Zr-Based MOF-545 Metal-Organic Framework Loaded with Highly Dispersed Small Size Ni Nanoparticles for CO Methanation.

We report the use of Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) MOF-545 and MOF-545(Cu) as supports to prepare catalysts with uniformly and highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles (NPs) for CO hydrogenation into CH. In the first step, we studied the MOF support under catalytic conditions using operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, ex situ characterizations (PXRD, XPS, TEM, and EDX-element mapping), and DFT calculations. We showed that the high-temperature conditions undoubtedly confer a potential for catalytic functionality to the solids toward CH production, while no role of the Cu could be evidenced.

Assessing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Proton Transport Inhibitors in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Murine Model with Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Tumor pH Imaging.

Proton transporters play a key role in maintaining the acidic tumor microenvironment; hence, their inhibition has been proposed as a new therapeutic treatment, although few methods can accurately assess their effect in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether MRI-CEST (Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer) tumor pH imaging can be a useful tool to evaluate in vivo the therapeutic efficacy of several Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) in breast cancer. Cell viability and extracellular pH assays were carried out in breast cancer cells cultured at physiological pH (7.

Tumor pH Imaging Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST)-MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technique that allows for physiological and functional studies of the tumor microenvironment. Within MRI, the emerging field of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) has been largely exploited for assessing a salient feature of all solid tumors, extracellular acidosis. Iopamidol-based tumor pH imaging has been demonstrated to provide accurate and high spatial resolution extracellular tumor pH maps to elucidate tumor aggressiveness and for assessing response to therapy, with a high potential for clinical translation.

Di-Pyridine-Containing Macrocyclic Triamide Fe(II) and Ni(II) Complexes as ParaCEST Agents.

Fe(II) and Ni(II) paraCEST contrast agents containing the di-pyridine macrocyclic ligand 2,2',2″-(3,7,10-triaza-1,5(2,6)-dipyridinacycloundecaphane-3,7,10-triyl)triacetamide (DETA) are reported here. Both [Fe(DETA)] and [Ni(DETA)] complexes were structurally characterized. Crystallographic data revealed the seven-coordinated distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry of the [Fe(DETA)]·(BF)·MeCN complex with five coordinated nitrogen atoms from the macrocyclic ring and two coordinated oxygen atoms from two amide pendant arms.

Investigating plasma volume expanders as novel macromolecular MRI-CEST contrast agents for tumor contrast-enhanced imaging.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate two clinically approved plasma volume expanders (dextran 70 and voluven) as macromolecular MRI-chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents to assess tumor vascular properties.

Methods: CEST contrast efficiency of both molecules (6% w/v) was measured in vitro at various irradiation saturation powers (1-6 μT for 5 s) and pH values (range, 5.5-7.

Evaluation of a similarity anisotropic diffusion denoising approach for improving in vivo CEST-MRI tumor pH imaging.

Purpose: Chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI provides new approaches for investigating tumor microenvironment, including tumor acidosis that plays a key role in tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Following iopamidol injection, the detection of the contrast agent inside the tumor tissue allows measurements of tumor extracellular pH. However, accurate tumor pH quantifications are hampered by the low contrast efficiency of the CEST technique and by the low SNR of the acquired CEST images, hence in a reduced detectability of the injected agent.

A fast multislice sequence for 3D MRI-CEST pH imaging.

Purpose: Chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI can provide accurate pH images, but the slow scan time (due to long saturation periods and multiple offsets sampling) reduce both the volume coverage and spatial resolution capability, hence the possibility to interrogate the heterogeneity in tumors and organs. To overcome these limitations, we propose a fast multislice CEST-MRI sequence with high pH accuracy and spatial resolution.

Methods: The sequence first uses a long saturation pulse to induce the steady-state CEST contrast and a second short saturation pulse repeated after each image acquisition to compensate for signal losses based on an uneven irradiation scheme combined with a single-shot rapid acquisition with refocusing echoes readout.

Growth of single-layer boron nitride dome-shaped nanostructures catalysed by iron clusters.

We report on the growth and formation of single-layer boron nitride dome-shaped nanostructures mediated by small iron clusters located on flakes of hexagonal boron nitride. The nanostructures were synthesized in situ at high temperature inside a transmission electron microscope while the e-beam was blanked. The formation process, typically originating at defective step-edges on the boron nitride support, was investigated using a combination of transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy and computational modelling.

The formation of the smallest fullerene-like carbon cages on metal surfaces.

The nucleation and growth of carbon on catalytically active metal surfaces is one of the most important techniques to produce nanomaterials such as graphene or nanotubes. Here it is shown by in situ electron microscopy that fullerene-like spherical clusters with diameters down to 0.4 nm and thus much smaller than C60 grow in a polymerized state on Co, Fe, or Ru surfaces.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of murine typhus in central Tunisia.

Objective: Murine typhus is an endemic zoonosis. It is difficult to diagnose because of its non-specific clinical manifestations. Our objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and treatment features of murine typhus.

Quasi-2D Cu2 S crystals on graphene: in-situ growth and ab-initio calculations.

Two-dimensional crystals of beta-copper sulfide are synthesized in an in-situ electron microscopy experiment. Copper crystals are deposited on an amorphous carbon film containing sulfur. The carbon film graphitizes upon heating and electron irradiation and allows the reaction of Cu and S towards two-dimensional Cu(2) S crystals.

In situ growth of cellular two-dimensional silicon oxide on metal substrates.

Crystalline hexagonally ordered silicon oxide layers with a thickness of less than a nanometer are grown on transition metal surfaces in an in situ electron microscopy experiment. The nucleation and growth of silica bilayers and monolayers, which represent the thinnest possible ordered structures of silicon oxide, are monitored in real time. The emerging layers show structural defects reminiscent of those in graphene and can also be vitreous.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: five cases.

Introduction And Objective: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection usually observed in immunocompromised patients. Mucormycosis is rapidly fatal without an early diagnosis and treatment. We report five patients of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and a literature review.

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) probably induced by cefotaxime: a report of two cases.

We report two cases, one of a 52-year-old man and one of a 32-year-old man, who were treated with cefotaxime. On day 23 and day 28 of the treatment, respectively, the patients manifested clinically with fever, pruriginous skin rash, and facial edema. Blood tests showed marked eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytosis for both patients, and hepatic cytolysis only in the second patient.

Hypersensitivity syndrome induced by anticonvulsants: possible cross-reactivity between carbamazepine and lamotrigine.

A 14-year-old male presents with erythroderma and fever 44 days after carbamazepine intake. Laboratory exams show eosinophilia and elevated liver enzymes, and thoracic imaging reveals interstitial pneumonitis. All symptoms disappear after carbamazepine withdrawal.

Ocular manifestations associated with murine typhus.

Aims: To characterise and analyse ocular manifestations associated with acute murine typhus (MT), an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia typhi.

Methods: Nine consecutive patients (18 eyes) with serologically confirmed MT at the acute stage were enrolled in this prospective, non-comparative study. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including dilated biomicroscopic fundus examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography.

Investigation of the liquid crystal alignment layer: effect on electrical properties.

We investigate the electrical behavior of a symmetric liquid crystal (LC) cell: elecrode-silane-LC-silane-electrode. The silane (chlorodimethyloctadecyl-silane) layer induces a homeotropic orientation of the nematic liquid crystal (NLC) molecules. The wettability technique is used to detect the change of the surface energy of the electrode upon cleaning and silane layer deposition.

[Adverse effects of antitubercular drugs: epidemiology, mechanisms, and patient management].

Tuberculosis, what ever its localization, is an infectious disease which can be totally cured by combining antitubercular drugs. Current therapeutic regimens with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin have proved successful in treating tuberculosis. However, they are associated to a high rate of adverse effects that can lead to therapeutic failure.

[Meningitis revealing Rickettsia typhi infection].

Introduction: Neurological manifestations are rarely observed in murine typhus. We present a case of meningitis caused by Rickettsia typhi.

Exegesis: We report a case of Tunisian 57-year-old woman admitted for suspicion of meningitis.

[Pulmonary thrombosis as a complication of Mediterranean spotted fever].

Introduction: Thromboembolic complications were uncommon in mediterranean spotted fever.

Observation: We report a case of 55-years- old man who was admitted for mediterranean spotted fever. Two days later, the patient developed chest pain due to a pulmonary thrombosis confirmed by angio-CT.

[Psoas abscesses reviewed].

Psoas abscesses are rare. In the absence of specific symptoms and signs, their diagnosis was usually difficult. Medical imaging advances have helped in their diagnosis and treatment.