Green synthesis of multifunctional ZnO/chitosan nanocomposite film using wild Mentha pulegium extract for packaging applications

Following the global corona virus pandemic and environmental contamination caused by chemical plastic packaging, awareness of the need for environmentally friendly biofilms and antibacterial coatings is increasing. In this study, a biodegradable hybrid film, comprising of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with a chitosan (CS) matrix, was fabricated using a simple casting procedure. The ZnO NPs were synthesized using wild Mentha pulegium extract, and the synthesized NPs and films were characterized using different approaches. The structural, morphological, mechanical, antibacterial, and optical properties, as well as the hydrophilicity, of the prepared samples were investigated using various techniques. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in the M. pulegium extract. In addition, a strong coordination connection between Zn²⁺ and the chitosan matrix was confirmed, which resulted in a good dispersion of ZnO in the chitosan film. The surface of the composite films was transparent, smooth, and uniform, and the flexible bio-based hybrid films exhibited significant antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics, strong visible emission in the 480 nm region, and UV-blocking properties. The ZnO/CS films displayed a potential to extend the shelf life of fruits by up to eight days when stored at 23°C, and also acted as an acceptable barrier against oxygen and water. The biodegradable ZnO/CS film is expected to keep fruit fresher than general chemical plastic films and be used for the packaging of active ingredients.

Facile synthesis of ZnO/CWO nanocomposite with brilliant enhanced optical response

In this research, novel zinc oxide/cadmium tungstate (ZnO/CWO) nanocomposite was prepared by a simple chemical method. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized for its structural and optical properties by different techniques. For the first time, the radiation response of prepared nanocomposite was studied using 241Am alpha source and ion beam induced luminescence (IBIL) measurement. Also, photocurrent transient responses of the prepared nanocomposite were recorded under Xe source radiation. ZnO/CWO nanocomposite exhibited strong light emission in the blue-green range at room temperature. Under alpha irradiation, the ZnO/CWO nanocomposite showed an excellent sensitivity when compared to pure ZnO or CWO. FESEM and TEM images showed a uniform distribution of spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of 77 nm. XRD, XPS, and EDX results indicated characteristic peaks of ZnO, CWO, and related elements in the composite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of several groups in the nanocomposite. Investigations indicated that the optical quality of the ZnO/CWO nanocomposite was improved when compared with pure ZnO and CWO. According to obtained results, it is anticipated that ZnO/CWO nanocomposite would hold suitable potential for applications in optoelectronic devices and detection.

Medication-related visits to the emergency department: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence, preventability, category, and severity of drug-related problems; medications involved; common causes of preventable medication-related visits (MRVs); and cost of MRVs.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational study of emergency department visits, patients were identified as having MRVs by use of a questionnaire. The patients or their representatives were interviewed to assess whether the emergency department visit was caused by a medication-related problem. Patient selection was consecutive. A blinded panel of pharmacists and one physician was used to assess study objectives.

RESULTS

Of the 253 patients interviewed, 71 patients (28.1%) presenting to the emergency department had a medication-related reason for their visits. Of the 71 MRVs, 50 (70.4%) were judged to be preventable and 21 (29.6%) nonpreventable. The data showed that MRVs are most often caused by an adverse drug reaction, followed by overprescribing of the correct medication. The severity of MRVs was most often classified as moderate. The most common medications involved were cardiovascular agents. The preventable MRVs were mostly due to noncompliance issues, inappropriate prescribing, inappropriate monitoring, and lack of patient education. The average cost to the institution was approximately $1444 per preventable MRV.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the prevalence of MRVs was higher than in previous studies due to the prospective nature of the study and the assistance of drug experts in identifying and classifying the incidents. Areas identified for improvement included compliance issues with patients, education of healthcare workers regarding prescribing and monitoring of medications, and patient education.

Beta-adrenergic-blocking agents in bronchospastic diseases: a therapeutic dilemma

Cardioselective beta-blockers should be administered starting with a low dosage under direct medical observation. Bronchodilators should be readily available or may be coadministered. Because of several advantages, agents such as metoprolol, atenolol, and, in some cases, esmolol should be the first agents considered. In contrast to noncardioselective agents, if bronchospasm occurs, the effect of cardioselective agents is believed to be easier to reverse. Clinicians should avoid noncardioselective beta-blockers in asthmatics, even in small doses, such as those administered as eye drops. For asthmatic patients who are intolerant to noncardioselective beta-blockers, switching to a cardioselective beta-blocker might be a safe alternative. The significance of beta2-blockade usually varies with the patient's ventilatory condition, with more serious consequences being anticipated in patients with more severe asthma.