Surface-Functionalized Magnetic Silica-Malachite Tricomposite (Fe-M-Si tricomposite): A Promising Adsorbent for the Removal of Cypermethrin.

This study assessed the efficacy of adsorption for eliminating the agricultural pesticide cypermethrin (CP) from wastewater using various adsorbents: silica, malachite, and magnetite. Magnetic nanocomposites (NCs) (with varying amounts of Fe3O4 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt/wt %) were synthesized, including Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), bicomposites, and tricomposites, calcined at 300 and 500 °C, and then tested for CP removal. The study was conducted in two phases, with the objective of initially assessing how effectively each individual NP performed and then evaluating how effectively the NCs performed when used for the adsorption of CP. Notably, the Fe3O4-malachite combination exhibited superior CP removal, with the 0.25-Fe-M NC achieving the highest adsorption at 635.4 mg/g. This success was attributed to the large surface area, magnetic properties of Fe3O4, and adsorption capabilities of malachite. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherm analysis indicated that the NCs had potential applications in adsorption and separation processes. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical, irregular shaped morphology of the synthesized NPs and NCs. However, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of surface functionalized materials such as surface functionalized malachite [Cu2CO3(OH)2] with Fe3O4 and SiO2 may be complicated by the specific functionalization method used and the relative amounts and crystallographic orientations of each component. Therefore, careful interpretation and analysis of the XRD pattern, along with other techniques, are necessary for accurate identification and characterization of the functionalized material. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive investigation of several adsorbents and NCs for CP removal at neutral pH. The innovation stems from the synergistic action of Fe3O4 and malachite, which results in improved CP removal due to their combined surface properties and magnetic characteristics. The application of magnetic NCs in adsorption and separation, as validated by BET isotherm analysis, highlights the potential breakthrough in addressing pesticide contamination.

Synthesis of novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory galloyl ß-sitosterol-loaded lignin-capped Ag-based drug.

Biocompatible anti-inflammatory lignin-capped Ag (LCAg) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the delivery of galloyl ß-sitosterol (Galloyl-BS). ß-Sitosterol (BS) is effective against inflammatory responses, like cancer-induced inflammations. BS was modified via gallic acid esterification to enhance its anti-inflammatory potential. LCAg NPs were synthesized by a green method and loaded with galloyl-BS. For comparison, pure BS was also loaded onto LCAg NPs in a separate assembly. The antioxidant potential of Galloyl-BS was greater (IC50 177 µM) than pure BS. Materials were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, XRD, and Zeta potential. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, drug release experiments were performed by varying pH, time, concentration, and temperature. Maximum drug release was observed after 18 h at pH 6 and 40 °C. Galloyl-BS showed improved drug loading efficiency, release %age, and antioxidant activity compared to pure BS when loaded onto LCAg NPs. DLCAg exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activity in rat models. These findings indicate that galloyl-BS (drug)-loaded LCAg (DLCAg) NPs have the potential as an anti-inflammatory agent without any prior release and scavenging in normal cells.

Improved photocatalytic decolorization of reactive black 5 dye through synthesis of graphene quantum dots-nitrogen-doped TiO2.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a new solid-state electron transfer material was anchored to nitrogen-doped TiO2 via sol gel method. The introduction of GQDs effectively extended light absorption of TiO2 from UV to visible region. GQD-N-TiO2 demonstrated lower PL intensity at excitation wavelengths of 320 to 450 nm confirming enhanced exciton lifespan. GQD-N-TiO2-300 revealed higher surface area (191.91m2 g-1), pore diameter (1.94 nm), TEM particle size distribution (4.88 ± 1.26 nm) with lattice spacing of 0.45 nm and bandgap (2.91 eV). In addition, GQDs incorporation shifted XPS spectrum of Ti 2p to lower binding energy level (458.36 eV), while substitution of oxygen sites in TiO2 lattice by carbon were confirmed through deconvolution of C 1 s spectrum. Photocatalytic reaction followed the pseudo first order reaction and continuous reductions in apparent rate constant (Kapp) with incremental increase in RB5 concentration. Langmuir-Hinshelwood model showed surface reaction rate constants KC = 1.95 mg L-1 min-1 and KLH = 0.76 L mg-1. The active species trapping, and mechanism studies indicated the photocatalytic decolorization of RB5 through GQD-N-TiO2 was governed by type II heterojunction. Overall, the photodecolorization reactions were triggered by the formation of holes and reactive oxygen species. The presence of •OH, 1O2, and O2• during the photocatalytic process were confirmed through EPR analysis. The excellent photocatalytic decolorization of the synthesized nanocomposite against RB5 can be ascribed to the presence of GQDs in the TiO2 lattice that acted as excellent electron transporter and photosensitizer. This study provides a basis for using nonmetal, abundant, and benign materials like graphene quantum dots to enhance the TiO2 photocatalytic efficiency, opening new possibilities for environmental applications.

Visible Light-Induced Reactive Yellow 145 Discoloration: Structural and Photocatalytic Studies of Graphene Quantum Dot-Incorporated TiO2.

Visible light-induced photocatalytic treatment of organic waste is considered a green and efficient route. This study explored the structural and photocatalytic performance of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-incorporated TiO2 nanocomposites to treat reactive yellow 145 (RY145) dye. For the effective removal of the RY145, efforts were made to better understand the kinetics of the process and optimization of the treatment parameters. Different GQD-doped TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized employing the sol-gel method. Physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposites were studied through FTIR, XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX. Screening studies were conducted for synthesis and reaction optimization. The results indicated that GQD-TiO2 significantly enhanced the photocatalytic discoloration for RY145 dye. Among the synthesized nanocomposites, 15GQD-TiO2 calcined at 300 exhibited 99.3% RY145 discoloration in 30 min under visible light irradiation. Following the pseudo-first-order reaction, the photocatalytic reaction constant K app progressively declined with an increase in the concentration of RY145. The heterogeneous reaction system conformed to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood isotherm, as indicated by the K C (1.08 mg L-1 min-1) and the K LH (0.18 L mg-1) values. O2 •- was found to be the major contributor in GQD-TiO2-300 to decolorize RY154, while TiO2 and GQDs played a vital role in generation of electrons and holes. Additionally, after recycling to the seventh cycle, only 9% decline in photocatalytic performance was observed for the synthesized nanocomposite.

Bentonite binding with mercury(II) ion through promotion of reactive oxygen species derived from manure-based dissolved organic matter.

This study reports the mercury binding by bentonite clay influenced by cattle manure-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM). The DOM (as total organic carbon; TOC) was reacted with bentonite at 5.2 pH to monitor the subsequent uptake of Hg2+ for 5 days. The binding kinetics of Hg2+ to the resulting composite was studied (metal = 350 µM/L, pH 5.2). Bentonite-DOM bound much more Hg2+ than original bentonite and accredited to the establishment of further binding sites. On the other hand, the presence of DOM was found to decrease the Hg2+ binding on the clay surface, specifically, the percent decrease of metal with increasing DOM concentration. Post to binding of DOM with bentonite resulted in increased particle size diameter (~ 33.37- ~ 87.67 nm) by inducing the mineral modification of the pore size distribution, thus increasing the binding sites. The XPS and FTIR results confirm the pronounced physico-chemical features of bentonite-DOM more than that of bentonite. Hydroxyl and oxygen vacancies on the surface were found actively involved in Hg2+ uptake by bentonite-DOM composite. Furthermore, DOM increased the content of Hg2+ binding by ~ 10% (pseudo-second-order qe = 90.9-100.0) through boosting up Fe3+ reduction with the DOM. The quenching experiment revealed that more oxygen functionalities were generated in bentonite-DOM, where hydroxyl was found to be dominant specie for Hg2+ binding. The findings of this study can be used as theoretical reference for mineral metal interaction under inhibitory or facilitating role of DOM, risk assessment, management, and mobilization/immobilization of mercury in organic matter-containing environment.

Dynamic light scattering and zeta-potential as a tool for understanding the mechanism of pesticides binding toward individual components of transition metal nanoparticles and graphene oxide hybrids.

Pesticides present in their commercial formulations are studied for their preferable binding toward carbon-based graphene oxide (GO) or transition metal nanoparticles (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu), present as hybrids. This simple study also reveals the mechanism of interaction of few selected different classes of pesticides, namely, λ-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and metsulfuron-methyl toward these hybrids. Individually, to study this comparative binding when hybrids are not used, the understanding of preferred binding toward any of these selected compounds could be challenging, costly, and time-consuming. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is used to study the changes observed for hydrodynamic radius and zeta potential for the stability of the resulting products. This simple method can also be extended to identify the binding mechanism for other diverse set of combinations. These studies are supported by binding of GO with nanoparticles in batch adsorption and the best fit using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms is presented. Moreover, pesticide adsorption toward GO-nanoparticle composites is also evidenced.

Firm innovation activities and consumer brand loyalty: A path to business sustainability in Asia.

Background: In recent years, technological advancements have increased the importance of innovation activities. Therefore, firms invest millions of dollars in innovation activities to ensure long-term business sustainability. Similarly, consumer concerns have increased dramatically over the past years. Thus, brand loyalty has become a top priority for firms and consumers. In this background, this research examines how firms' innovation activities translate into consumer brand loyalty to assure business sustainability in Asian markets, particularly China, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Objectives: This study's specific objectives are to comprehend the concept of firms' innovation activities and their effect on the brand prototype. Examine the effect of the brand prototype on global brand preference, recommendation, and loyalty among Asian consumers. Find out the impact of brand preference on brand recommendations and the influence of brand recommendations on brand loyalty among Asian consumers. Materials and methods: A total of 814 consumers from Asian countries (China, Pakistan, and Indonesia) participated in this study, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results: The findings indicate that firms' innovation activities, such as processes, products, and store environment, positively influenced the brand prototype, thereby increasing consumer brand knowledge. Likewise, brand prototype contributes to developing brand preference, brand recommendation, and brand loyalty among Asian consumers. Lastly, consumer brand preference significantly influenced brand recommendation, which positively improves consumer brand loyalty in Asia. Conclusion: This study concluded that Asian (Chinese, Pakistani, and Indonesian) consumers have favorable perceptions of firms' innovation activities (i.e., process, product, and store environment innovation), which influences their ability to develop brand prototypes to increase consumer brand knowledge. Similarly, brand prototype fosters brand preference, recommendation, and loyalty. Likewise, favorable brand preference encourages consumers to recommend the brand to others, strengthening brand loyalty. Thus, firms should invest in innovation activities to strengthen consumer brand loyalty in Asian markets. Consequently, this study may assist multinational corporations in increasing their business volumes and market shares in Asia. Managerial recommendations: This study provides important managerial recommendations. The findings revealed that global managers can develop and implement several branding strategies for sustaining their businesses in the Asian environment.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic, Bactericidal, and Molecular Docking Analysis of Cu-Fe/TiO2 Photocatalysts: Influence of Metallic Impurities and Calcination Temperature on Charge Recombination.

This research evaluated the potential photocatalytic efficiency of synthesized Cu-Fe/TiO2 photocatalysts against organic contaminants and biocontaminants through various synthesis methods (Cu-to-Fe ratio, metal loading, and calcination temperature) and reaction parameters (photocatalyst dose, irradiation time, and different initial methyl orange (MO) concentrations). In addition, the best photocatalysts were characterized through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis techniques. The best metal loading was 1 wt % with 5:5 Cu/Fe ratio and 300 °C calcination temperature (5Cu-5Fe/TiO2-300) having 97% MO decolorization. Further analysis indicates that the metal presence does not generate new channels for de-excitation but clearly affects the intensity and decreases charge recombination. The behavior of the photoluminescence intensity is (inversely) proportional to the activity behavior through the series, indicating that the main catalytic effect of Fe and Cu relates to charge recombination and that the Cu-Fe bimetallic catalyst optimizes such function. Moreover, the best-engineered photocatalysts asserted impactful bacteriostatic efficacy toward the tested Escherichia coli strain (in 30 min), and therefore, molecular docking studies were used to predict the inhibition pathway against E. coli ß-lactamase enzyme. The photocatalyst had a high negative docking score (-5.9 kcal mol-1) due to intense interactions within the active site of the enzyme. The molecular docking study revealed that the ligand could inhibit ß-lactamase from producing its bactericidal activity.

Graphene quantum dot and iron co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts: Synthesis, performance evaluation and phytotoxicity studies.

The present study reports the synthesis, photocatalytic decolorization of reactive black 5 dye and phytotoxicity of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and iron co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts via modified sol gel method. GQDs were synthesized by direct pyrolysis of citric acid (CA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the best performing photocatalysts. The results indicated improved physicochemical properties of GQD-0.1Fe-TiO2-300 with root mean square roughness (Rz) (33.82 nm), higher surface area (170.79 m2 g-1), pore volume (0.08 cm3 g-1), and bandgap (2.94 eV). Moreover, GQD-0.1Fe co-doping of TiO2 greatly improved the photocatalytic decolorization efficiency for RB5 dye. The photocatalytic reaction followed the pseudo first order reaction with gradual decrease in Kapp values for increment in RB5 concentration. The KC value was obtained as 2.45 mg L-1 min-1 while the KLH value was 0.45 L mg-1 indicating the heterogeneous reaction system followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood isotherm and simultaneously occurring adsorption and photocatalytic processes. Photocatalytic reaction mechanism studies exhibited the holes and OH radicals as the main active species in the GQD-0.1Fe-TiO2-300 responsible for the decolorization of RB5. The proposed reaction pathway showed that both Fe-TiO2 and GQDs play important role in generation of electrons and holes. Additionally, GQD-0.1Fe-TiO2-300 were durable up to four cycles. Phytotoxicity assay displayed that treated water and best performing photocatalysts had no effect on Lycopersicon esculentum seed germination. Therefore, the proposed system can pave a viable solution for safe usage of dye loaded wastewater and effluent for irrigation after treatment.

Synthesis and Characterization of Fe-TiO2 Nanomaterial: Performance Evaluation for RB5 Decolorization and In Vitro Antibacterial Studies.

A photocatalytic system for decolorization of double azo reactive black 5 (RB5) dye and water disinfection of E. coli was developed. Sol gel method was employed for the synthesis of Fe-TiO2 photocatalysts and were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Results showed that photocatalytic efficiency was greatly influenced by 0.1 weight percent iron loading and 300 °C calcination temperature. The optimized reaction parameters were found to be the ambient temperature, working solution pH 6.2 and 1 mg g-1 dose to completely decolorize RB5. The isotherm studies showed that RB5 adsorption by Fe-TiO2 followed the Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity of 42.7 mg g-1 and Kads 0.0079 L mg-1. Under illumination, the modified photocatalytic material had higher decolorization efficiency as compared to unmodified photocatalyst. Kinetic studies of the modified material under visible light irradiation indicated the reaction followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The illumination reaction followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model as the rate of dye decolorization increased with an incremental increase in dye concentration. The L-H constant Kc was 1.5542 mg L-1∙h-1 while Kads was found 0.1317 L mg-1. The best photocatalyst showed prominent percent reduction of E. coli in 120 min. Finally, 0.1Fe-TiO2-300 could be an efficient photocatalyst and can provide a composite solution for RB5 decolorization and bacterial strain inhibition.

Photocatalytic Decolorization and Biocidal Applications of Nonmetal Doped TiO2: Isotherm, Kinetic Modeling and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies.

Textile dyes and microbial contamination of surface water bodies have been recognized as emerging quality concerns around the globe. The simultaneous resolve of such impurities can pave the route for an amicable technological solution. This study reports the photocatalytic performance and the biocidal potential of nitrogen-doped TiO2 against reactive black 5 (RB5), a double azo dye and E. coli. Molecular docking was performed to identify and quantify the interactions of the TiO2 with ß-lactamase enzyme and to predict the biocidal mechanism. The sol-gel technique was employed for the synthesis of different mol% nitrogen-doped TiO2. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The effects of different synthesis and reaction parameters were studied. RB5 dye degradation was monitored by tracking shifts in the absorption spectrum and percent chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. The best nanomaterial depicted 5.57 nm crystallite size, 49.54 m2 g-1 specific surface area, 11-40 nm particle size with spherical morphologies, and uniform distribution. The RB5 decolorization data fits well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the maximum monolayer coverage capacity for the Langmuir adsorption model was found to be 40 mg g-1 with Kads of 0.113 mg-1. The LH model yielded a higher coefficient KC (1.15 mg L-1 h-1) compared to the adsorption constant KLH (0.3084 L mg-1). 90% COD removal was achieved in 60 min of irradiation, confirmed by the disappearance of spectral peaks. The best-optimized photocatalysts showed a noticeable biocidal potential against human pathogenic strain E. coli in 150 min. The biocidal mechanism of best-optimized photocatalyst was predicted by molecular docking simulation against E. coli ß-lactamase enzyme. The docking score (-7.6 kcal mol-1) and the binding interaction with the active site residues (Lys315, Thr316, and Glu272) of ß-lactamase further confirmed that inhibition of ß-lactamase could be a most probable mechanism of biocidal activity.

Influence of metallic species for efficient photocatalytic water disinfection: bactericidal mechanism of in vitro results using docking simulation.

TiO2-based heterogeneous photocatalysis systems have been reported with remarkable efficiency to decontaminate and mineralize a range of pollutants present in air and water medium. In the present study, a series of visible light active metal oxide TiO2 nanoparticle were synthesized and evaluated for their photodegradation efficiency against emerging textile pollutant (Reactive Yellow 145) and antibacterial applications. In the first phase, nanomaterial synthesis was carried out following various synthesis parameters like addition of metallic impurities (different types and concentration) and calcination temperature. In the second phase, synthesized nanomaterials were screened for their performance in terms of photocatalytic degradation of RY145 and the best one (Fe-1-T-3 with 100% RY145 removal within 80 min of irradiation) was further optimized against various reaction parameters. To get knowledge about the insights of nanomaterial performance for degradation of different environmental pollutants, the most important is to understand their physicochemical properties utilizing different characterization techniques. The physical morphology and elemental dispersion of metal-doped TiO2 nanomaterials were analyzed and results indicated that added metallic impurities were well dispersed onto the substrate surface. The efficient nanomaterials selected from initial screening were further assessed for photocatalytic disinfection efficiency against human pathogenic bacterial strains. Antimicrobial activities of the metal oxide nanomaterial were tested against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacterial strains. Possible mode of interaction of nanomaterial with bacterial DNA for bacterial cell inactivation was predicted using molecular docking simulation. The research project has the potential to contribute to multiple disciplines like material synthesis, water disinfection, and as green solutions for the textile industry replacing traditional technologies.

Phosphoric Acid Activated Carbon from Melia azedarach Waste Sawdust for Adsorptive Removal of Reactive Orange 16: Equilibrium Modelling and Thermodynamic Analysis.

Waste wood biomass as precursor for manufacturing activated carbon (AC) can provide a solution to ever increasing global water quality concerns. In our current work, Melia azedarach derived phosphoric acid-treated AC (MA-AC400) was manufactured at a laboratory scale. This novel MA-AC400 was tested for RO16 dye removal performance as a function of contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, temperature and initial dye concentration in a batch scale arrangement. MA-AC400 was characterized via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. MA-AC400 is characterized as mesoporous with BET surface area of 293.13 m2 g-1 and average pore width of 20.33 Å. pHPZC and Boehm titration confirm the acidic surface charges with dominance of phenolic functional groups. The average DLS particle size of MA-AC400 was found in the narrow range of 0.12 to 0.30 µm and this polydispersity was confirmed with multiple excitation fluorescence wavelengths. MA-AC400 showed equilibrium adsorption efficiency of 97.8% for RO16 dye at its initial concentration of 30 mg L-1 and adsorbent dose of 1 g L-1. Thermodynamic study endorsed the spontaneous, favorable, irreversible and exothermic process for RO16 adsorption onto MA-AC400. Equilibrium adsorption data was better explained by Langmuir with high goodness of fit (R2, 0.9964) and this fitness was endorsed with lower error functions. The kinetics data was found well fitted to pseudo-second order (PSO), and intra-particle diffusion kinetic models. Increasing diffusion constant values confirm the intraparticle diffusion at higher RO16 initial concentration and reverse was true for PSO chemisorption kinetics. MA-AC400 exhibited low desorption with studied eluents and its cost was calculated to be $8.36/kg.

Photocatalytic degradation and kinetic modeling of azo dye using bimetallic photocatalysts: effect of synthesis and operational parameters.

Industrial wastewaters are the major source polluting the surface and ground water resources. Pollutants released along with the untreated textile industry wastewaters are responsible for the great damage to the natural resources like water. Considering the hazardous effects of the azo dyes (textile coloring agents) and their byproducts, there is a need to develop cost-effective and efficient treatment method for the textile wastewaters as such dyes have been reported as toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic and can cause direct demolition of aquatic communities. One of the possible and effective treatment methods is the use of TiO2 photocatalysis due to its chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxic nature. The present study explored the photocatalytic potential of anatase-type of bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light irradiation for possible photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of Methyl Orange (MO), as model azo dye. The focus was to correlate the synthesis (different calcination temperatures, phase composition of TiO2 either anatase or rutile, and metal ion loading in terms of concentration and composition (Cu:Ni)) and operational parameters (photocatalyst loading, pollutant concentration, and irradiation time) that were believed responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance. Blank experiments were carried out to check the effect of metal loading in comparison to bare TiO2 and effect of absence or presence of light and photocatalysts on MO photodegradation. Results obtained using bimetallic photocatalysts are promising as compared to bare TiO2 as 100% MO removal and ~ 90% %COD removal were obtained in 90 min of irradiation, obeying a pseudo-first-order kinetics with photocatalytic reaction via the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism with a good linear fit. Photocatalysts synthesized using anatase TiO2 were reported with improved performance compared to rutile phase. It is evident that synthesis parameters influence photocatalyst performance directly. The higher rate constant (> 1) that proves the excellent adsorption capacity of the tested photocatalysts for tested pollutants on the surface may have a great prospective for photocatalytic water purification at neutral pH.

Erupt of malaria, dengue and chikungunya in Pakistan: Recent insights about prevalence, diagnosis and treatment.

Malaria, dengue and chikungunya are the most rampant mosquito-borne infections predominantly in Pakistan. They pose a serious threat and cause a havoc for the victims owing to the life threatening signs and symptoms marked with elevated morbidity and mortality rate. It seems hard to discriminate due to common indications, consequently, deserves appropriate diagnosis prior elevated toll of death. Present article encompasses depth insights about their prevalence, diagnosis and clinical manifestation if erupt in the pandemic. However, host-vector-host cycle is the root cause of transmission and diverse mosquito species confer dissimilar infections. Indeed these infections are seasonal but other factors like flood, open irrigation channels, immense agricultural land, rich fauna and water reservoirs can't be overlooked. Dire need was felt to acknowledge and aware the public about local transmission, vector control, entomologic, research resources, diagnosis and advancement in healthcare system to alleviate them absolutely in future.

5'-NUCLEOTIDASES OF NAJA NAJA KARACHIENSIS SNAKE VENOM: THEIR DETERMINATION, TOXICITIES AND REMEDIAL APPROACH BY NATURAL INHIBITORS (MEDICINAL PLANTS).

Present study was carried out regarding enzymatic assay for 5'-nucleotidase enzymes present in snake venom Naja naja karachiensis and to evaluate twenty eight medicinal plants as their antidotes. Elevated enzymatic activities i.e., 119, 183, 262 and 335 U/mL were observed in 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg of crude venom, respectively, in dose dependent manner. Among various plant extracts only two (Bauhinia vaiiegate L. and Citms linion (L.) Burm. f.) were found 94% effective at 160 µg to neutralize 112 U/mL activities (p 0.5) while reference standard was proved 93.2% useful at 80 pg to halt 111 U/mL activities. Cedrus deodara G. Don, Enicostemna hyssopifolium (Willd.) Verdoom, Terminalia arjuma Wight & Am. and Zingiber officinalis Rosc. (at 160 µg) were found ≥90% effective (0.5 ≥ p ≥ 0.1) while Citrulus colocynthis, Fogonia cretica L., Rhazya stticta Dcne and Stenolobiun stans (L.) D. Don (at 320 µg) were proved 90% effective (0.05 ≥ p ≥ 0.02). The remaining plant extracts were observed abortive (p ≥ 0.001) in neutralization of 5'-nucleotidases enzymatic actions. This study emphasizes further characterization of active plant extracts to further explore the antivenom influences of these herbal remedies against deleterious effects produced by 5'-nucleotidase enzymes after snake bite envenomation.

Radiation Dose-rate Reduction Pattern in Well-differentiated Thyroid Cancer Treated with I-131.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns of dose rate reduction in single and multiple radioiodine (I-131) therapies in cases of well differentiated thyroid cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Physics, Multan Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (MINAR), Multan, Pakistan, from December 2006 to December 2013. METHODOLOGY: Ninety three patients (167 therapies) with well differentiated thyroid cancer treated with different doses of I-131 as an in-patient were inducted. Fifty four patients were given only single I-131 therapy dose ranging from 70 mCi (2590 MBq) to 150 mCi (5550 MBq). Thirty nine patients were treated with multiple I-131 radioisotope therapy doses ranging from 80 mCi (2960 MBq) to 250 mCi (9250 MBq). T-test was applied on the sample data showed statistically significant difference between the two groups with p-value (p < 0.01) less than 0.05 taken as significant. RESULTS: There were 68 females and 25 males with an age range of 15 to 80 years. Mean age of the patients were 36 years. Among the 93 cases of first time Radio Active Iodine (RAI) therapy, 59 cases (63%) were discharged after 48 hours. Among 39 patients who received RAI therapy second time or more, most were discharged earlier after achieving acceptable discharge dose rate i.e 25 µSv/hour; 2 out of 39 (5%) were discharged after 48 hours. In 58% patients, given single I-131 therapy dose, majority of these were discharged after 48 hours without any major complications. CONCLUSION: For well differentiated thyroid cancer patients, rapid dose rate reduction is seen in patients receiving second or subsequent radioiodine (RAI) therapy, as compared to first time receiving RAI therapy.

Photocatalytic degradation of DIPA using bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalyst under visible light irradiation.

Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using wet impregnation (WI) method with TiO2 (Degussa-P25) as support and calcined at different temperatures (180, 200, and 300°C) for the photodegradation of DIPA under visible light. The photocatalysts were characterized using TGA, FESEM, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The results from the photodegradation experiments revealed that the Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited much higher photocatalytic activities compared to bare TiO2. It was found that photocatalyst calcined at 200°C had the highest photocatalyst activities with highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (86.82%). According to the structural and surface analysis, the enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to its strong absorption into the visible region and high metal dispersion.