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Carbon-centric adsorbents (CCA) are diverse forms, from simple biochar (BC) to graphene derivatives, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and activated carbon (AC), which have been vastly explored for their removal of a plethora of pollutants, including heavy metals (HM). The prominent features of CCA are their operational attributes like extensive surface area, the occurrence of flexible surface functional groups, etc. This work offers a comprehensive examination of contemporary research on CCA for their superior metal removal aptitude and performances in simulated solutions and wastewater flows; via portraying the recent research advances as an outlook on the appliances of CACs for heavy metal adsorption for removal via distinct forms like AC, BC, Graphene oxide (GO), and CNTs. The bibliometric analysis tool was employed to highlight the number of documents, country-wise contribution, and co-occurrence mapping based on the Scopus database. The coverage of research works in this review is limited to the last 5 years (2017-2021) to highlight recent progress and prospects in using CCAs such as AC, BC, GO, and CNTs to remove HM from aqueous media, which makes the review unique. Besides an overview of the common mechanisms of CACs, the future scope of CAC, especially towards HM mitigation, is also discussed in this review. This review endorses that further efforts should be commenced to enhance the repertory of CCAs that effectively eliminate multiple targeted metals in both simulated and real wastewater.

Microalgae have been publicized for their diversified dominance responsiveness and bioaccumulation potential toward pollutants in an ecosystem. Also, algal's incredible capability as biocatalysts in environmental appliances has been well elucidated owing to their robustness and simple nutritional demand. Additionally, microalgae can deliver various collections of bio-based chemical compounds helpful for diversified applications, especially as green alternatives. The environment has been contaminated with various polluting agents; one principal polluting agent is heavy metals which are carcinogenic and show toxicity even in minimal quantity, cause unsatisfactory threats to the environmental ecosystem, including human and animal health. There is a prominent tendency to apply microalgae in the phytoremediation of heavy metals compounds because of its vast benefits, including great accessibility, cost-effective, excellent toxic metal eliminating efficiency, and nontoxic to the ecosystem. This review uncovers the most recent advancements and mechanisms associated with the bioremediation process and biosorption interaction of substantial harmful synthetic compounds processing microalgae species. Furthermore, future challenges and prospects in the utilization of microalgae in heavy metals bioremediation are also explored. The current review aims to give valuable information to aid the advancement of robust and proficient future microalgae-based heavy metal bioremediation innovations and summarizing a wide range of benefits socioeconomic scope to be employed in heavy metal compound removal in environment system.

The ever-rising environmental problems because of heavy metals emerging from anthropogenic activities pose an impending threat to all biota globally. Considering their persistence and possibility in biomagnification, they are prominent among pollutants. There has been an apparent shift of research interest in advancing cost-effective and competent technologies to mitigate environmental contaminants, specifically heavy metals. In the recent two decades, tailored nanomaterials (NMs), nanoparticles, and NM-based adsorbents have been emerging for removing heavy metal pollution on a sustainable scale, especially the green synthesis of these nanoproducts effective and nonhazardous means. Hence, this review explores the various avenues in nanotechnology, an attempt to gauge nanotechnological approaches to mitigate heavy metals in the aqueous system, especially emphasizing the recent trends and advancements. Inputs on remediating heavy metal in sustainable and environmentally benign aspects recommended future directions to compensate for the voids in this domain have been addressed.

Surface and water bodies in many parts of the world are affected due to eutrophication, contamination and depletion. The approach of wastewater treatment using algae for eliminating nutrients and other pollutants from domestic wastewater is growing interest among the researchers. However, sustainable treatment of the wastewater is considered to be important in establishing more effective nutrient and pollutant reduction using algal systems. In comparison to the conventional method of remediation, there are opportunities to commercially viable businesses interest with phycoremediation, thus by achieving cost reductions and renewable bioenergy options. Phycoremediation is an intriguing stage for treating wastewater since it provides tertiary bio-treatment while producing potentially valuable biomass that may be used for a variety of applications. Furthermore, the phycoremediation provides the ability to remove heavy metals as well as harmful organic substances, without producing secondary contamination. In this review, the role of microalgae in treating different wastewaters and the process parameters affecting the treatment and future scope of research have been discussed. Though several algae are employed for wastewater treatment, species of the genera Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, and Scenedesmus are extensively utilized. Interestingly, there is a vast scope for employing algal species with high flocculation capacity and adsorption mechanisms for the elimination of microplastics. In addition, the algal biomass generated during phycoremediation has been found to possess high protein and lipid contents, promising their exploitation in biofuel, food and animal feed industries.

Background: Drug delivery is a science that requires the development of tailored systems that can deliver defined quantities of a therapeutic payload at a specific target site, at a controlled release rate, with or without a specific trigger. However, several drug molecules cannot be formulated or administered by standard techniques as they exhibit poor water solubility or have limited stability in the human body. Polymeric multilayer capsules assembled using layer-by-layer technique (LbL) are promising candidates for complex tasks, such as storage, encapsulation, and release. These carriers can be readily engineered and functionalized with desired properties and are also flexible for specific changes with respect to mechanical stability, elasticity, morphology, biocompatibility, permeability, and surface characteristics. Multifunctionality and its ability to respond to various stimuli that can affect and control their properties are the most significant advantages of polyelectrolyte multilayered (PEM) capsules. Aim: The present study was aimed to develop a Fe-drug-loaded microbullets using a novel hybrid technology for magnetic targeted therapy and its comparative evaluation on rheumatoid arthritis. Methodology: Methotrexate magnetic microcapsules (MMC) and prednisolone magnetic microcapsules (PMC) were developed using the techniques detailed later. Poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)-doped porous CaCO3 core microparticles were prepared by biomimetic mineralization method and its surface morphology was observed and analyzed using SEM, followed by which particle size distribution, zeta potential, functional group characterization, thermal stability, porosity, and crystallinity were evaluated. Drug-loaded PSS-doped CaCO3 core microparticles were developed using solvent evaporation technique, and the resulting complex was assessed for drug loading and entrapment efficiency. Anionic poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) and cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) in a suitable concentration were added alternatively up to 5 cycles to the drug incorporated PSS-doped CaCO3 microparticles by layer-by-layer procedure. Previously, iron oxide nanoparticles as ferrofluid prepared by coprecipitation technique were added in between the polyelectrolyte layers during the cycle. The CaCO3 core was preferentially removed to yielded drug-loaded magnetic microcapsules. The formulated MMC and PMC were evaluated for its morphology by SEM and TEM, particle size distribution, and zeta potential with zeta sizer, functional group characterization with FT-IR spectrometer, static magnetic properties with vibrating sample magnetometer, dynamic magnetic susceptibility with AC susceptometer, and stability studies. Adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of optimized MMC and PMC. Paw volume, hematological, biochemical parameters, radiological, and histopathological studies showed better therapeutic activity than standard drug. Results: Compared to the pure drugs, the developed MMC and PMC offer a promising drug carrier system with enhanced sustained drug release properties for effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The obtained results discussed in concise justify that the developed methodology for magnetic drug targeting at rheumatoid arthritic joints would be more promising for further trials and clinical evaluation.

The host–guest interaction of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) with p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (p-SC4) in solution state is studied using emission and cyclic voltammetric techniques. The lipid soluble α-tocopherol (α-T) forms a solid complex with p-SC4. FTIR and NMR spectral analysis of the solid complex reveals the tight packing of α-T inside the cavity of p-SC4. The structural deformation is confirmed by XRD analysis. SEM images differentiate the highly porous gel like structure of vitamin E aggregate and the solid structure of the host–guest complex prepared. NOESY spectra confirm the tight penetration of α-T within the hydrophobic cavity of p-SC4.

Introduction: Hypertension is a major risk factor contributing to cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of deaths worldwide. Although antihypertensive medications are effective at controlling blood pressure, current first-line treatment for hypertension is nonpharmacological lifestyle modifications. Recent studies indicate that isometric resistance training (IRT) may also be effective for assisting with blood pressure management. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of IRT for blood pressure management and the suitability of a low-intensity working control group. Methods: Forty hypertensive individuals, aged between 36 and 65 years, conducted IRT for 8 weeks. Participants were randomized into 2 groups, working at an intensity of either 5% or 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction. Participants performed 4 × 2 minute isometric handgrip exercises with their nondominant hand, each separated by a 3-minute rest period, 3 days a week. Results: Blood pressure measurements were conducted at baseline and at the end of the protocol using a Finometer. Eight weeks of isometric resistance training resulted in a 7-mmHg reduction of resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) (136 ± 12 to 129 ± 15; P = 0.04) in the 30% group. Reductions of 4 mmHg were also seen in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (100 ± 8 to 96 ± 11; P = 0.04) in the 30% group. There were no statistically significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure for the 30% group, or any of the data for the 5% group. Conclusion: Isometric resistance training conducted using handgrip exercise at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction significantly reduced SBP and MAP. A lack of reduction in blood pressure in the 5% group indicates that a low-intensity group may be suitable as a working control for future studies.

PURPOSE: The etiology of ligneous conjunctivitis is now known to be due to an underlying type 1 plasminogen deficiency. We hereby report the clinical features of three cases and their response to topically administered plasminogen. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Two Caucasian females aged 5 years and an 18-month male of north African descent presented with a membranous conjunctivitis, which recurred after surgical excision. Case 1 presented before the association with plasminogen deficiency was known with a bilateral chronic membranous mucopurulent conjunctivitis from the age of 14 months associated with bronchiolitis and gingival hyperplasia. A diagnosis of ligneous conjunctivitis was entertained and a number of drops were instituted. At the age of 4 years plasminogen levels were ordered. Case 2 presented at the age of 4 years with a unilateral chronic membranous conjunctivitis. Plasminogen levels were requested as soon as a diagnosis of ligneous conjunctivitis was suspected. Case 3 was born with congenital hydrocephalus. Conjunctivitis was treated with antibiotics from the age of 1 month. He presented to the eye clinic at the age of 5 months when a clinical diagnosis of ligneous conjunctivitis was entertained and treated with a number of medications. Plasminogen levels were available at 9 months of age. RESULTS: The two female patients returned plasminogen levels of 0.25 U/ml and 0.3 U/ml, well below the normal level of 0.7–1.0 U/ml. Functional plasminogen levels in the male infant were not recordable with plasminogen antigen levels of 0.125 U/ml (normal range, 0.52–1.82). All cases have responded well to excision of the membranes and institution of topical plasminogen drops. There has been no recurrence with more than 12 months’ follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: With the knowledge of the etiology of ligneous conjunctivitis, efforts are underway to identify the best method of delivery of plasminogen. Topical plasminogen concentrate from fresh frozen plasma holds promise as the definitive treatment for this chronic membranous conjunctivitis

In this work, the electrochemical performance of NiFe2O4 nanofibers synthesized by an electrospinning approach have been discussed in detail. Lithium storage properties of nanofibers are evaluated and compared with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles by galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry studies, both in half-cell configurations. Nanofibers exhibit a higher charge-storage capacity of 1000 mAh g(-1) even after 100 cycles with high Coulmbic efficiency of 100% between 10 and 100 cycles. Ex situ microscopy studies confirmed that cycled nanofiber electrodes maintained the morphology and remained intact even after 100 charge-discharge cycles. The NiFe2O4 nanofiber electrode does not experience any structural stress and eventual pulverisation during lithium cycling and hence provides an efficient electron conducting pathway. The excellent electrochemical performance of NiFe2O4 nanofibers is due to the unique porous morphology of continuous nanofibers.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on low contrast visual acuity. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 LASIK patients with myopia and astigmatism were evaluated preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. High contrast visual acuity (HCVA), low contrast visual acuity (LCVA), and contrast threshold were determined. RESULTS: Mean spherical correction (SE) was -3.24 ± 1.90 D; 16 eyes had a mean SE between -1.00 and -3.00 D, and 14 eyes were between -3.25 and -6.50 D. There was no significant change in HCVA observed at 1 and 3 months in any eye. There was a decrease in LCVA in eyes with a correction >3 D SE at 1 month (P=.04), which returned to normal at 3 months (P=.13). There was an increase in the contrast threshold at 1 month (P=.016). When eyes were divided into groups, those with >3D SE correction had an increase in contrast threshold at 1 month (P=.002); no change was seen in eyes with CONCLUSION: LASIK transiently decreased low contrast visual function in patients with greater than 3.00 D of myopic correction. [J Refract Surg 2004;20(suppl):S689-S692]

Purpose To assess the prevalence and natural history of ocular surface disease in patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify any predisposing factors in order to improve eye care management protocols. Methods The eyes of all patients admitted to an ICU between February and May 1998 were examined at least weekly. The eyelid position, presence of conjunctival oedema, degree of keratopathy and sedation score were documented at every assessment. Results Twenty-six patients in an ICU were followed throughout their stay, which ranged from 3 days to 10 weeks. Eleven patients (42%) had some degree of keratopathy, which was detected in the majority in the first week of their stay. The presence of ocular surface disease was closely correlated with the degree of lagophthalmos, which in turn is closely related to the depth of sedation or paralysis. Conclusions In this first ever longitudinal study it was found that assessment of lid position in ICU patients is the single most important observation to be carried out. A management algorithm derived from this evidence is based on daily observation and selective lid taping and shows encouraging early results.