Evaluating the performance of electrocoagulation system in the removal of polystyrene microplastics from water.

Emerging pollutants, particularly microplastics, present a significant threat to both the environment and human health. Traditional treatment methods lack targeted strategies for their removal. This study thoroughly investigated the efficacy of electrocoagulation as a method for efficiently extracting microplastics from water. Various critical operational parameters, including electrode combinations, pH levels, electrolyte concentrations, electrode geometries, configurations, current intensities, and reaction times, were systematically examined. The study systematically examined the impact of different combinations of aluminium (Al) and stainless steel (SS) electrodes, including Al-Al, SS-SS, Al-SS, and SS-Al. Among these combinations, it was found that the Al-Al pairing exhibited outstanding efficiency in microplastic removal, while simultaneously minimizing energy consumption. Initial pH emerged as a critical parameter, with a neutral pH of 7 demonstrating the highest removal efficiency. In the pursuit of optimizing parameters like electrolyte concentrations, electrode geometry, and configuration, it's noteworthy that consistently achieving removal efficiencies exceeding 90% has been a significant achievement. However, to ascertain economic efficiency, additional factors such as energy consumption, electrode usage, and post-treatment conductivity must be taken into account. To tackle the complexity posed by various parameters and criteria, using multi-criteria decision-making tools like TOPSIS is essential, as it has a track record of effectiveness in practical applications. The electrolyte concentration of 0.5 g L-1 is identified as optimal by TOPSIS analysis Additionally, the TOPSIS highlighted the superiority of cylindrical hollow wire mesh electrodes and established the monopolar parallel configuration as the most effective electrode connection method. The investigation carefully evaluated the effect of reaction time, determining that a 50-min window provides optimal microplastic removal efficiency. This refined system exhibited remarkable proficiency in eliminating microplastics of varying size ranges (0-75 µm, 75-150 µm, and 150-300 µm), achieving removal efficiencies of 90.67%, 93.6%, and 94.6%, respectively, at input concentration of 0.2 g L-1. The present study offers a comprehensive framework for optimizing electrocoagulation parameters, presenting a practical and highly effective strategy to address the critical issue of microplastic contamination in aquatic environments.

Coagulation studies on photodegraded and photocatalytically degraded polystyrene microplastics using polyaluminium chloride.

Microplastics are ubiquitous persistent emerging contaminants, and its presence has been detected even in the most pristine and fragile ecosystems. Advanced oxidation processes are one of the novel degradation technologies used for the elimination of microplastics from the environment. In this study, the effect of ultraviolet C (UV-C, 253.7 nm) and ultraviolet A (UV-A, 365 nm) irradiations on polystyrene (PS) microplastic properties in the presence and absence of titanium dioxide were studied along with their coagulation performances using polyaluminium chloride (PAC). The effects of solar irradiation on the chemical properties of microplastics in aqueous and dry conditions were also investigated. PS microplastics (1.5 g) in three size ranges, 300-150 µm, 150-75 µm, and <75 µm were used during this experiment. After 45 days of irradiation, samples showed discolouration, brittleness, and loss of hydrophobicity. Images obtained from scanning electron microscope revealed smoothening and melting of PS surfaces upon UV exposure. Attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photon spectroscopy of photoaged samples revealed chemical alterations, bond cleavage and formation of oxygenated functional groups on microplastic surfaces. PAC coagulation of samples before and after UV irradiation showed drastic differences in removal efficiencies, with UV-C irradiated microplastics exhibiting maximum efficiency. Large sized and photocatalytically degraded microplastics showed better removal efficiencies than small sized particles. The 300-150 µm sized PS microplastic, degraded photo catalytically under UV-C irradiation showed approximately 99 % removal efficiency, while PS < 75 µm photodegraded under UV-A irradiation showed only 74.2 % removal efficiency.

A multicentric case study of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions.

Context: Spindle cell lesions comprise a vast plethora of benign and malignant lesions with similar clinical and radiographic features. Their overlapping histopathologic features ensure a diagnostic dilemma. Aim: The current multicentric study aims to delineate fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions based on cytomorphology and comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis. Settings and Design: The experimental study was conducted at MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, and All India Institute of Applied Sciences, Delhi. Methods and Material: A comprehensive histological scoring criteria and panel of immunohistochemical makers (STAT6, CD31, CD34, S100, SMA, vimentin, pan-CK, HHF-35, Ki67, ALK, desmin, HMB-45, SATB2, ERG, EMA and CD99) were employed concurrently for the first time for fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions. The data obtained was tabulated and studied. Statistical Analysis Used: NA. Results: Using cytological scoring criteria and panel of immunohistochemical makers, the cases analysed and characterized were desmoplastic fibroma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, nodular fasciitis, neurofibroma and epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS). Conclusions: The diagnostic strategies need to be upgraded for the diagnosis of spindle cell lesions. Emphasis must be placed on cytomorphology, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel of markers is imperative for the accurate diagnosis of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic oral spindle cell lesions.

The Effect of Video-Based Preanaesthetic Preparation Versus Conventional Approach on Parental Anxiety in Paediatric Dental Procedures: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Parental anxiety has been identified as a risk factor affecting the behaviour of children before operative intervention. A preanaesthetic visit is a standard component of preoperative preparation, which may reduce parental anxiety. The use of audiovisual aids to demonstrate the conduct of anaesthesia may help improve parental education and reduce anxiety. Patient and methods We analysed data from a prospective randomised trial conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Parents of children posted for day care dental procedures were enrolled in the study. Children could be of either gender, aged 2-6 years, and categorised as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) 1 or 2. Parents' anxiety regarding the surgical and anaesthesia procedure was assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). The first APAIS scoring was recorded on arrival in the preoperative holding area. Thereafter, the participants were randomly allocated into two groups; one group was shown a short video on a smartphone of a dental operating theatre (OT), dental chair and anaesthesia equipment (SPG group), while the other group was verbally explained the dental procedure (conventional management or CM group). The second APAIS scoring was done in the postoperative recovery area one hour after the procedure. Demographic characteristics, socio-economic conditions and history were recorded. Anxiety scores were compared between the two groups, and any change was analysed. Results Seventy parents were included in the study, with 36 randomised to the SPG group and 34 to the CM group. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics. There was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety scores in the SPG group, from a mean of 25.47 at the preoperative assessment to 14.92 at the postoperative timepoint (p<0.001). In the CM group, the mean APAIS score decreased from 25.26 to 24.56 (p=0.059). Conclusion There was a significant reduction in anxiety scores in the postoperative period among parents who were shown an operating room video in the preoperative period.

Knowledge and Attitude about Infant Oral Health: A Paradox among Pregnant Women.

AIM: To assess the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women about infant oral healthcare. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire study. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 primigravida women aged between 20 and 40 years visiting the DY Patil Medical Hospital for their antenatal examination. A multiple-choice questionnaire with 12 questions in addition to demographic information and socioeconomic status was designed in three languages. RESULTS: Based on the level of education of the pregnant women, there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge and attitude toward infant oral healthcare (p = 0.001). The occupational status resounded significant differences between employed vs housewives and unemployed women (p = 0.000). Socioeconomic status also showed significant differences between the upper strata and lower strata groups (p = 0.000). STATISTICS: Data normality was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Shapiro-Wilk test. Since the data were not normally distributed, we used nonparametric tests for analysis. The total scores for different domains were compared between the different subgroups based on age, occupation, education, trimester, and socioeconomic status using nonparametric one-way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were done using Bonferroni's method. All testing was done using two-sided tests with alpha = 0.05 (95% confidence level). CONCLUSION: This study gives us an insight into the inadequacies existing in our society amongst expectant women in relation to oral health-promoting factors for infants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Educating pregnant women about maintaining their own oral health and care for their offspring will potentially help to curb early childhood dental diseases in future generations.

Effect of Orogastric Acetazolamide on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomies: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

Introduction Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy(LLDN) is becoming an increasingly frequent procedure. The rise in intracranial pressure(ICP) during LLDN has not been measured yet. ICP can be evaluated by measuring ultrasonographic optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD). Acetazolamide has been found to provide effective analgesia following LLDN. It also helps lowering the raised ICP. Therefore, we planned to study effect of orogastric Acetazolamide on ONSD in patients undergoing LLDN. Methods Forty Donors scheduled for LLDN were randomized preoperatively either into Group A receiving acetazolamide 5mg/kg or Group S receiving normal saline. ONSD was measured at time points:Time 0: In supine position before induction of GA, Time 1: 5 minutes after induction of GA but before giving orogastric acetazolamide, Time 2: 10 minutes after creating pneumoperitoneum, Time 3: 60 minutes after creating pneumoperitoneum, Time 4: Towards end of surgery, just before taking out specimen in modified flank position, Time 5: after extubating in supine position. Results Mean ONSD of left eye(4.42 ± 0.48) in Group S was significantly more than mean ONSD of left eye(4.16 ± 0.15; p-0.036) in Group A at 10 mins after creating pneumoperitoneum in modified flank position. Mean ONSD showed significant increase in group S at 10 and 60 minutes(4.374 ± 0.433mm in group S vs 4.151 ± 0.168 in group A; p-0.042 at 10 mins and 4.336 ± 0.301mm in group S vs 4.149 ± 0.282mm in group A; p-0.050 at 60 mins) after creating pneumoperitoneum as compared to group A. Conclusion Orogastric acetazolamide 5 mg/kg was found to be beneficial in preventing rise in ONSD from 10 minutes to 1 hour of creating pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy under general anaesthesia. Acetazolamide was also found to be effective in reducing postoperative pain.

Evaluation of point of care serum cryptococcal antigen by lateral flow immunoassay for diagnosis of cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the initial acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness in 2% of patients with CD4 levels <100/µL and a leading cause of mortality in AIDS in the developing world. It is the most common opportunistic infection of the central nervous system in AIDS in various Indian studies. Detection of serum cryptococcal antigen (SCRAG) is the most widely used diagnostic method for cryptococcosis. The presence of cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal antigen (CSF CRAG) is diagnostic of CM. CRAG can be determined by latex agglutination (LAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and now, by lateral flow (LFA)immunoassay. LFA is a point of care test that rapidly detects CRAG. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study compares LAT and LFA for the detection of serum CRAG and diagnosing CM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ten patients of HIV/AIDS were submitted to SCRAG LFA by dipstick. A sample was also sent to laboratory for SCRAG by LAT. CSF examination was done for those who were positive for SCRAG LFA and those who had symptoms suggestive of meningitis. SCRAG by LFA was compared with SCRAG by LAT, CSF CRAG by LAT and LFA, CSF cryptococcal culture and CSF India ink examination for Cryptococcus. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were found positive for SCRAG by LFA dipstick. All of them were also positive for SCRAG by LAT. Twelve of them had C. D4 count below below 100 cells/mm3. CSF CRAG was positive in all 12 SCRAG positive who were submitted to CSF examination. CONCLUSION: We found that serum detection of CRAG by LFA dipstick is as sensitive as CRAG detection in serum by LAT and CSF CRAG detection by LFA and LAT. It is thus a rapid test for diagnosing CM in HIV patients with low CD4 counts.

Desmodium gyrans dc modulates lipid trafficking in cultured macrophages and improves functional high-density lipoprotein in male wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-mediated atherosclerotic plaque regression has gained wide therapeutic attention. The whole plant methanolic extract of the medicinal plant Desmodium gyrans Methanolic Extract (DGM) has shown to mitigate hyperlipidemia in high fat- and-cholesterol fed rats and rabbits with significant HDL enhancing property. The study aimed to assess the functionality and mechanistic basis of HDL promoting effect of DGM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Macrophage cholesterol efflux and foam cell formation assays were performed in THP-1 macrophages. Male Wistar rats were given DGM extract over 1 month and assessed the serum HDL, Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), and paraoxonase activity. Quantitative Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the expression level of Apo-A1, SR-B1 (Scavenger receptor B1), and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on cDNA of HepG2 cells exposed to DGM. RESULTS: Pretreatment of DGM inhibited uptake of oxidized lipids and enhanced the lipid efflux by THP-1-derived macrophages. Oral administration of DGM (100 and 250 mg/kg) progressively enhanced the serum HDL, Apo-A1 level, and associated paraoxonase activity in normal male Wistar rats. In support to this, DGM exposed HepG2 cells documented dose-dependent increase in the expression of SR-B1 and Apo-A1 mRNA, while reduced the CETP expression. CONCLUSION: Overall the results indicated that DGM modulates lipid trafficking and possesses functional HDL enhancing potential through increased Apo-A1 levels and paraoxonase activity. Further, reduced CETP expression and increased expression of SR-B1 suggest the reverse cholesterol transport promoting role of DGM.

Comparative HPTLC fingerprinting profile and GC-MS analysis of raw and purified Guggulu (Commiphora wightii. Arn. Bhand) by Ayurvedic purification method.

BACKGROUND: Guggulu is an oleo gum resin obtained from the plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhand., used in Ayurved ic medicines for various ailments like anti-inflammatory conditions, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disorders etc. Guggulsterones E & Z are responsible for these broad ranges of pharmacological actions. It is recommended to do Shodhana (purification) before incorporating it into medicinal formulations. Sahasrayoga, an Ayurvedic text, emphasizes the purification of Guggulu in a particular media, which is a long run practice in Kerala. OBJECTIVES: To compare the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters, quantitative estimation of Guggulsterone E & Z using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and qualitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Guggulu before and after purification. METHODS: Shodhana of Guggulu was performed in Water boiled with crushed fresh leaves of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and fresh rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) using a special equipment (Dolayantra). Preliminary physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation, quantification of Guggulsterones E & Z using HPTLC and GC-MS analysis of raw and purified Guggulu were performed. RESULTS: Phytochemical evaluation of metabolites revealed marked variations. The mean concentrations of Guggulsterone E & Z showed significant differences before and after purification (p<0.01). On GC-MS analysis, it was found that few new compounds were added in the purified Guggulu. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic efficacy of Guggulu might have enhanced after traditional purification.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block for paediatric laparoscopic surgeries: A double-blinded randomised trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: α2 agonists have been utilised in regional blocks, but very little data is available for their use in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in paediatric laparoscopic (LAP) surgeries. This study investigated the analgesic effect of ropivacaine alone versus its combination with dexmedetomidine for TAP block in children undergoing LAP surgery. METHODS: A randomised, double-blind trial was conducted in 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 children of 2-8 years undergoing LAP abdominal surgery. Children were randomised to receive a total volume of 0.5 ml/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine (LA group) or 0.2% ropivacaine with 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (LAD group) for performing ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block postoperatively (PO). Patients were monitored PO for vital signs, pain, sedation, time to first rescue analgesic and total analgesic consumption for 24 h. Time to first rescue analgesic was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Pain and sedation scores were expressed as median [interquartile range (IQR)] and analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: First rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer (P = 0.001) in LAD (474.8 min) versus LA group (240.9 min) but total analgesics consumption in first 24 h was comparable. Pain scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in LAD compared to LA group at all times PO. Each group had comparable but significantly lower sedation scores up to 24 h PO. CONCLUSION: Addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in TAP block prolongs the time to first analgesic requirement without a difference in the total analgesic consumption.

4-4' Diaponeurosporenic Acid, the C30 Carotenoid Pigment in Endophytic Pseudomonas Mendocina with Squalene Cyclase Activity.

Even though organisms with squalene hopene cyclase activity involved in hopanoid synthesis has been reported earlier, their existence along with carotenoid synthesis is rarely reported. Here, we report the existence of hopanoid and C30 carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in Pseudomonas mendocina, the squalene hopene cyclase producing endophyte of the medicinal plant Murraya koenigii. The enzyme squalene hopene cyclase from Pseudomonas mendocina is involved in the synthesis of dehydrosqualene-mediated alternate pathway for carotenoid biosynthesis. The hopanoids are involved in membrane stability and integrity, and the carotene chromophores are involved in the photo protection of the cell. The orange-colored C30 carotenoid pigment 4-4' diaponeurosporenic acid in the extracellular extract of Pseudomonas mendocina with squalene cyclase activity was detected by the combination of UV/Vis spectrometry, FTIR, and Mass Spectrometry. 4-4' diaponeurosporenic acid could be traced as the end product of the carotenoid pathway and belonged to the xanthophyll group of carotenoids.

In Vitro Enzymatic Conversion of Glibenclamide Using Squalene Hopene Cyclase from Pseudomonas mendocina Expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3).

Squalene hopene cyclases catalyse the conversion of a linear substrate squalene to a cyclic product with high stereo-selectivity.The enzyme squalene hopene cyclase from Pseudomonas mendocina expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) was evaluated for its synthetic drug transforming ability. Nine synthetic drugs were selected as substrates for biotransformation reactions by the enzyme. The homology modelling of the protein and docking of the selected ligands were performed using GOLD suite docking software. The drug which showed maximum binding with the active-site residues of the enzyme was selected for biotransformation studies. On transformation with the enzyme, Glibenclamide, the selected antidiabetic drug alone showed significant changes in the FT/IR spectra; hence, it was selected for LCMS analysis to confirm the transformations. From the chromatogram and MS spectra, the mono-oxygenation of the product due to the enzymatic activity was confirmed. The drug transforming ability of the purified SHC could be used as an ideal tool for the generation of new and active substrate derivatives.

In silico characterization and over-expression of squalene hopene cyclase from Pseudomonas mendocina.

Pseudomonas mendocina was identified as a novel endophytic isolate of Murraya koenigii with squalene cyclase activity. The PCR amplification of squalene hopene cyclase (shc) gene from the isolate Pseudomonas mendocina with the primers PA1/PA2 showed a band at 1980 bp specific for the enzyme squalene hopene cyclase. The in silico translation of the squalene hopene cyclase gene showed 96% sequence similarity with squalene hopene cyclase of Pseudomonas agarici (WP-060782422). Docking studies of the template and the modeled protein with the ligand squalene showed that the main interacting residues were Asp376 and Asp377. Squalene hopene cyclase template 1 sqc.1A sequence from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldaruis was used as the template for docking experiments. The gene coding for squalene hopene cyclase from Pseudomonas mendocina has been cloned in pET-28a vector to produce recombinant vector and was expressed in E.coli BL21 (DE3) expression system. Squalene hopene cyclase enzyme was isolated, purified and the molecular weight was confirmed by SDS-PAGE as 75 KDa.

Partially Purified Aqueous Fraction of Desmodium gyrans DC Improves Reverse Cholesterol Transport and Lipoprotein Metabolism in Wistar Rats Fed with High Fat Diet.

Apart from the conventional hypolipidemic therapy, plaque regression through enhanced reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) has emerged as novel approach in atherosclerotic drug development. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) mimetics as well as agents that augment the functional HDL and RCT pathways are under intense exploration. Desmodium gyrans (Fabacea) has been shown to have hypolipidemic efficacy, with an HDL-enhancing property. In this study, a chromatographically purified active fraction of D. gyrans (DGMAF) significantly decreased the serum and lipid profiles as well as lipotoxicity in liver in Wistar rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Except for the marginal deposition of liver lipids, all other organs showed no weight gain due to lipid accumulation. A lower level of lipid peroxidation and a reduced atherogenic index suggests the hypolipidemic efficacy of DGMAF, which was comparatively higher than clinically used atorvastatin. Furthermore, the DGMAF-treated animals had enhanced levels of HDL, associated ApoA-1, and paraoxonase activity. The mRNA levels of ApoA-1 and SR-B1 were upregulated, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was downregulated. Overall, the results of this study indicate that D. gyrans augments the RCT pathway and improves the lipid metabolism in rats fed an HFD.

Effect of a Diet Enriched with Fresh Coconut Saturated Fats on Plasma Lipids and Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Composition in Normal Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of increased saturated fatty acid (SFA) (provided by fresh coconut) versus monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake (provided by a combination of groundnuts and groundnut oil) on plasma lipids and erythrocyte fatty acid (EFA) composition in healthy adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-eight healthy volunteers, randomized into 2 groups, were provided standardized diet along with 100 g fresh coconut or groundnuts and groundnut oil combination for 90 days in a Yoga University. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention period for the measurement of plasma lipids and EFA profile. RESULTS: Coconut diet increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels significantly. In contrast, the groundnut diet decreased total cholesterol (TC), mainly due to a decrease in HDL levels. There were no differences in the major SFA of erythrocytes in either group. However, coconut consumption resulted in an increase in C14:0 and C24:0 along with a decrease in levels of C18:1 n9 (oleic acid). There was a significant increase in levels of C20:3 n6 (dihomo-gamma linolenic acid, DGLA). CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of SFA-rich coconut for 3 months had no significant deleterious effect on erythrocytes or lipid-related factors compared to groundnut consumption. On the contrary, there was an increase in the anti-atherogenic HDL levels and anti-inflammatory precursor DGLA in erythrocyte lipids. This suggests that coconut consumption may not have any deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk in normal subjects.

Performance analysis of a continuous serpentine flow reactor for electrochemical oxidation of synthetic and real textile wastewater: Energy consumption, mass transfer coefficient and economic analysis.

A continuous flow electrochemical reactor was developed, and its application was tested for the treatment of textile wastewater. A parallel plate configuration with serpentine flow was chosen for the continuous flow reactor. Uniparameter optimization was carried out for electrochemical oxidation of synthetic and real textile wastewater (collected from the inlet of the effluent treatment plant). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency of 90% was achieved for synthetic textile wastewater (initial COD - 780 mg L-1) at a flow rate of 500 mL h-1 (retention time of 6 h) and a current density of 1.15 mA cm-2 and the energy consumption for the degradation was 9.2 kWh (kg COD)-1. The complete degradation of real textile wastewater (initial COD of 368 mg L-1) was obtained at a current density of 1.15 mA cm-2, NaCl concentration of 1 g L-1 and retention time of 6 h. Energy consumption and mass transfer coefficient of the reactions were calculated. The continuous flow reactor performed better than batch reactor with reference to energy consumption and economy. The overall treatment cost for complete COD removal of real textile wastewater was 5.83 USD m-3.

Vitamin E supplementation modulates the biological effects of omega-3 fatty acids in naturally aged rats.

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known class of nutraceuticals with established health benefits. Recently, the oxidation products of these fatty acids are gaining attention, as they are likely to disturb body redox balance. Therefore, the efficacy of omega-3 fats under conditions of diminished antioxidant status, such as aging, is always a concern. Present study assessed the effects of omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA) together with or without vitamin-E in naturally aged rats. It was found that in omega-3 fats alone consumed rats the lipid profile was improved, while in omega-3 fat with vitamin-E-consumed group (OMVE), the hepato protective and antioxidant properties were pronounced, especially the redox status of brain tissue. It is possible that vitamin-E might have reduced the peroxidation of omega-3 fats, thereby allowing their synergistic effects. Hence, the use of vitamin-E along with omega-3 fat may be beneficial under aged conditions.