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The use of non-thermal plasma technology in producing green fuels is a much-appreciated environmentally friendly approach. In this study, an Al2O3-supported CrxZnS semiconductor catalyst was tested for hydrogen evolution from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas by using a single-layered dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system. The Al2O3-supported CrxZnS catalyst (x = 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30) was produced by using a co-impregnation method and characterized for its structural and photocatalytic characteristics. The discharge column of the DBD system was filled with this catalyst and fed with hydrogen sulfide and argon gas. The DBD plasma was sustained with a fixed AC source of 10 kV where plasma produced species and UV radiations activated the catalyst to break H2S molecules under ambient conditions. The catalyst (hexagonal-cubic-sphalerite structure) showed an inverse relationship between the band gap and the dopant concentration. The hydrogen evolution decreased with an increase in dopant concentration in the nanocomposite. The Cr0.20ZnS catalyst showed excellent photocatalytic activity under the DBD exposure by delivering 100% conversion efficiency of H2S into hydrogen. The conversion decreased to 96% and 90% in case of Cr0.25ZnS and Cr0.30ZnS, respectively.

Background: Agility is considered as one of the important components of physical fitness. In older adults, it is of utmost importance in response to any stimulus. The objective of this study was to determine normative values of agility in elderly population of Islamabad. Methods: A Cross-Sectional Survey was conducted in community settings of Islamabad from February–July 2019 after approval by the Ethical Review Committee of Foundation University Islamabad. The calculated sample size was found to be 267, but due to missing data, analysis was done on 250(100 females and 150 males). Participants were selected by convenient sampling. Physically independent participants were included and diseased population (severe musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders), decreased functional status affecting hearing, vision, memory recall was excluded from the study. PAR-Q was utilized in uncovering any possible health risks linked to exercise. For evaluation of agility, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Agility Test was performed. Agility scoring is based on time in seconds, with higher score representing less agility, and agility score of less than 62 represents good agility. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age, BMI and agility score of participants were 60.7±5.81 years, 26±4.30 kg/m² and 22.42±5.2 respectively. There was significant difference (P30 and all age categories. Conclusion: Elderly population of Pakistan has good agility score

Camel milk is a valuable source of nutrition with a wide range of therapeutic effects. Its unique composition helps to regulate the blood glucose level. The current study is aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects, as well as lipid profile restoration of camel milk in the diabetic mouse model. This innovative study evaluates the therapeutic effects of camel milk in diabetic mice by simultaneous measurement of blood glucose, HbA1c, ALT, AST, TG, cholesterol, and histopathological studies. The results showed that camel milk has significantly reduced blood glucose, HbA1c (p, Camel milk as a natural safe product can be used as an alternative treatment regimen in diabetes therapy. Potency of camel milk is to restore the activity of hepatocyte enzymes such as ALT and AST. Camel milk is an effective approximately as much as glibenclamide to normalize blood TG and cholesterol concentrations.

Introduction\udPosterior fossa (PF) tumours are associated with vasogenic oedema causing symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. Preoperatively this is managed with dexamethasone. To minimise steroid related complications, the lowest effective dose should be administered. No neurosurgical guidelines exist for pre-operative dosing of dexamethasone in PF tumours.\ud\udMethods\udA retrospective review was performed of surgically managed cases for patients under 16 years of age between 2013 and 2018 to ascertain the initial dose of dexamethasone with symptomatic PF tumours.\ud\udResults\udThirty-six patients were identified of which 30 notes were available. Sixteen were male. Median age was 6 years (range 10 months − 15 years). Twenty-two (73%) were referrals from DGH and 8 (27%) presented to our neurosurgical centre. All patients presented with symptomatic PF tumours including headache (97%), vomiting (93%), gait disturbance (43%), and nystagmus (17%). Four (13%) had papilloedema. Average initial stat dexamethasone dose was 9.15 mg; 0.31 mg/kg (range 1–16.7 mg; 0.05 − 1.77 mg/kg). Stratified according to weight, average dose (and range) was 8.8 mg; 0.94 mg/kg (1–16.6 mg; 0.13 − 1.77 mg/kg) in those weighing 30 kg up to a maximum of 16.6 mg in any 24h period. These results suggest that dosage was higher in those children weighing less. PPI was used in 24 (80%) of cases. All doses were reduced after review by the neurosurgical team and a PPI added.\ud\udConclusion\udPre-operative dexamethasone dosing does not always reflect the severity of clinical symptoms for PF tumours. Guidelines are required to correlate clinical symptoms with a suggested suitable dose of dexamethasone to prevent overdose and complications associated with corticosteroid use. We recommend a weight-based regimen as provided by the Food and Drug Administration. The current advice is for 0.02–0.3mg/kg/day in 3–4 divided doses

Pollution due to the industrialization has increased enormously, especially in the developing countries. Different reliable approaches are being used in the remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants. Microbe-mediated phytoremediation is considered as apotential approach for the treatment of mixed pollutants. Studies have reported that microbes, including bacteria and fungi, exhibit beneficial role in growth promotion, stress alleviation, and degradation. Further, microbes help plant species to survive under higher concentrations of pollutants in the soil. Microbes induce various innate plant growth promoting traits, including phytohormone production, siderophores, and chelating substances, thereby indirectly play a role in the bioremediation and microbe-mediated removal of various pollutants. These microbes mobilize the pollutants in the rhizosphere region of plants, which are then taken up by plants. They also help plants to resist against various environmental stresses. Plants, in turn, release the exudates and enzymes that stimulate biochemical and microbial activities in the adjoining soil, thus supporting the bioremediation. The challenge in future for the expansion of the microbe-based phytoremediation is to develop efficient tools for their credibility in predicting their effectiveness in restoration of contaminated sites. The current chapter highlights the specific role of microbes in assisting phytoremediation and challenges associated with plant-microbe interactions.

The photocatalytic technology illustrates an eco-friendly and sustainable route to overcome environmental and energy issues. The successful construction of a photocatalyst depends on four key elements: light absorption ability, the density of active sites, redox capacity, and photoinduced electron-hole recombination rate. Sincemost of intrinsic semiconductor photocatalysts cannot meet all these requirements, they are often modified to boost their photocatalytic properties. Many strategies have been adopted to design novel and efficient photocatalysts for diverse applications. Herein, we review the most efficient of these strategies and methods focused on effectively overcoming the efficiency limitations of photocatalysts to promote their large-scale application. Subsequently, a particular aim is put on the most current studies for photocatalytic applications, including CO

Atherosclerosis, the major underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease, commences with the binding and trapping of lipids on modified proteoglycans, with hyperelongated glycosaminoglycan chains. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulates glycosaminoglycan elongation in vascular smooth muscle cells. We have recently shown that this TGF-β signaling pathway involves reactive oxygen species (ROS). YY-11 is a dodecapeptide derived from camel milk and it has antioxidant activity. We have investigated the role of YY-11 in blocking ROS signaling and downstream atherogenic responses. YY-11 inhibited TGF-β stimulated ROS production and inhibited the expression of genes for glycosaminoglycan chain elongation as a component of an in vitro model of atherosclerosis. This study provides a biochemical mechanism for the role of camel milk as a potential nutritional product to contribute to the worldwide amelioration of cardiovascular disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The identification of readily accessible foods with antioxidant properties would provide a convenient and cost-effective approach community wide reducing oxidative stress induced pathologies such as atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that camel milk-derived peptide is an antioxidant that can inhibit growth factor-mediated proteoglycan modification in vitro. As proteoglycan modification is being recognized as one of the earliest atherogenic responses, these data support the notion of camel milk as a suitable nutritional product to contribute to the prevention of early stage of atherosclerosis development.

The development of cost-effective co-catalysts of high photocatalytic activity and recyclability is still a challenge in the energy transformation domain. In this study, 0D/2D Schottky heterojunctions, consisting of 0D ZnO and 2D Ti3C2, were successfully synthesized by the electrostatic self-assembling of ZnO nanoparticles on Ti3C2 nanosheets. In constructing these heterojunctions, Ti3C2 nanosheets acted as a co-catalyst for enhancing the transfer of excitons and their separation to support the photocatalytic response of ZnO. The as-prepared ZnO/Ti3C2 composites demonstrate an abbreviated charge transit channel, a huge interfacial contact area and the interfacial electrons' transport potential. The extended optical response and large reactive area of the ZnO/Ti3C2 composite promoted the formation of excitons and reactive sites on the photocatalyst's surface. The ZnO/Ti3C2 Schottky heterojunction showed significantly high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from a water-ethanol solution under the light illumination in the visible region. The hydrogen evolution overoptimized the ZnO/Ti3C2 composition with 30 wt.% of Ti3C2, which was eight times higher than the pristine ZnO. These findings can be helpful in developing 0D/2D heterojunction systems for photocatalytic applications by utilizing Ti3C2 as a low-cost co-catalyst. Web of Science 15 13 art. no. 4557

Magnetic nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (MDDSs) are gaining popularity over other known systems due to their superior biocompatibility and versatile loading capabilities. MDDSs are generally made up of iron oxide (Fe3O4, Fe2O3, etc.) superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Organic or inorganic alterations can be used to functionalize their surface for effective control over and drug delivery to the targeted place. The mechanism of MDDSs is more advanced than other drug delivery systems due to their strong targeting power and lesser side effects. MDDSs can be created by targeted ligand assembling, magnetic nanoparticle assemblage and loading of drugs. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and associated assemblages are reported as one of the innovative delivery methods due to their sensitive responsiveness to external magnetic fields. This paper is focused on magnetic and physicochemical properties of the ideal systems designed for drug delivery that fit in the criteria of unique medical applications. The surface alterations and functionalization concerns that come up when building complicated MDDSs for future clinical application are also discussed in this article. Finally, this discussion includes surface coating of magnetic nanoparticles with polymers, liposomes, silica etc. for their use as MDDSs in cancer detection and therapy. This study also highlights the challenges and latest developments in MDDSs delivery systems.

Background: School nurses are key professionals in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore teenagers' perceptions of their practical parenting skills and their attitudes toward experiential learning through the use of high fidelity baby simulators. Methods: Virtual baby simulator dolls were used as part of sex and relationship education with school students (aged 15–16 years) to look after over a weekend. Students were recruited from a UK academy and completed a diary of their experiences while parenting, received quantitative feedback simulator reports and completed a post-study evaluation questionnaire. Findings: Students saw the virtual baby project as beneficial and important in schools and perceived an improvement in their understanding of practical parenting skills, sexual health and contraception. Conclusion: The implications of this paper are toward involving school nurses more actively in sexual health education in schools via the use of high-fidelity simulators as creative pedagogy in PSHE.

Professionals working in the field of voice disorders have come to recognize the variability of vocal qualities in different populations. While voice disorders can be of organic, neurogenic, or functional etiology, concomitant disorders often directly impact the vocal features. Such a disorder is Tourette’s Syndrome which is an impairment characterized by motor and vocal tics. This study examined the prevalence of voice disorders in individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome. Research was conducted over the duration of two years with clientele aged 15;2 to 26;5. Participants were receiving continuous treatment from a team of neurologist and psychologist at private clinics situated around a suburban area. Two case studies consisting of 1-2 individuals were also closely examined to further distinguish the types of voice disorders present given the severity of motor and vocal tics. Instrumental and perceptual analysis was obtained to accurately diagnose the voice disorder. Given the sample of participants, presence of spasmodic dysphonia and falsetto were noted. Results of this study indicates a strong presence of dysphonia in individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome, particularly spasmodic dysphonia and falsetto. Additionally, dysphonic vocal qualities were irrelevant to the existence of vocal tics. Further research with this population is mandated to determine assessment and treatment strategies

Introduction Infliximab, a humanized, chimeric, monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α), has been shown to reduce the pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis, however, there is little information regarding sustained efficacy with long-term use of infliximab. We retrospectively investigate whether a reduction in disease response is maintained, over a prolonged course of therapy (up to 85 months) with infliximab, and report on adverse events associated with its use. Methods Subjects with multi-organ sarcoidosis were prescribed infliximab, between January 2000 to June 2010 due to failure of conventional therapy and were identified from the Drexel University College of Medicine sarcoidosis clinic. Retrospective patient reported symptom and objective clinical data analyses of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary findings were evaluated pre-infliximab and post or concurrent infliximab therapy. Any adverse events or reasons for discontinuation during infliximab therapy were reported. Results Twenty-six patients with biopsy proven sarcoidosis received anti-TNF therapy and met the criteria for study inclusion. Clinical evidence of sustained resolution or improvement was demonstrated in 58.5% of all organs assessed ( p = 0.001). No clinical change in disease activity was seen in 35.8% of all organs evaluated. Despite infliximab treatment, 5.7% had progressive disease activity. Adverse events were seen in 57.7% of patients treated with infliximab over a 46.2 month average duration of therapy. Three (12%) patients had an adverse event that required permanent discontinuation. Conclusions Infliximab is efficacious in the treatment of extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis and the efficacy is maintained with prolonged treatment. In patients with pulmonary sarcoid, sustained improvement in pulmonary imaging was seen after initiation of infliximab, however, post-treatment pulmonary function testing was not conclusive. Long-term infliximab therapy was well tolerated for our study group.

This paper discusses the output characteristics of the sensor response of infrared ethanol gas detectors based on incident radiation intensity. Sensors placed at each focal point of two elliptical waveguides were fabricated to yield two module combinations and to verify the output characteristics. A thin Parylene-C film was deposited onto the reflector surfaces of one module. The thermal properties were compared between the sensor (2.0 &Oslash, ) and sensor with a hollow disk (1.6 &Oslash, ), the disk being mounted at the end of one detector. The fabricated sensor modules were placed inside a gas chamber. The temperature was increased from 253 K to 333 K, over the concentration range from 0 to 500 ppm. As the temperature increases by 10 K, the output of sensor (2.0 &Oslash, ) without and with Parylene-C coating typically increased by 70 mV and 52 mV, respectively. However, the sensor output with the hollow disk showed an average decrement of 0.8 mV/50 ppm and 1 mV/50 ppm for module without and with Parylene-C deposition, respectively. For concentrations higher than 50 ppm, the estimation error was around &plusmn, 5%. Further, the sensitivity to temperature variation and the absorbance of infrared (IR) reflection was found higher for Parylene-C coated module.

Numerous variants of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, such as a bifid morphology, have been reported1. The prevalence of bifid median nerve with or without a persistent median artery continues to be intriguing. However, a bifid nerve has been observed in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The nerve compression via trauma, dilatation, thrombosis, and arterial calcification is disputed2. An ultrasound scan in longitudinal and transverse planes at the volar aspect of both wrists, at the level of the carpal tunnel, was obtained in 3 patients. Scans were performed using a GE Logiq e ultrasound machine equipped with a broadband linear probe from 8 to 13 MHz. The first case, an 80-year-old woman with history of osteoarthritis of the hands, presented with tingling and numbness at the median nerve area in the right …