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Prognostic significance of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Steven-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) patients

Han WH, Tshung En Wong T, Yusof RC, Choong RKJ, Yong SS, Faheem NAA, et al.

Clin Exp Dermatol, 2024 Aug 16.
PMID: 39149846 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llae332

Inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and eosinophil count are known prognostic indicators for SJS/TEN severity. This study explored the correlation of systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and NLR with SCORTEN and patient outcomes. A retrospective audit of 34 SJS/TEN patients (25 SJS, 3 SJS/TEN overlap, 6 TEN) was conducted from 2018 to 2022 revealed mean admission values of SII 1597 (standard deviation (SD) 1904.18), NLR 6.52 (SD 5.99) and PLR 201.74 (SD 135.01). Cut-off values for predicting mortality were SII 1238.25 (area under ROC (AUROC) 0.82), NLR 8.32 (AUROC 0.8) and PLR 284.66 (AUROC 0.78). Multiple logistic regression using a backward stepwise method identified SCORTEN as a significant factor associated with mortality (p=0.029) after adjusting for SII, NLR and PLR. None of the inflammatory markers significantly predicted mortality, although admission PLR may be a potential risk factor (p=0.053).
Dermatological Issues Among Individuals Receiving Palliative Care - A Review

Kwan Z, Han WH, Yong SS, Faheem NAA, Choong RKJ, Zainuddin SI, et al.

Am J Hosp Palliat Care, 2023 Aug 25.
PMID: 37625380 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231198752

Skin disorders among individuals receiving palliative care may be associated with the primary condition or underlying comorbidities and patients may experience pruritus, discomfort or pain. Common conditions include xerosis, pressure ulcers, intertrigo, superficial fungal infections, telogen effluvium, pruritus, herpes zoster, eczematous disorders and edema. During end-of-life care, there is reduced skin perfusion and metabolism hence leading to susceptibility to infection, pressure and injury. Other factors affecting the skin include limited mobility, nutritional deficits and immunosuppression. Although treatment strategies for each skin condition are usually aligned with standard protocols, considerations among these patients include limited life-expectancies, potential treatment burden, drug-drug interactions as well as comfort-directed rather than cure-directed therapy. For patients with xerosis cutis, the regular use of moisturisers is recommended. The management and prevention of pressure ulcers include the strategies of skin assessment and care, pressure redistribution, nutrition and hydration and ulcer care. Superficial fungal infections require treatment with appropriate topical and/or systemic antifungals while antivirals and adjunctive treatment can be prescribed for herpes zoster. Treatment and symptom control of skin disorders in this population can improve quality of life and patients' comfort level.
Fulltext Predictive factors of psoriatic arthritis in a diverse population with psoriasis

Loo WY, Tee YC, Han WH, Faheem NAA, Yong SS, Kwan Z, et al.

J Int Med Res, 2024 Jan;52(1):3000605231221014.
PMID: 38206198 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231221014

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with psoriasis and determine the predictive factors of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was performed among patients with psoriasis. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Psoriasis treatment was categorized as topical agents, phototherapy, oral therapy, and biologics. Predictive factors of PsA development were determined using logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS: We included 330 patients with psoriasis, and 83 (25%) patients developed PsA. Thirty-eight (45.8%) patients who developed PsA were Malay, 24 (28.9%) were Chinese, and 21 (25.3%) were Indian. The mean age of patients with PsA was 54.2 (±15.8) years, and the duration from diagnosis of psoriasis to diagnosis of PsA was 36 (3.5-114) months. Predictive factors for developing PsA were female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-6.22), presence of nail involvement (OR = 5.36, 95% CI 2.50-11.51), severe psoriasis (OR = 27.41, 95% CI 7.58-99.11), and oral systemic therapy prior to PsA diagnosis (OR = 4.09, 95% CI 2.04-8.22).
CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis who are female, have nail involvement, severe skin psoriasis, and require oral systemic therapy for psoriasis may have an increased risk of developing PsA.
Functional properties of chitosan built nanohydrogel with enhanced glucose-sensitivity

Ullah F, Othman MB, Javed F, Ahmad Z, Akil HM, Rasib SZ

Int J Biol Macromol, 2016 Feb;83:376-84.
PMID: 26597568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.040

A new approach to design multifunctional chitosan based nanohydrogel with enhanced glucose sensitivity, stability, drug loading and release profile are reported. Two approaches were followed for functionalization of chitosan based nanohydrogel with 3-APBA via EDC and 3-APTES. The effective functionalization, structure and morphology of Chitosan based IPN respectively were confirmed by FTIR, SEM and AFM. At physiological conditions, the glucose-induced volume phase transition and release profile of the model drug Alizarin Red with 1,2-diol structure (comparative to insulin as a drug as well as a dye for bio separation) were studied at various glucose concentrations, pH and ionic strengths. The results suggested a new concept for diabetes treatment and diols sensitivity in view of their potential hi-tech applications in self-regulated on-off response to the treatment (drug delivery and bio separation concurrently).
Classification, processing and application of hydrogels: A review

Ullah F, Othman MB, Javed F, Ahmad Z, Md Akil H

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2015 Dec 1;57:414-33.
PMID: 26354282 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.07.053

This article aims to review the literature concerning the choice of selectivity for hydrogels based on classification, application and processing. Super porous hydrogels (SPHs) and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) represent an innovative category of recent generation highlighted as an ideal mould system for the study of solution-dependent phenomena. Hydrogels, also termed as smart and/or hungry networks, are currently subject of considerable scientific research due to their potential in hi-tech applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bioseparation, biosensor, agriculture, oil recovery and cosmetics fields. Smart hydrogels display a significant physiochemical change in response to small changes in the surroundings. However, such changes are reversible; therefore, the hydrogels are capable of returning to its initial state after a reaction as soon as the trigger is removed.
Kinetic investigation and lifetime prediction of Cs-NIPAM-MBA-based thermo-responsive hydrogels

Othman MB, Khan A, Ahmad Z, Zakaria MR, Ullah F, Akil HM

Carbohydr Polym, 2016 Jan 20;136:1182-93.
PMID: 26572461 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.10.034

This study attempted to clarify the influence of a cross-linker, N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) on the non-isothermal kinetic degradation, solid state and lifetime of hydrogels using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (F-W-O), Kissinger, and Coats-Redfern (C-Red) methods. The series of dual-responsive Cs-PNIPAM-MBA microgels were synthesized by soapless-emulsion free radical copolymerization in an aqueous medium at 70 °C. The thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under nitrogen atmosphere. The apparent activation energy using the chosen Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger methods showed that they fitted each other. Meanwhile, the type of solid state mechanism was determined using the Coats-Redfern method proposed for F1 (pure Cs) and F2 (Cs-PNIPAM-MBA hydrogel series) types, which comprise random nucleation with one nucleus reacting on individual particles, and random nucleation with two nuclei reacting on individual particles, respectively. On average, a higher Ea was attributed to the greater cross-linking density of the Cs hydrogel.
Emergency physician-performed emergency bronchoscopy in cardiac arrest patient due to acute foreign body airway obstruction

Adi O, Baherin MF, Fong CP, Fatan AAA, Ahmad AH, Yusof AA, et al.

Am J Emerg Med, 2022 Mar;53:23-28.
PMID: 34968971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.12.027

As foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) can be life-threatening, it has to be promptly diagnosed and treated. We report a case series of three patients presenting to the emergency department with cardiac arrest due to FBAO. In each case, ventilation was difficult due to high airway resistance. As FBAO was suspected, the emergency physician did a prompt flexible bronchoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and retrieve the foreign body. Flexible bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for emergency airway management, and is a relatively safe procedure if performed by a trained personnel. The life-saving benefits of bronchoscopy outweigh the small risks of complications such as bleeding, desaturation and pneumothorax. In the three cases, the removal of the obstructing material led to immediate improvements in oxygenation and ventilation. The patients had return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and definite airway control.
Fulltext Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Quarry Rock Dust Incorporated Steel Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete and Residual Properties after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

Ibraheem M, Butt F, Waqas RM, Hussain K, Tufail RF, Ahmad N, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Nov 15;14(22).
PMID: 34832298 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226890

The purpose of this research is to study the effects of quarry rock dust (QRD) and steel fibers (SF) inclusion on the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (SG)-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) exposed to elevated temperatures. Such types of ternary mixes were prepared by blending waste materials from different industries, including QRD, SG, and FA, with alkaline activator solutions. The multiphysical models show that the inclusion of steel fibers and binders can enhance the mechanical properties of GPC. In this study, a total of 18 different mix proportions were designed with different proportions of QRD (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and steel fibers (0.75% and 1.5%). The slag was replaced by different proportions of QRD in fly ash, and SG-based GPC mixes to study the effect of QRD incorporation. The mechanical properties of specimens, i.e., compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were determined by testing cubes, cylinders, and prisms, respectively, at different ages (7, 28, and 56 days). The specimens were also heated up to 800 °C to evaluate the resistance of specimens to elevated temperature in terms of residual compressive strength and weight loss. The test results showed that the mechanical strength of GPC mixes (without steel fibers) increased by 6-11%, with an increase in QRD content up to 15% at the age of 28 days. In contrast, more than 15% of QRD contents resulted in decreasing the mechanical strength properties. Incorporating steel fibers in a fraction of 0.75% by volume increased the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of GPC mixes by 15%, 23%, and 34%, respectively. However, further addition of steel fibers at 1.5% by volume lowered the mechanical strength properties. The optimal mixture of QRD incorporated FA-SG-based GPC (QFS-GPC) was observed with 15% QRD and 0.75% steel fibers contents considering the performance in workability and mechanical properties. The results also showed that under elevated temperatures up to 800 °C, the weight loss of QFS-GPC specimens persistently increased with a consistent decrease in the residual compressive strength for increasing QRD content and temperature. Furthermore, the microstructure characterization of QRD blended GPC mixes were also carried out by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
Synthesis and functionalization of chitosan built hydrogel with induced hydrophilicity for extended release of sparingly soluble drugs

Ullah F, Javed F, Othman MBH, Khan A, Gul R, Ahmad Z, et al.

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2018 03;29(4):376-396.
PMID: 29285989 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2017.1421347

Addressing the functional biomaterials as next-generation therapeutics, chitosan and alginic acid were copolymerized in the form of chemically crosslinked interpenetrating networks (IPNs). The native hydrogel was functionalized via carbodiimide (EDC), catalyzed coupling of soft ligand (1,2-Ethylenediamine) and hard ligand (4-aminophenol) to replace -OH groups in alginic acid units for extended hydrogel- interfaces with the aqueous and sparingly soluble drug solutions. The chemical structure, Lower solution critical temperature (LCST ≈ 37.88 °C), particle size (Zh,app ≈ 150-200 nm), grain size (160-360 nm), surface roughness (85-250 nm), conductivity (37-74 mv) and zeta potential (16-32 mv) of native and functionalized hydrogel were investigated by using FT-IR, solid state-13C-NMR, TGA, DSC, FESEM, AFM and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The effective swelling, drug loading (47-78%) and drug release (53-86%) profiles were adjusted based on selective functionalization of hydrophobic IPNs due to electrostatic complexation and extended interactions of hydrophilic ligands with the aqueous and drug solutions. Drug release from the hydrogel matrices with diffusion coefficient n ≈ 0.7 was established by Non- Fickian diffusion mechanism. In vitro degradation trials of the hydrogel with a 20% loss of wet mass in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and 38% loss of wet mass in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), were investigated for 400 h through bulk erosion. Consequently, a slower rate of drug loading and release was observed for native hydrogel, due to stronger H-bonding, interlocking and entanglement within the IPNs, which was finely tuned and extended by the induced hydrophilic and functional ligands. In the light of induced hydrophilicity, such functional hydrogel could be highly attractive for extended release of sparingly soluble drugs.
Fulltext Ferrocene-Based Terpolyamides and Their PDMS-Containing Block Copolymers: Synthesis and Physical Properties

Mushtaq I, Jabeen E, Akhter Z, Javed F, Hassan A, Khan MSU, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2022 Nov 23;14(23).
PMID: 36501482 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235087

Aromatic polyamides are well-known as high-performance materials due to their outstanding properties making them useful in a wide range of applications. However, their limited solubility in common organic solvents restricts their processability and becomes a hurdle in their applicability. This study is focused on the synthesis of processable ferrocene-based terpolyamides and their polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing block copolymers, using low-temperature solution polycondensation methodology. All the synthesized materials were structurally characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The ferrocene-based terpolymers and block copolymers were soluble in common organic solvents, while the organic analogs were found only soluble in sulfuric acid. WXRD analysis showed the amorphous nature of the materials, while the SEM analysis exposed the modified surface of the ferrocene-based block copolymers. The structure-property relationship of the materials was further elucidated by their water absorption and thermal behavior. These materials showed low to no water absorption along with their high limiting oxygen index (LOI) values depicting their good flame-retardant behavior. DFT studies also supported the role of various monomers in the polycondensation reaction where the electron pair donation from HOMO of diamine monomer to the LUMO of acyl chloride was predicted, along with the calculation of various other parameters of the representative terpolymers and block copolymers.
Short-term analysis on the combined use of sugarcane bagasse ash and rice husk ash as supplementary cementitious material in concrete production

Channa SH, Mangi SA, Bheel N, Soomro FA, Khahro SH

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Jan;29(3):3555-3564.
PMID: 34387820 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15877-0

Globally, concrete is widely implemented as a construction material and is progressively being utilized because of growth in urbanization. However, limited resources and gradual depravity of the environment are forcing the research community to obtain alternative materials from large amounts of agro-industrial wastes as a partial replacement for ordinary cement. Cement is a main binding resource in concrete production. To reduce environmental problems associated with waste, this study considered the recycling of agro-industrial wastes, such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), rice husk ash (RHA), and others, into cement, and to finally bring sustainable and environmental-friendly concrete. This study considered 5%, 10%, and 15% of SBCA and RHA individually to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by weight method then combined both ashes as 10%, 20%, and 30% to replace OPC to produce sustainable concrete. It was experimentally declared that the strength performance of concrete was reduced while utilizing SCBA and RHA individually and combined as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) at 7, 28, 56, and 90 days, respectively. Moreover, the initial and final setting time is increased as the quantity of replacement level of OPC with SCBA and RHA separates and together as SCM in the mixture. Based on experimental findings, it was concluded that the use of 5% of SCBA and 5% of RHA as cement replacement material individually or combined in concrete could provide appropriate results for structural applications in concrete.
Advances in guided bone regeneration membranes: a comprehensive review of materials and techniques

Ali M, Mohd Noor SNF, Mohamad H, Ullah F, Javed F, Abdul Hamid ZA

Biomed Phys Eng Express, 2024 Apr 17;10(3).
PMID: 38224615 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad1e75

Guided tissue/bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) is a widely used technique in dentistry to facilitate the regeneration of damaged bone and tissue, which involves guiding materials that eventually degrade, allowing newly created tissue to take its place. This comprehensive review the evolution of biomaterials for guided bone regeneration that showcases a progressive shift from non-resorbable to highly biocompatible and bioactive materials, allowing for more effective and predictable bone regeneration. The evolution of biomaterials for guided bone regeneration GTR/GBR has marked a significant progression in regenerative dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Biomaterials used in GBR have evolved over time to enhance biocompatibility, bioactivity, and efficacy in promoting bone growth and integration. This review also probes into several promising fabrication techniques like electrospinning and latest 3D printing fabrication techniques, which have shown potential in enhancing tissue and bone regeneration processes. Further, the challenges and future direction of GTR/GBR are explored and discussed.
Effect of Surface Functional Groups on the Electronic Behavior and Optical Spectra of Mn2N Based MXenes

Ul Haq B, Kim SH, Rasool Chaudhry A, AlFaify S, Butt FK, Tahir SA, et al.

Chemphyschem, 2024 Jun 17;25(12):e202300605.
PMID: 38517984 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300605

The extensive applications of MXenes, a novel type of layered materials known for their favorable characteristics, have sparked significant interest. This research focuses on investigating the influence of surface functionalization on the behavior of Mn2NTx (Tx=O2, F2) MXenes monolayers using the "Density functional theory (DFT) based full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (FP-LAPW)" method. We elucidate the differences in the physical properties of Mn2NTx through the influence of F and O surface functional groups. We found that O-termination results in half-metallic behavior, whereas the F-termination evolves metallic characteristics within these MXene systems. Similarly, surface termination has effectively influenced their optical absorption efficiency. For instance, Mn2NO2 and Mn2NF2 effectively absorb UV light ~50.15×104 cm-1 and 37.71×104 cm-1, respectively. Additionally, they demonstrated prominent refraction and reflection characteristics, which are comprehensively discussed in the present work. Our predictions offer valuable perspectives into the optical and electronic characteristics of Mn2NTx-based MXenes, presenting the promising potential for implementing them in diverse optoelectronic devices.
Inhaled anaesthetic gas for severe bronchospasm at the emergency department

Adi O, Apoo FN, Fong CP, Ahmad AH, Roslan NL, Khan FA, et al.

Am J Emerg Med, 2024 Jan;75:179-180.
PMID: 37487778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.07.027
Thermo-catalytic decomposition of polystyrene waste: Comparative analysis using different kinetic models

Ali G, Nisar J, Iqbal M, Shah A, Abbas M, Shah MR, et al.

Waste Manag Res, 2019 Aug 13.
PMID: 31405341 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X19865339

Due to a huge increase in polymer production, a tremendous increase in municipal solid waste is observed. Every year the existing landfills for disposal of waste polymers decrease and the effective recycling techniques for waste polymers are getting more and more important. In this work pyrolysis of waste polystyrene was performed in the presence of a laboratory synthesized copper oxide. The samples were pyrolyzed at different heating rates that is, 5°Cmin-1, 10°Cmin-1, 15°Cmin-1 and 20°Cmin-1 in a thermogravimetric analyzer in inert atmosphere using nitrogen. Thermogravimetric data were interpreted using various model fitting (Coats-Redfern) and model free methods (Ozawa-Flynn-Wall, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose and Friedman). Thermodynamic parameters for the reaction were also determined. The activation energy calculated applying Coats-Redfern, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose and Friedman models were found in the ranges 105-148.48 kJmol-1, 99.41-140.52 kJmol-1, 103.67-149.15 kJmol-1 and 99.93-141.25 kJmol-1, respectively. The lowest activation energy for polystyrene degradation in the presence of copper oxide indicates the suitability of catalyst for the decomposition reaction to take place at lower temperature. Moreover, the obtained kinetics and thermodynamic parameters would be very helpful in determining the reaction mechanism of the solid waste in a real system.
Daunorubicin oral bioavailability enhancement by surface coated natural biodegradable macromolecule chitosan based polymeric nanoparticles

Ahmad N, Ahmad R, Alam MA, Ahmad FJ, Amir M, Pottoo FH, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 May 01;128:825-838.
PMID: 30690115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.142

BACKGROUND: Daunorubicin hydrochloride (DAUN·HCl), due to low oral bioavailability poses the hindrance to be marketed as an oral formulation.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To develop a natural biodegradable macromolecule i.e. Chitosan (CS)-coated-DAUN-PLGA-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Nanoparticles (NPs) with an aim to improve oral-DAUN bioavailability and to develop as well as validate UHPLC-MS/MS (ESI/Q-TOF) method for plasma quantification and pharmacokinetic analysis (PK) of DAUN.
RESULTS: A particle size (198.3 ± 9.21 nm), drug content (47.06 ± 1.16 mg/mg) and zeta potential (11.3 ± 0.98 mV), consisting of smooth and spherical shape was observed for developed formulation. Cytotoxicity studies for CS-DAUN-PLGA-NPs revealed; a comparative superiority over free DAUN-S (i.v.) in human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7) and a higher permeability i.e. 3.89 folds across rat ileum, as compared to DAUN-PLGA-NPs (p 
Characterization of natural gums via elemental and chemometric analyses, synthesis of silver nanoparticles, and biological and catalytic applications

Jamila N, Khan N, Hwang IM, Saba M, Khan F, Amin F, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Mar 15;147:853-866.
PMID: 31739066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.245

Gums; composed of polysaccharides, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, are high molecular weight hydrophilic compounds with several biological applications. This study describes the nutritional and toxic elements content, chemical composition, synthesis of silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), and pharmacological and catalytic properties of Prunus armeniaca (apricot), Prunus domestica (plums), Prunus persica (peaches), Acacia modesta (phulai), Acacia arabica (kikar), and Salmalia malabarica (silk cotton tree) gums. The elemental contents were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). NMR spectroscopy was used for the identification of class of compounds in the mixture, their functional groups were determined through FTIR techniques, and plasmon resonance and size of G-AgNPs through UV-Vis spectroscopic technique and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From the results, nutritional elements were present at appreciable concentrations, whereas toxic elements showed content below the maximum permissible ranges. Using the elemental data, linear discriminant and principal component analyses classified the gums to 99.9% variability index. Furthermore, G-AgNPs exhibited significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and redox catalytic potential. Hence, the subject G-AgNPs could have promising nutritional, therapeutic and environmental remediation applications.
Fulltext Potential of New Sustainable Green Geopolymer Metal Composite (GGMC) Material as Mould Insert for Rapid Tooling (RT) in Injection Moulding Process

Yin ATM, Rahim SZA, Al Bakri Abdullah MM, Nabialek M, Abdellah AE, Rennie A, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2023 Feb 19;16(4).
PMID: 36837352 DOI: 10.3390/ma16041724

The investigation of mould inserts in the injection moulding process using metal epoxy composite (MEC) with pure metal filler particles is gaining popularity among researchers. Therefore, to attain zero emissions, the idea of recycling metal waste from industries and workshops must be investigated (waste free) because metal recycling conserves natural resources while requiring less energy to manufacture new products than virgin raw materials would. The utilisation of metal scrap for rapid tooling (RT) in the injection moulding industry is a fascinating and potentially viable approach. On the other hand, epoxy that can endure high temperatures (>220 °C) is challenging to find and expensive. Meanwhile, industrial scrap from coal-fired power plants can be a precursor to creating geopolymer materials with desired physical and mechanical qualities for RT applications. One intriguing attribute of geopolymer is its ability to endure temperatures up to 1000 °C. Nonetheless, geopolymer has a higher compressive strength of 60-80 MPa (8700-11,600 psi) than epoxy (68.95 MPa) (10,000 psi). Aside from its low cost, geopolymer offers superior resilience to harsh environments and high compressive and flexural strength. This research aims to investigate the possibility of generating a new sustainable material by integrating several types of metals in green geopolymer metal composite (GGMC) mould inserts for RT in the injection moulding process. It is necessary to examine and investigate the optimal formulation of GGMC as mould inserts for RT in the injection moulding process. With less expensive and more ecologically friendly components, the GGMC is expected to be a superior choice as a mould insert for RT. This research substantially impacts environmental preservation, cost reduction, and maintaining and sustaining the metal waste management system. As a result of the lower cost of recycled metals, sectors such as mould-making and machining will profit the most.
Advanced microbial fuel cell for waste water treatment-a review

Jatoi AS, Akhter F, Mazari SA, Sabzoi N, Aziz S, Soomro SA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Feb;28(5):5005-5019.
PMID: 33241504 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11691-2

Petroleum, coal, and natural gas reservoir were depleting continuously due to an increase in industrialization, which enforced study to identify alternative sources. The next option is the renewable resources which are most important for energy purpose coupled with environmental problem reduction. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have become a promising approach to generate cleaner and more sustainable electrical energy. The involvement of various disciplines had been contributing to enhancing the performance of the MFCs. This review covers the performance of MFC along with different wastewater as a substrate in terms of treatment efficiencies as well as for energy generation. Apart from this, effect of various parameters and use of different nanomaterials for performance of MFC were also studied. From the current study, it proves that the use of microbial fuel cell along with the use of nanomaterials could be the waste and energy-related problem-solving approach. MFC could be better in performances based on optimized process parameters for handling any wastewater from industrial process.
Fulltext Exploring the Clinical Features, Management of Hypertension, and Predictors of Severity in Hospitalized Hypertensive COVID-19 Patients

Kumar N, Syed Sulaiman SA, Hashmi FK, Noor A, Ahmad R, Qureshi A, et al.

Cureus, 2024 May;16(5):e61356.
PMID: 38947593 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61356

Background Hypertension significantly contributes to the severity, prolonged hospitalization, the need for intensive care, and mortality of COVID-19 patients. However, the data is still evolving. This study investigated the predictors of severity among hypertensive COVID-19 patients. Methodology This cohort study included 333 hospitalized hypertensive COVID-19 patients at the Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from April 2021 to October 2021. The study evaluated the clinical features, antihypertensive therapy, and predictors of severity. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to determine severity predictors using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The majority of hypertensive COVID-19 patients were females (54.7%), aged <65 years (55.8%), and coexisted with diabetes mellitus (56.5%). The independent predictors of severity were male (aOR 2.65, 95% CI, 1.08-6.51; p < 0.033), fever (aOR 3.52, 95% CI, 1.24-9.92; p = 0.017), shortness of breath (aOR 4.49, 95% CI, 1.73-11.63; p = 0.002), oxygen saturation (<90%) (aOR 87.39, 95% CI, 19.15-398.75; p < 0.001), and D-dimer (>0.5 mcg/ml) (aOR 3.03, 95% CI, 1.19-7.71; p = 0.020). Conclusions Our study concluded that males with fever before admission, shortness of breath, lower oxygen saturation, and elevated D-dimer are the predictors of severity among hypertensive COVID-19 patients.

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