The Surface Deterioration of Prefabricated Zirconia Crowns on Exposure to Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Gel: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Zirconia is a widely used restorative material in dentistry due to its superior aesthetic and mechanical properties. The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem with various components, which affect the teeth, as well as artificial restorative materials. Various personal and professional interventions carried out can severely affect the properties of restorative materials, thus altering the longevity of the prosthesis; 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel is one such professionally applied topical fluoride agent used to prevent caries. The interaction of this APF gel with highly aesthetic restorative material such as zirconia crowns is unknown. Objective The objective of this study is the evaluation of the surface deterioration of prefabricated zirconia crowns on exposure to deionised water and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and mass loss analysis. Material and method Sixty prefabricated paediatric zirconia crowns were taken, 10 samples were immersed in deionised water, 40 samples were immersed in 1.23% APF gel and 10 samples were used as control. Surface morphology and mass loss analysis were carried out at time intervals of four minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours using FE-SEM and digital weighing machine. Results No visual change was observed in the samples immersed in deionised water at the time interval of 72 hours. There was a marked visual change in samples immersed in 1.23% APF gel at the time interval of four minutes to 72 hours; this change involved a loss of gloss to the appearance of chalkiness. FE-SEM analysis for the control group and samples immersed in deionised water showed a smooth, continuous, undisrupted top layer, while samples immersed in 1.23% APF gel showed changes ranging from surface etching, to pinhole porosities, to crack formation and disruption of the surface depending upon the exposure time. Conclusions On the immersion of zirconia crowns in an aqueous acidic medium of 1.23% APF gel, the crowns showed flaws, imperfections and uneven superficial layers. It has been observed that surface grains are disrupted and micropores have been formed. This degraded superficial surface when undergoes cyclic mechanical loading can accelerate the ageing phenomenon of zirconia. Mechanical forces along with a dynamic electrochemical environment can degrade the material properties of zirconia.

Combinatorial effects of hydroxyapatite and Tualang honey on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ): An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe complication associated with prolonged bisphosphonate therapy. Increasing evidence shows that mucosal damage plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MRONJ. This study investigates the combinatorial effects of hydroxyapatite with Tualang honey on cell viability and wound healing in MRONJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The incorporation of Tualang honey into hydroxyapatite was assessed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron-energy dispersive X-ray analysis microscopy (FESEM-EDX). The effect of hydroxyapatite combined with Tualang honey on cell viability was determined by WST-1 assay and wound healing was assessed by scratch assay. RESULTS: The incorporation of Tualang honey into hydroxyapatite altered the functional groups, structure, size, morphology, and components of the crystal as evidenced by FTIR, XRD and FESEM-EDX analysis. High concentrations of pamidronic acid inhibit oral fibroblast viability and wound healing. Low and high concentrations of hydroxyapatite demonstrate non-toxicity towards fibroblast cells. Furthermore, hydroxyapatite reversed the action of pamidronic acid on the cells; it increased fibroblast viability but did not close the wound. Tualang honey promotes fibroblast viability and wound closure. However, the addition of Tualang honey is unable to overcome the inhibitory effects of pamidronic acid on fibroblasts. The addition of Tualang honey and hydroxyapatite improved the cell viability and accelerated wound closure of fibroblast exposed to pamidronic acid. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that the combination treatment protects oral fibroblasts by preventing bisphosphonate toxicity.

Unveiling thrips morphology: A comparative analysis of microscopy-based ultrastructural, morphological, and molecular characterization of Thrips tabaci and Thrips parvispinus in onion.

The present study unveils the intricate details on the morphology of thrips through optical, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene-based molecular identification tools. The variation in the morphological characters namely, antennae (seven-segmented with forked sensorium on third, fourth segments), ctenidia (paired ctenidia were present in 5th-8th abdominal segments laterally), pronotum (two pairs of posteroangular setae) were observed in both Thrips tabaci and Thrips parvispinus, respectively. Similarly, ocelli color (brown and red colored), ocellar setae (two and three pairs of ocellar setae on the head of T. tabaci and T. parvispinus, respectively. Irregular reticulate striations on metascutum and medial striations are present in the metanotum of T. parvispinus; forewings with 6 distal setae in the first vein and 15 distal setae in the second vein in T. tabaci and forewings of T. parvispinus with complete rows of setae in the first and second vein in T. parvispinus; abdomen with median dorsal setae present in the tergite of T. tabaci and presence of 6-12 discal setae in sternites III-VI segments, absence of discal setae on sternites II and VII in T. parvispinus were observed, respectively. Further, FE-SEM studies revealed that similar type of sensilla namely, sensilla basiconica (SBI, SBII, SBIII), sensilla chaetica (SChI, SChII), sensilla trichodea (ST), sensilla campaniformia (SCa), and sensilla cavity (SCav) were recorded in both the species and variations were observed in length of above sensilla of T. tabaci and T. parvispinus. Additionally, Bohm bristles (Bb) and microtrichia (Mt) on the antennal surface contributed to a comprehensive understanding of their ultrastructural features. The molecular characterization revealed a single ~450 bp nucleotide fragment with over 98% similarity for the confirmation of T. tabaci and T. parvispinus in concurrence with NCBI data. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Microscopy-based morphological and ultrastructural characterization of Thrips tabaci Lindeman and Thrips parvispinus Karny.

Photoluminescence Confocal Mapping of a Novel Nd3+/Yb3+: Zn2SiO4 Composite thin film on Si (100) Substrate Utilizing a 980 nm Pumping Source.

A fixed Nd3+ and varied Yb3+ ion concentration were incorporated in a Zinc-Silicate (SZNYX) composite solution using ex-situ sol-gel solution to fabricate a novel thin film (TF) on Si (100)-substrate. The upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of the thin films were measured under 980 nm laser excitation, with the most optimized result for Yb3+ ion concentration of 1.5 mol%. Additionally, a 2-D photoluminescence (PL) confocal mapping of the SZNY15-TF material confirmed uniform PL distribution throughout the space under the same excitation wavelength. Structural characterization via XRD revealed the tetragonal Zn2SiO4 nano-crystalline nature of the film at three distinct annealing temperatures. Morphological characterization using the Field-emission scanning electron Microscope (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) affirmed the nanoflower structure and the purity of doping purity in the samples, respectively. These findings collectively confirm the promising UCL properties of the SZNYX-TF samples, suggesting potential applications in photonic.

Development of poly(lactic acid)-based natural antimicrobial film incorporated with caprylic acid against Salmonella biofilm contamination in the meat industry.

Using a solvent-casting method, a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) film incorporated with caprylic acid (CA) was developed as an active packaging against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. enteritidis to reduce the risk of microbial contamination during distribution and storage of meat. According to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test results of the natural antimicrobial, CA was introduced at 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 % (v/v) into neat PLA. The biofilm inhibitory effect and antimicrobial efficacy of CA-PLA film against both Salmonella strains, as well as the intermolecular interactions and barrier properties of CA-PLA film, were evaluated. Biofilm formation was reduced to below the detection limit (<1.0 log CFU/cm2) for both S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis when co-cultured overnight with 4.8 % CA-PLA film. The 4.8 % CA-PLA film achieved maximum log reductions of 2.58 and 1.65 CFU/g for S. typhimurium and 2.59 and 1.76 CFU/g for S. enteritidis on inoculated chicken breast and beef stored at 25 °C overnight, respectively, without any quality (color and texture) losses. CA maintained its typical chemical structure in the film, as confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra. Furthermore, film surface morphology observations by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that CA-PLA film was smoother than neat PLA film. No significant (P > 0.05) changes were observed for water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability by the addition of CA into PLA film, suggesting that CA-PLA film is a promising strategy for active packaging to control Salmonella contamination in the meat industry.

PEDOT-Doped Mesoporous Nanocarbon Electrodes for High Capacitive Aqueous Symmetric Supercapacitors.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and PEDOT-functionalized carbon nanoparticles (f-CNPs) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and pyrolysis methods. f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites were prepared by varying the concentration of PEDOT from 1 to 20% by weight (i.e., 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt%). Several characterization techniques, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) analyses, as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were applied to investigate the morphology, the crystalline structure, the N2 adsorption/desorption capability, as well as the electrochemical properties of these new synthesized nanocomposite materials. FESEM analysis showed that these nanocomposites have defined porous structures, and BET surface area analysis showed that the standalone f-CNP exhibited the largest surface area of 801.6 m2/g, whereas the f-CNP-PEDOT with 20 wt% exhibited the smallest surface area of 116 m2/g. The BJH method showed that the nanocomposites were predominantly mesoporous. CV, GCD, and EIS measurements showed that f-CNP functionalized with 5 wt% PEDOT had a higher capacitive performance compared to the individual f-CNPs and PEDOT constituents, exhibiting an extraordinary specific capacitance of 258.7 F/g, at a current density of 0.25 A/g, due to the combined advantage of enhanced electrochemical activity induced by PEDOT doping, and highly developed porosity of f-CNPs. Symmetric aqueous supercapacitor devices were fabricated using the optimized f-CNP-PEDOT doped with 5 wt% of PEDOT as active material, exhibiting a high capacitance of 96.7 F/g at 1.4 V, holding practically their full charge, after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles at 2 A/g, thus providing the highest electrical electrodes performance. Hereafter, this work paves the way for the potential use of f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites in the development of high-energy-density supercapacitors.

Ni3V2O8 Marigold Structures with rGO Coating for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance.

In this work, Ni3V2O8 (NVO) and Ni3V2O8-reduced graphene oxide (NVO-rGO) are synthesized hydrothermally, and their extensive structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterizations follow subsequently. The synthetic materials' crystalline structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its unique marigold-like morphology was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The chemical states of the elements were investigated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to assess the electrochemical performance. A specific capacitance of 132 F/g, an energy density of 5.04 Wh/kg, and a power density of 187 W/kg were demonstrated by Ni3V2O8-rGO. Key electrochemical characteristics were b = 0.67; a transfer coefficient of 0.52; a standard rate constant of 6.07 × 10-5 cm/S; a diffusion coefficient of 5.27 × 10-8 cm2/S; and a series resistance of 1.65 Ω. By employing Ni3V2O8-rGO and activated carbon, an asymmetric supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 7.85 F/g, an energy density of 3.52 Wh/kg, and a power density of 225 W/kg was achieved. The series resistance increased from 4.27 Ω to 6.63 Ω during cyclic stability tests, which showed 99% columbic efficiency and 87% energy retention. The potential of Ni3V2O8-rGO as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors is highlighted by these findings.

A novel approach for recovery of iron from copper slag using calcium salts.

Copper slag is not only a waste but it has many valuable and recoverable metals present in it such as iron. Therefore, this study focuses on the utilization of waste materials i.e., copper slag and tire char for iron recovery. Four calcium salts, i.e., CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, CaCl2, and CaSO4, with different dosages, reduction temperature, reduction time, and atmospheric conditions were investigated in order to find best reaction mechanism for iron recovery. Among these salts, the optimum conditions were determined: using CaCO3 under 0.384 of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio in a 60-min reduction period at 1473.15K temperature, that gives 91.14% iron recovery. Both FESEM-EDS data and chemical titration showed more than 70% of the highest iron grade in the recovered product. The analysis results indicate that main impurity in the whole procedure was carbon from coal char that reduces the iron grade. This research not only provides a novel way to recover iron from copper slag, but also provides a future direction to handle copper slag and tire char waste materials.

Biosynthesis, Structural, Spectroscopic, Photoluminescence, and Antifungal Activity of Ni-doped CeO2 Nanoparticles.

Pedalium Murex leaf extract was used in this study to create Nickel-doped Cerium oxide (Ni-CeO2) nanoparticles at 3 mol% and 5 mol% molar concentrations. The biosynthesized process was applied for the fabrication of Ni-CeO2 NPs. The X-ray diffraction method was used to identify their crystal structure. The XRD measurements showed that the Ni-CeO2 NPs crystallized into the face-centred cubic system. Fourier transform infrared spectral study was applied to explore the molecular vibrations and chemical bonding. The surface texture and chemical ingredients of Ni-CeO2 NPs were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The EDX mapping spectra illustrate the uniform dispersal of Ce, Ni, and O atoms over the sample's surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted to confirm the chemical state of the Ni-CeO2 NPs. UV-Vis spectrum study was performed to ascertain the photon absorption, bandgap, and Urbach edge of Ni-CeO2 NPs. Photoluminescence (PL) research has been used to study the light-emitting characteristic of Ni-CeO2 NPs. The emissive intensity transition corresponding to Ni-CeO2 NPs was found to increase with the dopant level. The CIE 1931 chromaticity map was plotted to find the aptness of the samples for optical uses. The antifungal ability of Ni-CeO2 NPs was evaluated against the fungi candida albicans and candida krusein with the agar well-diffusion process. The fungicidal activity of the 3 mol% Ni doped CeO2 nanoparticles has shown a maximum zone of inhibition. The experimental findings illustrate the utility of Ni-CeO2 NPs for optical and antifungal applications.

Hierarchically design MoS2/CdNi@RGO ultra-thin hybrid sheet for Photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants fingerprinting in environmental matrices.

The aim of this study was to synthesize effective and economical MoS2/CdNi@rGO photocatalysts and investigate their performance in the degradation of organic pollutants in synthetic effluent. The objective was to assess the characterization results of the synthesized photocatalysts using XRD, SEM/EDS, TEM/HR-TEM, Raman spectrum, and BET isotherm analysis tools. These analyses revealed the good adhesion of MoS2 with rGO and provided insights into the structure and properties of the materials. The results showed that the MoS2/CdNi@rGO photocatalysts exhibited remarkable degradation efficiency for organic pollutants such as Rhodamine-B, erichrome black, and malachite green. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that the MoS2/CdNi@rGO catalyst had the greatest rate constant for Rhodamine-B (RhB) decomposition. which would have been approximately 33 times higher than that of pure RGO (0.0121 min-1). The MoS2/CdNi@rGO photocatalysts also showed excellent recyclability and persistence across five recycle assays, indicating their potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment. The photocatalyst was moderately active, stable up to its fifth usage and stability of the photocatalyst before and after the photocatalytic reaction was also been studied using XRD and SEM. Further research in this area could lead to the development of advanced photocatalytic technologies for environmental remediation.

Biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes from the meat processing industry environment and the use of different combinations of detergents, sanitizers, and UV-A radiation to control this microorganism in planktonic and sessile forms.

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes from the meat processing industry environment, as well as the use of different combinations of detergents, sanitizers, and UV-A radiation in the control of this microorganism in the planktonic and sessile forms. Four L. monocytogenes isolates were evaluated and showed moderate ability to form biofilm, as well as carried genes related to biofilm production (agrB, agrD, prfA, actA, cheA, cheY, flaA, sigB), and genes related to tolerance to sanitizers (lde and qacH). The biofilm-forming isolates of L. monocytogenes were susceptible to quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) and peracetic acid (PA) in planktonic form, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 125 and 75 ppm, respectively, for contact times of 10 and 5 min. These concentrations are lower than those recommended by the manufacturers, which are at least 200 and 300 ppm for QAC and PA, respectively. Biofilms of L. monocytogenes formed from a pool of isolates on stainless steel and polyurethane coupons were subjected to 14 treatments involving acid and enzymatic detergents, QAC and PA sanitizers, and UV-A radiation at varying concentrations and contact times. All treatments reduced L. monocytogenes counts in the biofilm, indicating that the tested detergents, sanitizers, and UV-A radiation exhibited antimicrobial activity against biofilms on both surface types. Notably, the biofilm formed on polyurethane showed greater tolerance to the evaluated compounds than the biofilm on stainless steel, likely due to the material's surface facilitating faster microbial colonization and the development of a more complex structure, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from the meat processing industry carry genes associated with biofilm production and can form biofilms on both stainless steel and polyurethane surfaces, which may contribute to their persistence within meat processing lines. Despite carrying sanitizer tolerance genes, QAC and PA effectively controlled these microorganisms in their planktonic form. However, combinations of detergent (AC and ENZ) with sanitizers (QAC and PA) at minimum concentrations of 125 ppm and 300 ppm, respectively, were the most effective.

An In Vitro Study on the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Bleaching Agents on Enamel: Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) With Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) Evaluation.

Aim and objective The aim of the present in vitro study is to evaluate the morphological and elemental alterations in enamel following bleaching with hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agents of different concentrations and pH values when exposed to different treatment times. Materials and method Twenty extracted maxillary central incisors were selected for the study. Tooth samples were prepared by sectioning the tooth cervico-incisally into two halves. The teeth were divided into different groups based on the bleaching protocol and bleaching agent applied: Group IA, Group IB, Group IIA, and Group IIB. Group IA received a 35% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 6 for 10 minutes with light application. Group IB received a 35% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 6 for 30 minutes with light activation. Group IIA received a 40% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 8.5 for 10 minutes with chemical activation. Group IIB received a 40% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 8.5 for 30 minutes with chemical activation. The morphology of the enamel before and after the application of the bleaching agent was evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The elemental analysis of enamel between the control and test samples was done with the help of energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results Paired t-test was used to analyze the data obtained from the study. The test samples showed erosive alterations in enamel surface morphology and also a decrease in the concentration of minerals when compared to the corresponding control groups. Conclusions The present study evidences the erosive potential of hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agents. It can be concluded that bleaching agents containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide with acidic pH can cause mineral loss and surface erosion of enamel which is extremely detrimental to the tooth integrity.

Smart integration of cold plasma stream and surface discharge with ns laser ablation for composite nanomaterial.

In this paper, smart integration of cold dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma in various geometrical arrangements with laser ablation at atmospheric pressure for nanomaterial was described. A composite Co:ZnO target was ablated in an airflow by a nanosecond (ns) laser (wavelength: 1064 nm, pulse duration: 30 ns) using fluence of 5 J-cm-2 at a repetition rate of 10 Hz. The nanomaterial produced under vertical and oblique plasma streams, surface discharge and gas flow, were compared. Utilization surface discharge markedly improved the material adhesion by altering surface intrinsic behavior, inducing anticipated surface energy activation, chemical changes, and the formation of a densely packed solid structure. Under all conditions, the material consistently retained its crystalline nature, elemental composition, and ultraviolet emission characteristics. These preliminary findings hold promise for additional research, suggesting avenues for making complex materials in a flexible environment. Such new advancements could facilitate applications in the biomedical, catalysis, pharmaceutical, and surgical device domains.

Artemisinin May Disrupt Hyphae Formation by Suppressing Biofilm-Related Genes of Candida albicans: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

This study aimed to assess the antifungal and antibiofilm efficacy of artemisinin against Candida (C.) species, analyze its impact on gene expression levels within C. albicans biofilms, and investigate the molecular interactions through molecular docking. The antifungal efficacy of artemisinin on a variety of Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant and -susceptible species, was evaluated by the microdilution method. The effect of artemisinin on C. albicans biofilm formation was investigated by MTT and FESEM. The mRNA expression of the genes related to biofilm was analyzed by qRT-PCR. In addition, molecular docking analysis was used to understand the interaction between artemisinin and C. albicans at the molecular level with RAS1-cAMP-EFG1 and EFG1-regulated genes. Artemisinin showed higher sensitivity against non-albicans Candida strains. Furthermore, artemisinin was strongly inhibitory against C. albicans biofilms at 640 µg/mL. Artemisinin downregulated adhesion-related genes ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, hyphal development genes UME6 and HGC1, and hyphal CAMP-dependent protein kinase regulators CYR1, RAS1, and EFG1. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that artemisinin and EFG1 had the highest affinity, followed by UME6. FESEM analysis showed that the fluconazole- and artemisinin-treated groups exhibited a reduced hyphal network, unusual surface bulges, and the formation of pores on the cell surfaces. Our study suggests that artemisinin may have antifungal potential and showed a remarkable antibiofilm activity by significantly suppressing adhesion and hyphal development through interaction with key proteins involved in biofilm formation, such as EFG1.

Analysis of Spatial and Biochemical Characteristics of In Vitro Cariogenic Biofilms.

Background Dental caries is the most common bacterial disease of calcified tissues of teeth. Cariogenic biofilms formed on the tooth surface secrete organic acids and thus result in demineralization. Delving into the depth of biofilms is crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and design improved therapeutic approaches. The aim of the study is to analyze the spatial and biochemical characteristics of cariogenic biofilms. Materials and methods Pulp tissue samples sourced from freshly extracted third molars were incubated with oral cariogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Entamoeba faecalis, and Candida albicans to form the biofilm. Spatial assessment of biofilms was done under FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope, JSM-IT800, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan). FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Alpha II, Bruker, Germany) spectra were assessed for chemical molecular interactions in 24- and 48-hour time periods.  Results Morphological assessment with FESEM revealed rapid growth and aggregation within a short time period. FTIR spectra to analyze chemical constituents of biofilm presented with varied peaks of water, amide A, amide I, water, lipids, and phospholipids. Conclusion Further validation with more advanced imaging for an extended time period is vital to derive better conclusive evidence.

Physical, structural and nuclear radiation shielding behavior of Ni-Cu-Zn Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles.

In this study, Ni-Cu-Zn Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles have successfully been synthesized utilizing the Co-precipitation technique. The primary objectives encompassed elucidating phase purity, discerning functional groups, scrutinizing surface morphology, and conducting structural analyses. To accomplish these objectives, a battery of advanced characterization techniques was employed, including power X-ray diffraction, Transmission infrared spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and Scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the investigation was extended to the assessment of the gamma ray shielding properties exhibited by the synthesized Ni-Cu-Zn Fe2O4 nanoparticles, spanning an energy range from 122 keV to 1330 keV. This evaluation was carried out through the utilization of a NaI(Tl) detector coupled with a PC-based multichannel analyzer. The acquired data were meticulously compared with established theoretical value. The results of this study point to a viable route for using this simple, cost-effective, and low-temperature synthesis approach to create nanomaterials suited for gamma ray shielding applications, as well as broader radiation protection. This novel technique has the potential to significantly improve radiation shielding technology. Along with this fast neutron attenuation capability of this prepared ferrite samples have been studied in terms of fast neutron removal cross section.

Chemical characteristics, morphology and source apportionment of PM10 over National Capital Region (NCR) of India.

The present study frames the physico-chemical characteristics and the source apportionment of PM10 over National Capital Region (NCR) of India using the receptor model's Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and Principal Momponent Mnalysis/Absolute Principal Component Score-Multilinear Regression (PCA/APCS-MLR). The annual average mass concentration of PM10 over the urban site of Faridabad, IGDTUW-Delhi and CSIR-NPL of NCR-Delhi were observed to be 195 ± 121, 275 ± 141 and 209 ± 81 µg m-3, respectively. Carbonaceous species (organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC)), elemental constituents (Al, Ti, Na, Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Ba, Mo Pb) and water-soluble ionic components (F-, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) of PM10 were entrenched to the receptor models to comprehend the possible sources of PM10. The PMF assorted sources over Faridabad were soil dust (SD 15%), industrial emission (IE 14%), vehicular emission (VE 19%), secondary aerosol (SA 23%) and sodium magnesium salt (SMS 17%). For IGDTUW-Delhi, the sources were SD (16%), VE (19%), SMS (18%), IE (11%), SA (27%) and VE + IE (9%). Emission sources like SD (24%), IE (8%), SMS (20%), VE + IE (12%), VE (15%) and SA + BB (21%) were extracted over CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, which are quite obvious towards the sites. PCA/APCS-MLR quantified the similar sources with varied percentage contribution. Additionally, catalogue the Conditional Bivariate Probability Function (CBPF) for directionality of the local source regions and morphology as spherical, flocculent and irregular were imaged using a Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM).

Casearia tomentosa fruit extracts exposed larvicidal activity and morphological alterations in Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus under in vitro and semi field conditions.

Mosquitoes are notorious insects that transmit a wide range of infectious diseases, including zika, malaria, chikungunya, filariasis, and dengue. The overuse and incorrect application of synthetic pesticides to control mosquitoes has resulted in resistance development and environmental contamination, both of which have had a negative impact on human health. To address this issue, the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of acetone extract from Casearia tomentosa fruits was investigated. The extract was evaluated in a lab setting against all larval instars and pupa of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus, as well as against third instar larvae in a semi-field condition. Purified compounds through TLC were also tested against 3rd instar larvae of both mosquito and non-target organisms. The FT-IR and GC-MS analyses were used to characterise the extract. Morphological aberration caused by the acetone extract was observed using FESEM. The anal gills and respiratory siphon of both mosquitoes showed significant deformation from their normal state. 100 ppm was found to cause 100% larval mortality at 24 h of exposure in case of Cx. quinquefasciatus and at 72 h of exposure in Ae. albopictus larvae. After 72 h of exposure under in vitro conditions, the extract demonstrated considerable larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 38.33 and 47.56 against 3rd instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus, respectively. The acetone extract can be considered as a highly effective mosquito larvicidal agent that is safe for the environment.

Optimized Refolding Buffers Oriented Humoral Immune Responses Versus PfGCS1 Self-Assembled Peptide Nanoparticle.

Developing a novel class of vaccine is pivotal for eliminating and eradicating malaria. Preceding investigations demonstrated partial blocking activity in malaria transmission against recombinant vaccine PfHAP2-GCS1 and conserved region of the cd loop. The effectiveness of immune response varies with the size and shape of the self-assembly of peptide nanoparticles (SAPNs) displaying antigen, affected by different components in refolding buffers. Plasmodium falciparum Generative Cell Specific 1 (PfGCS1), a promising malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) candidate, was expressed, purified, and followed by a four-step refolding process to form nanoparticles (PfGCS1-SAPNs). The influence of buffer components on the size and shape of SAPNs was investigated by DLS and FESEM. Furthermore, the immunogenicity of nanostructures was assessed in different mouse groups. The results showed that PfGCS1-SAPN was immunogenic and its administration with Poly (I:C), stimulated humoral and cellular responses in the mouse model. In the immunized mice groups, the level of IgG antibodies against PfGCS1-SAPN was significantly increased in different time points (second and third boost) and heterogeneous boosters. The various IgG-subclasses profile shifted to Th1, Th2, or Th1/Th2 mix responses in mice immunized with PfGCS1-SAPN refolded in different buffers, indicating a prerequisite for further investigations to optimize vaccine formulation to enhance and modulate Th1/cellular responses. Such studies pave the way to improve biophysical features related to the nanoparticles' size, shape, and conformational epitopes of candidate antigens and T- and B-cells presented on the superficial structure to elicit robust immune responses.

Characterization of nanoparticles in silicon dioxide food additive.

Silicon dioxide (SiO2), in its amorphous form, is an approved direct food additive in the United States and has been used as an anticaking agent in powdered food products and as a stabilizer in the production of beer. While SiO2 has been used in food for many years, there is limited information regarding its particle size and size distribution. In recent years, the use of SiO2 food additive has raised attention because of the possible presence of nanoparticles. Characterization of SiO2 food additive and understanding their physicochemical properties utilizing modern analytical tools are important in the safety evaluation of this additive. Herein, we present analytical techniques to characterize some SiO2 food additives, which were obtained directly from manufacturers and distributors. Characterization of these additives was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) after the food additive materials underwent different experimental conditions. The data obtained from DLS, spICP-MS, and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of nanosized (1-100 nm) primary particles, as well as aggregates and agglomerates of aggregates with sizes greater than 100 nm. SEM images demonstrated that most of the SiO2 food additives procured from different distributors showed similar morphology. The results provide a foundation for evaluating the nanomaterial content of regulated food additives and will help the FDA address current knowledge gaps in analyzing nanosized particles in commercial food additives.