Trapped temporal horn: From theory to practice, a systematic review of current understanding and future perspectives.

Background: The Entrapped Temporal Horn (ETH) is characterized by localized enlargement of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle of the brain. This study aimed to investigate the factors, development, prognosis, and effective treatment. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in major research databases. The inclusion criteria included patients of all ages with TTH diagnosis in cohort studies, case series, and case reports. Results: Our study included 160 patients and 49 studies. The major causes of TTH were neoplastic lesions (42.3%), infections (22.3%), and cystic disease (13.08%). Of these cases, 71 were unrelated to cranial surgery, while 89 were unrelated to prior surgeries. Headache was the most common symptom (41.91%), followed by seizures (13.20%), drowsiness (12.50%) and memory loss (11.00%). Surgery was not required in 17 patients. Fenestration of the trapped temporal horn was performed in 24 patients, while VP/VA shunt surgeries were performed in the majority (57 patients) owing to favorable outcomes, lower revision rates, and extensive experience. However, TTH recurred in six of the 21 patients who underwent endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy. Tumors were the main cause, and isolated headache was the most frequent symptom. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are preferred because of their positive outcomes, lower revision rates, and wider expertise. Tumors near the trigonal area pose a higher risk. Conclusion: Although TTH remains a rare condition, VPS continues to be the most widely preferred procedure among surgeons.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) along with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) utilized to enhance the capacitance of conducting polymers (PANI and PPy).

Hybrid composites of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and polyaniline (PANI)/polypyrrole (PPy) have been synthesized as cost-effective electrode materials for supercapacitors. We have produced MoS2 from molybdenum dithiocarbamate by a melt method in an inert environment and then used a liquid exfoliation method to form its composite with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and polymers (PANI and PPy). The MoS2 melt/GNP ratio in the resultant composites was 1 : 3 and the polymer was 10% by wt. of the original composite. XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis) confirmed the formation of MoS2 and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) revealed the morphology of the synthesized materials. The electrochemical charge storage performance of the synthesized composite materials was assessed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCCD) measurements. Resultant composites showed enhanced electrochemical performances (specific capacitance = 236.23 F g-1, energy density = 64.31 W h kg-1 and power density = 3858.42 W kg-1 for MoS2 melt 5 mPP at a current density of 0.57 A g-1 and had 91.87% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles) as compared to the produced MoS2; thus, they can be utilized as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Overlapping Autoimmune Diseases: A Case Report and Review of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.

We describe a rare case of concurrent eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and mixed connective tissue disease in a 27-year-old man who presented with pulmonary, renal, cardiac, and skin manifestations. We confirmed the diagnosis based on clinical, histopathological, and serological criteria. We treated the patient with corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxychloroquine, achieving early remission. The coexistence of both conditions in the same patient is extremely rare and has only been reported in a few cases worldwide. We also review the literature on these two rare autoimmune diseases' coexistence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Our case emphasizes recognizing overlapping autoimmune conditions in patients with complex clinical features and employing a comprehensive diagnostic approach and tailored treatment strategies. Further research is needed to understand these patients' epidemiology, prognosis, and optimal therapy. Early diagnosis and aggressive immunosuppression are crucial for achieving remission and preventing organ damage. We also identified the knowledge gaps and research needs in this field.

Colloidally Stable Graphite Oleogels by Pyrene-Functionalized Telechelic Polymers for Friction and Wear Reduction.

Although graphite derivatives, such as graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, have been widely used as lubricating oil additives to reduce friction and wear, their synthesis either proceeds with complicated procedures in low yield, suffering from high cost, or involves the utilization of highly corrosive chemicals, raising safety and environmental concerns. Therefore, the direct use of pristine graphite as a lubricating oil additive is indispensable for practical tribological applications. However, the realization of this idea has been seriously hampered by the incompatibility of graphite with lubricating base oils. In this work, we report a rational strategy to directly disperse graphite in base oils in the form of oleogels assisted by pyrene functionalized telechelic polymers under mild condition. The resulting oleogels exhibit long-time colloidal stability for more than one year, wherein the graphite has been exfoliated to in situ form graphene through π-π interactions with the pyrene-containing telechelics. Moreover, compared with the base oil, the graphite-based oleogels are found to exhibit remarkable reductions in friction and wear by up to 52% and 97%, respectively. Significantly, such tribological performances are comparable to those of exfoliated graphite derivatives. Taken collectively, directly using pristine graphite as a lubricating oil additive with superior tribological properties represents a revolutionary approach to create low-cost, green, and high-performance lubricants just based on pristine layered materials without involving any pre-exfoliations.

Cu-doped mesoporous TiO2 photocatalyst for efficient degradation of organic dye via visible light photocatalysis.

A solvothermal method was used to synthesize the mesoporous TiO2, (1-3w %) Cu-doped mesoporous TiO2 membrane with the help of a bioreactor. To understand the physicochemical composition of all synthesized nanomaterials, the structure, morphology and crystallinity of the materials were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under artificial light source (500 W mercury bulb) irradiations, the nano catalysts' catalytic effectiveness was examined for the azo dyes, namely Congo red. Cu-doping causes a shift in the light absorption of mTiO2 from the ultraviolet to the visible region. The 3w% Cu-doped mTiO2 photocatalyst exhibits lower band gap energy (2.6eV) than TiO2 which is 3.2 eV to efficiently utilize solar energy. As a result, the light absorption was shifted towards the visible spectrum. The recommended mTiO2 and (1, 2, 3) w% Cu-doped mTiO2 photocatalysts were used to photodegrade Congo red and methylene blue. For the degradation of CR, the mTiO2 photocatalyst exhibited 61% and 3w% Cu-doped mTiO2 demonstrated 99% photocatalytic performance after 50 min. A variety of scavengers were also utilized to distinguish the active species by catching the radicals and holes created during the process of photocatalytic degradation. CV indicates the presence of Cu2+ and Cu1+ in Cu-doped mTiO2. Oxygen vacancies and the electronegative surface of Cu1+ seem to perform the photocatalytic reduction of CR.

Research on dye sensitized solar cells: recent advancement toward the various constituents of dye sensitized solar cells for efficiency enhancement and future prospects.

It is universally accepted that the financial advancement of a state is essentially dependent upon the energy sector as it is essential in the growth, development, and improvement of the farming, mechanical, and defense sectors. A dependable source of energy is expected to enhance society's expectation of everyday comforts. Modern industrial advancement, which is indispensable for any nation, relies upon electricity. The principal explanation behind the energy emergency is rapidly increasing the use of hydrocarbon resources. Thus, the use of renewable resources is essential to overcome this dilemma. The consumption of hydrocarbon fuels and their discharge has destructive consequences on our surroundings. Third-generation photovoltaic (solar) cells are latest encouraging option in solar cells. Currently, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) utilize organic (natural and synthetic) dye and inorganic (ruthenium) as a sensitizer. The nature of this dye combined with different variables has brought about a change in its use. Natural dyes are a feasible alternative in comparison to expensive and rare ruthenium dye owing to their low cast, easy utility, abundant supply of resources, and no environmental threat. In this review, the dyes generally utilized in DSSC are discussed. The DSSC criteria and components are explained, and the progress in inorganic and natural dyes is monitored. Scientists involved in this emerging technology will benefit from this examination.

Reduced Graphene Oxide-Zinc Sulfide Nanocomposite Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment by Adsorption, Photocatalysis and Antimicrobial Action.

Reduced graphene oxide nanosheets decorated with ZnS and ZnS-Ag nanoparticles are successfully prepared via a facile one-step chemical approach consisting of reducing the metal precursors on a rGO surface. Prepared rGO-ZnS nanocomposite is employed as an adsorbent material against two model dyes: malachite green (MG) and ethyl violet (EV). The adsorptive behavior of the nanocomposite was tuned by monitoring some parameters, such as the time of contact between the dye and the adsorbent, and the adsorbent dose. Experimental data were also simulated with kinetic models to evaluate the adsorption behavior, and the results confirmed that the adsorption of both dyes followed a pseudo 2nd order kinetic mode. Moreover, the adsorbent was also regenerated in a suitable media for both dyes (HCl for MG and ethanol for EV), without any significant loss in removal efficiency. Ag doped rGO-ZnS nanocomposite was also utilized as a photocatalyst for the degradation of the selected organic contaminant, resorcinol. The complete degradation of the phenolic compound was achieved after 60 min with 200 mg of rGO-ZnS-Ag nanocomposite under natural sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic activity was studied considering some parameters, such as the initial phenol concentration, the photocatalyst loading, and the pH of the solution. The degradation kinetics of resorcinol was carefully studied and found to follow a linear Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. An additional advantage of rGO-ZnS and rGO-ZnS-Ag nanocomposites was antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterium, E. coli, and the results confirmed the significant performance of the nanocomposites in destroying harmful pathogens.

In-Silico Lead Druggable Compounds Identification against SARS COVID-19 Main Protease Target from In-House, Chembridge and Zinc Databases by Structure-Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Pharmacological strategies to lower the viral load among patients suffering from severe diseases were researched in great detail during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The viral protease Mpro (3CLpro) is necessary for viral replication and is among the main therapeutic targets proposed, thus far. To stop the pandemic from spreading, researchers are working to find more effective Mpro inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. The 33.8 kDa Mpro protease of SARS-CoV-2, being a nonhuman homologue, has the possibility of being utilized as a therapeutic target against coronaviruses. To develop drug-like compounds capable of preventing the replication of SARS-main CoV-2's protease (Mpro), a computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach is extremely viable. Using MOE, structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) of in-house and commercial databases was carried out using SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The most promising hits obtained during virtual screening (VS) were put through molecular docking with the help of MOE. The virtual screening yielded 3/5 hits (in-house database) and 56/66 hits (commercial databases). Finally, 3/5 hits (in-house database), 3/5 hits (ZINC database), and 2/7 hits (ChemBridge database) were chosen as potent lead compounds using various scaffolds due to their considerable binding affinity with Mpro protein. The outcomes of SBVS were then validated using an analysis based on molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). The complexes' stability was tested using MDS and post-MDS. The most promising candidates were found to exhibit a high capacity for fitting into the protein-binding pocket and interacting with the catalytic dyad. At least one of the scaffolds selected will possibly prove useful for future research. However, further scientific confirmation in the form of preclinical and clinical research is required before implementation.

Facile Synthesis and Fabrication of NIPAM-Based Cryogels for Environmental Remediation.

Herein, polymeric cryogels containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were synthesized by cryo-polymerization at subzero temperature. The synthesized cryogels were loaded with silver and palladium nanoparticles by the chemical reduction method at room temperature using the reducing agent NaBH4. Moreover, for comparison with cryogels, pure poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel and its silver hybrid were also prepared by the conventional method at room temperature. The chemical structure and functional group analysis of the pure cryogels was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesis of hybrid cryogels was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction technique and energy dispersive X-ray. The pore size and surface morphology of the pure cryogels, their respective hybrid cryogels and of conventional hydrogels were studied by using the scanning electron microscopy technique. The hybrid cryogels were successfully used as a catalyst for the degradation of methyl orange dye. The degradation performance of the hybrid cryogels was much better than its counterpart hybrid hydrogel for methyl orange dye. The effect of temperature and amount of catalyst on catalytic performance was studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. The reduction follows pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. In addition, the antibacterial activities of these cryogels were evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC: 2593) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, ATCC: 25922). Both hybrid cryogels have shown much better antibacterial activity for these two strains of bacteria compared to pure cryogels. The results indicate that these cryogels are potential candidates for water purification systems as well as biomedical applications.

Elucidating the interaction of antidepressant drug paroxetine with ct-dsDNA: A comparative study by electrochemical, spectroscopic, and molecular docking approaches.

This study is designed to investigate the interaction of phenylpiperidine derivative drug paroxetine, which is an effective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and biomolecules through electrochemical, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking methods. The interaction between paroxetine and biomolecules was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry according to the decrease in deoxyguanosine anodic oxidation signal of double-stranded calf thymus DNA. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies were performed by titrating paroxetine against double-stranded calf thymus DNA solution at four different temperatures. The fluorescent results showed that paroxetine had a great affinity to bind with double-stranded calf thymus DNA. Interaction studies demonstrate that paroxetine binds to double-stranded calf thymus DNA via intercalation binding mode, and the binding constant values ​​were calculated as 7.24 × 104 M-1 and 1.52 × 104 M-1 at 25 °C, based on voltammetric and spectroscopic results, respectively. Moreover, with the aim of elucidating the interaction mechanism between paroxetine and double-stranded calf thymus DNA, electrochemical and fluorescence spectroscopy studies along with molecular docking analysis were made.

Highly Selective Methodology for Entrapment and Subsequent Removal of Cobalt (II) Ions under Optimized Conditions by Micellar-Enhanced Ultrafiltration.

Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF), being a separation technique, was used to remove cobalt metal ion (Co2+) from their aqueous solutions in an application to reduce the toxicity level from industrial effluents using a micellar solution of anionic and cationic surfactants. The metal ions were first adsorbed by using anionic surfactants, i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium oleate (SO). The calculations for partition (Kx) and binding constants (Kb) and their respective free energy of partition and binding (ΔGp and ΔGb kJmol-1) helped significantly to find out the extent of binding or interaction of Co2+ with the surfactant and ΔGp and ΔGb were found to be -29.50 and -19.38 kJmol-1 for SDS and -23.95 and -12.67 kJmol-1 in the case of SO. MEUF work was also performed to find out the optimal conditions to remove metal pollutants from the aqueous system. For the said purpose, various factors and concentrations effect were studied, such as the concentration of the surfactant, concentration of the electrolyte (NaCl), transmembrane pressure, RPM, and pH. The efficiency of this process was checked by calculating various parameters, such as rejection percentage (R%) and permeate flux (J). A maximum rejection of 99.95% with SDS and 99.99% with SO was attained.

Preparation of stimuli responsive microgel with silver nanoparticles for biosensing and catalytic reduction of water pollutants.

Herein, we report poly(N-isopropylacrylamide/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) microgel fabricated with silver nanoparticles. The identification of copolymerization and functional groups in the bare microgel and those fabricated with silver nanoparticles was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The pH and temperature sensitivity of microgels was studied using dynamic light scattering. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability. X-Ray diffraction patterns indicated the amorphous nature of bare microgel and crystalline nature of those containing silver nanoparticles. A bathochromic shift was found in the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles present in microgel with increase in pH of the medium. Moreover, the microgel containing silver nanoparticles served as an effective catalyst for reducing the toxic nitroaromatic pollutants and carcinogenic dyes. The microgel containing silver nanoparticles also showed good capability to serve as biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide.

Fibroepithelial Polyp: A Rare Presentation In Sinonasal Cavity.

A fibroepithelial polyp is a benign polypoidal lesion of mesodermal origin. It can present in any area of the body with an epithelial surface. These are relatively more common in skin and genitourinary tract and has been reported very rarely in head and neck region. We report here a rare presentation of fibroepithelial polyp in sinonasal cavity presenting with the symptoms of unilateral nasal obstruction. The patient underwent endoscopic surgical excision and recovered completely. In patients with unilateral sinonasal growing masses fibroepithelial polyp should be considered as one of the possible diagnoses. Sinonasal fibroepithelial polyps have good prognosis after being treated surgically.

In Silico Strategies for Designing of Peptide Inhibitors of Oncogenic K-Ras G12V Mutant: Inhibiting Cancer Growth and Proliferation.

Ras plays a pivotal function in cell proliferation and is an important protein in signal transduction pathways. Mutations in genes encoding the Ras protein drive the signaling cascades essential for malignant transformation, tumour angiogenesis, and metastasis and are responsible for above 30% of all human cancers. There is evidence that N-Ras, K-Ras, and H-Ras play significant roles in human cancer. The mutated K-Ras protein is typically observed in malignant growths. Mutant K-Ras is the most common in lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The purpose of this research was to create peptides that inhibit K-Ras G12V. The crystal structure of the mutant K-Ras G12V-H-REV107 complex was obtained from a protein data bank. Further, we used a residue scan approach to create unique peptides from the reference peptide (H-REV107). AMBER molecular dynamics simulations were used to test the stability of the top four proposed peptides (based on binding free energies). Our findings showed that the top four selected peptides had stronger interactions with K-Ras than the reference peptide and have the ability to block the activation function of K-Ras. Our extensive analyses of binding affinities showed that our designed peptide possesses the potential to inhibit K-Ras and to reduce the progression of cancer.

Mixed Micellar Solubilization of Naphthol Green B Followed by Its Removal from Synthetic Effluent by Micellar-Enhanced Ultrafiltration under Optimized Conditions.

In this manuscript, the application of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) for the removal of Naphthol Green B (NGB) as a synthetic effluent has been studied. The solubilization of NGB by a single and mixed micellar system using Triton X-100 (TX-100) as a nonionic surfactant has been performed to establish both the extent of the partitioning (kx) of NGB and ultimately their respective Gibbs free energies ΔGp as well. An applied methodology, micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF), has also been studied in different micellar media of cationic surfactants by variation in some selective parameters, such as the concentration of surfactant, electrolyte, pressure, pH, and RPM to obtain optimum conditions. The results have been analyzed by a UV/visible double beam spectrophotometer. ΔGp was found to be -39.65 kJ/mol and -47.94 kJ/mol by CTAB and CPC, respectively, in the presence of a nonionic surfactant. The maximum value of Gibbs free energy (ΔGp) of the partition was obtained by CPC. The values of the rejection coefficient (R%) and permeate flux (J) are also calculated. A maximum removal of 99.77% and 98.53% by CTAB and CPC, respectively, was obtained. It has been observed that both of the surfactants are strong candidates for NGB removal.

Rabies Virus Exploits Cytoskeleton Network to Cause Early Disease Progression and Cellular Dysfunction.

Rabies virus (RABV) is a cunning neurotropic pathogen and causes top priority neglected tropical diseases in the developing world. The genome of RABV consists of nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and RNA polymerase L protein (L), respectively. The virus causes neuronal dysfunction instead of neuronal cell death by deregulating the polymerization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton and subverts the associated binding and motor proteins for efficient viral progression. These binding proteins mainly maintain neuronal structure, morphology, synaptic integrity, and complex neurophysiological pathways. However, much of the exact mechanism of the viral-cytoskeleton interaction is yet unclear because several binding proteins of the actin-microtubule cytoskeleton are involved in multifaceted pathways to influence the retrograde and anterograde axonal transport of RABV. In this review, all the available scientific results regarding cytoskeleton elements and their possible interactions with RABV have been collected through systematic methodology, and thereby interpreted to explain sneaky features of RABV. The aim is to envisage the pathogenesis of RABV to understand further steps of RABV progression inside the cells. RABV interacts in a number of ways with the cell cytoskeleton to produce degenerative changes in the biochemical and neuropathological trails of neurons and other cell types. Briefly, RABV changes the gene expression of essential cytoskeleton related proteins, depolymerizes actin and microtubules, coordinates the synthesis of inclusion bodies, manipulates microtubules and associated motors proteins, and uses actin for clathrin-mediated entry in different cells. Most importantly, the P is the most intricate protein of RABV that performs complex functions. It artfully operates the dynein motor protein along the tracks of microtubules to assist the replication, transcription, and transport of RABV until its egress from the cell. New remedial insights at subcellular levels are needed to counteract the destabilization of the cytoskeleton under RABV infection to stop its life cycle.

Development of the electrochemical, spectroscopic and molecular docking approaches toward the investigation of interaction between DNA and anti-leukemic drug azacytidine.

This study examines the interaction between pyrimidine nucleoside analogue azacytidine, an anti-leukemic drug, and DNA by employing electrochemical, UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking techniques. In the electrochemical technique, azacytidine and dsDNA interaction was investigated in two different ways: (1) in solution and (2) with a biosensor using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at a glassy carbon electrode. The interaction between azacytidine and dsDNA at increasing interaction times was investigated in line with the changes in adenine and guanine oxidation signals. In addition, interaction studies of polyguanine-azacytidine and polyadenine-azacytidine were performed with DPV. The binding constant values were calculated as 2.420 × 104 M-1 and 3.266 × 104 M-1 at 25 °C using UV and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. In conclusion, based on electrochemical and spectroscopic methods as well as molecular docking studies, it was predicted that azacytidine can bind to dsDNA via groove binding.

A unique amphiphilic triblock copolymer, nontoxic to human blood and potential supramolecular drug delivery system for dexamethasone.

The drug delivery system (DDS) often causes toxicity, triggering undesired cellular injuries. Thus, developing supramolecules used as DDS with tunable self-assembly and nontoxic behavior is highly desired. To address this, we aimed to develop a tunable amphiphilic ABA-type triblock copolymer that is nontoxic to human blood cells but also capable of self-assembling, binding and releasing the clinically used drug dexamethasone. We synthesized an ABA-type amphiphilic triblock copolymer (P2L) by incorporating tetra(aniline) TANI as a hydrophobic and redox active segment along with monomethoxy end-capped polyethylene glycol (mPEG2k; Mw = 2000 g mol-1) as biocompatible, flexible and hydrophilic part. Cell cytotoxicity was measured in whole human blood in vitro and lung cancer cells. Polymer-drug interactions were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and computational analysis. Our synthesized copolymer P2L exhibited tuned self-assembly behavior with and without external stimuli and showed no toxicity in human blood samples. Computational analysis showed that P2L can encapsulate the clinically used drug dexamethasone and that drug uptake or release can also be triggered under oxidation or low pH conditions. In conclusion, copolymer P2L is nontoxic to human blood cells with the potential to carry and release anticancer/anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. These findings may open up further investigations into implantable drug delivery systems/devices with precise drug administration and controlled release at specific locations.

An Experimental and Empirical Study on the Use of Waste Marble Powder in Construction Material.

Marble is currently a commonly used material in the building industry, and environmental degradation is an inevitable consequence of its use. Marble waste occurs during the exploitation of deposits using shooting technologies. The obtained elements most mainly often have an irregular geometry and small dimensions, which excludes their use in the stone industry. There is no systematic way of disposing of these massive mounds of waste, which results in the occurrence of landfills and environmental pollution. To mitigate this problem, an effort was made to incorporate waste marble powder into clay bricks. Different percentage proportions of marble powder were considered as a partial substitute for clay, i.e., 5-30%. A total of 105 samples were prepared in order to assess the performance of the prepared marble clay bricks, i.e., their water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, salt resistance, and compressive strength. The obtained bricks were 1.3-19.9% lighter than conventional bricks. The bricks with the addition of 5-20% of marble powder had an adequate compressive strength with regards to the values required by international standards. Their compressive strength and bulk density decreased, while their water absorption capacity and porosity improved with an increased content of marble powder. The obtained empirical equations showed good agreement with the experimental results. The use of waste marble powder in the construction industry not only lowers project costs, but also reduces the likelihood of soil erosion and water contamination. This can be seen to be a crucial factor for economic growth in agricultural production.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via the protective role of T regulatory cells in the fetal liver in a late-pregnancy preterm mouse model.

OBJECTIVES: This study intended to explore the effect of T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the perinatal liver against LPS-induced inflammation in a preterm birth mouse model. Moreover, the role of adoptive Tregs on the inflammatory response induced by LPS was also studied. METHODS: Female BALB/C mice were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with LPS dissolved in normal saline solution at a dose of 50 µg/kg. Spleens from pregnant mice were used to obtain Tregs. The expression of Forkhead family transcription factor-3 (Foxp3), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were assessed from fetal liver tissues by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. RESULTS: LPS administered to mice induced an inflammatory response in the perinatal liver, and this inflammatory response was negatively regulated by Tregs in the experimental group. Maternal-fetal tolerance was maintained by Tregs. Transmission of Tregs was estimated in different experimental groups based on the mRNA expression of TLR-4, IL-6, HO-1, and Foxp3. CONCLUSIONS: After analysis of the experimental data, it was determined that Tregs exhibited regulatory potential against LPS-induced inflammatory response. Further, it was concluded that the transmission of Tregs improved the mother's immune tolerance against LPS-induced inflammation in the fetal liver.