Mapping habitat suitability for gastrointestinal nematodiasis of ruminants in southern Caspian Sea littoral: a predicted risk pattern model based on the MaxEnt.

Herein, we provide the ecological niches of gastrointestinal nematode infections in Guilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces. For this purpose, 2688 fecal specimens of sheep and cattle were subjected to the flotation method. For modeling procedure, the results were analyzed by considering 23 bioclimatic and environmental variables as well as 96 points/locations. Maximum entropy (model MaxEnt) was used to visualize the spatial distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes. The relative importance of all variables was also assessed by using jackknife analysis. The highest proportion of sheep infection with strongyle-type egg was observed in Golestan province (57.8%) and the lowest in Guilan province (49.5%), and eggs per gram (EPG) was around 21-29. The parasites with the highest proportion of infection in both domestic animals included strongyle-type eggs. Among the different bioclimatic and environmental variables, the biggest contributor to habitat suitability of the gastrointestinal nematode presence was found to be minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), precipitation of driest quarter (Bio17), precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio19), and altitude. The MaxEnt model was able to provide a suitable guidance for predicting the probability distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes under bioclimatic and environmental variables, and the findings pave way for integrated gastrointestinal nematode surveillance and control strategies in the southern strip of Caspian Sea. In addition, the low intensity of gastrointestinal nematodiasis in ruminants may be associated with the frequent administration of anthelmintic drugs, where actions are needed to investigate drug resistance in the areas concerned and to provide anthelmintic drugs administration in a targeted manner.

Wave-function model for the CP violation in mesons.

In this paper, we propose a simple quantum model of the kaons decay providing an estimate of the CP symmetry violation parameter. We use the two-level Friedrich's Hamiltonian model to obtain a good quantitative agreement with the experimental estimate of the violation parameter for neutral kaons. A temporal wave-function approach, based on an analogy with spatial wave-functions, plays a crucial role in our model.

Possible risk factors associated with greater damage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: an Egyptian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic multisystem autoimmune disorder. The total damage in a patient with SLE may result from SLE itself or from any other pathologic process. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors of greater damage in a sample of Egyptian SLE patients. METHODS: This Egyptian multicenter retrospective study included 100 SLE patients: 64 patients from Cairo University Hospitals and 36 patients from Zagazig University Hospitals. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (ACR-DI) was used to document the damage in each patient. RESULTS: The total SLICC/ACR-DI score ranged from 0 to 8. A higher DI score was found in hypertensive patients, compared to normotensive patients; and among those with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies, compared to those with negative anti-phospholipid antibodies. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Also, a higher DI score was found in cyclophosphamide users, compared to non-users; and in those with proteinuria and seizures, compared to those without; and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the DI and patient age (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Damage in SLE cannot be prevented completely, as SLE disease is considered an aggressive disease treated by aggressive medications, but rheumatologists should try to minimize damage as much as possible to maintain the patients' health, functioning and general wellbeing.

A new definition and properties of the similarity value between two protein structures.

Knowledge regarding the 3D structure of a protein provides useful information about the protein's functional properties. Particularly, structural similarity between proteins can be used as a good predictor of functional similarity. One method that uses the 3D geometrical structure of proteins in order to compare them is the similarity value (SV). In this paper, we introduce a new definition of the SV measure for comparing two proteins. To this end, we consider the mass of the protein's atoms and concentrate on the number of protein's atoms to be compared. This defines a new measure, called the weighted similarity value (WSV), adding physical properties to geometrical properties. We also show that our results are in good agreement with the results obtained by TM-SCORE and DALILITE. WSV can be of use in protein classification and in drug discovery.

Geometrical comparison of two protein structures using Wigner-D functions.

In this article, we develop a quantitative comparison method for two arbitrary protein structures. This method uses a root-mean-square deviation characterization and employs a series expansion of the protein's shape function in terms of the Wigner-D functions to define a new criterion, which is called a "similarity value." We further demonstrate that the expansion coefficients for the shape function obtained with the help of the Wigner-D functions correspond to structure factors. Our method addresses the common problem of comparing two proteins with different numbers of atoms. We illustrate it with a worked example.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-1 family with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) seems to have an important role in early reactions towards microbes, while its genetic variability could affect this role in atopic patients who have a distressed immunity towards dermatological infections. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), who were referred to a main referral paediatric hospital, were enrolled in this study. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the following IL-1 cluster genes were assessed in this group of patients: IL-1α -889, IL-1ß -511, IL-1ß +3962, IL-1R Pst-I 1970, and IL-1RA Mspa-I 11100. The results were compared with a group of 140 healthy subjects from the same region. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the controls had TT homozygous genotype in IL-1R at position Pst-I 1970, while only 2% of the patients with AD had this genotype (p=0.005, OR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.02-0.64). The CC homozygous genotype was the most common genotype in IL-1α position -889 and IL-1ß at position +3962 in both groups of patients with AD and the controls, while the TC heterozygous genotype was the most common genotype in IL-1ß at position -511 and IL-1R at position Pst-I 1970, with no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant negative association in the IL-1R Mspa-I 11100 TT homozygous genotype in the patients with AD.

Modelling and simulation of fuel cell dynamics for electrical energy usage of Hercules airplanes.

Dynamics of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) with hydrogen storage system for generating part of Hercules airplanes electrical energy is presented. Feasibility of using fuel cell (FC) for this airplane is evaluated by means of simulations. Temperature change and dual layer capacity effect are considered in all simulations. Using a three-level 3-phase inverter, FC's output voltage is connected to the essential bus of the airplane. Moreover, it is possible to connect FC's output voltage to airplane DC bus alternatively. PID controller is presented to control flow of hydrogen and oxygen to FC and improve transient and steady state responses of the output voltage to load disturbances. FC's output voltage is regulated via an ultracapacitor. Simulations are carried out via MATLAB/SIMULINK and results show that the load tracking and output voltage regulation are acceptable. The proposed system utilizes an electrolyser to generate hydrogen and a tank for storage. Therefore, there is no need for batteries. Moreover, the generated oxygen could be used in other applications in airplane.

Hydrothermal synthesis of Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide modified water hyacinth hydrochar for remediation of wastewater containing mordant brown dye.

A high-performance dye adsorbent of Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide modified water hyacinth hydrochar (MgAl@WH) was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The surface functional groups, elemental composition, crystalline structure, and surface morphology of the prepared (MgAl@WH) were determined using different analytical techniques. The characterization results revealed that the (MgAl@WH) hydrochar surface offered more active adsorption sites, facilitating the mordant brown (anionic dye) adsorption, leading to its superior performance with much higher uptake capability (311.0 mg g-1 at 298 K) than Mg/Al double hydroxide nanosheets (MgAl DLHs, 80.2 mg g-1 at 298 K) and dried water hyacinth (WH, 10.0 mg g-1 at 298 K). The adsorption behavior of MgAL@WH follows the pseudo second order kinetic model (R2 = 0.999) and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.999). Moreover, MgAl@WH bonded efficiently with mordant brown dye via hydrogen bonding and interlayer anion exchange with monolayer formation. Additionally, the recycling tests revealed that the MgAl@WH can be reused over 10 cycles without significant change in the removal efficiency. Based on the obtained findings, Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide modified water hyacinth hydrochar (MgAl@WH), for its economic and environmental benefits, has recently been used as an efficient adsorbent to remediate industrial wastewater containing anionic dyes.

Concurrent Cardiac and Renal Anomalies in Waardenburg Syndrome Type 1: A Report of a Rare Case.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the absence of melanocytes, leading to distinctive pigmentary abnormalities and sensorineural hearing loss. This case report describes extremely rare concurrent anomalies in a preterm male infant diagnosed with WS type 1. The newborn, delivered prematurely at 35 weeks due to maternal complications, presented with multiple congenital anomalies and required immediate resuscitation. He exhibited hallmark features of WS, including a white forelock, dystopia canthorum, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Genetic testing confirmed a PAX3 gene mutation. The infant experienced significant respiratory and feeding challenges, necessitating intensive care. Management included mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for suspected sepsis. The cardiac assessment revealed multiple anomalies, such as a patent foramen ovale and left ventricular hypertrophy, while renal ultrasound identified multicystic dysplastic kidney and bilateral hydronephrosis. Multidisciplinary care facilitated the infant's stabilization, transition to oral feeding, and ongoing specialized care. WS type 1 is associated with mutations in the PAX3 gene and presents with diverse clinical manifestations. Although renal and cardiac anomalies are uncommon in WS, their presence in this case underscores the complexity of the syndrome. Early intervention for hearing impairment and genetic counseling are critical for optimal outcomes. This report highlights the importance of a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to managing infants with WS, addressing both typical and atypical manifestations. It is worth noting that effective management of WS in neonates requires prompt identification and treatment of associated complications.

Chemically modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for the selective turn-off fluorescence detection of Al(III) ions in crabs (Brachyura).

The selective and sensitive detection of Al(III) is critically important for human health since the level of Al(III) is an indicator of many diseases in humans. Herein, we developed a simple and sensitive fluorescent sensor for the detection of Al(III) in an aqueous solution based on the fluorescence of hydroxyl-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (HO/g-CN). OH/g-CN nanosheets were synthesized via the thermal pyrolysis of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (as raw material) at 550 °C for 2 hours, followed by thermal alkali treatment at 730 °C for 2 min. The fluorescence of HO/g-CN at 377 nm (at 290 nm excitation) can be quenched by Al(III) effectively and selectively, and the linear relationship between the concentration of Al(III) and fluorescence intensity is in the range of 1.85-14.82 µM with a detection limit of 0.272 µM. The fluorescence turn-off effect of the Al(III) ion on the prepared HO/g-CN nanosheets could be attributed to the presence of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface of HO/g-CN that have chelating interactions with Al(III), leading to quenching. The surface functional groups of OH/g-CN were confirmed using different characterization techniques (FTIR, EDX, and XPS). Moreover, the prepared HO/g-CN exhibited remarkable long-term fluorescence stability in water (>30 days) and minimal toxicity. Importantly, a prepared novel fluorescent sensor (HO/g-CN) was successfully applied for the detection and determination of Al(III) in commercially available crab (Brachyura) samples.

Cohen Syndrome With Complex Medical Complications: A Case Report.

Cohen syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder marked by developmental delays, distinct facial features, and a variety of systemic manifestations. We present a case of a 28-year-old male previously misdiagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome who exhibited recurrent generalized weakness, fever, fatigue, and significant hemoglobin drops requiring multiple blood transfusions due to thalassemia major. The patient displayed characteristic CS features, including developmental delays, distinct facial characteristics, morbid obesity, and heterochromia iridis. Severe gastrointestinal bleeding led to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) via colonoscopy. Management included blood transfusions, hydrocortisone, mesalamine, and azathioprine, resulting in stabilized UC and improved overall health. CS presents with a spectrum of clinical features that overlap with other syndromic conditions, necessitating careful differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis and supportive care significantly improve quality of life and help manage complications effectively.

Enhanced reduction of COD in water associated with natural gas production using iron-based nanoparticles.

The natural gas production industry faces the problem of the proper disposal of produced water and its treatment with significantly advanced technologies to meet the minimum quality standard for irrigation activities, commercial purposes, and consumption by living organisms. This study describes an effective method for reducing the COD (chemical oxygen demand) content in formation water using different metal oxide nanoparticles such as iron oxide (FO), iron zinc oxide (FZO), and iron vanadium oxide (FVO) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were synthesized and fully characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, dynamic light scattering particle size (DLS) analysis and zeta potential analysis. The experimental results revealed that the maximum reduction of COD content was 42.18% using FVO nanoparticles with a dose of 3 g L-1 at 25 °C and pH = 6. Compared to commercial products [Redoxy and Oxy(OXYSORB)], the synthesized FO, FZO, and FVO nanoparticles demonstrated their superiority by achieving excellent results in decreasing the COD content of wastewater associated with natural gas production by more than 86%. This study introduces a promising technique for decreasing the COD content using metal oxide nanoparticles, which are eco-friendly, bio-safe, cheap, and nontoxic materials, and improving the quality of wastewater associated with natural gas production for its safe disposal through sewage and treatment plants.

Remediation of water containing lead(II) using (3-iminodiacetic acid) propyltriethoxysilane graphene oxide.

A novel chelating adsorbent based on (3-iminodiacetic acid) propyltriethoxysilane graphene oxide (IAT-GO) has been developed, showing exceptional promise for capturing lead. IAT-GO is made by combining a high-surface-area graphene oxide with a specially designed chelating ligand, which can selectively and efficiently remove lead. The synthesis of IAT-GO involves a two-step progression. In the first step, covalent bonds form between graphene oxide and (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (AT) through hydrolysis, condensation, and epoxide ring opening reactions. In the second step, nucleophilic substitution reactions occur between the primary amines and chloroacetic acid (CAA). A comprehensive suite of characterization techniques, including XPS, UV-Vis, XRD, Raman, FTIR, TEM, and SEM, provides detailed insights into the IAT-GO adsorbent's chemical composition and physical form, elucidating its intricate structure and morphology. Optimizing the experimental conditions for using the adsorbent material to remove Pb(II) ions from contaminated water revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of 124.0 mg/g at pH 5 and 30 min. The IAT-GO displays high selectivity for Pb(II) in a mixture of six metal ions containing 100 ppm of each one. Moreover, the IAT-GO shows 100% removal of Pb(II) for concentrations lower than 50 ppm. The excellent fit of the experimental data with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models (R2 > 99%) indicates that Pb(II) ion uptake onto the IAT-GO surface occurs via the monolayer formation of mercury ions. IAT-GO demonstrates exceptional potential as an innovative adsorbent for lead-contaminated water. Nitric acid (0.4 M) effectively regenerates the material, while its reusability remains impressive even after five cycles (> 97% removal efficiency). Therefore, this study highlights the development of a groundbreaking material, IAT-GO, with exceptional potential for remediating lead-contaminated water. Its high efficiency, selectivity, reusability, and cost-effectiveness make it a promising candidate for real-world applications.

Enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stresses in transgenic faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants by heterologous expression of the PR10a gene from potato.

KEY MESSAGE: We report for the first time that expression of potato PR10a gene in faba bean causes enhanced tolerance to drought and salinity. Grain legumes such as soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) are staple sources of protein for human and animal nutrition. Among grain legumes, faba bean is particularly sensitive to abiotic stress (in particular osmotic stress due to lack of water or enhanced soil salinity) and often suffers from severe yield losses. Many stress responsive genes have been reported with an effect on improving stress tolerance in model plants. Pathogenesis-related proteins are expressed by all plants in response to pathogen infection and, in many cases, in response to abiotic stresses as well. The PR10a gene isolated from the potato cultivar Desiree was selected for this study due to its role in enhancing salt and/or drought tolerance in potato, and transferred into faba bean cultivar Tattoo by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system based upon direct shoot regeneration after transformation of meristematic cells derived from embryo axes. The transgene was under the control of the constitutive mannopine synthase promoter (p-MAS) in a dicistronic binary vector, which also contained luciferase (Luc) gene as scorable marker linked by internal ribosome entry site elements. Fertile transgenic faba bean plants were recovered. Inheritance and expression of the foreign genes were demonstrated by PCR, RT-PCR, Southern blot and monitoring of Luciferase activity. Under drought condition, after withholding water for 3 weeks, the leaves of transgenic plants were still green, while non-transgenic plants (WT) wilted and turned brown. Twenty-four hours after re-watering, the leaves of transgenic plants remained green, while WT plants did not recover. Moreover, the transgenic lines displayed higher tolerance to NaCl stress. Our results suggested that introducing a novel PR10a gene into faba bean could be a promising approach to improve its drought and salt tolerance ability, and that MAS promoter is not only constitutive, but also wound-, auxin/cytokinin- as well as stress-inducible.

Association between the interleukin 6 genotype at position -174 and atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder of unknown origin that usually manifests for the first time in early infancy. Different types of genetic predisposition and environmental factors seem to be associated with the disease. METHODS: This study was performed to evaluate the frequency of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of interleukin (IL) 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -174 and nt565 in 89 Iranian children with AD and 139 healthy controls. RESULTS: The G allele was significantly more frequent at position -174 in IL6 in atopic patients than in the healthy controls (P < .001; OR, 2.82). Genotype GG was found at the same position in 71% of the patients; this frequency was significantly higher than the frequency of 30% recorded in the controls (P < .001; OR, 5.60). The GG haplotype of IL6 (-174, nt565) was significantly more frequent in the atopic patients than in the healthy controls (P < .001; OR, 2.99). CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in the frequency of the G allele and GG genotype at position -174 of IL6 was found in patients with AD, thus suggesting that production of this cytokine is greater in atopic patients.

Histopathological investigation of neuroprotective effects of Nigella sativa on motor neurons anterior horn spinal cord after sciatic nerve crush in rats.

The aim of this study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of Nigella sativa (NS) on the neuronal injury in the sciatic nerve of rats. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the three experimental groups: A (control), B (only trauma) and C (trauma and treated with NS); each group contain 10 animals. Sciatic nerve injury was performed by placing an aneurysm clip on the left leg. Rats were neurologically tested over 24h after trauma. The rats in NS-treated group was given NS (in a dose of 400mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 30 days starting just after trauma. Control and untreated (only trauma) rats were injected with the same volume of isotonic NaCl as the treated animals that received NS. Tissue samples were obtained for histopathological investigation. To date, no histopathological changes of neurodegeneration in the sciatic nerve after trauma in rats by NS treatment have been reported. Results showed in the group B (only trauma), the neurons of sciatic nerve tissue became extensively dark and degenerated with picnotic nuclei. Treatment of NS markedly reduced degenerating neurons after trauma and the distorted nerve cells were mainly absent in the NS-treated rats. The morphology of neurons in groups treated with NS was well protected, but not as neurons of the control group. The number of neurons in sciatic nerve tissue of group B (only trauma) was significantly less than both control and treated with NS groups. The morphology of neurons revealed that the number of neurons were significantly less in group B compared to control (P<0.001) and group C (P<0.01) rats' motor neurons anterior horn spinal cord tissue. We conclude that NS therapy causes morphologic improvement on neurodegeneration in sciatic nerve after trauma in rats.

Nutritional indices and midgut enzymatic activity of Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae fed different potato germplasms.

The effect of 10 potato cultivars and clones on the feeding and digestion of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) larvae was evaluated using larval nutritional indices and enzymatic activities. Studies were based on nutritional indices from larvae reared at 25 +/- 1 degrees C, 65 +/- 5% relative humidity, and in complete darkness. The results of nutritional indices showed that conversion efficiency of ingested and digested food in the larvae at the fourth instar was the highest in Savalan cultivar at rates of 22.30 +/- 0.39 and 32.87 +/- 0.69%, respectively, and the lowest were recorded on Morene at rates of 15.83 +/- 0.35 and 21.99 +/- 0.58%, respectively. Among the different potato germplasms tested in the study, the highest proteolytic and amylolytic activities of the larvae, at optimal pH were in Morene with records of 8.204 +/- 0.296 U/mg and 0.071 +/- 0.0004 mU/mg, respectively; and the lowest were recorded in larvae fed on Savalan at 2.740 +/- 0.131 U/mg and 0.028 +/- 0.0001 mU/mg, respectively. It is concluded that Morene was the most unsuitable host for P. operculella.

Electrochemical sensor based on amine- and thiol-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes for sensitive and selective determination of uranyl ions in real water samples.

Novel selective and sensitive electrochemical sensors based on the modification of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) with novel amine- and thiol-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been developed for the detection and monitoring of uranyl ions in different real water samples. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were grafted with 2-aminothiazole (AT/MWCNT) and melamine thiourea (MT/MWCNT) via an amidation reaction in the presence of dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) as a coupling agent. This modification for multiwalled carbon nanotubes has never been reported before. The amine and thiol groups were considered to be promising functional groups due to their high affinity toward coordination with uranyl ions. The modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes were characterized using different analytical techniques including FTIR, SEM, XPS, and elemental analysis. Subsequently, 10 wt% MT/MWCNT was mixed with 60 wt% graphite powder in the presence of 30 wt% paraffin oil to obtain a modified carbon paste electrode (MT/MWCNT/CPE). The electrochemical behavior and applications of the prepared sensors were examined using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The MT/MWCNT/CPE sensor exhibited a good linearity for UO22+ in the concentration range of 5.0 × 10-3 to 1.0 × 10-10 mol L-1 with low limits of detection (LOD = 2.1 × 10-11 mol L-1) and quantification (LOQ = 7 × 10-11 mol L-1). In addition, high precision (RSD = 2.7%), good reproducibility (RSD = 2.1%), and high stability (six weeks) were displayed. Finally, MT-MWCNT@CPE was successfully utilized to measure the uranyl ions in an actual water sample with excellent recoveries (97.8-99.3%). These results demonstrate that MT-MWCNT@CPE possesses appropriate accuracy and is appropriate for environmental applications.

Antibacterial Activity of Ulva/Nanocellulose and Ulva/Ag/Cellulose Nanocomposites and Both Blended with Fluoride against Bacteria Causing Dental Decay.

One of the most prevalent chronic infectious disorders is tooth decay. Acids produced when plaque bacteria break down sugar in the mouth cause tooth decay. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus are the most prominent species related to dental caries. Innovative biocidal agents that integrate with a biomaterial to prevent bacterial colonization have shown remarkable promise as a result of the rapid advancement of nanoscience and nanotechnology. In this study, Ulva lactuca was used as a cellulose source and reducing agent to synthesize nanocellulose and Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites. The characterizations of nanocellulose and Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites were tested for FT-IR, TEM, SEM, EDS, XRD, and zeta potential. Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites and Ulva/nanocellulose, both blended with fluoride, were tested as an antibacterial against S. mutans ATCC 25175 and L. acidophilus CH-2. The results of the SEM proved that nanocellulose is filament-shaped, and FT-IR proved that the functional groups of Ulva/nanocellulose and Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites and cellulose are relatively similar but present some small diffusion in peaks. The TEM image demonstrated that the more piratical size distribution of Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites ranged from 15 to 20 nm, and Ulva/nanocellulose ranged from 10 to 15 nm. Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites have higher negativity than Ulva/nanocellulose. Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites and Ulva/nanocellulose possess antibacterial activity against S. mutans ATCC 25175 and L. acidophilus CH-2, but Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites are more effective, followed by that blended with fluoride. It is possible to use Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites as an antimicrobial agent when added to toothpaste. It is promising to discover an economic and safe nanocomposite product from a natural source with an antimicrobial agent that might be used against tooth bacteria.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Acacia ehrenbergiana Plant Cortex Extract for Efficient Removal of Rhodamine B Cationic Dye from Wastewater and the Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) exhibit vast potential in numerous applications, such as wastewater treatment and catalysis. In this study, we report the green synthesis of Ag-NPs using Acacia ehrenbergiana plant cortex extract to reduce cationic Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and for antibacterial and antifungal applications. The green synthesis of Ag-NPs involves three main phases: activation, growth, and termination. The shape and morphologies of the prepared Ag-NPs were studied through different analytical techniques. The results confirmed the successful preparation of Ag-NPs with a particle size distribution ranging from 1 to 40 nm. The Ag-NPs were used as a heterogeneous catalyst to reduce RhB dye from aqueous solutions in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The results showed that 96% of catalytic reduction can be accomplished within 32 min using 20 µL of 0.05% Ag-NPs aqueous suspension in 100 µL of 1 mM RhB solution, 2 mL of deionized water, and 1 mL of 10 mM NaBH4 solution. The results followed a zero-order chemical kinetic (R2 = 0.98) with reaction rate constant k as 0.059 mol L-1 s-1. Furthermore, the Ag-NPs were used as antibacterial and antifungal agents against 16 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as 1 fungus. The green synthesis of Ag-NPs is environmentally friendly and inexpensive, as well as yields highly stabilized nanoparticles by phytochemicals. The substantial results of catalytic reductions and antimicrobial activity reflect the novelty of the prepared Ag-NPs. These nanoparticles entrench the dye and effectively remove the microorganisms from polluted water.