Ethanol Solution Research Articles

Radiolytic degradation of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) in some organic solvents by gamma rays: The kinetic properties of complete dechlorination of TCB and its pathway

This study investigates the degradation of TCB in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions using gamma radiolysis. Kinetic properties of TCB dechlorination and its pathway are examined, with TCB selected as a representative chlorinated organic compound. Chromatograms of irradiated samples and mass spectra of liquid-phase products are presented. The change in concentration of TCB, dichlorobenzenes (DCB), chlorobenzene (MCB), and benzene with absorbed doses are observed. The radiation-chemical yield (G values) of TCB in the solvents are calculated as 1.83, 2.56, 1.93, and 1.84 100eV−1 in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions, respectively. 100 % degradation of TCB by gamma irradiation is found to be efficient in polar solvents but leads to a wide variety of byproducts in low polar solvents, particularly the formation of polychlorinated biphenyls in TCB + benzene solutions, making benzene an incompatible medium. The main dechlorination pathway of TCB involves the formation of 1,4-DCB, MCB, and benzene.Environmental Implication.The gamma irradiation of chlorinated organic compounds, focusing on TCB as a model compound, was investigated due to its status as a hazardous material for the environment and living organisms. TCB is a byproduct of the dechlorination of certain chlorinated pesticides listed under the Stockholm Convention's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) list, which prohibits their production and use. Gamma irradiation was found to be an effective method for the degradation of chlorinated compounds, achieving 100 % degradation during irradiation. The study underscores the potential of gamma irradiation as a viable approach for the treatment of chlorinated compounds, particularly in addressing environmental and health concerns associated with TCB and related compounds.

Validation of the extinction probe trial as a measure of motivation in male and female Long Evans rats.

Ethanol self-administration is governed by appetitive and consummatory behaviors. The sipper model procedurally separates these behaviors by training rats to meet a response requirement within 20 min to obtain continuous access to a sipper tube for an additional 20 min. Variations of this paradigm have been developed to quantify appetitive strength by evaluating lever presses during an extinction probe trial (EPT) or by deriving a break point (BP) from a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. However, no study has assessed the relationship between these tasks, within subjects, in both sexes. Male and female rats (n = 16) were trained to meet a response requirement of 20 to access a slightly sweetened ethanol solution (10% ethanol + 1% sucrose). Two EPTs, during which no operant behavior was reinforced, were interleaved between 18 reinforced sessions. Next, rats completed an across-session PR schedule, where the response requirement increased each session. BP was defined as the highest completed response requirement. We then replicated the methodology in the same subjects responding for a 3% sucrose solution. Finally, the experiment was replicated in a separate cohort of rats (n = 24) trained to a response requirement of 4 to earn access to the ethanol solution and paradigm order (EPT vs. PR) was counterbalanced. We report strong, positive correlations between average EPT lever presses and BP across all experiments. No sex differences were observed in appetitive behaviors. However, the two cohorts revealed mixed results when assessing sex differences in consummatory measures. This study further validates the EPT as a measure of motivation and suggests that similar levels of motivation exist to procure alcohol in males and females. The findings complement the literature showing that appetitive and consummatory processes are distinct and thus should be independently assessed in self-administration paradigms.

Linalool-zinc oxide nanocomposite controls Toxoplasma gondii infection through inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and pathogenicity.

The present in vitro and in vivo study aimed to fabricate and characterize linalool-zinc oxide nanoparticles (Lin-ZNP) and evaluate their effectiveness against Toxoplasma gondii infection in terms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and pathogenicity. Lin-ZNP was synthesized using an ethanolic solution of polyvinyl alcohol. The anti-Toxoplasma and cytotoxicity activities of Lin-ZNP were investigated, along with its effects on nitric oxide (NO) production, caspase-3 activity, and pro-inflammatory genes. After treating T. gondii-infected mice with Lin-ZNP for 14 days, the number and size of tissue cysts, antioxidant potential, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and T. gondii pathogenicity-related genes were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The Lin-ZNP composite showed a reduced tendency with an average size of 105 nm. Lin-ZNP significantly reduced the viability of tachyzoites. The obtained selectivity index higher than 10, indicating high specificity for parasites with low cytotoxicity to normal cells. The Lin-ZNP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the production of NO, caspase-3 activity, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory genes. Lin-ZNP significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the size and number of tissue cysts and caused a significant reduction in the level of malondialdehyde and a considerable increase (p < 0.001) in antioxidant enzymes and their expression genes. Lin-ZNP significantly downregulated both mRNA and protein expression of the inflammation-related markers associated with the TLRs/NF-κB pathway. The expression levels of the T. gondii pathogenicity-related genes were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). The recent survey indicated that Lin-ZNP manages T. gondii infection by its antioxidant activity and inhibiting the TLRs/NF-κB pathway without toxicity in mice.

Adsorption, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of natural curcumin dye on cotton and polyamide fabric and the liberation of its active principle

AbstractThe increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability and the demand for eco‐friendly practices have led to a surge in interest in natural products, particularly natural dyes, across industries, including textiles. Curcumin, extracted from the turmeric plant, has gained widespread application not only for its vibrant colour characteristics but also for numerous therapeutic properties, serving as an antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory agent, and promoting wound‐healing effects. This study aims to understand the physical and chemical phenomena associated with the adsorption and desorption of turmeric extract and its active principles on cotton and polyamide fibres through mathematical models, with the goal of expanding textile applications. Dyeing experiments revealed adsorption equilibrium times of less than 25 min for both fibres, with the pseudo‐second‐order model providing the best fit for dyeing kinetics, suggesting control through the chemisorption process. The Freundlich model better suited cotton adsorption isotherms (R2 = 0.778), while the Langmuir model fit well for polyamide (R2 = 0.981). Thermodynamic parameters indicated non‐spontaneous interactions between curcumin and cotton, with an endothermic process, and an exothermic and spontaneous process for polyamide. Friction and water tests indicated greater colour resistance for polyamide, with grades exceeding 4. Desorption tests in 100% ethanol solution showed a total release of only 0.88% and 0.97% for polyamide and cotton, respectively, sustained for 12 h, fitting the Higuchi mathematical model, indicating a purely diffusive release process. These results demonstrate the potential of curcumin dye for achieving high dye exhaustion percentages in natural and synthetic fabrics and sustained release properties.

Antifungal activity test of Dewandaru leaf extract (Eugenia uniflora L) against Candida in otomycosis

Background: Tropical climate conditions and a lack of public awareness about maintaining environmental cleanliness mean that infectious diseases are still a major health problem in Indonesia. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are pathogenic organisms that cause infections. Fungal infections receive less attention because they are rarely fatal for the sufferer. Fungal infections in the ear, known as otomycosis, are often caused by Candida fungi. The Dewandaru plant (E. uniflora L) as a type of plant that is widely used for traditional medicine in the community is known to have antifungal potential. This plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and tannins which have antifungal properties. Method: The method used in this research was experimental research with a post test only control group design on C. albicans test material. The positive control was 1% Clotrimazole suspension and the negative control was 96% ethanol solution. Result: Research showed that there was an inhibitory effect of E. uniflora L leaf extract in concentrations of 100%, 90% and 80% against the Candida albicans fungus. Average diameter of the inhibitory area of leaf extract E. uniflora L concentrations of 100%, 90% and 80% respectively were 22.2 mm; 19.0mm; and 18.0 mm, while the average diameter of the 1% Clotrimazole inhibition area was 31.8 mm. Conclusion: There is an inhibitory effect of Dewandaru leaf extract (E. uniflora L) in concentrations of 100%, 90% and 80% against the Candida albicans fungus.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, FTIR CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF DOUM PALM (HYPHAENE THEBAICA)

The doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica), a native of northern Africa, is an oval, edible fruit that grows on desert palm trees. It grows extraordinarily well in the northern part of Nigeria as well. It is a member of the palm family Arecaceae. The optimal process for making an aqueous extract from raw doum fruit was determined using the extraction methods. The crushed doum fruit is soaked for 12 days at room temperature in a solution of methanol and ethanol. The plant's crude pericarp powder was used in the new study's phytochemical screening procedure using conventional phytochemical techniques. Tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenes, and terpenoids were found in the extract in low and moderate concentrations, according to the phytochemical examination. To get high-spectral-resolution data over a broad spectral range, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized. Doum palm plants are a highly significant source of bioactive components that may be helpful in the creation of novel chemotherapeutic drugs. The results of FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of O-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, C-O, and C-H functional groups. The result shows the frequencies of 3268 cm-1, 2925 cm-1, 1719 cm-1, 1607 cm-1, 1443 cm-1 and 1287 cm-1 from Methanol extract and 3283 cm-1, 2925 cm-1, 1719 cm-1, 1611 cm-1, 1104 cm-1 and 992 cm-1 from Ethanol extract. The microbial activity of the doum palm fruit extract has shown a greater effect on Salmonella typhi and Escheria coli at high concentration of about both microbial organism but no effect at lower concentration of...

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF SOME HYDRAZONES SYNTHESIZED FROM NICOTINIC ACID HYDRAZIDE

N’-(2-pyridinylmethylene)nicotinohydrazide A, N’-(4-pyridinylmethylene)nicotinohydrazide B, N’-(2- ethoxybenzylidene)nicotinohydrazide C, N’-(4- ethoxybenzyldene)nicotinohydrazide D and N’-(2-hydroxyl-5-methoxybenzylidene)nicotinohydrazide E, was prepared by refluxing the ethanolic solution of nictonic acid hydrazide and ethanolic solutions of 2-pyridinrcarboxaldehyde, 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, 2-ethoxybenzaldehyde, 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde in 1:1 mole ratio for 4 hours in a separate reactions. The compounds obtained had a melting point between (120-236 oC) and a percentage yield between (52.38-77.70 %). They were crystalline solids. The compounds' solubility were assessed in water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, diethyl ether, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethyl acetate, and chloroform. The substances were discovered to be fully soluble in DMSO and methanol. FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR were used for the characterization of the compounds. The antibacterial and antifungal properties were tested against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, S. aureus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, A. nigre, A. flavus, and C. albicans. The zones of inhibitions ranged from 22 to 28 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were found to be 0.063 mg/mL, 0.125 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL respectively. These indicated that the compounds might be good potential drug candidates.

Therapeutic Effects of 30 nm Cyclosporin A-Loaded Nanoparticles Using PLGA-PEG-PLGA Triblock Copolymer for Transdermal Delivery in Mouse Models of Psoriasis

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) triblock copolymers (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) as a drug carrier in the treatment of psoriasis. Nanoparticles containing cyclosporin A (CsA) were prepared, and their cytotoxicity and skin irritation properties were investigated. These results revealed that the nanoparticles themselves had no obvious cytotoxicity or skin irritation effects. Furthermore, it was shown that loading CsA into nanoparticles promoted its cellular uptake. The therapeutic effect of CsA-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles on psoriasis was evaluated using a mouse model of psoriasis induced by imiquimod. In psoriatic skin, we confirmed that nanoparticles penetrate deep into the skin. Furthermore, it was suggested that by using PLGA-PEG-PLGA, drug carriers could reach the dermal layer, which is the target site for psoriasis treatment. The observation of skin sections after the treatment experiment showed that excessively proliferated keratinocytes were restored to an almost normal state by using PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles as drug carriers. Additionally, the quantitative measurement results for cytokines revealed that the levels of TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-22 were significantly decreased compared with those of the group to which CsA suspended in a 20% ethanol solution was administered. These results indicate that PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles are promising drug carriers for the transdermal administration of CsA.

A unique variation of the common peroneal nerve: a case report

This variation was observed in the left lower extremity of a 75-year-old male cadaver fixed with formalin, ethanol and glycerol solution. The common peroneal nerve was divided into six terminal branches. These branches were identified as deep peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, two muscular branches to the tibialis anterior and two muscular branches to the peroneus longus. Knowledge of the variations of the common peroneal nerve and its branches is important in knee and proximal leg operations.

Hesperidin as a Species-Specific Modifier of Aphid Behavior.

Hesperidin is a highly bioactive natural flavonoid whose role in ecological interactions is poorly known. In particular, the effects of hesperidin on herbivores are rarely reported. Flavonoids have been considered as prospective biopesticides; therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of hesperidin on the host plant selection behavior of three aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) species: Acyrthosiphon pisum Harrris, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), and Myzus persicae (Sulz.). The aphid host plants were treated with 0.1% and 0.5% ethanolic solutions of hesperidin. Aphid probing behavior in the no-choice experiment was monitored using electropenetrography and aphid settling on plants in the choice experiment was recorded. The results demonstrated that hesperidin can be applied as a pre-ingestive, ingestive, and post-ingestive deterrent against A. pisum, as an ingestive deterrent against R. padi, and as a post-ingestive deterrent against M. persicae using the relatively low 0.1% concentration. While in A. pisum the deterrent effects of hesperidin were manifested as early as during aphid probing in peripheral plant tissues, in M. persicae, the avoidance of plants was probably the consequence of consuming the hesperidin-containing phloem sap.

ION-PAIR CONVERSION THERMODYNAMICS IN ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS OF HYDROGEN HALIDES

The calculation of thermodynamic characteristics of dissociation of contact and solvent-separated ion pairs into ions, conversion of contact ion pairs into solvent-separated ion pairs of ionogens HCl, HBr and HI in n-alcohols from methyl alcohol to n-octyl alcohol by the method described earlier for the systems HCl – n-alcohol in the same solvents at the same temperatures was carried out. The following regularities were established in this work: a) positive values of the change in the Gibbs energy of dissociation (ΔdisG°) of contact and solvent-separated ion pairs increase in the case of increasing temperature and the number of carbon atoms in the n-alcohol molecule and decreasing radius of the halide ion, and their sign and magnitude are determined by the entropic component (–TΔdisS°). In this case, the values of ΔdisG° of contact ion pairs exceed the same values for ion pairs separated by solvent; b) the values of the Gibbs energy change (ΔconvG°) for the studied ionogens HCl, HBr, and HI are also positive, except for the values of ΔconvG° of ionogens in methanol and HBr solutions in ethanol. In these cases, the ΔdisG° values for solvent-separated ion pairs exceed the same values for contact ion pairs, and the ΔconvG° values are negative. With increasing temperature and radius of the halide ion, ΔconvG° become more negative, and vice versa with increasing hydrocarbon radical; c) the concentration of contact ion pairs increases in the methanol – n-octanol series for all ionogens, decreases slightly with increasing temperature and radius of the anion, and varies from ~30% (methanol) to ~95% (n-octanol). In methanol, solvent-separated ion pairs predominate; in alcohols from n-propyl to n-octyl, contact ion pairs predominate, i.e., deconversion of ion pairs occurs.

Ecological packaging: Creating sustainable solutions with all-natural biodegradable cellulose materials

Plastics, accumulating globally as microplastics in living organisms, significantly contribute to environmental issues. Current materials like polylactic acid and commercial paper face limitations due to inadequate heat and water resistance, resulting in various practical inconveniences. This study reports a high-strength, water-resistant, recyclable, and naturally degradable pure cellulose food packaging material, which is crafted from bacterial cellulose (BC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) by a straightforward filtration and scratch coating process. The use of the EC ethanol solution eliminates the need for additional binders. Remarkably, the EC-BC pure cellulose material exhibits excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 195.3 ± 23.2 MPa), a stability in liquid environments (136.9 ± 24.2 MPa mechanical strength after 30 minutes of immersion in water), recyclability, natural degradability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxicity. These attributes position binder-free hybrid designs, based on cellulose structures, as a promising solution to address environmental challenges arising from the extensive use of single-use plastics.

Periodical alternation between precipitation and dissolution of camphor solid film on an ethanol solution.

Rhythmic behaviors are generally observed in nonlinear chemical reactions such as the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction and enzymatic reactions. Similarly, a simple phase change can also lead to rhythmic behavior. It has been reported previously that camphor solid films alternate between generation and disappearance on ethanol (EtOH) solution, and a phenomenological mechanism has been suggested for this. The evaporation of EtOH decreases the temperature on the surface of the solution via vaporization heat and induces precipitation in the camphor solid film. At this time, the film prevents evaporation, and thus, the surface temperature increases due to thermal diffusion from the atmosphere, resulting in dissolution of the solid film. To verify the previously suggested phenomenological mechanism, we controlled the evaporation rate of EtOH using a porous plastic cover. As a result, the period of oscillation increased with decreasing pore diameter, and finally, the oscillation did not occur without pore in the cover, where the camphor solid film was not observed. Additionally, a new mathematical model was proposed, and the numerical calculations agreed well with experimental observations. Linear stability and bifurcation analyses revealed the detailed mechanism of this phenomenon, which agreed well with the phenomenological explanation mentioned above.

Umbilical Cord Care - Impact of National Recommendations

Objectives −To analyze the current umbilical cord (UC) care practice in Slovenia and to evaluate the impact of national UC care recommendations by comparing the UC care practice before and after their introduction.Materials and Methods − A questionnaire covering the complete UC care was sent to medical nurses and midwifes involved in UC care in primary-level pediatric centers, health visiting and parent education services (outpatient group) and secondary and tertiary-level pediatric centers (inpatient care group) in Slovenia. Three different clinical conditions of the newborn’s umbilicus, i.e. healthy umbilicus (HU), umbilicus at risk (RU) and unhealthy umbilicus (UU) were used. The inpatient and outpatient groups and UC care in 2013 and 2021 were compared.Results − The sample included 396 respondents from all Slovenian regions. The odds for using UC care protocol in 2021 were 2.6 times higher compared to 2013 (P&lt;0.001). The UC care of HU changed: the dry UC care became less frequent (P&lt;0,001), the use of normal saline solution increased and the use of ethanol solution decreased (P&lt;0.001). The use of ethanol solution for UU decreased (P&lt;0.001) and the use of octenidine increased more than 200 times (P&lt;0.001). Conclusions − The implementation of national recommendations significantly influenced the UC care in Slovenia. The current UC care practice is more unified and consistent with international recommendations. The adjusted UC care, depending on the clinical condition of the newborn’s umbilicus, puts additional value to these recommendations. Further refinements of the UC care protocol should emphasize the use of dry UC care.

Cation‐Dependent Nuclearity of New HomolepticAzidocuprates(II), From Discrete Ions toAnionic Strands and Sheets

In chemical reactions of copper(II) acetate dihydrate with imidazolium azide salts in ethanol solution several new homoleptic azidocuprates(II) were obtained. In dependency of the used counter cation various different azidocuprate moieties were crystalized. The doubly charged DMMDIm2+ cation facilitates the formation of mononuclear [Cu(N3)4]2– complex anions, while the utilisation of the (PeMIm)+ ion enables the isolation of a di‐nuclear [Cu2(N3)6]2– salt. By using the unsymmetrical imidazolium ions (BMIm)+ or (EMIm)+ salts with the tri‐nuclear [Cu3(N3)8]2– complex anion are obtained. With the (DML)+ cation an azidocuprate(II) crystallizes , which contains both [Cu(N3)4]2– and the [Cu2(N3)6]2– anion. The anions in the salt with the (PeMIm)+ cation are interconnected through further Cu−N bonds and form layers with a 2D‐honecomb structure. The tri‐nuclear units in the (BMIm)+ and the (EMIm)+salts form coordination strands of different structures.

Вплив кверцетину на органічний матрикс і біомеханічні властивості нижньої щелепи щурів після її неповного перелому за умов хронічної алкогольної інтоксикації

This article investigates the impact of water-soluble form of quercetin (corvitin) on the depolymerization of the organic matrix biopolymers and biomechanical properties of the rat mandible following its incomplete fracture during chronic alcohol intoxication. The study was conducted on the 14th day after inducing chronic alcohol intoxication by daily intragastric administration of a 40% ethanol solution in a daily dose of 12 ml/kg body weight; on that day the incomplete fracture of the mandible was modelled by drilling the bone to a depth of 1 mm using a carbide drill with a diameter of 1.5 mm at a speed of up to 1000 rpm. The administration of a water-soluble form of quercetin for 14 days during the posttraumatic period in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg (in recalculation for quercetin), following an incomplete mandibular fracture during chronic alcohol intoxication, significantly reduced the activity of acid phosphatase and its tartrate-resistant isoform by 35.3% and 23.1%, respectively, as well as led to a decrease in the concentration of free hydroxyproline, hexuronic and N-acetylneuraminic acids by 17.0%, 30.6%, and 43.3%, respectively, compared to the findings revealed in animals, which did not receive the drug. The Young’s modulus exceeded the values of this group by 72.3%, the elastic limit by 53.2% the tensile strength by 59.6%, and the relative elongation to failure by 30.0%. We concluded that the administration of a water-soluble form of quercetin for 14 days following an incomplete mandibular fracture during chronic alcohol intoxication improves reparative processes in the injured area; it also restricts bone resorption and the depolymerization of connective (bone) tissue biopolymers such as collagen, proteoglycans, and sialoglycoproteins. Under these conditions, the biomechanical properties of the mandibular bone in the fracture area, particularly its elasticity and strength, are significantly enhanced.

Potential mitigating impact of a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, vildagliptin, on oxazolone-induced ulcerative colitis: Targeting the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways

Growing evidence suggests that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling cascades are critical in ulcerative colitis (UC) pathophysiology by influencing gut mucosal inflammation. Recently, the coloprotective properties of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors have emerged. Thus, this study assessed for the first time the potential mitigating impact of a DPP-IV inhibitor, vildagliptin (Vilda), on oxazolone (OXZ)-induced colitis in rats, targeting the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/Nrf2 pathways. Thirty-two adult Albino rats were divided into four groups: control, Vilda (10 mg/kg/day orally), OXZ (300 µL of 5 % OXZ in 50 % aqueous ethanol solution introduced once into the colon via catheter), and Vilda+OXZ. Inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 13, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 10), oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (myeloperoxidase, reduced glutathione, catalase, CHOP), mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, adenosine triphosphate levels, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were estimated. p-AMPK, p-AKT, beclin-1, and SQSTM1 levels were immunoassayed. Nrf2, PI3K, and mTOR expression levels were quantified using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, p-NF-ĸBp65 and LC3II immunoreactivity were evaluated. Vilda administration effectively ameliorated OXZ-induced colitis, as evidenced by the reduced Disease Activity Index, macroscopic colon damage score, colon weight/length ratio, ulcer index, and histopathological and electron microscopic changes in the colon tissues. Vilda treatment also counteracted OXZ-triggered inflammation, oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhanced autophagy in the colon. Vilda substantially suppressed PI3K/AKT/mTOR and activated the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway. Vilda has potent coloprotective and anti-ulcerogenic properties, primarily attributed to its antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and modulatory impact on mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy activity. These effects were mostly mediated by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR and activating AMPK/Nrf2 signaling cascades, suggesting a potential role of Vilda in UC therapy.

A Novel Approach for Synthesizing Ultra–Small Silver Nanoparticles Using Covalent Organic Frameworks as Template, Stabilizer and Reductant at Room Temperature

AbstractThe preparation of ultra–small silver nanoparticles (average diameter ≤10 nm) is a technical problem because of their aggregation tendency. Therefore, the preparation conditions are usually harsh and complex. It is widely recognized that covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a novel class of porous crystalline compounds with broad applications in various fields. In this work, an environmentally and economically friendly new method has been developed for synthesizing ultra–small silver nanoparticles by reducing silver ions in ethanol solution with a covalent organic framework (TPB–DMTP–COF) as a template and reductant at room temperature. Interestingly, the TPB–DMTP–COF not only serves as a template and reductant but also functions as a stabilizer. Moreover, the TPB–DMTP–COF can be utilized repeatedly as a reductant. The morphology and structure of the silver nanoparticles were examined using transmission electron microscopy and showed that they were spherical with an average particle size of approximately 7.5 nm. Compared with the previously reported silver nanoparticles, the silver nanoparticles synthesized by this new method are not coated with Surfactant, such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). As a result, they possess a larger exposed surface area, exhibit increased activity, and demonstrate excellent antimicrobial properties against both Gram–negative Escherichia coli and Gram–positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

Mathematical modeling of concentration influence on evaporative convection in a bilayer system of binary mixtures

A problem of evaporative buoyancy-thermocapillary convection in a two-phase system of binary media is studied. Characteristics of a joint steady flow of evaporating fluid and gas in a narrow plane horizontal channel are analyzed on the example of aqueous ethanol solution and mixture of the nitrogen with the ethanol vapor. The influence of solutal effects related to changes in the ethanol concentration in the liquid mixture is scrutinized. New exact solution of thermosolutal convection equations is constructed in the framework of a two-sided model based on the Oberbeck–Boussinesque approximation. The model used implies the presence of the liquid–gas interface admitting evaporation where surface phenomena play a key role. The testing of problem statements is performed in order to determine feasible closing relations. A correct problem statement is proposed that provides acceptable accordance with known experimental data concerning both the working liquid properties and possible pattern of the bilayer flows. Non-linear character of dependence of evaporation rate on the concentration of the aqueous solution is established. The solution predicts the decrease in evaporation rate due to the diffusion resistance effect for some compositions of the liquid mixture, thereby it is shown the possibility of control of the heat exchange parameter by means of the choice of the working fluid compound. The results obtained can be useful under developing the experimental methods for exploration of the interfacial effects in multicomponent fluids.

Improving surface plasmon resonance sensors with speckle image processing

This paper investigates digital image correlation approaches for assessing speckle patterns produced by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging. An SPR sensor based on the Kretschmann setup comprising a gold-coated prism in a fixed angular position performs refractive index assessments in ethanol solutions. Subsequently, the acquisition system collects the reflected light and processes the speckle field images to evaluate the sensor's sensitivity, noise, and limit of detection. Based on three repetitions under similar conditions, the maximum resolution for the average intensity, zero-mean normalized cross-correlation, and the relative sum of square differences metrics are 4.90×10−4, 2.31×10−5, and 7.45×10−6 RIU, respectively, leading to an improved limit of detection without modifying the optical setup.