Conventional Agents Research Articles

Fabrication of a high-temperature resistant and water-soluble sizing agent to significantly improve the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Applying suitable sizing agents is effective in improving the interfacial performance of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRPs). However, the poor thermal stability of conventional epoxy-based sizing agent limits their application at elevated temperatures for preparing advanced CFRPs. The question could lead to interfacial damage of composites at high temperatures, thus deteriorating their mechanical properties. In this work, diethanolamine (DEA) was selected to modify E51 resin to obtain a high-temperature resistant sizing agent (E51@DEA). The decomposition temperature of E51@DEA was 320 °C, which was 140 °C higher than that of E51. Furthermore, the resultant composites treated by E51@DEA 2 % showed robust interfacial performance (ILSS = 74.32 MPa, IFSS = 100.70 MPa), which was both increased by about 25 % compared to unmodified samples. In addition, the modified fiber could completely retain their interfacial reinforcement after treatment at 300 °C for 4 h. The prepared composites combined excellent thermal and interfacial properties, further expanding the application range of CFRPs.

Antiviral Effect of Ferula Plants and their Potential for Treatment of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review.

Viral diseases have always been a threat to mankind throughout history, and many people have lost their lives due to the epidemic of these diseases. In recent years, despite the progress of science, we are still witnessing a pandemic of dangerous diseases such as COVID-19 all over the world, which can be a warning for humanity. Ferula is a genus of flowering plants commonly found in Central Asia, and its species have shown antiviral activity against a variety of viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, Herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and coronaviruses. In this study, we intend to review the antiviral effects of Ferula plants, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of these plants in the treatment of COVID-19. Google, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to review the relevant literature on the antiviral effect of Ferula or its isolated compounds. The search was performed using the keywords Ferula, antiviral, Coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, Herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis B. According to the reviewed articles and available scientific evidence, it was determined that the plants of this genus have strong antiviral effects. Also, clinical studies have shown that some species, such as Ferula assa-foetida, can be used effectively in the treatment of COVID-19. Ferula plants have inhibitory effects on various viruses, making them an attractive alternative to conventional antiviral agents. Therefore, these plants are a natural source of valuable compounds that can help us fight infectious diseases.

Design, synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and mechanism of novel 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives.

Plant pathogens cause substantial crop losses annually, posing a grave threat to global food security. Fungicides have usually been used for their control, but the rapid development of pesticide resistance renders many ineffective, therefore the search for novel and efficient green pesticides to prevent and control plant diseases has become the top priority in crop planting. The results of bioassay studies indicated that most of the target compounds showed certain antimicrobial activity in vitro. In particular, compound X7 showed high inhibitory activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), with an EC50 value of 27.47 μg mL-1, surpassing conventional control agents such as thiazole zinc (41.55 μg mL-1) and thiodiazole copper (53.39 μg mL-1). Further studies on molecular docking showed that X7 had a strong binding affinity with 2FBW. The morphological change observed by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the surface of Xoo appears wrinkled and cracked under X7 treatment and a total of 2662 proteins were identified by label-free proteomic analysis. Three experiments have elucidated the mechanism whereby X7 induced considerable changes in the physiological and biochemical properties of Xoo, which in turn affected the reproduction and growth of bacteria. This work represents a pivotal advancement, offering important reference for the research and development therapeutics in combating plant pathogens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Keratin hydrolysate as a chrome exhaust aid and keratin filler in leather processing: A cleaner technology approach for tannery solid waste management and leather manufacturing

Hair burning unhairing and dampening of tannery wastes during the hair-saving unhairing process are becoming significant problems in the tanning industry. Therefore, this research article focuses on the extraction of keratin hydrolysate (KH) and its application as a chrome exhaust aid and keratin filler in leather manufacturing process. The structure, morphology and functional groups of the extract were examined using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), respectively. To study and contrast the degree of improvement in chromium uptake, the KH solution was applied both before tanning on the pickled pelt and after tanning during basification. The thermal stability, physical strength characteristics and organoleptic properties of the leathers obtained were characterized. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the tanning system was assessed through a comparative analysis of the spent liquors. Finally, experimental retanning process was conducted to replace the commercial protein filler (Celatan F: 50, 75, and 100 %) with KH solution, with concurrent processing of control leather using conventional chrome tanning agent at 6 % dosage of chromium. The FTIR analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of alkyl side chains of amino acids as well as carboxylic, amide, carboxyl group and aldehyde functional groups at 1400-1700 cm−1,3,303.46 cm−1,3270 cm−1 and 2752 cm−1, respectively. XRD spectrum showed two diffraction peaks at 2 theta values of 9.36° and 21.16°, respectively. Leathers with improved mechanical strength, organoleptic properties and thermal stability were obtained with 100 % substitution of Celatan F at pH 6 and 10 % chromium dosage. It was also discovered that the shrinkage temperature of the experimental leather was enhanced to more than 105 °C. Environmental impact evaluation on the spent liquor showed that the complete replacement of Celatan F with KH solution brought about a notable decrease in COD and TDS in the spent liquor. The extraction and application of tannery hair waste-based keratin hydrolysate as an efficient, environmentally friendly chrome exhaust aid and keratin filler has been attempted and established in this research article.

Sudden unexpected death after initial infusion of rituximab for Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: an autopsy case

BackgroundWaldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is defined as a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) involving the bone marrow (BM) with presence of IgM monoclonal protein, and comprises > 95% of all LPL cases. Rituximab-based regimens have been predominant in the management of WM. Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are a primary concern with rituximab, although it is generally better tolerated with less toxicity than conventional anticancer agents. Here, we present an autopsy case of an elderly man who died suddenly after receiving the initial infusion of rituximab for WM/LPL.Case presentationAn 84-year-old man was found dead in his bedroom. He had undergone the initial intravenous rituximab infusion for progressive anemia related to Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL) approximately 15 h before death. Although the protocol for rituximab administration and additional medication was considered appropriate, he exhibited several symptoms consistent with infusion-related reactions (IRRs) during the infusion. Autopsy revealed monotonous proliferation of small-to-medium-sized lymphocytic cells in the bone marrow, consistent with the premortem diagnosis of WM/LPL. Additionally, immunoglobulin λ-light chain-derived amyloid (ALλ) deposition was identified in all organs other than the brain. Although ALλ deposition and LPL infiltration were found in the heart, they were not severe enough to cause severe functional impairment. Severe congestion and/or edema were observed in the lungs, liver, and brain. Although significant inflammatory cell infiltration was not found in any organs, laboratory tests revealed elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and the presence of IgM-λ monoclonal protein.ConclusionAcute IRRs associated with the initial rituximab infusion were the major contributing factor to his sudden unexpected death. The autopsy findings of present case suggest the necessity for thorough monitoring of older patients with WM/LPL undergoing rituximab treatment, particularly when pronounced IRRs occur during the first administration, in addition to investigating complications of WM/LPL before infusion.

Opportunities and challenges of integrating HIF-1 into clinical practice for cancer treatment

The Warburg effect is one of the most studied mechanisms involved in cancer progression. It refers to the increased glucose uptake by cancer cells through aerobic glycolysis, instead of the Krebs cycle that takes place under normal conditions, followed by lactic acid fermentation. This mechanism is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes responsible for the synthesis of proteins involved in glucose metabolism. Overexpression of HIF-1 has been linked to the Warburg effect. While several HIF-1-targeted strategies have been investigated, the majority have proven to be unsuccessful, especially in cases of aggressive tumors with hypoxic tumor microenvironments. Current strategies expand beyond conventional chemotherapeutic agents and include chemodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, and immune checkpoint molecules. The aim of this literature review is to highlight the implication of HIF-1 in the Warburg effect and the limitations that render cancer treatment less effective.

The polymicrobial nature of the oral cavity and claws of cats diagnosed by mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing

Close contact between cats and humans increases the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, through bites and scratches due to the complexity of microorganisms in the oral and nail microbiotas of felines. This study investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi in the oral cavity and claws of 100 apparently healthy cats using conventional and selective microbiological culture media, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria isolates was performed by disc diffusion method. In total, 671 bacteria and 33 yeasts were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Neisseria animaloris (10.8 %), Staphylococcus felis (8.5 %), and Pasteurella multocida (7 %) were the most prevalent bacteria in oral cavity samples (n = 343), while the most common yeast (n = 19) was Candida albicans (68.4 %). Staphylococcus pettenkoferi (13.4 %), Staphylococcus felis (6.4 %), and Staphylococcus simulans (5.8 %) were the prevalent bacteria identified in the claw samples (n = 328), while Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (57.2 %) was the most common yeast (n = 14). NGS predominantly identified the genera Moraxella, Neisseria, Pasteurella, and Fusobacterium in oral cavity samples, whereas enterobacteria and staphylococci were prevalent in nail bed samples. In addition, the genera Capnocytophaga and Bartonella were identified, which have been described in serious human infections secondary to feline aggressions. Levofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most effective drugs against the main groups of bacteria identified. Multidrug resistance was observed in 17 % of the bacterial isolates. Furthermore, three staphylococci harboring the methicillin resistance gene mecA were identified. We highlight the complexity of microorganisms inhabiting the oral/claw microbiotas of cats, the high resistance rate of the isolates to conventional antimicrobial agents, and the zoonotic risk of aggressions caused by bites and scratches from domestic cats.

A narrative review of gas separation and conservation technologies during xenon anesthesia.

Xenon gas has significant advantages over conventional general anesthetic agents but its use has been limited by the cost associated with its production. Xenon also has significant potential for medical use in the treatment of acquired brain injuries and for mental health disorders. As the demand for xenon gas from other industries increases, the costs associated with its medical use are only likely to increase. One solution to mitigate the significant cost of xenon use in research or medical care is the conservation of xenon gas. During delivery of xenon anesthesia, this can be achieved either by separating xenon from the other gases within the anesthetic circuit, conserving xenon and allowing other gases to be excluded from the circuit, or by selectively recapturing xenon utilized during the anesthetic episode at the conclusion of the case. Several technologies, including the pressurization and cooling of gas mixtures, the utilization of gas selective membranes and the utilization of gas selective adsorbents have been described in the literature for this purpose. These techniques are described in this narrative review along with important clinical context that informs how these technologies might be best applied. Whilst these technologies are discussed in the context of xenon general anesthesia, they could be applied in the delivery of xenon gas inhalation for other therapeutic purposes.

Less is sometimes more – some examples of the reduction of hazardous substances in metallographic etching

Abstract In metallography, the choice of the right etchant is crucial for visualizing the microstructure. As conventional etching agents generally contain a more or less high proportion of hazardous substances that need to be reduced in the future, examples are given of how this reduction is possible in principle. This reduction in hazardous substances is mainly achieved through microscopy contrasts, dilution of etching solutions and electrolytic etching.

The Benefits of Murraya koenigii in Dentistry – A Scoping Review

Introduction: Oral diseases are among the most common long-term conditions affecting the population. Medicinal plants are being used as a natural remedy for oral health issues due to their medicinal properties and lower side effects and cost compared to conventional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. This study aims to review and summarize the potential uses of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (syn. of Bergera koenigii L.) in dentistry and update clinicians about its implications in dental management for maintaining oral health. Materials and Methods: The data was collected by five reviewers from multiple articles, case reports, review papers, and original studies that were published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results and Conclusion: The extracts of Murraya koenigii is a promising alternative to synthetic therapeutic agents in dentistry. Further research is required to explore its potential use in oral health.

Amino acid influx via LAT1 regulates iron demand and sensitivity to PPMX-T003 of aggressive natural killer cell leukemia

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is a rare hematological malignancy with a fulminant clinical course. Our previous study revealed that ANKL cells proliferate predominantly in the liver sinusoids and strongly depend on transferrin supplementation. In addition, we demonstrated that liver-resident ANKL cells are sensitive to PPMX-T003, an anti-human transferrin receptor 1 inhibitory antibody, whereas spleen-resident ANKL cells are resistant to transferrin receptor 1 inhibition. However, the microenvironmental factors that regulate the iron dependency of ANKL cells remain unclear. In this study, we first revealed that the anti-neoplastic effect of PPMX-T003 was characterized by DNA double-strand breaks in a DNA replication-dependent manner, similar to conventional cytotoxic agents. We also found that the influx of extracellular amino acids via LAT1 stimulated sensitivity to PPMX-T003. Taken together, we discovered that the amount of extracellular amino acid influx through LAT1 was the key environmental factor determining the iron dependency of ANKL cells via adjustment of their mTOR/Myc activity, which provides a good explanation for the different sensitivity to PPMX-T003 between liver- and spleen-resident ANKL cells, as the liver sinusoid contains abundant amino acids absorbed from the gut.

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor.

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

A comparative study on the efficacy of conventional and green chelating agents for soil heavy metal remediation

Soil heavy metal contamination poses significant risks to ecological balance, vegetation, agricultural productivity, and human health due to the toxicity, persistence, and resistance to degradation of heavy metal ions. Chelation presents a widely employed method for heavy metal ion removal. While conventional chelating agents exhibit high removal efficiencies, they are associated with ecological hazards. In contrast, green chelating agents have gained prominence for their environmentally friendly attributes. This paper meticulously examines the heavy metal removal efficiencies, mechanisms, application advantages and limitations, as well as optimal pH ranges of both the traditional chelating agent Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the green chelating agents Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (GLDA), Methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), and [S, S]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS). A comprehensive comparison reveals that EDDS exhibits superior performance followed by MGDA, GLDA, and EDTA, with MGDA displaying the broadest pH range spanning from 2 to 13.5. EDDS emerges as the most biodegradable option. Moreover, in terms of elimination rates, both MGDA and EDDS demonstrate comparable efficacy to EDTA. In conclusion, the green chelating agents scrutinized herein hold promise to potentially supplant conventional EDTA in large-scale practical applications.

Successful management of chromoblastomycosis utilizing conventional antifungal agents and imiquimod therapy

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, is predominantly caused by dematiaceous fungi in tropical and subtropical areas. Characteristically, CBM presents as plaques and nodules, often leading to scarring post-healing. Besides traditional diagnostic methods such as fungal microscopy, culture, and histopathology, dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy can aid in diagnosis. The treatment of CBM is an extended and protracted process. Imiquimod, acting as an immune response modifier, boosts the host’s immune response against CBM, and controls scar hyperplasia, thereby reducing the treatment duration. We present a case of CBM in Guangdong with characteristic reflectance confocal microscopy manifestations, effectively managed through a combination of itraconazole, terbinafine, and imiquimod, shedding light on novel strategies for managing this challenging condition.

Effectiveness of Jena DM® Herbal Formulation as Complementary Therapy to Conventional Oral Hypoglycemic Agents in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Quasi-experimental Study.

There is vast preclinical evidence that indicates that extracts from several Artemisia plant species have significant antidiabetic benefits. However, clinical evidence is limited to this effect. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness ofJena DM® (anArtemisia annua-based poly-herbal formulation) on glycemic control (Hb A1C) and insulin metabolism (HOMA), when administered as a complementary therapy in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was supported by a research grant (JRD005) from Jena Herbals (U) Ltd, which is a local herbal medicines manufacturing facility in Uganda. We conducted a 12-week quasi-experimental study, involving 118 patients under routine follow-up at a diabetes and endocrinology clinic. Random assignment to either conventional or experimental study groups was done using a random number generator (Microsoft Excel version 16.0). Participant sociodemographic and clinical data as well as whole blood samples (3-5 mL) were obtained at scheduled clinic visits. Medication adherence was assessed using the Hill-Bone Scale, and adverse drug events (ADEs) using the Naranjo causality and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of AIDS (DAIDS) scales. Group differences in glycemic control (HbA1C), fasting serum insulin (FSI) indices (% HOMA2-B, HOMA-IR), and other cardiometabolic parameters were assessed using independent samples t-test, and Pearson chi-square statistical tests were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approvals were obtained before the study commencement. 12-week daily complementary therapy withJena DM® showed no significant effect on Hb A1C reduction (0.1 (95% CI: -0.56, 0.80) %;p=0.798); however, we observed a significant reduction in total body weight (2.0 (95% CI: 0.73, 3.28) kg;p=0.002). The overall frequency of self-reported ADEs including dizziness was significantly higher among patients that usedJena DM® (p=0.001).Epigastric pain was the most severe ADE necessitating clinical management. There was no significant difference in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) between study groups. In contrast to a few studies that previously showed significanthypoglycemic effects ofArtemisia-basedextracts, this study did not show a statistically significant reduction on HbA1C during a 12-week complementary use ofJena DM® in patients withT2DM. Based on the findings of this study, future research should evaluate the long-term effects ofJena DM® on body weight, overall insulin metabolism, and the subsequent effect on glycemic control in T2DM.

Polydopamine Nanocarriers with Cascade-Activated Nitric Oxide Release Combined Photothermal Activity for the Therapy of Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections.

Antibiotic abuse leads to increased bacterial resistance, and the surviving planktonic bacteria aggregate and secrete extracellular polymers to form biofilms. Conventional antibacterial agents find it difficult to penetrate the biofilm, remove the bacteria wrapped in it, and produce an excellent therapeutic effect. In this study, a dual pH- and NIR-responsive nanocomposite (A-Ca@PDA) was developed to remove drug-resistant bacteria through a cascade of catalytic nitric oxide (NO) release and photothermal clearance. NO can melt in the outer package of the biofilm, facilitating the nanocomposites to have better permeability. Thermal therapy further inhibits the growth of planktonic bacteria. The locally generated high temperature and the burst release of NO together aggravate the biofilm collapse and bacterial death after NIR irradiation. The nanocomposites achieved a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of 47.5%, thereby exhibiting significant advancements in energy conversion. The nanocomposites exhibited remarkable efficacy in inhibiting multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli and MDR Staphylococcus aureus, thus achieving an inhibition rate of >90%. Moreover, these nanocomposites significantly improved the wound-healing process in the MDR S. aureus-infected mice. Thus, this novel nanocomposite offers a novel strategy to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections.

LC-MS/MS profiling and analysis of Bacillus licheniformis extracellular proteins for antifungal potential against Candida albicans

Candida albicans, a significant human pathogenic fungus, employs hydrolytic proteases for host invasion. Conventional antifungal agents are reported with resistance issues from around the world. This study investigates the role of Bacillus licheniformis extracellular proteins (ECP) as effective antifungal peptides (AFPs). The aim was to identify and characterize the ECP of B. licheniformis through LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 326 proteins with 69 putative ECP, further analyzed in silico. Of these, 21 peptides exhibited antifungal properties revealed by classAMP tool and are predominantly anionic. Peptide-protein docking revealed interactions between AFPs like Peptide chain release factor 1 (Q65DV1_Seq1: SASEQLSDAK) and Putative carboxy peptidase (Q65IF0_Seq7: SDSSLEDQDFILESK) with C. albicans virulent SAP5 proteins (PDB ID 2QZX), forming hydrogen bonds and significant Pi-Pi interactions. The identification of B. licheniformis ECP is the novelty of the study that sheds light on their antifungal potential. The identified AFPs, particularly those interacting with bonafide pharmaceutical targets SAP5 of C. albicans represent promising avenues for the development of antifungal treatments with AFPs that could be the pursuit of a novel therapeutic strategy against C. albicans. Significance of studyThe purpose of this work was to carry out proteomic profiling of the secretome of B. licheniformis. Previously, the efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis extracellular proteins against Candida albicans was investigated and documented in a recently communicated manuscript, showcasing the antifungal activity of these proteins. In order to achieve high-throughput identification of ES (Excretory-secretory) proteins, the utilization of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized. There was a lack of comprehensive research on AFPs in B. licheniformis, nevertheless. The proteins secreted by B. licheniformis in liquid medium were initially discovered using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis and identification in order to immediately characterize the unidentified active metabolites in fermentation broth.

The study of the structure and performance of polyoxymethylene modified by nucleating agent L

With the expanding application areas of polyoxymethylene (POM), the challenges in its crystal modification are becoming greater. Conventional nucleating agents have issues with compatibility with POM. So we used a nucleating agent L with a similar molecular chain structure to POM through melt blending to modify POM. Using instruments to characterize and test the samples, and studying the effect of nucleating agent L on the structure and properties of POM. The results showed that after adding a small amount of nucleating agent. The crystal size was reduced. The number and size of micro-pores at the cross-section were significantly reduced. The crystallization performance of POM were improved. This provides a new direction for the future development of POM-specific nucleating agents and the direction of efficient nucleating.

Fungalvaccines and adjuvants: atooltorevealtheinteractionbetweenhostandfungi.

Fungal infections are incurring high risks in a range from superficial mucosal discomforts (such as oropharyngeal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis) to disseminated life-threatening diseases (such as invasive pulmonaryaspergillosis and cryptococcal meningitis) and becoming a global health problem in especially immunodeficient population. The major obstacle to conquer fungal harassment lies in the presence of increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents used in newly clinically isolated strains. Although recombinant cytokines and mono-/poly-clonal antibodies are added into antifungal armamentarium, more effective antimycotic drugs are exceedingly demanded. It is comforting that the development of fungal vaccines and adjuvants opens up a window to brighten the prospective way in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of fungal assaults. In this review, we focus on the progression of several major fungal vaccines devised for the control of Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus spp., Coccidioides spp., Paracoccidioides spp., Blastomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Pneumocystis spp. as well as the adjuvants adopted. We then expound the interaction between fungal vaccines/adjuvants and host innate (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils), humoral (IgG, IgM and IgA) and cellular (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Tc17) immune responses which generally experience immune recognition of pattern recognition receptors, activation of immune cells, and clearance of invaded fungi. Furthermore, we anticipate an in-depth understanding of immunomodulatory properties of univalent and multivalent vaccines against diverse opportunistic fungi, providing helpful information in the design of novel fungal vaccines and adjuvants.

Magnetic‐Driven Hydrogel Spiral PVA/Fe3O4 Micromotors for Targeted Photothermal Therapy

AbstractPhototherapy has emerged as a promising technique for cancer treatment, offering high efficiency and minimal side effects. Nevertheless, conventional phototherapy agents suffer from low targetability and inefficient delivery. Here, a novel approach is proposed using helical hydrogel motors fabricated by combining polyvinyl alcohol, melamine, water, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. These magnetic motors are capable of precise therapy on tumor cells driven by an external magnetic field. By converting light into heat upon near‐infrared illumination, the motors elevate the temperature of the targeted region, resulting in a significant therapeutic effect, with over 60% eradication of HeLa cells achieve under 808 nm near‐ infrared light (1.5 W cm−2). These helical micromotors exhibit excellent movement performance and biocompatibility, facilitating their in vivo applications and contributing to the advancement of biomedicine.