Plain-Woven Areca Sheath Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: The Influence of the Fiber Fraction on Physical and Mechanical Features and Responses of the Tribo System and Machine Learning Modeling.

Recent studies focus on enhancing the mechanical features of natural fiber composites to replace synthetic fibers that are highly useful in the building, automotive, and packing industries. The novelty of the work is that the woven areca sheath fiber (ASF) with different fiber fraction epoxy composites has been fabricated and tested for its tribological responses on three-body abrasion wear testing machines along with its mechanical features. The impact of the fiber fraction on various features is examined. The study also revolves around the development and validation of a machine learning predictive model using the random forest (RF) algorithm, aimed at forecasting two critical performance parameters: the specific wear rate (SWR) and the coefficient of friction (COF). The void fraction is observed to vary between 0.261 and 3.8% as the fiber fraction is incremented. The hardness of the mat rises progressively from 40.23 to 84.26 HRB. A fair ascent in the tensile strength and its modulus is also observed. Even though a short descent in flexural strength and its modulus is seen for 0 to 12 wt % composite specimens, they incrementally raised to the finest values of 52.84 and 2860 MPa, respectively, pertinent to the 48 wt % fiber-loaded specimen. A progressive rise in the ILSS and impact strength is perceptible. The wear behavior of the specimens is reported. The worn surface morphology is studied to understand the interface of the ASF with the epoxy matrix. The RF model exhibited outstanding predictive prowess, as evidenced by high R-squared values coupled with low mean-square error and mean absolute error metrics. Rigorous statistical validation employing paired t tests confirmed the model's suitability, revealing no significant disparities between predicted and actual values for both the SWR and COF.

Nano-Sized Al2O3-Gr Reinforced Al7075 Hybrid Composite: Impact of Cooling Agents on Mechanical, Wear, and Fracture Behavior.

Aluminum metal cast composites (AMCCs) are frequently used in high-tech sectors such as automobiles, aerospace, biomedical, electronics, and others to fabricate precise and especially responsible parts. The mechanical and wear behavior of the metal matrix composites (MMCs) is anticipated to be influenced by the cooling agent's action and the cooling temperature. This research paper presents the findings of a series of tests to investigate the mechanical, wear, and fracture behavior of hybrid MMCs made of Al7075 reinforced by varying wt % of nano-sized Al2O3 and Gr and quenched with water and ice cubes. The heat-treated Al7075 alloy hybrid composites were evaluated for their hardness, tensile, and wear behavior, showcasing a significant process innovation. The heat treatment process greatly improved the hybrid composites' mechanical and wear performance. The samples quenched in ice attained the highest hardness of 119 VHN. There is a 45.37% improvement in the hardness of base alloy with the addition of 3% of Al2O3 and 1% of graphite particles. Further, the highest tensile and compression strengths were found in the ice-quenched 3% Al2O3 and 1% graphite hybrid composites with improvements of 34.2 and 48.83%, respectively, compared to the water-quenched base alloy. Under the samples quenched in ice, the mechanical and wear behavior improved. The tensile fractured surface showed voids, particle pullouts, and dimples. The worn-out surface of wear test samples of the created hybrid composite had micro pits, delamination layers, and microcracks.

Effect of TiO2 Nanofillers on the Mechanical and Abrasive Wear Properties of Epoxy Reinforced with Carbon Fabric Hybrid Composites.

Recent studies show that nanofillers greatly contribute to the increase in the mechanical and abrasive behaviors of the polymer composite. In the current study, epoxy composites were made by hand lay-up with the reinforcement of carbon fabric and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as secondary reinforcement in weight percentages of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. Hardness, tensile, and abrasive wear tests have been carried out for the fabricated composites. The obtained results confirm that as the percentage of filler addition increases, hardness of the carbon epoxy (CE) composite increases, and significant enhancement of 10.25% hardness is confirmed in 2 wt % nano TiO2-added CE composite. The CE composite filled with 2 wt % of TiO2 nanofiller shows 15.77 and 9.15% improvement of tensile strength and modulus, respectively, compared to unfilled CE composites. The abrasive wear volume exhibits a nearly linear increasing trend as the abrading distance increases. In addition, it is discovered that the abrasive wear volume is greater for higher applied loads. The inclusion of nano TiO2 reduced the wear loss in the CE composite for all abrading distances, regardless of the load, low or high. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of worn surfaces was carried out to analyze the contribution of the filler to improve the wear resistance.

Recent Advances in Graphene-Enabled Materials for Photovoltaic Applications: A Comprehensive Review.

Graphene's two-dimensional structural arrangement has sparked a revolutionary transformation in the domain of conductive transparent devices, presenting a unique opportunity in the renewable energy sector. This comprehensive Review critically evaluates the most recent advances in graphene production and its employment in solar cells, focusing on dye-sensitized, organic, and perovskite devices for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) designs. This comprehensive investigation discovered the following captivating results: graphene integration resulted in a notable 20.3% improvement in energy conversion rates in graphene-perovskite photovoltaic cells. In comparison, BHJ cells saw a laudable 10% boost. Notably, graphene's 2D internal architecture emerges as a protector for photovoltaic devices, guaranteeing long-term stability against various environmental challenges. It acts as a transportation facilitator and charge extractor to the electrodes in photovoltaic cells. Additionally, this Review investigates current research highlighting the role of graphene derivatives and their products in solar PV systems, illuminating the way forward. The study elaborates on the complexities, challenges, and promising prospects underlying the use of graphene, revealing its reflective implications for the future of solar photovoltaic applications.

Extraction and Characterization of Fiber and Cellulose from Ethiopian Linseed Straw: Determination of Retting Period and Optimization of Multi-Step Alkaline Peroxide Process.

Flax is a commercial crop grown in many parts of the world both for its seeds and for its fibers. The seed-based flax variety (linseed) is considered less for its fiber after the seed is extracted. In this study, linseed straw was utilized and processed to extract fiber and cellulose through optimization of retting time and a multi-step alkaline peroxide extraction process using the Taguchi design of experiment (DOE). Effects of retting duration on fiber properties as well as effects of solvent concentration, reaction temperature, and time on removal of non-cellulosic fiber components were studied using the gravimetric technique, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermal studies. Based on these findings, retting for 216 h at room temperature should offer adequate retting efficiency and fiber characteristics; 70% cellulose yield was extracted successfully from linseed straw fiber using 75% ethanol-toluene at 98 °C for 4 h, 6% NaOH at 75 °C for 30 min, and 6% H2O2 at 90 °C for 120 min.

Characterization of Bamboo Culm as Potential Fibre for Composite Development.

This study aims to evaluate how age, harvesting seasons, and culm height affect the properties of various bamboo species. The properties of bamboo fibres for composite development in Ethiopia have not been investigated so far. In this study, the properties of Y. alpina and B. oldhamii were scientifically investigated for bamboo culm structural applications and bamboo fibre composite development based on age and the harvesting season. Y. alpina was collected at Injibara and Mekaneselam which are located in east Gojjam and south wollo, whereas B. oldhamii was collected at Kombolcha which is located in south Wollo, Ethiopia. Three representatives of bamboo plants were collected in the three regions, namely from three age groups, across two harvesting months. The highest and lowest moisture content and shrinkage were measured at the ages of one year and three years, respectively, whereas basic densities were measured at the ages of three years and one year. The harvest month of November yields higher moisture content and shrinkage but lower basic densities compared to February. Yushania alpina has a higher moisture content and shrinkage but lower basic densities compared to Bamusa oldhamii. The current research demonstrates that the three-year-old groups and the harvesting month of February produce yields more suited for construction and structural purposes due to the ensuing good dimensional stability after drying. From the highest to the lowest percentage of the degree of crystallinity of the yield, it is that derived from Inj., followed by Meka., and then Kombolcha, respectively. Bamboo fibres have high powder crystals and degradation temperatures which make them suitable for composite development at two year old. Yushania alpina has a higher degree of crystallinity and degradation temperature of cellulose compared to Bambusa oldhamii.

Mechanical and Wear Studies of Boron Nitride-Reinforced Polymer Composites Developed via 3D Printing Technology.

In the realm of 3D printing, polymers serve as fundamental materials offering versatility to cater to a diverse array of final product properties and tailored to the specific needs of the creator. Polymers, as the building blocks of 3D printing, inherently possess certain mechanical and wear properties that may fall short of ideal. To address this limitation, the practice of reinforcing polymer matrices with suitable materials has become a common approach. One such reinforcement material is boron nitride (BN), lauded for its remarkable mechanical attributes. The integration of BN as a reinforcing element has yielded substantial enhancements in the properties of polylactic acid (PLA). The central objective of this research endeavor is the development of polymer composites based on PLA and fortified with boron nitride. This study undertakes the comprehensive exploration of the compatibility and synergy between BN and PLA with a keen focus on examining their resultant properties. To facilitate this, various percentages of boron nitride were incorporated into the PLA matrix, specifically at 5% and 10% by weight. The compounding process involved the blending of PLA and boron nitride followed by the creation of composite filaments measuring 1.75 mm in diameter and optimized for 3D printing. Subsequently, test specimens were meticulously fabricated in adherence with ASTM standards to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength, dimensional accuracy, wear characteristics, and surface roughness. The findings from these assessments were systematically compared to the wear properties and mechanical behavior of PLA composites reinforced with boron nitride and the unreinforced PLA material. This study serves as a foundational resource that offers insights into the feasibility and methodologies of incorporating boron nitride into PLA matrices, paving the way for enhanced polymer composite development.

Hydroxyapatite@Mn-Fe composite as a reusable sorbent for removal of Nile blue dye and Cr(VI) from polluted water.

In this study, hydroxyapatite@Mn-Fe composite was used as a novel adsorbent to eliminate Nile blue (NB) dye and hexavalent chromium ion (Cr(VI)) from aqueous media. Different analyses such as FTIR, Map, SEM, EDX, BET, and XRD were used to study the characteristics of the composite. The highest sorption efficiencies of Cr(VI) and NB at pH 2 and 10 were 97.63% and 98.83%, respectively, which are significant values. Equilibrium and kinetic studies of the sorption process showed that the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model can better describe the equilibrium and kinetic behavior of the sorption process. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum sorption capacities of NB dye and Cr(VI) ion using the hydroxyapatite@Mn-Fe composite were 0.259 and 0.938 mmol/g, respectively. Also, the results of the thermodynamic study showed that the sorption process is favorable (ΔS° = - 34.2 kJ/mol·K for Cr(VI) and - 144.6 kJ/mol·K for NB), spontaneous (ΔG° < 0), and exothermic (ΔH° = - 27.99 kJ/mol for Cr(VI) and - 64.2 kJ/mol for NB). Moreover, the desorption process of both contaminants using the hydroxyapatite@Mn-Fe composite showed that the H2SO4 solution with a concentration of 3 mol/L can remove both contaminants separately with the highest efficiency. Furthermore, the reusability study indicated that the composite can be used in five reuse cycles without significant decrease in its efficiency. Besides, the composite was able to eliminate color, turbidity, COD, and BOD5 from the textile wastewater with removal efficiencies of 93.06, 81.61, 76.05, and 71.88%, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, hydroxyapatite@Mn-Fe composite was synthesized and used for the first time to remove Cr(VI) ions and NB dye. In general, the aforementioned composite is recommended for industrial wastewater treatment.

Mutations in SPATA7 cause Leber congenital amaurosis and juvenile retinitis pigmentosa.

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and juvenile retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are the most common hereditary causes of visual impairment in infants and children. Using homozygosity mapping, we narrowed down the critical region of the LCA3 locus to 3.8 Mb between markers D14S1022 and D14S1005. By direct Sanger sequencing of all genes within this region, we found a homozygous nonsense mutation in the SPATA7 gene in Saudi Arabian family KKESH-060. Three other loss-of-function mutations were subsequently discovered in patients with LCA or juvenile RP from distinct populations. Furthermore, we determined that Spata7 is expressed in the mature mouse retina. Our findings reveal another human visual-disease gene that causes LCA and juvenile RP.

Mechanical Characterization of Hybrid Nano-Filled Glass/Epoxy Composites.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials are very versatile in use because of their high specific stiffness and high specific strength characteristics. The main limitation of this material is its brittle nature (mainly due to the low stiffness and low fracture toughness of resin) that leads to reduced properties that are matrix dominated, including impact strength, compressive strength, in-plane shear, fracture toughness, and interlaminar strength. One method of overcoming these limitations is using nanoparticles as fillers in an FRP composite. Thereby, this present paper is focused on studying the effect of nanofillers added to glass/epoxy composite materials on mechanical behavior. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), nano-silica (NS), and nano-iron oxide (NFe) are the nanofillers selected, as they can react with the resin system in the present-case epoxy to contribute a significant improvement to the polymer cross-linking web. Glass/epoxy composites are made with four layers of unidirectional E-glass fiber modified by nanoparticles with four different weight percentages (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%). For reference, a sample without nanoparticles was made. The mechanical characterizations of these samples were completed under tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact loading. To understand the failure mechanism, an SEM analysis was also completed on the fractured surface.

Density functional theory investigation to surface modification of boron nitride nanotubes.

We studied the boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) modification through pyrrole molecule properties by implementing B3LYP and M06-2X methods. The results of DFT show that the pyrrole molecule has a strong interaction with BNNT, showing that its adsorption onto the nanotube surface is corresponding to chemical functionalization. Also, after the chemical modification, density of states shows that there is a slight modification in the BNNT electronic properties. Furthermore, electrical conductivity of functionalized BNNT (f-BNNT) was increased compared to BNNT, which shows that an increase in the electron-donating nature of functional groups increases the functionalization energy. Maintaining the BNNT electronic properties along with the improved solubility gives us an idea that BNNT chemical modification through pyrrole can affect the way BNNTs are purified.

Early lens aspiration with posterior chamber intraocular lens and capsular tension ring in microspherophakia to avoid lens-induced complications.

PURPOSE: To report the surgical outcome of early lens aspiration, posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL), and capsular tension ring (CTR) in a case series of microspherophakia (MSP) and secondary glaucoma. METHODS: Case series of 18 eyes of MSP cases presented with lenticular myopia and secondary glaucoma that underwent early lens aspiration, PC IOL and CTR by one ophthalmologist. Baseline, long-term postoperative outcomes and complications were documented. RESULTS: All cases underwent successful surgery with lens aspiration PC IOL implantation and CTR insertion without intraoperative complications. One of the 18 cases was a delayed referral which had broad anterior synechiae and following lens aspiration developed corneal decompensation. In one eye, CTR implantation was not possible hence, lens aspiration with scleral fixation (SF) of 3 piece IOL was performed (excluded from the analysis). Overall there was an improvement in visual acuity (from 0.3 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.2 LogMar, P = 0.006), intraocular pressure (IOP), and most notably, deepening of the anterior chamber. Some cases required subsequent glaucoma surgery to control IOP. After a long duration of follow-up, all cases had stable capsular lens complex and no capsular phimosis. CONCLUSION: Early Lens aspiration with CTR and PCIOL alone in MSP with lens subluxation has a significant impact on the patient's quality of vision, deepening the anterior chamber and preventing complications or poor outcomes. In addition, good capsular-lens complex stability and absence of capsular phimosis or phacodonesis on long-term follow-up were obtained.

Influence of Age and Harvesting Season on The Tensile Strength of Bamboo-Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

The purpose of this study was to measure the strength of various bamboo fibres and their epoxy composites based on the bamboo ages and harvesting seasons. Three representative samples of 1-3-year-old bamboo plants were collected in November and February. Bamboo fibres and their epoxy composites had the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus at 2 years old and in November. The back-calculated tensile strengths using the "rule of mixture" of Injibara, Kombolcha, and Mekaneselam bamboo-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites were 548 ± 40-422 ± 33 MPa, 496 ± 16-339 ± 30 MPa, and 541 ± 21-399 ± 55 MPa, whereas the back-calculated Young's moduli using the "rule of mixture" were 48 ± 5-37 ± 3 GPa, 36 ± 4-25 ± 3 GPa, and 44 ± 2-40 ± 2 GPa, respectively. The tensile strengths of the Injibara, Kombolcha, and Mekaneselam bamboo-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites were 227 ± 14-171 ± 22 MPa, 255 ± 18-129 ± 15 MPa, and 206 ± 19-151 ± 11 MPa, whereas Young's moduli were 21 ± 2.9-16 ± 4.24 GPa, 18 ± 0.8-11 ± 0.51 GPa, and 18 ± 0.85-16 ± 0.82 GPa respectively. The highest to the lowest tensile strengths and Young's moduli of bamboo fibres and their epoxy composites were Injibara, Mekaneselam, and Kombolcha, which were the local regional area names from these fibres were extracted. The intended functional application of the current research study is the automobile industries of headliners, which substitute the conventional materials of glass fibres.

Mechanical Properties of Bambusa Oldhamii and Yushania-Alpina Bamboo Fibres Reinforced Polypropylene Composites.

The current studies aim to measure the mechanical strength based on age, harvesting season and bamboo species in Ethiopia. The bamboo fibres are extracted using a roll milling machine, which was developed by the author. The age groups (1, 2 and 3 years), harvesting months (February and November), and bamboo species (Yushania alpina and Bambusa oldhamii) are the parameters of the current research studies. Prepregs and composites were produced from bamboo fibres and polypropylene. The mechanical properties of bamboo fibres and their composites in Ethiopia have not been investigated by researchers for the composite application so far. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength of injibara (Y. alpina) bamboo fibres reinforced PP composites from the ages of 1- 3 years old in November is 111 ± 9-125 ± 8 MPa, 15 ± 0.9-25 ± 0.72 GPa, and 47 ± 5 KJ/m2-57 ± 6 KJ/m2, whereas, in February, it is 86 ± 3.86-116 ± 10 MPa, 11 ± 0.71-23 ± 1.5 GPa, and 34 ± 4-52 ± 6 KJ/m2, respectively. Moreover, Kombolcha (B. oldhamii), bamboo fibres reinforced PP composites in November are 93 ± 7-111 ± 8 MPa, 7 ± 0.51-17 ± 2.56 GPa, and 39 ± 4-44 ± 5 KJ/m2, whereas, in February, it is 60 ± 5-104 ± 10 MPa, 12 ± 0.95-14 ± 0.92 GPa, and 26 ± 3 KJ/m2-38 ± 4 KJ/m2, respectively. Furthermore, Mekaneselam (Y. alpina) bamboo fibres reinforced PP composites in November are 99 ± 8-120 ± 11 MPa, 9 ± 0.82-16 ± 1.85 GPa, and 37 ± 4 KJ/m2-46 ± 5 KJ/m2, whereas, in February, it is 91 ± 8-110 ± 9 MPa, 8 ± 0.75-14 ± 1.86 GPa, and 34 ± 3 KJ/m2-40 ± 4 KJ/m2, respectively. At two years, November and Injibara bamboo have recorded the highest mechanical properties in the current research studies. Bamboo fiber strength in Ethiopia is comparable to the previous study of bamboo fibres and glass fibres used for composite materials in the automotive industry.

Novel Polyelectrolyte Complex Membranes Containing Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Gelatin for Pervaporation Dehydration of Azeotropic Bioethanol for Biofuel.

Polyelectrolyte complex membranes (PECMs) were prepared by combining sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and gelatin (Ge) with variations in the Ge content in the NaCMC matrix. Characterization methods, such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle analysis (CA), and universal testing machines (UTM) were used to investigate the physicochemical studies of the prepared membranes. The pervaporation characteristics of membranes with Ge content were investigated using an azeotropic mixture of water and bioethanol. The obtained data revealed that the membrane with 15 mass% of Ge (M-3) showed a maximum flux of 7.8403 × 10-2 kg/m2·h with separation selectivity of 2917 at 30 °C. In particular, the total and water flux of PECMs are shown as very close to each other indicating that the fabricated membranes could be employed to successfully break the azeotropic point of water-bioethanol mixtures. Using temperature-dependent permeation and diffusion data, the Arrhenius activation parameters were calculated, and the obtained values of water permeation (Epw) were considerably smaller than bioethanol permeation (EpE). Developed membranes showed the positive heat of sorption (ΔHs), suggesting that Henry's sorption mode is predominant.

Influence of Short Glass Fibre Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed ABS-Based Polymer Composites.

One of the most promising and widely used additive manufacturing technologies, fused deposition modelling (FDM), is based on material extrusion and is most commonly used for producing thermoplastic parts for functional applications with the objectives of low cost, minimal waste and ease of material conversion. Considering that pure thermoplastic materials have a significantly poor mechanical performance, it is necessary to enhance the mechanical properties of thermoplastic parts generated using FDM technology. One of the conceivable techniques is to incorporate reinforcing materials such as short glass fibre (SGF) into the thermoplastic matrix in order to produce a polymer composite that can be used in engineering applications, such as structural applications. The morphological and mechanical properties of SGF (short glass fibre) reinforced ABS- (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) based polymer composites created via the method of FDM (fused deposition modelling) were investigated in this work. Properties were evaluated at three different weight percentages (0, 15 and 30 wt%). The composite filaments were developed using the process of twin screw extrusion. The comparison was made between ABS + SGF (short glass fibre) composites and pure ABS of mechanical properties that include surface roughness, tensile strength and low-velocity impact. The tests were carried out to analyze the properties as per ASTM standards. It has been found that the impact strength and tensile strength show an improvement in glass fibre inclusion; moreover, alongside the direction of build, the surface roughness had been reduced. The studies also focused on studying the dispersion characters of SGF in ABS matrix and its impact on the properties. Strength and modulus of SGF reinforced ABS composite has been significantly improved along with reduction of ductility. A 57% increase in tensile strength has been noted for 30 wt% addition of SGF to ABS in comparison to pure ABS. It was also interesting to note the reduction in surface roughness with every incremental addition of SGF to ABS. A 40% reduction in surface roughness has been observed with a 30 wt% addition of SGF to ABS in comparison to pure ABS.

Whole-exome sequencing identifies ALMS1, IQCB1, CNGA3, and MYO7A mutations in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis.

It has been well documented that mutations in the same retinal disease gene can result in different clinical phenotypes due to difference in the mutant allele and/or genetic background. To evaluate this, a set of consanguineous patient families with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) that do not carry mutations in known LCA disease genes was characterized through homozygosity mapping followed by targeted exon/whole-exome sequencing to identify genetic variations. Among these families, a total of five putative disease-causing mutations, including four novel alleles, were found for six families. These five mutations are located in four genes, ALMS1, IQCB1, CNGA3, and MYO7A. Therefore, in our LCA collection from Saudi Arabia, three of the 37 unassigned families carry mutations in retinal disease genes ALMS1, CNGA3, and MYO7A, which have not been previously associated with LCA, and 3 of the 37 carry novel mutations in IQCB1, which has been recently associated with LCA. Together with other reports, our results emphasize that the molecular heterogeneity underlying LCA, and likely other retinal diseases, may be highly complex. Thus, to obtain accurate diagnosis and gain a complete picture of the disease, it is essential to sequence a larger set of retinal disease genes and combine the clinical phenotype with molecular diagnosis.

Comparison of camel tear proteins between summer and winter.

PURPOSE: Proteins in the tear fluid have positive effects on maintaining the integrity and stabilization of the tear film, which is affected by several environmental factors. The aim of this study is to investigate seasonal variation of protein patterns in camel tears collected during the summer and winter season. METHODS: Tears from both eyes of 50 clinically normal camels (Camelus dromedarius) were collected in the summer (June-July) and in the winter (December-January) respectively. Pooled tear protein samples from two seasons were separated by SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Protein spots of differential expression in two season gels were excised and subjected to in-gel digestion and identification by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight/time of flight-mass spectrum (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS) analysis. Two differentially expressed proteins, lactoferrin (LF) and vitelline membrane outer layer protein 1 homolog (VMO1 homolog), were validated by western blotting. RESULTS: Thirteen well resolved bands were detected in SDS-PAGE gels of both summer and winter camel tears. By band densitometry, significantly higher intensities of band 6, 7, 11, and lower intensity of band 13 were observed in the summer group compared to the winter group. In 2-DE profiles of camel tears, four protein spots were found expressed differentially in two seasons. Further protein identification by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS and confirmation by western blotting indicated that there was a significant decrease in LF (p=0.002) and an increase in VMO1 homolog (p=0.042) in tears in the summer compared to the winter. CONCLUSIONS: The seasonal variation of camel tear fluids has been found in the composition of proteins, including LF and VMO1 homolog. This result will expand our knowledge of physiologic characteristics of tear fluids and establish a foundation for the mechanistic studies and clinical practices on ocular surface disorders.

Exome capture sequencing identifies a novel mutation in BBS4.

PURPOSE: Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is one of the most severe eye dystrophies characterized by severe vision loss at an early stage and accounts for approximately 5% of all retinal dystrophies. The purpose of this study was to identify a novel LCA disease allele or gene and to develop an approach combining genetic mapping with whole exome sequencing. METHODS: Three patients from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH205) underwent whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, and a single candidate region was identified. Taking advantage of next-generation high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies, whole exome capture sequencing was performed on patient KKESH205#7. Sanger direct sequencing was used during the validation step. The zebrafish model was used to examine the function of the mutant allele. RESULTS: A novel missense mutation in Bardet-Biedl syndrome 4 protein (BBS4) was identified in a consanguineous family from Saudi Arabia. This missense mutation in the fifth exon (c.253G>C;p.E85Q) of BBS4 is likely a disease-causing mutation as it segregates with the disease. The mutation is not found in the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database, the 1000 Genomes Project, or matching normal controls. Functional analysis of this mutation in zebrafish indicates that the G253C allele is pathogenic. Coinjection of the G253C allele cannot rescue the mislocalization of rhodopsin in the retina when BBS4 is knocked down by morpholino injection. Immunofluorescence analysis in cell culture shows that this missense mutation in BBS4 does not cause obvious defects in protein expression or pericentriolar localization. CONCLUSIONS: This mutation likely mainly reduces or abolishes BBS4 function in the retina. Further studies of this allele will provide important insights concerning the pleiotropic nature of BBS4 function.

New chitosan Schiff base and its nanocomposite: Removal of methyl green from aqueous solution and its antibacterial activities.

New chitosan Schiff base (CS-NB) and its CS-NB-NiFe nanocomposite have been prepared and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM and DSC. FT-IR spectra and XRD patterns revealed the preparation of chitosan Schiff base CS-NB and its CS-NB-NiFe nanocomposite. DSC demonstrated the endo and exothermic correspondence the evaporation of solvent and decomposition of pyranose ring, respectively. Antibacterial activities was evaluated for the as-prepared compounds against two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and the results shows that the antibacterial activities of the compounds are found to be stronger than that of chitosan. The order of antibacterial effect according to inhibitory zone around is as follows: S. aureus > E. coli > B. cereus > P. aeruginosa. In addition, the removal of methyl green (MG) dye using CS-NB and its CS-NB-NiFe nanocomposite were analyzed and results showed that the compounds can be effectively used to remove of MG from aqueous solution. Results show that the percentage removal of MG by nanocomposite is higher than Schiff base.