Design and development of a noninvasive ocular pressure estimator.

SIGNIFICANCE: A snapshot intraocular pressure (IOP) is ineffective in identifying the IOP peak and fluctuation, especially during sleep. Because IOP variability plays a significant role in the progression of glaucoma, monitoring the IOP, especially during sleep, is essential to capture the dynamic nature of IOP. PURPOSE: We aimed to design an ocular pressure estimator (OPE) that can reliably and accurately measure the IOP noninvasively over closed-eyelid condition. METHODS: Ocular pressure estimator works on the principle that the external pressure applied by raising the IOP of the eyeball is transmitted through a compressible septum to the pressure sensor, thus recording the IOP. A fluid-filled pouch with a pressure sensor was placed over a rubber glove mimicking the eyelid (septum), covering the cornea of enucleated goat eyeballs. A pressure-controlled setup was connected to a goat cadaver eye, which was validated by a rebound tonometer. Cannulation of eyeballs through the lower limbus had the least difference from the control setup values documented using rebound tonometer, compared with cannulation through the optic nerve. Intraocular pressures ranging from 3 to 30 mmHg was induced, and the outputs recorded using OPE were amplified and recorded for 10 minutes (n = 10 eyes). We stratified the randomization of the number of times and the induced pressures. RESULTS: The measurements recorded were found to be linear when measured against an IOP range of 3 to 30 mmHg. The device has excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.998). The repeatability coefficient and coefficient of variations were 4.24 (3.60 to 4.87) and 8.61% (7.33 to 9.90), respectively. The overall mean difference ± SD between induced IOP and the OPE was 0.22 ± 3.50 (95% confidence interval, -0.35 to 0.79) mmHg across all IOP ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular pressure estimator offers a promising approach for reliably and accurately measuring IOP and its fluctuation noninvasively under a condition mimicking a closed eye.

Developing flexible models for genetic evaluations in smallholder crossbred dairy farms.

The productivity of smallholder dairy farms is very low in developing countries. Important genetic gains could be realized using genomic selection, but genetic evaluations need to be tailored for lack of pedigree information and very small farm sizes. To accommodate this situation, we propose a flexible Bayesian model for the genetic evaluation of milk yield, which allows us to simultaneously account for nongenetic random effects for farms and varying SNP variance (BayesR model). First, we used simulations based on real genotype data from Indian crossbred dairy cattle to demonstrate that the proposed model can separate the true genetic and nongenetic parameters even for small farm sizes (2 cows on average) although with high standard errors in scenarios with low heritability. The accuracy of genomic genetic evaluation increased until farm size was approximately 5. We then applied the model to real data from 4,655 crossbred cows with 106,109 monthly test day milk records and 689,750 autosomal SNPs. We estimated a heritability of 0.16 (0.04) for milk yield and using cross-validation, a genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) accuracy of 0.45 and bias (regression of phenotype on GEBV) of 1.04 (0.26). Estimated genetic parameters were very similar using BayesR, BayesC, and genomic BLUP approaches. Candidate genes near the top variants, IMMP2L and ARHGEF2, have been previously associated with milk protein composition, mastitis resistance, and milk cholesterol content. The estimated heritability and GEBV accuracy for milk yield are much lower than those from intensive or pasture-based systems in many countries. Further increases in the number of phenotyped and genotyped animals in farms with at least 2 cows (preferably 3-5, to allow for dropout of cows) are needed to improve the estimation of genetic effects in these smallholder dairy farms.

Facile synthesis of sphere-like structured ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2 ternary heterojunction catalyst for efficient visible-active photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Photocatalysis is a promising approach for generating hydrogen, an eco-friendly and cost-effective fuel. It is hypothesized that the ternary catalyst ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2, prepared by ultrasonication method, should be effective for optimized photocatalytic hydrogen generation in a Na2S/Na2SO3-water mixture. The as-synthesized catalyst was characterized using various surface analytical and optical techniques. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that marigold-like structured ZnIn2S4 and layer-structured CuInS2 were dispersed on the reduced graphene oxide sheets. The ternary ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2 system showed enhanced photocatalytic H2 production compared to pure ZnIn2S4, CuInS2, ZnIn2S4-rGO, CuInS2-rGO, and ZnIn2S4-CuInS2 catalysts under visible light illumination. The fabricated ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2 catalyst afforded hydrogen generation of 2531 µmol/g after 5 h. The enhanced performance of the ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2 catalyst originates from the synergetic effect with rGO as the electron transfer medium, and is confirmed by photocurrent density and photoluminescence measurements that indicate reduced recombination between the excited electron and hole pairs, and fast electron transfer in the ternary composite. The excellent performance of the ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2 catalyst for up to three consecutive cycles was demonstrated in cyclic stability tests under visible-light illumination.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Naphthol Green B Dye Using Coupled CdS-ZnMoO4 in UV-A Light Irradiation.

At present, nanotechnology field development makes a major role in photocatalysis. CdS-ZnMoO4 (36.6 wt%) coupled nanophotocatalyst is synthesized using facile hydrothermal method. The CdSZnMoO4 catalyst shows superior photocatalytic activity in the Naphthol Green B (NGB) dye degradation in UV-A (365 nm) light irradiation. XRD analysis reveals the monoclinic structure of ZnMoO4, cubic structure of CdS. PL shows lesser the recombination (e--h+) rate of electron-hole pair formation. UV-Vis-DRS reveals an increase in absorption in entire visible region while loading with CdS. SEM images indicate that CdS-ZnMoO4 has nanofibrous structure. EDS reveal that Cd and S are present on the ZnMoO4 surface. ECM indicates the division of homogeneity in elements. SAED pattern of HR-TEM images proved high crystalline properties of the catalyst. XPS reveals the different oxidation states and term-symbols of Cd, S, Zn, Mo and O in this catalyst with corresponding binding energies. CdS-ZnMoO4 (18.5 m²g-1) has a higher surface area compared to ZnMoO4 (10.8 m²g-1). Current densities obtained from CV reveals the higher cyclic movement of electrons (electrochemical activity) of CdS-ZnMoO4. An effective parameters for photodegradability of NGB dye by CdS-ZnMoO4 was analyzed.

Novel Ag-TiO2/ZnFe2O4 Nanocomposites for Effective Photocatalytic, Electrocatalytic and Cytotoxicity Applications.

We report the preparation and characterization of a new heterostructured Ag-TiO2/ZnFe2O4 (ATZ) nanocomposite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the presence of spinel type ZnFe2O4 and anatase TiO2. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of ATZ nanocomposites show that Ag nanoparticles are successfully loaded on the composite Ag-TiO2 and is uniformly distributed on surface of ZnFe2O4 forming a nanocomposite with an approximate particle size of 44.8 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) analysis clearly indicates the particles with spherical and hexagonal structure and sizes of most of the particles are below 50 nm. Ultra violet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis-DRS) show that Ag-TiO2/ZnFe2O4 has increased visible absorption than TiO2. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra shows that the intensity of ATZ is low relative to prepared TiO2. The photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Yellow 86 (RY 86) dye was studied. Based on the band gap energies of TiO2 and ZnFe2O4, a mechanism of degradation is given. Photocatalytic activity results suggest that as-prepared ATZ shows higher photodegradation efficiency than pure TiO2. The main reactive oxidative species involved in the degradation and stability of photocatalyst were also investigated. ATZ shows higher electrocatalytic activity than TiO2 for methanol electrooxidation. The cytotoxicity of ATZ was analysed. Multifunctionality of ATZ makes it useful for environmental and biomedical applications.

α-Synuclein Regulates Development and Function of Cholinergic Enteric Neurons in the Mouse Colon.

Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is expressed in the central nervous system and the nervous system of the gut (enteric nervous system, ENS), and is well known to be the major constituent of Lewy bodies which are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Gastrointestinal disorders frequently manifest several years before motor deficits develop in Parkinson's patients. Despite extensive research on pathological rodent models, the physiological role of α-Syn in the normal ENS is unclear hampering analysis of its neuropathology. We compared the ENS in colons of α-Syn-knockout (α-Syn KO) and wild-type mice using immunohistochemistry and calcium-imaging of responses to synaptic input. We found that α-Syn is predominantly expressed in cholinergic varicosities, which contain vesicular acetylcholine transporter. α-Syn KO mice had higher enteric neuron density and a larger proportion of cholinergic neurons, notably those containing calretinin, demonstrating a role for α-Syn in regulating development of these neurons. Moreover, α-Syn deletion enhanced the amplitude of synaptically activated [Ca2+]i transients that are primarily mediated by acetylcholine activating nicotinic receptors suggesting that α-Syn modulates the availability of acetylcholine in enteric nerve terminals.

One-Pot Synthesis of Tetra Substituted Imidazoles Catalyzed by Fly Ash Supported Bi2O3-ZnO.

A simple and efficient one pot synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetra substituted imidazoles is achieved by condensation-cyclization reaction of benzil, aromatic aldehyde, 2-amino ethyl pyrrolidine, ammonium acetate using fly ash loaded Bi2O3-ZnO. Different substituted aldehydes have been used in this reaction. The process is operationally simple, environmentally safe and has magnificent yield. Furthermore this catalyst can be recycled at least four times without any loss of activity.

CuWO4 Nanoparticles: Investigation of Dielectric, Electrochemical Behaviour and Photodegradation of Pharmaceutical Waste.

The hydrothermally synthesized CuWO4 nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized with different analysis such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), UV-Visible and Photoluminescence (PL) analysis. The prepared CuWO4 NPs were examined with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). SEM images show that CuWO4 NPs are highly spherical shaped morphology and porous in nature. The optical band gap of prepared CuWO4 NPs is found to be 2.12 eV. Photodegradation of diclofenac sodium (DFS) (medical waste) in the aqueous medium with CuWO4 NPs under visible light irradiation shows 98% degradation. The CuWO4 NPs was stable up to 5th cycle it can be used as a reusable photocatalyst for the DFS degradation. The electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of the CuWO4 NPs at room temperature is analyzed by EIS studies. The bulk conductivity value of the prepared nanoparticles is 1.477×10-5 S/cm at room temperature. The conductivity of CuWO4 NPs is found to be due to electrons movement. The CuWO4 NPs shows higher photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity for decomposition of DFS and methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium respectively.

UV-A Light Driven Activated Charcoal Supported Bi2O3-ZnO Nanocomposites; Hydrothermal Synthesis and Their Enhanced Photocatalytic and Self Cleaning Applications.

The Activated Charcoal supported Bi2O3-ZnO (AC-BZ) nanocomposite is successfully synthesized by simple and efficient hydrothermal followed by thermal decomposition method. The addition of Activated charcoal into the Bi2O3-ZnO matrices increases the active sites and shows efficient catalytic activity upon the degradation of azo dyes, Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) and Trypan Blue (TB). Prepared photocatalysts further prove its ability by the way of structure and absorption capacity. For understanding the efficiency of photocatalyst, it was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy (FE-TEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Photo Luminescense spectroscopy (PL) and N2 adsorption- desorption isotherms (BET). The FESEM images of the activated charcoal supported Bi2O3-ZnO show a nanocomposite structure and reveal that most of particles have hexagonal and spherical type in nano range. Absorption range and band gap energy were examined by UV-DRS techniques, which indicate the photogenerated electrons and holes are responsible for better photocatalytic activity. The prepared AC-BZ nanocomposite has maximum efficiency at pH 7, and it shows enhanced degradation efficiency up to four cycles which proves reusability of the catalyst. The obtained catalyst shows higher efficiency in self cleaning property by forming maximum degree of contact angle when compared with pure ZnO and Bi2O3-ZnO. This work may provide new strategy for eco-friendly and cost effective photocatalysts for various applications.

Eco-friendly preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Tabernaemontana divaricata and its photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.

The present work reports the green synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous Tabernaemontana divaricata green leaf extract. ZnO NPs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Vis) studies, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) analysis. XRD pattern analysis confirms the presence of pure hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of ZnO. The TEM images reveal the formation of spherical shape ZnO NPs with the sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. The FT-IR analysis suggests that the obtained ZnO NPs have been stabilized through the interactions of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenyl propanoids, phenolic acids and enzymes present in the leaf extract. Mechanism for the formation of ZnO NPs using Tabernaemontana divaricata as bioactive compound is proposed. As prepared ZnO NPs reveals antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The ZnO NPs shows higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli and lesser antibacterial activity against S. paratyphi compared to the standard pharmaceutical formulation. Photocatalytic activity of synthesized ZnO NPs was analyzed for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation with sunlight. Almost complete degradation of dye occurred in 90 min. This nano-ZnO, prepared by eco-friendly method will be much useful for dye removal and bacterial decontamination.

Accessory Extraocular Muscle as a Cause of Restrictive Strabismus.

Restrictive strabismus resulting from the presence of an accessory extraocular muscle has rarely been reported in the literature. Most articles written on this topic are isolated case reports. The purpose of this paper is to describe a series of 7 similar patients presenting with atypical restrictive strabismus associated with enophthalmos in the affected eye, which was found to be caused by an accessory extraocular muscle attached to the posterior globe near the optic nerve. The medical records of 7 patients who shared these clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. Orbital imaging was obtained in the 7 cases, which were compared. Three of the patients were females and four were males. The left eye was affected in all 4 males and the right eye was affected in the 3 females. The 7 patients presented with the following clinical characteristics: enophthalmos, restriction to eye movements in most fields of gaze, and presence of an anomalous orbital structure that was interpreted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be an accessory extraocular muscle inserting onto the posterior surface of the globe in the affected eye. The fellow eye was normal in all cases. Five of the 7 patients underwent surgical correction with partial improvement in only one patient. The presence of an accessory extraocular muscle should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with atypical restrictive strabismus. Orbital computed tomography or MRI are essential for correct diagnosis in these cases.

Photocatalytic detoxification of Acid Red 18 by modified ZnO catalyst under sunlight irradiation.

In this work, hybrid structured Bi-Au-ZnO composite was prepared by precipitation-decomposition method. This method is mild, economical and efficient. Bi-Au-ZnO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. Photocatalytic activity of Bi-Au-ZnO was evaluated by irradiating the Acid Red 18 (AR 18) dye solution under sun light. Heterostructured Bi-Au-ZnO photocatalyst showed higher photocatalytic activity than those of individual Bi-ZnO, Au-ZnO, bare ZnO, and TiO2-P25 at pH 11. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of catalyst dosage, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization of AR 18 dye have been analyzed. The mineralization of AR 18 has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A possible mechanism is proposed for the degradation of AR 18 under sun light. Finally, Bi-Au-ZnO heterojunction photocatalyst was more stable and could be easily recycled several times opening a new avenue for potential industrial applications.

Acute kidney injury after ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP).

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) identifies viability for marginal organs but complicates and lengthens lung transplantation surgery. Preliminary evidence supports equivalency for EVLP-assisted versus traditional (non-EVLP) procedures regarding graft function, postoperative course, mortality, and survival. However, acute kidney injury (AKI), a common serious complication of lung transplantation, has not been assessed. We tested the hypothesis that EVLP-assisted and non-EVLP lung transplantations are associated with different AKI rates. METHODS: Demographic, procedural, and renal data were gathered for 13 EVLP-viable lung transplantations and a non-EVLP group matched 4:1 for single versus double, pulmonary disease, and age. AKI was defined by AKI Network (AKIN) criteria and peak creatinine rise relative to baseline (Δ%Cr) during the 1st 10 postoperative days. Chi-square was performed for AKIN and 2-tailed t test for %ΔCr. RESULTS: Patient and procedural characteristics were similar between the groups. One non-EVLP patient required postoperative dialysis. AKI rates were also similar, as assessed by both AKIN (EVLP 7/13 (54%) vs non-EVLP 32/52 (62%); P = .61) and %ΔCr (EVLP 91 ± 81% vs non-EVLP 72 ± 62%; P = .63). CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe different AKI rates between EVLP-assisted and traditional lung transplant procedures. Although 1 non-EVLP patient required dialysis, AKI rates were otherwise similar. These findings further support EVLP as a strategy to expand the organ pool and reduce concerns for high-renal risk recipients. The small sample size and retrospective design are limitations. However, our sample size is similar to other reports, and it is the first to analyze AKI after EVLP-assisted lung transplantation. Larger multicenter prospective studies are needed.

Recent developments in heterogeneous catalyzed environmental remediation processes.

This article reports on recent developments in heterogeneous AOP processes such as photocatalysis, Fenton-like process and catalytic ozonation. The principle, mechanism, and influence of experimental conditions on the degradation of pollutants in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and the photocatalytic process were discussed. Introducing solid catalysts substantially increased the efficiency of the ozonation process by producing hydroxyl radicals in the degradation process. The different types of catalyst, catalyst dosage, solution pH, ozone flow rate, water matrix and catalytic reusability and stability are reported on here. The list of various semiconductor materials used as photocatalysts, their light absorption properties, various light sources and surface properties such as surface area, pore size and pore volume as a factor in the photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants are discussed. The review article also discussed the pollutants degraded using these three processes.

Food production & availability--essential prerequisites for sustainable food security.

Food and nutrition security are intimately interconnected, since only a food based approach can help in overcoming malnutrition in an economically and socially sustainable manner. Food production provides the base for food security as it is a key determinant of food availability. This paper deals with different aspects of ensuring high productivity and production without associated ecological harm for ensuring adequate food availability. By mainstreaming ecological considerations in technology development and dissemination, we can enter an era of evergreen revolution and sustainable food and nutrition security. Public policy support is crucial for enabling this.

Solar active photocatalyst for effective degradation of RR 120 with dye sensitized mechanism.

Solar active WO3 loaded Ag-ZnO (WO3-Ag-ZnO) was successfully synthesized by precipitation-decomposition method. XPS reveals that the presence of metallic silver in the catalyst. The photocatalytic activity of WO3-Ag-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) in aqueous solution using solar light. WO3-Ag-ZnO is found to be more efficient than Ag-ZnO, WO3-ZnO, Ag-WO3, commercial ZnO, prepared ZnO, Degussa TiO2-P25, pure WO3 and TiO2 (Merck) at pH 7 for the mineralization of RR 120. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization of RR 120 have been analyzed. The mineralization of RR 120 has been confirmed by COD measurements. A dual mechanism has been proposed for efficient degradation of RR 120 dye with WO3-Ag-ZnO under solar light at neutral pH. This catalyst is found to be reusable.

Ag2S-ZnO--an efficient photocatalyst for the mineralization of Acid Black 1 with UV light.

The Ag(2)S loaded ZnO (Ag(2)S-ZnO) was successfully synthesized by precipitation of zinc oxalate and Ag(2)S and calcination of the mixed precipitate at 400 °C for 12 h. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, energy dispersive spectra (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. The photocatalytic activity of Ag(2)S-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Acid Black (AB 1) in aqueous solution using UV light. Ag(2)S-ZnO is found to be more efficient than commercial ZnO, prepared ZnO and TiO(2)-P25 at pH 9 for the mineralization of Acid Black 1. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. Mechanism of degradation by Ag(2)S-ZnO is proposed. The mineralization of Acid Black 1 has also been confirmed by COD measurements. The catalyst is found to be reusable.

Highly efficient, solar active, and reusable photocatalyst: Zr-loaded Ag-ZnO for Reactive Red 120 dye degradation with synergistic effect and dye-sensitized mechanism.

The different wt % of Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO catalysts were prepared by the simple precipitation-thermal decomposition method and used for degradation of anionic azo dye Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) under natural sunlight. Highly efficient 4 wt % of Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) images, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images, energy-dispersive spectra (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and BET surface area measurements. Metal codopants increase the absorbance of ZnO to the entire visible region. XRD and XPS reveal that Ag is in the form of Ag(0) and Zr in the form of Zr(4+). The photocatalytic activity of 4 wt % Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO was compared with other single-metal-doped, undoped, and commercial catalysts. The quantum yields of all processes were determined and analyzed. Zr-Ag-ZnO was found to be more efficient than Ag-ZnO, Zr-ZnO, commercial ZnO, prepared ZnO, TiO(2)-P25, and TiO(2) at neutral pH for mineralization of RR 120 under solar light. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO and its use in the degradation of RR 120 dye under natural sunlight illuminatioin. The influences of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, and initial pH on photomineralization of RR 120 have been analyzed. Mineralization of RR 120 has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A dual mechanism has been proposed for the higher efficiency of Zr-Ag-ZnO at neutral pH under solar light. This catalyst is found to be reusable.