Conventional Treatment Methods Research Articles

Effect of psychological nursing interventions on effectiveness and quality of life in schizophrenia patients receiving modified electroconvulsive therapy

BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a common and severe mental disorder characterized by severe thought disturbances, hallucinations, delusions, and emotional instability. For some patients, conventional treatment methods may not effectively alleviate symptoms, necessitating the use of alternative therapeutic approaches. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is an effective treatment modality for schizophrenia, inducing anti-depressive and antipsychotic effects through the stimulation of brain electrical activity. AIM To explore the impact of psychological nursing intervention (PNI) before and after MECT on the efficacy and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS Eighty patients with schizophrenia who received MECT treatment from 2021 to 2023 were randomly divided into two groups: The intervention group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). The intervention group received PNI before and after MECT, while the control group received routine nursing care. The efficacy of MECT was evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) before and after the treatment. The quality of life was assessed by the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) after the treatment. RESUITS The intervention group had significantly lower scores of PANSS and CGI than the control group after the treatment (P < 0.05). The intervention group also had significantly higher scores of SF-36 than the control group in all domains except physical functioning (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION PNI before and after MECT can improve the efficacy and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. It is suggested that nurses should provide individualized and comprehensive psychological care for patients undergoing MECT to enhance their recovery and well-being.

Recent advances and challenges of the green ZnO-based composites biosynthesized using plant extracts for water treatment.

Recently, there has been a notable rise in the prevalence of persistent pollutants in the environment, posing a significant hazard due to their toxicity and enduring nature. Conventional wastewater treatment methods employed in treatment plants rarely address these persistent pollutants adequately. Meanwhile, the concept of green synthesis has garnered considerable attention, owing to its environmentally friendly approach that utilizes fewer toxic chemicals and solvents. The utilization of materials derived from sustainable sources presents a promising avenue for solving pressing environmental concerns. Among the various sources of biological agents, plants stand out for their accessibility, eco-friendliness, and rich reserves of phytochemicals suitable for material synthesis. The plant extract-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) has emerged as a promising solution for applications in wastewater treatment. Thorough investigations into the factors influencing the properties of these green ZnONPs are essential to establish a detailed and reliable synthesis process. Major weaknesses inherent in ZnONPs can be addressed by changing the optical, magnetic, and interface properties through doping with various semiconductor materials. Consequently, research efforts to mitigate water pollution are being driven by both the future prospects and limitations of ZnO-based composites. This review underscores the recent advancements of plant extract-mediated ZnONP composites for water treatment.

Jingfang granules protects against intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting neuroinflammation and protecting blood-brain barrier damage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can induce intensive oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and brain cell apoptosis. However, conventional methods for ICH treatment have many disadvantages. There is an urgent need for alternative, effective therapies with minimal side effects. Pharmacodynamics experiment, molecular docking, network pharmacology, and metabolomics were adopted to investigate the treatment and its mechanism of Jingfang Granules (JFG) in ICH. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of JFG on ICH using behavioral, brain water content and Magnetic resonance imaging experiments. However, the key active component and targets of JFG remain unknown. Here we verified that JFG was beneficial to improve brain injury after ICH. A network pharmacology analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of JFG is predominantly mediated by its activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway through Luteolin, (+)-Anomalin and Phaseol and their targeting of AKT1, tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Molecular docking analyses revealed an average affinity of -8.633 kcal/mol, indicating a binding strength of less than -5 kcal/mol. Metabolomic analysis showed that JFG exerted its therapeutic effect on ICH by regulating metabolic pathways, such as the metabolism of taurine and hypotaurine, biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine. In conclusion, we demonstrated that JFG attenuated neuroinflammation and BBB injury subsequent to ICH by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Simulation Dosimetry Studies for FLASH Radiation Therapy (RT) with Ultra-High Dose Rate (UHDR) Electron Beam

FLASH-radiotherapy (RT) presents great potential as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy methods in cancer treatment. In this paper, we focus on simulation studies for a linear particle accelerator injector design using the ASTRA code, which permits beam generation and particle tracking through electromagnetic fields. Space charge-dominated beams were selected with the aim of providing an optimized generated beam profile and accelerator lattice with minimized emittance. The main results of the electron beam and ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) simulation dosimetry studies are reported for the FLASH mode radiobiological treatment. Results for the percentage depth dose (PDD) at electron beam energies of 5, 7, 15, 25, 50, 100 MeV and 1.2 GeV for Poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and water phantom vs. the penetration depth are presented. Additionally, the PDD transverse profile was simulated for the above energies, delivering the beam to the phantom. The simulation dosimetry results provide an UHDR electron beam under the conditions of the FLASH-RT. The performance of the beam inside the phantom and the dose depth depends on the linear accelerator beam’s energy and stability.

Exploratory studies on the use of peanut shell biochar as a promising adsorbent for ivermectin removal from aqueous solutions: impact of biomass treatment, pyrolisis temperature and duration

The contamination of environmental matrices by chemical compounds poses a significant challenge for humanity, demanding focused attention from researchers and governments. Within aquatic environments, the emerging contaminants with potential ecotoxicological effects, even at low concentrations, have earned global interest among researchers. The persistence of these contaminants is exacerbated by specific physicochemical characteristics, hindering their natural degradation and removal through conventional water treatment methods. Biochar, a carbonaceous material produced through biomass pyrolysis at high temperatures, exhibits properties that effectively remove emerging contaminants from water. In this study, we investigated the impact of acidic biomass treatment on the removal efficiency of ivermectin from aqueous solutions. The materials were derived from untreated biomass, as well as basic and acidic-treated peanut shell (PS), subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures of 300, 400, 500, and 600 °C for 2, 3, and 4 hours. Characterization was conducted using TGA, ATR-FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and XRD. Quantification of ivermectin removal was performed using HPLC-DAD. The results showed that the removal was enhanced by temperature and time of pyrolysis, while the chemical treatments had different effects. The most effective removal tendency was observed with acidic biochar calcinated at 600 °C, demonstrating an average removal yield of 84.70%.

Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Hypericin as a Photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy Used on Skin Cell Cultures

Determination of the hypericin–photodynamic (HY–PDT) effect on the secretion of cytokines secreted by the skin cells, may be the basis for using the immunomodulatory effect of photodynamic action in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of hypericin (HY) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) performed in vitro on cultures of selected skin cell lines. The study used two human cell lines, primary dermal fibroblast (HDFa) and primary epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa). The MTT test was used to define the metabolic activity of treated cells. Cell supernatants subjected to sublethal PDT were assessed to determine the interleukins: IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-11, IL-19, IL-22, and metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1). The results confirm the destructive effect of HY–PDT and the immunomodulatory effects of sublethal doses on the selected skin cells, depending on the concentration of HY and the light doses. No statistically significant differences were noted in IL-2 and IL-10 concentration after HY–PDT for HEKa and HDFa lines. After using HY–PDT, the concentration of IL-8, MMP-1, IL-22, and IL-11 significantly decreased in the HEKa line. Moreover, the concentration of IL-19 and MMP-1 significantly decreased in the HDFa line. The concentration of IL-11 in the HDFa line after using only the HY, without the light, increased but decreased after HY–PDT. Our experiment confirmed that HY–PDT has not only a cytotoxic effect but, used in sublethal doses, also presents immunomodulatory properties. These may be an advantage of HY–PDT when used in the treatment of persistent skin inflammation, connected with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines resistant to conventional treatment methods.

Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis of Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant Apply in Chemical Process Industry

The chemical process industry is one of the categories of highly polluting industries and generates strong wastewater of high COD along with hazardous waste which requires effective treatment and disposal/reuse of effluents. In this review, the various sources of wastewaters in the chemical industry are identified and the best available technologies to remove them are critically evaluated. The aim of the present research work was to determine the behavior of various parameters of the chemical wastewater. During the entire study evaluate, monitor, and check various environmental parameters whether they are complying with a given standard or not given by regulatory authority at chemical Industry,. The India based industry produced bulk drugs, fatty acids, fatty alcohol, food additives, personal care products, and others. The monitoring data of the effluent treatment plant will give information on the pollution control by the company and the management of waste. Overall analysis showed that there is no significant difference in pH, BOD, COD, and ammoniacal Nitrogen. The use of conventional treatment methods along with membrane reactors and advanced post-treatment methods resulting in a Coagulation wastewater treatment technology appears to be the best

Phytoremediation of Grey Water

Greywater, generated from domestic activities excluding toilet waste, presents a significant challenge for water management due to its diverse contaminants and potential environmental impact. Conventional treatment methods often fall short in addressing the complex composition of greywater while maintaining sustainability. Phytoremediation, a green technology that utilizes plants and their associated microorganisms, offers a promising and ecofriendly alternative for greywater treatment. This paper reviews the principles, mechanisms, and applications of phytoremediation in the context of greywater treatment. Various phytoremediation techniques such as rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, and phytodegradation are discussed, highlighting their efficacy in removing pollutants such as organic matter, nutrients, pathogens, and heavy metals from greywater. The role of specific plant species with remediation potential and their physiological mechanisms in contaminant uptake and transformation are examined. Case studies and experimental findings from greywater phytoremediation projects around the world are presented to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of this approach. Factors influencing phytoremediation performance, including plant selection, hydraulic conditions, nutrient availability, and system design, are analysed to optimize greywater treatment efficiency.

Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of atmospheric plasma-sprayed TiO2/Al2O3 coatings on glass substrates

Conventional methods for wastewater treatment are not always efficient in persistent organic pollutant degradation processes. Therefore, low-cost and effective methods of their removal from sewage are constantly sought. This study presents an attempt to fabricate thermally sprayed ceramic coatings on glass and their characterization. Granulation of TiO2, Al2O3, and their blends in different mass ratios was done. Assessment of actual density and specific surface area was performed, and TiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2/Al2O3 were then used as a coating material for the deposition on glass substrates in atmospheric plasma spraying. Surface analysis of coatings was done by evaluating their roughness and wettability. Both powder and coatings samples were characterized using the X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activity was estimated in the Eosin Y degradation process under UV light. UV–Vis spectroscopy was applied to observe the changes in the dye concentration. Additional tests for color measurements before and after photodegradation were carried out using a sphere spectrophotometer in CIELab color space. Particle size distribution was examined for the powder samples after the granulation and d50 was stated at 48.42–63.28 µm. Characterization of coatings via roughness measurements showed the average roughness of a surface equal to 4.90–9.65 µm. Moreover, most of the coatings appeared to be hydrophobic with water contact angles between 100° and 130°. All of the coatings showed Eosin Y degradation ability and the highest efficiency was reached for 100T/C, A75T/C, and A50T/C samples and stated at 71%, 62%, and 51%, respectively.Graphical abstract

Effect of Spinal and Lower limb Re-alignment Protocol on Bilateral Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of Knee in Postmenopausal Women

The alignment of spine-pelvis-lower extremity axis is significantly influenced by knee osteoarthritis. Joint alignment is the main bio-mechanical risk factor for progression of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of spinal and lower limb realignment protocol on bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women and to compare it with the conventional method of treatment for osteoarthritis of knee. A study sample of 128 post-menopausal subjects within age group 50-70 and BMI between 25-35 kg/m2 having bilateral knee osteoarthritis with medial compartment involvement were selected and equally divided into two groups as the control group and the experimental group. Assessment of pain, knee range of motion, quadriceps and hip abductor strength, and posture for spinal and lower limb malalignment was taken before and after giving the treatment regime to both the groups. Comparison was carried out between the results of the two groups.The results showed how significantly the mal-aligned structures were re-aligned after giving 8 weeks of realignment protocol and how significantly this resulted in better reduction of pain intensity and improvement in knee range of motion and strength of quadriceps and hip abductor muscles in experimental group as compared to the control group. Re-aligning the spinal and lower limb malalignment present in postmenopausal women with bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis results in pain reduction associated with knee joint and improved knee range of motion and strength of quadriceps and hip abductor muscles in these individuals as compared to the ones receiving conventional physiotherapy.

A review on the synergistic efficacy of sonication-assisted water treatment process with special attention given to microplastics

The rampant spread of microplastic pollution in both natural and industrial water bodies has emerged as a paramount environmental concern. Regrettably, conventional water treatment methods (e.g., adsorption, membrane filtration, coagulation-flocculation, and electrocoagulation, processes) have been discovered to be inadequately effective in tackling this issue. However, the advent of sonication-assisted water treatment technologies has shown great promise in curbing microplastic pollution. This review article expounds on the latest trends in sonication-assisted water treatment technologies for microplastic removal. A comparison between conventional water treatment methods and sonication-assisted procedures elucidates the pros and cons of each were conducted. Additionally, an exploration of various sonication-assisted techniques and their potent efficacy in removing microplastics was undertaken. Sonochemical, Sonoelectrochemical, Sonophotocatalytic, Sonofenton, and Sonoelectrocatalytic, may be used for microplastics (MPs) removal, it has been demonstrated that ultrasonic frequencies between 100 and 1000kHz for the sonochemical process are more useful than frequencies below 20kHz. Generally, sonication methods have good compatibility and attachment to other biological or physical processes and increase the cavitation-induced concentration of the reactive radical in the bulk phase. Also, When Fenton processes are combined with sonication, the number of ferrous ions present in the treated water decreases due to easy handling, quick degradation, and a wide pH range that can be used. The economic aspects are the biggest challenges in synergistic efficacy of sonication-assisted water treatment for microplastics mitigation. The paramount importance of continued research and development to refine and optimize sonication-assisted water treatment technologies for practical implementation was concluded.

Chromium adsorption studies of CaCO3 intercalated N-tert-amyl acrylamide-co-acrylamide/AMPS hydrogels

In enterprises that produce a lot of chromium wastewater that cause harmful effect to the environment and human health. This research aims to pay expressively to the field by proposing a unique and effective solution to the ongoing experiment of chromium contamination in water and wastewater employing CaCO3 Nanocomposite hydrogels. The hydrogel’s fundamental changes have been characterized using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM. Batch experiments systematically investigated key parameters, including contact time (60–360 min), initial ion concentration (50–500 ppm), pH (2–6), and adsorbent dose (0.1–0.5 g). Results showcased an impressive 96 % efficiency in chromium ion removal. Analysis utilizing Langmuir (R2 = 0.9382) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.9986) isotherm models, alongside pseudo-first (R2 = 0.9487) and pseudo-second-order (R2 = 0.9999) kinetics studies, revealed insightful patterns. Our findings demonstrate a favorable fit with the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting a strong attraction between the adsorbent and the metal ions. Additionally, kinetic studies indicate that the adsorption process adheres to pseudo-second-order kinetics. These results collectively suggest that the prepared hydrogel presents a viable and sustainable option for wastewater treatment, particularly in areas where conventional treatment methods may not be feasible due to cost or a lack of infrastructure.

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and recrystallization of an SLM nickel-based superalloy

Heat treatment is essential for selective laser melting (SLM) of nickel-based superalloys. However, the conventional solution heat treatment method of cast superalloys usually leads to serious recrystallization in the samples. The recrystallized grain boundaries under high-temperature conditions reduce the strength of the alloy, which hinders their widespread applications in aerospace. In this work, a nickel-based superalloy with high γ′ content fabricated by SLM was heat-treated at different solution temperatures. The microstructure of the alloy in different heat-treated states was also characterised. A sub-solvus heat treatment was proposed, which can effectively reduce residual stress and inhibit recrystallization. The microstructure showed that the dislocation density was significantly reduced and recrystallized after the solution heat treatment at 1285 ℃/2h+1290 ℃/2h+1295 ℃/4h and 1250 ℃/0.5h, and the proportion of recrystallization were 60.0% and 42.9%, respectively. However, after sub-solvus heat treatment at 1240 °C/0.5h, the sample dislocation density decreased and the volume fraction of recrystallization (3.2%) was slightly higher than that of the as-SLM sample (2.5%). The sample maintained a strong cubic texture in the build direction. After sub-solvus + aging heat treatment, the microstructure maintained a columnar grain structure. The γ/γ′ interfacial dislocation networks and dislocations pile-up were the main dislocation configurations.

Wastewater Disinfection with Photodynamic Treatment and Evaluation of its Ecotoxicological Effects

Research has demonstrated the presence of viruses in wastewater (WW), which can remain viable for a long period, posing potential health risks. Conventional WW treatment methods involving UV light, chlorine and ozone efficiently reduce microbial concentrations, however, they produce hazardous byproducts and microbial resistance that are detrimental to human health and the ecosystem. Hence, there is a need for novel disinfection techniques. Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) emerges as a promising strategy, utilizing photosensitizers (PS), light, and dioxygen to inactivate viruses. This study aims to assess the efficacy of PDI by testing Methylene Blue (MB) and the cationic porphyrin TMPyP as PSs, along a low energy consuming white light source (LED) at an irradiance of 50 mW/cm2, for the inactivation of bacteriophage Phi6. Phi6 serves as an enveloped RNA-viruses surrogate model in WW. PDI experiments were conducted in a buffer solution (PBS) and real WW matrices (filtered and non-filtered). Considering the environmental release of the treated effluents, this research also evaluated the ecotoxicity of the resulting solution (post-PDI treatment effluent) on the model organism Daphnia magna, following the OECD immobilization technical 202 guideline. Daphnids were exposed to WW containing the tested PS at different concentrations and dilutions (accounting for the dilution factor during WW release into receiving waters) over 48 h. The results indicate that PDI with MB efficiently inactivated the model virus in the different aqueous matrices, achieving reductions superior to 8 log10 PFU/mL, after treatments of 5 min in PBS and of ca. 90 min in WW. Daphnids survival increased when subjected to the PDI-treated WW with MB, considering the dilution factor. Overall, the effectiveness of PDI in eliminating viruses in WW, the fading of the toxic effects on daphnids after MB’ irradiation and the rapid dilution effect upon WW release in the environment highlight the possibility of using MB in WW PDI-disinfection.

Synthesis and characterization of X (X = Ni or Fe) modified BaTiO3 for effective degradation of Reactive Red 120 dye under UV-A light and its biological activity

For the sustainable advancement of industrial expansion that is environmentally conscious, harmful dyes must be removed from wastewater. Untreated effluents containing colors have the potential to harm the ecosystem and pose major health risks to people, animals, and aquatic life. Here, we have fabricated Ni or Fe modified with BaTiO3 materials and effectively utilized them for Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) dye degradation under UV-A light. The synthesized materials were characterized, and their structural, and photo-physical properties were reported. Phase segregation was not present in the XRD pattern, as evidenced by the absence of secondary phase peaks linked to iron, nickel, or oxides. Low metal ion concentrations may be the cause of this, and the presence of those elements was confirmed by XPS measurements. The Raman spectra of the BaTiO3/Ni and BaTiO3/Fe samples show a widened peak at 500 cm−1, which suggests that Ni or Fe are efficiently loaded onto the BaTiO3. RR 120 dye photodegradation under UV light conditions was effectively catalyzed by BaTiO3/Fe, as evidenced by its superior performance in the UV irradiation technique over both BaTiO3 and BaTiO3/Ni. Compared to bare BaTiO3, both metal-modified materials efficiently degraded the RR 120 dye. Acidic pH facilitated the degradation process, which makes sense given that the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction was the mechanism of degradation along with BaTiO3 sensitization. High-acidity sewage can be dangerous and carcinogenic, and conventional biological treatment methods are not appropriate for managing it. In the current investigation, it may be used to treat color effluents with extremely low pH levels. Additionally, the ability of the produced nanocomposites to inhibit the growth of twenty pathogens was examined, along with two fungi, fifteen Gram-negative Bacilli (GNB), one Gram-positive Bacilli (GPB), and two Gram-positive Cocci (GBC).

Novel Zeolite 5Å-Co-Fe based catalytic ozonation process for the efficient degradation of Oxytetracycline in veterinary pharmaceutical wastewater

Public health and the aquatic environment face significant threats from pollution originating from pharmaceutical wastewater (PhWW) containing stubborn antibiotics. Conventional treatment methods fail to fully eradicate these antibiotics and other contaminants such as COD and BOD5 due to the complex organic compound mixtures present in PhWW. Additionally, PhWW exhibits low biodegradability and high toxicity, mainly due to the persistence of antibiotics. This pressing issue has prompted the scientific community to seek more effective and cost-efficient treatment solutions for detoxifying PhWW. Hence, this study explores the catalytic efficiency of zeolite 5Å (Z5Å) coated with cobalt and iron (Z5Å-Co-Fe) for the abatement of one of the most persistent organic pollutants oxytetracycline (OTC) as a target pollutant. The synthesized catalyst is assessed using various analytical techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis. Results show that the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation using cobalt and iron-loaded zeolite (Z5Å-Co-Fe/O3) achieves OTC removal rates of 8%, 67%, and 95% through adsorption, ozonation (O3), and Z5Å-Co-Fe/O3 processes, respectively, at pH 6, 1.6mg/min of O3flow and 15min of treatment time. Moreover, the Z5Å-Co-Fe/O3 process demonstrates higher cost-effectiveness compared to other methods, and electrical energy per order (EEO) of 1.47 USD and 1.62 kWh per cubic meter of PhWW respectively. Additionally, it enhances the biodegradability of PhWW from 0.30 to 0.51, making it more suitable for further secondary treatment. Furthermore, Z5Å-Co-Fe/O3 treated PhWW meets National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) and holds promise as a pretreatment option for industrial-scale conventional treatment systems. Therefore, it is concluded that the Z5Å-Co-Fe/O3 process was found to be highly efficient for the degradation of OTC in real PhWW matrix and it may help to achieve UN sustainable development goals (SDGs)

BDD-persulfate-based anodic oxidation process for progestin degradation: Optimization of conditions, eco-compatibility tests, and cost evaluation

Considering the increasing presence of the hormones levonorgestrel (LNG) and gestodene (GES) in wastewater, the limited effectiveness of conventional treatment methods, and the demand for advanced complementary processes, our study aimed to optimize an anodic oxidation treatment with a focus on low specific energy consumption (SEC) and costs. An electrochemical system coupled to a boron-doped diamond anode (BDD) was continuously used to treat synthetic and real pharmaceutical wastewater from contraceptive production. The central design composite and response surface methodology were the tools employed for optimization. The lowest SEC was obtained as a response to the main process variables: current density, initial pH, and the concentration of the support electrolyte ([Na2S2O8]). The optimal condition ([Na2S2O8]0 = 0.07 mol L−1; [LNG]0,RPW = 1.02±0.05 mg L−1 and [GES]0,RPW = 1.05±0.05 mg L−1; j = 37.5 mA cm−2; pH = 6.75) was established considering an SEC ≤ 3.6 ± 0.8 kWh g−1 and progestins removal ≥70%, which was the experimental condition used to evaluate acute toxicity to Daphnia similis and the effect on estrogenic activity removal using the YES assay. Notably, our study evaluated, for the first time, a comparative investigation that highlights the substantial effect of support electrolytes over the eco-compatibility assessment of the anodic oxidation process investigated. The adaptability of the operation indicates the prospective suitability for the implementation of the process in wastewater treatment facilities in the pharmaceutical industry.

Extraction and optimization of Austrocylindropuntia subulata powder as a novel green coagulant

Since the last decades, water stress challenges caused by climate change have posed a significant concern for the treatment and re-use of treated wastewater. Conventional treatment methods employ chemicals as coagulants-flocculants, which pose a serious threat. Hence, it has led to a gradual increase in the use of natural plants as promising safe alternatives. In the present work, the Austrocylindropuntia subulata plant was used for the first time as a coagulant-flocculant for wastewater treatment. The raw chlorenchyma powder of the plant was characterized by SEM, FTIR, and EDX, the results showed a very strong resemblance with the composition of the Opuntia ficus indica. The biocoagulant-flocculant was obtained by simple extraction using distilled water. An optimization dose test demonstrated that a mass of 0.1 g decreases approximately 99% of turbidity. After a year of storage, the raw powder retained the same efficiency. The extract's coagulant-flocculant properties remained stable after three months of storage, but it developed an unpleasant odor and a brownish color due to microbial oxidation of organic components.

Effectiveness of Foam Rolling with Hip Strengthening versus Conventional Treatment in Iliotibial Band Tightness Among Osteoarthritis Patients

Background: The iliotibial band (ITB) tightness contributes to pain and functional limitations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The effectiveness of foam rolling (FR) combined with ITB stretching exercises versus conventional treatment methods targeting ITB tightness has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these modalities on passive range of motion (PROM) during hip adduction in OA patients. Methods: Three groups of OA patients (Foam Rolling alone-Group A, Conventional Exercises + Foam Rolling-Group B, and Hip strengthening + Foam Rolling-Group C) were assessed over 14 treatment sessions using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Ober's test for ITB tightness. Group A received foam rolling with hip strengthening, Group B underwent conventional treatment, and Group C was treated with a combination of methods. Results: All groups showed a marked decrease in WOMAC scores, indicating an improvement in pain and knee function. Group A exhibited a significant reduction in ITB tightness, with the mean Ober's test score initially increasing but then decreasing markedly by the 14th session. Group B and Group C also showed improvements, but Group A's protocol was the most effective in reducing ITB tightness. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that foam rolling with hip strengthening exercises is significantly effective in reducing ITB tightness and improving function in OA patients. This combination therapy may be considered a superior approach to conventional treatment methods for managing ITB-related symptoms in this population.

Comparative study of graphene oxide and copper oxide nanoparticle as surface modifiers in microfiltration membranes and adsorbents for efficient removal of textile dyes from contaminated water

Despite technological development, the textile industry still generates effluents with a high content of emerging contaminants, which are harmful to the environment. Conventional wastewater treatment methods struggle to remove emerging contaminants, necessitating advanced techniques. One promising solution is the modification of membranes and adsorption methods. The same modifying agents were used to modify the surface of microfiltration membranes and to create an adsorbent, allowing a comparison of the two processes in water treatment contaminated with dyes. Copper oxide nanoparticles were produced through green synthesis, and polyethersulfone microfiltration membranes were surface-modified using graphene oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles via a pressure-assisted method. Among the tested membranes, MF_GO1.0 + CuO3.0 showed the best performance, demonstrating a synergistic effect between the modifying agents, efficiently removing 97.69 % of Levafix Blue CA dye and recovering 84.88 % of the flux. It also exhibited outstanding removal rates (>99 %) for other textile dyes, such as Solophenyl Blue and Reactive Black 5. Membrane characterization revealed a decrease in contact angle for membranes modified with CuO and GO-CuO, rendering them more hydrophilic and improving permeability. Scanning Electron Microscopy depicted a compacted membrane, characteristic of graphene oxide, with nanoparticles on the surface. Chemical stability tests, conducted at neutral pH for 7 days, demonstrated no significant variation in permeability and contaminant removal. Although adsorption had limited effectiveness in removing the Levafix Blue CA dye, it provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms. Comparing membrane modification with adsorption, membranes displayed more efficiency in dye removal and showed enhanced antifouling properties. These results indicate the potential of modified membranes in treating dye-containing wastewater. As dye production increases, these innovative technologies offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impact of textile industry effluents. By employing such advanced methods, we can work towards safeguarding our water resources and ecosystems from the harmful effects of textile wastewater pollution.