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Solid polymer electrolytes containing methylcellulose:dextran (MC-DEX), ammonium hexafluorophosphate (NH4PF6), and glycerol have been prepared via the solution cast method. Various techniques have been used to characterize the prepared electrolyte samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the interaction between polymers and electrolyte components. According to the electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the highest conducting plasticized system achieves a conductivity of 6.71 × 10-4 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. The mobility, number density, and diffusion coefficient of ions were measured using both FTIR and EIS methods, and it was found that their values rise as the amount of glycerol increases. Polarization due to ion migration is responsible for the high value of dielectric parameters. According to transference number measurement (TNM), the transport ion (tion) is 0.92, verifying that the ions are the primary charge carriers. The electrochemical stability window of the maximum conducting plasticized system is 1.58 V, based on linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analysis. The electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) device is fabricated using the highest conducting plasticized system. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curve is roughly rectangular in shape and with no presence of Faradaic peaks with its specific capacitance of 32.69F/g at 10 mV/s.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) doped with 3 wt% erbium nitrate film was prepared by casting from solution. The effect of plasma treatment on optical properties of composite film was investigated. The optical absorbance was measured in the wavelength region of 200–800 nm. . Electronic transition was proved to be direct allowed for pristine and plasma treated film. Tauc’s plots were used to determine the optical band gap (Eopt) of the samples under study. The energy gap was 5.30 eV for untreated composite film and the treated samples at 10, 20 and 30 min have lower values of optical band gap, 5.22, 5.20 and 4.90 eV respectively. It was also found that the Urbach energy values (Ee) were decreased under different plasma treatment times. It begins with 1.46 eV for untreated sample till it reaches 0.72 eV for 30-minute treated sample. Wemple–DiDomenico model parameters such as, oscillator energy, dispersion energy and zero-frequency refractive index values were calculated and their variations with plasma were studied. The color parameters for composite film are noticeably affected under plasma treatment.

In this study, biosynthesized nanoparticles using chitosan, Ulva fasciata, and Avicennia marina leaves extracts (A, B, and C, respectively), were evaluated as paint additives to control marine fouling on different substrates. These biocidal nanoparticle compounds were prepared using a green biosynthesis method. Their characterizations were conducted using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. Each nanoparticle compound was mixed with a prepared paint, resulting in three formulations for each (e.g. 1C, 2C, 3C), containing 20%, 40%, and 60% by weight. Painted PVC, wood, and steel with these nine paints, and the control were immersed in seawater for different periods. After two months of immersion, the least number of fouling species, (one species) was recorded on both the wood and steel panels that were coated with paint (1C). Meanwhile, after four months, the least numbers of fouling (four and six species) were recorded on wood and steel panels that were coated with paint (3C). After around seven months of immersion, the least numbers of fouling species (five and ten) were recorded on wood and steel panels that were coated with paints (1C and 3C), respectively. The steel panel coated with (3C), harbored ∼2% of the total number of barnacles found on the control, after 7 months of immersion. The superior antifouling agent efficiency of extract (C) nanoparticles can be attributed to its constituents of polyphenols, ammonium compounds, and high concentrations of alcohols, besides the presence of both aromatic and aliphatic amide and amide derivatives.

Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cuf.and other Moringa species have traditionally been used to treat various diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the methanolic extract of M. stenopetala leaf and its fractions on selected tumor cells. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. The comet assay was used toassess DNA damage, and gel electrophoresis was used to determine DNA fragmentation. Gene expression was analyzed by qPCR using two specific genes for each cancer cell line. Fractionation of the methanolic extract (E−1) on Diaion HP-20 yielded five fractions (Fr-2 to Fr-6); only Fr-4 and Fr-6 were cytotoxic to breast cancer cells (MCF-7; IC50 = 58.3 ± 0.93 and 35.8 ± 2.44 μg/mL, respectively), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2; IC50 = 57.8 ± 1.57 and 39.3 ± 1.90 μg/mL, respectively), and Fr-4 was cytotoxic to human colon cancer cells (HCT-116; IC50 = 94.2 ± 4.9 μg/mL). In addition, exposure of the cancer cells to Fr-4 and Fr-6 resulted in a high level of DNA damage. Moreover, relative expression of MTAP and CDKN2A in MCF-7 were increased, whereas expression of p21 and p53 in HCT-116, and APC and TERT in HepG2 were decreased, similar to that of doxorubicin. LC-qTOF-MS was used to identify metabolites in E−1, the majority of which were enriched in Fr-4. Two terpenes (loliolide and dihydroactinidiolide), the majority of the flavonoids, and niazirin were about two fold enriched in Fr-4, whereas the majority of the lipids were 4–10 fold enriched. However, Fr-6 hardly showed compounds other than the two terpenes that were enriched 1.5 and 7 fold. The findings suggest that Fr-4 and Fr-6 are promising sources of compounds possessing cytotoxic and genotoxic properties.

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities of Euphorbia schimperiana total extract, fractions, and isolated secondary metabolites were investigated. The cytotoxicity assays were assessed against four human cancer cell lines HCT116, MCF7, HePG2, and PC3 as well as against normal cell line RPE1. The plant total extract, fractions, and pure compounds were more effective against PC3 and HepG2 cell lines than HCT116 and MCF7. Significant results were observed for ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions against PC3 with IC50 of 4.7 μg/ml for ethyl acetate, however, n-hexane exhibited 100% cytotoxicity up to 6.25 μg/ml. The antibacterial potential activity was achieved on four pathogenic Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions had more valuable results (p

Glasses with the chemical composition of 52B2O3 – 12SiO2–26Bi2O3 – (10 − x)TiO2 - xY2O3, :(0 ≤ x ≤ 10) prepared using the melt-quench method. The goal of this study is to investigate the structural, mechanical, and radiation shielding characteristics of these samples. XRD analysis has explored the nature of the glass system. Molar volume obtained reduced while the density denotes increased in the present system. As the molar volume decrease inter-ionic distance, polaron radius, inter-nuclear distance, and Y-Y separation of the investigated glasses decreased. The mechanical characteristics depend on the glass structure of the current glasses sample. Ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli (experimental and theoretical) for these glasses obtained they were observed to get enhanced. The radiation shielding efficiency was investigated by Phy-X/PSD software. The mass attenuation coefficient, mean free path, half-value layer, tenth value layer, and effective atomic number of glasses have been designed to simulate gamma photon energies between 0.015 and 15 MeV.

To formulate multiparticulate controlled-release alginate-gelatin (AL-GL) beads in order to modify gliclazide (GLZ) release rate. AL-GL beads were prepared using different glutaraldehyde concentrations and dried using either air or freeze-drying method. For comparison, calcium alginate beads (AL-beads) were prepared at different temperatures. Drug incorporation efficiency, beads swelling%, drug release rate, and kinetics in gradient conditions (USP Apparatus-4) were studied. Selected AL-GL beads, as a test formulation (T), were in-vivo compared with Diamicron® 80 mg conventional tablet (R). AL-beads curing temperature was inversely proportional to GLZ incorporation efficiency and directly proportional to beads swelling%. GLZ release from AL-beads was slow in 0.1 N HCl and very fast in pH 7.4. In case of AL-GL beads, GLZ incorporation efficiency and swelling% were inversely proportional to glutaraldehyde concentration. AL-GL beads showed zero-order release of GLZ for up to 11 h. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the freeze-dried beads showed a highly porous surface. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) studies indicated an interaction between alginate and gelatin due to crosslinking, while FT-IR indicated the absence of chemical interaction with GLZ. The relative bioavailability (T/R) was 97.57, 138.34, and 143.53%, for Cmax, AUC0–72, and AUC0–∞, respectively. Tmax of T was significantly higher than R. AL-GL beads could represent promising delivery systems for modulating GLZ release rate and minimizing the variation in its absorption.

Strontium-substituted spinel ferrites were prepared using the sol–gel method. The sample’s chemical formula was Cu1–xSrxFe2O4 (0.00, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80 and 1.00). A cubic structure was discovered through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The lattice, constant, X-ray density and other structural parameters were increased with the substitution of strontium ion due to its larger ionic radius as compared with the ionic radius of manganese. It was discovered that the addition of strontium ions increased both activation energy and dc resistivity, whilst the decrease in resistivity with increasing temperature proved the semiconducting nature of samples. There was an abysmal disparity between the coerciveness and magnetization values. The permittivity was decreased with the addition of strontium ions. The low perittivity and high specific resistance suggested that prepared samples are suitable for high-frequency applications.

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal cancers which is causing up to 3 million deaths annually worldwide. Therefore, management of lung cancer needs searching for new chemopreventive agents. This work was designed to inspect the chemopreventive potential of different extracts prepared from branches and leaves of Synadenium grantii for screening their effects on lung cancer cells (A549), then the most active extract was used for combating lung cancer induced in animal model. The in vitro results showed that, the methanolic extract was the most active extract against A549 cells with a notable cytotoxicity activity (IC50: 4.30±0.44 µg/ml), which was close to the activity of standard drug, doxorubicin (IC50: 3.50±0.40 µg/ml). The results of the in vivo experiment, revealed that in B(a)P-treated group, aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminase activities as well as the levels of urea, creatinine, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Phosphotylinosital 3 Kinase (PI3K) were significantly increased comparing to control group. However, treatment with S. grantii ameliorated the increase in these parameters in both after- and before-treatment groups comparing with B(a)P-treated group. This improvement in biochemical results were also supported by improving in morphological and histopathological injuries induced by B(a)P, which indicated that methanolic extract of S. grantii has a chemoprevention effect on lung cancer.

The dominant molluscan speciesPatella caerulea was selected as a trace metals bio indicator. During winter and summer 2016, its specimens were scraped from El-Mex Bay. Concentrations of heavy metals in the water, sediments andPatella caerulea (shells and soft tissues) were determined. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) concentrations (conc.) during summer were higher than winter except for shells which had Cd conc. in summer lower than winter, water showed Cu conc. in winter more than summer, Fe appeared higher conc. in water and Patellacaerulea during winter more than summer, Mn had higher conc. in water and sediments than summer, Ni had higher conc. in water and soft tissues during winter than summer and Zn in water during summer is lower than winter. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) ofCd, Pb, Cu, Fe inPatellacaerulea shells were more than soft tissues, also they were more in winter than summer except that of Cu in winter was lower than summer, BAF of Fe in soft tissues was higher than shells also that of Mn and Zn in Patellacaerulea during winter were lower than summer, also BAFs of Mn in soft tissues and shells was nearly similar.The highest metal pollution index (MPI) for the studied species appeared in shells (105.95) followed by that of soft tissues during summer and winter (80.54 and 74.64, respectively). While MPI in shells during winter (46.13) came to the last.

Nanocomposites films based on Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone/Chitosan (PVP/Chitosan) filled by Vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles (V2O5 NPs) have been produced via solution casting method. Vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles were scattered direct in the blend of PVP/Chitosan by one-potential laser ablation technique. The main purpose in using Vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles is to modify the structural, optical, and electrical characterization of PVP/Chitosan composite. The complexation between Vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles and PVP/Chitosan has been approved via XRD and FTIR-ATR analyses. The average size of V2O5 was 20.5 nm. After the scattering by vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles, AC conductivity improved. The values of dielectric constant and dielectric lose decreased as the frequencies enhanced. At lower frequency, greater values of dielectric constant and dielectric lose have been detected due to the mobile charges inside the polymeric backbone. The fabricated PVP/Chitosan/V2O5 NPs films could be suggested for electrical and optoelectronic applications.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metals on measures of male fertility. One hundred and two infertile men with occupational exposure and thirty fertile men were included in this study. Blood and urinary levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Semen parameters and a motile sperm organelle morphology examination were also performed. Measures of hormonal levels, oxidation-reduction potential, DNA fragmentation index and chromatin condensation were assessed for all participants. Heavy metals levels, oxidative stress and DNA quality were significantly higher in the infertile group compared to controls. FSH and testosterone levels were lower in the infertile group. A urinary cadmium level was positively associated with abnormal sperm morphology (r = .225, p < .05). Normal morphology was inversely correlated with the duration of the exposure (r = -.227, p = .022). The blood lead level was positively related to the level of testosterone (r = .223, p = .031). Cadmium and lead blood levels were positively correlated with the level of chromatin decondensation (r = .528, p < .001; r = .280, p = .017). Our study showed that occupational exposure to heavy metals is very harmful to reproductive health. DNA quality and oxidative stress investigations must be recommended for reprotoxic exposed patients prior to in vitro fertilisation treatment.

In vitro and in vivo studies of gliclazide (GLZ)-loaded freeze-dried alginate-gelatin (AL-GL) beads were carried out, aiming to modify its oral bioavailability. Crosslinked freeze-dried GLZ AL-GL beads (particle size: 1.5- and 3.0-mm) were prepared. In vitro evaluation of GLZ AL-GL beads included SEM, DSC, FT-IR, and release rate study in gradient media. In vivo study was single-dose (4 mg/kg), randomized, parallel-group design, two-treatment (T: test GLZ AL-GL beads and R: reference product Diamicron® 30-mg MR tablet) conducted in 96 healthy rats. Each group was subdivided into 2 sub-groups (G1 and G2) having different blood sampling schemes for up to 72 h. Assessment of level A in-vitro-in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) model was carried out. AL-GL beads successfully increased GLZ release rate compared to R. GLZ percent released (Q4h) was 109.34, 86.85, and 43.43% for 1.5-mm and 3.0-mm beads and R, respectively. DSC analysis confirmed the interaction of AL-GL via crosslinking. No chemical interaction of GLZ has occurred as proved by FT-IR. Relative bioavailability (T/R) for AUC0-∞ was 132.45% for G1 and 146.16% for G2. No significant differences between T and R in the primary pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Tmax values were found to be earlier in the case of G1 than those of G2. A secondary absorption peak of GLZ was clearly detected in the case of R while its sharpness was minimized in T. High IVIVC was established, and hence, the proposed in vitro release model perfectly correlated with the in vivo study. The current study design might be a platform to enable panoramic view for GLZ variability in vivo.

Blends with composition 50/50(wt/wt%)poly(vinyl)alcohol (PVA)/poly(vinyl) pyrrolidone (PVP) doped with different weight ratios from benzoxazinone derivative (BZ) were prepared by casting solution technique. The optical absorption was recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range of 190–1100 nm. Tauc's plots revealed direct allowed transition with optical band gap, Eopt, of 5.20 eV for blend film. Under addition of benzoxazinone, the optical energy value decreased until 2.60 eV for 12 wt% BZ blend system. Optical parameters such as refractive index, dielectric constant, dielectric loss and color constants were determined. Benzoxazinone molecules have a significant effect on optical parameters.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most lethal cancer type worldwide. Due to multiple levan applications including anticancer activities, studies related to levansucrase production are of interest. To our knowledge, levan effect on pancreatic cancer cells has not been tested previously. In this work, among eighteen bacterial honey isolates, Bacillus subtilis MT453867 showed the highest levan yield (33 g/L) and levansucrase production (8.31 U/mL). One-factor-at-a-time technique increased levansucrase activity by 60% when MgSO4 was eliminated. The addition of 60 g/L banana peels enhanced the enzyme activity (192 U/mL). Placket Burman design determined the media composition for maximum levan yield (54.8 g/L) and levansucrase production (505 U/mL). The identification of levan was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrometric analysis, 13C-nuclear-magnetic resonance, and 1H-nuclear-magnetic resonance. Both crude and dialyzed levan completely inhibited the pancreatic cancer cell line at 100 ppm with no cytotoxicity on the normal retinal cell line. The LD50 of crude levan was 4833 mg/kg body weight. Levan had strong antioxidant activity and significantly reduced the expression of CXCR4 and MCM7 genes in pancreatic cancer cells with significant DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, Bacillus subtilis MT453867 levan is a promising adjunct to pancreatic-anticancer agents with both anti-cancer and chemoprotective effects.

3-Chloro-3-chlorosulfenyl-4���-methylspiro[chroman-2,1���-cyclohexane]-4-one (4) was prepared from the reaction of spiro 4���-methylcyclohexan-1���,2-chroman-4-one (3) with thionyl chloride according to reported method. Furthermore, treatment of compound 4 with potassium iodide gave 1,2-bis (3-chloro-4���-methylspirochroman-2,1���-cyclohexyl-4-one)disulfane (6) in addition to 4,4���-dimethyltrispiro[cyclohexane-1,2���-chroman-3���,2���-2H-chromeno[3,4-e][1,3,4]-oxadithiin-5���,1���-cyclohexan]-4���-one (5). The formation of compound 5 could be presumably explained via the formation of unstable intermediate oxo-thioketone A. The formation of the latter intermediate A was confirmed chemically through the thermal reaction of compound 5, or compound 6 with 1,3-homodiene such as: 1,3-cyclohexadiene, isoprene, and 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene to afford the products 7���9, respectively. The chemical structures of the newly prepared compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H & 13C NMR, and MS). The synthesized compounds were evaluated against lung (A549), prostate (PC3), pancreatic (PACA2), and breast (MDA) cancer cell lines. Compound 3 exhibited prominent cytotoxicity against A549, PC3, and PACA2 cancer cell lines with IC50 values from 12.4 to 16.1 ��M, which was comparable or superior to the reference drug (Doxorubicin). Compounds 7���9 showed better cytotoxicity against breast (MDA) cancer cell line than the reference drug (Doxorubicin).

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders which affects the hippocampus and cortical neurons leading to impairment of cognitive ability. Treatment of AD depends mainly on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, however, a novel therapeutic approach is introduced based on the maintenance of neuronal viability and functionality exerted through neurotrophic factors. In the current study, Ulmus pumila L. leaves alcoholic extract was investigated for its neuroprotective activity in AlCl3-induced AD in rats. Rats were orally treated with AlCl3 (17 mg/kg) for 4 weeks followed by U. pumila extract (150 mg/kg b.wt.) for another 6 weeks. Treatment of neuro-intoxicated rats with U. pumila extract resulted in a significant regulation in neurotrophic factors; brain derived neurotrophic factor and transforming growth factor-β and pro-inflammatory cytokine; TNF. It also induced an elevation in serum levels of monoamine neurotransmitters; norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin and a decline in brain acetlycholinesterase activity. U. pumila extract also showed potent antioxidant activity as indicated by the declined malondialdehyde and elevated reduced glutathione, catalase and super oxide dismutase levels in AD rats‘ brains. Histological improvement was detected in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus and striatum of the treated rats. The phytochemical analysis of U. pumila extract revealed high contents of flavonoids and phenolics and the major compounds were isolated and chemically characterized. Additionally, U. pumila extract and the isolated compounds exerted a prominent activity in in-vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay with kaempferol-3-O-β-glucoside being the most potent compound showing IC50 of 29.03 ± 0.0155 μM. A molecular docking study indicated high affinity of kaempferol-3-O-β-robinobioside on acetylcholine esterase binding site with estimated binding free energy of –8.26 kcal/mol.

This overall process deals with evaluating the performance of silver nanoparticles, synthesized from sodium caseinate (SC) as green biological active agent, in comparison with widely produced from carboxymethyl cellulose, other carbohydrates (oxidized nanocellulose fibres (OC) and starch (St)). The TGA, FTIR and TEM, as well as its antimicrobial activities toward pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in addition to the yeast strain Candida albicans NRRL Y-477 were examined. In addition, with regard to their anti-tumour activity, the evaluation was studied via many cancer cell lines against RPE1 (normal retina cell line). The results revealed that the SC–Ag(I) and CMC–Ag(I) complexes were formed in six- and five-membered chelate rings, respectively, as nanoparticles, while linear chelation structure was formed in case of OC–Ag(I) and St–Ag(I) complexes. The complexation of SC with Ag(I) ions was recommended as promising stable and antimicrobial agent, with lower free Ag(I) ions and particle size than other Ag-complexes. Moreover, it provided anti-tumour activity of most tested cell lines ( in vitro ), with the following sequence HCT116 > PC3 > HePG 2 > MCF-7 > A549 with IC 50 and IC 90 values of 25.8 and 54.73 µg ml −1 , 45.1 and 66.7 µg ml −1 , 64.3 and 110.7 µgml −1 , 71.4 and 114.8 µgml −1 and 80.1 and 127.7 µgml −1 , respectively. The promising effect of SC–Ag complex was also clear from its selective index versus RPE1 (normal retina cell line).

The electrical and optical properties of superalkali (OLi3) and superhalogen (MgF3) doped boron nitride nanocage are investigated. Superalkali and superhalogen are doped physically and substitutionally with boron nitride and its geometrical and optoelectronic properties are analyzed and compared systematically. In the doped nanocage of boron nitride, the linear optical polarizability and nonlinear optical hyperpolarizability increases to a greater extent. The increasing trend of the hyperpolarizability in the nanocage of metal-doped boron nitride depends on the atomicity of superhalogen and superalkali metal. The energy bandgap of HOMO-LUMO also decreases due to the injection of new energy levels in all the doped compounds of boron nitride near the Fermi level. Among different combinations, MgF3 and OLi3 doped with B12N10 found the most reliable combination with enhanced linear and nonlinear optical polarizability. The current clue gives wide applications for boron nitride nanocage in electrical instruments and devices that play an important role in the designing of efficient nonlinear optical materials.

Nitrogen doped graphene modified WO3 nanocomposites were synthesized through an effective methodology. The prepared photocatalysts were employed as active candidates for degradation of highly toxic organics i.e., 2, 4 dichloro phenol (2, 4-DCP) and methyl orange (MO). XRD profile of N-graphene showed complete reduction of GO into N-graphene. All diffraction peaks of WO3 along with N-graphene indicated monoclinic phase of WO3. SEM and TEM images of 3.0% N-graphene/WO3 have demonstrated the mixed morphology of irregular massive rod like blocks and round shaped particles of WO3 distributed on cracked sheets of N-graphene. Nitrogen defects in graphene altered zero band gap semi-metallic graphene to semiconducting material and increased the absorption edge of N-graphene/WO3 nanocomposites towards visible region as studied in DRS analysis. FTIR and Raman studies showed the strong connection between N-graphene and WO3 by making W − O − C surface linkage. The noticeable reduction in PL emission peaks of 3.0% N-graphene/WO3 indicated obvious separation of photo induced charge carriers. The study of radical scavengers suggested that holes (h+) and •OH are the main elements for the decontamination of both MO and 2, 4-DCP. XPS analysis shows all possible C − N bonding configurations in 3.0% N-graphene/WO3. 3.0% N-graphene/WO3 composite showed the maximum photo degradation of MO ( ~ 94.0%) and 2, 4-DCP ( ~ 81.0%). The synergism between N-graphene and WO3 results into more sporty sites on catalyst and restoring of sp2 structural defects in N-graphene lattice improve the transportation of charge carriers during photocatalysis. This work provides innovative strategies for designing the N-graphene/semiconductor nanosystems with enhanced photocatalytic phenomena in the environmental cleanup remedies.

PolyvinylPyrrolidone (PVP) doped Praseodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Pr(NO3)3.6H2O) composite system has been prepared according to xPr(NO3)3 - (100-x) PVP polymer composite system with x = 0, 10, 20 and 40 wt% using casting technique. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that there is a level of interaction between polymer and metal nitrate. The optical absorption measurements of the investigated system were done in the wavelength range of 190−1100 nm. A method for curve fitting of absorbance showed optical absorption is due to indirect transition and the energy band gap decreased from Eg = 5 eV for pure PVP film to 3.20 eV for 40 wt% Pr(NO3)3 doped PVP film. The high wavelength refractive index (n∝) and number of carbon atoms per carbonaceous cluster (N) were found to increase noticeably with composition. The dispersion of refractive index and complex dielectric constants were investigated. Color parameters of composite system were calculated in the context of CIE L*u*v* color space.

Carboxymethyl cellulose film doped with 40 wt% nickel chloride ( 6H2O) has been prepared by casting technique. The prepared film sample has been treated with nitrogen plasma at different exposure times. The optical absorption was recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range of 190–2,500 nm. From the absorption edge studies, the values of the Urbach energy (Ee) were found to be 0.99eV in case of the pristine film; however, the Urbach energy values were found to be in the range of 0.72–0.92 eV under different plasma treatment times. These energy values indicate that the model based on random fluctuations of the internal fields associated with structure disorder is preferable and consequently transitions occurred through localized and extended states. Modulation of refractive index and complex dielectric constants has been also studied. Variation of color parameters under effect of the plasma treatment are discussed in the frame work of CIE L* u* v* color space. POLYM. COMPOS., 00:000–000, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) film has been prepared by casting technique. The prepared sample has been treated with nitrogen plasma at different exposure times. The optical absorption was recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range of 200-800 nm. Absorbance fitting procedure curves revealed a direct allowed transition with optical band gap, Eopt, of 4.9 eV for pristine film, and this value decreases to 4.30 eV for 20 min plasma treatment time. The band tail values (Ee) were found to be increased under plasma time treatment from 1.74 eV in case of the pristine film to 2.20 eV for 20 min. The dispersion of refractive index and complex dielectric constants under plasma treatment was also studied. Variation of color parameters under effect of the plasma treatment is analyzed in the framework of CIE L*U*V* color space.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex clinical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality and lacking effective management. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains one of the leading causes of AKI in native and transplanted kidneys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in the prevention of renal IRI in rats. The study was conducted on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=72) weighing 250–300 g. Rats were randomly assigned to three main groups: i) Sham-operated control group (n=24); ii) positive control group, in which rats were subjected to IRI and were administered culture media following 4 h of IRI (n=24); and iii) ADSC group (n=24), in which rats were administered 1×106 ADSCs via the tail vein following 4 h of IRI. Each main group was further divided according to the timing after IRI into four equal-sized subgroups. Renal function was tested via the measurement of serum creatinine levels and creatinine clearance. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serum and renal tissue homogenate as an indicator of oxidative stress. Histopathological changes were analyzed in different regions of the kidney, namely the cortex, outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM), inner stripe of the outer medulla (ISOM) and inner medulla. In each region, the scoring system considered active injury changes, regenerative changes and chronic changes. The ADSCs were assessed and their differentiation capability was verified. IRI resulted in a significant increase in serum creatinine, serum and tissue MDA levels and a significant reduction in creatinine clearance compared with those in sham-operated rats,. These changes were attenuated by the use of ADSCs. The prominent histopathological changes in the cortex, ISOM and OSOM were reflected in the injury score, which was significantly evident in the positive control group. The use of ADSCs was associated with significantly lowered injury scores at days 1 and 3; however, no significant effect was observed on day 7. These results indicate that the use of ADSCs ameliorates renal injury and dysfunction associated with IRI in rats.

Ethyl 2-acrylamido-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate as well as its corresponding bis-derivatives, 5-10, with aliphatic linkers were synthesized, fully characterized, and tested as novel anticancer agents. The targeted compounds, 5-10, were obtained by the Knoevenagel condensation reactions of bis-o- or -p-aldehyde with a molar ratio of ethyl 2-(2-cyanoacetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate of 2 in the presence of piperidine in excellent yields (93-98%). The in vitro anticancer activities of the prepared compounds were evaluated against HepG2, MCF-7, HCT-116, and BJ1 cells. Compounds 7 and 9 emerged as the most promising compounds, with IC50 values of 13.5 and 32.2 µg/ml, respectively, against HepG2 cells, compared with the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 : 21.6 µg/ml). Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the changes in expression levels of the COL10A1 and COL11A1, ESR1, and ERBB2, or AXIN1 and CDKN2A genes within the treated cells, as genetic markers for colon, breast, or liver cancers, respectively. Treatment of the colon cancer cells with compounds 5, 9, and 10, or breast and liver cancers cells with compounds 7, 8, 9, and 10 downregulated the expression of the investigated tumor markers. The DNA damage values (depending on comet and DNA fragmentation assays) increased significantly upon treatment of colon cancer cells with compounds 5, 9, and 10, and breast and liver cells with compounds 8, 9, and 10. The structure-activity relationship suggested that the increase of the chain of the alkyl linker increases the anticancer activity and the compounds with bis-cyanoacrylamide moieties are more active than those with one cyanoacrylamide moiety.

A novel series of 5-nitro-1H-benzimidazole derivatives substituted at position 1 by heterocyclic rings was synthesized. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the new compounds were tested. Compound 3 was more active than doxorubicin against A-549, HCT-116 and MCF-7. However, compound 3 showed no activity against human liver carcinoma Hep G-2 cell line. Compounds 9 and 17b (E) showed potency near to doxorubicin against the four cell lines. The acute toxicity of compound 9 on liver cancer induced in rats was determined in vivo. Interestingly, it showed restoration activity of liver function and pathology towards normal as compared to the cancer-bearing rats induced by DENA. Compounds 17a (Z), 17b (E) and 18a (Z) were the most promising compounds for their antiviral activity against rotavirus Wa strain.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose and cobalt chloride are used as precursor materials for the synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles. A composite system from polymer and metal chloride is prepared via casting technique. The thermal decomposition of the composite is studied using thermogravimetric technique. Calcination of the composite system at 350°C resulted in the formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the presence of crystalline Co3O4 with an average particle size of around 15 nm. The bonding nature and morphology of nanosized Co3O4 are examined using transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The Tauc's plot indicates the energy band gap for direct allowed transition as 3.2 eV and 1.4 eV. POLYM. COMPOS., 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

A series of thiazole, pyridine and benzylidene derivatives derived from thiophene scaffold have been synthesized. The antitumor evaluation of the newly synthesized products against four cancer cell lines, namely breast carcinoma (MCF-7), liver carcinoma (HepG2), colon carcinoma (HCT-116) and prostate carcinoma (PC3), indicated that the thiazole derivative 11b showed remarkable activity against all cell lines with LC50 values of 18.3, 2.5, 7.5 and 7.6 µM, respectively. Cytotoxicity toward normal cell lines was also investigated and indicated that compound 21c displayed remarkable potency against PC3 with LC50 values of 7.1 µM and showed weak inhibition of normal cell lines at (GI %) of 41.2 % and thus could be considered as an important lead compound for potential application in anticancer chemotherapy. Brine shrimp lethality assay of the most active compounds was carried out to detect possible cytotoxicity effects and indicated that highly active compound, 21c, is not harmful. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of compounds 3 and 11b was obtained thus establishing with certainty the proposed structures in this work. The synthesized compounds were also screened for their free radical scavenging activity. Hydrazino–thiazole derivatives 15 and 16 showed remarkable antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 60.9 and 61.9 μg ml−1, respectively.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized by chemical reduction of silver salt (AgNO3) through sodium borohydride. The characteristic surface plasmon resonance band located at around 400nm in the UV-Visible absorption spectrum confirmed the formation of Ag nanoparticles. Polyvinyl alcohol-silver (PVA-Ag) nanocomposite films were prepared by the casting technique. The morphology and interaction of PVA with Ag NPs were examined by transmission electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Optical studies show that PVA exhibited indirect allowed optical transition with optical energy gap of 4.8eV, which reduced to 4.45eV under addition of Ag NPs. Optical parameters such as refractive index, complex dielectric constant and their dispersions have been analyzed using Wemple and DiDomenco model. Color properties of the nanocomposites are discussed in the framework of CIE L(∗)u(∗)v(∗) color space. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite samples was tested against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 7447 &Bacillus subtillis NCIB 3610), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, NTC10416 &Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 9016) and fungi (Aspergillus niger Ferm - BAM C-21) using the agar diffusion technique. The antimicrobial study showed that PVA has moderate antibacterial activity against B. subtillis and the 0.04wt% Ag NPs composite sample effect was strong against S. aureus.

Microalgae represent a rich source that satisfies the growing need for novel ingredients of nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements. Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella salina microalgae are isolated from the Egyptian hydro-flora and are reported for their potent antioxidant activities. The cytotoxic activity of different fractions of both microalgae was investigated on 4 cell lines HePG2, MCF7, HCT116, and A549. The carotenoid rich fraction of H. pluvialis showed potent cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cell line and moderate activity against both liver and breast cancer cell lines. On the other hand, the carotenoid rich fraction of D. salina showed mild cytotoxic activity on breast and liver cancer cell lines. The carotenoid rich fraction of H. pluvialis was analysed using LC-DAD/ESI-MS and the major carotenoids were identified either free as well as bounded to fatty acids.

Casting solution method has been used to prepare Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film. The prepared film has been irradiated with a laser beam of 6 ns Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (Lotus II) operating at 10 Hz and fourth harmonic wavelength, 266 nm, at different irradiation times. Optical absorbance of the irradiated sample was studied in the wavelength region between 200 and 800 nm. The absorption peak shift of 272 nm towards the longer wavelengths region and the increase of absorption as the irradiation time increases, are related to the increase in crosslinking network. The fitting technique of the absorbance revealed an indirect allowed transition with optical energy gap of 4.22 eV for the pristine PVA sample, and 2.85 eV after 2 h of laser irradiation. The index of refraction and the dielectric function showed dispersion in the studied wavelength range. The analysis of color parameters of PVA showed an observable change after laser irradiation.

The ability of eight flavonoids to react with the biologically relevant reactive nitrogen species, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, and nitrous acid were investigated in vitro, for the first time. All the investigated flavonoids were found to be potent reactive nitrogen and oxygen species scavengers and resulted in a significant inhibition of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) formation in a dose-dependent manner. All the IC50s were found at the μM level. The results reveal that, the presence of C5–OH and C4’–OH, in the flavonoid skeleton, enhanced the anti-nitrosative activity. The absence of the C2=C3 double bond and/or C4-carbonyl group resulted in slight decrease of the anti-nitrosative activity. However, the presence of C6- and/or C3’-methoxy groups together with C4’–OH dramatically decrease the inhibition capacity. Especially the free hydroxyl groups at 3’ and 4’ of the catechol containing ring B flavonoids as well as both hydroxyl groups at C3 and C5 are necessary for better antioxidant activity. The absence of both C3–OH and/or C3’–OH groups resulted in a remarkable decrease in the antioxidant activity. The cytotoxicity results indicate that the investigated flavonoids are safe to be used up to a concentration of 100 μM and may be utilized as promising sources of therapeutics.

Background and objectives Hyperlipidemia has been embroiled in atherosclerosis, which is the primary factor of heart disease and stroke. An important aim in the pivotal restrain of atherosclerosis awaits an affordable and safe drug that will fundamentally confirm to have a great effect where treatment is decisive. Humans have been served by a variety of drugs extracted from a natural source, and the most of these cures were provided by higher plants. Materials and methods The aim of this study is to investigate and assess the hypolipidemic effect of Euphorbia lathyris L. extracts on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats, and it shows a scientific proof for expansion of E. lathyris L. as a prospect naturalistic oral hypolipidemic drug. Rats were administrated orally with cholesterol in a dose of 100 mg/1 ml olive oil/1 kg five times a week for 12 consecutive weeks. This was accomplished by assessing the activities of particular biochemical parameters associated with liver functions in tissue of high-fat-diet group when compared with those of control one. Liver function tests, included aspartate aminotransferases; alanine and alkaline phosphatases; antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers, such as glutathione, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase; total antioxidant capacity; nitric oxide; and lipid peroxide. In addition, lipid profile (cholesterol, total lipid, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride) were also evaluated. Moreover, histological examination of liver, heart, and kidney was done to prove the biochemical outcomes. Results and conclusion The present findings strongly clarify defects in all biochemical measurements, such as increase in the malondialdehyde level and liver function enzyme activities. However, reductions in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant in liver of hyperlipidemic rats were marked. On the contrary, treatment of hyperlipidemic rats with low and high dose of methanol and petroleum ether extract of E. lathyris natural product proved to have ameliorating effects in all biochemical parameters under investigation. The previous biochemical observations were also accompanied by histopathological examinations of the heart, liver, and kidney sections, which showed significant recovery of hepatocytes and amelioration in histological architectures of heart and kidney. It could be concluded that the two extracts of E. lathyris showed improvement in liver function enzyme activities, oxidant–antioxidant biomarkers, and lipid profile activities in liver of high-fat-diet rats.