Asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: How Similar Are They in Pathogenesis and Treatment Responses?

Severe asthma and rhinosinusitis represent frequent comorbidities, complicating the overall management of the disease. Both asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be differentiated into endotypes: those with type 2 eosinophilic inflammation and those with a non-type 2 inflammation. A correct definition of phenotype/endotype for these diseases is crucial, taking into account the availability of novel biological therapies. Even though patients suffering from type 2 severe asthma—with or without CRS with nasal polyps—significantly benefit from treatment with biologics, the existence of different levels of patient response has been clearly demonstrated. In fact, in clinical practice, it is a common experience that patients reach a good clinical response for asthma symptoms, but not for CRS. At first glance, a reason for this could be that although asthma and CRS can coexist in the same patient, they can manifest with different degrees of severity; therefore, efficacy may not be equally achieved. Many questions regarding responders and nonresponders, predictors of response, and residual disease after blocking type 2 pathways are still unanswered. In this review, we discuss whether treatment with biological agents is equally effective in controlling both asthma and sinonasal symptoms in patients in which asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps coexist.     

Ionic Liquids: How Far Do they Extend the Potential of Solvent Extraction of f-Elements?

Applicability of room temperature liquids (RTILs) as diluents in the solvent extraction of f-elements is reviewed. Characteristics of selected RTILs, important for such an application, are gathered. Properties tabulated are the melting and freezing points, density, mutual solubility with water, viscosity, surface tension, specific conductivity, and radiation stability. Properties such as environmental compatibility, toxicity, chemical and thermal stability, biodegradability, and chemical degradability imply that RTILs are not harmless to the environment or to work safety. The extraction efficiency and mechanism in systems involving RTILs is described, discussed, and compared with systems involving molecular diluents. Particularly assessed is the extraction of nitric acid by RTILs alone and TBP, the extraction of U(VI), Ce(IV), Pu(IV), Am(III), and lanthanides(III) by RTILs alone, the extraction of U(VI), Ce(IV), actinides(III,IV), and lanthanides(III) by solvating O-donors, the extraction of Eu(III) by a solvating N-donor, the extraction of lanthanides(III) and Am(III) by acidic extractants, and the extraction of actinides(III,IV) and lanthanides(III) by task specific ionic liquids.     

Mercury Extraction By The TRUEX Process Solvent: III. Extractable Species And Stoichiometry†

ABSTRACT

Mercury extraction from acidic aqueous solutions by the TRUEX process solvent, 0.2 M n-octyl(phenyl)N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO), 1.4 M tributylphosphate (TBP) in n-dodecane, has not been extensively examined, Research is currently in progress at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant to evaluate the TRUEX process for actinide removal from several acidic waste streams, including liquid sodium-bearing waste (SBW), which contains significant quantities of mercury. Reactions for two mercury species, HgCl₂ and HgCl₄ ^?2, are reported. Classical slope analysis techniques were utilized to evaluate the stoichiometric coefficients of each Hg species independently for both CMPO and TBP. The slope analysis results indicate that even the HgCl₄ ^?2 species extracts as HgCl₂. The results also indicate that 1.9 to 2.2 moles of CMPO and 1.5 to 1.81 moles of TBP are required per mole of HgCl₂ extracted. A generic equation for mercury extraction into CMPO or TBP has been shown to be:

where x = 2 or 4, y = 0 or ?2, E = CMPO or TBP, a = the experimentally determined CMPO or TBP stoichiometry, and over lines indicate organic species. Equilibrium constants for HgCl₂ species were determined to be 295 when extracted by CMPO and 18.2 when extracted by TBP. Equilibrium constants for the HgCl₄ ^?2 species were found to range between 5.8 and 12.0 for the CMPO reaction and 0.13 to 0.27 with TBP.     

Solvent Extraction of Copper from Nitrate Media with Chelating LIX‐Reagents: Comparative Equilibrium Study

Abstract

Comparative experimental studies were carried out on extraction of copper(II) cations from aqueous acid nitrate media using four LIX‐reagents, representatives of different extractant classes: LIX 984N‐I, LIX 860N, LIX 84‐I and LIX 65N. As a diluent, liquid hydrocarbon undecane was used. The extraction behavior of the LIX‐reagents was compared based on an analysis of the influence of the main factors on the two‐phase mass transfer process: aqueous pH‐value, initial copper and extractant concentrations, and temperature. The experimental data received were used in the calculation of important parameters characterizing the efficiency of copper extraction from nitrate media with different LIX reagents: distribution ratios D, concentration extraction constants K _ex, pH_0.5‐values, and thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy, entropy, and free energy changes (ΔH ⁰, ΔS ⁰, ΔG ⁰‐values).     

How good are the Electrodes we use in PEFC?

Basically, companies and laboratories implement production methods for their electrodes on the basis of experience, technical capabilities and commercial preferences. But how does one know whether they have ended up with the best possible electrode for the components used? What should be the (i) optimal thickness of the catalyst layer? (ii) relative amounts of electronically conducting component (catalyst, with support – if used), electrolyte and pores? (iii) “particle size distributions” in these mesophases? We may be pleased with our MEAs, but could we make them better? The details of excellently working MEA structures are typically not a subject of open discussion, also hardly anyone in the fuel cell business would like to admit that their electrodes could have been made much better. Therefore, we only rarely find (far from systematic) experimental reports on this most important issue. The message of this paper is to illustrate how strongly the MEA morphology could affect the performance and to pave the way for the development of the theory. Full analysis should address the performance at different current densities, which is possible and is partially shown in this paper, but vital trends can be demonstrated on the linear polarization resistance, the signature of electrode performance. The latter is expressed through the minimum number of key parameters characterizing the processes taking place in the MEA. Model expressions of the percolation theory can then be used to approximate the dependence on these parameters. The effects revealed are dramatic. Of course, the corresponding curves will not be reproduced literally in experiments, since these illustrations use crude expressions inspired by the theory of percolation on a regular lattice, whereas the actual mesoscopic architecture of MEA is much more complicated. However, they give us a flavour of reserves that might be released by smart MEA design.     

Combined Ion Exchange—Solvent Extraction (CIESE): A Novel Separation Technique for Inorganic Ions

Abstract

In the present paper a novel separation technique for inorganic ions is described. This has been termed combined ion exchange—solvent extraction (CIESE), because it is assumed that both ion exchange and solvent extraction are operative simultaneously to effect the separations. This concept is illustrated with two examples: the separation of iron(III), Co(II), and Ni(II) on the ion-exchange resins Dowex 50 and Dowex 1 using acetone or tetrahydrofuran—hydrochloric acid mixtures, and the separation of uranium from numerous metal ions on Dowex 50, employing as eluent a medium consisting of tetrahydrofuran—nitric acid. Because this separation principle is superior to methods employing the conventional separation techniques of ion exchange in pure aqueous solutions and of common liquid-liquid extraction, it is expected that it will also find application for the solution of other problems encountered in inorganic analytical chemistry.     

A Quantitative Multi-Criteria Solvent Selection Method for Extraction Processes: Case Study—Downstream Purification of Sucrose-Based Surfactants

This work developed a novel method for the identification and selection of green solvents for extraction processes. The methodology was experimentally validated in the downstream separation of sucrose-based surfactants obtained from a solvent-free transesterification of sucrose and methyl palmitate (MP). First, a preliminary solvent screening was carried out taking into account environmental consciousness, extraction effectiveness, and predicted operating costs, combining both theoretical and empirical inputs. Potential solvents were first selected from a green solvents list used at the pharmaceutical industry, and the affinity with reactants was assessed based on the Hansen solubility parameters. Solvent suitability was ranked according to a novel objective function that incorporated the heat of vaporization, normal boiling point, cost, and availability. In the case of study, ethyl acetate was identified as the most promising solvent for MP extraction. This and other solvents were experimentally evaluated to validate the selection method and to assess their extraction performance. According to different effectiveness criteria, ethyl acetate was confirmed as the preferable extraction solvent. Finally, MP extraction from reaction media was optimized, varying temperature, number of stages, and solvent loading. Purified sucrose esters were subjected to bleaching obtaining a product under market specifications.     

The Solvent Extraction of Boron with Synthesized Aliphatic 1,3‐Diols: Stripping and Extraction Behavior of Boron by 2,2,5‐Trimethyl‐1,3‐hexanediol

Abstract

A variety of aliphatic 1,3‐diols (4a–c, 5a–c, 6a–c) was synthesized from β‐hydroxy carbonyl compounds (1–3) for potential use in the solvent extraction of boron. Primary‐secondary and primary‐tertiary alcohol structures of 1,3‐diols substituted with isopropyl, isobutyl, and isopentyl groups have been demonstrated to be very efficient for the solvent extraction of boric acid from aqueous solutions. The extraction ability of 2,2,5‐trimethyl‐1,3‐hexanediol (5b) was investigated as a function of 5b concentration, solution pH, solvent properties, and stripping conditions. Extraction efficiency increased with increasing concentration of 5b, and the best extraction of boron (96.8%) was found to be at an equilibrium pH of 2 with 0.5 M of 5b. Chloroform, toluene, chlorobenzene, 2‐octanol, and n‐amyl alcohol were found to be suitable solvents for the solvent extraction of boron. The boron complex can be recovered from the organic phase by treatment with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The highest ratio (96.7%) of boron was recovered by 0.1 M of sodium hydroxide solution.     

Cell-Based and Selected Cell-Free Therapies for Myocardial Infarction: How Do They Compare to the Current Treatment Options?

Because of cardiomyocyte death or dysfunction frequently caused by myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in modern society. Paradoxically, only limited and non-curative therapies for heart failure or MI are currently available. As a result, over the past two decades research has focused on developing cell-based approaches promoting the regeneration of infarcted tissue. Cell-based therapies for myocardial regeneration include powerful candidates, such as multipotent stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), bone-marrow-derived stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and hematopoietic stem cells) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These possess unique properties, such as potency to differentiate into desired cell types, proliferation capacity, and patient specificity. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated modest improvement in the myocardial regeneration and reduced infarcted areas upon transplantation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells. Another cell population that need to be considered as a potential source for cardiac regeneration are telocytes found in different organs, including the heart. Their therapeutic effect has been studied in various heart pathologies, such as MI, arrhythmias, or atrial amyloidosis. The most recent cell-free therapeutic tool relies on the cardioprotective effect of complex cargo carried by small membrane-bound vesicles—exosomes—released from stem cells via exocytosis. The MSC/iPSC-derived exosomes could be considered a novel exosome-based therapy for cardiovascular diseases thanks to their unique content. There are also other cell-free approaches, e.g., gene therapy, or acellular cardiac patches. Therefore, our review provides the most recent insights into the novel strategies for myocardial repair based on the regenerative potential of different cell types and cell-free approaches.     

Ionic Liquids as Extraction Solvents: Where do We Stand?

Abstract

The unique physicochemical properties of ionic liquids (ILs) and the relative ease with which these properties can be fine‐tuned by altering the cationic or anionic moieties comprising the IL have led to intense interest in their use as alternatives to conventional organic solvents in a wide range of synthetic, catalytic, and electrochemical applications. Recent work by a number of investigators has been directed at the application of ionic liquids in various separation processes, among them the liquid‐liquid extraction of metal ions. Although certain IL‐extractant combinations have been shown to yield metal ion extraction efficiencies far greater than those obtained with molecular organic solvents, other work suggests that the utility of ILs may be limited by solubilization losses and difficulty in recovering extracted metal ions. In this report, recent efforts to overcome these limitations are described, and progress both in achieving an improved understanding of the fundamental aspects of metal ion transfer into ILs and in devising viable IL‐based systems for metal ion separation is detailed. In addition, areas upon which future research efforts might profitably be focused are identified.     

Glucose Variability: How Does It Work?

A growing body of evidence points to the role of glucose variability (GV) in the development of the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. In this review, we summarize data on GV-induced biochemical, cellular and molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Current data indicate that the deteriorating effect of GV on target organs can be realized through oxidative stress, glycation, chronic low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, impaired angiogenesis and renal fibrosis. The effects of GV on oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability could be aggravated by hypoglycemia, associated with high GV. Oscillating hyperglycemia contributes to beta cell dysfunction, which leads to a further increase in GV and completes the vicious circle. In cells, the GV-induced cytotoxic effect includes mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress and disturbances in autophagic flux, which are accompanied by reduced viability, activation of apoptosis and abnormalities in cell proliferation. These effects are realized through the up- and down-regulation of a large number of genes and the activity of signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, MAPK (ERK), JNK and TGF-β/Smad. Epigenetic modifications mediate the postponed effects of glucose fluctuations. The multiple deteriorative effects of GV provide further support for considering it as a therapeutic target in diabetes.     

Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Isovaleric Acid Using Alamine 308/Diluent and Conventional Solvent Systems: Effect of Diluent and Acid Structure

Abstract

Distribution of isovaleric (3‐methyl butanoic) acid between water and Alamine 308 (triisooctylamine) dissolved in C₅ and C₆‐ring included diluents of proton‐donating and ‐accepting (cyclopentanol, cyclohexanone), polar (chlorobenzene) and inert (toluene) types, as well as a comparison with the extraction equilibria of pure diluent alone (chloroform) have been studied at 298 K. Among the tested C₆ ring‐containing and aliphatic diluents, cyclic alcohol/amine system yields the highest synergistic extraction efficiency. The strength of the complex solvation was found to be reasonably large for halogenated aromatics favoring mainly the formation of acid₁‐amine₂ structure. The influence of the acid structure over distribution has been interpreted through comparing the extractabilities of seven acids containing different functional groups, i.e., isovaleric, formic, levulinic, acetic, propanoic, pyruvic and nicotinic acids. The results were correlated using a modified linear solvation energy relation (METLER) and versions of the mass action law, i.e., a chemodel approach and a modified Langmuir equilibrium model comprising the formation of one or two acid‐multiple amines complex formation.