The ability of heterogeneous photocatalysis to effectively remove organic pollutants from wastewater has shown great promise as a tool for environmental remediation. Pure zinc ferrites (ZnFe2O4) and magnesium-doped zinc ferrites (Mg@ZnFe2O4) with variable percentages of Mg (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mol%) were synthesized via hydrothermal route and their photocatalytic activity was checked against methylene blue (MB) taken as a model dye. FTIR, XPS, BET, PL, XRD, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used for the identification and morphological characterization of the prepared nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs). The 7% Mg@ZnFe2O4 NPs demonstrated excellent degradation against MB under sunlight. The 7% Mg@ZnFe2O4 NPs were integrated with diverse contents (10, 50, 30, and 70 wt.%) of S@g-C3N4 to develop NCs with better activity. When the NCs were tested to degrade MB dye, it was revealed that the 7%Mg@ZnFe2O4/S@g-C3N4 NCs were more effective at utilizing solar energy than the other NPs and NCs. The synergistic effect of the interface formed between Mg@ZnFe2O4 and S@g-C3N4 was primarily responsible for the boosted photocatalytic capability of the NCs. The fabricated NCs may function as an effective new photocatalyst to remove organic dyes from wastewater.
Ferric Compounds , Methylene Blue , Nitrogen Compounds , Solar Energy , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Zinc , Catalysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry , Ferric Compounds/chemistry , Methylene Blue/chemistry , Zinc/chemistry , Magnesium/chemistry , Photolysis , Photochemical Processes , Coloring Agents/chemistry , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Graphite/chemistry , Wastewater/chemistry , Nitriles/chemistry
Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) based on sulfides have become a subject of great interest due to their superior Li-ion conductivity, low grain boundary resistance, and adequate mechanical strength. However, they grapple with chemical instability toward moisture hypersensitivity, which decreases their ionic conductivity, leading to more processing requirements. Herein, a Li9.8GeP1.7Sb0.3S11.8I0.2 (LGPSSI) superionic conductor is designed with a Li+ conductivity of 6.6 mS cm-1 and superior air stability based on hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) theory. The introduction of optimal antimony (Sb) and iodine (I) into the Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) structure facilitates fast Li-ion migration with low activation energy (Ea) of 20.33 kJ mol-1. The higher air stability of LGPSSI is credited to the strategic substitution of soft acid Sb into (Ge/P)S4 tetrahedral sites, examined by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Relatively lower acidity of Sb compared to phosphorus (P) realizes a stronger Sb-S bond, minimizing the evolution of toxic H2S (0.1728 cm3 g-1), which is â¼3 times lower than pristine LGPS when LGPSSI is exposed to moist air for 120 min. The NCA//Li-In full cell with a LGPSSI superionic conductor delivered the first discharge capacity of 209.1 mAh g-1 with 86.94% Coulombic efficiency at 0.1 mA cm-2. Furthermore, operating at a current density of 0.3 mA cm-2, LiNbO3@NCA/LGPSSI/Li-In cell demonstrated an exceptional reversible capacity of 117.70 mAh g-1, retaining 92.64% of its original capacity over 100 cycles.
This study displays the effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanofiller and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-polystyrene-grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) on the optical, thermal, and mechanical features of expanded polystyrene (EPS). First, the thin films of pristine EPS and composites were prepared using solution cast method. The prepared films were subjected to fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), SEM, UV-visible spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, and universal testing machine for structural, morphological, optical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Optical study revealed a significant increase in refractive index and absorption of composites than EPS. Indirect band-gap energy of EPS (~4.08 eV) was reduced to ~1.61 eV for rGO composite and ~ 2.23 eV for composite composed of rGO and SEBS-g-MA. Thermal analyses presented improvement in characterization temperatures such as T10, T50, Tp, Tm, and Tg of composites, which ultimately lead to the thermal stability of prepared composites than pristine EPS. Stress-strain curves displayed higher yield strength (46.62 MPa), Young's modulus (96.29 MPa), and strain at break (0.54%) for EPS+rGO composite than pure EPS having stress at break (1.01 MPa), Young's modulus (12.44 MPa), and strain at break (0.08%). Moreover, ductility with relatively higher strain at break (0.61%) and lower Young's modulus (79.32 MPa) and yield strength (32.98 MPa) was noticed in EPS+rGO+SEBS-g-MA composite than EPS+rGO composite film. Morphological analysis revealed a change in globular morphology of EPS and inhomogeneous dispersion of rGO in EPS to homogeneously dispersed rGO in EPS matrix without globules owing to the addition of SEBS-g-MA. The increase in compatibility of EPS and rGO due to SEBS-g-MA was also observed in FTIR spectra. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Here, the solution casting approach was used to create the composite film of EPS and rGO with globules of various sizes. After adding SEBS-g-MA, the shape altered to globular free films exhibiting homogenous dispersion of rGO in EPS matrix. An optical investigation showed that composite materials had a significantly higher refractive index and absorption than EPS. The optical, thermal, and mechanical investigations suggest that the produced composites may be a great substitute for virgin EPS, allowing for a wider range of applications.
Artificial superhydrophobic surfaces that do not absorb water, like the lotus leaf, show tremendous promise in numerous applications. However, superhydrophobic surfaces are rarely used because of their low stability and endurance. A stable organic superhydrophobic surface (SHS) composed of novel morphology Ag-nanoparticles (NPs) has been fabricated on a copper alloy via etching, immersion, spraying, and annealing treatment, along with a static water contact angle (WCA) of 158 ± 1° and sliding angle (SA) less than 2°. The surface texture, composition, and morphology of the substrate surfaces were explored by using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and DFT-based Ag atom distribution. The anti-corrosion study of non-coated and Ag-NP-coated copper alloy was undertaken using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Ag-NPs +SA@SHS enhanced the corrosion resistance as compared with bare Cu alloy. The water droplet rolled down the coated Cu alloy, removed the chalk powder from the surface, and indicated an excellent self-cleaning function. Photodegradation of Congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB) dye samples was assessed by measuring the absorbance through UV-Visible spectrophotometry, where the Ag-NPs coated on the copper alloy were used as a catalyst. The performance of the SHS@Ag-NPs in the aqueous solution was 99.31% and 98.12% for industrial pollutants (CR and MB), with degradation rates of 5.81 × 10-2 s-1 and 5.89 × 10-2 s-1, respectively. These findings demonstrated a simple, rapid, and low-energy fabrication technique for SHS@Ag-NPs. This research reveals a valuable approach for the fabrication of SHS@Ag-NPs on various substrates to extend the superhydrophobic surfaces with ultra-fast self-healing properties, for outdoor applications such as anti-corrosion, for an innovative approach for the remediation of polluted water treatment, and for industrial applications.
For white light-rendering research activities, interpretation by using colored emitting materials is an alternative approach. But there are issues in designing the white color emitting materials. Particularly, differences in thermal and decay properties of discrete red, green, and blue emitting materials led to the quest for the search of a single-phased material, able to emit primary colors for white light generation. The current study is an effort to design a simple, single-phase, and cost-effective material with the tunable emission of primary colors by a series of Mg1-xBaxAl2O4:Mn2+ nanopowders. Doping of manganese ion (Mn2+) in the presence of the larger barium cation (Ba2+) at tetrahedral-sites of the spinel magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) structure led to the creation of antisite defects. Doped samples were found to have lower bandgaps compared with MgAl2O4, and hybridization of 3d-orbitals of Mn2+ with O(2p), Mg(2s)/Al(2s3p) was found to be responsible for narrowing the bandgap. The distribution of cations at various sites at random results in a variety of electronic transitions between the valance band and oxygen vacancies as well as electron traps produced the antisite defects. The suggested compositions might be used in white light applications since they have three emission bands with centers at 516 nm (green), 464 nm (blue) and 622 nm (red) at an excitation wavelength of 380 nm. A detailed discussion to analyze the effects of the larger cationic radius of Ba2+ on the lattice strain, unit cell parameters, and cell volumes using X-ray diffraction analysis is presented.
Aluminum Oxide , Magnesium Oxide , Crystallography, X-Ray , Electronics
In Pakistan, the origin of the indigenous cockfighting chicken (ICC) or gamecock population is unknown. However, it is speculated that this might have been associated with domestication, an event linked to recreational, entertainment (cockfighting), religious or ornamental activities. This study aims to understand the origin and genetic diversity of the ICC population in Pakistan. A total of 185 ICC population and 10 captive Indian red junglefowl (Gallus gallus murghi) were analyzed for genetic diversity indices and phylogenetic reconstruction using a 397 bp of mtDNA D-loop region. It is reported that a total of 43 haplotypes from 38 polymorphic nucleotide sites. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity are also estimated in the range of 0.643-0.909, and 0.00585-0.01575, respectively. The total genetic diversity within the population was 91.52%. Four mitochondrial haplogroups A, B, C and D were identified by median-joining network analysis, two of them have high percentages, haplogroup D (81.6%) and A (15.1%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ICC population of Pakistan and Gallus gallus murghi shared haplogroup D. The results of this study showed that sub-haplogroup D17a05, has significantly high haplotype diversity and percentage as compared to previously published studies, this indicated that Pakistan might be one of the centres of domestication for chicken, as it is considered that Southeast Asia is the centre of domestication. Frequencies of Haplogroup A also indicate South-North indices. This research work showed that the indigenous cockfighting chicken population of Pakistan is genetically introgressed from Gallus gallus murghi, and significant variations could be attributed to the underlying differences in the geographics, selection pressures, introgression, and regional practices; and multiple origins of cockfighting chickens' populations around the world which reflected the past trading routes between human communities and civilizations.
The construction of SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs), specifically Te-doped SnO2 NPs, using a simple and economical co-precipitation technique has been thoroughly described in this work. NH3 served as the reducing agent in this procedure, whilst polyethylene glycol served as the capping agent. The primary goals of our work were to investigate the physicochemical properties of the synthesized SnO2 NPs and assess their potential use as antibacterial agents and photocatalysts. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray, ultraviolet light, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and other analytical techniques were used to thoroughly analyze the NPs. Based on the full width at half maximum of the most noticeable peaks in the XRD spectrum, the Debye-Scherrer equation was used to calculate the crystallite sizes, which indicated the presence of a single tetragonal SnO2 phase. Particularly noteworthy was the exceptional photocatalytic activity of graphene-assisted Te-doped SnO2 NPs, achieving an impressive decomposition efficiency of up to 98% in the photo-oxidation of methylene blue. Furthermore, our investigation delved into the antibacterial attributes of the synthesized SnO2 NPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating inhibitory effects on both bacteria strains. This suggests potential applications for these NPs in various environmental and medical contexts.
Metal Nanoparticles , Methylene Blue , Photolysis , Methylene Blue/chemistry , Tellurium , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , X-Ray Diffraction
The investigation focused on creating and studying a new 2D-2D S-scheme CdS/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst. Various techniques examined its structure, composition, and optical properties. This included XRD, XPS, EDS, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, DRS, and PL. The heterojunction showed a reduced charge recombination rate and more excellent stability, helping to lessen photocorrosion. This was due to photogenerated holes moving more quickly out of the CdS valence band. The interface between g-C3N4 and CdS favored a synergistic charge transfer. A suitable flat band potential measurement supported enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in degrading 4-nitrophenol and 2-nitrophenol. This resulted in remarkable degradation efficiency of up to 99% and mineralization of up to 79%. The findings highlighted the practical design of the new 2D-2D S-scheme CdS/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst and its potential application in various energy and environmental settings, such as pollutant removal, hydrogen production, and CO2 conversion.
Diabetes is a serious health issue that can be a great risk factor related to numerous physical problems. A class of drugs "Gliflozin" especially Sodium Glucose Co. Transporter 2 was inhibited by a novel drug, which is known as "empagliflozin". While ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) had considerable promise for combating diabetes, it was employed in the treatment and management of type-2 diabetes mellitus. The new drug empagliflozin was initially incorporated into Zinc Oxide NPs in this study using the surface physio-sorption technique, and the degree of drug adsorption was assessed using the HPLC method. The tailored product was characterized by using the FTIR, EDX, Ultraviolet-Visible, XRD and SEM techniques. With an average particle size of 17 nm, SEM revealed mono-dispersion of NPs and sphere-like form. The Freundlich isotherm model best fits and explains the data for the physio-sorption investigation, which examined adsorption capabilities using adsorption isotherms. The enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are involved in the human metabolism of carbohydrates, were used in the in-vitro anti-diabetic assays. It was discovered that the composite showed the highest levels of 81.72 and 92.77% inhibition of -α-amylase and -glucosidase at an absolute concentration of 1000 µg per ml with IC50 values of 30.6 µg per ml and 72 µg per ml.
Benzhydryl Compounds , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Glucosides , Metal Nanoparticles , Nanoparticles , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , alpha-Amylases , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Plant Extracts
A comprehensive, up-to-date systematic review (SR) of the new-onset rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (R-IMIDs) following COVID-19 vaccinations is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the demographics, management, and prognosis of new R-IMIDs in adults following SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, LitCovid, and Cochrane was conducted. We included any English-language study that reported new-onset R-IMID in adults following the post-COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 271 cases were reported from 39 countries between January 2021 and May 2023. The mean age of patients was 56 (range 18-90), and most were females (170, 62.5%). Most (153, 56.5%) received the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 50% of patients developed R-IMID after the second dose of the vaccine. Vasculitis was the most prevalent clinical presentation (86, 31.7%), followed by connective tissue disease (66, 24.3%). The mean duration between the vaccine's 'trigger' dose and R-IMID was 11 days. Most (220, 81.2%) received corticosteroids; however, 42% (115) received DMARDs such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, tocilizumab, anakinra, IV immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, or rituximab. Complete remission was achieved in 75 patients (27.7%), and 137 (50.6%) improved following the treatment. Two patients died due to myositis. This SR highlights that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may trigger R-IMID; however, further epidemiology studies are required.
The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is considered one of the largest carnivores inhabiting different territories including coniferous and broad-leaved forests, extending from sea level to the elevation of 4300 m. The Kaghan and Siran Valleys in Pakistan's District Mansehra were the location of the current study. To evaluate the altitudinal distribution and seasonal movement of Asiatic black bears in the region, we used three approaches (sign distribution survey, questionnaire-based survey, and scat collecting). A total of 1858 bear signs were observed during the field survey, the highest number of signs was dig marks (1213) followed by plant uprooting. Dig marks (MER: 7.574) were observed repeatedly in each potential site of both valleys followed by plant uprooting (MER: 1.594). Similarly, the altitudinal distribution of black bears was determined through the frequency of signs concerning elevation (m). Elevation of the study area ranged from 1300 to 3500 m and the most abundant population was recorded at the elevation of 2501-3000 m followed by 2001-2500 m. About 52% of local communities encountered black bears during the summer season in the field followed by Spring (23%.8) and winter (15.3%). Manshi Reserver forest (24.5%) from Kaghan and Panjul Reserve forest (31.6) from Siran Valley are the potential summer migratory spots. Eleven scat samples were collected with a 0.103 encounter rate (ER). Most of the scats (about 70%) were observed within the maize crop field in the summer season at low elevation, while just 30% of the scat was observed in the winter season in the forest.
BACKGROUND: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections play a key role in treating a range of macular diseases. The effectiveness of these therapies is dependent on patients' adherence (the extent to which a patient takes their medicines as per agreed recommendations from the healthcare provider) and persistence (continuation of the treatment for the prescribed duration) to their prescribed treatment regimens. The aim of this systematic review was to demonstrate the need for further investigation into the prevalence of, and factors contributing to, patient-led non-adherence and non-persistence, thus facilitating improved clinical outcomes. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies in English conducted before February 2023 that reported the level of, and/or barriers to, non-adherence or non-persistence to intravitreal anti-VEGF ocular disease therapy were included. Duplicate papers, literature reviews, expert opinion articles, case studies, and case series were excluded following screening by two independent authors. RESULTS: Data from a total of 409,215 patients across 52 studies were analysed. Treatment regimens included pro re nata, monthly and treat-and-extend protocols; study durations ranged from 4 months to 8 years. Of the 52 studies, 22 included a breakdown of reasons for patient non-adherence/non-persistence. Patient-led non-adherence varied between 17.5 and 35.0% depending on the definition used. Overall pooled prevalence of patient-led treatment non-persistence was 30.0% (P = 0.000). Reasons for non-adherence/non-persistence included dissatisfaction with treatment results (29.9%), financial burden (19%), older age/comorbidities (15.5%), difficulty booking appointments (8.5%), travel distance/social isolation (7.9%), lack of time (5.8%), satisfaction with the perceived improvement in their condition (4.4%), fear of injection (4.0%), loss of motivation (4.0%), apathy towards eyesight (2.5%), dissatisfaction with facilities 2.3%, and discomfort/pain (0.3%). Three studies found non-adherence rates between 51.6 and 68.8% during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part due to fear of exposure to COVID-19 and difficulties travelling during lockdown. DISCUSSION: Results suggest high levels of patient-led non-adherence/non-persistence to anti-VEGF therapy, mostly due to dissatisfaction with treatment results, a combination of comorbidities, loss of motivation and the burden of travel. This study provides key information on prevalence and factors contributing to non-adherence/non-persistence in anti-VEGF treatment for macular diseases, aiding identification of at-risk individuals to improve real-world visual outcomes. Improvements in the literature can be achieved by establishing uniform definitions and standard timescales for what constitutes non-adherence/non-persistence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020216205.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors , Eye Diseases , Ranibizumab , Humans , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Ranibizumab/therapeutic use , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Medication Adherence , Eye Diseases/drug therapy
Pharmacists deliver pharmaceutical care in many different healthcare settings and are well-placed to support the prevention of stroke. However, their role and impact in this area is ill-defined. This systematic review aims to explore the pharmacists' role in stroke prevention. Nine databases were searched for studies reporting pharmacist interventions in the management of primary and secondary ischaemic stroke prevention. Study quality was evaluated through Cochrane Risk of Bias and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tools where possible. A narrative review was conducted and meta-analysis performed for studies with comparable outcomes. Of the 834 initial articles, 31 met inclusion criteria. Study designs were varied and included controlled trials, observational studies, audit reports and conference abstracts. Seven studies addressed the pharmacists' role in primary prevention and 24 in secondary prevention. Pharmacist interventions reported were diverse and often multifactorial. Overall, 20 studies reported significant improvement in outcomes. Meta-analysis showed pharmacist interventions in emergency care significantly improved the odds of achieving thrombolytic therapy door to needle (DTN) times ≤45 min, odds ratio: 2.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.95−3.72); p < 0.001. The pharmacists' role is varied and spans the stroke treatment pathway, with the potential for a positive impact on a range of health-related outcomes.
Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell adoptive transfer is a promising treatment for several cancers but is less effective for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In this study, we report on quadruple gene-engineered induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NK cells designed for mass production from a renewable source and for dual targeting against multiple myeloma through the introduction of an NK cell-optimized chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and a high affinity, non-cleavable CD16 to augment antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity when combined with therapeutic anti-CD38 antibodies. Additionally, these cells express a membrane-bound interleukin-15 fusion molecule to enhance function and persistence along with knock out of CD38 to prevent antibody-mediated fratricide and enhance NK cell metabolic fitness. In various preclinical models, including xenogeneic adoptive transfer models, quadruple gene-engineered NK cells consistently demonstrate durable antitumor activity independent of exogenous cytokine support. Results presented here support clinical translation of this off-the-shelf strategy for effective treatment of multiple myeloma.
Multiple Myeloma , Humans , Multiple Myeloma/genetics , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , Killer Cells, Natural , B-Cell Maturation Antigen , Receptors, Natural Killer Cell , NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
The current research is meant to develop novel semiconductor photocatalysts, for the decomposition of tetracycline (TC) as a model organic contaminant in the aquatic environment. The fabrication of Fe2(MoO4)3/Cd0.5Ni0.5S (FMO/CNS) composite has proven to be an effective method for improving the sustainability and photocatalytic activity of Cd0.5Ni0.5S (CNS). Under visible light irradiation, FMO/CNS nanocomposite demonstrated significant PMS activation which led to 1.36 and 1.81 times TC removal efficiency as compared to immaculate Fe2(MoO4)3(FMO) and CNS. FMO/CNS composite potentially promotes the segregation of electron-hole pairs (e--h+) and exemplifies amazing photocatalytic performance for TC degradation. Its significant photocatalytic activity is due to its unique structure, which includes tiny pores on the surface that confine the PMS molecule to the interface. The FMO/CNS composite has significantly greater piezocatalytic activity than pure FMO and CNS, demonstrating the synergistic effect of FMO and CNS. In the degradation of TC, holes and key reactive radicals (â¢O2-/â¢OH/SO4-â¢) played a major role. Computational studies (DFT) estimates, including the determination of intermediates, confirmed that the hydroxyl addition and C-N cleavage pathways were responsible for TC degradation. As a result, this work delivers a new approach to developing novel photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity for the abatement of organic contaminants in water.
Cadmium , Tetracycline , Catalysis , Tetracycline/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Light , Water
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and silicon (Si) are known for alleviating abiotic stresses in crop plants. In this study, Bacillus drentensis and Enterobacter cloacae strains of PGPR and foliar application of Si were tested for regulating the antioxidant metabolism and nutrient uptake on grain yield of mung bean under irrigation of saline water (3.12 and 7.81 dS m-1). Bacterial inoculation and supplemental Si (1 and 2 kg ha-1) reduced salinity-induced oxidative stress in mung bean leaves. The improved salt stress tolerance was achieved by enhancing the activities of catalase (45%), peroxidase (43%) and ascorbate peroxidase (48%), while decreasing malondialdehyde levels (57%). Enhanced nutrient uptake of magnesium 1.85 mg g-1, iron 7 mg kg-1, zinc 49.66 mg kg-1 and copper 12.92 mg kg-1 in mung bean seeds was observed with foliar application of Si and PGPR inoculation. Biomass (7.75 t ha-1), number of pods per plant (16.02) and 1000 seed weight (60.95 g) of plants treated with 2 kg Si ha-1 and B. drentensis clearly outperformed treatments with Si or PGPR alone. In conclusion, application of Si and PGPR enhances mung bean productivity under saline conditions, thereby helping exploitation of agriculture in low productive areas.
Finasteride is considered the drug of choice for androgenic alopecia and benign prostate hyperplasia. The aim of the study was to formulate nanodrug carriers of finasteride with enhanced retentive properties in the skin. The finasteride was formulated as solid lipid nanoparticles that were decorated with different concentrations of chitosan for improved retentive properties. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were synthesized by "high-speed homogenization technique" using stearic acid as a solid lipid while PEG-6000 and Tween-80 were used as surfactants. The SLNs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, and drug release behavior. The mean particle size of SLNs was in the range of 10.10 nm to 144.2 nm. The PDI ranged from 0.244 to 0.412 while zeta potential was in the range of 8.9 mV to 62.6 mV. The drug entrapment efficiency in chitosan undecorated formulations was 48.3% while an increase in drug entrapment was observed in chitosan-decorated formulations (51.1% to 62%). The in vitro drug release studies of SLNs showed an extended drug release for 24 hours after 4 hours of initial burst release. The extended drug release was observed in chitosan-coated SLNs in comparison with uncoated nanoparticles. The permeation and retention study revealed higher retention of drug in the skin and low permeation with chitosan-decorated SLNs that ranged from 39.4 µg/cm2 to 13.2 µg/cm2. TEM images depicted spherical shape of SLNs. The stability study confirmed stable formulations in temperature range of 5°C and 40°C for three months. It is concluded from this study that the SLNs of finasteride were successfully formulated and chitosan decoration enhanced the drug retention in the skin layers. Therefore, these formulations could be used in androgenic alopecia and benign prostate hyperplasia to avoid the side effects, drug degradation, and prolonged use of drug with conventional oral therapy.
Chitosan , Nanoparticles , Alopecia , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods , Chitosan/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Liberation , Finasteride , Humans , Hyperplasia , Lipids/chemistry , Liposomes , Male , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Particle Size
Substantial numbers of B cell leukemia and lymphoma patients relapse due to antigen loss or heterogeneity after anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. To overcome antigen escape and address antigen heterogeneity, we engineered induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells to express both an NK cell-optimized anti-CD19 CAR for direct targeting and a high affinity, non-cleavable CD16 to augment antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. In addition, we introduced a membrane-bound IL-15/IL-15R fusion protein to promote in vivo persistence. These engineered cells, termed iDuo NK cells, displayed robust CAR-mediated cytotoxic activity that could be further enhanced with therapeutic antibodies targeting B cell malignancies. In multiple in vitro and xenogeneic adoptive transfer models, iDuo NK cells exhibited robust anti-lymphoma activity. Furthermore, iDuo NK cells effectively eliminated both CD19+ and CD19- lymphoma cells and displayed a unique propensity for targeting malignant cells over healthy cells that expressed CD19, features not achievable with anti-CAR19 T cells. iDuo NK cells combined with therapeutic antibodies represent a promising approach to prevent relapse due to antigen loss and tumor heterogeneity in patients with B cell malignancies.
Leukemia , Neoplasms , Humans , Antigenic Drift and Shift , Leukemia/therapy , Killer Cells, Natural
N-(4-bromophenyl)furan-2-carboxamide (3) was synthesized by the reaction furan-2-carbonyl chloride (1) and 4-bromoaniline (2) in the presence of Et3N in excellent yields of 94%. The carboxamide (3) was arylated by employing triphenylphosphine palladium as a catalyst and K3PO4 as a base to afford N-(4-bromophenyl)furan-2-carboxamide analogues (5a-i) in moderate to good yields (43-83%). Furthermore, we investigated the in vitro anti-bacterial activities of the respective compounds against clinically isolated drug-resistant bacteria A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae and S. aureus. The molecule (3) was found to be the most effective activity against these bacteria, particularly NDM-positive bacteria A. baumannii as compared to various commercially available drugs. Docking studies and MD simulations further validated it, expressing the active site and molecular interaction stability.
BACKGROUND: Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are typically safe. However, there is evidence that OTC medicines can sometimes cause harm as a result of their misuse, abuse and dependence. AIM OF THE REVIEW: To review the literature on OTC medicines misuse, abuse and dependence in adults and identify the implicated medicines, contributing factors, associated harms and risk-mitigating interventions. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between January 2011 and March 2019. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies assessing aspects of misuse, abuse and dependence of OTC medicines in individuals aged 18 years or more were included. Studies that solely focused on adolescents only, doping in sports or abuse of OTC medicines in people who are substance abusers were excluded. The random effect meta-analysis model was used to pool the prevalence among the population-based studies. RESULTS: Of 2355 peer-reviewed studies initially identified, 53 were included in this review. According to the study design, the prevalence varied, but the overall pooled prevalence in the population-based studies was: 16.2% for misuse, 2.0% for abuse, and 7.2% for dependence. The common OTC medicines groups involved in the problematic use were analgesics (with or without codeine), sedative antihistamines, cough mixtures containing dextromethorphan. Physical, psychological, social and financial harms were associated with problematic use of OTC medicines in addition to hospitalisation and death. Interventions for the affected individuals were provided mainly through the community pharmacies, general practices and specialised addiction centres. CONCLUSION: The problematic use of OTC medicines is quite prevalent in adults, necessitating raising public awareness about their safe use. In addition, innovative harm minimisation models need to be developed, evaluated and implemented across health care settings.
