CR Rate Research Articles

Efficient removal of Cr(VI) by chitosan cross-linked bentonite loaded nano-zero-valent iron composite: Performance and mechanism

A nano-zero-valent iron loaded with 2-aminoterephthalic acid cross-linked chitosan/bentonite (2ACB@nZVI) was developed to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution through adsorption-reduction. It was characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, EDS, electrochemistry and XPS. This analysis showed that chitosan cross-linked bentonite not only enhanced the adsorption effect of chitosan and its chemical stability, but also provided a good carrier for loading nZVI and effectively improves its reaction activity. The optimal mass ratios of chitosan: bentonite and 2ACB:nZVI for synthesizing the 2ACB@nZVI composite were 3:1 and 1:4, respectively. The pH value had a great influence on the removal rate of Cr(VI), and its optimal value was 2.0. This is because nZVI was more susceptible to corrosion under acidic conditions, and a large amount of Fe(II) was leached to reduce the adsorbed Cr(VI) on the surface of 2ACB@nZVI. The Cr(VI) removal by 2ACB@nZVI constituted a spontaneous endothermic reaction, aligning with both the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with a maximum adsorption capacity reached 406.36 mg g−1 at 318 K. 2ACB@nZVI had a strong tolerance to co-existing ions, and the removal rate remained about 80 % after aging for 30 days or six cycles. The main mechanisms included electrostatic adsorption, complexation, reduction, and coprecipitation. Reduction contributed 86.67 % to the removal of Cr(VI), and Fe(II) was the key to Cr(VI) reduction. This study provided a new idea for the efficient treatment of Cr(VI) wastewater.

FDA Approval Summary: Polatuzumab Vedotin in the First-Line Treatment of Select Large B-cell Lymphomas.

In April 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to polatuzumab vedotin-piiq in combination with a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (pola+R-CHP) for adult patients who have previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified or high-grade B-cell lymphoma and who have an International Prognostic Index score of 2 or greater. Approval was based on POLARIX, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the superiority of substituting vincristine with polatuzumab vedotin in the rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen as first-line therapy for patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Efficacy was based on investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) in 879 patients who were randomized to receive pola+R-CHP or R-CHOP, followed by two cycles of rituximab alone. PFS was statistically significantly longer with pola+R-CHP with a HR of 0.73 [95% CI: 0.57, 0.95] and log-rank p-value of 0.0177 (two-sided α=0.05). There was no improvement demonstrated in the key secondary endpoints of CR rate at the end of therapy or overall survival (OS). Several issues raised uncertainty about the benefit-risk of polatuzumab vedotin in this curative-intent setting including the modest PFS benefit of pola+R-CHP and lack of OS benefit. The application was therefore presented at an Oncology Drug Advisory Committee. This article summarizes key aspects of the regulatory review, including perspectives on PFS and OS results and other endpoints.

Impact of immune-related adverse events on survival among patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Aim: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment of metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Our goal was to assess for an association between immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and clinical outcomes for patients on ICIs.Methods: We analyzed a cohort of 110 HNSCC patients who received ICI therapy at the University of Virginia.Results: On review, 48% of our patients experienced an irAE with the most common events being hypothyroidism (30%), dermatitis (14%) and hepatitis (11%). Women were more likely to experience irAEs. Treatment interruption/discontinuation occurred in 43% patients with irAEs. Development of irAEs was associated with superior objective response rate (68 vs. 39%, p=0.009), with a greater rate of CR (17 vs. 5%) and PR (32vs. 16%). Twelve patients underwent ICI re-treatment following irAE, with 17% attaining a complete disease response, 25% attaining a partial response, 33% achieving stable disease and 25% experiencing disease progression with ICI resumption.Conclusion: Development of irAE was associated with superior objective response rate, with a greater rate of CR and PR. ICI re-treatment following irAE was feasible in a significant proportion of patients and can be attempted in carefully selected patients, given the dearth of second-line therapies for these patients.

Survival and prognostic factors for relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia after treatment with the Chinese children's cancer group ALL-2015 protocol: a single center results.

This retrospective study was conducted to assess the survival rates and prognostic factors in children with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were treated according to the Chinese Children's Cancer Group ALL-2015 protocol at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The study cohort involving 852 evaluable children with ALL reported a total of 146 relapses during a median follow-up period of 53 months. The primary outcomes measured were the second complete remission (CR2) rates, and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients who received re-treatment post-relapse. Patient data were stratified by ALL subtype (B-ALL vs. T-ALL), age at relapse, site of relapse, and timing of relapse. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors significantly associated with EFS and OS. As of March 31, 2023, 146 relapses were observed, including 128 B-ALL and 18 T-ALL cases. The 8-year CIR was (19.8 ± 1.6)%, with no significant difference between B-ALL and T-ALL (P=0.271). Among the 105 patients who underwent re-treatment, 70 achieved CR2, resulting in a CR2 rate of 67.6%. The 5-year EFS and OS rates for re-treated patients were (45.0 ± 5.4)% and (56.9 ± 5.2)%, respectively. Significant differences in 5-year OS and EFS were found between B-ALL and T-ALL relapses (P < 0.001). The 5-year EFS and OS varied significantly with relapse timing and site of relapse. Factors significantly affecting EFS after relapse included the site of relapse, immunophenotyping, CR2 achievement, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Immunophenotyping, CR2 achievement, and HSCT were also identified as significant factors affecting OS after relapse. Despite treatment with the CCCG-ALL-2015 protocol, a significant relapse rate was observed, with 72% of children opting for re-treatment post-relapse. The study highlights the importance of considering specific prognostic factors to inform tailored treatment strategies for relapsed childhood ALL. The findings emphasize the need for further research into improving therapeutic approaches for this patient population. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the survival rates and prognostic factors in children with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were treated according to the Chinese Children's Cancer Group ALL-2015 protocol at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.

Exposure-response relationships of venetoclax in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory t(11;14) multiple myeloma patients.

Venetoclax is a first in class BCL-2 inhibitor, currently under investigation for the treatment of t(11;14) multiple myeloma (MM). The objective of this analysis was to characterize the exposure-efficacy and exposure-safety relationships of venetoclax when combined with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (VenKd) in t(11;14)-positive relapsed or refractory (R/R) MM patients from a phase 2 study. Fifty-seven patients receiving VenKd or Kd were included in the analysis. Efficacy endpoints included progression-free survival and clinical response rates of overall response, very good partial response or better and complete response or better. Grade ≥ 3 neutropenia, Grade ≥ 3 infections, Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events and any grade serious treatment-emergent adverse events were evaluated. The analysis demonstrated that adding venetoclax to Kd resulted in increased ORR, ≥VGPR and ≥ CR rates compared to the control arm. Within the venetoclax treatment arms (VenKd), no significant exposure-efficacy relationships were observed for ORR and ≥ VGPR rates. Higher ≥ CR rates trended with higher venetoclax exposures. While both 400mg and 800mg venetoclax in VenKd arms were generally tolerated, higher rates of Grade ≥ 3 neutropenia were observed with higher venetoclax exposures. Higher venetoclax exposures however were not associated with increased rates of Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events, Grade ≥ 3 infections, or serious treatment-emergent adverse events (any grade). These results confirm the benefit of adding venetoclax to carfilzomib and dexamethasone and support continued evaluation of venetoclax 400-800mg once daily in this combination in t(11;14)-positive R/R MM patients. NCT02899052 registered April 18, 2017.

Impact of pre-infusion disease burden on outcomes in pediatric relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia following anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have demonstrated high efficacy in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Despite this success, the challenge of post-infusion relapse persists. In our study, we evaluate 116 children with R/R B-ALL who received anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy at our center. All patients were included in the response analysis and assessed for survival and toxicity. The CR rate was 98.3%, with 90.5% achieving minimal residual disease negative (MRD)- CR by day 28 (d28). The overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 69.3%±4.5% and 59.0%±4.6%, respectively, with a median follow-up duration of 47.9 months. The patients with pre-infusion MRD ≥ 1% was associated with lower 4-year OS (p = 0.006) and EFS (p = 0.027) comparing to those with MRD < 1%. The incidences of grade ≥ 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity were21.6 and 5.0%, respectively. Therefore, pre-infusion disease burden is a predictor of long-term outcome following anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric R/R B-ALL.

Novel Preparation of Two Oxidized Starch Formulations for Removal of Cr (VI) Ions From an Aqueous Solution

AbstractHexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has attracted much attention because it is a harmful pollutant. In this study, acid hydrolyzed hydrothermal double modified starch (AHS) and hydroperoxide oxidized starch (HOS) are prepared from natural starch and used for the reduction of chromium (VI) in aqueous systems. The effects of hydrothermal acidolysis and oxidative modification of starch on the reduction rate of Cr(VI) are discussed, including the changes of solubility, swelling power, particle size, content of straight‐chain starch, and carbonyl/carboxylic group content. The results of response surface methodology (RSM) optimization show that the influence of reaction conditions on the reduction rate of Cr(VI) by NS is as follows: reaction time &gt; initial pH of solution &gt; reaction temperature &gt; starch to Cr(VI) mass ratio; and on the reduction rate of Cr(VI) by AHS and HOS is as follows: initial pH of solution &gt; reaction time &gt; starch to Cr(VI) mass ratio &gt; reaction temperature.

Treatment strategies with electrochemotherapy for limb in-transit melanoma: Real-world outcomes from a European, retrospective, cohort study

BackgroundThis study analysed treatment strategies with electrochemotherapy (ECT) in melanoma with limb in-transit metastases (ITM). MethodsWe audited AJCC v.8 stage IIIB-IIID patients treated across 22 centres (2006–2020) within the International Network for Sharing Practices of ECT (InspECT). Results452 patients were included, 58 % pre-treated (93 % had lower limb ITM, 44 % had ≤10 metastases [median size 1.5 cm]. Treatment strategies included first-line ECT (n = 145, 32 %), ECT with concurrent locoregional/systemic treatment (n = 163, 36 %), and salvage ECT (n = 144, 32 %). The objective response rate was 63 % (complete response [CR], 24 %), increasing to 74 % (CR, 39 %) following retreatment (median two ECT, range 1–8). CR rate in treatment-naïve and pre-treated patients was 50 % vs 32 % (p < 0.001). Bleomycin de-escalation was associated with lower CR (p = 0.004). Small tumour number and size, hexagonal electrode, retreatment, and post-ECT skin ulceration predicted response in multivariable analysis. At a median follow-up of 61 months, local and locoregional recurrence occurred in 55 % and 81 % of patients. Median local progression-free, new lesions-free, and regional recurrence-free survival were 32.9, 6.9, and 7.7 months. Grade-3 toxicity was 15 %. Concurrent treatment and CR correlated with improved regional control and survival. Concomitant checkpoint inhibition did not impact toxicity or survival outcomes. The median overall survival was 5.7 years. ConclusionsAmong patients with low-burden limb-only ITM, standard-dose bleomycin ECT results in durable local response. Treatment naivety, low tumour volume, hexagonal electrode application, retreatment, and post-ECT ulceration predict response. CR and concurrent treatment correlate with improved regional control and survival outcomes. Combination with checkpoint inhibitors is safe but lacks conclusive support.

Construction of magnetically separable S-scheme BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst for simultaneous removal of Cr(Ⅵ) and tetracycline in aqueous solution: Performance and mechanism insight

A green, efficient and recyclable magnetic BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4 photocatalyst was prepared for the simultaneous removal of Cr(Ⅵ) and tetracycline (TC) from water by wet chemical and thermal synthesis methods. Experimental results revealed that BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4 achieved a removal efficiency of 96.1 % for Cr(Ⅵ) and 98.2 % for TC under visible light irradiation for 50 min at pH 6. The results of the work function, differential charge density, UV–vis DRS, PL, PC and EIS tests indicate the formation of S-scheme heterojunctions between BiFeO3 and Cl-g-C3N4, which exhibits superior carrier separation and migration efficiency. The evidence for interfacial charge transfer from BiFeO3 to Cl-g-C3N4 within BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4 was further corroborated by means of ISIXPS, EPR and KPFM. Moreover, calculations of the density of states demonstrate that the introduction of Cl enhances the reduction capability of BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4. Results from ESR tests and trapping experiments has demonstrated that the singlet oxygen (1O2) and electrons are the primary active species. Furthermore, the high removal rates of TC and Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater and groundwater, coupled with the lower ecotoxicity of TC degradation intermediates, indicate that BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4 has the potential for practical applications. After five cycles, the BiFeO3/Cl-g-C3N4 still removed 90.5 % of TC and 96 % of Cr(Ⅵ).

Synthesis of novel Ag-doped ZnFe based-oxides nanocomposite for wastewater treatment, self-cleaning, and corrosion resistance

To tackle the critical environmental and industrial challenges, this research endeavors to develop nanomaterial with enhanced photocatalytic function, corrosion resistance, self-cleaning capabilities, and optimal effluent treatment. This research successfully synthesized Ag@ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of Congo red from water. The structural composition and morphology of the materials were examined by the utilization of XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM with EDS and TEM. The study examined the impacts of catalyst dosage, concentrations of PMS, pH, and simultaneous ions on the experiment, as well as the ability of the nanocomposites to be reused and their stability. The photocatalytic degradation process was hypothesized to operate using free radical trapping tests. Results indicated that the heterostructure junction flanked by ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and Ag promoted charge transfer, reducing electron-hole recombination. By adding 5mg of Ag@ZnFe₂O₄ nanocomposite, Congo red degradation was optimized at 98.7% due to the huge surface area of Ag microflowers, which boosted active sites and CR elimination. Due to nanoparticle surface charge, PMS speciation, and radical interactions, CR degradation was most efficient at pH 7.3 and less efficient at pH 9.5. CR degradation rates rose with PMS concentration, reaching 34.7%, 67.9%, and 97.9% at 0.3, 0.6, and 1mM, respectively. The order of the inhibitory action was CO32− > H2PO4− > Cl− > NO3−. Free radical entrapment experiments show that hydroxyl (•OH) and sulfate radicals (•SO₄⁻) are key in CR photodegradation, with h+ and •O₂ being the main active species. ESR tests revealed radicals, while electron transfer between ZnFe₂O₄ and Ag boosted carrier migration, driving redox cycles and CR breakdown into stable byproducts like CO₂ and H₂O. Light-induced reaction eliminated 45.8% of TOC, indicating CR partial mineralization. Mechanism of PMS-based photodegradation of CR removal was proposed. This study underscores the promising potential of Ag@ZnFe2O4/nanocomposites for PMS activation in degrading Congo red-contaminated wastewater. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that a polymeric nanocomposite coating greatly improves the ability to resist corrosion in steel substrates when exposed to a 3.5% NaCl solution. This is achieved by reducing the corrosion current density and boosting corrosion resistance. Superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings repel water and pollutants, safeguarding various substrates from soil residues.

SbSeI for high-efficient photocatalytic degradation of multiple pollutants

Photocatalytic degradation is an effective technology for degrading water pollution that plays a significant role in environmental remediation. Ternary 2D ternary V-VI-VIIA semiconductors are ideal candidates for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants due to effective light absorption and high charge carrier mobility. In this work, high-quality SbSeI crystals were prepared using the chemical vapor transport (CVT) method and their photocatalytic degradation performance for multiple pollutants was studied. SbSeI exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance in the degradation of potassium dichromate (Cr (VI)), rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) and methyl orange (MO). More than 98% of Cr (VI) and RhB can be removed after irradiation with an Xe lamp for 10 min and 40 min, respectively. The capture experiments and electron spin resonance results indicated that ·O2− plays a major role in reducing Cr (VI), while h+ plays a primary role in the degradation of MO, RhB and TC-HCl. Interestingly, the degradation rate of Cr (VI) is 1.3 times higher than that of a single pollutant system, and the degradation rate of RhB is 1.6 times higher, due to the enhanced separation and utilization of holes and electrons. The results demonstrate that SbSeI is a potential photocatalytic degradation material.

Effect of diffusion barriers on steam oxidation properties and interface evolutions of Cr coating for zirconium alloy at 1200 °C

Currently, Cr-based coatings are considered the most promising protective coatings for zirconium alloy claddings under the ATF design concept. However, the primary factor affecting the oxidation resistance of Cr coatings is the interdiffusion of Cr and Zr. In this study, Cr coatings with three refractory metal interlayers of Nb, Mo, and Ta were deposited on zirconium alloy surfaces using closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The study investigated the effects of different interlayers on the microstructure, oxidation properties, and interface evolution process of Cr coatings under steam conditions at 1200 ℃, and compared them with Cr coatings without intermediate layers. The results indicate that the refractory metal interlayer influences the orientation and growth rate of Cr coating grains. The formation of a Laves phase mixed layer in the interlayer during oxidation effectively hinders the diffusion of O and Cr to the zirconium alloy matrix, enhancing its oxidation resistance. Furthermore, the diffusion rate and vacancy concentration of Mo and Ta elements to the Zr layer exceed that of diffusion to the Cr layer. During the cooling process, a precipitate phase forms in the Zr-4 matrix, while the Nb coating forms an infinite solid solution in the β-Zr.

Cysteine-Facilitated Cr(VI) reduction by Fe(II/III)-bearing phyllosilicates: Enhancement from In-Situ Fe(II) generation

Structural Fe in phyllosilicates represents a crucial and potentially renewable reservoir of electron equivalents for contaminants reduction in aquatic and soil systems. However, it remains unclear how in-situ modification of Fe redox states within Fe-bearing phyllosilicates, induced by electron shuttles such as naturally occurring organics, influences the fate of contaminants. Herein, this study investigated the processes and mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction on two typical Fe(II/III)-bearing phyllosilicates, biotite and chlorite, in the presence of cysteine (Cys) at circumneutral pH. The experimental results demonstrated that Cys markedly enhanced the rate and extent of Cr(VI) reduction by biotite/chlorite, likely because of the formation of Cr(V)-organic complexes and consequent electron transfer from Cys to Cr(V). The concomitant production of non-structural Fe(II) (including aqueous Fe(II), surface bound Fe(II), and Cys-Fe(II) complex) cascaded transferring electrons from Cys to surface Fe(III), which further contributed to Cr(VI) reduction. Notably, structural Fe(II) in phyllosilicates also facilitated Cr(VI) reduction by mediating electron transfer from Cys to structural Fe(III) and then to edge-sorbed Cr(VI). 57Fe Mössbauer analysis revealed that cis-coordinated Fe(II) in biotite and chlorite exhibits higher reductivity compared to trans-coordinated Fe(II). The Cr end-products were insoluble Cr(III)-organic complex and sub-nanometer Cr2O3/Cr(OH)3, associated with residual minerals as micro-aggregates. These findings highlight the significance of in-situ produced Fe(II) from Fe(II/III)-bearing phyllosilicates in the cycling of redox-sensitive contaminants in the environment.

Defect engineering on metal-organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

Cr(VI) stands as a profoundly toxic chemical and photocatalysis technology has shown promising potential in photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), where the reduced Cr(III) is less toxic and can be further precipitated in a wide pH range. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as emerging class of porous coordination polymers, is expected to be ideal platform for photocatalysis. In this study, defect engineering on MOFs was applied to promote photoreduction of Cr(VI). The obtained oxygen vacancy-containing MIL-125-NH2 samples showed modified electron structure, adjusted surface and porous properties, and enriched active sites. Among these oxygen vacancy-containing MIL-125-NH2 samples, the 300-M (MIL-125-NH2 heated at 300 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere) displayed the most remarkable performance in terms of photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction. The pronounced efficacy of 300-M is evident from the achieved removal rate of Cr (VI), reaching an impressive 98 % in just 20 mins (19.6 mgCr(VI) g−1cata min−1), in stark contrast to MIL-125-NH2, which exhibited a modest removal rate of 53 %. Remarkably, the k-value for 300-M is 5.1 times that of MIL-125-NH2, further underscoring the superior efficiency of 300-M. The photoreduction mechanism of 300-M was further substantiated through a battery of advanced characterization techniques including transient photocurrent, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, the Mott-Schottky analysis, and electron spin resonance. Those results disclosed that oxygen vacancies and mesopores introduced via controlled heat treatment play a pivotal role in facilitating the photoreduction of Cr(VI) within the MIL-125-NH2 structure. More advanced characterizations for the structures of photocatalysts and the photocatalytic mechanisms including charge transfer path need further studied. The systematic exploration of temperature-dependent effects on material properties opens avenues for future research in designing efficient and versatile MOF-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.

Effective soil remediation with fungal Co-inoculation and king grass for robust cadmium and chromium phytoextraction

Bioremediation, an economical and environmentally friendly approach, provides a sustainable solution for mitigating heavy metal contamination in soils. This study identifies four fungal strains—Trichoderma harzianum DAA8, Trichoderma reesei DAA9, Rhizomucor variabilis DFB3, and Trichoderma asperellum LDA4—that exhibit tolerance to cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr). These strains were isolated from soils impacted by heavy metal contamination in mining regions. Rigorous examinations of these strains led us to determine their Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and optimal absorption-reduction conditions. Our microscopic data and GC-MS analysis indicate that these strains can accumulate Cd and Cr by generating compounds, such as ketones and imines, in heavy metal environments. We evaluated the remediation efficacy of both single and co-cultures of Rhizomucor variabilis DFB3 and Trichoderma asperellum LDA4 in conjunction with king grass, a plant known for its heavy metal accumulation capabilities. Our findings indicated an impressive 41.9% increase in plant biomass and 47.2% and 64.4% increase in Cd and Cr accumulation respectively. The removal rates of Cd and Cr were 16.5% and 19.0%, respectively, following the co-inoculation of Rhizomucor variabilis DFB3 and Trichoderma asperellum LDA4. These rates represent increases of 37.1% and 33.7% compared to the removal rates achieved with king grass alone. This study not only advances strategies to manage Cd-Cr contamination but also sets a pathway for efficient heavy metal soil remediation using a microbial-plant combined technique.

Fabrication of Hierarchically Porous “Fish Cage”‐like Carbonaceous Nanomaterials via Soft Template‐assisted Strategy for Cr Removal: Accelerated Stepped Adsorption and Enhanced Coordination Effect

The negative impact of heavy metal pollution, specifically chromium (VI), on human health is well‐documented. To solve this issue, hollow anisotropic hierarchically porous “Fish Cage”‐like carbonaceous nanomaterial (N,S‐HFC‐180) with multi‐active groups is synthesized. Hierarchically porous structure provides stepped adsorption effect. The addition of K2C2O4 leads to the specific surface area of N,S‐HFC‐180 increases to 1914.21 m2·g‐1 (an increase of ~552 times compared to HFC‐180). Thiourea introduces multi‐active groups act as “Barbs” in “Fish Cage” further reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and sequestrating Cr(III) by coordination effect. Subsequent batch studies suggest that N,S‐HFC‐180 exhibits a high removal capacity of 164.29 mg·g‐1 for Cr(VI) at pH = 2. The kinetics and isotherm analyses display an outstanding maximum adsorption capacity of 393.88 mg·g‐1 at 298 K. In addition, even after seven cycles, the removal rate of Cr(VI) using N,S‐HFC‐180 remains &gt; 85.00%, and it effectively reduces the concentration of electroplating wastewater from 55.82 to 0.14 mg·L‐1. Pore filling, chemical reduction and chelation, hydrogen bond and electrostatic attraction are the primary adsorption drivers. The results suggest that, the recoverable N,S‐HFC‐180 highlights its viability for practical applications in wastewater treatment processes.

Efficacy and safety of venetoclax combined with decitabine, modified HA regimen and DLI in the treatment of relapsed pediatric AML/MDS after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of venetoclax combined with the decitabine, cytarabine, and homoharringtonine (HHT) regimen and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) for the preventive and salvage therapy of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) /myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) . Methods: A total of 29 relapsed pediatric/minimal residual disease-positive AML after HSCT were recruited at the Peking University Institute of Hematology from January 1, 2021, to June 1, 2023. They were treated with the above combination regimen and administered with DLI after 24-48 hours at the end of chemotherapy, and the treatment response and adverse reactions were regularly assessed. Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 75.8%, CR rate was 88.9% (8/9) in the hematologic relapse group, and MRD negativity rate was 61.1% (11/18) in the MRD-positive group. The incidence of agranulocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia with a classification above grade 3 were 100%, 82.7%, and 100%, respectively. The median time of the granulocyte deficiency period was 15 days. Acute graft-versus-host diseases (aGVHD) with a classification of grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ occurred in 11.1% of the patients after DLI, while moderate or severe cGVHD occurred in 7.4% of the patients. The single risk factor for ORR was MNC counts of less than 10×10(8)/kg, and the relapse occurred within 100 days. At a median follow-up of 406 days, the 1-year OS was 65%, and the 1-year OS was 57% in the group with no reaction (P=0.164) compared with 71% in the group who had an overall reaction. Conclusion: The combined regimen based on the DAC, VEN, and modified HA regimen showed a high response rate in the salvage therapy for pediatric AML after the relapse of HSCT. However, bridging to transplantation should be performed immediately after remission to result in a long survival rate.

Effect of histidine and L-Tyrosine supplementation in maturation medium on in-vitro developmental outcomes of buffalo oocytes

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of amino acid (histidine and L-Tyrosine) on in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), cleavage (CR) rates, and in vitro embryonic cultivation (IVC; Morula and Blastocyst stage) in buffaloes. Within two hours of buffalo slaughter, the ovaries were collected and transported to the laboratory. Follicles with a diameter of 2 to 8 mm were aspirated to recover the cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Histidine (0.5, 1, and 3 mg/ml) or L-Tyrosine (1, 5, and 10 mg/ml) were added to the synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) and Ferticult media. The IVM, IVF, CR, and IVC (Morula and Blastocyst) rates were evaluated. The results showed that SOF maturation media containing histidine at 0.5 mg/ml significantly (P ≤ 0.01) improved the oocyte maturation when compared to control and other concentrations. The addition of histidine to FertiCult media at 0.5, 1, and 3 mg/ml did not improve the IVM, IVF, CR, or IVC percentages. However, the embryos in the control group were unable to grow into a morula or blastocyst in the SOF or Ferticult, while addition of L-Tyrosine to the SOF or Ferticult at various concentrations improved IVC (morula and blastocyst rates). There was a significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in IVM when histidine was added to SOF medium at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml compared with L-Tyrosine. Also, there were significant (P ≤ 0.01) increases in IVC when L-Tyrosine was added to SOF medium at concentrations of 1 and 10 mg/ml compared with histidine. In conclusion, the supplementation of the SOF and FertiCult with the amino acids histidine and L-Tyrosine improve the maturation rate of oocytes and development of in vitro-produced buffalo embryos.

One-pot amination and carboxylation functionalization of lignin for efficient adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cd(II): Influence of functional groups on adsorption equilibrium and mechanism

The removal of multiple heavy metal pollutants remains a challenge. Amination and carboxylation modified lignins (NCLs) prepared by one-pot hydrothermal method were used as adsorbents for Cr(VI) and Cd(II) removal. The oxygenous groups content in adsorbents was quantitatively analyzed by Boehm titration in which NCL10 (the mass ratio of citric acid: triethylene diamine = 10) possessed a maximum carboxyl group content of 1.22 mmol/g. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was the most suitable, with the highest theoretical adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) of 1298.6 and 103.1 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, FT-IR and XPS exhibited that NCL5 surface contained many functional groups beneficial to the removal of Cr(VI) and Cd(II). The contribution of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups to the removal of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) was quantitatively analyzed. After the blocking of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, the adsorption rate of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) decreased by 26.4 %, 67.7 % and 7.2 %, 43.3 %, respectively. This study provides effective strategies to overcome the limitations of lignin adsorbents for wastewaters containing a wide range of heavy metal pollutants.

In-situ halloysite coupled with ex-situ nano-aluminosilicate on heavy metals fate during pyrolysis of solid wastes in a rotary kiln and potential application of pyrolysis residue

During the pyrolysis of heavy metal-containing solid waste, the immobilization and stabilization of heavy metals (HM) is of great significance for its safe disposal and resource utilization of pyrolysis products. This study aims to enhance the enrichment and stability of HMs in pyrolysis residues from HM-containing solid waste in a rotary kiln by combining in-situ halloysite (Hal) with ex-situ nano-aluminosilicate (NC2.6). With 13 % Hal and 10 % NC2.6, the relative retention rate of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cr increased by 4.82 %, 29.45 %, 20.98 %, 1.71 %, and 2.61 %, respectively, at 700 ℃. Bureau Communautaire de Référence (F4 > 85 %) and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (7.536 mg/L at 10 % addition ratio) extraction results showed that NC2.6 adsorption products exhibit low toxicity, suitable for landfill disposal. The mobility of HMs in pyrolysis residues significantly decreased with increasing temperature and Hal addition. At 13 % Hal addition, low-risk pyrolysis residue (RI = 22.23) was obtained at 700 ℃. Dynamic adsorption experiments evaluated the feasibility of using this pyrolysis residue for methylene blue (MB) adsorption. Under the conditions of a 6 cm adsorption column height and a solution flow rate of 2.5 mL/min, the HM concentration in the effluent met relevant standards, and the adsorption capacity reached 22.733 mg/g. Furthermore, DFT simulations explored the effect of HMs in biochar on MB adsorption, revealing that the adsorption energy between Zn and N reached −281.03 kJ/mol, significantly lower than that of common oxygen-containing functional groups (COC, CO, HOCO, and OH), indicating more stable adsorption. The findings of this research offer novel insights into the immobilization of HMs during the pyrolysis of HM-containing solid waste and resource utilization of HM-containing pyrolysis residue.