Search

The ever-increasing concern for adverse climate changes has propelled worldwide research on the reduction of CO2 emission. In this regard, CO2 electroreduction (CER) to formate is one of the promising approaches to converting CO2 to a useful product. However, to achieve a high production rate of formate, the existing catalysts for CER fall short of expectation in maintaining the high formate selectivity and activity over a wide potential window. Through this study, we report that Bi2O3 nanosheets (NSs) grown on carbon nanofiber (CNF) with inherent hydrophobicity achieve a peak formate current density of 102.1 mA cm-2 and high formate Faradaic efficiency of >93% over a very wide potential window of 1000 mV. To the best of our knowledge, this outperforms all the relevant achievements reported so far. In addition, the Bi2O3 NSs on CNF demonstrate a good antiflooding capability when operating in a flow cell system and can deliver a current density of 300 mA cm-2. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the hydrophobic carbon surface can repel water molecules to form a robust solid-liquid-gas triple-phase boundary and a concentrated CO2 layer; both can boost CER activity with the local high concentration of CO2 and through inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by reducing proton contacts. This water-repelling effect also increases the local pH at the catalyst surface, thus inhibiting HER further. More significantly, the concept and methodology of this hydrophobic engineering could be broadly applicable to other formate-producing materials from CER.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is often accompanied by motor and psychiatric symptoms. Various approaches have been proposed for the treatment of PD. Here, we investigated the effect of a low dose of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 (as an enhancer of endocannabinoid anandamide levels), exercise or their combination on some behavior alterations in PD mice lesioned by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The impact of swimming exercise (5×/week for 4 weeks) and URB597 (0.1 mg/kg, 2×/week for 4 weeks) on the anxiety-related behavior (elevated plus maze; EPM), depression-related behavior (tail suspension test; TST), and passive avoidance memory (step-down task) was examined in the sham and male NMRI mouse of PD model. The results show that URB597 prevented memory deficits and elicited antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects but did not affect hypolocomotion in the PD mice. However, URB597 did not have a significant effect on the performance of the sham mice in the performed tests. Moreover, swimming training abolished depressive- and anxiogenic-like behaviors and increased locomotion without affecting memory deficits in the PD mice. Meanwhile, swimming decreased immobility time and increased locomotion in the sham mice. Furthermore, URB597 in association with swimming training prevented all deficits induced in the PD mice, while this combination impaired memory and produced the positive effects on depression- and anxiety-related behaviors and locomotion of the sham mice. It is concluded that although URB597 or exercise alone had positive effects on most behavioral tests, their combination improved all parameters in the PD mice.

In this endeavor, ultra-fine Ce oxide QDs were synthesized via an in-situ approach which itself was divided into two methods exploited to synthesize QDs on the GO nanosheets. Afterward, the obtained product was loaded into the Epoxy (EP) structure and finally applied on the surface. The results affirmed the presence of Ce oxide QDs and the quantum confinement effect in both samples. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of different functional groups such as C C and C H. UV–Vis outcome showed the interaction of GO nanosheets and CeO2 QDs. The morphology of the surface, QDs distribution on the GO nanosheets, shape, and particle sizes were explored using FESEM and HR-TEM. Lastly, the corrosion suppression of different coatings—pure EP, GO-only-containing EP, or EP loaded with quantum-dots-deposited GO synthesized by two methods—were compared and discussed in detail with the help of EIS and salt spray methods. The result showed that, in the scratched samples, the maximum Rct of 45,080 ohm.cm2 was reached when the QDs-modified GO, attaining via the first method, was employed. The overall result denoted the superior performance of the QDs-modified GO nanosheets embedded in the EP coating—most specifically the one synthesized with the first method.

Biodegradable elastomers are important emerging biomaterials for biomedical applications, particularly in the area of soft-tissue engineering in which scaffolds need to match the physicochemical properties of native tissues. Here, we report novel fast photocurable elastomers with readily tunable mechanical properties, surface wettability, and degradability. These elastomers are prepared by a 5-min UV-irradiation of thiol-ene reaction systems of glycerol tripentenoate (GTP; a triene) or the combination of GTP and 4-pentenyl 4-pentenoate (PP; a diene) with a carefully chosen series of di- or tri-thiols. In the subsequent application study, these elastomers were found to be capable of overcoming delamination of myotubes, a technical bottleneck limiting the in vitro growth of mature functional myofibers. The glycerol-based elastomers supported the proliferation of mouse and human myoblasts, as well as myogenic differentiation into contractile myotubes. More notably, while beating mouse myotubes detached from conventional tissue culture plates, they remain adherent on the elastomer surface. The results suggest that these elastomers as novel biomaterials may provide a promising platform for engineering functional soft tissues with potential applications in regenerative medicine or pharmacological testing., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Biocompatible elastomers are formed by thiol-ene UV-curing within 5 min. • Tunable wettability, mechanical properties, and degradability of the elastomers. • The elastomers remarkably promote myogenic differentiation of myoblasts. • Myotubes on the elastomers exhibit enhanced attachment and beating frequency.

Replacing the chromate and phosphate conversion coatings (CCs) with nontoxic ones has played a key role in CC research in recent years. Although considerable efforts have been devoted to discovering and modifying the toxic CC alternatives, much of the research has been restricted to a few numbers of green CCs. The present study has aimed to review the recent attempts that have been made in this area of research to address the toxicity issue of CCs, with a focus on the steel substrate. It includes investigations on different CCs: cerium (CeCC), neodymium (NdCC), lanthanum (LaCC), zirconium (ZrCC), titanium (TiCC), trivalent chromium (TCC), molybdate (MoCC), silicate (SiCC), and silane (SilCC). Surface studies, electrochemical measurements, CCs’ comparison, and film formation mechanisms were summarized. Imparting adhesion to the steel/organic coating interface or the delamination of the organic coating was discussed. Moreover, the influence of several steel substrates (coated and uncoated) and solution parameters (pH, temperature, concentration, stirring, and immersion time) on the CCs properties were outlined. Various methods (such as additives, heat treatment, and subsequent film treatment) that have been employed to improve the green CCs properties and make them comparable to their harmful counterparts were explored.

To maximize crop yield, farmers use a wide array of herbicides. These chemicals have different mechanisms of action such as inhibition of photosynthesis and synthesis of aminoacids, lipids, and car...

There is a growing body of evidence from both observational and randomised trials implicating integrase inhibitors, particularly dolutegravir and bictegravir, with the development of weight gain and obesity in people living with HIV. Evidence with cabotegravir, the newest integrase inhibitor, is limited. Reasons for weight gain are currently unknown. Proposed mechanisms include improved tolerability, direct impact on adipogenesis, and gut microbiome disturbance. Clinical trials have found that weight gain with integrase inhibitors is greatest for women and people of Black ethnicity. Evidence suggests that the nucleoside reverse transcriptase backbone has additional effects on weight gain, with tenofovir alafenamide potentially enhancing the weight gain effect. Weight gain and obesity have long-term consequences, including metabolic syndrome, development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and adverse birth outcomes. However, the current evidence for the medium and long-term effects of weight gain associated with integrase inhibitors is limited. There is an urgent need for clinical trials with longer follow-up periods and standardised endpoints to evaluate these effects. New thresholds for weight gain should be established as guidance for clinicians to stop treatment where weight gain is excessive. Novel treatments such as doravirine could offer a suitable therapy alternative, with current evidence showing efficacy with limited effect on weight gain.

Background: Changes in cell metabolism are a well-known feature of some cancers, and this may be involved in the etiology of tumor formation and progression, as well as tumor heterogeneity. These changes may affect fatty acid metabolism and glycolysis and are required to provide the increase in energy necessary for the high rate of proliferation of cancer cells. Gastrointestinal cancers remain a difficult-to-treat cancer, particularly as they are usually diagnosed at a late stage of disease and are associated with poor outcomes. Summary: Recently, the changes in the metabolic pathways, including the expression of the rate-limiting enzymes involved, have been considered to be a potential target for therapy for gastrointestinal tumors. Key Message: A combination of routine chemotherapy drugs with metabolic inhibitors may improve the effectiveness of treatment.

BACKGROUND Recent clinical trials have shown weight gain associated with newer antiretrovirals. It is unclear how the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone affects weight. Recent evidence suggests greater weight gain with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, it is not fully understood whether TDF contributes to weight suppression. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov was conducted to identify all randomized control trials comparing TDF/FTC or TDF to control in HIV-negative individuals. The primary endpoint included the number of events of 5% weight loss. Mantel-Haenszel test with random-effects modelling was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Further analyses of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events were also undertaken. RESULTS Seven PrEP trials: PARTNERS, VOICE, TDF-2, Bangkok PrEP, iPrEX, FEM-PrEP and HPTN 084 were included in the analysis of weight loss, with a total sample size of 19 359. One study (HPTN 084) compared TDF/FTC to cabotegravir (CAB). HIV-negative individuals taking TDF were more likely to experience weight loss compared with control [odds ratio (OR) 1.44; 95% CI 1.12-1.85; P = 0.005). Exposure to TDF was also linked to greater odds of vomiting (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.20-2.73; P

A new guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone with cytotoxic properties was isolated from Euphorbia microsphaera Boiss. To determine the highest active fraction and isolate bioactive compounds, a bioassay guided fractionation approach was used. The general toxicity properties of the plant's extracts and fractions (fr1-10) were assessed against Artemia salina, Oryzeaphilus mercator, and Tribolium castaneum. Cytotoxic activities were investigated against normal human foreskin fibroblasts and two malignant cell lines, including human breast cancer (MCF-7) and human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) using the MTT assay at different time points of 24, 48, and 72 h. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and mass spectrometry data were used to determine the structure of the active guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone (3aR,4S,4aS,5R,7aS,9aS)-5-hydroxy-5,8-dimethyl-3-methylene-2-oxo-2,3,3a,4,4a,5,6,7,7a, 9a decahydroazuleno [6,5-b] furan-4-yl acetate (named aryanin). Chloroformic fraction 7 (fr7, LC50 = 93.50 μg/mL for general toxicity) had the highest toxicity result, with a mortality rate of more than 50% for both insect species after 12 h at 15 mg/mL. The highest cytotoxicity of aryanin was observed on 24 h treated MCF-7 with an IC50 of 13.81 μg/mL. After 24 h, the inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation was 92%–94% at concentrations of 25–50 μg/mL, respectively. On MCF-7, the IC50 was found to be 49.35 μg/mL after 72 h. This compound had a considerable cytotoxicity (IC50 ≤ 12.5 μg/mL, 24 h) on human foreskin fibroblasts. In contrast to the MCF-7 cell line, the proliferation of human foreskin fibroblasts was increased after 72 h.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined intestinal motility disorders, which are disabling conditions associated with chronic functional constipation, whose pathogenesis is actually not well-defined. AIM To investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and functional chronic constipation associated to intestinal motility disorders. METHODS We performed a prospective case-control study, from May-June to November 2017. Glucose/lactulose breath tests, radiopaque markers (multiple capsule techniques) and wireless motility capsule analysis were used to assess colonic and oro-cecal transit time, after excluding small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth condition. Then, we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with intestinal motility disorders and we further evaluated the influence of intestinal motility disorders on psychological symptoms/quality of life using validated questionnaires, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of life (IBS-QOL), the Short Form Health Survey 12, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 14 (HADS-14 A and HADS-14 D). RESULTS We enrolled 86 patients with chronic functional constipation associated to intestinal motility disorders and 86 matched healthy subjects. Patients with intestinal motility disorders had lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (P < 0.001), and they showed a significant impairment of all health-related quality of life and psychological tests (IBS-QOL, Short Form Health Survey 12-Physical Component Summary, Short Form Health Survey 12-Mental Component Summary, HADS-14 A and HADS-14 D), as compared to the control group (P < 0.001), which significantly correlated with low vitamin D levels (r = - 0.57, P < 0.001; r = 0.21, P = 0.01; r = - 0.48, P < 0.001; r = - 0.57, P < 0.001; r = - 0.29, P < 0.001, respectively). At multivariate analysis vitamin D low levels remained a significant independent risk factor for the occurrence of intestinal motility disorder (odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.26, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Vitamin D deficiency, anxiety and depression symptoms are commonly associated with chronic functional constipation induced by intestinal motility disorders. Vitamin D serum levels should be routinely measured in these patients.

Metal-based small molecules are extensively studied for their potential application in cancer treatment. In this regard, a series of sterically-tuned coumarin-substituted 1,2,4-triazole-based NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene) precursors (1–12) and their silver(I) complexes of the type [NHC–Ag–NHC]+PF6− (13–18) and [NHC–Ag–OAc] (OAc: acetate) (19–24), and gold(I)–NHC (25–30) complexes have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The molecular structures of NHC precursors 7, 9 and 10, and silver(I) NHC complexes 13, 14, 15 and 16 have been unambiguously established by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The silver centers have a distorted linear coordination geometry, and there is an inversion center at the metal atom with a series of anagostic-like interactions between the silver atom and different CH modules of NHC ligands. Further, the in vitro anticancer activities of the silver(I) (13–18) and gold(I) (25–30) complexes toward two human-derived cancer cell lines, the breast cancer (MCF 7) and the colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines have been examined by SRB assay. All the silver(I) complexes displayed higher anticancer potentials than their gold(I) counterparts toward both cell lines tested, except for complex 18 against MCF 7 cells. Notably, complex 17 exhibited the highest anticancer potency as compared to other members of the series with the GI50 value of 0.3540 ± 0.032 and 8.5983 ± 0.98 μM against the MCF 7 and HT-29 cell lines, respectively.

A method to produce nano silver structures with high purity is pulsing electrolysis. In this paper the effects of potential, ammonia concentration (NH3), silver ion concentration [Ag+], total time, Ton, Toff and Trev on this process were studied. The considered parameters were varied as follows: electrical potential = 5 ? 10 V; [NH3] = 40 ? 80 g/L; [Ag+] = 0.1 ? 0.5 g/L; total time = 15 ? 30 min; Ton = 1 ? 8 ms; Toff = 1 ? 8 ms; and Trev = 0 ? 4 ms. In order to optimize these parameters, the fractional factorial design of experiments was used. A silver dendritic structure was produced with nano size arm. The phase composition and morphology of the synthetized dendritic silver nanostructures was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The optimum condition to synthesize the dendritic silver nano powders were 7.52 V; [NH3] = 64.75 g/L; [Ag+] = 0.45 g/L; total time = 17.59 min; Ton = 6.97 ms; Toff = 4 ms; and Trev = 1.89 ms. A mathematical model was also presented. The predicted silver nano size dendrite arm at the optimum condition was found to be 87.29 nm which was very close to the experimental value of 90 nm.

Objective To evaluate the long-term risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary to weight gain and clinical obesity associated with the initiation of integrase strand transfer inhibitors and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in the ADVANCE trial using validated risk equation tools. Design Retrospective data analysis. Methods In ADVANCE, 1053 treatment-naive participants in South Africa (99% black, 59% female) were randomized to 96 weeks of TAF/emtricitabine + dolutegravir (TAF/FTC + DTG), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/FTC + DTG (TDF/FTC + DTG), or TDF/FTC + efavirenz (TDF/FTC/EFV). The 5 and 10-year risks of CVD were calculated using D:A:D, QRISK and Framingham, and T2DM risk using QDiabetes, Cambridge Diabetes and Leicester Practice Risk scores. Participants were included in this analysis if they were above 30 years old at baseline. Results A total of 217 (TAF/FTC + DTG), 218 (TDF/FTC + DTG), and 215 (TDF/FTC/EFV) participants had 96-week data available. Weight gain was +8.1, +4.2, and +2.4 kg on TAF/FTC + DTG, TDF/FTC + DTG, and TDF/FTC/EFV, respectively. Participants on TAF/FTC + DTG had greatest risk scores for CVD (using QRISK) and T2DM, driven by weight changes. Differences were statistically significant between TAF/FTC + DTG and TDF/FTC/EFV for CVD risk using the QRISK equation, equivalent to one extra case per 1000 people treated over 10 years, and between all treatment groups for T2DM risk. Six extra T2DM cases were predicted on TAF/FTC + DTG vs. TDF/FTC + DTG using QDiabetes. Conclusion Obesity, especially with TAF/FTC + DTG, drove increased risk of T2DM, with some evidence of greater CVD risk. However, predictive tools have not been validated in the HIV-positive and black African population.

The effectiveness of a 12-week course of sofosbuvir-ledipasvir in treatment-experienced HCV genotype 1b-infected patients with cirrhosis is still under debate. Our primary endpoint was to compare the sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12) of sofosbuvir-ledipasvir in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks, and sofosbuvir-ledipasvir alone for 24 weeks. This was a prospective observational study that enrolled 424 (195 naive, 229 experienced; 164 treated for 12 weeks with Ribavirin and 260 with sofosbuvir-ledipasvir alone for 24 weeks) consecutive HCV genotype 1b-infected patients with cirrhosis. The SVR12 rates were 93.9% and 99.2% in patients treated for 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (p=0.002). The baseline characteristics of patients treated for 12 weeks were significantly different from those treated for 24 weeks as regards their younger age (p=0.002), prevalence of Child-Pugh class A (p=0.002), lower MELD scores (p=0.001) and smaller number of non-responders (p=0.04). The shorter treatment was significantly associated with a lower SVR12 in univariate and multivariate analysis (p=0.007 and p=0.008, respectively). The SVR rate was unaffected by age, gender, BMI, Child-Pugh class, MELD score or previous antiviral treatment. Patients receiving ribavirin experienced more episodes of ascites and headache but less recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and were prescribed more diuretics and cardiopulmonary drugs. No patient discontinued treatment. The therapeutic regimen of sofosbuvir-ledipasvir plus ribavirin administered for 12 weeks was less effective than sofosbuvir-ledipasvir alone given for 24 weeks. At odds with European guidelines, the recommended 12-week treatment with sofosbuvir-ledipasvir alone might be suboptimal for this setting of patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This study is aimed to evaluate the concentration of certain hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH), in male dogs from different regions of Kosovo and to histopathologically evaluate testicular tissue from these examined dogs. Testosterone, LH and FSH concentrations were determined by ELISA and testicular tissue samples were processed and subsequently stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological examination with light microscopy. For mixed-breed dogs, higher testosterone levels were found in the Malisheva, while lower testosterone levels were recorded in the Vushtrria. LH levels in mixed-breed dogs were higher in the Malisheva and lower in the Kamenica. Furthermore, FSH levels in mixed-breed dogs were higher in the Malisheva and lower in the Kamenica. Histopathology revealed different histological changes in testicular tissues, ranging from normal tissue structure to mild, moderate and severe structural alterations. It can be concluded that hormone analyses and histopathological examinations could be considered for fertility assessments.

Aims: Previous investigations demonstrated that tramadol, as a painkiller, similar to morphine induces tolerance and dependence. Furthermore, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) located in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a critical role in morphine-induced conditioning. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of NAc CB1R in tramadol induced conditioning and reinstatement. Main methods: In the present experiment, the effect of NAc CB1 receptors on tramadol induced conditioning was tested by microinjecting of arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA, CB1R agonist) and AM 251 (CB1R inverse agonist) in the NAc during tramadol-induced conditioning in the adult male Wistar rats. In addition, the role of NAc CB1R in the reinstatement was also evaluated by injecting ACPA and AM 251 after a 10-days extinction period. Key findings: The obtained data revealed that the administration of tramadol (1,2, and 4 mg/kg, ip) dose-dependently produced conditioned place preference (CPP). Moreover, intra-NAc administration of ACPA (0.25, 0.5, and 1 μg/rat) dose-dependently induced conditioning, while the administration of AM-251 (30, 60, and 120 ng/rat) induced a significant aversion. In addition, the administration of a non-effective dose of AM251 during tramadol conditioning inhibited conditioning induced by tramadol. On the other hand, the administration of ACPA after extinction induced a significant reinstatement. Notably, the locomotor activity did not change among groups. Significance: Previous studies have shown that tramadol-induced CPP occurs through μ-opioid receptors. The data obtained in the current study indicated that CB1R located in the NAc is involved in mediating conditioning induced by tramadol. Besides, CB1R also plays a vital role in the reinstatement of tramadol-conditioned animals. It might be due to the effect of opioids on enhancing the level of CB1R.

A novel series of 1,3–benzoxazole and 1,3–dioxolane substituted benzimidazole–based N–heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors (6a–b and 11a–b) and their corresponding NHC–silver(I) acetate (12a–b and 14a–b) and bis–NHC–silver(I) hexafluorophosphate complexes (13a–b and 15a–b) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ATR-IR spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis techniques. Also, the molecular structure of benzimidazolium salt (6a) and bis–NHC–silver(I) hexafluorophosphate complex (13b) were unambiguously established by single crystal X–ray diffraction analysis. Fascinatingly, bis–NHC–silver(I) hexafluorophosphate complex (13b) was revealed to be dinuclear in nature. All the azolium salts (6a–b and 11a–b) as well as the corresponding silver(I) complexes (12a–b, 13a–b, 14a–b and 15a–b) were evaluated for their antimicrobial potential against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), and a set of Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains and two fungi, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Antimicrobial studies revealed the comparable activities of benzimidazolium salts (6a–b and 11a–b) and the silver(I) complexes (12a–b, 13a–b and 15a–b). Whereas, the 1,3–dioxolane substituted benzimidazole–based silver(I) acetate complexes (14a–b) demonstrated excellent potentials with both bacterial and fungal growth inhibition above 95%.

In this contribution, a series of sterically–encumbered coumarin substituted benzimidazole–based N–heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors (1−12) and their silver(I)–NHC complexes (13–24) are reported. Molecular structure of NHC precursors 8 and 12 and cationic complexes 15 and 16 was established by single crystal X–ray diffraction method. The silver(I) complexes demonstrated various significant intramolecular agostic–like interactions operating between the metal center and the hydrogen atoms of the substituents alongside a variety of feeble π–π stacking interactions. A distorted linear coordination geometry is documented at the silver(I) center with the anti–arrangement of the ligands. Further, the complexes demonstrated promising antibacterial properties against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains, especially complex 18 displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 and 4 μg/mL against S. aureus and E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Furthermore, complexes 14, 15, 16 and 18 were found cytotoxic against the human lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1975 with the IC50 (concentration of the test sample required to kill 50% of the cell population) value under 10 μM, while mono–NHC complex 20 displayed a potential drug window with the IC50 of 13.7 ± 2.70 and 14.5 ± 1.20 μM against the cancer cell lines H1975 and A549, respectively. Notably, these complexes displayed relatively lesser cytotoxic behaviour against the normal skin fibroblast cell line, Hs68. All the NHC precursors displayed significantly lower biological activities compared with their respective complexes, indicating the utility of silver(I) ions in antimicrobial and antilung cancer applications.

A heterostructure photocatalyst including metallic silver (Ag), gold (Au) in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanofibers were fabricated using a combination of photodeposition and electrospinning techniques. In this procedure, electrospun TiO2 nanofibers were decorated by plasmonic Ag and Au NPs on the surface of nanofibers which were generated via photochemical reduction process. The synthesized Ag-Au/TiO2 nanocomposites which were considered as a favorable candidate for enabling the more access to visible-light in photocatalytic performance were subsequently characterized by field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FESEM), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultra-violet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. UV–vis studies indicate the extension in the absorption region of composite toward the visible-light range have been occurred through the loading metallic nanoparticles into the TiO2 structure. Microscopic assessments in addition to EDS revealed that metallic NPs deposited on the surface of the fibers through photochemical reduction process. It was found that, the ratio of utilized Ag/Au in the final composite can significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency. It was suggested that introduction of the proper amount of noble metal NPs into the TiO2 matrix leads to the notable enhancement of visible-light decomposition of rhodamine B (Rh. B) as a model dye.

This investigation parallels the others hoping to address the environmental predicaments. Dealing with the corrosion progression of steel, being in battle with a harsh condition (HCl), using the novel Chamomile flower extract (CFe) could embody the advantageous lies in the green molecules of plants. The morphological influences of this plant extract were studied by exploiting the power of FE-SEM, EDAX, AFM, and contact angle examinations. Results were demonstrative of the surface smoothness increment after CFe inclusion into the medium; smoothing the surface as well as lowering the iron dissolution. Besides, the surface was characterized via GIXRD as well as Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the adsorption of the inhibitor was examined through UV–Vis analysis. The existence of functional groups like C = O and C = C, the reduction of iron dissolution, and the graphene-like compounds' existence confirmation on the metal surface, all subsequent to CFe loading, were the outcome of these assessments. The EIS and potentiodynamic polarization (PP) tests were performed. The outcome showed that the CFe could inhibit the corrosion proliferation substantially especially when the steel was exposed to 600 ppm solution for 8 h; a 98% inhibition efficiency was obtained. The calculations exhibited the CFe mixed inhibitive characteristic and Langmuir was the adsorption isotherm strategy of the studied inhibitor. Finally, the study was further expanded into the theoretical point of view in which the adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the surface was confirmed; in agreement with the experimental outcome.

Objectives Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential cofactor for mitochondrial function, declines with aging, which may lead to impaired physical performance. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD+ precursor, restores cellular NAD+ levels. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of short-term NR supplementation on physical performance in middle-aged mice and the effects on mouse and human muscle stem cells. Methods We treated 15-mo-old male C57BL/6J mice with NR at 300 mg·kg·d–1 (NR3), 600 mg·kg·d–1 (NR6), or placebo (PLB), n = 8 per group, and assessed changes in physical performance, muscle histology, and NAD+ content after 4 wk of treatment. Results NR increased total NAD+ in muscle tissue (NR3 P = 0.01; NR6 P = 0.004, both versus PLB), enhanced treadmill endurance and open-field activity, and prevented decline in grip strength. Histologic analysis revealed NR-treated mice exhibited enlarged slow-twitch fibers (NR6 versus PLB P = 0.014; NR3 P = 0.16) and a trend toward more slow fibers (NR3 P = 0.14; NR6 P = 0.22). We next carried out experiments to characterize NR effects on mitochondrial activity and cellular energetics in vitro. We observed that NR boosted basal and maximal cellular aerobic and anaerobic respiration in both mouse and human myoblasts and human myotubes. Additionally, NR treatment improved the differentiating capacity of myoblasts and increased myotube size and fusion index upon stimulation of these progenitors to form multinucleated myotubes. Conclusion These findings support a role for NR in improving cellular energetics and functional capacity in mice, which support the translation of this work into clinical settings as a strategy for improving and/or maintaining health span during aging.

This study is an effort in which a novel corrosion inhibitor, derived from a plant called Lamb's ear (locally known as Mish Gush), was employed to cut down the corrosion-related damages of the 1 M HCl solution on MS. The influence of various concentrations of MG extract (0–1600 ppm) in addition to several exposure times (0.5–24 h) were explored. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle were carried out. The outcome of the FE-SEM and AFM illustrated that the MS surface laid bare to the corrosive media, experienced intense corrosion followed by a high roughness which then significantly decreased after the introduction of MG extract (MGe) to the solution. Raman extracted data underpinned the carbon-like film generation in the metal/solution interface; also, FT-IR illustrated the existence of several functional groups (e.g., C C and C H) which were in agreement with the ones existing in the MGe's molecules. Grazing-induced XRD signified that the incorporation of MGe in the solution resulted in the formation of less corrosion product on the surface in comparison with the blank sample. The MGe chemical structure and its existence on the surface were certified via UV–Vis analysis; Raman spectroscopy showed that a graphene-like film developed on the surface. Uncovering the MGe's corrosion-preventive film characteristic on the surface was accomplished through Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PP) measurements. The outcome suggested that the rise in the MGe concentration in the solution, as well as exposure time, increased the inhibition efficiency proportionally which maximized to 96% after 4 h of exposure to the solution incorporated 1200 ppm of MGe. Computations showed that the MGe followed a mixed-type inhibition. Also, it was found that the most probable adsorption isotherm for the inhibitor deposition was Langmuir. Besides the experiments, theoretical studies based on Molecular dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), and Density functional theory (DFT) were performed. These studies confirmed the adsorption of inhibitors on the metallic surface through the reactive sites of the inhibitor molecules.

Several new non–symmetrically p–nitrobenzyl substituted benzimidazole–based mono–N–heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–silver(I) acetate (7a–e) and bis–NHC–silver(I) hexafluorophosphate complexes (8a–e) were synthesized by combination of 1–ethyl/1–propyl/1–butyl/1–pentyl/1–hexyl–3–(4–nitrobenzyl)benzimidazolium hexafluorophosphate salts (6a–e) with silver(I) acetate and silver(I) oxide in methanol and acetonitrile, respectively, in good yields. All the benzimidazolium hexafluorophosphate salts (6a–e) and their corresponding NHC–silver(I) complexes (7a–e and 8a–e) were structurally characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, ATR–IR spectrometry and elemental analysis. The solid–state structures of bis–NHC–silver(I) hexafluorophosphate complexes (8c) and (8e) were determined by single crystal X–ray diffraction method. Preliminary in vitro antibacterial potential of all the compounds (6a–e, 7a–e and 8a–e) were studied against six standard bacterial strains; two Gram–positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and four Gram–negative bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, and Salmonella typhi) by Kirby–Bauer’s disc diffusion method and their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by broth macrodilution method. All the NHC–silver(I) complexes (7a–e and 8a–e) exhibited moderate to high antibacterial activities with MIC ranging between 16.0 and 128.0 µg/mL, whereas benzimidazolium hexafluorophosphate salts (6a–e) demonstrated poor antibacterial potentials.

The heterogeneous titanium oxide-reduced graphene oxide-silver (TiO2/RGO/Ag) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by incorporation of two dimensional (2D) RGO nanosheets and spherical silver nanoparticles (NPs) into the 1D TiO2 nanofibers. The novel TiO2/RGO/Ag nanocomposites were synthesized by loading TiO2 nanofibers, prepared via electrospinning technique, on the RGO/Ag platform. The resulting nanocomposites have been characterized using various techniques containing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and ultra-violet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. Microscopic studies clearly verified the existence of TiO2 nanofibers with Ag NPs on the surface of RGO sheet and formation of TiO2/RGO/Ag nanocomposites. Moreover, the results of UV–vis spectroscopy demonstrated that TiO2/RGO/Ag nanocomposites extended the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region and significantly enhanced the visible-light photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples on degradation of rhodamine B (Rh. B) as a model dye. It was found that, incorporation of 50 µl RGO/Ag into the TiO2 nanofibers lead to a maximum photocatalytic performance. Also, the improvement of the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria under visible-light irradiation was revealed by introduction of RGO/Ag into the TiO2 matrix. The significant enhancement in the photo and bio-activity of TiO2/RGO/Ag nanocomposites under visible-light irradiation can be ascribed to the RGO/Ag content by acting as electron traps in TiO2 band gap.

A series of sterically–tuned coumarin–tethered imidazolium bromide (1–7) and hexafluorophosphate (8–14) salts and their mono– and bis–N–heterocyclic carbene (NHC) silver(I) complexes (15–28) of the type [NHCAgOAc] and [NHCAgNHC]+PF6−, respectively, has been reported. The imidazolium salts and silver complexes have been prepared by following the successive N–alkylation and in–situ deprotonation methods, respectively. Both, the imidazolium salts and their silver(I) complexes, have been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and ATR–IR spectroscopic and elemental analyses. A preliminary stability study of silver complex 18 has been performed using 1H NMR spectroscopy and it is found that the complex is stable in solution for five days upon exposure to sunlight. Molecular structures of bis–NHC coordinated cationic silver(I) hexafluorophosphate complexes, 16 and 17, have been unambiguously established by single crystal X–ray diffraction method. Further, both the salts and their silver(I) NHC complexes have been evaluated for their potential antibacterial properties against a panel of bacterial strains namely, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi and S. sonnei. The results show that silver complexes are effective against E. coli and P. aeruginosa with moderate to high activity, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 8 to 16 μg/mL.

Various nitro/nitrile-functionalized benzimidazol-2-ylidene carbene complexes of silver(I) (7a–d and 11a–d) were synthesized by combination of 1-allyl/1-isopropyl/1-sec-butyl/1-isopentyl-3-(nitro/cyano-benzyl)-3H-benzimidazol-1-ium hexafluorophosphate (6a–d and 10a–d) with silver(I) oxide in acetonitrile. The compounds were characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, FT-IR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Additionally, the in vitro antibacterial activity of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors (6a–d and 10a–d) and their corresponding NHC-silver(I) complexes (7a–d and 11a–d) were investigated against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli using the qualitative Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. All the NHC-silver(I) complexes exhibited medium-to-high antibacterial activity with areas of clearance ranging from 12 mm to 21 mm, while the NHC precursors were inactive against both strains of bacteria.

Angiogenesis is essential for the development, growth and progression of tumors. Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known proangiogenic factor, its impact on lymphoma has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate VEGF-A -expression and microvessel density (MVD) in aggressive lymphoma such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), in indolent lymphomas such as low-grade follicular lymphoma (FL), and in lymph node reactive follicular hyperplasia (FH). In 80 prospective and retrospective cases (30 DLBCL, 30 FL and 20 FH), CD31 was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining assessing density of blood vessels, as well as the total number of CD31 positive endothelial cells. The results were compared with relevant clinical data. MVD was 85% in FH, followed by 60% in DLBCL and 43% in low-grade FL. VEGF-A was significantly higher in DLBCL than in low-grade FL and FH. A statistically significant association of MVD and VEGF-A with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) was found in DLBCL. High MVD and VEGF-A expression was observed in DLBCL patients with high IPI, while there was no statistically significant association between MVD and VEGF-A with the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index in low-grade FL. Our results suggested an important relationship between angiogenesis and high-grade lymphoma.

International audience; Here we study large GO flakes with an average size of ≈38 µm, following the isotropic-nematic phase transition over time and determining the critical concentration i.e. the minimum value for the formation of pure LC phase. Graphene oxide (GO) flakes in aqueous suspensions can form liquid crystal (LC) phases, attractive for various applications because of their exceptional properties. Stability over time is very important for their application especially if the GO suspension is in the bi-phase concentration region in which a crucial change that can happen, is the isotropic – liquid crystal phase separation. GO LCs have a wide bi-phase region, and even very low concentration suspensions appeared purely nematic when prepared. However, by passing enough time they showed to be biphasic and higher concentrations are needed for pure LC phase. We followed the changes of the critical concentration over four months, finding it increases by time until it reaches a stable value that is nevertheless, very low in concentration, 0.7 mg mL−1 (0.035 vol%) and truly stable over time. From the stable threshold volume fraction, we estimated the effective flake thickness, relevant in the LC phase formation behavior. This value is almost double than what is measured by atomic force microscopy.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine produces rapid antidepressant responses. There are safety concerns and adverse effects that limit the utilization of ketamine in psychiatry. Some studies have suggested combination therapy for optimal ketamine use. In this study, we evaluated the potential for combination therapy of ineffective doses of ketamine and fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 for the treatment of depression and pain in male NMRI mice. Intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (10 mg/kg) at the time intervals of 115, 145, and 160 min and ketamine (5 mg/kg) at the time interval of 160 min after administration increased the tail-flick latency, indicating an antinociceptive effect. The same doses of ketamine decreased immobility time in the forced swim test (FST), showing an antidepressant-like effect. Moreover, URB597 at the doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg induced an antinociceptive effect, while it at the dose of 1 mg/kg produced an antidepressant-like response. Furthermore, co-administration of the ineffective doses of ketamine (2.5 mg/kg) and URB597 (0.1 mg/kg) caused antinociceptive and antidepressant-like effects, while each one of them alone did not alter the performance of mice in the FST and tail-flick tests. It should be noted that none of the treatments alter animal locomotor activity compared to the control group. Therefore, the combined administration of ineffective doses of ketamine and URB597 might be an effective strategy in the therapy of depression and pain.

A series of 1,3,4–trisubstituted–1,2,3–triazolium iodide salts (4a–c) were synthesized via a three–step reaction sequence. Corresponding anilines (1a–c) were converted to azides (2a–c) which were then treated with phenylacetylene with “Click” chemistry to access 1,4–disubstituted–1,2,3–triazoles (3a–c). Subsequent methylation of 1,4–disubstituted–1,2,3–triazoles (3a–c) yielded 1,3,4–trisubstituted–1,2,3–triazoliumiodide salts (4a–c) in appreciable yields. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, ATR–IR spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Additionally, the structure of 1–(4–chlorophenyl)–4–phenyl–1,2,3–triazole (3b) was confirmed by single crystal X–ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic activity of 4a–c in a catalytic system consisting of 1,3,4–trisubstituted–1,2,3–triazoliumiodide salt/palladium(II) acetate/base were investigated towards Suzuki–Miyaura and Heck–Mizoroki cross–coupling reactions. The Suzuki–Miyaura cross–coupling reactions were carried out under mild reaction conditions with good to excellent yields, whereas Heck–Mizoroki cross–coupling reactions were performed at elevated temperature with moderate yields. Further, in situ method skips the synthetic procedure of preparing the palladium(II) complexes and hence is more economical and less tedious.

In the current research, the anti-corrosion performance of MS in the HCl solution was investigated when potentially corrosion inhibitive green molecules, extracted from the Stachys byzantina (SB) leaves, were added to the solution. Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) along with the EIS tests were carried out. Also, surface characterization was examined using FE-SEM, contact angle measurements, AFM, and EDS. The film composition formed on the MS surface was explored by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), GIXRD, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. EIS test demonstrated that the MS surface exposed to the 1 M HCl solution into which 1200 ppm SB extract was incorporated yielded the highest resistance against corrosion after 4 h resulting in the inhibition efficiency of 96%; the optimum concentration was also substantiated with PP test. SB extract showed a mixed-inhibition performance, and the best-fitted adsorption isotherm was calculated to be Langmuir; furthermore, the inhibitor adsorption was a combination of physisorption and chemisorption. Surface studies showed that the inhibited surface exhibited a smoother texture with lower roughness because of the inhibitor adsorption. The presence of several SB extract's functional groups such as O H, C H, C=C, and C=O on the surface was confirmed through FT-IR spectroscopy and UV–Vis analysis. Via Raman spectroscopy, a graphene-like layer was observed on the surface. The results, as a whole, proved the presence of a protective layer, which adsorbed on the surface and subsequently prevented further corrosion attack. Finally, the interactions taking place between metal surface and corrosion inhibitor were examined from the theoretical point of view using molecular dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), and density functional theory (DFT). The results were suggestive of the formed complex affinity toward the surface resulting in corrosion prevention.

As the researchers have focused on discovering new replacements for conventional inhibitors to address the toxicity concerns, biopolymers/carbohydrate-polymers can play a vital role among different alternatives. It has been discovered that biopolymers (i.e., chitosan/polydopamine/Cellulose/Carrageenan) can effectively mitigate the corrosion of alloys/metals. A considerable number of biopolymers have been identified, and several of them have been researched for their anti-corrosion-related properties. Different modifications have been tested on them, and diverse techniques have been employed to evaluate their efficacy. In spite of some limitations to perceive the biopolymers and carbohydrate polymers as corrosion inhibitors, still, considerably more work will need to be done for the introduction of new biopolymers as well as modification of the existing ones. In this study, the newest publications on several important biopolymers, namely lignin, tannin, inulin, extracellular polymeric substance, carrageenan, cellulose, chitosan, polydopamine, and gum, which have been regarded as corrosion inhibitive substances in the literature, were explored. The results of several assessment methods such as surface studies, corrosion techniques, and thermal analysis conducted to uncover the corrosion-inhibitive capacity of these candidates were explored. It is hoped that such effort went into collecting various research with a focus on the biopolymers as corrosion inhibitors can contribute to the process of shaping new ideas and promoting new investigations.

Two series of palladium complexes of the type [PdBr2(NHC)2] (4–6) and [PdBr2(NHC)Py] (7–9) bearing coumarin substituted triazole–based NHC ligands have been reported. Complexes have been prepared by in situ deprotonation of 1,2,4-triazolium salts with palladium acetate in DMSO/pyridine, and characterized by spectral and analytical techniques. The complexes displayed a distorted square–planar coordination geometry around the palladium atom, which is evidenced by the single crystal X–ray diffraction analysis of 4–6 and 9. Both the series of complexes have been evaluated for their efficacies in C–C bond formation reactions of various aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid, and C–H activation reactions of thiophene substituted cyanopyridine derivative. Complexes 7–9 outperformed the bis–NHC coordinated derivatives, 4–6, in both the type of catalytic reactions, which is attributed to the presence of a labile pyridine ligand.

In this study, an amino acid-derived ionic liquid inhibitor, namely tetra-n-butyl ammonium methioninate, was synthesized and the role this inhibitor for corrosion protection of mild steel exposed to 1.0 M HCl was investigated using electrochemical, quantum and surface analysis. By taking advantage of potentiodynamic polarization, the inhibitory action of tetra-n-butyl ammonium methioninate was found to be mainly mixed-type with dominant anodic inhibition. The effectiveness of the inhibitor was also indicated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, to provide further insight into the mechanism of inhibition, electrochemical noise (EN) and quantum chemical calculations of the inhibitor were performed.

Protection against downy mildew in organic viticulture is exclusively based on the use of copper products but these cause environmental concerns. The aim of this work was to assess a control strategy under Mediterranean climatic conditions with the goal of reducing the quantities of copper allowed under organic viticulture. The control strategy was based on the use of copper oxychloride with varying doses and intervals between their applications. The efficiency of the control was assessed based on the incidence and severity of the disease in grape leaves and bunches. The products used ensured effective control under moderate disease pressure. It was found that during seasons with a low pressure of downy mildew attack, it is possible to contain the fungus respecting the ceiling prescribed by the organic regulations. Otherwise, when the pressure of the fungus is high, in the case of humid and rainy seasons, it is not possible to respect the limit. Organic growers can minimize the use of copper in or...

In the present work, iron-functionalized TiO2 nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by an electrospinning system and the resulting nanofibers were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy. Microscopic studies revealed that TiO2 nanofibers with average diameters of ~60 to 65 nm were formed during the electrospinning process while their diameters increased to ~85 to 90 nm by iron functionalization. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities of pristine and iron-functionalized TiO2 nanofibers were measured by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) as a model dye under visible-light irradiation. It was found that iron-functionalized TiO2 nanofibers extended the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region and noticeably improved the photodegradation of MO under visible-light irradiation. Furthermore, there is an optimum amount of FeCl3 to reach to the highest photocatalytic performance of iron-functionalized TiO2 nanofibers under visible-light.

This paper presents, for the first time, versatile and low-cost miniature liquid lenses with graphene as electrodes. Tunable focal length is achieved by changing the droplet curvature using electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD). Ionic liquid and KCl solution are utilized as lens liquid on the top of a flexible Teflon-coated PDMS/parylene membrane. Transparent and flexible, graphene allows transmission of visible light as well as large deformation of the polymer membrane to achieve requirements for different lens designs and to increase the field of view without damaging of electrodes. The tunable range for the focal length is between 3 and 7 mm for a droplet with a volume of 3 μL. The visualization of bone marrow dendritic cells is demonstrated by the liquid lens system with a high resolution (456 lp/mm).

Graphene, a monoatomically thick film made by carbon atoms arranged in honeycomb lattice, for its exceptional electrical, thermal and mechanical properties is one of the most attractive materials to be incorporated in electronic devices and in composites. New interest has been recently arisen from water suspensions of flakes of graphene oxide (GO), obtained from chemical exfoliation of graphite, since they form liquid crystal (LC) phases, for the easiness of handling graphene, otherwise forming aggregates, and their high yield. Interestingly, GO LC suspensions are responsive to electric fields with an extremely high Kerr coefficient resulting in an induced birefringence at macroscopic scale, achieved with very low electric fields. The LC phase formation and its responsiveness to electric fields are dependent on suspension characteristics such as flake average dimension, aqueous matrix and flake properties. In particular, bare graphene flakes have larger response to electric fields, due to their higher polarizability, than GO flakes. As it will be described, this results in improved electro-optic performance of reduced-graphene compared to GO LC with remarkably higher optical transmission for the same field strength thanks to a more efficient flake reorientation enabling a larger optical modulation.

Skeletal muscle (SkM) regeneration relies on the activity of myogenic progenitors that reside beneath the basal lamina of myofibers. Here, we describe a protocol for the isolation of the SkM progenitors from young and old mice by exploiting their outgrowth potential from SkM explants on matrigel coated dishes in the presence of high serum, chicken embryo extract and basic fibroblast growth factor. Compared to other protocols, this method yields a higher number of myoblasts (10–20 million) by enabling the outgrowth of these cells from tissue fragments. The majority of outgrowth cells (~90%) were positive for myogenic markers such as α7-integrin, MyoD, and Desmin. The myogenic cell population could be purified to 98% with one round of pre-plating on collagen coated dishes, where differential attachment of fibroblasts and other non-myogenic progenitors separates them from myoblasts. Moreover, the combination of high serum medium and matrigel coating provided a proliferation advantage to myogenic cells, which expanded rapidly (~24 h population doubling), while non-myogenic cells diminished over time, thereby eliminating the need for further purification steps such as FACS sorting. Finally, myogenic progenitors gave rise to multinucleated myotubes that exhibited sarcomeres and spontaneous beating in the culture dish. Keywords: Skeletal muscle progenitors, Myoblast isolation, Satellite cells, Myogenic differentiation

Adsorption of caffeine and nicotine molecules over B12N12 and B16N16 nano-cages were investigated by using first-principles calculations to define whether BN nano-cages are applicable for filtering or sensing caffeine and nicotine molecules. The chemisorption energy of nicotine molecule on BN nano-cages is very stronger than caffeine molecule. Upon the adsorption of caffeine and nicotine molecules, the electronic properties of the BN nano-cages can be significantly changed, being too much sensitized on the caffeine and nicotine adsorptions.

Scar formation after injured peripheral nerve repair is a significant clinical problem because it prevents nerve regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) and tacrolimus (FK506) on peripheral nerve regeneration in rabbits after the drugs were topically applied at the site of nerve repair. Thirty adult male European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), ranging in weight from 2.5 to 3 kg, were randomly assigned to three groups: the HA and FK506 groups comprised the experimental groups, while the saline group served as the control. At week 12, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed and analyzed. In general, the macroscopic evaluations (skin and muscle fascia closure and nerve adherence), microscopic evaluations (cellular components, scar tissue formation index, and histomorphological organization), and measurements of nerve diameter and gastrocnemius muscle wet weight demonstrated the positive effects of topical application of these pharmacological agents (HA and FK506); HA and FK506 prevented scar formation and enhanced nerve regeneration. No significant differences in the parameters described above were observed between the HA and FK506 groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed between both the HA and FK506 groups and the saline group (P

For the first time, this paper reports a tunable liquid lens array that can be individually controlled by electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) and pneumatic pressure. Flexible and transparent graphene electrodes are fabricated on a highly deformable membrane made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and parylene. The design has many advantages for compound eye applications, including a large field of view (FOV), a compact size and fast responses. Potassium chloride (KCl) and ionic liquid have been tested as liquid lenses with the tunable ranges of focal length between 3 and 8mm. Their optical performancees including, enlargement of FOV and the tuning of focal length of individual lens have been demonstrated.

This paper models the interplay between the detailed radiation balance and the charge carrier transport of organic solar cells. By incorporating the so-called photon recycling (self-absorption) into the continuity equation of minority carriers, this model can describe the radiative efficiency of existing cells as well as the radiative recombination limited ones. For high mobilities, the model reproduces the Shockley Queisser efficiency limit. Therefore, the model connects the classical diode theory and the Shockley Queisser detailed balance efficiency limit. The effect of adding nanoparticles into such cells is to increase the absorption coefficient by providing higher absorption probability at the region with high concentration of nanoparticles. To model this effect, the exponential integral term is used. The paper shows that even in case of the radiative recombination limit, charge carrier transport is extremely important. Finally, it discusses the effect of excitons and charge carrier mobilities on transport. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Highly crystalline TiO2 anatase nanoparticles were synthesized via gel–sol method by using titanium isopropoxide and triethanolamine. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and nitrogen gas absorption methods. The particle size ranged from 7 to 24 nm having specific surface area of 64 to 220 m2/g. Selective Ti(OH)4 gel specifications and hydrothermal test conditions resulted in thermodynamically-stable phase-formation. Aging at 130°C for 4 h resulted in particle size of 7 nm; while at 130 and 160°C for 12 h resulted in 12 and 21 nm, respectively.