seropositive, asymptomatic, and symptomatic individuals, respectively, compared to those with normal weight. Anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibodies tended to be higher in overweight and obese participants in the seropositive group and stratified by different obesity classes. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibodies and BMI in both men and women in the seropositive group. Obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection when adjusted for confounding variables; however, the relationship between BMI and anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibody levels differed markedly in the presence or absence of symptoms.
•Two IL-10 polymorphisms were analyzed in 365 individuals with Dengue infection and 364 controls.•Independent association of the T and A alleles of the polymorphic sites rs1800871 and rs1800872, with ...dengue infection.•Independent association of the T and A alleles of the polymorphic sites with serotype 1, and in participants with DwoWS.•Individuals with DwWS presented high levels of IL-10 compared with DwoWS individuals.•Correlation between IL-10 and INF-γ levels with the host genetic component in patients with DwoWS.
Dengue infection is generated by a complex interaction between DENV (Dengue Virus) and the host's immune response. Interleukin-10 is an immunoregulatory cytokine during DENV infection. The objective of this study was to investigate whether genetic variants in IL-10 could be useful as a predictive and susceptibility marker in the prognosis of DENV infection, particularly with serotype 1, and in participants with dengue without warning signs.
A study of cases (n = 365) and controls (n = 364) was carried out. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Sample size power was calculated using Quanto software
This is the first report showing the independent association of the T allele of rs1800871 (P = 0.023) and the A allele of rs1800872 (P = 0.010) with the risk of dengue infection. Statistical analysis established the genotypic association of IL-10 SNPs with DENV infection under different inheritance models. Our results also showed the association of the CC, TC, and CA haplotypes (P = 0.0064, P = 0.0032, and P = 0.0010 respectively) with infection. Furthermore, both polymorphic sites were associated with the risk of DwoWS and serotype 1 (Den-1) under different inheritance models. Finally, under the dominant model, we identified a positive correlation between IL-10 levels vs. IFN-γ and IL-8.
Our results show the first independent association of the T and A alleles of the polymorphic sites rs1800871 and rs1800872, with dengue infection, particularly with Den-1, and in participants with DwoWs.
Summary
The dual active bridge (DAB) converter has high efficiency and versatility; hence, such a converter has been used to design photovoltaic (PV) applications with both step‐up and step‐down ...voltage capabilities. However, PV systems require maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers to track the optimal operation conditions; moreover, PV voltage controllers are required to reject load perturbations that reduce the MPPT performance. This paper describes the operation of a DAB converter in PV systems and compares the performance of the DAB converter with a classical boost solution. In addition, this paper also presents a systematic analysis of the control techniques for DAB converters in PV applications, which provides useful information for selecting the most suitable approach for a particular application.
The dual active bridge (DAB) converter has high voltage gain and high efficiency, which could be used to improve the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Therefore, this paper describes the operation of a DAB converter in PV systems and compares the performance of the DAB converter with a classical boost solution. This paper also presents a systematic analysis of the control techniques for DAB converters in PV applications, which provides information for selecting the best option for a particular application.
The17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations Agenda 2030 constitute a global blueprint agenda and instrument for peace and prosperity worldwide. Artificial ...intelligence and other digital technologies that have emerged in the last years, are being currently applied in virtually every area of society, economy and the environment. Hence, it is unsurprising that their current role in the pursuance or hampering of the SDGs has become critical. This study aims at providing a snapshot and comprehensive view of the progress made and prospects in the relationship between artificial intelligence technologies and the SDGs. A comprehensive review of existing literature has been firstly conducted, after which a series SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analyses have been undertaken to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats inherent to artificial intelligence-driven technologies as facilitators or barriers to each of the SDGs. Based on the results of these analyses, a subsequent broader analysis is provided, from a position vantage, to (i) identify the efforts made in applying AI technologies in SDGs, (ii) pinpoint opportunities for further progress along the current decade, and (iii) distill ongoing challenges and target areas for important advances. The analysis is organized into six categories or perspectives of human needs: life, economic and technological development, social development, equality, resources and natural environment. Finally, a closing discussion is provided about the prospects, key guidelines and lessons learnt that should be adopted for guaranteeing a positive shift of artificial intelligence developments and applications towards fully supporting the SDGs attainment by 2030.
Lithium: A Promising Anticancer Agent Villegas-Vázquez, Edgar Yebrán; Quintas-Granados, Laura Itzel; Cortés, Hernán ...
Life (Basel, Switzerland),
02/2023, Letnik:
13, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Lithium is a therapeutic cation used to treat bipolar disorders but also has some important features as an anti-cancer agent. In this review, we provide a general overview of lithium, from its ...transport into cells, to its innovative administration forms, and based on genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Lithium formulations such as lithium acetoacetate (LiAcAc), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium citrate (Li
C
H
O
), and lithium carbonate (Li
CO
) induce apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibition of tumor growth and also participate in the regulation of tumor proliferation, tumor invasion, and metastasis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, lithium is synergistic with standard cancer therapies, enhancing their anti-tumor effects. In addition, lithium has a neuroprotective role in cancer patients, by improving their quality of life. Interestingly, nano-sized lithium enhances its anti-tumor activities and protects vital organs from the damage caused by lipid peroxidation during tumor development. However, these potential therapeutic activities of lithium depend on various factors, such as the nature and aggressiveness of the tumor, the type of lithium salt, and its form of administration and dosage. Since lithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder, the current study provides an overview of its role in medicine and how this has changed. This review also highlights the importance of this repurposed drug, which appears to have therapeutic cancer potential, and underlines its molecular mechanisms.
Solar energy is a source of sustainable energy and its optimal use depends on the efficiency and reliability of PV systems. Dual active bridge converters are a solution to interface PV modules with ...the grid or high voltage requirement applications due to the high voltage-conversion-ratio and high efficiency provided by such a converter. The three main contributions of this work are: an extensive mathematical model of a DAB converter connected to a PV module including protection diodes, which is intended to design non-linear controllers, an explicit linearized version of the model, which is oriented to design traditional control systems; and a detailed and replicable application example of the model focused on maximizing the power extraction from a PV system. The modeling approach starts with the differential equations of the PV system; however, only the fundamental and average components of each signal is used to represent it. The control-oriented model is validated using a detailed circuital simulation. First, through the comparison of frequency and time diagrams of the proposed model and a detailed one; and then, through the simulation of the PV system in a realistic application case. PV voltage regulation and maximum power extraction are confirmed in simulation results.
Cable cars provide urban mobility benefits for vulnerable populations. However, no evaluation has assessed cable cars' impact from a health perspective. TransMiCable in Bogotá, Colombia, provides a ...unique opportunity to (1) assess the effects of its implementation on the environmental and social determinants of health (microenvironment pollution, transport accessibility, physical environment, employment, social capital, and leisure time), physical activity, and health outcomes (health-related quality of life, respiratory diseases, and homicides); and (2) use citizen science methods to identify, prioritize, and communicate the most salient negative and positive features impacting health and quality of life in TransMiCable's area, as well as facilitate a consensus and advocacy-building change process among community members, policymakers, and academic researchers.
TrUST (In Spanish: Transformaciones Urbanas y Salud: el caso de TransMiCable en Bogotá) is a quasi-experimental study using a mixed-methods approach. The intervention group includes adults from Ciudad Bolívar, the area of influence of TransMiCable. The control group includes adults from San Cristóbal, an area of future expansion for TransMiCable. A conceptual framework was developed through group-model building. Outcomes related to environmental and social determinants of health as well as health outcomes are assessed using questionnaires (health outcomes, physical activity, and perceptions), secondary data (crime and respiratory outcomes) use of portable devices (air pollution exposure and accelerometry), mobility tracking apps (for transport trajectories), and direct observation (parks). The Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool is being used to capture residents' perceptions of their physical and social environments as part of the citizen science component of the investigation.
TrUST is innovative in its use of a mixed-methods, and interdisciplinary research approach, and in its systematic engagement of citizens and policymakers throughout the design and evaluation process. This study will help to understand better how to maximize health benefits and minimize unintended negative consequences of TransMiCable.
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