A comprehensive overview on electro-active biofilms, role of exo-electrogens and their microbial niches in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are biocatalyzed systems which can drive electrical energy by directly converting chemical energy using microbial biocatalyst and are considered as one of the important propitious technologies for sustainable energy production. Much research on MFCs experiments is under way with great potential to become an alternative to produce clean energy from renewable waste. MFCs have been one of the most promising technologies for generating clean energy industry in the future. This article summarizes the important findings in electro-active biofilm formation and the role of exo-electrogens in electron transfer in MFCs. This study provides and brings special attention on the effects of various operating and biological parameters on the biofilm formation in MFCs. In addition, it also highlights the significance of different molecular techniques used in the microbial community analysis of electro-active biofilm. It reviews the challenges as well as the emerging opportunities required to develop MFCs at commercial level, electro-active biofilms and to understand potential application of microbiological niches are also depicted. Thus, this review is believed to widen the efforts towards the development of electro-active biofilm and will provide the research directions to overcome energy and environmental challenges.

Exploiting antidiabetic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Punica granatum leaves and anticancer potential against human liver cancer cells (HepG2)

This study first time reports the novel synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a Punica granatum leaf extract (PGE). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by various analytical techniques including UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectra (FESEM-EDS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). FTIR analysis revealed that the involvement of biological macromolecules of P. granatum leaf extract were distributed and involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. A surface-sensitive technique of XPS was used to analyse the composition and oxidation state of synthesized AgNPs. The analytical results confirmed that the AgNPs were crystalline in nature with spherical shape. The zeta potential study revealed that the surface charge of synthesized AgNPs was highly negative (-26.6 mV) and particle size distribution was ranging from ∼35 to 60 nm and the average particle size was about 48 nm determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The PGE-AgNPs antidiabetic potential exhibited effective inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀; 65.2 and 53.8 μg/mL, respectively). The PGE-AgNPs showed a dose-dependent response against human liver cancer cells (HepG2) (IC₅₀; 70 μg/mL) indicating its greater efficacy in killing cancer cells. They also possessed in vitro free radical-scavenging activity in terms of ABTS (IC₅₀; 52.2 μg/mL) and DPPH (IC₅₀; 67.1 μg/mL) antioxidant activity. PGE-AgNPs displayed strong antibacterial activity and potent synergy with standard antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria. Thus, synthesized PGE-AgNPs show potential biomedical and industrial applications.

Bioelectrochemical systems using microalgae - A concise research update

Excess consumption of energy by humans is compounded by environmental pollution, the greenhouse effect and climate change impacts. Current developments in the use of algae for bioenergy production offer several advantages. Algal biomass is hence considered a new bio-material which holds the promise to fulfil the rising demand for energy. Microalgae are used in effluents treatment, bioenergy production, high value added products synthesis and CO₂ capture. This review summarizes the potential applications of algae in bioelectrochemically mediated oxidation reactions in fully biotic microbial fuel cells for power generation and removal of unwanted nutrients. In addition, this review highlights the recent developments directed towards developing different types of microalgae MFCs. The different process factors affecting the performance of microalgae MFC system and some technological bottlenecks are also addressed.

A review on bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) for the syngas and value added biochemicals production

Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) are the microbial systems which are employed to produce electricity directly from organic wastes along with some valuable chemicals production such as medium chain fatty acids; acetate, butyrate and alcohols. In this review, recent updates about value-added chemicals production concomitantly with the production of gaseous fuels like hydrogen and methane which are considered as cleaner for the environment have been addressed. Additionally, the bottlenecks associated with the conversion rates, lower yields and other aspects have been mentioned. In spite of its infant stage development, this would be the future trend of energy, biochemicals and electricity production in greener and cleaner pathway with the win-win situation of organic waste remediation. Henceforth, this review intends to summarise and foster the progress made in the BESs and discusses its challenges and outlook on future research advances.

Microbiome involved in microbial electrochemical systems (MESs): A review

Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are an attracting technology for the disposal of wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy production. In MESs, at the anode microorganisms through the catalytic activity generates electrons that can be converted into electricity or other valuable chemical compounds. Microorganisms those having ability to donate and accept electrons to and from anode and cathode electrodes, respectively are recognized as 'exoelectrogens'. In the MESs, it renders an important function for its performance. In the present mini-review, we have discussed the role of microbiome including pure culture, enriched culture and mixed culture in different BESs application. The effects of operational and biological factors on microbiome development have been discussed. Further discussion about the molecular techniques for the evaluation of microbial community analysis is addressed. In addition different electrochemical techniques for extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanism of electroactive biofilms have been discussed. This review highlights the importance of microbiome in the development of MESs, effective operational factors for exo-electrogens activities as well their key challenges and future technological aspects are also briefly discussed.

Mixed-culture H2 fermentation performance and the relation between microbial community composition and hydraulic retention times for a fixed bed reactor fed with galactose/glucose mixtures

This study examined the mesophilic continuous biohydrogen fermentation from galactose and glucose mixture with an initial substrate concentration of 15 g/L (galactose 12 g/L and glucose 3 g/L) as a resembling carbon source of pretreated red algal hydrolyzate. A fixed bed reactor was fed with the sugar mixture at various hydraulic retention times (HRTs) ranging 12 to 1.5 h. The maximum hydrogen production rate of 52.6 L/L-d was found at 2 h HRT, while the maximum hydrogen yield of 2.3±0.1 mol/mol hexose_added, was achieved at 3 h HRT. Microbial communities and species distribution were analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the dominant bacterial population was found as Clostridia followed by Lactobacillus sp. Packing material retained higher 16S rRNA gene copy numbers of total bacteria and Clostridium butyricum fraction compared to fermentation liquor. The finding of the study has demonstrated that H₂ production from galactose and glucose mixture could be a viable approach for hydrogen production.

Performance evaluation of microbial electrochemical systems operated with Nafion and supported ionic liquid membranes

In this work, the performance of dual-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) constructed either with commonly used Nafion^® proton exchange membrane or supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) was assessed. The behavior of MFCs was followed and analyzed by taking the polarization curves and besides, their efficiency was characterized by measuring the electricity generation using various substrates such as acetate and glucose. By using the SILMs containing either [C₆mim][PF₆] or [Bmim][NTf₂] ionic liquids, the energy production of these MFCs from glucose was comparable to that obtained with the MFC employing polymeric Nafion^® and the same substrate. Furthermore, the MFC operated with [Bmim][NTf₂]-based SILM demonstrated higher energy yield in case of low acetate loading (80.1 J g^-1 COD_in m^-2 h^-1) than the one with the polymeric Nafion^® N115 (59 J g^-1 COD_in m^-2 h^-1). Significant difference was observed between the two SILM-MFCs, however, the characteristics of the system was similar based on the cell polarization measurements. The results suggest that membrane-engineering applying ionic liquids can be an interesting subject field for bioelectrochemical system research.

A Model for the Conservative Management of Mallet Finger

This prospective study assessed the results of a custom-made thermoplastic splint for treatment of mallet finger deformity. From April 1999 to April 2000, 42 patients with mallet finger deformity were recruited. All patients were seen within 1 week and treated with a thermoplastic splint custom made by the hand therapy department. The splint was simple to make, easy to fit and suitable for all finger shapes and sizes. It improved the deformity in 30 out of 34 cases, and caused no skin irritation.

Nomenclature in the Journal of Hand Surgery

Unambiguous description of anatomical structures is essential to communicate information either in the clinical or research context. In view of this and following recommendations by the Nomenclature Committee of the International Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH), the booklet “Terminology for Hand Surgery” was published in 2001. The aim of this study was to identify whether the nomenclature used in the papers published in the Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European volume) followed its recommendations.

The study showed that we still continue to use traditional terminology. The most common “mistake” is numbering of the metacarpals instead of naming them. Usage of newer terms would improve the clarity of information distributed.

Vascular hepoxilin and trioxilins mediate vasorelaxation through TP receptor inhibition in mouse arteries

AIM

12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) metabolizes arachidonic acid (AA) into several vasoactive eicosanoids. In mouse arteries, we previously characterized the enzyme's 15-LO metabolites 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 15-HETE, hydroxyepoxyeicosatrienoic acids (HEETAs) and 11,12,15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (11,12,15-THETAs) as endothelium-derived relaxing factors. However, the observed 12-LO metabolites remained uncharacterized. The purpose of this study was to determine the structure and biological functions of eicosanoids generated by the enzyme's 12-LO activity.

METHODS

Metabolites extracted from aortas of C57BL/6 male mice were separated using a series of reverse and normal phase chromatographic steps and identified as hepoxilin A₃ , trioxilin A₃ and trioxilin C₃ by mass spectrometry. Activities of these natural compounds were tested on isometric tension and intracellular calcium release. The role of thromboxane (TP) receptor was determined in HEK293 cells overexpressing TPα receptor (TPα -HEK).

RESULTS

All identified vascular 12-LO metabolites were biologically active. In mouse mesenteric arteries, trioxilin A₃ , C₃ and hepoxilin A₃ (3 μm) relaxed arteries constricted with the thromboxane mimetic, U46619-constricted arteries (maximum relaxations of 78.9 ± 3.2, 29.7 ± 4.6, 82.2 ± 5.0 and 88.0 ± 2.4% respectively), but not phenylephrine-constricted arteries. In TPα-HEK cells, trioxilin A₃ , C₃ and hepoxilin A₃ (10 μm) inhibited U46619 (10 nM)-induced increases in intracellular calcium by 53.0 ± 7.2%, 32.8 ± 5.0% and 37.9 ± 13.5% respectively. In contrast, trioxilin B₃ and hepoxilin B₃ were not synthesized in arteries and exhibited little biological activity.

CONCLUSION

Trioxilin A₃ and C₃ and hepoxilin A₃ are endogenous vascular relaxing factors. They are not endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors but mediate vascular relaxation by inhibiting TP agonist-induced increases in intracellular calcium. Thus, they regulate vascular homeostasis by acting as endogenous TP antagonists.

Fixed-dose combinations of antimicrobials: A need for special attention

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the issue of freely available fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antimicrobials.

METHODS

A critique of two such antimicrobial FDCs was undertaken wherein the following aspects were assessed - rational and regulatory issues and justification for clinical use. Available in vitro, in vivo (animals and humans) evidence from published literature was analysed.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several inadequately addressed aspects of the considered FDCs which are available in Indian market. In view of the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, this issue must get the required attention.

Recent insights into the cell immobilization technology applied for dark fermentative hydrogen production

The contribution and insights of the immobilization technology in the recent years with regards to the generation of (bio)hydrogen via dark fermentation have been reviewed. The types of immobilization practices, such as entrapment, encapsulation and adsorption, are discussed. Materials and carriers used for cell immobilization are also comprehensively surveyed. New development of nano-based immobilization and nano-materials has been highlighted pertaining to the specific subject of this review. The microorganisms and the type of carbon sources applied in the dark hydrogen fermentation are also discussed and summarized. In addition, the essential components of process operation and reactor configuration using immobilized microbial cultures in the design of varieties of bioreactors (such as fixed bed reactor, CSTR and UASB) are spotlighted. Finally, suggestions and future directions of this field are provided to assist the development of efficient, economical and sustainable hydrogen production technologies.

Systemic chromosome instability in Shugoshin-1 mice resulted in compromised glutathione pathway, activation of Wnt signaling and defects in immune system in the lung

Mitotic error-mediated chromosome instability (CIN) can lead to aneuploidy, chromothripsis, DNA damage and/or whole chromosome gain/loss. CIN may prompt rapid accumulation of mutations and genomic alterations. Thus, CIN can promote carcinogenesis. This CIN process results from a mutation in certain genes or environmental challenge such as smoking, and is highly prevalent in various cancers, including lung cancer. A better understanding of the effects of CIN on carcinogenesis will lead to novel methods for cancer prevention and treatment. Previously Shugoshin-1 (Sgo1(-/+)) mice, a transgenic mouse model of CIN, showed mild proneness to spontaneous lung and liver cancers. In this study, adoptive (T/B-cell based) immunity-deficient RAG1(-/-) Sgo1(-/+) double mutant mice developed lung adenocarcinomas more aggressively than did Sgo1(-/+) or RAG1(-/-) mice, suggesting immune system involvement in CIN-mediated lung carcinogenesis. To identify molecular causes of the lung adenocarcinoma, we used systems biology approach, comparative RNAseq, to RAG1(-/-) and RAG1(-/-) Sgo1(-/+). The comparative RNAseq data and follow-up analyses in the lungs of naive Sgo1(-/+) mice demonstrate that, (i) glutathione is depleted, making the tissue vulnerable to oxidative stress, (ii) spontaneous DNA damage is increased, (iii) oncogenic Wnt signaling is activated, (iv) both major branches of the immune system are weakened through misregulations in signal mediators such as CD80 and calreticulin and (v) the actin cytoskeleton is misregulated. Overall, the results show multi-faceted roles of CIN in lung carcinoma development in Sgo1(-/+) mice. Our model presents various effects of CIN and will help to identify potential targets to prevent CIN-driven carcinogenesis in the lung.

Effects of anti-foaming agents on biohydrogen production

The effects of antifoaming agents on fermentative hydrogen production using galactose in batch and continuous operations were investigated. Batch hydrogen production assays with LS-303 (dimethylpolysiloxane), LG-109 (polyalkylene), LG-126 (polyoxyethylenealkylene), and LG-299 (polyether) showed that the doses and types of antifoaming agents played a significant role in hydrogen production. During batch tests, LS-303 at 100μL/L resulted in the maximum hydrogen production rate (HPR) and hydrogen yield (HY) of 2.5L/L-d and 1.08mol H2/mol galactoseadded, respectively. The following continuously stirred tank reactor operated at 12h HRT with LS-303 at 100μL/L showed a stable HPR and HY of 4.9L/L-d and 1.17mol H2/mol galactoseadded, respectively, which were higher than those found for the control reactor. Microbial community analysis supported the alterations in H2 generation under different operating conditions and the stimulatory impact of certain antifoaming chemicals on H2 production was demonstrated.

Pneumoperitoneum or Chilaiditi's sign

Chilaiditi's sign describes the incidental radiographic finding of the bowel positioned between the right diaphragm and the liver. This is often misdiagnosed as pneumoperitoneum or free air under the diaphragm, which may lead to unnecessary investigations or surgical procedures. Here, we report two incidental chest radiograph findings of air under the diaphragm in patients who were being screened for pulmonary tuberculosis. This case series highlights the importance of awareness of the diagnosis of Chilaiditi's sign to avoid unnecessary hospital referrals.

HRT dependent performance and bacterial community population of granular hydrogen-producing mixed cultures fed with galactose

The effects of hydraulic retention times (HRTs-6, 3 and 2 h) on H2 production, operational stability and bacterial population response in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) were evaluated using galactose. A peak hydrogen production rate (HPR) of 25.9 L H2/L-d was obtained at a 3 h HRT with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 120 g/L-d, while the maximum hydrogen yield (HY) of 2.21 mol H2/mol galactose was obtained at a 6 h HRT (60 g galactose/L-d). Butyrate was dominant and the lactate concentration increased as HRT decreased, which significantly affected the HY. Biomass concentration (VSS) decreased from 16 to 3g/L at a 2 h HRT, leading to failure. A 3 h HRT supported the favorable growth of Clostridium species, as indicated by an increase in their populations from 25.4% to 27%, while significantly reducing Bacilli populations from 61.6% to 54.2%, indicating that this was the optimal condition.

Biomethane recovery from Egeria densa in a microbial electrolysis cell-assisted anaerobic system: Performance and stability assessment

Renewable energy recovery from submerged aquatic plants such as Egeria densa (E. densa) via continuous anaerobic digestion (AD) represents a bottleneck because of process instability. Here, a single-chamber membrane-free microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) equipped with a pair of Ti/RuO2 mesh electrodes (i.e. the combined MEC-AD system) was implemented at different applied voltages (0-1.0 V) to evaluate the potential effects of bioelectrochemical stimulation on methane production and process stability of E. densa fermentation. The application of MEC effectively stabilized E. densa fermentation and upgraded overall process performance, especially solid matters removal. E. densa AD process was operated steadily throughout bioelectrochemical process without any signs of imbalance. The solubilization-removal of solid matters and methane conversion efficiency gradually increased with increasing applied voltage, with an average methane yield of approximately 248.2 ± 21.0 mL L(-1) d(-1) at 1.0 V. Whereas, the stability of the process became worse immediately once the external power was removed, with weaken solid matters removal along with methane output, evidencing the favorable and indispensable role in maintaining process stability. The stabilizing effect was further quantitatively demonstrated by statistical analysis using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variance (CV) and box-plots. The syntrophic and win-win interactions between fermenting bacteria and electroactive bacteria might have contributed to the improved process stability and bioenergy recovery.

Evaluation of virus resistance and agronomic performance of rice cultivar ASD 16 after transfer of transgene against Rice tungro bacilliform virus by backcross breeding

Severe losses of rice yield in south and southeast Asia are caused by Rice tungro disease (RTD) induced by mixed infection of Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) and Rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV). In order to develop transgene-based resistance against RTBV, one of its genes, ORF IV, was used to generate transgenic resistance based on RNA-interference in the easily transformed rice variety Pusa Basmati-1, and the transgene was subsequently introgressed to rice variety ASD 16, a variety popular in southern India, using transgene marker-assisted selection. Here, we report the evaluation of BC3F4 and BC3F5 generation rice plants for resistance to RTBV as well as for agronomic traits under glasshouse conditions. The BC3F4 and BC3F5 generation rice plants tested showed variable levels of resistance, which was manifested by an average of twofold amelioration in height reduction, 1.5-fold decrease in the reduction in chlorophyll content, and 100- to 10,000-fold reduction in the titers of RTBV, but no reduction of RTSV titers, in three backcrossed lines when compared with the ASD 16 parent. Agronomic traits of some of the backcrossed lines recorded substantial improvements when compared with the ASD 16 parental line after inoculation by RTBV and RTSV. This work represents an important step in transferring RTD resistance to a susceptible popular rice variety, hence enhancing its yield in areas threatened by the disease.

INDUCED CYTOMICTIC VARIATIONS AND SYNCYTE FORMATION DURING MICROSPOROGENESIS IN PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L

The intercellular translocation of chromatin material along with other cytoplasmic contents among the proximate meiocytes lying in close contact with each other commonly referred as cytomixis was reported during microsporogenesis in Phaseolus vulgaris L., a member of the family Fabaceae. The phenomenon of cytomixis was observed at three administered doses of gamma rays viz. 100, 200, 300 Gy respectively in the diploid plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The gamma rays irradiated plants showed the characteristic feature of inter-meiocyte chromatin/chromosomes transmigration through various means.such as channel formation, beak formation or by direct adhesion between the PMC's (Pollen mother cells). The present study also reports the first instance of syncyte formation induced via cytomictic transmigration in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Though the frequency of syncyteformation was rather low yet these could play a significant role in plant evolution. It is speculated that syncyte enhances the ploidy level of plants by forming 2n gametes and may lead to the production ofpolyploid plants. The phenomenon of cytomixis shows a gradual inclination along with the increasing treatment doses of gamma rays. The preponderance of cytomixis was more frequent during meiosis I as compared to meiosis II. An interesting feature noticed during the present study was the channel formation among the microspores and fusion among the tetrads due to cell wall dissolution. The impact of this phenomenon is also visible on the development of post-meiotic products. The formation of heterosized pollen grains; a deviation from the normal pollen grains has also been reported. The production of gametes with unbalanced chromosomes is of utmost importance and should be given more attention in future studies as they possess the capability of inducing variations at the genomic level and can be further utilized in the improvement of germplasm.

Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

GOAL

The purpose of this review was to look at the success rate of transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea and the impact of patient factors, repair techniques and adjuvant treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Central databases, independently by two of the authors, of all studies reporting the outcomes of CSF rhinorrhoea repair, published until the 1st June 2014, using keywords Cerebrospinal fluid leak, CSF leak, CSF fistula, CSF leak or fistula repair, endoscopic sinus surgery or ESS complications. Sixty-seven papers were included for the review.

RESULT

The repair of CSF rhinorrhoea has rapidly evolved over the past 30 years. Prior to the advent of the endoscopic approach, craniotomy was used for repairs, which carried a variable success rate and morbidity. More recently, there have been several case series and reports that describe various endoscopic methods and materials for repair, with mean success rate of 90% (range: 60-100%). The most common site of CSF leak is the ethmoid roof/cribriform plate region. Traumatic CSF leak, in particular iatrogenic, is still the most common cause. Imaging with CT and MRI remains the gold standard for localisation of CSF leaks. The sphenoid sinus is the most common location for CSF leak repair failure. Lumbar drains and antibiotics are used as adjuvant therapy to endoscopic repair, but their benefits are not clear; intrathecal fluorescein can be used to aid location of CSF leak, but should be reserved for more complex cases. Further work into graft materials used and adjuvant treatment is needed to make any meaningful conclusions about their efficacy.

CONCLUSION

The literature demonstrates that endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is safe and effective, with a very low complication rate. It has almost completely replaced the older open techniques.

EFFECT OF WATERLOGGING STRESS ON MEIOTIC COURSE, TETRAD FORMATION AND POLLEN FERTILITY OF SESBANIA PEA

Sesbania cannabina a multipurpose leguminous crop of family Fabaceae, is widely adaptable to adverse climatic conditions such as waterlogging, drought and high salinity. Flooding and water logging are very common phenomena and there may be possibility to become more serious alarms for environment, which is progressively deteriorated by human beings by their anthropogenic activities, polluting the atmosphere. Flooding provides a case of natural selection to the nature which selects the plants which are more adaptable to this condition and renders themselves to survive due to this tolerance or resistance behavior. Present study envisages the effect of waterlogging stress on chromosomal biology of Sesbania pea. To study the effect of waterlogging stress on microsporogensis of Sesbania cannabina, presoaked seeds were sown in experimental pots. Permanent waterlogged condition is created by shifting pots in water filled tanks. Cytological studies showed various types of chromosomal aberrations induced by waterlogging stress and reduction in pollen fertility was also encountered.

High-rate hydrogen production from galactose in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBr)

High-rate hydrogen production from galactose and rapid granule formation were achieved in a mesophilic (37 °C) upflow anaerobic sludge blank reactor (UASBr).

Batch and continuous biogenic hydrogen fermentation of acid pretreated de-oiled jatropha waste (DJW) hydrolysate

In an attempt to tailor the efficient hydrogen fermentation from hydrochloric acid-pretreated hydrolysate of de-oiled jatropha waste (DJW), batch tests were conducted to find the optimal hydrolysate concentration, temperature and pH.

Facile and Rapid Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Device Application

Well-crystalline ZnO nanoparticles were prepared through simple, facile and rapid solution combustion process and utilized as photoanode material for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell. The detailed characterizations of the ZnO nanoparticles revealed that the crystalline product with wurtzite hexagonal phase was grown in high-density. The chemical composition analyzed through FTIR and EDS confirmed the purity of the ZnO nanoparticles. UV-vis and Raman spectral studies were applied for studying the optical and vibrational properties of as prepared ZnO nanoparticles, respectively. The fabricated dye-sensitized solar cell exhibited overall photo-to-electricity conversion efficiency (η) of 0.94%, open-circuit current (V(oc)) of 0.531 V, short circuit current (J(sc)) of 4.11 mA/cm2 and fill factor (FF) of 0.43.

An overview of food waste management in developing countries: Current status and future perspective

Food waste (FW) related issues in developing countries is currently considered to be a major threatening factor for sustainable development and FW management systems. Due to incomplete FW management systems, many developing countries are facing challenges, such as environmental and sanitary problems that are caused by FW. The difference in FW generation trends between developing countries and developed countries was reviewed in this work, which demonstrated that the effects of income level, population growth, and public participation in FW management are very important. Thus, this work aimed to provide an overview of recycling activities, related regulations, and current FW treatment technology in developing countries by following some case studies. Taiwan, has been suggested as being a successful case in terms of FW management, and is therefore a typical model for developing countries to follow. Finally, an integrative management system as a suitable model for FW management has been suggested for developing countries.

Brachiocephalic artery haemorrhage during percutaneous tracheostomy

Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed on a 69-year-old woman to facilitate weaning. Insertion of the size 7 tracheostomy tube resulted in profuse bleeding around the tracheostomy site. On inflation of the tracheostomy balloon, the bleeding stopped. Urgent computed tomography demonstrated the brachiocephalic artery was abnormally high and lying in an oblique fashion over the trachea, and the tracheostomy tube was displacing the trachea posteriorly. Surgical repair of the defect in the brachiocephalic artery was undertaken and a surgical tracheostomy was performed in theatre. This case raises important issues about the potential dangers of percutaneous tracheostomy in cases of abnormal anatomy. It also emphasises the importance of direct visualisation of the seeker needle using the endoscope. In cases where there is a suspicion of abnormal anatomy, it is safer to obtain preprocedural imaging or perform a surgical tracheostomy.

Trends of pulmonary embolism before and after kidney transplantation in black versus white patients

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an important cause of in-hospital mortality and is common in renal transplantation and maintenance dialysis patients. PE incidence is higher among patients who are black; however, differences in trends of incidence and outcomes of PE by race among patients on dialysis and after renal transplantation is not well known.

METHODS

In this observational study, the incidences of PE hospitalizations and mortality were studied in those with renal transplant, on maintenance dialysis, and in general population. Incidences were compared across racial groups. Renal transplantation status as a predictor of mortality was also examined.

RESULTS

The incidences of PE in general population, dialysis, and renal transplant groups were 70.5, 518.8, and 158.8 per 100,000 population, respectively. Incidence was higher in blacks across all groups. The age-adjusted incidence of PE admissions increased over time in all groups with greater increase in blacks in non-transplant groups (the slope in dialysis for blacks was 112.1 versus that for whites at 49.4; P = .001; the slope in general population for blacks was 9.3 versus 3.4 for whites; P = .003). The mortality rate in general population was not significantly different than renal transplant group (3.4% versus 1.9%, P = .2); however, was lower than 6.8% seen in dialysis group (P < .001). The mortality rate was not different between whites and blacks. Maintenance dialysis was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-2.32).

CONCLUSIONS

PE in those with renal transplant is more common than in general population but less common than those on maintenance dialysis. The mortality rate for PE hospitalizations is equivocal between renal transplant and general population but higher for patients on dialysis. The incidence of PE hospitalizations is not only higher among blacks, but is increasing disproportionately in this group among those who are on maintenance dialysis and within general population.