Electronic Structure Modulating of W 18 O 49 Nanospheres by Niobium Doping for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Developing efficient electrocatalysts to reduce HER overpotential is vital to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Adjusting the electronic structure of transition metal oxides via elemental doping is a potent strategy to improve the effectiveness of electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. In this work, we synthesized a set of niobium-doped tungsten oxides (Nbx-W18O49) under anoxic conditions using a straightforward "one-pot" solvothermal approach. After doping Nb, the oxygen vacancy content inside W18O49 was increased, which induced a synergistic effect with the active sites of tungsten. In acidic environments, the hydrogen evolution activity of the Nb0.6-W18O49 electrocatalyst is second only by 20 wt% Pt/C. It attains a current density of -10 mA cm-2 at an overpotential of 102 mV. By comparison with W18O49, Nb0.4-W18O49 and Nb0.5-W18O49, Nb0.6-W18O49 demonstrates a reduced charge transfer resistance, which significantly enhances its conductivity and the speed of electron movement across interfaces. Coupled with this feature are notably faster HER kinetics. Additionally, it exhibits excellent stability, meaning it maintains its performance and structural integrity over prolonged periods and under various operational conditions. This article provides a new perspective for discovering inexpensive and efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst materials.

Effectiveness of locally produced ready-to-use supplementary foods on the prevention of stunting in children aged 6-23 months: a community-based trial from Pakistan.

Undernutrition is a major public health problem in developing countries. Around 40·2 % of children are stunted in Pakistan. This longitudinal study aimed to assess the effectiveness of locally produced ready-to-use supplementary foods in the prevention of stunting by detecting change in of children in intervention v. control arm against the 2006 WHO growth reference. A community-based non-randomised cluster-controlled trial was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 in the district of Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 80 clusters (each cluster comprising ≈ 250-300 households) were defined in the catchment population of twelve health facilities. Children aged 6-18 months were recruited n 1680. The intervention included a daily ration of 50 g - locally produced ready-to-use-supplementary food (Wawa-Mum). The main outcome of this study was a change in length for age z-score (LAZ) v. WHO growth standards. Comparison between the interventions was by t test and ANOVA. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between stunting occurrence and the utilisation of locally produced supplement. Out of the total 1680, fifty-one out of the total 1680, 51·1 out of the total 1680 and 51·1 % (n 859) were male. Mean age 13·9 months (sd + 859) were male. Mean age 13·9 months (sd + -4·4). At baseline, 36·9 % (n 618) were stunted. In the intervention group, mean LAZ score significantly increased from -1·13(2·2 sd) at baseline to -0·93(1·8 sd) at 6-month follow-up (P value 0·01) compared with the control group. The incidence rate of stunting in the intervention arm was 1·3 v. 3·4 per person year in the control arm. The control group had a significantly increased likelihood of stunting (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1·7, 95 % CI 1·46, 2·05, P value < 0·001) v. the intervention group. Locally produced ready-to-use supplementary food is an effective intervention for reducing stunting in children below 2 years of age. This can be provided as part of a malnutrition prevention package to overcome the alarming rates of stunting in Pakistan.

Fabrication of a graphene@Ni foam-supported silver nanoplates-PANI 3D architecture electrode for enzyme-free glucose sensing.

Reliable and cost-effective glucose sensors are in rising demand among diabetes patients. The combination of metals and conducting polymers creates a robust electrocatalyst for glucose oxidation, offering enzyme-free, high stability, and sensitivity with outstanding electrochemical results. Herein, graphene is grown on nickel foam by chemical vapor deposition to make a graphene@nickel foam scaffold (G@NF), on which silver nanoplates-polyaniline (Ag-PANI) 3D architecture is developed by sonication-assisted co-electrodeposition. The resulting binder-free 3D Ag-PANI/G@NF electrode was highly porous, as characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffractometer, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The binder-free 3D Ag-PANI/G@NF electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical efficiency with a superior electrochemical active surface area. The amperometric analysis provides excellent anti-interference performance, a low limit of deduction (0.1 nM), robust sensitivity (1.7 × 1013µA mM-1cm-2), and a good response time. Moreover, the Ag-PANI/G@NF enzyme-free sensor is utilized to observe glucose levels in human blood serums and exhibits excellent potential to become a reliable clinical glucose sensor.

Spatiotemporal overlapping of dengue, chikungunya, and malaria infections in children in Kenya.

Malaria, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and dengue virus (DENV) are endemic causes of fever among children in Kenya. The risks of infection are multifactorial and may be influenced by built and social environments. The high resolution overlapping of these diseases and factors affecting their spatial heterogeneity has not been investigated in Kenya. From 2014-2018, we prospectively followed a cohort of children from four communities in both coastal and western Kenya. Overall, 9.8% were CHIKV seropositive, 5.5% were DENV seropositive, and 39.1% were malaria positive (3521 children tested). The spatial analysis identified hot-spots for all three diseases in each site and in multiple years. The results of the model showed that the risk of exposure was linked to demographics with common factors for the three diseases including the presence of litter, crowded households, and higher wealth in these communities. These insights are of high importance to improve surveillance and targeted control of mosquito-borne diseases in Kenya.

Curative potential of Populus ciliata Wall ex. Royle extract against adjuvant-induced arthritis and peripheral neuropathy in Wistar rats.

Populus ciliata (PCCR) is traditionally used to treat muscular swelling, inflammation, pain, and fever. The current study was designed to validate the potential of aqueous ethanolic extract of the plant against inflammation, peripheral neuropathy, and pain in arthritic rats. The PCCR was chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro antioxidant, and in vitro anti-inflammatory assays were carried out on PCCR. For anti-arthritic potential, Wistar rats' rear paws were injected with 0.1 ml Complete Freund's Adjuvant using methotrexate (3 mg/kg/week) as standard control. PCCR at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was given orally to arthritic rats for 21 days. The PCCR exhibited significant inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation (IC-50: 202.1 µg/ml), egg albumin denaturation (IC-50:553.5 mg/ml) and RBC membrane stabilization (IC-50: 122.5 µg/ml) and antioxidant (IC-50 = 49.43 µg/ml) activities. The PCCR notably decreased the paw diameter and increased body weight of treated arthritic animals as equated to diseased control. The treatment notably (p < 0.05-0.0001) decreased malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase in the liver and sciatic nerve homogenate in compared to diseased rats. The PCCR treatment remarkably (p < 0.05-0.0001) regulated the levels of nor-adrenaline and serotonin in sciatic nerve in contrast to diseased rats. Treatment with PCCR improved the motor activity, pain, ligament degeneration, and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic rats. Moreover, PCCR significantly (p < 0.01-0.0001) decreased the IL-6 and TNF-α. It is evident from the current study that PCCR had ameliorated polyarthritis and peripheral neuropathy through reduction of inflammatory markers, and improvement of oxidative stress might be due to presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols, and other fatty acids.

Pterostilbene reduces the progression of atopic dermatitis via modulating inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent chronic skin inflammatory disorders requiring continuous treatment and care. Pterostilbene (PTN) belongs to stilbene and is a polyphenolic compound of natural origin. It is similar to resveratrol and has analogous anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic characteristics. This study was intended to evaluate the effect of PTN against atopic dermatitis. The disease was induced by sensitization with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in mice. The standard control group (SCG) received topical 0.1% tacrolimus (TC), whereas three other treatment groups received daily topical PTN at 0.2, 0.6, and 1% w/w for 28 days. Dermatitis scoring, ear thickness, and body weight of animals were weekly determined while other parameters were assessed at the termination of the experiment. PTN reduced the ear weight, skin thickness, and the weight and size of thymus glands and spleen in comparison with diseased animals. PTN also reduced the elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and blood inflammatory cells in diseased mice. The histopathological findings showed a decreased epidermal thickness in PTN-treated groups. Moreover, treatment with PTN improved the amount of oxidative stress markers in the skin of the diseased mice. The expressions of IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB in the skin of diseased mice were also reduced by PTN. This study concludes that PTN ameliorated the symptoms of atopic dermatitis through the reduction of inflammation, oxidative damage, and inflammatory cytokines in the skin of diseased animals. Therefore, PTN must be further investigated for the treatment of AD complications and other inflammatory skin disorders.

Yellow Fever Molecular Diagnosis Using Urine Specimens during Acute and Convalescent Phases of the Disease.

Prior studies have demonstrated prolonged presence of yellow fever virus (YFV) RNA in saliva and urine as an alternative to serum. To investigate the presence of YFV RNA in urine, we used RT-PCR for YFV screening in 60 urine samples collected from a large cohort of naturally infected yellow fever (YF) patients during acute and convalescent phases of YF infection from recent YF outbreaks in Brazil (2017 to 2018). Fifteen urine samples from acute phase infection (up to 15 days post-symptom onset) and four urine samples from convalescent phase infection (up to 69 days post-symptom onset), were YFV PCR-positive. We genotyped YFV detected in seven urine samples (five collected during the acute phase and two collected during the YF convalescent phase). Genotyping indicated the presence of YFV South American I genotype in these samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of wild-type YFV RNA detection in the urine this far out from symptom onset (up to 69 DPS), including YFV RNA detection during the convalescent phase of YF infection. The detection of YFV RNA in urine is an indicative of YFV infection; however, the results of RT-PCR using urine as sample should be interpreted with care, since a negative result does not exclude the possibility of YFV infection. With a possible prolonged period of detection beyond the viremic phase, the use of urine samples coupled with serological tests, epidemiologic inquiry, and clinical assessment could provide a longer diagnostic window for laboratory YF diagnosis.

ATP7A delivers copper to the lysyl oxidase family of enzymes and promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and LOX-like (LOXL) proteins are copper-dependent metalloenzymes with well-documented roles in tumor metastasis and fibrotic diseases. The mechanism by which copper is delivered to these enzymes is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the copper transporter ATP7A is necessary for the activity of LOX and LOXL enzymes. Silencing of ATP7A inhibited LOX activity in the 4T1 mammary carcinoma cell line, resulting in a loss of LOX-dependent mechanisms of metastasis, including the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and myeloid cell recruitment to the lungs, in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer. ATP7A silencing was also found to attenuate LOX activity and metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma cells in mice. Meta-analysis of breast cancer patients found that high ATP7A expression was significantly correlated with reduced survival. Taken together, these results identify ATP7A as a therapeutic target for blocking LOX- and LOXL-dependent malignancies.

Facile synthesized NaGdF4 :Yb,Er peanut-shaped, highly biocompatible, colloidal upconversion nanospheres.

A facile method was used for the synthesis of peanut-shaped very emissive NaGdF4 :Yb, Er upconversion nanospheres (UCNSs) at lower temperatures with uniform size distribution. Crystallographic structure, phase purity, morphology, thermal robustness, biocompatibility, colloidal stability, surface chemistry, optical properties, and luminesce properties were explored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet (UV)-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopic tools. XRD pattern verified the construction of a single-phase, highly-crystalline NaGdF4 phase with a hexagonal structure. Peanut-shaped morphology of the sample was obtained from SEM micrographs which were validated from high-resolution TEM images, to have an equatorial diameter of 170 to 200 nm and a length of 220 to 230 nm, with irregular size, monodispersed, porous structure, and rough surface of the particles. The positive zeta potential value exhibited good biocompatibility along with high colloidal stability as observed from the absorption spectrum. The prepared UCNSs revealed high dispersibility, irregular size peanut-shaped morphology, rough surface, good colloidal stability, and excellent biocompatibility in aqueous media. A hexagonal phase NaGdF4 doped with ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) UCNSs revealed the characteristics of highly dominant emissions located at 520-525, 538-550, and 659-668 nm corresponding to the 2 H11/2 → 4 I15/2 , 4 S3/2 → 4 I15/2 , and 4 F9/2 → 4 I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions, respectively, as a result of energy transfer from sensitizer Yb3+ ion to emitter Er3+ ion.

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) an edible mushroom; a comprehensive and critical review of its nutritional, cosmeceutical, mycochemical, pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological properties.

Reishi owes an exceptional value in nutritional, cosmeceutical, and medical treatments; however, none of the studies has provided its future-driven critical assessment. This study documents an up-to-date review (2015-2020, wherever applicable) and provide valuable insights (preclinical and clinical evidence-based) with comprehensive and critical assessments. Various databases 'Google scholar', 'Web of Science', 'ScienceDirect', 'PubMed', 'Springer Link', books, theses, and library resources were used. The taxonomic chaos of G. lucidum and its related species was discussed in detail with solution-oriented emphasis. Reishi contains polysaccharides (α/ß-D-glucans), alkaloids, triterpenoids (ganoderic acids, ganoderenic acids, ganoderol, ganoderiol, lucidenic acids), sterols/ergosterol, proteins (LZ-8, LZ-9), nucleosides (adenosine, inosine, uridine), and nucleotides (guanine, adenine). Some active drugs are explored at an optimum level to make them potential drug candidates. The pharmacological potential was observed in diabetes, inflammation, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, cancer, anxiety, sedation, cardiac diseases, depression, hepatic diseases, and immune disorders; however, most of the studies are preclinical with a number of drawbacks. In particular, quality clinical data are intensely needed to support pharmacological activities for human use. The presence of numerous micro-, macro, and trace elements imparts an essential nutritional and cosmeceutical value to Reishi, and various marketed products are available already, but the clinical studies regarding safety and efficacy, interactions with foods/drinks, chronic use, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity are missing for Reishi. Reishi possesses many valuable pharmacological activities, and the number of patents and clinical trials is increasing for Reishi. Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.

High-Fidelity NIR-II Multiplexed Lifetime Bioimaging with Bright Double Interfaced Lanthanide Nanoparticles.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging provides more possibility of in vivo multiplexing in second near infrared (NIR-II) window. However, it still faces the obstacle that fluorescent probes with differentiable lifetime often exhibit quite different fluorescence intensity, especially the short lifetime usually accompanies with a weak fluorescence intensity, resulting in the difficulty for simultaneously decoding multiplexed lifetime information due to the interference of background noise. To facilitate high-fidelity lifetime multiplexed imaging, we developed a series of Er3+ doped double interface fluorescent nanoprobes (Er-DINPs): α-NaYF4 @NaErF4 : Ce@NaYbF4 @NaErF4 : Ce@NaYF4 with strong fluorescence intensity and easily distinguishable fluorescence lifetime. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results confirmed the advantage of these probes with comparable fluorescence intensity for high-fidelity multiplexed lifetime bioimaging.

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Nanosilica for Zinc Ion Mitigation; Experimental and Computational Investigations.

Zinc is an essential trace metal and its concentration above 4ppm reduces the aesthetic value of water. This study explores the possibility of using functionalized nanohybrids as Zn(II) ion scavengers from aqueous solution. Functionalized nanohybrids were synthesized by the attachment of thiosemicarbazide to silica. The material was characterized by TGA, SEM, FTIR, EDX, and BET analysis, which revealed ligand bonding to silica. The functionalized silica was employed as Zn(II) ion extractant in batch experiments and removed about 94.5% of the Zn(II) ions at pH 7, near zero point charge (6.5) in 30 min. Kinetics investigations revealed that zinc adsorption follows an intra particle diffusion mechanism and first-order kinetics (K = 0.1020 min-1). The data were fitted to Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Langmuir models and useful ion exchange parameters were determined. The impact of co-existing ions on Zn(II) ion sequestration was also studied and it was found that the adsorbent can be used for selective removal of zinc with various ions in the matrix. Quantum mechanical investigations revealed that the Zn(II) ion adsorption on ZnBS1 is more favorable, having higher binding energy (BE) (-178.1 kcal/mol) and ∆H (-169.8), and making tridentate complex with the N and S sites of the chelating ligand. The negative ∆G and BE values suggest highly spontaneous Zn(II) adsorption on the modified silica even at low temperatures.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking evaluation, antidepressant, and anti-Alzheimer effects of dibenzylidene ketone derivatives.

Novel bioactive compounds as synthetic analogs of the potent herbal medicines can be optimized as potential drug candidates for various neurologic disorders. This study was performed to investigate the newly synthesized dibenzylidene ketone derivatives: (2E,6E)-2,6-dibenzylidene cyclohexanone (A1K1) and (1E,4E)-5-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpenta-1,4-diene-3-one (A2K2) and evaluate its potential anti-Alzheimer's and anti-depressant properties. Both the derivatives are chemically characterized by using HNMR and CNMR techniques. Auto Dock Vina program was used to investigate ligand-protein affinity. Forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field test, Y-maze test, and Morris water maze test (MWM) models were employed to evaluate anti-depressant and anti-Alzheimer's activity of dibenzylidene ketone derivatives in mice. Both A1K1 and A2K2 showed high binding affinities against various proteins involved in depression and Alzheimer's mechanisms like monoamine oxidase B, acetylcholinesterase, norepinephrine transporter 2, serotonin transporter, dopamine receptor, serotonin receptor modulator, and beta-amyloid targets. A1K1 and A2K2 dose-dependently (0.1-1 mg/kg) decreased immobility time, while increased swimming and climbing time of mice in forced swim test (FST). A1K1 and A2K2 decreased animal immobility time in TST. In the open field test, both A1K1 and A2K2 increased the number of ambulations and rearings. A1K1 and A2K2 dose-dependently (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) increased spontaneous alternation behavior (%) and the number of entries of mice in Y-maze test. In the MWM test, A1K1 and A2K2 decreased escape latency time. Overall, both in-silico and in-vivo investigations of A1K1 and A2K2, report their therapeutic potential for antidepressant and anti-Alzheimer properties. Hence, these compounds possess potent neuroprotective properties and may be further evaluated for their therapeutic potential in various neurological disorders.

Identification of Novel Mutation in CNGA3 gene by Whole-Exome Sequencing and In-Silico Analyses for Genotype-Phenotype Assessment with Autosomal Recessive Achromatopsia in Pakistani families.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying genetic anomalies in two consanguineous Pakistani families with autosomal recessive achromatopsia. METHODS: The exploratory study was conducted under the patronage of International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan, and Sungshin Women University, Seoul, South Korea, after two families coded PKCN-02 and PKCN-07 belonging to different ethnic groups were recruited from different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province of Pakistan in July 2016. The families were originally diagnosed with nystagmus upon medical examination. Exome sequencing was performed to identify the possible causative gene which was found to be cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha-3. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the mutations. After genetic analysis, clinical analysis was re-evaluated for colour vision using Ishihara 26 plates. Pathogenic potential of these mutations was evaluated using algorithmic mutation prediction tools. In-silico analysis was performed to predict effect of these mutations on protein structure of the gene in question. RESULTS: Exome sequencing revealed a reported missense mutation c .1306C>T (p.R436W) in family PKCN-02 and a novel missense mutation c.1540G>A (p.D514N) in family PKCN-07. After mutational analysis, clinical re-evaluation revealed that both families were segregating autosomal recessive achromatopsia. Further, the topological model of the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha-3 polypeptide describes these missense mutations primarily affecting the C-linker and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-binding sites, respectively. Protein structure modelling of cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha-3 protein revealed abnormal structure produced by p.R436W and p.D514N.. CONCLUSIONS: Exome sequencing approach was used to first identify the genetic alteration in families with nystagmus. Two mutations in cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha-3gene were uncovered, including one novel mutation. Clinical re-evaluation uncovered that both families had achromatopsia.

P2X7 receptor antagonism prevents IL-1ß release from salivary epithelial cells and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of autoimmune exocrinopathy.

Salivary gland inflammation is a hallmark of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), a common autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary gland and loss of saliva secretion, predominantly in women. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated nonselective cation channel that induces inflammatory responses in cells and tissues, including salivary gland epithelium. In immune cells, P2X7R activation induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß and IL-18, by inducing the oligomerization of the multiprotein complex NLRP3-type inflammasome. Here, our results show that in primary mouse submandibular gland (SMG) epithelial cells, P2X7R activation also induces the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the maturation and release of IL-1ß, a response that is absent in SMG cells isolated from mice deficient in P2X7Rs (P2X7R-/-). P2X7R-mediated IL-1ß release in SMG epithelial cells is dependent on transmembrane Na+ and/or K+ flux and the activation of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a protein required for the activation and stabilization of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Also, using the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers N-acetyl cysteine and Mito-TEMPO, we determined that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species are required for P2X7R-mediated IL-1ß release. Lastly, in vivo administration of the P2X7R antagonist A438079 in the CD28-/-, IFNγ-/-, NOD.H-2h4 mouse model of salivary gland exocrinopathy ameliorated salivary gland inflammation and enhanced carbachol-induced saliva secretion. These findings demonstrate that P2X7R antagonism in vivo represents a promising therapeutic strategy to limit salivary gland inflammation and improve secretory function.

Host and Pathogen Copper-Transporting P-Type ATPases Function Antagonistically during Salmonella Infection.

Copper is an essential yet potentially toxic trace element that is required by all aerobic organisms. A key regulator of copper homeostasis in mammalian cells is the copper-transporting P-type ATPase ATP7A, which mediates copper transport from the cytoplasm into the secretory pathway, as well as copper export across the plasma membrane. Previous studies have shown that ATP7A-dependent copper transport is required for killing phagocytosed Escherichia coli in a cultured macrophage cell line. In this investigation, we expanded on these studies by generating Atp7aLysMcre mice, in which the Atp7a gene was specifically deleted in cells of the myeloid lineage, including macrophages. Primary macrophages isolated from Atp7aLysMcre mice exhibit decreased copper transport into phagosomal compartments and a reduced ability to kill Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium compared to that of macrophages isolated from wild-type mice. The Atp7aLysMcre mice were also more susceptible to systemic infection by S Typhimurium than wild-type mice. Deletion of the S Typhimurium copper exporters, CopA and GolT, was found to decrease infection in wild-type mice but not in the Atp7aLysMcre mice. These studies suggest that ATP7A-dependent copper transport into the phagosome mediates host defense against S Typhimurium, which is counteracted by copper export from the bacteria via CopA and GolT. These findings reveal unique and opposing functions for copper transporters of the host and pathogen during infection.

One-Step Carbon Coating and Polyacrylamide Functionalization of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Enhancing Magnetic Adsorptive-Remediation of Heavy Metals.

Magnetic nanoparticles are used in adsorptive removal of heavy metals from polluted wastewater. However, their poor stability in an acidic medium necessitates their protection with a coating layer. Coating magnetic nanoparticles with carbon showed proper protection but the heavy metal removal efficiency was slightly weak. However, to boost the removal efficiencies of surface functionalization, polyacrylamide was applied to carbon-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles. In this paper, to facilitate the synthesis process, one-step carbon coating and polyacrylamide functionalization were conducted using the hydrothermal technique with the aim of enhancing the adsorptive removal capacity of Fe3O4 nanoparticles towards some heavy metals such as Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cd(II). The results showed that the one-step process succeeded in developing a carbon coating layer and polyacrylamide functionality on Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The stability of the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as an adsorbent in an acidic medium was improved due to its resistance to the dissolution that was gained during carbon coating and surface functionalization with polyacrylamide. The adsorptive removal process was investigated in relation to various parameters such as pH, time of contact, metal ion concentrations, adsorbent dose, and temperature. The polyacrylamide functionalized Fe3O4 showed an improvement in the adsorption capacity as compared with the unfunctionalized one. The conditions for superior adsorption were obtained at pH 6; time of contact, 90 min; metal solution concentration, 200 mg/L; adsorbent dose, 0.3 g/L. The modeling of the adsorption data was found to be consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which suggests a fast adsorption process. However, the equilibrium data modeling was consistent with both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters of the adsorptive removal process, including ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°, indicated a spontaneous and endothermic sorption process. The developed adsorbent can be utilized further for industrial-based applications.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of a new pentacyclic triterpene from Rhododendron arboreum stem bark.

CONTEXT: Traditionally, Rhododendron arboreum Sm. (Ericaceae) is a very important medicinal plant having oxytocic, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hepatoprotective activities; it also inhibits the prostaglandin synthetase. OBJECTIVES: This study determines the cytotoxic potential of 15-oxoursolic acid isolated from R. arboreum against selected human cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extraction from stem bark (5 kg) of R. arboreum was performed with methanol, which was successively partitioned into hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. The new antitumor agent [15-oxoursolic acid (1)] was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction through column chromatography. Structure elucidation of new compound was performed through extensive spectroscopy i.e., IR, MS and 1D and 2D NMR. Cytotoxicity of isolated compound was determined at doses 5-100 µM for a period of 72 h on specified human cancer cell lines [renal cell carcinoma (A498), non-small cell lung (NCI-H226), squamous cell carcinoma (H157) and human ovarian carcinoma (MDR-2780AD)]. RESULTS: Structure of isolated compound was characterized as 15-oxoursolic acid on the basis of various extensive spectroscopic techniques. 15-Oxoursolic acid revealed considerable anticancer activity with IC50 values of 2.3 ± 0.1 µM, 4.9 ± 0.2 µM, 9.2 ± 0.2 µM and 10.3 ± 0.1 µM against MDR 2780AD, Hep G2, H157 and NCI-H226, respectively, while in the case of A498, the activity was good (IC50 32.8 ± 1.2 µM). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the potential of 15-oxoursolic acid to be further explored as a new lead compound for cancer chemotherapy.

A Trimodal Closomer Drug-Delivery System Tailored with Tracing and Targeting Capabilities.

The construction and application of a unique monodisperse closomer drug-delivery system (CDDS) integrating three different functionalities onto an icosahedral closo-dodecaborane [B12 ](2-) scaffold is described. Eleven B-OH vertices of [closo-B12 (OH)12 ](2-) were used to attach eleven copies of the anticancer drug chlorambucil and the targeting vector glucosamine through a bifurcating lysine linker. The remaining twelfth vertex was used to attach a fluorescent imaging probe. The presence of multiple glucosamine units offered a monodisperse and highly water-soluble CDDS with a high payload of therapeutic cargo. This array enhanced the penetration of the drug into cancer cells by exploiting the overexpression of GLUT-1 receptors present on cancer cells. About 15-fold enhancement in cytotoxicity was observed for CDDS-1 against Jurkat cells, compared to CDDS-2, which lacks the GLUT-1 targeting glucosamine. A cytotoxicity comparison of CDDS-1 against colorectal RKO cells and its GLUT-1 knock-out version confirmed that GLUT-1 mediates endocytosis. Using fluorescent markers both CDDS-1 and -2 were traced to the mitochondria, a novel target for alkylating agents.

Boron neutron capture therapy demonstrated in mice bearing EMT6 tumors following selective delivery of boron by rationally designed liposomes.

The application of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) following liposomal delivery of a (10)B-enriched polyhedral borane and a carborane against mouse mammary adenocarcinoma solid tumors was investigated. Unilamellar liposomes with a mean diameter of 134 nm or less, composed of an equimolar mixture of cholesterol and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and incorporating Na3[1-(2'-B10H9)-2-NH3B10H8] in the aqueous interior and K[nido-7-CH3(CH2)15-7,8-C2B9H11] in the bilayer, were injected into the tail veins of female BALB/c mice bearing right flank EMT6 tumors. Biodistribution studies indicated that two identical injections given 24 h apart resulted in tumor boron levels exceeding 67 µg/g tumor at 54 h--with tumor/blood boron ratios being greatest at 96 h (5.68:1; 43 µg boron/g tumor)--following the initial injection. For BNCT experiments, tumor-bearing mice were irradiated 54 h after the initial injection for 30 min with thermal neutrons, resulting in a total fluence of 1.6 × 10(12) neutrons per cm(2) (±7%). Significant suppression of tumor growth was observed in mice given BNCT vs. control mice (only 424% increase in tumor volume at 14 d post irradiation vs. 1551% in untreated controls). In a separate experiment in which mice were given a second injection/irradiation treatment 7 d after the first, the tumor growth was vastly diminished (186% tumor volume increase at 14 d). A similar response was obtained for mice irradiated for 60 min (169% increase at 14 d), suggesting that neutron fluence was the limiting factor controlling BNCT efficacy in this study.