Search

Objective: Most individuals with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience symptoms other than claudication and live with undiagnosed PAD yet no tools exist to detect atypical PAD symptoms. The purpose of this study was to identify discriminating PAD symptom descriptors from a community-based sample of patients with no current diagnosis of PAD. Methods: Symptoms descriptors were obtained in a sample of 22 participants with persistent lower extremity symptoms pre/post exercise. An ankle brachial index with exercise was used to classify participants as "PAD" or "No PAD." Results: Thirteen (59%) participants had a positive ankle brachial index (<0.9, ≥20% drop postexercise, or 30 mmHg drop postexercise). Symptoms do not disappear while walking, trouble keeping up with friends/family, positive response to pain or discomfort while sitting, and pain outside of the calves and thighs were associated with a positive ankle brachial index. Conclusion: Atypical symptoms were common among study participants. Symptoms while sitting and symptoms outside of the calf and thigh were negatively associated with a positive ankle brachial index. More precise descriptions of symptom characteristics are needed to improve PAD symptom recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current methods to monitor oil contamination in bare soils rely upon geophysical techniques or direct sampling and testing, and their use amongst the global community is limited by their complexity and cost. Recent studies demonstrate that Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (VNIRS) may be a reliable technique, but has found limited use due to effects of soil composition and moisture content. This study describes two spectral indices, the ‘Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Index’ (TPHix) and ‘Oil Index’ (Oix), and demonstrate their application in enhanced detection of oil contaminants and the evaluation of soil-oil-water interaction in bare soils. To validate their applicability, soil-oil experiments were performed on 26 samples comprising of 12 artificial and 14 natural soils in dry states, and 10 sub-samples in wet condition. Analyses of TPHix demonstrate that this index provides a better estimate of low oil content in different soil classes, while Oix versus % Oil regression plots with a discrete inflection point termed the ‘Critical Point’ (CP) give an indication of soil-oil-water interaction as CP varies with soil composition and moisture content. This research demonstrates that VNIRS indices can improve oil contaminants detection in soils and provide insight into soil-oil-water interaction where there are few established techniques available to researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At first, 1,4-Bis(pyridinium bi-sulfonic acid)benzene dimethylsulfonate (BPBSBDM), as a new Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (BAIL), is efficiently synthesized and revealed utilizing FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), 13C NMR, 1H NMR and Mass data. Subsequently, its catalytic activity was studied in preparing bis(pyrazolyl)methane derivatives through the one-pot multicomponent coupled domino reactions (MCDRs) among 1 mmol aldehydes (aryl, heteroaryl, or alkyl aldehydes), 2 mmol ethyl acetoacetate, and 2 mmol phenylhydrazine/hydrazine hydrate under optimal conditions (50 °C, solvent-free, and 4 mol% of BPBSBDM) in high yields (89–98%), and in short times (2–7 min). Our protocol has the advantages of reasonable turnover number (TON: 22.25 to 24.50) and turnover frequency (TOF: 3.17 to 12.25 min−1) values, high yields of products, non-metallic nature of the catalyst, short reaction times, eco-friendly and economy, easy recyclability and good reproducibility. In addition, three derivatives 8a, 9a and 10a were synthesized and fully identified for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel ultrasound mediated synthesis of chromone based α-aminophosphonate using CdS/CNT nanocomposite has been reported. The nanocomposite was characterized using techniques like Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and morphology studies were carried out using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Further, the synthesized α-aminophosphonate derivatives were characterized using FTIR, 1H-NMR and CHN elemental analysis. The present method provides various advantages such as operational simplicity, high yield, short reaction time, easy workup and solvent free condition. In addition, the catalyst exhibited remarkable reusability, demonstrating consistent performance up to five runs without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. The ICP-AES analysis suggested that there is no leaching of CdS from the surface of CNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users of the microbond test assume that a microbond resin droplet's properties are equivalent to a macroscale specimen. However, there is currently no standardised methodology for determining the cure state of droplet specimens used in the microbond test. In this paper, we present a technique for microbond test users to better understand the properties of thermoset droplet specimens. Utilising a conventional benchtop spectrometer, a novel sample preparation technique involving curing epoxy droplets on thin-steel filaments allowed for high-throughput determination of the microbond droplet cure state. The parity between steel filament and glass fibre microbond samples was confirmed by infrared microspectroscopy. It is shown that cure schedules used in manufacturing composite parts produced microbond droplets with degrees of cure lower than that of bulk matrix specimens subjected to an identical thermal history. Testable microbond droplets could only be prepared for commercial resin systems when introducing a room temperature pre-curing time of at least 2 h. It is concluded that microbond testing should be supported by some droplet cure state characterisation methods to ensure that interfacial effects are not artefacts of droplet sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retention of drug in the harsh environment of gastrointestinal tract is a major problem faced in oral delivery system as drugs are prone to a pre-mature release in the presence of digestive enzymes in the acidic media. This reduces the bioavailability of the drug and causes other side effects in the stomach. The composite is prepared through an economically viable and green method consisting of polymers such as guar gum, chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) for retention of metformin in the gastric media. Montmorillonite clay was incorporated into the composite to improve its mechanical property. Physical properties such as thickness, folding endurance, swelling capacity and transparency of the films were assessed and further characterized using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry, X-Ray Diffractometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The prepared films were thin and flexible with an average thickness of 90 μm and exhibited good UV resistance. Metformin containing formulation exhibited ≤ 12% drug release in the simulated gastric fluid (1.2 pH), which satisfied the primary aim of the work. The drug release kinetics evaluated using various mathematical models revealed that Korsemeyer-Peppas was the best fit model and showed R2 ≥ 0.986 revealing diffusion-controlled release pattern. Based on the results, the prepared composites could significantly resist early release of metformin in the stomach and improve its bioavailability in the system. This pH-sensitive composite can be anticipated as potential carrier for drugs experiencing pre-mature release in the gastric media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin is the most abundant biopolymer group after cellulose and forms the exoskeleton of arthropods, the largest animal group. The morphology of chitin differs between and within species. In this study, we determined the physicochemical and biological activity of chitin samples obtained from different body parts of the boxwood moth Cydalima perspectalis for its application as a biotechnological material. The collected chitin samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. FTIR confirms that the isolation of chitin is successful. The SEM results showed that the surface morphology of the obtained chitins was both fibrous and porous and had a rough surface. As a result of the elemental analysis, the %N values of chitins were calculated as 6.60 on average, and the values were shown to be close to each other. We also investigated the biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties of these chitin samples. We used L929 (mouse fibroblast) cells to perform indirect cytotoxicity experiments and investigated their viability by performing the MTT assay. Our findings showed that the samples had no cytotoxic effect on the L929 cells at 24, 48, and 72 h. The cytotoxic study showed that Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and Candida albican fungi adhered to chitin surfaces regarding biofilm production. The chitin contents were determined as 21.02% for the head, 5.74% for the body, 32.22% for the wing, 33.53% for the legs, and 2.65% for the pupal shell. Chitin is a material with high potential for use in various fields. Our findings suggested that Cydalima perspectalis can be used as an alternative source of chitin in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study explores antifungal activity of leaf extract of Chenopodium album var. album L. • The ethyl acetate extract of C. album showed excellent antifungal activity against Candida strains • Fraction 2, isolated via column chromatography, exhibited potent antifungal activity against pathogenic Candida strains. • The chemical characterization of F2 fraction were evaluated through GC–MS Chenopodium album var. album L., renowned as lamb's quarters, is a versatile medicinal plant, revealing its efficacy in treating various ailments. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of ethyl acetate extract of C. album var. album L. Chenopodium album leaf extract demonstrated antifungal potential via the Agar well-diffusion and Broth-dilution method. Active fractions, obtained through column chromatography, were rigorously tested against Candida spp. The most potent fraction underwent detailed analysis with High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), for comprehensive characterization. The ethyl acetate extract (EAE) exhibited significant antifungal activity, with Candida albicans being the most susceptible (inhibition zone of 14.67 ± 0.58a). Fractionation of the EAE yielded a highly active F2 fraction, which showed a remarkable zone of inhibition against C. albicans (17.50 ± 1.00a). Comprehensive examinations, including HPTLC, GC–MS, and FT-IR, identified 12 compounds in the F2 fraction, and the major compounds were Furo [2,3- c ] pyridine, 2,3-dihydro-2,7-dimethyl, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and 2,3,4,4-Tretrapropyl-1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-(trimethylsilyloxy)-1,3-diaza-2,4-diborabutane. This study marks the first report of these 12 compounds identified from the F2 fraction of C. album. The present study highlights the antifungal activity of EAE and its fractions from C. album var. album that could be further explored for the selection of leads that may contribute to novel drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the structures and properties of (HF)nH2O (n = 1–9) clusters are studied by the combination of genetic algorithm (GA) and density functional theory(GDF) method. The structures are optimized at B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) level. The refined energies are computed at CCSD(t)/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Infrared spectrum analysis, charge analysis, orbital analysis, and stability analysis are performed on the most stable configurations of each size. Lower-lying structures are obtained for (HF)nH2O (n = 5,6) clusters. (HF)7H2O cluster has special ability based on stability analysis. NCI analysis is conducted on the global optimal structure of all size clusters, and it is found that there are obvious hydrogen bonds in the clusters. Hydrogen bonding is an important factor in stabilizing (HF)nH2O (n = 1–9) composite clusters. The studied clusters can be divided into two categories: non-ionic clusters (HF)nH2O (n = 1–5) and ionic clusters (n = 6–9). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interseting Cu(II)-based organic framework containing a Cu2O5 cluster, [Cu (TBA)(CH3OH)]n (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized with tetrabromoterephthalate (H2TBA) ligand, and characterized through infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental and thermal analysis (EA), power X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis shows that the CuII center is hexa-coordinated and situated on perfect octahedral geometry formed by four carboxyl oxygen atoms of four symmetry-related TBA2− anions and two O-donors of two reverse µ2-CH3OH bridges. Each TBA2− ligand plays as a µ4 tetra-monodentate linker and connect four Cu2+ cations together to form the three dimensional structure of 1. Surprisingly, there are no significant hydrogen bonds and π-stack interactions in 1, but the Br···Br halogen bonds interactions. Detailed topology analysis found that the 3D cluster-based metal-organic framework of 1 can be simplified to 4 topological types: a 4-c 1-nodal net dia with point symbol {66}, a 6,6-c 2-nodal net htp with point symbol {413·62}{48·66·8}, a 4,6-c 2-nodal net bpq with point symbol {32·62·72}{34·42·64·75}, and a 6,8-c 2-nodal net 6,8T902 with point symbol {34·44·54·63}{38·414·54·62}, respectively. Moreover, 1 exhibits intense solid-state luminescence emissions centered at 478 nm at room temperature, which mainly originates from the intraligand π→ π* transitions of TBA2−. The CCDC number of 1 is 2,355,788. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of lithium bismuth borate glasses in the compositional series xBi2O3–25Li2O–(75 − x) B2O3 was studied with the use of Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopies. Transparent glasses formed between x = 0 and 55, whereas glass–ceramics formed between x = 60 and 75 mol% Bi2O3. Structural investigation on the borate network showed that the glasses were undermodified at high Bi2O3 compositions with metaborate, pyroborate, and orthoborate triangles and tetrahedra being present past the stoichiometric orthoborate compositions (O/B = 3). Bi2O3 was found to participate in the glass as both a network former and modifier, as observed in the Raman and IR spectra. Optical absorption spectra of the glasses show a redshift of the absorption edge with increased Bi2O3. Optical, thermal, and physical properties of the glasses were examined and correlated to the structural evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the impact of Aspergillus niger lysing polysaccharide monooxygenase (AnLPMO) on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw. Methods: AnLPMO was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyzed the surface structure of rice straw after AnLPMO treatment. Two in vitro experiments, coupled with 16S highthroughput sequencing and quantitative real–time polymerase chain reaction techniques, assessed the influence of AnLPMO on rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw. Results: AnLPMO exhibited peak activity at 40°C and pH 6.5, with a preference for rice straw xylan hydrolysis, followed by Avicel. AnLPMO application led to the fractional removal of cellulose and hemicelluloses and a notable reduction in the levels of carbon elements and C–C groups present on the surface of rice straw. Compared to the control (no AnLPMO), supplementing AnLPMO at 1.1 to 2.0 U significantly enhanced in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD, p<0.01), total gas production (p<0.01), and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA, p<0.01), acetate (p<0.01), and ammonia-N (p<0.01). Particularly, the 1.4 U AnLPMO group showed a 14.8% increase in IVDMD. In the second experiment, compared to deactivated AnLPMO (1.4 U), supplementing bioactive AnLPMO at 1.4 U increased IVDMD (p = 0.01), total gas production (p = 0.04), and concentrations of total VFA (p<0.01), propionate (p<0.01), and ammonia-N (p<0.01), with a limited 9.6% increase in IVDMD. Supplementing AnLPMO stimulated the growth of ruminal bacterial taxa facilitating fiber degradation, including Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Succinivibrio, Rikenellaceae_RC9_ Gut_Group, Prevotelaceae_UCG-003, Desulfovibrio, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Prevotella bryantii, P. ruminicola, and Treponema bryantii. Conclusion: These findings highlight AnLPMO's potential as a feed additive for improving rice straw utilization in ruminant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is an environmental concern, and its discharge into the surrounding environment can lead to acidification of water bodies and soil. In this research, red mud (RM) with alkaline pH as aluminum industry waste was implemented as an adsorbent for sulfate removal, which can be available in AMD and adsorption processes as an influential method was applied for AMD treating. Seawater washing (BRM), acid treatment (HRM), and composition with chitosan (CRM) were employed as RM modification methods. Various analytical methods were applied, including x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), inductively coupled plasma analysis, and zeta potential, to have a clear comprehension of the sulfate adsorption behaviors and performance of activated methods. These methods have had desirable effects on the sulfate adsorption and adsorption amount, which range from 1.1 mg g−1 for RM reached to 13.4, 39.7, and 67.4 mg g−1 for BRM, HRM, and CRM, respectively. XRF results demonstrated a decrease in calcium and sodium ion amounts that can occur due to their dissolution in the acidic solution. It can create the active surface areas for adsorption onto RM with acid washing. Based on FTIR results, sharp intensity vibration was observed in BRM, HRM, and CRM after sulfate adsorption in the 1,100 cm−1 band that is approximately related to SO42− vibration. BRM porosity decreased from 0.0686 to 0.0345 cm3 g−1 due to various salts' precipitation in seawater, but the porosity volume and specific surface area increased for HRM from 0.0686 to 0.184 cm3 g−1 due to dissolution of ions in HCl. In addition, zeta potential increased to positive amounts from 2.7 to 3.4, 3.8, and 4.5 mv for BRM, HRM, and CRM, respectively. Langmuir isotherm indicated that the highest adsorption amount (qm) as a calculated parameter for BRM, HRM, and CRM was 0.88, 2.45, and 18.6 mg g−1 , respectively. Among modification methods, combination RM and chitosan had the highest impact and increases sulfate removal and adsorption amount at lower pH levels due to further positive charge on the CRM surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of forensic anthropology, fingernails serve as invaluable repositories of biological information due to their numerous advantages. To facilitate precise identification in terms of gender and geographic origin, we conducted a study employing fingernails from various regions of the Chinese mainland (specifically, Gansu, Guilin, Hebei, Liaoning, and Jiangsu). Our comprehensive approach amalgamates attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) with decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF). This approach boasts the merits of speed and nondestructiveness. The C5.0-based DT model and the SVM models based on both radial basis function (RBF) and linear kernels achieve a favorable 100% accuracy in distinguishing between genders and geographic origins. Furthermore, the optimized RBF model exhibits superior performance in regional differentiation, particularly for male samples. In conclusion, the utilization of ATR-FTIR for the swift differentiation of fingernails based on gender and geographic origin is indeed feasible. This paves the way for the meaningful application of machine learning algorithms in the realm of forensic anthropology, offering valuable insights and prospects for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The proposed study aims to synthesize ZnO, WO3, and rGO nano particles (NPs) using simple and effective chemical reduction technique and to investigate its biomedical applications. According to the XRD results, synthesized NPs had hexagonal, monoclinic, and cubic crystal forms. The FESEM micro image shows sheet-like structure for rGO NPs, an algal crystal structure for ZnO, and a bulk cluster formation for WO3 NPs. The value of band gap was found to be 5.75, 5.37 and 3.01 eV for ZnO, WO3, and rGO NPs respectively. The presence of diverse functional groups in the produced NPs was verified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Investigations against different microorganisms indicated an augmentation in the antibacterial activity for ZnO and WO3 NPs. Electrodes coated with rGO NP were made and discovered to be effective in collecting human biomedical data more effectively. The performance of rGO NP coated electrodes was compared using a development board for electromyography analysis along with an android application for monitoring purposes. The quality of the signal, the ratio between the signal and the background noise, as well as the level of impedance between the electrode and the skin was observed to be better than conventional electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purifying polluted water is becoming a crucial concern to meet quantity and quality demands as well as to ensure the resource's sustainability. In this study, a new material was prepared from cherry stone powder and sodium alginate, and its capacity to remove methylene blue (MB) from water was determined. The characterization of the resulting product, performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed that the raw material considered for the synthesis was successfully embedded in the polymeric matrix. The impact of three of the main working parameters (pH 3–9, adsorbent dose 50–150 g/L, contact time 60–180 min) on the retention of MB was evaluated through response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken design. In the optimal settings, a removal efficiency of 80.46% and a maximum sorption capacity of 0.3552 mg/g were recorded. MB retention followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and was suitably described by Freundlich, Khan, Redlich–Peterson, and Sips isotherm models. The experimental results show that the synthesized composite can be used for at least three successive cycles of MB adsorption. From these findings, it can be concluded that the use of the cherry-stone-based adsorbent is environmentally friendly, and efficacious in the removal of contaminants from the water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the synthesis of carbon in the core of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, carbon is dredged up to the surface by convection. Many carbon-based molecules are formed in the subsequently developed stellar wind. These include acetylene, which can link together to form benzene in post-AGB evolution. The emergence of the spectral signatures of aromatic and aliphatic compounds in the transition phase between AGB stars and planetary nebulae suggests that complex organic compounds can be formed in the circumstellar environment over very short (103 yr) timescales. We suggest that the carrier of the family of unidentified infrared emission bands is an amorphous carbonaceous compound—mixed aromatic/aliphatic nanoparticles (MAONs). The implications of the synthesis of complex organics in evolved stars are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nano-ferrites of Cu1–xNixFe2O4 (x = 0 to 1 with step 0.2) system was synthesized utilizing the flash auto combustion process annealed at 600oC for 3 h. The structural characterization for synthesized samples was carried out using x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transition infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hardness of the prepared material was measured using micro-indentation creep technology. XRD pattern verified the creation of a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The undesired CuO phase forms around for pure Copper ferrite and decreases with increasing Ni content. The average crystalline size decreases from 27.92 nm to 13.28 nm by doping process from x = 0.2 to x = 1 which retards the growth of crystalline size. FTIR spectra are distinguished by the presence of two prominent absorption bands, ν2 for the octahedral site and ν1 for the tetrahedral site, in the range of approximately 593 and 471 cm− 1, respectively. FTIR analysis verified the formation of the ferrite system's spinel structure. The TEM images show a nanocrystalline nature with some agglomeration and the crystallites are spherical in shape which their sizes are agrees well with that obtained from XRD measurements. The hardness decreases as the dwell time increases. The hardness and yield strength (Y) values were significantly improved due to the decrease in the crystallite size after Ni doping. The stress exponent (n) value increases by increasing Ni content which means that the mechanical properties improved due to increment of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhonium flagelliforme (T. flagelliforme) is an Indonesian rodent tuber plant traditionally used to treat cancer diseases. Although gamma-ray irradiation has been used to increase the content in the chemical compounds of the T. flagelliforme plants with anticancer activity ten times effective, the specific effect of the isolated compounds from the mutant plants has never been reported yet. The potential cytotoxic agents were characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry as stigmasterol and 7a-hydroxyl stigmasterol; and their anticancer activity was investigated. The in silico biochemical profile of the two compounds were analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to confirm its interaction with the agonist binding site of Farsenoid X receptor (FXR). Stigmasterol and 7a-hydroxyl stigmasterol can act as a competitive regulator with a high-affinity for the FXR. The results also showed that stigmasterol and 7a-hydroxyl stigmasterol were the most potential and active fraction of the T. flagelliforme mutant plant against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, with IC50 value 9.13 µM and 12.97 µM, compared with cisplastin as a control about 13.20 µM. These results demonstrate the potential of stigmasterol and 7a-hydroxyl stigmasterol in T. flagelliforme mutant plants to act towards cancer diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nanostructured materials used have unique properties and many uses in nanotechnology. The most striking of these is using herbal compounds for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Among the nanoparticle types used for green synthesis, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used for cancer therapy due to their stable structure and non-cytotoxic. Lung cancer is the most common and most dangerous cancer worldwide in terms of survival and prognosis. In this study, Nasturtium officinale (L.) extract (NO), which contains biomolecules with antioxidant and anticancer effects, was used to biosynthesize AuNPs, and after their characterization, the effect of the green-synthesized AuNPs against lung cancer was evaluated in vitro. Methods: Ultraviolet‒visible (UV‒Vis) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), multiple analysis platform (MAP), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses were performed to characterize the AuNPs prepared from the N. officinale plant extract. Moreover, the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and DNA interactions were examined. Additionally, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with 2–48 µg/mL Nasturtium officinale gold nanoparticles (NOAuNPs) for 24 and 48 h to determine the effects on cell viability. The toxicity of the synthesized NOAuNPs to lung cancer cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the anticancer effect of the NOAuNPs was evaluated by apoptosis and cell cycle analyses using flow cytometry. Results: The average size of the NPs was 56.4 nm. The intensities of the Au peaks from EDS analysis indicated that the AuNPs were synthesized successfully. Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant activities of the NO and NOAuNPs were evaluated; these materials gave values of 31.78 ± 1.71% and 31.62 ± 0.46%, respectively, in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay at 200 g/mL and values of 25.89 ± 1.90% and 33.81 ± 0.62%, respectively, in the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The NO and NOAuNPs gave values of 0.389 ± 0.027 and 0.308 ± 0.005, respectively, in the ferrous ion reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay and values of 0.078 ± 0.009 and 0.172 ± 0.027, respectively, in the copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. When the DNA cleavage activities of NO and the NOAuNPs were evaluated via hydrolysis, both samples cleaved DNA starting at a concentration of 25 g/mL in the cell culture analysis, while the nanoformulation of the NO components gave greater therapeutic and anticancer effects. We determined that the Au nanoparticles were not toxic to A549 cells. Moreover, after treatment with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), determined by the MTT assay with A549 cells, we found that at 24 and 48 h, while the necrosis rates were high in cells treated with NO, the rates of apoptosis were greater in cells treated with NOAuNPs. Notably, for anticancer treatment, activating apoptotic pathways that do not cause inflammation is preferred. We believe that these results will pave the way for the use of NOAuNPs in in vitro studies of other types of cancer. Conclusion: In this study, AuNPs were successfully synthesized from N. officinale extract. The biosynthesized AuNPs exhibited toxicity to and apoptotic effects on A549 lung cancer cells. Based on these findings, we suggest that green-synthesized AuNPs are promising new therapeutic agents for lung cancer treatment. However, since this was an in vitro study, further research should be performed in in vivo lung cancer models to support our findings and to explain the mechanism of action at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fabricated piezoelectric fibers of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with graphene using near-field electrospinning (NFES) technology. A uniform experimental design table U * 7 7 4 was applied, considering weight percentage (1–13 wt%), the distance between needle and disk collector (2.1–3.9 mm), and applied voltage (14.5–17.5 kV). We optimized the parameters using electrical property measurements and the Kriging response surface method. Adding 13 wt% graphene significantly improved electrical conductivity, increasing from 17.7 µS/cm for pure PVDF to 187.5 µS/cm. The fiber diameter decreased from 21.4 µm in PVDF/1% graphene to 9.1 µm in PVDF/13% graphene. Adding 5 wt% graphene increased the β-phase content by 6.9%, reaching 65.4% compared to pure PVDF fibers. Material characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), contact angle measurements, and tensile testing. Optimal parameters included 3.47 wt% graphene, yielding 15.82 mV voltage at 5 Hz and 5 N force (2.04 times pure PVDF). Force testing showed a sensitivity (S) of 7.67 log(mV/N). Fibers were attached to electrodes for piezoelectric sensor applications. The results affirmed enhanced electrical conductivity, piezoelectric performance, and mechanical strength. The optimized piezoelectric sensor could be applied to measure physiological signals, such as attaching it to the throat under different conditions to measure the output voltage. The force-to-voltage conversion facilitated subsequent analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface chirality plays an important role in determining the biological effect, but the molecular nature beyond stereoselectivity is still unknown. Herein, through surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and theoretical simulations, we found diasteromeric monolayers induced by assembled density on chiral gold nanofilm and identified the positive contribution of water dipole potential at chiral interface and their different interfacial interactions, which result in a difference both in the positive dipoles of interfacial water compensating the negative surface potential of the SAM and in the hindrance effect of interface dehydration, thereby regulating the interaction between amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) and N‐isobutyryl‐cysteine (NIBC). Water on L‐NIBC interface which shows stronger positive dipole potential weakens the negative surface potential, but its local weak binding to the isopropyl group facilitates hydrophobic interaction between Aβ42 and L‐NIBC and resulted fiber aggregate. Conversely, electrostatic interaction between Aβ42 and D‐NIBC induces spherical oligomer. These findings provide new insight into molecular nature of chirality‐regulated biological effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution in agricultural ecosystems is an emerging environmental concern, with limited knowledge of its transport and accumulation in rural waterbodies. This study investigates the distribution and sources of MP in drainage ditches influenced by pond connectivity, land use, and soil properties within a small catchment in Nanjing, East China. Sediment was collected from ditches in 18 sites across forest, agricultural, horticultural, and urban areas. Using laser-directed infrared spectroscopy (LDIR), 922 MP particles were identified. Six materials were dominant: fluororubber (FR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), acrylonitrile (ACR), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polyethylene (PE). MP concentrations varied by land use and pond connectivity, with ditches above ponds exhibiting higher counts (1700 particles/kg) than those below (1050 particles/kg), indicating that ponds act as MP sinks. The analysis revealed site-specific MP sources, with FR linked to road runoff and PET associated with agricultural practices. Correlations between MP shape and soil properties showed that more compact and filled shapes were more commonly associated with coarser soils. PE particle size was negatively correlated with organic matter. This study highlights the need for targeted strategies to reduce MP pollution in rural landscapes, such as reducing plastic use, ditch maintenance, and improved road runoff management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are known for their high water content and nutritional value, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical quality (color, moisture, water activity, and texture), and antioxidant/antiradical properties of freshly packed greenhouse-cultivated cucumbers over a 28-day storage period, utilizing a combination of high-throughput analytical techniques, including attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, instrumental analysis, image analysis, and chemometrics. The key findings indicated that the cucumbers underwent a significant loss of moisture during the storage period, with a concomitant decrease in firmness. Color analysis revealed an increase in the yellowness of both the peel and flesh, while image analysis demonstrated increasing dissimilarity and textural disorder, particularly evident by the 13th day of storage. The spectrophotometric and spectroscopic findings demonstrated that the quality of the cucumbers was maintained during the storage period. Meanwhile, regression and discriminant analyses were employed to interpret the collected data. Predictive models were developed with high accuracy to estimate the actual storage days and flesh quality attributes based on textural and color features derived from image analysis. Overall, this study highlights the importance of controlled storage conditions in maintaining cucumber quality and provides a comprehensive approach to monitoring post-harvest changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the archaeometric and chemometric authentication of a Renaissance-style oil painting on linen canvas, with plaster and barium sulphate-based primer preparation and bone glue as binder. By optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy (SOM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), a series of archaeometric characteristics were identified: the grain size of the chemical components of the paint layers, the 3D porosity distribution of the pigments, the degree of penetration between the paint layers and the varnish and between the varnish and the oxidatively anchored dirt, and the typology of the craquelure (craquelure network arrangement and morphology). By correlating the results obtained, it was possible to estimate the period of the painting as 1660 ± 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel hydrophobic association copolymer (PAMA) was synthesized by incorporating acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), cationic monomer (MEDDA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The properties of MMA copolymers with varying contents were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Optimal overall performance of the solution was achieved when the MMA content reached 1.4 % w/w. Compared to pure PAAM (without MMA), the PAMA-1.4 % polymer exhibited superior viscoelasticity, temperature resistance, and shear resistance. This enhancement in PAMA performance can be attributed to the significant inhibition of intermolecular water film formation within the polymer matrix by MMA, effectively improving and regulating solution solubility while strengthening molecular chain interactions and enhancing the structural network strength of PAMA polymers. Additionally, the inclusion of MMA transformed rock surfaces from non-wetting to wetting conditions, thereby greatly improving oil displacement efficiency. In displacement experiments, PAMA-1.4 % performed better in terms of enhanced oil recovery, the recovery rate of 0.1 % w/w PAMA-2.4 % solution is only 7.78 %, while the recovery rate of 0.1 % w/w PAMA-1.4 % solution is 13.06 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural (OP) and iron modified orange peel (Fe-OP) were used for the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions in batch and fixed bed column systems. The adsorbents were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and the morphologies of the surfaces before and after tetracycline removal were determined by scanning electron microscope and the elemental analysis was performed by X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The kinetic behaviour showed that the equilibrium was reached in 24 and 10 h for OP and Fe-OP respectively, the data were adjusted to both the pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion models which indicate a chemisorption mechanism and the adsorption process is controlled by the intraparticle diffusion process. The isotherms showed that the adsorption capacity was eight times higher for Fe-OP than OP and the data were best fitted to the Freundlich model indicating that the materials are heterogeneous. The effect of flow rate, influent concentration and adsorbent mass were determined in the column system. The data were adjusted to the Thomas, Adams–Bohart and Yoon-Nelson models, and the best adjustment of data was with the first one. The adsorption capacities in the column system were about half of those obtained in the batch system. These adsorbents show good properties for the removal of tetracycline from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Technisches Messen is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With a view to utilize an organic photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutant under visible light irradiation, the study reports degradation of 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (TCP) utilizing a visible light active organic photocatalyst—polyfuran (PFu), polypyrrole (PPy), and their co‐oligomers formulated in the weight ratios of PFu/PPy 20/80, 50/50, and 80/20. Comprehensive characterization of PFu, PPy, and their co‐oligomers was conducted using UV–visible spectrometry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). Under visible light irradiation, 100% of 40 ppm TCP was successfully degraded within a short duration of 30 min using 20 mg of the PFu/PPy‐50/50 catalyst. Furthermore, LCMS analysis of the degraded organic pollutant fragments provided insights into the tentative degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt, as a key binder material in road construction, is susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced aging, leading to embrittlement and reduced durability. Despite the significance of UV aging, research in this area remains limited compared to that on thermal aging. This paper comprehensively reviews the current state of research on UV aging in asphalt, focusing on its mechanism, evaluation indicators, and methods to delay or avoid UV aging. The structural components, rheological properties, and aging mechanisms of asphalt are discussed. Various UV aging simulation methods, including the use of UV chambers and accelerated aging tests, are presented along with their evaluation tests such as dynamic shear rheometry, rutting tests, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and bending beam rheology. Key indicators used to assess UV aging, including physical properties, rheological parameters, and chemical composition changes, are summarized. The mechanisms underlying UV aging, particularly the changes in asphalt's structural components and rheological properties, are examined. The impact of factors like radiation intensity, temperature, chemical composition, and asphalt film thickness on UV aging is discussed. Additionally, various additives and modifiers, including modified bitumen, UV shielding agents, UV absorbers, antioxidants, and nanomodifiers, are reviewed for their potential to mitigate UV aging. This paper concludes by highlighting the challenges in developing standardized test equipment and evaluation criteria, the limitations of organic modifiers, and the need for further research on nanomaterials to improve asphalt's UV aging resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to rationalize the consumption of graphite tailing sand and reduce its pollution of the environment—with sodium silicate being a commonly used activator for improving the strength of concrete composites—in this study, the joint effects of sodium silicate (SS) and graphite tail sand (GT) on the strength and frost resistance of graphite tail sand high-performance mortar (GT-HPM) were investigated. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the bulk density, water absorption, compressive strength, speed of sound, and working performance status of GT-HPM before and after freezing and thawing at different SS dosages and different GT substitution rates. The microstructural properties of GT-HPM were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS). The results showed that 4% SS doping improved the performance of GT-HPM more obviously. Moreover, with an increase in the GT substitution rate, the mechanical properties and frost resistance of GT-HPM increased firstly and then decreased, and the best performance of GT-HPM was obtained when the GT substitution rate was 20%. At 6% SS doping, the performance of GT-HPM gradually decreased with the increase in the graphite tailing sand substitution rate. FT-IR testing showed that there was no significant change with the type of hydration products used, and the Si–O–T absorption peak and average bond length of GT-4 were the largest. SS and GT promoted the generation of hydration products. Microstructural analysis showed that 4% SS promoted the hydration reaction; in addition, an appropriate amount of GT improved the pore structure of HPM, increased the strength and frost resistance, and provided fundamental insights for the subsequent comprehensive utilization of graphite tailing sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, conducted a spectroscopic analysis of 10 gem-quality blue tourmaline samples from Minas Gerais, Brazil, focused on detailed variations in their infrared, Raman, and UV-VIS spectra. Conventional gemological tests, electron-probe microanalysis, infrared spectroscopy (mid- and near-infrared), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to systematically analyze the chemical composition and spectral characteristics of the samples. The infrared spectra revealed vibrations of [YO6], [TO4], [BO3], [OH], and H2O groups, indicating different bonding profiles, with the [OH] vibrational frequency showing a direct correlation with FeO and MnO content. The Raman spectra primarily reflected the stretching vibrations of metal–oxygen bonds and hydroxyl groups, indicating the complexity of the local environment in the crystal structure. The UV-VIS spectra showed that the broad absorption band around 725 nm was due to intermetallic charge transfer between Fe2+ and Fe3+. This work provides new insights into the local bonding environment within the crystal structure by providing precise spectral data of natural blue tourmaline, and a more accurate classification and evaluation of blue tourmaline through fine spectral change characteristics related to crystal chemistry has important implications for both academic research and the gemstone industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both epoxy resin (ER) and SBS are considered effective pavement materials for avoiding ruts. However, epoxy resin asphalt suffers from poor low-temperate performance and a high material cost in practical applications. Aiming to tackle these issues, a new type of composite asphalt modifier (ER-SBS) has been fabricated by combining epoxy resin with SBS. This work prepared modified asphalt with different doping amounts using the above composite asphalt modifier (ER-SBS), intending to explore the properties of composite-modified asphalt and the modification mechanism of the modifier. Furthermore, the effects of the composite modifier at different doping amounts on the viscoelastic property of asphalt were explored through rheological tests, and then the prepared composite-modified asphalt was compared with matrix asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt. In addition, the modification mechanism of the composite modifier was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The difference in pavement performance between the composite-modified asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt was compared by a rut test and dynamic modulus test. The research results showed that the composite modifier improved the high- and low-temperature performances and viscoelastic property of matrix asphalt. When the doping amount was raised to 9%, the composite-modified asphalt exhibited better a modification effect than SBS-modified asphalt. The rut test results indicated that composite-modified asphalt demonstrated a stronger deformation resistance than SBS-modified asphalt. The dynamic modulus test showed that the composite-modified asphalt has better viscoelastic properties and temperature sensitivity. Fluorescence microscopy suggested that the crosslinking between the composite modifier and asphalt forms a mesh structure which greatly improves its resistance to deformation. From infrared spectroscopy, the composite modifier clearly functions as a physical modifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we studied the effect of lithium doping on the structural, microstructural, dielectric, and electrical properties of Ba1-xLixTiO3-δ (BTLx) ceramics prepared via the sol-gel method, with x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.09. The results obtained from Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy show that all the samples crystallize in the tetragonal phase. Dielectric measurements show that increasing the lithium doping rate results in lower dielectric losses (from 0.04 for x = 0 to 0.008 for x = 0.09 at room temperature) and lower transition temperature Tm for compositions with x ≤ 0.07. The phase transition diffusivity parameter γ varies between 1 and 1.39, showing that our samples exhibit a diffuse phase transition but far from relaxor behavior. Complex impedance spectroscopy indicates that the grain boundary resistance of the materials is predominant in the electrical behavior of the materials. The activation energy Ea was calculated at 10 kHz by linear fitting of the temperature dependence of conductivity using the Arrhenius formula. The obtained values indicate that conduction for compositions with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05 occurs through free electrons originating from the ionization of oxygen vacancies, while for the compositions with x = 0.07 and 0.09, the predominant conduction mechanism is ionic conduction. Highlights: Using the Sol-Gel method to reduce sintering temperature, and decrease average grain size. Minimization of dielectric losses through Li doping for applications in capacitors, and energy storage devices. High stability of the dielectric properties of BTLx materials over a wide range of frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Packaging & Food Machinery is the property of Packaging & Food Machinery Magazine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Packaging & Food Machinery is the property of Packaging & Food Machinery Magazine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the three major potato crops in the world. Consumption of cassava necessitates thermal processing, and the impact of such processing on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of cassava remained unknown. In this paper, three traditional thermal processing methods (boiling, steaming and frying) were used to heat-treat cassava. The physicochemical properties (chemical composition, pasting properties, thermal properties) and structural changes (microstructure, long-range ordering, and short-range ordering) of the processed cassava and untreated cassava was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffractometer, and differential thermal scanning calorimetry. The findings indicated a significant reduction in the total starch content of cassava following diverse heat treatments, accompanied by a notable increase in amylose content (P<0.05). The relative crystallinity and short-range ordering of starch in cassava decreased, with a 74.35% decrease in crystal structure after frying and a 65.16% decrease in crystal structure after steaming. The effect of heat treatment on the gelatinization characteristics of cassava was significant: after heat treatment, the peak viscosity and disintegration value showed an overall upward trend, while the gelatinization temperature significantly decreased (P<0.05). Boiling and steaming treatments resulted in a 49.67% and 43.98% increase in recovery value, respectively, while frying treatment decreased by 23.25%. There were no significant differences observed in the thermal properties and infrared spectrum groups among cassava samples that underwent different heat treatments. Generally, steaming treatment exhibited minimal damage to the crystal structure of starch in cassava, boiling treatment enhanced its gel formation and susceptibility to aging while frying treatment demonstrated superior thermal stability. The results can serve as a theoretical reference for selecting appropriate heat processing methods for cassava in food applications and designing a variety of cassava products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm Leaf Manuscripts are an invaluable part of the cultural heritage of the world. Due to their strong hygroscopic properties, Palm Leaf Manuscripts are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in environmental humidity. Therefore, studying the hygroscopic behavior of these manuscripts and understanding how it changes under different environmental conditions is crucial for exploring their intrinsic properties, aging mechanisms, and the development of effective conservation strategies. In this study, we employed the dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) method to investigate the changes in the hygroscopic properties of Palm Leaf Manuscripts under conditions of high temperature and high humidity. The results indicate that high-temperature environments reduce the number of adsorption sites and the hygroscopicity of palm leaves, weakening their physical adsorption and capillary action towards moisture while increasing the hysteresis in desorption, thereby enhancing the stability of palm leaves in fluctuating humidity conditions. Conversely, high-humidity environments increase the number of adsorption sites and the hygroscopicity of the leaves, strengthening their physical adsorption and capillary action, and reducing the hysteresis in desorption. The extent of these changes increases with the aging time of the manuscripts. The surface energy test results of the samples similarly indicate that exposure to high-temperature environments reduces both surface energy and hygroscopicity, while high-humidity environments increase surface energy and hygroscopicity. The infrared spectroscopy results show that in high-temperature environments, the crystallinity of cellulose within the palm leaves increases, whereas in high-humidity environments and under the influence of fungal erosion, both the cellulose and hemicellulose in the Palm Leaf Manuscripts undergo significant degradation, with the amorphous regions of cellulose degrading more than the crystalline regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of a novel drug-drug solid dispersion approach on the dissolution of hydrochlorothiazide in a fixed-dose combination with metoprolol tartrate. Solid dispersions of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol tartrate (12.5 mg: 25 mg) were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique. These dispersions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared solid dispersions, along with selected excipients, were compressed into orodispersible tablets and evaluated for precompression and post compression parameters. The solubility of hydrochlorothiazide was observed to increase with the concentration of metoprolol tartrate, as demonstrated by phase solubility studies and comparative solubility studies. Stability studies on the tablets indicated no significant changes in disintegration time, dissolution profile, or overall stability. The findings of this study suggest that the novel drug-drug solid dispersion approach is promising for enhancing the dissolution of poorly soluble drugs, when combined with soluble drugs in fixed-dose combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcone is a ubiquitous chemical compound included in the majority of organically derived plant products. In the present research, chalcones derivatives were prepared by the reaction of alpha-hydrogenated ketones with aldehydes. This reaction is carried out in reflux for four to five hours, with ethanol frequently utilised as the solvent and NaOH as the catalyst. The prepared derivatives further characterized by UV spectroscopy and Infrared specetroscopy. The UV spectrum of chalcones is characterized by two primary absorption bands: band I and a secondary band, band II. The chalcones band typically manifests in the range of 340-390nm, with occasional smaller fluctuations or peaks observed at 300-320nm. The infrared absorptions of the chalcones C1, C2 and C3 are for Ar-(C-H) stretching band (2920-2975cm-1), Aromatic ring (=CH) bond vibration at 1525-1620cm-1. Chalcone have wide range of pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid growth of global plastic production, the degradation of microplastics (MPs) has received widespread attention, and the search for efficient biodegradation pathways has become a hot topic. The aim of this study was to screen mangrove sediment and surface water for bacteria capable of degrading polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs. In this study, two strains of PE-degrading bacteria and two strains of PP-degrading candidate bacteria were obtained from mangrove, named Pseudomonas sp. strain GIA7, Bacillus cereus strain GIA17, Acinetobacter sp. strain GIB8, and Bacillus cereus strain GIB10. The results showed that the degradation rate of the bacteria increased gradually with the increase in degradation time for 60 days. Most of the MP-degrading bacteria had higher degradation rates in the presence of weak acid. The appropriate addition of Mg2+ and K+ was favorable to improve the degradation rate of MPs. Interestingly, high salt concentration inhibited the biodegradation of MPs. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the degradation and surface changes of PP and PE MPs caused by candidate bacteria, which may depend on the biodegradation-related enzymes laccase and lipase. Our results indicated that these four bacterial strains may contribute to the biodegradation of MPs in the mangrove environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural products are essential for medicinal purposes in developing countries. Traditional and contemporary medicine utilized plant products as alternative treatments for parasitic diseases. Objectives: The purpose of the investigation is to analyze and assess the bioactive compounds in Vitis vinifera leaf extracts, as well as their effect on coccidiosis. Materials and methods: Several analytical techniques were utilized, such as infrared spectroscopy (IR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, we assessed the total phenol, tannin, flavonoid examination, and cytotoxicity of the plant extracts using an MTT assay and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). Moreover, the samples' levels of antioxidant activity (measured with DPPH and ABTS) were analyzed. Results: The leaf extract's GC-MS study identified many bioactive elements linked to plant secondary metabolites. Further, the total phenol, tannin, and flavonoid were 160.217 ± 0.652, 65.872 ± 0.263, and 34.0463 ± 0.545 (mg TAE/g DW), respectively. It also contains these extracts with a high antioxidant and DPPH radical scavenging activity. This reflects the number of bioactive chemicals that are present in these extracts. Conclusions: The findings of this research discuss techniques in phytochemical analysis of Vitis vinifera leaf extracts and the identification of biologically active components that support and justify the utilization of grape leaves in folk medicine in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of carbonization temperature on thin-film carbon membranes prepared by carbonization of sorbitol and intended for pervaporation desalination was investigated. Thermal properties, functional groups, phase structures, and surface morphology of the prepared carbon and membrane materials were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively, while the membrane performance was evaluated in the pervaporation process. At 400 °C, the TGA revealed a drastic decrease in the sorbitol mass, which correlated with the loss of hydroxyl groups, leaving C–C and C=C groups as carbon materials. Regardless of the applied carbonization temperature, all carbon materials have an amorphous phase; carbonization temperature affects the surface morphology of the carbon membrane, both surface contours and layer thickness, which is directly proportional to desalination performance. The membrane performance was investigated using 1 wt.%, 3.5%, and 7% NaCl solutions at different feed temperatures. Higher carbonization temperatures produce membranes with superior separation performance. The sorbitol-derived carbon membrane carbonized at 350 °C with a concentration of 3.5% and feed solution temperature of 60 °C yielded the best desalination performance, where salt rejection was > 99.9% and water flux was 17.35 kg m−2 h−1. The carbon membrane exhibited excellent salt rejection, close to 100%. It can maintain the separation performance for up to 100 working hours, indicating that the carbon membrane from the sorbitol precursor has the potential to be utilized as a long-term pervaporating membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential of using natural cotton stalk (CS) to enhance the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composite materials. Simple processed CS, used as a bio‐based filler, is integrated into the PLA/PBAT matrix with the objective of improving mechanical properties, barrier performance, and compatibility, while simultaneously reducing costs and environmental impact. The experiments conducted include tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, X‐ray diffraction study, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle measurement, water absorption tests, as well as water vapor and oxygen permeability tests. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of CS significantly enhances the mechanical properties and crystallinity of PLA/PBAT composites, along with increasing their water vapor and oxygen barrier capabilities. Compared to PLA/PBAT without CS, the addition of 2% CS to PLA/PBAT led to substantial improvements in tensile strength and elongation at break, with increases of 21.5%, 41.6%, and 74.4%, respectively. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses indicate that the incorporation of CS promotes the compatibility and chemical interaction between PLA and PBAT, thereby enhancing various properties of the composite material. Image analysis revealed that the distribution area of CS fibers in the polymer matrix increased with content up to a peak at 2% but decreased at higher contents due to severe agglomeration, leading to uneven distribution and performance decline. This work proposes three possible reasons for the improvement in water vapor and oxygen permeability performance. Overall, the analysis suggests that an optimal amount of CS can effectively enhance multiple properties of PLA/PBAT composites, while excessive CS may lead to a decline in performance. Highlights: Cotton stalk (CS) boosts polylactic acid/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) tensile strength by 21.5% and elongation by 41.6% at 2% inclusion.CS addition enhances water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of PLA/PBAT.Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy show CS improves PLA/PBAT compatibility and strength.Optimal CS content at 2% identified for best mechanical and barrier performance.Study validates using agricultural waste as fillers in eco‐friendly composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residues from selenium-enriched Cardamine violifolia after the extraction of protein were still rich in polysaccharides. Thus, the recovery of selenium polysaccharides (SePSs) was compared using hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The yield, extraction rate, purity, specific energy consumption, and content of total and organic selenium from different SePS extracts were determined. The results indicated that at conditions of 250 W (ultrasonic power), 30 °C, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 30:1 extracted for 60 min, the yield of SePSs was 3.97 ± 0.07%, the extraction rate was 22.76 ± 0.40%, and the purity was 65.56 ± 0.35%, while the total and organic selenium content was 749.16 ± 6.91 mg/kg and 628.37 ± 5.93 mg/kg, respectively. Compared to traditional hot water extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction significantly improves efficiency, reduces energy use, and boosts both total and organic selenium content in the extract. Measurements of particle size, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition, along with infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, revealed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction breaks down long-chain structures, decreases particle size, and changes monosaccharide composition in SePSs, leading to lower molecular weight and reduced dispersity. The unique structure of SePSs, which integrates selenium with polysaccharide groups, results in markedly improved antioxidant activity and reducing power, even at low concentrations, due to the synergistic effects of selenium and polysaccharides. This study establishes a basis for using SePSs in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of socially significant diseases, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), pneumonia, and asthma. This study employs a diagnostic method based on infrared laser spectroscopy of human exhaled breath. The experimental setup comprises a quantum cascade laser, which emits in a pulsed mode with a peak power of up to 150 mW in the spectral range of 5.3–12.8 μm (780–1890 cm−1), and a Herriott multipass gas cell with a specific optical path length of 76 m. Using this setup, spectra of exhaled breath in the mid‐infrared range were obtained from 165 volunteers, including healthy individuals, patients with T1DM, asthma, and pneumonia. The study proposes a hybrid approach for classifying these spectra, utilizing a variational autoencoder for dimensionality reduction and a support vector machine method for classification. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid approach outperforms other machine learning method combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]