Bioengineered FeZn/GA@Cu nanocomposite utilizing spent coffee ground extract and gum arabic: Enhanced nitrate removal via (RSM) and machine learning optimization.

This research focused on synthesizing an eco-friendly FeZn/GA@Cu nanocomposite using spent coffee grounds and Gum Arabic (GA). The study aimed to investigate its effectiveness as both a photocatalyst and an adsorbent, specifically for removing nitrates from aqueous solutions. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques, including XRD, TGA, FESEM with EDS, TEM, BET, FTIR, zeta potential, UV-DRS, and VSM. The RSM method, an impressive removal efficiency of 95.28 % for nitrate was projected under the specific conditions of an optimal dose of 1.82 g/L, an initial concentration of 60.00 mg/L, a pH level of 5.85, and a reaction duration of 48.90 min. It was ascertained that the peak efficiency of 98.25 % could be achieved with a carefully calibrated dose of 1.94 g/L, an initial concentration of 62.69 mg/L, a pH of 5.16, and a reaction time contained within 45.75 min. The synthesized nanocomposites have shown potential antibacterial activity against gram+ve (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-ve (Escherichia coli) pathogens. This study suggests that the FeZn/GA@Cu nanocomposite synthesized using spent coffee grounds has potential as a photocatalyst for removing nitrate from aqueous solutions.

Camptocormia in a young man with anti-GAD-seropositive stiff-person syndrome.

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) usually manifests as an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterised by pronounced and advancing rigidity, primarily affecting the trunk and proximal muscles. There are various clinical subtypes like classic SPS (truncal stiffness, generalised rigidity and muscle spasms), partial SPS (stiff-limb syndrome) and uncommon forms including progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus. Camptocormia, defined as forward flexion of the spine in the upright position that disappears in the supine position, without fixed deformity, has been described only in two cases as an initial presentation of Anti glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoimmunity. We encountered a young male presenting with a progressive forward-leaning posture and involuntary rhythmic movements in the lower limb. Diagnostic workup included MRI, blood routines, autoimmune screening, genetic testing, lumbar puncture and electromyography. Elevated serum anti-GAD antibody levels, inflammatory CSF and certain other clinical features supported the diagnosis of SPS. Treatment involved benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants and immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin. This case underscores the importance of considering immune-mediated causes, such as SPS, in patients presenting with camptocormia.

Carica Papaya leaf-infused metal oxide nanocomposite: a green approach towards water treatment and antibacterial applications.

This study successfully synthesized ZnO-CuO nanocomposite using the hydrothermal method with Carica papaya leaf extract. The incorporation of the leaf extract significantly enhanced the nanocomposite properties, a novel approach in scientific research. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transmission Infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, confirmed a cubic crystal structure with an average size of 22.37 nm. The Fourier Transmission Infrared spectrum revealed distinctive vibrations at 627, 661, and 751 cm-1 corresponding to ZnO-CuO nanocomposite corresponding to stretching and vibration modes. SEM images confirmed a cubic-like and irregular structure. The nanocomposite exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity, degrading methylene blue dye by 96.73% within 120 min under visible light. Additionally, they showed significant antimicrobial activity, inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm) and Klebsiella pneumonia (17 mm). The results highlight the efficiency of Carica papaya leaf-derived ZnO-CuO nanocomposite for environmental and health challenges.

A Review of Synthesis and Applications of Al2O3 for Organic Dye Degradation/Adsorption.

This comprehensive review investigates the potential of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as a highly effective adsorbent for organic dye degradation. Al2O3 emerges as a promising solution to address environmental challenges associated with dye discharge due to its solid ceramic composition, robust mechanical properties, expansive surface area, and exceptional resistance to environmental degradation. The paper meticulously examines recent advancements in Al2O3-based materials, emphasizing their efficacy in both organic dye degradation and adsorption. Offering a nuanced understanding of Al2O3's pivotal role in environmental remediation, this review provides a valuable synthesis of the latest research developments in the field of dye degradation. It serves as an insightful resource, emphasizing the significant potential of aluminum oxide in mitigating the pressing environmental concerns linked to organic dye discharge. The application of Al2O3-based catalysts in the photocatalytic treatment of multi-component organic dyes necessitates further exploration, particularly in addressing real-world wastewater complexities.

Design of V2O5 Blocks Decorated with Garlic Peel Biochar Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Catalyst for the Degradation of Methyl Orange and Its Antioxidant Activity.

In this study, novel V2O5-decorated garlic peel biochar (VO/GPB) nanocomposites are prepared via the facile hydrothermal technique. As-synthesized VO/GPB is characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The surface morphology of the as-prepared samples was predicted by SEM analysis, which shows that the block-like V2O5 was uniformly decorated on the stone-like GPB surface. The elemental mapping analysis confirms the VO/GPB composite is composed of the following elements: C, O, Na, Mg, Si, P, K, and V, without any other impurities. The photocatalytic activity of the VO/GPB nanocomposite was examined by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under the irradiation of visible light; 84% degradation efficiency was achieved within 30 min. The reactive oxidative species (ROS) study reveals that hydroxyl and superoxide radicals play an essential role in MO degradation. Moreover, the antioxidant action of the VO/GPB nanocomposite was also investigated. From the results, the VO/GPB composite has higher antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid; the scavenging effect increased with increasing concentrations of VO/GPB composite until it reached 40 mg/L, where the scavenging effect was the highest at 93.86%. This study will afford innovative insights into other photocatalytic nanomaterials with effective applications in the field of photocatalytic studies with environmental compensation.

Study of Surface Modifications of Textile Card Clothing (AISI 1065 Alloy) by Laser Shock Peening.

AISI 1065 is a carbon steels that is widely used in manufacturing industrial components owing to its high tensile strength and wear resistance. One of the major applications of such high-carbon steels is the manufacturing of multipoint cutting tools for materials such as metallic card clothing. The quality of the yarn is determined by the transfer efficiency of the doffer wire, which depends on its saw tooth geometry. The life and efficiency of the doffer wire depends on its hardness, sharpness, and wear resistance. This study focuses on the output of laser shock peening on the surface of the cutting edge of samples without an ablative layer. The obtained microstructure is bainite, which is composed of finely dispersed carbides in the ferrite matrix. The ablative layer induces 11.2 MPa more surface compressive residual stress. The sacrificial layer acts as a thermal protectant by decreasing surface roughness to 30.5%. The sample with a protective layer has a value of 216 HV, which is 11.2% greater than that of the unpeened sample.

Datura metel L. leaf extract mediated sodium alginate polymer membrane for supercapacitor and food packaging applications.

Datura metel L. leaf extract mediated sodium alginate polymer membrane was successfully made using the solution casting technique. Electric, electrochemical, physicochemical and antimicrobial analyses of the prepared film were investigated. Functional groups of polysaccharides are identified in FTIR analysis and crystallinity/amorphous of the prepared samples was studied using XRD analysis. The prepared polymer membrane (DmMSA2) exhibits the ionic conductivity of 2.18 × 10-4 Scm-1, maximum specific capacitance of 131 F/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g and also exhibits a significant effect of antimicrobial activity against human pathogens. Hence, Datura metel L. leaf extract mediated polymer membranes are promising candidates for solid-electrolyte in supercapacitor devices and antimicrobial agents in food packaging applications.

Silver Nanoparticles for Waste Water Management.

Rapidly increasing industrialisation has human needs, but the consequences have added to the environmental harm. The pollution caused by several industries, including the dye industries, generates a large volume of wastewater containing dyes and hazardous chemicals that drains industrial effluents. The growing demand for readily available water, as well as the problem of polluted organic waste in reservoirs and streams, is a critical challenge for proper and sustainable development. Remediation has resulted in the need for an appropriate alternative to clear up the implications. Nanotechnology is an efficient and effective path to improve wastewater treatment/remediation. The effective surface properties and chemical activity of nanoparticles give them a better chance to remove or degrade the dye material from wastewater treatment. AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) are an efficient nanoparticle for the treatment of dye effluent that have been explored in many studies. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against several pathogens is well-recognised in the health and agriculture sectors. This review article summarises the applications of nanosilver-based particles in the dye removal/degradation process, effective water management strategies, and the field of agriculture.

An Analysis of Clinico-radiological Features and Outcome in Patients with Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis.

Background: Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is an immune-mediated neurological disorder affecting the spinal cord. It may be associated with the demyelination of the brain and optic nerves. Clinical features, radiological picture, and treatment outcomes vary depending on the etiology. Objectives: To assess different etiologies of LETM and analyze their differences in clinicoradiological features and treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: It is a single-center retrospective cross-sectional observational study. A total of 42 patients presented with LETM to our center for over 10 years (2010-2019) were included in this study. Their clinical, radiological, CSF findings, treatment, and neurological status (at nadir and 6 months) assessed by the EDMUS scoring system were compared and presented in this study. Results: In this study, 80% of patients were females, with the highest female predominance noted in NMOSD (87%). Among various etiologies, 16 patients had NMOSD, seven were idiopathic, five had connective tissue disease, and four were due to infective etiology. Bladder involvement was seen predominantly in patients with infective and systemic causes, whereas respiratory muscle involvement was seen predominantly with infective etiology. More than six-segment involvement was seen predominantly in idiopathic cases. All Ro-52 positive patients had relapses. NMOSD had a better neurological outcome than other etiology. Conclusions: NMOSD is the most common cause of LETM, with a good neurological outcome at 6 months, while infective etiology had a poor neurological recovery. NMOSD with Ro-52 antibody positivity had relapses despite being on immunosuppressant therapy.

Pisonia Alba Assisted Synthesis of Nanosilver for Wound Healing Activity.

Wound infection is a major clinical challenge, impacting patient morbidity and mortality, with significant economic implications. Our research focused on how Pisonia Alba (PA) leaves, which are used to treat wounds, are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles and study their wound healing property. UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and s electron microscope (SEM) analysis were employed to evaluate the synthesized silver nanoparticles. Using DLS and Zeta potential analysis, the size and stability of the Pisonia Alba capped silver nanoparticle were investigated. The results showed that Pisonia Alba extract stabilized silver nanoparticles are 63.88 nm in size and have a spherical shape. Antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of synthesized silver nanoparticles against pathogenic organisms Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria were investigated. The in vitro cell scratch wounding assay is used to investigate the wound healing properties of synthesized nanoparticles. Pisonia Alba stabilized silver nanoparticles (PA@AgNPs), in comparison to Pisonia Alba (PA) extract, show effective wound healing characteristics by inducing the formation of collagen and serving as a capable wound healing agent.

Metal-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Environmental Applications-A Review.

In the current world situation, population and industrial growth have become major problems for energy and environmental concerns. Extremely noxious pollutants such as heavy metal ions, dyes, antibiotics, phenols, and pesticides in water are the main causes behind deprived water quality leading to inadequate access to clean water. In this connection, graphite carbon nitride (GCN or g-C3N4) a nonmetallic polymeric material has been utilized extensively as a visible-light-responsive photocatalyst for a variety of environmental applications. This review focuses on recent developments in the design and photocatalytic applications of metal-doped GCN-based nanomaterials in CO2 photoreduction, water splitting toward hydrogen production, bacterial disinfection, and organic pollutant degradation. Additionally, this review discusses various methods of using GCN-based materials to optimize dye sensitization, metal deposition, ion doping, and their environmental applications.

Heterostructure of polyoxometalate/zinc-iron-oxide nanoplates as an outstanding bifunctional electrocatalyst for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction.

Electrocatalysts play an important role to increase the energy conversion efficiency of electrolysis processes. In this study, a heterostructure of zinc iron oxide (ZnFe2O4) and polyoxometalate (POM) nanoplates (POM-ZnFe2O4) was fabricated for the first time by a hydrothermal process. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) analysis of POM-ZnFe2O4 furnished low overpotentials of 268 and 356 mV, and 220 and 290 mV to achieve current densities of 20 and 50 mA cm-2, respectively. In addition, an electrolytic cell composed of a POM-ZnFe2O4 cathode and anode required an operating voltage of 1.53 V to deliver a current of 10 mA cm-2. The improved electrochemical performance of POM-ZnFe2O4 compared to commercial and recently reported catalysts is attributed to the high electrocatalytically active surface area, modulation in the electronic and chemical properties and the formation of heterojunction of ZnFe2O4 and POM, which are vital for accelerating HER and OER activity.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Green Synthesized Cu2O Nanoparticles Using Datura Metel L.

In biomedical applications, Cu2O nanoparticles are of great interest. The bioengineered route is eco-friendly for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Therefore, in the present study, there is an attempt to synthesis Cu2O nanoparticles using Datura metel L. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, and FT-IR. UV-Vis results suggest the presence of hyoscyamine, atropine in Datura metel L, and also, nanoparticles formation has been confirmed by the presence of absorption peak at 790 nm. The average crystallite size (19.56 nm) was obtained by XRD. FT-IR was also used to confirm the different functional groups. Fourier Power Spectrum was also employed to examine the synthesized nanomaterials spectrum data to emphasize the peak of the prominent frequencies. Density functional theory (DFT) was also utilized to assess the energy of the substance over time, which appears to indicate a stable molecule. Furthermore, calculated energies, thermodynamic properties (such as enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs-free energies), modeled structures of complexes, crystals, and clusters, and predicted yields, rates, and regio- and stereospecificity of reactions were all in good agreement with experimental results. Overall, the results show that the successful production of Cu2O nanoparticles with Datura metel L. corresponds to theoretical research.

Influence of nanotechnology to combat against COVID-19 for global health emergency: A review.

Covid 2019 is spreading and emerging rapidly all over the world as a new social disaster. This virus is accountable for the continuous epidemic that causes severe respiratory problems and pneumonia related to contamination of humans, which leads to a dangerous condition of life. Due to the increasing threatening number of cases all over the world, the world health organization (WHO) declared coronavirus as a global health emergency. The pandemic disease affected nearly 80 million people positive cases were reported worldwide till now and cause the death of more than 1.7 million people. The virus has novel characteristics types of pathogens. Many clarifications are done and much more are still unknown and pending. The collaborative research will be useful during this pandemic time in order to meet the improvement of global health improvement. It will also help to know about the knowledge of this COVID-19. Recent advancements in nanotechnology proved that they can help in the production of vaccines in a brief timeframe. In this review, the requirement for quick immunization improvement and the capability and implementation of nanotechnology combat against coronavirus disease were discussed.

Optimization of TiO2-P25 photocatalyst dose and H2O2 concentration for advanced photo-oxidation using smartphone-based colorimetry.

Color images taken by a smartphone camera were used to estimate the rate of advanced photo-oxidation reaction of Direct Red 23 (DR23) azo dye as a model organic pollutant. The red, green, blue color coordinates were tested to quantify the dye. Images of the reaction mixture were taken at specified intervals to obtain kinetic lines and reaction rate constants. Both the reaction rate constant and the final degree of degradation were plotted as functions of the photocatalyst dose and the concentration of H2O2. The smartphone measurements are fully consistent with the reference spectrophotometry data. The maximum degradation efficiency of the DR23 dye was recorded at C0(H2O2) = 2.5 mM and photocatalyst dose equal to 1.0 mg/L. Higher H2O2 concentrations reduce the degradation rate as a result of the side reaction of H2O2 with OH radicals. A two-factor experimental design was used to study the effects of photocatalyst dose and H2O2 concentration with five and seven levels, respectively. The analysis of variance results indicated that the concentration of H2O2 had the greater influence. The smartphone provides quick and easy measurement of the photodegradation rate directly in the solutions without sampling. The proposed approach can be applied under field conditions in wastewater treatment plants.

Current Trends in the Application of Nanomaterials for the Removal of Pollutants from Industrial Wastewater Treatment-A Review.

In the recent decades, development of new and innovative technology resulted in a very high amount of effluents. Industrial wastewaters originating from various industries contribute as a major source of water pollution. The pollutants in the wastewater include organic and inorganic pollutants, heavy metals, and non-disintegrating materials. This pollutant poses a severe threat to the environment. Therefore, novel and innovative methods and technologies need to adapt for their removal. Recent years saw nanomaterials as a potential candidate for pollutants removal. Nowadays, a range of cost-effective nanomaterials are available with unique properties. In this context, nano-absorbents are excellent materials. Heavy metal contamination is widespread in underground and surface waters. Recently, various studies focused on the removal of heavy metals. The presented review article here focused on removal of contaminants originated from industrial wastewater utilizing nanomaterials.

Wasp sting - Causing a fatal menace.

Wasp stings are seen routinely in emergency setup, especially in developing countries. They result in varied manifestations, including both local and systemic reactions. Neurological complications, like stroke, are infrequent in the presentation. A 40-year-old healthy male presented with two episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures with left dense hemiplegia after 6 h of massive wasp stings. Local manifestations of urticaria, redness, and itching were present over the face, neck, and upper limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed massive infarct in the anterior and middle cerebral artery regions with right internal carotid artery thrombosis. An echocardiogram showed severe left ventricular dysfunction with no evidence of clot, and the carotid duplex study was normal. Systemic manifestations such as anaphylactic shock, stroke, and myocarditis are rare, fatal, and life-threatening. We must be aware of these most unusual and possible complications following a hymenopteran sting.

Metal-to-Semimetal Transition in Platinum Nanotubes: Dependence on Thickness.

The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of Pt nanotubes (NTs) with different thicknesses synthesized by a wetting method using an Al2O3 membrane was studied. Pt NTs exhibited circular pores with an average diameter of ∼200 nm. From XRD, the prepared Pt NTs displayed a cubic crystal structure. Pt metal was identified based on the binding energy peak at 71 eV via XPS analysis. Pt NTs with thicknesses of 5 and 12 nm behaved like a semimetal, whereas Pt NTs with thicknesses of 25 and 29 nm showed normal metallic electrical conduction characteristics. This metal-to-semimetal transition was induced as the thickness and grain sizes of the Pt NTs were decreased. The critical metal-to-semimetal transition temperature of Pt NTs with average tube wall thicknesses of ∼5 nm was measured at ∼37 °C. However, the critical temperature could not be measured for NTs with a thickness of 12 nm. It is assumed that the critical temperature would be far below 0 °C. This transition behavior resulted from both a discontinuity in the density of states due to the quantum confinement effect and the increased energy barrier for conduction of electrons accompanied by the increased density of grain boundaries. These results presented here signify a vital step in the direction of realizing high-performance nanoelectronic devices.

Preparation of novel chitosan polymeric nanocomposite as an efficient material for the removal of Acid Blue 25 from aqueous environment.

A novel, sustainable chitosan polymeric nanocomposite (CS-PVA@CuO) was synthesized and subjected to the removal of acid blue 25 (AB25) from the aqueous environment. The influence of different variables such as pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, temperature, and adsorption kinetics has been examined in the batch adsorption process. The CS-PVA@CuO composite was systematically characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis. The pseudo-first order (PFO), pseudo-second order (PSO), and intra-particle diffusion kinetics equations were used to examine the kinetic data of the adsorption process. The adsorption kinetics confirms that the PSO model was a more exact fit. Thermodynamics study typically revealed that the uptake of AB25 by the adsorbent is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Remarkably, the results reveal the highest adsorption capacity of the CS-PVA@CuO was 171.4 mg/g at 313 K. To be specific, CS-PVA@CuO polymer nanocomposite can be effectively used as a suitable adsorbent material for the potential elimination of anionic AB25 dye from the aqueous solutions.

Biocompatible Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Sugarcane Industrial Wastes for Effective Nonlinear Optical Behavior and Antimicrobial Activity Applications.

In this work, the green synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with an efficient quantum yield of 17.98% using sugarcane bagasse pulp as the precursor was conducted by a hydrothermal technique. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the CQDs were competently monodispersed with the particle size ranging between 0.75 and 2.75 nm. The structural properties of CQDs were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The UV-visible spectrum showed two absorption peaks due to the aromatic C=C transitions of π-π* and C=O transitions of n-π*. The fluorescence spectrum of CQDs displayed a strong blue emission. However, the first-ever of its kind, sugarcane industrial solid waste carbon quantum dots caused significant orders to obey the enhancement of the third-order nonlinearity (χ(3)) when compared with other carbon dots (CDs). The calculated nonlinear optical (NLO) parameters such as n 2, ß, and χ(3) were 1.012 × 10-8 cm2/W, 2.513 × 10-4, and 3.939 × 10-7 esu, respectively. The figures of merit were evaluated to be W = 6.6661 and T = 0.0132, which greatly fulfilled the optical switching conditions. Besides, the antibacterial activities of CQDs were screened against aquatic Gram-positive (Benthesicymus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli) microbial organisms. Our findings, however, indicate that synergistic sugarcane industrial waste CQDs are promising materials for the functioning of NLO devices, bioimaging, and pharmaceutical applications.