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Abstract One of the most fascinating 2D nanomaterials (NMs) ever found is various members of MXene family. Among them, the titanium‐based MXenes, with more than 70% of publication‐related investigations, are comparatively well studied, producing fundamental foundation for the 2D MXene family members with flexible properties, familiar with a variety of advanced novel technological applications. Nonetheless, there are still more candidates among transitional metals (TMs) that can function as MXene NMs in ways that go well beyond those that are now recognized. Systematized details of the preparations, characteristics, limitations, significant discoveries, and uses of the novel M‐based MXenes (M‐MXenes), where M stands for non‐Ti TMs (M = Sc, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, and Lu), are given. The exceptional qualities of the 2D non‐Ti MXene outperform standard Ti‐MXene in several applications. There is many advancement in top‐down as well as bottom‐up production of MXenes family members, which allows for exact control of the M‐characteristics MXene NMs to contain cutting‐edge applications. This study offers a systematic evaluation of existing research, covering everything in producing complex M‐MXenes from primary limitations to the characterization and selection of their applications in accordance with their novel features. The development of double metal combinations, extension of additional metal candidates beyond group‐(III–VI)B family, and subsequent development of the 2D TM carbide/TMs nitride/TM carbonitrides to 2D metal boride family are also included in this overview. The possibilities and further recommendations for the way of non‐Ti MXene NMs are in the synthesis of NMs will discuss in detail in this critical evaluation.

In this work, Co0.5Zn0.5LaxFe2-xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) spinel ferrites were synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Rietveld refinement confirmed the presence of a cubic spinel structure. The crystallite size was estimated to be between 17.5 nm and 26.5 nm using Scherrer’s method and 31.27 nm–54.52 nm using the Williamson–Hall (W-H) method. Lattice constants determined from XRD and Rietveld refinement ranged from (8.440 to 8.433 Å and 8.442 to 8.431 Å), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a non-uniform distribution of morphology with a decrease in particle size. The bandgap values decreased from 2.0 eV to 1.68 eV with increasing rare earth (La3+) doping concentration. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups and M-O vibrations. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss exhibited similar behavior across all samples. The maximum tan δ value obtained at lower frequencies. Regarding magnetic behavior, there was a decrease in magnetization from 55.84 emu/g to 22.08 emu/g and an increase in coercivity from 25.63 Oe to 33.88 Oe with higher doping concentrations. Based on these results, these materials exhibit promising properties for applications in microwave and energy storage devices.

Objectives To investigate retired elite female rugby players’ health outcomes (and their relationships) in five key areas (musculoskeletal, cognitive, mental, reproductive/endocrinological and cardiovascular) and how those compare with the general population.Methods Female rugby players aged ≥18 years old and retired from elite competition ≥2 years were recruited via email or social media to complete a 179-item online questionnaire and neurocognitive assessment. Data from general population controls (matched for age and sex) were obtained where available.Results 159 participants responded (average age 43 (±5) years). 156 (98%) reported a hip/groin, knee, foot/ankle or lower back injury during their career, of which 104 (67%) reported ongoing pain. Participants reported worse hip and knee outcomes compared with the general population (p

Background Patient engagement (PE) or involvement in research is when patient partners are integrated onto teams and initiatives (not participants in research). A number of health research funding organisations have PE frameworks or rubrics but we are unaware of them applying and reporting on their own internal PE efforts. We describe our work at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR IMHA) to implement, evaluate and understand the impact of its internal PE strategy.Methods A co-production model was used involving patient partners, a PE specialist and staff from IMHA. A logic model was co-developed to guide implementing and evaluating IMHA’s PE strategy. Some of evaluating the PE strategy and understanding its impact was a collaboration between the Public and Patient Engagement Collaborative (McMaster University) and IMHA.Results IMHA convened a PE Research Ambassador (PERA) group which co-led this work with the support of a PE specialist. In doing so, PERA had a number of meetings since 2020, set its own priorities and co-produced a number of outputs (video, publications, webinars, blog and modules called the How-to Guide for PE in Research). This work to evaluate and measure impacts of IMHA’s PE strategy revealed positive results, for example, on PERA members, Institute Advisory Board members and staff, as well as beyond the institute based on uptake and use of the modules. Areas for improvement are mainly related to increasing the diversity of PERA and to improving accessibility of the PE outputs (more languages and formats).Conclusions Implementing a PE strategy within CIHR IMHA resulted in several PE activities and outputs with impacts within and beyond the institute. We provide templates and outputs related to this work that may inform the efforts of other health research funding organisations. We encourage health research funders to move beyond encouraging or requiring PE in funded projects to fully ‘walk the talk’ of PE by implementing and evaluating their own PE strategies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently emerged as a unique developmental influence that is playing an important role in the development of medicine. The AI medium is showing the potential in unprecedented advancements in truth and efficiency. The intersection of AI has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery. However, AI also has limitations and experts should be aware of these data access and ethical issues. The use of AI techniques for drug discovery applications has increased considerably over the past few years, including combinatorial QSAR and QSPR, virtual screening, and denovo drug design. The purpose of this survey is to give a general overview of drug discovery based on artificial intelligence, and associated applications. We also highlighted the gaps present in the traditional method for drug designing. In addition, potential strategies and approaches to overcome current challenges are discussed to address the constraints of AI within this field. We hope that this survey plays a comprehensive role in understanding the potential of AI in drug discovery.

A significant amount of energy can be produced using renewable energy sources; however, storing massive amounts of energy poses a substantial obstacle to energy production. Economic crisis has led to rapid developments in electrochemical (EC) energy storage devices (EESDs), especially rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors (SCs), which are effective for energy storage systems. Researchers have lately suggested that among the various EESDs, the SC is an effective alternate for energy storage due to the presence of the following characteristics: SCs offer high-power density (PD), improvable energy density (ED), fast charging/discharging, and good cyclic stability. This review highlighted and analyzed the concepts of supercapacitors and types of supercapacitors on the basis of electrode materials, highlighted the several feasible synthesis processes for preparation of metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles, and discussed the morphological effects of MOs on the electrochemical performance of the devices. In this review, we primarily focus on pseudo-capacitors for SCs, which mainly contain MOs and their composite materials, and also highlight their future possibilities as a useful application of MO-based materials in supercapacitors. The novelty of MO’s electrode materials is primarily due to the presence of synergistic effects in the hybrid materials, rich redox activity, excellent conductivity, and chemical stability, making them excellent for SC applications.

Antibiotic resistant pathogens are affecting the community and healthcare institutions all over the world. Pakistan is a developing country and resistance to drugs is the main issue and is of great importance. Current study is focused on isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens, i.e. member of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii for the evaluation of prevalence, distribution of sensitivity and antibiogram of different antibiotics and carbapenem resistance isolates with phenotypic detection of resistant gene. Total 200 samples of different sources were collected and tested for bacterial pathogens. Out of 200 samples, 83 (41.5%) were found positive for different bacterial pathogens while 117 (58.5%) were negative. Among these 83 positive samples, Urine 43 (51.8%), Pus 22 (26.5%), Blood 8 (9.8%), Tissue 3 (3.6%), wound swab 2 (2.4%), Sputum 3 (3.6%) and HVS 2 (2.4%). E. coli 37 (44.6%), Klebsiella species 23 (27.7%), Proteus vulgaris 8 (9.6%), Ps. aeruginosa 4 (4.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii 4 (4.8%), C. freundii 2 (2.4%), S. typhi 2 (2.4%), P. mirabilis 1 (1.2%), M. morganii 1 (1.2%) and member of Enterobacteriaceae 1 (1.2%) were identified. Out of 83 (41.5%) positive samples there are 17 samples which showed resistance against Imipenem (IPM) and were further processed by phenotypic method Modified Hodge Test MHT. After Modified Hoge Test (MHT) among all these 17 samples there were only 07 (39%) positive and the remaining 11 (61%) were negative, its mean there was no gene involve in 11 samples.

Abstract To avoid the complexity of the circuit for in‐memory computing, simultaneous execution of multiple logic gates (OR, AND, NOR, and NAND) and memory behavior are demonstrated in a single device of oxygen plasma‐treated gallium selenide (GaSe) memtransistor. Resistive switching behavior with RON/ROFF ratio in the range of 104 to 106 is obtained depending on the channel length (150 to 1600 nm). Oxygen plasma treatment on GaSe film created shallow and deep‐level defect states, which exhibit carriers trapping/de‐trapping, that lead to negative and positive photoconductance at positive and negative gate voltages, respectively. This distinguishing feature of gate‐dependent transition of negative to positive photoconductance encourages the execution of four logic gates in the single memory device, which is elusive in conventional memtransistor. Additionally, it is feasible to reversibly switch between two logic gates by just adjusting the gate voltages, e.g., NAND/NOR and AND/NAND. All logic gates presented high stability. Additionally, memtransistor array (1×8) is fabricated and programmed into binary bits representing ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) code for the uppercase letter “N”. This facile device configuration can provide the functionality of both logic and memory devices for emerging neuromorphic computing.

Ultrasound (US) is considered as a secure external stimulation for different biomedical applications because it is non-invasive, non-toxic and it brings no radiation pollution. Compared with traditional ultrasonography application, US has now attracted more and more attention for cancer therapy. It treats cancer in deeper tissues because it penetrates far than light does. New types of nanomaterials have been developed for US triggered cancer therapy. The study on emerging cancer therapeutic modality triggered by US is also increasing, e.g., high intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and US-mediated drug delivery. The research on current advances in nanomaterials-based and US-triggered cancer treatments have been discussed in detail in this review, especially the underlying mechanisms for better therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, challenges and prospective in the evolution of nanomaterials for the US-based cancer therapy fields were also explained. It is anticipated that our manifestation in this expanding discipline will aid in the advancement of US-based basic research and therapeutic applications.

Photonic and optoelectronic devices have been limited in most two-dimensional (2D) materials. Researchers have attempted diverse device structures, such as introducing some ferroelectric materials to form new hybrid materials that could improve the performance of these 2D devices. Ferroelectrics might adjust the carrier concentration, mobility, and bandgap of 2D materials to achieve non-volatile control of the photonic and optoelectronic properties. On the other hand, ferroelectrics have a spontaneous electric polarization that occurs below the Curie temperature and reverses under an applied electric field. The polarization can be modulated via incident light, while the light wavelengths can be tuned through switching the electric polarization. This could improve the performance of 2D photonic and optoelectronic devices. We believe that 2D materials, as an emerging member of 2D/ferroelectric hybrid materials, will have great potential in photonics and optoelectronics thanks to their tunable bandgap. Here, we provide a perspective of ferroelectrics on 2D materials for photonics and optoelectronics. We discuss the concept of ferroelectrics and their fundamentals and then present their unique advantages in optoelectronic devices.

Abstract In this paper, we discuss the Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmania transmission. In addition, we develop a mathematical model for the Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmania transmission and consider its qualitative behavior. We derive the threshold number R 0 $R_{0}$ of the model using the next generation method. In the disease-free case, we carry out the local and global stability under the condition R 0 < 1 $R_{0} 1 $R_{0}>1$ . We also establish the global stability at the endemic equilibrium point with the help of a geometrical approach, which is a generalization of Lyapunov theory, by using a second additive compound matrix. Finally, we take into account the sensitivity analysis of the threshold number with other parameters. We also discuss several graphs of important parameters.

In this study, we examine what does determine children’s decisions regarding schooling, work, and idleness in rural areas of Pakistan. In particular, we are interested in looking at the effect of children’s illness/disability on parental time allocation decisions with regard to their children. While using Pakistan Rural Households Panel Survey [PRHPS (2012)], we employ the Multinomial Logit Model in order to find the determinants of children’s activities. We find that child health is an important determinant of child time allocation. Children’s previous education and age, parental education, land ownership enhances child schooling and discourages child work/idleness. About child work, especially of girls, is significantly lower in households having educated mothers. Likewise, child disability and illness result in a decline in the likelihood for children to go to school or work. Alternatively, child disability and illness result in an increase in the likelihood of children idleness. In this regard, girls are more affected.

Abstract The successful photo-catalyst library gives significant information on feature that affects photo-catalytic performance and proposes new materials. Competency is considerably significant to form multi-functional photo-catalysts with flexible characteristics. Since recently, two-dimensional materials (2DMs) gained much attention from researchers, due to their unique thickness-dependent uses, mainly for photo-catalytic, outstanding chemical and physical properties. Photo-catalytic water splitting and hydrogen (H2) evolution by plentiful compounds as electron (e−) donors is estimated to participate in constructing clean method for solar H2-formation. Heterogeneous photo-catalysis received much research attention caused by their applications to tackle numerous energy and environmental issues. This broad review explains progress regarding 2DMs, significance in structure, and catalytic results. We will discuss in detail current progresses of approaches for adjusting 2DMs-based photo-catalysts to assess their photo-activity including doping, hetero-structure scheme, and functional formation assembly. Suggested plans, e.g., doping and sensitization of semiconducting 2DMs, increasing electrical conductance, improving catalytic active sites, strengthening interface coupling in semiconductors (SCs) 2DMs, forming nano-structures, building multi-junction nano-composites, increasing photo-stability of SCs, and using combined results of adapted approaches, are summed up. Hence, to further improve 2DMs photo-catalyst properties, hetero-structure design-based 2DMs’ photo-catalyst basic mechanism is also reviewed.

Abstract Since the successful fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) tellurium (Te) in 2017, its fascinating properties including a thickness dependence bandgap, environmental stability, piezoelectric effect, high carrier mobility, and photoresponse among others show great potential for various applications. These include photodetectors, field-effect transistors, piezoelectric devices, modulators, and energy harvesting devices. However, as a new member of the 2D material family, much less known is about 2D Te compared to other 2D materials. Motivated by this lack of knowledge, we review the recent progress of research into 2D Te nanoflakes. Firstly, we introduce the background and motivation of this review. Then, the crystal structures and synthesis methods are presented, followed by an introduction to their physical properties and applications. Finally, the challenges and further development directions are summarized. We believe that milestone investigations of 2D Te nanoflakes will emerge soon, which will bring about great industrial revelations in 2D materials-based nanodevice commercialization.

Abstract Since the last decades, non-precious metal catalysts (NPMC), especially iron based electrocatalysts show sufficient activity, potentially applicant in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), however they only withstand considerable current densities at low operating potentials. On the other hand iron based electrocatalysts are not stable at elevated cathode potentials, which is essential for high energy competence, and its remains difficult to deal. Therefore, via this research a simple approach is demonstrated that allows synthesis of nanosize Fe-doped mayenite electride, [Ca24Al28O64]4+·(e−)4 (can also write as, C12A7−xFex:e−, where doping level, x = 1) (thereafter, Fe-doped C12A7:e−), consist of abundantly available elements with gram level powder material production, based on simple citrate sol-gel method. The maximum achieved conductivity of this first time synthesized Fe-doped C12A7:e− composite materials was 249 S/cm. Consequently, Fe-doped C12A7:e− composite is cost-effective, more active and highly durable precious-metal free electrocatalyst, with 1.03 V onset potential, 0.89 V (RHE) half-wave potential, and ~5.9 mA/cm2 current density, which is higher than benchmark 20% Pt/C (5.65 mA/cm2, and 0.84 V). The Fe-doped C12A7:e− has also higher selectivity for desired 4e− pathway, and more stable than 20 wt% Pt/C electrode with higher immunity towards methanol poisoning. Fe-doped C12A7:e− loses was almost zero of its original activity after passing 11 h compared to the absence of methanol case, indicates that to introduce methanol has almost negligible consequence for ORR performance, which makes it highly desirable, precious-metal free electrocatalyst in ORR. This is primarily described due to coexistence of Fe-doped C12A7:e− related active sites with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with pyridinic-nitrogen, and their strong coupling consequence along their porous morphology textures. These textures assist rapid diffusion of molecules to catalyst active sites quickly. In real system maximum power densities reached to 243 and 275 mW/cm2 for Pt/C and Fe-doped C12A7:e− composite, respectively.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have garnered considerable attention due to their advantageous properties, including tunable bandgap, prominent carrier mobility, tunable response and absorption spectral band, and so forth. The above-mentioned properties ensure that 2D materials hold great promise for various high-performance infrared (IR) applications, such as night vision, remote sensing, surveillance, target acquisition, optical communication, etc. Thus, it is of great significance to acquire better insight into IR applications based on 2D materials. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of 2D materials in IR light emission device applications. First, we introduce the background and motivation of the review, then the 2D materials suitable for IR light emission are presented, followed by a comprehensive review of 2D-material-based spontaneous emission and laser applications. Finally, further development directions and challenges are summarized. We believe that milestone investigations of 2D-material-based IR light emission applications will emerge soon, which are beneficial for 2D-material-based nano-device commercialization.

Since atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) graphene was successfully synthesized in 2004, it has garnered considerable interest due to its advanced properties. However, the weak optical absorption and zero bandgap strictly limit its further development in optoelectronic applications. In this regard, other 2D materials, including black phosphorus (BP), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), 2D Te nanoflakes, and so forth, possess advantage properties, such as tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, ultra-broadband optical absorption, and response, enable 2D materials to hold great potential for next-generation optoelectronic devices, in particular, mid-infrared (MIR) band, which has attracted much attention due to its intensive applications, such as target acquisition, remote sensing, optical communication, and night vision. Motivated by this, this article will focus on the recent progress of semiconducting 2D materials in MIR optoelectronic devices that present a suitable category of 2D materials for light emission devices, modulators, and photodetectors in the MIR band. The challenges encountered and prospects are summarized at the end. We believe that milestone investigations of 2D materials beyond graphene-based MIR optoelectronic devices will emerge soon, and their positive contribution to the nano device commercialization is highly expected.

This manuscript presented a large scale synthesis of Graphitic Shells like carbon nano onions (GS-CNOs) by direct solution method using mayenite electride as a catalyst for synthesis of CNOs. Thermal characterization, microstructural analysis, and high resolution electron microscopy have confirmed the graphitization and revealed the resulting GS-CNOs with particle size about 15 nm, maximum BET surface area of 214 m2.g−1, and moderate conductivity of 250 S.cm−1, thus providing a new approach to synthesize GS-CNOs. The reported GS-CNOs, which acts as more active but less expensive electrocatalysts with onset potential of 1.03 V, half wave potential of 0.88 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and limited current density of 5.9 mA.cm−2, higher than that of benchmark 20% Pt/C (1.02 eV, 0.82 V, 5.2 mA.cm−2). The synthesized nano-powder acts as an origin of ORR activity via a four electron (4e−) pathway, along with significantly enhanced stability, in alkaline media. The high ORR activity is ascribed to GS-CNOs embedded sufficient metallic C12A7:e− particles, which favor faster electron movement and better adsorption of oxygen molecules on catalyst surface. Hence, we explored first time large scale synthesis of GS-CNOs with gram level and provide efficient approach to prepare novel, lowest cost, potential non-noble metals catalyst for fuel cells.

For future pollution-free renewable energy production, platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts are highly required for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to avoid all possible Fenton reactions and to make fuel cell more economical. Therefore, in this study, to overcome traditional electrocatalyst limitations, we applied facile method to synthesize robust mesoporous CrN-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite with MnO (thereafter, Cr/rGO composite with MnO) as an electrocatalyst by efficient one-step sol-gel method by ammonolysis at 900°C for 9 h. Synthesized porous structures of Cr/rGO nanocomposite with MnO have the highest estimated surface area of 379 m2·g−1, higher than that of the carbon black (216 m2·gcat-1) support, and almost uniform pore size distribution of about 4 nm. The Cr/rGO nanocomposites with MnO exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic ORR properties with estimated high half-wave potential of 0.89 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and current density of 5.90 mA·cm−2, compared with that of benchmark 20% Pt/C electrode (0.84 V, 5.50 mA·cm−2), with noticeable methanol tolerance and significantly enhanced stability in alkaline media. Hence, the Cr/rGO nanocomposites with MnO showed superior performance to 20 wt.% Pt/C; their half-wave potentials were 50 mV high, and the limiting current density was 0.40 mA·cm−2 high. In alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AAEMFC) setup, this cell delivers a power density of 309 mW·cm−2 for Cr/rGO nanocomposite with MnO, demonstrating its potential use for energy conversion applications. The nanosized Cr/rGO metallic crystalline nanocomposites with MnO gave a large active surface area owing to the presence of rGO, which also has an effect on the charge distribution and electronic states. Hence, it may be the reason that Cr/rGO nanocomposites with MnO, acting as more active and more stable catalytic materials, boosted the electrocatalytic properties. The synergistic consequence in nanosized Cr/rGO composite with MnO imparts the materials' high electron mobility and thus robust ORR activity in 0.1 M of KOH solution. This potential method is highly efficient for synthesis of large-scale, non-noble-metal-based electrocatalytic (NNME) materials (i.e., Cr/rGO nanocomposite with MnO) on the gram level and is efficient in preparing novel, low-cost, and more stable non-PGM catalysts for fuel cells.

Application of MXene materials in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has attracted considerable attention owing to their supreme electrical conductivity, excellent carrier mobility, adjustable surface functional groups, excellent transparency and superior mechanical properties. This article reviews the progress made so far in using Ti3C2Tx MXene materials in the building blocks of perovskite solar cells such as electrodes, hole transport layer (HTL), electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite photoactive layer. Moreover, we provide an outlook on the exciting opportunities this recently developed field offers, and the challenges faced in effectively incorporating MXene materials in the building blocks of PSCs for better operational stability and enhanced performance.

Abstract Background There is a physical inactivity pandemic around the world despite the known benefits of engaging in physical activity. This is true for individuals who would receive notable benefits from physical activity, in particular those with mood disorders. In this study, we explored the factors that facilitate and impede engagement in physical activity for individuals with a mood disorder. The intent was to understand the key features of a community based physical activity program for these individuals. Methods We recruited and interviewed 24 participants older than 18 with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar II. The interviews were conducted by peer researchers. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 10™. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results The facilitators to physical activity include being socially connected with family and friends, building a routine in daily life, and exposure to nature. The barriers to physical activity include the inability to build a routine owing to a mood disorder, and high cost. The ideal exercise program comprises a variety of light-to-moderate activities, offers the opportunity to connect with other participants with a mood disorder, and brings participants to nature. The average age of our participants was 52 which could have influenced the preferred level of intensity. Conclusion The individuals in this study felt that the key features of a physical activity program for individuals with a mood disorder must utilize a social network approach, take into account the preferences of potential participants, and incorporate nature (both green and blue spaces) as a health promotion resource.

Hamed Karimian,1 Aditya Arya,2 Mehran Fadaeinasab,3 Mahboubeh Razavi,1 Maryam Hajrezaei,4 Ataul Karim Khan,1 Hapipah Mohd Ali,3 Mahmood Ameen Abdulla,4 Mohamad Ibrahim Noordin1,5 1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 2School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, 3Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery, 4Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 5Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer potential of Kelussia odoratissima. Several in vitro and in vivo biological assays were applied to explore the direct effect of an extract and bioactive compound of this plant against breast cancer cells and its possible mechanism of action. Materials and methods: K. odoratissima methanol extract (KME) was prepared, and MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity. To identify the cytotoxic compound, a bioassay-guided investigation was performed on methanol extract. 8-Hydroxy-ar-turmerone was isolated as a bioactive compound. In vivo study was performed in the breast cancer rat model. LA7 cell line was used to induce the breast tumor. Histopathological and expression changes of PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, p27 and p21 and caspase-3 were examined. The induction of apoptosis was tested using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) assay. To confirm the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, caspase-7 and caspase-9 assays were utilized. In addition, cell cycle arrest was evaluated. Results: Our results demonstrated that K. odoratissima has an obvious effect on the arrest of proliferation of cancer cells. It induced apoptosis, transduced the cell death signals, decreased the threshold of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), upregulated Bax and downregulated Bcl-2. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that K. odoratissima exhibits antitumor activity against breast cancer cells via cell death and cell cycle arrest. Keywords: Kelussia odoratissima, apoptosis, intrinsic pathway, MCF7, chemoprevention, breast cancer

Since its invention in 2009, Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has attracted great attention because of its low cost, numerous options of efficiency enhancement, ease of manufacturing and high-performance. Within a short span of time, the PSC has already outperformed thin-film and multicrystalline silicon solar cells. A current certified efficiency of 25.2% demonstrates that it has the potential to replace its forerunner generations. However, to commercialize PSCs, some problems need to be addressed. The toxic nature of lead which is the major component of light absorbing layer, and inherited stability issues of fabricated devices are the major hurdles in the industrialization of this technology. Therefore, new researching areas focus on the lead-free metal halide perovskites with analogous optical and photovoltaic performances. Tin being nontoxic and as one of group IV(A) elements, is considered as the most suitable alternate for lead because of their similarities in chemical properties. Efficiencies exceeding 13% have been recorded using Tin halide perovskite based devices. This review summarizes progress made so far in this field, mainly focusing on the stability and photovoltaic performances. Role of different cations and their composition on device performances and stability have been involved and discussed. With a considerable room for enhancement of both efficiency and device stability, different optimized strategies reported so far have also been presented. Finally, the future developing trends and prospects of the PSCs are analyzed and forecasted.

INTRODUCTION:Statins are widely used to inhibit cholesterol production in the liver among people with hypercholesterolemia. A recent epidemiological study in the UK has shown that statin use (unlike elevated BMI) is not associated with an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture. However, because of laboratory reports suggesting a negative influence of statins on tenocyte metabolism, we decided to directly compare the Achilles tendon structure (cross-sectional area and longitudinal collagen organization) in regular statin users compared to non-users. METHODS:We conducted ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) of the Achilles tendon in statin users and a comparison group of similar age and gender. Statin users and control participants were recruited from May 10 2015 to February 17 2017 through a cardiovascular health centre and from the general community. Cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon and longitudinal collagen organization (% type I echoes) were assessed using quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization by a blinded observer at a predetermined location (2 cm proximal to the calcaneus). RESULTS:Sixty-six individuals who were either taking statins for at least one year (ST, n = 33) or a comparison group who had never taken statins (CG, n = 33) were included in the study. The Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (ST 59.7 (13) mm2, CG 59.9 (8.5) mm2) and proportion of echo-type I patterns [ST 70 (10)%, CG 74 (13)%] were equivalent in the two groups. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between BMI (rs = -0.25, p = 0.042) and type I echo values. Obese individuals demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of type I echoes (62 (11)%) than individuals of normal body mass index (73 (10)% p

The control of the morphologies and thus the optical, electrical, and magnetic effect of 2D thin films is a challenging task for the development of cost-efficient devices. In particular, the angular dependent magnetoresistance (MR) of surface thin films up to room temperature is an interesting phenomenon in materials science. Here, we report amorphous carbon thin films fabricated through chemical vapor deposition at a SiO2 substrate. Their structural and angular magnetoresistance properties were investigated by several analytical tools. Specifically, we used a physical property measurement system to estimate the magnitude of the angular MR of these as-prepared sample thin films from 2 K to 300 K. An angular MR magnitude of 1.6% for the undoped a-carbon thin films was found up to 300 K. Under the magnetic field of 7 T, these films possessed an angular MR of 15% at a low temperature of 2 K. A high disorder degree leads to a large magnitude of MR. The grain boundary scattering model was used to interpret the mechanism of this angular MR.

Background Primary cam morphology, an acquired bony prominence at the head-neck junction of the femur, is highly prevalent in athlete populations, and causally associated with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and early hip osteoarthritis. Experts agreed on key elements for primary cam morphology and a prioritised research agenda for the field. This research agenda will require higher-quality research to achieve meaningful progress on the aetiology, prognosis and treatment of primary cam morphology in athletes. Aim To explore stakeholders’ perspectives of high-quality research in the research field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. Methods Grounded in interpretive description, we used semi-structured interviews to explore stakeholders’ perspectives of high-quality research in the primary cam morphology research field. The framework for INcreasing QUality In patient-orientated academic clinical REsearch (INQUIRE) informed the interview guide. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. We recruited a heterogenous and purposive maximum variation sample, drawing from a network of research contacts. Results Fifteen individuals, several with multiple perspectives on research quality in the field, participated. Exploring stakeholders’ perspectives on research quality through an established research quality framework (INQUIRE) illuminated areas for immediate action for research communities in the field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. We crafted five action inviting themes: research communities should: partner with athletes/patients; champion equity, diversity and inclusion; collaborate with one another; pursue open science; and nurture young scholars. Conclusion The findings of this study could inform concrete actions by research communities to pursue higher quality research—more research value and less waste—in the field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. Although the five action-inviting themes reflect contemporary trends in research, and could therefore be transferable to other areas of research, their practical application remains context- and field-specific.

We report spectral splitting behaviors based on Fano resonances in a novel simple planar metasurface composed of gold nanobars and nanorings. Multiple plasmonic modes and sharp Fano effects are achieved in a broadband transmittance spectrum by exploiting the rotational symmetry of the metasurface. The transmission properties are effectively modified and tuned by modulating the structural parameters. The highest single side Q-factor and FoM which reaches 196 and 105 are observed at Fano resonances. Our proposed design is relatively simple and can be applied for various applications such as multi-wavelength highly sensitive plasmonic sensors, switching, and slow light devices.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that cause health benefits for a treated host, provided that the host consumes a sufficient amount of the microorganisms. This a rapidly expanding area of research and development because they can be added to diets as a form of preventative health care. This 7-page fact sheet answers questions about the history and current research into probiotics and how to select probiotic products. Written by Fiona Desland, Lauren Christiansen, Mafuza Rahman, Karim Khan, Anastasia Potts, Claudio F. Gonzalez, and Graciela Lorca, and published by the UF Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, December 2011. (Image ©2006 PLoS)

To estimate COVID-19 infections and deaths in healthcare workers (HCWs) from a global perspective during the early phases of the pandemic. Systematic review. Two parallel searches of academic bibliographic databases and grey literature were undertaken until 8 May 2020. Governments were also contacted for further information where possible. There were no restrictions on language, information sources used, publication status and types of sources of evidence. The AACODS checklist or the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools were used to appraise each source of evidence. Publication characteristics, country-specific data points, COVID-19-specific data, demographics of affected HCWs and public health measures employed. A total of 152 888 infections and 1413 deaths were reported. Infections were mainly in women (71.6%, n=14 058) and nurses (38.6%, n=10 706), but deaths were mainly in men (70.8%, n=550) and doctors (51.4%, n=525). Limited data suggested that general practitioners and mental health nurses were the highest risk specialities for deaths. There were 37.2 deaths reported per 100 infections for HCWs aged over 70 years. Europe had the highest absolute numbers of reported infections (119 628) and deaths (712), but the Eastern Mediterranean region had the highest number of reported deaths per 100 infections (5.7). COVID-19 infections and deaths among HCWs follow that of the general population around the world. The reasons for gender and specialty differences require further exploration, as do the low rates reported in Africa and India. Although physicians working in certain specialities may be considered high risk due to exposure to oronasal secretions, the risk to other specialities must not be underestimated. Elderly HCWs may require assigning to less risky settings such as telemedicine or administrative positions. Our pragmatic approach provides general trends, and highlights the need for universal guidelines for testing and reporting of infections in HCWs.