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This study presents a novel approach for the fabrication of a Co,Ni/MoS2-derived nanohybrid material using wheat straw extract. The facile synthesis method involves a sol-gel process, followed by calcination, showcasing the potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable reducing and chelating reagent. The as-prepared nanohybrid has been characterized using different techniques to analyse its physicochemical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanohybrid material, identifying the presence of NiMoO4, CoSO4 and Mo17O47 as its components. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy differentiated the functional groups present in the wheat straw biomass and those in the nanohybrid material, highlighting the formation of metal-oxide and sulphide bonds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a heterogeneous morphology with agglomerated structures and a grain size of around 70 nm in the nanohybrid. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis shows the composition of elements with weight percentages of (Mo) 9.17%, (S) 6.21%, (Co) 12.48%, (Ni) 12.18% and (O) 50.46% contributing to its composition. Electrochemical analysis performed through cyclic voltammetry showcased the exceptional performance of the nanohybrid material as compared with MoS2, suggesting its possible applications for designing biosensors and related technologies. Thus, the research study presented herein underscores the efficient utilization of natural resources for the development of functional nanomaterials with promising applications in various fields. This study paves a way for manufacturing innovation along with advancement of novel synthesis method for sustainable nanomaterial for future technological developments.
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Cobalto , Dissulfetos , Molibdênio , Níquel , Triticum , Triticum/química , Molibdênio/química , Dissulfetos/química , Níquel/química , Cobalto/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Tamanho da Partícula , Propriedades de SuperfícieRESUMO
Eighteen compounds derived from two sub-series, (HC1-HC9) and (HF1-HF9), were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidase (MAO). HC (chalcone) series showed higher inhibitory activity against MAO-B than against MAO-A, whereas the HF (chromone) series showed reversed inhibitory activity. Compound HC4 most potently inhibited MAO-B with an IC50 value of 0.040 µM, followed by HC3 (IC50 = 0.049 µM), while compound HF4 most potently inhibited MAO-A (IC50 = 0.046 µM), followed by HF2 (IC50 = 0.075 µM). The selectivity index (SI) values of HC4 and HF4 were 50.40 and 0.59, respectively. Structurally, HC4 (4-OC2H5 in B-ring) showed higher MAO-B inhibition than other derivatives, suggesting that the -OC2H5 substitution of the 4-position in the B-ring contributes to the increase of MAO-B inhibition, especially -OC2H5 (HC4) > -OCH3 (HC3) > -F (HC7) > -CH3 (HC2) > -Br (HC8) > -H (HC1) in order. In MAO-A inhibition, the substituent 4-OC2H5 in the B-ring of HF4 contributed to an increase in inhibitory activity, followed by -CH3 (HF2), -F (HF7), -Br (HF8), -OCH3 (HF3), and-H (HF1). In the enzyme kinetics and reversibility study, the Ki value of HC4 for MAO-B was 0.035 ± 0.005 µM, and that of HF4 for MAO-A was 0.035 ± 0.005 µM, and both were reversible competitive inhibitors. We confirmed that HC4 and HF4 significantly ameliorated rotenone-induced neurotoxicity, as evidenced by the reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase assays. This study also supports the significant effect of HC4 and HF4 on mitochondrial membrane potential in rotenone-induced toxicity. A lead molecule was used for molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies. These results show that HC4 is a potent selective MAO-B inhibitor and HF4 is a potent MAO-A inhibitor, suggesting that both compounds can be used as treatment agents for neurological disorders.
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We introduce a novel piezoelectric stepper motor featuring high compactness, rigidity, and any direction operability. Here, not only is the structure of high novelty but also the working principle very simple. The piezo stacks unit is sandwiched between two spring finger pieces, with almost equal clamping forces applied between the top of the piezo stacks' unit and the spring finger piece. Applying individual driving signals to each of the five piezo stack pairs, causing deformation one by one in the same direction, followed by simultaneous recovery in the reverse direction, enables movement of the frame part. The optimized clamping force of the piezoelectric stack units and spring fingers ensures maximum output force. The motor's operational capability at low threshold voltages, specifically 8 V for downward movement and 10 V for upward movement, confirmed its efficacy in both vertical and horizontal directions. The motor's operational capability at a low threshold voltage of 10 V confirmed its efficacy in both vertical and horizontal directions. At room temperature, step size ranges from 0.3 to 7.4 µm at 20 Hz frequency and varying driving voltage from 10 to 180 V. It has a maximum travel range of about 5 mm and can lift a maximum load of 220 g in an upward direction, so the maximum output force generated by this motor is 2.2 N. The compact and rigid design is capable of building an atomically resolved scanning probe microscope, and its working ability has the potential to use the cleavage of different types of samples in limited space environments, such as the small-bore superconducting magnet and low temperature.
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Within the context of Molecular Electronic Density Theory (MEDT), this study investigates the Diels-Alder reaction among isoprene (2) and R-carvone (1R) applying DFT simulations, with and without Lewis acid (LA) catalysis. The results show that carvone (1R) acts as an electrophile and isoprene (2) as a nucleophile in a polar process. LA catalysis increases the electrophilicity of carvone, thereby improving the reactivity and selectivity of the reaction by reducing the activation Gibbs free energy. Parr functions reveal that the C5=C6 double bond is more reactive than the C9=C10 double bond, indicating chemoselectivity. The examination of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) reveals high regio- and stereoselectivity, indicating an asynchronous mechanism for the LA-catalyzed DA reaction. Furthermore, it is suggested that cycloadduct 3 has great anti-HIV potential because it exhibits lower binding energies than azidothymidine (AZT) in the docking studies of cycloadducts 3 and 4 amongst a primary HIV-1protein (1A8O plus 5W4Q).
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The primary emphasis of this study was on the innovative and scientifically valuable hydrothermal synthesis of MIL-101(Co) as a metal-organic framework (MOF) material. Subsequently, the CuFe2O4 was incorporated into the MOF by a reduction-precipitation technique. The SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) composite was synthesized by using hydrothermal in situ growth process. The XRD and FESEM investigations of the SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) composite definitively verified its crystalline structure and proved its production with exact shape and dimensions. The data indicated that Candida albicans displayed the greatest vulnerability to all three produced materials, with reported Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 500⯵gâ¯mL-1 for MIL-101(Co). The CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) compound, when produced, exhibits MIC values of 200⯵gâ¯mL-1. Additionally, the combination of CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) with SrTiO3, shows MIC values of 50⯵gâ¯mL-1. The results also indicated that the MIC values for MIL-101(Co), and CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) against S. aureus were 100⯵gâ¯mL-1. Ultimately, SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) exhibited identical MIC values of 50⯵gâ¯mL-1 against S. aureus. The concentration of the bacterial protein was increased by adding MIL-101(Co), CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co), and SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co). The antibacterial capabilities of the SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) were increased after being subjected to gamma doses of 100.0â¯kGy. This process paves a ways for manufacturing innovation in near future.
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Candida albicans , Cobre , Raios gama , Estruturas Metalorgânicas , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Estrôncio , Titânio , Estruturas Metalorgânicas/química , Estruturas Metalorgânicas/farmacologia , Estrôncio/química , Estrôncio/farmacologia , Cobre/química , Cobre/farmacologia , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Titânio/química , Titânio/farmacologia , Óxidos/química , Óxidos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/química , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Anti-Infecciosos/química , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Fungos/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos FerrososRESUMO
This study investigated the sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants in North-Western Pakistan. A total of 3,173 serum samples were collected from small (n = 1,651) and large (n = 1,522) ruminants being reared by farmers in 14 districts. Antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) were detected using competitive ELISA. The overall prevalence of BTV antibodies was 65%. A significant association (P < 0.05) between the prevalence of BTV antibodies and the risk factors including sex, species, age, area, husbandry practices and breed was shown by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the seroprevalence was 6.5 (95% CL = 3.7-11.4), 5.9 (95% CL = 3.8-9.4) and 2.4 (95% CL = 1.5-3.7) times higher in buffaloes, cattle and goats than sheep, respectively. The seroprevalence was 1.4 (95% CL = 1.1-1.7) times higher in local breeds than in cross/exotic breeds. The seroprevalence was 1.6 (95% CL = 1.1 to 2.3) times higher in sedentary animals than in nomadic animals. The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age. Further work is required to determine the BTV serotypes prevalent in the study area for effective control of the disease.
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Vírus Bluetongue , Bluetongue , Doenças das Cabras , Animais , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Bluetongue/epidemiologia , Bluetongue/virologia , Vírus Bluetongue/imunologia , Feminino , Masculino , Doenças das Cabras/epidemiologia , Doenças das Cabras/virologia , Ovinos , Cabras , Bovinos , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Ruminantes/virologia , Fatores de Risco , Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/virologia , Criação de Animais Domésticos , Doenças dos Ovinos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Ovinos/virologia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical enteropathy challenging to diagnose due to an overlap of tissue features with other inflammatory enteropathies. EED subjects (n = 52) from Pakistan, controls (n = 25), and a validation EED cohort (n = 30) from Zambia were used to develop a machine-learning-based image analysis classification model. We extracted histologic feature representations from the Pakistan EED model and correlated them to transcriptomics and clinical biomarkers. In-silico metabolic network modeling was used to characterize alterations in metabolic flux between EED and controls and validated using untargeted lipidomics. Genes encoding beta-ureidopropionase, CYP4F3, and epoxide hydrolase 1 correlated to numerous tissue feature representations. Fatty acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism-related reactions showed altered flux. Increased phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and ether-linked LPCs, and decreased ester-linked LPCs were observed in the duodenal lipidome of Pakistan EED subjects, while plasma levels of glycine-conjugated bile acids were significantly increased. Together, these findings elucidate a multi-omic signature of EED.
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In this work, pure and S-N/WO3 (1%-7%) nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed for the degradation of MB dye. Optical properties, vibrational analysis, morphology, structural analysis, and photocatalytic activity of the samples have been evaluated using a variety of characterization techniques, including UV-vis, PL, FTIR, SEM, and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns showed that the stability of the orthorhombic phase of WO3 was affected by the concentrations of S and N. In SEM, nanospheres with an average size of 80 nm of NPs have been observed. The PL results showed that the e-, h+ recombination rate for the S-N7%/WO3 sample was the lowest. The degradation of MB dye has also been investigated in order to investigate the photocatalytic performance. Remarkably, S-N7%/WO3 shows the best results, with a maximum degradation of 90% in 120 min. The stability of the improved catalyst was tested using recycling and trapping studies. S-N7%/WO3 catalyst's exceptional photocatalytic activity highlights its potential use in wastewater treatment. This study will be helpful for manufacturing innovation.
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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.
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Poluentes Atmosféricos , Poluição do Ar , Mudança Climática , Monitoramento Ambiental , Dióxido de Nitrogênio , Imagens de Satélites , Malásia , Dióxido de Nitrogênio/análise , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Poluição do Ar/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Navios , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Emissões de Veículos/análiseRESUMO
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for breastfed infants, providing essential nutrients and elements but, in some cases, toxic ones. This is the first case-control study that investigated the elemental profile of breast milk samples collected from mothers residing in Matiari (Sindh), a region with insufficient industrial waste management, and its potential impact on infants' anthropometrics. Precisely, 62 milk samples, including 42 cases and 20 controls, were analyzed using the ICP-MS technique. Overall, six elements showed significance between the two groups, arsenic (As) was present at 0.68 µg/L in cases and absent in controls, while lead (Pb) exhibited elevated concentrations in the case group at 4.56 µg/L compared to 0.25 µg/L in controls, well-known for their toxicity. Barium (Ba) and manganese (Mn) levels were also higher in cases, associated with reported health effects on child well-being. Essential elements molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se) were higher in the controls. Furthermore, the association of these metals with the child growth standards as per WHO guidelines was calculated. Linear regression analysis revealed As negatively associated with WAZ and WHZ scores, while Mo was positively associated with WAZ, WHZ, and HAZ scores. These findings highlight serious health concerns in the region, where toxic elements pervade drinking water and food sources. Immediate actions are imperative to maintain the wellness of future generations.
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Arsênio , Leite Humano , Humanos , Leite Humano/química , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Lactente , Adulto , Arsênio/análise , Mães , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Bangladesh , Selênio/análise , Aleitamento Materno , Desenvolvimento Infantil/efeitos dos fármacos , Adulto Jovem , Chumbo/análise , Manganês/análiseRESUMO
This study pursued to regulate bacterial community succession pattern and expedited biodegradation of microplastics (MP) during pig manure (PM) composting employing walnut shell biochar (WSB) and montmorillonite (M). The WSB with concentration of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12% along with 10% M participated into PM for 42 days compost to search the optimal solution. The results confirmed the most prosperous bacterial phylum consisted of Firmicutes (3.02%-91.80%), Proteobacteria (2.08%-48.54%), Chloroflexi (0-44.62%) and Bacteroidetes (0.85%-40.93%). The addition of biochar has dramatically arranged bacterial community at different stages of composting. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) revealed that carbon element in MPs decreased since the chemical bond fracture, under the intervention of high-temperature composting and WSB, the carbon content of MPs was maximum reduced by 20.25%. Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated that CC, C-O, C-H and -COOH abundance of MPs in 10% and 12% dose biochar addition sharply reduced, interestingly, explicating WSB and composting made MP biodegradable. This experiment possesses affirmatory practical meaning for elimination of potential hazards by composting.
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Biodegradação Ambiental , Carvão Vegetal , Argila , Compostagem , Esterco , Microplásticos , Carvão Vegetal/química , Animais , Compostagem/métodos , Suínos , Microplásticos/análise , Argila/química , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Poluentes do Solo/metabolismo , Bactérias/metabolismoRESUMO
Water contamination due to organic pollutants is a challenging issue around the globe, and several attempts have been made to deal with this issue. Out of which, the semiconductor-based photocatalytic process had gained much attention and proved to be an efficient, easy, and economical process for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, the iron oxide-zirconium dioxide nanocomposite (Fe2O3-ZrO2 NC) was prepared via a simple mechanochemical process using a mortar and pestle, followed by a calcination process at 300, 600, and 900 °C. Different physicochemical analyses were carried out in order to investigate the successful synthesis of Fe2O3-ZrO2 NC and the effect of temperature on the crystallinity, surface area, pore size, phase composition, sample morphology, and particle/crystallite size. The Fe2O3-ZrO2 NCs were subjected to a photocatalytic test under solar light irradiation against fluorescein dye in an aqueous medium, and the photocatalytic performance was examined under the influence of calcination temperatures, pH, catalyst dose, and initial concentration. The stability of the Fe2O3-ZrO2 NCs was also checked by recycling them for five reuse cycles.
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The effect of peach shell biochar (PSB) amendment on sheep manure (SM) composting was investigated. Five different ratios of PSB were applied (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% PSB), and named T1 to T5, and run 50 days of composting experiment. It was found that PSB (especially 7.5% and 10%) could improve the compost environment, regulate the activity of microorganisms and related enzymes, and promote the decomposition of compost. 7.5% and 10% PSB advanced the heap into the thermophilic stage and increased the maximum temperature, while also increasing the germination index by 1.40 and 1.39 times compared to control. Importantly, 10% PSB effectively retained more than 60% of carbon and 55% of nitrogen by inhibiting the excess release of NH3 and greenhouse gases. High proportion PSB amendment increased the activity of dehydrogenase and cellulase, but inhibited protease and urease. The correlation results indicated that PSB changed the key bacterial genus, and there was a stronger association with environmental factors at 7.5% and 10%. Therefore, 7.5% and 10% peach shell biochar can be used as appropriate proportions to improve composting conditions.
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Carvão Vegetal , Compostagem , Esterco , Prunus persica , Animais , Carvão Vegetal/química , Ovinos , Prunus persica/química , Nitrogênio , Solo/química , Carbono , Amônia/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Air pollution has several negative health effects. Particulate matter (PM) is a pollutant that is often linked to health adversities. PM2.5 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5µm) exposure has been associated with negative cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. However, the impact of PM10 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10µm) exposure is often overlooked due to its limited ability to pass the alveolar barrier. This study aims to assess the association between PM10 exposure and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) amongst adults (≥18 years of age) as this has been poorly studied. METHODS: The study protocol was published on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023409796) on March 31, 2023. Literature searches were conducted on 4 databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Web of Science) on January 17, 2023, for studies looking at associations between PM and MI. English studies from all time periods were assessed. Studies selected for review were time-series, case-crossover, and cohort studies which investigated the risk of MI as an outcome upon PM10 exposure. The quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane's Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data for different risk outcomes (risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR)) and 3 lags was meta-analyzed using an inverse variance statistical analysis using a random effects model. The pooled effect sizes and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported in forest plots. RESULTS: Among the 1,099 studies identified, 41 were included for review and 23 were deemed eligible for meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed that there is an increased risk (OR = 1.01; 95% CI:1.00-1.02) of MI with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM10 after a lag 0 and lag 1 delay. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that PM10 exposure is associated with an increased risk of MI. This can aid in informing environmental policy-making, personal-level preventative measures, and global public health action.
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Exposição Ambiental , Infarto do Miocárdio , Material Particulado , Infarto do Miocárdio/epidemiologia , Infarto do Miocárdio/etiologia , Infarto do Miocárdio/induzido quimicamente , Humanos , Material Particulado/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Poluição do Ar/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Atmosféricos/efeitos adversos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Multivariate pollution degree indices were utilized to evaluate the environmental condition of the Uppanar and Vellar estuaries. The Trophic Index (TRIX) indicates a state of "moderate eutrophication" with a value of 4.92, while the Trophic State Index (TSI) ranged from 40.3 to 57.2, categorizing the trophic states from "oligotrophic" to "eutrophic". The Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) showed a range of 0.13 to 0.94, classifying pollution levels from "unpolluted" to "slightly polluted". The study revealed that the Uppanar and Vellar estuaries underwent seasonal variations, transitioning from an oligotrophic state during the post-monsoon and summer periods to a eutrophic state in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. The application of multivariate statistical tools allowed the identification of pollution indicator species to assess the estuarine systems. The insights gained from this study can be valuable for assessing other ecosystems facing similar anthropogenic activities, providing a basis for informed management and conservation strategies.
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Monitoramento Ambiental , Estuários , Eutrofização , Ecossistema , Estações do Ano , Análise Multivariada , Animais , Poluição da Água/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
Soil salinity poses a substantial threat to agricultural productivity, resulting in far-reaching consequences. Green-synthesized lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as significant biopolymers which effectively promote sustainable crop production and enhance abiotic stress tolerance. However, the defensive role and underlying mechanisms of LNPs against salt stress in Zea mays remain unexplored. The present study aims to elucidate two aspects: firstly, the synthesis of lignin nanoparticles from alkali lignin, which were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results confirmed the purity and morphology of LNPs. Secondly, the utilization of LNPs (200 mg/L) in nano priming to alleviate the adverse effects of NaCl (150 mM) on Zea mays seedlings. LNPs significantly reduced the accumulation of Na+ (17/21%) and MDA levels (21/28%) in shoots/roots while increased lignin absorption (30/31%), resulting in improved photosynthetic performance and plant growth. Moreover, LNPs substantially improved plant biomass, antioxidant enzymatic activities and upregulated the expression of salt-tolerant genes (ZmNHX3 (1.52 & 2.81 FC), CBL (2.83 & 3.28 FC), ZmHKT1 (2.09 & 4.87 FC) and MAPK1 (3.50 & 2.39 FC) in both shoot and root tissues. Additionally, SEM and TEM observations of plant tissues confirmed the pivotal role of LNPs in mitigating NaCl-induced stress by reducing damages to guard cells, stomata and ultra-cellular structures. Overall, our findings highlight the efficacy of LNPs as a practical and cost-effective approach to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in Zea mays plants. These results offer a sustainable agri-environmental strategy for mitigating salt toxicity and enhancing crop production in saline environments.
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Antioxidantes , Lignina , Nanopartículas , Estresse Salino , Zea mays , Zea mays/efeitos dos fármacos , Lignina/química , Estresse Salino/efeitos dos fármacos , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Nanopartículas/toxicidade , Nanopartículas/química , Química Verde , Tolerância ao Sal/efeitos dos fármacos , Plântula/efeitos dos fármacos , Fotossíntese/efeitos dos fármacos , SalinidadeRESUMO
Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is a renowned scientific tool for obtaining high-resolution atomic images of materials. Herein, we present an innovative design of the scanning unit with a compact yet powerful inertial piezoelectric motor inspired by the Spider Drive motor principle. The scanning unit mainly consists of a small 9 mm long piezoelectric tube scanner (PTS), one end of which is coaxially connected to the main sapphire body of the STM. Of particular emphasis in this design is the piezoelectric shaft (PS), constructed from piezoelectric material instead of conventional metallic or zirconium materials. The PS is a rectangular piezoelectric stack composed of two piezoelectric plates, which are elastically clamped on the inner wall of the PTS via a spring strip. The PTS and PS expand and contract independently with each other to improve the inertial force and reduce the threshold voltage. To ensure the stability of the PS and balance the stepping performance of the inertial motor, a counterweight, and a matching conical spring are fixed at the tail of the PS. This innovative design allows for the assessment of scanning unit performance by applying a driving signal, threshold voltage is 50 V at room temperature. Step sizes vary from 0.1 to 1 µm by changing the driving signal at room temperature. Furthermore, we successfully obtained atomic-resolution images of a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) sample and low drift rates of 23.4 pm/min and 34.6 pm/min in X-Y plane and Z direction, respectively, under ambient conditions. This small, compact STM unit has the potential for the development of a rotatable STM for use in cryogen-free magnets, and superconducting magnets.
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With outstanding detection selectivity and sensitivity characteristics, samarium/europium-metal organic frameworks (Sm/Eu-MOF) is capable of functioning as a versatile light-emitting sensor particularly for detecting acetone, Cr3+, and Pb2+ in aqueous environment. While considering maximum detectable concentrations of 0.85 µM, 0.46 µM, and 1.04 µM, respectively, competitive energy interactions for acetone, absorption of energy for Cr3+, and substitution of ions for Pb2+ are the elucidated mechanisms of detecting these substances by Sm/Eu-MOF. Successful formulation and synthesis of a core-shell structured Sm/Eu-MOF, which has endurance to acid/alkali conditions and hydration/heat-stability, can be accomplished by utilizing Samarium and Europium nitrate ions, terephthalic acid, and 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid. The recovery rate of acetone, Cr3+, and Pb2+ detection from real samples were 95.0-101.0 %, 99.8-101.0 %, and 99.9-104.0 %, respectively.
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In certain low-income nations, the hepatitis Delta virus and hepatitis B virus (HBV) pose a serious medical burden, where the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is greater than 8%. Especially in rural places, irregular diagnostic exams are the main restriction and reason for underestimation. Utilizing serum samples from a Pakistani isolate, an internal ELISA for the quick identification of anti-HDV was created, and the effectiveness of the test was compared to a commercial diagnostic kit. HDV-positive serum samples were collected, and a highly antigenic domain of HDAg antigen was derived from them. This antigenic HDAg was expressed in a bacterial expression system, purified by Ni-chromatography, and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. The purified antigen was utilized to develop an in-house ELISA assay for anti-HDV antibody detection of the patient's serum samples at very low cost. Purified antigens and positive and negative controls can detect anti-HDV (antibodies) in ELISA plates. The in-house developed kit's efficiency was compared with that of a commercial kit (Witech Inc., USA) by the mean optical density values of both kits. No significant difference was observed (a P value of 0.576) by applying statistical analysis. The newly developed in-house ELISA is equally efficient compared to commercial kits, and these may be useful in regular diagnostic laboratories, especially for analyzing local isolates.
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This research describes the synthesis by an environmentally-friendly method, microwave irradiation, development and analysis of three novel and one previously identified Schiff base derivative as a potential inhibitor of bovine xanthine oxidase (BXO), a key enzyme implicated in the progression of gout. Meticulous experimentation revealed that these compounds (10, 9, 4, and 7) have noteworthy inhibitory effects on BXO, with IC50 values ranging from 149.56 µM to 263.60 µM, indicating their good efficacy compared to that of the standard control. The validation of these results was further enhanced through comprehensive in silico studies, which revealed the pivotal interactions between the inhibitors and the catalytic sites of BXO, with a particular emphasis on the imine group (-C = N-) functionalities. Intriguingly, the compounds exhibiting the highest inhibition rates also showcase advantageous ADMET profiles, alongside encouraging initial assessments via PASS, hinting at their broad-spectrum potential. The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that these Schiff base derivatives not only offer a new vantage point for the inhibition of BXO but also hold considerable promise as innovative therapeutic agents in the management and treatment of gout, marking a significant leap forward in the quest for more effective gout interventions.