Enhancing capacitive performance of magnetite-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites through magnetic field-assisted ion migration.

The transition towards renewable energy sources necessitates efficient energy storage systems to meet growing demands. Electrochemical capacitors, particularly electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), show promising performance due to their superior properties. However, the presence of resistance limits their performance. This study explores using an external magnetic field to mitigate ion transfer resistance and enhance capacitance in magnetite-reduced graphene oxide (M-rGO) nanocomposites. M-rGO nanocomposites with varying weight ratios of magnetite were synthesized and comprehensively characterized. Characterization highlighted the difference in certain parameters such as C/O ratio, the Id/Ig ratio, surface area and particle size that contribute towards alteration of M-rGO's capacitive behaviour. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that applying a magnetic field increased specific capacitance by approximately 20% and reduced resistance by 33%. Notably, a maximum specific capacitance of 16.36 F/g (at a scan rate of 0.1 V/s) and 27.24 F/g (at a current density of 0.25 A/g) was achieved. These improvements were attributed to enhanced ion transportation and migration at the electrode/electrolyte interface, lowering overall resistance. However, it was also observed that the aforementioned parameters can also limit the M-rGO's performance, resulting in saturated capacitive state despite a reduced resistance. The integration of magnetic fields enhances energy storage in nanocomposite systems, necessitating further investigation into underlying mechanisms and practical applications.

Recycled gold-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet.

In this study, gold-reduced graphene oxide (Au@rGO) nanocomposite has been synthesized by repurposing electronic waste and dry batteries. This innovative approach involved utilizing the graphite rod from dry batteries to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which was subsequently modified through the incorporation of gold nanoparticles obtained from recycled electronic waste. This methodology marks a significant breakthrough in electronic waste recycling, presenting a cost-effective and sustainable means of creating novel nanocomposites for applications in photocatalysis and adsorption, particularly in the removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous media. The synthesized Au@rGO nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersed X-ray, and N2 adsorption/desorption. Parameters that affect the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of CV dye have been studied in detail. The optimal conditions for CV adsorption and photocatalytic degradation were pH of 10, equilibrium time of 30 min, CV concentration of 10 mg/L and adsorbent dosage of 40 mg. Furthermore, the isotherm and kinetics of CV removal were also studied. The removal of CV dye using adsorption and photocatalytic degradation techniques reached 95% and 99%, respectively. Consequently, the results showed that photocatalytic degradation of CV dye onto the mesoporous Au@rGO nanocomposite is more proper way than the adsorption technique for removing the CV dye from aqueous media. The designed photocatalyst has high efficiency and it can be reused and activated several times so it can be used in real water treatment applications.

Eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent derived from blast furnace slag with black liquor waste for hazardous remediation.

The current investigation concerns with preparation eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent (mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SBL)) based on black liquor (BL) containing lignin derived from sugarcane bagasse and combining it with sodium silicate derived from blast furnace slag (BFS) for thorium adsorption. Thorium ions were adsorbed from an aqueous solution using the synthesized bio-sorbent (SBL), which was then assessed by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Th(IV) sorption properties, including the pH effect, uptake rate, and sorption isotherms across various temperatures were investigated. The maximum sorption capacity of Th(IV) on SBL is 158.88 mg/L at pH value of 4328 K, and 60 min contact time. We demonstrated that the adsorption processes comport well with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir adsorption models considering the kinetics and equilibrium data. According to thermodynamic inspections results, the Th(IV) adsorption process exhibited endothermic and random behavior suggested by positive ΔH° and ΔS° values, while the negative ΔG° values indicated a spontaneous sorption process. The maximum Th(IV) desorption from the loaded SBL (Th/SBL) was carried out at 0.25 M of NaHCO3 and 60 min of contact. Sorption/desorption processes have five successive cycles. Finally, this study suggests that the recycling of BFS and BL can be exploited for the procurement of a promising Th(IV) adsorbents.

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 M HCl by pyrazolone-sulfonamide hybrids: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation.

Carbon steel is widely used in the petroleum industry for pipelines, storage tanks, and equipment due to its mechanical properties, and strength. However, challenges such as environmental conditions and corrosive materials can affect its lifespan and require maintenance and repair. This work aimed to prepare pyrazalone-sulfonamide hybrids, and confirmed by mass spectra, FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. These compounds were examined as mild steel corrosion inhibitors in 1 M HCl solutions at 298-323 K using the gravimetric technique, electrochemical measurements, scanning electronic microscope analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The values of inhibitory efficiency identified by electrochemical and non-electrochemical techniques exhibit good agreement. At various temperatures and in the 50 to 500 ppm concentration range. During the adsorption process, these substances connect to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Some adsorption isotherm and kinetic parameters have been developed and discussed. The metal surface had a thin inhibitory protective layer, according to investigations using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). These findings demonstrated the potential of pyrazolone-sulfonamide as effective organic corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel.

Response of Diverse Peanut Cultivars to Nano and Conventional Calcium Forms under Alkaline Sandy Soil.

Calcium is one of the most limiting factors for the growth and reproduction of peanut, which ultimately affects pod and seed yields. A two-year field experiment was carried out to assess the impact of five calcium applications, including nano-calcium and conventional forms, on growth, leaf nutrient content, yield traits, and quality parameters of three diverse peanut cultivars (Ismailia-1, Giza-5, and Giza-6). The applied calcium applications were calcium sulfate, which is recommended for commercial peanut cultivation and commonly referred to as gypsum (coded as Ca-1), calcium nitrate (Ca-2), nano-calcium nitrate (Ca-3), 50% calcium nitrate + 50% nano-calcium (Ca-4), and 50% calcium sulfate + 50% nano-calcium (Ca-5). Calcium sulfate (gypsum, Ca-1) was soil-supplied during the seedbed preparation as recommended, while the other calcium applications (Ca-2, Ca-3, Ca-4, and Ca-5) were exogenously sprayed three times at 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing. The soil of the experimental site was alkaline, with a high pH of 8.6. The results revealed significant differences among cultivars, calcium applications, and their interactions. The soil-supplied gypsum Ca-1 displayed lower agronomic performance on all recorded growth, leaf nutrient content, yield traits, and quality parameters. On the other hand, the foliar-supplied calcium, particularly Ca-4 and Ca-5, displayed superior effects compared to the other simple calcium forms. Ca-4 and Ca-5 produced significantly higher seed yield (3.58 and 3.38 t/ha) than the simple recommended form (Ca-1, 2.34 t/ha). This could be due to the difficulty of calcium uptake from soil-supplied calcium under high soil pH compared to the exogenously sprayed nano-calcium form. Moreover, the superior performance of Ca-4 and Ca-5 could be caused by the mixture of fertilizers from the synergistic effect of calcium and nitrate or sulfate. Furthermore, the effect of nitrate was applied in nano form in the Ca4 and Ca-5 treatments, which contributed to improving nutrient uptake efficiency and plant growth compared to the other treatments. The peanut cultivar Giza-6 showed superiority for most measured traits over the other two cultivars. The interaction effect between the assessed cultivars and calcium applications was significant for various traits. The cultivar Giza-6 showed a significant advantage for most measured traits with the mixture of 50% calcium nitrate + 50% nano-calcium (Ca-4). Conclusively, the results pointed out the advantage of the exogenously sprayed nano-calcium form combined with calcium nitrate or calcium sulfate for promoting growth, leaf nutrient content, yield, and quality traits of peanut, particularly with high-yielding cultivars under sandy soil with high pH.

Induction of Systemic Resistance in Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. to Control Root Rot and Wilt Diseases Using Biotic and Abiotic Inducers.

The possibility of inducing systemic resistance in roselle against root rot and wilt diseases was investigated using biotic and abiotic inducers. The biotic inducers included three biocontrol agents (i.e., Bacillus subtilis, Gliocladium catenulatum, and Trichoderma asperellum) and two biofertilizers (i.e., microbein and mycorrhizeen), while the abiotic inducers included three chemical materials (i.e., ascorbic acid, potassium silicate, and salicylic acid). In addition, preliminary in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the tested inducers on the growth of pathogenic fungi. The results show that G. catenulatum was the most efficient biocontrol agent. It reduced the linear growth of Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, and Macrophomina phaseolina by 76.1, 73.4, and 73.2%, respectively, followed by B. subtilis by 71.4, 69, and 68.3%, respectively. Similarly, potassium silicate was the most effective chemical inducer followed by salicylic acid, each at 2000 ppm. They reduced the linear growth of F. solani by 62.3 and 55.7%; M. phaseolina by 60.7 and 53.1%; and F. oxysporum by 60.3 and 53%, respectively. In the greenhouse, all inducers applied as a seed treatment and/or foliar spray strongly limited the development of root rot and wilt diseases. In this regard, G. catenulatum, at 1 × 109 CFU mL-1, achieved the highest values of disease control, followed by B. subtilis; while T. asperellum, at 1 × 105 CFU mL-1, recorded the lowest values. In addition, the plants treated with potassium silicate followed by salicylic acid, each at 4 g/L, recorded the highest disease control compared to ascorbic acid at 1 g/L, which had the lowest values. The mixture of mycorrhizeen + microbein (at 10 g/kg seeds) was the most effective compared to either of them alone. All treatments, applied alone or in combination in the field, significantly reduced the incidence of diseases. The most effective treatments were a mixture of G. catenulatum (Gc) + Bacillus subtilis (Bs) + Trichoderma asperellum (Ta); a mixture of ascorbic acid (AA) + potassium silicate (PS) + and salicylic (SA); G. catenulatum; potassium silicate; and a mixture of mycorrhizeen + microbein. Rhizolix T had the highest disease-reducing efficacy. In response to the treatments, significant improvements in growth and yield, changes in biochemicals, and increased activities of defense enzymes were achieved. This research points to the activity of some biotic and abiotic inducers that can play a vital role in managing the root rot and wilt of roselle through the induction of systemic plant resistance.

Hydrogen generation of single alloy Pd/Pt quantum dots over Co3O4 nanoparticles via the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride at room temperature.

To satisfy global energy demands and decrease the level of atmospheric greenhouse gases, alternative clean energy sources are required. Hydrogen is one of the most promising clean energy sources due to its high chemical energy density and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions. A single alloyed phase of Pd/Pt nanoclusters as quantum dots (QDs) was prepared and loaded over Co3O4 nanoparticles with a low loading percentage (1 wt.%) for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of NaBH4 at room temperature. L-glutathione (SG) was used as a capping ligand. It was found that the single alloy catalyst (Pd0.5-Pt0.5)n(SG)m/Co3O4 caused a significant enhancement in hydrogen generation in comparison to the monometallic clusters (Pdn(SG)m and Ptn(SG)m). Moreover, the Pd/Pt alloy showed a positive synergistic effect compared to the physical mixture of Pd and Pt clusters (1:1) over Co3O4. The QDs alloy and monometallic Pd and Pt clusters exhibited well-dispersed particle size in ~ 1 nm. The (Pd0.5-Pt0.5)n(SG)m)/Co3O4 catalyst offers a high hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 8333 mL min- 1 g- 1 at room temperature. The synergistic effect of Pd and Pt atoms in the nanoclusters alloy is the key point beyond this high activity, plus the prepared clusters' unique atomic packing structure and electronic properties. The effect of the NaBH4 concentration, catalyst amount, and reaction temperature (25-60 °C) were investigated, where HGR reaches 50 L min- 1 g- 1 at 60 °C under the same reaction conditions. The prepared catalysts were analyzed by UV-Vis, TGA, HR-TEM, XRD, and N2 adsorption/desorption techniques. The charge state of the Pd and Pt in monometallic and alloy nanoclusters is zero, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The catalysts showed high recyclability efficiency for at least five cycles due to the high leaching resistance of the alloy nanoclusters within the Co3O4 host. The prepared catalysts are highly efficient for energy-based applications.

Glycopolymer-Based Materials: Synthesis, Properties, and Biosensing Applications.

Glycopolymer materials have emerged as a significant biopolymer class that has piqued the scientific community's attention due to their potential applications. Recently, they have been found to be a unique synthetic biomaterial; glycopolymer materials have also been used for various applications, including direct therapeutic methods, medical adhesives, drug/gene delivery systems, and biosensor applications. Therefore, for the next stage of biomaterial research, it is essential to understand current breakthroughs in glycopolymer-based materials research. This review discusses the most widely utilized synthetic methodologies for glycopolymer-based materials, their properties based on structure-function interactions, and the significance of these materials in biosensing applications, among other topics. When creating glycopolymer materials, contemporary polymerization methods allow precise control over molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, chemical activity, and polymer architecture. This review concludes with a discussion of the challenges and complexities of glycopolymer-based biosensors, in addition to their potential applications in the future.

Structural, Electronic, Reactivity, and Conformational Features of 2,5,5-Trimethyl-1,3,2-diheterophosphinane-2-sulfide, and Its Derivatives: DFT, MEP, and NBO Calculations.

In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis to determine the structural, electronic, reactivity, and conformational features of 2,5,5-trimethyl-1,3,2-di-heteroatom (X) phosphinane-2-sulfide derivatives (X = O (compound 1), S (compound 2), and Se (compound 3)). We discovered that the features improve dramatically at 6-31G** and B3LYP/6-311+G** levels. The level of theory for the molecular structure was optimized first, followed by the frontier molecular orbital theory development to assess molecular stability and reactivity. Molecular orbital calculations, such as the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and the mapping of molecular electrostatic potential surfaces (MEP), were performed similarly to DFT calculations. In addition, the electrostatic potential of the molecule was used to map the electron density on a surface. In addition to revealing molecules' size and shape distribution, this study also shows the sites on the surface where molecules are most chemically reactive.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based nanofiber architectures for the removal of heavy metal ions.

Environmental heavy metal ions (HMIs) accumulate in living organisms and cause various diseases. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have proven to be promising and effective materials for removing heavy metal ions from contaminated water because of their high porosity, remarkable physical and chemical properties, and high specific surface area. MOFs are self-assembling metal ions or clusters with organic linkers. Metals are used as dowel pins to build two-dimensional or three-dimensional frameworks, and organic linkers serve as carriers. Modern research has mainly focused on designing MOFs-based materials with improved adsorption and separation properties. In this review, for the first time, an in-depth look at the use of MOFs nanofiber materials for HMIs removal applications is provided. This review will focus on the synthesis, properties, and recent advances and provide an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that will arise in the synthesis of future MOFs-nanofiber composites in this area. MOFs decorated on nanofibers possess rapid adsorption kinetics, a high adsorption capacity, excellent selectivity, and good reusability. In addition, the substantial adsorption capacities are mainly due to interactions between the target ions and functional binding groups on the MOFs-nanofiber composites and the highly ordered porous structure.

Membranes for Oil/Water Separation: A Review.

Recent advancements in separation and membrane technologies have shown a great potential in removing oil from wastewaters effectively. In addition, the capabilities have improved to fabricate membranes with tunable properties in terms of their wettability, permeability, antifouling, and mechanical properties that govern the treatment of oily wastewaters. Herein, authors have critically reviewed the literature on membrane technology for oil/water separation with a specific focus on: 1) membrane properties and characterization, 2) development of various materials (e.g., organic, inorganic, and hybrid membranes, and innovative materials), 3) membranes design (e.g., mixed matrix nanocomposite and multilayers), and 4) membrane fabrication techniques and surface modification techniques. The current challenges and future research directions in materials and fabrication techniques for membrane technology applications in oil/water separation are also highlighted. Thus, this review provides helpful guidance toward finding more effective, practical, and scalable solutions to tackle environmental pollution by oils.

Sarcocystis cruzi in Egyptian slaughtered cattle (Bos taurus): epidemiology, morphology and molecular description of the findings.

Background: Sarcocystis spp. are one of the most common foodborne tissue cyst-forming coccidia with a public health and veterinary concern. Aims: The existing study aimed to rectify the epidemiological profile of Sarcocystis spp. infection in the cattle carcasses as well as to explore the structure and phylogenetic features of Sarcocystis spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 292 cattle carcasses were checked for the existence of sarcocysts using light microscopy (LM) via muscle squash (MS) and peptic digestion (PD) analysis from January 2020 to December 2020. Individual sarcocysts from different cattle tissues were selected for morphologic characterization and DNA extraction. Each sarcocyst's 18S rDNA gene was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Results: Overall, 92.5% (270/292) of cattle tissue samples contained microscopic thin walled sarcocysts and were exclusively found in esophagus by light microscopy. A statistically insignificant relationship exists between the prevalence of infection and age groups, gender of cattle, and the seasonal dynamics (P>0.05). Sarcocysts ultrastructural features were completely discussed. Sequencing of 18S rDNA Sarcocystis gene confirmed S. cruzi (identity 99-100%), which was the first molecular identification of the current isolate in the study region. Conclusion: The current survey initially provides a brief account of knowledge about the epidemiology of Sarcocystis spp. infecting cattle and it is considered a starting point for the development of health awareness and efficient preventive schemes for this zoonotic protozoan parasite.

Clinical assessment of two inlay -retained bridge designs (proximal box-shaped and inlay shaped) in missing posterior teeth cases. (Randomized Clinical Trial) / Avaliação clínica de dois modelos de ponte fixa inlay (forma de caixa proximal e em forma de inlay) em casos de dentes posteriores ausentes. (Ensaio clínico randomizado)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of two inlay-retained bridge designs (proximal shaped and inlay shaped) in single missing posterior teeth cases. Material and Methods: A total of 70 cases with missing single posterior teeth were included in this study and divided into two groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio (n = 35 for each group). Group 1 (the control group): this group received an inlay retained bridge with inlay design on both abutments. Group 2 (the intervention group): this group received an inlay retained bridge with a proximal box on both abutments. PMMA resin (YAMAHACHI PMMA) was used for the try-in stage and monolithic zirconia (Katana, Kuraray) was used for the final restorations. The restoration surfaces were treated using sandblasting and Z-prime S (Bisco) and the cementation was done by using self-adhesive resin cement (Bisco). Fracture, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis were assessed using the modified United States Public Health Service for restoration clinical assessments (MUSPHS standards) over 12 months of follow-up. Results: The results show there was no significant difference between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was constructed to calculate the mean survival estimates of the two groups and we found that the two groups were clinically successful during a one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Both designs of inlay retained fixed dental prostheses revealed successful clinical performance in terms of Fracture, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho clínico de dois modelos de ponte fixa por inlay (formato proximal e formato inlay) em casos de dentes posteriores perdidos. Material e Métodos: Um total de 70 casos com perda de um único dente posterior foi incluído neste estudo e dividido em dois grupos com uma razão de alocação de 1: 1 (n = 35 para cada grupo). Grupo 1 (grupo controle): Este grupo recebeu uma ponte fixa por inlay com deseho de inlay em ambos os pilares. Grupo 2 (grupo intervenção): Este grupo recebeu uma ponte fixa inlay com uma caixa proximal em ambos os pilares. Resina de PMMA (YAMAHACHI PMMA) foi usada para a etapa de try-in e a zircônia monolítica (Katana, Kuraray) foi utilizada para as restaurações finais. As superfícies das restaurações foram jateadas com Z-prime S (Bisco) e a cimentação realizada com cimento resinoso autoadesivo (Bisco). Fratura, adaptação marginal, sensibilidade pós-operatória, cárie e gengivite foram avaliadas usando o Serviço de Saúde Pública dos Estados Unidos modificado para avaliações clínicas de restauração (padrões MUSPHS) ao longo de 12 meses de acompanhamento. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos. A curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier foi construída para calcular as estimativas de sobrevida média dos dois grupos e foi concluído que os dois grupos foram clinicamente bem-sucedidos durante um acompanhamento de um ano. Conclusão: Ambos os modelos de próteses dentárias fixas de inlay revelaram desempenho clínico bem-sucedido em termos de fratura, adaptação marginal, sensibilidade pós-operatória, cárie e gengivite(AU)

The Recent Progress on Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Electronic Applications.

Nanoscience enables researchers to develop new and cost-effective nanomaterials for energy, healthcare, and medical applications. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are currently increasingly synthesized for their superior physicochemical and electronic properties. Good knowledge of these characteristics allows the development of applications in all sensitive and essential fields in the service of humans and the environment. This review aims to summarize the Ag NPs synthesis methods, properties, applications, and future challenges. Generally, Ag NPs can be synthesized using physical, chemical, and biological routes. Due to the great and increasing demand for metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, researchers have invented a new, environmentally friendly, inexpensive synthetic method that replaces other methods with many defects. Studies of Ag NPs have increased after clear and substantial support from governments to develop nanotechnology. Ag NPs are the most widely due to their various potent properties. Thus, this comprehensive review discusses the different synthesis procedures and electronic applications of Ag NPs.

Green Synthesized of Ag/Ag2O Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Leaves Extracts of Phoenix dactylifera L. and Their Azo Dye Photodegradation.

In this study, silver/silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag/Ag2O NPs) were successfully biosynthesized using Phoenix dactylifera L. aqueous leaves extract. The effect of different plant extract/precursor contractions (volume ratio, v/v%) on Ag/Ag2O NP formation, their optical properties, and photocatalytic activity towards azo dye degradation, i.e., Congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB), were investigated. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature of Ag/Ag2O NPs with a crystallite size range from 28 to 39 nm. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the Ag/Ag2O NPs have an oval and spherical shape. UV-vis spectroscopy showed that Ag/Ag2O NPs have a direct bandgap of 2.07-2.86 eV and an indirect bandgap of 1.60-1.76 eV. Fourier transform infrared analysis suggests that the synthesized Ag/Ag2O NPs might be stabilized through the interactions of -OH and C=O groups in the carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids present in Phoenix dactylifera L. Interestingly, the prepared Ag/Ag2O NPs showed high catalytic degradation activity for CR dye. The photocatalytic degradation of the azo dye was monitored spectrophotometrically in a wavelength range of 250-900 nm, and a high decolorization efficiency (84.50%) was obtained after 50 min of reaction. As a result, the use of Phoenix dactylifera L. aqueous leaves extract offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly method.

Nanofiber-Based Face Masks and Respirators as COVID-19 Protection: A Review.

Wearing face masks, use of respirators, social distancing, and practicing personal hygiene are all measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This pandemic has revealed the deficiency of face masks and respirators across the world. Therefore, significant efforts are needed to develop air filtration and purification technologies, as well as innovative, alternative antibacterial and antiviral treatment methods. It has become urgent-in order for humankind to have a sustainable future-to provide a feasible solution to air pollution, particularly to capture fine inhalable particulate matter in the air. In this review, we present, concisely, the air pollutants and adverse health effects correlated with long- and short-term exposure to humans; we provide information about certified face masks and respirators, their compositions, filtration mechanisms, and the variations between surgical masks and N95 respirators, in order to alleviate confusion and misinformation. Then, we summarize the electrospun nanofiber-based filters and their unique properties to improve the filtration efficiency of face masks and respirators.

Ocular and auditory abnormalities in patients with vitiligo: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is characterized by the destruction of functional melanocytes in the skin. This destruction can target melanocytes anywhere in the body, in turn affecting the function of the organs in which the affected melanocytes reside. Melanocytes in the skin, uveal tract and ear are similar in their physiology and morphology, and share a common embryological origin. AIM: To study the association of vitiligo with ocular and auditory abnormalities. METHODS: This case-control study was carried out on 40 patients with vitiligo and 20 healthy controls (HCs). All patients and HCs underwent auditory examination (otoscopic examination and immittance audiometry to assess middle ear pressure and exclude tympanic membrane perforation; pure tone audiometry to assess peripheral hearing sensitivity; and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions to assess central hearing ability) and standard ocular examination including visual acuity test, slit lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Compared with controls, there was a significantly higher prevalence of hearing loss and ocular abnormalities in patients with vitiligo but no significant difference in visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Vitiligo is a systemic disease that can be associated with impairment of melanocyte function organs other than the skin, including the eyes and ears. The function of auditory melanocytes is related to the hearing process and thus their destruction could lead to hearing impairment. By contrast, ocular melanocytes do not play a direct role in detection or transfer of visual information, and thus should not affect vision. Vitiligo may be associated with ocular abnormalities and hearing loss.

Ravidasvir hydrochloride for genotype 1 hepatitis C treatment.

Effective oral combination regimens have been approved for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and demonstrated high cure rates in different HCV genotypes. These direct-acting agents target a variety of HCV proteins, including HCV-NS5A (nonstructural protein 5A). Ravidasvir hydrochloride, a potent pan-genotypic HCV-NS5A inhibitor approved in Egypt for treatment of HCV genotype 4 (G4), demonstrated impressive efficacy, safety profiles and a high barrier to resistance in multiple clinical trials when used as a key component in combination with other direct-acting agents in treating patients with HCV-G1.

Recent advances in dye and metal ion removal using efficient adsorbents and novel nano-based materials: an overview.

Excessive levels of dyes and heavy metals in water sources have long been a source of concern, posing significant environmental and public health threats. However, adsorption is a feasible technique for removing dye contaminants and heavy metals from water due to its high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and easy operation. Numerous researchers in batch studies extensively evaluated various adsorbents such as natural materials, and agriculture-derived and industrial wastes; however, large-scale application is still missing. Nanotechnology is a novel approach that has arisen as one of the most versatile and cost-effective ways for dye and heavy metal removal. Its promotion on large-scale applications to investigate technological, fiscal, and environmental aspects for wastewater decontamination is particularly important. This review critically reviews wastewater treatment techniques, emphasizing the adsorption process and highlighting the most effective parameters: solution pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorbent particle size, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature. In addition, a comprehensive, up-to-date list of potentially effective low-cost adsorbents and nano-sorbents for the removal of dyes and heavy metals has been compiled. Finally, the challenges towards the practical application of the adsorption process based on various adsorbents have been drawn from the literature reviewed, and our suggested future perspectives are proposed.

Evaluation of serum cardiac troponin I and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent, immune-mediated, hair-loss disorder. It is associated with other autoimmune disorders that carry a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a lack of reports on the association of cardiovascular comorbidities and AA. Cardiac troponin I is a biomarker of myocardial ischaemia and inflammation, while N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is used in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure. This study was conducted to assess the serum level of both markers by ELISA in 44 patients with AA compared with 44 healthy controls (HCs). None of the participants had CVD, CVD risk factors or other diseases associated with elevation of either marker. The study revealed that serum levels of both markers were significantly higher in patients with AA compared with HCs (P < 0.001). The inflammatory milieu encountered in AA may be associated with subtle myocardial inflammation that causes elevation of levels of both of these cardiac markers.