Compatible Combinations Research Articles

Assessing bonding and debonding properties of Evotherm modified bitumen with natural aggregates using surface free energy approach

ABSTRACT An incongruous pairing of aggregates and bitumen can result in early pavement failures such as stripping, raveling, and fatigue cracking. Surface free energy (SFE) assessments of aggregates and bitumen offer a means to evaluate the compatibility of the aggregate-bitumen system. It is important to emphasise that the SFE of both bitumen and aggregates significantly influences the determination of a compatible aggregate-bitumen combination. In this study, the moisture damage resistance of unmodified bitumen types (VG20, VG40) and modified bitumen types (PMB40, CRMB60) incorporating chemical-based warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives, specifically Evotherm, was investigated. The SFE approach was utilised to gain insights into their performance. In the laboratory, the static contact angle and SFE parameters of both unmodified and modified bitumen, with and without Evotherm, were determined using the Sessile drop method. Five different aggregate types were employed to calculate SFE performance parameters. Subsequently, the SFE performance parameter of forty combinations of aggregates and bitumen was calculated. As part of the assessment of moisture damage resistance, the compatibility ratio (CR) parameter was estimated using the dry adhesion energy, bitumen cohesion energy, wet adhesion energy, and wettability of different combinations of bitumen with aggregates. From the result, Evotherm addition to base bitumen (excluding VG20) significantly improved CR across various aggregates. Notable increases were observed for VG40, PMB40, and CRMB60 after Evotherm addition, with improvements of 66.67%, 48.48%, and 64.54% respectively for basalt aggregate. PMB40+EM with basalt aggregate exhibited the highest CR and Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR), suggesting superior moisture damage resistance compared to other bitumen combinations.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Incorporated with Retinol and Pentapeptide-18-Optimization, Characterization, and Cosmetic Application.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) incorporated with retinol and oligopeptide can have a full spectrum of effects on the skin as a compatible combination of ingredients with broad anti-aging properties. The research's main objective was to ensure the stability of lipid nanocarriers containing retinol and peptide due to the planned use of this dispersion as a cosmetic raw material. To confirm the effectiveness of method optimization (high shear homogenization, HSH) and proper selection of substrates, SLN dispersions were obtained in three combinations: 1-non-incorporated SLNs; 2-SLNs containing only retinol; 3-SLNs containing retinol and pentapeptide-18; these were then stored at different temperatures (4, 25, 45 °C) for 4 weeks. The desired values of the physicochemical parameters of the optimized dispersion of lipid nanoparticles incorporated with retinol and oligopeptide over the required storage period were confirmed: mean particle size (Z-Ave) = 134.7 ± 0.3 nm; polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.269 ± 0.017 [-]; zeta potential (ZP) = 42.7 ± 1.2 mV (after 4 weeks at 25 °C). The results confirmed the proper selection of the SLN production method and the effectiveness of the optimization performed. The possibility of using the obtained raw material as an ingredient in cosmetic products with anti-aging properties was indicated.

Translationally controlled tumor protein interacts with TaCIPK23 to positively regulate wheat resistance to Puccinia triticina.

Hypersensitive response-programmed cell death (HR-PCD) regulated by Ca2+ signal is considered the major regulator of resistance against Puccinia triticina (Pt.) infection in wheat. In this study, the bread wheat variety Thatcher and its near-isogenic line with the leaf rust resistance locus Lr26 were infected with the Pt. race 260 to obtain the compatible and incompatible combinations, respectively. The expression of translationally controlled tumor protein (TaTCTP) was upregulated upon infection with Pt., through a Ca2+-dependent mechanism in the incompatible combination. The knockdown of TaTCTP markedly increased the area of dying cell and the number of Pt. haustorial mother cells (HMCs) at the infection sites, whereas plants overexpressing the gene exhibited enhanced resistance. The interaction between TaTCTP and calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinase 23 (TaCIPK23) was also investigated, and the interaction was found occurred in the endoplasmic reticulum. TaCIPK23 phosphorylated TaTCTP in vitro. The expression of a phospho-mimic TaTCTP mutant in Nicotiana benthamiana promoted HR-like cell death. Silencing TaCIPK23 or TaCIPK23/TaTCTP co-silencing resulted in the same results as silencing TaTCTP. This suggested that TaTCTP is a novel phosphorylation target of TaCIPK23, and both participate in the resistance of wheat to Pt. in the same pathway.

Non-invasive investigation of a submerged medieval harbour, a case study from Puck Lagoon

This study presents an innovative approach to underwater archaeological prospection using non-invasive methods of seabed exploration. The research focuses on the Puck medieval harbour, a cultural heritage site, and utilises acoustic and optical underwater remote-sensing technology. The primary objectives include optimising the use of Airborne Laser Bathymetry in underwater archaeology, enhancing the filtration process for mapping underwater sites, and utilising data from both multibeam echosounder and bathymetric LiDAR for detailed archaeological research. A systematic approach to data processing is advocated to maximise the value of collected data and inform subsequent investigations. The study demonstrates the high accuracy of bathymetric datasets from optical and acoustic sources, with an R-squared correlation coefficient of 0.9853. The application of these techniques is demonstrated, underscoring the compatibility and effective combination of these methods in underwater archaeological exploration. This research provides valuable insights and directions for future archaeological prospections based on active remote-sensing measurements.

Novel triplex nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay for rapid detection of Nipah virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Reston ebolavirus

We report the development of a triplex nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (NALFIA) for the detection of the genomes of Nipah virus (NiV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Reston ebolavirus (REBOV), which are intended for screening bats as well as other hosts and reservoirs of these three viruses. Our triplex NALFIA is a two-step assay format: the target nucleic acid in the sample is first amplified using tagged primers, and the tagged dsDNA amplicons are captured by antibodies immobilized on the NALFIA device, resulting in signal development from the binding of a streptavidin-colloidal gold conjugate to a biotin tag on the captured amplicons. Triplex amplification of the N gene of NiV, the UpE gene of MERS-CoV, and the Vp40 gene of REBOV was optimized, and three compatible combinations of hapten labels and antibodies were identified for end point detection. The lowest RNA copy numbers detected by the triplex NALFIA were 8.21e4 for the NiV N target, 7.09e1 for the MERS-CoV UpE target, and 1.83e4 for the REBOV Vp40 target. Using simulated samples, the sensitivity and specificity for MERS-CoV and REBOV targets were estimated to be 100%, while the sensitivity and specificity for the NiV target were 91% and 93.3%, respectively. The compliance rate between triplex NALFIA and real-time RT‒PCR was 92% for the NiV N target and 100% for the MERS-CoV UpE and REBOV Vp40 targets.

Novel Chromogens for Immunohistochemistry in Spatial Biology.

Spatial relations between tumor cells and host-infiltrating cells are increasingly important in both basic science and clinical research. In this study, we have tested the feasibility of using standard methods of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a multiplex staining system using a newly developed set of chromogenic substrates for the peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Using this approach, we have developed a set of chromogens characterized by (1) providing fine cellular detail, (2) non-overlapping spectral profiles, (3) an absence of interactions between chromogens, (4) stability when stored, and (5) compatibility with current standard immunohistochemistry practices. When viewed microscopically under brightfield illumination, the chromogens yielded the following colors: red, black, blue, yellow, brown, and green. By selecting compatible color combinations, we have shown feasibility for four-color multiplex staining. Depending on the particular type of analysis being performed, visual analysis, without the aid of computer-assisted image analysis, was sufficient to differentiate up to four different markers.

Data-driven optimization and machine learning analysis of compatible molecules for halide perovskite material

Optoelectronic stability of halide perovskite material in hostile conditions such as water is rather limited, preventing them from further industrial deployment. Here, we optimize and perform machine learning analysis on CH3NH3PbI3 materials with additives, solvents and post-treatment molecules using combined experimental and data-driven methods. A champion system consisting of a compatible tertiary molecular combination ‘calcein+PbBr2 + DMSO’ active at diverse surfaces is identified, delivering a large aqueous photoelectrochemical (PEC) photocurrent of 10-5 A/cm2 and an improved aqueous stability of 92.5%. Subsequently, machine interpretation is provided to decouple the multi-molecule contributions with the assistance of genetic programming (GP) and extra-trees (ET) machine learning models, highlighting the intricate molecular features for the target outputs. The post-hoc density functional theory (DFT) calculation suggests the presence of multiple hydrogen bond and anion··π surface interactions to stabilize the interfacial structures. The present ‘PEC + GP + ET + DFT’ approach is suggested to be an effective approach to design and comprehensively evaluate molecule-modified materials.

Bigel Matrix Loaded with Probiotic Bacteria and Prebiotic Dietary Fibers from Berry Pomace Suitable for the Development of Probiotic Butter Spread Product.

This study presents a novel approach to developing a probiotic butter spread product. We evaluated the prebiotic activity of soluble dietary fibers extracted from cranberry and sea buckthorn berry pomace with different probiotic strains (Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum), uploaded selected compatible combination in the bigel matrix, and applied it in the probiotic butter spread formulation. Bigels and products were characterized by physical stability, rheological, textural properties, and viability of probiotics during storage at different conditions. The highest prebiotic activity score was observed in soluble cranberry (1.214 ± 0.029) and sea buckthorn (1.035 ± 0.009) fibers when cultivated with L. reuteri. The bigels loaded with probiotics and prebiotic fiber exhibited a significant increase in viscosity (higher consistency coefficient 40-45 Pa·sn) and better probiotic viability (>6 log CFU/g) during long-term storage at +4 °C temperature, surpassing the bigels loaded with probiotics alone. Bigels stored at a lower temperature (-18 °C) maintained high bacterial viability (above 8.5 log CFU/g). The butter spread enriched with the bigel matrix was softer (7.6-14.2 N), indicating improved spreadability. The butter spread product consistently met the required 6 log CFU/g for a functional probiotic food product until 60 days of storage at +4 °C temperature. The butter stored at -18 °C remained probiotic throughout the entire storage period, confirming the protective effect of the bigel matrix. The study's results showed the potential of the bigel to co-encapsulate, protect, and deliver probiotics during prolonged storage under different conditions.

Exploring the dual dynamic synergy of transesterification and siloxane exchange in vitrimers

Despite the benefits of dynamic polymer networks with multiple dynamic bonds, identifying compatible combinations of dynamic chemistries that work synergistically to achieve desirable properties, remains a significant challenge. This work focuses on the potential of utilizing both siloxane and ester dynamic bonds in epoxy-acid cured vitrimers to finetune chemical exchange reactions. We identified to what extent a common basic catalyst (TBD) can simultaneously activate siloxane and ester exchange in the corresponding epoxy-based vitrimers. Our results showed that TBD is not only able to facilitate network formation but also improved the dynamic behavior of the resulting networks dramatically, with an overall exchange rate faster than the sum of the individual exchange chemistries, as shown by stress-relaxation studies. It has been demonstrated that the siloxane and ester dynamic bonds work together in a synergistic way to facilitate topology rearrangement. The relative increase or decrease in mobility of neighboring chains, located around a specific dynamic bond within the polymer network, was investigated in detail by adjusting the concentration of dynamic bonds and catalyst. The herein reported strategy allows the production of dual dynamic polymer networks that exhibit much shorter relaxation times and thus improved (re)processability in comparison to vitrimers with one type of dynamic bond.

Harnessing monocrop breeding strategies for intercrops.

Intercropping is considered advantageous for many reasons, including increased yield stability, nutritional value and the provision of various regulating ecosystem services. However, intercropping also introduces diverse competition effects between the mixing partners, which can negatively impact their agronomic performance. Therefore, selecting complementary intercropping partners is the key to realizing a well-mixed crop production. Several specialized intercrop breeding concepts have been proposed to support the development of complementary varieties, but their practical implementation still needs to be improved. To lower this adoption threshold, we explore the potential of introducing minor adaptations to commonly used monocrop breeding strategies as an initial stepping stone towards implementing dedicated intercrop breeding schemes. While we acknowledge that recurrent selection for reciprocal mixing abilities is likely a more effective breeding paradigm to obtain genetic progress for intercrops, a well-considered adaptation of monoculture breeding strategies is far less intrusive concerning the design of the breeding programme and allows for balancing genetic gain for both monocrop and intercrop performance. The main idea is to develop compatible variety combinations by improving the monocrop performance in the two breeding pools in parallel and testing for intercrop performance in the later stages of selection. We show that the optimal stage for switching from monocrop to intercrop testing should be adapted to the specificity of the crop and the heritability of the traits involved. However, the genetic correlation between the monocrop and intercrop trait performance is the primary driver of the intercrop breeding scheme optimization process.

Synergistic approach of PCR-based fragment length analysis and amplicon deep sequencing reveals rich diversity of S-alleles in sweet cherries from the Caucasian region of origin.

The self-incompatibility system in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) prevents fertilization with own or genetically related pollen, and is genetically determined by the multi-allelic S-locus. Therefore, determining S-alleles is crucial for plant breeding and fruit production, as it enables the selection of compatible combinations of S-genotypes for successful pollination. In this study, S-alleles were identified in a total of 260 genotypes from the Caucasian region, the species' center of origin. S-allele genotyping was conducted using PCR fragment length analysis with the standard marker PaConsI-F/R2 and reference genotypes, complemented by sequence analysis through amplicon deep sequencing. The genotypes collected from Azerbaijan and Turkey exhibit a high allelic richness at the S-locus, particularly compared to modern sweet cherry cultivars worldwide. Nine previously undescribed S-alleles were identified and designated as S45, S46, S47, S48, S49, S50, S51, S52 and S53. Given the expected high diversity for other traits, this plant material represents a valuable resource for further breeding research and introgression of new traits in future breeding programs. Furthermore, our results underscore that fragment length alone may not be sufficient for unambiguous assignment of S-alleles due to minimal length differences between different alleles. To address this issue, an S-allele reference ladder was developed using the rich diversity for precise assignment of the S-alleles. This tool can be applied in future experiments as a robust and cost-effective method for accurate S-genotyping across different runs and laboratories. Additionally, several selected S-genotypes were planted in a trial field and will be maintained as an S-allele reference collection.

Tolerance of an entomophagous fungus (Lecanicillium muscarium, Beijing-P strain) against pesticides

The tolerance of the entomophagous fungus Lecanicillium muscarium to eight pesticides using a poisoned medium method in the laboratory was evaluated. The purpose was to identify compatible combinations between biopesticides based on pathogenic fungi and conventional pesticides. Pyridalyl slightly inhibited the germination of L. muscarium spores and very slightly inhibited hyphal growth at low concentrations. The maximum inhibition rate of pyridalyl was <30%. Difenoconazole very slightly inhibited the germination of L. muscarium of conidia, and thiamethoxam and dimethomorph both very slightly inhibited hyphal growth. In most treatments, the maximum inhibition rates of difenoconazole, dimethomorph, or thiamethoxam were <20%. Phoxim at a low concentration slightly inhibited both L. muscarium conidial germination and hyphal growth (maximum inhibition rate, <25%). The minimum inhibition rate of most chlorothalonil, triadimefon, or tetraconazole treatments exceeded 60%. At low concentrations, pyridalyl and phoxim showed weak inhibitory effects, and therefore, may be compatible with L. muscarium. These data will support recommendations for the use of pesticides in integrated pest management programmes that involve L. muscarium as the biocontrol agent.

Defining national net zero goals is critical for food and land use policy

The identification of agriculture and land use configurations that achieve net zero (NZ) greenhouse gas emissions is critical to inform appropriate land use and food policy, yet national NZ targets lack consistent definitions. Here, 3000 randomised scenarios projecting future agricultural production and compatible land use combinations in Ireland were screened using ten NZ definitions. When aggregating carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions using various methods, 1–85% of scenarios met NZ criteria. Despite considerable variation, common actions emerged across definitions, including high rates of afforestation, organic soil re-wetting, and cattle destocking. Ambitious technical abatement of agricultural emissions moderated, but could not substitute, these actions. With abatement, 95th percentile milk output varied from 11–91% of 2021 output, but was associated with reductions of up to 98% in suckler-beef production, and a 47–387% increase in forest cover. Achieving NZ will thus require transformation of Ireland’s land sector. Lagging land use change effects require urgent action, but sustaining a just transition will require visioning of future NZ land use combinations supporting a sustainable and resilient food system, alongside an expanding circular bioeconomy. We provide new insight into the sensitivity of such visioning to NZ definitions, pointing to an urgent need for international consensus on the accounting of methane emissions in NZ targets.

IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module mediates symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings through regulating callose deposition.

Grafting is one of the key technologies to overcome the obstacles of continuous cropping, and improve crop yield and quality. However, the symbiotic incompatibility between rootstock and scion affects the normal growth and development of grafted seedlings after survival. The specific molecular regulation mechanism of graft incompatibility is still largely unclear. In this study, we found that the IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module induced callose deposition to mediate the symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings. The incompatible combination (IG) grafting interface accumulated more callose, and the activity of callose synthase (CmCalS1) and IAA content were significantly higher than in the compatible combination (CG). Treatment with IAA polar transport inhibitor in the root of the IG plants decreased CmCalS activity and callose content. Furthermore, IAA negatively regulated the expression of Cm-miR164a, which directly targeted cleavage of CmNAC100L1. Interestingly, CmNAC100L1 interacted with CmCalS1 to regulate its activity. Further analysis showed that the interaction between CmNAC100L1 and CmCalS1 increased the activity of CmCalS1 in the IG plants but decreased it in the CG plants. Point mutation analysis revealed that threonine at the 57th position of CmCalS1 protein played a critical role to maintain its enzyme activity in the incompatible rootstock. Thus, IAA inhibited the expression of Cm-miR164a to elevate the expression of CmNAC100L1, which promoted CmNAC100L1 interaction with CmCalS1 to enhance CmCalS1 activity, resulting in callose deposition and symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings.

A Versatile Strategy for Manufacturing Separator-Free Li-Ion Battery Cells: Combination of Dry Process for Electrodes and Solvent-Based Impregnation of Polymer Electrolytes

A Separator for conventional Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiBs) typically consists of functionalized Polypropylene or Polyethylene to avoid short circuiting and host the liquid electrolyte[1]. The successful removal of the separator would not only facilitate the cell assembly process, but would also reduce the process cost related to z-stacking machines, which corresponds to around 12 % of total process cost[2]. Therefore, a different strategy needs to be applied in this case to prevent short circuits while maintaining sufficient ionic conduction.An often-mentioned strategy to achieve the separator-free architecture is to impregnate and overcoat the electrodes with a polymer electrolyte dissolved in a solvent. However, a meticulous investigation of a compatible combination of binder-polymer electrolyte, conductive salt and solvent is usually necessary to avoid negative impacts of this strategy, with the delamination of the electrodes, the insufficient impregnation of the electrodes or the emergence of high interfacial resistances being only some examples of potential problems which can occur during this process.Here, we present a novel approach to overcome the above-mentioned barriers, by combining different manufacturing techniques. Firstly, in order to avoid the delamination of the electrodes, electrodes with adjustable porosity are prepared by a fully dry process using fibrillated polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) as a binder. Due to the non-solubility of PTFE in a plethora of different solvents, the choice of solvent is much less limited and a wider range of solvents can be used to tune the viscosity during the impregnation process. Into the porous electrodes, a , dissolved in a solvent, is impregnated via a standard doctor blade-coating method. Furthermore, using dry process electrodes mitigates the impact of inhomogeneous vertical distribution, avoiding self-aggregation in electrodes and forming non-uniform pores[3]. The mentioned flexibility in the choice of solvent type and amount ensures a complete impregnation into the pores of the electrode for different mass loadings and various types of active material. A sufficient thickness of the polymer electrolyte layer during the coating step leads to an overcoating of both electrodes of around 8-10 µm, which is close to the range of commercial separators, enabling practically required high energy densities for battery applications.In our proof-of-concept study, we fabricated and tested LiB cells composed of polymer-impregnated LFP and Graphite electrodes without any separators based on the above mentioned concept. The resulting cells showed promising cyclability and high coulombic efficiencies for more than 100 cycles at intermediate C-rates. The flexibility of the concept is presented by varying the solvent, used during the impregnation step and tailoring the properties of the specialized fluoropolymer electrolyte via addition of ceramic fillers. In addition to the electrochemical performance, an efficient impregnation process of the polymer electrolyte into the porous cathodes, which can be confirmed by SEM, was successfully implemented.In summary, this study provides not only a strategy for the rational design of separator-free architecture, but also creates a novel possibility for solid-state battery applications.[1] Huang, Xiaosong “Separator technologies for lithium-ion batteries”, J Solid State Electrochem 15, 649–662 (2011).[2] Orangi, Stina, et al. “A Techno-Economic Model for Benchmarking the Production Cost of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells”, Batteries, 8, 83, (2022).[3] Kumberg, Jana, et al. "Drying of lithium‐ion battery anodes for use in high‐energy cells: influence of electrode thickness on drying time, adhesion, and crack formation." Energy Technology 7.11 (2019). Figure 1

Endophytic Bacillus spp. from native chilli cultivars and their effect against fruit rot pathogen of Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

BackgroundFruit rot disease is one of the most important factors limiting the production potential of Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), which is known as one of the hottest chillies in the world. The management strategies are highly dependent on synthetic chemicals which are causing a detrimental impact on the environment. Considering the factors, this study focuses on exploring potential endophytic microflora from native chilli cultivars which can suppress the fruit rot pathogen.ResultsEndophytic microflora occurs ubiquitously in plants that possess various plant-benefiting abilities. A total of 34 endophytic isolates were obtained from different chilli cultivars. These endophytic isolates were subjected to screening in vitro for their potential to suppress the incitant pathogen Colletotrichumgloeosporioides (the causal agent of chilli fruit rot), which was confirmed based on cultural, morphological, pathogenicity and molecular studies. The preliminary screening yielded four bacterial endophytic isolates capable of suppressing the pathogen which was found non-pathogenic to Bhut Jolokia plant. On the basis of morphological, biochemical and molecular identification, the four most promising isolates were identified as Bacillus velezensis, B. mycoides, B. altitudinis and B. cereus, respectively, and used for further in vitro tests. B. velezensis showed the highest inhibition (68.67%) on mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides, followed by B. mycoides (65.33%), B. altitudinis (52.89%) and B. cereus (45.33%). Among the compatible combination, the highest efficacy (56.00%) was found in the combination of B. velezensis and B. altitudinis.ConclusionFrom the present study, it can be concluded that B. velezensis and B. mycoides alone and in combination can be used as potential biocontrol agent in managing the fruit rot of Bhut Jolokia considering their performance in field conditions.

Revealing the “Yin-Jing” mystery veil of Platycodon grandiflorum by potentiating therapeutic effects and lung-oriented guidance property

Ethnic pharmacological relevance“Yin-Jing” medicine (YJM) has been widely used by both ancient and modern Chinese medicine practitioners during long-term clinical practice. However, it remains unclear how to best guide other medicines to the targeted organs in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription. Here, in an attempt to explain the scientific connotation of the YJM property (YJMP) attributed to a basic TCM theory, Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) was chosen as a case study to reveal the mystery of YJMP theory. Aim of the studyThe main purpose of this study is to employ modern chemical and molecular biology methods to confirm the “Yin-Jing” effect of PG, and further clarify its material basis and related possible mechanism. Materials and methodsThe ammonia-induced lung injury rat model was utilized to determine the optimal dosage of traditional prescription Hui Yan Zhu Yu decoction (HYZYD) using Wright Giemsa staining, HE staining, Masson staining, and TUNEL analysis. With the same way, PG was confirmed to have potentiating therapeutic effect (PTE) by comparison with HYZYD and [HYZYD-PG]. TMT proteomics was used to reveal the “Yin-Jing” mechanism of action. Western blot assay (WB) was employed for verification of differentially expressed proteins. Additionally, four non-crossing fragmentations (Fr. A-D) were characterized by RPLC/SEC-ELSD and HILIC-ESI–-Q-OT-IT-MS techniques. The PTE and guidance property assays were utilized to evaluate “Yin-Jing” functions by a compatible combination of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYA) using qPCR, FCM, WB, HPLC, high content cell imaging (HCI) and high-resolution live-cell imaging (HRLCI) techniques. ResultsThe HYZYD-M (medium dose group) significantly improved the lung injury level in a pneumonia model of rats. PG enhanced the therapeutic effect of HYZYD ascribed to Yin-Jing PTE functions. TMT proteomics revealed a category of differentially expressed proteins ascribed to Golgi-ER between HYZYD and [HYZYD-PG]. Fr. C (i.e., saponins) and Fr. D (i.e., lipids) were determined as therapeutic fragmentations via the LPS-induced A549 cell injury model; however, Fr. B (fructooligosaccharides and small Mw fructans) had no therapeutic effect. Further compatibility PTE assays confirmed Fr. B significantly improved efficiency by a combination of HYA. The guidance assays showed Fr. B could significantly increase the uptake and distribution of HYA into lung cells and tissues. HCI assays showed that Fr. B increased uptake of HYA accompanied by significant activation of Golgi-ER. Unlike Fr. B, HRLCI showed that Fr. A, C and D were not only unobvious activations of Golgi-ER but also insignificant facilitation of colocalizations between HYA and Golgi-ER. ConclusionsFr. B is believed to be a key YJMP material basis of PG attributed to Yin-Jing PTE with characteristic of lung-oriented guidance property, whereas another abound Fr. C was determined to have synergistic effects rather than Yin-Jing material basis.

Potentiating sorafenib efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma via a carrier-free nanomedicine of artesunate prodrug

Sorafenib is a first-line drug for liver cancer treatment, but its clinical efficacy is still limited by drawbacks such as drug tolerance, toxic effects, and low bioavailability. Therefore, it is urgent to find efficient ways to synergize sorafenib with other agents and increase its bioavailability in order to enhance its clinical efficacy. Herein, we report the successful development of a carrier-free nanoplatform of an artesunate prodrug to potentiate the efficacy of sorafenib against hepatocellular carcinoma. The artesunate prodrug was synthesized by conjugating artesunate and linoleic acid through a thioketone (TK) bond. This prodrug can self-assemble in an aqueous solution via a one-step precipitation method. Furthermore, the inclusion of sorafenib during the self-assembly process results in a carrier-free artesunate/sorafenib mixed nanomedicine (SA@NPs) with a uniform and stable particle size. In addition, SA@NPs possess ROS-responsive drug-releasing ability by breaking up thioketone bonds under high H2O2 levels in tumors. The synergistic anticancer effects of SA@NPs have been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. SA@NPs can achieve significantly enhanced synergetic ferroptosis of tumor cells and show potentiated sorafenib efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, SA@NPs have a tumor inhibition rate of 84.2%, which is 1.63-, 4.22-, and 1.29-fold higher than that in the experimental groups treated with free sorafenib, artesunate, and the simplified combined medication of sorafenib/artesunate, respectively. Overall, this work presents a significant advancement in the clinical chemotherapy of liver cancer and may pave the way for promising developments in the compatibility and clinical combination application of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chemical Detoxification of Therapeutic Hybrid Complexes Prepared by the Compatible Combination of Ayurvedic Herb and Allopathic Drug

Background &amp; Objective: The treatment of diseases and good health maintenance are the common fundamental aims of ayurvedic and allopathic medical systems. Limited information is available in the public domain for the concept of symbiohealth, i.e., the symbiotic interaction of ayurveda and allopathy, that needs to be explored for an efficient and robust health system. Therefore, an attempt has been made to reduce the toxicity of therapeutic drugs via the integration approach of ayurveda and allopathy. Methods: Three different categories of allopathy and ayurvedic medicines, such as antacids (omeprazole, ranitidine, and sooktybhasma), antibacterial (amoxicillin trihydrate, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, Curcuma longa, and Datura stramonium) and antiviral (acyclovir, efavirenz, Echinacea, Calendula, Allium sativum, and Citrullus colocynthis) were targeted. Results: Best therapeutic hybrid combination was obtained on the basis of their UV absorption maxima and peak shift. Acyclovir with A. sativum (1-6%), sooktybhasma 20% with rantidine, Ciprofloxacin HCl (2%) with 10% aqueous datura and Ciprofloxacin HCl (0.02-0.2%) with 0.02-0.06% acetonitrile turmeric showed best integration result. This drug integration can be applied to improve the potential results or detoxification of hybrid drugs that target the drug moiety results in reduced side effects or the dose of important drugs, which might be due to the chelation pattern of their functional group, absorption, bonding, and pi-pi interaction. Conclusion: This study will provide the leadership for the betterment of a therapeutic hybrid drug complex that might be useful as an allopathic drug and less harmful than its ayurvedic component. The proposed integration fusion of different medication therapies, such as Ayurvedic and allopathic, has the potential for a scientific merger.

Signs of incompatibility of grafting components in scion-rootstock combinations of pear with common quince

Relevance. In the middle zone of Russia, industrial cultivation of pear fruits is almost not produced due to the lack of intensive rootstocks. In regions with a mild climate, this problem has long been solved by grafting pears on common quince, but in more northern regions, quince is not hardy enough. In recent years, as a result of the long-term work of VNIISPK scientists, winter-hardy rootstock forms of common quince have been obtained, capable of restraining the growth of grafts and accelerating their entry into the fruiting season. They have a wide prospect of being used to intensify the production of pear fruits in central Russia. However, the grafting of pears on quince is remote intergenerational and not all varieties can be cultivated on it due to different degrees of compatibility. There is no single methodology for determining compatible and incompatible graft-rootstock combinations of pear varieties with quince, therefore, it is an important and urgent task to identify signs by which non-viable combinations can be identified starting from the nursery.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the conditions of the VNIISPK production nursery in 2008-2010; 2019-2022. The object of research was graft-rootstock combinations consisting of quince seedlings of ordinary selection of VNIISPK used as rootstocks and various varieties of pear collection of the Institute. Pear seedlings were used as a control. Propagation of varieties was carried out by the method of oculation at a height of 20 cm from the ground in the first decade of August. The repetition of the experiment is 3 times 30 plants in each. Agrotechnics of experience is generally accepted. In order to identify the most common signs characterizing the degree of compatibility of graft-rootstock combinations, starting from the awakening of the eyes of the graft, observations were made every 5-7 days on their development in a nursery.Results. In the course of observations, a number of additional signs were identified that can be indicators of positive or negative accretion of pear varieties with quince and on the basis of which it is possible to determine viable and non-viable graft-rootstock combinations already in the nursery. The conducted studies also made it possible to divide pear varieties into three groups of compatibility with quince: A – well compatible varieties. Their development on the quince rootstock is better than on the pear rootstock. B – satisfactorily compatible varieties. They can grow on common quince, that is, they can be viable graft-rootstock combinations, but there are some signs of their incomplete development. It is advisable to use a compatible insert rootstock, on which such varieties develop better. С – incompatible varieties. It is possible to grow such varieties on quince only with the use of a compatible insert rootstock. With direct grafting on common quince, such graft-rootstock combinations are not viable.