Evaluating sustainable municipal solid waste management scenarios: A multicriteria decision making approach

Due to increasing urbanization and population growth, municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a significant environmental concern in developing countries. Inadequate waste management systems lead to environmental pollution, health hazards, and economic losses. While considering the challenges and limitations, policymakers and authorities need to opt for such waste management scenarios that are environmentally friendly and resolve energy issues. Ten MSWM scenarios were developed and evaluated using seven different criteria. Four multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, namely fuzzy logic, AHP, TOPSIS, and PROMETHEE II, were employed to rank the scenarios and identify the most appropriate option for solid waste management in Lahore. This study highlights that the optimal waste management approach comprises a composition of 54% anaerobic digestion, 37% gasification, and 9% landfill technologies. These percentages collectively represent the most suitable and effective strategies for the city's waste management needs. All the MCDM techniques consistently produce similar results. These scenarios have broader applicability across cities in Central Asia and beyond. The study's findings are aligned to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly MSWM practices. These findings endorse implementing strategies and measures aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and the responsible handling of waste, serving as a valuable reference for various regions.

Enhanced thermal conductivity of plasma generated ZnO-MgO based hybrid nanofluids: An experimental study

Hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) of metallic oxide-based nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared in different basefluids (BFs) employing the thermal plasma technique. NPs of ZnO-MgO were directly dispersed into pristine coolant, engine oil, distilled water (DW), and coconut oil. Plasma was generated between two identical electrodes applying 8.0 kV at the ambient conditions and proved economically viable in preparing stable HNFs. X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) showed ZnO and MgO NPs possessed hexagonal and cubic crystal structures, respectively. The band gap is calculated through UV-visible spectroscopy. The thermal conductivity (TC) of the HNFs has been measured using a thermal conductivity analyzer based on the transient hot wire method. The band gaps of pristine coolant and its HNFs were obtained to be 3.35 eV and 3.33 eV, respectively. In engine oil and its HNFs, band gaps of 3.16 eV and 3.02 eV have been extracted. There appears to be a slight reduction in band gap for coolant and engine oil-based HNFs. The band gap value of coconut oil-based HNFs was 4.05 eV, which showed a higher value than the pristine coconut oil-based HNFs (3.95 eV). The band gap calculated in the case of DW-based HNFs was 3.79 eV. TC of HNFs with volume concentration of 0.019 % for DW, 0.020 % for coolant, 0.016 % for engine oil, and 0.017 % for coconut oil were tested between 20 and 60 °C. An increase in TC was observed with the rise in temperature of the HNFs. Maximum increment in TC was observed at 60 °C for coolant-based HNFs, which was 19 %, followed by DW (18%), coconut oil (18%), and engine oil (16%), respectively. DW-based HNFs can be used as a coolant and optical filter for optoelectronics devices like photovoltaic cells for better performance. The study underscores precise control of NPs size as pivotal for band gap influence. HNFs hold promise as the next-gen heat transfer fluids (HTFs), revolutionizing thermal conductivity across industries. This research lays a firm foundation for plasma-synthesized HNFs' application in enhanced heat transfer and optoelectronic devices. Coolant-based HNFs excel in thermal conductivity, addressing heat transfer challenges.

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Tenofovir: Formulation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Bioavailability Assessment

Tenofovir (TNF) is a common component of many antiretroviral therapy regimens, but it is associated with poor membrane permeability and low oral bioavailability. To improve its oral bioavailability and membrane permeability, a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was developed and characterized, and its relative bioavailability was compared to the marketed tablets (Tenof). Based on solubility and ternary phase diagram analysis, eucalyptus oil was selected as an oil phase, Kolliphor EL, and Kollisolv MCT 70 were chosen as surfactant and cosurfactant, respectively, while glycerol was used as cosolvent in surfactant mixture. Optimized SEDDS formulation F6 showed an oil droplet size of 98.82 nm and zeta potential of -13.03 mV, indicating the high stability of oil droplets. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy characterization studies were also carried out to assess the amorphous and morphological states of the drug in the prepared SEDDS formulation. The in vitro dissolution profile of SEDDS shows the rapid release of the drug. SEDDS F6 demonstrates a higher drug permeability than the plain TNF and TNF-marketed tablets (Tenof). A pharmacokinetic study in rats revealed that SEDDS F6 showed significantly higher Cmax and AUC0-t than the marketed tablets and pure drug suspension. In addition, the relative bioavailability of SEDDS formulation dramatically improved by 21.53-fold compared to marketed tablets and 66.27-fold compared to pure drugs. These findings show that SEDDS composed of eucalyptus oil, glycerol, Kolliphor EL, and Kollisolv MCT 70 could be a useful tool for enhancing physiochemical properties and oral TNF absorption. Therefore, SEDDS has shown promise in improving the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

A comprehensive study on the performance and emission analysis in diesel engine via optimization of novel ternary fuel blends: Diesel, manganese, and diethyl ether

Ecosystem degradation and fossil fuel depletion are the two foremost concerns to look for alternative fuels. Rapid population growth is primarily accountable for higher consumption of fossil fuel sources, although engine technology is achieving milestones in terms of fuel efficiency and lower exhaust emissions in order to contribute towards a sustainable environment. The main root cause of global warming is carbon dioxide emissions; therefore, it is imperative to assess the impact of alternative fuels in diesel engines with an aim to minimize carbon emissions. A current study deals with the reduction of carbon emissions and improvement of efficiency through addition of manganese nano-additive to di-ethyl ether and diesel fuel blend in particulate form. Fuel blends were formed by adding various proportions of manganese to high-speed diesel fuel and stirring the mixture while heating it for 10 min. The blends were then tested in diesel engines at two distinct loads and five engine speed ranges. Emission analyzer was used to ascertain the CO2 output of engine. At higher loads for 10 % diethyl ether in diesel, the increase in brake thermal efficiency was 24.19, 28.17 and 26.86 % when the manganese amount in blend was changed as 250 mg, 375 mg and 500 mg respectively. On the other side CO2 emissions increase by 11.57, 30.52 and 20.33 % for manganese concentrations of 250 mg, 375 mg and 500 mg respectively. Analysis performed with Design Expert 13 showed that the desirability was 0.796 for a blend of 375 mg manganese at 1300 rpm and 4500 W load with 33.0611 % BTE, 334.011kg/kWh BSFC, 67.8821Nm torque, and 6.072 % CO2. Therefore, it can be deduced that manganese nanoparticle blends improved engine performance but CO2 emissions also increase which can be responsible for global warming and it should be reduced through catalytic converters.

Cultural bias: a comparison of semantic responses by 126 students from Pakistan and the United Kingdom to a wheelchair when viewed against a congruent and incongruent background

PURPOSE

Converging visual behavioural and attentional allocation studies within neuroscience have shown culture influences the processing of visual information obtained from the visual field. While attending (reviewing) a visual scene, individuals from a collectivist culture attend more to the context (background) compared to those from an individualist culture who view more the focal object. This highlights the effect of cultural conditioning in terms of holistic and analytical processing of visual information. This study aimed to demonstrate these principles in the context of an assistive product, a wheelchair, highlighting the key visual elements of the form; and, how a congruent background (hospital room) or incongruent (athletics track) influenced cultural bias during visual processing and assigned meaning.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A combination of research methods (Semantic Differential Scale and eye-tracking) was used to triangulate the results. A total of 126 adult student participants, (Pakistani/collectivist, n = 57) and the (UK/individualist, n = 69), viewed a visual presentation of a wheelchair with semantically congruent and then an incongruent background and responded via an online questionnaire. A sub-sample completed the survey whilst monitored via eye-tracking.

RESULTS

Pakistani respondents used shorter and less frequent fixations on the foreground compared to the responses of their counterparts (UK respondents). The wheel of the wheelchair was highlighted as the prominent form by both groups.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrate a culture-influenced pattern of visual processing even when the product was displayed against a semantically incongruent background. The findings from this study also validate and extend the outcomes of similar studies revealing a more specific, yet consistent, cultural effect on individuals' visual perception. Finally, the efficacy of triangulated research methods in their relationship to exploring the AT product's semantics was discussed.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe knowledge of AT products' semantics will be significant to investigate, for their improved social acceptance, particularly when considered from a diverse cultural standpoint.A model of best practice, focussing on semantics manipulation, will provide AT product designers, practitioners, and those involved in their marketing, Internationally, with a suitable process/tool to positively reframe the perception of these devices.Finally, this research will help product and industrial designers to consider cultural cognitive styles in the design of products for the better adoption of products within the global marketplace.

A Systematic Review of Chronic Diseases and Their Prevalence Among the Population of Northern Borders Province (NBP) in Saudi Arabia

Estimation of the prevalence of chronic conditions is pivotal to effective healthcare planning and management. Therefore, our objective was to systemically review previous literature about the prevalence of chronic diseases among residents of Northern Borders Province (NBP) in Saudi Arabia. The electronic search has been done using scientific databases (PubMed, Ebsco, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and search engines up to September 2021. The following main key terms: chronic disease OR chronic conditions AND prevalence AND Northern Borders Province OR Northern Borders AND Saudi Arabia were applied. Other related terms with a more specific search were done with names of the main cities in the province and the most common diseases in Saudi Arabia. Duplicates were removed electronically by Endnote and manually. Extracted data were tabulated in the literature matrix. The risk of bias and quality of included studies were assessed using the "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology" (STROBE) checklist. Out of 63 observational studies that were assessed for eligibility, 21 observational studies were included to synthesize the evidence. These studies were conducted on Arar (n=16), Turaif (n=2), and Rafha (n=1), while the remaining were national studies in which NBP was one of the included regions (n=2). The most frequently studied diseases were diabetes (4 records), psychological diseases (4 records), and obesity (3 records). The most prevalent disease was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with an estimated prevalence of 61% among adults in Arar city. In conclusion, although some research is conducted about chronic diseases somewhere in NBP, further studies are needed to study chronic diseases using a representative sample of the whole NBP population.

Global Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Current Therapeutic Novelties in Migraine Therapy and their Prevention: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

The current article reviews the latest information on epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, recent advancements in clinical management, current therapeutic novelties, and the prevention of migraines. In a narrative review, all studies as per developed MeSH terms published until February 2023, excluding those irrelevant, were identified through a PubMed literature search.

METHODS

Overall, migraine affects more than a billion people annually and is one of the most common neurological illnesses. A wide range of comorbidities is associated with migraines, including stress and sleep disturbances. To lower the worldwide burden of migraine, comprehensive efforts are required to develop and enhance migraine treatment, which is supported by informed healthcare policy. Numerous migraine therapies have been successful, but not all patients benefit from them.

RESULTS

CGRP pathway-targeted therapy demonstrates the importance of translating mechanistic understanding into effective treatment. In this review, we discuss clinical features, diagnosis, and recently approved drugs, as well as a number of potential therapeutic targets, including pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), adenosine, opioid receptors, potassium channels, transient receptor potential ion channels (TRP), and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC).

CONCLUSION

In addition to providing more treatment options for improved clinical care, a better understanding of these mechanisms facilitates the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

Accelerated stability evaluation and in vitro antimicrobial activity of a preformed ciprofloxacin nanocrystal formulation

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is frequently used to treat variety of bacterial illnesses. Drugs can lose their therapeutic efficiency due to physical and chemical deterioration. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate CIP nanocrystals stability and antibacterial activity. Nanocrystals were formulated using CIP drug (250 mg) and poloxamer 188 (2.5% w/v) using probe sonication method. Stability investigations were carried out under International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Various stability parameters like particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index were examined at different storage conditions. Positive outcomes from the formulation's stability were observed and formulation was stable up to three months. The test parameters shown no discernible changes during stability. Accelerated stability testing was done to calculate shelf-life and was found 2.96 years. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by calculating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against S. aureus and E. coli and CIP nanocrystals shown lower MIC than pure drug. This study revealed that the antibacterial activity of the formulation was maintained for 3 months at both temperatures (4 and 25°C) and CIP nanocrystals have excellent potential to treat infections caused by such microorganisms. Therefore, CIP nanocrystals could significantly increases its antimicrobial activity, which may translate into a significant improvement in therapeutic outcomes.

Novel Therapeutic Approach in PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticles of Apigenin for the Treatment of Cancer via Oral Nanomedicine

The goal of this study was to optimize and formulate apigenin (APG)-loaded pegylated chitosan nanoparticles (PEGylated-CNPs) via ionic gelation techniques using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Three individual variables, X₁(chitosan: TPP concentration), X₂ (PEG-400 concentration), and X₃ (sonication time), were investigated for their influence on response variables (Y₁-particle size (PS); Y₂-drug entrapment efficiency (DEE); and Y₃-zeta potential (ZP). The optimized formula of APG-PEGylated CNPs was picked from the statistical design and was then examined for physical, morphological, release characterization, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor potential. The average PS, PDI, %DEE, and ZP were found to be 139.63 ± 5.67 nm, 0.296 ± 0.014, 79.55 ± 3.12%, and 24.68 ± 1.84 mV, respectively. The optimized APG formulation was chosen and reformulated based on the desirability function. Results of the observed and predicted values of responses through the BBD process were found to be nearly identical. The resulting APG-PEGylated CNPs were spherical and smooth, according to surface morphology studies. The release study revealed that PEGylated-CNPs exhibited biphasic release patterns distinguished by an initial burst release of APG only at early phases accompanied by a delayed release near 24 h. Furthermore, APG-PEGylated CNPs demonstrated statistically increased antioxidant activities and cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells compared to pure APG. Based on the findings, it is possible to conclude that BBD was efficient in optimizing the PEGylated CNPs formulation and recognizing the impacts of formulation variables. In conclusion, the developed formulation has a significant potential for anticancer therapy.

Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) Technique to Quantify Cefdinir in Human Plasma Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

A biosensitive analysis method development and validation was performed for accurate and rapid quantification of cefdinir (CDR) in human plasma by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technique coupled with electrospray ionization. Analysis was carried out using a C18 column with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and operating temperature of 30.0 ± 1°C. The drug was eluted by optimizing the m/z ratios of 396.20 → 227.20 and 428.17 → 241.10, for cefdinir and IS (internal standard), respectively. The intraday precision (%CV) for Cefdinir ranged from 2.8% and 6.7% as lower limit of quantification of quality control (LLOQ QC) and higher level of quantification of quality control (HQC QC), respectively, whereas these value were found to be as 3.0% and 5.6% for LLOQ and HQC, respectively after interday precision. Moreover, accuracy ranged from 107.70% (HQC QC) to 95.5% (LLOQ QC). The extraction mean recovery was found to be 83.91 ± 6.0% for cefdinir and 76.7 ± 6.23% for IS. The drug was stable throughout the analysis period. It was possible to analyze several plasma samples every day since each sample took <2.5 min to run. The method demonstrated successful quantification of CDR in human plasma, followed by pharmacokinetic profiles that were simple, accurate, sensitive and cost-effective.

Performance indicators for the optimal BTE of biodiesels with additives through engine testing by the Taguchi approach

Biodiesel commercialization is questionable due to poor brake thermal efficiency. Biodiesel utilization should be improved with the addition of fuel additives. Hydrogen peroxide is a potential fuel additive due to extra hydrogen and oxygen content, which improves the combustion process. In this experimental study, biodiesel has been produced from Jatropha oil employing catalyzed transesterification homogeneously to examine its influence on the performance and emissions at engine loads with 1500 rpm utilizing a four-stroke single-cylinder diesel engine. D60B40 (having 60% diesel and 40% biodiesel) and D60B30A10 (60% diesel, 30% biodiesel and 10% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), are the fuel mixtures in the current study. The addition of H2O2 reduces emissions and enhances the combustion process. This effect occurred due to the micro-explosion of the injected fuel particles (which increases in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate (HRR)). An increase of 20% in BTE and 25% reduction in BSFC for D60B30A10 was observed compared to D60B40. Significant reduction in emissions of HC up to 17.54%, smoke by 24.6% CO2 by 3.53%, and an increase in NOx was noticed when the engine is operated with D60B30A10. The HRR increased up to 18.6%, ID reduced by 10.82%, and in-cylinder pressure increased by 8.5%. Test runs can be minimized as per Taguchi's design of experiments. It is possible to provide the estimates for the full factorial design of experiments. Exhaust gas temperature standards are evaluated and examined for all fuel blends.

Stability Testing of Amoxicillin Nano-suspension as Promising Tool for Drug Delivery System

While nano-suspension amoxicillin is one of the approaches for improving dissolution rate of amoxicillinan antibiotic used widely. Stabilizing these nanodosage forms is always a challenge. The present study utilizes nanoprecipitation solvent evaporation technique for preparation of amoxicillin nanoparticles andproposed stability study approach of the same. The methodology was based on investigating stability of amoxicillin nano suspension in vitro, the optimized drug(polymer ratio re-formulated into nano-suspensions) and we compared our results with marketed suspensions. Samples were initially characterized and then subjected to stability testing at ambient temperature and relative humidity up to 6 months assayed using a validated HPLC method. During initial characterization, increase in saturation solubility and dissolution rate observed in all samples. During stability testing, there was gradual decrease in saturation solubility and dissolution rate of the samples, over the period of 3 months. This study considers long-term isothermal measurements, consistent with short-term non-isothermal (accelerating) measurements, providing predictive model to calculate the isothermal degradation periods. As per our results, we agree with the possibility to calculate the value of kinetic constants based on a fixed degradation limit, regardless of the shape of the curve. The accuracy of the prediction would be assessed by comparison of estimated shelf life versus data coming from traditional stability studies.

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of α-Mangostin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle Gel for Topical Therapy in Skin Cancer

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate α-mangostin-loaded polymeric nanoparticle gel (α-MNG-PLGA) formulation to enhance α-mangostin delivery in an epidermal carcinoma. The poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed using the emulsion-diffusion-evaporation technique with a 3-level 3-factor Box-Behnken design. The NPs were characterized and evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential (mV), drug release, and skin permeation. The formulated PLGA NPs were converted into a preformed carbopol gel base and were further evaluated for texture analysis, the cytotoxic effect of PLGA NPs against B16-F10 melanoma cells, and in vitro radical scavenging activity. The nanoscale particles were spherical, consistent, and average in size (168.06 ± 17.02 nm), with an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 84.26 ± 8.23% and a zeta potential of -25.3 ± 7.1 mV. Their drug release percentages in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) at pH 7.4 and pH 6.5 were 87.07 ± 6.95% and 89.50 ± 9.50%, respectively. The release of α-MNG from NPs in vitro demonstrated that the biphasic release system, namely, immediate release in the initial phase, was accompanied by sustained drug release. The texture study of the developed α-MNG-PLGA NPs gel revealed its characteristics, including viscosity, hardness, consistency, and cohesiveness. The drug flux from α-MNG-PLGA NPs gel and α-MNG gel was 79.32 ± 7.91 and 16.88 ± 7.18 µg/cm2/h in 24 h, respectively. The confocal study showed that α-MNG-PLGA NPs penetrated up to 230.02 µm deep into the skin layer compared to 15.21 µm by dye solution. MTT assay and radical scavenging potential indicated that α-MNG-PLGA NPs gel had a significant cytotoxic effect and antioxidant effect compared to α-MNG gel (p < 0.05). Thus, using the developed α-MNG-PLGA in treating skin cancer could be a promising approach.

Leverage of Environmental Pollutant Crump Rubber on the Dry Sliding Wear Response of Epoxy Composites

The effect of crump rubber on the dry sliding wear behavior of epoxy composites is investigated in the present study. Wear tests are carried out for three levels of crump rubber (10, 20, and 30 vol.%), normal applied load (30, 40, and 50 N), and sliding distance (1, 3, and 5 km). The wear behavior of crump rubber–epoxy composites is investigated against EN31 steel discs. The hybrid mathematical approach of Taguchi-coupled Grey Relational Analysis (GRA)—Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used to examine the influence of crump rubber on the tribological response of composites. Mathematical and experimental results reveal that increasing crump rubber content reduces the wear rate of composites. Composites also show a significant decrease in specific wear values at higher applied loads. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction also shows a decreasing trend with an increase in crump rubber content, indicating the effectiveness of reinforcing crump rubber in a widely used epoxy matrix. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results also reveal that the crump rubber content in the composite is a significant parameter to influence the wear characteristic. The post-test temperature of discs increases with an increase in the applied load, while decreasing with an increase in filler loading. Worn surfaces are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to understand structure–property correlations. Finally, existing studies available in the literature are compared with the wear data of the present study in the form of a property map.

Development of Apigenin-Loaded Niosomes Using Ecological Probe Sonication Technique for enhanced oral delivery: Application of Box-Behnken Design

BACKGROUND

Apigenin (APG), a natural bioactive flavonoid, has multiple pharmacological effects. However, its poor aqueous solubility hinders its clinical benefits.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

The work aimed to develop novel apigenin-loaded niosomes (APG-NIO) with ecological probe sonication techniques. The formulation was statistically optimized by Box-Behnken design (BBD), and the independent variables were selected as Span 80 (X1), Poloxamer 188 (X2), and Tween 80 (X3) at three levels, and the dependent variables were identified as: particle size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2), and % entrapment efficiency (Y3). The formulation was characterized for various parameters such as vesicle shape, size, PDI, %EE, solubility, in vitro drug release, and antioxidant potential.

RESULTS

The optimized APG-NIO formulation was found to have a spherical shape with homogenous distribution and a low polydispersity index. It has a particle size of 425.77 nm, zeta potential -17.1±0.9 mV, and %EE of 89.63. The aqueous solubility of APG-NIO was found approximately 45 times higher than that of pure APG. The formulation showed a higher drug release rate as compared to pure APG in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and followed the Higuchi release model with a non-Fickian transport mechanism. The stability was found at 4°C for 3 months. The antioxidant potential of APG-NIO was significantly increased in comparison to the pure drug suspension in the DPPH• assay.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the probe sonication technique is an alternative, cost-effective, simple, and green method for the development of niosomes, and BBD is a useful optimization tool for identifying the effect of formulation variables.

Engine performance and emission characteristics of palm biodiesel blends with graphene oxide nanoplatelets and dimethyl carbonate additives

This study investigated the engine performance and emission characteristics of biodiesel blends with combined Graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GNPs) and 10% v/v dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as fuel additives as well as analysed the tribological characteristics of those blends. 10% by volume DMC was mixed with 30% palm oil biodiesel blends with diesel. Three different concentrations (40, 80 and 120 ppm) of GNPs were added to these blends via the ultrasonication process to prepare the nanofuels. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactant was added to improve the stability of these blends. GNPs were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), while the viscosity of nanofuels was investigated by rheometer. UV-spectrometry was used to determine the stability of these nanoplatelets. A ratio of 1:4 GNP: SDS was found to produce maximum stability in biodiesel. Performance and emissions characteristics of these nanofuels have been investigated in a four-stroke compression ignition engine. The maximum reduction in BSFC of 5.05% and the maximum BTE of 22.80% was for B30GNP40DMC10 compared to all other tested blends. A reduction in HC (25%) and CO (4.41%) were observed for B30DMC10, while a reduction in NO_x of 3.65% was observed for B30GNP40DMC10. The diesel-biodiesel fuel blends with the addition of GNP exhibited a promising reduction in the average coefficient of friction 15.05%, 8.68% and 3.61% for 120, 80 and 40 ppm concentrations compared to B30. Thus, combined GNP and DMC showed excellent potential for utilisation in diesel engine operation.

An updated review on therapeutic potential and recent advances in drug delivery of Berberine: Current status and future prospect

Natural products are well known for their high potency with minimum side effects. Plant extracts are the most commonly used natural products because of their ease of availability and relatively low production cost. Berberine (BBR), a phytochemical component of some Chinese medicinal herbs (most commonlyBerberis vulgaris), is an isoquinoline alkaloid with several biological and pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antimicrobial, antidepressant,hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic actions. Interestingly, multiple studies have shown that BBR is a potential drug candidate with a multi-spectrum therapeutic application. However, the oral delivery of BBR is challenged owing to its poor bioavailability. Therefore, its oral bioavailability needs to be enhanced before it can be used in many clinical applications. This review provides an overview of the various studies that support the broad range of pharmacological activities of BBR. Also, it includes a section to address the issues and challenges related with the drug and methods to improve the properties of BBR such as solubility, stability and bioavailability that may be explored to help patients reap the maximum benefit from this potentially useful drug.

Effect of Treatment With Tabalumab, a B Cell-Activating Factor Inhibitor, on Highly Sensitized Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Awaiting Transplantation

B cell-activation factor (BAFF) is critical for B cell maturation. Inhibition of BAFF represents an appealing target for desensitization of sensitized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We conducted a Phase 2a, single-arm, open-label exploratory study investigating the effect of tabalumab (BAFF inhibitor) in patients with ESRD and calculated panel reactive antibodies (cPRAs) >50%. The treatment period duration was 24 weeks. Eighteen patients received tabalumab, at doses of 240-mg subcutaneous (SC) at Week 0 followed by 120-mg SC monthly for 5 additional months. Patients were followed for an additional 52 weeks. Immunopharmacologic effects were characterized through analysis of blood for HLA antibodies, BAFF concentrations, immunoglobulins, T and B cell subsets, as well as pre- and posttreatment tonsil and bone marrow biopsies. Significant reductions in cPRAs were observed at Weeks 16 (p = 0.043) and 36 (p = 0.004); however, absolute reductions were small (<5%). Expected pharmacologic changes in B cell subsets and immunoglobulin reductions were observed. Two tabalumab-related serious adverse events occurred (pneumonia, worsening of peripheral neuropathy), while the most common other adverse events were injection-site pain and hypotension. Three patients received matched deceased donor transplants during follow-up. Treatment with a BAFF inhibitor resulted in statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful reduction in the cPRA from baseline (NCT01200290, Clinicaltrials.gov).

Conversion from tacrolimus to belatacept to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease in pancreas transplantation: case report of two patients

Belatacept is a novel immunosuppressive agent that may be used as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in immunosuppression (IS) regimens. We report two cases of pancreas transplant that were switched from tacrolimus (TAC) to belatacept. Case 1: 38-year-old female with pancreas transplant alone maintained on TAC-based IS regimen whose serum creatinine (SCr) slowly deteriorated from 0.6 mg/dL at baseline to 2.2 mg/dL, 16 months posttransplant. A native kidney biopsy performed showed CNI toxicity. The patient was started on belatacept and TAC was eliminated. Case 2: 49-year-old female with simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant, maintained on TAC-based regimen where the SCr worsened over an initial 3-month period from a baseline of 1.0 to 3.0 mg/dL. Belatacept was started and TAC was lowered. Due to persistent graft dysfunction and kidney transplant biopsy still showing changes consistent with CNI toxicity, the TAC was then discontinued. At >1 year postbelatacept and off TAC follow-up, kidney function as measured by SCr remains stable at 1.0±0.2 mg/dL in both recipients. Neither patient developed rejection following the switch, and pancreas allograft function remains stable in both recipients.

Risk factors for native kidney dysfunction in patients with abdominal multivisceral/small bowel transplantation

Kidney dysfunction is a recognized complication after non-renal solid organ transplantation, particularly after intestinal transplant. In our study, we reviewed data on 33 multivisceral transplant (MVT)- and 15 isolated small bowel (ISB)-transplant patients to determine risk factors for kidney dysfunction. Kidney function was estimated by modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) and Schwartz formula for adults and children, respectively. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined as an increase in the serum Cr (sCr) greater than twofold. Kidney function declined significantly at one yr after transplantation with 46% of subjects showing an estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 mL/min. Patients with an episode of AKI were more likely to have reduced eGFR than those without AKI (p < 0.025). In linear regression analyses, age, pre-transplant sCr, eGFR at postoperative day (POD) 30, 90, 180, 270, and tacrolimus level at POD 7 showed significant correlation with one yr post-transplant eGFR (p < 0.05). Pediatric patients and patients with MVT had lesser decline in kidney function compared with adults or patients with ISB. In conclusion, risk factors for post-transplant kidney dysfunction in intestinal transplantation included age, pre-transplant sCr, AKI episode, eGFR at POD 30, 90, 180, 270, and tacrolimus level at POD 7.