Endoplasmic reticulum of all eukaryotic cells is a membrane-bound organelle. Under electron microscope it appears as parallel arrays of “rough membranes” and a maze of “smooth vesicles” respectively. ...It performs various functions in cell, i.e., synthesis of proteins to degradation of xenobiotics. Bioaccumulation of drugs/chemicals/xenobiotics in the cytosol can trigger ER stress. It is recognized by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the lumen of ER. Present review summarizes the present status of knowledge on ER stress caused by toxic elements, viz arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, chromium, and nickel. While inorganic arsenic may induce various glucose-related proteins, i.e., GRP78, GRP94 and CHOP, XBP1, and calpains, cadmium upregulates GRP78. Antioxidants like ascorbic acid, NAC, and Se inhibit the expression of UPR. Exposure to lead also changes ER stress related genes, i.e., GRP 78, GRP 94, ATF4, and ATF6. Mercury too upregulates these genes. Nickel, a carcinogenic element upregulates the expression of Bak, cytochrome C, caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-12, and GADD 153. Much is not known on ER stress caused by nanoparticles. The review describes inter-organelle association between mitochondria and ER. It also discusses the interdependence between oxidative stress and ER stress. A cross talk amongst different cellular components appears essential to disturb pathways leading to cell death. However, these molecular switches within the signaling network used by toxic elements need to be identified. Nevertheless, ER stress especially caused by toxic elements still remains to be an engaging issue.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
An attempt has been made to review the endocrine/hormonal implications of a few environmentally significant metals, viz, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, arsenic and nickel, in man and animals. ...Special emphasis has been given to the adrenals, thyroid, testis, ovary and pancreas. Toxic metals can cause structural and functional changes in the adrenal glands. Their effects on steroidogenesis have been reviewed. It has been reported that thyroid hormone kinetics are affected by a number of metallic compounds. Occupational exposure to a few of these metals can cause testicular injury and sex hormone disturbances. Protective effects of a few antioxidants on their reproductive toxicity have also been discussed. Information gathered on female reproductive toxicity of heavy metals shows that exposure to these metals can lead to disturbances in reproductive performance in exposed subjects. Certain metals can cause injury to the endocrine pancreas. Exposure to them can cause diabetes mellitus and disturb insulin homeostasis. The need to develop molecular markers of endocrine toxicity of heavy metals has been suggested. Overall information described in this review is expected to be helpful in planning future studies on endocrine toxicity of heavy metals.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
In the current study, the mechanistic understanding of the adsorption isotherm and thermodynamic aspects of cationic methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption onto cellulosic olive stones biomass from ...wastewater were investigated. The batch adsorption of MB onto the olive stones (black and green olive stones) was tested at a variety of pH, dye concentrations, temperatures, and biomass particle sizes. The adsorption thermodynamics such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes were also calculated. Moreover, the desorption studies of MB from the spent olive stones were studied to explore the re-usability of the biomasses. The results revealed that under the optimum pH of 10, the maximum MB uptake was achieved i.e. 80.2% for the green olive stones and 70.9% for the black olive stones. The green olive stones were found to be more efficient in remediating higher MB concentrations from water than the black olive stones. The highest MB removal of the green olive stones was achieved at 600 ppm of MB, while the highest MB removal of the black olive stones was observed at 50 ppm of MB. Furthermore, for almost all the concentrations studied (50-1000 ppm), the MB adsorption was the highest at the temperature of 45 °C (P value < 0.05). It was shown by the Fourier transform infrared that the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding were proposed as dominant adsorption mechanisms at basic and acidic pH, respectively. While the hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction was a dominant mechanism at neutral pH. The thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable. Moreover, the real wastewater experiment and the desorption studies showed that the green and black olive stones were a cost-effective and promising adsorbents for MB remediation from wastewater on account of their high adsorption and desorption removal capacities.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Understanding of the triboelectric charge accumulation from the view of microcapacitor formation plays a critical role in boosting the output performance of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). ...Here, an electrospun nanofiber-based TENG (EN-TENG) using a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE)/MXene nanocomposite material with superior dielectric constant and high surface charge density is reported. The influence of dielectric properties on the output performance of the EN-TENG is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The fabricated EN-TENG exhibited a maximum power density of 4.02 W/m2 at a matching external load resistance of 4 MΩ. The PVDF-TrFE/MXene nanocomposite improved the output performance of the EN-TENG fourfold. The EN-TENG successfully powered an electronic stopwatch and thermo-hygrometer by harvesting energy from human finger tapping. Moreover, it was utilized in smart home applications as a self-powered switch for controlling electrical home appliances, including fire alarms, fans, and smart doors. This work presents an effective and innovative approach toward self-powered systems, human-machine interfaces, and smart home applications.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
The triboelectric material properties and mechanical stability of the contact layer are vital to achieving durable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with high output performance. Herein, a novel ...MXene/Ecoflex nanocomposite is introduced as a promising triboelectric material because of its highly negative triboelectric properties and mechanical stability. The MXene/Ecoflex nanocomposite with a fabric‐based waterproof TENG (FW‐TENG) is fabricated and designed to universally harvest energy from various human motions as well as the natural environment (rain and wind). The fabricated FW‐TENG delivers a maximum output peak power of 3.69 mW and a power density of 9.24 W m−2, respectively, at a matching load resistance of 4.5 MΩ under a frequency of 4.5 Hz and a force of 8 N. Furthermore, the applicability of this device in various products is investigated. The FW‐TENG can protect against a crash caused by rainy and humid weather. An FW‐TENG‐based self‐powered smart active device that detects motion on a carpet is demonstrated and is equipped with sleep monitoring motion sensors. The FW‐TENG not only has self‐powered benefits and excellent mechanical amenability but is also exceptionally reliable and stable against water intrusion, which are important characteristics to realize next‐generation wearable/portable technologies.
A highly flexible and high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on a novel MXene/Ecoflex nanocomposite with nylon‐ and silver‐coated conductive fabric for the contact–separation mode waterproof TENG (FW‐TENG) is fabricated and designed to harvest energy from various sources including human motions (e.g., wrist, elbow, knee, and foot) and the natural environment (rain and wind).
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Surface modification of triboelectric negative layers is an essential factor for boosting the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Herein, a novel scalable surface modification ...method is introduced using a fabric‐assisted micropatterning technique on a highly negative MXene/silicone nanocomposite surface (charge generating) with MXene layer (charge trapping) for self‐powered sensors and wearable electronics. The microstructured surface is fabricated directly from a fabric template requiring no surface‐active agent, high‐pressure equipment, or high vacuum. To boost the proposed double‐side‐contact TENG (DSC‐TENG) output performance, different parameters of the fabric textures are tested and optimized for the roughened microstructures, namely the MXene layer and relative humidity. Under optimal conditions, the fabricated DSC‐TENG improves the voltage and peak current density by factors of 9.8 and 20, respectively, regarding flat silicone. It exhibits a maximum peak power density of 55.47 W m−2 at load resistance of 0.18 MΩ, and a corresponding decrease in resistance by 75% using MXene content of 3 mg cm−2. Also, DSC‐TENG‐based smart home control of electrical appliances, theft protection, self‐powered electronic devices, password authentication, and human motion monitoring via smartphone for the IoT are demonstrated. The proposed method can be implemented for different types of polymers, thereby enabling the large‐scale fabrication of high‐performance TENGs in industrial applications.
A fabric electrode and double‐side‐contact TENG (DSC‐TENG) based on a fabric‐assisted micropatterning method on a highly negative MXene/silicone nanocomposite surface (charge generating) with MXene layer (charge trapping) for self‐powered sensors and wearable electronics applications. The intentionally designed DSC‐TENG is waterproof, safe from humidity, and exhibits stable and durable output performance, soft, and comfortable wearing.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Sulfur content of diesel fuel has been cut down to ultra low levels by environmental regulation in many countries with the aim of reducing diesel engine's harmful emissions and improving air quality. ...As a result, research on the production of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has gained enormous interest in the scientific community worldwide. The renewed interest in ULSD research is driven by the need, to have a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing deep desulfurization of diesel to the ultra low level as well as to find cost-effective ways for ULSD production. This review discusses the recent advancement on ULSD production from both scientific and applied point of view. The key fundamentals and the factors influencing the removal of the least reactive sterically hindered sulfur species from diesel feedstocks are reviewed and discussed in detail. Latest development in deep HDS catalyst and the scientific basis for the improvements in the activity of the new generation HDS catalyst are presented. Advancement in the deep HDS process technologies is reviewed and various options available for revamping and modifying the existing low sulfur diesel HDS units for ULSD production are described highlighting the importance of catalyst selection and hydrogen consumption issues. Special attention has been paid to the progress in the alternative (non-hydrogenation) process concepts and technologies that are being developed for ULSD production.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Data from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system were used to compare rates of hospitalization for acute MI from March 4 through April 14, 2020 (the Covid-19 period) with rates ...from the same period in 2019 and rates from an earlier period in 2020. Rates of hospitalization for acute MI decreased by up to 48% during the Covid-19 period.
Health effects elicited by combined environmental exposures to xenobiotics, in many instances, still remain unresolved. One of these examples is the combined toxicity of arsenic and fluoride. The ...present study was undertaken to delineate the role of inflammation and apoptosis in hepatocellular death caused by co-exposure to arsenic and fluoride in rat. Sodium arsenate (4 mg/kg body weight) and sodium fluoride (4 mg/kg body weight) were administered to female Wistar rats, individually and in combination, for 90 days. Results on tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and comet assay showed increased values in comparison to those obtained in arsenic- or fluoride-treated rats. Results on NO, TBARS, and caspase-9 showed higher values than fluoride-treated rats but lower levels than arsenic-treated rats. It is hypothesized that increased generation of nitric oxide induces the release of cytokines that activates caspase-9. Caspase-9 promotes the synthesis of caspase-3 that executes apoptosis. Histopathological observations on apoptotic bodies and Kupffer cells support these observations.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Background
People with osteoarthritis (OA) often are physically inactive. Surgical treatment including total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty can substantially improve pain, physical ...function, and quality of life. However, their impact on physical activity levels is less clear.
Questions/purposes
We used accelerometers to measure levels of physical activity pre- and (6 months) postarthroplasty and to examine the proportion of people meeting the American Physical Activity Guidelines.
Methods
Sixty-three people with hip or knee OA awaiting arthroplasty were recruited from a major metropolitan hospital. Physical activity was measured using accelerometry before, and 6 months after, surgery. The ActiGraph GT1M (ActiGraph LLC, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA) was used in this study and is a uniaxial accelerometer contained within a small activity monitor designed to measure human movement through changes in acceleration, which can then be used to estimate physical activity over time. Questionnaires were used to assess patient-reported changes in pain, function, quality of life, and physical activity. Complete data sets (including valid physical activity data) for both time points were obtained for 44 participants (70%). At baseline before arthroplasty, the activity level of patients was, on average, sedentary for 82% of the time over a 24-hour period (based on accelerometry) and self-rated as “sometimes participates in mild activities such as walking, limited shopping, and housework” according to the UCLA activity scale.
Results
There was no change in objectively measured physical activity after arthroplasty. The majority of participants were sedentary, both before and after arthroplasty, and did not meet the American Physical Activity Guidelines recommended to promote health. This was despite significant improvements in self-reported measures of pain, function, quality of life, and physical activity after arthroplasty.
Conclusions
Despite patient-reported improvements in pain, function, and physical activity after arthroplasty, objectively measured improvements in physical activity may not occur. Clinicians should incorporate strategies for improving physical activity into their management of patients after hip and knee arthroplasty to maximize health status. Future research is needed to explore the factors that impact physical activity levels in people after arthroplasty.
Level of Evidence
Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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