Biodiversity of endosymbiont fungi associated with a marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and their potential as antioxidant producers.

This study aims to isolate endosymbiontic fungi from the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and to explore their antioxidant potential. Marine-derived fungi, with their vast biodiversity, are considered a promising source of novel antioxidants which can replace synthetic ones. Marine sponges have previously reported bioactive properties that could ameliorate oxidative stress, particularly their associated fungi, producing high-frequency bioactive molecules (adaptogenic molecules) in response to stressors. 19 endosymbiont fungi associated with marine sponges were isolated, and their extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. Extract of an endosymbiont fungus, isolate SPG6, identified as Alternaria destruens, through surface electron microscopy (SEM) and ITS gene sequencing, showed broad range antioxidant activities (EC50 values) (free radical scavenging 32.54 mg L-1, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, total reducing power 0.114 g L-1, Chelating power 0.262 g L-1, H2O2 scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, and Superoxide radical scavenging activity > 5.0 g L-1). The extract of isolate SPG6 was fractioned and analyzed through GC-MS. Marine sponge-associated endosymbiont fungi are a rich source of antioxidant molecules. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03972-1.

Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and heart type fatty acid binding protein as a prognostic marker in Myocardial infarction within 48 h of admission.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a measure of systemic inflammation, whereas Heart type fatty acid protein (HFABP) is a cytosolic protein released early after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this research study is to determine whether NLR and H-FAB are useful in predicting the prognosis in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 48 h after admission. This is a prospective observational study conducted on 97 patients who had been admitted to emergency room with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in their ECG in a tertiary care centre of south India. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was measured at the time of admission, 24th hour and 48th hour, and then compared with the outcome. To determine their significance in the MI episode, troponin-I and H-FABP were also measured. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found in the final outcomes of patients and the NLR at the time of admission and at 48 h (p = 0.01). Additionally, a substantial correlation between NLR and various degrees of LV dysfunction was also observed (p = 0.01). H-FABP was found to be positive in all 97 of the patients examined, whereas Troponin-I was only found to be positive in 56.7%. CONCLUSION: The study's findings, indicated strong correlations between NLR and LVEF, indicated that NLR might serve as an early predictor of cardiac events which could be either poor prognosis or higher mortality. This research found that H-FABP may serve as an early MI diagnostic marker.

Volumetric Analysis of Hand and Rotary Instrumentation, Root Canal Filling Techniques, and Obturation Materials in Primary Teeth Using Spiral CT.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: To compare the root canal volume in primary teeth using hand and rotary instruments and to evaluate root canal filling techniques and flow of root canal obturation materials in the postinstrumented root canal volume using spiral computed tomography (SCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly extracted 16 primary molars were randomly divided into two groups and subjected to SCT analysis before and after instrumentation. For the manual technique (group I) with eight teeth were prepared using K files, and rotary (group II) eight teeth preparation was performed with ProTaper files. The filled volume in each canal was measured using SCT, and the percentage of obturated volume was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in both groups' volume of root canals enlarged. Even though both K files and the ProTaper system brought about enlarged canals after instrumentation, there was a statistically significant increase in volume after using K files in two canals. In three canals, there was a statistically significant increase in volume after using ProTaper. Irrespective of the obturation technique and materials used, there is no statistically significant difference in the volume after obturation. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, the ProTaper file system shows suitable volumetric enlargement up to an optimum level, which is needed in primary root canal walls, and is better in canal shaping, as evidenced by good postobturation volume. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The traditional method of cleaning and shaping the root canals in permanent teeth using manual stainless-steel files can lead to undesirable curvatures in root canal morphology, making correctly filling the root canals difficult. It is also time-consuming and sometimes leads to iatrogenic errors. Rotary nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instrumentation techniques have been developed to overcome these problems. How to cite this article: Yadav DBUC, Varma RB, Kumar JS, et al. Volumetric Analysis of Hand and Rotary Instrumentation, Root Canal Filling Techniques, and Obturation Materials in Primary Teeth Using Spiral CT. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):250-259.

Detection of Marchiafava Bignami disease using distinct deep learning techniques in medical diagnostics.

PURPOSE: To detect the Marchiafava Bignami Disease (MBD) using a distinct deep learning technique. BACKGROUND: Advanced deep learning methods are becoming more crucial in contemporary medical diagnostics, particularly for detecting intricate and uncommon neurological illnesses such as MBD. This rare neurodegenerative disorder, sometimes associated with persistent alcoholism, is characterized by the loss of myelin or tissue death in the corpus callosum. It poses significant diagnostic difficulties owing to its infrequency and the subtle signs it exhibits in its first stages, both clinically and on radiological scans. METHODS: The novel method of Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) in conjunction with attention mechanisms is used to identify MBD peculiar diseases accurately. VAEs are well-known for their proficiency in unsupervised learning and anomaly detection. They excel at analyzing extensive brain imaging datasets to uncover subtle patterns and abnormalities that traditional diagnostic approaches may overlook, especially those related to specific diseases. The use of attention mechanisms enhances this technique, enabling the model to concentrate on the most crucial elements of the imaging data, similar to the discerning observation of a skilled radiologist. Thus, we utilized the VAE with attention mechanisms in this study to detect MBD. Such a combination enables the prompt identification of MBD and assists in formulating more customized and efficient treatment strategies. RESULTS: A significant breakthrough in this field is the creation of a VAE equipped with attention mechanisms, which has shown outstanding performance by achieving accuracy rates of over 90% in accurately differentiating MBD from other neurodegenerative disorders. CONCLUSION: This model, which underwent training using a diverse range of MRI images, has shown a notable level of sensitivity and specificity, significantly minimizing the frequency of false positive results and strengthening the confidence and dependability of these sophisticated automated diagnostic tools.

Metal organic framework anchored onto biowaste mediated carbon material (rGO) for remediation of chromium (VI) by the photocatalytic process.

Groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) causes serious health concerns for the ecosystem. In this study, a hybrid amino functionalized MOF@rGO nanocatalyst was produced by utilization of a biowaste mediated carbon material (reduced graphene oxide; rGO) and its surface was modified by in situ synthesis of a nanocrystalline, mixed ligand octahedral MOF containing iron metal and NH2 functional groups and the prepared composite was investigated for Cr (VI) removal. The photocatalytic degradation of Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions was carried out under UV irradiation. Using a batch mode system, the effect of numerous control variables was examined, and the process design and optimization were carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). The photocatalyst, NH2-MIL(53)-Fe@rGO, was intended to be a stable and highly effective nanocatalyst throughout the recycling tests. XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR examinations were exploited to discover more about surface carbon embedded with MOF. 2 g/L of NH2-MIL-53(Fe)/rGO was utilized in degrading 200 mg/L of Cr(VI) in just 100 min, implying the selective efficacy of such a MOF-rGO nanocatalyst. Moreover, the Eg determinations well agreed with the predicted range of 2.7 eV, confirming its possibility to be exploited underneath visible light, via the Tauc plot. Thus, MOF anchored onto biowaste derived rGO photo-catalyst was successfully implemented in chromium degradation.

Suture-Based Vascular Closure Versus Surgical Closure of Large Bore Arteriotomies: A Real-World Experience.

INTRODUCTION: With the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR), and frequent use of left ventricular assist devices in complicated percutaneous coronary interventions, the use of large bore arterial access has become a necessity. In the index study, we compared the percutaneous closure of large arteriotomies with open surgical (OS) closure. METHODS: It was a prospective study in which we compared the technical success and vascular complication rate associated with the use of a suture-based vascular closure device (VCD): Perclose ProGlide (PP) with that of OS closure. The study was carried out at Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru, India, from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. The inclusion criteria were any percutaneous intervention involving large bore arterial access (≥12 French (F) sheath). The exclusion criteria were any condition where a persistent need for vascular access at the end of the procedure was required. We noted the baseline characteristics and type of anesthesia for all patients. The primary outcome was technical success and major vascular complications, which included major local site bleeding: Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3 or more, failed hemostasis requiring a second intervention, and acute vessel occlusion. Total time taken for the procedure (TTP), time to ambulation (TTA), and time to discharge post-procedure (TTD) were noted for each patient. The secondary outcomes were any bleeding other than major, local hematoma sized >5 cm at 24 hours, pseudo aneurysm formation at 30 days, and acute limb ischemia at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (PP: 60 (males: 54, females: 6), OS: 60 (males: 50, females: 10)) were included in this study. The mean age of patients was comparable in both groups (PP: 71.8 ± 9.62 years and OS: 71.0 ± 7.76 years, p-value: 0.63). Total large arteriotomies (mean size: 18.03F ± 3.34) closed were 184 (PP: 90, OS: 94). The procedures performed were EVAR: 64 (PP: 30, OS: 34), TAVI: 38 (PP: 21, OS: 17), and TEVAR: 18 (PP: 9, OS: 9). All patients in PP group received dual ProGlide with preclose technique. All TEVAR procedures (total arteriotomies: 18) required a vascular sheath of ≥ 24F. There was no statistical difference between the mean size of sheaths used in the two groups. The technical success (PP: 95.55%, OS: 97.87%, 95% CI: -5.78%-10.98%, p-value: 0.48) and rate of major complications were similar in both groups. Three patients in the PP group who had failed hemostasis with two ProGlides were successfully managed with one additional Angioseal (6F) each. The occurrence of hematoma sized larger than 5 cm was significantly more in the PP group compared to the OS group (PP: 7 (7.78%), OS: 0 (0%), p-value: 0.006). While GA was used for all patients who underwent vascular closure with OS, only eight patients (13.33%) in the PP group required GA. The TTP, TTA, and TTD were significantly lower in the PP group as compared to the OS group. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous closure of large bore arteriotomies with suture-based VCDs is equally effective and is not associated with increased major vascular complications. In fact, the TTP, TTA, and TTD are significantly lower in the PP group which can translate to better patient comfort and lower costs.

A Real-World Observational Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Fluticasone Furoate-Oxymetazoline Fixed Dose Combination Nasal Spray in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) has shown an increasing prevalence leading to a considerable medical and social burden. Nasal congestion is the cardinal symptom of AR, and the upper respiratory tract is most affected by this long-lasting ailment. Intranasal corticosteroids alleviate nasal congestion, along with other symptoms of AR, but their effect is not evident immediately. Oxymetazoline has a rapid onset of action, but its use should be limited to 3-5 days. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the fixed-dose combination nasal spray containing fluticasone furoate and oxymetazoline hydrochloride (FF + OXY) 27.5/50 mcg once daily in patients with AR in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: The study was a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, real-world observational study conducted in patients with AR for a period of 28 days. Patients (n = 388) with a diagnosis of AR were treated with a combination of FF + OXY nasal spray. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS), total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and total symptom score (TSS) were documented at baseline and at the end of study period. The overall effectiveness of treatment with FF + OXY was rated by the investigators as very good/good/satisfactory/poor (4-point Likert scale) for each patient. RESULTS: Treatment with FF + OXY resulted in significant reduction in the TNSS, TOSS and TSS, from 7.18 ± 3.38 at baseline to 0.20 ± 0.84 (p < 0.001), from 2.34 ± 2.29 at baseline to 0.09 ± 0.53 (p < 0.001), from 9.51 ± 4.94 at baseline to 0.29 ± 1.32 (p < 0.001) at 28 days respectively. With respect to effectiveness, the investigators reported very good effectiveness in 52.12% of patients. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The fixed-dose combination of once-daily fluticasone furoate and oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray 27.5/50 mcg was effective in relieving the nasal congestion and reduction of TNSS, TOSS and TSS in patients suffering from AR. The combination was safe and well tolerated with no rebound congestion throughout the treatment period.

Platelet indices as prognostic markers of ischemic stroke and their correlation with lipid profile.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is the cause of one in eight deaths and adds a dreadful burden of disability for the patients. Ischemic stroke is caused by a loss of blood supply to brain due to sudden occlusion of the arterial system, caused by an emboli or thrombus. Our aim was to correlate platelet indices, total cholesterol ratio, and various comorbidities with stroke. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed from 2020-2022 with 132 stroke patients admitted to the SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, India. Detailed clinical examination was performed. Venous blood samples were drawn at the time of admission to estimate platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet crit (PCT). Overnight fasting serum samples were obtained for lipid profiling. RESULTS: Among the participants in our study, maximum belonged to the age group 50 to 59 years (34.1%) and majority were males (79.5%). In terms of comorbidities, 85.6% of the participants had diabetes, 42.4% had hypertension and 22% had dyslipaedemia. All platelet and lipid parameters were found to be similar between patients with and without comorbidities. While all platelet indices increased with the increase in severity of stroke, we found that PDW is most reliable in predicting stroke with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.942, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.1% at cut-off value 14. All platelet parameters also significantly increased in patients with severe lipid dysfuction, establishing a correlation between lipid profile, platelet indices and stroke. CONCULSION: We found a significant relationship between all platelet parameters and stroke. Thus, we believe that patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis should have their platelet indices assessed periodically before the development of cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, dyslipidemia if properly treated, is a modifiable risk factor for stroke, which can decrease morbidity and mortality leading to a healthier society.

Ovarian Plasmablastic Lymphoma Posing Diagnostic Dilemma: A Rare Case Report.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma with no definite standard of care with a poor outcome. It occurs predominantly in HIV-infected individuals and is frequently seen in extranodal sites. The important differential diagnosis for this PBL is plasmablastic myeloma, where clinical and histopathological features are often ambiguous, rendering the correct diagnosis difficult without complete integration of clinical, morphological, phenotypic, and molecular features. Here, we report a rare case of plasmablastic lymphoma of the ovary with a diagnostic dilemma and the approach to the diagnosis and its management.

Percutaneous Extraction of Deployed Coronary Stent During Retrieval of Jailed Buddy Wire.

Retrieval of a buddy wire following coronary stenting of long, tortuous, and calcified lesions runs the risk of wire entrapment and stent deformation. We report a case of successful percutaneous extraction of a longitudinally deformed coronary stent during retrieval of jailed buddy wire from the left anterior descending artery. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Rapunzel Syndrome: A Rare Case of Phyto-Trichobezoar in an Indian Girl.

Phyto-trichobezoar is a rare disorder characterized by the formation of mass in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by the ingested inedible material, mostly hair and thread. The ingestion of hair is a rare psychiatric disorder called trichotillomania, which is more common in girls. An 11-year-old girl presented with clinical features of GIT obstruction, which were diagnosed to be Rapunzel syndrome by computed tomography. The phyto-trichobezoar was removed en masse by the anterior gastrotomy, which extended beyond the duodenum. The girl, after recovery, was counseled and treated for subclinical depression.

Unveiling the molecular identity of the diminutive cyprinid, Horadandia brittani (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a species endemic to Southern India.

BACKGROUND: Horadandia brittani is a small cyprinid fish species initially discovered in the coastal floodplains of southern India. For almost 50 years, the genus Horadandia was monotypic with a single species confined to Sri Lanka. In 1992, a new species H. brittani was described from south-western India. Despite being described as a separate species, H. brittani was later considered a synonym of H. atukorali, but in 2013, researchers recognized it as a distinct species based on morphological differences. Despite this clarification, there was still a need to validate the identity of H. brittani and determine its evolutionary relationship with its closely related species using DNA sequences. METHODS: To address the uncertainties surrounding the identity of H. brittani, the present study utilized molecular techniques to generate DNA sequences. Sample collection involved obtaining specimens of H. brittani from their natural habitats. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from the collected samples, and the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COI) gene was amplified using appropriate methods. RESULTS: The analysis of DNA sequences obtained from the COI gene revealed significant genetic distinctions between H. brittani and H. atukorali. The genetic distance values between these two species ranged from 3.21 to 3.63%, clearly indicating that these two species are genetically separate entities. The study successfully established the phylogenetic relationships between H. brittani and H. atukorali based on the COI gene sequences, further confirming the validity of H. brittani as a distinct and separate species. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study conclusively demonstrate that H. brittani is a valid and separate species, distinct from H. atukorali. The genetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI gene sequences provided strong evidence for the differentiation between these two species. The molecular data generated in this research can be used to identify H. brittani quickly and accurately in the future.

Identifying potential immuno-oncology targets in salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma based on inflammatory status and treatment response.

BACKGROUND: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a rare salivary gland malignant tumour. This study aimed to investigate inflammatory and immune signatures of mucoepidermoid carcinoma by identifying potential proteo-transcriptomic biomarkers towards the development of precision immuno-oncology treatment strategies. METHODS: A total of 30 biopsies obtained from patients diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma between 2013 and 2022 were analysed after H&E staining for scoring of histological inflammatory stroma subtypes and inflammatory hotspots with QuPath. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining and NanoString nCounter PanCancer IO 360™ panel were used to assess stroma and tumour inflammation signatures in high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases in the tumour microenvironment via proteomics and transcriptomics, respectively. RESULTS: Inflammatory cells within the histological inflammatory stroma inflammatory (HIS-INF/hot) tumour neighbourhoods were greater compared to the histological inflammatory stroma-immune desert (HIS-ID/cold) (p = 0.001). A similar trend was observed between treatment non-responders and responders in stroma neighbourhoods (p = 0.0625) and in stroma-to-interface inflammatory hotspots (p = 0.0081), indicating an augmented inflammatory response in hot tumours and non-responders. Furthermore, there were striking differences in the expression of pan-immune leukocyte marker CD45 between responders and non responders particularly in the tumour neighbourhoods (p = 0.0341), but such were not robust for PD-1 and macrophage fractions. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis revealed key differences in leukocyte activation profiles between responders and non-responders. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report unveils the importance of assessing immune leukocyte cellular fractions and pathways for future prognostic biomarker discoveries in mucoepidermoid carcinoma as per the involvement of CD45-driven inflammatory and immune mediators in high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in non-responders to treatment. These findings will potentially contribute to the development of novel personalised immunotherapies.

ODQN-Net: Optimized Deep Q Neural Networks for Disease Prediction Through Tongue Image Analysis Using Remora Optimization Algorithm.

Tongue analysis plays the major role in disease type prediction and classification according to Indian ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally, there is a manual inspection of tongue image by the expert ayurvedic doctor to identify or predict the disease. However, this is time-consuming and even imprecise. Due to the advancements in recent machine learning models, several researchers addressed the disease prediction from tongue image analysis. However, they have failed to provide enough accuracy. In addition, multiclass disease classification with enhanced accuracy is still a challenging task. Therefore, this article focuses on the development of optimized deep q-neural network (DQNN) for disease identification and classification from tongue images, hereafter referred as ODQN-Net. Initially, the multiscale retinex approach is introduced for enhancing the quality of tongue images, which also acts as a noise removal technique. In addition, a local ternary pattern is used to extract the disease-specific and disease-dependent features based on color analysis. Then, the best features are extracted from the available features set using the natural inspired Remora optimization algorithm with reduced computational time. Finally, the DQNN model is used to classify the type of diseases from these pretrained features. The obtained simulation performance on tongue imaging data set proved that the proposed ODQN-Net resulted in superior performance compared with state-of-the-art approaches with 99.17% of accuracy and 99.75% and 99.84% of F1-score and Mathew's correlation coefficient, respectively.

NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for Elderly in Parkinson's Disease Patients: Validation and Diagnosis using MDS PD-MCI Task Force Criteria in Indian Population.

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment is challenging and routinely missed in clinical practice. Our study aimed to study the efficacy of NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for Elderly (NNB-E) in diagnosing subtle cognitive deficits in PD patients. Objective: The aim of this study is to validate NNB-E and evaluate cognitive impairment in PD patients in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: We recruited 31 PD patients and 31 healthy controls in the current study. We validated NNB-E using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Crohnbach's alpha, principal component analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlation, and studied the cognitive impairments using NNB-E in the non-demented PD patients and controls who scored ≥24 on HMSE. Results: Cognitive performance of PD patients was poor compared to controls. NNB-E showed good internal consistency and construct validity with Crohnbach's alpha of 0.861 and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878. The battery was able to detect mild cognitive impairment in 74.1% of patients and 6.4% of controls. The ROC curve showed that the overall sensitivity of the battery was 73.2% and specificity was 92.6% at an optimal cutoff score. Different cutoff values set for defining PD-MCI as per MDS task force criteria resulted in varying frequencies of MCI ranging from 25.8% to 71%. Conclusion: Our study established the validity of NNB-E in PD patients, and this tool was suitable for diagnosing PD-MCI and discriminating PD patients from normal controls in the Indian population. This study also showed PD-MCI at various cutoff scores with greater impairment in executive and attention domains.

Flourescence sensors for heavy metal detection: major contaminants in soil and water bodies.

Due to the increasing consumption of heavy metals, there is a rising need for specific and useful methods that are employed for the detection of heavy metals. Fluorescence sensing is a highly selective, rapid and biosensing technique that is employed in the determination of some heavy metals in any sample of soil or water, any other living person, the food being consumed or any other substance which are being used daily. These fluorescent methods are a type of analytical technique and they are mainly based on detection. Many types of metal conjugated molecules have been used of the detection of these heavy metals with various mechanisms. We have taken into account some specific sensor molecules as they were more suitable and easily accessible. These techniques that were employed in the detection of various heavy metals such as copper, lead and mercury have been discussed in the following review article.

A Radiative Chemical Process for the Methylene Blue Degradation by Natural Convective Nanofluid Flow over an Upright Cone.

An upstraight cone with nonisothermal surface velocity, temperature, and concentration was investigated using a numerical solution approach to simulate MHD, MB dye, and various nanofluid flows. Numerical evaluation of the flow field equation was carried out using an excellent finite difference method after it has been converted into a dimensionless form. Different heat transfer occurrences were observed depending on temperature, velocity, and concentration when using several types of nanofluids (TiO, Ag, Cu, and Al2O3Z3). The amount of MB dye that was degraded by the synthesized nanofluids under the influence of sunlight irradiation was 81.40 percent as a catalyst (carbon nanodots). The parametric analysis of various features of flow fields has been shown using graphs. It was observed that heat is generated from the cone during the sun light irradiation reaction, heat is transferred to MB dye containing nanofluids, and heat interacts with nanofluids and is involved in the chemical reaction with the assistance of electrons. As MB dye degrades in the absence of catalysts (carbon nanodots), it is only 52 percent effective. MB dye is degraded at 81.40 percent, then becomes stable, and takes 120 minutes to degrade in nanofluids containing MB dye with catalysts (carbon nanodots).

Deep insights into kinetics, optimization and thermodynamic estimates of methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solution onto coffee husk (Coffee arabica) activated carbon.

In the current study, an attempt was made to synthesize coffee husk (CH) activated carbon by chemical modification approach (sulphuric acid-activated CH (SACH) activated carbon) and was used as a valuable and economical sorbent for plausible remediation of Methylene blue (MB) dye. Batch mode trials were carried out by carefully varying the batch experimental variables: SACH activated carbon (SACH AC) dosage, pH, initial dye concentration, temperature, and contact time. The optimum equilibrium time for adsorption by SACH activated carbon was obtained as 60 min, and the maximum adsorption took place at 30 °C. Morphological and elemental composition, crystallinity behaviour, functional groups, and thermal stability were examined using SEM with EDX, XRD, FTIR, BET, TGA, and DTA and these tests showed successful production of activated carbon. The outcomes showed that chemical activation enhanced the number of pores and roughness which possibly maximized the adsorptive potential of coffee husk. The Box-Benken design (BBD) was used to optimize the MB dye adsorption studies and 99.48% MB dye removed at SACH AC dosage of 4.83 g/L at 30 °C for 60 min and pH 8.12, and the maximum adsorption was yielded for sulphuric acid-activated coffee husk carbon carbon with 88.1 mg/g maximum MB adsorption capacity. Langmuir- Freundlich model deliberately provided a better fit to the equilibrium data. The SACH AC-MB dye system kinetics showed a high goodness-of-fit with pseudo second order model, compared to other studied models. Change in Gibbs's free energy (ΔGo) of the system indicated spontaneity whereas low entropy value (ΔSo) suggested that the removal of MB dye on the SACH activated carbon was an enthalpy-driven process. The exothermic nature of the sorption cycle was affirmed by the negative enthalpy value (ΔHo). The adsorptive-desorptive studies reveal that SACH AC could be restored with the maximum adsorption efficiency being conserved after the fifth cycles. Overall, the outcomes revealed that sulphuric acid-activated coffee husk activated carbon (SACH AC) can be used as prompt alternative for low-cost sorbent for treating dye-laden synthetic wastewaters.

Bio-waste mediated synthesis of zirconium nanoparticle fuel: Energy management strategy for performance evaluation in a diesel engine.

The impact of biosynthesized zirconium nanoparticles originated from biological waste, blended in diesel fuel processed through bio-refining strategy and its combustion, emissions, and overall diesel engine performance towards safety has been examined. Different weight fractions of zirconia nanoparticles were combined with crude diesel at 10, 20, and 30 mg/L values. According to the engine tests, Zirconia (20 nm) added to pure diesel at a concentration of 30 parts per million incremented thermal efficiencies by 4.9% compared to regular diesel fuel. The average reduction in specific fuel consumption for clean diesel fuel when the engine was operating at full power was 2.9%, 3.9%, and 4.9%. Diesel smoke, hydrocarbon, CO, and NOx emissions were reduced by 13%, 20%, 25%, and 29%, respectively, when nano additives were used at a concentration of 30 ppm.Nanoparticles enhance fuel stability, overcome detonation difficulties, and avoid fouling spark plugs. The pressure within cylinder, the temperature, and the rate at which heat is released was improved when alumina nanoparticles were appended to diesel fuel. However, both the length of the combustion and further delay in ignition were cut down. The ideal concentration of zirconia nanoparticles for improving combustion, efficiency, and emissions along with safety attainment in an internal combustion engine is recorded at 30 ppm.

Novel markers of COVID-19 mortality-A comparative study with patients of acute coronary syndrome.

Background: COVID-19 can cause severe pneumonia that can progress to multiple organ failure. It is believed that dysregulation of inflammation and cytokine storm, contributes to severe COVID-19. As inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of the severe disease, inflammatory markers like fever, leucocytosis, and C-reactive protein are known to predict severe disease. Various other biomarkers have been known to have prognostic value in patients with COVID-19 infection. Inflammation, both local and systemic plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thus in this study, we aimed to compare and describe the various biomarkers, and mortality between patients admitted with COVID-19 infection and ACS patients without COVID-19 infection. Methods: In a retrospective observational case-control study, a total of 108 patients admitted to our hospital during the month of May 2021 with COVID-19 were enrolled. Patients of the acute coronary syndrome (tested negative for COVID-19 infection) admitted during the same month were enrolled (including both the intensive care unit and ward) as controls. Results: The median age of patients with COVID was significantly lower than that of patients with acute coronary syndrome [49 years (IQR, 36-62 years) and 60 years (IQR, 52-66 years)]. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher among patients with COVID infection (58.5 ± 6.3% versus 36.9 ± 9.3%). The total leukocyte count was significantly higher among patients with COVID-19 compared to those with acute coronary syndrome [13200 per microliter (8625-17500) vs 9800 per microliter (8150-12150), P < 0.001]. The blood urea level was significantly higher among patients with COVID infection [52.5 (IQR, 34.7-81.5) versus 20 (IQR, 16-31)]. Levels of C-reactive protein were significantly higher among patients with COVID [39 (IQR, 7.7-100) versus 2 (1.4-3.5)]. The mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID was 4 times higher than those with acute coronary syndrome [25.9% (28) versus 6.1% (6)]. Survivors of COVID-19 had higher hemoglobin levels than those who did not [12.5 g/dLvs 11.5 g/dL, P = 0.03]. Conclusions: Elevated total leukocyte counts reflect underlying secondary bacterial infection among patients with COVID-19 and help initiate appropriate antibiotics. Depletion of intravascular volume reflected by an increased urea/creatinine ratio increases the risk of mortality and warrants aggressive measures of rehydration and albumin infusion.