Layer-by-layer assembly of nanotheranostic particles for simultaneous delivery of docetaxel and doxorubicin to target osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare form of primary bone cancer, impacting approximately 3.4 × 106 individuals worldwide each year, primarily afflicting children. Given the limitations of existing cancer therapies, the emergence of nanotheranostic platforms has generated considerable research interest in recent decades. These platforms seamlessly integrate therapeutic potential of drug compounds with the diagnostic capabilities of imaging probes within a single construct. This innovation has opened avenues for enhanced drug delivery to targeted sites while concurrently enabling real-time monitoring of the vehicle's trajectory. In this study, we developed a nanotheranostic system employing the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique on a core containing doxorubicin (DOXO) and in-house synthesized carbon quantum dots. By utilizing chitosan and chondroitin sulfate as polyelectrolytes, we constructed a multilayered coating to encapsulate DOXO and docetaxel, achieving a coordinated co-delivery of both drugs. The LbL-functionalized nanoparticles exhibited an approximate size of 150 nm, manifesting a predominantly uniform and spherical morphology, with an encapsulation efficiency of 48% for both drugs. The presence of seven layers in these systems facilitated controlled drug release over time, as evidenced by in vitro release tests. Finally, the impact of the LbL-functionalized nanoparticles was evaluated on U2OS and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells. The synergistic effect of the two drugs was found to be crucial in inducing cell death, particularly in Saos-2 cells treated with nanoparticles at concentrations higher than 10 µg/ml. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the internalization of the nanoparticles into both cell types through endocytic mechanisms, revealing an underlying mechanism of necrosis-induced cell death.

Genomic and vaccine preclinical studies reveal a novel mouse-adapted Helicobacter pylori model for the hpEastAsia genotype in Southeast Asia.

Introduction. Helicobacter pylori infection is a major global health concern, linked to the development of various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. To study the pathogenesis of H. pylori and develop effective intervention strategies, appropriate animal pathogen models that closely mimic human infection are essential.Gap statement. This study focuses on the understudied hpEastAsia genotype in Southeast Asia, a region marked by a high H. pylori infection rate. No mouse-adapted model strains has been reported previously. Moreover, it recognizes the urgent requirement for vaccines in developing countries, where overuse of antimicrobials is fuelling the emergence of resistance.Aim. This study aims to establish a novel mouse-adapted H. pylori model specific to the hpEastAsia genotype prevalent in Southeast Asia, focusing on comparative genomic and histopathological analysis of pathogens coupled with vaccine preclinical studies.Methodology. We collected and sequenced the whole genome of clinical strains of H. pylori from infected patients in Vietnam and performed comparative genomic analyses of H. pylori strains in Southeast Asia. In parallel, we conducted preclinical studies to assess the pathogenicity of the mouse-adapted H. pylori strain and the protective effect of a new spore-vectored vaccine candidate on male Mlac:ICR mice and the host immune response in a female C57BL/6 mouse model.Results. Genome sequencing and comparison revealed unique and common genetic signatures, antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors in strains HP22 and HP34; and supported clarithromycin-resistant HP34 as a representation of the hpEastAsia genotype in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. HP34-infected mice exhibited gastric inflammation, epithelial erosion and dysplastic changes that closely resembled the pathology observed in human H. pylori infection. Furthermore, comprehensive immunological characterization demonstrated a robust host immune response, including both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Oral vaccination with candidate vaccine formulations elicited a significant reduction in bacterial colonization in the model.Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the successful development of a novel mouse-adapted H. pylori model for the hpEastAsia genotype in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Our research highlights the distinctive genotype and pathogenicity of clinical H. pylori strains in the region, laying the foundation for targeted interventions to address this global health burden.

Synthesis of Biodegradable and Antimicrobial Nanocomposite Films Reinforced for Coffee and Agri-Food Product Preservation.

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is widely known. However, their application to biodegradable polymeric materials is still limited. In this work, we report a strategy involving the green synthesis of nanocomposite films based on a natural biodegradable matrix. Nanometer-sized silver nanoparticles (C-AgNPs) were synthesized with the aid of ultrasound waves between the silver nitrate solution and the nanocurcumin solution. The green synthesized C-AgNPs were found to have particle sizes in the range of 5-25 nm and demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Macrophoma theicola, and Aspergillus flavus. Owing to their physical-chemical and mechanical properties and the excellent antimicrobial activities, the obtained AgNPs were used together with chitosan, cassava starch, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to make nanocomposite films, which are suitable for the packaging requirements of various key agricultural and food products such as coffee beans, bamboo straws, and fruits. The nanocomposite films lost up to 85% of their weight after being buried in the soil for 120 days. This indicates that the films made with natural biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly.

Kinetics of maize cob and bean straw pyrolysis and combustion.

Kinetic studies are important for the design and optimisation of thermochemical processes. This study involved analysis of the pyrolysis and combustion behaviour of the agricultural residues (bean straw and maize cob) by non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis. Increasing the heating rate from 10 to 40 K min-1 during both combustion and pyrolysis increased the degradation rate of both feedstocks and the gaseous yields of H2O, CO and CO2. The activation energies determined by the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods varied which reveals that the pyrolysis and combustion of these agricultural residues are complex processes involving multiple reactions. The average activation energy of maize cob and bean straw were 214.15 and 252.09 kJ mol-1 for pyrolysis and 202.26 and 165.64 kJ mol-1 for combustion, respectively. The order of reaction ranged between 9.0-10.3 and 6.3-13.3 for both feedstocks in combustion and inert environments, respectively. Modelled data is important to enable the optimisation of reactor design for pyrolysis and combustion for energy generation from agricultural residues.

Valorization of agriculture waste biomass as biochar: As first-rate biosorbent for remediation of contaminated soil.

Each year, Asia produces an estimated 350 million tonnes of agricultural residues. According to Ministry of Power projections, numerous tonnes of such waste are discarded each year, in addition to being used as green manure. The methodology used to convert agricultural waste into the most valuable biochar, as well as its critical physical and chemical properties, were described in this review. This review also investigates the beneficial effects of bio and phytoremediation on metal(lloid)-contaminated soil. Agriculture biomass-based biochar is an intriguing organic residue material with the potential to be used as a responsible solution for metal(lloid) polluted soil remediation and soil improvement. Plants with faster growth and higher biomass can meet massive remediation demands. Recent research shows significant progress in agricultural biomass-based biomass conversion as biochar, as well as understanding the frameworks of metal(lloid) accumulation and mobility in plants used for metal(lloid) polluted soil remediation. Biochar made from various agricultural biomass can promote native plant growth and improve phytoremediation efficiency in polluted soil with metal(lloid)s. This carbon-enriched biochar promotes native microbial activity by neutralising pH and providing adequate nutrition. Thus, this review critically examines the feasibility of converting agricultural waste biomass into biochar, as well as the impact on plant and microbe remediation potential in metal(lloid)s polluted soil.

Insights into the effects of synthesis techniques and crosslinking agents on the characteristics of cellulosic aerogels from Water Hyacinth.

Aerogel cellulose materials were synthesised from Water hyacinth and different crosslinkers, such as kymene and a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glutaraldehyde (GA). The effects of using a magnetic stirrer and ultrasonic methods were investigated. The results show that materials prepared using ultrasonic methods have higher porosity and lower density. The thermal conductivity of the synthesised aerogel cellulose could be as low as 0.0281 W m K-1, showing the good heat insulation performance of this material. Absorption capacity was tested using diesel oil (DO), and the highest capacities of 58.82 and 52.03 g g-1 of DO were found with kymene and PVA + GA as crosslinkers, respectively. The reusability of the materials was tested. After 10 cycles, the DO absorption capacity was 62.8% of the value of the first cycle for the aerogel cellulose sample with kymene as the crosslinker and 72.7% for the sample with PVA + GA as the crosslinking agent.

Synthesis, Characteristics, Oil Adsorption, and Thermal Insulation Performance of Cellulosic Aerogel Derived from Water Hyacinth.

Cellulosic aerogel from water hyacinth (WH) was synthesized to address the dual environmental issues of water hyacinth pollution and the production of a green material. Raw WH was treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with microwave assistance and in combination with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results from X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that lignin and hemicellulose were markedly decreased after treatment, reducing from 24.02% hemicellulose and 5.67% lignin in raw WH to 8.32 and 1.92%, respectively. Cellulose aerogel from the pretreated WH had a high porosity of 98.8% with a density of 0.0162 g·cm-3 and a low thermal conductivity of 0.030 W·m-1·K-1. After modification with methyl trimethoxysilane (MTMS) to produce a highly hydrophobic material, WH aerogel exhibited high stability for oil absorption at a capacity of 43.3, 43.15, 40.40, and 41.88 (g·g-1) with diesel oil (DO), motor oil (MO), and their mixture with water (DO + W and MO + W), respectively. The adsorption remained stable after 10 cycles.

Biomass-Based Carbon Dots: Current Development and Future Perspectives.

Carbon dots have been considered as a solution to the challenges that semiconductor quantum dots have encountered because they are more biocompatible and can be synthesized from abundant and nontoxic materials such as biomass. This review will highlight the advantages of these biomass-based carbon dots in terms of synthesis, properties, and applications in the biomedical field. Furthermore, future applications especially in the biomedical field of biomass-based carbon dots as well as the challenges of semiconductor quantum dots such as biocompatibility, photobleaching, environmental challenges, toxicity, and poor solubility will be discussed in detail. Biomass-derived quantum dots, a subsection of carbon dots that are the most desirable for future research, will be focused upon including from synthesis to applications. Finally, the future development of biomass derived quantum dots in the biomedical field will be discussed and evaluated to unlock the potential for their applications.

Cobalt-catalyzed annulation of styrenes with α-bromoacetic acids.

We report a method for addition of α-bromophenylacetic acids to vinyl C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bonds in styrenes to afford γ-lactones. Reactions employed a simple cobalt catalyst Co(NO3)2·6H2O in the presence of dipivaloylmethane (dpm) ligand. Many functionalities including halogen, ester, and nitro groups were compatible with reaction conditions. If α-bromoesters were used, vinylacetates were the major products.

Cobalt-catalyzed, directed arylation of C-H bonds in N-aryl pyrazoles.

We report a method for directed ortho-arylation of N-aryl pyrazoles with arylboronic acids. Reactions proceeded in the presence of a Co(hfacac)2 catalyst, CeSO4 oxidant, and HFIP solvent. Functionalities such as nitro, ester, bromo, and ketone groups were compatible with the reaction conditions. Using heterocycles including thiophene and carbazole was also feasible.

Correction: Cobalt-catalyzed, directed arylation of C-H bonds in N-aryl pyrazoles.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D1RA00975C.].

High yield synthesis of graphene quantum dots from biomass waste as a highly selective probe for Fe3+ sensing.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a novel type of zero-dimensional fluorescent materials, have gained considerable attention owing to their unique optical properties, size and quantum confinement. However, their high cost and low yield remain open challenges for practical applications. In this work, a low cost, green and renewable biomass resource is utilised for the high yield synthesis of GQDs via microwave treatment. The synthesis approach involves oxidative cutting of short range ordered carbon derived from pyrolysis of biomass waste. The GQDs are successfully synthesised with a high yield of over 84%, the highest value reported to date for biomass derived GQDs. As prepared GQDs are highly hydrophilic and exhibit unique excitation independent photoluminescence emission, attributed to their single-emission fluorescence centre. As prepared GQDs are further modified by simple hydrothermal treatment and exhibit pronounced optical properties with a high quantum yield of 0.23. These modified GQDs are used for the highly selective and sensitive sensing of ferric ions (Fe3+). A sensitive sensor is prepared for the selective detection of Fe3+ ions with a detection limit of as low as 2.5 × 10-6 M. The utilisation of renewable resource along with facile microwave treatment paves the way to sustainable, high yield and cost-effective synthesis of GQDs for practical applications.

Novel compound heterozygous stop-gain mutations of LRBA in a Vietnamese patient with Common Variable Immune Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor (LRBA) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), affecting 1:25,000-1:50,000 people worldwide. Biallelic mutations in the gene LRBA have been implicated in affected individuals. METHODS: We report a 16-year-old Vietnamese, male patient with recurrent CVID symptoms including chronic diarrhea, interstitial pneumonia, cutaneous granulomatous lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, and finger clubbing. Immunological analyses and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed to investigate phenotypic and genotypic features. RESULTS: Immunological analyses revealed hypogammaglobulinemia and low ratios of CD4+/CD8+ T cells. Two novel compound heterozygous stop-gain mutation in LRBA were identified: c.1933C > T (p.R645X) and c.949C > T (p.R317X). Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of these variants from the intact parents. The abolished LRBA protein expression was shown by immunoblot analysis. Subsequent treatment potentially saves the child from the same immune thrombocytopenia which led to his brother's untimely death; likely caused by the same LRBA mutations. CONCLUSION: This first report of LRBA deficiency in Vietnam expands our knowledge of the diverse phenotypes and genotypes driving CVID. Finally, the utilization of WES shows great promise as an effective diagnostic for CVID in our setting.

Hydrogen peroxide-mediated synthesis of 2,4-substituted quinazolines via one-pot three-component reactions under metal-free conditions.

An efficient metal-free synthesis of 2,4-substituted quinazolines via a hydrogen peroxide-mediated one-pot three-component reaction of 2-aminoaryl ketones, aldehydes, and ammonium acetate has been developed. The transformation proceeded readily under mild conditions in the presence of commercially available hydrogen peroxide. The significant advantages of this approach are (1) the readily available atom-efficient and green hydrogen peroxide as oxidant; (2) no transition metal catalyst is required; (3) mild reaction conditions; and (4) wide substrate scope. To the best of our knowledge, utilizing hydrogen peroxide as an atom-efficient and green oxidant for the synthesis of 2,4-substituted quinazolines has not previously been reported in the literature. This method is complementary to previous protocols for the synthesis of 2,4-substituted quinazolines.

A new route to substituted furocoumarins via copper-catalyzed cyclization between 4-hydroxycoumarins and ketoximes.

A new route to substituted furocoumarins via copper-catalyzed cyclization between 4-hydroxycoumarins and ketoximes was developed. CuBr2 exhibited higher activity than other copper salts, affording the desired furocoumarins in high yields. The transformation proceeded readily in the absence of stoichiometric external oxidants. The significance of this synthetic strategy would be (1) the easily available starting materials; (2) low cost catalyst CuBr2; and (3) being without stoichiometric external oxidants. This protocol is complementary to previous approaches in the synthesis of substituted furocoumarins.

An efficient access to ß-ketosulfones via ß-sulfonylvinylamines: metal-organic framework catalysis for the direct C-S coupling of sodium sulfinates with oxime acetates.

A copper-based framework Cu2(OBA)2(BPY) was synthesized and used as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of ß-sulfonylvinylamines from sodium sulfinates and oxime acetates via direct C-S coupling reaction. The transformation was remarkably affected by the solvent, and chlorobenzene emerged as the best option. This Cu-MOF displayed higher activity than numerous conventional homogeneous and MOF-based catalysts. The catalyst was reutilized many times in the synthesis of ß-sulfonylvinylamines without considerably deteriorating in catalytic efficiency. These ß-sulfonylvinylamines were readily converted to the corresponding ß-ketosulfones via a hydrolysis step with aqueous HCl solution. To the best of our knowledge, this direct C-S coupling reaction to achieve ß-sulfonylvinylamines was not previously conducted with a heterogeneous catalyst.

Cross-dehydrogenative coupling of coumarins with Csp3-H bonds using an iron-organic framework as a productive heterogeneous catalyst.

The iron-organic framework VNU-20 was utilized as an active heterogeneous catalyst for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of coumarins with Csp3-H bonds in alkylbenzenes, cyclohexanes, ethers, and formamides. The combination of DTBP as the oxidant and DABCO as the additive led to high yields of coumarin derivatives. The VNU-20 was more active towards this reaction than numerous other homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysis was confirmed for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling transformation utilizing the VNU-20 catalyst, and the contribution of active iron species in the liquid phase was insignificant. The iron-based framework was reutilized many times for the functionalization of coumarins without a remarkable decline in catalytic efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, these reactions of coumarins have not previously been conducted using heterogeneous catalysts.

A more robust model of the biodiesel reaction, allowing identification of process conditions for significantly enhanced rate and water tolerance.

A more robust kinetic model of base-catalysed transesterification than the conventional reaction scheme has been developed. All the relevant reactions in the base-catalysed transesterification of rapeseed oil (RSO) to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) were investigated experimentally, and validated numerically in a model implemented using MATLAB. It was found that including the saponification of RSO and FAME side reactions and hydroxide-methoxide equilibrium data explained various effects that are not captured by simpler conventional models. Both the experiment and modelling showed that the "biodiesel reaction" can reach the desired level of conversion (>95%) in less than 2min. Given the right set of conditions, the transesterification can reach over 95% conversion, before the saponification losses become significant. This means that the reaction must be performed in a reactor exhibiting good mixing and good control of residence time, and the reaction mixture must be quenched rapidly as it leaves the reactor.

Ignition and burning rates of segregated waste combustion in packed beds.

Recent developments in national recycling and re-use programmes for municipal waste have led to segregation of an increasing proportion of waste to enhance material recovery. Several of the segregated streams contain materials that can not viably be re-used or recycled but can be used for energy recovery. In this study, the combustion of cardboard and waste wood was investigated in a small-scale packed bed reactor in order to provide fundamental data for the design/operation of moving bed furnaces. Key parameters of combustion including the ignition and burning rates were evaluated for various air flowrates and compared to the modelling results. Two successive stages of combustion were identified for both samples: the propagation of ignition front into the bed and combustion of the fuel above the ignition front. The burning rate of cardboard reached a peak of about 300 kg/m(2)h at the air flowrate of 936 kg/m(2)h and decreased at higher air flowrates. For waste wood, both the ignition and burning rates increased in the tested range of the air flowrate up to 702 kg/m(2)h, of which the values were very close to those for the cardboard. The model prediction was in good agreement with the test results for waste wood. However, the burning rate for cardboard was under-predicted due to strongly irregular shapes of the fuel.