Biochar-based adsorption for heavy metal removal in water: a sustainable and cost-effective approach.

The increasing contamination of aquatic bodies by heavy metals poses a significant threat to environment and human health, necessitates innovative, sustainable and cost-effective remediation strategies. Due to their persistence and toxicity, heavy metals like copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) pose severe threats, even in trace amounts. Traditional removal methods of these heavy metals, like chemical precipitation, oxidation/reduction, filtration, ion exchange, membrane separation, and adsorption, are costly, inefficient, and have drawbacks. As an efficient and low-cost adsorbent, biochar has the potential for heavy metal remediation from water. Biochar is a versatile carbonaceous material produced through pyrolysis of organic wastes, emerged as a powerful adsorbent for heavy metal removal from contaminated water. The unique property of biochar makes it an effective medium immobilizing and capturing of heavy metals like Pb, Cd, As and Hg. Various factors affect its adsorption potential and capacity. Feedstocks type, composition, activation methods, and production processes including the pyrolysis temperature, temperature rate and residence time significantly impact the efficacy of biochar. Therefore, this review has assessed, compared, and contrasted different forms of biochar along with their production methods, modification techniques and mechanisms for their potential use as an adsorbent for heavy metal removal from the contaminated water. Modified biochar offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for water purification and remediation of toxic heavy metals from water. This review highlights the biochar potential as a crucial component for future research projects focusing on water treatment technologies, providing avenues for safer and cleaner water resources.

Chemotaxis response and age-stage, two-sex life table of the Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) against different aphid species.

The Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is one of the most beneficial and identifiable predators of numerous soft-bodied and sucking insect pests of several crops. Biological parameters and olfactory response of C. sexmaculata were investigated under laboratory conditions by providing three different aphid species i.e., mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach), citrus black aphid (Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy), and peach aphid (Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov) as a food source. The developmental period of immature stages of C. sexmaculata was shorter on D. noxia as compared to other aphid species. The adult longevities were longer on D. noxia and T. citricida while shorter on L. erysimi. Female fecundity was highest on D. noxia while lowest on L. erysimi. Life table parameters i.e., intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (Ro), and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were maximum on D. noxia while minimum on L. erysimi. The mean generation time C. sexmaculata was 20.90, 23.69, and 26.2 days on D. noxia, L. erysimi, T. and citricida, respectively. These findings were further confirmed from the olfactory experiment where D. noxia proved to be the most preferred prey. This study provides necessary information for mass-rearing of C. sexmaculata.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Polyphyllin VI revealed by network pharmacology and RNA sequencing.

Inflammatory pain, sustained by a complex network of inflammatory mediators, is a severe and persistent illness affecting many of the general population. We explore possible anti-inflammatory pathways of Polyphyllin VI (PPVI) based on our prior study, which showed that PPVI reduces inflammation in mice to reduce pain. Network pharmacology and RNA-Seq identified the contribution of the MAPK signaling pathway to inflammatory pain. In the LPS/ATP-induced RAW264.7 cell model, pretreatment with PPVI for 1 h inhibited the release of IL-6 and IL-8, down-regulated expression of the P2X7 receptor(P2X7R), and decreased phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 components of the MAPK pathway. Moreover, PPVI decreased expression of IL-6 and IL-8 was observed in the serum of the inflammatory pain mice model and reduced phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in the dorsal root ganglia while the reductions of expression of IL-6 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were not observed after the pre-treatment with A740003 (an antagonist of the P2X7R). These results suggest that PPVI may inhibit the release of IL-8 by regulating P2X7R to reduce the phosphorylation of p38. However, the modulation of PPVI on the release of IL-6 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 may mediated by other P2X7R-independent signals.

Relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness with screen time and physical activity in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of cardiorespiratory fitness with screen time and physical activity in healthy adolescents. METHODS: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from February to July 2019, and comprised healthy adolescents aged 11-17 years of both genders who were enrolled from various schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through YMCA 3 min Step test, physical activity levels were evaluated using physical activity questionnaire for adolescents, and screen time was evaluated using Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence screen time questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 250 adolescents, 128(51.2%) were males and 122(48.8%) were females. The overall mean age was 14.24±2.177 years (range: 11-17 years). There was no significant correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity (p=0.15), and between cardiorespiratory fitness and screen time (p=0.58). CONCLUSIONS: There was found to be no significant correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity, and between cardiorespiratory fitness and screen time in healthy adolescents.

In-hospital outcomes and prevalence of comorbidities in patients with infective endocarditis with and without heart blocks: Insight from the National Inpatient Sample.

Infective endocarditis (IE) complicated by heart block can have adverse outcomes and usually requires immediate surgical and cardiac interventions. Data on outcomes and trends in patients with IE with concurrent heart block are lacking. Patients with a primary diagnosis of IE with or without heart block were identified by querying the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database, specifically the National Inpatient Sample for the years 2013 and 2014, based on International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification Ninth Revision codes. During 2013 and 2014, a total of 18,733 patients were admitted with a primary diagnosis of IE, including 867 with concurrent heart blocks. Increased in-hospital mortality (13% vs 10.3%), length of stay (19 vs 14 days), and cost of care ($282,573 vs $223,559) were found for patients with IE complicated by heart block. Additionally, these patients were more likely to develop cardiogenic shock (8.9% vs 3.2%), acute kidney injury (40.1% vs 32.6%), and hematologic complications (19.3% vs 15.2%), and require placement of a pacemaker (30.6% vs 0.9%). IE and concurrent heart block resulted in increased requirement for aortic (25.7% vs 6.1%) and mitral (17.3% vs 4.2%) valvular replacements. Conclusion was made that IE with concurrent heart block worsens in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and cost for patients. Our analysis demonstrates an increase in cardiac procedures, specifically aortic and/or mitral valve replacements, and Implantable Cardiovascular Defibrillator/Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy/ Permanent Pacemaker (ICD/CRT/PPM) placement in IE with concurrent heart block. A close telemonitoring system and prompt interventions may represent a significant mitigation strategy to avoid the adverse outcomes observed in this study.

Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) as a potential biocontrol agent for aphids based on age-stage, two-sex life table.

The Zigzag ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is a biological control agent that feeds on a variety of aphid species. Life table and predation data of C. sexmaculata were collected under laboratory conditions at 25±2°C, 60±5% RH and L14: D10 h in connection with feeding on four different aphid species; Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Aphis nerii (Boyer de Fonscolombe) and Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko). Larval development of C. sexmaculata was long when fed on M. persicae (12.18 days) and shorter on D. noxia (10.64 days). The male's lifespan was longer on M. persicae (26.70 days) and shorter on L. erysimi (23.67 days). Fecundity was maximum when the beetle was fed D. noxia (316.8 eggs/female) and minimum on M. persicae (199.1 eggs/female). Net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of increase were highest on D. noxia with values of 158.4 (offspring individual-1), 0.22 d-1, and 1.24 d-1, respectively whereas the respective parameters were lowest on L. erysimi (99.5 offspring individual-1, 0.19 d-1, and 1.20 d-1, respectively). However, the mean of the generation (T) was shorter on A. nerii (22.48 d-1) and longer on M. persicae (24.68 d-1). Based on life table parameters obtained under laboratory conditions, the most appropriate host of C. sexmaculata was D. noxia. This study should help us to improve mass rearing and use of C. sexmaculata in the biological control of aphids on field and horticultural crops.

Caroli Disease: A Presentation of Acute Pancreatitis and Cholangitis.

Caroli disease is a rare congenital disorder resulting from the dilation of large intrahepatic bile ducts. Patients affected with Caroli disease are at increased risk of complications resulting from bile stasis and stone formation. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with a past surgical history of cholecystectomy who presented to the emergency room with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and nausea. The pain was characteristic of acute pancreatitis but she was hemodynamically stable. Total bilirubin was 4.1 mg/dL with a direct fraction of 3.1 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were 850 IU/L and 1025 IU/L, respectively. Serum amylase and lipase were elevated at 581 IU/L and 1328 IU/L, respectively. CT scan of abdomen/pelvis without contrast showed common bile duct (CBD) measuring 1.6 cm with intrahepatic biliary system dilation and mild peripancreatic fat stranding. She was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. On the second day, she developed a temperature of 99.6°F. Hepatitis immunity panel was negative for acute hepatitis. The patient was started on antibiotics (IV ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) for suspicion of acute cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was done which showed mild dilated intrahepatic ducts and CBD dilation of 1.6 cm, and a choledochal cyst at CBD. Sphincterotomy was done and good bile drainage was reported. She was later discharged in a stable condition. Caroli disease affects males and females equally and most are diagnosed before the age of 30 years correlated with the onset of symptoms. By far, the most commonly reported symptom is acute cholangitis but pancreatitis occurs rarely. Recurrent bouts of infection lead to portal hypertension, fibrosis of the liver and ultimately end up with an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). Regular follow-ups are important for disease surveillance and monitoring.

Acute Pancreatitis Associated With Hypothermia: An Uncommon Presentation.

Hypothermia is not known as a common cause of acute pancreatitis, although there have been previously reported cases. Herein, we describe a 55-year-old man who presented with acute pancreatitis preceded by hypothermia in the absence of the more traditional causative factors, such as gallstones or alcohol consumption. On arrival to the emergency department, he was found to have a temperature of 84.3°F, consistent with moderate hypothermia, a blood pressure of 84/50 mmHg, and a heart rate of 60 bpm. Serum lipase and amylase levels were 2,225 and 980 U/L, respectively. A CT scan of the abdomen with intravenous (IV) contrast revealed peripancreatic fat stranding, consistent with the diagnosis. No evidence of gallstones or common bile duct dilatation was found. He had also developed acute kidney injury and lactic acidosis consistent with end-organ damage. After appropriate triage, he was admitted to the intensive care unit and supportively managed. An external rewarming strategy with IV fluids and antibiotics resulted in improvement in clinical status. Hypothermia can cause subtle changes in the microvasculature and production of free radicals, which can result in acute pancreatitis. It is important to determine the etiology so that appropriate treatment can be instituted with better outcomes.

Burn wound infections and antibiotic susceptibility patterns at pakistan institute of medical sciences, islamabad, pakistan.

BACKGROND: Burn wound infections carry considerable mortality and morbidity amongst burn injury victims who have been successfully rescued through the initial resuscitation. This study assessed the prevalent microrganisms causing burn wound infections among hospitalized patients; their susceptibility pattern to commonly used antibiotics; and the frequency of infections with respect to the duration of the burn wounds. METHODS: This study was carried out at Burn Care Centre, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan over a period of two years (i.e. from June 2010 to May 2012). The study included all wound-culture-positive patients of either gender and all ages, who had sustained deep burns and underwent definitive management with wound excisions and skin auto-grafting. Patients with negative cultures of the wounds were excluded. Tissue specimens for culture and sensitivity were collected from burn wounds using standard collection techniques and analyzed at microbiological laboratory. RESULTS: Out of a total of 95 positive microbial growths, 36 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.29%) as the most frequent isolate found, followed by 21 Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.58%), 19 Staphylococcus aureaus (18.62%), 10 Proteus (9.80%), 7 E. coli (6.86%), 7 Acinetobacter (6.86%), and 4 Candida (3.92%). A variable antibiotic susceptibility pattern was observed among the grown microbes. Positive cultures were significantly more frequent among patients with over two weeks duration of burn wounds. CONCLUSION: P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus constituted the most common bacterial microbes of burn wounds in our in-patients cases. Positive cultures were more frequent among patients with over two weeks duration of burn wounds. Early excision and skin grafting of deep burns and adherence to infection control measures can help to effectively reduce the burden of these infections.

Successful propranolol treatment of a large size infantile hemangioma of the face causing recurrent bleeding and visual field disruption.

A 29 days old Pakistani female infant was presented to our outpatient department with two weeks history of a rapidly progressing large size facial hemangioma involving most of the right cheek and right eyelids. The infant was unable to open the right eye. There was also a small hemangioma on the right second toe. Additionally, three similar lesions were found on the right side of the palate and adjoining buccogingival surfaces. The parents were particularly concerned about the explosive progression of the lesions, recurrent bleeding episodes from ulcerated areas of the cheek lesion and complete occlusion of the right eye. Following four weeks therapy with propranolol in a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, the hemangiomas rapidly regressed, the bleeding episodes ceased and the infant started opening the eye.

Comparison of perinatal outcome of growth restricted fetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restridtion (IUGR) is a complex problem. It is notorious but a difficult diagnosis. The perinatal mortality can be reduced when the results of umbilical artery Doppler are made available to clinicians to help them intervene more timely and appropriately. This study aimed to compare perinatal outcome of growth restricted foetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery doppler waveforms. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the radiology department of Mother and Child Health (MCH), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad from March 2007 to March 2008. A total of 100 pregnant women -with growth restricted foetuses were studied with umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound. Fifty women had normail umbilical artery Doppler waveform and the umbilical artery Doppler wave-form was compromised (either absent or reversed) in the 50 pregnancies. These patients were followed up and the perinatal outcomes were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Premature delivery was recorded in 14% in the normal group and 96% in the abnormal group. The number of babies with low birth weight was more in the abnormal group. The neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions were significantly increased in the abnormal group (82%). The incidence of intra-ventricular haemorrhage was more (18%) in the abnormal umbilical artery Doppler group as compared to normal group (06%). Perinatal deaths were three times more in the abnormal umbilical artery Doppler group as compared to normal. The difference in the perinatal outcome of both group is statistically significant (p=.0001). CONCLUSION: There is a strong relationship between pregnancy outcome in IUGR babies and abnormal uterine artery doppler waveform (Absent or reversed).