Physical properties of computationally informed phyto-engineered 2-D nanoscaled hydronium jarosite.

This study describes a molecular dynamics computational modelling informed bioengineering of nano-scaled 2-D hydronium jarosite. More specifically, a phyto-engineering approach using green nano-chemistry and agro-waste in the form of avocado seed natural extract was utilized as a green, economic, and eco-friendly approach to synthesize this unique mineral at the nanoscale via the reduction of iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate. The nanoproduct which was found to exhibit a quasi-2D structure was characterized using a multi-technique approach to describe its morphological, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties. Radial distribution function and electrostatic potential maps revealed that flavone, a phenolic compound within the avocado seed natural extract, has a higher affinity of interaction with the nanoparticle's surface, whilst vanillic acid has a higher wetting tendency and thus a lower affinity for interacting with the hydronium jarosite nanoparticle surface compared to other phytoactive compounds. XRD and HRTEM results indicated that the nanoscale product was representative of crystalline rhombohedral hydronium jarosite in the form of quasi-triangular nanosheets decorated on the edges with nanoparticles of approximately 5.4 nm diameter that exhibited significant electrochemical and electroconductive behaviours. Magnetic studies further showed a diamagnetic behaviour based on the relationship of the inverse susceptibility of the nanomaterial with temperature sweep.

CdO/CdCO3 nanocomposite physical properties and cytotoxicity against selected breast cancer cell lines.

Cadmium Oxide nanoparticles have the lowest toxicity when compared to nanoparticles of other semiconductors and they are not detrimental to human and mammalian cells, thereby making them candidates for targeting cancer cells. Synadenium cupulare plant extracts were used to synthesize CdO/CdCO3 nanocomposite using cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate 98% as a precursor salt. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The nanoparticles were then screened for effect on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA MB-231) and Vero cell line to determine their growth inhibition effect. Cytotoxicity effect was evaluated using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. XRD showed the peaks of monteponite CdO and otavite CdCO3 nanoparticles. TEM results showed irregular and spherical particles of varying sizes, whilst SEM revealed a non-uniform morphology. FTIR results showed peaks of functional groups which are present in some of the phytochemical compounds found in S. cupulare, and point to the presence of CdO. Annealed CdO/CdCO3 NPs showed selectivity for MCF7 and MDA MB231 in comparison to Vero cell line, thereby supporting the hypothesis that cadmium oxide nanoparticles inhibit growth of cancerous cells more than non-cancerous cells.

Antiproliferative effects on human lung cell lines A549 activity of cadmium selenide nanoparticles extracted from cytotoxic effects: Investigation of bio-electronic application.

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles make necessary to acquire more information against the cytotoxic effects on human lung epithelial cells A549 potential adverse to health effects. More biological studies highlighted their cytotoxic potential like pulmonary or respiratory diseases were focused on toxicity nanoparticles mechanisms are involved. The aim of our research, is the comparison of cytotoxicity effect between cells-particle interactions, viability test, membrane integrity and oxidative stress were investigated. XRD showed a strong peak associated with (111) plane of hexagonal CdSe suggesting formation of highly orientated nanoparticles. The longitudinal optical phonon shifted slightly due to strain whereas strong low-energy shoulder shift can be explained within a model for surface optical phonons. Photocatalytic activity of CdSe nanoparticles were investigated by exploiting photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The typical UV-vis absorption spectra of RhB solution at different time intervals it can be clearly seen that the relative intensity of the absorption peak corresponding to RhB, with the catalyst for different concentration time intervals (0mM, 2mM, 5mM & 10mM) of the prepared CdSe nanoparticles. After completion of 5mM % the dye was completely degraded and the absorption spectra act as a photocatalyst. CdSe nanoparticles exhibits antibacterial activity over a broad range of bacterial species and in particular against P. vulgaris where it out competes four other commonly used S. aureus, E.coli, P. vulgaris and E. hermannii, well as testing four different appropriate concentration from the results showed a significant gain in viable cell numbers of all four bacteria species, with 5mM and 10mM being the most effective and 2mM being the worst, where it provided only a slight improvement from the control in detail.

Punicalagin Green Functionalized Cu/Cu2O/ZnO/CuO Nanocomposite for Potential Electrochemical Transducer and Catalyst.

A novel ternary Punica granatum L-Cu/Cu2O/CuO/ZnO nanocomposite was successfully synthesised via green route. In this work, we demonstrate that the green synthesis of metal oxides is more viable and facile compare to other methods, i.e., physical and chemical routes while presenting a potential electrode for energy applications. The prepared nanocomposite was characterised by both microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques revealed different transitional phases with an average nanocrystallite size of 29-20 mm. It was observed that the nanocomposites changed from amorphous-slightly crystalline Cu/Cu2O to polycrystalline Cu/Cu2O/CuO/ZnO at different calcination temperatures (room temperature-RT- 600 °C). The Cu/Cu2O/ZnO/CuO metal oxides proved to be highly crystalline and showed irregularly distributed particles with different sizes. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the purity while together with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy proved the proposed mechanism of the synthesised nanocomposite. UV-Vis showed improved catalytic activity of the prepared metal oxides, evident by narrow band gap energy. The redox and electrochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposite were achieved by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance (EIS) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD). The maximum specific capacitance (C s) was calculated to be 241 F g(-1) at 50 mV s(-1) for Cu/Cu2O/CuO/ZnO nanoplatelets structured electrode. Moreover, all the CuO nanostructures reveal better power performance, excellent rate as well as long term cycling stability. Such a study will encourages a new design for a wide spectrum of materials for smart electronic device applications.

Evaluating the clinical management of severely malnourished children--a study of two rural district hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Severe malnutrition is an important cause of preventable mortality in most South African hospitals. Work recently done in two rural Eastern Cape hospitals supports the literature which shows that many deaths occur as a result of outdated clinical practices and that improving these practices reduces case fatality rates. Rapid assessment of clinical management in paediatric wards is necessary to highlight areas for improvement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the management of severely malnourished children in two rural district hospitals and to recommend improvements for their care. METHODS: Based on draft World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for inpatient care of children with severe malnutrition, data collection instruments were developed in conjunction with the district nutrition team to assess the quality of care given to malnourished children in two Mount Frere hospitals, Eastern Cape. Data were collected through retrospective review of case records, with detailed studies of selected cases, structured observations of the paediatric wards, and interviews with ward sisters and doctors. RESULTS: The combined case fatality rate for severe malnutrition was 32%. Inadequate feeding, poor management of rehydration and infection, lack of resources, and a lack of knowledge and motivation among staff were identified as areas that need attention. CONCLUSION: The clinical management of severely malnourished children can be rapidly assessed to highlight areas for improvement. Involving staff in the assessment process has led to their active involvement in improving the management of malnourished children in their hospitals.