Hydroxide Gel Research Articles

Construction of Candida albicans Adhesin-Exposed Synthetic Cells for Preventing Systemic Fungal Infection.

The development of efficient fungal vaccines is urgent for preventing life-threatening systemic fungal infections. In this study, we prepared a synthetic, cell-based fungal vaccine for preventing systemic fungal infections using synthetic biology techniques. The synthetic cell EmEAP1 was constructed by transforming the Escherichia coli chassis using a de novo synthetic fragment encoding the protein mChEap1 that was composed of the E. coli OmpA peptide, the fluorescence protein mCherry, the Candida albicans adhesin Eap1, and the C-terminally transmembrane region. The EmEAP1 cells highly exposed the mChEap1 on the cell surface under IPTG induction. The fungal vaccine was then prepared by mixing the EmEAP1 cells with aluminum hydroxide gel and CpG. Fluorescence quantification revealed that the fungal vaccine was stable even after 112 days of storage. After immunization in mice, the vaccine resided in the lymph nodes, inducing the recruitment of CD11c+ dendritic cells. Moreover, the vaccine strongly activated the CD4+ T splenocytes and elicited high levels of anti-Eap1 IgG. By the prime-boost immunization, the vaccine prolonged the survival time of the mice infected by the C. albicans cells and attenuated fungal colonization together with inflammation in the kidneys. This study sheds light on the development of synthetic biology-based fungal vaccines for the prevention of life-threatening fungal infections.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY TEST OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE AND MAULI BANANA (Musa acuminata) STEM EXTRACT GEL MIXTURE AGAINST Enterococcus faecalis

Background: The use of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament has several weaknesses that can cause side effects, including chronic inflammation in the periapical tissue and resistance to several bacteria, one of which is Enterococcus faecalis. The bacteria are the most resistant microorganism to calcium hydroxide due to a high pH tolerance capability. This weakness is the reason for finding alternative materials that can combine with calcium hydroxide. Mauli banana stem has bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, combined with calcium hydroxide may exhibit good characteristics as an intracanal medicament. Purpose: To analyze the antibacterial activity of the calcium hydroxide and mauli banana (Musa acuminata) stem extract gel mixture against Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: The research is a pure experimental study with a post-test only with control group design that uses 4 treatment groups, including calcium hydroxide and mauli banana stem extract gel mixture at a concentration of 25%; 37,5%; 50%; and control with each of 9 replications. The parameter measured was the diameter of the inhibition zone that formed on Mueller Hinton Agar. Result: One Way Anova and Bonferroni Post Hoc tests showed significant differences between each treatment group. Conclusion: The mixture of calcium hydroxide and mauli banana stem extract gel had antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The mixture of calcium hydroxide and mauli banana stem extract gel at 50% concentration obtained the highest inhibition zone. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Calcium hydroxide, Enterococcus faecalis, Musa acuminata

Development of liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of a novel adjuvant, Imidazoquinoline gallamide in aluminum hydroxide gel-Imidazoquinoline gallamide and COVAXIN.

Imidazoquinoline gallamide is a toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist, belongs to the imidazoquinoline class, has the potential to activate antigen-presenting cells, and enhances immune response, primarily Th1 response. The COVAXIN is a whole virion inactivated Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine formulated with this novel adjuvant called, aluminum hydroxide gel Imidazoquinoline gallamide, wherein, Imidazoquinoline gallamide is chemisorbed onto aluminum hydroxide gel. Herein, an analytical method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed to identify and quantify Imidazoquinoline gallamide in aluminum hydroxide gel Imidazoquinoline gallamide and COVAXIN. The multiple reaction monitoring transitions were optimized for Imidazoquinoline gallamide quantification are [M+H]+ ions with 512.24→343.19 m/z (quantifier ion) and 512.24→360.22 m/z (qualifier ion). The developed method was validated as per the international conference on harmonization quality2 revison1 guidelines. The method was linear in the range of 0.025-10µg/mL with a coefficient of determination of 0.9985 and the limit of quantification is 0.025µg/mL. The accuracy was in the range of 82-121 % and intra- and inter-day precision was less than 7.1% and 5.39%, respectively. The expanded uncertainty results are 9.2% for Imidazoquinoline gallamide in the sample. The validated method was successfully applied to evaluate Imidazoquinoline gallamide concentration in every batch of COVAXIN.

Cobalt Nanoparticle-integrated Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanotube as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Catalysts are key ingredients for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Platinum (Pt) and Pt-based catalysts are commonly used in DMFCs. The present study demonstrates highly active noble metal-free cobalt nanoparticle (NP)-integrated nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Co@NC) as an efficient catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The formation of the Co-Nx bond in the vicinity of Co@NC created a higher number of active sites for ORR. The Co@NC catalyst showed a half-wave potential of 0.86 V and an onset potential of 0.91 V for ORR. The Pt NP-decorated Co@NC (Pt-Co@NC) displayed high mass activity of 5.39 A/mg toward methanol oxidation reaction activity, which is 3.6-fold higher than that of the conventional Pt/C catalyst, due to the synergistic effect of Co@NC. The Co@NC cathode catalyst coupled with a Pt-Co@NC anode catalyst exhibited significantly improved performance, with a peak power density of 42.6 mW/cm2 at a discharge current density of 220 mA/cm2. The Co@NC noble metal-free bifunctional catalyst broadens the range of DMFC application, as demonstrated in a polyvinyl alcohol/potassium hydroxide (PVA/KOH) gel membrane-based room-temperature DMFC, using a synthesized cathode and anode. The PVA/KOH gel-membrane-based DMFC cell delivered a power density of 8.5 mW/cm2. Thus, the results from this study demonstrate the real applicability of the as-synthesized catalyst-integrated PVA/KOH gel membrane-based DMFC for portable electronics.

Optimization design and characterization of slag cementitious composites containing carbide slag and desulfurized gypsum based on response surface methodology

Since many independent factors can affect the property of geopolymer, it is of great significance to seek optimization technologies to maximize the recovery and utilization of solid waste resources. In this work, a cementitious material was prepared using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), carbide slag (CS) and desulfurized gypsum (DG). Utilizing the Box-Behnken design under the response surface method, the content of DG and CS, along with the water-binder ratio, were selected as impact factors. Regression models were established to investigate their impact on fluidity, setting time, and compressive strength. In addition, the changes in hydration products, microstructure and pore characteristics of hardened paste were explored through microscopic tests. The results show that the multivariate correlation coefficients of each model are greater than 0.99, the coefficient of variation is less than 10%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 4, which indicates that the fitting accuracy of established models is extremely high. Microstructural testing shows that the main hydration products of cementitious material are ettringite (AFt), calcium hydroxide and calcium-aluminosilicate (C-A-S-H) gel. CS provided an alkaline environment for GGBS dissolution to promote C-A-S-H gel formation, while DG provide SO42− for AFt formation. Under optimal state, the C-A-S-H gel and AFt crystals in matrix are gradually formed and promoted by each other, making paste structure more compact, which improves mechanical property. This work serves as a valuable reference for the optimal design of cementitious composites under multiple factors and expands the scope of solid waste utilization.

Use of Highly Dispersed Mixed Metal Hydroxide Gel Compared to Bentonite Based Gel for Application in Drilling Fluid under Ultra-High Temperatures.

In order to solve the problem of poor dispersion and stability of mixed metal hydroxide (MMH), a kind of mixed metal hydroxide-like compound (MMHlc) gel was synthesized for use as the base mud in drilling fluid instead of bentonite gel. Na2CO3, Na2SiO3, and C17H33CO2Na were used as precipitants to form MMHlc with larger interlayer spacing and smaller particle size. MMHlc was synthesized by the coprecipitation method at 25 °C with a metal molar ratio of Mg:Al:Fe = 3:1:1. The performance evaluation of the treated drilling fluid showed that MMHlc (S2) synthesized using Na2SiO3 as the precipitant had the characteristics of low viscosity, low filtration, and a high dynamic plastic ratio at 25 °C, which fully met the requirements of oil field application, and it maintained its excellent properties after being aged at 250 °C for 16 h. Linear expansion and rolling recovery experiments showed that the S2 sample had excellent rheological properties and good inhibition. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR experiments showed that S2 had the most complete crystal structure, its interlayer distance was large, and its ion exchange capacity was strong. The thermogravimetric experiment showed that the S2 crystal was stable and the temperature resistance of the crystal could reach 340 °C. Zeta potential, particle size analysis, SEM, and TEM results showed that S2 is a nanomaterial with a complete morphology and uniform distribution. The drilling fluid of this formula had the characteristics of low viscosity, low filtration loss, and a high dynamic plastic ratio, and it met the conditions for oil field application. Considering these results, the new MMH prepared by our research institute is a drilling fluid material that can be used at ultra-high temperatures and can provide important support for drilling ultra-deep wells.

Features of the formation of crystalline hydrosulfoaluminates during hydration of stoichiometric mixtures of calcium aluminates with calcium sulfate

Calcium aluminates as mineral binders allow to produce cements and concretes with high early strength, low porosity, increased heat resistance, frost resistance and corrosion resistance compared to materials based on Portland cement. An important structure-forming process in aluminate cements is formation of hydrosulfoaluminate phases (ettringite, monosulfoaluminate). Finding out the parameters that allow to control this process is of exceptional importance for construction practice. Hydration of various calcium aluminates C3A, C12A7, CA, and CA2 in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of various forms of calcium sulfate (CaSO4⋅2H2O, α-CaSO4⋅0.5H2O, anhydrite) was studied in order to determine the comparative ratio and the peculiarities of nucleation and growth of the hydrosulfoaluminate phase crystals. It was found that the highest yield of ettringite (∼100 wt% by 28 days) is achieved during hydration hardening of the composition C3A + 3CS¯H2, the yield is reduced in the series C12A7–CA–CA2. Monosulfoaluminate is not formed as the predominant product, its yield reaches 25 wt% during hydration of low-base aluminates. Ettringite crystals can form as a highly dispersed mass (from C3A) or prismatic (fibrous) crystals (from other aluminates). It was clearly shown for the first time that the origin and growth of ettringite crystals occurs in the matrix of aluminum hydroxide gel formed during hydration of calcium aluminates. Varying the pH of aluminate-sulfate mixtures changes the morphology, size and number of primary ettringite crystals. Lamellar hexagonal crystals of monosulfoaluminate are formed from hydroaluminates of type C4AH13-19 at low availability of calcium sulfate. The explanation of the experimental data was carried out using thermodynamic calculations. The results obtained can be used in practice to control the content, ratio and morphology of hydrosulfoaluminate phases in cement stone.

Abstracts from The Aerosol Society Drug Delivery to the Lungs 33.

Abstracts from The Aerosol Society Drug Delivery to the Lungs 33.

Formation of Composite Coatings of Layered Double Hydroxide Particles and Hydroxide Gel by Electrophoretic Deposition on Mg Alloy and Corrosion Resistance

To improve the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys, composite coatings of layered double hydroxide intercalated with carbonate (LDH-CO3, hydrotalcite) particles and magnesium and aluminum hydroxide gel were formed on AZ31 Mg alloy by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) using the LDH-CO3 suspension with Mg(NO3)2 and Al(NO3)3 in total of 1.25–125 mmol/L. Wet-dry cyclic corrosion tests were performed for the coated specimens after ultrasonication. LDH-CO3 particle-rich layer and magnesium and aluminum hydroxide gel-rich layer almost alternately piled up to form a composite layer. The hydroxide gel adhered the particles together and to the substrate. At the bottom of the composite layer, flake-shape LDH-structured substance densely covered the substrate surface. The coverage and thickness of the composite layer increased from sub-micrometers to 30 µm with an increase of Mg and Al ion concentrations of the suspension. By ultrasonication, parts of the composite layer delaminated to expose the LDH-structured substance layer, while the coverage by the remaining composite layer increased with an increase of Mg and Al ion concentrations. The LDH-CO3 particles and hydroxide gel composite coatings prevented corrosion initiation even in the areas where the LDH-structured substance layer was exposed.

Obtaining and Characterization of Hybridomas Producing Monoclonal Antibodies against Coronavirus SARS-CоV-2

The aim of the work was to obtain and characterize hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies to antigens of coronavirus SARS‑CoV‑2, promising for the construction of diagnostic immunochemical tests. Materials and methods. Recombinant nucleocapsid and receptor binding fragment of spike protein of SARS‑CoV‑2 were used for immunization of BALB/c mice. Antigens were absorbed on aluminium hydroxide gel and injected subcutaneously to BALB/c mice at a 7-day-interval. Immune splenocytes and myeloma cells SP2/0-Ag14 were fused by polyethylene glycol 1450. Cell cultures producing specific antibodies against nucleocapsid and receptor binding fragment were selected applying indirect ELISA in 96-well plates sensitized by desired antigens. Clones of hybridomas were obtained using the method of limiting dilutions. Production properties were studied through in vitro cultivation in 24-well culture plates. Immune-ascitic fluids were collected during the cultivation of hybrid cells in peritoneal cavities of BALB/c mice. Monoclonal antibodies were purified by affinity chromatography on protein A sepharose sorbent, conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, and tested for the possibility to be used in sandwich ELISA for detection of inactivated SARS‑CoV‑2 coronavirus strain “Isolate B”. Results and discussion. As a result of hybridization and selection of clones, hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies to nucleocapsid and receptor binding fragment of SARS‑CoV‑2 have been obtained. During the in vitro and in vivo cultivation the clones maintained the consistent proliferative and antibody producing activity. The application of monoclonal antibody 415D12 as a capture one and 411D12 antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase as a detector antibody in ELISA allows for identifying SARS‑CoV‑2 coronavirus at a minimum concentration of 1·103 PFU per ml.

Production of Al2O3-SiC composites from micrometer α-Al2O3 powder obtained via sol-gel

Alumina (Al2O3) is an advanced ceramic material developed for different applications as refractories, precision tools, pacemaker, etc. Solid state sintering of alumina or matrix ceramic composites (CMCs) compacts starts from powders. Once method to produce high quality aluminum oxide powders is the sol-gel technique. Alumina begins as pseudo-crystallized aluminum hydroxide gel which is produced under moderate reaction conditions trough a colloidal suspension. In this work, Al2O3 powder was produced by precipitation of pseudoboehmite (PB) through sol-gel process. Subsequently, a mixture of Al2O3/SiC powders with 5 wt.% of SiC as reinforcement was produced. This mixture was used to manufacture green compacts by uniaxial pressing at 440 MPa. Afterward, some samples were applied a heat treatment (pre-sintered) at 1200°C for 6 h in air. Sintering was carried out in a vertical dilatometer Linseis L75 V up to 1500°C for 2h under argon atmosphere. Pseudobohemite, alumina powders and Al2O3/SiC composites were characterized through X-ray diffraction technique and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Dilatometric shrinkage data into densification curves obtained were analyzed. Images obtained with SEM showed a uniform Al2O3 powder morphology of submicron size, otherwise Al2O3/SiC composite images showed the interaction of the reinforcement particles on the ceramic matrix. Experimental results demonstrated the pre-sintering reduce the decomposition of SiC particles on the compact surface. This behavior was attributed to formation of SiO2 around the reinforcement particle due it act as protective barrier.

Development of an Inactivated Camelpox Vaccine from Attenuated Camelpox Virus Strain: Safety and Protection in Camels.

This article describes the preparation of an inactivated vaccine from an attenuated strain of camelpox. The attenuated camelpox virus (CMLV) was grown in lamb kidney cells and in Vero cells. CMLV was accumulated to a significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) titer in lamb kidney cells (7.75 ± 0.08 log TCID50/mL) than in Vero cells (4.00 ± 0.14 log TCID50/mL). During virus inactivation, a concentration of 0.05% beta-propiolactone (BPL) completely inactivated the virus in 6 h at a temperature of 22 ± 1 °C, while a concentration of 0.2% formaldehyde inactivated the virus in 8 h. However, a viral antigen inactivated by BPL was used for vaccine preparation. The inactivated viral antigen was adsorbed with aluminum hydroxide gel, and as a result, an inactivated candidate vaccine was prepared. While the safety of the candidate vaccine was tested in camels and white mice, the protective efficacy of the vaccine was tested only in camels. In the safety evaluation of the inactivated vaccine, the vaccine was not observed to cause any adverse effects in mice and camels. During the immunogenicity study in camels, antibody formation started (0.2 ± 0.16 log2) at Day 21 post-vaccination (PV), and the antibody titer peaked (1.33 ± 0.21 log2) at Day 60 PV and decreased at Day 90 PV (0.50 ± 0.22 log2). Furthermore, no antibodies were detected in vaccinated camels from Days 180 to 365 PV. Camels that received vaccination and were subsequently exposed to wild-type virus evinced a healthy state despite lacking antibodies. In contrast, unvaccinated camels exhibited susceptibility to camelpox upon challenge.

Combined Adjuvant Formulations Enhanced an Immune Response of Trivalent Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine in Cattle.

Foot-and-mouth disease is globally one of the most economically important viral diseases of cloven-hoofed animals that can be controlled by different strategies, where vaccination plays an important role. Selection of adjuvant added to vaccine preparation is crucial in ensuring the protective effect of the vaccine. Aluminum hydroxide gel mixed with saponin (AS) is widely used adjuvant, with its suboptimal immune response in FMD vaccine. The present study was undertaken to evaluate different ingredients of adjuvants for inactivated trivalent (A, O and SAT 2) FMD vaccine and to demonstrate the effect of booster dose in cattle. Cattle were grouped into five; four experimental and one control, with six animals in each group and immunized with trivalent vaccine with various formulations of adjuvants. Immune response was measured using Solid Phase Competitive Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (SPCE). The antibody level in cattle immunised with a vaccine formulation containing a mixture of aluminum hydroxide gel and saponin (AS) were significantly lower than AS boosted group for the three serotypes (p<0.05, t-test), which directs the need for booster dose. Whereas the antibody response in the AS + oil group was higher followed by oil alone. The AS preparation with a booster dose has shown better immune response compared to the group without. The findings of this study could suggest that oil based and AS with oil could replace the conventional aluminum hydroxide gel and saponin adjuvants in FMD vaccine preparations. Challenge test was not successful indicating the need for further research on the virus infectivity.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Novel Ionic Liquid-Based Tooth Bleaching Gels: A Step towards Safer and Cost-Effective Cosmetic Dentistry.

The objective of this study was to synthesize a novel choline hydroxide ionic liquid-based tooth bleaching gel. Ionic liquid-based gels were synthesized and characterized using FTIR along with pH testing. Tooth sample preparation was carried out in line with ISO 28399:2020. The effects of synthesized gels on tooth samples were tested. Tooth samples were stained and grouped into three experimental groups: EAI (22% choline hydroxide gel), EAII (44% choline hydroxide gel), and EB (choline citrate gel) and two control groups: CA (commercial at-home 16% carbamide peroxide gel) and CB (deionized water). The tooth color analysis, which included shade matching with the Vitapan shade guide (n = 2), and digital colorimetric analysis (n = 2) were evaluated. The surface characteristics and hardness were analyzed with 3D optical profilometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Microhardness testing (n = 3), respectively. The tooth color analysis (Vitapan shade guide) revealed that all the tooth samples treated with synthesized choline citrate gel (EB) showed an A1 shade as compared to the other four groups, giving a range of shades. An analysis of the ΔE values from digital colorimetry; EAI, EAII, CA, and CB showed ΔE values in a range that was clinically perceptible at a glance. However, EB showed the highest value of ΔE. The mean microhardness values for the five groups showed that the effects of three experimental gels i.e., 44% choline hydroxide, 22% choline hydroxide, and choline citrate, on the microhardness of the tooth samples were similar to that of the positive control, which comprised commercial at-home 16% carbamide peroxide gel. SEM with EDX of three tested subgroups was closely related in surface profile, elemental composition, and Ca/P ratio. The roughness average values from optical profilometry of four tested subgroups lie within approximately a similar range, showing a statistically insignificant difference (p > 0.05) between the tested subgroups. The synthesized novel experimental tooth bleaching gels displayed similar tooth bleaching actions without any deleterious effects on the surface characteristics and microhardness of the treated tooth samples when compared with the commercial at-home tooth bleaching gel.

The trehalose glycolipid C18Brar promotes antibody and T-cell immune responses to Mannheimia haemolytica and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae whole cell antigens in sheep.

Bronchopneumonia is a common respiratory disease in livestock. Mannheimia haemolytica is considered the main causative pathogen leading to lung damage in sheep, with Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and ParaInfluenza virus type 3, combined with adverse physical and physiological stress, being predisposing factors. A balance of humoral and cellular immunity is thought to be important for protection against developing respiratory disease. In the current study, we compared the ability of the trehalose glycolipid adjuvant C18Brar (C18-alkylated brartemicin analogue) and three commercially available adjuvant systems i.e., Quil-A, Emulsigen-D, and a combination of Quil-A and aluminium hydroxide gel, to stimulate antibody and cellular immune responses to antigens from inactivated whole cells of M. haemolytica and M. ovipneumoniae in sheep. C18Brar and Emulsigen-D induced the strongest antigen-specific antibody responses to both M. haemolytica and M. ovipneumoniae, while C18Brar and Quil-A promoted the strongest antigen-specific IL-17A responses. The expression of genes with known immune functions was determined in antigen-stimulated blood cultures using Nanostring nCounter technology. The expression levels of CD40, IL22, TGFB1, and IL2RA were upregulated in antigen-stimulated blood cultures from animals vaccinated with C18Brar, which is consistent with T-cell activation. Collectively, the results demonstrate that C18Brar can promote both antibody and cellular responses, notably Th17 immune responses in a ruminant species.

Synthesis of cuprous oxide via ion exchange route for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using cupric hydroxide gel as a precursor and glucose as a reductant. A well-dispersed cupric hydroxide gel was prepared by treatment of aqueous cuprous chloride with anion exchange resin. The average diameter of the Cu2O nanoparticles was 780 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that polyethylene from the anion exchange resin was present in the Cu2O powder, explaining how the ion exchange route reduces agglomeration of the Cu2O nanoparticles. Addition of hydrogen peroxide during the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue significantly reduced photocorrosion of the Cu2O nanoparticles. The mechanism by which hydrogen peroxide participates in the photocatalytic process and inhibits photocorrosion was investigated.

Expression of FMD virus-like particles in yeast Hansenula polymorpha and immunogenicity of combine with CpG and aluminum adjuvant

Inactivated vaccines are limited in preventing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) due to safety problems. Recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) are an excellent candidate for a novel vaccine for preventing FMD, given that VLPs have similar immunogenicity as natural viruses and are replication- and infection-incompetent. The 3C protease and P1 polyprotein of type O FMD virus (FDMV) was expressed in yeast Hansenula polymorpha to generate self-resembling VLPs, and the potential of recombinant VLPs as an FMD vaccine was evaluated. BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant purified VLPs using CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and aluminum hydroxide gel as an adjuvant. Cytokines and lymphocytes from serum and spleen were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, enzyme-linked immunospot assay, and flow cytometry. The VLPs of FMD were purified successfully from yeast protein with a diameter of approximately 25 nm. The immunization of mice showed that animals produced high levels of FMDV antibodies and a higher level of antibodies for a longer time. In addition, higher levels of interferon-γ and CD4+ T cells were observed in mice immunized with VLPs. The expression of VLPs of FMD in H. polymorpha provides a novel strategy for the generation of the FMDV vaccine.

Management of acidity and related symptoms: A market research survey

Context: Acidity is a common medical complaint of gastrointestinal disease. A modern lifestyle brings along with it a host of problems, including acidity and gastrointestinal issues. Aims: To understand the related symptoms and management of patients diagnosed with acidity by surveying general physicians and gastroenterologists across India. Settings and Design: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted between May and December 2021 for a duration of 6 months. Methods and Material: A total of 198 general physicians and gastroenterologists across India were provided a questionnaire via an online link and requested to answer questions about acidity and its symptoms. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed as summary statistics. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive analysis Results: About 34% were diagnosed with GI disorders and 47% of patients with GI disorders were diagnosed with hyperacidity in routine clinical practice. Heartburn/retrosternal pain (92%) was the most common classical symptom of hyperacidity, followed by epigastric pain (85%), and acid reflux (75%), belching/burping (64%), and flatulence (55%). The majority of doctors (68%) reported that antacids were recommended as the first line of treatment for hyperacidity. Around 80% of respondents reported that anesthetic antacids are most relevant or relevant in managing hyperacidity. Most physicians (89.4%) prescribed the anaesthetic antacid formulation containing magnesium hydroxide, dried aluminium hydroxide gel, simethicone, and oxetacaine in their daily practice, and 82.8% reported very good or extremely good experience with its usage. Conclusions: The survey findings provided insights into understanding the current epidemiology, diagnosis, as well as treatment of hyperacidity across India. Key Message: Acidity and its related symptoms can strongly influence the quality of life. Early identification and appropriate diagnosis can prevent major complications.

Synthesis of visible light-responsive cuprous oxide/sunflower stem pith hybrid materials for detoxification of methylene blue.

The detoxification of dye-contaminated water by photocatalysis has become a research priority. Here, a novel hybrid material, cuprous oxide/sunflower stem pith (Cu2O/SSP), was successfully synthesized in situ, using copper hydroxide gel, prepared by ion exchange, as the precursor to Cu2O. The presence of Cu2O nanoparticles on the SSP was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. Using methylene blue (MB) as the target pollutant, Cu2O/SSP delivered excellent adsorption-photocatalytic degradation and was readily photoregenerated. Cu2O/SSP removed 72.7% of MB after 60 min under visible light irradiation, an increase of 15.6 % compared with unmodified SSP. SSP plays three roles in the removal of MB: it acts as an adsorbent for the MB, a carrier for the Cu2O nanoparticles and it also inhibits photocorrosion of Cu2O. The mechanism of adsorption-photocatalysis by Cu2O/SSP was investigated and a description of the mechanism is provided. This study paves the way for the detoxification of dye-containing wastewater using hybrid biomass materials.

Two formulations of coronavirus disease-19 recombinant subunit vaccine candidate made up of S1 fragment protein P1, S2 fragment protein P2, and nucleocapsid protein elicit strong immunogenicity in mice.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is ongoing as a global epidemic and there is still a need to develop much safer and more effective new vaccines that can also be easily adapted to important variants of the pathogen. In the present study in this direction, we developed a new COVID-19 vaccine, composed of two critical antigenic fragments of the S1 and S2 region of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 as well as the whole nucleocapsid protein (N), which was formulated with either alum or alum plus monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvant combinations. From within the spike protein S1 region, a fragmented protein P1 (MW:33 kDa) which includes the receptor-binding domain (RBD), another fragment protein P2(MW:17.6) which contains important antigenic epitopes within the spike protein S2 region, and N protein (MW:46 kDa) were obtained after recombinant expression of the corresponding gene regions in Escherichia coli BL21. For use in immunization studies, three proteins were adsorbed with aluminum hydroxide gel and with the combination of aluminum hydroxide gel plus MPLA. Each of the three protein antigens produced strong reactions in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Western blot analysis studies performed with convalescent COVID-19 patient sera. In mice, these combined protein vaccine candidates elicited high titer anti-P1, anti-P2,and anti-N IgG and IgG2a responses. These also induced highly neutralizing antibodies and elicited significant cell-mediated immunity as demonstrated by enhanced antigen-specific levels of interferon-γ (INF-γ) in the splenocytes of immunized mice. The results of this study showed that formulations of the three proteins with Alum or Alum + MPLA are effective in terms of humoral and cellular responses. However, since the Alum + MPLA formulation appears to be superior in Th1 response, this vaccine candidate may be recommended mainly for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. We also believe that the alum-only formulation will provide great benefits for adults, young adolescents, and children.