A Comparison between Pre-Incisional and Intraoperative Lidocaine Infiltration on Post-Incisional Surgical Pain in Microdiscectomy Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Objectives: Effective postoperative pain control in microdiscectomy surgery is crucial to managing the disease and improving the patient's quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential effectiveness of 2% lidocaine in reducing pain immediately after discectomy surgery. Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent microdiscectomy surgery were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial study. They were randomly assigned to three groups: one group received lidocaine just before the incision, another group received lidocaine just before closing the incision, and the third group served as the control. Pain scores were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 h after the surgery using a Visual Analogue Scale. Results: The demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population, including age, weight, length of surgery, gender, and history of diabetes, hypertension, and previous surgery, were comparable across all three groups (P>0.05). There was a significant reduction in pain scores over time in the groups that received lidocaine before (P<0.001) and during surgery (P=0.002). Moreover, there were significant differences in pain scores at all time points among the three groups. Both groups receiving lidocaine showed significantly lower pain scores than the control group (Pbefore surgery=0.005 and Pduring surgery<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the groups receiving lidocaine (P=0.080). Conclusion: These findings highlight the effectiveness of a local injection of 2% lidocaine either before or during the surgery in managing post-incisional surgical pain after discectomy.

Toxicity evaluation and preparation of CoWO4 nanoparticles towards microalga Dunaliella salina.

The increasing use of nanoparticles and their many applications increases the likelihood of their presence in the environment. This possibility of presence necessitates the study of the effect of these substances on aquatic species. In this research, CoWO4 nanoparticles were synthesized by the ultrasonic method. Various conditions in the synthesis process were investigated to obtain the appropriate size of the nanoparticles. After selecting the optimum particles, these nanoparticles were used to investigate their effect on the growth of Dunaliella salina. For this purpose, the algal cells were subjected to three different concentrations of nanoparticles (15, 30, and 60 mg/L). The study results on algae growth parameters showed that these parameters depend on the value of nanoparticles. At 15 and 30 mg/L concentrations of the nanoparticles, numbers of cells, specific growth, biomass, and pigments showed a significant boost compared to the mentioned parameters of the control treatment. Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) showed that this parameter was directly related to the increase in the concentration of nanoparticles. At 60 mg/L of the nanoparticles, the MDA level was higher than the control and other treatments. This increase reflects the destructive effect of the nanoparticles on algal cells. Finally, the results showed that algae could be useful for studying the environmental effects of nanoparticles and their safety.

Green sol-gel auto combustion synthesis and characterization of double perovskite Tb2ZnMnO6 nanoparticles and a brief study of photocatalytic activity.

In this work, new double perovskite Tb2ZnMnO6 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a sol-gel auto combustion method. To synthesize these nanoparticles, three known sugars, lactose, fructose, and maltose, and liquorice powder, which contains quantities of sugar and other organic compounds, were used as fuel. Images obtained from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis implied that maltose-based nanoparticles are homogenous and less in particle size. Further, different maltose ratios were applied to get the best size and morphology. The optimum sample was used to continue the other analysis to check other features of the nanoparticles. Also, the optimum sample was used for the removal of dye contamination under the photocatalytic process. Photocatalytic tests were performed in neutral and alkaline pH conditions under UV-light irradiation. It has been found that the decolorization percent for methyl orange was about 35% and for methyl violet about 55% at neutral pH. Also, this value for methyl violet was about 90% at pH = 8. The results obtained from the study of photocatalytic properties introduce these nanoparticles as a desirable option for removing dye contaminants from aqueous media.

Sol-gel auto combustion synthesis, characterization, and application of Tb2FeMnO6 nanostructures as an effective photocatalyst for the discoloration of organic dye contaminants in wastewater.

In this study, the auto-combustion sol-gel method was used to prepare novel Tb2FeMnO6 (TFMO) double perovskite nanoparticles. Chemical and natural fuels were used to achieve these particles with appropriate size. The resulting particles were examined via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Rietveld analysis was also performed to confirm the crystallinity and lattice parameters of the formed particles. The particles obtained in the presence of maleic acid were selected as the optimal sample (S4), and the particles obtained in the presence of pomegranate paste were chosen as the non-optimal sample (S8) in terms of size and morphology. Both particles were used to investigate the photocatalytic activity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms were performed for both samples and the results were compared. Erythrosine and malachite green dyes in aqueous solutions were used as contaminants in the photocatalysis process. The results showed 22% and 20% discoloration for S4 and 41% and 30% discoloration for S8 in the presence of erythrosine and malachite green under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity was investigated under UV light for S4, which showed 80% and 50% discoloration for erythrosine and malachite green, respectively. Investigating the photocatalytic activity of TFMO double perovskite nanoparticles showed that these nanoparticles could be a desirable option for mitigating water pollution.

Evaluation of Diuretic and Antioxidant Properties in Aqueous Bark and Fruit Extracts of Pine.

OBJECTIVE: The present study has been carried out to evaluate the diuretic and antioxidant properties of pine herb in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 adult male rats were randomly divided into nine groups including: groups I (the negative control), groups II (positive control, furosemide 10 mg/kg), groups III to VIII (treatment groups received 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extracts of bark and fruit) and group IX received the combination of aqueous extract of bark (100 mg/kg) and the fruit (100 mg/kg). The urine output, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), electrolytes, urea, and creatinine levels were evaluated. Furthermore, the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of both extracts were also assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. RESULTS: The aqueous extracts of the pine bark and fruit increased the urinary output in a dosedependent manner. The combination of the two extracts compared to the other extracts alone significantly increased the serum potassium level. This study also showed each extract increase creatinine clearance in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01 and p<0.05). The increase of GFR in the combination group was not significant. The current data showed a significant increase in the total phenolic content in pine bark extract in compared with the fruit extract. CONCLUSION: The pine bark and fruit can be useful in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones due to the high diuretic properties and antioxidant activity.

Toxicity of Nd2WO6 nanoparticles to the microalga Dunaliella salina: synthesis of nanoparticles and investigation of their impact on microalgae.

The presence of nanoparticles in the environment and their impact on existing organisms is one of the main concerns of researchers working in this field. In this research, Nd2WO6 nanoparticles were prepared by an ultrasonic procedure for the first time. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were applied to identify and prove the purity of these particles. In addition to increasing the reaction rate and efficiency with the help of a radical generation mechanism, ultrasound was able to aid the synthesis of these particles. After confirming nanoparticle formation, the optimal nanoparticles in view of scale and morphology were selected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optimal particles at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ppm) were mixed into the algae growth medium to investigate the effects of the nanoparticles on Dunaliella salina growth. Biological parameters, including the number of cells, biomass, specific growth rate, pigments, and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured after ten days. Growth parameters showed an increasing trend in concentrations up to 50 ppm; however, at a concentration of 100 ppm, a significant decrease was observed in contrast to the nanoparticles-free treatment. The MDA content showed a linear relationship with enhanced concentration of the nanoparticles. The examination of biological parameters showed that the algae response to stress was dependent on the concentration of nanoparticles. The results showed that 50 ppm of nanoparticles are suitable for increasing algae and achieving a suitable growth rate for commercial purposes. However, in higher concentrations, algal growth inhibition occurs, which is of great importance from a biotechnological point of view.

Photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of Tl-Hg-I nanocomposites: sonochemical synthesis and characterization.

Efforts to find new and practical solutions to improve water quality and treatment of industrial effluents are ongoing. In this study, Tl4HgI6/HgI2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a rapid ultrasonic method to investigate their photocatalytic and antibacterial activity. Various synthesis conditions such as changes in the ratio of precursors, use of surfactants, and changes in the power and time of sonication to achieve particles with optimal size and morphology were performed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the purity and formation of the nanocomposite. Optimal nanoparticles in terms of size and morphology were selected by examining the images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The nanocomposites obtained in the presence of PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) as a surfactant (sample no. 8) were selected as the optimal sample. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman, N2 adsorption/desorption analyzes were performed for the optimal sample to evaluate the properties of nanocomposites. The band-gap for Tl4HgI6/HgI2 nanocomposites was calculated to be about 2.3 eV for HgI2 and 3.1 eV for Tl4HgI6. The optimal sample was used to evaluate the photocatalytic activity for decolorizing an aqueous solution of six different organic dyes. Finally, for rhodamine B, the decolorization was about 80%. Also, Tl4HgI6/HgI2 nanocomposite showed a significant inhibition zone in the antibacterial test. The maximum inhibition diameter of 50 mm was obtained against Streptococcus pyogenes. The results showed that Tl4HgI6/HgI2 nanocomposites have good potential for many industrial applications.

Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of Co3O4/CeO2 nanocomposites and its application for photocatalytic discoloration of organic dye from aqueous solutions.

Herein, Co3O4/CeO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by the modified Pechini method. Citric, maleic, succinic, and trimsic acids were used as a stabilizer, and the variation affected the morphology and size of the synthesized nanocomposites. Subsequently, the formation of Co3O4/CeO2 nanocomposites was confirmed by various analyses. Furthermore, the particles were considered for size and morphology by SEM and HRTEM analyses, and the sample that used trimsic acid as the stabilizer was designated as the goal sample to continue the route. The optimum sample was used to investigate the photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanocomposite. The UV-light photocatalyst test was performed in neutral, alkaline, and acidic states against two aqueous solutions containing color contamination of methylene blue and erythrosine B dyes. The results showed decolorization at 85% for methylene blue and 90% for erythrosine B over 120 min test time.

Toxic effects of Fe2WO6 nanoparticles towards microalga Dunaliella salina: Sonochemical synthesis nanoparticles and investigate its impact on the growth.

In this work, Fe2WO6 nanoparticles were synthesized by the ultrasound-assisted precipitation method. Various conditions were applied, including the change of the pH factor and reaction time for the synthesis of nanoparticles. After confirming the synthesis of the nanoparticles by various analyzes and evaluating their size and morphology, one of the conditions for the synthesis of the nanoparticles were selected as the optimum condition. The samples were added to the growth medium of a well-known microalga, Dunaliella salina at three concentrations of 20, 40 and 80 ppm to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles on biological systems. After 10 days different biological parameters were measured and compared with those of the control sample. According to the results, at concentration of 20 ppm the number of cells, the amount of chlorophyll a, and b, and biomass increased compared to the control samples. The Carotenoid level was higher in the treatment with 40 ppm of nanoparticles than that in the control samples. Compared to the control sample, the level of lipid peroxidation and the ratio of carbohydrate to amide II showed to be higher under 80 ppm treatment of particles. According to HCA analysis, both the evaluated parameters and concentrations of nanoparticles were divided into two general categories. Overall results showed that the effect of Fe2WO6 nanoparticles on microalgae could be a dose-dependent phenomenon, so that the addition of 20 ppm nanoparticles in the culture media helped the growth and the physiological status of algae. On the other hand, the application of a higher concentration of nanoparticles negatively affects algal biology. The results showed that the algae could be successfully used to precise screen of various nanoparticles in terms of safety especially in aquatic environments and also biotechnological applications.

S,N co-doped graphene quantum dots-induced ascorbic acid fluorescent sensor: Design, characterization and performance.

In this work, new detection route for ascorbic acid was designed. First, highly luminescent sulfur and nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (S,N-GQDs) were prepared via simple hydrothermal method using citric acid and thiourea as the C, N and S sources respectively. The prepared S,N-GQDs are characterized by XRD, HRTEM, FTIR, EDS and PL. Investigations showed that prepared S,N-GQDs have a good photostability and excitation-dependent emission fluorescence. Prepared S,N-GQDs showed maximum excitation wavelength and emission wavelength at 400 and 462 nm, respectively. In the following, prepared S,N-GQDs were applied as a photoluminescence probe for detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The designed sensor was based on "off-on" detection mode. The developed sensor had a linear response to AA over a concentration range of 10-500 µM with a detection limit of 1.2 µM. The regression equation is Y = 0.0014 X + 1.2036, where Y and X denote the fluorescence peak intensity and AA concentration, respectively.