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The sorption behavior of pesticides applied during cultivation of crops is affected by amendments such as farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) during land preparation. Among pesticides, atrazine, a widely used herbicide in many crops, was analyzed for its kinetics and sorption behavior through the addition of FYM and VC in sandy loam soil. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) model best fit the kinetics results in the recommended dose of FYM and VC mixed soil. More atrazine was sorbed onto VC mixed soil than FYM mixed soil. In comparison to control (no amendment), both FYM and VC (1, 1.5, and 2%) increased atrazine adsorption, but the effect varied with dosage and type of amendment. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm adequately explained atrazine adsorption in soil/soil + (FYM/VC) mixtures, and the adsorption was highly nonlinear. The values of Gibb's free energy change (ΔG) were negative for both adsorption and desorption in soil/soil + (FYM/VC) mixtures, suggesting sorption was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. The results revealed that the application of amendments used by farmers interferes the availability, mobility, and infiltration of atrazine in the soil. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that amendments such as FYM and VC can be effectively used to minimize the residual toxicity of atrazine-treated ago-ecosystems in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
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Atrazina , Herbicidas , Praguicidas , Poluentes do Solo , Atrazina/análise , Solo , Areia , Ecossistema , Monitoramento Ambiental , Herbicidas/análise , Adsorção , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previously it has been shown that patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) have greater corneal nerve loss compared to patients with painless diabetic neuropathy. This study investigated if the severity of corneal nerve loss was related to the severity of PDN. METHODS: Participants with diabetic neuropathy (n = 118) and healthy controls (n = 38) underwent clinical and neurological evaluation, quantitative sensory testing, nerve conduction testing and corneal confocal microscopy and were categorized into those with no (n = 43), mild (n = 34) and moderate-to-severe (n = 41) neuropathic pain. RESULTS: Corneal nerve fibre density (p = 0.003), corneal nerve fibre length (p < 0.0001) and cold perception threshold (p < 0.0001) were lower and warm perception threshold was higher (p = 0.002) in patients with more severe pain, but there was no significant difference in the neuropathy disability score (p = 0.5), vibration perception threshold (p = 0.5), sural nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.3) and amplitude (p = 0.7), corneal nerve branch density (p = 0.06) and deep breathing heart rate variability (p = 0.08) between patients with differing severity of PDN. The visual analogue scale correlated significantly with corneal nerve fibre density (r = -0.3, p = 0.0002), corneal nerve branch density (r = -0.3, p = 0.001) and corneal nerve fibre length (r = -0.4, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating curve analysis showed that corneal nerve fibre density had an area under the curve of 0.78 with a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.72 for the diagnosis of PDN. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal confocal microscopy reveals increasing corneal nerve fibre loss with increasing severity of neuropathic pain and a good diagnostic outcome for identifying patients with PDN.
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Diabetes Mellitus , Neuropatias Diabéticas , Neuralgia , Córnea/inervação , Neuropatias Diabéticas/diagnóstico , Humanos , Microscopia Confocal , Fibras NervosasRESUMO
To assess the impact of renal transplantation on peripheral nerve damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fifteen patients with CKD (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) underwent longitudinal assessment after renal transplantation (age: 56.88 ± 2.53 years, eGFR: 46.82 ± 4.86) and were compared with 15 age-matched controls (age: 58.25 ± 2.18 years, eGFR: 86.0 ± 2.0). The neuropathy symptom profile (NSP), neuropathy disability score (NDS), vibration perception threshold (VPT), cold and warm sensation threshold (CST and WST), cold and heat induced pain (CIP and HIP), deep breathing heart rate variability (DB-HRV), nerve conduction studies and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to quantify small nerve fibre pathology, were undertaken within 1-month of renal transplantation (baseline) and at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow up. There was no significant difference in NSP (P = .1), NDS (P = .3), VPT (P = .6), CST (P = .2), CIP (P = .08), HIP (P = .1), DB-HRV (P = .9) and sural (P = .4) and peroneal (P = .1) nerve amplitude between patients with CKD and controls at baseline. However, sural (P = .04), peroneal (P = .002) and tibial (P = .007) nerve conduction velocity and tibial nerve amplitude (P = .03) were significantly lower, WST (P = .02) was significantly higher and corneal nerve fibre density (P = .004) was significantly lower in patients with CKD compared with controls. There was no significant change in NSP, NDS, quantitative sensory testing, DB-HRV, nerve conduction or CCM parameters 24 months after renal transplantation. There is evidence of small and large fibre neuropathy in patients with CKD, but no change up to 24 months after successful renal transplantation.
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Neuropatias Diabéticas , Falência Renal Crônica , Transplante de Rim , Córnea , Receptores ErbB , Humanos , Microscopia Confocal , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fibras NervosasRESUMO
The adsorption process has been used as an effective technique for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Groundwater remediation by nanoparticles has received interest in recent years. In the present study, a binary metal oxide of Fe-Cu was prepared and used for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the effects of initial Cr (VI) concentration, dose of adsorbent, and pH of solution on the removal efficiency of Cr (VI). The prepared nanostructured Fe-Cu binary oxides were able to reduce the concentration of Cr (VI) in aqueous solution. Binary metal oxides nanoparticle exhibited an outstanding ability to remove Cr (VI) due to high surface area, low particle size, and high inherent activity. The percentage removal efficiency of Cr (VI) increased with nanoparticles doses (0.1 g L(-1)-2.5 g L(-1)), whereas it decreased with initial Cr (VI) concentration (1 mg L(-1)-25 mg L(-1)) and with pH (3-9). The Freundlich model was found to be the better fit for adsorption isotherm. The prepared nanomaterial was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. It showed that the Fe-Cu binary oxides were formed in single phase. SEM micrograph showed aggregates with many nano-sized particles. UV-visible spectroscopy showed quantum confinement effect.
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Cromo/química , Água Subterrânea/química , Poluentes Químicos da Água/química , Adsorção , Nanopartículas/química , Óxidos/química , Tamanho da Partícula , Difração de Raios XRESUMO
Current treatment options for cutaneous leishmaniasis are associated with myriad limiting factors including low penetration, poor efficacy, and drug toxicities. Herein, we reported imiquimod and terbinafine co-loaded mannosylated transethosomes (IMQ-TER-MTES) with enhanced cutaneous retention, macrophage targeting, anti-leishmanial potential, and dermal immunomodulation. IMQ-TER-MTES were optimized using Design Expert® followed by their loading into chitosan gel. Moreover, the antileishmanial response against amastigotes-infected macrophages and Leishmania-infected BALB/c mice was evaluated. Finally, the safety and immunomodulation activity of IMQ-TER-MTES gel was performed using BALB/c mice. Optimized IMQ-TER-MTES showed nano-sized particles with low poly-dispersibility index (PDI) and high drug entrapment. Mannosylation has augmented macrophage targeting and the internalization capability of TES. IMQ-TER-MTES showed significantly reduced IC50 value (19.56 ± 3.62 µg/ml), higher selectivity index (29.24), and synergism against Leishmania major (L. major) amastigotes. In L. major infected BALB/c mice, the cutaneous lesion healing potential of IMQ-TER-MTES was also elevated with reduced lesion size (1.52 ± 0.43 mm). Superior safety of IMQ-TER-MTES was observed in BALB/c mice along with adequate stimulation of dermal immune cells, in contrast to the ALDARA®. Moreover, incremented Nuclear factor Kappa-ß (NF-κß) and nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis were observed with IMQ-TER-MTES.
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Leishmania major , Leishmaniose Cutânea , Camundongos , Animais , Imiquimode/uso terapêutico , Terbinafina/uso terapêutico , Leishmaniose Cutânea/tratamento farmacológico , ImunidadeRESUMO
Osteoporosis (OP), is a systemic bone disorder associated with low bone mass and bone tissue corrosion. Worsening of the disease condition leads to bone delicacy and fracture. Various drugs are available for the treatment of OP, however they have limitations including poor solubility, bioavailability and toxicity. Herein, Raloxifene-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (RLX-PNPs) were developed and investigated for the treatment of OP with possible solutions to the above mentioned problems. RLX-PNPs were prepared by modified ionic gelation method followed by determining their particle properties. FTIR, DSC and PXRD analysis of the RLX-PNPs were performed to check chemical interaction, thermal behavior and crystallinity, respectively. In-vitro release profile of RLX-PNPs was checked in lab setting, whereas its pharmacokinetics was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats, in-vivo. Finally, the treatment potential of RLX-PNPs was analyzed in OP induced animal model. The optimized PNPs formulation indicated 134.5 nm particle size, +24.4 mV charge and 91.73% % EE. TEM analysis showed spherical and uniform sized particles with no interactions observed in FTIR analysis. In-vitro release of RLX from RLX-PNPs showed more sustained release behavior as compared to RLX-suspension. Moreover, pharmacokinetic investigations showed a significantly enhanced bioavailability of the RLX-PNPs as well as reduced serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and calcium in OP induced rats when compared with RLX-Suspension after oral administration. Findings of this study suggested that the developed RLX-PNPs have the potential to treat OP due to sustained release and improved bioavailability of the incorporated drug.
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Purpose: Anti-leishmanial medications administered by oral and parenteral routes are less effective for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and cause toxicity, hence targeted drug delivery is an efficient way to improve drug availability for CL with reduced toxicity. This study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate nitazoxanide and quercetin co-loaded nanotransfersomal gel (NTZ-QUR-NTG) for the treatment of CL. Methods: NTZ-QUR-NT were prepared by thin film hydration method and were statistically optimized using Box-Behnken design. To ease the topical delivery and enhance the retention time, the NTZ-QUR-NT were dispersed in 2 % chitosan gel. Moreover, in-vitro drug release, ex-vivo permeation, macrophage uptake, cytotoxicity and anti-leishmanial assays were performed. Results: The optimized formulation indicated mean particle size 210 nm, poly dispersity index (PDI) 0.16, zeta potential (ZP) -15.1 mV and entrapment efficiency (EE) of NTZ and QUR was 88 % and 85 %, respectively. NTZ-QUR-NT and NTZ-QUR-NTG showed sustained release of the incorporated drugs as compared to the drug dispersions. Skin permeation of NTZ and QUR in NTZ-QUR-NTG was 4 times higher in comparison to the plain gels. The NTZ-QUR-NT cell internalization was almost 10-folds higher than NTZ-QUR dispersion. The cytotoxicity potential (CC50) of NTZ-QUR-NT (71.95 ± 3.32 µg/mL) was reduced as compared to NTZ-QUR dispersion (49.77 ± 2.15 µg/mL. A synergistic interaction was found between NTZ and QUR. Moreover, in-vitro anti-leishmanial assay presented a lower IC50 value of NTZ-QUR-NT as compared to NTZ-QUR dispersion. Additionally, a significantly reduced lesion size was observed in NTZ-QUR-NTG treated BALB/c mice, indicating its antileishmanial potential. Conclusion: It can be concluded that nanotransfersomal gel has the capability to retain and permeate the incorporated drugs through stratum corneum and induce synergetic anti-leishmanial effect of NTZ and QUR against cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Herein we designed, optimized, and characterized the Metformin Hydrochloride Transethosomes (MTF-TES) and incorporate them into Chitosan gel to develop Metformin Hydrochloride loaded Transethosomal gel (MTF-TES gel) that provides a sustained release, improved transdermal flux and improved antidiabetic response of MTF. Design Expert® software (Ver. 12, Stat-Ease, USA) was applied for the statistical optimization of MTF-TES. The formulation with Mean Particle Size Distribution (MPSD) of 165.4 ± 2.3 nm, Zeta Potential (ZP) of -21.2 ± 1.9 mV, Polydispersity Index (PDI) of 0.169 ± 0.033, and MTF percent Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) of 89.76 ± 4.12 was considered to be optimized. To check the chemical incompatibility among the MTF and other formulation components, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed and demonstrated with no chemical interaction. Surface morphology, uniformity, and segregation were evaluated through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). It was revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical and round in form with intact borders. The fabricated MTF-TES has shown sustained release followed by a more pronounced effect in MTF-TES gel as compared to the plain MTF solution (MTFS) at a pH of 7.4. The MTF-TES has shown enhanced permeation followed by MTF-TES gel as compared to the MTFS at a pH of 7.4. In vivo antidiabetic assay was performed and results have shown improved antidiabetic potential of the MTF-TES gel, in contrast to MTF-gel. Conclusively, MTF-TES is a promising anti-diabetic candidate for transdermal drug delivery that can provide sustained MTF release and enhanced antidiabetic effect.
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Diabetes Mellitus , Animais , Camundongos , Ratos , Metformina/química , Metformina/farmacologia , Metformina/uso terapêutico , Hipoglicemiantes/química , Hipoglicemiantes/farmacologia , Hipoglicemiantes/uso terapêutico , Géis , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , Software , Diabetes Mellitus/tratamento farmacológico , Preparações de Ação RetardadaRESUMO
Introduction: The non-prescription antibiotics dispensing (NPAD) from pharmacies is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, which contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study was conducted with the objective to determine the community pharmacy personnel's perspectives on NPAD and its implications for AMR. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pakistan among 336 pharmacies. The data were analyzed using SPSS v21 and MedCalc for Windows v12.3.0. Modified Bloom's cut-off point was utilized to categorize the participants' overall knowledge, attitude, and practice. For univariable logistic regression analyses, odds ratio (OR) was calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI). For multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted OR was calculated at 95% CI. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationships among knowledge, attitude, and/or practice scores. Results: The majority of the respondents were staff pharmacists (45.5%). About four-fifths (78.9%) and half (50.9%) of the participants demonstrated moderate to good knowledge and practice, respectively. However, about only one-third (33.1%) had a moderate to good attitude. Staff pharmacists had higher odds of moderate to good knowledge (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-4.7) and practice (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4-3.8). Total knowledge and practice (Spearman's ρ: 0.280; P <0.001) and total attitude and practice (Spearman's ρ: 0.299; P <0.001) scores were significantly correlated. Conclusion: The qualified pharmacists had satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practices toward antibiotics. However, non-pharmacist staff lacked knowledge and had probable NPAD practice, which has a negative impact on public health. Regular refresher training, seminars, and strict enforcement of rules and regulations are essential.
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AIMS: Herein, we investigate the potential of levosulpiride-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (LEVO-NLCs) for effective brain delivery with anti-psychotic and antidepressant effects. MAIN METHODS: Micro-emulsion method was used to prepare LEVO-NLCs, followed by its optimization using Design Expert®, investigation of the particles properties and entrapment efficiency (%EE). Moreover, in-vitro release, in-vivo plasma and brain kinetic studies of LEVO-NLCs were executed. Anti-psychotic activity of LEVO-NLCs was accomplished in LPS-induced psychosis mice model. Additionally, expressions of neuro inflammatory mediators, neurodegeneration and neuro-inflammation in brain tissues was investigated. KEY FINDINGS: The optimized LEVO-NLCs were rounded shaped nanoparticles (157.2 nm) with suitable zeta potential (-29.6 mV), low PDI (0.395) and high EE (83.67 %). No chemical interactions were found, however, the crystalline drug was changed to amorphous. LEVO-NLCs displayed sustained drug release behavior when compared with drug suspension. Moreover, a meaningfully higher AUC (106,642.27 ± 876.44 ng.h/mL) and Cmax (38,534.72 ± 2344.10 ng/mL) of the LEVO-NLCs in brain was observed as compared to the AUC (15,684.33 ± 1005.49 ng.h/mL) and Cmax (7717.56 ± 871.23 ng/mL) of LEVO-Suspension. Similar profiles of both the formulations were perceived in plasma pharmacokinetic studies. Furthermore, LEVO-NLCs exhibited a meaningfully improved anti-psychotic activity in LPS-induced psychosis mice model with reduced immobility time and enhanced struggling time. Likewise, treatment with LEVO-NLCs showed reduced levels of neuro inflammatory markers (p-NF-κB and COX-2) in LPS-induced mice. Additionally, no neuro-degeneration and neuro-inflammation in brain tissues treated with LEVO-NLCs mice group was detected. SIGNIFICANCE: These results concluded that NLCs may effectively be used for the brain delivery of various active pharmaceutical agents with enhanced biopharmaceutical performance.
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Antipsicóticos , Animais , Camundongos , Antipsicóticos/metabolismo , Portadores de Fármacos/química , Cinética , Lipopolissacarídeos/metabolismo , Tamanho da Partícula , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Antidepressivos/farmacologia , Antidepressivos/metabolismo , Inflamação/metabolismoRESUMO
Herein, we report the synthesis of Ce-Al (1 : 1, 1 : 3, 1 : 6, and 1 : 9) binary oxide nanoparticles by a simple co-precipitation method at room temperature to be applied for defluoridation of an aqueous solution. The characterization of the synthesized nanomaterial was performed by XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, TGA/DTA (thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis), BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface analysis, and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Ce-Al binary oxides in 1 : 6 molar concentration were found to have the highest surface area of 110.32 m2 g-1 with an average crystallite size of 4.7 nm, which showed excellent defluoridation capacity. The adsorptive capacity of the prepared material towards fluoride removal was investigated under a range of experimental conditions such as dosage of adsorbents, pH, and initial fluoride concentration along with adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics. The results indicated that fluoride adsorption on cerium-aluminum binary metal oxide nanoparticles occurred within one hour, with maximum adsorption occurring at pH 2.4. The experimental data obtained were studied using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherm models. The nanomaterial showed an exceptionally high adsorbent capacity of 384.6 mg g-1. Time-dependent kinetic studies were carried out to establish the mechanism of the adsorption process by pseudo-first-order kinetics, pseudo-second-order kinetics, and Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. The results indicated that adsorption processes followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. This study suggests that cerium-aluminum binary oxide nanoparticles have good potential for fluoride removal from highly contaminated aqueous solutions.
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A versatile twin-screw extrusion process to provide an efficient thermo-mechano-chemical pre-treatment on lignocellulosic biomass before using it as source of mechanical reinforcement in fully bio-based fiberboards was developed. Various lignocellulosic crop by-products have already been successfully pre-treated through this process, e.g., cereal straws (especially rice), coriander straw, shives from oleaginous flax straw, and bark of both amaranth and sunflower stems. The extrusion process results in a marked increase in the average fiber aspect ratio, leading to improved mechanical properties of fiberboards. The twin-screw extruder can also be fitted with a filtration module at the end of the barrel. The continuous extraction of various chemicals (e.g., free sugars, hemicelluloses, volatiles from essential oil fractions, etc.) from the lignocellulosic substrate, and the fiber refining can, therefore, be performed simultaneously. The extruder can also be used for its mixing ability: a natural binder (e.g., Organosolv lignins, protein-based oilcakes, starch, etc.) can be added to the refined fibers at the end of the screw profile. The obtained premix is ready to be molded through hot pressing, with the natural binder contributing to fiberboard cohesion. Such a combined process in a single extruder pass improves the production time, production cost, and may lead to reduction in plant production size. Because all the operations are performed in a single step, fiber morphology is better preserved, thanks to a reduced residence time of the material inside the extruder, resulting in enhanced material performances. Such one-step extrusion operation may be at the origin of a valuable industrial process intensification. Compared to commercial wood-based materials, these fully bio-based fiberboards do not emit any formaldehyde, and they could find various applications, e.g., intermediate containers, furniture, domestic flooring, shelving, general construction, etc.
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Biotecnologia/instrumentação , Biotecnologia/métodos , Lignina/química , Absorção Fisico-Química , Biomassa , Dessecação , Temperatura Alta , Água/química , Madeira/químicaRESUMO
Nanotechnology has received much attention in treating contaminated waters. In the present study, a facile co-precipitation method was employed to synthesize a novel iron and magnesium based binary metal oxide using a stoichiometrically fixed amount of FeNO3·9H2O and MgNO3·6H2O in a proportion of molar concentration 1:1 and was later evaluated in removing As (III) from contaminated waters. Characterization of the prepared nanomaterial was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS). Experimental studies on batch scale were carried out, examining the effect of varying initial concentrations of metal, adsorbent dosage, application time and initial pH on removal efficiency. Arsenic removal increased on increasing adsorbent dosage (0.1-1 g/L) but trend reversed on increasing initial arsenic concentration attaining qmax of 263.20 mg/g. Adsorption was quite efficient in pH range 4-8. Freundlich fitted better for adsorption isotherm along with following Pseudo-2nd order kinetics. The reusability and effect of co-existing ions on arsenic adsorption, namely SO42-, CO32- and PO43- were also explored with reusability in 1st and 2nd cycles attained adsorptive removal up to 77% and 64% respectively. The prepared nano-adsorbent showed promising results in terms of high arsenic uptake (qmax of 263.20 mg/g) along with facile and cost-effective synthesis. Thus, the co-precipitation technique used in this work is a simple one step procedure without any use of any precursor as compared to most of the other procedures used for synthesis.
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Electrocoagulation (EC) is one of the emerging technologies in groundwater and wastewater treatment as it combines the benefits of coagulation, sedimentation, flotation, and electrochemical oxidation processes. Extensive research efforts implementing EC technology have been executed over the last decade to treat chemical oxygen demand (COD)-rich industrial wastewaters with the aim to protect freshwater streams (e.g., rivers, lakes) from pollution. A comprehensive review of the available recent literature utilizing EC to treat wastewater with high COD levels is presented. In addition, recommendations are provided for future studies to improve the EC technology and broaden its range of application. This review paper introduces some technologies which are often adopted for industrial wastewater treatment. Then, the EC process is compared with those techniques as a treatment for COD-rich wastewater. The EC process is considered as the most privileged technology by different research groups owing to its ability to deal with abundant volumes of wastewater. After, the application of EC as a single and combined treatment for COD-rich wastewaters is thoroughly reviewed. Finally, this review attempts to highlight the potentials and limitations of EC. Related to the EC process in batch operation mode, the best operational conditions are found at 10 V and 60 min of voltage and reaction time, respectively. These last values guarantee high COD removal efficiencies of > 90%. This review also concludes that considerably large operation costs of the EC process appears to be the serious drawback and renders it as an unfeasible approach for handling of COD rich wastewaters. In the end, this review has attempted to highlights the potential and limitation of EC and suggests that vast notably research in the field of continuous flow EC system is essential to introduce this technology as a convincing wastewater technology.
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Eliminação de Resíduos Líquidos , Águas Residuárias , Análise da Demanda Biológica de Oxigênio , Eletrocoagulação , Eletrodos , Resíduos Industriais/análiseRESUMO
Designing novel antiviral personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for preventing viral infections such as COVID-19 in humans. Here, we fabricate an electrospun nanofiber-based Viroblock (VB)-loaded polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid nanocomposite for PPE applications. Five different concentrations of Viroblock (0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%, and 5%) were added to PAN/ZnO solution and loaded for electrospinning. The developed samples reflected antibacterial activity of 92.59% and 88.64% against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, respectively, with 5% VB loading. Moreover, a significant reduction in virus titer (37%) was observed with the 5% VB/PAN/ZnO nanofiber sheet. Hence, VB-loaded PAN/ZnO nanofibers have great potential to kill enveloped viruses such as influenzas and coronaviruses and could be the ideal candidate for the development of nanofiber-based PPE, such as facemasks and surgical gowns, which can play a key role in the protection of frontline health workers and the general public in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The geometric, thermodynamic and electronic properties of Pd-graphene nanocomposites are comprehensively studied through quantum mechanical methods. Geometries of these clusters are optimized with the well-calibrated Minnesota functional M06-2X. The adsorption energies calculated at the M06-2X/LANL2DZ level show better agreement with those calculated from MP2/ANO-RCC-VDZP. Two different representative models for graphene, coronene and hexabenzocoronene, are used. The adsorption energies analysis reveals that the interaction energies increase with the size of the adsorbed cluster. However, for Pd n /hexabenzocoronene, the interaction energies show a sudden drop at Pd8/hexabenzocoronene. The difference in behavior between the interaction energies of Pd n /hexabenzocoronene and Pd n /coronene is attributed to the edge effect present in coronene. The electronic properties, including highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), Fermi level, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), dipole moment, vertical ionization potential (VIP), vertical electron affinity (VEA), chemical hardness (η), softness (S) and chemical potential (µ) are studied. The VIP and VEA reveal that Pd n /coronene clusters are stable in nature with the least reactivity. The HOMO-LUMO energy gaps are reduced with the increase in cluster size. The electronic properties show irregular trends, where the most favorable electronic properties are obtained for Pd7/coronene and Pd10/coronene.
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In the present work, electrocoagulation was applied for copper removal from aqueous solution employing iron electrodes in a cylindrical reactor. A four-factorial central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to study the effect of various process parameters on removal efficiency and energy consumption as the responses. On optimization, maximum removal efficiency up to 95% was attained with energy consumption as 0.903 W-hour per gram removal of Cu (II) at applied current 0.26 A, initial copper concentration of 27.8 ppm, application time of 5.4 min and pH 7. The interaction between the process variables was evaluated by using the obtained 3-D plots. The models generated were validated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Studies carried on Cu (II) removal rate showed adsorption suited pseudo-Ist order kinetics best. Overall, the electrocoagulation process proved efficient, low cost and a promising alternative to conventional treatment procedures in removing Cu (II). PRACTITIONER POINTS: Adsorption over hydroxide/polyhydroxide complexes of Fe assisted in enhanced removal of Cu (II) by EC. Higher concentrations treated at lower current but longer duration reduces energy. pH was found to be the deterministic factor for coagulation. CCD-based optimization reduced energy consumption substantially.
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Cobre , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Adsorção , Eletrocoagulação , Eletrodos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , FerroRESUMO
Slaughterhouse industry generates considerable amount of wastewater rich in proteins, lipids, fibres, and carbohydrates. Numerous technologies such as electrocoagulation, membrane separation, advanced oxidation, physico-chemical processes, and biological treatment have been implemented for reducing the concentrations of these compounds. Nevertheless, this review aims to provide extensive information solely on the biological treatment (anaerobic and aerobic) of slaughterhouse wastewater. The advantages of anaerobic treatment are excellent organic matter removal, less sludge production, low energy requirement, execution of higher loading rates, and considerable production of biogas. Aerobic treatment on the other hand is a less sensitive process, possess lower start-up period, and efficient nutrient removal process. Numerous case studies are described to bestow maximum understanding of the wastewater characteristics, kind of treatment employed, and complications involved in managing and treating of slaughterhouse effluent. Additionally, role of microbial community involved in the treatment of slaughterhouse waste is also discussed. Sequential anaerobic and aerobic reactors are also reviewed in order to present their advantages over single bioreactors. Intermittent sequencing batch reactor is a promising technology than other high rate digesters in the removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous.
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Matadouros , Eliminação de Resíduos Líquidos/métodos , Anaerobiose , Reatores Biológicos , Carbono , Carne , Metano , Nitrogênio , Oxirredução , Fósforo , Esgotos , Águas ResiduáriasRESUMO
Young patients presenting with thrombotic events like pulmonary embolism and cardiological phenomenon such as presence of an intracardiac mass, without any underlying risk factors, should be promptly investigated for thrombophilias including antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). This case is reported to highlight rare occurrence of co-existing bilateral extensive pulmonary embolism and an intra-cardiac mass at presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome as well as progression to near catastrophic APLS.