Microscopy Results Research Articles

CK-666 exerts anticancer effects by regulating autophagy, tunneling nanotubes and extracellular vesicles formation.

CK-666, an inhibitor of the actin-related protein complex 2/3 (Arp2/3), can suppress lamellipodia formation and cell migration. However, research on its application in tumor therapy is still limited. Using RNA-seq, we clustered and analyzed the functions of differentially expressed mRNAs in CK-666-treated tumor cells. Interestingly, the differentially expressed genes related to CK-666 were closely associated with exosomes and autophagy. Through Western blot, we confirmed that CK-666 promoted the high expression of exosome and autophagy markers in tumor cells. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated the appearance of extracellular vesicles larger than exosomes. Scanning electron microscopy findings revealed that CK-666 inhibited the formation of intercellular tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). Fluorescent staining further revealed that CK-666 induced the formation and secretion of CD63-positive vesicles within the tunnels of retraction fibers (RFs). In vitro experiments verified that CK-666 preferentially inhibited fibroblasts in 3D tumorspheres. In the tumor 3D-Histoculture Drug Response Assay (3D-HDRA), it was found that CK-666 could suppress the activity of isolated tumor tissues. Moreover, our study discovered that the combination of CK-666 and docetaxel (DTX) significantly enhanced DTX sensitivity. In summary, our results suggest that CK-666 may play an oncogenic role by regulating autophagy, TNTs, and extracellular vesicles formation.

Simplicia quality analysis and phytochemical screening of red bracts of Kepok banana flower (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Background: The Kepok banana plant (Musa paradisiaca L.) has been processed into food preparations, empirically used as medicine, and as a cosmetic for hair and skin care. Kepok banana flowers have bracts and male flowers contain nutritional content, namely carbohydrates, protein, low fat, high fiber and also minerals such as phosphorus, iron and calcium) as well as vitamins A, B1 and vitamin C. To determine the potential of the red bracts of Kepok banana flowers as an efficacious ingredient in medical and cosmetic preparations, simplicia characteristics testing was carried out to determine the quality of simplicial and phytochemical screening to determine secondary metabolite compounds in plant. Objective: The aim of this research was to identify the characteristics of simplicia and screen phytochemicals in the red bracts of Kepok banana flowers (Musa paradisiaca L.). Method: This research was carried out experimentally in the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Technology laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lincoln University College Malaysia. The red bracts of the Kepok banana flower (Musa paradisiaca L.) were dried by drying, protected from direct sunlight. Extract of the red bracts of the Kepok banana flower (Musa paradisiaca L.) was obtained using the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) method with 70% ethanol solvent. Results: Microscopic results of powder and fresh simplicia of red bracts of Kepok banana flowers (Musa paradisiaca L.) were obtained, epidermis fragments, xylem fibers, sclerenchyma fibers, anomocytic type stomata, endocarp and essential oil. The results of the simplicia quality inspection showed that the water soluble essence content was 37.15%, the ethanol soluble essence content was 16.57%, the water content was 5.31%, the total ash content was 9.04%. and the acid insoluble ash content was 2.42%. Phytochemical screening of the red bractea extract of Kepok banana flowers (Musa paradisiaca L.) obtained alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and triterpenoids/steroids. Conclusion: The results of the quality analysis of the simplicia red bracts of the Kepok banana flower (Musa paradisiaca L.) met the simplicia quality standards and the results of the phytochemical screening examination of the red bractea extract of the Kepok banana flower (Musa paradisiaca L.) contained alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and triterpenoids/steroids compounds.

P-1564. Clinical Findings in Pediatric Patients with Renal Abscesses Treated with Intravenous versus Oral Antibiotics

Abstract Background Renal abscesses in pediatric patients are uncommon and there is a paucity of data published regarding clinical findings and treatment outcomes. Case reports have documented the successful use of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, with or without surgical intervention. However, few case series have documented the use of enteral or oral antibiotics, specifically in the pediatric population. The treatment approach to renal abscesses in pediatric patients remains controversial. Methods This retrospective case study identified children less than or equal to 18 years of age in the Intermountain Health System who had a radiographically diagnosed renal or perirenal abscess between 2015 and 2023. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated for clinical variables and treatment strategies. Patient and clinical outcomes assessed included hospital readmission, emergency department (ED) revisits, re-occurrence of abscess within one year, and length of hospital stay. Results Forty-two patients were evaluated. On average, patients included had an elevated C-reactive protein and serum white blood cell (WBC) count. Escherichia coli was the main pathogen isolated from culture results (50%). Per urinalysis (UA) findings, 50% of UAs had trace or greater leukocyte esterase and 61% had trace or greater protein. Hematuria was observed in 60% of microscopic UA results, and 66% of UAs had WBCs greater than five. The majority of patients (81%) were sent home on oral antibiotics. Of the patients sent home on IV antibiotics, 71% of patients had an oral option. Readmission within 90-days was seen in 6% of patients on oral therapy and 14% of patients on IV therapy (P = 0.48). ED revisit within 90-days was seen in 6% of patients on oral therapy versus 14% of patients on IV therapy (P = 1.00). No patients had a re-occurrence of abscess within one year (P = 1.00). The median length of stay in the oral therapy group and IV therapy group was 3 days (2, 5.75) and 5.5 days (3.5, 8.75) (P = 0.13), respectively. Conclusion No patients had a re-occurrence of abscess within one year. 71% of patients treated with IV antibiotics had an oral option and were treated with an IV antibiotic based on provider preference. Oral antibiotics appear to be effective in the treatment of renal abscesses. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Nanosecond Laser Processing of Titanium in Organic Liquids as a Method for Obtaining Titanium Carbide Coatings

This work presents results on nanosecond laser ablation of a titanium (Ti) plate immersed in a liquid medium using the fundamental wavelength (1064 nm) of a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser system. The laser radiation was focused on the target surface as scanning was accomplished by an XY translation stage. The laser processing of the Ti targets took place in two organic liquids—liquid paraffin and diesel oil. The morphology of the structured surfaces and the structure and phase composition of the samples were studied; their dependences on the processing parameters are discussed. With both liquid media used, crack formation on the surface of the laser-treated Ti target was observed. Formation of a titanium carbide (TiC) phase was found whose properties could be tuned by varying the laser irradiation parameters. Raman measurements were utilized to analyze the carbon structure formed in the resulting coatings. The results of surface electron microscopy reveal that the thickness of the resulting coatings reached 20 µm. Some of the obtained coatings demonstrated about three times higher hardness compared to the native Ti sample. The technique proposed can be used in surface modification of materials in view of improving their mechanical properties.

New-route of flux pinning enhancement in Nb3Al superconductor: density and orientation regulation of stacking faults by nano-oxide particles

Abstract The mechanism of critical current density (Jc) enhancement in rapid heating, quenching and transformation (RHQT) Nb3Al wires with nanoparticles was investigated from microscopic defects. As shown in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results, stacking faults (SF) density in RHQT Nb3Al could be improved by incorporating nano-oxide particles, because the nanoparticles distorted the Nb3Al crystal lattice and the expansion of the distortion generated stacking faults. The macroscopic measurements based on electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) showed that many stacking faults were parallel to the Lorentz force (FL//SF) in the pure sample, but orientation of stacking faults distributed randomly in the Nb3Al wires with nano oxide. Stacking faults that were normal to the Lorentz force (FL⊥SF) could hinder the motion of flux lines effectively and thus enhance the total flux pinning force (Fp). As a result, Jc of incorporated nano oxide Nb3Al wires were significantly elevated, where 1 at.% nano-ZrO2 and 1 at.% nano-Dy2O3 sample severally exhibited Jc values of 1.86×105 A/cm2 and 1.95×105 A/cm2@4.2 K,12 T, which improved by about 60% compared to the pure sample. The density and orientation regulation of stacking faults in RHQT Nb3Al revealed the new mechanism of Jc enhancement, which provided a new route to further improve the high-field Jc of Nb3A in future research.

Effect of hydroelectrolytic beverages on the roughness and microhardness of bulk fill resin composites

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of a hydroelectrolytic beverage on the surface roughness and microhardness of different bulk fill resin composites. Methods: Sixty resin composite samples were prepared and divided into three groups: FiltekTM Z350 (C), FiltekTM One Bulk Fill (BF-F), and Opus Bulk Fill APS (BF-O). These were further subdivided to analyze two beverage groups: GatoradeTM Lemon (GL) and distilled water (control). Surface roughness (Ra), surface microhardness (KHN), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results were evaluated (n=10). The data were subjected to two-way ANOVA (for roughness) or three-way ANOVA (for microhardness), followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (α=0.05). Results: The C group exhibited higher microhardness than the BF-F and BF-O groups, regardless of the solution used. A reduction in microhardness was observed in all groups when comparing initial and final time points. SEM images revealed variations in the size, amount, and arrangement of particles among the different resin composites. Conclusion: The study concluded that the microhardness of different bulk fill resin composites decreases when exposed to either the hydroelectrolytic beverage or distilled water. However, the type of immersion liquid did not influence the surface roughness of the evaluated composite resins.

Cardiac dilation, energy stress and ventricular remodeling: insights from prolonged voluntary exercise in male mice with TAC-induced HFpEF.

Exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a hot topic, although current treatment strategies have not been shown to improve the long-term prognosis of HFpEF. Previous studies have mostly focused on the roles of endurance training, the mechanisms underlying long-term voluntary exercise have not been elucidated. The purpose of the present analysis was to evaluate alterations in cardiac function in HFpEF mice (HFpEF-Sed) after 6 weeks of voluntary running (HFpEF-Ex), investigate mechanisms, and compare the effects with fluoxetine (HFpEF-FLX). We found that voluntary exercise, instead of fluoxetine intervention, significantly improved left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) and the rate of change in anterior wall thickness (ATW) in HFpEF mice. The exercise capacity of HFpEF-Sed mice was significantly reduced, but prolonged voluntary running significantly reversed the expression of myocardial BNP, TNF-α, and IL-6, α-MHC, and β-MHC in HFpEF-Sed mice, along with myocardial fiber disorders accompanied by massive inflammatory cell infiltrates. Importantly, myocardial Complex III and Complex V, Mfn2, Drp1, p62, and LC3 II/I expression in HFpEF-Sed mice were all significantly different from those of normal mice, whereas voluntary exercise significantly reversed these expressions. These findings strongly suggest that long-term voluntary exercise is effective in avoiding acute and chronic energy stress in HFpEF-Sed mice, which is consistent with the mechanism of current first-line treatment for HFpEF. This notion was further supported by electron microscopy results, which showed no pathological features in cardiomyocyte mitochondrial morphology after prolonged voluntary exercise. Additionally, fluoxetine was found to inhibit depressive-like behavior in HFpEF mice.

Initial stage of crusted scabies and possible diagnostic characteristics: A case series.

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease caused by the ectoparasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis (S. scabiei). Common scabies, the most prevalent clinical subtype of scabies, is characterized by pruritus, multiple skin lesions and low mite burden. In contrast, crusted scabies, an extremely contagious variant, is characterized by hyperkeratosis and high mite burden, with or without pruritus. Scabies can be diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, with confirmation obtained through microscopic identification of diagnostic features of S. scabiei. However, owing to the diversity and non-specific nature of its clinical manifestations and insufficient knowledge regarding early-stage clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of crusted scabies continues to be delayed. Herein, we present three cases of scabies with varying degrees of crusting and mite burden. Three patients with physical and microscopic results suggesting scabies were selected for this study. Case 1 had mild crusting and low mite burden, case 2 had severe crusting and high mite burden and case 3 had mild crusting and high mite burden. In this case report, 'the initial stage of crusted scabies' refers to the progression from common to crusted scabies. The discussion regarding the diagnostic characteristics of the initial stage of crusted scabies is expected to aid the early diagnosis of crusted scabies.

Diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay in patients with COPD complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis

BackgroundThe common diagnostic methods for tuberculosis have been showing reduced sensitivity among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. This study was conducted to evaluate and analyse the diagnostic value of an interferon-γ release assay in COPD patients complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis.MethodsA nested case-control study was conducted on 123 COPD patients hospitalized at the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, from January 2019 to June 2021. Thirty-one patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with COPD composed the observation group (Group A), 31 patients with nonactive pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with COPD composed the COPD control group (Group B), and 31 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis not complicated with COPD composed the non-COPD control group (Group C). An interferon-γ release assay, a purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) test, an anti-tuberculosis antibody test, a test of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by sputum smear microscopy and a test of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by PCR method were used to test patients in each group. The positive detection rates generated from the five test methods were compared and analysed.ResultsIn COPD patients complicated with active pulmonary tuberculosis, the differences in the percentage of patients with positive interferon-γ release between the PPD test, anti-tuberculosis antibody test, Mycobacterium tuberculosis by sputum smear microscopy and PCR test results were statistically significant.ConclusionIn patients with COPD complicated with active pulmonary tuberculosis, the percentage of patients who were positive according to the interferon-γ release assay was higher than that according to the sputum smear microscopy, PCR detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum specimen, and detection of anti-tuberculosis antibodies. COPD-related complications did not affect the T-SPOT; the greater the T-SPOT value was, the greater the likelihood of active TB. For patients who are T-SPOT positive but clinically considered to have inactive tuberculosis, regular follow-ups should be performed to observe changes in the patient’s condition.

Comparative performance of microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests, and multiplex real-time PCR for detection of malaria parasites among pregnant women in northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundLow malaria parasitaemia is a diagnostic challenge in pregnancy, leading to false negative microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results. However, these submicroscopic or subpatent infections could cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus, evaluating the diagnostic performance of microscopy, RDT, and multiplex qPCR in pregnancy is vital for informed decisions.MethodsA total of 835 peripheral blood and 372 placental blood samples were collected from 835 pregnant women attending first antenatal care or admitted for delivery at selected health facilities in northwest Ethiopia between November 2021 and July 2022. In multiplex qPCR, all microscopy and/or RDT positive samples were extracted and amplified individually, whereas all samples negative by both RDT and microscopy were extracted after pooling ten samples together and tested for Plasmodium genus. The diagnostic performance of microscopy, RDT, and multiplex qPCR in pregnancy was compared and evaluated against each other.ResultsUsing multiplex qPCR as a reference test, microscopy had a sensitivity of 73.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 65.9–80.7) and 62.2% (95% CI: 46.5–76.2) to detect Plasmodium parasites in peripheral and placental blood samples, respectively, with a 100% (95% CI: 98.9–100) specificity in both samples. Similarly, the RDT had a sensitivity of 67.6% (95% CI: 59.3–75.1) and a specificity of 96.5% (95% CI: 94.9–97.8) for Plasmodium infection diagnosis in peripheral blood and a sensitivity of 62.2% (95% CI: 46.5–76.2) and a specificity of 98.8% (95% CI: 96.9–99.7) in placental blood samples. Considering microscopy as a reference test, multiplex qPCR showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 96.6–100) and a specificity of 94.8% (95% CI: 93.0–96.3) to diagnose Plasmodium infections in both peripheral and placental blood samples. Pooled multiplex qPCR detected 34 peripheral and 12 placental blood Plasmodium infections from microscopy and RDT negative samples. The pooled assay obviated about half of the reactions and its testing costs. Microscopy showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.823) with multiplex qPCR for detecting malaria parasites in pregnancy, whereas the RDT showed a substantial agreement (κ = 0.684).ConclusionMultiplex qPCR had a better performance for Plasmodium infection diagnosis in pregnancy compared to microscopy and RDT. Pooled multiplex qPCR could be a sensitive and resource-efficient strategy for epidemiological surveillance of Plasmodium infections in pregnancy.

Effect of Sodium Sulfate Solution Coupled with Wetting-Drying Cycles on the Properties of Nano-Alumina-Modified Concrete.

The degradation of concrete caused by sulfate attack poses a significant challenge to its durability. Using nanomaterials to enhance the mechanical and durability properties of concrete is a promising solution. A study of the durability of nano-alumina (NA)-modified concrete by sulfate erosion was carried out. The results showed that the compressive strength, quality, and permeability of concrete to chloride ions decreased during its long-term erosion by a sodium sulfate solution. The NA-modified concrete exhibited higher resistance to erosion by the sodium sulfate than ordinary concrete (OPC), the rate of reduction in its tensile strength was low, and the resistance of sample NA1 to penetration by chloride ions decreased only by one-fifth compared with that of OPC. The results of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests showed that erosion had severely damaged the pore characteristics and micromorphology of concrete. The total porosities of the OPC and NA1 samples increased from 12.68% and 10.29% to 16.03% and 12.71%, respectively. Their microscopic morphology revealed loose particles and poor compactness. The leading causes of damage to concrete due to erosion by the sodium sulfate were its crystallization pressure and the swelling-induced stress caused by the deposition of crystals in its pores. This study demonstrates that NA can significantly enhance the durability of concrete against sulfate attack, offering valuable insights for strategic applications of NA in concrete materials.

Effect of Pre-Emulsified Flaxseed Oil Containing Rutin on the Quality of Nemipterus virgatus Surimi Gel: Gelatinization Properties, Storage Stability, and Protein Digestibility.

Rinsing during surimi protein processing can result in the loss of essential nutrients, such as fats and minerals. Therefore, supplementing functional fats in a stable form can make up for the fat loss of surimi during the rinsing process. This research aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating pre-emulsified flaxseed oil with different concentrations of rutin (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5%, dissolved in flaxseed oil, w/v) to Nemipterus virgatus surimi on the gelatinization properties, lipid oxidation, and in vitro static simulated digestion characteristics of surimi gels. The results indicated that the addition of 1.5% rutin significantly improved the water-holding capacity and decreased the cooking loss rate of surimi gel (p < 0.05). The results of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the addition of 1.5% rutin promoted a denser network structure of surimi gel. Furthermore, the incorporation of rutin effectively slowed lipid oxidation in pre-emulsified flaxseed oil surimi gel. Compared with the gel group containing only pre-emulsified flaxseed oil, the addition of rutin significantly reduced the levels of volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) in the gel and also mitigated the decline in acidity (p < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of rutin significantly inhibited the decrease in pH of surimi gel during storage (p < 0.05). In vitro static simulated digestion demonstrated that the addition of 1.5% rutin enhanced the protein digestibility from 71.2% to 77.2% of the surimi gel. Therefore, adding pre-emulsified oil containing an appropriate amount of rutin to surimi can not only compensate for the fat loss during the surimi rinsing process but also effectively improve the quality characteristics of surimi gels. This research will provide a theoretical basis for the effective addition of functional lipids in surimi products and the development of nutritious and healthy surimi products.

Modification Mechanism and Performance of High-Content Polyurethane-Modified Asphalt

To explore the influence of the polyurethane blending ratio on the micro-characteristics of polyurethane-modified asphalt, three samples of the modified asphalt with different blending ratios (40%, 50%, and 60%) were prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to elucidate the modification mechanism of polyurethane-modified asphalt. To investigate how the preparation method affects the performance of polyurethane-modified asphalt mixtures, two different preparation methods, namely internal blending and external blending, were adopted. The road performance of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixtures was evaluated through the utilization of rutting tests, low-temperature trabecular bending tests, and freeze–thaw splitting tests. The FTIR test results indicate that during the modification of polyurethane, there is a change in both the intensity and position of the absorption peak, which affects the local arrangement of the molecular structure. Upon reaching a polyurethane blending ratio of 50%, a cross-linked network structure that is similar to polyurethane is formed. The results of the AFM test demonstrate that an increase in polyurethane content results in a corresponding increase in surface roughness. At a polyurethane content of 50%, the curing reaction is most effective, which is beneficial for enhancing the bonding performance between the asphalt and the aggregate, thereby enhancing the overall water stability of the mixture. The results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests indicate that the microstructure is more stable when the polyurethane content is 50%. The results of the performance test of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture indicate that the dynamic stability of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture is approximately four times that of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture. The flexural tensile strength and maximum flexural strain of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture are, respectively, 1.5 and 3.2 times those of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture, indicating that its anti-deformation ability is stronger in a low-temperature environment, and it is found that the low-temperature performance of the mixture prepared with the internal blending method is better than that with the external blending method. The splitting strength of the polyurethane asphalt mixture before and after freezing and thawing is greater than that of an SBS asphalt mixture: before freezing and thawing, by about 3.8 times; after freezing and thawing, by about 3 times. Although the freezing and thawing of the polyurethane mixture has damage, it still meets the requirements of the use of pavement materials. It can be observed that the incorporation of polyurethane alters the internal structure of the asphalt, which markedly enhances the properties of the asphalt mixture and offers a novel perspective on the development of modified asphalt materials.

Microwave-assisted extraction of dandelion root polysaccharides: Extraction process optimization, purification, structural characterization, and analysis of antioxidant activity.

This study aimed to establish a microwave-assisted method (MAE) for the efficient extraction of polysaccharides from dandelion roots. This study investigated the molecular structure and bioactivity of the polysaccharides from dandelion roots. Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The microwave extraction conditions were set to an extraction time of 42 min, an extraction temperature of 80 °C, and a solid-liquid ratio (g/mL) of 1:33. Under the optimized conditions, the highest dandelion root polysaccharides (DRP) yield was achieved (24.85 ± 0.457 %). Water-pure DRP (DRPw) and NaCl-pure DRP (DRPs) were purified by activated carbon decolorization and DEAE fiber column chromatography. The molecular weights of DRPw and DRPs were 8653 Da and 5930 Da, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses confirmed the existence of α- and β-pyranose in DRPw and DRPs. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that DRPw and DRPs were semi-crystalline substances with irregular shapes and rough surfaces. Bioactivity assays revealed the good antioxidant activities of DRPw and DRPs. The present study provides useful information about DRP as natural antioxidants for the benefit of food.

Developmental exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS) impairs the endometrial receptivity

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widely used chemical in industrial production. It can be introduced into the environment through multiple pathways and exhibits resistance to degradation. Recent research has demonstrated a significant correlation between its exposure levels in the human body and the incidence of various diseases. The expression of genes related to endometrial receptivity and the differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were assessed in this study concerning PFOS. In this study, we investigated the effect of PFOS exposure on endometrial tolerance by cell and animal experiments. The activity against endometrial mesenchymal cells was significantly reduced by PFOS intervention, and the apoptosis flow assay results showed that PFOS significantly promoted cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy results revealed mitochondrial damage in the PFOS-intervened group, and WB results showed that the expression levels of endometrial tolerance-related proteins Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) and integrin beta3 (ITGB3) were decreased, and the expression level of Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) protein was increased. Animal studies have shown that PFOS exposure can change uterine morphology, cause obvious damage to pinopodes morphology, change the estrous cycle of mice, and affect endometrial receptivity In the present study, we found that PFOS may synergistically affect the viability of endometrial mesenchymal stromal cells through accumulation in vivo, and that PFOS may contribute to the failure of embryo implantation by affecting mitochondrial function and consequently endometrial permissive sites.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Synthesis and Cytocompatibility Assessment of TiO2/SiO2 Nanoparticles-Impregnated Gum Arabic Nanocomposite: Edible Coating of Dates for Shelf-Life Extension.

The post-harvest management of fruit is crucial to preventing its decay and loss. Generally, edible coatings are applied to fruit to avoid decay and microbial contamination. We have used ultrasonication to synthesize TiO2 and Pennisetum glaucum residue-derived biosilica embedded in gum arabic nanocomposite. The SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic nanocomposite morphological and crystalline features were investigated using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer, respectively. The SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic cytocompatibility was assessed using cell viability and microscopic assay. The SEM images revealed that 70-90 nm biosilica and 70-100 nm TiO2 nanostructures were present on the gum arabic. According to MTT assay and microscopic examination results, SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic do not inhibit cell viability and modulate cellular structural features; it inferred that SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic possess good cytocompatibility on human mesenchymal stem cells even up to 400 µg/mL. The date fruits were immersed in SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic-based coating mixtures and stored at 6 °C for 4 weeks. When date fruits were examined during storage, it was found that the applied coatings contributed to maintaining physicochemical features (e.g., color and texture). These findings suggest that the SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic-based coating can be applied to extend the shelf life of dates.

Encapsulation of Moringa oleifera Susan Lee aqueous extract in silver chitosan metallopolymer nanocomposites for anti-cancer activity.

The growing interest in plant-derived compounds and synthesis of metallopolymer nanocomposites (MPNCs) especially silver chitosan nanocomposites (AgCS-NCs) emerges as a useful platform to encapsulate and deliver plant-based anticancer drugs. This work presents the synthesis of AgCS-NCs by using Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract (MOAE) and the effect of concentration of MOAE on physicochemical properties of AgCS-NCs followed by its anticancer effect on MCF-7 cell line. The results of UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed successful formation of AgCS-NCs. The formation of AgCS-NCs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The average percentage of encapsulation efficiency (% EE) was calculated to be 60%. The hydrodynamic size of AgCS-NCs using the Dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique was found to be 308nm with an average percentage encapsulation efficiency of 60%. The loaded microcarriers have shown significant cell viability for normal HEK-293 and also showed robust cytotoxicity against breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line (p<0.001). It is concluded that Ag-CS-NCs utilizing MOAE are very effective and have significant potential against cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Facile and green synthesis of Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles using waste banana peel extract for effective corrosion inhibition of mixed sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) is widespread in the oilfield industry, and new environmentally friendly materials are urgently needed to inhibit MIC with the increasing environmental requirements and microbial resistance problems. The synthesis method and cost of the materials are important factors that must be considered in the production and application. In this study, Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) were synthesized by eco-friendly and sustainable method using waste banana peel extract (BPE) as a green reducing. The antibacterial and corrosion inhibition properties of Ag/Cu BNPs were investigated by using the enriched mixed strains containing sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) as model bacteria. The results of electron microscopy showed that the prepared BNPs exhibited spherical structure with about 19.0nm in size. The synthesized nanoparticles significantly inhibited the growth of mixed strains by antimicrobial experiments with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 9.38μg/mL. The addition of Ag/Cu BNPs (9.38μg/mL) inhibited the corrosion of X65 carbon steel induced by the mixed strains with 77.9% compared to the untreated condition. Correspondingly, the number of sessile SRB cells in the solution containing Ag/Cu BNPs (9.38μg/mL) after 28 days of immersion decreased by 5-log compared with the treatment group without nanomaterials (1.1×108cells/cm2). Furthermore, the observation of the surface morphology and strains cellular microstructure of carbon steel treated with nanoparticle materials illustrated that the corrosion inhibition mechanism mainly includes destroying cell structure, affecting metabolic activities and inhibiting biofilm formation. The environmentally friendly nanoparticle materials prepared in this study have great potential in the safe and clean production of oil fields.

The influence of temperature induced changes in the composition of MFGM on membrane phase transition and nanomechanical properties.

Biomimetic membrane was investigated as model systems to mimic the structure of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and to study the effects of thermal processing-induced changes in MFGM fractions on membrane morphology and physical properties. Molecular docking was utilized to screen xanthine oxidase (XO) as the MFGM protein most likely to bind to phospholipid molecules on MFGM. Fluorescence spectroscopy verified that XO formed stable complexes with DOPE, DPPC, and PS 18:0-18:1, with the strongest binding to DOPE. Two types of artificial fat globule membrane (AFGM) were further constructed using XO with phospholipid molecules, including N-AFGM (simulating MFGM in raw milk) and P-AFGM (mimicking MFGM in ultra-pasteurized milk). The results of atomic force microscopy showed that the P-AFGM had significantly less liquid ordered phase (Lo), more aggregation of XO, smoother surface, higher Young's modulus, and more prone to rupture compared to N-AFGM. These results contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between changes of MFGM composition induced by thermal processing and fat globule stability.

Detonation Nanodiamond Soot-A Structurally Tailorable Hybrid Graphite/Nanodiamond Carbon-Based Material.

The results of a comprehensive investigation into the structure and properties of nanodiamond soot (NDS), obtained from the detonation of various explosive precursors (trinitrotoluene, a trinitrotoluene/hexogen mixture, and tetryl), are presented. The colloidal behavior of the NDS particles in different liquid media was studied. The results of the scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, and laser diffraction analysis suggested a similarity in the morphology of the NDS particle aggregates and agglomerates. The phase composition of the NDS nanoparticles was studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. The NDS particles were found to comprise both diamond and graphite phases. The ratio of diamond to graphite phase content varied depending on the NDS explosive precursor, while the graphite phase content had a significant impact on the electrical conductivity of NDS. The study of the mechanical and tribological characteristics of polymer nanocomposites, modified with the selected NDS particles, indicated that NDS of various types can serve as a viable set of model nanofillers.