Unexpected XPS Binding Energy Observations Further Highlighted by DFT Calculations of Ruthenocene-Containing [Ir(ppy)(RCOCHCORc)] Complexes: Cytotoxicity and Crystal Structure of [Ir(ppy)(FcCOCHCORc)].

The series of iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(ppy)(RCOCHCOR')], with R = CH and R' = CH (), Rc (), and Fc (), as well as R = Rc and R' = Rc () or Fc (), and R = R' = Fc (), ppy = 2-phenylpyridinyl, Fc = Fe(η-CH)(η-CH), and Rc = Ru(η-CH)(η-CH), has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) supplemented by DFT calculations. Here, in the range of 3.74 ≤ Σχ ≤ 4.

Functionalization of Nanodiamond Surfaces with Metal β-Diketonato Complexes with Possible Application in Cancer Treatment.

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are used more frequently as drug carriers through absorption or chemical modification. In this report, we describe the chemical binding of metal β-diketonato complexes onto the ND surface using an aminosilane linker. The metals used were iron(III) and copper(II), with β-diketones, acetylacetone, trifluoroacetylacetone, and the naturally occurring curcumin, which is known for its biological activity.

Chemical and Resistive Switching Properties of Extract-Carboxymethyl Cellulose Composite: A Potential Active Layer for Biodegradable Memory Devices.

Biodegradable electronic devices play a crucial role in addressing the escalating issue of electronic waste accumulation, which poses significant environmental threats. In this study, we explore the utilization of a methanol-based extract of the plant blended with a carboxymethyl cellulose biopolymer to produce a biodegradable and environmentally friendly functional material for a resistive switching memory system using silver and tungsten electrodes. Our analyses revealed that these two materials chemically interact to generate a perfect composite with near semiconducting optical bandgap (4.

The utility of computed tomography at a district-level public hospital in Cape Town.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) has become an invaluable aid in medical diagnostic workup, and its global usage has been shown to be consistently increasing across all departments. While typically located in regional or central hospitals in South Africa, its recent introduction at the district level has many foreseeable benefits. We evaluated its utility at one of the first district hospitals in the Western Cape to obtain a CT suite.

Elucidating the binding mechanisms of GABA and Muscimol as an avenue to discover novel GABA-mimetic small molecules.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling is the principal inhibitory pathway in the central nervous system. It is critical in neuronal cell proliferation and fate determination. Any aberration in GABA inhibition results in psychiatric and neurological diseases.

Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy: a scoping review.

Background: The experience of expectant parenthood is commensurate of relative angst and nervousness albeit one of overall excitement and joy. However, when the pregnancy is regarded as high-risk, this experience changes dramatically for both parents. While literature on high-risk pregnancies is gaining traction, the focus is predominantly on the mother's experiences and therefore, a paucity exists in exploring the father's experiences of a high-risk pregnancy.

Using visible light to activate antiviral and antimicrobial properties of TiO nanoparticles in paints and coatings: focus on new developments for frequent-touch surfaces in hospitals.

Unlabelled: The COVID-19 pandemic refocused scientists the world over to produce technologies that will be able to prevent the spread of such diseases in the future. One area that deservedly receives much attention is the disinfection of health facilities like hospitals, public areas like bathrooms and train stations, and cleaning areas in the food industry. Microorganisms and viruses can attach to and survive on surfaces for a long time in most cases, increasing the risk for infection.

Mapping access to care and identification of barriers for traumatic brain injury in a South African township.

Rationale: South Africa has a high traumatic injury burden resulting in a significant number of persons suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a time-sensitive condition requiring a responsive and organized health system to minimize morbidity and mortality. This study outlined the barriers to accessing TBI care in a South African township.

Photocatalytic Decomposition of an Azo Dye Using Transition-Metal-Doped Tungsten and Molybdenum Carbides.

The preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic application of tungsten or molybdenum carbides (Ni-WC, , Co-WC, , Ni-MoC, , Co-MoC, , NiCo-WC, , NiCo-MoC, , NiFe-WC, , and NiFe-MoC, ) doped with transition metals (Fe, Co, and Ni) are reported. These transition-metal carbide (TMC) particles show that the submicrometer globular particles agglomerated to form larger particles, with smaller crystallites present on the surface of the large particles. These crystallite sizes range between 4 and 34 nm (as calculated from X-ray diffraction data) depending on the metal dopant and type of carbide.

The characteristics of geriatric patients managed within the resuscitation unit of a district-level emergency centre in Cape Town.

Introduction: The world's population is aging and this trend is also seen in South Africa. This increase will invariably affect acute care services. The geriatric population attending emergency centres have not been described in the South African setting.

Breaking the Mould: A Theory Explaining How Young Adults Living with WS Learn Life Skills through Music.

This article presents a theory explaining how young adults living with Williams syndrome (WS) learn life skills through music. The article answers the question: What theory explains how young adults living with WS learn life skills through music? The theory presented in this article is informed by principles of care ethics and compassionate music education and theories of wellbeing and flourishing. The theory is further informed by empirical data, including data collected during semi-structured interviews, casual conversations, observations, field notes, and social media and blog posts collected at Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Massachusetts, USA, over six weeks.

Metal Exchange of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 Nanoparticles with Fe(II) for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), such as ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, were found to be efficient catalysts. However, ZIFs are not used much in photocatalysis due to their low photocatalytic activity for most reactions. The photocatalytic activity can be improved by modifying the framework by exchanging the Zn(II) ions (ZIF-8) and Co(II) ions (ZIF-67) with a more photocatalytically active metal(II) ion to form an efficient bimetallic ZIF photocatalyst.

Comparison of the Spectroscopically Measured Catalyst Transformation and Electrochemical Properties of Grubbs' First- and Second-Generation Catalysts.

According to UV-vis spectroscopy (0.10 mM, CHCl at 25 °C), the catalyst transformation (which could possibly include ligand dissociation with active catalyst formation, dimer formation, and decomposition) rate constants ( ) of Grubbs' first () and second () generation catalysts are 7.48 × 10 and 1.

Health Status Is Affected, and Phase I/II Biotransformation Activity Altered in Young Women Using Oral Contraceptives Containing Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol.

Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use has been associated with various adverse effects. Formulations containing drospirenone (DRSP) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) are generally regarded as milder COCs. Whether long term use of these pills indeed has a low health risk remains questionable.

Demographics and clinical characteristics of hospitalised patients under investigation for COVID-19 with an initial negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is placing abnormally high and ongoing demands on healthcare systems. Little is known about the full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on diseases other than COVID-19 in the South African setting.

Objective: To describe a cohort of hospitalised patients under investigation for SARS-CoV-2 that initially tested negative.

Assessment of documented adherence to critical actions in paediatric emergency care at a district-level public hospital in South Africa.

Introduction: The provision of high-quality care is vital to improve child health and survival rates. A simple, practice-based tool was recently developed to evaluate the quality of paediatric emergency care in resource-limited settings in Africa. This study used the practice-based tool to describe the documented adherence to critical actions in paediatric emergency care at an urban district-level hospital in South Africa and assess its relation to clinical outcomes.

An audit of disseminated intravascular coagulation screen requests at an academic hospital laboratory in central South Africa.

Introduction: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a feared complication of various systemic illnesses. We aimed to evaluate the laboratory requesting practices of clinicians, especially concerning the laboratory parameters, included in the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) DIC score.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed and included data from DIC screen requests analysed at Universitas National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) laboratory, Bloemfontein, South Africa, for one calendar year.

NMR data of a Grubbs 2 generation catalyst -cresolate derivative.

The data presented in this article is related to the research article entitled "Spectroscopic characterisation of Grubbs 2 generation catalyst and its -cresol derivatives" (Swart 2021). The 1D and 2D NMR characterisation data of the cresol derivative of the Grubbs 2 generation catalyst, where one of the chloride ligands is replaced by the -cresolate to form a Ru-O coordination compound () is reported. The characterization data include information obtained from H, C, Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC), Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation (HMBC), Homonuclear Correlation Spectroscopy (COSY), Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) and Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT) NMR spectroscopy.

Silica Nanopowder Supported Frustrated Lewis Pairs for CO Capture and Conversion to Formic Acid.

Treatment of hydroxylated silica nanopowders and allyl-functionalized silica nanopowders with 3-(diphenylborano)- or 3-bis(pentafluorophenylborano)propyltrimethoxysilane or 2-(diphenylphosphino)- or 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethyltriethoxysilane generates silica nanopowder supported Lewis acids and silica nanopowder supported Lewis bases . These surfaces were characterized by C, B, and P cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP MAS NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FTIR). When is combined with solution-phase Lewis bases PR (R = CF, CH, mesityl), six associated silica nanopowder supported frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are formed.

Emergency centre reorganization in preparation to the COVID-19 pandemic: A district hospital's dynamic adaptation response.

The COVID-19 global pandemic forced healthcare facilities to put special isolation measures in place to limit nosocomial transmission. Cohorting is such a measure and refers to placing infected patients (or under investigation) together in a designated area. This report describes the physical reorganisation of the emergency centre at Khayelitsha Hospital, a district level hospital in Cape Town, South Africa in preparation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Palladium/graphene oxide nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and/or magnetite for the reduction of nitrophenolic compounds.

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesised the oxidation of graphite and was characterised using ATR FTIR, PXRD, SEM, TEM and TGA. These techniques confirmed the presence of characteristic oxygen-containing functional groups and the resulting increase in interlayer spacing in the nanostructure. GO is used as the support to form nanocomposites composed of combinations of the following: iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and palladium nanoparticles (Pd).

Data on the optimisation of a solid phase extraction method for fractionating estrogen metabolites from small urine volumes.

Certain estrogen metabolites have been implicated in the pathophysiology of breast cancer. Moreover, the estrogen metabolite profiles of healthy women and those with (a high risk of) breast cancer differ significantly. The development of an analytical method to determine the relative levels of all the estrogen biotransformation products has been described in van der Berg et al.

Development and validation of LC-ESI-MS/MS methods for quantification of 27 free and conjugated estrogen-related metabolites.

An imbalance in the estrogen metabolism has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer development. Evaluation of the estrogen biotransformation capacity requires monitoring of various estrogen metabolites. Up to now, only some estrogen metabolites could be measured in urine.

A laboratory approach for characterizing chronic fatigue: what does metabolomics tell us?

Introduction: Manifestations of fatigue range from chronic fatigue up to a severe syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Fatigue grossly affects the functional status and quality of life of affected individuals, prompting the World Health Organization to recognize it as a chronic non-communicable condition.

Objectives: Here, we explore the potential of urinary metabolite information to complement clinical criteria of fatigue, providing an avenue towards an objective measure of fatigue in patients presenting with the full spectrum of fatigue levels.