Synergistic effect of carboxyl and sulfate groups for effective removal of radioactive strontium ion in a Zr-metal-organic framework

Rapid removal of radioactive strontium from nuclear wastewater is of great significance for environment safety and human health. This work reported the effective adsorption of strontium ion in a stable dual-group metal-organic framework, Zr6(OH)14(BDC-(COOH)2)4(SO4)0.75 (Zr-BDC-COOH-SO4), which contains strontium-chelating groups (-COOH and SO4) and strongly ionizable group (-COOH). Zr-BDC-COOH-SO4 exhibits very rapid adsorption kinetics (<5 min) and a maximum adsorption capacity of 67.5 mg g−1. The adsorption behaviors can be well evaluated by pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model. Further investigations indicate that the adsorption of Sr2+ in Zr-BDC-COOH-SO4 would not be interfered by solution pH and adsorption temperature obviously. Feasible regeneration of the adsorbent was also demonstrated through a simple elution method. Mechanism investigation suggests that free -COOH contributes to the rapid adsorption based on electrostatic interaction while introduction of -SO4 can enhance the adsorption capacity largely. Thus, these results suggest that Zr-BDC-COOH-SO4 might be a potential candidate for Sr2+ removal and introducing dual groups is an effective strategy for designing high-efficiency adsorbents.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Magneto-Nanomicelles Based on Magneto-Thermal and Photo-Thermal Therapy

In this study, we investigated the hyperthermia efficiency of magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT), photo-thermal therapy (PTT), and the combination of both techniques by employing SPIO-based magneto-nanomicelles as the heating agents. Magneto-nanomicelles in aqueous suspension were exposed to 808-nm laser irradiation (PTT mode), alternating magnetic field (MHT mode), and both modalities (DUAL mode). All the three methods can offer effective temperature increases (above 20 °C). DUAL-mode resulted in an approximately 2-fold increase in heating efficiency (36 °C) compared with PTT or MHT alone. For in vivo experiments, a total of 24 Lewis carcinoma-bearing mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (no therapy), PTT, MHT, and DUAL group. In the three therapy groups, magneto-nanomicelles were injected into the tumor and the corresponding treatment measures were performed every other day for a total of three times each. MRI scans were used to calculate tumor volume after each treatment. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare the curative effect of different treatment groups. Compared with the control group, PTT, MHT, and DUAL groups all showed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor volume (P < 0.05). In the DUAL group, the mean tumor volume was smaller than that of the PTT or the MHT group. Our work demonstrated that hyperthermia using SPIO-based magnetonanomicelles has a remarkable suppressive effect in anticancer therapy. Moreover, the combined model of hyperthermia in vivo can achieve synthetic effects with shorter healing time by using the same magneto-nanomicelles.

Antiemetic efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus dexmedetomidine-dexamethasone combination in patients undergoing breast surgery

Objective To compare the antiemetic efficacy of dexmedetomidine alone versus combined dexmedetomidine–dexamethasone on incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing breast surgery. Methods A total of 149 patients (aged 20–65 years) were assigned to receive normal saline (control group, n = 50), dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg (DEX group, n = 49), or a combination of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg and dexamethasone 5 mg (dual group, n = 50) at 30 minutes prior to the end of surgery. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PONV in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Results During the first 24 hours after surgery, the incidence of PONV was significantly higher in the control group than in the DEX and dual groups (70% vs. 20% and 12%, respectively), with no intergroup difference observed between the DEX and dual groups. In the PACU, the incidence of PONV differed significantly among the control, DEX, and dual groups (12%, 4%, and 3%, respectively). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine alone and in combination with dexamethasone significantly reduced PONV with similar antiemetic efficacies in female patients during the first 24 hours after breast surgery. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 02550795).

Snapshot of public and private agricultural extension services in balochistan: an approaches for the discipline

Present study was examined the perceived limiting factors within agriculture extension system in Balochistan, Pakistan. One hundred (100) Extension Field Staff (EFS) were selected by using simple random sampling technique for the present study form the public and private extension services. A research instrument based on 5-point Likert scale was used so as to acquire the information from the EFS. Nonparametric Statistics i.e. Mann and Whitney’s U Test (1947) as appropriate between dual groups was calculated so as to find out the relationships between variables that have significance differences at p.005. The results depicted that significant differences were found 4 out of 10 categories regarding the extension teaching methods therefore, null hypothesis 1 was rejected. Further, ten (10) statements observed to found statistical non-significant at all regarding sources of information. Hence, the HO2 was accepted in the favor of alternate hypothesis. Based on aforementioned outcomes following recommendations put-forward. Dissemination of improved and useful information’s to the farmers are the vivid encouragement tools and energizer trends about crop production dynamics in this regard, it is therefore suggested that, extension teaching methods (individuals and groups contact methods) such as demonstration plots, farm visits, home visits, uses audio-visual media, seminar, campaigns, workshops, trainings should be arranged at districts and province level so that activate the entire agricultural extension system. Active crop maximization approach should be implemented in preliminary stages in order to increases the income generations and livelihood options of the farmers.

Searching Big Data via cyclic groups

We look up for a certain information in big data. To achieve this task we first endow the big data with a group structure and partition it to it’s cyclic subgroups. We devise a method to search the whole big data starting from the smallest subroup through the largest one. Our method eventually exhausts the whole big data. Keywords: BigData, topological groups, dual groups, linear search.

Non metrizable topologies on Z with countable dual group.

In this paper we give two families of non-metrizable topologies on the group of the integers having a countable dual group which is isomorphic to a infinite torsion subgroup of the unit circle in the complex plane. Both families are related to D-sequences, which are sequences of natural numbers such that each term divides the following. The first family consists of locally quasi-convex group topologies. The second consists of complete topologies which are not locally quasi-convex. In order to study the dual groups for both families we need to make numerical considerations of independent interest.<br /><br />

Apical Extrusion of Intracanal Bacteria following use of Two Engine-driven Instrumentation Techniques: An in vitro Study

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of the present study was to compare in vitro the amount of debris extruded apically from extracted teeth, using Twisted files and ProTaper rotary during two different instrumentation systems. Materials and methods Forty-five human single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into three groups and contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. The teeth in experimental groups were instrumented until reaching the working length with ProTaper rotary instruments and Twisted files with XSmart and XSmart Dual groups. Debris extruded from the apical foramen was collected into glass vials and the amount of bacteria was calculated. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U tests, with p = 0.05 as the level for statistical significance. Results The XSmart Dual group extruded comparatively lesser bacteria compared to the XSmart group. Lesser amount of bacterial extrusion was seen when Twisted files were used compared to the ProTaper files (p < 0.05). Conclusion Under the circumstances of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that all instrumentation techniques produced measurable apical extrusion of debris. So, it is upon the practitioner to decide which system best fits their individual needs and their level of skill and experience that will provide the best possible endodontic care for our patients. Clinical significance The newer instrument designs, including noncutting tips, different cross sections, radial lands, and variable tapers, are better for the clinicians to improve working safety, to reduce the working time, and to create a greater flare within the preparations. How to cite this article Mohammed N, Noushad MC, Balan B, Dhanesh N, Jayasheelan N, Revankar VD. Apical Extrusion of Intracanal Bacteria following use of Two Engine-driven Instrumentation Techniques: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(11):939-942.