Optimization of the 3D electro-Fenton process in removal of acid orange 10 from aqueous solutions by response surface methodology

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, rapid population growth and industrial development have led to the release of toxic compounds into water resources. Several technologies have been proposed to address the problem, and among them, the 3D electro-Fenton process has found great popularity due to its high efficiency and simple operation. In the 3D electro-Fenton process, the type of particle electrode is one of the most important factors owing to its impact on the reduction of energy consumption and generation of reactive species. In the present study, the optimization of the 3D electro-Fenton process coupled with iron-coated nickel foam (NF-Fe), as a new particle electrode, in the removal of acid orange 10 was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). RESULTS: The RSM results showed that the quadratic model has a high R2 and high F-value based on ANOVA analysis. The optimum efficiency of dye removal (99.15) was obtained at pH 5.6, an NF-Fe dosage of 0.68 g L�1, a time of 34.6 min, and current density of 23.62 mA cm�2. Comparative tests showed the high efficiency of the 3D electro-Fenton process compared to other electrochemical systems. Quenching experiments demonstrated the production of different reactive species in the 3D process. The stability experiment proved that the NF-Fe has a high potential to improve the long-term degradation of dye. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its high efficiency, production of more reactive species and excellent stability of the NF-Fe electrode, this 3D electro-Fenton process is an excellent option for removal of dye from aqueous solutions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industr

Efficiency evaluation of zeolite powder, as an adsorbent for the removal of nickel and chromium from aqueous solution: Isotherm and kinetic study

Heavy metals particularly nickel and chromium are recognized as threatening pollutants leaving serious adverse effects on human health and environment due to their toxicity, un-biodegradable properties and high concentration in industrial effluent. The present study aims to evaluate the zeolite powder efficiency, as an adsorbent, in removing nickel and chromium from aqueous solution. After preparing zeolite powder, batch experiments are performed in different times and adsorbent dosages (pH=7, heavy metals concentration=50 mg/L, and stirring/minute= 200rpm).Adsorption isotherm including Langmuir, Freundlich, Pseudo- first order and second-order model, Intra- particle diffusion and Elovich kinetics were applied to correlate the adsorption. Results indicate that nickel absorbs more than chromium and adsorption of both nickel and chromium obeyed the Freundlich model. Correlation coefficients obtained from Freundlich model and pseudo-second order kinetic are R2=0.995, R2=996 and R2=0.999, respectively, which shows that the Freundlich expression and the kinetics of pseudosecond order gave a better fit to the experimental data of zeolite powder. Also, removing Efficiency revealed significant increase after increasing the adsorbent dose and contact time (R2<0.001). According to obtained dimensionless constant separation term (RL) of Langmuir expression, the RL values for the adsorption of both nickel and chromium onto zeolite powder range of 1-0 indicates that the adsorption is a favorable process. © 2016, International Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. All rights reserved

Overview of the current promising approaches for the development of an effective severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. There is a gap in our understanding regarding the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. However, many clinical trials are underway across the world for screening effective drugs against COVID-19. Nevertheless, currently, no proven effective therapies for this virus exists. The vaccines are deemed as a significant part of disease prevention for emerging viral diseases, since, in several cases, other therapeutic choices are limited or non�existent, or that diseases result in such an accelerated clinical worsening that the efficacy of treatments is restricted. Therefore, effective vaccines against COVID-19 are urgently required to overcome the tremendous burden of mortality and morbidity correlated with SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we will describe the latest evidence regarding outstanding vaccine approaches and the challenges for vaccine production. © 2020 Elsevier B.V

The emerging role of microRNAs in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed significant public health problems for the human populations worldwide after the 1918 influenza A virus (IVA) (H1N1) pandemic. Although numerous efforts have been made to unravel the mechanisms underlying the coronavirus, a notable gap remains in our perception of the COVID-19 pathogenesis. The innate and adaptive immune systems have a pivotal role in the fate of viral infections, such as COVID-19 pandemic. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known as short noncoding RNA molecules and appear as indispensable governors of almost any cellular means. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that miRNAs participate in essential mechanisms of cell biology, regulation of the immune system, and the onset and progression of numerous types of disorders. The immune responses to viral respiratory infections (VRIs), including influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus (RV), are correlated with the ectopic expression of miRNAs. Alterations of the miRNA expression in epithelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic and acute airway infections. Hence, analyzing the role of these types of nucleotides in antiviral immune responses and the characterization of miRNA target genes might contribute to understanding the mechanisms of the interplay between the host and viruses, and in the future, potentially result in discovering therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of acute COVID-19 infection. In this article, we present a general review of current studies concerning the function of miRNAs in different VRIs, particularly in coronavirus infection, and address all available therapeutic prospects to mitigate the burden of viral infections. © 202