Manganese vanadate nano pebbles were prepared by a simple co-precipitation method and calcined at 350 °C for 3 h. X-ray diffraction pattern and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis ...confirmed the monoclinic structure of Mn2V2O7 with metallic bond vibrations. Morphological features of manganese vanadate nanoparticles were observed as pebble-like morphology via Scanning electron microscope and High-resolution transmission electron microscopic analysis. Oxidation states and optical property of the synthesized manganese vanadate nano pebbles was examined through UV-Visible absorption spectroscopic analysis. Pseudocapacitance nature of prepared manganese vanadate nano pebbles was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques in 4 M aqueous KOH electrolyte. The maximum specific capacitance values of 528 Fg-1 was attained in 4 M KOH electrolyte solution at 10 mVs−1. Superior capacitive retention of about 90.1% was achieved along with 99% coulombic efficiency after 3000 continuous cycles.
•Simple chemical method was reported to prepare manganese vanadate nanopebbles.•Manganese vanadate modified electrode was fabricated on nickel foil by doctor blade technique.•Modified electrode exhibits maximum specific capacitance values of 528 Fg-1.•Highest electrochemical stability of about 90.1% was achieved after 3000 repetitive cycles.
Nano structured zinc vanadate, Zn3(VO4)2, have been successfully synthesized by simple co-precipitation method and calcined at 600 °C. Calcinated Zn3(VO4)2 nano flakes were characterized by various ...analytical techniques to examine the structural, optical, and surface morphological properties. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that the prepared Zn3(VO4)2 nanoparticles were orthorhombic crystalline structure and found the crystallite structure was ~44 nm. The flake shaped Zn3(VO4)2 nanoparticles was evaluated by electron microscopies such as scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies. Elemental compositions and functional groups were elucidated by energy dispersive spectroscopy with mapping and Fourier transform infrared spectral studies. Electrochemical behaviour of Zn3(VO4)2 nanostructures were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis. The specific capacitance value for the prepared nanoparticles was 312 Fg-1 with high retention of about 90.7% which was achieved after 5000th cycles. It clearly revealed that synthesized Zn3(VO4)2 nanoparticles may lead to potential application for forthcoming energy storage devices.
Pyrochlore structured nickel vanadate nanorods had been prepared by simple co-precipitation method. It was examined for pseudocapacitor electrode material. Morphological, optical and structural ...aspects of synthesized materials had been studied using a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The functional groups, stretching and bending vibrations were traced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the formation of nickel vanadate nanorods was confirmed by the binding energy analysis through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies. The rod-shaped nanostructures of pyro nickel vanadate were confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy and HR-TEM analysis. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used to analyse the supercapacitive behaviour of the prepared nanorods. Pyro nickel vanadate nanorods possesses excellent electrochemical stability up to 3000 cycles and the performance retention of about 94.1% was achieved even after 3000 repetitive charge-discharge cycles.
ZnO nanorods embedded on functionalized CNT have been synthesised by the chemical refluxing method. The characterization results revealed the tube-like structure of carbon nanotubes, that expose the ...ZnO nanorods grafted upright and parallel on the floor across the CNT surface. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that crystalline ZnO nanorods are highly loaded on the surface of CNT and formed as a nano-composite. Raman spectroscopy results showed that the intensity of D and G bands decreased due to the loading of ZnO nanorods. Cyclic voltammetry curves reveal the double layer capacitor (EDLC) behaviour of ZnO/CNT. The synthesised hybrid ZnO/CNT exhibits a high specific capacitance (SPc) of 189 Fg-1. The quick charge-discharge performance was found about 95 Fg-1 and the cyclic stability of 96% was observed for 1000 cycles. ZnO/CNT nano-composites also exhibit a high power density of 2250 W kg-1.
•Uniform shape and size ZnO nanorod decorated on functionalized CNT was synthesised.•Electrochemical behaviour of ZnO/CNT was studied (CV, GCD and ESI) in Na2SO4 electrolyte.•EDLC specific capacitance was found to be 189 F/g at 1 mVs−1.•High power density of 2250 W/Kg with energy density of 10.7 Wh/Kg was found.•Cyclic life with retention of capacitance was found about 96% after 1000 cycles.
Background
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is developing Guidelines for Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for IgE‐mediated Food Allergy. To inform the development of ...clinical recommendations, we sought to critically assess evidence on the effectiveness, safety and cost‐effectiveness of AIT in the management of food allergy.
Methods
We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis that involved searching nine international electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRS). Eligible studies were independently assessed by two reviewers against predefined eligibility criteria. The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and the Cochrane ACROBAT‐NRS tool for quasi‐RCTs. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were undertaken, with planned subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
Results
We identified 1814 potentially relevant papers from which we selected 31 eligible studies, comprising of 25 RCTs and six NRS, studying a total of 1259 patients. Twenty‐five trials evaluated oral immunotherapy (OIT), five studies investigated sublingual immunotherapy, and one study evaluated epicutaneous immunotherapy. The majority of these studies were in children. Twenty‐seven studies assessed desensitization, and eight studies investigated sustained unresponsiveness postdiscontinuation of AIT. Meta‐analyses demonstrated a substantial benefit in terms of desensitization (risk ratio (RR) = 0.16, 95% CI 0.10, 0.26) and suggested, but did not confirm sustained unresponsiveness (RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.08, 1.13). Only one study reported on disease‐specific quality of life (QoL), which reported no comparative results between OIT and control group. Meta‐analyses revealed that the risk of experiencing a systemic adverse reaction was higher in those receiving AIT, with a more marked increase in the risk of local adverse reactions. Sensitivity analysis excluding those studies judged to be at high risk of bias demonstrated the robustness of summary estimates of effectiveness and safety of AIT for food allergy. None of the studies reported data on health economic analyses.
Conclusions
AIT may be effective in raising the threshold of reactivity to a range of foods in children with IgE‐mediated food allergy whilst receiving (i.e. desensitization) and post‐discontinuation of AIT. It is, however, associated with a modest increased risk in serious systemic adverse reactions and a substantial increase in minor local adverse reactions. More data are needed in relation to adults, long term effects, the impact on QoL and the cost‐effectiveness of AIT.
Food allergy can result in considerable morbidity, impairment of quality of life, and healthcare expenditure. There is therefore interest in novel strategies for its treatment, particularly food ...allergen immunotherapy (FA‐AIT) through the oral (OIT), sublingual (SLIT), or epicutaneous (EPIT) routes. This Guideline, prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Task Force on Allergen Immunotherapy for IgE‐mediated Food Allergy, aims to provide evidence‐based recommendations for active treatment of IgE‐mediated food allergy with FA‐AIT. Immunotherapy relies on the delivery of gradually increasing doses of specific allergen to increase the threshold of reaction while on therapy (also known as desensitization) and ultimately to achieve post‐discontinuation effectiveness (also known as tolerance or sustained unresponsiveness). Oral FA‐AIT has most frequently been assessed: here, the allergen is either immediately swallowed (OIT) or held under the tongue for a period of time (SLIT). Overall, trials have found substantial benefit for patients undergoing either OIT or SLIT with respect to efficacy during treatment, particularly for cow's milk, hen's egg, and peanut allergies. A benefit post‐discontinuation is also suggested, but not confirmed. Adverse events during FA‐AIT have been frequently reported, but few subjects discontinue FA‐AIT as a result of these. Taking into account the current evidence, FA‐AIT should only be performed in research centers or in clinical centers with an extensive experience in FA‐AIT. Patients and their families should be provided with information about the use of FA‐AIT for IgE‐mediated food allergy to allow them to make an informed decision about the therapy.
Hymenoptera venom allergy is a potentially life‐threatening allergic reaction following a honeybee, vespid, or ant sting. Systemic‐allergic sting reactions have been reported in up to 7.5% of adults ...and up to 3.4% of children. They can be mild and restricted to the skin or moderate to severe with a risk of life‐threatening anaphylaxis. Patients should carry an emergency kit containing an adrenaline autoinjector, H1‐antihistamines, and corticosteroids depending on the severity of their previous sting reaction(s). The only treatment to prevent further systemic sting reactions is venom immunotherapy. This guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Taskforce on Venom Immunotherapy as part of the EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy initiative. The guideline aims to provide evidence‐based recommendations for the use of venom immunotherapy, has been informed by a formal systematic review and meta‐analysis and produced using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) approach. The process included representation from a range of stakeholders. Venom immunotherapy is indicated in venom‐allergic children and adults to prevent further moderate‐to‐severe systemic sting reactions. Venom immunotherapy is also recommended in adults with only generalized skin reactions as it results in significant improvements in quality of life compared to carrying an adrenaline autoinjector. This guideline aims to give practical advice on performing venom immunotherapy. Key sections cover general considerations before initiating venom immunotherapy, evidence‐based clinical recommendations, risk factors for adverse events and for relapse of systemic sting reaction, and a summary of gaps in the evidence.
Purpose
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has produced Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT). We sought to gauge the preparedness of primary care to participate in ...the delivery of AIT in Europe.
Methods
We undertook a mixed‐methods, situational analysis. This involved a purposeful literature search and two surveys: one to primary care clinicians and the other to a wider group of stakeholders across Europe.
Results
The 10 papers identified all pointed out gaps or deficiencies in allergy care provision in primary care. The surveys also highlighted similar concerns, particularly in relation to concerns about lack of knowledge, skills, infrastructural weaknesses, reimbursement policies and communication with specialists as barriers to evidence‐based care. Almost all countries (92%) reported the availability of AIT. In spite of that, only 28% and 44% of the countries reported the availability of guidelines for primary care physicians and specialists, respectively. Agreed pathways between specialists and primary care physicians were reported as existing in 32%‐48% of countries. Reimbursement appeared to be an important barrier as AIT was only fully reimbursed in 32% of countries. Additionally, 44% of respondents considered accessibility to AIT and 36% stating patient costs were barriers.
Conclusions
Successful working with primary care providers is essential to scaling‐up AIT provision in Europe, but to achieve this, the identified barriers must be overcome. Development of primary care interpretation of guidelines to aid patient selection, establishment of disease management pathways and collaboration with specialist groups are required as a matter of urgency.
The present work reports the structural, morphological, and optical analysis of rare earth metal ion (Nd3+) doped Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles. Titanium Dioxide doped with Neodymium ions (1 wt% and ...4 wt%) have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) Aanlysis, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopic analysis. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns ensured the nanocrystalline anatase formation of all the samples. The morphology and particle size of the TiO2 host matrix were confirmed by High Resolution Transmission emission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The particle size trend obtained from HR- TEM images is acceptable with the crystal size obtained from XRD results. Ultraviolet–visible measurements were carried out to investigate the optical properties of our powdered titania. The dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated with these as-synthesized materials as the photoanode and the J-V measurement shows improved high open circuit voltage, short circuit current and high efficiency achieved.
The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of Samarium ions doping in the TiO2 host lattice and the contribution to the optical properties of this semiconductor. The X-ray ...diffraction pattern shows the formation of anatase phase TiO2 nanoparticles of average sizes 7.8 nm, 7.21 nm and 6.1 nm for both pure and 1 wt% and 4 wt% of Sm3+ doped samples respectivity. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirms the presence of Sm ions within the Sm substituted TiO2 nanoparticles. These results suggest that, Pure and doped TiO2 samples confirm anatase phase of good crystallinity with smaller crystallite size. UV–visible spectra display stronger absorption in the visible region. The photocatalytic experiments are investigated by the removal of rhodamine B under UV light. Compared to the other two photocatalysts, the results shows that 4 wt% of Sm3+ doped TiO2 exposes the highest photocatalytic performance.
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