Comparison of 1-(2-naphthyloxymethylcarbonyl) pyrrolidine,PP-20/DPJ,newly synthesized compound with the nootropic drug piracetam in normal and aluminum-induced neurotoxic state

Nootropic drugs like piracetam, oxiracetam, and nifiracetam are used as memory enhancers. They are thought to directly influence the energetic processes in the brain and produce elevated acetylcholine levels, but they lack protecting therapeutic potentials. Thus, there is a continuing effort directed towards developing a new cognition-enhancing agent, which would be more effective than the currently available drugs, and 2-Naphthyloxy derivatives (PP-20/DPJ) were consequently developed. This in vivo study was designed to compare the memory enhancing potential of PP-20/DPJ with the known nootropic agent, piracetam, in aluminum (Al)-induced neurotoxic model. Results indicated that PP-20/DPJ improved the short-term memory and cognitive behaviors similar to piracetam. Further, both the compounds were equally effective in elevating the acetylcholinesterase and Mg⁺-ATPase enzyme activity in both the brain regions after Al treatment. Thus the current study suggests, that PP-20/DPJ acts as both a cognition-enhancing agent and as a metabolic enhancer.     

Biosorption of chromium(VI), nickel(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions using Pithophora algae

The biosorption of heavy metals is considered to be one of the best alternatives for the treatment of wastewater. The metal binding capacity of algae and acid-treated algae is investigated to find out the removal characteristics of Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions from single metal solutions. Batch experiments are conducted and the study is extended to investigate the effect of pH, amount of adsorbent and adsorbate concentration on the extent of biosorption. The results indicate that the adsorption capacity of algae depends strongly on pH. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) occurs at pH values of 2, 7 and 4.3, respectively. The adsorption process follows first-order kinetic equation. The data obtained are correlated with Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms.     

Iron-based flow batteries to store renewable energies

The development of cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives of energy storage systems is needed to solve the actual energy crisis. Although technologies such as flywheels, supercapacitors, pumped hydropower and compressed air are efficient, they have shortcomings because they require long planning horizons to be cost-effective. Renewable energy storage systems such as redox flow batteries are actually of high interest for grid-level energy storage, in particular iron-based flow batteries. Here we review all-iron redox flow battery alternatives for storing renewable energies. The role of components such as electrolyte, electrode and membranes in the overall functioning of all-iron redox flow batteries is discussed. The effect of iron–ligand chemistry on the performance of battery is highlighted. Additionally, a brief contextual background and fundamentals of redox flow batteries are provided. The design aspects, progress in research, mathematical modeling, cost estimations and future prospects of using all-iron energy systems are discussed in the context of future grid-level energy storage.     

Recycling of industrial waste material of fly ash cenosphere for the treatment of car wash water effluent

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - This study presents the investigation on the preparation, characterisation and utilisation of the modified industrial waste material of Fly Ash...     

Occupational health hazards and wide spectrum of genetic damage by the organic solvent fumes at the workplace: A critical appraisal

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Long-term exposure to organic solvents is known to affect human health posing serious occupational hazards. Organic solvents are genotoxic, and they...