Excellent Efficacy Research Articles

Nanomaterial-Mediated Reprogramming of Macrophages to Inhibit Refractory Muscle Fibrosis.

Orofacial muscles are particularly prone to refractory fibrosis after injury, leading to a negative effect on the patient's quality of life and limited therapeutic options. Gaining insights into innate inflammatory response-fibrogenesis homeostasis can aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies for muscle fibrosis. In this study, the crucial role of macrophages is identified in the regulation of orofacial muscle fibrogenesis after injury. Hypothesizing that orchestrating macrophage polarization and functions will be beneficial for fibrosis treatment, nanomaterials are engineered with polyethylenimine functionalization to regulate the macrophage phenotype by capturing negatively charged cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs). This cationic nanomaterial reduces macrophage-related inflammation in vitr and demonstrates excellent efficacy in preventing orofacial muscle fibrosis in vivo. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that the cationic nanomaterial reduces the proportion of profibrotic Gal3+ macrophages through the cfNA-mediated TLR7/9-NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in a shift in profibrotic fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) from the matrix-producing Fabp4+ subcluster to the matrix-degrading Igf1+ subcluster. The study highlights a strategy to target innate inflammatory response-fibrogenesis homeostasis and suggests that cationic nanomaterials can be exploited for treating refractory fibrosis.

Metal-phenolic nanoparticles enhance low temperature photothermal therapy for bacterial biofilm in superficial infections.

Bacterial infections, especially induced by multidrug-resistant pathogens, have become a significant global health concern. In the infected tissues, biofilms not only serve as a source of nutrients but also act as protective barriers that impede antibiotic penetration. Herein, we developed tea polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) Au nanoparticles (E-Au NPs) through direct one-step self-assembly methods by EGCG chelating with Au ions to eradicate antibiotic-resistant bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and prevent the formation of biofilm under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The outstanding antibacterial effect involved in mild photothermal therapy, reactive oxygen species production, pathogenicity-related genes regulation, and quinoprotein formation that were specific to the polyphenol-based NPs. The excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapeutic efficacy of E-Au NPs was validated and topically applied in murine MRSA-infected skin wounds and keratitis model in vivo to kill bacteria, reduce the inflammation response and promote wound healing. Furthermore, the ophthalmic and systemic biosafety profiles were thoroughly evaluated while no significant side effects were revealed achieving a balance between high-efficiency antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. This study provides an effective therapeutic agent of metal-phenolic materials for superficial tissue infection with favorable prognosis and potential in clinical translation.

Cryo-thermal therapy reshaped the tumor immune microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy.

Adoptive cell therapies (ACT) exhibit excellent efficacy in hematological malignancy. However, its application in solid tumors still has many challenges partly due to the tumor immune microenvironment. Cryo-thermal therapy (CTT) can induce an acute inflammatory response and remold the immune environment, providing an appropriate environment for the activation of adaptive immunity. However, it remains unclear whether CTT can enhance the efficacy of ACT. A bilateral B16F10 tumor-bearing mouse model was used to assess whether CTT could enhance the efficacy of ACT. The right large tumor was subjected to CTT, and the left small tumor was collected for flow cytometry, RNA-seq, immunohistochemistry and TCR Vβ sequencing. Finally, bilateral B16F10 tumor-bearing mice and 4T1 tumor-bearing mice were used to assess the efficacy after CTT combined with ACT. CTT dramatically reshaped the immune microenvironment in distal tumors to an acute inflammatory state by promoting innate cell infiltration, increasing cytokine production by macrophages and DCs. The remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment further enhanced the antitumor efficiency of ACT by increasing the proliferation of T cells, promoting activation of the effector functions of T cells and boosting the expansion of TCR clones. Our results suggest that CTT can significantly reshape the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and convert "cold tumors" into "hot tumors," thereby enhancing ACT-induced immune responses and maximizing the therapeutic effect of ACT.

Abstract 4115543: Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Technique for Extraction of Micra TM Leadless Pacemaker with Aveir TM Retrieval Catheter System: An Eight Case series.

Background: Leadless cardiac pacemakers (LCP) have evolved as an excellent alternative to transvenous pacemaker (TVPM) for bradycardia therapy with excellent safety and efficacy outcomes. Micra TM was the first commercially available LCP. The device attaches to the right ventricular myocardium with four Nitinol FlexFix™tines. Its inherent design poses problems with retrievability. This leads to many devices being turned off and left behind in the right ventricle at the end of its life. The Aveir retrieval catheter was recently launched as part of the Aveir family of LCP and has a tri-loop snare re-docking mechanism, steerability, and protective sleeve. Goals: We aim to show the safety and efficacy of using this novel retrieval catheter for extraction of the Micra™ LCP in lieu of abandoning the LCP in the right ventricle. Results: We present a case series of 8 successful retrievals of Micra™ LCP using the Aveir™ retrieval catheter. Four patients had the LCP removed during upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy and the other four had the LCP removed at the time of replacement of the LCP at device end-of-life. The mean age of the cohort was 72.6±9.4 years (62.5% female). The average age of the retrieved LCP was 4 years and 4 months with the oldest device being in place for 7 years and 7 months. Median retrieval time, defined as time from retrieval catheter in to retrieval catheter out, was 4.8±2.4 minutes. In 100% of the cases the LCP was successfully retrieved in its entirety via femoral venous access. There were no intra- or post-procedural complications, including vascular complications, pericardial effusions, right ventricular dysfunction or worsening tricuspid regurgitation. At six months follow up, patients continued to remain free of the above complications. Conclusion: This case series demonstrates the safety and feasibility of using the Aveir™ retrieval catheter for extraction of the Micra™ LCP device in lieu of abandonment. Additional studies should be considered to assess the risk and benefits of abandoning the device in the right ventricle extraction of the LCP with this novel technique. The authors acknowledge the steep learning curve associated with this procedure. Further multicenter analysis of this technique is necessary to determine its generalizability.

Alternating Donor-Acceptor Ladder-Type Heteroarene for Efficient Photothermal Conversion via Boosting Non-Radiative Decay.

The development of novel ladder-type conjugated molecules is crucial for advancing supramolecular chemistry and material science. In this study, we report a straightforward synthesis of new alternating donor-acceptor (D-A) ladder-type heteroarene, FCDTDPP, and demonstrate its application as photothermal agent for imaging and cancer therapy. FCDTDPP is constructed by vinylene bridge between cyclopentadithiophene (D) and diketopyrrolopyrrole (A) through intramolecular Friedel-Crafts type reaction. FCDTDPP exhibits unique combination of good molecular planarity, efficient intra/inter-molecular mixed D-A interactions, and local aromaticity. These features collectively contribute to its broad and intense absorptions with narrow bandgap in red band of the spectra, coupled with multiple vibrational absorption feature, thereby enhancing non-radiative decay process and resulting in efficient photothermal conversion property. FCDTDPP and its nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit superior photothermal conversion performance and stability under 660 nm laser irradiation. Moreover, in vitro studies reveal that FCDTDPP NPs possess excellent biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and robust photothermal therapeutic efficacy, a finding further corroborated by preliminary in vivo experiments in tumor-bearing mice. This work charts a novel course for the molecular engineering of organic photothermal conversion systems, propelling relevant research forward.

Tambjamines as Fast-Acting Multistage Antimalarials.

Well-tolerated and novel antimalarials that can combat multiple stages of the parasite life cycle are desirable but challenging to discover and develop. Herein, we report results for natural product-inspired novel tambjamine antimalarials. We show that they are potent against liver, asexual erythrocytic, and sexual erythrocytic parasite life cycle stages. Notably, our lead candidate 1 (KAR425) displays excellent oral efficacy with complete clearance of parasites within 72 h of treatment in the humanized Plasmodium falciparum (NOD-scid) mouse model at 50 mg/kg × 4 days. Profiling of compound 1 demonstrated a fast in vitro killing profile. In addition, several other tambjamine analogues cured erythrocytic Plasmodium yoelii infections after oral doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg × 4 days in a murine model while exhibiting good safety and metabolic profiles. This study presents the first account of multiple-stage antiplasmodial activities with rapid killing profile in the tambjamine family.

Alternating Donor‐Acceptor Ladder‐Type Heteroarene for Efficient Photothermal Conversion via Boosting Non‐Radiative Decay

The development of novel ladder‐type conjugated molecules is crucial for advancing supramolecular chemistry and material science. In this study, we report a straightforward synthesis of new alternating donor‐acceptor (D‐A) ladder‐type heteroarene, FCDTDPP, and demonstrate its application as photothermal agent for imaging and cancer therapy. FCDTDPP is constructed by vinylene bridge between cyclopentadithiophene (D) and diketopyrrolopyrrole (A) through intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts type reaction. FCDTDPP exhibits unique combination of good molecular planarity, efficient intra/inter‐molecular mixed D‐A interactions, and local aromaticity. These features collectively contribute to its broad and intense absorptions with narrow bandgap in red band of the spectra, coupled with multiple vibrational absorption feature, thereby enhancing non‐radiative decay process and resulting in efficient photothermal conversion property. FCDTDPP and its nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit superior photothermal conversion performance and stability under 660 nm laser irradiation. Moreover, in vitro studies reveal that FCDTDPP NPs possess excellent biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and robust photothermal therapeutic efficacy, a finding further corroborated by preliminary in vivo experiments in tumor‐bearing mice. This work charts a novel course for the molecular engineering of organic photothermal conversion systems, propelling relevant research forward.

Discovery of 4-(4-(3-(1-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)isoxazol-5-yl)phenyl)morpholine as a novel c-Myc inhibitor against lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

The critical role of c-Myc as a driving factor in the development and progression of lung cancer establishes it as a pivotal target for anti-lung cancer therapeutic research. In our previous study, we reported on the discovery of D347–2761, a novel small-molecule inhibitor that specifically targets the unstable domain of c-Myc and disrupts the c-Myc/Max heterodimer. To enhance targeted therapies further, we conducted an extensive structural analysis and designed a series of innovative benzimidazole derivatives. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were assessed using the CCK-8 assay, revealing that compound A1 displayed IC50 values of 6.32 μM and 11.39 μM against the A549 and NCI–H1299 lung cancer cell lines, respectively, while compound A5 exhibited IC50 values of 4.08 μM and 7.86 μM against the same cell lines. Our findings revealed that compounds A1 and A5 exhibited potent anticancer activity by disrupting the interaction between c-Myc and Max proteins, leading to the downregulation of c-Myc protein levels and induction of apoptosis through apoptotic pathways. Notably, compound A5 demonstrated superior inhibitory capacity compared to other compounds tested. Furthermore, in a syngeneic tumor model, compound A5 exhibited excellent efficacy with a tumor growth inhibition rate reaching up to 76.4 %, accompanied by a significant reduction in c-Myc protein expression levels. Therefore, compound A5 holds promise as a potential agent for targeting c-Myc in anti-lung cancer therapy.

Performance of the systemic lupus erythematosus risk probability index (SLERPI) in the Egyptian college of rheumatology (ECR) study cohort.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of systemic lupus erythematosus Risk Probability Index (SLERPI) in Egyptian patients with SLE using a national rheumatology database. The Egyptian College of Rheumatology (ECR) database comprised of 1,162 patients with SLE and 4,327 with miscellaneous rheumatological diseases who were recruited from the Rheumatology Departments across the country. The diagnosis of SLE was established by expert rheumatologists. Variables of the SLERPI were extracted and recorded as present or absent for each patient. The absolute value for the SLERPI score was calculated for each patient, and the diagnosis of SLE was accounted for if the score was greater than 7 points. Of 1,162 SLE patients evaluated, 1,031 (88.7%) patients were diagnosed with SLE according to the SLERPI, with an average score of 13.1 (3.8). Differences in the 14 SLERPI variables were significant between the SLE-SLERPI groups, except for the presence of leukopenia and positive ANA. As a score reduction item, the SLE-SLERPI > 7 group had lower interstitial lung diseases. Patients diagnosed with SLE according to SLERPI had significantly higher disease activity (p < 0.001), and this group more commonly received corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil. Compared to other miscellaneous rheumatological groups, all 14 SLERPI items are indeed more common in the SLE group. In terms of the overall performance of SLERPI in the diagnosis of SLE, the accuracy of SLERPI was 91.9% (95% CI 90.9%-92.9%), with a specificity of 96.95% and sensitivity of 86.9%. SLERPI showed that accuracy went up to 93.3% (95%CI 92.4%-94.2%), with a specificity of 94.9% and a sensitivity of 91.6% when patients with connective tissue diseases were taken out of the study. Using a large cohort of SLE, the SLERPI revealed excellent diagnostic efficacy and specificity. The use of SLERPI in clinical practice may contribute to improved patient diagnosis and prognosis. Key Points • SLERPI's performance has high diagnostic efficiency in Egyptian SLE patients. • SLERPI score can efficiently distinguish patients with SLE from other CTDs. • Within the SLERPI score, interstitial lung disease is the lowest predictor of SLE.

The exploration of active components of 701 Dieda Zhentong patch and analgesic properties on chronic constriction injury rats.

An increasing number of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) have been confirmed to possess analgesic bioactivity. 701 Dieda Zhentong patch(701-DZP) which includes 14 kinds of TCMs exhibited excellent efficacy in alleviating back or leg pain after a soft-tissue injury. In this study, UPLC/MS was used to construct the fingerprint of 701-DZP and excavate the potential bioactive ingredients of it. 21 compounds were detected and identified in the fingerprint including 12 compounds that pass through the skin and 6 compounds observed in the plasma. Then, the role of 701-DZP in neuropathic pain(NPP) was assessed by network pharmacology and CCI rats. 701-DZP inhibited pain sensitization(MWT and TWL) and the release of inflammation mediators(IL-1β and IL-6) in CCI rats which were in keeping with the core targets of the PPI network. The results of IHC and Western blot showed that the expression of the P2X3 receptor in the DRG and SC of CCI rats was significantly reduced after the treatment with 701-DZP. Moreover, the 701-DZP down-regulated the level of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAPK instead of P38 MAPK in the DRG of CCI rats. In conclusion, this study has clarified 6 potential analgesic active compounds of 701-DZP and explored the analgesic properties, which may inhibit the expression of the P2X3 receptor to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators based on the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway to alleviate the NPP.

Passive shimming of a 3T cryogen-free animal magnetic resonance imaging superconducting magnet with dense shim tray slots and small residual magnetic force.

Passive shimming is widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems due to its excellent efficacy and cost-effectiveness. However, conventional shim tray structures have difficulty in effectively adjusting magnetic field distributions under specific conditions. This limitation can lead to insufficient cancellation of harmonics and result in significant residual forces on the trays, impeding accurate placement of the trays. In this study, instead of using the conventional design of the shim tray slot, we propose a dedicated passive shimming tray tailored for 3T cryogen-free animal MRI superconducting magnets. Passive shimming experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of this novel design, in which we were able to improve the peak-to-peak magnetic field homogeneity within the 180mm diameter imaging region, reducing peak-to-peak (p-p) variation from 349.35 ppm to 19.08 ppm. Furthermore, the p-p homogeneity of the magnetic field measured at the imaging area with a diameter of spherical volume (DSV) of 160mm reached 8.67 ppm. In addition, we strictly controlled the residual magnetic force of the shim tray to ensure its accurate placement. The experimental results indicate that the proposed structural optimization method and the residual magnetic force control strategy show potential in high-field MRI instruments requiring high homogeneity and handling of high residual magnetic force.

Antifungal activity and mechanism of mefentrifluconazole against Magnaporthe grisea causing rice blast

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe grisea, is one of the most destructive diseases of rice worldwide. Mefentrifluconazole, a novel isopropanol triazole fungicide, exhibits excellent bioactivity to a wide range of fungi. However, its antifungal activity against M. grisea is not well studied. In this study, the sensitivity of 103 M. oryzae strains to mefentrifluconazole was determined by mycelial growth rate method, and the effect of mefentrifluconazole on the biochemical and physiological characteristers was examined. The results indicated that mefentrifluconazole exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against M. oryzae with EC50 values of 103 M. oryzae strains tested ranging from 0.363 to 1.576 μg/mL, and the average EC50 value of 0.958 ± 0.298 μg/mL. After mefentrifluconazole treatment, the apical branches of M. oryzae mycelia increased and the mycelia became distorted, twisted and ruptured. In addition, mefentrifluconazole increased relative conductivity, disrupted cell wall and membrane integrity, and significantly reduced ergosterol content. The expression levels of demethylation inhibitor resistance-associated genes Cyp51A, ABC6 and MFS1 were all significantly upregulated, suggesting an adaption response to mefentrifluconazole of M. oryzae. Furthermore, the results of pot experiment showed that mefentrifluconazole provided >70% control efficacy against rice blast at 300 μg/mL, surpassing the performance of carbendazim, prochloraz and azoxystrobin at the same concentration. Overall, this study demonstrated the strong inhibitory activity of mefentrifluconazole against M. oryzae and the excellent efficacy in controlling rice blast, thus providing new sights into rice blast control as well as the practical application of mefentrifluconazole.

Synthesis, preclinical assessment, and first-in-human study of [18F]d4-FET for brain tumor imaging.

Tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) is a critical metric in oncologic PET imaging. This study aims to enhance the TBR of [18F]FET in brain tumor imaging by substituting deuterium ("D") for hydrogen ("H"), thereby improving the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy. [18F]d4-FET was synthesised by two automated radiochemistry modules. Biodistribution studies and imaging efficacy were evaluated in vivo and ex vivo in rodent models, while metabolic stability and radiation dosimetry were assessed in non-human primates. Additionally, preliminary imaging evaluations were carried out in five brain tumor patients: three glioma patients underwent imaging with both [18F]d4-FET and [18F]FET, and two patients with brain metastases were imaged using [18F]d4-FET and [18F]FDG. [18F]d4-FET demonstrated high radiochemical purity and yield. PET/MRIin rodent models demonstrated superior TBR for [18F]d4-FET compared to [18F]FET, and autoradiography showed tumor margins that correlated well with pathological extents. Studies in cynomolgus monkeys indicated comparable in vivo stability and effective dose with [18F]FET. In glioma patients, [18F]d4-FET showed enhanced TBR, while in patients with brain metastases, [18F]d4-FET displayed superior lesion delineation compared to [18F]FDG, especially in smaller metastatic sites. We successfully synthesized the novel PET radiotracer [18F]d4-FET, which retains the advantageous properties of [18F]FET while potentially enhancing TBR for glioma imaging. Preliminary studies indicate excellent stability, efficacy, and sensitivity of [18F]d4-FET, suggesting its potential in clinical evaluations of brain tumors. ChiCTR2400081576, registration date: 2024-03-05, https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=206162.

The Role of Coronoidectomy in Complex Mandibular Reconstruction With Free Fibular Flap

Introduction: Complex mandibular reconstruction is at risk of postoperative restricted mouth opening. Temporomandibular joint pseudoankylosis can cause significant disability, leading to restricted mouth opening and an inability to create a proper seal with the mouth. Treating this condition often requires aggressive surgical intervention, primarily restoring the structure and functionality of the mandible. Coronoidectomy plays a vital role in improving mouth opening capacity. Case Presentation: Four patients with temporomandibular joint pseudoankylosis were included in this case series. The patients reported being unable to move their remaining lower jaw, having a perpetually open mouth, and constant drooling. All patients had a history of reconstructive surgery due to tumor or malignancy and could only open the mouth less than 10 mm. They underwent coronoidectomy followed by free fibular flap reconstruction. Postoperatively, all 4 patients exhibited a movable mandible and achieved proper occlusion. The maximum mouth opening increased by 25 to 45 mm; all flaps appeared vital, sutures remained intact, and no active bleeding. Discussion: Coronoidectomy is crucial for enhancing the ability to open the mouth. All of the patients underwent a coronoidectomy surgery followed by free fibular flap reconstruction. Immediately after the surgery, the mandibular projection appears nearly symmetrical, the patient opens their mouth, and occlusion is achieved subjectively. From our presented cases, after coronoidectomy, all patients had movable mandibula, and mouth opening was achieved. Coronoid process resection frees the mandible from the temporalis. Coronoidectomy and separation of the temporalis muscle from the mandible have excellent clinical efficacy for improving mouth opening and movement. Conclusion: Coronoidectomy followed by a free fibular flap should be considered the best surgical option for patients with restricted mouth opening after complex mandibular reconstruction.

Synthesis of hydrothermal-assisted papaya peel-derived carbon quantum dots impregnated carboxymethyl cellulose and pectin crosslinked nanohydrogel for shelf-life enhancement of strawberry.

This study focuses on utilizing papaya peel to produce carbon quantum dots (PP-CQDs) via a hydrothermal method and the PP-CQDs are subsequently embedded into carboxymethyl cellulose and pectin nanohydrogel to enhance the shelf-life of strawberries. The synthesis of PP-CQDs was found to be optimal under conditions of 12 h and 200 °C, resulting in a quantum yield of 39.15 % and an average particle size of 4.16±0.07 nm. The PP-CQDs had intense blue luminescence and a peak absorbance at 262 nm when exposed to UV light. They also displayed unique fluorescence emission at 260 nm and excitation at 526 nm. Particle size was not significant for both control (176.4 ± 0.18 nm) and PP-CQDs embedded nanohydrogel (175.8 ± 0.09 nm). The PP-CQDs nanohydrogel composite demonstrated high cell viability (95.12±0.78 to 98.43±0.96 %) as well as excellent antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus bacteria during time-kill and anti-quorum activity. Both types of coated strawberries exhibited non-significant differences in weight loss (16.85±0.18 and 16.34±0.39 %) as compared to uncoated strawberries (20.87±0.42 %) during storage. The firmness of both coated strawberries was found to be significantly higher as compared to uncoated samples, while strawberries coated with composite nanohydrogel showed enhanced microbial stability. Overall, PP-CQDs embedded nanohydrogel could be a promising coating material to enhance the shelf-life of highly perishable fruits.

Simplified synthesis of Pt-MnOx supported on three dimensional Co3O4 for catalytic removal of toluene

In this study, a simplified method was developed for synthesizing Pt-(MnOx)/three-dimensional (3D)-Co3O4 catalysts. This approach represents a convenient alternative to the typical procedure of initially synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs) and subsequently depositing them onto supports. The Pt1-(MnOx)1/3D Co3O4 catalyst, with a molar ratio of Pt:Mn=1:1, demonstrated excellent catalytic efficacy at a comparatively low reaction temperature and displayed commendable thermal stability during prolonged operation in the deep oxidation of toluene. The T90 (temperature required for 90% conversion) of Pt1-(MnOx)1/3D Co3O4 was merely 163 °C. Characterization analysis revealed that the catalyst's remarkable catalytic efficiency is attributed to the elevated concentration of oxygen vacancy defects on Pt1-(MnOx)1/3D Co3O4 and its low-temperature reducibility. In situ DRIFTS analysis was conducted to investigate the possible reaction pathway of Pt1-(MnOx)1/3D Co3O4. The results indicated that the rapid dehydrogenation of methyl and the demethylation of toluene facilitate the cleavage of the benzene ring on the Pt1-(MnOx)1/3D Co3O4 catalyst, due to the abundant absorption of oxygen species. This process enhances the catalytic combustion of toluene

Fabrication of core–shell nanostructure via novel ligand-defect reassembly strategy for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and NO removal

The core–shell structure often exhibits unique properties, resulting in superior physical and chemical performance distinct from individual component in the field of photocatalysis. However, traditional prepared methods such as template synthesis and layer-by-layer self-assembly are relatively complex. Therefore, it is necessary to explore an efficient and expedient approach. Here, we have proposed a convenient method to gradually destroy the terephthalic acid (BDC) of MIL-125 from the outer to inner layers through hydrothermal stirring, followed by reassembling with photosensitive 2-amino-terephthalic acid (BDC-NH2) into the exposed Ti-oxo clusters left by the BDC to create photocatalysts featuring a core–shell configuration. The special core–shell sample with the analogous mixture of MIL-125 and MIL-125-NH2 function as a high-performance dual-functional photocatalyst for hydrogen generation and NO elimination. The optimal core–shell material (M-125-45-N) exhibits an outstanding photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 3.74 mmol·g−1·h−1 and an excellent photocatalytic NO removal rate of 70.15 %. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) value and solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) at specific wavelengths are also investigated. The Density functional theory (DFT) calculation, In-situ Fourier transform infrared (In-situ FT-IR) and Electron spin resonance (ESR) have suggested that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of optimal core–shell material arised from its stronger adsorption capacity towards reactants, promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) conducive to photocatalytic reactions. This study represents the first investigation of a dual functional core–shell MOFs formed via ligand-defect reassembly, showcasing the excellent efficacy in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and NO removal, which contributes to the feasible development of novel dual-functional photocatalysts with core–shell structures.

Quinoline-hydrazone Conjugates: Recent Insights into Synthetic Strategies, Structure-activity Relationship, and Biological Activities

: The fusion of two distinct and free pharmacologically active chemical moieties into single conjugate molecules can result in synergized pharmacological action of both moieties into the new composite molecule. Ultimately, it increases the therapeutic potentialof the newly formed hybrid compound which is more than the combination of each specific moiety’s therapeutic potential. So nowadays, it is common practice to combine at least two pharmacophores to create a particular compound with a powerful therapeutic effects. Quinoline has been reported with multiple pharmacological activities and industrial applications. On the other hand, hydrazones are also found very useful as herbicides, acaricides, rodenticides, insecticides, and various therapeutic applications. The conjugate containing quinoline and hydrazone is also being used as an anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. The combination of two moieties yields a better therapeutic effect because of excellent efficacy and fewer side effects. Several synthetic methods have been employed in recent times to synthesize quinoline-hydrazone conjugates which are listed in the manuscript with their merits and demerits. The structure-activity relationship relating to their pharmacological actions with molecular structure has also been highlighted. The article aims to provide a good toolkit and comprehension to the medicinal chemists, for their future work, comprising of quinoline-hydrazone hybrid compounds.

Adsorptive removal of ppb levels of boron trichloride using N-doped porous carbon materials

The removal of trace boron impurities (BCl3) in chlorosilane represents a significant challenge in polysilicon production. In this study, we employed the high-temperature ammonia etching method to fabricate nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) adsorbents derived from lignite. The as-prepared NPCs were tested and evaluated as potential adsorbents for efficient removal of BCl3. Furthermore, a systematic investigation was conducted to assess the impact of contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature. It was found that the adsorbent (NPC900) obtained at 900 °C exhibited an excellent efficacy in removing BCl3 (R% = 98.9 %), with a residual concentration of BCl3 in the solution was 1.65 ppb, which met the industrial requirements. This can be primarily attributed to its porous structure and high pyridinic-N content. Furthermore, the adsorption of BCl3 on NPC900 was better followed by Pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The interactions between BCl3 and different nitrogen forms was analysis through the utilizing density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The findings indicate that pyridinic-N exhibits a stronger interaction with BCl3 (Eads = −102.35 kJ/mol), primarily due to the easier electron transfer from the nitrogen atom on pyridinic-N to BCl3.

Psoriatic arthritis: State of the art review

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) accounts for around 20% of referrals to the early arthritis clinic and presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge. Early diagnosis is important to prevent long term functional disability and to ensure optimal management of arthritis and key comorbidities. From the rheumatologist’s perspective, the differential diagnosis includes rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other inflammatory arthritis’s. Once diagnosed, it is essential to assess the disease fully, including arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, skin/nail disease and axial involvement. Using this information, appropriate treatment can be planned using therapies that are effective at treating the relevant domains of disease. Despite poor data, traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are commonly used and have been effective in observational studies. Following tumour necrosis factor inhibitors, which have proven excellent efficacy in multiple domains of PsA, new biologics are available or in development and will improve treatment options for people with refractory PsA