Waste-derived activated carbons for control of nitrogen oxides

Activated carbons were produced from waste and investigated for their efficiency for the removal of mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) in simulated flue gases at a low temperature. The wastes used were waste biomass (date seeds), processed municipal solid waste in the form of refuse-derived fuel and waste tyres. The morphology, porous texture and surface chemistry of the prepared activated carbons were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, nitrogen adsorption and Boehm titration, and were compared with several commercial activated carbons. The carbons were then investigated in terms of their use in adsorbing NOx at a low temperature. The waste-derived activated carbons had NOx adsorption efficiencies at 50°C which were between 50 and 70% of those achieved for the commercial activated carbons. Increasing the adsorption temperature from 25 to 100°C significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NO) adsorption. It was also shown that the NO adsorption efficiency depends on the porous structure, particularly the presence of micropores in the activated carbon, but to a lesser extent on the surface area of the carbons and acid–base surface groups on the carbon surface

Lipopolysaccharide-induced memory impairment in rats: a model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a primary cause of dementia in the middle-aged and elderly worldwide. Animal models for AD are widely used to study the disease mechanisms as well as to test potential therapeutic agents for disease modification. Among the non-genetically manipulated neuroinflammation models for AD, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced animal model is commonly used. This review paper aims to discuss the possible factors that influence rats’ response following LPS injection. Factors such as dose of LPS, route of administration, nature and duration of exposure as well as age and gender of animal used should be taken into account when designing a study using LPS-induced memory impairment as model for AD

Duration of Antibiotics in Community Acquired Pneumonia, Physicians Fancy?

In spite of guidelines on the use of antibiotics in Community acquired pneumonia (CAP), very often the antibiotics are prescribed for longer than necessary. Of the 37 in-patients with CAP over a 25-month period,12 had reasons for a longer antibiotic course. In the remaining 25, ten received antibiotics for ≤ 7 and 15 for more than 7 days. Respiratory rate (23.53± 4.32; p=0.039) and albumin levels (37.73±5.27; p=0.001) were higher in patients who received the longer course. Extent of opacities (p=0.690); single lobe 9 (60%). &gt; 1 lobe unilateral 1 (100%) and bilateral 5 (55.6%) or the pattern; lobar 10(83.3%), segmental 1(20%) or interstitial 4 (50%); &gt; 65 years 7 (53.8%); male 9 (60%), prior antibiotics 4 (57.1%), co-morbidities 11 (61.1%), Diabetes 8 (57.1%), aspiration risk 3 (42.9%) or higher CURB score 7(63.3%) did not influence the prescription. We find that physicians use their instinct rather than scientific backing in this decision. Often antibiotics are continued on discharge possibly due to a feeling of protection.         </jats:p

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats: a Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a primary cause of dementia in the middle-aged and elderly worldwide. Animal models for AD are widely used to study the disease mechanisms as well as to test potential therapeutic agents for disease modification. Among the non-genetically manipulated neuroinflammation models for AD, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced animal model is commonly used. This review paper aims to discuss the possible factors that influence rats’ response following LPS injection. Factors such as dose of LPS, route of administration, nature and duration of exposure as well as age and gender of animal used should be taken into account when designing a study using LPS-induced memory impairment as model for AD.</jats:p