Bio-nanotechnology application in wastewater treatment

The nanoparticles have received high interest in the field of medicine and water purification, however, the nanomaterials produced by chemical and physical methods are considered hazardous, expensive, and leave behind harmful substances to the environment. This chapter aimed to focus on green-synthesized nanoparticles and their medical applications. Moreover, the chapter highlighted the applicability of the metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the inactivation of microbial cells due to their high surface and small particle size. Modifying nanomaterials produced by green-methods is safe, inexpensive, and easy. Therefore, the control and modification of nanoparticles and their properties were also discussed

Decreased Prevalence of Lymphatic Filariasis among Diabetic Subjects Associated with a Diminished Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Response (CURES 83)

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between the incidence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and the incidence of allergies and autoimmunity. However, the interrelationship between LF and type-2 diabetes is not known and hence, a cross sectional study to assess the baseline prevalence and the correlates of sero-positivity of LF among diabetic subjects was carried out (n = 1416) as part of the CURES study. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of LF among diabetic subjects (both newly diagnosed [5.7%] and those under treatment [4.3%]) compared to pre-diabetic subjects [9.1%] (p = 0.0095) and non-diabetic subjects [10.4%] (p = 0.0463). A significant decrease in filarial antigen load (p = 0.04) was also seen among diabetic subjects. Serum cytokine levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines—IL-6 and GM-CSF—were significantly lower in diabetic subjects who were LF positive, compared to those who were LF negative. There were, however, no significant differences in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines—IL-10, IL-13 and TGF-β—between the two groups. Although a direct causal link has yet to be shown, there appears to be a striking inverse relationship between the prevalence of LF and diabetes, which is reflected by a diminished pro-inflammatory cytokine response in Asian Indians with diabetes and concomitant LF

Adenosine and lymphocyte regulation

Adenosine is a potent extracellular messenger that is produced in high concentrations under metabolically unfavourable conditions. Tissue hypoxia, consequent to a compromised cellular energy status, is followed by the enhanced breakdown of ATP leading to the release of adenosine. Through the interaction with A2 and A3 membrane receptors, adenosine is devoted to the restoration of tissue homeostasis, acting as a retaliatory metabolite. Several aspects of the immune response have to be taken into consideration and even though in general it is very important to dampen inflammation, in some circumstances, such as the case of cancer, it is also necessary to increase the activity of immune cells against pathogens. Therefore, adenosine receptors that are defined as ‘sensors–of metabolic changes in the local tissue environment may be very important targets for modulation of immune responses and drugs devoted to regulating the adenosinergic system are promising in different clinical situations

Computer-aided torch trajectory generation for automated coating of parts with complex surfaces

The work presented in this paper is concerned with the design and development of an efficient computer software package for off- line programming of robots for spray coating. The developed package (called CA- COATS) allows the spray torch to track a path, maintaining the specified spraying distance and proper orientation relative to the part surface at all points, and thus ensuring uniform coating thickness. This software package is done off- line and is complete in itself, eliminating the need for another computer-aided design database of the base surface (although the package can be made to interface with such a database if so desired). Because the algorithm has no iteration, it is computationally efficient. With minor modifications, this package can also be extended to waterjet coating- removal systems

Novel approach for the bulk synthesis of nanocrystalline yttria doped thoria powders via polymeric precursor routes

Three different polymeric precursor routes viz., (i) amorphous citrate process, (ii) Pechini process and (iii) polyethylene glycol assisted process were compared for synthesising nanocrystalline powders of 7.5 mol% yttria doped thoria (YDT). In each of the processes, parameters such as metal-to-fuel ratio or composition of fuel were varied and the effects were analysed. TG/DTA studies were conducted to identify the ignition temperatures of the precursors. Also, a novel experimental procedure with controlled combustion was devised for the preparation of powders based on the thermal analysis data. All the processes result in phase pure and nanocrystalline powders. The average crystallite size of the powders ranged between 9 and 18 nm. The powder samples were analysed for their carbon content and studied for their sinterability. Densities as high as 99% th.d. could be achieved by sintering the compacts of powders obtained from (i) amorphous citrate process with CA/M ratios 2.0 and 3.0, (ii) Pechini processes (independent of fuel composition) and (iii) PEG-assisted process using PEG 4000 at a relatively low temperature of 1500 degreesC for 2 h. (C) 200

Determinants of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children aged 2 months to 5 years

Background: In India, acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) is one of the major causes of death. During the year 2013, about31.7 million cases of ALRI were reported. Methodology: It is a prospective study in children aged from 2 months to 5 years whowere admitted to the hospital with clinical diagnosis of ALRI. A total of 100 children were included in the study. Results: About54% were incompletely immunized for age. 52% belonged to families falling under low socioeconomic status (SES). Leukocytosisis 41% and only 18% positive blood culture. There is significant association seen. Conclusion: The present study demonstratedthat there is significant association between the status of the immunization and SES with severity if pneumonia

Sustainable composites for lightweight and flame retardant parts for electric vehicles to boost climate benefits: A perspective

The global automotive sector is moving towards zero-emission transportation, which has led to the rapid growth of the electric vehicles (EVs) market, projected to reach USD 1318 billion in 2028. The two key challenges that EVs are facing are their heavy curb weight (∼ 1000 lbs. heavier than their petroleum-based counterparts) due to their battery packs, and their fire threat, caused by thermal runaway of batteries. Further, growing concerns about the sustainability of EV technology has created pressure on automotive manufacturers to drive innovation of new materials with less environmental impacts. These challenges can be addressed by developing high-performance sustainable polymer composites for lightweight components for EVs with enhanced flame retardancy without compromising their performance. Manufacturing and integration of automotive parts from sustainable composites target and support the “Circular Economy” of EVs. Lightweighting EV components will increase travel ranges, minimize crash impacts, lower braking distances, and reduce the wear and tear of the tires. In sustainable and renewable composite manufacturing, “engineering plastics” including recycled carbon fibers and sustainable resource derived advanced biocarbon will have an edge over “traditional plastics”. In addition, the inclusion of sustainable flame-retardants in the EV components will increase the flashover duration, resulting in better thermal management and delay in thermal runaway. Thus, in this perspective, the recent acceleration in automotive weight reduction strategies is discussed through the utilization of high-performance lightweight and sustainable composites with superior flame retardancy to address the criteria for the circularity of materials towards climate benefits