Size Index Research Articles

Effect of Aspect and Elevation on the Degree of Aggregation and the Functional Traits in Phlomis floccosa D. Don (Lamiacae) Populations

ABSTRACTPhlomis floccosa D. Don populations are distributed in different microhabitats within Al‐Akhdar mountainous landscape, in Libya. Five populations were selected for the study. Spatial relationships among individuals were investigated using the spatial point pattern analysis. Functional traits were recorded at the vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages. Seeds were collected at the dispersal stage to estimate the regeneration potential. Greater degree of aggregation was found at higher elevations on both northern and southern sides of the mountain but with different demography and traits. On the northern side, greater degree of aggregation was accompanied by absence of large adults and greater percentage of seedlings, and it was positively associated with the reproductive output, while negatively associated with the size and regeneration indices. On the southern side, greater degree of aggregation was accompanied by greater contribution of large adults and greater percentage of seedlings, and it was positively associated with the size and regeneration indices, while negatively associated with the reproductive output. On the other hand, the population in the wadi (valley) microhabitat showed coarse‐scale clumped pattern, higher values for most of the functional traits and higher contribution of seedlings but with lower facilitation offered by adults. The variations in the degree of aggregation and the functional traits trade‐offs in P. floccosa populations ensured successful survival and regeneration in the heterogeneous microhabitats. Meanwhile, stressed conditions greatly affect the survival and regeneration of the species suggesting the need for conservation measures to overcome the adverse effects of climate change.

Potential Effect of Mangrove Ecosystem on Soil Carbon Sequestration and its Physico-Chemical Properties

The mangrove ecosystem is a natural wetland located in the Red Sea that extends 500 km on the Egyptian western coast. It has great potential to sequestrate soil organic carbon, reduce atmospheric CO2, and enhance soil hydro-physical properties. In this context, this research aims to characterise soil changes induced by mangrove growing. Both modelling and measurements herein were performed on five sampling areas at the Western Strand of the Red Sea (plus one control site - beach without plants). The locations (sites 1 and 2) of mangrove forest were in El-Gouna village with ages of 10 and 5 years, respectively, while (sites 3, 4, and 5) represent mangroves at Hurghada, Abu-Monquar Island, and Safaga, respectively. The mean values of measured soil organic carbon pool (SOCP) at the soil surface (0-90cm) revealed that the lowest values of the SOCP were at Hurghada with 8.81± 0.12 Mgha-1 and the highest values at Abu Monquar island with 59.75 ± 0.15 Mgha-1. At El Gouna 1, 2 and Safaga, the SOCP values were 14.48, 12.86, and 39.98 Mgha-1, respectively. In addition, the SOCP at the control site (beach without plants) was 6.62± 0.25 Mgha-1. Thus, the mangrove ecosystem has a great potential to sequestrate the soil's organic carbon and reduce atmospheric CO2. Soil bulk density (SBD) values varied at El-Gouna1, 2, and Hurghada from 1.63 to 1.75 g/cm³, while the lowest SBD values were observed at Abu-Monquar Island and Safaga with 1.31± 0.02, g/cm³ and 1.53 ± 0.05 g/cm³, respectively. SBD at the control site was 1.75± 0.05 g/cm³, which reflects the higher values. Morphological characteristics reveal that tree height results varied from 110-130 cm, 50-70 cm, 150-200 cm, 200-300 cm, and 200-270 cm for ElGouna1, ElGouna2, Hurghada, Abu-Manqar, and Safaga, respectively. Higher values of tree height, size index, and density are convenient, as are the lower values of SBD at Abu-Monquar and Safaga compared to other site locations. The soil-water HYDRUS-1D model revealed that the soil water storage capacity at Abu-Monquar was higher than the other samples. Thus, the joint use of modelling and measurements enabled deeper insight and a suitable characterisation of soil physicochemical changes induced by mangrove growth.

Formulation and characterization of tea tree and jojoba oils nano-emulgel for in-vivo wound healing assessment

Cutaneous wounds are the most common surgical affections among living organisms worldwide, and their healing may be interrupted by several factors. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity of tea tree and jojoba oils nano-emulsions, additionally, investigating the cytotoxicity of the optimized formula was investigated on normal human lung fibroblast cells (WI-38) by MTT colorimetric assay, additionally its in-vivo wound healing. Nano-emulsions (NEs) were prepared using a high-energy method and characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential, droplet size, and poly dispersive index (PDI). Nano-emulgel (NEG) was formulated by mixing the standard NE with carbopol® 940. For in-vivo wound healing, thirty adult female albino rats were assigned into control, moist exposed burn ointment (Mebo), and NEG-treated groups. The healing was assessed by analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and histopathology in healed wound tissues. All formulations demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus Subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The CC50 of the optimized formula was 453.82± 3.87 µg/mL, with a mean droplet size of 105.4 nm and a zeta potential of −39.2 ± 2.1 mV. NEG enhanced wound closure compared to Mebo-treated and control groups. Also, MDA significantly decreased and SOD significantly increased in NEG and Mebo-treated groups compared to the control (p ˂ 0.05). TNF-α, and IL-1β significantly decreased in NEG and Mebo-treated compared to the control (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, rapid epithelization, and increased collagen deposition in NEG-treated wound tissues compared to the control and Mebo-treated wounds. In conclusion, the NEG containing tea tree and jojoba oils demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing activities.

New Insight for Enhanced Topical Targeting of Caffeine for Effective Cellulite Treatment: In Vitro Characterization, Permeation Studies, and Histological Evaluation in Rats

Cellulite (CLT) is one of the commonly known lipodystrophy syndromes affecting post-adolescent women worldwide. It is topographically characterized by an orange-peel, dimpled skin appearance hence, it is an unacceptable cosmetic problem. CLT can be modulated by surgical procedures such as; liposuction and mesotherapy. But, these options are invasive, expensive and risky. For these reasons, topical CLT treatments are more preferred. Caffeine (CA), is a natural alkaloid that is well-known for its prominent anti-cellulite effects. However, its hydrophilicity hinders its cutaneous permeation. Therefore, in the present study CA was loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) by high shear homogenization/ultrasonication. CA-SLNs were prepared using Compritol® 888 ATO and stearic acid as solid lipids, and span 60 and brij™35, as lipid dispersion stabilizing agents. Formulation variables were adjusted to obtain entrapment efficiency (EE > 75%), particle size (PS < 350 nm), zeta potential (ZP < −25 mV) and polydispersity index (PDI < 0.5). CA-SLN-4 was selected and showed maximized EE (92.03 ± 0.16%), minimized PS (232.7 ± 1.90 nm), and optimum ZP (−25.15 ± 0.65 mV) and PDI values (0.24 ± 0.02). CA-SLN-4 showed superior CA release (99.44 ± 0.36%) compared to the rest CA-SLNs at 1 h. TEM analysis showed spherical, nanosized CA-SLN-4 vesicles. Con-LSM analysis showed successful CA-SLN-4 permeation transepidermally and via shunt diffusion. CA-SLN-4 incorporated into Noveon AA−1® hydrogel (CA-SLN-Ngel) showed accepted physical/rheological properties, and in vitro release profile. Histological studies showed that CA-SLN-Ngel significantly reduced mean subcutaneous fat tissue (SFT) thickness with 4.66 fold (p = 0.035) and 4.16 fold (p = 0.0001) compared to CA-gel, at 7th and 21st days, respectively. Also, significant mean SFT thickness reduction was observed compared to untreated group with 4.83 fold (p = 0.0005) and 3.83 fold (p = 0.0043), at 7th and 21st days, respectively. This study opened new avenue for CA skin delivery via advocating the importance of skin appendages. Hence, CA-SLN-Ngel could be a promising nanocosmeceutical gel for effective CLT treatment.Graphical

Microstructure formation mechanisms and property regulation methods during ceramic additive manufacturing

Anisotropic surface lamellar defects, dimensional shrinkage, and bending strength are important scientific issues that constrain vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing of biological, electronic, and core ceramics with high precision and complex structures. Through the single-factor experiment of photoinitiator concentration, average particle size, volume fraction, and refractive index constant in ceramic-resin slurry, this work studies the photopolymerization characteristics and profile curves, surface lamellar defects, and crosslinking density, verifies the reliability of the photopolymerization profile equations affected by the slurry composition, and acquires the anisotropic property formation mechanisms and control methods. The single-point scanning photopolymerization profile shape is parabolic, resulting in x-, y-, and z-direction lamellar defects before and after sintering (1550 °C), with no obvious weakening. After the quantitative description of the lamellar defects, the average surface roughnesses before and after sintering of the green body are 6.82 and 4.92 μm, respectively. Additionally, the laser energy attenuation along the penetration direction induces a gradient distribution of crosslinking density in the photopolymerization profile region. The crosslinking density gradient distribution of the decay from the slurry surface toward the depth direction is influenced by the slurry component concentration, leading to a gradient of cured powder concentration, which induces anisotropic behaviors. Through the crosslinking density controlling, the average bending strength in x(y) and z directions is increased by 63.19 % (46 %), the difference in anisotropic strength is reduced by 22.55 %, and the dimensional shrinkage difference of x and z directions is reduced by 48.32 %. This provides a theoretical and experimental research basis for ceramic vat photopolymerization with high dimensional accuracy, excellent performance, and morphology control.

Silver and Copper Nanoparticles Hosted by Carboxymethyl Cellulose Reduce the Infective Effects of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli:F4 on Porcine Intestinal Enterocyte IPEC-J2.

Zero-valent copper and silver metals (Ms) nanoparticles (NPs) supported on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were synthesized for treating Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli fimbriae 4 (ETEC:F4), a major cause of diarrhea in post-weaned pigs. The antibacterial properties of Cu0/CMC and Ag0/CMC were assessed on infected porcine intestinal enterocyte IPEC-J2, an in vitro model mimicking the small intestine. The lower average particle size (218 nm) and polydispersity index [PDI]: 0.25) for Ag0/CMC, when compared with those of Cu0/CMC (367 nm and PDI 0.96), were explained by stronger Ag0/CMC interactions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ag0/CMC were lower in both bacteria and IPEC-J2 cells than those of Cu0/CMC, confirming that silver nanoparticles are more bactericidal than copper counterparts. IPEC-J2, less sensitive in MNP/CMC treatment, was used to further investigate the infective process by ETEC:F4. The IC50 of MNP/CMC increased significantly when infected IPEC-J2 cells and ETEC were co-treated, showing an inhibition of the cytotoxicity effect of ETEC:F4 infection and protection of treated IPEC-J2. Thus, it appears that metal insertion in CMC induces an inhibiting effect on ETEC:F4 growth and that MNP/CMC dispersion governs the enhancement of this effect. These results open promising prospects for metal-loaded biopolymers for preventing and treating swine diarrhea.

Improving the bactericidal activity of carvacrol against Bacillus cereus by the formation of sodium casein-stabilized nanoemulsion and its application in milk preservation

Carvacrol has great antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, and its action mechanism was comprehensively studied in this work. It could not only control the growth of B. cereus by affecting the integrality of cellular structure and physiological metabolism, but also inhibit the swarming motility, biofilm formation, and toxins production. To increase the stability of carvacrol during the application, the sodium casein (SC)/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD)/carvacrol nanoemulsion was fabricated. The mean particle size and polydispersity index of the nanoemulsions were 113.8 nm and 0.23, respectively, at SC and HPCD concentrations of 2% and 1%. FTIR analysis demonstrated that carvacrol was successfully encapsulated into the nanoemulsions. The MIC and MBC of nanoemulsions against B. cereus were 0.15 and 0.30 mg/mL, respectively, which were lower than those of free carvacrol (0.19 and 0.38 mg/mL). Carvacrol in nanoemulsions showed a slow and sustained release behavior. Furthermore, the nanoemulsions had good stability (particle size <200 nm) after storage at 4 °C and 25 °C for 15 days. Notably, the nanoemulsions were effective in controlling the growth of B. cereus in whole, low-fat, and skim milk and had better antimicrobial activity than free carvacrol. The results indicated that carvacrol nanoemulsions have potential in the antibacterial application of the food industry.

Relationship between fatigue and quantitative electromyography findings in patients with myasthenia gravis

BackgroundFatigue is a common complaint among patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study, we investigated the alterations in muscle morphology in patients with MG experiencing fatigue using quantitative electromyography (QEMG), and explored the relationship between electrophysiological findings and the severity of both fatigue and disease. MethodsWe performed QEMG of the biceps brachii muscle using the peak ratio method and multi-motor unit potential (MUP) analysis across three groups: 18 MG patients with fatigue, 34 MG patients without fatigue, and 33 healthy subjects. Stimulated single-fiber EMG was performed on the frontalis muscle. The severity of perceived fatigue and disease was subsequently assessed using the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score, the MG-activities of daily living (MG-ADL) profile, self-reported fatigue questionnaires, and handgrip strength measurements. ResultsThe QEMG study revealed a reduced mean MUP duration and size index (SI), in addition to an increased peak ratio in patients with MG (p < 0.05), which tended to be more pronounced in those experiencing fatigue. Compared to healthy subjects, MG patients with fatigue displayed a myopathic pattern characterised by a high peak ratio, short duration, and small-amplitude MUPs, without any increase in the number of phases or small time intervals. The mean peak ratio was positively correlated with the QMG, MG-ADL, and Fatigue Impact Scale total and physical subscores (p < 0.05). Further, MG patients with fatigue exhibited reduced maximum grip strength, which was positively correlated with the mean MUP duration, amplitude, SI, and thickness, and negatively correlated with the mean peak ratio (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the jitter or block measurements (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe present study investigated electrophysiological findings that were not considered or theorised in prior studies on patients with MG experiencing fatigue. The results of this study suggest that myopathic changes may be a critical pathophysiological component underlying the fatigue associated with MG.

Effects of thermal processing and pH on the physicochemical properties, stability, and structure of taxifolin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers

In the present study the potential of nanolipid carriers (transfersomes) for improving the oral delivery of taxifolin, a poorly water-soluble bioactive compound with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated. Two transfersome formulations were prepared using lecithin, Span®60, and Tween®80, with cholesterol as a stabilizer (FA) and without cholesterol (FB), by the Ethanol Injection Method (EIM). The influences of thermal treatment (60-90°C) and pH (2, 4, 6, and 8) on physical stability, structure, and taxifolin degradation were evaluated. The transfersomes were physically and chemically stable during heating at lower temperatures (≤70°C), while thermal treatment at 80–90°C led to an increase in particle size (an increase of around 200 nm) and a decrease in taxifolin encapsulation. Moreover, there was no significant difference in particle size or polydispersity index (PDI) at high temperatures. The particle sizes of transfersomes FA and FB increased from 128 and 182 nm at pH 7 to 224 and 331 nm at pH 2, respectively. Both transfersome preparations remained relatively stable, with consistent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.64 mg/ml) over four weeks of storage at different temperatures (4, 25, and 40°C), showing higher stability at lower temperatures. The in vitro digestion experiment indicated physical stability after exposure to the simulated stomach stage. However, the reduction in the nanovesicles' surface charge after incubation with gastric juice, increased particle size. Based on these results, taxifolin-loaded transfersomes can be pasteurized at low temperatures, for incorporation into enriched food and beverage products.

Design of experimental section of a water tunnel for simulation of heat dissipation condition of seawater-activated battery

Abstract A water tunnel is a crucial experimental apparatus in hydrodynamic research, as the traditional water tunnel has drawbacks such as a small cross-sectional area of the test section and higher costs, which makes it difficult to meet the requirements of a water tunnel for simulating the heat dissipation conditions of the seawater-activated battery. This paper proposes a water tunnel specifically designed for simulating the heat dissipation conditions of seawater-activated batteries, and the water tunnel consists of an external cooling water circulation system and an internal electrolyte circulation system. The experimental section’s design determines the water tunnel’s size and key technical indexes. The temperature distribution contour maps of the experimental section were obtained using Ansys Fluent software simulation. The cooling effect was analyzed, and a cooling water flow rate of 10 m/s was selected. Pressure and velocity contour maps were obtained by simulating the experimental section of the water tunnel. The results show that when the cooling water velocity is 10 m/s, the pressure drop of the experimental section is approximately 1.76 atmospheres. The flow field is uniform and stable, and the heat dissipation power can reach 45.5 kW, meeting the technical requirements.

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flower modulates inflammation and amino acid metabolism by inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK/JAK-STAT/PI3K-Akt and AMPK pathways to alleviate benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urogenital disease in men with no definitive treatment. Inflammation, androgen imbalance, and oxidative stress play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of BPH. The flower of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Ascher is a pivotal medicinal plant in China, used to treat BPH. However, its effect and mechanism against BPH have not been clear. Our aim was to decipher the pharmacodynamics and mechanisms of H. plantaginea flower against BPH. The extract yields and HPLC-based chemoprofile of ethanolic extract (HP) and total flavonoid (TF) of H. plantaginea flowers were used as reference standard to ensure their quality. The testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model was used to assess the effects of HP and TF. Protein expression, metabolomics, and network pharmacology analyses were performed. Twenty constituents were identified in both HP and TF, with four quantitatively analyzed using the HPLC method. HP and TF demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on BPH, including reduced prostate size and prostatic index, improved pathological injury of prostate, as well as increased levels of testosterone, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase, along with decreased levels of dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha-reductase, epidermal growth factor, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and malondialdehyde. Western blotting assay indicated that HP and TF prominently inhibited the protein expression of phosphorylated p65, IκBα, JNK, p38, Erk1/2, JAK1, STAT3, PI3K, Akt, and AMPKα1 in a dose-dependent manner. Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses revealed that HP and TF observably regulated 30 differential metabolites and 11 hub genes across the aforementioned pathways, which are closely associated with amino acid metabolism. The proposed comprehensive strategy of in vivo experiments, metabolomics, and network pharmacology studies has demonstrated that HP and TF could alleviate BPH injury in rats by suppressing inflammation, androgen imbalance, oxidative stress, and amino acid metabolism through the inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK pathways, which provides novel insights into the potential of H. plantaginea flower as a treatment for BPH.

Correlation of Androgen Receptor Expression With Ki67 Proliferative Index and Other Clinicopathological Characteristics in Invasive Mammary Carcinomas.

Introduction The clinical importance of androgen receptor (AR) status in breast cancer is uncertain. The existing knowledge regarding the association of androgen receptor expression with clinicopathological factors of breast cancer is also limited. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the AR expression in breast cancer and to correlate it with the Ki67 proliferative index and other clinicopathological prognostic factors. Methods Theexpression of AR was evaluated in 192 invasive mammary carcinoma cases and the expression patterns were correlated with various clinicopathological prognostic factors such as age, tumor size, pathological primary tumor (pT) stage, nodal status,histological grade, estrogen receptor (ER) expression, progesterone receptor (PgR) expression, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status, molecular subtype, and Ki67 labeling index. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess AR, ER, PgR, Her2, and Ki67 expression. The clinicopathological data required for the analysis were obtained from the laboratory information system. Results Out of the 192 breast carcinoma cases, 139 (72.4%) showed AR-positive expression. The average age of the AR-positive cases was slightly higher than the AR-negative cases. AR-positive tumors tended to have a lower histological grade and positive ER and PgR expression. The expression of ARdid not correlate with tumor size, pT stage, nodal status, Her2 status, and Ki67 labeling index. Conclusion The expression of AR is noted in a significant proportion of breast carcinoma cases. AR expression may be related to good prognostic factors such as ER expression, PgR expression, and lower histologic grade. We also observed that AR expression did not have any association with the Ki67 proliferative index.

Left atrial volume and function in Cavalier King Charles spaniels at different ACVIM stages

BackgroundThe correct assessment of left atrial size and function is essential to evaluate the severity of degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs. Hypothesis/objectivesEvaluate left atrial (LA) dimension and function in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) at different ACVIM stages and the accuracy of linear and volumetric indexes to assess LA enlargement. AnimalsOne hundred and ninety-eight privately owned CKCS. MethodsMulticentric prospective observational cross-sectional study. Dogs underwent an echocardiographic exam for breed screening or cardiac examination. Linear and volumetric echocardiographic LA size and function indexes were compared between classes. ResultsDogs were allocated as follows: 43 in class ACVIM A, 58 ACVIM B1, 55 ACVIM B2, and 42 ACVIM C/D. Only LA anteroposterior diameter normalized on body weight (LADn) and LA maximal, minimal and P volumes (LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVP) differed across all pairwise comparisons. Active LA emptying fraction (aLAEF) was higher in class B1 compared to class A (P < .001), and then decreased in class C/D compared to class B2 (P < .001). This suggests an increase in the left atrial active component due to the Frank-Starling mechanism in ACVIM B1 dogs, and the presence of atrial dysfunction in symptomatic dogs. Conclusions and clinical importanceThe LADn and LAV are higher in CKCS in class ACVIM B1 compared to class ACVIM A, suggesting the presence of LA remodelling at the early stages of the disease. Atrial dysfunction is evident in symptomatic dogs.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE DISCOVERY LEARNING MODEL ON STUDENTS' COLLABORATION ABILITY AT SMAN 2 PADANG

This research aims to see whether there is an influence of the discovery learning model on the collaboration abilities of students at SMAN 2 Padang. The research method used was quasi-experimental with a posttest control design. Sampling in this study used purposive sampling and class XI phase F (physics 5) was obtained as the experimental class and class XI phase F (physics 2) was the control class. Data on students' collaboration abilities was taken using an observation sheet assessing students' collaboration abilities which was analyzed descriptively. To see the magnitude of the influence of the discovery learning model on students' collaboration abilities, effect size calculations are used. The results of the research showed that the average value of collaboration ability of students in the experimental class was (68.19 ± 2.49) with good criteria, whereas the average value of collaboration ability of students in the control class was (63.43 ± 2.45) with good criteria. The magnitude of the influence of the discover learning model on students' collaboration abilities is obtained from an effect size index of 1.9 and has a high category in improving students' collaboration abilities. The discovery learning model can be concluded to have an influence on students' collaboration abilities.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Synergistically Inhibits the Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells with Gemcitabine by Induction of Apoptosis Mediated by ROS Generation.

The present study focused on the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with gemcitabine (GEM) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for lung cancer treatment. A 2-level, 3-factor factorial design was used to optimize various process parameters in the preparation of SLNs. The average particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of GEM-EGCG SLNs were found to be 122.8 ± 8.02 and 0.1738 ± 0.02, respectively. Drug loading and release studies indicated a sustained release behavior for GEM-EGCG SLNs, with release kinetics confirmed by the Higuchi model. Cell viability and anticancer activities were assessed using the MTT assay, which determined an IC50 value of 12.5 μg/mL for GEM-EGCG SLNs against A549 cell lines (lung carcinoma epithelial cells). The SLNs were able to internalize into the nuclei of cells, likely due to their small particle size, and were effective in killing cancer cells. Additionally, a study of ROS production-mediated apoptosis of A549 cells was performed through FACS. GEM-EGCG SLNs were found to be stable for 3 months. In vivo studies revealed better drug distribution in the lungs and improved pharmacokinetic profile compared with pure drugs. Overall, the results suggest that combining GEM and EGCG in biocompatible SLNs has resulted in synergistic antitumor potential and improved bioavailability for both drugs, making it a promising anticancer therapeutic regimen against lung cancer.

Characterization of alkali treated and untreated Abutilon indicum FIBERS

The primary objective of this study is to characterize Abutilon indicum stem Fibres (AIF) obtained through the water retting method. The fundamental attributes were investigated for untreated and alkali-treated AIFs, including physical and chemical properties, thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, functional groups as identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystalline properties as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, surface roughness as assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface textures as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Results convey that, the surface-modified fibers upon alkali treatment exhibit an increase in cellulose composition from 56.12 % to 65.43 % and a reduction in hemi-cellulose, lignin, moisture and wax content. Such a higher composition of cellulose content in the fibers influenced the surface roughness, crystalline size and crystalline index (CI) which thereby indicates the presence of Cellulose III1 and other crystallites arranged in order over the alkali-treated AIFs. Alkali treatment increased the degradation temperature and thermal stability from 1750 C to 2020 C and 302.60 C to 3400 C, respectively. From the above-mentioned test results, it is evident that the surface-modified AIFs from alkali treatment provided more desired results than the untreated counterparts.

Characteristics of sweet potato starch particles modified by various methods for use in food-grade Pickering emulsion

The objective of the current work was to formulate Pickering emulsions prepared solely of sweet potato starch that were renewable and surfactant-free. Native starch has a low capacity for emulsification, for this reason, three different modification techniques including anti-solvent precipitation, esterification with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA), and hydrothermal treatment were applied to modify native sweet potato starch particles (NSPSP). The outcomes demonstrated that the characteristics of the particles, such as size, wettability, surface morphology, crystallinity, thermal behavior, and interfacial tension, were significantly impacted by modification. The amylose content and roughness of NSPSP were reduced by applying OSA, and OSA-modified samples had the highest contact angle and crystalline region. Conversely, ethanol-induced starch granules showed increased amorphous area, higher surface roughness, and agglomeration. From an interfacial perspective, esterification of starch with OSA could decrease the interfacial tension, whereas the anti-solvent approach caused an increase in this parameter. Droplet size, surface charge, microstructure, and emulsification index were used to describe O/W Pickering emulsions stabilized by native and modified particles. This investigation suggested that, in contrast to the other two techniques, modifying NSPSP with OSA had a favorable effect on the emulsifying capacity of the resulting Pickering emulsion. The findings suggested that modified NSPSP could be a promising candidate to stabilize Pickering emulsion with demanding characteristics, which could be applied for carrying the bioactive compounds.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND YIELD-RELATED POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INTRODUCED OLIVE (OLEA EUROPEA) CULTIVARS IN RAINFED AREA OF POTHOWAR PUNJAB

This study aims at pomological characterizing of 09 olive cultivars planted in the field area of Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal to estimate genetic variability in Ottobratica, Hamdi, FS-17, Gerboi, Arbequina, Persia, Nabali, Koroneiki and Earlik. Following pomological traits: fruit and stone weight (g), fruit and stone size (cm), fruit and stone shape index (length/width) and flesh to stone ratio were studied. Data for studied traits were collected in 2019 according to the International olive council descriptor. A significant genetic difference was noticed in the morphological characteristics of both fruit and stone. Different pomological characters were expressed by each cultivar. A wide range of variation was noticed in fruit weight (1.33-5.57g), stone weight (0.20-0.63g) and flesh/stone ratio (0.90-4.96). Based on their fruit shape, studied cultivars were classified into two groups i.e., ovoid and elongate. However, no significant difference was recorded for the stone shape, as all the studied cultivars had the same elongated stone shape. Concerning the fruit size, high fruit size (4-6g) was observed in FS-17, Hamdi, Earlik and Persia whereas Koroneiki, Nabali and Gerboi had the smallest ones (&gt;2g). Based on our results, Earlik, Hamdi and FS-17 are suggested to be more appropriate for table olive production. Thus, an evaluation of genetic diversity through this study can help in the varietal development of olive for table and oil purposes.

Improved Topical Delivery of Sorafenib-Meglumine Antimoniate: Elastic Nano-Liposomal Formulation for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a widespread parasitic disease with significant health and social impacts. Current systemic treatments have severe side effects, highlighting the need for effective topical alternatives.Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of sorafenib (SF) and meglumine antimoniate (MM) dual-loaded transferosomes (TRs) for topical treatment of CL.Methods: TRs were prepared using a thin film hydration method and incorporated into a carbopol gel. The formulations were characterized for vesicle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and deformability index. In vivo and ex vivo skin permeation studies were conducted, along with anti-leishmanial efficacy testing on an intramacrophage amastigote model using BALB/c mice.Results: The TRs exhibited a vesicle size of 186.1 ± 65.89 nm, zeta potential of -27.9 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 71.7 ± 3.9% for MM and 78.6 ± 4.2% for SF. Ex vivo studies showed enhanced skin permeation with cumulative permeation of 327.6 ± 29.4 µg/cm² for MM and 291.6 ± 28.3 µg/cm² for SF. In vivo results indicated a significant reduction in lesion size (0.1 ± 0.12 mm) and parasite load (2.7 ± 0.3 log scale).Conclusion: The MM-SF dual-loaded TRs demonstrated effective topical delivery and therapeutic potential for CL, providing a promising alternative to systemic treatments.

Transformation processes in the osteoarchaeological record between the Iron Age and the Roman times with reference to the civitas Treverorum

AbstractThis paper discusses transformations in human behavior between the Iron Age and the Roman times in the tribal territory of the Treveri, later civitas Treverorum, located between the Rhine and the Ardennes. This aspect has been examined from two perspectives: first, from an anthropological point of view vis‐a‐vis the historical inhabitants, and second, from an archaeozoological perspective regarding domestic animals. Due to small sample sizes and/or difficulty in dating, both regarding humans and domestic animals, transformations in living conditions and animal‐keeping could mostly be outlined only for the La Tène and Roman times. Only the Celtic‐Roman cemetery of Wederath‐Belginum with continued use from middle La Tène to late antiquity offers a more complex insight into human mortality and animal offerings. People lived longer in the Roman times but had more pathologies compared with the previous La Tène period. Body height remained similar in the La Tène and Roman times. However, differences existed within specific human groups (for example, warriors and craftsmen), compared to the normal population. Sex differences in mortality persisted from La Tène to Roman times. The faunal composition in the burials, settlements, and sanctuaries also shows changes. Since the middle La Tène period, chickens have been present. The first oysters can be found in Augustean times, whereas exotic birds such as crested fowls and peacocks are found only in later Roman times and are quite rare. A new direction in animal‐keeping is demonstrated via an increasing logarithmic size index (LSI) in cattle and sheep. The multivariate methods applied in this study offer further insights into the domain and can serve as helpful tools for osteoarchaeological data analysis.