EDX Data Research Articles

Boosting ciprofloxacin and indigo carmine dye photodegradation using S-scheme plate-like BiOI@sulfated TiO2 heterojunctions: An understanding of the performance, the degradation route, and DFT computation

Sustainable BiOI/sulfated TiO2 nanocomposites were created for the present study utilizing the environmentally friendly dispersion-ultrasonication technique. Then, their ability to degrade the medication ciprofloxacin (CIP) and indigo carmine coloring (IC) in aquatic water was evaluated. The optimized catalyst 10%BiOI/ST, denoted as 10BOST together with 5BOST, is subjected to thorough characterization together with that of sulfate-free TiO2 (10BOT) to assess their physiochemical, morphological, textural, structural, and elemental composition properties. It is noteworthy that the 10BOST composite achieves remarkable degradation and performs exceptionally well in photocatalytic IC and CIP degradation. In 35 min, it degrades IC to 100%, with a rate constant of 0.066 min−1, which is superior to that of 10BOT (0.054 min−1) in the incidence of visible light and without an oxidizing agent. In CIP, 10BOST yields 85.6% degradation with a rate constant of 0.027 min−1 preceding 0.024 min−1 for 10BOT when potassium persulfate oxidizing agent is present. This exceptional performance is ascribed to the composite's diminished particle diameter, largest pore radius, hydrophilicity, improved light absorption, and the developed heterojunction between ST and BiOI, as demonstrated by XPS, TEM, XRD, EDX and IR data. The effect of sulfation concentration, pH, Ti3+/Ti4+ ratio, and pollutant concentration were studied together with the active species determinations, which revealed that active radicals like SO4•−, •OH, and h+ were well participated in the pollutant's decomposition. Testing for toxicity shows that during CIP breakdown, innocuous hazardous intermediates evolve with a notable 70% mineralization rate in their TOC. Furthermore, 10BOST showed strong stability and reusability. Using DFT simulations, profound insights into the principles underlying the adsorption sites of pollutants, their chemical reactivity, and the arrangement of their electrical charges, and how these factors affect the reaction mechanism on BOST photocatalysts.

Characterization of Historical and Modern Leathers Using FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and Thermal Techniques

Abstract A comprehensive study was conducted on four aged leather pieces of British origin that were utilized in book binding, dating back to the period between 1832 and 1860. The objective of this study was to characterize the thermal, structural, and deterioration properties of these historical leather fragments. Additionally, this study included two newly acquired leather samples of Indian provenance, proposed as potential replacements for this historical leather. The investigative process employed Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Through the FTIR analysis, distinct spectral shifts were identified in the amide A band, indicating a disruption of hydrogen bonding within the aged leather. XRD diffractograms revealed the presence of amorphous phases in the aged leather specimens, signifying the deterioration of their triple helical structure. Notably, DSC analysis provided insight into the denaturation of the collagen-tannin matrix inherent to the historical leather, underlining the transformative effects of time on this intricate material composition. Under SEM analysis, cracks, fibre deterioration, and a general weakening in structural integrity were observed in the aged leather fragments. The EDX data identified one of the new leather samples as chrome-tanned, while the remaining samples exhibited characteristics consistent with vegetable-tanned leather.

Ternary gallide Zr7Pd7–xGa3+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.8): Synthesis, crystal and electronic structures

The new ternary compound Zr7Pd7-xGa3+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.8) was synthesized by arc melting the elements under argon and subsequent annealing the ingots at 870 K for 720 h. The polycrystalline samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the crystal structure of the compound was determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Zr7Pd7Ga3 crystallizes with a ternary version of the Zr7Ni10 type of structure exhibiting statistical mixtures of palladium and gallium atoms on three crystallographically independent nickel sites (oS68, Cmce, a = 12.997(3), b = 9.623(2), c = 9.630(2) Ǻ, Z = 4, R1 = 0.033, wR2 = 0.067 for 719 unique reflections with Io> 2σ(Io) and 48 refined parameters). The crystal structure of Zr7Pd7Ga3 is represented by a 3D Pd–Ga framework built of sinusoidal layers of Pd and Ga stacking along the b axis sandwiching the Zr atoms. The homogeneity range of the compound Zr7Pd7–xGa3+x has been refined from powder XRD and EDX data: 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.8; variation of the lattice parameters is the following: a = 13.0174(8)–12.904(3), b = 9.6306(8)–9.559(8), c = 9.6348(8)–9.700(5) Å. Electronic structure calculations have been performed for an idealized model Zr7Pd10 as well as a model compound Zr7Pd6.5Ga3.5 revealing that the Ga-free Zr7Pd10 is significantly destabilized by strong Pd–Pd anti-bonding interactions. Substitution of Pd by Ga reduces those, stabilizing Zr7(Pd,Ga)10 which features strong heteroatomic bonding between Zr and the Pd/Ga substructure, putting it into the class of polar intermetallics.

Antibacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Eichhornia Crassipes Extract Method

Purpose: Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) production has become more common because of the benefits of the green strategy, which include its ease of use, environmental friendliness, and cheap operating costs. In order to accomplish the goal of green chemistry, the green synthesis process also uses safe solvents like water and ethanol. ZnO NPs are among the metal oxide-NPs used in antibacterial and bioremediation applications. Materials and Methods: Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were used to analyze the green-produced ZnO NPs. Results: ZnO nanoparticles have an average size of 22.89 nm, which is corroborated by FESEM pictures, indicating that the particles are tiny. The excellent purity of ZnO NPs has been confirmed by EDX data. The antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs was assessed against a few dangerous pathogens. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were shown to have an interesting antibacterial action against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria at micromolar concentrations because they exhibit the maximum diameter of inhibition zone at concentrations 100 mg/ml of S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumonia, Acintobacret spp, S. fecalis reaching (27,19,18,17, and 14) mm, respectively while S. pneumonia were resistant.The ZnO NPs recorded at a concentration of 12.5 mg/ml lowest areas of the inhibition zone against the same isolates reaching (16, 11, 11, 12, and 10) mm while S. pneumonia were resistant, respectively, as well. Conclusion: ZnO NPs, since they have excellent antibacterial properties, and are biocompatible, they will open up a new line of inquiry for antibacterial agent research because they are stable, nontoxic, and harmless.

Electrodiagnostic Confirmation of Lumbar Radiculopathy and Its Association With Lumbar Central Canal Stenosis and Neuroforaminal Stenosis.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar neuroforaminal stenosis (LNS) are common diagnoses that plague patients with low back pain. Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) can be used as an adjunct to investigate lower extremity radicular nerve pain and/or neurogenic claudication. However, there are only limited studies discussing the association of these diagnostic tools with radiculopathy. We investigate the association between EDX-confirmed radiculopathy and the degree of LSS and LNS found on MRI. A retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to an outpatient pain medicine clinic who had a documented EDX and lumbar MRI. We used a Pearson chi-square test to compare the severity of radiographic LSS/LNS with EDX data. The data were fit to a multivariable logistic regression model. There were not any statistically significant correlations when comparing EDX evidence of radiculopathy and LSS (p = 0.50), LSS severity (p = 0.54), LNS (p = 0.69), or LNS severity (p = 0.11). We found no significant associations between LSS/LNS severity and EDX findings. The presence and degree of severity of LSS/LNS on MRI were not reliable predictors of EDX findings.

Green synthesis of trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Ziziphus spina-christi plant extract: characterization, statistically experimental designs, and antimicrobial assessment

In this study, Ziziphus spina christi leaves was used to synthesize a trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite by a simple and green method. Many characterizations e.g. FTIR, UV–vis DRS, SEM–EDX, TEM, XRD, zeta-size analysis, and DLS, were used to confirm green-synthesized trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite. The green, synthesized trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited a spherical dot-like structure, with an average particle size of around 7.11 ± 0.67 nm and a zeta potential of 21.5 mV. An extremely homogeneous distribution of signals, including O (79.25%), Cu (13.78%), Zn (4.42%), and Ag (2.55%), is evident on the surface of green-synthetic nanocomposite, according to EDX data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to effectively use an industrially produced green trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite as a potent antimicrobial agent by employing different statistically experimental designs. The highest yield of green synthetic trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite was (1.65 mg/mL), which was enhanced by 1.85 and 5.7 times; respectively, by using the Taguchi approach in comparison to the Plackett–Burman strategy and basal condition. A variety of assays techniques were utilized to evaluate the antimicrobial capabilities of the green-synthesized trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite at a 200 µg/mL concentration against multidrug-resistant human pathogens. After a 36-h period, the tested 200 µg/mL of the green-synthetic trimetallic CuO/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite effectively reduced the planktonic viable counts of the studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which showed the highest percentage of biofilm reduction (98.06 ± 0.93 and 97.47 ± 0.65%; respectively).

A highly effective PANI@(Ce-Er) dual doped ZnO (PCEZ) nanocomposite as UV-light driven photocatalyst for degradation of MB dye: synthesis and characterization

Utilizing ecologically friendly methods to address wastewater concerns is paramount. In this study, we developed novel PANI@(Ce-Er) dual-doped ZnO (PCEZ) nanocomposites using a wet impregnation approach assisted by ultrasound. These composites were thoroughly characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX, UV-DRS, PL, and Impedance Analyzer techniques to assess their structural, optical, and electrical properties. Structural characterization was conducted to analyze the crystalline behavior and chemical composition of the synthesized samples. UV-DRS and PL spectroscopy were utilized to analyze their optical properties. Compared to PANI alone, the PCEZ heterojunction demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic stability and efficiency. Notably, in neutral media, the PCEZ heterojunction exhibited a significant photodegradation efficiency against methylene blue (MB), achieving approximately to 90.13% degradation. Morphology analysis of the synthesized samples and elemental composition was effectively performed using SEM images and EDX data. The UV-DRS investigation aimed to confirm the active contacts of dopant metals with polyaniline backbone chains and assess the energy band gap, which defines the absorption behavior of the photocatalyst. Kinetic studies of methylene blue degradation were characterized using the Pseudo First-Order relation, with the best adjusted R2 value of 0.9947 observed for 50% w/w (PANI@(Ce-Er)-ZnO). The produced PANI@(Ce-Er) dual-doped ZnO nanocomposites show promise as effective photocatalyst for the elimination of methylene blue in aqueous environments.

Exploring the Effect of Particle Loading Density on Respirable Dust Classification by SEM-EDX

Exposure to respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) still poses health risks to miners. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) is a powerful tool for RCMD characterization because it provides particle-level data, including elemental ratios (via the EDX signals) that can enable classification by inferred mineralogy. However, if the particle loading density (PLD) is high on the analyzed substrate (filter sample), interference between neighboring particles could cause misclassification. To investigate this possibility, a two-part study was conducted. First, the effect of PLD on RCMD classification was isolated by comparing dust particles recovered from the same parent filters under both low- and high-PLD conditions, and a set of modified classification criteria were established to correct for high PLD. Second, the modified criteria were applied to RCMD particles on pairs of filters, with each pair having one filter that was analyzed directly (frequently high PLD) and another filter from which particles were recovered and redeposited prior to analysis (frequently lower PLD). It was expected that application of the modified criteria would improve the agreement between mineralogy distributions for paired filters; however, relatively little change was observed for most pairs. These results suggest that factors other than PLD, including particle agglomeration, can have a substantial effect on the particle EDX data collected during direct-on-filter analysis.

Topographic analysis of fiber posts after surface disinfection with different methods

Aims: This study aims to comprehensively examine the surface morphology of fiber posts after undergoing various disinfection methods, utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Materials and Methods: Twenty-one fiber posts were randomly allocated into seven experimental groups, each consisting of three samples. The disinfection methods employed were as follows: GC - no disinfection treatment; GAL - immersion in 70% alcohol, following the manufacturer's recommended protocol; GHP - soaking in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for a duration of 10 minutes; GCL - soaking in 2% chlorhexidine gluconate for a period of five minutes; GAC - 30-second etching with 35% phosphoric acid; GPH - soaking in 10% hydrogen peroxide for a duration of 20 minutes; and GSL - autoclave sterilization. Following the disinfection procedures, SEM was employed to scrutinize the surface topography of the posts, while EDX was utilized to identify the chemical elements present on the sample surfaces. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis was conducted on the SEM images and EDX data. Results: SEM analysis revealed that all groups exhibited regions with epoxy resin-coated fibers alongside sections with exposed glass fibers. Analysis of the EDX data indicated that there were no significant differences in the predominant chemical elements across the groups. Carbon (C) and oxygen (O) registered the highest peaks, followed by silicon (Si), zirconium (Zr), sodium (Na), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca). Conclusions: The disinfection methods under investigation did not induce substantial alterations in the surface morphology of the fiber posts.

Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Studies of Metal Oxides Coupled Nanocomposites

AbstractIn this study, we present a one‐pot synthetic approach for the preparation of metal oxide nanocomposites. Our investigation combines various analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, UV‐vis DRS, PL, XPS, SEM, EDX, and XANES, to comprehensively identify heterogeneous structures: SnO2‐CuO, CuO‐SnO2, NiO‐TiO2, and TiO2‐NiO. These metal oxide‐linked semiconductor solids serve as catalysts for dye photodegradation and exhibit remarkable biological activity. Our research is centered on exploring the photocatalytic potential of SnO2‐CuO nanocomposites while emphasizing the optimization of their photocatalytic and biological activities. This optimization is achieved through the careful incorporation of an ideal quantity of SnO2, as confirmed by EDX data, which reveals the composition as follows: O: 78.58 weight percent (0.525 keV), Cu: 12.61 weight percent (0.954 keV), and Sn: 8.81 weight percent (0.400 keV). Notably, under direct sunlight irradiation, the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B dye surpasses that of pristine CuO, SnO2, TiO2, and NiO nanoparticles. Additionally, we explore the antimicrobial properties of these prepared samples at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 150 μl) against the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Our findings highlight their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents. This research offers a promising method for developing highly active metal‐oxide‐linked nanomaterials, suitable for efficiently removing organic dye contaminants from water systems and showing great potential in antimicrobial applications.

Effect of Pd content in multi-component alloys [CoFeNi]Pdx on their behavior in hydrocarbon-containing atmosphere

Multicomponent metal systems attract growing interest today, especially as catalysts for various processes. In the present work, a series of [CoFeNi]Pdx alloys (equal atomic content of base metals) doped with palladium in the amount of 0–10 at.% were synthesized via thermolysis of multicomponent precursors. The resulting [CoFeNi]Pdx alloys were found to be single-phase solid solutions with a fcc structure represented by agglomerates of grains fused. The performance of the alloys was explored in a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons (C2–C4) within the temperature range of 600–675 °C. As a result of interaction with the reaction mixture, spontaneous disintegration of the alloys containing above 2 at.% Pd occurs with the formation of dispersed particles responsible for the catalytic growth of carbon nanofibers (CNF). The dependence of the productivity of the [CoFeNi]Pdx alloys towards CNFs on the x parameter was studied. The highest CNF yield (YC = 25–46 g/gcat, 30 min) was achieved at an optimal Pd concentration of 8 at.% within the entire temperature range. According to TEM and EDX data, regardless of the reaction temperature and Pd concentration in the alloy, the catalyst particles have the same composition as defined at the synthesis of the alloys. The resulting CoFeNiPd@CNF composite can be considered as a catalyst for other heterogeneous catalysis processes.

Degradation of Methyl Red (MR) dye via fabricated Y2O3–MgO/g-C3N4 nanostructures: Modification of band gap and photocatalysis under visible light

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composites with metal oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3, MgO) and their combination (CN, YCN, MCN and YMCN) were synthesized by an ultrasonic technique and were then characterized by different tools such as UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From the XRD diffractograms of the YMCN ternary composite, the g-C3N4, cubic MgO and Y2O3 structural phases were identified. The morphology of the as prepared nanostructure from the SEM analysis revealed the dispersion of the metal oxides nanoparticles with the graphitic sheets and the presence of the corresponding elements were confirmed by the EDX and XPS data. The FT–IR bands confirmed the bonding of the metal oxides to the nitride host as indicated by the characteristic modes. A reduction of the band gap energies was confirmed by the UV–Vis to indicate its visible light possible photoactivity. Accordingly, its visible light driven photocatalytic performance was assessed for methyl red degradation. The degradation competence was highest for the ternary composite YMCN due to the coupling of the semiconductors which increases the absorption and the charge carriers’ separation as well. The kinetics of degradation was best described by pseudo-first-order, and the most active species were the holes and the hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the YMCN nanocomposite is a visible light-active photocatalyst which can be engaged in the degradation of organic pollutants.

Preparing conductive polymer-based adsorbent with better cupric ion adsorption efficiency by monomer precursor cross-linking method

Abstract Conductive polymer-based adsorbents have showed excellent heavy metal ion removing capabilities. Crosslinking modification is one of the feasible methods to further improve their properties. To make use of the advantages of monomer precursor method over the polymer precursor method in forming dense interpenetrating networks, and then optimizing the surface structure of materials and providing more adsorption sites, the mesoporous cross-linked poly-o-phenylenediamine (M-CR-PoPD) prepared by using the former one and used in removing Cu2+ from aqueous solution. The FTIR results showed that the monomer was successfully crosslinked and polymerized. The loosely packed target product with a hierarchical pore structure distribution was successfully formed. The maximum adsorption capacity of 105.18 mg g−1 was obtained at 25 °C after 3 h of adsorption when M-CR-PoPD prepared at the reaction time of 6 h using anhydrous ethanol as solvent and trimethylolpropane-tris(3-aziridinyl) propionate as crosslinking agent. This value reached the optimum Cu2+ removal capability of reported PoPD-based adsorbents. According to EDX, FTIR, and XPS data before and after adsorption, the possible adsorption mechanism based on the cation-π interaction and the formation of Cu–N bonds was proposed. These results could help develop more effective conductive polymer-based adsorbents to remove Cu2+ from wastewater.

Clinical, Electrodiagnostic, and Ultrasound Findings in 87 Patients With Finger Drop.

The inability to extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints leads to finger drop. While wrist drop and foot drop are well recognized, the causes of finger drop are poorly understood. This study describes the clinical, electrodiagnostic (EDX), and ultrasound (US) features in patients with finger drop. This is a retrospective study of 87 patients presenting with finger drop and referred for EDX studies during the past 10 years.We analyzed the clinical picture, EDX data, and US findings.The patients were categorized into global (all five digits) or partial (limited to 1-4 digits) finger drop. Fifty-six(64%) patients had global finger drop, while 31 (36%) had partial finger drop.The frequent cause of finger drop was Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) (29 [33%]), followed by trauma (23 [26%]), cervical radiculopathy (16 [18%]), extensor tendon rupture (four [4%]), and compression/entrapment (two [2%]).In 13 (15%) patients, no cause was identified. A total of 13/16 (81%) patients with cervical radiculopathy and four of the patients with tendon rupture had partial finger drop, while 52/64 (81%) with posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) neuropathy had global finger drop. Of the 16 patients who experienced cervical radiculopathy as the cause of the finger drop, 15 patients had C7 and C8 radiculopathy and one patient had C7 radiculopathy. EDX studies of patients with PTS revealed partial axon loss in 18 (62%) patients, conduction block in eight (28%), and total axon loss in four (14%).Enlarged fascicles were observed by US in 40% of patients with PTS.EDX studies of patients who sustained iatrogenic nerve injury causing finger drop demonstrated total axon loss in six (46%) patients, partial axon loss in four (31%), demyelination in two(15%), and conduction block in two (15%). PIN neuropathy is the most common cause of finger drop, however, lesser-known causes such as cervical radiculopathy and extensor tendon rupture should also be considered.Global finger drop is suggestive of PIN neuropathy, while partial finger drop occurs more often in cervical radiculopathy and tendon rupture.EDX and US studies provide valuable information for localizing the lesion site and may reveal the cause of the finger drop.

Copper removal efficacy and stress tolerance potential of Leptolyngbya sp. GUEco1015

Cyanobacteria, a group of microalgae are the potent organism having the ability to survive in the copper rich environment and recently gained too much attention for their profuse proliferation in such water bodies. Amongst the members of cyanobacteria, the current study was conducted on Leptolyngbya sp. GUEco1015, collected from hydrocarbon rich water bodies of Assam, India. Morphological images of treated samples showed a remarkable damage in the cell surface as well as the organelles over the control. Biochemical results revealed a significant increase of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants during oxidative damage of Cu2+. But, ascorbate in 1.2 ppm (p < 0.01), 1.5 ppm (p < 0.001) and catalase content 1.5 ppm (p < 0.05) showed a significant reduction after a certain level. The cells were optimized to evaluate the maximum Cu2+ removal potential by the cells related to growth. Initial metal concentration 0.1 ppm, pH 7.5, temperature 25 °C and shaking rate 100 rpm are the optimized abiotic parameters which showed maximum 83% of Cu2+ removal. FTIR spectroscopy and EDX data has identified a number of notable functional groups that were involved in Cu2+ binding mechanism and revealed a distinctive peak of Cu with 0.41 wt % which makes the species as one of the competent copper adsorbents.

Sunlight-activated Mo-doped La2CuO4/rGO perovskite oxide nanocomposite for photocatalytic treatment of diverse dyes pollutant

The pristine La2CuO4, Mo-doped, and rGO-supported nanocomposites were fabricated by a simple Pechini route. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the fabrication of the perovskite structure. The XRD results exhibit that the prepared products have no impurities and the dopant element is successfully incorporated into the perovskite material. FESEM images exhibit the morphology of synthesized perovskite material. EDX data showed the existence of lanthanum, copper, molybdenum, carbon, and oxygen in grown material. The energy band gap of the rGO-based composite was narrow compared with other samples. The photodegradation capability of the rGO-base catalyst was achieved 99.4 % (MB), 98.8 % (MO), 99.35 % (MR), 98.7 % (RhB), and 99.6 % (SO) in 75 min under natural sunlight illumination. The scavenger experiment revealed that superoxide and hydroxyl radicals are active species during the decolorization reaction. Moreover, this catalyst is stable for six cycles. The synthesized perovskite is an effective material for water purification and environmental remediation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Carbonate Hydroxyapatite from Pokea Clam Shells (&lt;i&gt;Batissa Violacea Var. Celebensis&lt;/i&gt;) by Precipitation and Hydrothermal Methods

Hydroxyapatite Carbonate (CHA) is a material that is found to have a composition more similar to bone, with a higher bioactivity than Hydroxyapatite (HA). CHA was synthesized using precipitation and hydrothermal methods using (NH4)2HPO4 as a phosphate source, NH4HCO3 as a carbonate source, and Pokea shells as a calcium source. In this study, the Pokea shells were crushed, calcined, and characterized based on physicochemical tests. CaO from Pokea shell contains 74.33% calcium. CHA was successfully produced by precipitation method at room temperature and hydrothermal at 120 C for 8 h. Sample characterization was carried out using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Based on XRD data, there are differences in the crystal size of CHA produced via precipitation and hydrothermal methods, where the crystal sizes of Precipitation CHA-1 and Hydrothermal CHA-2 are 6.388 nm and 25.969 nm. The FTIR results of both CHA show the functional groups typical of CHA, namely OH-, CO, CaO, PO43-, and CO32-. From the Ca/P EDX data results, Precipitation CHA-1 and Hydrothermal CHA-2 do not differ much, namely 1.71 and 1.69, and this value indicates that CHA has been formed.

Fabrication of bimetallic Ag@ZnO nanocomposite and its anti-cancer activity on cervical cancer via impeding PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

IntroductionBimetallic nanoparticles, specifically Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silver (Ag), continue to much outperform other nanoparticles investigated for a variety of biological uses in the field of cancer therapy. This study introduces biosynthesis of bimetallic silver/zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag@ZnO NCs) using the Crocus sativus extract and evaluates their anti-cancer properties against cervical cancer. MethodsThe process of generating bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs), namely Ag@ZnO NCs, through the utilization of Crocus sativus extract proved to be uncomplicated and eco-friendly. Various methods, such as UV–vis, DLS, FTIR, EDX, and SEM analyses, were utilized to characterize the generated Ag@ZnO NCs. The MTT assay was employed to assess the cytotoxic properties of biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs against the HeLa cervical cancer cell line. Moreover, the impact of Ag@ZnO NCs on HeLa cells was assessed by examining cell survival, ROS production, MMP levels, and induced apoptosis. Through western blot analysis, the expression levels of the PI3K, AKT, mTOR, Cyclin D, and CDK proteins seemed to be ascertained. Using flow cytometry, the cancer cells' progression through necrosis and apoptosis, in addition to the cell cycle analysis, were investigated. ResultsBimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs that were biosynthesized showed a high degree of stability, as demonstrated by the physicochemical assessments. The median size of the particles in these NCs was approximately 80–90 nm, and their zeta potential was –14.70 mV. AgNPs and ZnO were found, according to EDX data. Further, Ag@ZnO NCs hold promise as a potential treatment for cervical cancer. After 24 hours of treatment, a dosage of 5 µg/mL or higher resulted in a maximum inhibitory effect of 58 ± 2.9. The concurrent application of Ag/ZnO NPs to HeLa cells resulted in elevated apoptotic signals and a significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a result, the bimettalic Ag@ZnO NCs treatment has been recognized as a chemotherapeutic intervention by inhibiting the production of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR-mediated regulation of propagation and cell cycle-regulating proteins. ConclusionsThe research yielded important insights into the cytotoxic etiology of biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs against HeLa cells. The biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs have a significant antitumor potential, which appears to be associated with the development of oxidative stress, which inhibits the development of the cell cycle and the proliferation of cells. Therefore, in the future, biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs may be used as a powerful anticancer drug to treat cervical cancer.

Growth of copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) dual atom catalysts over graphene variants as active anodes for clean oxygen generation: Integrative experimental and computational validation

The development of atomically precise metals on the surface of graphene has led to superior electrocatalytic properties for the clean oxygen production. In this study, Cu single-atom and NiCu dual-atom catalysts supported on different graphene variants were effectively developed as electrocatalysts for the production of clean oxygen. Various techniques, including XRD, SEM, Raman, HR-TEM, EXAFS and XPS, were used to characterize these synthesized electrocatalysts. The extent of reduction in graphene oxide (GO) support was confirmed using Raman analysis which demonstrated a greater ID/IG-apparent intensity ratio, indicating that the GO (ID/IG=0.9) has more sp3-hybridized carbon with respect to the rGO (ID/IG= 0.6). The HR-TEM analysis with EDX and STEM data confirmed the dispersion of Cu and NiCu dimer over the surface of graphene variants. XPS and EXAFS studies revealed predominant metallic nature of Cu and NiCu dimer with the synergistic interplay between the constituent atoms. Copper-nickel dimer catalyst supported on reduced graphene oxide (CuNi/rGO) demonstrated the best electrocatalytic performance, where a lower overpotential of 320 mV was observed to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with lowest Tafel slope of 110 mV/dec for oxygen evolution reaction. Good stability was observed after 1000 CV cycles and 50 h of electrolysis in 1.0 M KOH electrolytic solution at an oxidation potential of 1.62 V (vs RHE). Control experiments were also performed using borosilicate pyrex glass and Teflon made electrochemical cells in order to over rule the probable involvement of leached out impurities in OER reaction under extreme alkaline conditions. The calculations obtained from Density Functional Theory (DFT) suggest that the dual-atom catalysts have lower overpotential (0.33 V at Cu-site) with respect to the single-atom catalysts, which agreed well with the experimental results. Also, the Cu-site OER was found to have lower overpotential (0.33 V) than the Ni-site (0.47 V). Thus, this study can provide valuable insights into developing low-cost dual-atom electrocatalysts, where the synergism between constituent elements in the dimer and their stabilization by graphene matrix can be exploited for various electrochemical reactions.

Electrodiagnostic reporting preferences of referring physicians: An exploratory survey.

Electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies play a crucial role in the evaluation of patients with peripheral nervous system disorders. Accurate and succinct communication of test results is critical to patient safety and clinical decision-making. The objective of this study was to explore EDX reporting preferences of referring physicians to improve quality of communication and patient care. An online survey was developed, and a purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit physicians in the authors' professional networks. Quantitative and qualitative survey data underwent frequency and thematic analyses, respectively. There were 40 respondents, including: 21 non-surgical specialists, 12 surgical specialists, and 7 family physicians. Sections rated as most critical were diagnostic impression (97%) and summary/interpretation (72%). Only 18% reported numeric data as critical to their needs, preferring this data to be formatted as bullet points or tables without nerve conduction study waveforms. Regarding the format of the data summary and diagnostic impression sections, the majority of respondents preferred bullet points rather than paragraphs. The results of this exploratory survey suggest that physicians who refer patients for EDX studies prefer reports that emphasize the interpretation of EDX data and a clear diagnostic impression, particularly in bullet point format. This project highlights important preferences and how they compare to recommended reporting guidelines, which may help improve communication and ultimately patient care. Future efforts should explore larger sample sizes with all key stakeholders in the EDX process to better understand reporting styles and preferences with greater nuance and context.