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Hemodialysis is one of the most commonly used treatments for patients suffering from irrecoverable kidney damage. In our present work we investigate polyetherimide (PEI) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) as a potential candidate for hemodialysis applications due to its efficient clearance and high biocompatibility. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by the modified Hummers' method and was then confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The GO-polyvinylpyrrolidone nano-composite incorporated PEI MMMs were fabricated by a semi-automatic casting unit, using the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. The effect of the nano-composite loading ratio was evaluated by water content; ultrafiltration rate, and porosity; which were all found to increase as the nano-composite content increased. Cross Sectional and top surface morphology was visualized using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The hydrophilicity of these membranes was in consonance with contact angle values. These MMMs demonstrated an increase in biocompatibility -reduced protein adsorption, suppressed platelet adhesion and lower complement activation. Furthermore the prolonged blood clotting time is an indication of the heparin mimic anticoagulant properties of these membranes. The cytocompatibility results by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live cell/dead cell staining indicated that there was an increase in cell viability. The membranes with 0.1 wt% GO showed an excellent clearance of the model uremic toxins, namely urea, vitamin B-12 and cytochrome-c in-vitro. The diffusive permeability of these membranes could be comparable to the existing commercial hemodialysis membranes. Thus it can be concluded that these membranes containing a composite of both functional nano-sheets and bioactive polymers have a tremendous potential to be utilized commercially in hemodialysis modules if shown successful in further in-vivo studies with an animal model.

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The environmental problems in India are growing rapidly. The increasing economic development and a rapidly growing population that has taken the country from 300 million people in 1947 to more than one billion people today, is putting a strain on the environment, infrastructure, and the country's natural resources. Industrial pollution, soil erosion, deforestation, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and land degradation are all worsening problems. Over-exploitation of the country's resources, be it land or water, and the industrialization process, has resulted in environmental degradation of resources. Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing humanity and other life forms on our planet today. The rapid growth in motor vehicle activity and rapid industrialization is contributing to high levels of urban air pollution. The population is mainly exposed to high air pollution concentrations; where motor vehicle emissions constitute the main source of fine and ultrafine particles, having a serious impact on our urban air quality and public health. Studies showed that the composition of atmospheric particulate matter has a great impact on human health. In this study, we have reviewed the toxicity of vehicle exhaust, especially diesel exhaust nanoparticles and the associated health problems.

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Objective: Phytochemicals are known to elicit potential antioxidant activity. This study examined the cardioprotective effects of quercetin against oxidative damage to rat cardiomyocyte cells (H9c2) after treatment with Diesel Exhaust Nanoparticles (DEPs) or Petrol Exhaust Nanoparticles (PEPs). Methods: Cardiomyocyte cells were exposed to DEPs or PEPs alone and in a combination with quercetin for 24 h. Results: Results showed that quercetin had no lethal effect on H9c2 cells up to a concentration of 1.0 μg/ml. Exposure to DEPs (4.0 μg/ml) or PEPs (10.0 μg/ml) induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation (p<0.05). It also provoked lipid peroxidation by an increase in MDA and a decrease in SOD activity and glutathione activity (p<0.05). Simultaneous addition of quercetin restored these parameters to near normal. Conclusion: These results thus specify that quercetin plays a protective role in cardiac cells exposed to DEPs and PEPs.

The brain is the most important sensory organ in living organisms. In this review, we have discussed brain cancer, the seventeenth most common cancer occurring globally. This review discusses the most recent data about brain cancer, its types, risk factors, biomarkers, methods of diagnosis and its treatment.