Regulating ion affinity and dehydration of metal-organic framework sub-nanochannels for high-precision ion separation.

Membrane consisting of ordered sub-nanochannels has been pursued in ion separation technology to achieve applications including desalination, environment management, and energy conversion. However, high-precision ion separation has not yet been achieved owing to the lack of deep understanding of ion transport mechanism in confined environments. Biological ion channels can conduct ions with ultrahigh permeability and selectivity, which is inseparable from the important role of channel size and "ion-channel" interaction. Here, inspired by the biological systems, we report the high-precision separation of monovalent and divalent cations in functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes (UiO-66-(X)2, X = NH2, SH, OH and OCH3). We find that the functional group (X) and size of the MOF sub-nanochannel synergistically regulate the ion binding affinity and dehydration process, which is the key in enlarging the transport activation energy difference between target and interference ions to improve the separation performance. The K+/Mg2+ selectivity of the UiO-66-(OCH3)2 membrane reaches as high as 1567.8. This work provides a gateway to the understanding of ion transport mechanism and development of high-precision ion separation membranes.

Comparative study of microscale and macroscale technique for encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea extract in metal-conjugated nanomatrices for invasive ductal carcinoma.

The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, size control, high cost and long durations that results in low yield. Macroscale and microscale level techniques for development of micro/nanoparticles may impact the encapsulation of plant extract. This study aimed to evaluate the relative efficiency of microscale and macroscale techniques for encapsulation of plant extract, which is not compared yet. Keeping this in view, encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea leaves extract (CaG) was attained in silver-conjugated poliglusam nanomatrices (POL/Ag) to induce apoptosis in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cells. The ethanolic CaG extract was prepared using percolation method and characterized by chemical tests for its active phytochemical compounds. The droplet-based microfluidic system was utilized as microscale encapsulation technique for CaG in nanomatrices at two different aqueous to oil flow rate ratios 1.0:1.5, and 1.0:3.0. Moreover, conventional batch system was utilized as macroscale encapsulation technique consisted of hot plate magnetic stirrer. The prepared nanomatrices were analysed for antioxidant activity using DPPH test and for cytotoxicity analysis using MCF-7 cells. The characteristic peaks of UV-Vis, FTIR and XRD spectrum confirmed the synthesis of CaG(POL/Ag) by both the encapsulation methods. However, microfluidic system was found to be more expedient because of attaining small and uniform sized silver nanoparticles (92 ± 19 nm) at high flow rate and achieving high encapsulation efficiency (80.25%) as compared to the conventional batch method (52.5%). CaG(POL/Ag) nanomatrices found to have significant antioxidant activity (p = 0.0014) against DPPH radical scavenging activity. The CaG(POL/Ag) of the smallest sized formulated by the microfluidic system has also shown the highest cytotoxicity (90%) as compared to batch method (70%) at 80 µg/mL. Our results indicate that the microscale technique using microfluidic system is a more efficient method to formulate size-controlled CaG(POL/Ag) nanomatrices and achieve high encapsulation of plant extract. Additionally, CaG(Pol/Ag) was found to be an efficient new combination for inducing potent (p < 0.0001) apoptosis in IDC cells. Therefore, CaG(Pol/Ag) can be further tested as an anti-cancer agent for in-vivo experiments.

Evaluating The Protective Effects Of Lovastatin Against Doxorubicin Induced Cardiotoxicity In Balb-C Mice.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin is one of the most commonly used anti-cancer drugs that treat a large number of haematological and solid malignancies. Its usage in dose and duration is nevertheless restricted by dose related organ damage, particularly cardiotoxicity. Lovastatin is a commonly prescribed drug for hypercholesterolemia and possesses remarkable antioxidant potential. Our study was aimed at evaluating and comparing its cardioprotective effect in two pre-treatment schedules against doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage. METHODS: In this lab-based randomized controlled experiment, 40 BALB/c mice were randomly grouped into five groups (n=8). Group 1 served as control whereas Group 2 was given doxorubicin intraperitoneally at a dose of 10mg/kg. Group 3 received 10mg/kg of oral lovastatin for five days. Groups 4 and 5 were administered lovastatin for five and ten consecutive days correspondingly and doxorubicin was given on 3rd and 8th experimental days of these groups. RESULTS: Doxorubicin caused a significant rise in cardiac enzymes; Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) (p value ≤0.0001) whereas cardiac histological alterations were ranked as moderate. The damage was significantly attenuated by lovastatin in the ten-day study design with a p-value of ≤0.001 for both LDH and CK-MB whereas a slightly less efficient restoration was observed in the five-day design with a p value of ≤0.001 for LDH and 0.012 for CK-MB. Histological preservation in both pre-treatment schedules was in accordance with the biological markers. CONCLUSIONS: In doxorubicin-based regimens, pretreatment for at least seven days with an easily available and safe statin can effectively prevent its potentially life threatening cardiotoxicity.

PCGA: Polynomial collocation genetic algorithm for singular Poisson-Boltzmann equation arising in thermal explosions.

Heat generation as a result of the exothermic reaction reaches the environment mainly due to the conduction through the walls of the vessel. The balance between the heat generated and the heat conducted away, resulting in the explosion is described by the Frank-Kamenetzkii (FK) parameter ρ. The critical value of FK for which the explosion occurs depends upon the shape of the vessel, which requires the solution of governing singular nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Owing to the exponential nonlinearity and singularity the analytical exact solution for the non-integer k values does not exist. This work focuses on implementing the polynomial collocation by exploiting the global optimization features of the genetic algorithm to solve the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for integer and non-integer shape factors (k). The governing equation was converted into coupled nonlinear algebraic equations and an objective function was formulated. The method was examined for six different configurations of the control parameters of GA to find the best set of parameters. The solution for temperature distribution is obtained for cylindrical (k = 1), parallelepiped (k = 0.438, 0.694), and an arbitrary shape (k = 0.5) respectively. The solution obtained from Polynomial Collocation Genetic Algorithm (PCGA) remained in good agreement with the corresponding analytical results for k = 1, with the minimum absolute error of 10 - 10 . The critical values of the FK are obtained as 1.5 , 1.4 , a n d 1.7 for shape factor k = 0.438 , 0.5 , a n d 0.694 respectively with the convergence of the order of 10 - 6 t o 10 - 5 . The obtained solution is fairly stable over appropriate independent runs with the variation in the fitness value ranging from 10 - 05 t o 10 - 03 . Further simulations were performed to validate the results through statistical error indices. The diminutive errors of the order of 10 - 6 confirm reliable optimum solution, accuracy, and stability.

A simple, sensitive, label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on the chitosan-coated silver/cerium oxide (CS@Ag/CeO2) nanocomposites for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

Metal oxide-based sensors have the benefit of inexpensive, quick response, and high sensitivity in detecting specific biological species. In this article, a simple electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated using antibody-chitosan coated silver/cerium oxide (Ab-CS@Ag/CeO2) nanocomposites on a gold electrode for sensitive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) diagnosis in human serum samples. Successfully synthesis of AFP antibody-CS@Ag/CeO2conjugates was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectra of the prototype. The amine coupling bond chemistry was then used to immobilize the resultant conjugate on a gold electrode surface. It was observed that the interaction of the synthesized Ab-CS@Ag/CeO2nanocomposites with AFP prevented an electron transfer and reduced the voltammetric Fe(CN)63-/4-peak current, which was proportional to the amount of AFP. The linear ranges of AFP concentration were found from 10-12-10-6g.ml-1. The limit of detection was calculated using the calibration curve and came out to be 0.57 pg.ml-1. The designed label-free immunosensor successfully detected AFP in human serum samples. As a result, the resulting immunosensor is a promising sensor plate form for AFP detection and could be used in clinical bioanalysis.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of tocotrienols in healthy human volunteers: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic parameters, especially bioavailability, of annatto-based tocotrienol with palm tocotrienol-rich fraction in healthy human volunteers for better therapeutic outcome. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted between April and August 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analysis guidelines, and comprised search on PubMed, Google Scholar, Pakmedinet and Google search engines for open-label or double-blind randomised controlled trials involving healthy human volunteers published till January 2021. Key words used included annatto-based tocotrienol, palm tocotrienol-rich fraction, absorption and bioavailability. Boolean operators were also used, like tocotrienol AND bioavailability, annatto tocotrienol AND pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Of the 230 articles identified, 50(21.7%) articles met the eligibility criteria. Of them, 7(14%) were selected for data extraction and detailed analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters of annatto-based tocotrienol were better than palm-derived tocotrienol. Oral administration of all the isomers of annatto-based tocotrienols resulted in dose-dependent increase in area under curve and plasma levels. Amongst all the isomers of annatto-based and palm-derived tocotrienol, delta isomer of annatto-based tocotrienol had the highest bioavailability with area under curve 7450±89 ng/ml, time to reach peak plasma levels 4 hours, maximum plasma concentration 1591±43 ng/nl and elimination half-life 2. 68 ±0.29 hrs. Pharmacokinetic parameters of delta isomer of annatto-based tocotrienol was greater than palm tocotrienol-rich fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Bioavailability of annatto-based tocotrienol was better than that of palm-derived tocotrienol-rich fraction. Delta isomer of annatto-based tocotrienol had the highest bioavailability amongst all isomers of tocotrienol.

Variation in the Performance of MWCNT/ZnO Hybrid Material with pH for Efficient Antibacterial Agent.

In the present work, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles at pH 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 10.0 were prepared through the coprecipitation method to improve the antibacterial activity. Morphological, structural, and optical analysis, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy, was used to investigate the formation of composites. Analysis revealed that there were variations in morphology from agglomerated structures to rod-like then flower-like structures as pH varied from 6.0 to 10.0. The MWCNT/ZnO composite enhanced the antibacterial activity especially for Staphylococcus aureus as a maximum 20 mm zone of inhibition was observed. The data presented in the present study proves that such composites are an efficient antibacterial agent and suitable for therapy for severe infections.

Reusable, Noninvasive, and Sensitive Fluorescence Enhanced ZnO-Nanorod-Based Microarrays for Quantitative Detection of AFP in Human Serum.

The fabrication of sensitive protein microarrays such as PCR used in DNA microarray is challenging due to lack of signal amplification. The development of microarrays is utilized to improve the sensitivity and limitations of detection towards primal cancer detection. The sensitivity is enhanced by the use of ZnO-nanorods and is investigated as a substrate which enhance the florescent signal to diagnose the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at early stages. The substrate for deposition of ZnO-nanorods is prepared by the conventional chemical bath deposition method. The resultant highly dense ZnO-nanorods enhance the fluorescent signal 7.2 times as compared to the substrate without ZnO-nanorods. The microarray showed sensitivity of 1504.7 ng ml-1 and limit of detection of 0.1 pg ml-1 in wide dynamic range of 0.05 pg-10 µg ml-1 for alpha fetoprotein (AFP) detection in 10% human serum. This immunoassay was successfully applied for human serum samples to detect tumor marker with good recoveries. The ZnO-nanorod substrate is a simple protein microarray which showed a great promise for developing a low-cost, sensitive, and high-throughput protein assay platform for several applications in both fundamental research and clinical diagnosis.

Are higher unintended pregnancy rates among minorities a result of disparate access to contraception?

ABSTRACT: Unintended pregnancy is a major global issue. Women who experience an unintended pregnancy have a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, these women also experience substantial financial hardships. Many women, particularly women of color, do not have adequate access to reliable and affordable contraception resulting in major health disparities among this group. This review explores the relationship between unintended pregnancy and inadequate access to contraception and is divided into 5 sections: addressing problems associated with unintended pregnancies, unintended pregnancy rate in the US, disparities of unintended pregnancy rates and access to care, addressing potential solutions, and finally conclusions. KEYTERMS: unintended pregnancy, healthcare disparities, contraception, access to care.

The asymmetric effect of tourism, financial development, and globalization on ecological footprint in Turkey.

With the growing interest among researchers in analyzing the ecological footprint of any country, this study focuses on new dimensions to analyze the long-run and short-run asymmetric impact of tourism, financial development, and globalization on ecological footprint in Turkey by using Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag model for the period from 1986 to 2018. Further, the EKC hypothesis was also tested. The results show that tourism, globalization, and financial development are positively and significantly associated with the EFP. This means that the increase in these variables will further increase the ecological footprint in Turkey. The U-shaped EKC curve was found to be valid in Turkey. The results also depict nonlinear and asymmetric association among most of the variables. Hence, based on the results, further research directions and practical implications can be suggested.

Preconception leptin levels and pregnancy outcomes: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has become a major, worldwide public health issue and is associated with a greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Leptin, a hormone produced by adipocytes, is elevated in individuals with obesity and may mediate the association between obesity and pregnancy outcomes. Though leptin levels during pregnancy have been associated with pregnancy outcomes, less is understood regarding preconception levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate associations between preconception leptin levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study nested within a large randomized controlled trial conducted at four medical centres in the United States. A total of 1078 women completed the parent study; this analysis involved women who became pregnant during that study (n = 776). Patients were healthy women, ages 18 to 40, attempting to conceive, with 1 to 2 prior pregnancy losses. Participants were followed for less than or equal to 6 cycles while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy if they conceived. Preconception leptin concentrations were measured in serum collected at baseline then categorized by tertiles (using the lowest as reference group). Weighted log-binomial regression estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pregnancy loss, preterm delivery (PTD), gestational diabetes (GDM), and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, adjusting for age, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The mean (SD) BMI in this cohort was 25.4 ± 6.0. GDM (RR 18.37; 95% CI, 2.39-141.55) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.20-4.61) risks were higher among women in the high tertile after adjusting for age and WHR. The associated risk persisted when adjusting for BMI for GDM but was attenuated for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Leptin levels were not associated with risk of pregnancy loss or PTD. CONCLUSIONS: Women with higher baseline preconception leptin levels had a higher likelihood of experiencing some adverse pregnancy outcomes including GDM and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These findings warrant further evaluation, especially in light of the association between leptin and obesity.

Comprehensive analysis on orthopedic drilling: A state-of-the-art review.

Bone drilling is a well-known internal fixation procedure to drill a hole, fixing the bone fragments to reduce the susceptibility of permanent paralysis. The success of bone drilling is evaluated based on the extent of osteonecrosis in terms of heat generation, tissue damage, quality of hole, and drilling forces. The appropriate control of cutting conditions, drill geometric parameters, and bone-specific parameters offer bone drilling a viable solution through conventional and non-conventional drilling techniques. The majority of the published research work considers only limited parameters and tries to optimize the drilling parameters and performance measures. However, bone drilling involves numerous conventional and non-conventional drilling parameters and technologies. In order to develop a better understanding of all the studied parameters and performance measures, there is a dire need to develop a framework. The key objective of this review study is to establish a hierarchy of the framework by collecting almost all the parameters studied until now and addressed the relationship between parameters and performance measures to diminish the controversies in the published literature. Therefore, this framework is novel in nature, organizing all the parameters, performance measures, logical comparisons, and limitations of studies. This holistic review can help medical surgeons and design engineers to understand the complicated relationship among parameters and performance measures associated with this state-of-art technologies. Also, modeling, simulations, and optimization techniques are included to explore the application of such techniques in recent advancements in orthopedic drilling.

Medical Management of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects around 6% to 10% of reproductive age women. Pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility are the most common presenting symptoms. The disease is characterized by estrogen-dependent growth of the endometrial glands and stroma outside the endometrial cavity. The diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion and can be only confirmed on histopathology. Treatment includes medical and surgical options. Both hormonal and nonhormonal medical options are available and are tried at first with a goal to control pain and stop the growth of the endometriotic lesions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptive pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, aromatase inhibitors are some of the commonly used medications. With more research on the molecular and biochemical aspects of endometriosis, newer targets of therapy are being developed like selective progesterone receptor modulators, antiangiogenic factors and immunomodulators. In women who do not respond to medical therapy or have severe symptoms, surgical excision of the endometrial lesions and adhesions is often helpful and offers confirmatory diagnosis by histopathology.

Electrochemical immunosensor for prostate-specific antigens using a label-free second antibody based on silica nanoparticles and polymer brush.

In this paper, we propose a sensitive electrochemical immunosensor synthesized using a surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization process for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Electrochemical immunosensors based on polymer brush [oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate] (OEGMA-co-GMA) were grown on plane Au and nanostructured (NS) Au electrodes, characterized and compared for their sensitivity to detect PSA. Due to a large capacity for antibody loading and high resistance to nonspecific antibody adsorption of POEGMA-co-GMA brush, the Au-NS immunosensor exhibited detection in a wide dynamic range of five orders of magnitude with an improved lower limit of detection of 2pgml(-1), which was better than the synthesized immunosensor with the polymer brush grown on plane Au electrode. The Au-NS electrode showed improved detection sensitivity of 4.9µAng(-1)ml for PSA detection, which was almost 2 times better than the plane Au electrode. Finally, the use of silica nanoparticles (Si-NPs) conjugated with polyclonal antibody enhanced the response of the immunosensor. The proposed electrochemical immunosensor would be an exciting addition in medical diagnostics for the early detection of cancer biomarkers, e.g., PSA due to improved limit of detection (LOD); eventually helpful in circumventing cancer metastasis.

A new approach to primary ovarian insufficiency.

There is a need for a new approach to managing women with primary ovarian insufficiency. This condition is a serious chronic disease that may have far reaching effects on physical and emotional health. An integrative and collaborative approach to management works best. To maintain wellness, most women with primary ovarian insufficiency need to reassess their primary source of meaning and purpose in life and how this diagnosis may have threatened that part of who they are. They also need assessment with regard to bone health, thyroid and adrenal function, determination of FMR1 premutation and karyotype status, and ongoing estradiol-progestin hormone replacement.