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Analytical Sciences : the International... Apr 2024Mustard gas, a representative of blister agents, poses a severe threat to human health. Although the structure of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) is similar to...
Mustard gas, a representative of blister agents, poses a severe threat to human health. Although the structure of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) is similar to mustard gas, 2-CEES is non-toxic, rendering it a commonly employed simulant in related research. ZnFeO-based semiconductor gas sensors exhibit numerous advantages, including structural stability, high sensitivities, and easy miniaturization. However, they exhibit insufficient sensitivity at low concentrations and require high operating temperatures. Owing to the effect of electronic and chemical sensitization, the gas-sensing performance of a sensor may be remarkably enhanced via the sensitization method of noble metal loading. In this study, based on the morphologies of ZnFeO hollow microspheres, a solvothermal method was adopted to realize different levels of Au loading. Toward 1 ppm of 2-CEES, the gas sensor based on 2 wt.% Au-loaded ZnFeO hollow microspheres exhibited a response sensitivity twice that of the gas sensor based on pure ZnFeO; furthermore, the response/recovery times decreased. Additionally, the sensor displayed excellent linear response to low concentrations of 2-CEES, outstanding selectivity in the presence of several common volatile organic compounds, and good repeatability, as well as long-term stability. The Au-loaded ZnFeO-based sensor has considerable potential for use in detecting toxic chemical agents and their simulants.
PubMed: 38687414
DOI: 10.1007/s44211-024-00573-z -
Photochemical & Photobiological... Apr 2024Nerve agents are the most notorious substances, which can be fatal to an individual because they block the activity of acetylcholinesterase. Fighting against...
Nerve agents are the most notorious substances, which can be fatal to an individual because they block the activity of acetylcholinesterase. Fighting against unpredictable terrorist assaults and wars requires the simple and quick detection of chemical warfare agent vapor. In the present contribution, we have introduced a rhodamine-based chemosensor, BDHA, for the detection of nerve gas-mimicking agents diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) and diethylcyanophosphonate (DCNP) and mustard gas-mimicking agent 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), both in the liquid and vapor phase. Probe BDHA provides the ability for detection by the naked eye in terms of colorimetric and fluorometric changes. It has been revealed that the interaction between nerve agents mimics and probe BDHA facilitates spirolactam ring opening due to the phosphorylation process. Thus, the highly fluorescent and colored species developed while probe BDHA is colorless and non-fluorescent due to the intramolecular spirolactam ring. Moreover, probe BDHA can effectively recognize DCP, DCNP, and CEES in the µM range despite many toxic analytes and could be identified based on the response times and quantum yield values. Inexpensive, easily carried paper strips-based test kits were developed for the quick, on-location solid and vapor phase detection of these mustard gas imitating agents (CEES) and nerve gas mimicking agents (DCP and DCNP) without needing expensive equipment or skilled personnel. More remarkably, the test strips' color and fluorescence can be rapidly restored, exposing them to triethyl amine (TEA) for cyclic use, suggesting a potential application in the real-time identification of chemical warfare agents. To accomplish the on-location application of BDHA, we have experimented with soil samples to find traces of DCP. Therefore, the chromo-fluorogenic probe BDHA is a promising, instantaneous, and on-the-spot monitoring tool for the selective detection of DCP, DCNP, and CEES in the presence of others.
Topics: Sarin; Nerve Agents; Mustard Gas; Acetylcholinesterase; Fluorescent Dyes; Chemical Warfare Agents; Nitrophenols; Organophosphorus Compounds; Organophosphates
PubMed: 38519812
DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00553-2 -
Inorganic Chemistry Apr 2024In this work, we illustrated the design and development of a metal-coordinated porous organic polymer () namely a post-synthetic metalation strategy to incorporate...
In this work, we illustrated the design and development of a metal-coordinated porous organic polymer () namely a post-synthetic metalation strategy to incorporate oxo-vanadium sites in a pristine polymer () having acetylacetonate (acac) as anchoring moiety. The as-synthesized exhibited highly robust and porous framework, which has been utilized for thioanisole (TA) oxidation to its corresponding sulfoxide. The catalyst demonstrated notable stability and recyclability by maintaining its catalytic activity over multiple reaction cycles without any significant loss in activity. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) analysis establish the existence of V(+4) oxidation state along with the VO(O) active sites into the porous network and the most energetically feasible mechanistic pathway involved in the TA oxidation, respectively, indicating the role of electron density associated with vanadium center during the catalytic transformation. Thus, this work aims at the demonstration of versatility and potential of as a porous heterogeneous catalyst for the TA oxidation followed by decontamination of sulfur mustards (HD's) to their corresponding less toxic sulfoxides in a more efficient and greener way.
PubMed: 38507817
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c00519 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure causes acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The extent of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in individuals exposed to SM is unclear. This...
BACKGROUND
Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure causes acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The extent of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in individuals exposed to SM is unclear. This study evaluated and compared SAD in SM-exposed and SM-unexposed participants using noninvasive lung function tests assessing small airway function.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study involved SM-exposed ( = 15, mean age: 53 ± 8 years) and SM-unexposed ( = 15, mean age: 53 ± 7 years) Kurdish-Swedish individuals in Sweden. Small airway resistance and reactance were assessed using impulse oscillometry (IOS). Nitrogen (N) multiple breath washout (MBW) was employed to assess lung ventilation heterogeneity. The gas-exchanging capacity of the lungs was assessed using the diffusing capacity of the lungs for the carbon monoxide (DLCO) test. Lung function outcomes were reported as absolute values and -scores. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in age, height, or body mass index were observed between the two groups. IOS showed significantly increased small airway resistance, while NMBW exhibited significantly increased global and acinar ventilation heterogeneity in SM-exposed individuals compared to that in unexposed individuals. SAD was identified in 14 of 15 SM-exposed individuals, defined as at least one abnormal IOS difference between resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5-R20) and/or area of reactance (AX) or NMBW lung's acinar zone (S), and DLCO adjusted to the alveolar volume (DLCO/VA) outcome. Of these 14 individuals, only 5 demonstrated concordant findings across the IOS and NMBW tests.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to SM was positively associated with long-term impairment of respiratory tract function in the small airways in the majority of the previously SM-exposed individuals in the present study. Furthermore, both IOS and NMBW should be employed to detect SAD in SM-exposed survivors as they provide complementary information. Identifying and characterizing the remaining pathology of the small airways in survivors of SM exposure is a first step toward improved treatment and follow-up.
PubMed: 38500955
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1251500 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Mar 2024Functional materials that can quickly absorb and degrade mustard gas are essential for chemical warfare emergency response kits. In this study, a fiber membrane with...
Functional materials that can quickly absorb and degrade mustard gas are essential for chemical warfare emergency response kits. In this study, a fiber membrane with excellent adsorption and catalytic degradation activity was developed by solution blow spinning polystyrene (PS)/polyurethane (PU) and hydrothermal in situ growth of a zirconium-based MOF (MOF-808). The mechanical properties of the PS/PU fibers were improved by adding a trimethylolpropane tris (2-methyl-1-aziridine propionate) (TTMA) cross-linking agent. Moreover, the C═O bonds in TTMA provided abundant growth sites for MOF-808 in the hydrothermal process, thereby greatly increasing the loading capacity. The fiber surface was completely covered with the MOF-808 particles within 24 h. The PS/PU/TTMA/MOF-808 fiber membrane was used for the catalytic degradation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The degradation efficiency reached 97.7% after 72 h, indicating its great application potential in emergency wiping cloths for mustard gas adsorption and degradation.
PubMed: 38488122
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00036 -
Journal, Physical Therapy Education Sep 2023Full-time clinical education experiences (CEEs) constitute a significant component of entry-level physical therapy education. COVID-19 challenged clinical education...
INTRODUCTION
Full-time clinical education experiences (CEEs) constitute a significant component of entry-level physical therapy education. COVID-19 challenged clinical education throughout the country by affecting the availability of CEEs.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Research suggested that the number of clinical education spots available would stay the same. By contrast, the number of students enrolling in physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) education programs continues to rise. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, students and faculty expressed concerns about the lack of student readiness and the availability of CEEs. The purpose of this study was to examine prepandemic factors that influenced the number of CEE slots available in Florida and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on slot availability. Furthermore, researchers sought to identify factors that prevented a return to prepandemic levels of CEE spot offerings and recognize solutions to overcome those barriers. Finally, the researchers aimed to pinpoint suggestions to enhance collaborations between the clinical sites and physical therapy education programs.
SUBJECTS
Forty-eight site coordinators of clinical education (SCCEs) from various settings and regions in Florida completed the survey.
METHODS
An online survey was distributed to Florida SCCEs to ascertain their perceptions on how COVID-19 influenced clinical education. The researchers used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Clinical instructor (CI) volunteerism was the primary determinant of CEE spots available before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of CEE spots was reduced for both PT and PTA education programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the PTA slots returned to their baseline from 2019, the PT placements remained significantly lower in 2021. Social distancing and CI availability had the most considerable impact on CEE offerings. Site coordinators of clinical education also suggested that the greatest supports needed from the academic institutions were educating students on COVID-19 prevention and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to students for their CEEs. This article also offers suggested incentives that academic sites can provide their clinical partners, such as in-services earning continuing education units, to enhance their participation in clinical education.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
All clinical education stakeholders must collaborate to provide students with the required clinical educational opportunities. Academic sites should continue to provide support, training, and incentives to CIs to enhance participation from clinical education sites. Educational programs must add content about COVID-19 to their curriculum and consider providing students with PPE during their rotations to restore the number of CEEs post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Humans; Florida; Pandemics; COVID-19; Physical Therapy Modalities; Mustard Gas
PubMed: 38478814
DOI: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000286 -
Journal, Physical Therapy Education Sep 2023The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the United States.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Belongingness is vital to one's mental, emotional, and physical health. Research has shown that belongingness is positively correlated with students' academic performance and achievement. An absence of belongingness may hinder students' full participation in clinical experiences and compromise clinical achievement.
SUBJECTS
Respondents were current or former DPT students at least 18 years of age who had either completed the midterm evaluation of their final terminal full-time clinical education experience (TCE) in their DPT program or were no more than 1 year from the completion of their final TCE.
METHODS
The BES-CPE was adapted for DPT students, and the scale was completed electronically by those who met the inclusion criteria. Principal component analysis with promax rotation and Cronbach's α were used to determine construct validity and reliability.
RESULTS
One hundred fifty-nine respondents completed all items on the BES-CPE and demographic survey. A 3-component structure was identified (esteem, connectedness, and efficacy), which was aligned to the original BES-CPE scale. One item was discarded, and the final version of the BES-CPE for DPT students is a 33-item scale with satisfactory internal consistency.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
This study adapted and provided evidence for validity of the first known scale to measure belongingness in DPT students during their clinical education experiences (CEEs) in the United States. The 33-item BES-CPE provided valid and reliable measures of belongingness in DPT students during CEEs that can be used to provide a better understanding of the student experience in the clinical learning environment.
Topics: Humans; United States; Reproducibility of Results; Students; Physical Therapy Modalities; Mustard Gas; Alkanesulfonic Acids
PubMed: 38478813
DOI: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000292 -
RSC Advances Feb 2024Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) pose a persistent threat to human safety, and bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, or sulfur mustard (SM) is one of the most dangerous substances...
Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) pose a persistent threat to human safety, and bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, or sulfur mustard (SM) is one of the most dangerous substances and is able to cause serious harm. Detecting SM gas is vital, but current methods have high-temperature requirements and limited selectivity, mainly because of the lack of CWA receptor development, and this makes them challenging to use. To address this issue, we present a trisaryl phosphoric triamide-based resin receptor that preferentially interacts with a SM simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) through dipole interactions. The receptor was synthesized through a facile process using an amine and a triethyl phosphate and the properties of its coating were enhanced using epoxy chemistry. The receptor's superior triamide structure was evaluated using a quartz crystal microbalance and reactivity was confirmed by observing the variations in reactivity according to the number of phosphoramides. The receptor showed better reactivity to 2-CEES vapor than to the known poly(epichlorohydrin) and showed selectivity to other volatile organic compounds. Moreover, its durability was evident even 30 days post-coating. The applicability of this receptor extends to array sensors, sound acoustic wave sensors, and chemo-resistive and chemo-capacitive sensors, and it promises advances in chemical warfare agent detection.
PubMed: 38449823
DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08852a -
Science and Technology of Advanced... 2024A series of porous organic polymers based on a singlet oxygen generating oxoporphyinogen ('') has been successfully prepared from a pseudotetrahedral -tetraamine...
A series of porous organic polymers based on a singlet oxygen generating oxoporphyinogen ('') has been successfully prepared from a pseudotetrahedral -tetraamine precursor () by its reaction with tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides under suitable conditions. Of the compounds studied, those containing naphthalene () and perylene () spacers, respectively, have large surface areas (~530 m g). On the other hand, the derivative with a simple benzene spacer () exhibits the best O generating capability. Although the starting -tetraamine precursor is a poor O generator, its incorporation into POPs leads to a significant enhancement of O productivity, which is largely due to the transformation of NH groups to electron-withdrawing diimides. Overall O production efficacy of s under irradiation by visible light is significantly improved over the common reference material . All the materials , and promote oxidation of thioanisole involving conversion of ambient triplet state oxygen to singlet oxygen under visible light irradiation and its reaction with the sulfide. Although the reaction rate of the oxidation promoted by POPs is generally lower than for conventional materials (such as ) or previously studied derivatives, undesired overoxidation of the substrate to methyl phenyl sulfone is suppressed. For organic sulfides, selectivity of oxidation is especially important for detoxification of mustard gas (bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide) or similarly toxic compounds since controlled oxidation leads to the low toxicity bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfoxide while overoxidation leads to intoxification (since bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfone presents greater toxicity to humans than the sulfide substrate). Therefore, POPs capable of promoting selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides have excellent potential to be used as mild and selective detoxification agents.
PubMed: 38440402
DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2024.2322458 -
Polymers Feb 2024There have been many studies on surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for detecting sulfur-containing toxic or harmful gases. This paper aims to give an overview of the... (Review)
Review
There have been many studies on surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for detecting sulfur-containing toxic or harmful gases. This paper aims to give an overview of the current state of polymer films used in SAW sensors for detecting deleterious gases. By covering most of the important polymer materials, the structures and types of polymers are summarized, and a variety of devices with different frequencies, such as delay lines and array sensors for detecting mustard gas, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide, are introduced. The preparation method of polymer films, the sensitivity of the SAW gas sensor, the limit of detection, the influence of temperature and humidity, and the anti-interference ability are discussed in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of the films are analyzed, and the potential application of polymer films in the future is also forecasted.
PubMed: 38399835
DOI: 10.3390/polym16040457