Thin-film Techniques Research Articles

Folate-conjugated liposome as effective Drug delivery system for Quercetin

Active ingredient (AI), particularly quercetin (Q), has been known as types of nature-derived chemotherapic agents in cancer treatment. However, the advantages of this agent concerning antineoplastic activity were restricted by its poor water solubility. Therefore, the encapsulation of AI in nano-mediated drug delivery is expected to create diverse effects and can sufficiently increase their therapeutic outcomes. The aim of this present study was to effectively prepare folate-conjugated liposome (L-F) that can enhance the delivery of Q. L-F containing Q (Q-L-F) was successfully prepared by thin film technique, using tween 80-ethylenediamine-acid folic as the surface-modified moiety. Physicochemical parameters, including morphology, particles size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and release profiles were investigated. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity of the prepared formulation was evaluated against NCI-H460 cell line. Results showed that the prepared Q-L-F had a mean size of about 166.8 nm with low polydispersity index (below 0.5) and high encapsulation efficiency (96.6%). The release profile showed a sustained release of Q up to 48 h. Moreover, Q-L-F liposomal system was proposed to have the enhanced toxicity effect toward cancerous cells with expressed folate receptors due to the targeting of folic acid conjugated. In support for this, cell proliferation using SRB assay on NCI-H460 cells demonstrated that Q-L-F exhibited higher cytotoxicity than quercetin loaded conventional liposome (Q-L). For the purpose of researching, the data could serve as proof for the potential of L-F as a sustained delivery system for Q in anti-cancer therapy.

Inhibition of sediment internal phosphorus release in agricultural drainage ditches by ceria nanoparticle capping.

In this study, ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) were introduced as an in-situ capping agent to inhibit the release of phosphorus (P) from sediments of agricultural drainage ditches. High-resolution dialysis (HR-Peeper) and diffusive gradients in thin film (DGT) techniques were used to measure the concentrations of P and iron (Fe) in the overlying water and sediments. The results showed that the CNP capping not only decreased the soluble reactive P (SRP) in the overlying water by 55.36% but also decreased the SRP in the pore water by 30.06%. More importantly, after the CNP capping, the flux of SRP from the pore water to the overlying water decreased by 34.12%, indicating that CNP capping can effectively inhibit the release of P from sediments to the overlying water. In addition, 38.38% of DGT-labile P was immobilized using CNP capping. Furthermore, the results of P speciation showed that CNP capping led to the change of P species from easily released NH4Cl-extractable P (NH4Cl-P) and Na2S2O4/NaHCO3-extractable P (BD-P) to more stable HCl-extractable P (HCl-P) and residual P (Res-P). These results show that CNP capping can further decrease the release of P from sediments to the overlying water. The present study shows that CNP is a feasible and effective capping material to inhibit the release of P from sediments of agricultural drainage ditches.

Seasonal variation in release characteristics and mechanisms of sediment phosphorus to the overlying water in a free water surface wetland, southwest China

Geochemical cycling of iron (Fe) mediated by sediment microbes drives the remobilization of phosphorus (P). Understanding the underlying mechanism is essential for the evaluation of P retention by wetlands. The diffusive gradients in thin film (DGT) and 16S rDNA sequencing techniques were combined to explore seasonal variations in the remobilization mechanism of sediment P in a free water surface wetland in southwest China. A significantly positive correlation between labile P and Fe concentrations was found from the sediment profiles, indicating coupled remobilization of Fe and P in the sediment. Fe-reducing bacterial genera, particularly Sphingomonas and Geothermobacter, were responsible for the reductive dissolution of Fe oxides and subsequent P release in sediment. The efflux of sediment P was higher in the rainy season (95 ± 87 ng cm−2 d−1) than in the dry season (39 ± 29 ng cm−2 d−1). Based on the significantly positive relationship between the efflux and total concentration of sediment P, we propose a promising regression equation for quantifying the release risk of sediment P. The Luoshijiang Wetland exhibited a higher release potential as indicated by a greater regression slope (0.558) compared to the other water bodies (0.055), which was mainly attributed to the lower labile Fe:P molar ratio in the sediment. Based on estimations of the diffusive flux of P at the sediment-water interface, sediment contributed more than 172 and 413 g of P per day to the water column in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, accounting for 14.0% and 1.9% of the P mass in the surface water of the wetland.

Design and Fabrication of Compact Microstrip Low-pass Filter with Thin Film Technique for Wideband Applications

This paper introduces a compact microstrip low-pass filter (LPF) with a very sharp rejection. The proposed LPF is designed to be used for electronic warfare in defense industry. It has 62 dB/GHz attenuation rate, 10 GHz of stopband width and 48.6 dB of stopband attenuation. Moreover, it also has a wide passband and has a high cut-off frequency (f_c) of 6 GHz. The designed filter has been fabricated using alumina (Al2O3) substrate and titanium-gold (Ti-Au) coating on top of that with thin film technique in a clean room. The experimental measurements of the proposed LPF show great agreement with the simulation results, which validates that the presented filter is convenient to be used for applications up to C-band in electronic warfare systems.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Modified Taxifolin Liposomes Promote Liver Repair by Modulating Autophagy to Inhibit Activation of the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Taxifolin (TAX) is a hepatoprotective flavanol compound, which is severely limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Liposomes (Lips) are used as well-recognized drug carrier systems that improve the water solubility and bioavailability of drugs, but are easily damaged by gastric juice after oral administration, resulting in the release of drugs in the gastric juice. Therefore, it is important to find materials that modify liposomes and avoid the destruction of the liposomal phospholipid bilayer structure by the gastrointestinal environment. Taxifolin liposomes (TAX-Lips) were modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone-k30 (PVP-TAX-Lips) and manufactured using a thin-film hydration technique. Particle size (109.27 ± 0.50 nm), zeta potential (−51.12 ± 3.79 mV), polydispersity coefficient (PDI) (0.189 ± 0.007), and EE (84.7 ± 0.2%) of PVP-TAX-Lips were studied. In addition, the results of in vitro release experiments indicated that the cumulative release rates of TAX-Lips and PVP-TAX-Lips were 89.73 ± 5.18% and 65.66 ± 4.86% in the simulated gastric fluid after 24 h, respectively, while the cumulative release rates were 68.20 ± 4.98% and 55.66 ± 3.92% in the simulated intestinal fluid after 24 h, respectively. Moreover, PVP-TAX-Lips were able to reverse lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) by inducing autophagy to inhibit the expression levels of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and inflammatory factors, which suggested that PVP-TAX-Lips played an important role in the prevention of ALI and also provided a promising drug delivery system for the application of TAX.

Enhanced Antioxidant, Antiviral, and Anticancer Activities of the Extract of Fermented Egyptian Rice Bran Complexed with Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.

Egyptian rice bran was fermented with baker’s yeast, and released phenolics were extracted with aqueous methanol to give fermented rice bran extract (FRBE). The analysis of the FRBE with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry revealed 21 compounds, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids. The FRBE was then complexed with (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) via noncovalent host–guest inclusion complexation using the thin-film hydration technique to improve the hydrophilicity and bioactivity of the FRBE. The formation of the inclusion complex was confirmed using HPLC, 1H NMR, FT-IR, and a phase solubility study. In addition, the biological activities of the complex were investigated. The FRBE/HPβCD inclusion complex had more pronounced antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer activities compared to free FRBE. These findings warrant the future investigation of potential medical applications of FRBE.

Dual diffusive gradients in the thin films (DGT) probes provide insights into speciation and mobility of sediment chromium (Cr) from the Xizhi River basin, South China

Investigation of the speciation and remobilization mechanisms of chromium (Cr) in sediment is essential for accurate estimation of its ecological risks in aquatic systems. In this work, a three-step chemical extraction procedure and diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) technique were combined to investigate the geochemical speciation, mobility potentials, and release characteristics of sediment Cr. The geochemical speciation of sediment Cr decreased in the following order: oxidizable > reducible > residual > acid-soluble fraction. Dissociation of OM-bound Cr(III) and oxidation by Mn oxides contributed to higher labile Cr(III) and Cr(VI) levels in winter, with the labile Cr(III) being the dominant species and accounting for 48.1%65.5% of the total concentration of labile Cr; whereas, reductive dissolution of Mn oxides was responsible for the remobilization of labile Cr(VI) in summer, leading to a shift in dominant Cr species to Cr(VI) (48.9%65.7%) due to rapid precipitation of Cr(III). Sediment acted as a major sink for labile Cr(VI) in two sampling campaigns. For labile Cr(III), sediment converted from source in winter to sink in summer. The diffusive release of labile Cr(III) deserves preferential concern due to its potential to be re-oxidized to more toxic Cr(VI) under the oxic conditions of river water in winter.

Silicon meets group-II metals in energy and electronic applications—How to handle reactive sources for high-quality films and bulk crystals

In the present advanced information society, the group IV element Si is inevitably used for various high-performance devices, such as transistors and solar cells. When Si meets group-II elements such as Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba, semiconducting silicides are formed, which are applicable to energy conversion devices such as thin-film solar cells and thermoelectric devices. In this Tutorial, we focus on two representative typical semiconducting silicides among them: Mg2Si and BaSi2 composed of earth-abundant elements. Mg2Si has been extensively studied for light-weight high-performance thermoelectric devices, whereas BaSi2 has been studied for thin-film solar cells, and recently has also been attracting attention as a thermoelectric material. However, these group-II elements are highly reactive with oxygen and water. Thus, we need to be careful when handling these elements. In this Tutorial, we provide guidance on how to handle these group-II elements and their compounds in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners. In addition, we introduce thin-film growth and bulk growth techniques, as well as the points to be considered when characterizing these materials.

Validation and application of diffusive gradient in thin-film (DGT) equipped novel cyclodextrin polymer gels for monitoring endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and environmental risk assessment in the Taihu lake basin

Taihu Lake is the most important drinking water source of the major cities in the Yangtze River Delta. The pollution of endocrine disruptors (EDCs)in Taihu Lake has been increasing recently, the accurate determination is an important guide for predicting its health risks and developing appropriate controls. Monitoring organic pollutants in water using the diffusive gradient in thin film technique (DGT) has attracted much attention due to more accuracy and convenience than the grab sampling methods. In this study, a novel cyclodextrin polymer (CDP) synthesized by the simple and green method in water was taken as an adsorbent for the binding gel. Four endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), bisphenol A (BPA), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), 17β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3), were taken as models to determine the diffusion coefficients (4.68 × 10−6, 3.38 × 10−6, 3.34 × 10−6 and 4.31 × 10−6 cm2/s) and to test the performance of DGT, such as adsorption capacity and deployment time (1–5 day). The assembled CDP-DGT was adopted to determine four EDCs in a simulated water environment (3–9 of pH, 0.001–0.5 M of ionic strength (IS), and dissolved organic matter (DOM) of 0–20 mg/L). The ability of CDP-DGT sampling was verified in the Jiuxiang River and was carried out for a large-scale field application of in situ sampling EDCs in Taihu Lake basin. The results show that the total EDCs concentration range and the estradiol equivalent concentrations (EEQ) in Taihu Lake and its main rivers are 2.78 ng/L to 11.08 ng/L and 2.62 ng/L to 10.91 ng/L, respectively. The risk quotients (RQs) of all sampling sites in the region were greater than 1, indicating that EDCs pose a serious threat to aquatic organisms in the area. Therefore, the monitoring of EDCs in the Taihu Lake basin should be further strengthened.

Assessing the environmental risk and mobility of cobalt in sediment near nonferrous metal mines with risk assessment indexes and the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique

The Jialing River is the tributary of the Yangtze River with the largest drainage area. In recent years, the Jialing River has suffered a series of environmental problems, such as discharge of industrial effluent and sand mining activities, which have severely threatened the aquatic ecosystem of the river. In the present study, we employed risk assessment indexes, sequential extraction and the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique to assess environmental risks and study the remobilization of cobalt (Co) in sediments. The potential ecological risk index and risk assessment code results demonstrated that Co may pose a low environmental and ecological risk to the local aquatic environment. However, BCR sequential extraction showed that the sum of the F1, F2 and F3 fractions of Co still accounted for over 50% of the Co in the study areas, indicating that sediments may be a source of Co release. The DGT results showed an increasing trend for DGT-labile Co in deep sediments (−8 cm to −12 cm), and the calculated flux values ranged from 0.08 to 15.54 ng cm2·day−1, indicating that Co tends to transfer across the sediment-water interface at all sampling sites. Correlation analysis showed that F1–Co, F2–Co and F3–Co are the fractions readily captured by DGT and can be used for predicting Co remobilization in sediment. Sand mining activities contribute substantially to the release of Co from the F1 and F3 fractions as a result of strong stirring of sediments and introduction of oxygen into the sediments. The reductive dissolution of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) hydroxides or oxides causes the release of Co and Fe/Mn in the sediment, which leads to Co release from the reducible fraction. The above work suggests that sand mining in the Jialing River should be reasonably regulated to prohibit illegal sand mining activities.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Cellulose Nanofiber Alignment under an Electric Field.

The alignment of cellulose by an electric field is an interesting subject for cellulose material processing and its applications. This paper reports an atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of the crystalline cellulose nanofiber (CNF) model in varying electric field directions and strengths. GROMACS software was used to study crystalline cellulose 1β consisting of 18 chains in an aqueous environment at room temperature, and an electric field was applied along the cellulose chain direction and the perpendicular direction with varying field strength. The root-mean-square displacement, radius of gyration, end-to-end length, and hydrogen bond population of the crystalline CNF model were analyzed to determine the effects of the applied electric field on the structure of the CNF model. The results suggest that the nanosecond electric field can induce the orientation of the CNF along the applied electric field direction. The alignment rate and ability to maintain the alignment depend on the electric field strength. Analysis of the radius of gyration, end-to-end length, and bond lengths for intrachain and interchain hydrogen bonds revealed no significant effect on the cellulose structure. Cellulose alignment in an electric field has the potential to broaden the design of electric field-induced processing techniques for cellulose filaments, thin films, and electro-active cellulose composites.

High-pressure polycrystalline thin-film synthesis and semiconducting property of platinum pernitride

A polycrystalline platinum pernitride (PtN2) thin-film was successfully synthesized via nitridation of a platinum thin-film deposited on α-Al2O3 substrate at the pressure of ∼50 GPa by using the laser-heated diamond anvil cell. The current–voltage characteristic and optical reflectance of the synthesized PtN2 thin-film were measured under ambient conditions. Combined with first-principles calculations, these experimental results have revealed that PtN2 exhibits semiconducting property with a bandgap of ∼2 eV. This high-pressure thin-film synthesis technique could also be applied for revealing the physical properties of other novel pernitrides synthesized under ultra-high pressure, which can offer new insights into the physical properties and functionality of the pernitrides and related nitrides.

Orally Administered Halofuginone-Loaded TPGS Polymeric Micelles Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Enhanced Absorption and Efficacy with Reduced Toxicity and Metastasis.

BackgroundHalofuginone (HF)-loaded TPGS polymeric micelles (HTPM) were successfully fabricated using the thin-film hydration technique. HTPM via intravenous injection have been demonstrated to exert an excellent anticancer effect against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and subcutaneous xenografts. In the present study, we further explored the potential treatment effect and mechanism of orally administered HTPM alone and in combination with surgical therapy on TNBC in subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models.MethodsHerein, the stability and in vitro release behavior of HTPM were first evaluated in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Caco-2 cell monolayers were then used to investigate the absorption and transport patterns of HF with/without encapsulation in TPGS polymeric micelles. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of orally administered HTPM was checked on subcutaneous xenografts of TNBC in nude mice. Ultimately, orally administered HTPM, combined with surgical therapy, were utilized to treat orthotopic TNBC in nude mice.ResultsOur data confirmed that HTPM exhibited good stability and sustained release in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids. HF was authenticated to be a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and its permeability across Caco-2 cell monolayers was markedly enhanced via heightening intracellular absorption and inhibiting P-gp efflux due to encapsulation in TPGS polymeric micelles. Compared with HF alone, HTPM showed stronger tumor-suppressing effects in subcutaneous xenografts of MDA-MB-231 cells when orally administered. Moreover, compared with HTPM or surgical therapy alone, peroral HTPM combined with partial surgical excision synergistically retarded the growth of orthotopic TNBC. Fundamentally, HTPM orally administered at the therapeutic dose did not cause any pathological injury, while HF alone led to weight loss and jejunal bleeding in the investigated mice.ConclusionTaken together, HTPM could be applied as a potential anticancer agent for TNBC by oral administration.

Novel optical and electrical combined calcium corrosion test: An industrial application of the barrier permeability of spotless water vapor

Optoelectronic devices' organic materials and metal electrodes are highly susceptible to water vapor. The use of a thin-film encapsulation technique is an effective solution. The accurate water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of thin films, however, is challenging to acquire because of the influence of dust particles in industrial production laboratories. We have developed a low-cost, high accurate optical and electrical combined Ca corrosion test to analyze the permeation at the defects by optical camera and Matlab software, and established a model to eliminate the influence caused by defective spots in the WVTR method for the encapsulated film. We tested the WVTR of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with different defect spot densities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this process. The results illustrated that regardless of the sample defect spot density, the WVTR acquired by the test method reported in this paper generally agreed with the spotless WVTR.

Augmented local skin accumulation efficiency of sertaconazole nitrate via glycerosomal hydrogel: Formulation, statistical optimization, ex vivo performance and in vivo penetration

This study aimed at formulating Sertaconazole nitrate (SZ), in a suitable glycerosomes based topical formulation that offers deep skin penetration and high local skin accumulation efficiency. SZ Glycerosomes were prepared using thin-film hydration technique according to a 24 full factorial design. Studied factors were Phosphatidylcholine (PhC) amount, Brij® L4: PhC ratio, glycerol concentration, and method of further treatment either sonication or freezing and thawing. The power of the design for each response was calculated before design implementation. Suitable models were elucidated for studied responses and their validity was checked. An optimized formula (O-GL) was numerically optimized using Design expert software®. The O-GL had suitable characterization with entrapment efficiency of 80.6 ± 2.9%, particle size of 418 ± 11 nm, polydispersity index of 0.452 ± 0.27, and zeta potential of −52.6 ± 0.6 mV. This O-GL was incorporated in a hydrogel (O-GL hydrogel). This O-GL hydrogel showed superior ex-vivo deposition in rat skin (Local accumulation efficiency: 55.1 ± 7.9) compared to O-GL (14.9 ± 1.1) and Dermofix® cream (marketed product) (13.1 ± 0.8). It also showed deep in-vivo penetration that reached deep dermal skin layers. Thus, the proposed formula (O-GL hydrogel) is promising for SZ topical delivery. It achieved deep skin penetration and high local skin accumulation efficiency for the effective treatment of fungal infections.

Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Gel Loaded with Fluconazole Niosomes

Aim: The study aims to formulate and evaluate topical gel-loaded fluconazole niosomes. Fluconazole is a macrolide antibacterial used against various susceptible bacteria. Niosomes have a substantial role in the delivery of drugs as they can reduce toxicity and modify pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. Niosomes which are applied topically improve the deposition of drugs within stratum corneum and epidermis at the same time reducing systemic availability.
 Methodology: In current investigation, fluconazole was entrapped into niosomes by thin-film hydration technique with the optimization of various process parameters like entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, shape and in-vitro drug release studies.
 Results: Optimized formulations FNS5 and FNT4 prepared with Span-60 and Tween-60 exhibited vesicle sizes of 845.6 nm and 164.2 nm, zeta potential -10.2 mV and -46.4 mV indicating the formulation has good stability. The optimized niosomes were integrated into carbopol 934 and guar gum gels and then extensively characterized for zeta potential and vesicle size.
 Conclusion: The study demonstrated that entrapment of drugs into niosomes led to prolonged drug release time, enhanced permeation and drug retention.

Selective and simultaneous high resolution 2-D imaging of AsIII, CrIII and SbIII and dissolved oxygen by developing a new DGT technique comprising a hybrid sensor

A new diffusive gradients in thin films technique (HR-MPTS DGT) with mercapto-functionalized attapulgite in a binding gel was developed for simultaneous two-dimensional (2-D) chemical imaging of AsIII, CrIII and SbIII selectively at the submillimeter scale, combined with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis. The HR-MPTS DGT exhibited selective accumulation of AsIII, SbIII and CrIII (> 97%), yet negligible accumulation of AsV, SbV and CrVI (< 2%). Accumulation of AsIII, CrIII and SbIII on the binding gel had a linear relationship (R2 > 0.99) with the corresponding standardized laser ablation signals, proving the feasibility of LA-ICP-MS analysis. Analysis for AsIII, CrIII and SbIII was provided with favorable analytical precision (relative standard deviation <10%). With the purpose of evaluating the dynamics of AsIII, CrIII, SbIII and O2 in the rooting zone, a hybrid sensor, which comprises the HR-MPTS gel overlying an O2 planar optode, was deployed in rhizosphere sediments. Results showed that the consumption of both AsIII and SbIII due to the oxidation extended ~4.48 mm into the sediments, which was consistent with the extension length of the oxidized sediment layers around the roots created by O2 leakage.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Coating Sorbent for Preconcentration of Formaldehyde by Thin-Film Solid-Phase Microextraction Technique

A thin-film solid-phase microextraction method with a sorbent composed of a deep eutectic solvent was developed for the preconcentration of formaldehyde from river and lake water samples. Four new deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized, each in molar ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. Among prepared compounds, the greatest efficiency in the proposed method of preconcentration of formaldehyde derivatized with Nash reagent was demonstrated by DES-3 consisting of benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium chloride and lauric acid, in a molar ratio of 1:3. For the proposed method, the parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of formaldehyde were optimized (including the choice of DES-based sorbent and desorption solvent as well as the sample volume and pH, the salting-out effect, the extraction time, and the desorption time). Under optimal conditions, the proposed method achieved good precision between 3.3% (for single sorbent) and 4.8% (for sorbent-to-sorbent) as well as good recovery ranging from 78.0 to 99.1%. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.15 ng mL−1 and 0.50 ng mL−1, respectively. The enrichment factor was equal to 178. The developed method was successfully applied to determine formaldehyde in environmental water samples.

Inclusion of a Phytomedicinal Flavonoid in Biocompatible Surface-Modified Chylomicron Mimic Nanovesicles with Improved Oral Bioavailability and Virucidal Activity: Molecular Modeling and Pharmacodynamic Studies.

Morin hydrate (MH) is a widely-used Asian phytomedicinal flavonoid with a wide range of reported therapeutic activities. However, MH has limited oral bioavailability due to its low aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability, which in turn hinders its potential antiviral activity. The study reported herein was designed to encapsulate MH in polyethyleneglycolated (PEGylated) chylomicrons (PCMs) and to boost its antiviral activity and biological availability for oral administration using a rat experimental model. The PEGylated edge activator combined with the conventional components of chylomicrons (CMs) amplify the transport of the drug across the intestine and its circulation period, hence its therapeutic impact. The implementation of variables in the in vitro characterization of the vesicles was investigated. Using Design Expert® software, a 24 factorial design was conducted, and the resulting PCM formulations were fabricated utilizing a thin-film hydration technique. The efficacy of the formulations was assessed according to their zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), amount of drug released after 8 h (Q8h), and particle size (PS) data. Formulation F9, which was deemed to be the optimal formula, used compritol as the lipidic core together in defined amounts with phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Brij52. Computer-aided studies revealed that MH alone in a suspension had both diminished intestinal permeability and absorption, but was enhanced when loaded in PCMs. This was affirmed by the superiority of formulation F9 results in ex vivo permeation and pharmacokinetic studies. Furthermore, formulation F9 had a superior safety profile and antiviral activity over a pure MH suspension. Molecular-docking studies revealed the capability of MH to inhibit MERS-CoV 3CLpro, the enzyme shown to exhibit a crucial role in viral replication. Additionally, F9 suppressed both MERS-CoV-induced histopathological alteration in lung tissue and resulting oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Collectively, the results reported herein affirmed the potential of PCMs as nanocarriers for the effective oral administration of MH as an antiviral.

Babesiosis in cattle and ixodid tick distribution in Dasenech and Salamago Districts, southern Ethiopia

Babesiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, and ixodid ticks are considered to be one of the most important causes that result in significant economic losses in cattle production worldwide, including in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Dasenech and Salamago Districts of South Omo zone Ethiopia to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of babesia infection and ixodid ticks of cattle using Giemsa-stained thin and thick film techniques and morphological identification keys for babesia species and tick identification, respectively. Out of 470 examined cattle, 102 (21.7%) were infected by Babesiosis (15.53% Babesia bigemina and 6.17% Babesia bovis). A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between babesia infection and season and tick infestation. However, cattle that were infected with the Babesia parasite revealed a lower mean PCV value (21.49%) than noninfected cattle (28.29%) and showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference with the occurrence of Babesia infection. The overall prevalence of ixodid ticks was 53.8% (253/470) and revealed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the season and origin of the animal. However, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between sex, age, and body condition score of the animal with the occurrence of ixodid tick. A total of 8040 adult ticks belonging to four tick genera, Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus, were collected from various body parts and identified. The high prevalence of Babesia infection and ixodid ticks in cattle at the study sites requires seroprevalence and molecular studies to identify the predominant Babesia species and to detect Babesia in tick hemolymph for the identification of tick genera responsible for the occurrence of Babesia infection. Additionally, tailoring suitable and coordinated tick management methods using chemotherapy as well as strategic treatment to overt clinical cases of bovine babesiosis is critical.