Synthesis of green marine algal-based biochar for remediation of arsenic(V) from contaminated waters in batch and column mode of operation.

The sorption behavior of biochar derived from green seaweed (Ulva reticulata) toward arsenic(V) ions was explored in both batch and continuous modes. The pH edge experiments indicated optimum arsenic(V) sorption observed at pH 4, with maximum sorptional capacity of 7.67 mg/g through isotherm experiments. The kinetic experimental trials indicated that arsenic(V) sorption onto biochar was a fast electrostatic attraction process, with maximum removal occurred within 30 min. The sorption isotherms were modeled using the Toth, Redlich-Peterson, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models while the adsorption kinetics was modeled using the pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic equations. The three-parameter models (Redlich-Peterson and Toth) better described the isotherm data, whereas pseudo-first-order model represented kinetic data well with low error and high correlation coefficient values. Among the different alkaline and acidic elutants investigated, the solution of 0.01 M NaOH effectively desorbed arsenic(V) from spent biochar. The feasibility of the biochar in continuous remediation of arsenic(V) from contaminated waters was explored in an up-flow fixed column. The biochar exhibited arsenic(V) removal efficiency and sorptional uptake of 59.5% and 8.12 mg/g, respectively. The biochar-loaded column was effectively desorbed using NaOH (0.01 M), with desorption efficiency of 99.5%.

An initial experience with therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam as reported from a pediatric clinical setting in India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Monitoring of levetiracetam in routine clinical practice is not strongly recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate any difference in serum levetiracetam concentration between patients on enzyme-inducing and -inhibiting antiepileptic co-medication and also to identify any correlation between levetiracetam concentration and clinical response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included pediatric patients with epilepsy from a tertiary care referral hospital in India. Details of antiepileptic co-medication, seizure frequency before and after initiating levetiracetam were recorded. Serum trough levetiracetam concentration was measured. RESULTS: Of the 69 children recruited in the study, 55 children had >50% reduction in seizure frequency compared to baseline seizure frequency. Eight patients showed no improvement. The serum concentration of levetiracetam was more than 10 µg/ml in 78.2% of responders and 75% non-responders. There was no difference in dosing between responders and non-responders. Patients on enzyme-inducing co-medication had lower median serum levetiracetam concentrations (7.3 µg/ml) compared to those on enzyme-inhibiting co-medication (14.4 µg/ml) or those without interfering antiepileptic co-medication (16.6 µg/ml). CONCLUSION: Levetiracetam monitoring has a role in patients on antiepileptic polypharmacy and for confirmation of compliance.

Influence of Sn4+ ion on band gap tailoring, optical, structural and dielectric behaviors of ZnO nanoparticles.

II-VI semiconductors are being attracted due to excellent optical and electronic behaviors when they utilize for device fabrication. Among II-VI semiconductors, Zinc oxide finds cutting-edge results for various applications with a lack of toxicity. Sn4+ ion incorporated ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized using a soft chemical route and characterized for the investigation of properties like structural, morphological, elemental, optical and dielectric responses. The prepared ZnO had a hexagonal structure and the particles size reduces by the influence of Sn4+ ion: this reduction rate increases for the increase of doping ratio. The average particles size was estimated within 24-34 nm. TEM, HRTEM and SEM results corroborate the structural aspects noticed using XRPD study. UV-vis study results showed that a blue shift on the optical band gap was received for high doping concentration (10 at.%) of Sn4+. PL peaks were observed in the UV region for 0 at.% and 2 at.% Sn4+ doped ZnO nanoparticles, and the peak position was shifted from UV to violet and blue region for 10 at.% Sn4+ doped ZnO nanoparticles. The dielectric permittivity was reduced due to the addition of Sn4+ ions. The AC conductivity was increased for higher doping concentrations. The Sn4+ ion incorporated ZnO nanoparticles shall be useful for various applications including LED fabrication for blue emission and also it is suitable to act as a buffer material in solar panel.

Antimicrobial and catalytic activities of biosynthesized gold, silver and palladium nanoparticles from Solanum nigurum leaves.

The field of nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine paves way for the use of several nanoparticles. Especially, in biomedical applications, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) are found most vital and promising, among other nanoparticles. The biomedical activities of these particles mostly depend on their shape, size and distribution. Preparation of these particles in an eco-friendly method is an immediate need of the society. Herein, AuNPs, AgNPs and PdNPs (MNPS) were synthesized by Solanum nigrum Leaves (SNL) extract. The structural and morphological studies were carried out by using TEM, XRD and EDAX, while the optical and chemical properties were studied using UV-visible spectrum and FTIR spectroscopy. The particles obtained were found to possess a FCC (Face Centered Cubic) structure. TEM images of Ag, Au and PdNPs showed spherical well dispersed nanoparticles with average size of 3.46 nm, 9.39 nm and 21.55 nm respectively. The FTIR spectra confirmed polyphenols and antioxidants in SNL extract act as reducing and capping agents respectively in the synthesis of MNPs. The EDX technique confirmed the presence of silver, gold and palladium nanoparticles. Antimicrobial studies noted that the AgNPs have effective inhibition against E. coli. The complete reduction of 4-Nitrophenol and the formation of 4-Aminophenol with the presence of NaBH4 was chosen for the study of catalytic activities of the prepared MNPs. The reduction time of Au and Pd catalyst were smaller compared to that of Ag. This viable preparation method for producing small spherical shaped nanoparticles expected to the applied to the fields of nanomedicine.

Green alga-mediated treatment process for removal of zinc from synthetic solution and industrial effluent.

The present work explored biosorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous and zinc-bearing factory effluent using marine seaweed Ulva lactuca. The batch pH edge experiments using aqueous zinc solution indicated that Zn(II) uptake by U. lactuca was found to be maximum at pH 4.5 and the batch isotherm trials performed at pH 4.5 resulted in maximum uptake capacity of 128.0 mg Zn(II)/g. With 0.1 M CaCl2 (pH 3.5, HCl) as elutant, the elution of Zn(II) ions from Zn(II)-laden U. lactuca biosorbent was effective with possible regeneration and reuse for three cycles. The zinc industrial effluent was found to comprise of 87.8 mg/L of zinc ions along with excess co-ions and high total dissolved solids (838.1 mg/L). Owing to this, Zn(II) uptake from electroplating effluent by U. lactuca was suppressed due to competition from other ions. Continuous-flow sorption trials were conducted at flow rate of 5 mL/min in an up-flow fixed column. The existence of surplus competing ions in zinc wastewater influenced the Zn(II) biosorption by U. lactuca. U. lactuca-loaded packed column exhibited uptakes of 78.3 and 70.8 mg Zn(II)/g for aqueous solution and effluent, respectively. The results of three continuous sorption-desorption cycles demonstrated that reuse of U. lactuca biosorbent in remediation of zinc-containing wastewaters was practical and economical.

High dependency care in an obstetric setting in the UK.

Our objective was to establish the utilisation and pattern of high dependency care in a tertiary referral obstetric unit. Data of pregnant or recently pregnant women admitted to the obstetric high dependency unit from 1984 to 2007 were included to evaluate the admission rate. Four years' information of an ongoing prospective audit was collated to identify the indications for admission, maternal monitoring, transfers to intensive care unit, and location of the baby. The overall high dependency unit admission rate is 2.67%, but increased to 5.01% in the most recent 4 years. Massive obstetric haemorrhage is now the most common reason for admission. Invasive monitoring was undertaken in 30% of women. Two-thirds of neonates (66.3%) stayed with their critically ill mothers in the high dependency unit. Transfer to the intensive care unit was needed in 1.4 per 1000 deliveries conducted. We conclude that obstetric high dependency care provides holistic care from midwives, obstetricians and anaesthetists while retaining the opportunity of early bonding with babies for critically ill mothers.

The design of novel visible light driven Ag/CdO as smart nanocomposite for photodegradation of different dye contaminants.

In this paper, we report a novel visible light driven Ag/CdO photocatalyst, fabricated for the first time via one pot hydrothermal method and further applied for the photodegradation of two important exemplar water contaminants, Malachite green and Acid Orange 7. The microstructure, composition and optical properties of Ag/CdO nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated by various techniques. Scanning electron microscopy clearly shows that Ag NPs were strongly embedded between the CdO nanoparticles. Among the series of synthesized Ag/CdO nanocomposites, (5%) Ag/CdO nanocomposite possesses enhanced photocatalytic activity. This result was attributed to the synergistic effect between Ag and CdO, and mainly Ag NPs can act as an electron trap site, which could reduce the recombination of the electron-hole and induce the visible light absorption. The active species trapping experiments implicate OH and O2- radicals as the respective primary and secondary reactive species responsible for oxidative photodegradation of organic pollutants. On the basis of the results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed.

Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for labour: a survey of UK practice.

BACKGROUND: Although regional techniques offer superior analgesia during labour, many women receive other methods of pain relief. Furthermore, there is a specific need for analgesia in a small population of labouring women for whom regional techniques are contraindicated, unavailable or impossible to perform. We surveyed current UK practice of labour analgesia for such patients, with particular reference to the use of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. METHODS: Following approval from the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association, a questionnaire was sent to the lead anaesthetic consultants of 243 obstetric units in the United Kingdom. The questionnaire evaluated the availability of methods of pain relief other than regional blocks. Information was sought on patient-controlled intravenous analgesia regimens and patient monitoring. RESULTS: A total of 159 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 65.4%. The majority of units that responded (95.5%) used either intramuscular pethidine or diamorphine. Nearly half (49%) offered patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for labour pain. One third of units (36%) had an analgesic protocol for women in whom regional anaesthetic techniques were contraindicated. With patient-controlled intravenous analgesia, remifentanil (34.6%) was the most commonly used opioid for live births while morphine (35.5%) was used more commonly for deliveries involving intrauterine deaths. CONCLUSION: The survey demonstrated that, when regional techniques were contraindicated, patient-controlled intravenous opioid analgesia was employed in almost half of the units responding to the questionnaire.

Construction of novel Pd/CeO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites as efficient visible-light photocatalysts for hexavalent chromium detoxification.

In this study, we report a series of novel palladium nanoparticles (Pd) supported cerium oxide (CeO2)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposites, fabricated via the simple strategy, which were used for the detoxification of toxic hexavalent chromium to benign trivalent chromium under visible light irradiation. The synthesized Pd/CeO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites were characterized by various tools including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS/UV-vis), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS). The wrapping with surface of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets can efficiently promote the interface charge separation and transmission over the ternary photocatalyst, which was studied by photoluminescence spectra (PL) analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra. The obtained 3% Pd/CeO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst exhibit an excellent photocatalytic performance when compared to other single and composite counter parts. The 3% Pd/CeO2/g-C3N4 exhibits a strong synergistic effect which arises due to the interactions between palladium nanoparticles, CeO2 and graphitic carbon nitride resulting in the lower recombination of photo-induced charge carriers with enhanced photocatalytic activity. This work implies that the synergistic Pd/CeO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites would be a new kind of high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalysts materials for the detoxification of public safety and security.

Bioprospects of Microbial Enzymes from Mangrove-Associated Fungi and Bacteria.

Mangroves ecosystem provides the unique habitat for the colonization of fungi and bacteria. Interestingly, the enzymes derived from mangroves associated microorganisms have enormous economic value in industries of agriculture, pulp, paper, medicine, sewage treatments, etc. Microbial enzyme activity is required for the metabolism of plants and animals. In addition, the enzymes are also involved in aquatic animal food cycle and degradation of mangroves detritus. However, the understanding of current status of mangroves associated microorganism-derived enzymes and its application is required to improve the future omics studies. Therefore, this chapter is summarizing the current reports and application on enzymes derived from mangroves associated bacteria and fungi.

Influence of reverse Trendelenburg position on aortocaval compression in obese pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: Obese pregnant women are at risk of aortocaval compression and associated hypotension with neuraxial anaesthesia. We hypothesised that addition of reverse Trendelenburg tilt to the standard practice of pelvic tilt may attenuate aortocaval compression. METHODS: After ethical approval and consent, six women with a singleton pregnancy and booking body mass index of 30-35kg/m(2) underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning in six different positions: right lateral decubitus; left lateral decubitus; supine with pelvic tilt; and reverse Trendelenburg positions of 5°, 10° and 15°. Dimensions of the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta at the L2-3 intervertebral disc level were obtained from axial images using medical imaging software OsiriX™. RESULTS: Inferior vena cava dimensions were higher in left lateral decubitus position compared to supine with pelvic tilt (P=0.002). Inferior vena cava compression was noted in all participants (59±33%, 95% CI 32 to 86). Addition of 15° reverse Trendelenburg tilt to standard pelvic tilt produced a non-statistically significant increase in inferior vena cava area (10.54±9.91cm(2), 95% CI 2.61 to 18.47, P=0.06). CONCLUSION: A non-statistically significant improvement of aortocaval compression was noted with the addition of 15° reverse Trendelenburg tilt to the supine with pelvic tilt position in obese pregnant women.

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic waste to bioethanol by Trichoderma and yeast fermentation.

The present work aimed at producing bioethanol using lignocellulosic waste sawdust and marine yeast fermentation. Lignocellulosic waste materials were converted into monosugars through acid hydrolysis and finally treated with cellulase enzyme derived from Trichoderma/Hypocrea. To enhance the conversion of the glucose from sawdust, the experimental conditions were statistically optimized. The efficient conversion of sawdust to glucose of 78.56 % was achieved under the conditions of pH 6.19, temperature 29 °C, cellulase enzyme (8.16 IU ml-1) and sawdust (7.95 g l-1). The lignocellulosic waste-sawdust hydrolysis was used as the carbon source for the production of bioethanol. Bioethanol production of 85.6 % was achieved (55.2 g l-1) under the optimized conditions of temperature of 36.5 °C, incubation time of 102 h and enzyme-treated sawdust of 45.14 ml l-1 and agitation of 330 rpm. This work achieved maximum bioethanol production using H.estonica and S.cerevisiae fermentation.

The antiproliferative activity of 3-deoxyanthocyanins extracted from red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) bran through P(53)-dependent and Bcl-2 gene expression in breast cancer cell line.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti proliferative activity of 3-deoxyanthocyanin extracted from red sorghum bran on human breast cancer cell line MCF 7. The confirmatory tests were carried out in vitro through the expression studies of p(53) and (bcl) 2 genes in MCF 7 cells. METHOD: The 3-deoxyanthocyanins were isolated from red sorghum bran and cytotoxic studies were performed in MCF 7 cell line by MTT assay. The mRNA expression levels of p(53) and (bcl) 2 genes were performed using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in MCF 7 cells. KEY FINDINGS: On cytotoxic studies, the present data indicates sorghum anthocyanins, which showed 84.09% of inhibition in the proliferation of MCF 7 cells, and the CTC(50) value was 300 µg/ml. The sorghum 3-deoxyanthocyanins induced apoptosis in MCF 7 was mediated by stimulation of the p(53) gene and down regulation of the (bcl) 2 gene. SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of our work was the anthocyanin isolated from red sorghum bran inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line.

Lumbar Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint Pain.

Lumbar zygapophyseal joints act as primary pain generators in at least 10-15% of patients with chronic low back pain.Diagnostic nerve blocks are the most reliable way to diagnose lumbar zygapophyseal joint pain.IASP recommends either controlled or comparative blocks for diagnosis of zygapophyseal joint pain as there is a significant incidence of false positives with single blocks.Management should be multimodal comprising education, exercises, analgesics and procedural interventions to achieve functional restoration.There is a need for further RCTs with standardised diagnostic criteria and outcome measures as well as long-term data to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency denervation.

Obesity and obstetric anaesthesia.

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase despite preventive strategies. Obese parturients are at increased risk of having either concurrent medical problems or superimposed antenatal diseases such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Moreover, they have a tendency to labour abnormally contributing to increased instrumental delivery and Caesarean section. Obesity is a risk factor for anaesthesia related maternal mortality. Morbidly obese women must be considered as high-risk and deserve an anaesthetic consultation during their antenatal care. The significant difficulty in administering epidural analgesia should not preclude their use in labour. A more liberalised use of regional techniques may be a means to further reduce anaesthesia-related maternal mortality in the obese population. The mother's life should not be jeopardised to save a compromised fetus. Prophylactic placement of an epidural catheter when not contraindicated in labouring morbidly obese women would potentially decrease anaesthetic and perinatal complications associated with attempts at emergency provision of regional or general anaesthesia. Early mobilisation, aggressive chest physiotherapy and adequate pain control are essential components of effective postoperative care.

Delayed onset refractory dystonic movements following propofol anesthesia.

Neuroexcitation is an uncommon but well recognized side effect of propofol anesthesia and sedation. We present a patient who, despite an intact mental status and without any preexisting movement disorder, experienced delayed onset of involuntary dystonic movements involving head, neck and shoulder for 11 h following emergence from propofol/nitrous oxide anesthesia.