2D MXene-Based Nanoscale Materials for Electrochemical Sensing Toward the Detection of Hazardous Pollutants: A Perspective.

MXenes (Mn+1XnTx), a subgroup of 2-dimensional (2D) materials, specifically comprise transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. They exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties, making them well-suited for the detection and removal of pollutants from aqueous environments. Because of their high surface area and remarkable properties, they are being utilized in various applications, including catalysis, sensing, and adsorption, to combat pollution and mitigate its adverse effects. Different characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Visible spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy have been used for the structural elucidation of 2D MXene. Current responses against applied potential were measured during the electrochemical sensing of the hazardous pollutants in an aqueous system using a variety of electroanalytical techniques, including differential pulse voltammetry, amperometry, square wave anodic stripping voltammetry, etc. In this review, a comprehensive discussion on structural patterns, synthesis, properties of MXene and their application for electrochemical detection of lethal pollutants like hydroquionone, phenol, catechol, mercury and lead, etc. are presented. This review will be helpful to critically understand the methods of synthesis and application of MXenes for the removal of environmental pollutants.

Evaluation of different bermudagrass germplasm at physiological and molecular level under shade along longitudinal and latitudinal gradients.

Responses of turfgrass to shade vary in individual species, and the degree and quality of low light; therefore, the selection of low light tolerant cultivars of turfgrass is important and beneficial for turf management rather than other practices. The stolons of thirteen bermudagrass genotypes were planted with two treatments and three replications of each treatment to establish for one month in the Yangzhou University Jiangsu China greenhouse. The established plants were transferred outside of the greenhouse, and 50% shading was applied to them with a black net. After 30 days of stress treatment, the morpho-physiological and biochemical analyses were performed. The expression of genes such as HEMA, HY5, PIF4, and Cu/ZnSOD was assessed. Cynodon dactylon is a C4, and perennial that grows as lawn grass and is used as forage. Based on different indicator measurements, the most shade-tolerant germplasm was L01 and L06 along the longitudes and L09 and L10 along the latitudes. At the same time, L02 and L08 were more susceptible, respectively. However, germplasm showed greater tolerance in higher latitudes while longitudinal plants showed less stress response. The current study aimed (1) to screen out the most shade-tolerant Cynodon dactylon genotype among 13 along longitudinal and latitudinal gradients in China. (2) to examine morpho-physiological indicators of different bermudagrassgenotypes; (3) to evaluate if and how differences in various indicators of bermudagrass correlated with geographic region. This study will significantly advance the use of Cynodon germplasm in breeding, genomics, management, nomenclature, and phylogeographical study. It will decisively define whether natural selection and migration can drive evolutionary responses for populations to adapt to their new environments effectively.

An Overview of Infectious and Non-Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Losses in Equine.

Equine breeding plays an essential role in the local economic development of many countries, and it has experienced rapid growth in China in recent years. However, the equine industry, particularly large-scale donkey farms, faces a significant challenge with pregnancy losses. Unfortunately, there is a lack of systematic research on abortion during equine breeding. Several causes, both infectious and non-infectious, of pregnancy losses have been documented in equines. The infectious causes are viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Non-infectious causes may include long transportation, ingestion of mycotoxins, hormonal disturbances, twinning, placentitis, umbilical length and torsion, etc. In current review, we discuss the transmission routes, diagnostic methods, and control measures for these infectious agents. Early detection of the cause and appropriate management are crucial in preventing pregnancy loss in equine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes of abortion in equines, including infectious agents and non-infectious factors. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and effective control measures to address this significant challenge in the equine industry.

Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse After Entecavir Use in a Patient With Pegylated Interferon-Induced Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease and Entecavir Use to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Upon Giving Rituximab.

Pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-α) is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. It may result in rare but severe side effects, such as undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC), which can occur as delayed complications of PEG-IFN-α-induced UCTD. In cases where these complications arise, entecavir, employed for treating HBV infection, may be considered. A 49-year-old female patient, monitored for nine years with HCV and a viral load of 1.5 million, genotype 3, and normal liver function tests (LFTs), possibly acquired the infection from her HCV-positive husband. The patient was initially treated with PEG-IFN-α (IFN-α-2b, 100 µg/week subcutaneously) and ribavirin (RBV, 500 mg/twice daily). Following the sixth injection, the patient exhibited symptoms, including shortness of breath and cough, leading to limited daily activities. Subsequent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed interstitial pneumonitis (IP) signs. She was given a high dose of steroids. Over the next two to four weeks, the patient experienced Raynaud's phenomenon, skin tightening, joint pains, and dryness of the eyes and mouth. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test was negative, while the extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) test showed equivocal anti-Smith antibodies (6.38). Rheumatoid factor (RA) factors were mildly positive, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) indicated a restrictive pattern. The patient was intolerant to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azathioprine (Imuran) 500 mg, subsequently receiving mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg/thrice daily. Despite four years of treatment, UCTD due to PEG-IFN-α remained difficult to control; however, IP responded well to steroids. Rituximab pulse therapy was planned before the initiation; serological tests showed positive anti-HBs with a titer of 17.02, positive anti-HBc, but negative HBsAg and undetectable HBV viral load, indicating immunity to HBV due to natural infection. Given the potential for rituximab to cause immunosuppression and HBV reactivation, entecavir treatment was started and continued for 18 months. The patient was followed for another five years, during which her LFTs and viral markers showed stability. However, after nine years of PEG-IFN-α-induced UCTD disorder, she experienced a reoccurring cough but was unresponsive to steroids that were against her suspicion of a flare of IP. A subsequent dynamic CT scan detected a 75% trachea collapse while in a supine position, indicating a potential complication termed EDAC. This EDAC could not be linked to PEG-IFN-α-induced UCTD disorder or EDAC after the use of entecavir in a patient with PEG-IFN-α-induced UCTD disorder. Treatment of such complex patients requires flexible, specific treatment plans and continuous monitoring. This case emphasizes the need for caution in patients with a history of IFN-induced disease and the possibility of late effects and possible effects of the use of entecavir in a patient with PEG-IFN-α-induced UCTD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported as EDAC, a possible delayed complication of PEG-IFN-α plus ribavirin or entecavir in a patient with PEG-IFN-α-induced UCTD.

Efficacy and Safety of Bempedoic Acid in Patients With Hyperlipidemia and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Hyperlipidemia and its association with cardiovascular diseases have been significant public health concerns for many decades. Statins have long been the primary therapeutic option for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular mortality. However, a substantial number of patients either do not achieve optimal lipid goals with maximally tolerated statin doses or experience statin intolerance. In recent years, there have been remarkable developments in the field of hyperlipidemia management, leading to the approval of novel hypolipidemic drugs in North America and Europe. This article reviews the clinical development of bempedoic acid, a promising new drug, alone and in combination with ezetimibe, as an alternative approach to managing hyperlipidemia. The Phase I trials established the safety and tolerability of bempedoic acid, paving the way for further investigation in Phase II and Phase III trials. Multiple phase II studies evaluated the lipid-lowering efficacy of bempedoic acid as monotherapy or in combination with other hypolipidemic agents, showing significant improvements in lipid levels and inflammatory markers. The recently approved fixed drug combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe presents a viable option for patients who need additional LDL-C lowering alongside dietary modifications and maximally tolerated statin therapy.

Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and adult obesity among the US population: NHANES 2003-2016.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are naturally occurring environmental pollutants that may contribute to obesity in the adult population. To investigate the relationship between the urinary concentrations of PAH metabolites and adult obesity among the US population, the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2016) was used as a data source for this study. As many as 4464 participants in the NHANES 2003-2016 were included in the final analyses. We used logistic regression to look at the link between urinary PAH metabolites and obesity, using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study sample comprised 4464 individuals aged ≥18 years, 2199 were male and 2265 were female. The study characteristics for four different quartiles were analyzed, and the average ages of the four urinary PAH quartiles were 49.61 ± 20.01, 46.63 ± 20.33, 44.28 ± 19.19, and 43.27 ± 17.68 years, respectively. In the quartile analysis of all participants, the third quartile was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of obesity (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.12-1.59) with p-values <.05. In addition, females, but not males, had a strong link between the second, third, and fourth quartiles of urinary PAH and a higher risk of obesity (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.00-1.61; OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.19-1.94; and OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09-1.78). In conclusion, the study observed that urinary PAH metabolites were associated with the prevalence of obesity among the US population.

Relative Value of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Person Specification of UK Consultant Job Advertisements Across Multiple Acute Specialties.

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) skills are very useful in the management of acute patients. It is unknown how highly valued they are at the consultant level. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of POCUS skills being listed as essential or desirable in consultant job advertisements for acute medicine (AM), intensive care medicine (ICM), and emergency medicine (EM) in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods We investigated the frequency with which POCUS skills are listed in person specification of consultant jobs advertised in the UK in three acute specialties (AM, ICM, and EM). Data were collected prospectively between May and June 2022 from the NHS Jobs website. Results A total of 286 jobs were identified, and 11 jobs (3.85%) listed POCUS skills as either essential or desirable. In AM consultant jobs, only two (1.83%) categorized POCUS as desirable or essential compared to five (11.6%) in ICM and four (3%) in EM. Conclusion POCUS skills are mentioned in the person specification in a minority of consultant job advertisements in acute specialties and currently do not seem to be widely viewed as essential or desirable for consultant practice in these specialties. It may be due to not many consultants are currently trained for this new skill, which in turn has led to the scarcity of the skill set demanded by the employing trusts in the UK.

Hemocompatible and biocompatible hybrid nanocarriers for enhanced oral bioavailability of paclitaxel: in vivo evaluation.

Oral administration of BCS class IV anticancer agents has always remained challenging and frequently results in poor oral bioavailability. The goal of the current study was to develop hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) employing cholesterol and poloxamer-407 to boost paclitaxel's (PTX) oral bioavailability. A series of HNPs with different cholesterol and poloxamer-407 ratios were developed utilizing a single-step nanoprecipitation technique. The PTX loaded HNPs were characterized systematically via particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, FTIR, DSC, XRD, acute oral toxicity analysis, hemolysis evaluation, accelerated stability studies, and in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis. The HNPs were found within the range of 106.6±55.60 - 244.5±88.24 nm diameter with the polydispersity index ranging from 0.20±0.03 - 0.51±0.11. SEM confirmed circular, nonporous, and smooth surfaces of HNPs. PTX loaded HNPs exhibited controlled release profile. The compatibility between the components of formulation, thermal stability, and amorphous nature of HNPs were confirmed by FTIR, DSC, and XRD, respectively. Acute oral toxicity analysis revealed that developed system have no deleterious effects on the animals' cellular structures. HNPs demonstrated notable cytotoxic effects and were hemocompatible at relatively higher concentrations. In vivo pharmacokinetic profile (AUC0-∞, AUMC0-∞, t1/2, and MRT0-∞) of the PTX loaded HNPs was improved as compared to pure PTX. It is concluded from our findings that the developed HNPs are hemocompatible, biocompatible and have significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of PTX.

Remarkable enhancement of the nonlinear optical behavior towards asymmetric substituted D-π-A dithiophene-based compounds.

CONTEXT: Nonlinear optics (NLO) is an interesting field that discloses the interaction between intense light and matter, leading to a deeper understanding of NLO phenomena. Organic chromophores are considered as promising materials for NLO due to their exceptional structural versatility, ease of processing, and rapid response to NLO effects. Functional materials based on thiophene have been indispensable in advancing organic optoelectronics. Specifically, dithiophene-based compounds display weaker aromaticity, reduced steric hindrance, and additional sulfur-sulfur interactions. Hence, by utilizing dithieno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (DTBDT) as the core structure, designing of a set of organic compounds with D1-π-D2-π-A-type framework, namely ZR1D1-ZR1D8, was carried out in this study. The analysis of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) revealed that compound ZR1D2 has the lowest band gap of 1.922 eV among all the investigated chromophores. The correlation of global reactivity parameters (GRPs) with the band gap values indicates that ZR1D2 displays a hardness of 0.961 eV and a softness of 0.520 eV-1. Among the studied compounds, ZR1D2 demonstrated a broad absorption spectrum that extended across the visible region. The maximum absorption wavelengths were observed at 766.470 nm for ZR1D2 and 749.783 nm for ZR1D5. These DTBDT-based dyes exhibit a remarkable NLO response with exceptionally high first hyperpolarizability (ßtot) values. Among them, compound ZR1D2 stands out with the highest average linear polarizability (⟨α⟩ = 3.0 × 10-22 esu), first hyperpolarizability (ßtot = 4.1 × 10-27 esu), and second hyperpolarizability (γtot = 7.5 × 10-32 esu) values. In summary, this investigation offers valuable insights into the potential use of DTBDT-based organic chromophores, particularly ZR1D2, for advanced applications in NLO. These findings suggest promising opportunities for researchers to synthesize these molecules and utilize these compounds in hi-tech NLO-based applications. METHODOLOGY: The density functional theory computations were performed at the M06/6-311G(d,p) functional to explore their structural effects on electronic and NLO findings. Various analyses like highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps, absorption maxima, density of states, open circuit voltage, binding energies of electrons and holes, and transition density matrix are employed to investigate photovoltaic efficiencies of the derivatives. Different software packages like Avogadro, Multiwfn, Origin, GaussSum, PyMOlyze, and Chemcraft were used to deduce conclusions from the output files.

Effects of concentrate feeding sequence on VFA production, and cecal microbiota of Dezhou donkeys by metagenomic technology.

Microorganisms residing in the cecum of donkeys are crucial for physiological processes, nutrient metabolism, and immune function. Feeding methods can affect the dynamic balance of animal gut microbiota, thereby affecting indicators such as volatile fatty acids. This study explores suitable feeding methods to promote actual production by changing the feeding order of concentrate. Fifteen Dezhou donkeys with similar age and weight profiles were randomly divided into three groups with the concentrate feeding sequence: fiber-to-concentrate (FC), concentrate-to-fiber (CF), and total mixed ration (TMR). The experiment spanned a duration of 82 days. The analyses conducted were primarily aimed at determining the effects of feeding on gut microbes, primarily using metagenomic sequencing techniques. The experimental findings revealed that the levels of valeric acid were notably higher in the CF and TMR groups compared to the FC group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the feeding sequence exerts a certain impact on the microbial composition within the cecum of Dezhou donkeys. At the phylum level, the predominant microbiota consisted of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with the CF group displaying a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to both the FC and TMR groups. At the genus level, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Fibrobacter were the dominant bacterial genera identified in cecum. The functional gene annotation analysis indicated a significantly lower abundance of lacZ (K01190), Por/nifJ (K03737), and ppdK (K01006) genes in CF group relative to the FC and TMR groups (p < 0.05), highlighting their roles in galactose metabolism and glycolysis, respectively. Moreover, the CF group exhibited a higher concentration of antibiotic resistance genes (tetO and tet44) in the gut microbiota compared to the TMR and FC groups (p < 0.05), underscoring the presence of numerous antibiotic resistance genes within the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In conclusion, different precision feed sequences significantly impact the levels of volatile fatty acids in Dezhou fattening donkeys, modify the composition and functional genes of the cecal microbiota, and elucidate the microbial mechanisms influenced by the feeding sequence on the growth and metabolism. These insights are anticipated to provide a foundation for the rational design of precision feed sequences in practical agricultural settings.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Carboxymethyl Chitosan with Sulfobetaine Methacrylate Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications.

In this study, nanocomposites of AgNPs encapsulated in carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SB) hydrogel (AgNPs/CMCS-SB) were synthesized. The UV-Vis spectra indicated the presence of AgNPs, with a broad peak at around 424 nm, while the AgNPs-loaded CMCS-SB nanocomposite exhibited absorption peaks at 445 nm. The size and dispersion of AgNPs varied with the concentration of the AgNO3 solution, affecting swelling rates: 148.37 ± 15.63%, 172.26 ± 18.14%, and 159.17 ± 16.59% for 1.0 mM, 3.0 mM, and 5.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB, respectively. Additionally, water absorption capacity increased with AgNPs content, peaking at 11.04 ± 0.54% for the 3.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB nanocomposite. Silver release from the nanocomposite was influenced by AgNO3 concentration, showing rapid initial release followed by a slower rate over time for the 3.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB. XRD patterns affirmed the presence of AgNPs, showcasing characteristic peaks indicative of a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. The FTIR spectra highlighted interactions between AgNPs and CMCS-SB, with noticeable shifts in characteristic bands. In addition, SEM and TEM images validated spherical AgNPs within the CMCS-SB hydrogel network, averaging approximately 70 and 30 nm in diameter, respectively. The nanocomposite exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with inhibition rates of 98.9 ± 0.21% and 99.2 ± 0.14%, respectively, for the 3.0 mM AgNPs/CMCS-SB nanocomposite. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays showcased the efficacy of AgNPs/CMCS-SB against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116 cells), with the strongest cytotoxicity (61.7 ± 4.3%) at 100 µg/mL. These results suggest the synthesized AgNPs/CMCS-SB nanocomposites possess promising attributes for various biomedical applications, including antimicrobial and anticancer activities, positioning them as compelling candidates for further advancement in biomedicine.

From port to planet: Assessing NO2 pollution and climate change effects with Sentinel-5p satellite imagery in maritime zones.

The growing effects of climate change on Malaysia's coastal ecology heighten worries about air pollution, specifically caused by urbanization and industrial activity in the maritime sector. Trucks and vessels are particularly noteworthy for their substantial contribution to gas emissions, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is the primary gas released in port areas. The application of advanced analysis techniques was spurred by the air pollution resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as fuel oil, natural gas and gasoline in vessels. The study utilized satellite photos captured by the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P satellite to evaluate the levels of NO2 gas pollution in Malaysia's port areas and exclusive economic zone. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, unrestricted gas emissions led to persistently high levels of NO2 in the analyzed areas. The temporary cessation of marine industry operations caused by the pandemic, along with the halting of vessels to prevent the spread of COVID-19, resulted in a noticeable decrease in NO2 gas pollution. In light of these favourable advancements, it is imperative to emphasize the need for continuous investigation and collaborative endeavours to further alleviate air contamination in Malaysian port regions, while simultaneously acknowledging the wider consequences of climate change on the coastal ecology. The study underscores the interdependence of air pollution, maritime activities and climate change. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that tackle both immediate environmental issues and the long-term sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems in the context of global climate challenges.

Functions and regulations of insect gut bacteria.

The insect gut is a complicated ecosystem that inhabits a large number of symbiotic bacteria. As an important organ of the host insect, the symbiotic bacteria of the insect gut play very important roles in regulating physiological and metabolic processes. Recently, much progress has been made in the study of symbiotic bacteria in insect guts with the development of high-throughput sequencing technology and molecular biology. This review summarizes the primary functions of symbiotic bacteria in insect guts, such as enhancing insecticide resistance, facilitating food digestion, promoting detoxification, and regulating mating behavior and egg hatching. It also addresses some possible pathways of gut bacteria symbiont regulation governed by external habitats, physiological conditions and immunity of the host insect. This review provides solid foundations for further studies on novel theories, new technologies and practical applications of symbiotic bacteria in insect guts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

An Oxalato-Bridged Cu(II)-Based 1D Polymer Chain: Synthesis, Structure, and Adsorption of Organic Dyes.

In the current research, we prepared a polymeric framework, {[Cu(C2O4)(C10H8N2)]·H2O·0.67(CH3OH)]}n (1) (where C2O4 = oxalic acid; C10H8N2 = 2,2-bipyridine), and explored this compound for adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). The crystal structure of the compound consists of a Cu(ox)(bpy) unit connected via oxalate to form a 1D polymeric chain. This polymeric chain has adsorption capacities of 194.0 and 167.3 mg/g for MB and MO, respectively. The removal rate is estimated to be 77.6% and 66.9% for MB and MO, respectively. The plausible mechanisms for adsorption are electrostatic, π-π interaction, and OH-π interaction for dye stickiness. The adsorbent surface exhibits a negative charge that produces the electrostatic interaction, resulting in excellent adsorption efficiency at pH 7 and 8. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model is selected for the adsorption of MB and MO on the adsorbent. The reported compound has remarkable efficiency for sorption of organic dyes and can be useful in wastewater treatment.

An affordable label-free ultrasensitive immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles deposited on glassy carbon electrode for the transferrin receptor detection.

In recent decades, there has been a concerning and consistent rise in the incidence of cancer, posing a significant threat to human health and overall quality of life. The transferrin receptor (TfR) is one of the most crucial protein biomarkers observed to be overexpressed in various cancers. This study reports on the development of a novel voltammetric immunosensor for TfR detection. The electrochemical platform was made up of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), on which anti-TfR was immobilized. The surface characteristics and electrochemical behaviors of the modified electrodes were comprehensively investigated through scanning electron microscopy, XPS, Raman spectroscopy FT-IR, electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The developed immunosensor exhibited robust analytical performance with TfR fortified buffer solution, showing a linear range (LR) response from 0.01 to 3000 µg/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µg/mL and reproducibility (RSD <4 %). The fabricated sensor demonstrated high reproducibility and selectivity when subjected to testing with various types of interfering proteins. The immunosensor designed for TfR detection demonstrated several advantageous features, such as being cost-effective and requiring a small volume of test sample making it highly suitable for point-of-care applications.

Formulation of biodegradable alginate-based nano-carriers for in-vitro drug delivery and antibacterial activity.

Evaluation of the controlled release of ciprofloxacin (CIP.HCl) and the antibacterial efficacy of alginate (ALG)-based nanocarriers constitute the primary objectives of the current work. Herein, ALG-based nano-structures were prepared by the co-precipitation method and thoroughly analyzed using different characterization techniques, i.e., fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and zeta potential (ZP). The intense peaks emerged at 500, 545, and 750 cm-1 due to the CeO bond. Peaks that appeared at 550-600 cm-1 and 525 cm-1 are due to the stretching vibrations of FeO and ZnO bonds, respectively. Lowering of the peaks from 1640 to 1630 cm-1 and 1420 to 1384 cm-1 were observed in ALG-based nanocomposite (NC) due to the interaction of ALG with metal oxides (MO), which confirmed the formulation of CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG nanocomposite. The diffraction peaks at 28.6°, 56.6°, 76.5°, 37°, 47.9°, 62.3°, 74°, 13°, 21° confirmed the synthesis of MO (crystallite size 15.74 nm) and CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG (12 nm). In accordance with morphological studies, CeO2/ZnFe2O4 oxides had a uniform distribution throughout the relatively smooth and permeable surface of the ALG-based NC. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) was used as a model drug. Negative values of ZP revealed that CIP-loaded nanocomposite (CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG/CIP) had more stability than CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG. The maximum percentage of loading around 25 % on ALG NC was examined using the optical density (OD) method at pH 5.5. Correlation coefficients from the first order (0.971), Korsmeyer (0.9858), and Hixson (0.9021) models show the best-fitted models of the release profile in all circumstances. The release mechanism was investigated using various kinetics models. The controlled drug released was observed around 17 % at 40 °C after 3 h at pH 7.4, which is almost identical to the body temperature of a human, which is 37 °C. Similarly, after 24 h, sustained and controlled in-vitro release of the drug was studied, and it was 37, 72, and 74 % at pH 2.2, 7.4, and 9.4, respectively. Thus, prepared ALG-based NC is suitable for the controlled in-vitro release of (CIP.HCl). Metal oxides (CeO2/ZnFe2O4) and ALG-based nanocomposite (CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG) showed great antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) like 15 mm and 14 mm than Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Leucine promotes energy metabolism and stimulates slow-twitch muscle fibers expression through AMPK/mTOR signaling in equine skeletal muscle satellite cells.

Previous research has shown that leucine (Leu) can stimulate and enhance the proliferation of equine skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs). The gene expression profile associated with Leu-induced proliferation of equine SCs has also been documented. However, the specific role of Leu in regulating the expression of slow-twitch muscle fibers (slow-MyHC) and mitochondrial function in equine SCs, as well as the underlying mechanism, remains unclear. During this investigation, equine SCs underwent culturing in differentiation medium and were subjected to varying concentrations of Leu (0 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 5 mM, and 10 mM) over a span of 3 days. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor Compound C and mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTOR) inhibitor Rapamycin were utilized to explore its underlying mechanism. Here we showed that the expression of slow-MyHC at 2 mM Leu level was significantly higher than the concentration levels of 0 mM,0.5 mM and 10 mM (P <0.01), and there was no significant difference compared to other groups (P > 0.05); the basal respiration, maximum respiration, standby respiration and the expression of slow-MyHC, PGC-1α, Cytc, ND1, TFAM, and COX1 were significantly increased with Leu supplementation (P < 0.01). We also found that Leu up-regulated the expression of key proteins on AMPK and mTOR signaling pathways, including LKB1, p-LKB1, AMPK, p-AMPK, S6, p-S6, 4EBP1, p-4EBP1, mTOR and p-mTOR (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Notably, when we treated the equine SCs with the AMPK inhibitor Compound C and the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin, we observed a reduction in the beneficial effects of Leu on the expression of genes related to slow-MyHC and signaling pathway-related gene expressions. This study provides novel evidence that Leu promotes slow-MyHC expression and enhances mitochondrial function in equine SCs through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms involved in these processes for the first time.

Evaluating climate change impacts on reef environments via multibeam echosounder and Acoustic Doppler Current profiler technology.

Crucial to the Earth's oceans, ocean currents dynamically react to various factors, including rotation, wind patterns, temperature fluctuations, alterations in salinity and the gravitational pull of the moon. Climate change impacts coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for understanding these currents. This study explores multibeam echosounder (MBES), specifically R2-Sonic 2020 instrument, offering detailed seabed information. Investigating coral reefs, rocky reefs and artificial reefs aimed to map seafloor currents movement and their climate change responses. MBES data viz. Bathymetry and backscatter were classified and acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) ground data were validated using random forest regression. Results indicated high precision in currents speed measurement i.e. coral reefs with 0.96, artificial reefs with 0.94 and rocky reefs with 0.97. Currents direction accuracy was notable in coral reefs with 0.85, slightly lower in rocky reefs with 0.72 and artificial reefs with 0.60. Random forest identified sediment and backscatter as key for speed prediction while direction relies on bathymetry, slope and aspect. The study emphasizes integrating sediment size, backscatter, bathymetry and ADCP data for seafloor current analysis. This multibeam data on sediments and currents support better marine spatial planning and determine biodiversity patterns planning in the reef area.