T-cell help in the tumor microenvironment enhances rituximab-mediated NK-cell ADCC.

ABSTRACT: Rituximab (RTX) and other monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind directly to malignant cells are of great clinical value but are not effective for all patients. A major mechanism of action of RTX is antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by natural killer (NK) cells. Prior in vitro studies in our laboratory demonstrated that T cells contribute to maintaining the viability and cytotoxic potential of NK cells activated by anti-CD20-coated target B cells. Here, we conducted studies using a novel mouse model and clinical correlative analysis to assess whether T-cell help contribute to RTX-mediated NK-cell ADCC in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo. A humanized mouse model was developed using Raji lymphoma cells and normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells that allows for control of T-cell numbers in the lymphoma TME. In this model, NK-cell viability and CD16 and CD25 expression dropped after RTX in the absence of T cells but increased in the presence of T cells. RTX therapy was more effective when T cells were present and was ineffective when NK cells were depleted. In patients with indolent lymphoma, fine needle aspirates were obtained before and ∼1 week after treatment with a RTX-containing regimen. There was a strong correlation between CD4+ T cells as well as total T cells in the pretherapy TME and an increase in NK-cell CD16 and CD25 expression after RTX. We conclude that T-cell help in the TME enhances RTX-mediated NK-cell viability and ADCC.

6-Methoxyflavone antagonizes chronic constriction injury and diabetes associated neuropathic nociception expression.

Neuropathy is a disturbance of function or a pathological change in nerves causing poor health and quality of life. A proportion of chronic pain patients in the community suffer persistent neuropathic pain symptoms because current drug therapies may be suboptimal so there is a need for new therapeutic modalities. This study investigated the neuroprotective flavonoid, 6-methoxyflavone (6MF), as a potential therapeutic agent and gabapentin as the standard comparator, against neuropathic models. Thus, neuropathic-like states were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) mononeuropathy and systemic administration of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce polyneuropathy. Subsequent behaviors reflecting allodynia, hyperalgesia, and vulvodynia were assessed and any possible motoric side-effects were evaluated including locomotor activity, as well as rotarod discoordination and gait disruption. 6MF (25-75 mg/kg) antagonized neuropathic-like nociceptive behaviors including static- (pressure) and dynamic- (light brushing) hindpaw allodynia plus heat/cold and pressure hyperalgesia in the CCI and STZ models. 6MF also reduced static and dynamic components of vulvodynia in the STZ induced polyneuropathy model. Additionally, 6MF reversed CCI and STZ suppression of locomotor activity and rotarod discoordination, suggesting a beneficial activity on motor side effects, in contrast to gabapentin. Hence, 6MF possesses anti-neuropathic-like activity not only against different nociceptive modalities but also impairment of motoric side effects.

A Deep Dive into Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Solar Cells: A Review of Exploring Roadblocks, Breakthroughs, and Shaping the Future.

Renewable energy is crucial for sustainable future, and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based solar cells shine as a beacon of hope. CZTS, composed of abundant, low-cost, and non-toxic elements, shares similarities with Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). However, despite its promise and appealing properties for solar cells, CZTS-based solar cells faces performance challenges owing to inherent issues with CZTS material, and conventional substrate structure complexities. This review critically examines these roadblocks, explores ongoing efforts and breakthroughs, providing insight into the evolving landscape of CZTS-based solar cells research. Furthermore, as an optimistic turn in the field, the review first highlights the crucial need to transition to a superstrate structure for CZTS-based single junction devices, and summarizes the substantial progress made in this direction. Subsequently, dive into the discussion about the fascinating realm of CZTS-based tandem devices, providing an overview of the existing literature as well as outlining the possible potential strategies for enhancing the efficiency of such devices. Finally, the review provides a useful outlook that outlines the priorities for future research and suggesting where efforts should concentrate to shape the future of CZTS-based solar cells.

Autologous stem cell transplant in fit patients with refractory or early relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that responded to salvage chemotherapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is the new standard of care in fit patients with refractory or early relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, there may still be a role for salvage chemotherapy (ST) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in certain circumstances (e.g., lack of resources for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, chemosensitive relapses). We retrospectively studied 230 patients with refractory or early relapsed DLBCL who underwent ST and ASCT. The median line of ST was one (range, 1-3). Best response before ASCT was complete response in 106 (46%) and partial response in 124 (54%) patients. The median follow-up after ASCT was 89.4 months. The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 16.1 and 43.3 months, respectively. Patients relapsing between 6 to 12 months after frontline therapy had a numerically better median PFS (29.6 months) and OS (88.5 months). Patients who required one line of ST, compared to those requiring more than one line, had a better median PFS (37.9 vs. 3.9 months; P=0.0005) and OS (68.3 vs. 12.0 months; P=0.0005). Patients who achieved complete response had a better median PFS (71.1 vs. 6.3 months; P<0.0001) and OS (110.3 vs. 18.9 months; P<0.0001) than those in partial response. Patients who achieved complete response after one line of ST had the most favorable median PFS (88.5 months) and OS (117.2 months). Post-ASCT survival outcomes of patients with refractory or early relapsed DLBCL appeared reasonable and were particularly favorable in those who required only one line of ST to achieve complete response before ASCT, highlighting the role of this procedure in select patients with chemosensitive disease.

The Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes cohort study: Design, baseline characteristics, and early outcomes.

To address the current and long-term unmet health needs of the growing population of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients, we established the Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes (LEO) cohort study (NCT02736357; https://leocohort.org/). A total of 7735 newly diagnosed patients aged 18 years and older with NHL were prospectively enrolled from 7/1/2015 to 5/31/2020 at 8 academic centers in the United States. The median age at diagnosis was 62 years (range, 18-99). Participants came from 49 US states and included 538 Black/African-Americans (AA), 822 Hispanics (regardless of race), 3386 women, 716 age <40 years, and 1513 rural residents. At study baseline, we abstracted clinical, pathology, and treatment data; banked serum/plasma (N = 5883, 76.0%) and germline DNA (N = 5465, 70.7%); constructed tissue microarrays for four major NHL subtypes (N = 1189); and collected quality of life (N = 5281, 68.3%) and epidemiologic risk factor (N = 4489, 58.0%) data. Through August 2022, there were 1492 deaths. Compared to population-based SEER data (2015-2019), LEO participants had a similar distribution of gender, AA race, Hispanic ethnicity, and NHL subtype, while LEO was underrepresented for patients who were Asian and aged 80 years and above. Observed overall survival rates for LEO at 1 and 2 years were similar to population-based SEER rates for indolent B-cell (follicular and marginal zone) and T-cell lymphomas, but were 10%-15% higher than SEER rates for aggressive B-cell subtypes (diffuse large B-cell and mantle cell). The LEO cohort is a robust and comprehensive national resource to address the role of clinical, tumor, host genetic, epidemiologic, and other biologic factors in NHL prognosis and survivorship.

Hexagonal Bipyramidal Mn3Ge5 Cluster and Its One-Dimensional Ferrimagnetic Sandwich Nanowire: Mn3Ge3 Rings as Structural Motifs.

Bipyramidal structures featuring planar rings serve as potential building blocks for one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. Pure Ge atoms typically prefer to form three-dimensional rather than planar structures. Although a few-metal-doped bipyramids with pure Ge planar rings are predicted for constructing Ge-based 1D nanostructures, there is limited knowledge about those with both Ge and doped atoms on the same planar rings. Here, we report a hexagonal bipyramidal Mn3Ge5 cluster containing a Mn3Ge3 six-membered ring with the potential to construct a 1D germanium-based nanostructure. We investigated the structures and properties of Mn3Ge5-/0 using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Mn3Ge5- has a C3v symmetric distorted hexagonal bipyramidal structure, while Mn3Ge5 has a C2v symmetric hexagonal bipyramidal structure. Chemical bonding analyses show that Mn3Ge5- could be considered as a [Mn3]V[Ge5]6- complex. First-principles calculations indicate that Mn3Ge5 may be used to construct a 1D ferrimagnetic [Mn3Ge5]∞ nanostructure.

Exploiting and Enhancing the Heat Transport Rate of MoS2-Ag/EO Hybrid Nanofluid Flow via a Stretching Cylinder using Extended Yamada-Ota and Xue Models.

The current model offers valuable insights for materials science, heat exchangers, renewable energy production, nanotechnology, manufacturing, medicinal treatments, and environmental engineering. The findings of this study have the potential to improve material design, increase heat transfer efficiency across various systems, enhance energy conversion processes, and drive advancements in nanotechnology, medicinal treatments, and engineering design. The goal of the current research is to analyze the effects of thermal radiation and the volume fraction of nanoparticles in MoS2-Ag/engine oil-based hybrid nanofluid flow passing through a cylinder. After performing a substantial similarity transformation, the nonlinear dimensionless framework is recast as ODEs. The Yamada-Ota and Xue models are then applied to the dimensionless equation setup, which is numerically solved using the BVP4C approach. The resulting velocity and temperature fields, corresponding to various parameters, are examined and compared across both models. This investigation demonstrates a significant variation in heat transfer rates between the Yamada-Ota and Xue models, with the former having a larger impact. The velocity and temperature fields decrease as the magnetic field parameter increases in both nanofluids. However, as the magnetic field parameter values grow, the velocity fields in the two nanofluids behave differently. The Yamada-Ota and Xue models are used to determine the behavior of the hybrid nanofluid flow over a nonlinear extended cylinder. In all situations, the velocity and temperature fields exhibit superior decay characteristics.

An SNP based genotyping assay for genes associated with drought tolerance in bread wheat.

BACKGROUND: SnRK2 plays vital role in responding to adverse abiotic stimuli. The applicability of TaSnRK2.4 and TaSnRK2.9 was investigated to leverage the potential of these genes in indigenous wheat breeding programs. METHODS: Genetic diversity was assessed using pre-existing markers for TaSnRK2.4 and TaSnRK2.9. Furthermore, new markers were also developed to enhance their broader applicability. KASP markers were designed for TaSnRK2.4, while CAPS-based markers were tailored for TaSnRK2.9. RESULTS: Analysis revealed lack of polymorphism in TaSnRK2.4 among Pakistani wheat germplasm under study. To validate this finding, available gel-based markers for TaSnRK2.4 were employed, producing consistent results and offering limited potential for application in marker-assisted wheat breeding with Pakistani wheat material. For TaSnRK2.9-5A, CAPS2.9-5A-1 and CAPS2.9-5A-2 markers were designed to target SNP positions at 308 nt and 1700 nt revealing four distinct haplotypes. Association analysis highlighted the significance of Hap-5A-1 of TaSnRK2.9-5A, which exhibited association with an increased number of productive tillers (NPT), grains per spike (GPS), and reduced plant height (PH) under well-watered (WW) conditions. Moreover, it showed positive influence on NPT under WW conditions, GPS under water-limited (WL) conditions, and PH under both WW and WL conditions. High selection intensity observed for Hap-5A-1 underscores the valuable role it has played in Pakistani wheat breeding programs. Gene expression studies of TaSnRK2.9-5A revealed the involvement of this gene in response to PEG, NaCl, low temperature and ABA treatments. CONCLUSION: These findings propose that TaSnRK2.9 can be effectively employed for improving wheat through marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding efforts.

Biochemical properties of sheep colostrum and its potential benefits for lamb survival: a review.

Colostrum is the initial secretion of the mammary glands following parturition, which offers main food, protection, and biological active substances for the new born. The most threatening episode of neonate's life is the initial two weeks after birth. This period is associated with high neonatal mortality and morbidity. These worthwhile losses lead to a poor prolificacy rate, low profitability, and ultimately poor performance in animal production. Hence, both diseases and mortality cause valuable losses in terms of production and economic losses. The survival of neonate is correlated with their immune status and passive immune transfer (PIT). Colostrum provides the primary source of nutrition and immunity (PIT) that protects neonates against infections. It must be given as soon as possible after birth since its immunoglobulins are absorbed within the first 16-27 hours after birth, ideally within 2-4 hours. As a result, immunoglobulin (PIT) is the most important component of distressing infectious immunity, and a passable concentration of immunoglobulin in the blood of newborn lambs is linked to their health and survival rate. In this review, we summarized the importance of colostrum in early life and its association with neonatal lamb's survival, profitability and productivity of sheep farming.

Development of a robust method for Cd(II) ions analysis using CeO2- and CeO2-Cu-BTC-based electrochemical sensors.

Simple and sensitive electrochemical sensors were fabricated from cerium oxide (CeO2) and copper-benzene tricarboxylic acid-modified cerium oxide (CeO2-Cu-BTC) materials for differential pulse voltammetric analysis of toxic cadmium (Cd) ions in aqueous solutions. The materials were prepared by hydrothermal method and structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The CeO2-modified carbon paste electrode (CeCPE) and the CeO2-Cu-BTC-modified carbon paste electrode (CeBCPE) were electrochemically characterized by their cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance study in standard K3[Fe(CN)6] single-electron redox process. Their electrochemical surface areas, electrode surface coverages, and charge transfer resistances were calculated to be 1.46 cm2, 2.338 × 10-5 mol∙cm-2, and 2790 Ω and 5.48 cm2, 2.476 × 10-5 mol∙cm-2, and 1254.65 Ω for CeCPE and CeBCPE, respectively. These fabricated electrodes were used as electrochemical sensors for cadmium ion estimation by optimizing the experimental parameters through differential pulse voltammetry. The optimized conditions included 10% modifier for CeCPE and 5% modifier for CeBCPE in 0.12 M HCl solution of pH 5 as supporting electrolyte at - 1.2 V deposition for 30 s in 0.01 to 10 mg L-1 linear cadmium solution range. Under these conditions, the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.368 mg L-1 and 0.005 mg L-1 was calculated for CeCPE and CeBCPE electrodes, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.121 mg L-1 and 0.002 mg L-1 for CeCPE and CeBCPE, respectively. All the experimental results indicated that electrodes fabricated from CeO2-Cu-BTC show better performance as compared to CeO2-based electrodes. Both these types of electrochemical sensors presented good repeatability and performance in the presence of interfering ions as well. From these findings, it can also be inferred that these electrochemical sensors can provide a simple and very sensitive method for approximation of toxic cadmium ions in aqueous solutions.

Post-donation health-related quality of life, mood and life satisfaction in livingkidney donors; an explorative study from kidney transplant centre, Lahore Pakistan.

Objective: To explore post-donation life satisfaction, quality of life and mood status among kidney donors. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from February 5 to July 10, 2021, at the Department of Kidney Transplant Surgery, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised living kidney donors who had donated a kidney at least 6 months before the interview date. Data was collected through telephonic interviews, and, in addition to demographics, the questionnaire comprised the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Version scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 41 subjects, 22(53.7%) were females and 19(46.3%) were males. The overall mean age was 41.10±9.648 years (range: 19-62 years). The most common donor-recipient relationship was brother-sister 10(34.1%) and wife-husband 10(24.4%). Among the donors, there was a significant positive correlation between quality of life and satisfaction with life (r=0.381, p=0.014). Quality of life had a negative correlation with anxiety (r=-0.429, p=0.005), and a negative but non-significant association with depression (r=-0.283, p=0.073). Anxiety and depression were highly positively correlated (r=0.681, p=0.000). Quality of life was significantly associated with donor age (p=0.029) with a negative effect (Beta=-0.588), while satisfaction with life had a positive relationship with age (Beta=0.147). Conclusion: Higher life satisfaction among living kidney donors was associated with an improved quality of life, while increased anxiety levels were linked to a lower quality of life. Age was a critical determinant, with older donors reporting a lower quality of life.

COVID-19-Associated Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head in a Young Male Without Corticosteroid Exposure: A Case Report.

Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, ischemic bone necrosis, or aseptic necrosis, is a progressive bone disease marked by the deterioration of bone tissue due to compromised blood flow in the subchondral region. AVN is typically caused by disruptions in vascular supply, intravascular blockages, or pressure on blood vessels, leading to diminished circulation. This condition predominantly affects the long-bone epiphysis in weight-bearing joints, particularly impacting the femoral head. The ongoing global health challenge posed by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has raised awareness of its diverse clinical manifestations. While pulmonary dysfunction remains a hallmark, reports of AVN of the hip have emerged in association with COVID-19 infection. Despite existing literature documenting cases of unilateral and bilateral femoral head necrosis associated with COVID-19 infection, it is noteworthy that corticosteroid use has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the development of this condition. Here, we present a case of bilateral AVN of the femoral head in a young individual linked solely to COVID-19 infection. Existing case records show only a handful of instances where COVID-19 has led to avascular necrosis, all involving either older individuals or those with notable risk factors. What sets our case apart is that the patient is young and lacks any significant risk factors. This report aims to propose a credible connection between COVID-19 infection and femoral head osteonecrosis in young patients not exposed to steroid treatment.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Applications of Aerva persica Aqueous-Root Extract-Mediated Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles.

In the present study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by using aqueous extracts of Aerva persica roots. Characterization of as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles was carried out using different techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and BET surface area analysis. Morphological analysis confirmed the small, aggregated flake-shaped morphology of as-synthesized ZnO nanostructures. The as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles were analyzed for their potential application as anti-inflammatory (using in vivo inhibition of carrageenan induced paw edema) and antioxidant (using in vitro radical scavenging activity) agents. The ZnO nanoparticles were found to have a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of standard ascorbic acid (antioxidant) and indomethacin (anti-inflammatory drug). Therefore, due to their ecofriendly synthesis, nontoxicity, and biocompatible nature, zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized successfully from roots extract of the plant Aerva persica with potent efficiencies can be utilized for different biomedical applications.

A combined experimental and theoretical approach for doxycycline sensing using simple fluorescent probe with distinct fluorescence change in wide range of interferences.

Overuse of doxycycline (DOXY) can cause serious problems to human health, environment and food quality. So, it is essential to develop a new sensing methodology that is both sensitive and selective for the quantitative detection of DOXY. In our current research, we synthesized a simple fluorescent probe 4,4'-bis(benzyloxy)-1,1'-biphenyl (BBP) for the highly selective detection of doxycycline by through fluorescence spectroscopy. The probe BBP displayed ultra-sensitivity towards doxycycline due to Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Fluorescence spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT), 1H NMR titration, UV-Vis, and Job's plot were used to confirm the sensing mechanism. The charge transfer between the probe and analyte was further examined qualitatively by electron density differences (EDD) and quantitively by natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. Whereas the non-covalent nature of probe BBP towards DOXY was verified by theoretical non-covalent interaction (NCI) analysis as along with Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis. Furthermore, probe BBP was also practically employed for the detection of doxycycline in fish samples, pharmaceutical wastewater and blood samples.

Does economic complexity help in achieving environmental sustainability? New empirical evidence from N-11 countries.

In view of the SDGs argued by UNO, it is vital to address the pressing issues regarding sustainable development. The aim of current study is to investigate the impact of economic complexity (ECC) on environmental sustainability. To achieve this aim, we sampled the 25 years of data of Next-11 countries over the period 1995 to 2019. The economic complexity was measured by the economic complexity index (ECI) while environmental sustainability was measured by two proxy variables including CO2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The empirical analysis was established by utilizing the unit root test, cointegration test, FMOLS (fully modified OLS) and DOLS (dynamic OLS) models. The estimated coefficient values disclosed that ECC has a negative and statistically significant relationship with both CO2 and GHG emissions in the long run, implying that ECC ensured environmental sustainability. In addition, the analysis reveals that financial development has a negative while economic growth and energy imports have a positive and statistically significant association with both CO2 and GHG emissions. The findings of the current study suggested an important policy regarding the focus on ECC for achieving environmental sustainability in underlying economies. This study provides robustness to the existing literature in alternative data settings (N-11 countries) and by the unique objective of focusing on environmental sustainability.

Surviving the desert's grasp: Decipherment phreatophyte Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst. Adaptive strategies for arid resilience.

Phreatophytes play an important role in maintaining the ecological services in arid and semi-arid areas. Characterizing the interaction between groundwater and phreatophytes is critical for the land and water management in such areas. Therefore, the identification of key traits related to mitigating desertification in differently adapted T. aphylla populations was the focus. Fifteen naturally adapted populations of the prominent phreatophyte T. aphylla from diverse ecological regions of Punjab, Pakistan were selected. Key structural and functional modifications involved in ecological success and adaptations against heterogeneous environments for water conservation include widened metaxylem vessels in roots, enlarged brachy sclereids in stems/leaves, tissues succulence, and elevated organic osmolytes and antioxidants activity for osmoregulation and defense mechanism. Populations from hot and dry deserts (Dratio: 43.17-34.88) exhibited longer roots and fine-scaled leaves, along with enlarged vascular bundles and parenchyma cells in stems. Populations inhabiting saline deserts (Dratio: 38.59-33.29) displayed enhanced belowground biomass production, larger root cellular area, broadest phloem region in stems, and numerous large stomata in leaves. Hyper-arid populations (Dratio: 33.54-23.07) excelled in shoot biomass production, stem cellular area, epidermal thickness, pith region in stems, and lamina thickness in leaves. In conclusion, this research highlights T. aphylla as a vital model for comprehending plant resilience to environmental stresses, with implications for carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.

Fabrication of carboxymethyl cellulose/graphene oxide/ZnO composite hydrogel for efficient removal of fuchsin dye from aqueous media.

Hydrogels are hydrophilic, insoluble, and highly porous 3D networks capable of absorbing large amounts of water. This study aimed to develop a carboxymethyl cellulose/graphene oxide (CMC/GO) hydrogel, cross-linked with citric acid and modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (CMC/GO/ZnO), synthesized via the sol-gel method. The formulated composite hydrogel samples were characterized by Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The hydrogels were tested for the adsorption of basic fuchsin (BF) dye from the aqueous medium under various conditions, such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH, and temperature, using batch adsorption. The adsorption data best fit the Langmuir and Temkin models, with maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 172.41 mg/g for CMC/GO and 303.03 mg/g for CMC/GO/ZnO. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH = 6 and within 30 min. The process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and thermodynamic results indicated that the adsorption process is physical, endothermic and spontaneous. The COOH groups in the hydrogels enhanced affinity for cationic dyes through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Thus, CMC/GO and CMC/GO/ZnO hydrogels are efficient and promising adsorbents for environmental remediation.

Prospective Comparison of Urinary Measured Creatinine Clearance With eGFR and Cystatin C Based Cis-eGFR, Including Kinetic eGFR in the Immediate Post-transplant Period With Prompt Allograft Function.

BACKGROUND: The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and kinetic estimated glomerular filtration rate (KeGFR) have not been compared, with urinary measured creatinine clearance (mCrCl) or serum cystatin C (CysC) eGFR, soon after kidney transplantation (KTx) with prompt primary function. This study aims to compare post-KTx, urinary mCrCl, and eGFR CysC with eGFR and KeGFR. METHODS: Post-KTx, urine was collected every 12 hours from 25 of the 34 consenting subjects to calculate mCrCl and compare with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-4, Jelliffe eGFR, Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (CrCl), and KeGFR by Chen and Brater formulae. Serum CysC levels were also measured in the last 14 subjects to compare with creatinine, mCrCl, and eGFR CysC. RESULTS: At 12 to 96 hours post-KTx (n = 25), mCrCl was 55.8% to 13.6% higher than MDRD-4 eGFR. The mean CysC level (n = 14) was 58% to 14% lower than creatinine for up to 3.0 days post-KTx, with higher MDRD-4 eGFR CysC. Chen and Brater KeGFR were significantly lower than mCrCl and eGFR (Fig 1B, Table 1). Within 3 days post-KTx, a 50% decrease in creatinine provided ≥ 50 mL/min CrCl in 90% of cases (mean mCrCl 61.7 ± 22.8). This difference was greater when the initial creatinine was higher with the rapid decrease in creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Post-KTx eGFR/KeGFR formulae underestimated mCrCl. (2) Serum CysC levels were lower than creatinine, corresponding with higher eGFR CysC. (3) A 50% decrease from initial serum creatinine; mean mCrCl was 61.7 ± 22.8 mL/min, and 90% of them have mCrCl > 50 mL/min. Post-KTx, until creatinine is stabilized, recipients are often receiving subtherapeutic dosing of renally adjusted medications. More prospective studies are necessary, including radioisotope clearance.

The effect of turmeric and black pepper powder incorporated in breakfast on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in normal-weight adults.

Culinary herbs and spices are primarily known as flavor enhancers, research suggests that black pepper (Piper nigrum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) have now been proven to prevent many non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes. Bioactive components of black pepper and turmeric ameliorate glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. The present research was designed to investigate the impact of turmeric and black pepper on blood glycemia, gastrointestinal well-being, appetite, and palatability. In a randomized crossover study, four iso-caloric experimental meals each having 50 g of available carbohydrates were subjected to healthy human participants (N = 20). Turmeric and black pepper were incorporated in the breakfast meal, 1 g black pepper (BP), 1 g turmeric (TR), and combination of the (BP + TR) was added in the breakfast. Standard questionnaires were used to evaluate palatability, subjective appetite, and gastrointestinal well-being. Blood glycemia, subjective gastrointestinal well-being, and appetite were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min. Experimental meals BP and BP + TR resulted in lower blood glycemia (p < .05) significantly compared to control meal. A decrease in perceived eating ability and hunger, and an increase in satiety after BP + TR and BP meal was observed. No significant changes were observed after consuming test meals on gastrointestinal well-being. Compared to control and BP + TR meals, BP and TR meals had considerably lower palatability. Results showed that compared to the control intake of starchy meals supplemented with black pepper and turmeric reduced postprandial glycemia, hunger, and perceived eating ability without affecting gastrointestinal well-being.

Fabrication and characterization of binary composite MgO/CuO nanostructures for the efficient photocatalytic ability to eliminate organic contaminants: A detailed spectroscopic analysis.

Design and eco-friendly fabrication of affordable and sustainable materials for the treatment of wastewater consisting of dyes, antibiotics, and other harmful substances has always been demanding. Untreated wastewater being released from industries imposes serious threats to our ecosystem, seeking convenient approaches to diminish this alarming issue. Here in this work, we synthesized MgO/CuO nanocomposites from a plant extract of Ammi visnaga L. and then employed these nanocomposites for the treatment of organic dye (methylene blue). We characterized the synthesized nanocomposites by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). DLS presented information about the explicit size of nanocomposites, while the surface charge was examined by zeta potential. XRD provided detailed information about the crystalline behavior and the information regarding surface morphology and size was extracted by SEM, TEM, and AFM. Moreover, the fabricated nanocomposites were used as a photocatalyst in the treatment of methylene blue. The overall catalytic reaction took an hour to complete, and the value of percentage degradation was 98 %. Substantially, a detailed account of the kinetics, rate of reaction, and mechanism is also fostered in the context. The presented study can assist scientists and researchers around the world to reproduce the results and use them to apply them on a broader scale.