Biological Characteristics and Pathogenesis of Monkeypox Virus: An Overview.

Although the smallpox virus has been eradicated worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the virus's potential to propagate globally. The WHO labeled monkeypox a world public health emergency in July 2022, requiring urgent prevention and treatment. The monkeypox virus is a part of the Poxviridae family, Orthopoxvirus genus, and is accountable for smallpox, which has killed over a million people in the past. Natural hosts of the virus include squirrels, Gambian rodents, chimpanzees, and other monkeys. The monkeypox virus has transmitted to humans through primary vectors (various animal species) and secondary vectors, including direct touch with lesions, breathing particles from body fluids, and infected bedding. The viral particles are ovoid or brick-shaped, 200-250 nm in diameter, contain a single double-stranded DNA molecule, and reproduce only in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Monkeypox causes fever, cold, muscle pains, headache, fatigue, and backache. The phylogenetic investigation distinguished between two genetic clades of monkeypox: the more pathogenic Congo Basin clade and the West Africa clade. In recent years, the geographical spread of the human monkeypox virus has accelerated despite a paucity of information regarding the disease's emergence, ecology, and epidemiology. Using lesion samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the monkeypox virus was diagnosed. In the USA, the improved Ankara vaccine can now be used to protect people who are at a higher risk of getting monkeypox. Antivirals that we have now work well against smallpox and may stop the spread of monkeypox, but there is no particular therapy for monkeypox.

Innate immune response to double-stranded RNA in American heritage chicken breeds.

Backyard poultry flocks that employ heritage breeds of chicken play a crucial role in the maintenance of poultry pathogens of economic and zoonotic importance. This study examined innate immunity to viral pathogens in heritage chicken breeds using a model of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Following intraperitoneal injection of high molecular weight (HMW) -poly(I:C)/Lyovec into 4-wk-old chicks, we evaluated gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes. There was a significant difference across breeds in the expression of IL-4, IL-12p40, IFNγ, and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) in the spleen. In PBMCs, a significant difference in IFN-α expression was seen across breeds. Approximately 57% of IFN-α transcripts in PBMCs was explained by levels of expression of MDA5 transcripts. Using flow cytometry, we showed that only monocytes/macrophages (KUL01+ cells) expressed the scavenger receptor CD163. Regression analysis showed that 42% of fold change in CD163 expression on PBMCs was explained by breed (P < 0.0004). In general, breeds that responded to HMW-poly(I:C) by showing higher upregulation of IFNγ, IL-1ß, and IL-12p40 transcripts in the spleen, and higher IFNα transcripts in peripheral blood, expressed less CD163 on blood monocytes. These findings suggest a genetic basis for the response of chickens to double-stranded RNA. Surface expression of the scavenger receptor CD163 in PBMCs following injection of high molecular weight poly(I:C) may be a rapid method to select chickens for breeding based on innate immune response to viral dsRNA.

Length-Dependent Modulation of B Cell Activating Factor Transcripts in Chicken Macrophage by Viral Double-Stranded RNA.

Viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) interacts with Retinoic-acid-inducible-gene-1 (RIG-1)-like receptors (RLRs) to induce type 1 interferons. Melanoma-derived-antigen-5 (MDA-5), an RLR, but not RIG-1, is found in chickens. Ducks express both RIG-1 and MDA-5, a possible cause of differences in susceptibility to influenza virus infection between chickens and ducks. Using the HD11 chicken macrophage cell line and an RT2 Profiler PCR-array system, we showed that high-molecular-weight poly(I:C), HMW-poly(I:C), upregulates CCL4, interferon-gamma, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 mRNA transcripts. HMW-poly(I:C), an in vitro surrogate of long dsRNA species, also induces the upregulation of IL-12B and B cell activating factor (BAFF). Conversely, low-molecular-weight poly(I:C), LMW-poly(I:C) did not induce a distinct cytokine expression pattern. Nonetheless, co-transfection of LMW and HMW-poly(I:C) significantly reduced the upregulation of IL12B and BAFF by HMW-poly(I:C). These findings support previous studies that found no expression of RIG-1, a receptor for short dsRNA species, in chicken cells. Surprisingly, however, our data suggested that in the absence of RIG-1 in chicken macrophages, short dsRNA species may inhibit macrophage-mediated B cell development and survival by modulating the expression of BAFF without significantly reducing type 1 interferon response.

Public Awareness Regarding Corticosteroid Use and Side Effects: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The administration of corticosteroids may have possible hazards, ranging from minor adverse medication reactions to more serious considerations. We aimed to assess levels of public awareness concerning corticosteroid use, side effects, and predictors of its use. A cross-sectional study was conducted online throughout the period of May to July 2023. The present investigation utilized a previously developed questionnaire tool. The study encompassed a cohort of 732 individuals. Upon inquiry regarding the adverse effects of corticosteroid treatment, the participants predominantly reported weight gain, skin alterations, and fluid retention leading to breathing difficulties, constituting 44.4%, 30.3%, and 27.7% of the responses, respectively. The prevailing adverse effects observed in individuals using corticosteroids were weight gain, alterations in mood, and changes in skin characteristics, which accounted for 38.1%, 25.7%, and 21.8% of reported cases, respectively. Individuals within the age range of 41-50 years and those who are currently not working show a higher propensity for utilizing corticosteroids in comparison to other demographic groups (p < 0.05). The level of general public knowledge about corticosteroids and the side effects connected with them in Saudi Arabia was adequate. Demographic factors, such as age, gender, and education, have an impact on the use of corticosteroids.

Unveiling the effect of shapes and electrolytes on the electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation activity of self-standing Pd nanostructures.

Morphologically controlled Pd-based nanocrystals are the most efficient strategies for improving the electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) performance; however, their morphological-EOR activity relationship and effect of electrolytes at a wide pH range are still ambiguous. Here, we have synthesized porous self-standing Pd clustered nanospheres (Pd-CNSs) and Pd nanocubes (Pd-NCBs) for the EOR in acidic (H2SO4), alkaline (KOH), and neutral (NaHCO3) electrolytes compared to commercial spherical-like Pd/C catalysts. The fabrication process comprises the ice-cooling reduction of Pd precursor by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and l-ascorbic acid to form Pd-CNSs and Pd-NCBs, respectively. The EOR activity of Pd-CNSs significantly outperformed those of Pd-NCBs, and Pd/C in all electrolytes, but the EOR activity was better in KOH than in H2SO4 and NaHCO3. This is due to the 3D porous clustered nanospherical morphology that makes Pd active centers more accessible and maximizes their utilization during EOR. The EOR specific/mass activities of Pd-CNSs reached (8.51 mA/cm2/2.39 A/mgPd) in KOH, (2.98 mA/cm2/0.88 A/mgPd) in H2SO4, and (0.061 mA/cm2/0.0083 A/mgPd) in NaHCO3, in addition to stability after 1000 cycles. This study affirms that porous 3D spherical Pd nanostructures are preferred for the EOR than those of 0D spherical-like and multi-dimensional cube-like nanostructures.

Antagonistic Potentiality of Actinomycete-Derived Extract with Anti-Biofilm, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Capabilities as a Natural Combating Strategy for Multidrug-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens.

The global increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has inspired researchers to develop new strategies to overcome this problem. In this study, 23 morphologically different, soil-isolated actinomycete cultures were screened for their antibacterial ability against MDR isolates of ESKAPE pathogens. Among them, isolate BOGE18 exhibited a broad antibacterial spectrum, so it was selected and identified based on cultural, morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Chemotaxonomic analysis was also performed together with nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, which showed this strain to have identity with Streptomyces lienomycini. The ethyl acetate extract of the cell-free filtrate (CFF) of strain BOGE18 was evaluated for its antibacterial spectrum, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 62.5 to 250 µg/ml. The recorded results from the in vitro anti-biofilm microtiter assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of sub-MIC concentrations revealed a significant reduction in biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. The extract also displayed significant scavenging activity, reaching 91.61 ± 4.1% and 85.06 ± 3.14% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), respectively. A promising cytotoxic ability against breast (MCF-7) and hepatocellular (HePG2) cancer cell lines was obtained from the extract with IC50 values of 47.15 ± 13.10 and 122.69 ± 9.12 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, nine known compounds were detected in the BOGE18 extract, suggesting their contribution to the multitude of biological activities recorded in this study. Overall, Streptomyces lienomycini BOGE18-derived extract is a good candidate for use in a natural combating strategy to prevent bacterial infection, especially by MDR pathogens.

Biogenic synthesis of CuO-NPs as nanotherapeutics approaches to overcome multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA).

Due to the misuse of antibiotics, the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) has caused serious infections and become more difficult to deal with. Here we propose to synthesise copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) using a cell-free filter of Streptomyces rochei to enhance antibiotics activity against (MDRSA) and kill them. Characterisation of CuO-NPs using ultraviolet, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and X-ray diffraction, were investigated. The antibacterial action of the CuO-NPs was tested against standard strain and clinical isolates using the agar well diffusion method and the microdilution assay. The results showed the monodispersed spherical shape CuO-NPs with a mean diameter of 10.7 nm and were found to be active against (MDRSA). By a combination of CuO-NPs with different antibiotics, the highest synergistic effect was observed with cefoxitin, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was reduced to 6.5 for CuO-NPs, and 19.5 for cefoxitin. Time-kill assay showed the highest reduction in log10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml of initial inoculum of MRSA after 24 h. The HFB-4 cells cultured in the presence of CuO-NPs showed normal morphology with 100% viability at 8 µg/ml. TEM showed that combination (1/4 MIC cefoxitin +1/16 MIC CuO-NPs) highly damages bacterial cells' shape. The biosynthesis CuO-NPs showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus suggesting a promising alternative in clinical.

COVID-19 and Preexisting Comorbidities: Risks, Synergies, and Clinical Outcomes.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its associated symptoms, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in the declaration of a pandemic. When several countries began enacting quarantine and lockdown policies, the pandemic as it is now known truly began. While most patients have minimal symptoms, approximately 20% of verified subjects are suffering from serious medical consequences. Co-existing diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and others, have been shown to make patients more vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19 by modulating host-viral interactions and immune responses, causing severe infection and mortality. In this review, we outline the putative signaling pathways at the interface of COVID-19 and several diseases, emphasizing the clinical and molecular implications of concurring diseases in COVID-19 clinical outcomes. As evidence is limited on co-existing diseases and COVID-19, most findings are preliminary, and further research is required for optimal management of patients with comorbidities.

A Randomized Trial Assessing the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy During Morning Off of AZ-009.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation of apomorphine could be a faster-acting and more user-friendly alternative to subcutaneous injection for treating off periods in Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics of inhaled apomorphine (AZ-009) with subcutaneous apomorphine (APO-go PEN) in healthy volunteers (HVs) and to examine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of AZ-009 in patients with PD. METHODS: In part A of this study, eight HVs received 1 mg AZ-009 and 2 mg subcutaneous apomorphine in a randomized crossover manner. In the subsequent single ascending dose parts in HVs (part B, n = 16) and patients with PD (part C, n = 25), participants were randomized to placebo or AZ-009 up to 4 mg. In patients, after medication withdrawal, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III and on/off states were assessed predose and postdose. RESULTS: AZ-009 was rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentrations at 2 minutes, as compared to 30 minutes for subcutaneous apomorphine. Adverse events for AZ-009 were comparable to subcutaneous apomorphine, except for mild and transient throat irritation. Adverse events limited AZ-009 dose escalation in HVs to 3 mg. Patients tolerated up to 4 mg. In patients with PD, 2, 3, and 4 mg AZ-009 reduced mean Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III score (standard deviation) by 10.7 (13.6), 12.8 (7.9), and 10.3 (3.7) points, respectively, compared to 4.8 (4.9) after placebo at 10 minutes postdose. The percentage of patients achieving full on within 45 minutes postdose increased dose dependently: 0% (placebo), 17% (2 mg), 50% (3 mg), and 83% (4 mg). CONCLUSIONS: AZ-009 appears to be a rapid-acting and reasonably well-tolerated formulation for treating off periods. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Enhanced removal of fifteen pesticide mixture by a single bacterial strain using response surface methodology and its application in raw milk.

PURPOSE: Environmental contamination with various pesticides accompanied by uncontrolled use contributes to severe ecological and health problems. Although extensive research was conducted on pesticides degradation, very few reports have demonstrated the degradation of mixed pesticides. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the removal efficacy of highly potent bacterial isolate for pesticide mixture under optimal culture conditions, followed by their application in milk. METHODS: Isolation and selection of bacterial isolates were performed from 40 milk samples by enrichment culture technique and were screened to obtain highly potent bacterial strain identified by 16 S rDNA analysis. The statistics-based experimental designs were applied to optimize the culture conditions towards the best degradation of pesticides mixture, followed by subsequent utilization in milk. The degradation ratio of pesticides was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In this study, a bacterial strain S6A identified as Bacillus subtilis-mw1 efficiently eliminated environmental contaminants from different groups of pesticide residues. The statistical optimization showcased optimum settings that accomplished the highest pesticide mixture degradation (61.59 %). The application experiment manifested that degradation of pesticide mixtures of sterile milk (STM) was relatively faster than non-sterile milk (NSTM). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results assist in eliminating environmental contamination with various groups of pesticide residues. Furthermore, it can be employed in reducing pesticide residues that cause milk contamination to increase safety and quality.Graphical abstract. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-021-00683-0.

A-π-D-π-A-Based Small Molecules for OTFTs Containing Diketopyrrolopyrrole as Acceptor Units.

A-π-D-π-A-based small molecules 6,6'-((thiophene-2,5-diylbis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))bis(thiophene-5,2-diyl))bis(2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione) (TDPP-T) and 6,6'-(((2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxine-5,7-diyl)bis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))bis(thiophene-5,2-diyl))bis(2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione) (TDPP-EDOT) have been designed and synthesized. The diketopyrrolopyrrole acts as an electron acceptor, while the thiophene or 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene acts as an electron donor. The donor-acceptor groups are connected by an ethynyl bridge to further enhance the conjugation. The optoelectronics, electrochemical, and thermal properties have been investigated. Organic thin film transistor (OTFT) devices prepared from TDPP-T and TDPP-EDOT have shown p-type mobility. In as cast films, TDPP-T and TDPP-EDOT have shown a hole mobility of 5.44 × 10-6 cm2 V-1 s-1 and 4.13 × 10-6 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. The increase in the mobility of TDPP-T and TDPP-EDOT OTFT devices was observed after annealing at 150 °C, after which the mobilities were 3.11 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 and 2.63 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively.

Impact of Macrodiols on the Morphological Behavior of H12MDI/HDO-Based Polyurethane Elastomer.

In this study, we evaluated the morphological behavior of polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) by modifying the soft segment chain length. This was achieved by increasing the soft segment molecular weight (Mn = 400-4000 gmol-1). In this regard, polycaprolactone diol (PCL) was selected as the soft segment, and 4,4'-cyclohexamethylene diisocyanate (H12MDI) and 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) were chosen as the hard segments. The films were prepared by curing polymer on Teflon surfaces. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized for functional group identification in the prepared elastomers. FTIR peaks indicated the disappearance of -NCO and -OH groups and the formation of urethane (NHCOO) groups. The morphological behavior of the synthesized polymer samples was also elucidated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The AFM and SEM results indicated that the extent of microphase separation was enhanced by an increase in the molecular weight of PCL. The phase separation and degree of crystallinity of the soft and hard segments were described using X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed that the degree of crystallinity of the synthesized polymers increased with an increase in the soft segment's chain length. To evaluate hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, the contact angle was measured. A gradual increase in the contact angle with distilled water and diiodomethane (38.6°-54.9°) test liquids was observed. Moreover, the decrease in surface energy (46.95-24.45 mN/m) was also found to be inconsistent by increasing the molecular weight of polyols.

Eco-friendly highly efficient BN/rGO/TiO2 nanocomposite visible-light photocatalyst for phenol mineralization.

Boron nitride (BN) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) of different loadings were composited with commercial P25 TiO2 (Ti) through the hydrothermal method. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and transmission and scanning electron microscopies. It was observed that 10% and 0.1% of BN and rGO, respectively, loaded on TiO2 (10BNr0.1GOTi) resulted in the best nanocomposite in terms of phenol degradation under simulated sunlight. A 93.4% degradation of phenol was obtained within 30 min in the presence of H2O2. Finally, to ensure the safe use of BNrGOTi nanoparticles in the aquatic environment, acute zebrafish toxicity (acutoxicity) assays were studied. The 96-h acute toxicity assays using the zebrafish embryo model revealed that the LC50 for the BNrGOTi nanoparticle was 677.8 mg L-1 and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was 150 mg L-1. Therefore, based on the LC50 value and according to the Fish and Wildlife Service Acute Toxicity Rating Scale, BNrGOTi is categorized as a "practically not toxic" photocatalyst for water treatment.

Facile synthesis, physiochemical characterization and bio evaluation of sulfadimidine capped cobalt nanoparticles.

Due to their less expensive, environment friendly nature, and their natural abundance of cobalt have attained more significant attention for the synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles. In the present study, we report the facile synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles using a straight forward chemical reduction approach of cobalt chloride with sodium borohydride and capping of sulfadimidine. sulfadimidine has strong capping eligibility on the surface of nanoparticles due to its chemical stability and is an applicable as stabilizer due to the existence of an amine bond. The as-synthesized sulfadimidine stabilized cobalt nanoparticles (Co-SD NPs) were characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic analysis like UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The XRD analysis exhibited the triclinic crystal structure of the as-synthesized cobalt nanoparticles and FT-IR analysis confirmed the capping of sulfadimidine via monodentate interaction. The HR-TEM analysis displayed the size of the cobalt nanoparticles approximately 3-5 nm. The antibacterial properties of the sulfadimidine stabilized cobalt nanoparticles (Co-SD NPs) were tested against various bacterial strains such as Klebsiella pneumonia (KP), Escherichia coli (EC) and Pseudomonas syringae (PS) by using agar disc diffusion approach. The results of sulfadimidine capped cobalt nanoparticles displayed the enhanced biological properties against the tested gram-negative bacteria.

Mn3O4 nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and their antimicrobial and anticancer activity against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines.

Due to their inexpensive and eco-friendly nature, and existence of manganese in various oxidation states and their natural abundance have attained significant attention for the formation of Mn3O4 nanoparticles (Mn3O4 NPs). Herein, we report the preparation of Mn3O4 nanoparticles using manganese nitrate as a precursor material by utilization of a precipitation technique. The as-prepared Mn3O4 nanoparticles (Mn3O4 NPs) were characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), High-Resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The antimicrobial properties of the as-synthesized Mn3O4 nanoparticles were investigated against numerous bacterial and fungal strains including S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, A. flavus and C. albicans. The Mn3O4 NPs inhibited the growth of S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40 µg/ml and C. albicans with a MIC of 15 µg/ml. Furthermore, the Mn3O4 NPs anti-cancer activity was examined using MTT essay against A549 lung and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The Mn3O4 NPs revealed significant activity against the examined cancer cell lines A549 and MCF-7. The IC50 values of Mn3O4 NPs with A549 cell line was found at concentration of 98 µg/mL and MCF-7 cell line was found at concentration of 25 µg/mL.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and comparison of the herbal extracts and sodium hypochlorite against primary plaque colonizers.

NaClO is not suitable as a root canal irrigant because of its cytotoxicity. Good biocompatibility irrigants are required to have antibacterial activity. Many herbal products like Bee glue, Noni juice and Azadirachta indica have such properties. This study aims to investigate the possible effects of propolis, MCJ and Neem on bacterial infections and cytotoxicity in primary plaque colonizers. Direct contact and agar diffusion tests evaluated the antibacterial activity of herbal products against Fusobacterium, Candida albicans and Prevotella. The CCK 8 test determined the influence of these herbal products on the proliferation of human apical papilla stem cells (hSCAPs) and human periodontal fibroblasts (hPDLFs). A migration assay test was performed in addition to quantitative real-time PCR which measured osteogenic differentiation in hSCAPs. All herbal extracts tested in this study exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to NaClO against bacterial infections, while the strongest bacteriostatic effect was shown in the herbal treated group. These extracts had much weaker effects on the proliferation and migration of hSCAPs and hPDLFs as calculated by the CCK-8 assay against NaClO. Bee glue treatment had the most potent effect on osteogenic differentiation, followed by treatment with Noni juice and Azadirachta indica (Neem), while NaClO showed the lowest effect. For primary plaque colonizers of immature or advanced permanent teeth, Bee glue, Noni juice, and Azadirachta indica can be promising irrigants with good biocompatibility. Direct contact process and agar diffusion studies have tested the antibacterial activity against Fusobacterium, Candida albicans and Prevotella. The CCK 8 test determined the influence of these three plants on the proliferation of human apical papilla stem cells (hSCAPs) and human periodontal fibroblasts (hPDLFs). In order to examine migration ability, migration assay test was performed. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and quantitative real-time PCR measured osteo-/odontogenic differentiation in hSCAPs. All herbal extracts tested in this study exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to NaClO against bacterial infections, while the strongest bacteriostatic effect was shown in the treated group. These extracts had much weaker effects on the proliferation and migration of hSCAPs and hPDLFs as calculated by the CCK-8 assay against NaClO. Bee glue treatment had the most potent effect on osteo-odontogenic differentiation, followed by treatment with Noni juice and Azadirachta indica (Neem), while NaClO showed the lowest effect. For primary plaque colonizers of immature or advanced permanent teeth, Bee glue, Noni juice and Azadirachta indica (Neem) can be promising irrigants.

Pressure Urticaria in an Infant Appearing Similar to Physical Abuse.

A healthy Hispanic boy was born via cesarean delivery after an uncomplicated pregnancy. At 4 weeks old , his parents brought him to the emergency department for bruising on both soles of the feet. At 6 weeks old, his parents brought him to primary care for new bruises on his arms and back. After evaluation, primary care referred the patient to the emergency department. The parents denied any recent trauma, fever, cough, decreased urine, or change in appetite. Because of 2 episodes of unexplained bruising, the Department of Children and Families was granted emergency custody of the child. Hematology and ophthalmology did not identify any clear abnormalities. Skeletal surveys were normal. Dermatology was consulted. The examination was normal except for pink blanching patches on the upper back and linearly arranged pink blanching papules on the right lower leg. No crusting, erosions, hyperpigmentation, purpura, petechiae, or ecchymoses were seen. These lesions completely resolved the next day. He tested positive for dermatographism and developed similar lesions on his soles after pushing his feet down onto a soft surface. The intermittent urticarial skin changes were most consistent with physical urticaria. Such lesions could be mistaken for trauma; however, blood vessel damage typically results in progressive coloration changes for >1 day. At the emergency court hearing, given the concurring medical opinions of the dermatologist, pediatrician, and Child Protective Services, the judge returned full custody to the parents. This case reveals the value of dermatologic expertise in assessing skin changes, particularly those associated with physical abuse.

Embedded fuzzy sliding mode control for polymer extrusion process.

The present study introduces the problem of controlling the polymer extrusion (PE) machine by applying a fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) structure. The PE is an uncertain and perturbed common industrial process. The problems of the PE often arise from a maladjusted and unsteady feeding rate. For the proposed FSMC, the proportional-integral (PI) sliding surface is derived intuitively. The reaching control is implemented using the fuzzy inference system (FIS) to improve control robustness and avoid undesired chattering effect. Stability of proposed FSMC is studied using Lyapunov stability approach. The implementing of FSMC in real-time using a microcontroller kit is carried out. The experimental testing of the proposed FSMC for PE machine is performed. The comparative quantitative analysis of the proposed FSMC, the second order sliding mode control (SOSMC) and PID algorithms are presented. The system performance shows the effectiveness of the proposed FSMC.

Rational Synthesis of Porous Graphitic-like Carbon Nitride Nanotubes Codoped with Au and Pd as an Efficient Catalyst for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation.

The precise fabrication of efficient catalysts for CO oxidation is of particular interest in a wide range of industrial and environmental applications. Herein, a scalable method is presented for the controlled synthesis of graphitic-like porous carbon nitride nanotubes (gC3N4NTs) codoped with Au and Pd (Au/Pd/gC3N4NTs) as efficient catalysts for carbon monoxide (CO) conversion. This includes the activation of melamine with nitric acid in the presence of ethylene glycol and metal precursors followed by consecutive polymerization and carbonization. This drives the formation of porous one-dimensional gC3N4NT with an outstanding surface area of (320.6 m2 g-1) and an atomic-level distribution of Au and Pd. Intriguingly, the CO conversion efficiency of Au/Pd/gC3N4NTs was substantially greater than that for gC3N4NTs. The approach thus presented may provide new avenues for the utilization of gC3N4 doped with multiple metal-based catalysts for CO conversion reactions which had been rarely reported before.

The Relationship Between Spirituality and Quality of Life of Jordanian Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between spirituality and quality of life (QoL) of Jordanian women diagnosed with breast cancer. Descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted using a convenient sample of 150 Jordanian women with breast cancer at King Hussein Cancer Center. Participants completed the Arabic version of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being. A positive linear relationship was found between spirituality and QoL, r = 0.67, p = 0.000. The highest score of correlation was seen between spirituality and the functional domain, r = 0.63, p = 0.000. Spiritual intervention could contribute to increased functional, social, and physical well-being and enhance the total health and QoL of women diagnosed with breast cancer.