Adsorption parameters optimization of spent coffee ground biochar for methylene blue removal using response surface methodology.

This study investigates the potential of spent coffee ground biochar (SCGB) as a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB), a hazardous dye commonly used in the textile and printing industries. A response surface methodology (RSM) approach with central composite design (CCD) was employed to systematically investigate the effects of key process parameters, including adsorbent dosage, solution pH, contact time and temperature, on MB removal efficiency. The analysis revealed that adsorbent dosage and temperature as critical factors influencing MB removal, with a linear model providing a strong correlation.

Exploring the potential of intermetallic alloys as implantable biomaterials: A comprehensive review.

This review delves into the utilization of intermetallic alloys (IMAs) as advanced biomaterials for medical implants, scrutinizing their conceptual framework, fabrication challenges, and diverse manufacturing techniques such as casting, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing. Manufacturing techniques such as casting, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and injection molding are discussed, with specific emphasis on achieving optimal grain sizes, surface roughness, and mechanical properties. Post-treatment methods aimed at refining surface quality, dimensional precision, and mechanical properties of IMAs are explored, including the use of heat treatments to enhance biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

Investigating the adsorption potential of char derived from waste latex for methylene blue removal.

This study presents the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye using latex char derived from pyrolysis of latex gloves. The adsorption process was investigated systematically using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD). The effects of four key variables, namely pH, time, temperature, and adsorbent dosage, were studied using a factorial design enriched with center points and axial points.

Rate of occult metastasis in lip squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The rate of occult metastasis in lip cancer is poorly studied. Management of the regional nodal basin in lip cancer is thus controversial. This study sought to understand the true rate of micrometastasis in lip cancer.

Proposal for standardized ultrasound analysis of the salivary glands: Part 1 submandibular gland.

Objectives: The Salivary Gland Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery seeks to standardize terminology and technique for ultrasonograpy used in the evaluation and treatment of salivary gland disorders.

Methods: Development of expert opinion obtained through interaction with international practitioners representing multiple specialties. This committee work includes a comprehensive literature review with presentation of case examples to propose a standardized protocol for the language used in ultrasound salivary gland assessment.

Microwave-assisted upcycling of plastic waste to high-performance carbon anode for lithium-ion batteries.

The increasing demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has emphasized the need for affordable and sustainable materials, prompting the exploration of waste upcycling to address global sustainability challenges. In this study, we efficiently converted polypropylene (PP) plastic waste from used centrifuge tubes into activated polypropylene carbon (APC) using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. The synthesis of APC was optimized using response surface methodology/central composite design (RSM/CCD).

Enhanced tribological properties of diesel-based engine oil through synergistic MoS-graphene nanohybrid additive.

This research explores the potential of microwave-synthesized MoS-graphene nanohybrid as additives to enhance the tribological properties of diesel-based engine oil. The synthesis method offers significant advantages, reducing both synthesis time and energy consumption by 90-98% compared to conventional approaches. The synthesized nanohybrids are characterized through FESEM, EDX, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy to understand their morphology and functional group interactions.

Synergistic performance evaluation of MoS-hBN hybrid nanoparticles as a tribological additive in diesel-based engine oil.

In this study, MoS-hBN hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized using an advanced microwave platform for new nanolubricant formulations. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The hybrid nanoparticles were then introduced into a 20W40 diesel-based engine oil to produce a nanolubricant.

Traumatic Injuries of the Parotid Gland and Duct.

This review will focus on the key steps in the recognition of parotid gland and duct injuries focusing on the important steps needed at the initial assessment. Management planning is presented in the way that trauma surgeons interact with patients, highlighting the important parts of the informed consent conversation followed by the key information that must be communicated to the anesthesia and operating room teams, which ensures proper monitoring and equipment needs are in place. Short-term and long-term outcomes for patients with persistent sequelae of the trauma and their management are reviewed.

Emergence of MXene and MXene-Polymer Hybrid Membranes as Future- Environmental Remediation Strategies.

The continuous deterioration of the environment due to extensive industrialization and urbanization has raised the requirement to devise high-performance environmental remediation technologies. Membrane technologies, primarily based on conventional polymers, are the most commercialized air, water, solid, and radiation-based environmental remediation strategies. Low stability at high temperatures, swelling in organic contaminants, and poor selectivity are the fundamental issues associated with polymeric membranes restricting their scalable viability.

Emergence of infectious diseases and role of advanced nanomaterials in point-of-care diagnostics: a review.

Infectious outbreaks are the foremost global public health concern, challenging the current healthcare system, which claims millions of lives annually. The most crucial way to control an infectious outbreak is by early detection through point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. POC diagnostics are highly advantageous owing to the prompt diagnosis, which is economical, simple and highly efficient with remote access capabilities.

Microwave Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles Using Response Surface Methodology for Tribological Application.

We used response surface methodology (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD) model to optimize the synthesis time and temperature of the molybdenum disulfide (MoS) nanoparticles using the flexiWAVE microwave. Furthermore, the synthesized MoS nanoparticles were used in SAE 20W50 diesel engine oil to study the tribological properties according to ASTM standards using a four-ball tribotester. The optimization result shows that the synthesis temperature and time for the MoS nanoparticles in the microwave were ~200 °C and ~15 min, respectively, with a coefficient of friction (COF) and average wear scar diameter (WSD) of 0.

A modular surgical simulator for microlaryngoscopy using standard instruments and the carbon dioxide laser.

Objective: Build a microlaryngoscopy surgical simulator for endoscopic laryngeal surgery using standard microsurgical instruments and a CO laser.

Study Design: Anatomical modeling, CAD design and 3D printed manufacturing.

Subjects And Methods: We created a modular design for a microlaryngoscopy simulator in CAD software.

Tribological, oxidation and thermal conductivity studies of microwave synthesised molybdenum disulfide (MoS) nanoparticles as nano-additives in diesel based engine oil.

Lubrication has become essential in enhancing engine efficiency in the era of rapid globalising. The tribological, oxidation and thermal conductivity properties of an engine oil play a vital role in improving the quality of a vehicle's engine life. In this research, molybdenum disulfide (MoS) nanoparticle was synthesised via a microwave hydrothermal reactor.

An Updated Patient-Centered Sialadenitis Instrument: The Obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT).

Objective: The Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms questionnaire (COSS) was created to assess chronic sialadenitis symptoms and treatment response, but its development lacked patient input and validation. We analyzed COSS responses and feedback from sialadenitis patients and physician experts to create the novel obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT), a new standardized measure of sialadenitis-associated symptoms.

Methods: We analyzed COSS responses via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify essential symptom domains and reduce overlap in questions.

Management of Benign Salivary Gland Conditions.

In this section, we discuss the management of benign salivary gland disease. Pathologies vary from sialolithiasis, salivary duct stenosis, sialadenitis, infectious glandular disease, autoimmune glandular disease, and radioactive iodine-induced disease. We discuss both novel techniques in the diagnosis and management of these diseases, including ultrasound, sialendoscopy, minor salivary gland biopsy, and botulinum toxin injection, which allow for both the alleviation of symptoms and gland preservation.

Proton Conductivity Enhancement at High Temperature on Polybenzimidazole Membrane Electrolyte with Acid-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Fillers.

Graphene oxide (GO) and its acid-functionalized form are known to be effective in enhancing the proton transport properties of phosphoric-acid doped polybenzimidazole (PA-doped PBI) membranes utilized in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HTPEMFC) owing to the presence of proton-conducting functional groups. This work aims to provide a comparison between the different effects of GO with the sulfonated GO (SGO) and phosphonated GO (PGO) on the properties of PA-doped PBI, with emphasis given on proton conductivity to understand which functional groups are suitable for proton transfer under high temperature and anhydrous conditions. Each filler was synthesized following existing methods and introduced into PBI at loadings of 0.

Laser-Assisted Sialolithotripsy: A Correlation of Objective and Subjective Outcomes.

Objective: To analyze the long-term symptomatic results of laser-assisted sialolithotripsy (LAS) in cases of obstructive sialolithiasis and correlate with objective criteria using diagnostic sialendoscopy (DS) as a method of examination.

Methods: This is a retrospective study comprising 50 consecutive patients who underwent holmium-YAG LAS and completed follow-up of at least 6 months. Symptom scoring and endoscopic scoring were done at 6 weeks and 6 months intervals for further study purposes.

Prospects of titanium carbide-based MXene in heavy metal ion and radionuclide adsorption for wastewater remediation: A review.

Contamination of water sources with various organic and inorganic non-biodegradable pollutants is becoming a growing concern due to industrialization, urbanization, and the inefficiency of traditional wastewater treatment processes. Transition Metal Carbides/Nitrides (MXenes) are emerging as advanced nanomaterials of choice for treating contaminated water owing to their excellent conductivity, mechanical flexibility, high specific surface area, scalable production, rich surface functionalities, and layered morphology. MXenes have demonstrated enhanced ability to adsorb various organic and inorganic contaminants depending upon their surface terminal groups (-OH, -F, and -O) and interlayer spacing.

Viscoelastic Properties and Thermal Stability of Nanohydroxyapatite Reinforced Poly-Lactic Acid for Load Bearing Applications.

We studied the reinforcing effects of treated and untreated nanohydroxyapatite (NHA) on poly-lactic acid (PLA). The NHA surface was treated with three different types of chemicals; 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), sodium -dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyethylenimine (PEI). The nanocomposite samples were prepared using melt mixing techniques by blending 5 wt% untreated NHA and 5 wt% surface-treated NHA (mNHA).

Carbon and polymer-based magnetic nanocomposites for oil-spill remediation-a comprehensive review.

Oil spills are a major contributor to water contamination, which sets off a significant impact on the environment, biodiversity, and economy. Efficient removal of oil spills is needed for the protection of marine species as well as the environment. Conventional approaches are not efficient enough for oil-water separation; therefore, effective strategies and efficient removal techniques (and materials) must be developed to restore the contaminated marine to its normal ecology.

The Evaluation and Management of Carcinoma of the Minor Salivary Glands.

There are several hundred minor salivary glands throughout the upper aerodigestive tract, aiding in lubrication and protection of the system. Compared with all tumors of the head and neck and those of the six major glands, neoplasms of the minor glands are rare. However, more than half are found to be malignant, prompting a low threshold for further work-up.

A comprehensive review on magnetic carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube-based buckypaper for removal of heavy metals and dyes.

Industrial effluents contain several organic and inorganic contaminants. Among others, dyes and heavy metals introduce a serious threat to drinking waterbodies. These pollutants can be noxious or carcinogenic in nature, and harmful to humans and different aquatic species.

Magnetic nanocomposites for sustainable water purification-a comprehensive review.

Numerous contaminants in huge amounts are discharged to the environment from various anthropogenic activities. Waterbodies are one of the major receivers of these contaminants. The contaminated water can pose serious threats to humans and animals, by distrubing the ecosystem.

Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydroxyapatite nanorods reinforced with polypropylene for biomedical application.

Modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and hydroxyapatite nanorods (n-HA) were reinforced into polypropylene (PP) with the support of a melt compounding approach. Varying composition of f-MWCNTs (0.1-0.