Treatment Techniques Research Articles

Risk factors for converting traditional wards to temporary intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from nurses' perspectives.

The surge in critically ill COVID-19 patients caused a shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds. Some hospitals temporarily transformed general wards into ICUs to meet this pressing health care demand. This study aims to evaluate and analyse the risk factors in temporary ICU from the perspective of nurses. By identifying these factors, the goal is to provide actionable insights and recommendations for effectively establishing and managing temporary ICUs in similar crisis scenarios in the future. The study was conducted in China within a public hospital. Specifically, it focused on examining 62 nurses working in a temporary ICU that was converted from an infectious disease ward. The research utilized the Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) scoring method to identify potential threats, evaluate their probability, estimate their impact on specific organizations or regions and calculate the relative risk associated with such occurrences. Staff demonstrated the highest risk percentage (32.74%), with Stuff (16.11%), Space (15.19%) and System (11.30%) following suit. The most critical risk factors included insufficient knowledge and decision-making competence in critical care (56.14%), lacking decision-making abilities and skills in renal replacement therapy care (55.37%), inadequate decision-making capacity and relevant skills in respiratory support care (50.64%), limited decision-making capability in circulatory support care (45.73%) and unfamiliarity with work procedures or systems (42.09%). Urgent implementation of tailored training and support for temporary ICU nurses is paramount. Addressing capability and skill-related issues among these nurses supersedes resource availability, infrastructure, equipment and system considerations. Essential interventions must target challenges encompassing nurses' inability to perform critical treatment techniques autonomously and ensure standardized care. These measures are designed to heighten patient safety and elevate care quality during emergencies. These findings offer a viable avenue to mitigate potential moral distress, anxiety and depression among nurses, particularly those transitioning from non-critical care backgrounds. These nurses swiftly assimilate into temporary ICUs, and the study's insights offer practical guidance to alleviate their specific challenges. The study on risk factors for converting traditional wards into temporary ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially from the perspective of nurses, provides crucial insights into the challenges and requirements for effectively establishing and managing these emergency settings. The findings highlight several key areas of concern and opportunities for improvement directly related to clinical practice, particularly in situations where there is a rapid need to adapt to increased demands for critical care. By addressing the identified risk factors through enhanced training, support systems, resource management, process improvements and cultivating a culture of adaptability, not only can the quality of care in temporary ICUs be improved, but also can the health care system be better prepared for future emergencies. These actions will help mitigate the risks associated with such conversions, ultimately benefiting patient safety, staff well-being and the overall effectiveness of health care services in crises.

Intrasylvian Retraction Technique to Facilitate the Sylvian Fissure Dissection: A Clinical Study of 125 Cases.

Although many authors have recommended the retractorless technique to avoid retractor-induced brain injury, others usually use brain retractors with a meticulous technique to facilitate the surgery, especially for sylvian fissure dissection. The intrasylvian retraction technique was described for sylvian fissure opening, but no clinical evidence was found. We evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique for the distal transsylvian approach. We reviewed the video records of clinical cases where the distal transsylvian approach was performed using the intrasylvian retraction technique for aneurysm treatment and middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass between September 2018 and August 2022. Operative techniques are described. The efficacy and safety of the technique were assessed by full exposure of the sylvian fissure and new postoperative perisylvian hematoma, respectively. One hundred twenty-five cases were included and had an average age of 53.5 (range 16-85) years. Women comprised 73.6%. Aneurysm surgery, pure MCA revascularization, and aneurysm surgery with MCA revascularization were 106 (84.8%), 12 (9.6%), and 7 cases (5.6%), respectively. The most common aneurysm location was the internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery junction in 37 cases (34.9%), followed by the anterior communicating artery in 27 (25.5%). Full exposure of the Sylvian fissure was achieved in all cases. No perisylvian hematoma was detected by immediate postoperative computed tomography in any patient. Using an appropriate technique for brain retractor application, sylvian fissure dissection was safely performed. The intrasylvian retraction technique effectively facilitated sylvian fissure dissection and provided wide exposure for the distal transsylvian approach.

Enhanced adsorption of lead (II) ions onto cellulose nanoparticles/chitosan composite based on loofah sponge: kinetic and thermodynamic studies

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to study the efficiency of lead ions removal via adsorption onto created solid nanomaterials. Three solid adsorbents were synthesized as cellulose nanoparticles (CN) extracted from plant loofah sponge using alkali treatment and acid hydrolysis techniques, chitosan beads (CZ), and cellulose nanoparticles/chitosan beads composite (CZC). The generated solid adsorbents were investigated using TGA, N2 adsorption/desorption, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, XRD, and pHPZC. Based on our findings, CZC had a pHPZC of 7.2, a larger specific surface area (645.3 m2/g), and a total pore volume (0.372 cm3/g). The batch adsorption of lead ions was well-fitted by pseudo-second order, Elovich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich on all the samples. Cellulose nanoparticles/chitosan composite had the highest Langmuir adsorption capacity (221.104 mg/g) at 47°C, 120 min as shaking time, 2 g/L as adsorbent dose, and pH 6.5. Nitric acid had the highest desorption percentage (92%). The thermodynamic investigation revealed that lead ion adsorption is endothermic, favorable, spontaneous, and physisorption. Our findings showed that CZC has a high adsorption capacity and rapid kinetics, indicating its potential for employment in water treatment.

Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) Global Practice Patterns: An International Survey by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe (CIRSE)

PurposeAn international survey was conducted by the Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) to evaluate radioembolization practice and capture opinions on real-world clinical and technical aspects of this therapy.Materials and MethodsA survey with 32 multiple choice questions was sent as an email to CIRSE members between November and December 2022. CIRSE group member and sister societies promoted the survey to their local members. The dataset was cleaned of duplicates and entries with missing data, and the resulting anonymized dataset was analysed. Data were presented using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe survey was completed by 133 sites, from 30 countries, spanning 6 continents. Most responses were from European centres (87/133, 65%), followed by centres from the Americas (22/133, 17%). Responding sites had been performing radioembolization for 10 years on average and had completed a total of 20,140 procedures over the last 5 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma treatments constituted 56% of this total, colorectal liver metastasis 17% and cholangiocarcinoma 14%. New sites had opened every year for the past 20 years, indicating the high demand for this therapy. Results showed a trend towards individualized treatment, with 79% of responders reporting use of personalized dosimetry for treatment planning and 97% reporting routine assessment of microsphere distribution post-treatment. Interventional radiologists played an important role in referrals, being present in the referring multi-disciplinary team in 91% of responding centres.ConclusionThis survey provides insight into the current state of radioembolization practice globally. The results reveal the increasing significance placed on dosimetry, evolving interventional techniques and increased technology integration.Graphical

Possibilities of Postoperative Rehabilitation After Combination Resection of the Pelvis with Acetabulum and Hip Joint Endoprosthesis

The article presents a clinical case of successful surgical treatment of primary chondrosarcoma of the right ilium affecting the acetabulum and hip joint with acetabulum endoprosthesis. Rehabilitation measures aimed at restoration of the affected limb function are also described. After these measures, the patient demonstrated excellent functional results (93.3 % per the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score). Recurrence-free period was 49 months. In modern orthopedic oncology, many techniques of organ-preserving surgical treatment in patients with tumors of the periacetabular area with subsequent reconstruction are used but they are technically complex and carry high risks of postoperative complications. In our opinion, only combination of surgical techniques with interdisciplinary approach during perioperative rehabilitation allows to achieve good and even excellent functional results which is confirmed by the presented clinical case.

Towards Sustainable Textiles for a Safer Planet: Main Topics

The textile branch traditionally uses a surplus of energy, consuming an enormous amount of water, and is responsible for the deterioration of the environment. New solutions are formally focused on a circular economy with an impetus on sustainable development and a world with zero waste. In reality, the aims of circular economy often do not coincide with sustainability issues, and sustainability is, in fact, narrowed to nature-created products (especially fibers) and not renewable resources. The main aims of this article are to critically discuss sustainability aspects of fiber development, textile design, production, use, and recycling or waste treatment. It is demonstrated that despite improvements in sustainability, comprehensive solutions need focused action of specialists from different disciplines with the same target, i.e., real sustainability for a future world. New machinery for the production of textiles without limitations to their thickness is one typical example of the approach to better sustainability. One of the key issues is the selection of sustainable fibers for future textile applications. The benefits and problems of replacing synthetic fibers with natural ones are discussed in detail. The recent techniques of textile waste treatment are presented, and problems with microplastics releasing from textiles are shown.

TGF-β1 inhibitor enhances the therapeutic effect of microwave ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Microwave ablation (MWA) is a widely adopted treatment technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, MWA alone is of limited use and has a high recurrence rate. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is recognized as a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether the TGF-β1 inhibitor could increase the efficacy of MWA therapy for HCC treatment. Methods In vitro, HCC cells challenged with TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB-525334), or normal saline were then heated by microwave. Methyl tetrazolium assays were performed to detect cell survival rate and half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 assays, flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo, the mice injected with HepG2 cells received oral gavage of SB-525334 (20 mg/kg) or normal saline and MWA at a power of 15 W. Tumor volume was recorded. Expression of Ki67 and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. TUNEL assays were used to detect cell death ratio. Histopathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mechanisms associated with the function of MWA combined with TGF-β1 inhibitor in HCC development were explored by western blotting. Results Combination of MWA and SB-525334 decreased the survival rate and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells compared with MWA alone. SB-525334 enhanced the suppressive effect of MWA on tumor growth and amplified cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, MWA collaborated with SB-525334 inhibitor inactivated the TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway. Conclusion TGF-β1 inhibitor enhances the therapeutic effect of MWA on HCC.

The impact of atmospheric air plasma treatment on the polyfunctional end-use polyester fabric using new synthetic pyrazole dye

Before gluing, bonding, and painting, a variety of materials' surfaces can be modified using the widely used plasma treatment technique. These materials include plastics, glass, metals, and wood. Materials' physical and chemical properties are changed in an environmentally responsible way to enhance or confer particular qualities. The recently used technology known as low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) allows heat-sensitive materials to be surface modified in a simple, one-step process. Polymer-based materials are frequently surface modified using LTAPP treatment to improve adhesion, printability, and surface sterility. Polyester's superior mechanical and physical qualities have led to its widespread use as a technical textile and garment material in the form of fibers, films, and plastics. Its limited versatility in terms of end use has been caused by its poor surface properties as the hydrophobic nature of polyester surface, roughness, the crystallinity, and lack of dyeability which are the main drawback restricting its use in different textile applications especially during wet treatments unlike natural fibers. In order to increase the fabric's hydrophilicity and dyeability, the surface of a polyester fabric was altered in this study using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment with atmospheric plasma jet and dielectric barrier discharge (APJ-DBD) technology in air. The primary obstacles in making dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment suitable for industrial purposes are the extended duration of treatment and the utilization of elevated voltage levels. The combination between the atmospheric plasma jet and the dielectric barrier discharge reduces the optimal treatment time to 1 min and the applied voltage to 3.3 kV. After being exposed to oxygen plasma species for a brief period of time (between 30 and 300 s), and were analyzed using an X-ray diffraction machine, an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), static contact angle, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate changes in the morphology and chemical nature of the surface, respectively. Fabric wettability increased as a result of plasma treatment, which also increased the fabric's surface roughness, as demonstrated by SEM and X-ray diffraction. The contact angle decreases by increasing the treatment time. The dyeability of untreated and plasma-treated samples was examined with respect to washing, rubbing, perspiration, sublimation, and light fastness. Additionally, color strength was examined. Adequately, compared to the untreated fabric, polyester treated with plasma showed improved dyeing performances. The technical reactivity of poly (ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) fabrics was found to be effectively increased by atmospheric air plasma treatment, creating new avenues for surface modification in light of the expanding environmental and energy-saving concerns.

Dosimetric analysis of six whole-breast irradiation techniques in supine and prone positions

In breast cancer radiation therapy, minimizing radiation-related risks and toxicity is vital for improving life expectancy. Tailoring radiotherapy techniques and treatment positions can reduce radiation doses to normal organs and mitigate treatment-related toxicity. This study entailed a dosimetric comparison of six different external beam whole-breast irradiation techniques in both supine and prone positions. We selected fourteen breast cancer patients, generating six treatment plans in both positions per patient. We assessed target coverage and organs at risk (OAR) doses to evaluate the impact of treatment techniques and positions. Excess absolute risk was calculated to estimate potential secondary cancer risk in the contralateral breast, ipsilateral lung, and contralateral lung. Additionally, we analyzed the distance between the target volume and OARs (heart and ipsilateral lung) while considering the treatment position. The results indicate that prone positioning lowers lung exposure in X-ray radiotherapy. However, particle beam therapies (PBTs) significantly reduce the dose to the heart and ipsilateral lung regardless of the patient’s position. Notably, negligible differences were observed between arc-delivery and static-delivery PBTs in terms of target conformity and OAR sparing. This study provides critical dosimetric evidence to facilitate informed decision-making regarding treatment techniques and positions.

A national census for the off-label treatment of complex aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveDespite regulatory challenges, device availability, and rapidly expanding techniques, off-label endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms (cAAs) has expanded in the past decade. Given the lack of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved endovascular technology to treat cAAs, we performed a national census to better understand volume and current practice patterns in the United States. MethodsTargeted sampling identified vascular surgeons with experience in off-label endovascular repair of cAAs. An electronic survey was distributed with institutional review board approval from the University of Rochester to 261 individuals with a response rate of 38% (n = 98). ResultsA total of 93 respondents (95%) reported off-label endovascular repair of cAAs. Mean age was 45.7 ± 8.3 years, and 84% were male. Most respondents (59%) were within the first 10 years of practice, and 69% trained at institutions with a high-volume of off-label endovascular procedures for complex aortic aneurysms with or without a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption (PS-IDE). Twelve respondents from 11 institutions reported institutional PS-IDEs for physician-modified endografts (PMEGs), in-situ laser fenestration (ISLF), or parallel grafting technique (PGT), including sites with PS-IDEs for custom-manufactured devices. Eighty-nine unique institutions reported elective off-label endovascular repair with a mean of 20.2 ± 16.5 cases/year and ∼1757 total cases/year nationally. Eighty reported urgent/emergent off-label endovascular repair with a mean of 5.7 ± 5.4 cases/year and ∼499 total cases/year nationally. There was no correlation between high-volume endovascular institutions (>15 cases/year) and institutions with high volumes of open surgical repair for cAAs (>15 cases/year; odds ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-1.5; P = .34). Elective techniques included PMEG (70%), ISLF (30%), hybrid PMEG/ISLF (18%), and PGT (14%), with PMEG being the preferred technique for 63% of respondents. Techniques for emergent endovascular treatment of complex aortic disease included PMEG (52%), ISLF (40%), PGT (20%), and hybrid-PMEG/ISLF (14%), with PMEG being the preferred technique for 41% of respondents. Thirty-nine percent of respondents always or frequently offer referrals to institutions with PS-IDEs for custom-manufactured devices. The most common barrier for referral to PS-IDE centers included geographic distance (48%), longitudinal relationship with patient (45%), and costs associated with travel (33%). Only 61% of respondents participate in the Vascular Quality Initiative for complex endovascular aneurysm repair, and only 57% maintain a prospective institutional database. Eighty-six percent reported interest in a national collaborative database for off-label endovascular repair of cAA. ConclusionsEstimates of off-label endovascular repair of cAAs are likely underrepresented in the literature based on this national census. PMEG was the most common technique for elective and emergent procedures. Under-reported off-label endovascular repair of cAA outcomes data appears to be limited by non-standardized PS-IDE reporting to the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the lack of Vascular Quality Initiative participation and prospective institutional data collection. Most participants are interested in a national collaborative database for endovascular repair of cAAs.

Renal Artery Stenosis: Current Insights and Advances in Management

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) presents a significant challenge in clinical practice, often leading to treatment-resistant hypertension and renal dysfunction. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current insights and advances in managing RAS, encompassing its pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment strategies, recent research, and future directions. RAS, predominantly caused by atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia, poses a substantial burden on affected individuals, necessitating early diagnosis and intervention to mitigate its adverse effects on renal function and cardiovascular health. Recent advancements in diagnostic imaging modalities, such as contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) and phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PC-MRA), offer enhanced anatomical and functional insights into RAS without requiring invasive procedures. Furthermore, innovative interventional techniques, including drug-eluting stents and minimally invasive surgical approaches, demonstrate promising outcomes in addressing complex RAS cases. Clinical trials, notably the CORAL trial, provide valuable evidence for the efficacy and safety of various management strategies, guiding clinicians in making informed decisions tailored to individual patient needs. Future directions in RAS research may involve further refinement of imaging techniques, exploration of personalized medicine approaches, and the development of targeted therapies to address underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Collaborative efforts between clinicians, researchers, and industry partners are essential in driving innovation and advancing the field toward improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with RAS. Through continued research and innovation, the prognosis for patients with RAS promises enhanced management strategies and improved long-term outcomes.

A review of electrooxidation systems treatment of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): electrooxidation degradation mechanisms and electrode materials.

The prevalence of polyfluoroalkyls and perfluoroalkyls (PFAS) represents a significant challenge, and various treatment techniques have been employed with considerable success to eliminate PFAS from water, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safe disposal of wastewater. This paper first describes the most promising electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology and then analyses its basic principles. In addition, this paper reviews and discusses the current state of research and development in the field of electrode materials and electrochemical reactors. Furthermore, the influence of electrode materials and electrolyte types on the deterioration process is also investigated. The importance of electrode materials in ethylene oxide has been widely recognised, and therefore, the focus of current research is mainly on the development of innovative electrode materials, the design of superior electrode structures, and the improvement of efficient electrode preparation methods. In order to improve the degradation efficiency of PFOS in electrochemical systems, it is essential to study the oxidation mechanism of PFOS in the presence of ethylene oxide. Furthermore, the factors influencing the efficacy of PFAS treatment, including current density, energy consumption, initial concentration, and other parameters, are clearly delineated. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the potential for integrating EO technology with other water treatment technologies. The continuous development of electrode materials and the integration of other water treatment processes present a promising future for the widespread application of ethylene oxide technology.

Four-layer technique for tracheostomy scar treatment.

One important complication of the tracheostomy procedure is the depressed scar left after the tube is removed. A depressed tracheostomy scar can be aesthetically and functionally unacceptable. Tracheostomy scar treatment aims to fill lost soft tissue volume and correct tracheal skin tug. There are various techniques described to manage post-tracheostomy scars, including the use of autologous tissue or allogenic material and the creation of muscle flaps. In this article, the authors introduce a surgical method using four layers: the scar, the strap muscles, the platysma muscle, and the skin. This procedure has been used in two patients with depressed scar after prolonged tracheostomy placement. The tracheal tug was eliminated in each patient, and an imperceptible cutaneous scar remained. In each case, patient satisfaction was complete. The authors recommend this technique as a simple and effective method of closure for these troublesome tracheostomy scars.

A new approach for synthesis of bismuth oxide derived photocatalyst for degradation of para nitrophenol

More focus has recently been placed on achieving the sustainable development objectives by 2030. As water is important and ha many purposes, it is important to have clean water. The inefficiency of different water treatment techniques restricts their widespread implementation. Furthermore, some of the procedures readily create secondary pollutants. As a result, it is critical to develop an effective and ecologically beneficial method of converting organic contaminants into non-toxic and harmless chemicals. A modified hydrothermal synthesis method was utilised for successfully producing Bi2O3 nanoparticles in this research. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray were used to characterise and to find the structural, optical, morphological, and compositional aspects of the formed nanoparticles. Moreover, the formed particles were used to degrade the noxious Para-nitrophenol (PNP). PNP deterioration was performed under 3 different conditions: under halogen light, under sunlight and in the dark. The experiment showed that halogen irradiation showed better result. Due to PNP adsorption on Bi2O3, even without irradiation, a small degradation was detected but in just over an hour, under halogen light the catalyst destroyed 99.23 % of 4-nitrophenol. We also used natural lighting in our degradation studies. Natural daylight deterioration efficiency was 63.26 %. The nanoparticles that were formed turned out to be an excellent photocatalyst for the degradation of PNP in wastewater.

Effect of power density on microstructure characterization and fatigue behavior of laser shock peened Rene-80 Ni-based superalloy

The microstructure plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties and performance of materials, particularly in high-strength alloys such as Rene-80. This study focuses on the microstructure characterization of Rene-80 nickel-based superalloy after undergoing Laser Shock Peening (LSP), an advanced surface treatment technique imparting beneficial residual stresses and improving fatigue life. The primary objective of this research is to investigate how varying power densities during the LSP process affect the microstructure of the Rene-80 superalloy. The power density in LSP is a critical parameter that influences the intensity of shock waves imparted onto the material’s surface, consequently impacting the microstructure. Through advanced microscopy techniques and analysis, the study explores the resulting microstructural changes, including surface roughness, dislocation density, and the presence of defects like dislocations and dislocation cells. These alterations are vital indicators of the material’s mechanical properties, such as tensile and fatigue strength. LSP samples were characterized using various techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Additionally, the mechanical performance of the samples was assessed through low-cycle fatigue tests and tensile tests, both conducted before and after LSP treatment. The optimal power density for Laser Shock Peening is determined to be 2.5 HEL. At this power density, the shock wave generated does not create a molten layer on the surface but accumulates defects, resulting in maximum compressive residual stress at the surface. LSP induces intense plastic deformation in the sample, distorting γ’ precipitates. Higher power densities lead to the formation of cross-linked sets of slip bands, highlighting defect slip as the main mechanism of plastic deformation in the LSP process. Understanding these effects is essential for optimizing the LSP process parameters to achieve desired mechanical properties and enhance the performance and longevity of components made from Rene-80 nickel-based superalloy in high-stress applications. It was found that the fatigue life of the samples increased by 500% and optimizing the effect of power density on the LSP process led to an improvement in the fatigue life of the Rene 80 samples.

Evaluating the seasonal variations of risks associated with potentially toxic elements in underground water sources near a dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria

Contamination of borehole water by leachates from dumpsites has significantly affected the health of those who use polluted water for domestic activities. This study evaluated the seasonal variations of risks associated with potentially toxic elements in underground water sources near a dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria. The levels of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian standard for drinking water quality (NSDWQ) standard limits. The, sources of PTEs, metal pollution index, water quality index, ecological risk, and health-related risks of using the underground water were evaluated. The chemical results indicated that levels of Cd and Pb were above the WHO and NSDWQ threshold limits for potable water. The Mn and Ni values were above the NSDWQ limits for potable water. The study borehole samples had PTE levels higher than the control samples due to their proximity to the landfill. The water quality index ranged from 1290.29 to 2243.04, showing that the water is unsuitable for drinking and other domestic uses. The metal pollution indices of the underground water samples were above 1, indicating that the water needs treatment before use. The health risk examination highlighted that children are more disposed to non-cancer risk than adults based on the hazard indices obtained. Also, the probability of cancer risks was high, showing that both children and adults are likely to be in danger of cancer risks. However, the ecological risk indices ranged from 11.187 to 51.581, indicating a low ecological risk. Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis revealed that the sources of pollution are from similar origins/sources linked to anthropogenic activities. Awareness programs are necessary to educate the populace about the dangers of using contaminated water. Effective waste management strategies and water treatment techniques should be implemented.

AN OBSERVATIONAL PROSPECTIVE STUDY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI

Gridhrasi is one of the most common debilitating diseases of all age groups, affecting the physical, mental, and social life of patients. Ayurveda offers a lot of possibilities for musculoskeletal ailments, and Gridhrasi is not an exception. Gridhrasi is one among the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi where dysfunction of Vata dosha manifests as low back pain which radiates to the lower limbs, accompanied by stiffness and a pricking type of pain. Gridhrasi's symptoms closely resemble the clinical features of Sciatica in modern science where pain, weak-ness, numbness and other discomforts along the path of the sciatic nerve are often accompanied with low back pain. Contemporary conservative treatments offer only temporary relief, and surgical options cannot eliminate the associated complications. Acharya Charaka has provided three limb treatment techniques for Gridhrasi. This classical intervention has yet to be previously attempted, and thus, this study aims to establish the effec-tiveness of these treatments for Gridhrasi. Since Gridhrasi significantly impacts patients' physical, mental, and social well-being, there is a compelling need to identify a suitable and cost-effective cure, making it the focal point of this research. The three limbs are namely Basti, Siravyadha and Agnikarma. Basti is regarded as So-dhana Chikitsa where, whereas Siravyadha and Agnikarma are Anusalya Chikitsa. Thus, in this study, the clas-sical reference of Acharya Charaka’s treatment principle of Gridhrasi was taken, and a conceptual three-arm survey including these three treatment modalities was done. The outcome of the study is expected to generate clinical evidence on the effect of three individual treatments in Gridhrasi.

Underoil superhydrophilic nanofiber-based composite aerogels for efficient separation of water/oil mixtures and water-in-oil emulsions

Oily wastewater has caused serious environmental problems. To achieve efficient separation of oil/water mixtures and surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions, electrospinning, directional freeze-casting and thermal treatment techniques were combined to fabricate anisotropic and aligned nanofiber-based composite aerogels with underwater superoleophobicity and underoil superhydrophilicity. No toxic crosslinking agents or organic solvents were used during the whole fabrication process. The composite aerogels without any surface modification possessed the ability to selectively absorb water from oil/water mixtures to realize effective separation oil and water. Furthermore, the composite aerogels could separate surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions by gravity-driven filtration. When used for gravity-driven separation of Span80 stabilized water-in-petroleum ether emulsion, the flux and corresponding separation efficiency reached 2423 L·m−2·h−1 and 99.8 %, respectively. The used composite aerogel could be readily recycled by rinsing and freeze-drying without using any organic solvent, because it displayed underoil superhydrophilicity and excellent anti-oil property. Differing from the separation materials that have been previously documented, the nanofiber-based composite aerogels could act as both absorption materials and gravity-driven filtration materials. In summary, the composite aerogels developed in this study show great potential for efficient separation of oil and water.

Synthesis and Characterization of Composite WO3 Fibers/g-C3N4 Photocatalysts for the Removal of the Insecticide Clothianidin in Aquatic Media.

Photocatalysis is a prominent alternative wastewater treatment technique that has the potential to completely degrade pesticides as well as other persistent organic pollutants, leading to detoxification of wastewater and thus paving the way for its efficient reuse. In addition to the more conventional photocatalysts (e.g., TiO2, ZnO, etc.) that utilize only UV light for activation, the interest of the scientific community has recently focused on the development and application of visible light-activated photocatalysts like g-C3N4. However, some disadvantages of g-C3N4, such as the high recombination rate of photogenerated charges, limit its utility. In this light, the present study focuses on the synthesis of WO3 fibers/g-C3N4 Z-scheme heterojunctions to improve the efficiency of g-C3N4 towards the photocatalytic removal of the widely used insecticide clothianidin. The effect of two different g-C3N4 precursors (urea and thiourea) and of WO3 fiber content on the properties of the synthesized composite materials was also investigated. All aforementioned materials were characterized by a number of techniques (XRD, SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, DRS, etc.). According to the results, mixing 6.5% W/W WO3 fibers with either urea or thiourea derived g-C3N4 significantly increased the photocatalytic activity of the resulting composites compared to the precursor materials. In order to further elucidate the effect of the most efficient composite photocatalyst in the degradation of clothianidin, the generated transformation products were tentatively identified through UHPLC tandem high-resolution mass spectroscopy. Finally, the detoxification effect of the most efficient process was also assessed by combining the results of an in-vitro methodology and the predictions of two in-silico tools.

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