Mesna (Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) is widely used as a mucolytic agent and uroprotective agent. Recently, its disulfide bond-breaking property has been applied in otologic surgery to facilitate safer dissection of cholesteatoma and other adhesions. This review evaluates the effectiveness and toxicity of Mesna in its various uses of otologic surgeries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the aid of a senior medical librarian across eight databases conducted from inception until December 28, 2024: Google Scholar, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco), Cochrane (Wiley), Global Health (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), Africa Wide Information (Ebsco), and Global Index Medicus (WHO). No language or publication status restrictions were applied. This review was reported following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies were eligible if they investigated the use of Mesna in otology (human or animal) and reported on either efficacy or toxicity. Two reviewers independently screened all titles/abstracts and full texts, with a third resolving discrepancies. Data were charted on application methods, concentrations, outcomes, and adverse effects and synthesized qualitatively. Eighteen studies (nine human, nine animal) met inclusion criteria. Mesna was effectively used in cholesteatoma surgery, ossicular chain fixation, tympanic tube replacement, and adhesive otitis media. Four percent to one hundred percent Mesna was used, without significant signs of toxicity in animal models and clinical research. Mesna could be used effectively and safely in otologic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize concentration, method of administration, time of contact, and to quantify its effect. NA.

Synthesis and evaluation of a Ni-H2bpda/Fe3O4 nanocomposite with high tetracycline adsorption capacity and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity

The increasing global consumption of paracetamol (PCM) has led to its frequent detection in pharmaceutical effluents, posing serious environmental and public health risks. This study explores the development of eco-friendly and sustainable adsorbents. Coconut shell–based alkali-activated carbon (CSAAC) and its magnetic nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄NPs-CSAAC) were synthesized for efficient PCM removal from aqueous media. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄NPs) were synthesized via a green route using black tea extract as a reducing agent and subsequently impregnated onto CSAAC to form Fe₃O₄NPs-CSAAC. Characterization analyses confirmed enhanced surface and textural properties, with BET surface area, total pore volume, and average pore diameter of 990.35 m 2 /g, 0.554 cm 3 /g, and 5.44 nm, respectively. Process optimization using the Definitive Screening Design identified pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial PCM concentration as key parameters. Under optimal conditions, PCM removal efficiencies of 90.01% (Fe₃O₄NPs-CSAAC) and 76.42% (CSAAC) were attained. Thus, the modified adsorbent (Fe 3 O 4 NPs-CSAAC) achieved 13.59% higher removal than its unmodified activated carbon (CSAAC). Adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms for CSAAC and Fe₃O₄NPs-CSAAC, while kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated spontaneous and endothermic adsorption. Both adsorbents demonstrated excellent reusability over four regeneration cycles, underscoring their potential for sustainable wastewater remediation. • Green synthesis of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs) from black tea extracts. • Modification of coconut shell green alkali activated carbon with green-synthesized magnetic Fe₃O₄NPs to form novel nanocomposites. • Characterization of Fe₃O₄NPs and Fe₃O₄NPs-CSAAC using TEM, FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, BET analysis, and pHpzc. • Application of CSAAC and Fe 3 O 4 NPs-CSAAC in the removal of Paracetamol (PCM) from its aqueous environment. • Identification and Optimization of variable factors affecting PCM adsorption using Definitive Screening Design (DSD). • Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of CSAAC and Fe 3 O 4 NPs-CSAAC on PCM removal.

Wastewater streams from industrial sources contain various dissolved organic pollutants that pose environmental contamination challenges even at extremely low concentrations if discharged. Porous materials, such as graphene-based functional frameworks, have been demonstrated to efficiently adsorb such contaminants, but significant scope remains to improve their adsorption efficiency, versatility and reusability. We have recently developed the graphene oxide vortex-ring (GO-VR) particles, whose unique ‘donut’ shape has been shown to deliver exceptional adsorptive removal efficiency. In this study, we further develop a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)- functionalised GO-VR particle system that achieves ambi-functional adsorptive removal of cationic and anionic model dyes, methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). Various key factors affecting the adsorption process, including pH, adsorbent dose, particle shape, contact time, and initial dye concentration, are optimised and investigated. The optimum values of pH for MB and MO adsorption are 10 and 6, respectively, at which the adsorption capacity of GO/CMC-VR particles for MB and MO are 988 ± 5.84 mg/g and 783 ± 13 mg/g, respectively, resulting in 100% contaminant removal even at very low contaminant concenration of 5 ppm and using a very low adsorbant dose of 0.005 mg/ml. The pseudo-second-order kinetic adsorption model fits well to the fast remediation rates, confirming that the driving force is predominantly electrostatic. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the particles can be regenerated in an elution cycle and reused in adsorption-desorption cycles, retaining their high adsorption efficiency and improving the sustainability of this approach. GO/CMC-VR particles are rapidly emerging as a promising universal adsorbent for the remediation of dissolved pollutants from wastewater. • GO/CMC-VR with a donut-shape particle is synthesised. • CMC functionalization enables dual removal of cationic and anionic azo dyes. • High adsorption capacities achieved for MB and MO at optimised pH. • Fully dye removal at ultra-low adsorbent dosage and low contaminant concentration. • Rapid kinetics and excellent regeneration ensure sustainable use.

This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on thermal energy generation during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), with particular emphasis on the powered devices, their safe application, and an understanding of device-specific thermal characteristics. Powered instrumentation has become integral to ESS, contributing to improved precision, efficiency, and visualization. However, different powered devices generate heat through distinct mechanisms related to their design, operating principles, and patterns of tissue interaction. Heat-related effects may occur during the use of microdebriders, coblation, radiofrequency, high-speed drills, and laser systems. The risk of thermal injury to sinonasal mucosa, bone, and adjacent critical structures is influenced by both device characteristics and operator-dependent factors, including activation time, contact time, and cooling techniques. Tissue injury depends not only on peak temperatures achieved but also on the duration and cumulative burden of heat exposure. Appropriate selection and informed use of powered instruments are central to minimizing thermal risk in ESS. A thorough understanding of how different devices generate and dissipate heat, together with attention to modifiable operative factors, can enhance surgical safety and reduce the likelihood of thermal injury.

Synthesis and characterization of NiFe₂O₄-chitosan nanocomposite for remediation of water-contaminated with urea and real samples

Preparation of 1-phenylmenthol from (−)-menthone as a template for molecularly imprinting and its subsequent adsorption

High volumes of untreated wastewater are discharged into various water bodies worldwide, leading to the distortion and deterioration of the aquatic environment. The use of untreated wastewater to irrigate food crops often results in food poisoning-related deaths due to high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals. Herein, bimetallic oxides (Ag 2 O/ZnO) were incorporated on the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by wet impregnation at different mixing ratios to design Ag 2 O/ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposites (AZM X ), which were used for the removal of Cr, Pb and Zn ions from irrigation water. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by BET, XRD, TEM, and SEM/EDS to confirm the successful incorporation of Ag 2 O/ZnO on the surface of MWCNTs. The characterization results confirmed the formation of highly crystalline materials with enhanced surface area, which can be attributed to the improved dispersion and interfacial interaction between Ag₂O/ZnO and MWCNTs. This synergistic effect increases the effective surface area regardless of the mixing ratios relative to individual nanoparticles. Among the tested heavy metals, Pb showed the highest removal efficiency (98.62%) using the AZM 2:1:1 nanocomposite under optimum conditions of dosage (0.8 g) and contact time (25 min). The adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting that the heavy metals adsorbed to the surface of AZM X in a monolayer fashion. The adsorption kinetics revealed that the adsorption process was better explained by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the metal ion adsorption by AZM X was spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic. The desorption study revealed that hydrochloric acid was the most effective desorbing agent. The AZM 2:1:1 nanocomposite maintains more than 90% removal rate of Pb after five regeneration cycles. This study suggested that the developed novel bimetallic oxides–MWCNTs nanocomposites are capable of efficiently removing metal ions from aqueous environments. • A novel AZMx composites was designed for effective metal ions removal. • Characterization confirmed successful incorporation of Ag 2 O/ZnO on MWCNTs surface. • Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. • Thermodynamic analysis showed the process is endothermic and spontaneous. • AZM2:1:1 showed better adsorption performance toward Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Zn(II). • The AZM2:1:1 retained 90% of Pb removal even after 5 reuse cycles.

Quantitative analysis of solid-state NMR data, based on magic-angle spinning with cross-polarization experiments (CP-MAS), often requires extensive signal processing, from the transformation of raw time-domain data (FIDs) to the extraction of quantitative data and the modelling of signal intensity kinetics. Many current workflows rely on semi-manual peak fitting and heterogeneous tools across laboratories for intensity curve modelling, limiting reproducibility and throughput. In this work, we propose a fully reproducible and open workflow combining two key methodological approaches: (1) an adaptive bucketing approach, extraction of relevant variables for analysis (ERVA), implemented in NMRProcFlow application, to automatically segment 13C spectra into chemically relevant spectral regions; and (2) an online modelling platform that allows users to fit intensity curves over contact time with multiple models, guided by objective indicators including fit quality scores and parameter sensitivity metrics. This integrated approach provides a fast, user-friendly and transparent path from FIDs to kinetic model parameters, opening new perspectives for reproducible quantitative solid-state NMR.

Oxytocin and early life stress in late preterm newborns: an exploratory study.

Adsorptive removal of uranium from aqueous solutions using TiO2-diglycolamic acid functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (TiO2@gCN-HDGA) nanocomposite

Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic analysis of the simultaneous adsorption of ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and sparfloxacin onto sulfonated graphene oxide in binary, ternary, and quaternary aqueous solutions

Determination of fenofibric acid in saliva and exhaled breath condensate samples using metal- organic frameworks based dispersive micro solid phase extraction coupled to HPLC-PDA.

In vitro bactericidal and fungicidal activities of commercially available low-irritant hand sanitizers.

Silver-loaded granular activated carbon for fixed-bed drinking water treatment: antibacterial effect in both water and biofilm phases and impact on organic matter removal.

Contact time dependence of adhesion force at silica-MoS2 flakes interface with different contact geometries studied on AFM

The effective disinfection and sanitization of public spaces is essential due to the factors contributing to the spread of infections. High-traffic areas are particularly vulnerable to the transmission of infectious diseases. Various methods are employed to ensure effective disinfection and sanitization, including UV-C disinfection, fogging, and conventional spraying. However, each of these techniques comes with its own set of limitations. This study aims to compare the efficiency of electrostatic and manual backpack sprayers in killing pathogens found in a laboratory environment. Parameters responsible for effective electrostatic spraying were also critically examined. The efficiency of both sprayers was tested on 16 commonly encountered inanimate surfaces in a laboratory environment. Pre-determined colonies of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were spread over the marked surface to be tested. A paired t-test was employed to assess pre- and post-sanitization microbial load when electrostatic spraying was done, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented to analyze the significant difference between the two techniques. The results showed that electrostatic spraying of H2O2 (2%) with a contact time of 10 min achieved more than a 6 log-reduction on vertical, horizontal, and curved surfaces (p < 0.01). Also, the time taken for spraying with an electrostatic device was half that of a manual backpack sprayer. The results showed that the electrostatic spraying technique is equally effective in reaching curved and hidden surfaces as it is for incident surfaces.

Green-synthesized Fe₃O₄/AC/zeolite nanocomposite for efficient tetracycline removal from real pharmaceutical wastewater

• Algal-infused biochar discs removed 71.06% TDS from RO reject water • Adsorption was spontaneous with ΔG° ranging from -3742 to -4377 J/mol • Enthalpy of +35.42 J/mol indicated endothermic process • Entropy of -13.88 J/K·mol proposed the disorder at the solid-liquid interface • Composite discs enable low-cost desalination with 498.9 mg/g sorption capacity The increasing salinization of groundwater due to desalination reject streams poses a significant challenge to water sustainability. This study explores the potential of algal-infused biochar discs for effective salinity reduction, emphasizing their thermodynamic behavior. Biochar derived from groundnut shells was surface-modified and infused with algal biomass to enhance ion removal capacity. The adsorption process was evaluated through batch experiments, assessing key parameters such as initial total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration (1676 mg/L to 8728 mg/L), temperature (25°C to 55°C), and disc dosage (2 to 6 discs). Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, with Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) values decreasing from -3742 J/mol to -4377 J/mol, confirming favorable ion uptake. Enthalpy (ΔH°) was determined as 35.42 J/mol revealing an endothermic nature, while entropy (ΔS°) showed a value of -13.88 J/K·mol, indicating reduced randomness at the solid-liquid interface. Characterization studies, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), demonstrated changes in porosity, surface chemistry, and thermal stability post-salinity rduction, with BET surface area decreasing from 18.98 m²/g to 16.08 m²/g, indicating salt deposition within the biochar matrix. This study examined the ionic salinity reduction performance of algal biochar discs under optimal conditions of 25°C temperature, 6-disc dosage, and 150 minutes contact time across varying initial TDS levels. Removal efficiency of 71.06 % was achieved for an initial TDS concentration of 1676 mg/L, whereas a maximum sorption capacity was 498.9 mg/g was observed for an initial TDS concentration of 8728 mg/L. This study underscores the salinity reduction potential of biochar-algal discs as a sustainable approach for addressing salinity challenges.

Creation of accessible adsorption sites in Albizia lebbeck -modified zinc oxide to boost tetracycline removal from aqueous environments