Organic Fragments Research Articles

Molecular docking study and molecular dynamics simulation of ethyl 3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate and (Z)-ethyl-2-(3-oxo-1,3-diphenylprop-1-enylamino)acetate.

The presentanalysishas been performed in the wet-lab and computational environments. First, the synthesis of the latest heterocyclic compounds containing the alkyl organic compound fragment of acetate and glycine acid were obtained and then their crystal structure and biological activity were studied. (Z)-ethyl-2-(3-oxo-1,3-diphenylprop-1-enylamino) acetate (1) was initially retrieved on the supported reaction of dibenzene gas with glycine alkyl organic compound-complex within the presence of Y(OTF)3 catalyst in liquid medium. At an identical time, ethyl-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (2) was synthesized from the interaction of amino alkane with tert-BuOK in the presence of tert-BuOH/DMFA solvent. The structure of the latest compounds has been studied by 1 H, 13 C NMR. Additionally, the crystal structure of ethyl-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (2) is conferred. Moreover, computational drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics indicated the compounds' good drug-like molecules and friendly pharmacokinetics, making the compound valuable candidates to be explored for additional structural modification to act as a potential inhibitor of AChE and α-glycosidase enzymes.

M(II) (M=Cu, Ni) Assisted C−S Bond Cleavage and Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Amine on Non‐Innocent Salen Type Ligand Platforms by Varying Nitrogen vs. Sulfur Coordination Atoms

AbstractHerein, we report two newly synthesized salen‐type ligands, 2,3‐bis((3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)thio)maleonitrile (H2L1) and 2,3‐bis((3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)amino)malenonitrile (H4L2), bearing different coordination sites (sulfur vs amine) at maleonitrile tethered moiety to investigate metal mediated non‐innocence chemistry of these ligands. Upon metallation, ligand H2L1 did not yield simple metal‐ligand complex, rather ligand was split into two organic fragments, dithiolene moiety (mnt)2− and phenol moiety via C−S bond cleavage wherein (mnt)2− formed a stable metal complex [M(mnt)2]2−. The C−S bond cleavage was interpreted in terms of strong p(π) … d(π) interaction between metal and dithiolene moiety in H2L1 ligand that invoked the intramolecular rearrangement facilitating C−S bond cleavage. Interestingly, the phenol moiety further transformed to either unprecedented 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐methylenecyclohexa‐2,4‐dienone (i. e. spiro compound; 5) or 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)phenol (6) depending on the temperature of reaction and type of metal ion used which was further predicted using DFT calculation. On the other hand, combined experimental and DFT studies explained that upon metallation, ligand H4L2 yielded non‐cleavage [M(H2L2)] (3 for M=Cu(II) and 4 for M=Ni(II) ) complex, which slowly oxidized at −NH−CH2‐(amine) region to −N=CH− (imine) in H2L2 ligand under aerobic environment via C−H bond activation, yielding [CuII(L3)] (1) (or [NiII(L3)] (2) complex (H2L3=oxidatively dehydrogenated product of H4L2 ligand.

A theoretical investigation on the hydrodesulphurisation mechanism of hydrogenated thiophene over Cu–Mo-modified FAU zeolite

ABSTRACT We have theoretically investigated the hydrodesulphurisation (HDS) mechanism of hydrogenated thiophene over Cu–Mo-modified FAU zeolite using a two-layer ONIOM (our Own N-layered Integrated molecular Orbital and molecular Mechanics) study. The thiophene is hydrogenated to 2,3-dihydrothiophene (2,3-DHT), 2,5-dihydrothiophene (2,5-DHT) and tetrahydrothiophene (THT) due to moderate free energy barriers. Hydrogenolysis desulphurisation (HYD) and concerted direct desulphurisation (DDS) are discussed. Ring-opening, hydrogen transfer and C−S bond cleavage steps of thiophene derivatives are involved in the HYD process. The rate-determining steps are the hydrogen transfer step for 2,5-DHT and C−S bond cracking step for 2,3-DHT and THT. The concerted DDS pathway is probably more favourable than the HYD pathway in the desulphurisation of 2,5-DHT. The difference charge density (DCD) analysis reveals that for the ring-opening process, the electrons are migrated from the organic chain to the Cu–Mo catalytic centre. The reduced density gradient (RDG) plots indicate that both steric hindrance and a weak van der Waals (VDW) interaction exist between organic fragment and catalytic centre for all transition states (TSs). The localised orbital locator (LOL) maps suggest that there are strong covalent interactions and weak VDW interactions between the atoms in the forming chemical bonds.

Molecular analysis on protozoa in wild mammals run over in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Análise molecular de protozoários em mamíferos silvestres atropelados no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul

The phylum Apicomplexa is divided into four main groups, which include important genera such as Babesia, Theileria and Neospora, which are responsible for diseases that can affect domestic and wild animals. The objective of this study was to ascertain occurrences of Neospora caninum, Babesia sp., Babesia microti, Piroplasmida sp. and Theileria equi in wild mammals in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Twenty-two wild mammals that were found dead as roadkill in this region were necropsied, and organ fragments were collected. The spleen was used for DNA extraction and for parasite detection via PCR. Studies carried out through molecular analysis contribute towards identifying the elements that cause new cases of disease and the emergence of potential reservoirs and vectors. Thus, through these molecular studies, the following were recorded for the first time in Brazil: Neospora caninum and Babesia microti in Cavia aperea, Babesia sp., Theileria equi and Piroplasmida sp. in Procyon cancrivorus; and T. equi in Galictis cuja.

Macrophages of the "Heart-Kidney" Axis: Their Dynamics and Correlations with Clinical Data and Outcomes in Patients with Myocardial Infarction.

Changes in the macrophage infiltration of kidneys in rodents under ischemic conditions may affect cardiac macrophages and lead to development of adaptive cardiac remodeling. The aim of our study was to translate experimental findings into clinically relevant applications and assess the features of macrophage infiltration of the kidney and its correlations with changes in macrophage infiltration of the myocardium and with clinical data in patients who experienced a fatal myocardial infarction (MI). We examined fragments of both organs taken from patients (n = 30) who suffered from fatal MI. Macrophage infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Macrophage infiltration of the kidneys in patients with fatal MI is heterogeneous. The early period of MI was shown to be characterized by the prevalence of CD163+ and CD68+ cells, and in the long-term period by only CD163+ cells. However, only the level of CD206+ cells in the kidneys showed the dynamics representing the late MI period. Its decrease accompanied increase in the numbers of cardiac CD68+, CD163+, CD206+, and stabilin-1+ cells in the infarct area. Kidney CD206+ cells had more correlations with cardiac macrophages than other cells, and the presence of these cells also correlated with impairment of renal function and early death.

A Sluice Gate in Hezekiah’s (Iron Age II) Aqueduct in Jerusalem: Archaeology, Architecture and the Petrochemical Setting of Its Micro and Macro Structures

As part of an important and unique engineering project to protect access to the only perennial source of water in Iron Age II Jerusalem, the engineers of the Israelite king Hezekiah (~715 - 686 BCE) excavated a 533-m-long-subterranean water conduit. His reign took place during a time when the Assyrian empire was consolidating its control of Palestine and Syria, and the threat to the city’s only major water supply was acute and immediate. The aqueduct was constructed to transfer water from the Gihon spring, on the western flank of the Kidron Valley in NE Jerusalem, into the Siloam pool—a water reservoir built during the Middle Bronze II (MB II) Period and located inside the southeastern edge of the city. Hezekiah’s engineers were well aware that such a diversion of water from the northern spring source south into the Siloam pool would lower the water level not only in the immediate environs of the Gihon spring cave but also from the main reservoirs and water conduits. It would thereby threaten the water sources supplying the city’s religious and political heart. To deal with the problem a “device” to control water level in the new aqueduct and thereby also the spring environ was designed and eventually constructed about 71 m from the tunnel’s southern exit. This was where the tunnel ceiling rises rapidly from a height of ~2 m and reaches almost 6 m at the tunnel exit. Two parameters were decisive in the design and choice of this location 1) a threat to the city’s security and 2) the necessity to exercise control of the sluice system from without. Prior to tunnel inauguration four iron bolts > 8 cm in length and up to 1.2 cm wide, were hammered at about waist height through wood panels into which a wooden gate (the sluice) was fitted. A cable, probably woven of wool fiber, raised and lowered the gate. We retrieved and studied two of the four iron bolts and discovered that they are partially enveloped with accreted slivers of (apparently) cedar wood, now petrified to iron hydroxide. We have studied the bolts by SEM-EDS and XRD and were able to unravel a long history of oxidation of metallic iron during which the phases goethite, lepidocrocite, magnetite and lastly akaganeite crystallized—in that order. Collectively these species testify to corrosion of nails during a long history of a fluctuating, occasionally unique, chemical environment within the microcosm of the bolts and probably along the full length of the aqueduct. The external morphology of the bolts and the chemical composition of the metallic iron imply smelted low carbon wrought iron, hand-hammered into desired shapes. The ceiling above the nails is covered with plaster carrying organic matter and fragments of calcified organic fiber. Along nearby fracture zones pozzolanic mortar applications encircle hand-carved circular depressions, thereby collectively providing testimony to unique anthropogenic efforts invested specifically into this segment of the aqueduct.

A 1900 Year Sediment Record Suggests Recent Establishment of Black Mangrove (Avicennia Germinans) Stands within a Salt Marsh in St. Augustine, Florida, USA

Salt marshes and mangroves are currently being affected by rising temperatures. Mangroves thrive below −29° N latitude in Florida, USA, and have a low tolerance for extreme cold events, whereas salt marshes dominate further north. One potential effect of climate change is a reduction in the frequency of extreme cold events, which may lead to mangrove expansion into salt marsh systems. Our research identified sediment proxy indicators of salt marsh and mangrove environments. These indicators were applied to soil cores from intertidal wetlands near the current northern limit of mangrove presence on the east coast of Florida, to determine if mangrove expansion into salt marsh environments has precedence in the deeper past. Our findings suggest that mangrove and salt marsh sediments can be distinguished using a combination of stable carbon isotope ratios of sedimentary organic matter and macroscopic plant fragments, and our results showed that a mangrove stand that we cored established only recently. This result is consistent with other work in the southeastern United States that suggests that mangroves established at the current boreal limit only recently after the end of the Little Ice Age, and that the current mangrove expansion may be fueled by anthropogenic climate change.

Borazine as Alternative to Benzene-based Organic Linkers for Gas Adsorption on Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials that are extensively used for gas adsorption and storage due to their unique features. The use of borazine in the construction of MOFs (instead of the more common organic fragment, benzene) offers an ideal solution to overcome challenges that arise from functionalizing MOFs. In this study, we modified the original HKUST-1 MOF by replacing the benzene ring in the organic linker with borazine. The adsorption of greenhouse gases by both HKUST-1 and borazine-based HKUST-1 (hB-HKUST-1) were studied. The adsorption of CO2 and CH4 by both MOFs were simulated at 298 K over a range of pressures (0-160 kPa) using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. hB-HKUST-1’s surface enhanced the adsorption of CO2 gas, but did not influence the adsorption of CH4. The isosteric heats of adsorption (Qst) demonstrated higher CO2 adsorption by both frameworks compared to CH4. CO2 gas also showed higher loadings of 188.4 and 204.9 mg.g-1, respectively, in HKUST-1 and hB-HKUST-1. Analysis of interaction energies revealed that adsorbent–adsorbate interactions were as much determinative as adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. Snapshots from the simulation indicated that CO2 molecules preferred smaller pores. This valuable information can be a guideline to produce borazine-based MOFs for better gas absorption and storage.

INTERPRETATION OF INJURIES AND ASSESSMENT OF CAUSES OF DEATH IN WILD MAMMALS RECEIVED AT CETAS / IBAMA IN RIO BRANCO, ACRE, BRAZIL:

The necropsy of wild animals is necessary to raise the awareness of the competent public organizations and the population about the risks of zoonosis. Given the scarcity of information the aim of this article was to survey of the main injuries and causes of deaths of wild mammals kept in captivity was made, through the post mortem diagnosis and who passed through Wild Animal Screening Center (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres - CETAS) of Rio Branco - Acre, Brazil, from September 2012 to September 2015. After death, the animals were kept refrigerated or frozen until the time of necropsy, using the standard technique for small mammals. Fragments of organs and tissues were collected, and the material was processed for histopathology using formalin fixation (10%), paraffin impregnation, hematoxylin and eosin staining, in 4 µm thick sections. 42 animals were submitted to necropsy, 27 males (64.3%) and 15 females (35.7%), of which 21 were adults (50%), 15 were puppies (35.7%) and six were young (14.3%). The main cause of death was hypovolemic shock (11.6%), followed by starvation (9.3%). There were also many deaths from undetermined causes (11.6%). A greater occurrence of deaths was registered in the Guariba monkey (Alouatta senicullus). The identification of necropsy findings and the interpretation of macroscopic lesions showed that cardiovascular lesion was the most common deaths. There does not seem to be an influence between the dry and rainy periods on the number of deaths of these animals.

Tannic acid reinforced electro-Fenton system based on GO-Fe3O4/NF cathode for the efficient catalytic degradation of PNP

In order to overcome the sluggish kinetics of the redox conversion between Fe3+ and Fe2+ in Fenton process, we established a novel electro-Fenton system based on GO-Fe3O4 cathode and tannic acid (TA) for the efficient degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). Under the optimal degradation parameters (including the initial PNP concentration of 20 mg L−1, pH = 5, current density of 30 mA cm−2 and feeding ratio of PNP: TA = 1:2), the TA reinforced GO-Fe3O4 electro-Fenton system exhibited the removal rate of PNP over 90.1 ± 0.2%, the COD removal rate of 69.5 ± 0.84% and satisfactory reusability (with the removal rate of ∼80% after 5 recycles). The excellent degradation performance of the proposed TA reinforced GO-Fe3O4 electro-Fenton system was partly attributed to the optimized morphology (with the particle size of Fe3O4 reduced to tens of nanometers, pore size decreased by ∼80% and pore volume increased by 24.3 times) and larger specific surface area (increased by 72.7 times) after compositing GO with Fe3O4, which exposed more active sites. In return, the electron transfer process, the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the degradation efficiency were promoted in the cooperation of GO and Fe3O4. Moreover, the incorporated TA would form a TA-Fe(III) complex to promote the reduction reaction from Fe3+ to Fe2+, which strengthened the self-circulation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ and indirectly enhanced the conversion of H2O2 to ROS to decompose PNP into smaller organic fragments or mineralize into CO2, H2O, NO2− or NO3−, etc. Obviously, the incorporation of TA provided a promising strategy to improve the electro-Fenton efficiency and realize the efficient removal of PNP in wastewater.

Fragmentation method for assigning oxidation numbers in organic and bioorganic compounds.

Oxidation number (ON) is taught as an electron-counting concept for redox reactions in chemistry curriculum. The molecular formula method, the Lewis formula method, and the structural formula method have all been used to determine ON. However, the task of assigning ON still poses problems for some teachers and students. This paper explores a new method, the fragmentation method, which is a visual approach for counting the individual ON of any atom according to its structural formula. The critical step is to break the carbon-heteroatom bond into organic fragments and inorganic fragments. The individual ON of carbon atoms and heteroatoms can be determined by the bond cleavages in the organic and biological compounds. The mean ON of carbons can be calculated by the arithmetic mean of all individual ON of carbons in a molecule or molecular ion. The step-by-step operating procedures and examples are provided. When comparing corresponding molecules in organic conversions, the change of individual ON of atoms can be used as a tool for determining the number of transferred electrons. Furthermore, a reaction site can be identified by their changes of individual ON, chemical composition, and bond order in metabolic redox reactions.

Hybrid Inorganic-Organic Visible-Light-Driven Microrobots Based on Donor-Acceptor Organic Polymer for Degradation of Toxic Psychoactive Substances.

Light-driven microrobots based on organic semiconductors have received tremendous attention in the past few years due to their unique properties, such as ease of reactivity tunability, band-gap modulation, and low cost. However, their fabrication with defined morphologies is a very challenging task that results in amorphous microrobots with poor motion efficiencies. Herein, we present hybrid inorganic-organic photoactive microrobots with a tubular shape and based on the combination of a mesoporous silica template with an active polymer containing thiophene and triazine units (named as Tz-Th microrobots). Owing to their well-defined tubular structure, such Tz-Th microrobots showed efficient directional motion under fuel-free conditions. Depending on the accumulation of the polymer coating, these microdevices also exhibited stand-up and rotation motion. As a proof-of-concept, we use these hybrid microrobots for the capture and degradation of toxic psychoactive drugs commonly found in wastewater effluents such as methamphetamine derivatives. We found that the microrobots were able to decompose the drug into small organic fragments after 20 min of visible light irradiation, reaching total intermediates removal after 2 h. Therefore, this approach represents a versatile and low-cost strategy to fabricate structured organic microrobots with efficient directional motion by using inorganic materials as the robot chassis, thereby maintaining the superior photocatalytic performance usually associated with such organic polymers.

New approach for assigning mean oxidation number of carbons to organonitrogen and organosulfur compounds

Abstract Organonitrogen and organosulfur compounds are abundant in the natural environment. To understand the biological redox pathways properly, it is important for learners to be able to count the oxidation number of organic carbons. However, the process of counting is not always easy. In addition, organonitrogen and organosulfur molecules are seldom studied. To compensate these problems, this paper explores the bond-dividing method, which can effectively determine the mean oxidation number of carbons of organonitrogen and organosulfur molecules. This method uses the cleavage of carbon-sulfur and carbon-nitrogen bonds to obtain the organic and inorganic fragments. The mean oxidation numbers of carbon atoms, nitrogen atoms, and sulfur atoms can be calculated by the molecular formulas of their fragments. Furthermore, when comparing organosulfur or organonitrogen molecules in a redox conversion, the changes of the mean oxidation numbers of carbon atoms, nitrogen atoms, and sulfur atoms can be used as indicators to identify the redox positions and determine the number of transferred electrons.

Roles of Organic Fragments in Redirecting Crystal/Molecular Structures of Inorganic-Organic Hybrids Based on Lacunary Keggin-Type Polyoxometalates.

Lacunary polyoxometalates (LPOMs) are key precursors for the synthesis of functional POMs. To date, reviews dedicated to behavioral studies of LPOMs often comprise the role of metal ions, including transition metal (TM) and rare earth (RE) ions, in extending and stability of high-nuclearity clusters. In contrast, the role of organic ligands in the structures and properties of lacunary-based hybrids has remained less explored. In this review, we focus on the role of organic fragments in the self-assembling process of POM-based architectures and discuss relationships between the nature and structure of organic ligand and properties such as the topology of hybrid inorganic–organic material in RE and TM-RE heterometallic derivatives of lacunary Keggin-type POMs. The effects of organic fragment in mixed ligand hybrids are also briefly reviewed.

Radical-Driven Decomposition of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets: Light Exposure Matters.

Understanding the transformation of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is essential to assess nanomaterial robustness and environmental risks. Using an integrated experimental and simulation approach, our work has demonstrated that the photoinduced hole (h+) on g-C3N4 nanosheets significantly enhances nanomaterial decomposition under •OH attack. Two g-C3N4 nanosheet samples D and M2 were synthesized, among which M2 had more pores, defects, and edges, and they were subjected to treatments with •OH alone and both •OH and h+. Both D and M2 were oxidized and released nitrate and soluble organic fragments, and M2 was more susceptible to oxidation. Particularly, h+ increased the nitrate release rate by 3.37-6.33 times even though the steady-state concentration of •OH was similar. Molecular simulations highlighted that •OH only attacked a limited number of edge-site heptazines on g-C3N4 nanosheets and resulted in peripheral etching and slow degradation, whereas h+ decreased the activation energy barrier of C-N bond breaking between heptazines, shifted the degradation pathway to bulk fragmentation, and thus led to much faster degradation. This discovery not only sheds light on the unique environmental transformation of emerging photoreactive nanomaterials but also provides guidelines for designing robust nanomaterials for engineering applications.

Efficient Fenton-like treatment of high-concentration chlorophenol wastewater catalysed by Cu-Doped SBA-15 mesoporous silica

Effective treatment for industrial wastewater that contains high concentration of chlorophenols is urgent and indispensable for environmental governance and human health due to their nonbiodegradable, carcinogenic and cytotoxic properties. Four kinds of Cu-containing mesoporous silica materials were utilized to catalyse Fenton-like treatment of high-concentration chlorophenols wastewater (1.0 g L−1). All of chlorophenols in various water matrices could be oxidatively decomposed in 35 min with the catalysis of Cu-doped SBA-15. Cu-doped SBA-15 with a Cu/Si molar ratio of 0.133 had the best catalytic activity in the oxidative degradation of 4-chlorophenol with an apparent reaction rate constant of 0.170 min−1 which was 1.3–3.6 times higher than those with other Cu-containing catalysts. After 300 min reaction, total organic carbon content of 4-chlorophenol solution declined continuously to 23.8% with an advisable utilization efficiency of H2O2 of 26.5%–68.4%. Electron spin resonance tests and quenching experiments demonstrated that Cu-doped SBA-15 had a selective catalytic activity in the decomposition of H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals which dominated the degradation of chlorophenols in wastewater. The redox of Cu(II)/Cu(I) in Cu-doped SBA-15 occurred efficiently, which could be attributed to chemical adsorption and electron transformation of organic molecular fragments onto Lewis acidic sites formed by the incorporation of Cu2+ ions in SBA-15. The biological toxicity of the treated 4-CP wastewater declined significantly in comparison with that of the original wastewater. Our work provided an effective way of the heterogeneous treatment of high-concentration chlorophenol wastewater.

MODERN CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE UPPER AERODIGESTIVE TRACT BY THE VISCERAL FLAPS

Introduction. The high incidence of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract, impairment of breathing, speech, and swallowing functions accompanied by prolonged and often persistent disability put the rehabilitation and the quality of life of patients among the most important social problems.Material and methods. We have gained experience in reconstructing the pharynx and esophagus with various fragments of the gastrointestinal tract in 121 cancer patients. Based on our own clinical experience, the most important criteria of selecting patients after laryngectomy for reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract with visceral flaps were identified. Visceral autografts formed from different parts of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract were full-layer fragments of the abdominal organs, which included the mucous membrane of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. In some patients, the choice of flap was limited by a large omentum.Results. In 9.9 % of cases, flap necrosis was observed. Oral nutrition was restored in 93.9 % of patients. In 90.5 % of cases, speech function was restored after the installation of avoice prosthesis. The method of autologous transplantation of the ileo-colonic flap made it possible not only to remove the organs affected by the tumor, but also to simultaneously restore the lost nutrition and vocal functions without resorting to artificial prostheses, but using only their own tissues. The 5-year survival rates were 36.4 % and 67.3 % in patients with simultaneous reconstruction and in patients with delayed reconstruction, respectively.Conclusion. The use of visceral flaps in the reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract allows patients to restore both the nutrition and voice functions after laryngectomy.

Photocatalytic Oxidation Reactions Mediated by Covalent Organic Frameworks and Related Extended Organic Materials

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) and related extended organic materials have been widely used as photocatalysts in the last few years. Such interest arises from the wide range of covalent linkages employed in their construction, which offer many possibilities to design extended frameworks and to link photoactive building blocks. Thus, the potential utility of predesigned organic photoactive fragments can be synergistically added to the inherent advantages of heterogeneous catalysis, such as recyclability and easy separation of catalyst. In this overview, the current state of the art on the design of organic materials for photocatalytic oxidation reactions will be presented. The designing process of these materials is usually conditioned by the generally accepted concept that crystallinity and porosity defines the quality of the heterogeneous catalysts obtained. The care for the structural integrity of materials obtained is understandable because many properties and applications are intimately related to these features. However, the catalytic activity does not always directly depends on these characteristics. A critical compilation of the available literature is performed in order to offer a general perspective of the use of COFs and Covalent Triazine Frameworks (CTFs) in photocatalytic oxidation processes, including water oxidation, which constitute an important outcome relevant to artificial photosynthesis.

PVDF Composite Membranes with Hydrophobically-Capped CuONPs for Direct-Contact Membrane Distillation.

Water scarcity is an imminent problem that humanity is beginning to attempt to solve. Among the several technologies that have been developed to mitigate water scarcity, membrane distillation is of particular note. In the present work, CuO nanoparticles capped with 1-octanethiol (CuONPs@CH) or 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol (CuONPs@CF) are prepared. The nanoparticles are characterized by FT-IR and TGA methods. Two weight losses are observed in both cases, with the decomposition of the organic fragments beginning at 158 °C and 230 °C for CuONPs@CF and CuONPs@CH, respectively. Flat sheet PVDF composite membranes containing nanoparticles are prepared by the casting solution method using nanoparticle concentrations that ranged between 2–20% with a non-woven polyester fabric as support. The obtained membranes showed a thickness of 240 ± 40 μm. According to water contact angle (87° for CuONPs@CH and 95° for CuONPs@CF, both at 10% w.t) and roughness (12 pixel for CuONPs@CH and 14 pixels for CuONPs@CF, both at 10% w.t) determinations, the hydrophobicity of membranes changed due to a decrease in surface energy, while, for naked CuONPs, the roughness factor represents the main role. Membranes prepared with capped nanoparticles showed similar porosity (60–64%). SEM micrographs show asymmetric porous membranes with a 200-nm surface pore diameter. The largest finger-like pores in the membranes prepared with CuONPs, CuONPs@CH and CuONPs@CF had values of 63 ± 10 μm, 32 ± 8 μm, and 45 ± 10 μm, respectively. These membranes were submitted to a direct contact membrane distillation module and flux values of 1.8, 2.7, and 3.9 kg(m2·h)−1 at ΔT = 30 °C were obtained for the CuONPs, CuONPs@CH, and CuONPs@CF, respectively. The membranes showed 100% salt rejection during the testing time (240 min).

Bioturbation by black soldier fly larvae-Rapid soil formation with burial of ceramic artifacts.

Bioturbation involves the incorporation of residues from the surface soil into the subsoil; however, common small soil ‘bioengineers’, such as earthworms or termites, are unlikely to transport human artifacts to deeper soil horizons. However, such artifacts occur in the deeper soil horizons within Amazonian Anthrosols (Terra Preta). Here we test the assumption that such tasks could be carried out by fly larvae, which could thus play a crucial role in waste decomposition and associated soil mixing under tropical conditions. We performed two greenhouse experiments with sandy substrate covered with layers of organic waste, ceramic fragments, and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens (L.) (Dipt.: Stratiomyidae)). We used in-situ images to assess the rate of bioturbation by BSFL, and then designed our main study to observe waste dissipation (reduction of organic carbon and phosphorus contents from waste model trials with and without charcoal) as related to larval-induced changes in soil properties. We found that the bioturbation of macroinvertebrates like BSFL was able to bury even large (> 5 cm) ceramic fragments within hours, which coincided with high soil growth rates (0.5 cm h-1). The sandy soil was subsequently heavily enriched with organic matter and phosphorus originating from organic waste. We conclude that BSFL, and possibly other fly species, are important, previously overlooked soil ‘bioengineers’, which may even contribute to the burial of artifacts in Anthrosols and other terrestrial waste dumps.