Duration Of Retention Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared from Camellia Sinensis Extracts in Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

The nano-method has been used as a technique for creating novel, non-traditional antimicrobial agents. This effective method for treating infectious diseases has many advantages over conventional antibiotics, including increased efficacy against species that have developed drug resistance, and the ability to circumvent the development of resistance that disrupts a number of biological pathways. As a result, the objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles using phenolic compounds obtained from Camellia sinensis . The nanoparticles were then used as antibacterial agents on the multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, as well as, biofilm formation mechanism were also investigated. Ten isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were acquired from the labs of the University of Baghdad's Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute. The VITEK-2 system was used to confirm the diagnosis. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of Camellia sinensis leaves were used to create silver nanoparticles and obtain CAgNPs, which were then characterized using Atomic Fluorescence Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Zeta potential analyzers. The extracts were put through a series of assays, including High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), antibacterial activity assessments, and the microtiter plate method to determine the lowest inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibiofilm formation. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts containing silver nanoparticles included spherical nanoparticles that may be single or combined. The HPLC results showed the presence of two phenolic compounds (gallic acid and caffeine) by comparing their retention durations to those of the reference compounds. The results of the antibacterial activity of (CAgNPs) showed that the methanolic (CAgNPs) extract was more effective than the aqueous (CAgNPs) extract, producing inhibitory zones of 15.67 ± 0.58 and 20.33 ± 0.58 mm, at 375 and 750 ppm respectively, when compared to the aqueous (CAgNPs) extract, which produced inhibitory zones of 12.33 ± 0.58 and 15.67 ± 0.58 mm, respectively. The MIC result also showed that the CAgNPs methanolic extract was more effective than the CAgNPs aqueous extract. The MIC of the CAgNPs methanolic extract on S. aureus isolates were 11.718 and 23.43 µg/ml, while the MIC of the CAgNPs aqueous extract on all S. aureus isolates were 46.87 µg/ml except isolate No. 3 and 6 which was 11.718 and 93.75 µg/ml respectively. Additionally, The anti-biofilm in S. aureus was increased when CAgNPs methanolic extract were used compared with the CAgNPs aqueous extract, the CAgNPs methanolic extract inhibited 80%, 90% and 100% of the biofilm formation of S. aureus in 23.43, 46.87 and 93.75 µg/ml respectively, while the anti-biofilm activity of the CAgNPs aqueous extract on S. aureus isolates was 80% and 100% of the biofilm formation in 46.87 and 93.75 µg/ml respectively. The methanolic and aqueous leaves extracts from Camellia sinensis are a successful method for producing CAgNPs. The synthesized CAgNPs also have significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, depending on the concentrations, and inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation.

Analytical Quality by Design Assisted Ecofriendly RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Artificial Sweeteners in Commercial Food Samples Utilizing Green Ultrasound Assisted Extraction Technique: Greenness, Blueness and Whiteness Appraisal.

Acesulfame K (E950) and Saccharin Na (E954) are commonly utilized synthetic sweeteners that are added to various processed food products to improve the sweet flavor. It is essential to give priority to environmentally friendly technology while assessing them, as overuse of these sweeteners presents serious health hazards. The main aim of this study was to develop an AQbD aided ecofriendly RP-HPLC technique that can detect both Acesulfame K and Saccharin Na simultaneously incorporating green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles and white analytical chemistry (WAC); using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique on commercial food samples. The usage of ethanol was in accordance with eco-friendly ideals due to its ease of use, speed, and lack of environmental impact. Rotatable central composite designs (rCCD) was used for method optimization and a mobile phase consisting of a 50:50 (v/v) mixture of ethanol and 1% aqueous acetic acid (v/v), the separation was carried out on a Zorbax column (SB-C18, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a flow rate of 1 ml/min and a detection wavelength of 217 nm. Acesulfame K had retention duration of 1.134 minutes and Saccharin Na of 2.134 minutes. Acesulfame K and Saccharin Na recovery rates varied among different commercially available food samples, ranging from 65-102% and 75-101%, respectively. At the defined operating point, the developed procedure displays conformity with the previously defined requirements for linearity, accuracy, sensitivity, and repeatability. The most accurate assessments of greenness were produced by the GAPI, AES, and AGREE tools. Results from the Red-Green-Blue 12 (RGB 12) algorithm for whiteness and BAGI for blueness indicate that the method is very practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The results of this study could pave the way for more eco-friendly and effective AQbD methods to be used in the future for evaluating various sweeteners using green solvents.

Developments in Emerging Topical Drug Delivery Systems for Ocular Disorders.

According to the current information, using nano gels in the eyes have therapeutic benefits. Industry growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors has been filled by nanotechnology. Traditional ocular preparations have a short retention duration and restricted drug bioavailability because of the eye's architectural and physiological barriers, a big issue for physicians, patients, and chemists. In contrast, nano gels can encapsulate drugs within threedimensional cross-linked polymeric networks. Because of their distinctive structural designs and preparation methods, they can deliver loaded medications in a controlled and sustained manner, enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. Due to their excellent drugloading capacity and biocompatibility, nano-gels outperform other nano-carriers. This study focuses on using nano gels to treat eye diseases and provides a brief overview of their creation and response to stimuli. Our understanding of topical drug administration will be advanced using nano gel developments to treat common ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, bacterial keratitis, and linked medication-loaded contact lenses and natural active ingredients.

Analysis of postoperative complications and long term survival following radical gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer

This study aimed to analyze the complications and long-term survival outcomes in patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, as well as to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative complications. After conducting a comprehensive search within the medical records system, a total of 2508 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Of the 2508 patients, 301 were diagnosed with postoperative complications. The pathological data, postoperative recovery, and survival outcome were compared between complication and control group. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identified the risk factors. According to the Clavien-Dindo grading criteria for postoperative complications, the proportions of grade I, II, III, IV, and V complications following radical gastrectomy were observed to be 28.2%, 42.9%, 19.6%, 8.0%, and 1.3%, respectively. The presence of postoperative complications significantly prolonged the duration of gastrointestinal decompression (P < 0.001), catheter retention (P < 0.001), fasting (P < 0.001), and hospitalization (P < 0.001). Additionally, it had a detrimental impact on survival outcomes. Age > 65years [odds ratio (OR) = 1.378, P = 0.020], presence of diabetes (OR = 2.042, P < 0.001), operative duration > 215 min (OR = 1.450, P = 0.006), intraoperative blood loss > 275 ml (OR = 1.474, P = 0.004), and Roux-en-Y anastomosis for both whole stomach (OR = 1.567, P = 0.021) and distal gastric cancer (OR = 2.083, P = 0.003) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative complications. This study analyzed the complications and survival outcomes following radical gastrectomy, and investigated the predictors for postoperative complications, thereby providing valuable guidance on the prevention and management of surgical complications in gastric cancer.

Development of chitosan/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-based polyelectrolyte complex of dexamethasone for treatment of anterior uveitis

Anterior uveitis is one of the most prevalent forms of ocular inflammation caused by infections, trauma, and other idiopathic conditions if not treated properly, it can cause complete blindness. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) loaded polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of anterior uveitis. DSP-loaded PEC-NPs were formed through complex coacervation by mixing low molecular weight chitosan and the anionic polymer carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The formulations were optimized using Box-Behnken design and evaluated the effect of independent variables: Chitosan concentration, CMC concentration, and pH of chitosan solution on the dependent variables: particle size (PS), Polydispersity Index (PDI), pH of the formulation, and % entrapment efficacy (%EE). The PS, PDI, zeta potential, and pH of the optimized formulation were found 451 ± 82.0995 nm, 0.3807 ± 0.1862, +20.33 ± 1.04 mV and 6.8367 ± 0.0737 respectively. The %EE and drug loading of formulation were 61.66 ± 4.2914% and 21.442 ± 1.814% respectively.In vitrodrug release studies of optimized formulation showed the prolonged release up to 12 h whereas, the marketed formulation showed the burst release 85.625 ± 4.3062% in 1 h and 98.1462 ± 3.0921% at 6 h, respectively. Fourier transform infrared studies suggested the effective incorporation of the drug into the PEC-NPs formulation whereas differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction studies showed the amorphized nature of the drug in the formulation. Transmission electron microscopy study showed self-assembled, nearly spherical, core-shell nanostructures. The corneal permeation study showed higher permeation of the drug from PEC-NPs compared to the marketed formulation. Hen's Eggs test-Chorioallantoic Membrane test of the optimized formulation revealed non-irritant and safe for ocular administration. Therefore, DSP-loaded PEC-NPs are an effective substitute for conventional eye drops due to their ability to increase bioavailability through longer precorneal retention duration and sustained drug release.

Characteristics and impacts of dental implant displacement into the maxillary sinus

Background/purposeDental implants displaced into the maxillary sinus are considered to require surgical removal as the treatment of choice. However, displaced implants have been reported to affect the maxillary sinus in different ways. This study aimed to evaluate characteristics and impacts of dental implant displacement into the maxillary sinus. Materials and methodsFourteen sinuses with displaced implants into the maxillary sinus were included. Demographic data and radiographic images were analyzed, with a focus on the impact of various factors such as demographic data, timing of displacement, duration of retention, and residual bone height on maxillary sinus opacification and sinus wall thickness. ResultsImplants were displaced during or in the early stage after implant placement in 9 cases and after functional loading in 5 cases. Radiographic evaluations showed higher sinus opacification score (P = 0.019) and increased wall thickness (P = 0.198) in cases with displacement after functional loading, although the difference in wall thickness was not statistically significant. When the duration of implant retention in the sinus was longer, higher sinus opacification and sinus wall thickness were observed, although the differences were not statistically significant. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that the timing of displacement significantly influenced maxillary sinus opacification (P = 0.013) and sinus wall thickness (P = 0.013). For all cases, evidence of site preparation and the use of short implants were not observed. ConclusionThis study suggests that adequate pre-implant site preparation and timely intervention are essential to prevent and manage implant displacement into the maxillary sinus.

Construction and application of physical restraint reduction scheme for adult patients after cardiac surgery based on eCASH concept

To construct a physical restraint reduction scheme based on eCASH concept (that is early Comfort using Analgesia, minimal Sedatives and maximal Human care for adult patients after cardiac surgery, and intervene, and to evaluate its effectiveness. A non-synchronous case-control study was conducted. A total of 486 patients after cardiac surgery admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care Unit (ICU) of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from July to October 2022 were enrolled as subjects. According to the implementation time node of the physical restraint reduction scheme, 250 patients admitted from July to August were served as the control group, and 236 patients admitted from September to October were served as the observation group. The control group adopted the routine physical restraint nursing process, including selecting the appropriate restraint device according to the patient's condition and consciousness and following the doctor's advice, and checking on time to prevent adverse reactions. The observation group implemented the physical restraint reduction scheme based on eCASH concept, including preoperative visit, postoperative assessment of whether patients needed physical restraint according to the restraint decision wheel and the physical restraint flow, and adopted personalized nursing programs. The restraint rate, restraint duration, incidence of restraint-related complication (edema of the limbs, redness and swelling of the skin in the restricted area, skin rupture, etc.), restraint device application standard rate, delirium rate and incidence of unplanned extubation event were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference in age, gender, cardiopulmonary bypass, endotracheal catheter retention duration and operation type between the two groups with comparability. The restraint rate in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [16.95% (40/236) vs. 84.40% (211/250), P < 0.01], and the restraint duration was significantly shorter than that in the control group [hours: 0 (0, 1.0) vs. 7.0 (5.5, 10.0), P < 0.01], the incidence of restraint-related complication and delirium were significantly lower than those in the control group [restraint-related complication: 0.85% (2/236) vs. 1.60% (4/250), delirium: 0% (0/236) vs. 2.80% (7/250), both P < 0.05], and the restraint device application standard rate was significantly higher than that in the control group [100.00% (40/40) vs. 90.52% (191/211), P < 0.05]. No unplanned extubation event occurred in both groups. The physical restraint reduction scheme based on eCASH concept in adult patients after cardiac surgery can effectively reduce the restraint rate and the incidence of restraint-related complication, shorten the restraint duration, reduce the incidence of delirium, improve the standardization of restraint device application, without increasing the incidence of unplanned extubation events.

Development and Validation of a Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Metformin, Tenegliptin, and Pioglitazone in bulk and its Pharmaceutical Dosage Form .

A straightforward, reliable, and thorough approach was created for contemporaneously estimating Teneligliptin, Metformin, and Pioglitazone in solid dosage form. It was conducted by means of Agilent C18 150x4.6mm, 5µ. The mobile phase comprising buffer, acetonitrile, and Methanol (55:35:10 v/v) passed across the column at a pace of 0.9ml/min. The procedure relied on a 0.01N K2HPO4 buffer having a pH of 3.5, which was achieved by diluting an orthophosphoric acid solution. The temperature was kept constant at 30°C—optimized wavelength for Teneligliptin. Metformin and Pioglitazone were 220.0 nm. Retention times of Teneligliptin, Metformin, and Pioglitazone were 2.970 min, 2.395 min, and 3.642 min. %RSD of a system for Teneligliptin, Metformin, and Pioglitazone were 1.3, 0.6, and 1.0, respectively. %RSD of a method for Teneligliptin, Metformin, and Pioglitazone was 0.6 for each drug. The % recovery was 100.43, 100.45, and 100.22% for Teneligliptin, Metformin, and Pioglitazone, accordingly. The regression equations are used to generate the LoD and LoQ values of Teneligliptin, Metformin, and Pioglitazone, and LoD values were 0.016 ppm, 0.26 ppm, 0.42ppm, while LOQ values of Teneligliptin, Metformin and Pioglitazone were 0.048 ppm, 0.78 ppm,1.28 ppm respectively. The regression equation of Teneligliptin was y = 56655x + 920.87. Metformin was y = 14194x + 3082.1 and of Pioglitazone was y = = 41330x + 792.61.Reduced retention durations make the new approach easy and cost-effective for use in routine industrial quality control testing.

Poly-L-lactic acid in the correction of age-related changes in facial skin

Age-related changes in the skin of the face and neck are the result of a number of interrelated biochemical processes occurring in various tissues (dermis and epidermis, subcutaneous fat, musculoskeletal apparatus and bone tissue). Currently, there are a number of minimally invasive techniques to correct age-related changes in the skin of the face, but the discussion regarding the clinical efficacy and duration of retention of the effect in correcting age-related facial changes continues. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is popular with specialists and is used as an effective method of correcting involutive changes in the skin of the face, however, despite the extensive experience of its use, there is not enough research in foreign and domestic literature to study the duration of retention of the effect of drugs based on poly-L-lactic acid. The article presents an analysis of the data of modern literature devoted to the study of the effectiveness of the use of poly-L-lactic acid as a method of correcting age-related changes in the skin of the face.

Efficacy of Double-Lumen Biliary-Enteric Tube in Enteral Nutrition for Patients with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a double-lumen biliary-enteric tube (DBET) for enteral nutrition (EN) in individuals with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a prospectively maintained single-center database, including patients with MOJ. In the intervention group, DBET placement was performed concurrently with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and biliary stenting, followed by postoperative EN (DBET-EN). In the control group, deep vein catheterization was undertaken after endoscopic biliary stenting, and parenteral nutrition (PN) was provided. A multivariable generalized linear model was used to assess the association between DBET-EN and 6-month mortality. Results A total of 74 patients were included in this study, comprising 28 patients in the intervention group (DBET-EN group) and 46 patients in the control group (PN group). Within the 6-month follow-up, 5 patients (17.9%) in the DBET-EN group and 20 (43.5%) in the PN group died. The multivariable generalized linear model demonstrated a significantly reduced 6-month mortality in the DBET-EN group compared to the PN group (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08–0.81, P = 0.020). Secondary outcomes indicated that patients in the DBET-EN group had lower 9-month mortality rates and longer tube retention durations compared to the PN group (all adjusted P < 0.05). Postoperative liver function improved similarly in both groups. At 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) scores and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores were significantly higher in the DBET-EN group than in the PN group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The implementation of DBET for EN in patients in the advanced stage of MOJ proved to be a minimally invasive and safe intervention. It significantly improved patients’ nutritional status and quality of life while reducing mortality.

Capillary container array structures for efficient, energy-saving, and sustainable evaporative cooling and humidification

Evaporative cooling is a widely employed method for air conditioning and heat dissipation, utilizing the phase transition of water to achieve simultaneous cooling and humidification. It relies on high-surface-area solid materials to enhance air-liquid contact upon wetting. However, these water-absorbing materials have drawbacks such as increased air resistance, degradation of water quality, and limited water retention capabilities. This study introduces a novel structure called the capillary container array (CCA) for effective humidification and cooling. The CCA structure overcomes the limitations of traditional methods by incorporating interconnected capillary containers with adjustable spacing and utilizing capillary forces to capture liquid droplets while minimizing the solid component. Compared to commercial paper-based wet curtains, the CCA structure offers significant advantages including strong water retention capabilities, high humidification performance, low air resistance and high pollution resistance. It increases water capacity by 6 times, humidification capacity by 8 %, and temperature drop by 2.2 °C. Moreover, it exhibits a 5-fold longer in water retention duration, a 30 % reduction in air pressure drop and a 3-fold increase in the performance coefficient, and maintains excellent water quality (<1 NTU) over prolonged operation. These advancements make the CCA structure highly promising for various applications in agriculture, industry and environmental conservation.

Impact of blue-collar vs. white-collar occupations on disease burden in psoriatic arthritis patients: A Swiss clinical quality management in rheumatic diseases cohort study

Biomechanical stress may exacerbate inflammation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to investigate disease activity, work disability, and drug response/retention rates in PsA patients among two different occupation’s types: blue-collar workers (BCol) with manual labor versus white-collar workers (WCol) with sedentary occupations. PsA patients registered in the Swiss cohort (SCQM) were classified as BCol or WCol workers and assessed at the initiation of a biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b-/tsDMARD). We compared the baseline characteristics at treatment start and the DAS28-CRP for the 1-year remission. Treatment retention was investigated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders. Of 564 patients, 29% were BCol, and 71% were WCol workers. Baseline disease activity was comparable between both groups. BCol workers were predominantly male (79.8%) and more work disabled at baseline (84.0% vs. 27.9%; p < 0.01). One hundred seventy-four treatment courses (TCs) of 165 PsA patients were included for longitudinal analysis. Occupation did not significantly influence the achievement of DAS28-CRP remission at 1 year. Kaplan–Meier analysis (n = 671) indicated longer retention for BCol workers (mean retention duration: 3.15 years vs. 2.15 years, (p = 0.006). However, adjusted Cox regression analysis did not corroborate these findings. This study indicates that physically demanding occupations correlate with increased rates of work disability among PsA patients, while treatment response seems to be unaffected by the patients’ occupation type. Additional research is required to thoroughly comprehend the relationship between physical workload, disease activity, and treatment outcomes.Key Points• This study indicates that physically demanding occupations correlate with increased rates of work disability among PsA patients.• The treatment response among of PsA patients seems unaffected by the patients’ occupation type.

Report: Establishment of a DNA Fingerprinting Database in the United Arab Emirates

DNA fingerprinting represents a pivotal advancement in forensic science since the 1980s. Recognizing its significance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented the first law pertaining to this technology through Federal Decree by Law No. (39) of 2023, titled ‘Concerning the Regulation of the Federal DNA Fingerprinting Database’. This law came into effect on 1 November 2023. The report will delve into the concept of DNA fingerprinting and its database, focusing on the administration of the Federal DNA Fingerprinting Database and its practical applications. The discussion will cover various aspects, including the origins of biological specimens, managing biological samples preservation and execution, the retention duration of DNA fingerprinting, and the measures in place to ensure legal safeguards for genetic fingerprint databases. This brief overview endeavours to offer a concise insight into the legal framework and operational factors concerning DNA fingerprinting in the context of recent legislative changes.

An Insight into Perfusion Anisotropy within Solid Murine Lung Cancer Tumors.

Blood vessels are essential for maintaining tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, yet the tumor vasculature is under a constant state of remodeling. Since the tumor vasculature is an attractive therapeutic target, there is a need to predict the dynamic changes in intratumoral fluid pressure and velocity that occur across the tumor microenvironment (TME). The goal of this study was to obtain insight into perfusion anisotropy within lung tumors. To achieve this goal, we used the perfusion marker Hoechst 33342 and vascular endothelial marker CD31 to stain tumor sections from C57BL/6 mice harboring Lewis lung carcinoma tumors on their flank. Vasculature, capillary diameter, and permeability distribution were extracted at different time points along the tumor growth curve. A computational model was generated by applying a unique modeling approach based on the smeared physical fields (Kojic Transport Model, KTM). KTM predicts spatial and temporal changes in intratumoral pressure and fluid velocity within the growing tumor. Anisotropic perfusion occurs within two domains: capillary and extracellular space. Anisotropy in tumor structure causes the nonuniform distribution of pressure and fluid velocity. These results provide insights regarding local vascular distribution for optimal drug dosing and delivery to better predict distribution and duration of retention within the TME.

Coupling Upscaled Discrete Fracture Matrix and Apparent Permeability Modelling in DFNWORKS for Shale Reservoir Simulation

Modelling non-Darcy flow behaviour in shale rocks, composed of nanometer-sized pores and multi-scale fracture networks, is crucial for various subsurface energy applications. However, incorporating multiple physical mechanisms across numerous scales is not trivial. This work proposes an improved and practical upscaling workflow for coupling an Upscaled Discrete Fracture Matrix (UDFM) model and a pressure-dependent apparent permeability (Kapp) model to capture the effects of non-Darcy flow in multi-scale fractured shale reservoirs.First, a 3D DFN is upscaled into octree-refined continuum meshes, where equivalent rock parameters and rock-fluid functions are defined using the UDFM approach. Then, the flow simulation is coupled with a pressure-dependent Kapp updating scheme using an existing Kapp model and a multiple-restart technique. The effects of non-Darcy flow mechanisms (e.g., slip flow, transitional flow, Knudsen diffusion) are captured. The constructed models are then used to study the impacts of fracture network connectivity and pressure interference on production. The results of this new approach are compared against those obtained from another commercial package while preserving the advantages of DFNWORKS. Neglecting non-Darcy flow behaviours could significantly underestimate gas production and water recovery. It is illustrated that the nanoscale flow mechanisms help to enhance matrix-matrix and matrix-fracture flow. The constructed models are also utilized to study the effects of disconnected or isolated fractures, pressure interference, water retention, and shut-in durations on well performance. The proposed flexible strategies can be adopted in other commercial/open-source fractured-porous-media subsurface-flow simulation frameworks.

Quercetin-Loaded Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) Nanoparticles Attenuate Osteoarthritis by Activating Autophagy via the Pi3k/Akt Signaling.

Osteoarthritis treatment remains a significant clinical challenge. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties, might be utilized to treat OA. However, poor water solubility and short joint retention duration limit its bioavailability and translation to clinical applications. A one-step self-assembly method was utilized to fabricate quercetin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (Qu@ZIF-8) nanoparticles using zinc ions, 2-methylimidazole, and quercetin. In vitro tests showed that Qu@ZIF-8 nanoparticles released pH-responsive agents into chondrocytes, effectively protecting them from interleukin (IL)-induced inflammation and apoptosis, thereby promoting cartilage anabolic activities. These underlying mechanisms revealed a remarkable increase of autophagy in IL-β-treated chondrocytes, followed by the inhibition of the Pi3k/Akt signaling pathway, which contributed to the protective effect of Qu @ZIF-8. By the establishment of medial meniscus instability (DMM) in OA mice, Qu@ZIF-8 substantially improved cartilage structural integrity and chondrocyte status, as well as attenuated OA progression. Importantly, Qu@ZIF-8 outperformed quercetin alone in the treatment of OA due to its control release. The combined research findings indicate that Qu@ZIF-8 shields chondrocytes from inflammation and apoptosis by activating autophagy and repressing the Pi3k/Akt pathway. This investigation may provide new insights for clinically extending the therapy of OA.

Are gaps in rates of retention on buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder closing among veterans across different races and ethnicities? A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionThe U.S. Veterans Health Administration has undertaken several initiatives to improve veterans' access to and retention on buprenorphine because it prevents overdose and reduces drug-related morbidity. We aimed to determine whether improvements in retention duration over time was equitable across veterans of different races and ethnicities. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted among veterans who initiated buprenorphine from federal fiscal years (FY) 2006 to 2020 after diagnosis of opioid use disorder. Using an accelerated failure time model, we estimated the association between time to buprenorphine discontinuation and FY of initiation, race and ethnicity, and other control covariates. We followed veterans from buprenorphine initiation until they discontinued or had a censoring event. We then estimated the predicted median days retained on buprenorphine, the average marginal effect of initiating in a later FY, the same measure by race and ethnicity, the incremental effect of the various racial and ethnic identities in contrast to non-Hispanic White, and the total change in the size of the gap over the 15 years of the study between veterans with a minoritized racial or ethnic identity compared to non-Hispanic White veterans. ResultsMost of the 31,797 veterans in the sample were non-Hispanic White (74.5 %), from urban areas (83.5 %), male (92.0 %), and had significant comorbidities, most frequently anxiety disorders (51.0 %) and depression (63.0 %). Overall, 49.8 % of veterans were retained at least 180 days. The average marginal effect of FY was 7.0 days [95%CI:5.3, 8.8] but was significantly smaller among veterans identifying as Black or African American [3.2 days; 95%CI:2.4, 4.1] or Asian [3.6 days; 95%CI:1.6, 5.7] compared to veterans who identify as non-Hispanic White [7.9 days; 95%CI:5.9, 9.9]. Additional measures of change were significant for veterans identifying as Hispanic White or with two or more races. ConclusionAlthough buprenorphine retention in OUD treatment improved for all veterans over the 15-year study period, veterans from most minoritized racial and ethnic groups fell further behind as gains in duration on therapy accrued primarily to non-Hispanic White veterans. Targeted interventions addressing specific challenges experienced by veterans with minoritized identities are needed to close gaps in retention on buprenorphine.

Hungarian legislation regarding implementing a forensic DNA elimination database

The inception of forensic DNA elimination database represents a pivotal advancement in forensic science, aiming to streamline the process of distinguishing between DNA found at crime scenes and that of individuals involved in the investigation process, such as law enforcement personnel and forensic lab staff. In subsequent phases, once familiarity with the database is achieved by its administrators and other stakeholders, and they have accrued sufficient experience, the possibility of expanding the database to encompass first responders—including firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency services personnel—can be contemplated. Key challenges in managing these databases encompass the grounds for collecting samples, ensuring the integrity of both samples and profiles, along with the duration of retention, access to the database, and the protocols to follow when a match is found in the database. This paper outlines the conceptual and detailed legislative framework in Hungary, where the forensic DNA elimination database was introduced in 2022.

Copper as an Electron Hunter for Enhancing Bi2O2CO3 Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion to Formate.

Cu-doped Bi2O2CO3 catalyst with copper (Cu) acting an electron hunter for conversion of carbon dioxide into formate is developed. The Cu-Bi2O2CO3 catalyst with hollow microsphere structure extends the duration of CO2 retention on the catalyst, providing a greater number of active sites. It exhibits remarkable performance with conversion efficacy of 98.5% and current density of 800mA cm-2 across a wide potential window (-0.8 to -1.3V vs RHE). Density functional theory investigations reveal that the presence of copper (Cu) significantly enhances the charge density at the active sites and influences the local electronic structure of bismuth (Bi), thereby reducing the energy barrier associated with the transformation of *OCHO species into formate.

High optical contrast, dual-responsive, wearable photochromic fibers for smart textile engineering

Smart textiles exhibiting responsiveness to external light stimuli show a great scope of applications in personalized decorations and intelligent wearable devices, among others. It's both rewarding and challenging to build wearable indicators based on fibers with high contrast and versatility to monitor the state of the external environment while maintaining good conformability and breathability for practical use. Here, we have integrated spiropyran photochromic compound (SP) into the spinning solution with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and aqueous polyurethane (WPU), and developed fibers by wet spinning featuring photochromic and photofluorescent dual outputs. Under UV and visible light illumination, the fibers demonstrate significant contrast optical signals, rapid color switching (4 s), long retention duration (7.5 h), as well as good cycling stability (20 times). The photochromic fibers can be used in the form of photochromic wristbands or embroidered on various textiles as flexible wearable UV indicators. Furthermore, the UV-induced fibers also produce pertinent color changes when subjected to acidic and alkaline vapors. We envision that the as-prepared fibers present promising applications in environmental acidity detection and multi-stimulus responsive materials.