Addition Of Agents Research Articles

Photocatalytic degradation of chlorinated organic pollutants by ZnS@ZIF-8 composite through hydrogen peroxide generation by activating dioxygen under simulated sunlight irradiation

Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and its application in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are regarded as low-cost and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment processes. Herein, by modifying a small amount of sulphide on the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), a ZnS@ZIF-8 composite and used for photocatalytic H2O2 production to degrade chlorinated organic pollutants under simulated sunlight (SSL). ZnS@ZIF-8 composite could enhance the separation of photo-induced charge carriers, promote electron transfer from zinc sulphide (ZnS) to ZIF-8, which exhibited good selectivity for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e--ORR) and two-electron water oxidation (2e--WOR) pathways. Based on oxygen (O2) activation, the developed ZnS@ZIF-8/O2/SSL system could achieve 6.43 mmol/L H2O2 production within 150 min, which was approximately 8.66 and 10.36 times higher than that of the ZnS/O2/SSL and ZIF-8/O2/SSL systems, respectively. In the ZnS@ZIF-8/O2/SSL system, the ORR, WOR and H2O2 photolysis led to the generation of hydroxyl radical (•OH), while the photochemical behavior of ZnS in ZnS@ZIF-8 composite resulted in the generation of active hydrogen (*H). Benefitting from the high concentration of H2O2 and the coexistence of redox species in the ZnS@ZIF-8/O2/SSL system, various chlorinated organic pollutants could be dechlorinated and mineralized. In addition, a possible mechanism for photocatalytic H2O2 production was also proposed. Importantly, the proposed process did not involve an additional sacrificial agent or Fenton-like catalysts. This work provides insights into the potential application of ZnS@ZIF-8 composite for H2O2 production and wastewater treatment.

Efficient separation and coprecipitation for simplified cathode recycling

Hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries is among the most promising recovery approaches. The current hydrometallurgical method for battery recycling faces challenges such as complex separation and precipitation processes, and environmental concerns from the use of caustic inorganic acid and hazardous hydrogen peroxide. Our proposed modified method, namely polyol-metallurgy, uses citric acid in ethylene glycol as dual-function green solution to overcome these obstacles. This bifunctional solution leaches valuable metal ions from cathode materials (e.g., LiCoO2), and then acts as chelating agents to selectivxely precipitate cobalt through an esterification reaction, without the need for additional precipitation agents. The leaching efficiency of cobalt and lithium reaches 99.55 % and 97.65 %, respectively, and more than 96 % of cobalt could be directly self-precipitated and recovered. The unique characteristics of the dual-function solution also avoids impurities from Al foils and PVDF/carbon black films, enabling the simple separation process. Therefore, the process can be completed in one-pot system with efficient leaching, separation and coprecipitation, making it more efficient and feasible for operation than existing alternatives.

Screening five local entomopathogenic nematode species for their virulence against pupae of the Eucalyptus snout beetle, Gonipterus sp. n. 2, under laboratory conditions

The Eucalyptus snout beetle, Gonipterus sp. n. 2, is an important pest of eucalypt trees in South Africa and other countries. The pest is partially controlled with a mymarid egg parasitoid, Anaphes nitens. Identifying additional biological control agents that target other developmental stages of Gonipterus sp. n. 2 is necessary to improve control. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are used as biological control agents for numerous soil pests and thus have the potential to be used against the pupal stage of Gonipterus sp. n. 2, which occurs in the soil. In this study, five South African EPN species were screened for their virulence on uncased pupae of Gonipterus sp. n. 2. At a concentration of 200 IJs/pupa in 50 μl of sterile water, Steinernema jeffreyense, S. fabii, Heterorhabditis noenieputensis and H. safricana caused pupal mortality of less than 40 %, while S. yirgalemense caused the highest pupal mortality of 100 % two days post-inoculation. Steinernema yirgalemense was selected and applied at different concentrations, namely 0, 12, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 IJs/pupa to determine its lethal concentration. Probit analysis indicated that the LC50 and LC90 of S. yirgalemense were 48.29 and 260.63 IJs/pupa, respectively. The study also showed that the pupal cases do not affect the efficacy of S. yirgalemense as it caused more than 90 % mortality of cased pupae of Gonipterus sp. n. 2 in soil bioassays. In addition, pupal age did not affect the efficacy of S. yirgalemense. Based on our findings, S. yirgalemense is a potential candidate for the biological control of pupae of Gonipterus sp. n. 2.

Designing Antifreezing Hydrogels with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Using a Simple Crosslinker

Antifreezing hydrogels are essential for materials design and practical applications, but their development and understanding have been challenging due to their high-water content. Current antifreezing hydrogels typically rely on organic solvents or the addition of antifreezing agents. In this study, we present a novel crosslinking strategy to fabricate antifreezing hydrogels without the need for additional antifreezing agents. We introduce a new crosslinker, PEGn-EGINA, which combines highly hydrophilic EGINA with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of varying molecular weights. Utilizing PEGn-EGINA as the crosslinker, we synthesize Agar/Polyacrylamide (Agar/PAAm) double-network hydrogels, alongside conventional MBAA-crosslinked hydrogels for comparison. The resulting PEGn-EGINA-crosslinked hydrogels exhibit inherent antifreezing properties and retain their mechanical integrity even at subzero temperatures for extended periods. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further reveal that the antifreezing behavior observed in the PEGn-EGINA-crosslinked hydrogels can be attributed to their highly hydrophilic and tightly crosslinked double-network structures. These structures enable strong bindings between water and the hydrogel network, thus effectively preventing the formation of ice crystals within the hydrogels. Notably, PEGn-EGINA-crosslinked hydrogels not only demonstrate superior mechanical performance compared to MBAA-crosslinked hydrogels, but also maintain their mechanical properties even in frozen conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. This study presents a simple yet effective design concept for highlighting the role of novel crosslinker in enhancing antifreezing and mechanical properties, showcasing their potential for various applications that require both antifreezing capabilities and robust mechanical performance.

Applicability of Redirecting Artemisinins for New Targets.

Employing new therapeutic indications for drugs that are already approved for human use has obvious advantages, including reduced costs and timelines, because some routine steps of drug development and regulation are not required. This work concentrates on the redirection of artemisinins (ARTS) that already are approved for clinical use, or investigated, for malaria treatment. Several mechanisms of action are suggested for ARTS, among which only a few have been successfully examined in vivo, mainly the induction of oxidant stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite these seemingly contradictory effects, ARTS are proposed for repurposing in treatment of inflammatory disorders and diverse types of diseases caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. When pathogens are treated the expected outcome is diminution of the causative agents and/or their inflammatory damage. In general, repurposing ARTS is successful in only a very few cases, specifically when a valid mechanism can be targeted using an additional therapeutic agent and appropriate drug delivery. Investigation of repurposing should include optimization of drug combinations followed by examination in relevant cell lines, organoids, and animal models, before moving to clinical trials.

The Green Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots through One-step Hydrothermal Approach by Orange Juice for Rapid, and Accurate Detection of Dopamine.

In the current study, the fluorescent Carbon quantum dots (CDs) were synthesized through one-step hydrothermal approach by orange juice without any additional agents. The as-prepared green-CDs (GCDs) were quasi-spherical shape ranged from 2 to 8nm with an average diameter of 5nm, and emitted bright blue fluorescent (FL) under ultraviolet light irradiation (Uv). Different detailed analyses proved that the as-prepared GCDs had good morphologies, various functional groups, high water solubility, great optical features, and excellent stability towards diverse environmental conditions. The results indicated that the as-prepared GCDs can detect different concentrations of dopamine from 1 to 100 µM based on the quenching of their native fluorescent. Furthermore, the good linear relationship was obtained for dopamine in the broad range of concentrations from 1 to 100 µM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.81 µM. In addition, the as-prepared GCDs can be applied as a fluorescent probe for detection of dopamine in the different real samples.

In situ synthesis of bi-functional NH2-Ti2C3Tx@COF Schottky heterojunction through interfacial electron effects for enhancing U(VI) photoreduction

Reduction of soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) is considered as a promising strategy to avoid uranium contamination. Herein, a bi-functional covalent organic framework based heterojunction (NH2-Ti3C2Tx@COF) was constructed on the amino-modified Ti3C2Tx MXene for efficient photoreduction U(VI) without additional sacrificial agents. Schottky interface with electronic unidirectional channel is established by the formation of local electrophilic/nucleophilic region due to the introduction of reductive COF with alkynyl group, resulting in efficient photogenerated carrier separation and solar energy utilization. More importantly, NH2-Ti3C2Tx with negative charge served as electron collector and transfer channel can effectively surmount the low photocatalytic activity caused by high polarization of imine-linked COFs. Thus, the tailored-made design of NH2-Ti3C2Tx@COF exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity, fast reaction kinetics (removal of 97.8 % in 60 min) and high adsorptive capability (1557.2 mg/g) under the light condition. This multiple-in-one advantage makes well-designed NH2-Ti3C2Tx@COF as a promising capture platform. This work will provide some new insight and inspiration to COF based heterojunctions for enhancing U(VI) capture.

Tailored hydrogel entrapped catalyst with highly active, controlled catalytic activity for the removal of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP)

In catalytic reactions, achieving large specific surface area immobilisation of the catalyst is an important factor affecting the catalytic effect, however, the primary challenges in utilizing hydrogels as catalyst carriers are to enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel to improve the activity and controllability of the catalyst. In this study, a new structure of P(AM-co-AA)/SMA/NH2-SiO2 hydrogels was synthesized via free radical polymerization, and the effects of the content of AA and NH2-SiO2 on the mechanical properties of the hydrogels were investigated. Without the use of additional cross-linking agents, both a chemical cross-linking network and a hydrophobic linkage network were established, which effectively reconstructed the structure of the hydrogels and dissipated energy. As a result, P(AM-co-AA-1.5 %)/SMA/NH2-SiO2-0.5 % hydrogel exhibited high mechanical properties, with tensile strength, elongation, and toughness reaching 1456 KPa, 4605 %, and 23.59 MJ/m3, respectively. This hydrogel can be utilized as a template for in situ and stable Ag NPs. Additionally, P(AM-co-AA)/SMA/NH2-SiO2@Ag composite hydrogels were prepared using cation exchange and in situ reduction methods for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The composite hydrogel exhibited fast catalysis, high efficiency, stable cycling, recyclability and adjustable catalytic activity at 35 °C with Kapp = 0.811 min−1. Furthermore, using this composite hydrogel alleviated the need for separating metal nanoparticle catalysts from the reaction system, thereby enabling the development of robust hydrogel materials with controlled catalytic activity for the wastewater treatment industry.

Characterization of gelatin films functionalized with silver nanoparticles or polysorbate 20 as UV–vis light controllers

Given its versatility as a biopolymer, fish gelatin has numerous industrial applications and there is significant interest in modifying its properties to broaden its potential uses. The primary aim of our study is to investigate the individual effects of two additive agents on rheological, thermomechanical, and physicochemical properties of fish gelatin films. The selected additive agents were: 1) silver nanoparticles [0.61, 0.91 and 1.22 nmolAgNP•m−2] and 2) polysorbate 20. Rheological and physicochemical characterizations of the fish gelatin filmogenic solutions were performed. Rheological results showed that both the addition of silver nanoparticles and polysorbate 20 generate similar results such as non-Newtonian behavior at 40 °C and a cutting speed of 1–100 1/s; as well as liquid film-forming solutions in the angular frequency range between 1 and 600 rad/s. However, substantial differences were found in the effects generated on the thermomechanical properties, physicochemical properties, and UV-Vis barrier effect. The increase in content of silver nanoparticles to 1.22 nmolAgNP•m−2 generated a higher increase in glass transition temperature and modulus of elasticity compared to the polysorbate treatment. In contrast, the incorporation of polysorbate leads to higher opacity than the incorporation of silver nanoparticles; thus a better barrier effect against visible and UV light in the range from 300 to 1000 nm. In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that the incorporation of silver nanoparticles or polysorbate manages to modify the functionality of fish gelatin films, expanding their potential applications as packaging materials.

Antimicrobial surveillance: A 20-year history of the SMART approach to addressing global antimicrobial resistance into the future

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat, particularly affecting patients in resource-poor settings. Comprehensive surveillance programmes are essential to reducing the high mortality and morbidity associated with AMR and are integral to informing treatment decisions and guidelines, appraising the effectiveness of intervention strategies, and directing development of new antibacterial agents. Various surveillance programmes exist worldwide, including those administered by government bodies or funded by the pharmaceutical industry. One of the largest and longest running industry-sponsored AMR surveillance programme is the Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART), which recently completed its 20th year. The SMART database has grown to almost 500000 isolates from over 200 sites in more than 60 countries, encompassing all major geographic regions and including many sites in low- and middle-income countries. The SMART surveillance programme has evolved in scope over time, including additional antibacterial agents, pathogens and infection sites, in line with changing epidemiology and medical need. Surveillance data from SMART and similar programmes have been used successfully to detect emerging resistance threats and AMR patterns in specific countries and regions, thus informing national and local clinical treatment guidelines. The SMART database can be accessed readily by physicians and researchers globally, which may be especially valuable to those from countries with limited healthcare resources, where surveillance and resistance data are rarely collected. Continued participation from as many sites as possible worldwide and maintenance of adequate funding are critical factors to fully realising the potential of large-scale AMR surveillance programmes into the future.

Dual-emitting N-doped carbon dots/AuNCs nanohybrids as an efficient ratiometric fluorescent probe and a paper sensor for Pb2+ sensing

Ratiometric fluorescent sensors could effectively eliminate the interference of spontaneous fluorescence or instrument fluctuation to improve the analysis sensitivity and accuracy. In this work, a dual-emission nitrogen-doped carbon dots/AuNCs (NCDs-AuNCs) nanohybrid was fabricated under mild conditions by the hydrothermal method, without additional coupling agents, which is facile and environmentally friendly. The prepared nanohybrid was employed for the sensitive detection of Pb2+. The sensor exhibited dual emission peaks at 460 and 625 nm with efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer under a single excitation wavelength of 360 nm, in which the red fluorescence of AuNCs was enhanced and the blue fluorescence of NCDs was slightly quenched with the presence of Pb2+. The quantitative analysis of Pb2+ was performed upon the change of both fluorescence intensities. The sensor was successfully used for Pb2+ detection in real water samples with satisfactory spiking recoveries in a range of 91.0%–101.3% and low relatively standard deviations (RSDs < 3%), which exhibited good selectivity and anti-interference ability. In addition, a paper-based sensor was fabricated by immobilizing the nanohybrids on filter paper, which enables the visual semi-quantitative determination of Pb2+ by the naked eye through the color transition from blue to pink. The prepared NCDs-AuNCs nanohybrids showed great application potential in environmental water monitoring in an efficient and green way.

Autophagy as a therapeutic mechanism to kill drug-resistant cancer cells.

Herein we discuss multiple pre-clinical projects developed by our group that have been translated into patients at Massey Cancer Center. Our work has used multi-kinase inhibitors, for example, sorafenib, regorafenib and neratinib, and combined with additional agents, for example, histone deacetylase inhibitors, the thymidylate synthase inhibitor pemetrexed, and PDE5 inhibitors. In broad-brush terms, our experience has been that these drug combinations enhance signaling by ATM-AMPK-ULK-1 and decrease signaling from growth factor receptors and RAS proteins, thereby lowering the activities of the intracellular signaling kinase ERK1/2, AKT, mTOR and p70 S6K . This collectively results in reduced protein synthesis and the induction of an endoplasmic reticulum stress response alongside autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. The rupture of autolysosomes, releasing proteases such as cathepsin B into the cytosol results in the cleavage and activation of the toxic BH3 domain protein BID which cooperates with BAX, BAK and BIM to cause mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to the release of cytochrome c and AIF, which then execute the tumor cell. For each of our two-drug combinations, we then performed additional laboratory-based studies to define the development of evolutionary resistance mechanisms, with the long-term concept of performing new three-drug clinical trials to prolong therapeutic efficacy and disease control.

Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy: The Potential of mRNA Vaccines As a Promising Therapeutic Approach

AbstractmRNA vaccines have long been recognized for their ability to induce robust immune responses. The discovery that mRNA vaccines may also contribute to antitumor immunity has made them a promising therapeutic approach against cancer. Recent advances in understanding of immune system are precious in developing therapeutic strategies that target pathways involved in tumor survival and progression, leading to the most reliable therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment history. Among all traditional cancer treatments, cancer immunotherapies are less toxic and more effective, even in advanced or recurrent stages of cancer. Recent advancements in genomics and machine learning algorithms give new insight into vaccine development. mRNA vaccines are designed to interfere with stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes pathways, activating more CD8+ T‐cells involved in destroying tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. A stronger immune response can be achieved by incorporating immunological adjuvants alongside mRNA. Nonformulated or vehicle‐based mRNA vaccines, when combined with adjuvants, efficiently express tumor antigens through antigen‐presenting cells and stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Codelivery with additional immunotherapeutic agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, further enhances the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. This article focuses on the current clinical approaches and challenges to consider when developing mRNA‐based vaccine technology for cancer treatment.

Hemp Abnormal Growth Is Attributed to Mono-, Di-, or Tri-Infections of Spiroplasma citri, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’, and Beet Curly Top Virus

As hemp ( Cannabis sativa) emerges as a commercial crop in Nevada, mild to severe abnormal growth has been observed from many plants in commercial fields throughout the growing season. Affected plants exhibited a group of symptoms typically including stunting, leaf yellowing, excessive apical branching, clusters of witches’ broom, leaf rolling upwards, and leaf mottling and mosaic. These symptoms mostly showed up together in a plant or a crop and are defined here as abnormal growth syndrome (AGS). Between 2017 and 2019, the Nevada State Plant Pathology and Molecular Diagnostic Lab received 67 symptomatic hemp samples from Nevada for diagnosis, and ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ was detected in 14 samples (21%). To investigate additional biotic agents associated with AGS, PCR products generated by primers P1/P7 were cloned into a pGEM-T vector and sequenced, and Spiroplasma citri DNA was found in two samples (3%). All 67 DNA samples were further tested for beet curly top virus (BCTV), and 57 samples (85%) were found to be infected by BCTV. Twelve samples (18%) were coinfected by both ‘ Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ and BCTV, and two (3%) were coinfected by S. citri, ‘ Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’, and BCTV. The findings suggest that BCTV is the most prevalent pathogen causing the hemp abnormal growth in Nevada, but ‘ Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ and S. citri may also contribute to the severity and complexity of symptoms. Thus, hemp abnormal growth can be attributed to single, dual, or triple infections of these three leafhopper-vectored mollicutes and virus. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Novel Approaches to Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Relapse Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.

The management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapsed post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a clinical challenge. Intensive treatment approaches are limited by severe toxicities in the early post-transplantation period. Therefore, hypomethylating agents (HMAs) have become the standard therapeutic approach due to favorable tolerability. Moreover, HMAs serve as a backbone for additional anti-leukemic agents. Despite discordant results, the addition of donor lymphocytes infusions (DLI) generally granted improved outcomes with manageable GvHD incidence. The recent introduction of novel targeted drugs in AML gives the opportunity to add a third element to salvage regimens. Those patients harboring targetable mutations might benefit from IDH1/2 inhibitors Ivosidenib and Enasidenib as well as FLT3 inhibitors Sorafenib and Gilteritinib in combination with HMA and DLI. Conversely, patients lacking targetable mutations actually benefit from the addition of Venetoclax. A second HSCT remains a valid option, especially for fit patients and for those who achieve a complete disease response with salvage regimens. Overall, across studies, higher response rates and longer survival were observed in cases of pre-emptive intervention for molecular relapse. Future perspectives currently rely on the development of adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies mainly represented by CAR-T cells.

Novel nasal formulation of xylometazoline with hyaluronic acid: In vitro ciliary beat frequency study

Acute viral rhinosinusitis (viral ARS), or commonly referred to as the “common cold”, is caused by respiratory viruses that cause disruption of the airway epithelial barrier and mucociliary dysfunction. Treatment of ARS is mainly symptomatic, with xylometazoline, a direct-acting α-adrenoceptor agonist, commonly used as a nasal decongestant. Unfortunately, this treatment does not resolve the epithelial dysfunction observed in ARS, and its use might negatively impact the nasal mucosa causing issues such as dryness, stinging, burning, rebound congestion, as well as atrophy. In light of this, a novel nasal spray formulation containing both xylometazoline and hyaluronic acid (HA) was developed to provide a more effective and safer treatment for viral ARS. HA is a natural polysaccharide known to hydrate and moisturise the upper respiratory tract, maintain the integrity of the nasal mucosa, and promote mucociliary clearance and wound healing. To investigate the potential of this combination, this study was conducted using the nasal MucilAirTMin vitro model and high-speed phase-contrast microscopy to examine the effect of xylometazoline and HA on ciliary function by measuring ciliary beat frequency and their cytotoxicity by morphological, histological and ultrastructural analysis. This research is the first to assess the effects of a specific dose and molecular weight of HA as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in nasal spray formulations. The combination of a fast-acting decongestant and an additional active agent targeting nasal epithelial dysfunction has the potential to provide an improved, reliable and safe treatment for viral ARS, and may serve as the basis for future clinical studies.

Evaluation of the Use of Naltrexone for Cholestatic Pruritus.

Pruritus is a common symptom of liver disease, managed with various medications including opioid antagonists like naltrexone. Current literature surrounding the safety and efficacy of naltrexone for cholestatic pruritus is limited. Our objective was to describe naltrexone prescribing practices for cholestatic pruritus. We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of inpatients who received naltrexone for cholestatic pruritus. We gathered information on naltrexone dosing, frequency, dose adjustments, duration, elevations in liver function tests (LFTs), and use of additional antipruritic agents. Thirty-nine patients and 122 dosing regimens were included for analysis. Most patients were male (56.4%) with a median age of 6.32 years (range, 0.63-18.89). The median weight-based doses of naltrexone were 1.45 mg/kg/dose (IQR, 0.84-2.81) and 1.86 mg/kg/day (IQR, 0.97-3.37). The median flat doses were 25 mg/dose (IQR, 12.25-50) and 50 mg/day (IQR, 25-50). The median number of additional antipruritic agents used before and after naltrexone initiation was 3 (IQR, 2-4) and 4 (IQR, 3-5), respectively (p < 0.001). The most common elevated LFTs were total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), occurring in 15% of patients. Naltrexone dosing ranged between 1 and 2 mg/kg/dose once or twice daily, with larger weight-based doses prescribed in younger and lower-weight patients. Naltrexone was commonly added as a fourth-line agent and did not lead to discontinuation of other antipruritic therapies. Larger, prospective, controlled studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of naltrexone for cholestatic pruritus.

Experimental investigation of the rheological properties of water base mud with silica nanoparticles for deep well application

The nanotechnology component known as nanoparticles (NPs) have enormous promise for enhancing drilling fluids. However, as the role of NPs in this sector is still in its infancy, it has recently received much greater attention. Using nanoparticles as an external additive or doping agent in existing drilling mud can lead to a more efficient drilling process in troublesome formations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of a conventional water-based mud (WBM) in the presence of silica dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). Nano drilling mud was formulated and created by dispersing silica dioxide nanoparticles in different weight concentrations ranging from 0.86 wt% to 2.57 wt% to a conventional Water Based Mud (WBM) made with different materials, such as Caustic Soda (NaOH), Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Xanthan Gum, Starch, HT Starch, Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and Barite. This nanofluid is normally used in the deep and complicated wells due to the great number of components mixed with it. The viscosity of drilling fluid was measured using a rotational viscometer while a roller oven with a temperature range of 38 °C to 232.2 °C was used to heat the fluid sample to a higher temperature. It was observed that 0.86 wt% silica dioxide nanoparticles showed a viscosity of 33 cP and gel strength of 3–5 lb./100ft2. These were 44 cP and 4–5 lb./100ft2 for 2.57 wt%. This has further enhanced to 55 cP and 4–5 lb./100ft2 for 1.71 wt%. WBM with silica nanoparticles of 1.71 wt% showed better rheological properties compared with WBM of 0.86 wt% and 2.57 wt% concentrations. The overall results showed that the silica nanoparticles improved the rheological properties and produced greater viscosity and yield point by more than 50 %.

Degradable carrier-free spray hydrogel based on self-assembly of natural small molecule for prevention of postoperative adhesion.

Postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA) is frequent and extremely dangerous complication after surgery. Different tactics have been developed to reduce it. However, creating a postoperative adhesion method that is multifunctional, biodegradable, biocompatible, low-toxic but highly effective, and therapeutically applicable is still a challenge. Herein, we have prepared a degradable spray glycyrrhetinic acid hydrogel (GAG) based on natural glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) by straightforward heating and cooling without the use of any additional chemical cross-linking agents to prevent postoperative adhesion. The resultant hydrogel was demonstrated to possess various superior anti-inflammatory activity, and multiple functions, such as excellent degradability and biocompatibility. Specifically, spraying characteristic and excellent antibacterial activities essentially eliminated secondary infections during the administration of drugs in surgical wounds. In the rat models, the carrier-free spray GAG could not only slow-release GA to inhibit inflammatory response, but also serve as physical anti-adhesion barrier to reduce collagen deposition and fibrosis. The sprayed GAG would shed a new light on the prevention of postoperative adhesion and broaden the application of the hydrogels based on natural products in biomedical fields.

Dried (Zygophyllum coccineum L) powder as an additive agent to some bakery products and its effect on blood sugar

Dried (Zygophyllum coccineum L) powder as an additive agent to some bakery products and its effect on blood sugar