Enhanced removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous media using a highly stable and magnetically separable rosin-biochar-coated TiO2@C nanocomposite

Recently, nanosized metal-oxides have been extensively investigated for their ability to remove metal ions from aqueous media. However, the activity and capacity of these nanosized metal-oxides for removing metal ions decrease owing to their agglomeration in aqueous media. Herein, we synthesized a highly stable and magnetically separable rosin-biochar-coated (RBC) TiO₂@C nanocomposite through a facile and environment-friendly wet chemical coating process, followed by a one-step heating route (pyrolysis) for efficient removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous solution. An array of techniques, namely, TEM, HRTEM, TEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, VSM, BET and TGA, were used to characterize the prepared nanocomposite. The pyrolysis of rosin into biochar and the fabrication of Fe onto the RBC-TiO₂@C nanocomposite were confirmed by FTIR and XRD examination, respectively. Moreover, TEM and HRTEM images and elemental mapping using TEM-EDS showed good dispersion of iron and carbon on the surface of the RBC-TiO₂@C nanocomposite. Sorption of Cr(vi) ions on the surface of the RBC-TiO₂@C nanocomposite was very fast and efficient, having a removal efficiency of ∼95% within the 1^st minute of reaction. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis showed negative values of Gibb''s free energy at all five temperatures, indicating that the adsorption of Cr(vi) ions on the RBC-TiO₂@C nanocomposite was favorable and spontaneous. Conclusively, our results indicate that the RBC-TiO₂@C nanocomposite can be used for efficient removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous media due to its novel synthesis and extraordinary adsorption efficacy during a short time period.

A biochar-coated RBC-TiO₂@C nanocomposite was synthesized using a wet chemical coating followed by a one-step heating route (pyrolysis) for the efficient removal of Cr(vi).     

Differences in COVID-19 Preventive Behavior and Food Insecurity by HIV Status in Nigeria

AIDS and Behavior - The aim of the study was to assess if there were significant differences in the adoption of COVID-19 risk preventive behaviors and experience of food insecurity by people living...     

Association between high vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration and clinical outcomes in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia - A retrospective cohort study

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases - The purpose of this study is to determine the role of high (≥ 1.5 mg/L) vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration...     

Obesity and tooth wear among American adults: the role of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks

Clinical Oral Investigations - To explore the association between obesity and tooth wear among American adults and the role of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks consumption in explaining that...     

β-Hydroxybutyrate protects from alcohol-induced liver injury via a Hcar2-cAMP dependent pathway

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The effect of nesiritide on renal function and other clinical parameters in patients with decompensated heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

The role of nesiritide in patients with decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (dHFpEF) has not been previously studied. In this investigation, the authors retrospectively analyzed the effect of nesiritide on renal function and clinical outcomes in patients admitted with dHFpEF. Of the 658 patients included, 328 were treated with nesiritide while 330 patients were treated with standard diuretic therapy. In both the nesiritide and no nesiritide groups, there was a significant change in mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine at 72 hours as well as at day of discharge (P<.001). This trend did not progress at 1 month in the nesiritide group, although it did in the no nesiritide group. At 1 month after therapy, however, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the mean change of GFR and creatinine (P<.001). There was no significant difference in >25% decrease of GFR anytime through day 30 (25% vs 29.69%, P=.236) between the two groups. On multivariate analysis, nesiritide was an important predictor of renal function at 1 month (P<.05). Thus, nesiritide can be administered safely without negatively impacting long-term renal function in patients admitted with dHFpEF.     

Assessment methods for angiogenesis and current approaches for its quantification

Angiogenesis is a physiological process which describes the development of new blood vessels from the existing vessels. It is a common and the most important process in the formation and development of blood vessels, so it is supportive in the healing of wounds and granulation of tissues. The different assays for the evaluation of angiogenesis have been described with distinct advantages and some limitations. In order to develop angiogenic and antiangiogenic techniques, continuous efforts have been resulted to give animal models for more quantitative analysis of angiogenesis. Most of the studies on angiogenic inducers and inhibitors rely on various models, both in vitro, in vivo and in ova, as indicators of efficacy. The angiogenesis assays are very much helpful to test efficacy of both pro- and anti- angiogenic agents. The development of non-invasive procedures for quantification of angiogenesis will facilitate this process significantly. The main objective of this review article is to focus on the novel and existing methods of angiogenesis and their quantification techniques. These findings will be helpful to establish the most convenient methods for the detection, quantification of angiogenesis and to develop a novel, well tolerated and cost effective anti-angiogenic treatment in the near future.KEY WORDS: Angiogenesis, angiogenesis assays, quantification techniques