Favorable Characteristics Research Articles

Evaluation of Ammonia Co-fuelling in Modern Four Stroke Engines

Ammonia is emerging as a promising alternative fuel for longer range decarbonised heavy transport, particularly in the marine sector due to highly favourable characteristics as an effective hydrogen carrier. This is despite generally unfavourable combustion and toxicity attributes, restricting end use to applications where robust health and safety protocols can be upheld. In the currently reported work, a spark ignited thermodynamic single cylinder research engine equipped with gasoline direct injection was upgraded to include gaseous ammonia port injection fuelling, with the aim of understanding maximum viable ammonia substitution ratios across the speed load operating map. The work was conducted under overall stoichiometric conditions with the spark timing re-optimised for maximum brake torque at all stable logged sites. The experiments included industry standard measurements of combustion, performance and engine-out emissions (including ammonia ‘slip’). With a geometric compression ratio of 12.4:1, it was possible to run the engine on pure ammonia at low engine speeds (1000–1800 rpm) at low to moderate engine loads in a fully warmed up state. When progressively dropping down below a threshold load limit, an increasing amount of gasoline co-firing was required to avoid engine misfire. Due to the favourable antiknock characteristics, pure ammonia operation was up to 5% more efficient than pure gasoline operation under stable operating regions. A maximum net indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) of 40% was achieved, with efficiency tending to increase with speed and load. For the co-fuelling of gasoline and ammonia in a pure ammonia attainable operating region, it was found that addition of gasoline improved the combustion, but these improvements were not sufficient to translate into improved thermal efficiency. Emissions of ammonia slip reduced with increased gasoline co-fuelling, albeit with increased NOx. However, the reduction in ammonia slip was nearly ten times the increase in NOx emissions. Comparing pure ammonia and pure gasoline operation, NOx reduced by ~60% when switching from pure gasoline to pure ammonia (as the latter is associated with longer and cooler combustion). Results were finally compared to those obtained a modern multicylinder Volvo ‘D8’ turbo-diesel engine modified for dual-fuel operation with ammonia port fuel injection (PFI), with the focus of the comparison being ammonia slip and NOx emissions.

Electromagnetic Characteristic Analysis of a Negative-Salient Hybrid Permanent Magnet Motor for Electric Vehicles

Negative-salient permanent magnet motors (NSPMMs) have a potential application in the field of electric vehicles (EVs) due to their wide constant-power speed range and high efficiency. However, the researches of NSPMMs used for EVs and the relationships between the design parameters of the motor and drive performances of the EV are still absent. First, the operating characteristics of permanent magnet drive motors are investigated. Second, the relationships between the distribution of the driving cycles of the EV and the design parameters of the motor are summarized. Then, a negative-salient hybrid permanent magnet motor with excellent performances in the full-speed range and remedies for its negative impact are proposed. The electromagnetic performances of the proposed topology are compared with the conventional motor by finite element method and the performance evaluation of the electrical driving system is carried out. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed motor exhibits favorable characteristics such as low torque ripple, wide constant-power speed range, high efficiency in a wide speed range and low rare-earth consumption. The results verify the feasibility of the proposed topology applied to EVs.

Abstract 6897: Defining critical features for successful preclinical use of glioblastoma patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models for therapeutic assessment and clinical trial development

Abstract Mayo Clinic has developed 111 GBM PDXs from newly diagnosed (72 PDX) and recurrent (39 PDX) patients. This large collection of PDXs provides a broad representation of genetic heterogeneity seen in patients. GBM PDXs that perform well in both in vitro and in vivo settings can be extensively utilized in the preclinical setting for downstream analysis. Based on 20 years of experience, we have defined the attributes that best enable preclinical use of our GBM PDX models. Among them are short-term in vitro culturing performance, large scale genomic evaluation data, benchmarked responses to standards of care, and median time to moribund for untreated orthotopic tumors. PDXs with prolonged survival timelines delay study readouts and, in some situations, confound efficacy results due to age-related animal decline. Setting median survival thresholds as part of the upfront experimental design allows for more timely study readouts that are unaffected by these confounding variables. Our preferred cutoff for the Mayo GBM PDX collection is 70 days median survival (n=64). Using this 64 PDX line panel, regimens expected to double survival would produce results within 4-5 months. This timeframe is well within the range of robust health for athymic nude mice. This 64-line collection features both newly diagnosed (nGBM; n=42) and recurrent (rGBM; n=22) tumors. MGMT promoter methylation status was determined by qMS-PCR (25 methylated, 37 unmethylated, 2 indeterminate). Available WES (n=62) and RNAseq (n=42) data, along with our tissue microarray (n=42), are critical resources for biomarker-based evaluations aimed at defining patient populations that are most likely to benefit from a given therapeutic. From these data, the molecular subtypes available include 26 classical, 14 proneural, and 3 mesenchymal. Twenty-seven of these 64 PDX models have also been successfully cultured from fresh as well as cryopreserved cell stocks to further expand their experimental value. Correlative clinical data including diagnosis and treatments are also available (n=61). Current standards of care for GBM include radiation, temozolomide, and bevacizumab. Defining sensitivity to these therapies is an important first step for evaluating the integration of novel therapeutics with these standards. Since the creation of our GBM PDX collection, efficacy of these therapies has been evaluated as follows: RT 26 PDXs, TMZ 20 PDXs, and Avastin 23 PDXs. The Mayo Clinic GBM PDX collection provides an important platform for preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics. Through careful selection of PDX lines with favorable growth characteristics and known genetic features, researchers can select the most relevant models for their study. This approach will enable more meaningful preclinical work in the hopes of providing more tangible clinical benefits for GBM patients. Citation Format: Danielle M. Burgenske, Ann C. Mladek, Katrina K. Bakken, Zeng Hu, Brett L. Carlson, Paul A. Decker, Jeanette E. Eckel-Passow, Jann N. Sarkaria. Defining critical features for successful preclinical use of glioblastoma patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models for therapeutic assessment and clinical trial development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6897.

Neuroprotective effects of cordycepin on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice via suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK-mediated neuroinflammation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder. Cordycepin is known to exhibit antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and neuroprotective effects; however, few studies have explored the neuroprotective mechanism of cordycepin in PD. Using a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model, we investigated the impact of cordycepin on PD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings indicated that cordycepin significantly mitigated MPTP-induced behavior disorder and neuroapoptosis, diminished the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum–substantia nigra pathway, elevated striatal monoamine levels and its metabolites, and inhibited the polarization of microglia and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Subsequent proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses revealed the involvement of the MAPK, mTOR, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in the protective mechanism of cordycepin. Cordycepin treatment inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and enhanced the expression of autophagy proteins in the striatum and substantia nigra. We also demonstrated the in vivo inhibition of the ERK/JNK signaling pathway by cordycepin treatment. In summary, our investigation reveals that cordycepin exerts neuroprotective effects against PD by promoting autophagy and suppressing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK/JNK signaling pathways. This finding highlights the favorable characteristics of cordycepin in neuroprotection and provides novel molecular insights into the neuroprotective role of natural products in PD.

Comparative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals That Variations in Flavonoids Determine the Colors of Different Rambutan Cultivars

Rambutan is a tropical tree and its fruit has several favorable characteristics. To understand how the color of the rambutan fruit peel develops, the transcriptome, flavonoid metabolome, and carotenoid metabolome data of two rambutan cultivars, ‘BY2’ and ‘BY7’, which show yellow and red peels at maturity, respectively, were comprehensively analyzed at three developmental stages. We identified 26 carotenoid components and 53 flavonoid components in these cultivars. Anthocyanins were the main component contributing to the red color of ‘BY7’ after reaching ripeness. The carotenoid content decreased sharply as the fruit matured. Hence, we speculated that flavonols were the main contributors to the yellow color of the ‘BY2’ peel. In total, 6805 differentially expressed genes were screened by transcriptome analysis; the majority of them were enriched in metabolic pathways and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis results revealed that in addition to MYB and bHLH, ERF, WRKY, MYB-related, and C3H were the main potential transcription factors regulating the color of the rambutan peel. In addition, we also identified 12 structural genes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. The research findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms of color acquisition in rambutan fruit peels, laying the foundation for the quality control of rambutan and the cultivation of differently colored cultivars of rambutan.

Capturing Exercise Psychological Need Satisfaction Among Older Adults: The BPNES

ABSTRACT Regular exercise participation which is a component of promoting health and healthy aging among older adults necessitates the creation of environments that fulfill participants’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, thus, providing opportunities to promote authentic interest in the activities and meaningful social engagement. Appropriate tools to capture satisfaction of these needs may prove invaluable to gain an understanding of the effectiveness of exercise programs from participants’ perspective. The aim of the study was to examine psychometric aspects of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) scores based on responses of 675 older adult Greek exercise participants, men and women, aged 65 to 80 years, attending indoor group-based exercise programs. The data supported the factorial validity, internal reliability, nomological validity, and equivalent item interpretation of BPNES scores between groups differing in demographic characteristics. Older adults with exercise experience greater than three years reported higher exercise needs satisfaction for all three needs compared to those exercising less than three years. The favorable psychometric characteristics of the BPNES in this population make it a valuable tool for the assessment of the extent to which older adults’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are fulfilled in group-based exercise settings.

Age-specific differences in tumour characteristics between screen-detected and non-screen-detected breast cancers in women aged 40-74 at diagnosis in Sweden from 2008 to 2017.

To analyze differences between screen-detected and non-screen-detected invasive breast cancers by tumour characteristics and age at diagnosis in the nationwide population-based mammography screening program in Sweden. Data were retrieved from the National Quality Register for Breast Cancer for 2008-2017. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the likelihood for a tumour to be screen-detected by tumour characteristics and age group at diagnosis. In total there were 51,429 invasive breast cancers in the target age group for mammography screening of 40-74 years. Likelihood of screen detection decreased with larger tumour size, lymph node metastases, higher histological grade and distant metastasis. Odds ratios (ORs) for negative oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) were 0.41 and 0.57; for positive HER2, 0.62; for Ki-67 high versus low, 0.49. Molecular sub-types had OR of 0.56, 0.40 and 0.28, respectively, for luminal B-like, HER2-positive and triple negative versus luminal A-like. Adjusting for tumour size (T), lymph node status (N), age, year and county at diagnosis slightly elevated the ORs. Statistically significant interactions between tumour characteristics and age were found (p < 0.05) except for ER and PgR. The age group 40-49 deviated most from the other age groups. Our study demonstrates that screen-detected invasive breast cancers had more favourable tumour characteristics than non-screen-detected after adjusting for age, year and county of diagnosis, and even after adjusting for T and N. The trend towards favourable tumour characteristics was less pronounced in the 40-49 age group compared to the other age groups, except for ER and PgR.

Evaluating Techno-Eco-Efficiency of Waste Clay Brick Powder (WCBP) in Geopolymer Binders

The global focus on geopolymer binder production has increased due to the adoption of waste materials and industrial byproducts. Given the gradual decline in the availability of fly ash and ground granular blast furnace slag (GGBFS) resulting from the decarbonization process in electricity and steel production, waste clay brick powder (WCBP) could be a viable substitute for these pozzolanic by-products. This study presents the economic and environmental benefits of the use of WCBP as a replacement for conventional pozzolanic by-products in geopolymer binder production by assessing its techno-eco-efficiency, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness performances. The favorable mechanical characteristics exhibited by the fly ash–GGBFS–WCBP-based geopolymer binder emphasize the importance of assessing its sustainability alongside its technical viability. The study employed life cycle analysis (LCA), following ISO framework, and using the Simapro software 9.2, to evaluate the environmental implications of the use of WCBP-based geopolymer mixtures. Human toxicity emerged as the primary impact. Moreover, the analysis of life cycle costs highlighted key financial factors, with around 65–70% attributed to alkaline activators of the total cost. The production of alkaline activators was identified as a critical point for both environmental impact and economic considerations due to energy consumption. While WCBP-rich samples exhibit a 1.7–0.7% higher environmental impact compared to the control mix (CM), their high mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness make them technologically and economically efficient geopolymer mixes. In conclusion, the portfolio analysis for techno-eco-efficiency affirms that mixes containing 40%, 30%, and 20% WCBP are more efficient than those using 10% and 0% WCBP, respectively.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Melon Seed Husk

Activated carbon, known for its remarkable adsorption properties, is widely used in various applications, including wastewater treatment, air purification, gas and vapour purification. This study explored the production and physicochemical characterization of activated carbon derived from melon seed husks, a readily available agricultural waste product in Nigeria. The process involved carbonization of the husks followed by impregnation with calcium chloride. Physicochemical analysis was performed on the resulting melon seed husk activated carbon (MHSAC) to assess its properties. The analysis revealed favourable characteristics with a pH level of 6.52, ash content of 5.13%, moisture content of 11.36%, density of 0.453g/ml, and an iodine number of 1759.18mg/g, meeting the criteria for an effective adsorbent. These findings demonstrate the potential of melon seed husk an agricultural byproduct, as a valuable source for generating high-quality activated carbon.

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials Based Optical Sensors for the Detection of Melatonin and Serotonin.

In this review paper we discussed the detection of melatonin and serotonin by using various optical methods. Melatonin and serotonin are very necessary body hormones these are also called neuroregulatory hormones secreted by pineal gland in brain by pinealocytes and shape of pineal gland is cone like. Sensitive detection of melatonin and serotonin in pharmacological samples and human serum is crucial for human beings, lots of research publications available in literature for melatonin and serotonin and we overviewed these papers. We have deeply reviewed many research papers where sensitively sensing of melatonin and serotonin occurs, by using of various interfering agents and nanomaterials. This review aims presenting colorimetry, fluorometry and spectrophotometric detection of melatonin (MEL) and serotonin (SER) by using different metal oxides, carbon nanomaterials (nanosheets, nanorods, nanofibers) and many other agents. Nanomaterials typically possess favourable optical, electrical and mechanical characteristics, they provide up new avenues for enhancing the efficacy of sensors. It is crucial to provide an optical sensors platform that is dependable, sensitive and low price. The development of sensors and biosensors to use nanomaterials for neurotransmitters has advanced significantly in recent years. There are currently many developing biomarkers in biological fluids, and bionanomaterial-based biosensor systems, as well as clinical and pharmacological settings, have garnered significant interest. Biomarkers have been found using optical devices in a quick, selective and sensitive manner. Our aim is to compile all the data that already published on MEL, SER sensing and comparison of each method, we mainly focused on principle, observations, sensitivity, selectivity, limit of detection, mechanism behind the reaction, effect of temperature, pH and concentration. In the last of this paper, we discuss some challenges of these methods and future projects.

Impact of sex differences on the feasibility and safety of distal radial access for coronary procedures: a multicenter prospective observational study.

Conventional transradial access in women is associated with a lower success rate and a higher incidence of spasm compared to men. To date, the effect of sex on the performance of distal radial access (DRA) has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sex on catheterization success and other performance parameters of DRA procedures. This is a prospective three-center observational study. From August 2020 to September 2022, data from all consecutive patients who underwent DRA for coronary procedures were collected. A total of 868 procedures were registered and stratified into two groups according to sex: women (n = 258) and men (n = 610). Female patients had less favorable baseline characteristics than male patients in terms of absent or weak pulse (29% vs. 17%; P < 0.001), distal radial diameter (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 mm; P < 0.001) and proximal radial diameter (2.5 ± 0.7 vs. 2.7 ± 0.7 mm; P = 0.001). No differences in success rates were found in women compared to men (94.2% vs. 96.6%; P = 0.135), with a higher presence of arterial spasm in women (5.8% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.044). The preprocedural ultrasound evaluation was the only predictor of DRA success [odds ratio = 20.0 (4.739-83.333); P < 0.001]. In patients undergoing coronary procedures, the success rate of DRA was high regardless of sex, with a higher incidence of arterial spasm in women.

Green hydrogen production by photocatalytic direct dehydrogenation of methanol on CuPt/TiO2

To obtain H2 from methanol under zero carbon emission is a tough challenge. Herein, photocatalytic direct dehydrogenation of methanol to H2 and methyl formate on titania, specifically focusing on the {101}, {100}, and {001} facets supported with CuPt nanoparticles, is investigated by experiment and density functional theory. Our findings reveal that the {100} facets exhibit favorable methanol adsorption characteristics, attributed to their lowest adsorption energy, followed by the {001} and {101} facets. Moreover, methanol adsorbed on the {100} facet readily undergoes conversion to methoxy due to the weakened O-H bond. The formation of surface TiOx resulting from the strong interaction between the support and CuPt nanoparticles proves advantageous for methanol adsorption and dissociation, owing to its low adsorption energy and weakened O-H bond. The pathway from methoxy to methyl formate involves three sequential steps: (1) *CH3O → *CH2O + *H; (2) *CH2O → *CHO + *H; (3) *CH3O + *CHO → HCOOCH3, as opposed to a one-step route of *CH3O + *CH2O → *HCOOCH3 + *H. Remarkably, the {101} facet exhibits the highest catalytic activity among all surfaces, as evidenced by its lowest energy barrier and potential energy at each transition state.

Quantitative T2 mapping-based longitudinal assessment of brain injury and therapeutic rescue in the rat following acute organophosphate intoxication

Acute intoxication with organophosphate (OP) cholinesterase inhibitors poses a significant public health risk. While currently approved medical countermeasures can improve survival rates, they often fail to prevent chronic neurological damage. Therefore, there is need to develop effective therapies and quantitative metrics for assessing OP-induced brain injury and its rescue by these therapies. In this study we used a rat model of acute intoxication with the OP, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), to test the hypothesis that T2 measures obtained from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide quantitative metrics of brain injury and therapeutic efficacy. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were imaged on a 7T MRI scanner at 3, 7 and 28 days post-exposure to DFP or vehicle (VEH) with or without treatment with the standard of care antiseizure drug, midazolam (MDZ); a novel antiseizure medication, allopregnanolone (ALLO); or combination therapy with MDZ and ALLO (DUO). Our results show that mean T2 values in DFP-exposed animals were: (1) higher than VEH in all volumes of interest (VOIs) at day 3; (2) decreased with time; and (3) decreased in the thalamus at day 28. Treatment with ALLO or DUO, but not MDZ alone, significantly decreased mean T2 values relative to untreated DFP animals in the piriform cortex at day 3. On day 28, the DUO group showed the most favorable T2 characteristics. This study supports the utility of T2 mapping for longitudinally monitoring brain injury and highlights the therapeutic potential of ALLO as an adjunct therapy to mitigate chronic morbidity associated with acute OP intoxication.

Energy optimization of stand-alone electrical grid considering the optimal performance of the hydrogen storage system and consumers

The surge in energy storage systems and the increasing involvement of demand-side participation can be attributed to their favorable characteristics, including their seamless integration into electrical networks and their capacity to offer operational flexibility during critical periods. This scholarly article focuses on enhancing energy utilization in an autonomous electrical grid by incorporating hydrogen storage and demand-side participation. The optimization of the stand-alone electrical grid is based on maximizing efficiency and minimizing energy consumption costs as the main objective functions are modeled. The modeling efficiency is formulated considering the ratio of the energy not supplied (ENS) to energy generation by resources. And costs of energy consumption are modeled as consumption of fuel costs by resources. The consumers’ participation is proposed based on an incentive approach to consumers for demand shaving in peak times. Also, the hydrogen storage system is installed in the stand-alone electrical grid to improve the main objectives. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for energy optimization and solving objective functions is applied. In the end, numerical simulation is carried out in some case studies to confirm and supremacy of energy optimization with the participation of the hydrogen storage system and consumers. The case studies based on non-participation and participation of the storage system and consumers in energy management are implemented. The implementation of case studies examines the impact of both non-participation and participation of the storage system and consumers in energy management. The findings reveal that when the storage system and consumers actively participate, there is a significant improvement in efficiency and a substantial reduction in energy costs. Specifically, the efficiency is enhanced by 3% and the energy costs are reduced by 29.5% compared to the scenario where they do not participate.

Caracterização física e descrição do período de secagem com taxa constante da pasta de folhas de jambu

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to describe the constant drying flux stage, as well as obtaining the critical moisture content during the convective drying of jambu leaf paste crushed under different conditions and characterizing the physical properties of the material after drying. Drying was carried out in an air circulation oven at a speed of 1.0 m s-1 and temperatures of 60, 70 and 80 ºC and layer thicknesses of 0.005 and 0.01 m. To determine the constant rate stage, the mass fluxes and the drying rate were calculated. Segmented polynomials were used to estimate the critical moisture content. Under the analyzed conditions, a typical drying behavior was found, demonstrating the existence of a significant period of constant drying rate for the mass of ground jambu leaves. Critical moisture content as a function of thickness and temperature did not show a trend. The material showed favorable physical characteristics, such as high solubility and cohesiveness, free flow, and good wettability, characteristics that add value to the raw material and for the availability of a new product to the market in the condition of packaging.

The impact of methylene blue photosensitizer, aPDT and a calcium hydroxide-based paste on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of root canal dentin and the bonding interface of fiberglass posts

PurposeTo investigate the influence of methylene blue (MB)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and calcium hydroxide (CH) medication on the mechanical characteristics, degree of conversion (DC), quantification, and volume of gaps at the adhesive interface of glass fiber posts (GFPs) luted to distinct thirds of root canal dentin. Additionally, the microhardness (MH), elastic modulus (Eit), morphology, and chemical structure of the intraradicular dentin were assessed. Materials and methods6 experimental groups were formed by sorting 102 bovine incisors. Canals receiving deionized water irrigation as a negative control; canals receiving deionized water irrigation and filled with CH as a positive control; groups treated with CH + MB at 50 and 100 mg/L without irradiation; and groups treated with CH + MB at 50 and 100 mg/L irradiated by red laser for 60 s (660 nm; 100 mW; 6.5 J; 72 J/cm2). MH, Eit, and DC properties were evaluated for both the resin cement layer and root dentin substrate (n = 8). Volume and quantification of gaps at the bonding interface (n = 6), and dentin morphology and chemical content were investigated (n = 3). Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc analysis (α = 0.05). ResultsThe distinct intraradicular thirds and treatment with MB-mediated aPDT, whether activated or not, in combination with CH, had a significant impact on the mechanical characteristics of the root dentin. This effect was also observed in the MH, Eit, DC, quantification, and volume of gaps at the luting interface (P < .05). In general, a higher concentration of MB, whether activated by a red laser or not, led to lower values in the mechanical properties of the root dentin, as well as in MH, Eit, and DC at the adhesive interface (P < .05). Additionally, these groups exhibited higher values for quantification and volume of gaps at the luting substrate (P < .05). Scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X-ray spectra showed qualitative similarity among all groups, except for the negative experimental control group. ConclusionsMB-mediated aPDT at 50 mg/L, in combination with CH, demonstrated favorable physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics in intraradicular dentin, along with satisfactory mechanical features and the adhesive interface integrity for GFPs at all intraradicular depths. Clinical significanceMB-mediated aPDT at a concentration of 50 mg/L combined to CH medication represents a suitable choice for photosensitization in the context of intracanal disinfection following the biomechanical procedure and prior to luting of intraradicular restorations.

Design and biological evaluation of dual tubulin/HDAC inhibitors based on millepachine for treatment of prostate cancer

In this work, a novel of dual tubulin/HDAC inhibitors were designed and synthesized based on the structure of natural product millepachine, which has been identified as a tubulin polymerization inhibitor. Biological evaluation revealed that compound 9n exhibited an impressive potency against PC-3 cells with the IC50 value of 16 nM and effectively inhibited both microtubule polymerization and HDAC activity. Furthermore, compound 9n not only induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, but also induced PC- 3 cells apoptosis. Further study revealed that the induction of cell apoptosis by 9n was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an elevation in reactive oxygen species levels in PC-3 cells. Additionally, 9n exhibited inhibitory effects on tumor cell migration and angiogenesis. In PC-3 xenograft model, 9n achieved a remarkable tumor inhibition rate of 90.07%@20 mg/kg, significantly surpassing to that of CA-4 (55.62%@20 mg/kg). Meanwhile, 9n exhibited the favorable drug metabolism characteristics in vivo. All the results indicate that 9n is a promising dual tubulin/HDAC inhibitor for chemotherapy of prostate cancer, deserving the further investigation.

Hydrothermal fabrication of two-dimensional indium oxide nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors

In this research, we synthesized Indium oxide nanosheets (In2O3-NS) using an easy, cost-effective, and hydrothermal approach. The In2O3 NS modified electrode achieved the highest specific capacitance value of 927.24 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 current density in a 2 M KOH electrolyte solution. The electrochemical results indicate that the stability of the In2O3 NS is much greater compared to other reported indium oxide-based nanostructure electrodes. This enhanced cycle stability was seen for a duration of 8,000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1. In2O3-NS exhibits favourable characteristics that makes it a viable candidate for use as an electrode material in energy storage for supercapacitor applications.

Wolbachia strain wAlbB shows favourable characteristics for dengue control use in Aedes aegypti from Burkina Faso.

Dengue represents an increasing public health burden worldwide. In Africa, underreporting and misdiagnosis often mask its true epidemiology, and dengue is likely to be both more widespread than reported data suggest and increasing in incidence and distribution. Wolbachia-based dengue control is underway in Asia and the Americas but has not to date been deployed in Africa. Due to the genetic heterogeneity of African Aedes aegypti populations and the complexity of the host-symbiont interactions, characterization of key parameters of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes is paramount for determining the potential of the system as a control tool for dengue in Africa. The wAlbB Wolbachia strain was stably introduced into an African Ae. aegypti population by introgression, and showed high intracellular density in whole bodies and different mosquito tissues; high intracellular density was also maintained following larval rearing at high temperatures. No effect on the adult lifespan induced by Wolbachia presence was detected. Moreover, the ability of this strain to strongly inhibit DENV-2 dissemination and transmission in the host was also demonstrated in the African background. Our findings suggest the potential of harnessing Wolbachia for dengue control for African populations of Ae. aegypti.

Anticancer activity of Hedyotis corymbosa nanoliposomes targeting estrogen receptor-alpha in breast cancer cells: In silico and in vitro studies

Context: Breast cancer expresses high levels of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). Aims: To investigate the potential anticancer activity of nanoliposome Hedyotis corymbosa in breast cancer cells by specifically targeting the ER-α through a combination of in silico and in vitro studies. Methods: This study used molecular docking to analyze the interaction between ER-α and active compounds from H. corymbosa. In vitro studies, the H. corymbosa extract was converted into nanoliposomes. The nanoliposomes' characteristics were examined, combined with tamoxifen, and applied to breast cancer cell cultures. Viability, proliferation, and ER-α expression were assessed, and statistical analysis was performed (p&lt;0.05). Results: The findings show that H. corymbosa compounds, especially rutin, inhibit ER-α binding and act as a substrate for P-glycoprotein. Extract H. corymbosa selectively decreases viability in breast cancer cells (T47D) compared to non-cancerous cells (NIH3T3). Combining extracts with tamoxifen at 10 mg/mL enhances treatment efficacy. The combined treatment is effective for up to 72 h, reducing T47D breast cancer cell proliferation. Nanoliposomes derived from extract exhibit favorable characteristics, including a spherical shape, uniform size distribution, and stability. Using these nanoliposomes at 100 μg/mL with tamoxifen significantly reduces ER-α expression (p&lt;0.05) without affecting cell viability. Conclusions: Compounds from H. corymbosa, especially rutin, inhibit ER-α binding. H. corymbosa nanoliposomes are stable for drug delivery. Combining tamoxifen with nanoliposomes at 100 μg/mL reduces ER-alpha expression. This shows potential for breast cancer treatment, but validation through further research and clinical trials is necessary.