Synthesis and investigation on synergetic effect of activated carbon loaded silver nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities.

In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticle-loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon (Ag/CNSAC). The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM with EDS, FT-IR, and BET analysis. The XRD, XPS, and EDS data provided convincing proof that Ag loaded on CNSAC is formed. The energy dispersive spectrum analysis and X-ray diffraction pattern both supported the face-centered cubic and amorphous structures of Ag/CNSAC. The SEM micrographs showed the inner surface development of Ag NPs and many tiny pores in CNSAC. The photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye by the Ag/CNSAC photocatalyst was investigated. This effective degradation of MB dye by Ag/CNSAC is attributed to the cooperative action of Ag as a photocatalyst and CNSAC as a catalytic support and adsorbent. In tests with gram-positive and negative bacteria including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the as-synthesized Ag/CNSAC showed outstanding antibacterial efficiency. Additionally, this study demonstrates a workable procedure for creating an affordable and efficient Ag/CNSAC for the photocatalytic eradication of organic contaminants.

Development of biohybrid Ag2CrO4/rGO based nanocomposites with stable flotation properties as enhanced Photocatalyst for sewage treatment and antibiotic-conjugated for antibacterial evaluation.

The proposed research outlines a facile method to synthesize Silver Chromate/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Ag2CrO4/rGO NCs) with a narrow dissemination size for the ecological treatment of hazardous organic dyes. The photodegradation performance toward the decontamination of model artificial methylene blue dye was assessed under solar light irradiation. The crystallinity, particle size, recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, energy gap and surface morphologies of synthesized nanocomposites were determined. The experiment objective is to use rGO nanocomposites to increase Ag2CrO4 photocatalytic efficiency in the solar spectrum. Tauc plots of ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum were used to calculate the optical bandgap energy of the produced nanocomposites ∼1.52 eV, which resulted in a good photodegradation percentage of ∼92 % after 60 min irradiation of Solar light. At the same time, pure Ag2CrO4 and rGO nanomaterials showed ∼46 % and âˆ¼ 30 %, respectively. The ideal circumstances were discovered by investigating the effects of several parameters, including catalyst loading and different pH levels, on the degradation of dyes. However, the final composites maintain their ability to degrade for up to five cycles. According to the investigations, Ag2CrO4/rGO NCs are an effective photocatalyst and can be used as the ideal material to prevent water pollution. Furthermore, antibacterial efficacy for the hydrothermally synthesized nanocomposite was tested against gram-positive (+ve) bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative (-ve) bacteria viz. Escherichia coli. The maximum zone of inhibition for S. aureus and E. coli were 18.5 and 17 mm, respectively.

Effect of metal doping and non-metal loading on light energy driven degradation of organic dye using ZnO nanocatalysts.

Photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes is seen as a viable technique for addressing environmental and energy concerns simultaneously. Therefore, the primary requirement is the creation of a better catalyst with adequate product selectivity for removal efficiency under solar light. Herein, pure ZnO and Cu (0.10 M) doped cotton stalk activated carbons with ZnO (Cu-doped ZnO/CSAC) were produced, and these are labelled as CZ1, CZ2, CZ3, and CZ3/CSAC, respectively. The optoelectronic and photodegradation efficiencies were examined regarding the impact of doping and loading samples. The XRD patterns confirmed that the CZ3/CSAC sample exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The XPS survey confirmed that Cu ions were incorporated into the ZnO lattice in a Cu2+ oxidation state. The band gap value (CZ3/CSAC) was reduced (2.38 eV) compared to pure ZnO and CZ3. Moreover, PL and EIS analysis proved more efficient at separating photoinduced charged carriers for CZ3/CSAC than all other samples. The CZ3/CSAC sample showed improved photocatalytic degradation efficiency (93.09%) compared to the pure ZnO and CZ3 samples using brilliant green (BG) dye under sunlight irradiation.

Adsorption of brilliant green dye onto activated carbon prepared from cashew nut shell by KOH activation: Studies on equilibrium isotherm.

Activated carbon from cashew nut shell via a potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 600 °C in an N2 atmosphere and their characteristics using FT-IR, XRD, SEM with EDS, and BET analysis was investigated. The cashew nut shell activated carbon obtained by KOH activation with a CNS/KOH ratio of 1:1 at 600 °C (N2 atmosphere) for 2 h had the highest surface area (407.80 m2/g) as compared to other ratio samples. Amongst, CNS/KOH ratios of 1:1 sample are used for the adsorbent, they are effects of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration on brilliant green (BG) removal efficiency were studied. Moreover, the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models consisted utilized to affirm the adsorption isotherms. They are, best fitting for BG experimental equilibrium data was achieved with the Langmuir isotherm, giving a maximum BG adsorption capacity of 243.90 mg/g.

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by Ag-TiO2 loaded cassava stem activated carbon under sunlight irradiation.

Ag-doped TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 loaded cassava stem activated carbon (Ag: TiO2/CSAC) were prepared by sol-gel method and are labelled as AT and AT/CSAC respectively. XRD results confirmed that the anatase-TiO2 and crystalline size are decreased (12.37 nm) through the silver doping and cassava stem activated carbon loading. UV-Vis showed that the AT/CSAC makes a red shift from the absorption edge compared to pure and AT samples and then the band gap is reduced (2.81 eV). The increased surface area (238.51 m2/g) of the AT/CSAC sample through the Ag and CSAC, respectively. The consequences point out that the highest photodegradation efficiency (98.08%) of the TiO2 upon silver doping and cassava stem activated carbon loading samples were brilliant green (BG) under sunlight irradiation.

Enhanced sun light driven photocatalytic activity of Co doped SnO2 loaded corn cob activated carbon for methylene blue dye degradation.

SnO2 with different Co2+ doping concentrations and Co (0.075 M): SnO2 loaded corn cob activated carbon (Co: SnO2/CCAC) were prepared, and are labelled as CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS2/CCAC, respectively. The CS2/CCAC showed that the particle size (18.76 nm) and band gap (3.50 eV) are reduced with Co2+ doping and CCAC loading. Moreover, CS2/CCAC indicate that the decreased PL intensity and its lower value (2.156 kΩ) of impedance from EIS results which indicates the increased separation of the photogenerated e-/h+ pairs. Thus, the result showed that CS2/CCAC maximum degradation efficiency of MB (95.38%) and the photocatalytic mechanism is also discussed.

Effect of doping and loading Parameters on photocatalytic degradation of brilliant green using Sn doped ZnO loaded CSAC.

Sn doped ZnO loaded cotton stalk activated carbon (Sn-ZnO/CSAC) was prepared by chemical precipitation method, and the products were characterized. The XRD resultants confirm that the presence of hexagonal wurtzite phase of the bare ZnO. Furthermore, particular particle size gradually decreases (21.49 nm) due to doping and loading. UV-Vis absorption intensity of doped/loaded sample was red-shifted and then PL intensity is reduced. The photocatalytic performances of bare, Sn-doped ZnO and Sn-ZnO/CSAC was estimated by photodegradation of brilliant green (BG) under sunlight. The photodegradation of BG dye in 120 min over Sn-doped ZnO/CSAC is nearly 96.52%, which is considerably improved than bare ZnO (72.60%), respectively.

Species Adulteration in the Herbal Trade: Causes, Consequences and Mitigation.

The global economy of the international trade of herbal products has been increasing by 15% annually, with the raw material for most herbal products being sourced from South and Southeast Asian countries. In India, of the 8000 species of medicinal plants harvested from the wild, approximately 960 are in the active trade. With increasing international trade in herbal medicinal products, there is also increasing concern about the widespread adulteration and species admixtures in the raw herbal trade. The adverse consequences of such species adulteration on the health and safety of consumers have only recently begun to be recognised and documented. We provide a comprehensive review of the nature and magnitude of species adulteration in the raw herbal trade, and identify the underlying drivers that might lead to such adulteration. We also discuss the possible biological and chemical equivalence of species that are used as adulterants and substitutes, and the consequences thereof to consumer health and safety, and propose a framework for the development of a herbal trade authentication service that can help regulate the herbal trade market.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon and photocatalytic activity on BG and MB dyes under sunlight radiation.

Synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon (TiO2/CNSAC) had been undertaken using sol-gel method and their application in BG and MB dyes removal under sunlight radiation has been investigated. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The various experimental parameters like amount of catalyst, contact time for efficient dyes degradation of BG and MB were concerned in this study. Activity measurements performed under solar irradiation has shown good results for the photodegradation of BG and MB in aqueous solution. It was concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in TiO2/CNSAC was due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst. The kinetic data were also described by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models.

A tiered barcode authentication tool to differentiate medicinal Cassia species in India.

DNA barcoding is a desirable tool for medicinal product authentication. DNA barcoding is a method for species identification using short DNA sequences that are conserved within species, but variable between species. Unlike animals, there is no single universal DNA barcode locus for plants. Coding markers, matK and rbcL, and noncoding markers, trnH-psbA (chloroplast) and ITS2 (nuclear), have been reported to be suitable for the DNA barcoding of plants with varying degree of success. Sixty-four accessions from 20 species of the medicinal plant Cassia were collected, and analyzed for these 4 DNA barcoding markers. PCR amplification was 100% successful for all 4 markers, while intra-species divergence was 0 for all 4 Cassia species in which multiple accessions were studied. Assuming 1.0% divergence as the minimum requirement for discriminating 2 species, the 4 markers could only differentiate 15 to 65% of the species studied when used separately. Adding indels to the divergence increased the percentage of species discrimination by trnH-psbA to 90%. In 2-locus barcoding, while matK+rbcL (which is recommended by Consortium for the Barcoding of Life) discriminated 90% of the species, the other combinations of matK+ITS and rbcL+trnH-psbA showed 100% species discrimination. However, matK is plagued with primer issues. The combination of rbcL+trnH-psbA provided the most accurate (100% species ID) and efficient tiered DNA barcoding tool for the authentication of Cassia medicinal products.

Early experience of a CT coronary angiography service in a Scottish regional centre.

BACKGROUND: CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is an emerging diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. It has several advantages over conventional coronary angiography (CCA); however, its use is not yet widespread in large teaching centres. AIMS: To determine what proportion of patients who have CTCA, do not require subsequent CCA. METHODS: A prospective analysis of all patients referred for CTCA from the start of the service in January 2008 to April 2010. RESULTS: CTCA provided definitive diagnostic images in 85% of patients. Overall only 12% (n = 33) of patients had subsequent CCA. The proportion of patients who subsequently had CCA reduced with time reflecting increasing confidence with the clinical service. CONCLUSIONS: A CTCA service can be successfully established out with a large teaching centre hospital. Close working between cardiologists and radiologists leads to increased confidence in the service and obviates the need for CCA in a large proportion of patients.

Local knowledge and conservation of seagrasses in the Tamil Nadu state of India.

Local knowledge systems are not considered in the conservation of fragile seagrass marine ecosystems. In fact, little is known about the utility of seagrasses in local coastal communities. This is intriguing given that some local communities rely on seagrasses to sustain their livelihoods and have relocated their villages to areas with a rich diversity and abundance of seagrasses. The purpose of this study is to assist in conservation efforts regarding seagrasses through identifying Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from local knowledge systems of seagrasses from 40 coastal communities along the eastern coast of India. We explore the assemblage of scientific and local traditional knowledge concerning the 1. classification of seagrasses (comparing scientific and traditional classification systems), 2. utility of seagrasses, 3. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of seagrasses, and 4. current conservation efforts for seagrass ecosystems. Our results indicate that local knowledge systems consist of a complex classification of seagrass diversity that considers the role of seagrasses in the marine ecosystem. This fine-scaled ethno-classification gives rise to five times the number of taxa (10 species = 50 local ethnotaxa), each with a unique role in the ecosystem and utility within coastal communities, including the use of seagrasses for medicine (e.g., treatment of heart conditions, seasickness, etc.), food (nutritious seeds), fertilizer (nutrient rich biomass) and livestock feed (goats and sheep). Local communities are concerned about the loss of seagrass diversity and have considerable local knowledge that is valuable for conservation and restoration plans. This study serves as a case study example of the depth and breadth of local knowledge systems for a particular ecosystem that is in peril.

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different surveillance mammography regimens after the treatment for primary breast cancer: systematic reviews registry database analyses and economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Following primary breast cancer treatment, the early detection of ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR) or ipsilateral secondary cancer in the treated breast and detection of new primary cancers in the contralateral breast is beneficial for survival. Surveillance mammography is used to detect these cancers, but the optimal frequency of surveillance and the length of follow-up are unclear. OBJECTIVES: To identify feasible management strategies for surveillance and follow-up of women after treatment for primary breast cancer in a UK setting, and to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of differing regimens. METHODS: A survey of UK breast surgeons and radiologists to identify current surveillance mammography regimens and inform feasible alternatives; two discrete systematic reviews of evidence published from 1990 to mid 2009 to determine (i) the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of differing surveillance mammography regimens for patient health outcomes and (ii) the test performance of surveillance mammography in the detection of IBTR and metachronous contralateral breast cancer (MCBC); statistical analysis of individual patient data (West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit Breast Cancer Registry and Edinburgh data sets); and economic modelling using the systematic reviews results, existing data sets, and focused searches for specific data analysis to determine the effectiveness and cost-utility of differing surveillance regimens. RESULTS: The majority of survey respondents initiate surveillance mammography 12 months after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) (87%) or mastectomy (79%). Annual surveillance mammography was most commonly reported for women after BCS or after mastectomy (72% and 53%, respectively). Most (74%) discharge women from surveillance mammography, most frequently 10 years after surgery. The majority (82%) discharge from clinical follow-up, most frequently at 5 years. Combining initiation, frequency and duration of surveillance mammography resulted in 54 differing surveillance regimens for women after BCS and 56 for women following mastectomy. The eight studies included in the clinical effectiveness systematic review suggest surveillance mammography offers a survival benefit compared with a surveillance regimen that does not include surveillance mammography. Nine studies were included in the test performance systematic review. For routine IBTR detection, surveillance mammography sensitivity ranged from 64% to 67% and specificity ranged from 85% to 97%. For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sensitivity ranged from 86% to 100% and specificity was 93%. For non-routine IBTR detection, sensitivity and specificity for surveillance mammography ranged from 50% to 83% and from 57% to 75%, respectively, and for MRI from 93% to 100% and from 88% to 96%, respectively. For routine MCBC detection, one study reported sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 50% for both surveillance mammography and MRI, although this was a highly select population. Data set analysis showed that IBTR has an adverse effect on survival. Furthermore, women experiencing a second tumour measuring >20 mm in diameter were at a significantly greater risk of death than those with no recurrence or those whose tumour was <10 mm in diameter. In the base-case analysis, the strategy with the highest net benefit, and most likely to be considered cost-effective, was surveillance mammography alone, provided every 12 months at a societal willingness to pay for a quality-adjusted life-year of either £20,000 or £30,000. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for surveillance mammography alone every 12 months compared with no surveillance was £4727. LIMITATIONS: Few studies met the review inclusion criteria and none of the studies was a randomised controlled trial. The limited and variable nature of the data available precluded any quantitative analysis. There was no useable evidence contained in the Breast Cancer Registry database to assess the effectiveness of surveillance mammography directly. The results of the economic model should be considered exploratory and interpreted with caution given the paucity of data available to inform the economic model. CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance is likely to improve survival and patients should gain maximum benefit through optimal use of resources, with those women with a greater likelihood of developing IBTR or MCBC being offered more comprehensive and more frequent surveillance. Further evidence is required to make a robust and informed judgement on the effectiveness of surveillance mammography and follow-up. The utility of national data sets could be improved and there is a need for high-quality, direct head-to-head studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of tests used in the surveillance population. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Relationship of magnitude of electromyogram of the lumbar muscles to static posture.

This work reports research that investigated the relationship of the strength of contraction of different muscles of the lumbar back to maintain static posture. The paper reports the study of surface electromyogram of the muscles and uses scattering and neural networks on the strength of the EMG measured using root mean square (RMS). The signal is studied before and after the removal of electrocardiogram (ECG) artifact from the signal using a modified independent component analysis technique. The three dimensional scattering plots do not show any observable trends while the neural networks before the removal of ECG does not converge while after removal of ECG the neural network shows a high level of accuracy. The results demonstrate that there is a complex relation between the four EMG and posture and this relationship is revealed only after of ECG from EMG.

Electrocardiogram removal from electromyogram of the muscles.

Surface electromyogram (SEMG) of the lumbar back muscles is being used for determining posture disorders for people suffering from low back pain. But SEMG of the back has a strong electrocardiogram (ECG) artefact. Research was conducted to determine the difference in the SEMG before and after the removal of ECG artefact from the SEMG recording using gating, subtraction and multi-step independent component analysis (MICA). The paper reports results of experiments conducted on eleven subjects over two days. The results show that removal of ECG artefact from the raw signal can substantially alter the RMS of the signal demonstrating the need for careful filtering of the signal for analysis. The paper also reports of the success of MICA for removing the ECG artefact.