A magneto-controlled biocatalytic cascade with a fluorescent output.

A biocatalytic cascade based on concerted operation of pyruvate kinase and luciferase with a bioluminescent output was switched reversibly between low and high activity by applying an external magnetic field at different positions or removing it. The enzymes participating in the reaction cascade were bound to magnetic nanoparticles to allow their translocation or aggregation/dispersion to be controlled by the magnetic field. The reaction intensity, measured as the bioluminescent output, was dependent on the effective distances between the enzymes transported on the magnetic nanoparticles controlled by the magnets.

Two decades of ceria nanoparticle research: structure, properties and emerging applications.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) are versatile materials with unique and unusual properties that vary depending on their surface chemistry, size, shape, coating, oxidation states, crystallinity, dopant, and structural and surface defects. This review encompasses advances made over the past twenty years in the development of CeNPs and ceria-based nanostructures, the structural determinants affecting their activity, and translation of these distinct features into applications. The two oxidation states of nanosized CeNPs (Ce3+/Ce4+) coexisting at the nanoscale level facilitate the formation of oxygen vacancies and defect states, which confer extremely high reactivity and oxygen buffering capacity and the ability to act as catalysts for oxidation and reduction reactions. However, the method of synthesis, surface functionalization, surface coating and defects are important factors in determining their properties. This review highlights key properties of CeNPs, their synthesis, interactions, and reaction pathways and provides examples of emerging applications. Due to their unique properties, CeNPs have become quintessential candidates for catalysis, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), sensing, biomedical applications, and environmental remediation, with tremendous potential to create novel products and translational innovations in a wide range of industries. This review highlights the timely relevance and the transformative potential of these materials in addressing societal challenges and driving technological advancements across these fields.

Synthesis and characterization of the in situ bulk polymerization of PMMA containing graphene sheets using microwave irradiation.

Polymethylmethacrylate-graphene (PMMA/RGO) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ bulk polymerization using two different preparation techniques. In the first approach, a mixture of graphite oxide (GO) and methylmethacrylate monomers (MMA) were polymerized using a bulk polymerization method with a free radical initiator. After the addition of the reducing agent hydrazine hydrate (HH), the product was reduced via microwave irradiation (MWI) to obtain R-(GO-PMMA) composites. In the second approach, a mixture of graphite sheets (RGO) and MMA monomers were polymerized using a bulk polymerization method with a free radical initiator to obtain RGO-(PMMA) composites. The composites were characterized by FTIR, (1)H-NMR and Raman spectroscopy and XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA and DSC. The results indicate that the composite obtained using the first approach, which involved MWI, had a better morphology and dispersion with enhanced thermal stability compared with the composites prepared without MWI.

Electrochemically switchable and tunable luciferase bioluminescence.

The biocatalytic activity of electrode-immobilized luciferase followed by bioluminescence emitted from the electrode surface was reversibly tuned and switched by applying electrochemical signals. When a reductive potential (-0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl) was applied, O2 was consumed at the electrode resulting in its depletion in a thin film near the electrode surface. This resulted in the inhibition of the immobilized luciferase which needs O2 for the biocatalytic reaction. Releasing the potential resulted in diffusional equilibration of the O2 local concentration with the bulk solution, then reactivating luciferase. Reversible inhibition-activation of luciferase was obtained upon cyclic application and releasing of the potential, respectively.

Dataset on the total phenolic contents and total anti-oxidants capacity in commercially available whiskey.

Data in this article are acquired from 46 naturally distilled whiskey. Whiskey samples were produced in the United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. Samples differ with their type of distillery including (Blended, finest blended, Malted, single Malted, rye, straight Rye, special blended, and special reserved), years of aging, and ethanol percentages. The contents of beneficial bioactive components including total phenolic contents and total anti-oxidants activity and the correlation between them were addressed.

Dataset for the content of bioactive components and phytonutrients of (Ocimum basilicum and Brassica rapa) microgreens.

The data provided in this article were obtained from fresh and dry samples of green Basilic (Ocimum Basillicum L.), red Basilic (Ocimum basilicum 'purpurascens'), green Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. niposinica), and red Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. pipposinica) microgreens grown in climatic chamber (phytotron) on jute mats for 15 days. Phytonutrients contents including chlorophylls, pheophytins, carotenoids pigments, total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, as well as organic acids contents varied between all cultivars. Spectrometry, electrophoresis, coulometric, and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS) were the principal employed methods. Data of antioxidants and phytonutrients contents contribute to the understanding of the benefits of microgreens as a newly emerging product. Data of pigments content compares the difference of accumulation of chlorophylls, pheophytins, and carotenoids between red and green cultivars of the studied microgreens, and the variability of their concentrations along with the contents of organic acids provide insights to plants physiology during the differentiation phase.

Dataset on the effect of soaking Kale (Brassica Oleraceae L. var. acephala DC.) seeds in solution based on amorphous silicon dioxide on the bioactive components and physiological growth parameters.

This dataset aims to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of amorphous silicon dioxide treatments on soilless-grown Kale (Brassica Oleraceae L. var. acephala DC.). Data were obtained from fresh and dry samples. Total antioxidants capacity, total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total carotenoids concentrations, total nitrogen, growth parameters and germination percentage varied in response to the concentrations of the used treatments (amorphous silicon dioxide compounds). Spectrophotometry, coulometric analyzer, capillary zone electrophoreses were the principal involved methods. Data of antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, and ascorbic acid contents can provide significant physiological health benefits as a functional superfood. Total carotenoids, Chlorophyll a and b concentrations, total nitrogen content, dry matter content, plants height, fresh weights, and the percentage of seeds germination contribute to the understanding of biometric and physiological plants growth parameters that indicates the effectiveness of the used treatments.

Dataset on the content of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in 40 pork (Breitov breed) commodities.

This dataset demonstrates the content of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) in boiled, grilled, and raw pork for both lean and whole cuts including ribs, tenderloin, shoulder, neck, belly, and center chops. Total fat content in raw pork cuts was determined by the gravimetric method. Quantification analysis using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV-DAD connected. Purification of fatty acids from proteins was performed using a c18 cartridge, resolving vitamin D3 from its metabolites by subjecting purified samples to polar silica cartridge, purification from sugars by a series of two amino columns, and quantification of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by injecting purified extracts on C18 SPE column. Grilling samples was conducted in an electric combi oven.

Nephroprotective potential of eugenol in a rat experimental model of chronic kidney injury; targeting NOX, TGF-ß, and Akt signaling.

Chronic kidney disease is a crucial health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Eugenol is a natural phenolic plant compound with various pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effect of different eugenol doses in an experimental model of chronic CCl4-induced renal damage and investigate various mechanisms that underlie this postulated effect. Eugenol treatment (100 mg/kg) ameliorated kidney damage induced by CCl4 and rectified the distorted kidney function parameters and renal histological structure. Additionally, eugenol at a dose of 100 mg/kg suppressed the upregulated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in CCl4-treated rats as evident by down regulations of NADPH oxidase (NOX2 and NOX4), proinflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) and proapoptotic markers (cyt c and caspase-3), respectively. Importantly, eugenol co-administration in rats challenged with CCl4 downregulated the renal protein expressions of both TGF-ß as well as pAkt compared with CCl4 group. In conclusion, eugenol showed a potent nephroprotective effect against CCl4-induced renal damage through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities.

Kinetin Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Lymphotoxicity via Attenuating Oxidative Damage, Cell Apoptosis and Inflammation in Rats.

Though several previous studies reported the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effect of kinetin (Kn), details on its action in cisplatin-induced toxicity are still scarce. In this study we evaluated, for the first time, the effects of kinetin in cisplatin (cp)- induced liver and lymphocyte toxicity in rats. Wistar male albino rats were divided into nine groups: (i) the control (C), (ii) groups 2,3 and 4, which received 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg kinetin for 10 days; (iii) the cisplatin (cp) group, which received a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (7.0 mg/kg); and (iv) groups 6, 7, 8 and 9, which received, for 10 days, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg kinetin or 200 mg/kg vitamin C, respectively, and Cp on the fourth day. CP-injected rats showed a significant impairment in biochemical, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in hepatic tissue and lymphocytes. PCR showed a profound increase in caspase-3, and a significant decline in AKT gene expression. Intriguingly, Kn treatment restored the biochemical, redox status and inflammatory parameters. Hepatic AKT and caspase-3 expression as well as CD95 levels in lymphocytes were also restored. In conclusion, Kn mitigated oxidative imbalance, inflammation and apoptosis in CP-induced liver and lymphocyte toxicity; therefore, it can be considered as a promising therapy.

"Smart" Delivery of Monoclonal Antibodies from a Magnetic Responsive Microgel Nanocomposite.

"Smart" drug-delivery systems have significant potential to increase therapeutic efficiency, avoid undesired immune responses, and minimize drug side effects. Herein, we report on an innovative strategy to control the drug release process using two magneto-activated materials operating in the system. One of them, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-diboronate (DB)-interpenetrated (IPN) alginate (Alg) microgel nanocomposite (PVA-DB-IPN-Alg) loaded with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), is acting as a drug-delivery system. The drugs or model (bio)molecules are loaded in the PVA-DB-IPN-Alg and then released upon receiving a magnetic signal. Another component of the system is represented with the MNPs functionalized with the glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme, GOx-MNPs. The immobilized GOx biocatalytically produces H2O2 in the presence of glucose and oxygen, while the PVA-DB-IPN-Alg is decomposed/dissolved by reacting with H2O2. In the absence of a magnet, the biocatalytically produced H2O2 was mostly decomposed by the catalase enzyme present in the solution, thus not reaching the alginate microgel. Upon aggregation of these two types of particles induced by a magnet, the GOx-MNPs produced H2O2in situ increasing locally its concentration, degrading the PVA-DB-IPN, thus opening pores in the alginate hydrogel resulting in a faster release of the entrapped payload. The release of the payload was confirmed in physiological complex environments, exemplified with human serum, demonstrating the stability and functionality of the materials in biological fluids. The release rate was strongly dependent on the concentration of catalase but not dependent on glucose concentration. The magneto-induced release process was confirmed for the small model protein payload, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as the trastuzumab monoclonal antibody (TmAb). For the latter, the release rate was up to 3.3 times higher in the presence of the magnet than in the absence of it in the human serum. We expect that the drug-delivery concept developed by these materials can find useful applications in the emerging field of "smart" materials in immunotherapy.

Dataset on the effect of foliar application of different concentrations of silicon dioxide and organosilicon compounds on the growth and biochemical contents of oak leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) grown in phytotron conditions.

This article presents comparative data regarding the effect of foliar application of silicon dioxide and organosilicon compounds on soilless-grown Oak leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa). Data were derived from dry and fresh samples. Total nitrogen, total antioxidants capacity, total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, total pigments concentrations and growth parameters varied in response to the concentrations of the used preparations (silicon dioxide and organosilicon compounds). Capillary zone electrophoresis, spectrophotometry and coulometric analyzer were the principal involved methods. Data of total phenolic content, antioxidants capacity and ascorbic acid concentrations can provide physiological health benefits as functional foods along with an insight to plant stress physiology. Chlorophyll a and b concentrations, nitrogen content, dry matter content, plant height and fresh weights contribute to the understanding of physiological and biometric plants growth parameters.

Safety and Reactogenicity of the ChAdOx1 (AZD1222) COVID-19 Vaccine in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to implement a COVID-19 vaccination program. This study estimated the safety and reactogenicity of the ChAdOx1-S vaccine after the first dose administered to adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1592 randomly selected vaccinees from April to May 2021. A questionnaire was delivered to the vaccinees via phone calls 7 and 21 days after the first vaccine dose. RESULTS: Of the 1592 vaccinees who had the first dose, the mean age was 37.4 (± 9.6) years and 81% were males. Of all the vaccinees, 553 (34.7%) reported an adverse reaction on the first telephone call. The most common symptoms were: pain at the site of injection (485, 30.5%), musculoskeletal symptoms (438, 27.5%), skin rash (307, 19.2%), gastrointestinal symptoms (379, 23.8%) and fever (498, 31.3%). Men were more likely to report fever (76.9% vs. 23.1%; P = 0.005), skin rash (81.1% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.005) and pain at the injection site (77.3% vs. 22.7%, P < 0.0001). Post-vaccine COVID-19 infection was 0.5% and there were no hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: This study observed no major side effects of the ChAdOx1-S vaccine and no reported breakthrough infection during the observation period.

Easy-to-use and inexpensive sensors for assessing the quality and traceability of cosmetic antioxidants.

We describe an easy-to-use sensor as a tool to quantify and authenticate antioxidant active ingredients in cosmetic products. The sensing platform comprises a responsive nanoengineered surface that reacts specifically and generates distinct optically detectable signals that are representative of the chemical composition and concentration of active ingredients. The platform can be inexpensively produced in large quantities and a procedure to manufacture the sensors by 3D printing is described. These sensors can be used as smart labels to check the quality of antioxidant constituents in a large variety of cosmetic products without involving any sample pretreatment. Possible applications include at home and on site testing by consumers or manufacturing companies to check the quality, shelf life and origin of raw materials and products during their manufacturing, storage and use.

Microwave Irradiation Synthesis and Characterization of Reduced-(Graphene Oxide-(Polystyrene-Polymethyl Methacrylate))/Silver Nanoparticle Nanocomposites and their Anti-Microbial Activity.

Herein, we report a facile process for the preparation of styrene and methyl-methacrylate copolymer nanocomposites containing reduced graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles ((R-(GO-(PS-PMMA))/AgNPs)) by using (i) microwave irradiation (MWI) to obtain R-(GO-(PS-PMMA))/AgNPs and (ii) the in situ bulk polymerization technique to produce RGO/AgNPs-(PS-PMMA). Various characterization techniques, including FT-IR, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, DSC, and TGA analysis, were used to characterize the prepared nanocomposites. The Berkovich nanoindentation method was employed to determine the hardness and elastic modulus of the nanocomposites. The results showed that the MWI-produced nanocomposites were found to have enhanced morphological, structural, and thermal properties compared with those of the nanocomposites prepared by the in situ method. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the prepared nanocomposites against the E. coli HB 101 K-12 was investigated, whereby an inhibition zone of 3 mm (RGO/AgNPs-(PS-PMMA) and 27 mm (R-(GO-(PS-PMMA))/AgNPs) was achieved. This indicates that the MWI-prepared nanocomposite has stronger antibacterial activity than the in situ-prepared nanocomposite.

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Infection Among Dental Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B infection is a universal health problem. Worldwide, 5% of health-care-related injections continued unsafe. Dentist considers being at high-risk group for cross infection. Therefore, their knowledge and practice towards Hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive patients should be at an optimal level. AIM: The current study is aimed to evaluate and comparison of the knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi dental students and interns towards HBV infection. METHODS: A self-explanatory questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess and compare students' knowledge, attitude and risk perception regarding hepatitis B infection among dental students across Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The response rate was 91.6% the overall knowledge of the participants was poor. The attitude was fair, with the female show a significant difference in attitude and practice (P-value < 0.05). The overall practice was good, 78.1% was vaccinated against HBV, and 73.2% stated that they regularly use personal protection equipment. The higher levels show a good attitude and practice compared with the lower levels; the difference was significant (P value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge was below average, continuous health education courses are mandatory.

Nanomaterial-functionalized Cellulose: Design, Characterization and Analytical Applications.

Cellulose-nanomaterial hybrid systems are promising platforms for the development of portable devices that can be used for fast and inexpensive analysis in the clinical, environmental and food monitoring fields. By combining the chemical and physical properties of the cellulosic network with the unique optical, electrical and catalytic functions of nanomaterials, it is possible to create versatile devices with engineered sensing functions. This review describes the most commonly used types of nanomaterials, their unique properties and assembly in hybrid structures in conjunction with cellulose paper and provides an overview of the most commonly used detection methodologies and their performance for selected applications. Finally, future perspectives and challenges to the implementation of these devices for real world applications are discussed, with focus on method optimization, validation and regulation in order to reach consumers.

Quantitative assay for the detection, screening and reactivity evaluation of nanoceria particles.

Increasing use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in many industrial processes and consumer products requires rapid analytical methodologies to reliably detect and screen samples for the presence of NPs. Here, we report the development, analytical characterization and performance evaluation of a colorimetric assay as a comprehensive test for quantitative detection, screening and reactivity evaluation of nanoceria (cerium oxide, CeO2) particles in aqueous environments. We provide a critical discussion of the role of environmental conditions including pH, ionic composition, and presence of humic acid and particle type on the overall performance and sensitivity of this assay. The method is based on the strong oxidation ability of nanoceria for organic dyes such as 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-benzidine dihydrochloride hydrate (TMB). Performance characteristics were established with a series of commercially available NPs of varying sizes dispersed in different environments. The results demonstrate that colorimetric assays can be used as a rapid and cost effective way to characterize nanoceria. The method enables identification and selective detection of nanoceria among other metal oxides including Fe2O3, TiO2, Sb2O3, ZnO, SiO2, and Al2O3. Applicability of the method for detection of nanoceria in environmental water samples is demonstrated. Recommendations are provided on the selection of the reaction conditions to ensure validity and reliability of measurements. The assay offers an effective and inexpensive alternative to advanced spectroscopic instrumentation, as a screening assay for nanoceria in environmental water. The method can be used as a general tool for the analytical characterization of redox active nanomaterials.

Functional Paper-Based Platform for Rapid Capture and Detection of CeO2 Nanoparticles.

Development of systems for capture, sequestration, and tracking of nanoparticles (NPs) is becoming a significant focus in many aspects of nanotechnology and environmental research. These systems enable a broad range of applications for evaluating concentration, distribution, and effects of NPs for environmental, clinical, epidemiological, and occupational exposure studies. Herein, we describe the first example of a ligand-graft multifunctional platform for capture and detection of cerium oxide (CeO2 or ceria) NPs. The approach involves the use of redox-active ligands containing o-dihydroxy functionality, enabling multivalent binding, surface retention, and formation of charge transfer complexes between the grafted ligand and the NPs. Using this strategy, paper-based and microarray-printed platforms with NP-capture ability involving either catechol or ascorbic acid as ligands were successfully fabricated. Surface modification was determined by infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Functionality was demonstrated for the rapid assessment of NPs in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) slurries and CMP wastewaters. This novel approach can enable further development of devices and separation technologies including platforms for retention and separation of NPs and measurement tools for detection of NPs in various environments.

Europium-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Limit Reactive Oxygen Species Formation and Ameliorate Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Accumulating evidence suggests that ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury is associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study demonstrates the therapeutic effectiveness of novel europium-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (Eu-doped Ceria NPs) as ROS scavengers in a mouse model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury. An increased production of superoxide radicals is detected in the intestine throughout the ischemia stage and again after initiating reperfusion. These changes in superoxide radical formation are associated with the induction of inflammatory cytokines in the intestine. This study further shows that Eu-Ceria NPs exhibit superoxide scavenging activity in vitro. Importantly, administration of Eu-Ceria NPs into the intestinal lumen during the onset of ischemia effectively blocks superoxide accumulation, reduces the expression of IL-1b, and ameliorates the intestinal pathology. These results suggest that early increased production of ROS during the ischemia-reperfusion promotes intestinal pathology and that mucosal delivery of Eu-Ceria NPs may be a potential therapeutic approach to block ROS accumulation and ameliorate the severity of intestinal disease.