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The article discusses a case of α‐Methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) deficiency in a 56-year-old female with unique neurological features, including ataxia, spasticity, and segmental dystonia. AMACR deficiency is a rare disorder characterized by elevated levels of certain acids and can manifest in adulthood or the neonatal period. The patient's diagnosis was confirmed through genetic testing and laboratory findings, highlighting the importance of considering AMACR deficiency in patients with undiagnosed cerebellar ataxia and seizure. The article emphasizes the need for timely diagnosis and appropriate management in such cases. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Hybrid meat products are a beneficial approach to incorporating plant proteins into conventional meat formulations, taking into account current market trends that emphasise the partial decrease in animal protein content. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using different percentages of beef meat (BM), jackfruit flesh (JF) and bamboo shoot (BS) as a meat substitute in beef meat emulsion. Emulsion with 100% BM (Control), (A) 50% JF + 50% BM, (B) 50% BS + 50% BM, (C) 50% BM + 25% JF + 25% BS, (D) 100% JF and (E) 100% BS were developed. Six formulations of meat emulsion samples were prepared and analysed in terms of physicochemical and microstructure properties. The substitution of JF and BS in meat emulsion resulted in more stable emulsion stability. The WHC and pH values showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between samples. The samples with different percentages of JF and BS had significantly increased (P < 0.05) the moisture content and the crude fibre content, however, it significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the crude protein content. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in ash and fat content for the formulated meat emulsions from the control. One hundred per cent BS showed higher lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and lower redness (a*) values significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the control. One hundred per cent JF and 100% BS depicted significant differences (P < 0.05) for the textural properties and gel strength compared to the control. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided evidence for the microstructure that the higher the percentages of plant‐based ingredients, the smaller the cavities. Overall, the incorporation of 50% BM + 25% JF + 25% BS could produce the best‐suited meat substitution product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The impact of meat replacement with black jelly mushrooms as a means to produce hybrid patties using meat from different species (chicken‐MCP, beef‐MBP, mutton‐MMP and buffalo‐MBOP) was investigated. For this purpose, 50% of the meat was replaced with black jelly mushrooms. A patty with 100% mushroom (CMP) was observed as a control. Proximate composition, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking yield, shrinkage, pH, gel strength, colour, texture, microstructure and sensory acceptance of the patties were analysed. MBP had the highest WHC (88.51%) and gel strength (24.89 N) compared to other patties (P < 0.05). MBP exhibited a less compact and dense structure compared to other patties. Simultaneously, it is characterised as the least in hardness but the highest in chewiness and cohesiveness. The sensory evaluation highlights MBP as the most preferred, particularly for texture. In conclusion, black jelly mushrooms are suitable to be mixed with beef to produce alternative patties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of single‐cell protein (SCP), as a valuable by‐product and substitute for soybean meal, and multistrain probiotics on the performance, blood biochemistry, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microbiota, and immune responses in laying hens. Leghorn laying hens were randomly assigned to nine experimental treatments with eight replicates of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of three levels of replacement of soybean meal with SCP (0.0%, 30%, and 60%) and three levels of probiotics (0.0, 50, 100 mg/kg) offered through 70 days of main recording. The result indicated that replacing 30% soybean meal with SCP in the diet significantly increased the eggshell weight, thickness, and strength; however, hens receiving 60% SCP replacement showed lower productive performance. During the second 35‐d trial, hens receiving at least 50 mg/kg probiotics produced higher eggshell weight, thickness, and strength than the control hens. Remarkable lower levels of serum cholesterol content were observed in the SCP and probiotic‐supplemented diets. The significant reduction in the ileal pH, Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. enumerations and a remarkable increase in Lactobacillus count was observed after feeding incremental levels of probiotics. The highest villus height to crypt depth ratio, antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (in secondary response) and Newcastle disease vaccine, as well as egg production and egg mass, were found in the hens that received 30% SCP replacement in combination with 50 or 100 mg/kg probiotic (SCP × Probiotic). The present study concluded that feeding SCP, as a cheap protein alternative source, along with probiotics while reducing production costs can support productive performance via modulating the intestinal microbiomes and health indices and fortifying the immune system in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines how facial Botox injections impact the quality of life and happiness of nondepressed patients seeking cosmetic improvements. Topics discussed include the use of Botox for reducing facial wrinkles and its potential effects on mood, the impact on happiness scores versus quality of life, and the implications for using Botox in therapeutic settings for mood disorders.

Protein production in the biopharmaceutical industry necessitates the utilization of multiple analytical techniques and control methodologies to ensure both safety and consistency. To facilitate real‐time monitoring and control of cell culture processes, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a versatile analytical technology. This technique, categorized as a Process Analytical Technology, employs chemometric models to establish correlations between Raman signals and key variables of interest. One notable approach for achieving real‐time monitoring is through the application of just‐in‐time learning (JITL), an industrial soft sensor modeling technique that utilizes Raman signals to estimate process variables promptly. The conventional Raman‐based JITL method relies on the K‐nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm with Euclidean distance as the similarity measure. However, it falls short of addressing the impact of data uncertainties. To rectify this limitation, this study endeavors to integrate JITL with a variational autoencoder (VAE). This integration aims to extract dominant Raman features in a nonlinear fashion, which are expressed as multivariate Gaussian distributions. Three experimental runs using different cell lines were chosen to compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with commonly utilized methods in the literature. The findings indicate that the VAE–JITL approach consistently outperforms partial least squares, convolutional neural network, and JITL with KNN similarity measure in accurately predicting key process variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop new iterative oscillation criteria for second‐order half‐linear advanced dynamic equations. These findings improve and extend recently established criteria for the same equation by several authors as well as encompass the existing classical criteria for associated ordinary dynamic equations. Some examples are given to show that the outcomes are accurate, practical, and adaptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced process control in the biopharmaceutical industry often lacks real‐time measurements due to resource constraints. Raman spectroscopy and Partial Least Squares (PLS) models are often used to monitor bioprocess cultures in real‐time. In spite of the ease of training, the accuracy of the PLS model is impacted if it is not used to predict quality attributes for the cell lines it is trained on. To address this issue, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed for offline modeling of metabolites using Raman spectroscopy. By utilizing asymmetric least squares smoothing to adjust Raman spectra baselines, a generic training data set is created by amalgamating spectra from various cell lines and operating conditions. This data set, combined with their derivatives, forms a two‐dimensional model input. The CNN model is developed and validated for predicting different quality variables against measurements from various continuous and fed‐batch experimental runs. Validation results confirm that the deep CNN model is an accurate generic model of the process to predict real‐time quality attributes, even in experimental runs not included in the training data. This model is robust and versatile, requiring no recalibration when deployed at different sites to monitor various cell lines and experimental runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of chorea, a movement disorder, associated with a mutation in the Notch3 gene. The patient, a 70-year-old male of Balouch descent, presented with involuntary leg movements and mild to moderate episodes of headache. He also experienced memory impairment and involuntary movements in his distal lower limbs, which progressed to his upper limbs and perioral area. Genetic testing revealed a pathogenic variant in the Notch3 gene, confirming the diagnosis of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Treatment with tetrabenazine and donepezil improved the patient's choreiform movements and memory impairment. The article suggests that chorea can be a rare manifestation of CADASIL and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chorea. [Extracted from the article]

Key Clinical Message: The stroke‐like episodes and brain MRI lesions in MELAS usually have a nonischemic pattern, are resolved over time, and have a migrating pattern that helps us distinguish them from ischemic cerebral infarcts. Nevertheless, conditions such as intracardiac thromboses, PFO, and hypercoagulable state may be present concomitantly, leading to mismanagement. Therefore, further investigation and echocardiography are suggested in MELAS patients. Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) is the most common maternally‐inherited mitochondrial disorder presenting by stroke‐like episodes, seizures, encephalopathy and muscle weakness. We report the clinical, imaging, echocardiography and muscle biopsy findings of a patient presenting by unique characteristics which have not been reported in previous cases of MELAS. The reported case is a 34 year old man with the history of three times hospitalization due to muscle weakness, encephalopathy, progressive cognitive decline, and gradual visual loss. Muscle biopsy revealed Ragged Red Fibers concomitant with mitochondrial disorders. PFO was found in echocardiography leading to mismanagement of this patient and MR imaging showed ischemic lesions with a progressive pattern. This is the first reported case of MELAS accompanying with PFO. All previous reported cases of MELAS have mentioned a fluctuating characteristic for the ischemic lesions; hence this is the first case of MELAS with the progressive pattern of ischemic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizure aggravation following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines is a major cause behind vaccine hesitancy among persons with epilepsy (PwE), resulting in lower immunization rates. We systematically reviewed seizure‐activity‐related events in PwE following COVID‐19 vaccination. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, until January 31, 2023, and included articles reporting seizure activity‐related events in PwE receiving COVID‐19 vaccination. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses were followed. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022312475). Outcomes included pooled incidence proportions of (a) increased seizure frequency, (b) status epilepticus (SE), and (c) change in seizure type. Of the 2207 studies, 16 entered the meta‐analysis. The pooled incidence proportion of increased seizure frequency (16 studies‐3245 PwE) was 5% (95% CI: 3%−7%, I2 = 52%). Regarding increased seizure frequency, no significant difference was observed between mRNA and viral vector (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.49−2.52, I2 = 0%), and between mRNA and inactivated virus (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.27−9.37; I2 = 0%). The pooled incidence proportion of SE (15 studies‐2387 PwE) was 0.08% (95% CI: 0.02%−0.33%, I2 = 0%). Ultimately, the pooled incidence proportion of change in seizure type (7 studies‐1172 PwE) was 1% (95% CI: 1%−2%, I2 = 0%). The meta‐analysis revealed post‐COVID‐19‐vaccination increased seizure frequency in 5% of PwE, with no difference between mRNA and viral vector or inactivated virus vaccines. Furthermore, we found 0.08% and 1% incidence proportions for postvaccination SE and change in seizure type, respectively. While noteworthy, these values are far less than reports for COVID‐19 infection, emphasizing vaccination importance in preventing COVID‐19 consequences in PwE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biopharmaceutical industry continuously seeks to optimize the critical quality attributes to maintain the reliability and cost‐effectiveness of its products. Such optimization demands a scalable and optimal control strategy to meet the process constraints and objectives. This work uses a model predictive controller (MPC) to compute an optimal feeding strategy leading to maximized cell growth and metabolite production in fed‐batch cell culture processes. The lack of high‐fidelity physics‐based models and the high complexity of cell culture processes motivated us to use machine learning algorithms in the forecast model to aid our development. We took advantage of linear regression, the Gaussian process and neural network models in the MPC design to maximize the daily protein production for each batch. The control scheme of the cell culture process solves an optimization problem while maintaining all metabolites and cell culture process variables within the specification. The linear and nonlinear models are developed based on real cell culture process data, and the performance of the designed controllers is evaluated by running several real‐time experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) have limited treatment options. Methods: R/R DLBCL patients, who were mostly ineligible for ASCT due to age or comorbidities, were treated with maveropepimut‐S (MVP‐S, previously DPX‐Survivac) a survivin directed T cell educating therapy, pembrolizumab, and intermittent low‐dose cyclophosphamide. Findings: We identified, using univariate analysis, a subset of patients with enhanced ORR, PFS and DOR. Patients with baseline CD20+/PD‐L1 expression had an ORR of 46% (6/13) and the disease control rate was 10/13 (77%). The PFS and OS of the positive CD20+/PD‐L1 patients were 7.1 months and 17.4 months, whereas in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population of 25 enrolled patients, the ORR was 28% (7/25), median PFS and OS were 4.2 months and 10.1 months respectively. A total of 6/7 clinical responders occurred in CD20+/PD‐L1 patients. The regimen was well‐tolerated, requiring only minor dose modifications and one discontinuation. Grade 1 or 2 injection site reactions occurred in 14/25, (56%). Statistically significant associations were also seen between PFS and; injection site reactions; and ELISpot response to survivin peptides, both identifying the mechanistic importance of specific immune responses to survivin. Interpretation: This immunotherapy combination was found to be active and safe in this clinically challenging patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk fibroin (SF), extracted from Bombyx mori, has unique physicochemical properties to achieve an efficient wound dressing. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/ZnO NPs/silk fibroin nanocomposite was made, and an innovative nanofiber of SF/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/RGO/ZnO NPs was ready with the electrospinning technique and successfully characterized. The results of MIC and OD analyses were used to investigate the synthesized materials' antibacterial effects and displayed that the synthesized materials could inhibit growth against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. However, both in vitro cytotoxicity (MTT) and scratch wound studies have shown that RGO/ZnO NPs and SF/PVA/RGO/ZnO NPs are not only non‐toxic to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, but also can cause cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell migration. Furthermore, improving the synthesized nanofiber's structural properties in the presence of RGO and ZnO NPs has been confirmed by performing tensile strength, contact angle, and biodegradation analyses. Also, in a cell attachment analysis, fibroblast cells had migrated and expanded well in the nanofibrous structures. Moreover, in vivo assay, SF/PVA/RGO/ZnO NPs nanofiber treated rats and has been shown significant healing activity and tissue regeneration compared with other treated groups. Therefore, this study suggests that SF/PVA/RGO/ZnO NPs nanofiber is a hopeful wound dressing for preventing bacteria growth and improving superficial wound repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which affects various regions in the CNS, presenting by variable clinical manifestations. Meningoencephalitis is the most common clinical presentation and association with autoimmune disorders has been reported in about 20% of these patients. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of CSF or serum immunoglobulin‐G (IgG) against GFAP. The reported case is a 53‐year‐old woman with the history of long‐standing rheumatoid arthritis who first presented with acute‐onset dizziness and gait disturbance, periventricular linear and radial enhancement pattern on MRI, and normal CSF analysis, successfully treated with an increase in the dose of oral steroids. After a year she had a subacute‐onset, moderate to severe holocephalic headache, normal neurologic examination and CSF analysis, and bilateral diffuse, pachymeningeal, and leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI. According to her Brain MRI imaging with relapsing remitting course steroid responsive ataxia and aseptic meningitis, her serum was tested for GFAP IgG antibodies which was positive. The reported patient is the first in the literature reported pachymeningitis in GFAP astrocytopathy. This case highlights the co‐occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis with GFAP‐associated astrocytopathy, and expands on the previously reported cases with similar association. This might also suggest a common immune pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a spectral method for recovering an unknown time‐dependent lower‐order coefficient and unknown wave displacement in a nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation with overdetermination at a boundary condition. We apply the initial and boundary conditions to construct the satisfier function and use this function in a transformation to convert the main problem to a nonclassical hyperbolic equation with homogeneous initial and boundary conditions. Then, we utilize the orthonormal Bernstein basis functions to approximate the solution of the reformulated problem and use a direct technique based on the operational matrices of integration and differentiation of these basis functions together with the collocation technique to reduce the problem to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Regarding the perturbed measurements, the method takes advantage of the mollification method in order to derive stable numerical derivatives. Numerical simulations for solving several test examples are presented to show the applicability of the proposed method for obtaining accurate and stable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactin is one of the most important lipopeptide biosurfactants obtained by biocatalysts of Bacillus subtilis. The aim of this study was to isolate surfactin‐producing bacilli from native soils of the country (Iran), investigate their properties, convert surfactin to surfactin micelles, determine the properties of surfactin micelles and investigate the effect of starch‐coated Fe0 and Fe3+ nanoparticles on the production of surfactin from B. subtilis. To do so, 20 bacilli were isolated from the native soil sample by heat shock method and genome sequenced by SrRNA16 method. The samples with strong β‐hemolysis activity were screened as surfactant‐producing strains. Two species of 61 and 63 (B. subtilis subspecies. Inaquosorum) were selected and examined by quantitative and qualitative screening tests such as hemolysis activity, surfactin production, droplet aggregation, emulsifying activity, and surface tension reduction in MSM medium containing Fe0 and Fe3+ nanoparticles. Surfactin was converted to surfactin micelles by sonication and confirmed by SEM. The antimicrobial and emulsifying activity and surface tension reduction of surfactin micelles were investigated. According to the results, the surface tension reduction of surfactin micelles was greater than that of surfactin. The strain 61 (99.7%) culture in 5 L bioreactors containing Fe3+ nanoparticles produced more surfactin than culture of the same strain without nanoparticles. This study presents an efficient method to increase the biosynthesis of microbial metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, magnetic nanoparticles modified with biocompatible polymers have been recognized as a suitable tool for treating breast cancer. The aim of this research was to evaluate the function of chitosan/agarose‐functionalized Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line and the expression of BCL2 and BAX genes. Free Fe2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method. FTIR, XRD, SEM, DLS, VSM, and zeta potential analyses determined the size and morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. The effect of Fe2O3 free nanoparticles and formulated Fe2O3 nanoparticles on induction of apoptosis was studied by double‐dye Annexin V‐FITC and PI. Also, the gene expression results using the PCR method displayed that Fe2O3 formulated nanoparticles induced BAX apoptosis by increasing the anti‐apoptotic gene expression and decreasing the expression of pro‐apoptotic gene BCL2, so the cell progresses to planned cell death. In addition, the results showed that the BAX/BCL2 ratio decreased significantly after treatment of MCF‐7 cells with free Fe2O3 nanoparticles, and the BAX/BCL2 ratio for Fe2O3 formulated nanoparticles increased significantly. Also, to evaluate cell migration, the scratch test was performed, which showed a decrease in motility of MCF‐7 cancer cells treated with Fe2O3 nanoparticles formulated with chitosan/agarose at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers and their composites have played an important role in industrial development. Polymer composites are becoming much stronger and more competitive than other materials as a result of ongoing research and development. This was made possible by newly developed techniques that could alter the physical and chemical properties of constituents. One of them is the self‐reinforcement technique, which allows for the fabrication of high‐strength thermoplastic polymer composites with reserved degradability, which is not possible with glass fiber/carbon fiber reinforcement. A self‐reinforced polymer composite is made of a single polymeric material, which serves as both the matrix and the reinforcement. This review article discusses the use of self‐reinforcement in various polymers and its impact on mechanical, thermal, and fire properties. Furthermore, the effects of process parameters (such as temperature and time, an), reinforcement structure, and mechanical property variation on the structure of self‐reinforced composites are reviewed and presented in detail. In addition, the effect of foreign filler addition (such as flame retardants, inorganic particles, natural fibers, etc.) on self‐reinforced composites is highlighted. In the end, the need for future research and its scope is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its widespread usage as a chemotherapy drug in cancer treatment, doxorubicin (DOX) has limitations such as short in vivo circulation time, low solubility, and poor permeability. In this regard, a pH‐responsive chitosan (CS)‐ montmorillonite (MMT)‐ nitrogen‐doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) nanocomposite was first developed, loaded with DOX, and then incorporated into a double emulsion to further develop the sustained release. The incorporated NCQDs into the CS‐MMT hydrogel exhibited enhanced loading and entrapment efficiencies. The presence of NCQDs nanoparticles in the CS‐MMT hydrogel also resulted in an extended pH‐responsive release of DOX over a period of 96 h compared to that of CS‐MMT‐DOX nanocarriers at pH 5.4. Based on the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model, there was a controlled DOX release at pH 5.4, while no diffusion was observed at pH 7.4, indicating fewer side effects. MTT assay showed that the cytotoxicity of DOX‐loaded CS‐MMT‐NCQDs hydrogel nanocomposite was significantly higher than those of free DOX (p < 0.001) and CS‐MMT‐NCQDs (p < 0.001) on MCF‐7 cells. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that a higher apoptosis induction achieved after incorporating NCQDs nanoparticles into CS‐MMT‐DOX nanocarrier. These findings suggest that the DOX‐loaded nanocomposite is a promising candidate for the targeted treatment of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between career resin of carbon black (CB) masterbatch and the performance of bimodal polyethylene pipes (PE100) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and the long‐term stability of black PE100 with different comonomer content have been investigated. For this purpose, two different CB masterbatches varying in carrier resin were selected and added to two PE100 pipes. Samples were exposed to UV irradiation, and then thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties were explored using differential scanning coloriemetry (DSC), tensile, and rheometry analyses. Additionally, Fourier transformed‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been performed to characterize the structural changes of PE100 samples under UV irradiation. According to rheological results, the PE100 sample containing more comonomer underwent a higher degree of degradation. Thermal and mechanical results reveal that the masterbatch composed of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) as carrier resin has a better influence on PE pipes' UV stability with less comonomer content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun nanofibers have gained much attention for enzyme immobilization due to their high surface‐to‐volume ratio. In this study, urease was immobilized on chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers by both adsorption and crosslinking methods. In order to obtain nanofibers with more desirable properties, solutions with different ratios of chitosan and PVA were electrospun and crosslinked using glutaraldehyde. Comparing SEM images of the nanofibers, before and after immersing them in phosphate buffer, it was shown that higher chitosan content leads to more stable fibers. So, the solution with the chitosan to PVA ratio of 40:60 was used for enzyme immobilization. Then, the effects of initial protein concentration, temperature, incubation time, and method of immobilization were investigated to reach the highest enzyme activity. Under similar immobilization conditions, covalently immobilized urease showed higher activity, compared to uncrosslinked immobilized enzyme. Besides, it retained 30% of its initial activity after 10 times usage. So, this method was chosen for further investigation. Not only the activity of the immobilized enzyme was much higher than the free enzyme in a wide range of pH and temperature, but also stability of the immobilized enzyme was improved. Immobilized urease was then used to remove thiourea which is a toxic compound. Findings indicated 60% hydrolysis of initial thiourea in 12 h. In conclusion, the findings showed that chitosan/PVA nanofibers are suitable candidates for the immobilization of urease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin application as an anti‐cancer drug is faced with several impediments. This study has developed a platform that facilitates the sustained release of curcumin, improves loading efficiency, and anti‐cancer activity. Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles were added to chitosan (CS)‐agarose (Aga) hydrogel and then loaded with curcumin (Cur) to prepare a curcumin‐loaded nanocomposite hydrogel. The loading capacity increased from 63% to 76% by adding MMT nanoparticles to a chitosan‐agarose hydrogel. Loading the fabricated nanocomposite in the nanoniosomal emulsion resulted in sustained release of curcumin under acidic conditions. Release kinetics analysis showed diffusion and erosion are the dominant release mechanisms, indicating non‐fickian (or anomalous) transport based on the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model. FTIR spectra confirmed that all nanocomposite components were present in the fabricated nanocomposite. Besides, XRD results corroborated the amorphous structure of the prepared nanocomposite. Zeta potential results corroborated the stability of the fabricated nanocarrier. Cytotoxicity of the prepared CS‐Aga‐MMT‐Cur on MCF‐7 cells was comparable with that of curcumin‐treated cells (p < 0.001). Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased due to the enhanced release profile resulting from the addition of MMT to the hydrogel and the incorporation of the fabricated nanocomposite into the nanoniosomal emulsion. To recapitulate, the current delivery platform improved loading, sustained release, and curcumin anti‐cancer effect. Hence, this platform could be a potential candidate to mitigate cancer therapy restrictions with curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, portability, self‐contained, and low cost, the development of electrochemical biosensors is a beneficial way to diagnose and anticipate many types of cancers. An electrochemical nanocomposite‐based aptasensor is fabricated for the determination of miRNA‐128 concentration as the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) biomarker for the first time. The aptamer chains were immobilized on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through gold nanoparticles/magnetite/reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs/Fe3O4/RGO). Fast Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize synthesized nanomaterials. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the modified GCE in both label‐free and labeled methods. The results indicate that the modified working electrode has high selectivity and for miRNA‐128 over other biomolecules. The hexacyanoferrate redox system typically operated at around 0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the methylene blue redox system ran at about 0 V, were used as an electrochemical probe. The detection limit and linear detection range for hexacyanoferrate and methylene blue are 0.05346 fM, 0.1–0.9 fM, and 0.005483 fM, 0.01–0.09 fM, respectively. The stability and diffusion control analyses were performed as well. In both label‐free and labeled methods, the modified electron showed high selectivity for miRNA‐128. The use of methylene blue as a safer redox mediator caused miRNA‐128 to be detected with greater accuracy at low potentials in PBS media. The findings also show the substantial improvement in detection limit and linearity by using reduced graphene oxide‐magnetite‐gold nanoparticles that can be verified by comparing with previous studies on the detection of other miRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) was reinforced with either bamboo or jute fabric to produce 30 wt% composites. However, hydrophobic PLA and hydrophilic natural fiber are incompatible. Hence, maleic anhydride grafted PLA (PLA‐g‐MA) used as compatibilizer. In this study, effect of grafting reactants content, maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) on MA grafting degree of PLA‐g‐MA were optimized using Taguchi experimental design. Synthesized PLA‐g‐MA exhibiting highest MA grafting degree used as compatibilizer at 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% for 30 wt% composites. These compatibilized 30 wt% composites were investigated for their water absorption, thermal stability, thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties. PLA‐g‐MA addition at 3 wt% onto 30 wt% bamboo/PLA or at 5 wt% onto 30 wt% jute/PLA enhanced their interfacial adhesion, increasing their Tg, Tm, Xc, tensile, flexural, impact and storage modulus but reduced their water absorption, Tcc and damping factor. Further PLA‐g‐MA addition above 3 wt% onto 30 wt% bamboo/PLA or above 5 wt% onto 30 wt% jute/PLA adversely affected their water absorption, thermal, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. This was attributed to excess uncoupled PLA‐g‐MA acting as plasticizer. Adverse effects also observed for their thermal stability when PLA‐g‐MA was added onto 30 wt% bamboo/PLA or 30 wt% jute/PLA. This was attributed to higher grafting reactant content, MA and less thermally stable PLA‐g‐MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abusing methamphetamine can be considered as an agent that can cause or affect the course of atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS), which may raise attention regarding preventing abusing these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) and statins have been demonstrated to have anti‐neoplastic properties; however, the data regarding their combination therapy is limited. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of ATO, Simvastatin and their combination in proliferation, apoptosis and pathological angiogenesis in prostate cancer cell lines. The human prostate cell lines were treated with different concentrations of Simvastatin and ATO alone and combined to find effective doses and IC50 values. In addition, the percentage of apoptotic cells was evaluated by annexin/PI staining, and mRNA expression levels of the apoptotic gene, including OPN isoforms and VEGF, were investigated using real‐time PCR. Our data displayed that Simvastatin (12 and 8 μM in PC3 and LNCaP cell lines respectively), ATO (8 and 5 μM in PC3 and LNCaP cell lines respectively), and also their combination (12 μM Simvastatin and 8 μM ATO in PC3, 8 μM Simvastatin and 5 μM ATO in LNCaP cell lines respectively) significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Also, we showed that the combination therapy by Simvastatin and ATO increased cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, providing anti‐proliferative and anti‐angiogenic properties, possibly via downregulation of the expression of VEGF and OPN genes. These results provide new perceptions regarding the anticancer roles of ATO and statins' combination therapy in prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, using a comprehensive study, we have investigated the effect of various polymerization parameters during the synthesis of bimodal polyethylene resins on their rheological and mechanical properties. Bimodal polyethylene resins were synthesized in two subsequent stages in a lab‐scale reactor by manipulating a set of parameters such as C2/H2 ratios in the first and second stages, the split value, and the comonomer type. The results showed that the comonomer type and C2/H2 ratio of the second stage of the polymerization are the most critical parameters that control the final resins' slow crack growth resistance properties. On the other hand, the shear‐thinning behavior of the resins is mainly controlled by the first‐stage polymers. Although the C2/H2 ratio of the first stage results in a moderate effect on the rheological properties of the final resins, its split value governs the flow characteristics of the final molten polymers under high shear rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for developing effective vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 began with the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the first vaccine dose was administered in December 2020. Today, full vaccination of most of the world's population is considered the most important means to overcome the COVID‐19 pandemic. Vaccination has been associated with various struggles. Some adverse reactions have resulted in the discontinuation of the specific vaccines use in some countries. Countries in poor regions have faced difficulties supplying enough vaccine doses, and the emergence of new variants of concern has resulted in reduced effectiveness of available vaccines against COVID‐19. The mix‐and‐match strategy, using heterologous vaccines in the first and second doses, might successfully solve the mentioned struggles. Moreover, this strategy has been associated with higher cellular and humoral immune responses without significantly increasing the adverse reactions. Hence, this strategy can help improve the vaccines' effectiveness, and act as a solution for vaccine shortage in poor regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste polyethylene wax is thermally treated using a rotary evaporator to reduce unwanted components. Fourier transform infrared proves the absence of undesirable material. Wax is extruded with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) at various loadings to study its morphology and final properties. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimeter were employed to obtain the phase diagram showing the immiscibility of blends containing more than 20 wt% of wax. Due to the low melting temperature of the wax and its plasticating effect on HDPE, a decrease in melting temperature, enthalpy of fusion, and crystallinity with increasing wax content of the blend is observed. The phase diagram displays four possible phases depending on temperature and wax loading. Improved processability of HDPE/wax blends is demonstrated using complex viscosity curves. Han plots prove the miscibility of wax and HDPE in the melt state even at high concentrations of wax. HDPE/wax compounds have lower crystallinity, and wax particles, acting as weak spots, lower the elastic modulus, yield stress, and stress and strain at break as wax content increases. An increase in yield strain is observed due to the more effortless extension of HDPE chains at higher wax content. In 10 wt% of wax is accepted as the upper limit for wax incorporation into the HDPE matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) minced meat foams added with methyl cellulose (MC) at a concentration of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% w/w with foam thickness of 0.5 mm were subjected to foam‐mat drying (FMD) at two drying temperatures (70 and 80°C). The objective of this study was to investigate the drying kinetics of the minced fish meat foams at different drying temperatures and MC concentrations. The effect of FMD conditions on the physical properties of powdered samples was also investigated. The drying data were fitted to a selected thin‐layer drying models based on moisture ratio. The Page model was found to be the best model (R2 = 0.9930, χ2 = 0.0005 and RMSE = 0.0202) to describe the drying curves of threadfin bream foams. The L*, a*, b*, and whiteness values of FMD fish powder were significantly affected by all the factors including the interaction (p <.05). An increase in particle size from 116.22 to 131.80 μm was observed as the drying temperature and MC concentration increased. The powder showed good—fair flowability and are within the acceptable range. Both drying temperatures yielded fish powder with satisfactory physical characteristics. Practical applications: Drying is a method of food preservation that removes the water from the food. Using foam‐mat drying, the minced fish meat is converted into fish powder at a lower drying temperature and shorter drying time. Mathematical modeling of the drying process of threadfin bream foams helps to predict the behavior of moisture removal from the foams and the process design, increasing the use of Japanese threadfin bream in the food industry. The fish powder obtained by this method has greater bulk density, which reduces packaging and transportation costs. The fish powder can be incorporated into other products to add value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite by acting on receptors in the hypothalamus, where it modifies food intake to maintain equilibrium with the body energy resources. Leptin and its receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may give neuronal survival signals. The potential of leptin to decrease/increase neuronal damage and neuronal plasticity in Parkinson's diseases (PD) is the subject of this review, which outlines our current knowledge of how leptin acts in the brain. Although leptin‐mediated neuroprotective signalling results in neuronal death prevention, it can affect neuroinflammatory cascades and also neuronal plasticity which contribute to PD pathology. Other neuroprotective molecules, such as insulin and erythropoietin, share leptin‐related signalling cascades, and therefore constitute a component of the neurotrophic effects mediated by endogenous hormones. With the evidence that leptin dysregulation causes increased neuronal vulnerability to damage in PD, using leptin as a target for therapeutic modification is an appealing and realistic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionally, patients have been admitted overnight after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Several centers have recently adopted a same‐day discharge (SDD) protocol for patients undergoing AF catheter ablation. We aimed to systematically review the current evidence for the safety and efficacy of SDD after AF catheter ablation. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library until August 21, 2021. The risk of bias was assessed with the "Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies" (MINORS). The pooled efficacy rate of SDD protocol (defined as the proportion of patients discharged the same day of ablation among the patients who were planned for SDD) was calculated. Meanwhile, pooled major complication rates and early readmission or emergency department (ED) visit rates were evaluated in successful and planned SDD groups separately. Overall, 12 observational studies consisting of 18,065 catheter ablations were included, among which 7320 (40.52%) were discharged the same‐day after ablation. The pooled efficacy was 90.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] [82.7–96.0]). The major complication rates were 1.1% (95%CI [0.5–1.9]), and 0.7% (95% CI [0.0–3.1]) in planned SDD and successful SDD groups, respectively. In addition, readmission/ED visit rate were 3.0% (95%CI [0.9–6.1]), and 3.1% (95% CI [0.8–6.5]) in the same groups. There were no significant differences between planned SDD and overnight groups with respect to major complication rate (risk ratio = 0.70, 95%CI [0.35–1.42], p‐value =.369). The available data indicates that SDD after AF ablation is safe and efficient. Further prospective and randomized studies are warranted to elucidate the safety of SDD after AF ablation and develop a standardized SDD protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are widely used chemical stabilizers for preventing polymer degradation. In this study, the effects of type of HALS and its content in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) over the stabilization process are investigated employing density functional theory (DFT) and experimental approach. The electrophilicity index of four types of commercial HALS are compared by DFT to select the most effective one. Besides, the HDPE sample containing a phenolic antioxidant and different contents of the selected HALS are experimentally exposed to UV irradiation. The effect of HALS content on the changes in chain microstructure and molecular weight of HDPE are evaluated using gel permeation chromatography and frequency sweep rheometry. In the absence of HALS, HDPE suffers degradation and the phenolic antioxidant causes chain scission. However, by adding HALS, the chain branching and crosslinking mechanisms are predominant. The results of FTIR, DSC, and tensile analyses follow similar trends, revealing that the best stabilization performance corresponds to adding 600 ppm HALS to HDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a rapid, sensitive, and straightforward detection method of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is indispensable for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). This work relates an electrochemical method using functionalized single‐stranded DNA aptamer to diagnose PCa and benign prostate hyperplasia. The sensing platform relies on PSA recognition by aptamer/Au/GO‐nanohybrid‐modified glassy carbon electrode. Besides ferrocyanide TiO2/carbon quantum dots (CQDs) probe is used to investigate the effect of nanoparticle‐containing electrolyte. Optimization of incubation time of aptamer/Au/GO‐nanohybrid and volume fraction of nafion were done using Design Expert 10 software reporting 42.4 h and 0.095% V/V, respectively. In ferrocyanide medium, PSA detection as low as 3, 2.96, and 0.85 ng mL−1 was achieved with a dynamic range from 0.5 to 7 ng ml−1, in accord with clinical values, using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Moreover, this sensor exhibited conspicuous performance in TiO2/CQDs‐containing medium with different pH values of 5.4 and 8 to distinguish total PSA and free PSA, resulting in very low limit of detections, 0.028, and 0.007 ng ml−1, respectively. The results manifested the proposed system as a forthcoming sensor in a clinical and point of care analysis of PSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, bacterial cellulose has received a great deal of attention for its medical applications due to its unique structural properties such as high porosity, good fluid uptake, good strength, and biocompatibility. This study aimed to fabricate and study bacterial cellulose/graphitic carbon nitride/nettles/trachyspermum nanocomposite by immersion and PVA/BC/g‐C3N4/nettles/trachyspermum nanofiber by electrospinning method as a wound dressing. The g‐C3N4 and g‐C3N4 solution were synthesized and then were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, Zeta Potential, and scanning electronic microscope analyzes. Also, the antibacterial properties of the synthesized materials were proved by gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration method. Besides, the toxicity, migration, and cell proliferation results of the synthesized materials on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were evaluated using MTT and scratch assays and showed that the BC/PVA/g‐C3N4/nettles/trachyspermum composite not only had no toxic effect on cells but also contributed to cell survival, cell migration, and proliferation has done. To evaluate the mechanical properties, a tensile strength test was performed on PVA/BC/g‐C3N4/nettles/trachyspermum nanofibers, and the results showed good strength of the nanocomposite. In addition, in vivo assay, the produced nanofibers were used to evaluate wound healing, and the results showed that these nanofibers were able to accelerate the wound healing process so that after 14 days, the wound healing percentage showed 95%. Therefore, this study shows that PVA/BC/g‐C3N4/nettles/trachyspermum nanofibers effectively inhibit bacterial growth and accelerate wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation sector is one of the core parts of modern civilization. Proper utilization of energy and exergy in this sector is necessary to ensure energy loss and environmental sustainability. Increasing exergy efficiency will reduce carbon emissions from this sector. Since 1970, Reistad estimates have been widely used to determine the energy and exergy efficiencies of this sector. However, the modern transport sector has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Hence, it is necessary to apply new Reistad estimates in determining the energy and exergy efficiencies. This is the first study to apply updated Reistad estimates to explore the energy and exergy efficiencies in the transportation sector of Bangladesh based on the data from 2000 to 2017. The overall exergy efficiency is significantly lower than the energy efficiencies as it ranges from 27.7% to 30.0%. Efficiencies are lower as the maximum portion of input exergy is lost to the environment. The road subsector needs major improvements as it is responsible for major amount of exergy loss. A comparison is made between conventional and updated estimates which highlights that the updated estimates provide more accurate results. Thus, it is recommended to apply updated Reistad estimates in determining the energy and exergy efficiencies of the transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Nepal has been combating the energy crisis for decades, renewable energy will be crucial for its sustainable solution. This study aims to explore exergetic efficiency and environmental cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in different cities of Nepal. The solar exergy efficiency of 12 cities of Nepal is evaluated herein with various parameters. It is observed that the city of Janakpur carries the highest amount of solar PV exergy efficiency of 25.77% and 36.27%, considering solar cell efficiency of 12% and 22.5%, respectively. Similarly, Bharatpur has the lowest solar PV exergy efficiency of 23.96% and 34.46%, with solar cell efficiency of 12% and 22.5%, respectively. In addition, average thermal exergy efficiency of solar PV varies between 7.69% and 17.70%, whereas total exergy efficiency varies between 19.71–29.58% and 30.19–40.2%. It is also found that the months of March and April carry the maximum average solar exergy efficiency, whereas July and August bring the least. In addition, an enviroeconomic study on various cities demonstrates that the cities of Mahendranagar and Dhangadhi produce solar power with higher environmental cost. Finally, the study encourages relevant policymakers to develop robust renewable energy policies that enhance the solar energy share in Nepalese energy dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neuro‐based computing technique is used for simulation of olefin plants at industrial scale. Artificial neural networks are applied to estimate the flow rate of the main products of the olefin unit from available information in terms of flow rate of feed streams and operating condition of furnaces. The structure of the smart model is determined through a trial‐and‐error procedure taking the real plant information over four successive years. The proposed paradigm estimates the tonnage of the product streams by an absolute average relative deviation in the range of 0.9 % for methane to 3.14 % for propylene. Results confirmed that this smart simulation not only presents accurate predictions, but is easy to use, straightforward, and can be simply employed for optimization and control of the unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an experimental study on the shear‐induced migration and axial development of particles in the channel flows of non‐Brownian suspensions. The suspending fluid is Newtonian. We investigate fracturing flows with a Hele‐Shaw type scaling through building a unique channel setup and an advanced optical system. The local particle concentration profiles are measured via the refractive‐index matching technique for a wide range of bulk volume fraction, that is, 0.1≤ϕ¯b≤0.5. Simultaneously, the particle image velocimetry is performed to determine the velocity profile of the particle phase. We compare our experimental results with the available two‐phase continuum frameworks and show discrepancies and similarities in the fully developed and axial development of the solid volume fraction profiles. We discuss directions in which the continuum frameworks require improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactin is one of the main lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by different species of Bacillus subtilis. This study aims to analyze the effect of starch‐coated Fe0 and Fe3+ nanoparticles on the biomass and biosurfactant production of Bacillus subtilis. Out of 70 soil samples, 20 Bacillus were isolated and genome sequenced by biochemical methods and 16S rRNA gene. Quantitative and qualitative screening methods were used to isolate and detect biosurfactant production. For the aim of this study, 61 and 63 (Bacillus subtilis subsp. Inaquosorum) were selected. Then, hemolytic activity, biomass amount, surfactant production, and reduction of surface tension in Minimal Salt Medium containing Fe0 and Fe3+ nanoparticles were examined after 48, 72, and 96 h of culture. Strain 61 was the best bacterium and Fe3+ was the best nanoparticle. The results were compared with the results of non‐nanoparticle bioreactor. The results showed the amount of biomass, surfactin, and surface tension decrease, 72 h after growth in 61 strain containing Fe3+ reached the highest values. Surfactin from strain 61 culture in the Fe3+nanoparticle bioreactor after 72 h of growth showed higher production than the same strain culture after 72 h without Fe3+, if continuing the research, this strain can be commercialized in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concerns about biosafety of nanoparticles (NPs) has raised the need for detailed knowledge of NP interactions with biological molecules especially proteins. Herein, the concentration‐dependent effect of magnetic NPs (MNPs) on bovine serum albumin and hen egg white lysozyme was explored. The X‐ray diffraction patterns, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering measurements together with scanning electron microscopy images were employed to characterize MNPs synthesized through coprecipitation method. Then, we studied the behavior of two model proteins with different surface charges and structural properties on interaction with Fe3O4. A thorough investigation of protein–MNP interaction by the help of intrinsic fluorescence at different experimental conditions revealed that affinity of proteins for MNPs is strongly affected by the similarity of protein and MNP surface charges. MNPs exerted structure‐making kosmotropic effect on both proteins under a concentration threshold; however, binding strength was found to determine the extent of stabilizing effect as well as magnitude of the concentration threshold. Circular dichroism spectra showed that proteins with less resistance to conformational deformations are more prone to secondary structure changes upon adsorption on MNPs. By screening thermal aggregation of proteins in the presence of Fe3O4, it was also found that like chemical stability, thermal stability is influenced to a higher extent in more strongly bound proteins. Overall, this report not only provides an integrated picture of protein–MNP interaction but also sheds light on the molecular mechanism underling this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between normal cognition and early dementia and is not considered as a typical outcome of brain aging. It has been estimated that 10% to 20% of individuals above 65 years of age will be diagnosed as having MCI. The increased rate of dementia and the importance of early detection of its forerunners have encouraged researchers to focus on detecting MCI and modifiable risk factors with the hope of developing better ways of managing dementia and its consequences. The main aim of this study was to systematically review the related literature concerning the cognitive changes in the spectrum of cognitive aging to cognitive impairment. Articles included in this review were identified through searching the databases of PubMed, Psych Info, Embase, ProQuest, and Scopus. Many domains like verbal memory, language, executive function, visual memory, attentional skills, and working memory showed acceptable predictive power. Testing subdomains such as executive function, speed of processing, working memory and semantic language are critical and others may indicate some suggestions for further clinical deteriorations in normal individuals. Although various cognitive instruments have been used for evaluation of impaired cognitive domains, it remains challenging to select the most appropriate ones having high‐level accuracy and their related cognitive subdomains. It also revealed that none of the identified cognitive domains solely fulfilled the criteria for MCI screening; in clinical settings, multiple neuropsychological batteries may be used for one single cognitive domain, while longitudinal studies prefer the use of at least two cognitive measures for each domain to improve accuracy and research settings might focus on only a single neuropsychological test. However, along with episodic memory, testing for amnestic MCI, executive function could increase the chance of early detection of MCI. Executive control has been found to deteriorate the earliest in MCI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, putting forward an accurate cancer therapy method with minimal side effects is an important topic of research. Nanostructures, for their ability in controlled and targeted drug release on specific cells, are critical materials in this field. In this study, a pH‐sensitive graphene oxide‐l‐arginine nanogel was synthesized to carry and release 5‐fluorouracil. Optimized conditions using statistical analysis, based on the maximum relative viscosity of nanogel, were evaluated: 5.489 for the concentration of l‐arginine and 2.404 for pH. The prepared nanogels were characterized using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. The fluorouracil release was measured by the dialysis bag method, UV spectrophotometry, and fluorouracil calibration diagram. Results proved the successful controlled release of fluorouracil at pH 5.4 and the beneficial role of graphene‐oxide‐ l‐arginine‐ fluorouracil nanogel in eliminating cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites films based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and different compositions of treated and untreated nanoperlite were prepared via melt mixing of the ingredients on a corotating twin‐screw extruder and then film blowing the nanocomposites. The physical dispersion of the nanocomposites is confirmed using Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) method. According to the thermal studies, the nanocomposites with untreated nanoperlite showing higher melting temperature and crystallinity, while their thermal stability is lower than nanocomposites with treated nanoperlite. The thermal and FTIR‐ATR studies also revealed the ethylene absorption of the nanocomposites. According to the surface energy results, the treatment of the nanoparticles completely changes the surface behavior and hydrophobicity of the films. Finally, peel color index and field study observations showed that increase in nanoperlite will increase the shelf life of the fruits; however, the nanocomposite with 6% untreated nanoperlite is the best choice for the packaging applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2929–2937, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur compounds are essential for many industries and organisms; however, they cause serious respiratory problems in human beings. Therefore, determination of sulfur concentration is of paramount importance. The research approach in the field of detecting contaminants has led to smaller systems that provide faster and more effective ways for diagnosis purposes. In this study, a novel portable amperometric graphene oxide–protein biosensor platform is investigated. The main characteristic of this structure is the implementation of a microfluidic configuration. With albumin metalloprotein as the biorecognition element, graphene oxide was synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Albumin protein was stabilized on the surface of graphene oxide by the application of the N‐(3‐dimethylamionpropyl)‐N‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxysuccinimide method. The stabilization was confirmed by FTIR and electrochemistry analyses. The calibration curve of sulfur concentration was determined. When the graphene oxide–protein complex was stabilized by nephion on the surface of the microfluidic system, the response time reduced to 50 Sec, which is a relatively faster response among the similar studies and validated the significant effect of the microfluidic system. The nanosystem had an optimized pH of 7.4 and exhibited high sensitivity in determining sulfide. The results confirm that the portable graphene oxide–protein nanosystem has a fast and accurate response in detecting sulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]