Simple Process Research Articles

Weakly ionized gold nanoparticles amplify immunoassays for ultrasensitive point-of-care sensors.

Gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassays (AuNP LFIAs) are widely used point-of-care (POC) sensors for in vitro diagnostics. However, the sensitivity limitation of conventional AuNP LFIAs impedes the detection of trace biomarkers. Several studies have explored the size and shape factors of AuNPs and derivative nanohybrids, showing limited improvements or enhanced sensitivity at the cost of convenience and affordability. Here, we investigated surface chemistry on the sensitivity of AuNP LFIAs. By modifying surface ligands, a surface chemistry strategy involving weakly ionized AuNPs enables ultrasensitive naked-eye LFIAs (~100-fold enhanced sensitivity). We demonstrated how this surface chemistry-amplified immunoassay approach modulates nanointerfacial bindings to promote antibody adsorption and higher activity of adsorbed antibodies. This surface chemistry design eliminates complex nanosynthesis, auxiliary devices, or additional reagents while efficiently improving sensitivity with advantages: simplified fabrication process, excellent reproducibility and reliability, and ultrasensitivity toward various biomarkers. The surface chemistry using weakly ionized AuNPs represents a versatile approach for sensitizing POC sensors.

Stimuli-Responsive Delivery of Ions through Layered Materials-Based Triangular Nanofluidic Device.

The elegance and accuracy of biological ion channels inspire the fabrication of artificial devices with similar properties. Here, we report the fabrication of iontronic devices capable of delivering ions at the nanomolar (nmol) level of accuracy. The triangular nanofluidic device prepared with reconstructed vanadium pentoxide (VO) membranes of thickness 45 ± 5.5 μm can continuously deliver K+, Na+, and Ca2+ ions at the rate of 0.44 ± 0.24, 0.35 ± 0.06, and 0.03 nmol/min, respectively. The ionic flow rate can be further tuned by modulating the membrane thickness and salt concentration at the source reservoir. The triangular VO device can also deliver ions in minuscule doses (∼132 ± 9.7 nmol) by electrothermally heating (33 °C) with a nichrome wire (NW) or applying light of specific intensities. The simplicity of the fabrication process of reconstructed layered material-based nanofluidic devices allows the design of complicated iontronic devices such as the three-terminal-Ni-VO (3T-Ni-VO) devices.

A comparison of different intensified upstream processes highlighting the advantage of WuXi Biologics' Ultra-high Productivity platform (WuXiUPTM) in improved product quality and purification yield.

WuXiUPTM, WuXi Biologics' Ultra-high Productivity platform, is an intensified and integrated continuous bioprocess platform developed for production of various biologics including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and bispecific antibodies. This process technology platform has manifested its remarkable capability in boosting the volumetric productivity of various biologics and has been implemented for large-scale clinical material productions. In this paper, case studies of the production of different pharmaceutical proteins using two high-producing and intensified culture modes of WuXiUPTM and the concentrated fed-batch (CFB), as well as the traditional fed-batch (TFB) are discussed from the perspectives of cell growth, productivity, and protein quality. Both WuXiUPTM and CFB outperformed TFB regarding volumetric productivity. Additionally, distinctive advantages in product quality profiles in the WuXiUPTM process, such as reduced acidic charge variants and fragmentation, are revealed. Therefore, a simplified downstream purification process with only two chromatographic steps can be developed to deliver the target product at a satisfactory purity and an extremely-high yield.

Microwave-supported one-pot reaction for the synthesis of 5-alkyl/arylidene-2-(morpholin/thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives over MgO solid base

Abstract In this study, we synthesized 5-alkyl/arylidene-2-(morpholin/thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one through a one-pot reaction using all starting materials in a microwave oven. The presence of the solid base MgO catalyzed the reaction in the eco-friendly solvent of ethanol as a green chemistry approach owing to the noticeable advantages of short reaction times to save energy and less toxic starting materials for environmental friendliness. This indicates that the one-pot reaction makes the process simpler, in which the reaction time (1 h) is shorter than that of conventional methods (10 h). The yield of the reactions reached 55–76% for 18 final products consisting of 17 derivatives of morpholine or thiomorpholine with various aldehydes and one extended moiety of the primary amine, of which 13/18 final compounds were new. The purification procedure was performed without using polluting solvents. The structures were confirmed using IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and MS analyses.

Microstructured Porous Capacitive Bio-pressure Sensor Using Droplet-based Microfluidics

Abstract Background: Devices that mimic the functions of human skin are known as “electronic skin,” and they must have characteristics like high sensitivity, a wide dynamic range, high spatial homogeneity, cheap cost, wide area easy processing, and the ability to distinguish between diverse external inputs. Methods: This study introduces a novel approach, termed microfluidic droplet-based emulsion self-assembly (DMESA), for fabricating 3D microstructured elastomer layers using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The method aims to produce accurate capacitive pressure sensors suitable for electronic skin (e-skin) applications. The DMESA method facilitates the creation of uniform-sized spherical micropores dispersed across a significant area without requiring a template, ensuring excellent spatial homogeneity. Results: Micropore size adjustment, ranging from 100 to 600 μm, allows for customization of pressure sensor sensitivity. The active layer of the capacitive pressure sensor is formed by the three-dimensional elastomer itself. Experimental results demonstrate the outstanding performance of the DMESA approach. It offers simplicity in processing, the ability to adjust performance parameters, excellent spatial homogeneity, and the capability to differentiate varied inputs. Capacitive pressure sensors fabricated using this method exhibit high sensitivity and dynamic amplitude, making them promising candidates for various e-skin applications. Conclusion: The DMESA method presents a highly promising solution for fabricating 3D microstructured elastomer layers for capacitive pressure sensors in e-skin technology. Its simplicity, performance adjustability, spatial homogeneity, and sensitivity to different inputs make it suitable for a wide range of electronic skin applications.

Event-triggered learning-based robust tracking control for robotic manipulators with uncertain dynamics and non-zero equilibrium

This paper presents a novel optimal tracking control method for robotic manipulators (RMs) with system uncertainties and non-zero equilibrium points. The existing tracking control methods typically require the precise system dynamics and assume the existence of a zero equilibrium point, which may not always be true in practice. To overcome this issue, a new cost function with respect to the first derivative of system states and a known upper bound on the system’s mismatched disturbances is designed, and then an optimal control problem of RMs is formulated. Furthermore, to solve this optimization, an event-triggered critic learning control framework is proposed to estimate the solution of Hamilton–Jacobi-Bellman equation, reducing the computational burden. In the critic learning control designs, novel weight updating laws related to system stability information are proposed to train the critic neural networks, which eliminates the initial stabilization requirement. Theoretical analysis shows that the stability of the closed-loop system in the sense of uniform ultimate boundedness is ensured. It should be emphasized that the proposed control method offers a simplification of the tracking controller design process and removes the restriction on system dynamics. Finally, simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Effect of Nanostructure Morphology and Concentration on the Piezoelectric Performance of Flexible Pressure Sensor based on PVDFTrFE/ Nano-ZnO Composite Thin Film

Background: The development of high-performance piezoelectric pressure sensors with outstanding sensitivity, good linearity, flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility is of great significance for smart robotics, human healthcare devices, smart sensors, and electronic skin. Thus, considerable progress has been achieved in enhancing the piezoelectric property of PVDF-TrFEbased composite pressure sensors by adding various ZnO nanostructures in PVDF-TrFE polymer acting as a nucleating agent and dielectric material. Aims: In this work, flexible pressure sensors with a sandwich structure based on PVDFTrFE/ nano-ZnO composite sensing film were fabricated using a simple spin-coating method and post-annealing process, while electrospinning and high-voltage polarization processes were not adopted. Methods: Poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE)/nano-ZnO composite films were prepared via spin coating to fabricate flexible piezoelectric pressure sensors. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), tetrapod ZnO (T-ZnO) and ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) were used as nano-fillers for piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE, to enhance the beta-crystal ratio as well as the crystallinity of PVDF-TrFE. The structural and surface morphologies of the composite films were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Among three different types of ZnO nanostructures with a concentration range (0-7.5 wt%), the sensor with 0.75 wt% ZnO NRs nanofiller exhibits a maximum output voltage of 1.73 V under an external pressure of 3 N and a maximum sensitivity of 586.3 mV/N at the range of 0-3 N. Further, the sensor can generate a clear piezoelectric voltage under bending and twisting deformation as well as compression and tensile deformation. Conclusion: To summarize, the addition of different concentrations of nano-ZnO can remarkably improve the piezoelectric performance of the composite sensor, and ZnO NRs can achieve better piezoelectric properties of the sensor as compared to ZnO NPs and T-ZnO. In addition, the sensor with 0.75 wt% ZnO NRs as nanofiller has the highest piezoelectric response, which is about 2.4 times that of the pure PVDF-TrFE sensor. It is demonstrated that the sensor has great potential applications in wearable health monitoring systems and mechanical stress measurement electronics.

Thermo-economic analysis and multi-objective optimization of cryogenic CO2 capture systems based on liquefied natural gas cold energy utilization

Utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy is a novel idea to reduce energy consumption of cryogenic CO2 capture. Two innovative configurations, pre-cooling system and post-expansion system, are introduced and compared with basic system to efficiently and economically harness cold energy. The thermo-economic performance, evaluated from environment, energy and economy perspectives, is thoroughly investigated under a limited LNG flow rate on various design conditions. The thermo-economic performance of three systems in actual operation is optimized by Non-dominant Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II. Results indicate that post-expansion system exhibits the most favorable thermo-economic performance, achieving process simplification, CO2 recovery, exergy efficiency and levelized cost of CO2 capture of 95.64%, 32.05% and 82.41 $/tCO2, respectively. Comparison with other technology pathways reveals that cryogenic capture is conducive to cleaner production under similar CO2 concentration levels. The methodology and results will contribute to future academic research and industrial design in the field of cryogenic CO2 capture.

Risk assessment of maritime autonomous surface ships collisions using an FTA-FBN model

Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), presenting the future of maritime transport, are attracting increasing attention from the international maritime community. The collision risk analysis of MASS reveals unsolved challenges, which without appropriate solutions, will result in the error prone development of the relevant risk control measures and policies. Among the challenges, two significant ones in the existing literature are the lack of historical failure data to realise quantitative risk assessment, and 2) the complex causal relationship among the relevant risk factors. This paper aims to develop a new Fault Tree Analysis-Fuzzy Bayesian Network (FTA-FBN) model to conduct the collision risk assessment of MASS with uncertainty in data. First, it establishes a causal relationship among the risk factors through an FTA. Secondly, mapping the obtained FTA diagram into a BN allows fault diagnosis and the identification of the most important factors influencing MASS collisions. In this process, a survey is conducted to collect the primary data for configuring the conditional probabilities of the relevant influential factors and quantifying the developed BN for risk diagnosis and prediction. Finally, the new model is verified by using sensitivity analysis and three axioms and then applied to conduct scenario-based risk prediction and diagnosis to generate insightful findings to guide MASS navigation safety. The results demonstrate that the FTA-FBN model realizes the simplification of the expert scoring process, reduces computational complexity, and addresses the challenge of constructing causal relationships between MASS collisions and their risk factors due to the scarcity of historical accident data. Additionally, the BN backward reasoning identifies key collision risks, including external physical attacks, inadequate training of shore-based operators, insufficient maintenance of ship equipment and systems, and cyber-security threats. The new model when being adapted, can provide a reference for the formulation of safe navigation policies and provide important insights for shipping companies to ensure the safe navigation of their ships and shipbuilders to optimise ship design.

Continuous Theta-Burst Stimulation on the Left Posterior Inferior Frontal Gyrus Perturbs Complex Syntactic Processing Stability in Mandarin Chinese

Abstract The structure of human language is inherently hierarchical. The left posterior inferior frontal gyrus (LpIFG) is proposed to be a core region for constructing syntactic hierarchies. However, it remains unclear whether LpIFG plays a causal role in syntactic processing in Mandarin Chinese and whether its contribution depends on syntactic complexity, working memory, or both. We addressed these questions by applying inhibitory continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) over LpIFG. Thirty-two participants processed sentences containing embedded relative clauses (i.e., complex syntactic processing), syntactically simpler coordinated sentences (i.e., simple syntactic processing), and non-hierarchical word lists (i.e., word list processing) after receiving real or sham cTBS. We found that cTBS significantly increased the coefficient of variation, a representative index of processing stability, in complex syntactic processing (esp., when subject relative clause was embedded) but not in the other two conditions. No significant changes in d′ and reaction time were detected in these conditions. The findings suggest that (a) inhibitory effect of cTBS on the LpIFG might be prominent in perturbing the complex syntactic processing stability but subtle in altering the processing quality; and (b) the causal role of the LpIFG seems to be specific for syntactic processing rather than working memory capacity, further evidencing their separability in LpIFG. Collectively, these results support the notion of the LpIFG as a core region for complex syntactic processing across languages.

A dual‐mode integration framework and application to agile feedback design of launch vehicles

AbstractIn recent decades, the design of complex systems like launch vehicles in the aerospace industry has presented engineers with challenges that go beyond system complexity. Issues such as time‐to‐market pressures and intricate industrial processes have underscored the increasing significance of agile design methodologies. Agile design is derived from the simplification of the design process and enhancing cross‐domain data transmission and feedback. While methods based on model‐based system engineering have improved iteration times in system architecture design, challenges persist in cross‐domain data transmission. Due to the diversity of complex system models and data, a single‐mode integration method is difficult to realize the data link construction of all tools used. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a dual‐mode data integration framework with expansibility, universality, and cost‐efficiency which leverages the benefits of Remote Procedure Call and Intermediate Exchange Module, addressing the challenge of constructing cross‐domain data links under single‐mode integration. In this study, two critical requirements of the first‐ and second‐stage separation systems, namely, weight and minimum separation gap, are selected for data feedback. A Modelica‐based multiphysics simulation model is developed in MWorks; visualization and computation of the minimum gap are carried out in CoppeliaSim. To bridge the gap between domain‐specific tools, Matlab and Functional Mock‐up Unit modules are introduced as middleware, facilitating data feedback linkage. The entire simulation process is orchestrated using activity diagrams in the MagicDraw tool. The study delves into the influence of critical design parameters, such as the initial angular velocity of separation and the thrust of the retro rocket, on the minimum separation gap. It provides an analysis of minimum separation gap variations under uncertain operating conditions and examines design margins. Significantly, the paper highlights the significance of controlling the initial angular velocity during separation and the reliability of the retro rocket, providing essential decision supports and valuable insights to agile the process of system design.

Reactive distillation with inter-integrated vapor permeation for 1,3-Dioxolane production: Experiments, modeling, process analysis and design

To overcome the problem of difficult separation of the 1,3-dioxane (DOL)-H2O azeotrope in the production of DOL, a new high-integrated technology via reactive distillation (RD) with inter-integrated vapor permeation (VP) (abbreived as R-VP-D) was established. A series of R-VP-D experiments were conducted to find the effect of dedydration on reactant conversion and DOL content in the distillate. A two-dimensional VP module modeled by Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) was combined with two RD modules in Aspen Plus to simulate the entire R-VP-D process, and the R-VP-D model was verified by experimental results. Then, by this model, systematic research on VP inserting position and membrane area on the reaction performance, reboiler and condenser duty, catalyst load, and TAC of the R-VP-D column was performed. The mechanism of how dehydration promotes reaction was explored. Finally, a new RD-VP-D technology for producing 99.9wt% DOL was designed and optimized. Two goals were achieved by inserting VP: obtaining a DOL-H2O mixture that crosses the azeotropic point in the distillate and improving reaction performance by removing by-product H2O. Under the optimal parameter, the energy consumption per unit product was reduced by 3.9% with less equipment, a simpler process, and less required land area compared with the RD with pressure swing distillation technology reported in the literature, and CO2 emissions were reduced by 4.0%. The reason why promotion effect is insignificant was explored, which is related to which of separation or reaction is the control step in RD process.

Examining Chlorophyll Extraction Methods in Sesame Genotypes: Uncovering Leaf Coloration Effects and Anatomy Variations.

This study focuses on optimizing chlorophyll extraction techniques, in which leaf discs are cut from places on the leaf blade to enhance chlorophyll concentration in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaves. Thirty sesame genotypes, categorized into light green (LG), middle green (MG), and deep green (DG) pigment groups based on leaf coloration, were selected from a larger pool of field-grown accessions. The investigation involved determining optimal Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value index measurements, quantifying pigment concentrations, exploring extraction solvents, and selecting suitable leaf disk positions. Significant variations in chlorophyll content were observed across genotypes, greenness categories, and leaf disk positions. The categorization of genotypes into DG, MG, and LG groups revealed a correlation between leaf appearance and chlorophyll content. The study highlighted a consistent relationship between carotenoids and chlorophyll, indicating their role in adaptation to warm environments. An examination of leaf disk positions revealed a significant chlorophyll gradient along the leaf blade, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols. Chlorophyll extraction experiments identified DMSO and 96% ethanol, particularly in those incubated for 10 min at 85 °C, as effective choices. This recommendation considers factors like cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, safety, and environmental regulations, ensuring consistent and simplified extraction processes. For higher chlorophyll extraction, focusing on leaf tips and the 75% localization along the sesame leaf blade is suggested, as this consistently yields increased chlorophyll content. Furthermore, our examination revealed significant anatomical variations in the internal structure of the mesophyll tissue leaves between deep green and light green sesame plants, primarily linked to chloroplast density and pigment-producing structures. Our findings, therefore, provide insightful knowledge of chlorophyll gradients and encourage the use of standardized protocols that enable researchers to refine their experimental designs for precise and comparable chlorophyll measurements. The recommended solvent choices ensure reliable outcomes in plant physiology, ecology, and environmental studies.

Technology enhanced multidisciplinary cancer conferences in gynecologic oncology.

e13652 Background: Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences (MCCs) improve quality of care and patient outcomes. The goals of our study were to investigate the impact of an information technology platform, Navify Tumor Board Solution (NTBS) on the (1) efficiency of preparing and conducting MCCs and (2) educational quality of the gynecologic oncology MCCs. Methods: We conducted a prospective, mixed methods study involving participants of the biweekly gynecologic oncology MCC at a comprehensive cancer center. NTBS was introduced to the gynecologic oncology MCC for the preparation and presentation of tumor board cases. Data were collected before and after the introduction of NTBS. We used a validated observational tool to assess the impact of the platform on the quality of case presentation and discussion, as well as decision making (as measured by a composite mean score). We also evaluated compliance of care plans with national guidelines, changes in care plans, and concordance of actual treatment received with MCC recommendations. The survey consisted of five qualitative and two demographic questions. Interviews lasting 10 minutes were recorded using Microsoft Teams. Analyses were conducted using SAS v9.4 (Cary, NC) and Dedoose v9.0.17, (Los Angeles, CA). Results: Pre- and Post-NTBS cohorts consisted of 49 and 60 patients, respectively. When comparing pre- versus post-NTBS cohorts, there was a difference in the mean composite score (50.57 vs 54.11; p=0.016). While there was no statistical difference between cohorts, patient care plans were changed in 13% of the cases and were 92% concordant with treatment received. Additionally, MCC recommendations were 100% compliant with national guidelines. Surveys of 13 MCC participants revealed that post-NTBS, the presentation format was more cohesive, concise, and structured. Common themes from gynecologic oncology fellows’ responses included improvement of case preparation time and simplified process while using NTBS. However, trainees reported limited use of NTBS features, difficulty incorporating graphical, and lack of a comprehensive list of NCCN guidelines. All respondents had educational goals for their participation and reported a high educational value of the MCC. These goals included knowledge acquisition of clinical diagnosis, management of standard of care versus complex situations, sentinel clinical trials underlying NCCN treatment guidelines, primary literature review, management of preparation time and flow of discussion, and preparation for oral boards. Conclusions: NTBS contributed positively to the gynecologic oncology MCC and clinical care for patients. Overall, NTBS had a positive impact on case formatting, preparation time and quality of trainee education. Comprehensive user training in the NTBS features could further enhance its utilization within the MCC.

Recent developments in the polybenzoxazine based bionanocomposites: A review

AbstractAn overview of bionanocomposites of polybenzoxazine, which is a highly promising material, is presented in this review paper along with an update on the current developments in this material. With an enormous range of applications, polybenzoxazines are emerging as a latest set of phenolic resins. Its favorable features make it an excellent replacement for many current polymers due to its simplicity in structure design, synthetic process, and polymerization reactions. Problematic aspects of petro‐based raw materials are their nonrenewable nature, toxicity, and rising expense. Hence, the advent of sustainable benzoxazines is promising since it enables the synthesis of monomers without the need for solvents and the processing of these monomers to create extremely thermally stable thermoset resins. This is particularly true when the monomer is derived from naturally occurring, agro‐waste cardanol. A platform for additional structural alterations to expand the uses of cardanol benzoxazine in adhesives, composites, and energy storage devices is provided by its intrinsic properties. There are numerous articles are available for biobased polybenzoxazine, and hence, the focus of the present review is dedicated to (1) nanomaterails loaded bio‐based polybenzoxazines, and (2) bio‐derived nanomaterials loaded polybenzoxazines.

Posterior Representations for Bayesian Context Trees: Sampling, Estimation and Convergence

We revisit the Bayesian Context Trees (BCT) modelling framework for discrete time series, which was recently found to be very effective in numerous tasks including model selection, estimation and prediction. A novel representation of the induced posterior distribution on model space is derived in terms of a simple branching process, and several consequences of this are explored in theory and in practice. First, it is shown that the branching process representation leads to a simple variable-dimensional Monte Carlo sampler for the joint posterior distribution on models and parameters, which can efficiently produce independent samples. This sampler is found to be more efficient than earlier MCMC samplers for the same tasks. Then, the branching process representation is used to establish the asymptotic consistency of the BCT posterior, including the derivation of an almost-sure convergence rate. Finally, an extensive study is carried out on the performance of the induced Bayesian entropy estimator. Its utility is illustrated through both simulation experiments and real-world applications, where it is found to outperform several state-of-the-art methods.

Transition Metal-free α-C-H Functionalization of Tertiary Amines Catalysed/ Promoted by Acids: A Brief Review

Abstract: C-H Functionalization of α-carbon of tertiary amines has been of great importance for the past two decades as N-heterocycles can be synthesized by this approach and these heterocycles are highly useful as drugs or drug precursors in the pharmaceutical industry. In this review article, we have summarized only the α-C-H functionalization reactions of tertiary amines that are catalysed or promoted by acids. These C-H functionalization reactions are usually catalysed by transition metal salts, although metal-free catalysts are also used. However, several such reactions have been reported that are efficiently catalysed by acids. They are cost-effective, have a simple purification process, less sensitive to air/moisture, and are relatively environmentally benign. However, this area has not received enough focus due to the lack of review articles, which encouraged us to write this review.

Ultrasound-Assisted Catalyst-free Synthesis of α,β -Unsaturated Amino Acid Esters and Unsaturated Amino Ketones

Introduction: Sonication has been introduced as a green and effective activation method for the selective monoamination of β-dicarbonyl compounds. The simple one-pot process resulted in different substituted β-amino-ɑ,β-unsaturated esters and ketones at room temperature with quantitative yields. Aqueous NH4OH was used as a safe and economical nitrogen source for pressurized NH3 gas. The process is considered green, accounting for not using any solvents and catalysts, besides some aqueous NH4OH-involved reactions using nontoxic water. A broad variety of useful synthetic intermediates, β- amino-ɑ,β-unsaturated esters and ketones have been prepared in short reaction time. Methods: Using this developed protocol, we were able to synthesize a series of structurally diverse β- amino-ɑ,β-unsaturated esters and unsaturated amino ketones. Results: The synthesis of target compounds was achieved in a truly green process with high atom economy and excellent yields in a catalyst-free one-pot system in an aqueous medium using simple, commercially available, inexpensive ammonium hydroxide as the source of the nitrogen. The high atom economy has been accompanied by the formation of a small amount of nontoxic waste, water. Conclusion: In conclusion, a simple, convenient, and high-yielding catalyst-free environmentally benign method was developed for the synthesis of unsaturated amino acid esters and unsaturated amino ketones.

Photocatalytic Performance of the BaSn-based Nanoscale Materials for the Organic Pollutants Enhanced by Sm (Er) Doping

Background: Sm (Er) doping is an effective strategy for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. BaSnbased nanorods possess wide band gap energy, which limits the photocatalytic application. It is important to research the feasibility of the improved photocatalytic performance of the BaSnbased nanorods by doping with Sm (Er). Objective: The aim is to synthesize Sm (Er)-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials through a simple hydrothermal process and research the photocatalytic performance of the Sm (Er)-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials for the gentian violet degradation. Methods: Sm (Er)-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials with a polycrystalline structure were synthesized through a simple hydrothermal process. The Sm (Er)-doped composites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, solid diffuse reflectance spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results: Sm (Er) doping induces the morphological evolution of the BaSn-based nanoscale materials from the nanorods to irregular nanoscale particles. Sm (Er) in the doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials exists in the form of the cubic Sm2Sn2O7 and orthorhombic ErF3 phases. The band gap value is decreased with increasing the Sm (Er) dopant contents. Sm (Er)-doped BnSnbased nanoscale materials with the Sm (Er) content of 8wt.% have the lowest band gap and show the strongest light absorption ability. Compared with the un-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials, the Sm (Er)-doped BnSn-based nanoscale materials exhibit higher photocatalytic activity for the gentian violet degradation. 8wt.% Sm-doped BnSn-based nanoscale materials show the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the gentian violet. 20 mL gentian violet solution (concentration of 10 mg·L-1) can be totally degraded using 20 mg 8wt.% Sm-doped BnSnbased nanoscale materials under UV light illumination for 150 min. Conclusion: The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Sm (Er)-doped BnSn-based nanoscale materials can be attributed to the decreased band gap, enhanced light absorption ability, and decreased recombination of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs.

Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Stem Cell Treatment - an Attempt to Clarify a Common Public Misconception.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the practice of regenerative medicine by health practitioners and direct-to-consumer businesses globally. Among different tools of regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell-based therapies have received considerable attention. The use of PRP, in particular, has gained popularity due to its easy access, simple processing techniques, and regenerative potential. However, it is important to address a common misconception amongst the general public equating to PRP and stem cells due to the demonstrated efficacy of PRP in treating musculoskeletal and dermatological disorders. Notably, PRP promotes regeneration by providing growth factors or other paracrine factors only. Therefore, it cannot replenish or replace the lost cells in conditions where a large number of cells are required to regenerate tissues and/or organs. In such cases, cell-based therapies are the preferred option. Additionally, other tools of regenerative medicine, such as bioprinting, organoids, and mechanobiology also rely on stem cells for their success. Hence, healthcare and commercial entities offering direct-to-customer regenerative therapies should not mislead the public by claiming that the application of PRP is a stem cell-based therapy. Furthermore, it is important for regulatory bodies to strictly monitor these profit-driven entities to prevent them from providing unregulated regenerative treatments and services that claim a broad variety of benefits with little proof of efficacy, safety concerns, and obscure scientific justification.