Synergistic Interaction Research Articles

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Gel-Based Plugging System for Complex Fractured Formations Using Acrylic Resin Particles

The issue of fluid loss in fractured formations presents a significant challenge in petroleum engineering, often leading to increased operational costs and construction risks. To address the limitations of traditional lost circulation materials (LCMs) in oil reservoirs with different fracture sizes, this study developed an acrylic resin gel particle with excellent thermal stability (thermal decomposition temperature up to 314 °C) and compatibility. By employing Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology, the synergistic interaction of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), asbestos fibers, and cement was optimized to create a novel gel solidification plugging system that meets the requirements of fluid loss control and compressive strength improvement. Experimental results revealed that the gel-based system demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving rapid fluid loss (total fluid loss time of 18~47 s) and forming a high-strength gelled filter cake (24 h compressive strength up to 17.5 MPa). Under simulated conditions (150 °C), the gel-based system provided efficient fracture sealing, showcasing remarkable adaptability and potential for engineering applications. This study underscores the promise of acrylic resin gel particles in overcoming fluid loss challenges in complex fractured formations.

Abstract B112: Experimental antibody-drug conjugate combinations for advanced prostate cancer

Abstract An Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) is a monoclonal antibody targeted against an antigen on the cancer cell surface and is conjugated to a cytotoxic drug (payload) via a chemical linker. To date no ADCs were clinically approved for prostate cancer (PCa) therapy due to a lack of efficacy and systemic toxicity. Rational design of ADCs and development of combinatorial ADC-based approaches may enhance the therapeutic window for the effective treatment of PCa. In this work we (1) analyzed the distribution of ADC target antigens in advanced PCa and (2) explored synergistic interactions between ADC payloads to propose new combination therapy with improved efficacy and cancer specificity. Multiplexed immunofluorescent staining of lethal metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers (mCRPCs) have shown that majority of androgen receptor regulated (AR+) mCRPCs were double-positive for B7-H3 & STEAP1 or B7-H3 & PSMA or PSMA & STEAP1, nominating these antigen pairs as targets for dual ADC therapy. To identify synergistic ADC payloads, we have designed a custom drug screen that included 23 cytotoxic agents from 3 major payload classes and 78 drug combinations. Validation of screening results in prostate cancer cell lines have demonstrated that Bcl-xl inhibitor A-1331852 interacts synergistically with either DNA-damaging payload tested in the screen, and that isolated loss of p53 can induce resistance to proposed combinations. To introduce these synergistic payloads into ADC approach we obtained 3 genotoxic conjugates (B7-H3 - seco-DUBA, PSMA – SG3249, and STEAP1 – DXd) and tested them as single agents and combined with systemic A-1331852 in p53-proficient and p53-deficient prostate cancer cells. Co-administration of B7-H3 – seco-DUBA ADC with A-1331852 was also tried in mCRPC xenografts with different p53 statuses. Although faster and greater responses to ADC/payload combinations were observed in models with intact p53, addition of systemic A-1331852 improved the efficacy of DNA-damaging ADCs in all models tested in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that concurrent use of an ADC bearing DNA-damaging payload with an ADC bearing Bcl-xl inhibitor is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of mCRPC. In conclusion, this work addresses challenges associated with ADC monotherapy in mCRPC and explores the potential of rational ADC combinations. We nominate B7-H3, PSMA, and STEAP1 as targets for ADC co-targeting, and we propose to use DNA-damaging agents and Bcl-xl inhibitor A-1331852 as payloads for dual ADC therapy. Because the prototypes of such ADCs have already demonstrated safety in early phase human studies, the data generated in this work enables near-term clinical development of new agents for mCRPC therapy. To our knowledge, described study is the first to propose the use of ADC combinations for the treatment of mCRPCs. This work was supported by PCF Young Investigator Award to GS Citation Format: Galina Semenova, Ilsa Coleman, Roman Gulati, Colm Morrissey, Michael Haffner, Peter S Nelson, John K Lee. Experimental antibody-drug conjugate combinations for advanced prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR IO Conference: Discovery and Innovation in Cancer Immunology: Revolutionizing Treatment through Immunotherapy; 2025 Feb 23-26; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2025;13(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B112.

Synergistic Interactions of Metals and Quantum Dots: Expanding Frontiers in Fluorescent Sensing.

Fluorescent sensing technologies have emerged as powerful tools in analytical science, offering exceptional sensitivity and selectivity for detecting a wide range of analytes. Among the advanced materials driving these technologies, quantum dots (QDs) and metal nanoparticles (MNPs) stand out due to their unique optical and electronic properties. When combined, these materials exhibit synergistic interactions those significantly enhance the fluorescence signals, enable efficient quenching, and offer tunable optical properties. This review explores the various protocols involved in the development, characterization, and performance evaluation of metal-QD composites; typically, metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The applications of the materials in the domain of biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biosensing have been highlighted. The review also discusses the current challenges and future scope in the field of metal-QD-based fluorescent sensors and their possible transformative impact on next-generation sensing technologies.

3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) induced antiproliferative effect by suppressing Notch signaling pathway and synergistic interaction with cisplatin against prostate cancer cells.

Studies on the assessment of anticancer efficacy of plant-derived phytochemicals by targeting signaling pathways have drawn a lot of attention recentlyfor human health. Multiple investigations have proposed an involvement of Notch pathway in the processes of cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, and drug resistance. Moreover, overexpression of Notch signaling is associated with increased prostate cancer (PrCa) cell growth and development. A number of chemotherapeutic agents are reported to become resistant over a period of time and have severe side effects. To increase efficacy and lessen drug-induced toxicity, a variety of bioactive compounds have been utilized alone or as adjuncts to traditional chemotherapy. Therefore, in the present study, the potential of AKBA in inhibiting the proliferation of PrCa cells by modulating Notch signaling components and its efficacy in combination with cisplatin was investigated. The results exhibited a substantial reduction in cell survival (IC50 = 25.28µM at 24h and 16.50µM at 48h) and cellular alterations in AKBA-treated PrCa cells. Additionally, AKBA caused nuclear condensation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and caspase activation, ultimately leading to apoptosis in PrCa cells. Moreover, AKBA-elicited apoptosis was evidenced by an augmentation in the Bax to Bcl2 ratio. AKBA was also found to induce G0/G1 arrest which was substantiated by reduced cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression levels concomitantly with increased expression of p21 and p27 genes. Intriguingly, AKBA demonstrated significant downregulation of Notch signaling mediators. Furthermore, the isobolograms of the combination treatment indicated that AKBA has the potential to synergistically enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of cisplatin in DU145 cells, as evidenced by CI < 1 across all tested combinations. Overall, the results of this study suggest strong antiproliferative, apoptotic, and chemo-sensitizing potential of AKBA. Thus, AKBA holds a promising drug candidature warranting further investigation as a probable therapeutic option for both the prevention and treatment of PrCa and other solid tumors.

Superior performance of 18Mn3Cr0.5Mo1V ferrous alloy for strength, ductility, and prolonged corrosion resistance in seawater

High-performance structural materials that combine superior mechanical properties and robust corrosion resistance are vital for sustainable infrastructure and offshore equipment. Here, we report a multi-component (18Mn3Cr0.5Mo1V)-based ferrous alloy with a face-centered cubic structure that demonstrates high strength, hardness, ductility, and extended service life in harsh chloride environments. In contrast to conventional carbon steels for seawater use and Cr/Mo/V-free 18Mn-bearing alloys, this multi-component alloy showed much lower corrosion rates (i.e., lower weight loss and corrosion current density, and higher polarization resistance), which could be comparable even to that of ferritic stainless steel. These surface-inhibiting properties were attributed primarily to the synergistic interactions of the micro-alloying of Cr, V, and Mo, maximizing Cr-enrichment in the oxides composed of inner scale with refined particle size in its structure. Moreover, the cation selectivity characteristics of scale impedes effectively the penetration of Cl ions into the alloy surface.

Design of an Advanced Composite Surface for Low Ice Adhesion: Integrating Active and Passive Anti-/Deicing Strategies to Disrupt Icing Interfaces.

Icing presents substantial economic challenges and endangers equipment safety. Contemporary anti-icing research emphasizes the integration of active and passive technologies, with a particular focus on mitigating ice adhesion for more efficient anti-icing and deicing solutions. In this study, a multilayer composite antideicing surface is developed, integrating energy storage, photo-/electro-thermal functionalities, and superslippery properties. The top quasi-solid slippery layer, composed of epoxy resin embedded with oil-stored graphene nanoparticles, provides stable hydrophobic performance for various water-based liquids, reducing ice adhesion to approximately 25 kPa. Furthermore, the energy storage layer at the base introduces heterogeneity in the icing timeline across regions, leveraging volumetric expansion during the water phase transition to disturb the ice interface, achieving adhesion reductions to around 12 kPa. The intermediate layer features photo-/electro-thermal capabilities, enabling surface temperature elevation upon application of electrical or optical energy, melting interfacial ice, and forming a liquid film. This process disrupts the frozen interface, further lowering the ice adhesion force to below 1 kPa. The synergistic interaction between photo-/electro-thermal effects and the superslippery surface significantly enhances the anti-icing and deicing efficiency of the composite structure. These findings offer promising advancements for engineering applications requiring high-efficiency active and passive anti-icing/deicing strategies.

Synergistic interactions between g-C3N4 and Cu-Zn-MOFs via electrostatic assembly for enhanced electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (eCO2R) represents a sustainable technique for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized as promising candidates in eCO2R due to their favorable adsorption of CO2. However, the insufficiency of adequate active sites restricts their in-depth investigation. Herein, inspired by the interfacial electronic effects, the layered g-C3N4 with unpaired electron characteristics is integrated into Cu-Zn-MOFs with nucleophilic imidazolate ligands via electrostatic assembly. The resultant g-C3N4@Cu-Zn-MOFs-1 : 1 exhibits excellent CO2 reduction performance for CO in a wide potential range, where the peak faradaic efficiency reaches 85% at -1.3 V. g-C3N4 with a graphitic carbon backbone significantly stabilizes the Cu-Zn-MOF structure and enhances the exposure of active sites. The excellent performance stems from the significant activation of active sites by the efficient electron transfer induced by π-π stacking interactions between g-C3N4 and Cu-Zn-MOFs-1 : 1. This work proposes an innovative approach to stabilizing MOFs and activating the active sites in MOFs through interfacial electron engineering for CO2 reduction.

The importance of the tortoise tick Hyalomma aegyptium as a carrier of bacterial agents on a wide range.

Ticks are important vectors of various microorganisms, including bacteria. In this study, we examined Hyalomma aegyptium ticks collected from 240 spur-thighed tortoises Testudo graeca at 42 localities in the Mediterranean and Middle East and analysed them for the presence of bacteria of the genera Anaplasma, Borrelia, Coxiella, and Rickettsia. Altogether, 576 out of 928 analysed ticks (62.1%) were positive for at least one of the tested bacteria. The highest prevalence in individual ticks was found for Borrelia turcica (43.6%), followed by Rickettsia (12.3%) and Anaplasma (6.1%). No sample was positive for Coxiella burnetii. Among Rickettsia, we detected two species, Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschlimannii, and also other unspecified Rickettsia. Anaplasma (100% identity with A. phagocytophilum) was detected at 15 (35%) out of 42 studied localities, any of Rickettsia at 28 (67%), and B. turcica at 32 (76%) localities. The geographic distribution of the studied microorganisms varied, with none of them detected in Syria, and only Rickettsia spp. detected in Morocco. Sequence analysis revealed substantial genetic variability in all detected agents, with the most variable (36 new haplotypes) being glpQ gene used as a marker for B. turcica. We also analysed the prevalence of various co-infections among studied ticks, with the mean number of co-infected ticks per tortoise increased with the number of ticks per tortoise. However, the frequencies of co-infected ticks do not indicate the presence of antagonistic or synergistic facilitative interactions between the agents. According to our data, we could expect that the eco-epidemiological importance of H. aegyptium does not stem from their tortoise hosts but rather from the low host specificity of its larvae and nymphs, feeding on a wider spectrum of reptilian, avian, and mammalian hosts.

High-Temperature Growth of CeO x on Au(111) and Behavior under Reducing and Oxidizing Conditions.

Inverse oxide-metal model catalysts can show superior activity and selectivity compared with the traditional supported metal-oxide architecture, commonly attributed to the synergistic overlayer-support interaction. We have investigated the growth and redox properties of ceria nanoislands grown on Au(111) between 700 and 890 °C, which yields the CeO2-Au(111) model catalyst system. We have observed a distinct correlation between deposition temperature, structural order, and oxide composition through low-energy electron microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, intensity-voltage curves, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Improved structural order and thermal stability of the oxide have been achieved by increasing the oxygen chemical potential at the substrate surface using reactive oxygen (O/O2) instead of molecular O2 during growth. In situ characterization under reducing (H2) and oxidizing atmospheres (O2, CO2) indicates an irreversible loss of structural order and redox activity at high reduction temperatures, while moderate temperatures result in partial decomposition of the ceria nanoislands (Ce3+/Ce4+) to metallic cerium (Ce0). The weak interaction between Au(111) and CeO x would facilitate its reduction to the Ce0 metallic state, especially considering the comparatively strong interaction between Ce0 and Au0. Besides, the higher reactivity of atomic oxygen promotes a stronger interaction between the gold and oxide islands during the nucleation process, explaining the improved stability. Thus, we propose that by driving the nucleation and growth of the ceria/Au system in a highly oxidizing regime, novel chemical properties can be obtained.

Development of 3D-printed foods incorporating riboflavin-loaded whey protein isolate nanostructures: characterization and in vitro digestion.

3D printing has emerged as a groundbreaking technology, aiming to enhance sensory attributes and improving nutritional/functional aspects. Simultaneously, nano-delivery systems have emerged as an opportunity to protect bioactive compounds against degradation and improve their bioaccessibility. Therefore, a novel concept is underway, involving the 3D printing of perishable healthy foods previously fortified with bioactive compound-loaded nanostructures. As a model concept, whey protein isolate (WPI) nanostructures were associated with riboflavin with an efficiency of 59.2%. Carrot pastes with adequate printability, shape retention and rheological characteristics were formulated. Riboflavin-WPI loaded nanostructures were incorporated into carrot inks and submitted to a static in vitro digestion. There was a notable increase in riboflavin bioaccessibility (+23.1%), suggesting a synergistic interaction between WPI nanostructures and carrot matrix. These results may contribute to validating the use of WPI nanostructures as effective encapsulating systems allied with 3D food printing towards the development of functional foods with personalized structure and nutrition profile.

An ultra-narrow multi-band perfect absorber based on single dielectric nano-cylinder array with surface lattice resonance

Abstract Dielectric nanomaterials have attracted significant attention in the realm of micro- nano optics owing to the simultaneous low ohmic loss and distinctive electromagnetic resonance characteristic. However, achieving both ultra-narrow multi-band band and perfect absorption effects simultaneously has been challenging due to the weak magnetic response within traditional dielectric metamaterials. In this work, employing the finite-time domain differential method for simulation calculations, a multi-band perfect absorber consisting of titanium dioxide cylinder arrays is theoretically proposed. Benefiting from the concurrent presence of electromagnetic lattice resonance within the arrays of titanium dioxide cylinders, the as-proposed optical absorber demonstrates the simultaneous achievement of triple absorption bands, with extremely narrow spectral characteristics (minimum bandwidth approximately 0.8 nm) and near-perfect absorption rates (around 95.6%, 96.8%, and 95%) in 700–900 nm. Further near-field analysis unveils that surface lattice resonance arises from the synergistic interaction between the incident light and periodic structures, enhancing the coupling efficiency between the light and the surface plasmon, which can significantly amplify the electromagnetic field. By adjusting the lattice constant and geometric parameters, the physical mechanisms of the structure are further elucidated, and the optimal parameters of the absorber are ultimately determined. Moreover, due to its exceptional optical properties, the as-proposed multi-band absorber can be employed as a high-efficiency refractive index sensor with multi-frequency channel sensing. The corresponding sensitivity is calculated to be 356, 443.6 and 305.9 nm/RIU, with corresponding figure of merits of 482, 460.4 and 19.5 RIU−1, respectively. This research establishes a robust foundation for advancing multi-band perfect optical absorber, offering significant potential applications in multiple fields such as biochemical sensing, surface enhancement spectroscopy, and nonlinear nano-optics.

Local anesthetics and antibiotics display synergistic and antagonistic drug interactions against pathogens causing septic arthritis in horses.

To investigate the in vitro efficacy of antibiotics (amikacin, ceftiofur, and gentamicin) in combination with local anesthetics (LAs; bupivacaine hydrochloride, lidocaine hydrochloride, and mepivacaine hydrochloride), a combination commonly performed for IA injectate and regional limb perfusion (RLP) in horses. 17 equine clinical isolates were tested by the checkerboard method for their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against a combination of concentrations of LAs and antibiotics from August 2020 through December 2023. For the majority of combinations, the antibiotic efficacy was not affected. However, in a subset of combinations (n = 70), the addition of LA to the antibiotic solution displayed a synergistic (n = 14) or antagonistic (n = 56) effect, indicating that LA increased or decreased antibiotic activity, respectively. Increased MICs seen in most antagonistic combinations appeared to be without clinical relevance as MICs remained below or above clinically achievable concentrations. In contrast, antagonism observed for aminoglycoside-LA combinations resulted in MICs higher than the concentration achievable by RLP. In some synergistic combinations, MICs decreased from markedly above to below or near clinically achievable concentrations against a specific antibiotic. The addition of LAs to antibiotic solutions for IA injections does not compromise the in vitro antibiotic effect. Conversely, the addition for RLPs compromises the in vitro antibiotic effect at clinical concentrations. This in vitro study suggests that LAs can be added to IA antibiotic solutions without compromising antibiotic effects against common equine pathogens. For RLP, the combination of tested aminoglycosides (amikacin and gentamicin) and LAs is discouraged without taking into account MICs of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Application of Combustion‐Synthesized Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 Nanocomposites

ABSTRACTThe development of advanced nanocomposites has the potential to greatly enhance the detection of hazardous chemicals in the environment. This research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites to address existing limitations and offer sustainable solutions. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the phase formation and crystalline nature of the nanocomposites with an average particle size of 55 nm. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the presence of functional groups in the nanocomposite. UV–visible spectroscopy of the prepared Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite reveals synergistic interactions among the phases, leading to a remarkable reduction in the bandgap (2.2 eV). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides insights into the surface morphology of the nanocomposite. Zeta potential analysis reveals a surface charge of −32.5 mV, indicating excellent stability. Photocatalytic studies show effective dye degradation at an optimized catalyst concentration of 20 mg in 40 ppm dye solutions under UV irradiation. Furthermore, its porous structure and high surface area contribute to superior photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes and efficient electrochemical detection of mercury chloride and dextrose in 0.1 M of HCl medium. Additionally, the photocatalytic efficiency of Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 was evaluated for the degradation of azo dyes, such as fast orange red and direct green dyes, under UV irradiation. Systematic optimization of variables including catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and irradiation time significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance. The results confirm the nanocomposite's strong potential in environmental remediation through effective photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and its advanced sensing capabilities for detecting hazardous substances, which make this a versatile material with impactful applications in wastewater treatment and electrochemical sensing.

Innovative functional juice enriched with native probiotics for enhanced nutrition and antimicrobial properties.

The increasing demand for consuming highly nutritional value foods based on fruits or vegetables in combination with "beneficial" lactic acid bacteria (LAB) expands the research on developing novel functional non-diary delivery vectors. In this study, the native Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UTNCys5-4 (Cys5-4) and commercial Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC8014 (LP) strains have been targeted for probiotic properties in a novel designed tropical beverage containing yellow passionfruit (maracuyá) and coconut (MC). Furthermore, the quality of the newly fortified beverages, MCA (MC + Cys5-4) and MCB (MC + LP), was evaluated, along with their antimicrobial activity against two foodborne pathogens. The results showed greater cell viability of Cys5-4 (8.84 ×107 CFU/ml), whereas a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease was registered for LP strain (1.90 × 105 CFU/mL) on the 15th day of storage with refrigeration. An enhanced ascorbic acid content (AAC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) in both fortified juices (MCA and MCB), with MCA showing moderate TPC increases and MCB showing slightly higher improvements. Both fortified juices exhibited increased antioxidant capacity (AOX) compared to the non-fortified control (MC), emphasizing their enhanced functional value. An intrinsic inhibitory activity against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ATCC51741 and Escherichia coli ATCC25922 was observed in the MC juice during the first 6 days of storage, after which the activity was lost. In contrast, the inhibitory activity in both MCA and MCB juices increased up to 15 days of storage, suggesting a synergistic interaction between the antimicrobial compounds produced by the bacteria and those naturally present in the fruit, effectively enhancing their role as in situ antimicrobial agents. These findings validate the use of Cys5-4 as a promising probiotic strain for developing functional beverages with improved shelf life, sensory properties, and health-promoting benefits. The synergistic antimicrobial and antioxidant effects underscore the potential of combining probiotics with tropical fruits like yellow passionfruit and coconut for innovative and nutritionally valuable non-dairy food products. These formulations present a promising solution for delivering native LAB strains, enabling the fruit and dairy industries to create healthier, market-driven products.

Workplace sexual harassment is associated with poor mental well-being among employees at a large Swedish university

ABSTRACT Background Sexual harassment (SH) is a persistent problem at workplaces around the world, including academia. Objective This study examines the association between SH and mental well-being among employees at Lund University (LU) in Sweden. Methods Data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey targeting all LU employees in 2019. SH exposure was measured using a ten-item scale capturing SH experiences and enabling the differentiation between soliciting and non-soliciting types of SH. Validated instruments were used to measure two aspects of mental well-being; mental health (GHQ-12) and vitality (SF-36 vitality scale). Association between SH exposure and outcome variables was investigated through multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders. Modifying effects of gender, age, background and academic position, respectively, on the relation between SH and outcomes were studied. Results Workplace SH was associated with poor mental health (PMH) (OR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.0)) and low vitality (LV) (OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.3–2.5)) among women and with LV (OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.1–3.9)) among men, after adjusting for confounders. Among women, experiences of non-soliciting and soliciting SH combined were associated with PMH and LV. Among men, experiences of non-soliciting SH behaviours exclusively were associated with LV. Indications of synergistic interaction affecting the association between SH and LV were found related to age, background and academic position, but not gender. Conclusions Workplace SH is a significant risk factor for poor mental well-being, primarily among female, but also among male university employees. These findings can inform local policies for prevention of SH.

Activation of peroxymonosulfate for rhodamine-B removal from water: enhanced efficiency with cobalt-enriched, magnetically recoverable CNTs.

Dyes are known to pose environmental threats due to their mutagenic and persistent effects. To address this concern, researchers have explored various unconventional dye degradation materials, such as metal oxides with carbon materials. However, challenges related to degradation efficiency and regeneration have been significant obstacles. Consequently, there has been a surge in interest in recent years toward using nanomaterials with carbon materials activated by peroxymonosulfate for organic pollutant degradation. In this study, we present a novel approach to prepare a hybrid nanocomposite catalyst, CoS/CoFe2O4-CNTs (CS/CF-CNTs), using a carbon nanotube decorated with cobalt ferrite and further enhanced by embedding with cobalt sulfide nanoflowers. This catalyst aims at enhancing Rhodamine-B degradation through advanced oxidation processes. The carbon nanotubes provide a stable substrate for the cobalt materials, with cobalt ferrite (CF) serving as a magnetic component, facilitating catalyst removal and regeneration for multiple uses. Due to the oxidation involved in the degradation process, high electronic conductivity of the carbon nanotubes and the active cobalt sites of the composite play a crucial role in activating peroxymonosulfate to generate reactive oxygen radicals. Notably, the CS/CF-CNTs catalyst showed a remarkable Rhodamine-B degradation rate of 98% in less than 10 min. The catalyst also exhibited excellent stability even after four cycles of regeneration. The operating reaction conditions were optimized by investigating the effects of pH, dye concentration, salinity with different salts, catalyst dose, and peroxymonosulfate dose, and the results demonstrated the superior effectiveness of CS/CF-CNTs compared to CS and to CF-CNTs, emphasizing the synergistic interaction between the carbon nanotubes and the two cobalt materials. Quenching experiments revealed the involvement of sulfate and hydroxyl radicals in the degradation reaction mechanism.

Synergistic effects of indigenous bacterial consortia on heavy metal tolerance and reduction.

Heavy metal contamination represents a critical environmental and public health challenge, necessitating effective remediation approaches. This study examines the bioremediation potential of three indigenous bacterial strains Aeromonas caviae KQ_21, Aeromonas hydrophila AUoR_24, and Shewanella putrefaciens SUoR_24 evaluated both individually and in consortia for their capacity to remove heavy metals. Tolerance assessments demonstrated that the coculture of these strains exhibited superior resistance to copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), with optimal growth observed up to 6 mM for Cu, 9 mM for Zn, and 5 mM for Ni, outperforming the monocultures. The co-culture system also achieved higher metal reduction efficiencies, with reductions of 47.02% for Cu, 61.49% for Ni, and 61.93% for Zn, in contrast to lower reductions observed in individual strains. The study further explored the impact of environmental conditions on bioremediation efficiency. Optimal temperature for both monoculture and coculture setups was found to be 30°C. pH and salt concentration variations significantly affected bacterial growth and metal reduction, highlighting the necessity of tailored conditions for enhanced bioremediation. In terms of metal removal mechanisms, the results demonstrated that nickel (Ni) removal occurred primarily through bioaccumulation, while copper (Cu) removal involved both biosorption and bioaccumulation. Zinc (Zn) removal was facilitated through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation. These findings underscore the effectiveness of bacterial consortia, particularly indigenous strains, in improving heavy metal tolerance and reduction through synergistic interactions and cooperative metabolic processes. This research offers valuable insights into optimizing bacterial consortia for environmental cleanup and advances the application of indigenous bacteria in bioremediation strategies. Future investigations should focus on exploring additional microbial species and further elucidating the molecular mechanisms that contribute to enhanced bioremediation efficacy.

Mechanical enhancement of hydroxyapatite via carbon and boron nitride nanotubes: a molecular dynamics study.

This study explores the mechanical limitations of hydroxyapatite (HAP), a critical bioceramic in bone tissue engineering and orthopedic implants, which is limited by its brittleness and low mechanical strength. By reinforcing HAP with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), the mechanical performance of HAP was significantly enhanced. The inclusion of CNTs led to a 25% increase in ultimate tensile strength (UTS), peaking at 9.18 GPa, while BNNTs improved ductility with a maximum UTS of 8.75 GPa. Toughness, representing the material's energy absorption capacity, reached 15.8kJ/m2 in CNT-reinforced composites and 9.3kJ/m2 in BNNT-reinforced composites, emphasizing their distinct reinforcement contributions. The study highlights the potential of CNT-BNNT combinations, achieving a synergistic balance of strength, ductility, and toughness. The study employed molecular dynamics simulations to model and analyze the mechanical behavior of nano-reinforced HAP. Simulations were performed using the LAMMPS software, with the CVFF-Interface Force Field for HAP and the AIREBO potential used to model carbon interactions in CNTs. BNNTs were simulated using the Tersoff potential to account for interactions between boron and nitrogen atoms. The effects of nano-reinforcements on the mechanical properties of HAP were evaluated through tensile stress-strain curves, which quantified improvements in Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and strain at UTS. Additionally, combinations of CNTs and BNNTs in varying ratios were simulated to assess synergistic interactions, while different inclusion levels were investigated to understand their impact on the composite's mechanical performance. Toughness values, representing the material's energy absorption capacity, were calculated by integrating the area under the stress-strain curves up to failure, providing deeper insights into the ductility and energy dissipation characteristics of the reinforced HAP composites.

Synergistic Antiproliferative Effect of Linagliptin-Metformin Combination on the Growth of Hela Cancer Cell Line

This in-vitro study explores the cytotoxic properties of the linagliptin-metformin combination on cervical cancer cells and examines the synergistic interaction between the two drugs. An MTT assay was used to explore the anti-cancer effects of the linagliptin-metformin mixture on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa cell line) across 24 and 72-hour incubation periods. The concentrations of metformin, linagliptin, and their combination ranged from 0.1 to 1000 µg/ml. while the concentrations in the mixture were kept at fifty percentage of the individually used drug. The study included an estimated combination index value (CI) and the dosage reduction index (DRI) to ascertain the possibility of a synergistic effect between combined drugs and mixture safety. study finding exhibited that all studied drugs- metformin, linagliptin, and their combined mixture- inhibited the growth of cervical cancer cells with a superior efficacy of the mixture over individual drugs. Inhibition patterns of the drugs were directly proportional to the drug's concentration and the incubation time. The combination index finding revealed that the mixture's cytotoxic effect of metformin and linagliptin was synergistic. The dose reduction index value revealed that lower drug concentrations were required in the combination mixture than when used individually indicating a greater cytotoxic potential of the mixture. The study findings of MTT, CI, and DRI indicate that the mixture is an effective, safer, and promising anticancer therapy for cervical cancer. Conclusion: This study explores the cytotoxic potential of metformin and linagliptin individually and in combination. The greater cytotoxic potential of the drugs in combination highlights their lower effective concentrations, paving the way for further research on using these drugs for effective cancer treatment.

Metalations on 2,2′‐bipyridine‐functionalized metal–organic frameworks for catalytic platforms

Abstract2,2′‐Bipyridine (BPY) is a versatile organic ligand, well known for its strong metal‐chelating properties, which make it a crucial component in coordination chemistry. When integrated into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), BPY significantly enhances the material's properties, particularly in catalysis, due to its ability to coordinate with a wide range of metal ions. This review focuses on the metalation of BPY‐incorporated MOFs (MOF‐BPYs), with an emphasis on the coordination of secondary metal cations at BPY sites. The metals are categorized into first‐, second‐ and third‐row transition metals, and other metals, highlighting key examples such as Pd, Mo, Cu, and Fe. The synergistic interactions between the metal centers and the MOF framework, which contribute to the enhanced catalytic performance of MOF‐BPYs, are explored in detail. The review also addresses mixed‐metal systems, emphasizing their unique properties and applications. Furthermore, strategies for metalation, including the pre‐functionalization of BPY prior to MOF synthesis and post‐synthetic modification, are critically examined. Finally, the stability of parent MOFs—particularly Zr‐based frameworks, known for their robustness—is discussed in relation to the overall performance of MOF‐BPY materials.