Synergistic interactions and reaction mechanisms of biochar surface functionalities in antibiotics removal from industrial wastewater.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material with a unique surface chemistry (high abundance of surface functional groups, large surface area, and well-distributed), has shown great potential as a sustainable solution for industrial wastewater treatment as compared to conventional industrial wastewater treatment techniques demand substantial energy consumption and generate detrimental byproducts. This critical review emphasizes the surface functionalities formation and development in biochar to enhance its physiochemical properties, for utilization in antibiotics removal. Factors affecting the formation of functionalities, including carbonization processes, feedstock materials, operating parameters, and the influence of pre-post treatments, are thoroughly highlighted to understand the crucial role of factors influencing biochar properties for optimal antibiotics removal.

Correction of a chronic pulmonary disease through lentiviral vector-mediated protein expression.

We developed a novel lentiviral vector, pseudotyped with the F and HN proteins from Sendai virus (rSIV.F/HN), that produces long-lasting, high-efficiency transduction of the respiratory epithelium. Here we addressed whether this platform technology can secrete sufficient levels of a therapeutic protein into the lungs to ameliorate a fatal pulmonary disease as an example of its translational capability.

Knowledge about breastfeeding in accordance with the national policy among doctors, paramedics and mothers in baby-friendly hospitals.

Objective: To assess the knowledge about the National Breastfeeding Policy among paramedics, doctors and mothers in baby-friendly hospitals.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted at the Paediatrics and Obstetrics' department of Civil Hospital, Karachi, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Liaquat National Hospital in May 2008. A questionnaire was developed which was based on National Breastfeeding Policy by the investigators after literature search.