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Overhead electric supply lines are subject to water and ice accumulation, causing noise and weight increase, and leading to faults or failures. In this research, micro-textures were laser-ablated on aluminium substrates representative of overhead line conductors to achieve superhydrophobic properties. Samples were then subjected to a range of tests to measure the resilience and durability of such surfaces to conditions experienced by overhead line conductors. Tests to examine thermal ageing, thermal cycling, UV exposure, long term ambient outdoor environment exposure, and corona exposure testing were conducted and the evolution of surface superhydrophobicity was quantified. A high degree of resilience was observed for most of the testing. The feasibility of manufacturing upscale is discussed in addition to optimising test methods.

This study aims to evaluate the healing effect of topical Apigenin cream 2% in the skin of rabbits. Twenty Four healthy Newzealand adult male rabbits approximately at the same age were involved in this study. All animals were anesthetized using a mixture of 40 mg/kg ketamine injection and xylazine 4 mg/kg intramuscularly. The skin of the dorsum area of each rabbit was shaved; then, three incisions (1cm in length) were made. Wounds were left without suturing to heal by secondary intention healing, and each animal had three wounds (wounds divided into three groups according to the type of treatment): one treated with Apigenin cream twice a day, the other with cold cream twice a day, and the third wound was left untreated. The application of cream was repeated daily; the wound size and the ratio of wound contraction were assessed at the first, fourth, and seventh days of study. The results revealed that the group treated with apigenin showed significantly better wound healing capacity in the skin of rabbits; wound size and wound contraction ratio was superior in the Apigenin group compared to control positive and negative groups. It can be concluded that apigenin cream has beneficial value for improving the wound healing potential of skin in rabbits.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that is used as an established biomarker to follow disease severity and progression in a plethora of inflammatory diseases. However, its pathophysiologic mechanisms of action are still poorly defined and remain elusive. CRP, in its pentameric form, exhibits weak anti-inflammatory activity. On the contrary, the monomeric isoform (mCRP) exhibits potent pro-inflammatory properties in endothelial cells, leukocytes, and platelets. So far, no data exists regarding mCRP effects in human or mouse chondrocytes. This work aimed to verify the pathophysiological relevance of mCRP in the etiology and/or progression of osteoarthritis (OA). We investigated the effects of mCRP in cultured human primary chondrocytes and in the chondrogenic ATDC5 mouse cell line. We determined mRNA and protein levels of relevant factors involved in inflammatory responses and the modulation of nitric oxide synthase type II (NOS2), an early inflammatory molecular target. We demonstrate, for the first time, that monomeric C reactive protein increases NOS2, COX2, MMP13, VCAM1, IL-6, IL-8, and LCN2 expression in human and murine chondrocytes. We also demonstrated that NF-kB is a key factor in the intracellular signaling of mCRP-driven induction of pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators in chondrocytes. We concluded that mCRP exerts a sustained catabolic effect on human and murine chondrocytes, increasing the expression of inflammatory mediators and proteolytic enzymes, which can promote extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown in healthy and OA cartilage. In addition, our results implicate the NF-kB signaling pathway in catabolic effects mediated by mCRP.

In this study, pure polylactic acid (PLA) and composite polylactic acid/ curcumin (PLA / Cur) were prepared by a suspension of ultrasonically agitated micrometer-sized curcumin powder, which was mixed with chloroform solvent under slow mechanical stirring and incorporated into the PLA. The resulting suspension was used to cast free-standing PLA / Cur composite films. The filler content was chosen to be 2.0 wt % curcumin. Physical properties (glass transition, temperature, mechanical and thermodynamic) were analyzed by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS), which is a unique tool for analyzing the defects of polymer materials. The free volume and holebility of PLA and PLA / Cur were studied in vacuum and temperature range of 283 to 353 K. Ortho-positronium (o Ps), life , and intensity were measured as more sensitive parameters to determine free volume dimensions. The results of the thermodynamic property of PLA, examined with PALS technique, revealed a phase change of around 58 ºC. Also, an improvement was observed in the PLA / Cur structure with the addition of curcumin, by reducing nano-size defects.

Nanozymes, a class of nanomaterials that mimic the catalytic activity of natural enzymes, could be used to control the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Here, we have demonstrated that the intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D-MoS2) nanosheets can be amplified through surface functionalization. Traditionally, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been widely used as a universal disinfectant agent but requires a high concentration. This can be taken care by the presence of any peroxidase-like catalyst to reduce the concentration of H2O2. Herein, we have explored the effect of surface functionality on peroxidase-like nanozyme activity of 2D-MoS2 nanosheets. We observed that functionalization of 2D-MoS2 nanosheets not only enhances the aqueous stability but also exhibits remarkably high peroxidase-like activity. Subsequently, we have extended this effect toward antibacterial activity in the presence of H2O2. The combination of the specific functionalized 2D-MoS2 nanomaterial of a concentration of 5.6 I¼g/mL and H2O2 of a concentration of only 0.5 mM (17642 times dilution of the commercially available 30 H2O2 solution) showed an excellent antibacterial activity compared to H2O2 alone. This work established that proper surface modification of various nanomaterials with intrinsic nanozyme properties can enhance the activity, which can be applied for many other related applications such as disinfectants, biosensors, drug delivery, and so forth. © 2021 American Chemical Society.

Background There is compelling evidence that neurochemical changes measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) occur at different phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the extent to which these neurochemical changes are associated with validated AD biomarkers and/or apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 is yet to be established. Objective This systematic review analyzed the available evidence on (1) neurochemical changes; and (2) the relations between brain metabolite and validated cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and/or APOE in AD. Methods PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and gray literature were systematically screened for studies deemed fit for the purpose of the current systematic review. Results Twenty four articles met the inclusion criteria. Decreased levels of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), NAA/(creatine) Cr, and NAA/(myo-inositol) ml, and increased ml, ml/Cr, Cho (choline)/Cr, and ml/NAA were found in the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus. Increased ml is associated with increased tau levels, reduced NAA/Cr is associated with increased tau. ml/Cr is negatively correlated with Aβ42, and ml/Cr is positively correlated with t-tau. NAA and glutathione levels are reduced in APOE e4 carriers. APOE e4 exerts no modulatory effect on NAA/Cr. There is interaction between APOE e4, Aβ42, and ml/Cr. Conclusion NAA, ml, NAA/Cr, NAA/ml and ml/Cr may be potentially useful biomarkers that may highlight functional changes in the clinical stages of AD. The combinations of ml and tau, NAA/Cr and Aβ42, and NAA/Cr and tau may support the diagnostic process of differentiating MCI/AD from healthy individuals. Large, longitudinal studies are required to clarify the effect of APOE e4 on brain metabolites.

AIM The present study aims to determine the association of trace elements and oxidative and DNA damage biomarkers with fall incidence among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS This study is part of the Long-term Research Grant Scheme - Towards Useful Ageing cohort study in Malaysia. Of a total of 174 participants with complete trace elements and oxidative and DNA damage data during baseline, only 147 (84.5%) were successfully followed up after 18 months. Participants who experienced any fall events in the previous 18 months during the follow-up were categorized as fallers. RESULTS Thirty participants (20.4%) reported at least one fall in the previous 18 months. The mean concentrations of aluminium, lead and zinc were significantly higher (P

Removal of phenol from wastewater using local biochar (BC) was investigated, while using activated carbon (AC) as a reference material. The main parameters affecting the sorption process were initial concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the maximum removal percent when using AC and BC were 95% and 55%, respectively. Experimental data showed that the removal of phenol has fast kinetics and reached equilibrium within 5 minutes. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to fit the adsorption experimental data. Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models were employed.

Objectives Plants were used as medicines thousands of years ago. Conventional medicine use is increasing and many of the currently used drugs are extracted from herbal sources. In Palestinian traditional medicine, the Alhagi mannifera plant is used for the treatment of cancer. Our study aimed to extract this plant using five solvent fractions, identifying their chemical compositions, and evaluating their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Methods The successive technique was used to extract five solvent fractions of A. mannifera. While the spectral analysis was used to characterize quantitatively and qualitatively the chemical components of these extracts. The antimicrobial activity of plant extracts was evaluated against seven microbial strains using a broth micro-dilution assay. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay against cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Results A total of 165 compounds were identified in A. mannifera different extracts. In the petroleum ether extract were found a total of 55 compounds. The major compounds were 2,5-cyclooctadien-1-ol (9.42%), 3-chloropropionic acid, heptyl ester (9.42%), carbonic acid, ethyl nonyl ester (9.42%) and chloroacetic acid. In methylene chloride extract a total of 11 compounds were found, and the major compounds were m-ainobenzenesulfonyl fluoride (14.35%), dodecane,2,6,10-trimethyl- (14.35%) and propanoic acid,2,2-dimethyl-,2-ethylexyl ester (14.35%). In chloroform extract, a total of 23 compounds were found. The major compounds were 5-ethyl-1-nonene (21.28%), and decanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (21.28%). In acetone extract were found a total of 47 compounds and the major compound was phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- (5.22%). In methanol extract a total of 29 compounds were found and the major compounds were 3-o-methyl-d-glucose (10.79%), myo-inositol, 2-c-methyl- (10.79%), myo-inositol, 4-c-methyl- (10.79%), and scyllo-inositol,1C-methyl- (10.79%). All extracts showed antimicrobial activity. However, the petroleum ether extract showed the most potent antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, MRSA, and Candida albicans with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 0.325, 6.25, and 1.56 μg/mL, respectively. De facto, chloroform extract followed by ether extract displayed potential cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 0.2 and 1.2 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions A. mannifera was found to contain a variety of phytochemicals and its chloroform extract showed a potent cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cells. In addition, petroleum ether showed potent antimicrobial agents and these extracts look promising as drug candidates. Further in vivo investigations should be conducted to provide the basis for developing new cancer and microbial infections treatments.

Selexipag is an orally selective long-acting prostacyclin receptor agonist, which indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is practically insoluble in water ( class II, according to BCS). This work aims to prepare and optimized Selexipag nanosuspensions to achieve an enhancement in the in vitro dissolution rate. The solvent antisolvent precipitation method was used for the production of nanosuspension, and the effect of formulation parameters (stabilizer type, drug: stabilizer ratio, and use of co-stabilizer) and process parameter (stirring speed) on the particle size and polydispersity index were studied. SLPNS prepared with Soluplus® as amain stabilizer (F15) showed the smallest particle size 47nm with PDI and Zeta potential value of 0.073 and -47mV, respectively. SLPNS exhibited an increase in the dissolution rate in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 (100% drug release during 60 min) compared to the pure drug ( 40% during the same time). This result indicates that SLPNS is an efficient way of improving the dissolution rate.

Caffeine is a well-known central nervous system stimulant, which can cause anxiety, insomnia and nervousness. Domestic wastes of caffeinated drinks, beverages and chocolates are the major sources for entry of caffeine in the environmental system. Caffeine has been widely detected in natural water resources. The current study describes a method for efficient removal of caffeine from aqueous solution by a laboratory scale dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in open air. Caffeine concentrations in various sample solutions were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the degradation products were identified by directly injecting the sample to mass spectrometer. The consequences of varied parameters such as input power, initial concentration and initial pH of the solution on the degradation of caffeine were investigated. Removal efficiency of caffeine from aqueous solution was 72.6% and 96.6% for the initial concentrations of 100 and 1 µg/mL, respectively, at initial pH 7 after 4 min treatment in DBD plasma system with 60 W input powers. Caffeine removal efficiency was less in acidic solutions (initial pH 4), and insignificant degradation was observed in alkaline solutions (initial pH 10). Furthermore, the degradation of caffeine was also enhanced by increasing the input power in DBD system. The DBD system used in this study has been considered to be fast, effective and economical. It was operated at atmospheric condition in open air without using catalyst, expensive gases or organic solvents, and significant degradation of caffeine was achieved in a short (4 min) treatment time.

Nano-emulsions are a novel drug delivery system, in which mix two immiscible liquids, normally oil and water with the addition a proper surfactant and co-surfactant to obtain a single uniform phase, in many cases must be used more than one surfactant to improve the stability of nanoemulsion, in this survey consideration is focused to provide brief information about the formulation, a strategy of preparation, characterization procedure, evaluation parameter as particle size, polydispersity, drug content, zeta potential, and different application of nanoemulsion, it is thermodynamically unsteady colloidal dispersion systems having an average droplet size which ranges from 10 to 200 nm, the decrease in a bead size to nanoscale leads to alter in physical properties such as uncommon elastic behavior and optical transparency and get better bioavailability and good targeting. The formulation of O/W nanoemulsion where hydrophobic drugs are dissolved within the oil phase consider the common approach of nanoemulsion utilization in biomedical application. The essential thought behind these formulations is that nanodroplets act as a medium to transport hydrophobic drugs. The advantage of nanodroplets when compared to the bigger droplet sized emulsions is the upgraded stability and progressed pharmacological activity nanoemulsions have broad applications in numerous areas other than pharmaceutics, like in cosmetics, nourishment and other applications owing to many benefits of nanoemulsion as higher stability versus coalescence, lack of harmfulness or irritant effect, minimal viscosity, good appearance, as well as the flexibility of formulation like liquids, creams in addition to sprays.

Oxidative stress, DNA damage, and unresolved inflammation are the predisposing factors of many chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer. Stingless bee honey (SBH) is recognized to have high medicinal value by traditional medicine practitioners and has been used to treat various illnesses traditionally. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genoprotective effects of SBH by using in vitro cell culture models. The sugar content, total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of SBH were determined in this study. Then, the protective effect of SBH against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death and DNA damage was studied by using WIL2-NS human lymphoblastoid cell line, while the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages cell line was used to study the anti-inflammatory effects of SBH. Results from this present study showed that the major sugar contents of SBH were fructose (19.39 + 0.01%) and glucose (14.03 ± 0.03%). Besides, the total phenolic content, the radical scavenging activity, and the FRAP value of SBH were 15.38 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g of honey, 34.04 ± 0.21%, and 206.77 + 1.76 μM AAE/100 g honey respectively. Pretreatment with SBH protected WIL2-NS cells from H2O2-induced cell death and DNA damage (p

Effects of singlet oxygen extinguisher α-tocopherol on combined effects of psoralens and UV on erythema photosensitized with 8-methoxypsoralene were investigated. The leading role of the reactions of photocompounds in induction of PUVA - erythema is considered. A characteristic feature of biologically active psoralens is the high value of quantum output of intercombination conversion, due to which, after absorption of light quants, a significant number of psoralen molecules are formed in a triplet excited state. Psoralen derivatives differ greatly in their ability to photosensitize the skin. In the example of 8-psoralens, a correlation was found between the ability to induce erythema by photocompound to double-spiral DNA in vitro. A clear correlation was identified between the ability to photosensitize erythema and form diadducts. Α-tocopherol has been shown to protect the skin from PUVA erythema if presents during irradiation. In the case of application of α-tocopherol after irradiation, the inhibitory effect was not exhibited.

The present study aimed to investigate the removal of the azo dye, Eriochrome black-T (EBT) from the synthesised effluents using the Montmorillonite (MM) raw clay. MM is a soft phyllosilicate group...

In this research, a novel method was adopted for the extraction and determination of polyphenolic acids, i.e., chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid and caffeic acid from different parts of Nepeta cataria L. samples. Extraction of polyphenolic acids from methanol extract was performed by ultrasound-assisted vesicles-based microextraction. In this procedure for the first time, 5-methyl salicylic acid was used for forming vesicles that trap analyte molecules in themselves. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for the separation and detection of polyphenolic acid content in Nepeta cataria L. samples. To obtain maximum extraction efficiency, some parameters affecting extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. This analytical method was validated for linearity, precision, trueness, the limits of detection (LODs) and recovery. The LODs ranged from 0.3 to 0.9 ng mL‒1. Enrichment factors are between 102 and 116. Extraction recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) values were calculated for both intraday and interday measurements. The extraction recovery and RSD values were in the concentration range of 84.2‒92.4% and 3.2‒4.6%, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of the collected real samples from Guilan, Golestan, Taleghan and Arak.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) as one the most common cancer type is associated with oxidative stress. Surgery is the only curative modality for early-stage CRC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative damage biomarkers as well as enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in patients with CRC before and after tumor resection and in healthy controls. 60 patients with stage I/II colorectal adenocarcinoma and 43 healthy controls were recruited in this study. We measured plasma levels of oxidative damage biomarkers, including advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) at baseline and after tumor removal. We also evaluated the plasma activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as enzymatic antioxidants and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay for nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity. Patients with CRC had significantly higher AGE, AOPP, MDA, and ox-LDL and also FRAP levels and higher SOD and GPx and lower CAT activity levels compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). We did not observe any statistically significant correlation between redox biomarkers and the size and stage of the tumor. AGEs (72.49±4.7vs.67.93±8.8,p<0.001), AOPP (137.64±21.9vs.119.08±33.1,p<0.001), MDA (3.56±0.30vs.3.05±0.33,p<0.001), and ox-LDL (19.78±0.97vs.16.94±1.02,p<0.001) concentrations reduced significantly after tumor removal. The largest effect sizes were found in ox-LDL (d=−2.853, 95% CI 2.50-3.19) and MDA (d=−1.617, 95% CI 0.43-0.57). Serum FRAP levels (1097.5±156.7vs.1239.3±290,p<0.001) and CAT (2.34±0.34vs.2.63±0.38,p<0.001), GPx (102.37±6.58vs.108.03±6.95,p<0.001), and SOD (5.13±0.39vs.5.53±0.31,p<0.001) activity levels increased significantly after surgery. The largest effect sizes among antioxidants were seen in SOD (d=1.135, 95% CI 0.46-0.34) and GPx (d=0.836, 95% CI 0.35-0.23). This study indicated that patients with colorectal cancer had higher levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity compared to healthy controls. After surgical resection of tumor, we observed a substantial improvement in redox homeostasis.

In recent years, observed focus greatly on gold nanoparticles synthesis due to its unique properties and tremendous applicability. In most of these researches, the citrate reduction method has been adopted. The aim of this study was to prepare and optimize monodisperse ultrafine particles by addition of reducing agent to gold salt, as a result of seed mediated growth mechanism. In this research, gold nanoparticles suspension (G) was prepared by traditional standard Turkevich method and optimized by studying different variables such as reactants concentrations, preparation temperature and stirring rate on controlling size and uniformity of nanoparticles through preparing twenty formulas (G1-G20). Subsequently, the selected formula that prepared from the best tested condition was further optimized by preparing it using inverse method via the addition of gold salt to the reducing agent in opposite to the previous traditional method (G21). The optimized gold nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, EDX, TEM and zeta potential. The obtained results indicated that (G21) with reactants concentrations of 0.5mM and 10mM for HAuCl4.3H2O and trisodium citrate dihydrate respectively, 65°C of preparation temperature and 1500rpm of stirring rate was chosen as an optimized formula according to AFM provided gold nanoparticles with smoother surface, smaller size (average 8.75nm) with more uniform size distribution (7.32%) as well as short over all preparation time (27minutes). In addition to that all results of SEM, EDX and TEM indicated uniform spherical shape with zeta potential of -47.87. In conclusion, inversed method is promising for the preparation of gold nanoparticles with high monodispersity.

A research study was conducted in a plastic house (500m2 ) at the vegetable research field of the protected cultivated department at Zakho Technical Institute, Dohuk Polytechnic University, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. The period of study was at Autumn season of 2018 to investigate the effect of foliar application of humic acid in three levels (0, 2 and 4) ml/L and bread yeast with three levels (0, 2.5 and 5) g/L on the growth and yield of lettuce (Cv. Romaine). The results showed that treatment with foliar spraying of humic acid and yeast had significant effects on growth and yield of letteus , The level (4) ml/L , also the foliar spraying of yeast at the level (5) g/L had the highest results in the growth of vegetative characters ( No. of leaves. plant-1 76.41leaves and chlorophyll content% 45.04%), leaf mineral content (Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus) and head weight (gm) of lettuce when encountered with control and other treatments.

Designing supramolecular architectures with uncommon geometries embedded with functional building units is of immense importance in contemporary research. In this report, we present a new water-soluble Pd12L6 supramolecular coordination nanocage (1) that was synthesized via self-assembly of a tetradentate donor (L) with ditopic acceptor cis-[(en)Pd(NO3)2] [en = ethylenediamine]. Self-assembly of a tetratopic donor with a cis-blocked 90° acceptor commonly produces tri/tetra- or hexagonal barrel-type structures. However, the resulting cage 1 has an uncommon geometry consisting of two triangular cupolas conjoined through an irregular common hexagonal base. Incorporation of the benzothiadiazole unit in the structure helped in the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in water. Many nanomaterials have shown to have the ability to mimic the catalytic activity of natural enzymes (nanozymes). Majority of such nanozymes are water insoluble metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles or extended metal organic frameworks (MOFs)/metal-carbon composites, etc. The present water-soluble Pd12 nanocage 1 has shown excellent oxidase-like activity upon irradiation with white light. The enzymatic activity of 1 is photoregulated which offers other obvious advantages, such as external control of enzymatic activity and noninvasiveness. The oxidase-like activity and exogenous ROS generation have been further exploited in photocatalytic antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial strain.

The present study features analytical and experimental results of optimizing resistance spot welding performed using a pneumatic force system (PFS). The optimization was performed to join SECC-AF (JIS G 3313) galvanized steel material with SPCC-SD low carbon steel. The SECC-AF is an SPCC-SD (JIS G 3141) sheet plate coated with zinc (Zn) with a thickness of about 2.5 microns. The zinc coating on the metal surface causes its weldability to decrease. This study aims to obtain the highest tensile-shear strength test results from the combination of the specified resistance spot welding parameters. The research method used the Taguchi method using four variables and a combination of experimental levels. The experimental levels are 2-levels for the first parameter and 3-levels for other parameters. The Taguchi optimization experimental results achieved the highest tensile-shear strength at 5049.64 N. It properly worked at 22 squeeze time cycles, 25 kA of welding current, and 0.6-second welding time and 12 holding-time cycles. The S/N ratio analysis found that the welding current had the most significant effect, followed by welding time, squeeze time, and holding time. The delta S/N ratio values were 1.05, 0.67, 0.57 and 0.29, respectively.

Laser irradiation de-coating is a promising new approach for effective coating removal of cutting tools. While this method has demonstrated feasibility for conventional coatings, its use and efficacy on lubricant coating is however yet to be ascertained. This paper reports on the results of excimer laser de-coating of hard DLC from DLC-coated tungsten carbide (WC) substrates. A range of fluence and pulse was studied to evaluate the effectiveness of the de-coating process. Result shows that laser parameters of 7 J/cm2 fluence, 400 pulse and 25 Hz frequency were found to yield optimum results in removing hard DLC coating of 3.2 μm thickness from WC substrates. The experimental work indicated successful laser de-coating of hard DLC coating without noticeable damage to the WC substrate. The capability of this new de-coating process is significant in the aerospace industry as it could facilitate re-grinding and recoating of drills thereby improving economics of manufacturing. The process windows could also be applied in the removal of DLC from other cutting tools and applications.

This paper reports the performance enhancement benefits in diamond turning of the silicon wafer by incorporation of the surface defect machining (SDM) method. The hybrid micromachining methods usually require additional hardware to leverage the added advantage of hybrid technologies such as laser heating, cryogenic cooling, electric pulse or ultrasonic elliptical vibration. The SDM method tested in this paper does not require any such additional baggage and is easy to implement in a sequential micro-machining mode. This paper made use of Raman spectroscopy data, average surface roughness data and imaging data of the cutting chips of silicon for drawing a comparison between conventional single-point diamond turning (SPDT) and SDM while incorporating surface defects in the (i) circumferential and (ii) radial directions. Complementary 3D finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to analyse the cutting forces and the evolution of residual stress on the machined wafer. It was found that the surface defects generated in the circumferential direction with an interspacing of 1 mm revealed the lowest average surface roughness (Ra) of 3.2 nm as opposed to 8 nm Ra obtained through conventional SPDT using the same cutting parameters. The observation of the Raman spectroscopy performed on the cutting chips showed remnants of phase transformation during the micromachining process in all cases. FEA was used to extract quantifiable information about the residual stress as well as the sub-surface integrity and it was discovered that the grooves made in the circumferential direction gave the best machining performance. The information being reported here is expected to provide an avalanche of opportunities in the SPDT area for low-cost machining solution for a range of other nominal hard, brittle materials such as SiC, ZnSe and GaAs as well as hard steels.

Tissues become more rigid during tumorigenesis and have been identified as a driving factor for tumor growth. Here, we highlight the concept of tissue rigidity, contributing factors that increase tissue rigidity, and mechanisms that promote tumor growth initiated by increased tissue rigidity. Various factors lead to increased tissue rigidity, promoting tumor growth by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Consequently, result in recruitment of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor protection from immunosurveillance. We also discussed the rationale for targeting tumor tissue rigidity and its potential for cancer treatment.

This research investigates a novel composite of encapsulated paraffin in boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) which is more thermally and chemically stable than carbon nanotube. This composite can achieve high thermal conductivity and, meanwhile, have thermal energy storage capability for efficient thermal management under extreme conditions. Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to study self-diffusion coefficient, thermal conductivity, and specific heat of encapsulated paraffin. The simulation results indicated that the self-diffusion coefficient and thermal conductivity of paraffin could be increased by up to 10 and 7 times, respectively, while specific heat was reduced after encapsulating into BNNT.

Baby fish tilapia is mostly consumed by society in fried the fish and crispy forms, but the information on the nutritional composition of the fish is limited. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acids of baby fish tilapia harvested in different periods reared under aquaponic system. The research was conducted in factorial design with single factor namely different harvesting periods (14 days, 21 days, 28 days, and 35 days). The parameters measured were morphometric (body weight, total length and body length), chemical composition, and fatty acids. The results showed that the body weight affected the chemical composition. Statistical analysis showed that the proximate analysis was significantly different among the treatments (p

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most serious brain tumor and shows a high rate of drug resistance. Wnt signaling is a very important pathway in GBM that can activate/inhibit other pathways, such as apoptosis and autophagy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a combination of temozolomide (TMZ) plus curcumin or nanomicellar-curcumin on the inhibition of GBM growth in vitro, via effects on autophagy, apoptosis, and the Wnt signaling pathway. Two concentrations of curcumin and nanomicellar-curcumin (i.e., 20 μM and 50 μM) alone, and in combination with TMZ (50 μM) were used to induce cytotoxicity in the U87 GBM cell line. Wnt signaling–, autophagy-, and apoptosis-related genes were assessed by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blots. All treatments (except 20 μM curcumin alone) significantly decreased the viability of U87 cells compared to controls. Curcumin (50 μM), nanomicellar-curcumin alone and in combination with TMZ significantly decreased the invasion and migration of U87 cells. Autophagy-related proteins (Beclin 1, LC3-I, LC3-II) were significantly increased. Apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 and caspase 8) were also significantly increased, while Bax protein was significantly decreased. The expression levels of Wnt pathway–associated genes (β-catenin, cyclin D1, Twist, and ZEB1) were significantly reduced.

Introduction: of the study: Post-training administration of glucocorticoids enhance memory consolidation of inhibitory avoidance learning. Given the involvement of 5-HT6 receptors in memory processing and the interaction of glucocorticoids with the brain serotonergic system in modulating memory processing, we investigated whether the effect of glucocorticoids on the consolidation of emotionally arousing training depends on hippocampal 5-HT6 receptors. Methods: Rats were trained in an inhibitory avoidance task and immediately received the systemic injections of corticosterone (CORT) as well as the intra-hippocampal injections of 5-HT receptors agonist or antagonist. The memory retention test was done 48 hours after training and immediately after the behavioral test, the animals were sacrificed and the hippocampi (left and right) rapidly dissected out for molecular studies. Results: Post-training injections of different doses of CORT (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) enhanced memory retention in a dose-dependent manner. The CORT-induced enhancement of memory consolidation was blocked by bilateral intra-hippocampal injections of 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB271046 (5 or 10 ng/per side), but not agonist EMD386088 (5 or 10 ng/per side). Furthermore, systemic CORT reduced 5-HT6 receptor mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus. Both doses of 5-HT6 receptor agonist and antagonist significantly enhanced and reduced the expression of the 5-HT6 receptor, respectively, and both ligands at the higher dose (10 ng) enhanced memory consolidation. Moreover, CORT injection attenuated and enhanced, respectively, the effects of agonist and antagonist on 5-HT6 receptor expression. Conclusion: These behavioral and molecular findings indicated an interaction between glucocorticoids and hippocampal 5-HT6 receptors in the consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences.

Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality in the world. New compounds are currently being synthesized to overcome this disease. Organotin is getting more attention as anticancer agent due to its potent cytotoxic properties towards cancer cells. In this study, a series of newly synthesized organotin compounds known as dimethyltin(IV) (compound 1), dibutyltin(IV) (compound 2) and triphenyltin(IV)methylisoprophyldithiocarbamate (compound 3) have been assessed for their cytotoxic effect towards leukemic cell line K-562. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was employed to determine the cytotoxic effect for each of the compounds at different time points and concentrations. Compound 2 and 3 exhibited potent cytotoxic effects towards K-562 cells with IC50 values less than 2 µM. Compound 3 was found as the most toxic towards K-562 cells based on the lowest IC50 value for 72 h period of treatment at 0.25 µM. Morphological observation was conducted with IC50 values at 24, 48, and 72 h. Results showed that the changes were first observed as early as 24 h and the most significant changes were observed after 72 h period of treatment with the characteristic of apoptosis such as cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing. In addition, necrosis characteristic such as cell lysis and swelling had also been observed. Organotin(IV) methylisopropyldithiocarbamate with different functional groups affect the cytotoxic properties towards leukemic cells K-562 and these compounds have potential to be developed as an anticancer agent through structural modification.

Many pharmaceutical molecules have solubility problems that until yet consist a hurdle that restricts their use in the pharmaceutical preparations. Lacidipine (LCDP) is a calcium-channel blocker with low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Lipid dosage forms are attractive delivery systems for such hydrophobic drug molecules. Nanoemulsion (NE) is one of the popular methods that has been used to solve the solubility problems of many drugs. LCDP was formulated as a NE utilizing triacetin as an oil phase, tween 80 and tween 60 as a surfactant and ethanol as a co-surfactant. Nine formulas were prepared, and different tests performed to ensure the stability of the NEs, such as thermodynamic stability, particle size, Polydispersity index, zeta potential, dye solubility test, dilution test, drug content test and in-vitro drug release. Results of characterization showed that LCDP NE (F-5) with (oil: Smix (3:1):DDW (10:60:30)) ratio was selected as a best formula, since it have excellent thermodynamic stability with a particle size of 13.42, low PDI 0.234 , zeta potential (-14.5mV), efficient electrical conductivity 0.241ms/cm , good pH value (5.9), good percent of light transmittance (99.10%) , with acceptable viscosity , higher percent of drug content (99.14%) and complete release of the drug after (30 min.) with significantly higher (P

Regarding the role of inflammation in progression of diabetes this study was conducted to investigate the association between inflammatory biomarkers such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with the chance of existence of diabetic retinopathy and its progression in patients with diabetes. A total of 83 patients with T2DM (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) were divided into three groups of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and patients without diabetic retinopathy (NDR) based on ophthalmologic funduscopic examination. Twenty six healthy controls were also enrolled. Blood samples were taken after 12 h of overnight fasting, NO, TNF-α, and hs-CRP were measured. Association of the level of these biomarkers with retinopathy was analyzed. The levels of TNF-α, NO and hs-CRP were higher among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Multinomial Logistic Regression model showed that TNF-α and NO could predict the presence of retinopathy among patients with diabetes when adjusted for hs-CRP, HbA1c, FBS, gender, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, BMI, and age (respectively OR = 1.76, CI 95% = 1.01–3.02, p = 0.046 and OR = 1.12, CI 95% = 1.05–1.18, p

The gallbladder is an important component of the hepatobiliary system whose primary function is to aid in digestion of foodstuffs, excretion of drugs and facilitate removal of waste products from the body. The gall bladder is principally a storage organ for bile, chemically modified salts and acids of cholesterol which are synthesized in the liver and which function as surfactants to solubilize fatty substances of limited aqueous solubility. Any disruption in the amount or activity of bile surfactant can lead to an accumulation of insoluble molecular clumps (e.g., gallstones) that deposit in and obstruct fluid movement within the gallbladder, and which can lead to pathological congestion and tissue damage. The natural host defense response to any event that causes tissue damage is to stimulate inflammation, which non-specifically but aggressively reacts to the stimuli so to remove the cause and repair damaged tissues. The C-reactive protein (CRP) is a primarily hepatically produced serum protein whose blood levels increase within 6–10 h of any tissue-damaging event. The extent with which it increases correlates with the level of tissue damage and associated inflammation. CRP levels are reported to be of value in diagnosing acute cholecystitis severity, in predicting the outcome and prognosis of cancer-associated gallbladder resection, and in helping identify cystic structures during emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomies. As an understanding of distinctive CRP structural isoforms is evolving, its role not only as a biomarker but as regulator of both physiologic and pathophysiologic processes of inflammation may be relevant in the understanding of and treatment approaches for gallbladder-associated disease.

Piroxicam (PIR) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of oxicam category, used in gout, arthritis, as well as other inflammatory conditions (topically and orally). PIR is practically insoluble in water, therefore the aim is prepare and evaluate piroxicam as liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to enhance its dispersibility and stability. The Dispersibilty and Stability study have been conducted in Oil, Surfactant and Co-surfactant for choosing the best materials to dissolve piroxicam. The pseudo ternary phase diagrams have been set at 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 as well as 4:1 ratio of surfactants and co-surfactants, also there are 4 formulations were prepared by using various concentrations of transcutol HP, cremophore EL and triacetin oil. All the constructed prepared formulas have been assessed for in vitro drug dissolution, thermodynamic stability, polydispersity index, robustness to dilution, particle size distribution, drug content, and the dispersibility and emulsification time.From the presented research concluded that the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system is the convenient method for improving Dispersibilty and Stability of piroxicam. Keywords: Pseudo-ternary phase diagram, Dissolution rate, SNEDDS, Piroxicam.

Propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block polymer (PO-EO) is a surfactant with low cloud point. It has been used for separation of Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Cd2+ and Cr3+ ions in aqueous media. The effect of different factors on recovery percent, like pH, temperature, amount of chelating agent, and amount of surfactant have been studied. A very good separation of metal ions could be achieved at different pH values with good effeciency of separation under the optimum conditions. The analyses of metal ions were carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometer with duterium lamp background correction and calibration curve method curve method.