Uptake Behavior Research Articles

Tracking the Cellular Degradation of Silver Nanoparticles: Development of a Generic Kinetic Model.

Understanding the degradation of nanoparticles (NPs) after crossing the cell plasma membrane is crucial in drug delivery designs and cytotoxicity assessment. However, the key factors controlling the degradable kinetics remain unclear due to the absence of a quantification model. In this study, subcellular imaging of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was used to determine the intracellular transfer of AgNPs, and single particle ICP-MS was utilized to track the degradation process. A cellular kinetic model was subsequently developed to describe the uptake, transfer, and degradation behaviors of AgNPs. Our model demonstrated that the intracellular degradation efficiency of AgNPs was much higher than that determined by mimicking testing, and the degradation of NPs was highly influenced by cellular factors. Specifically, deficiencies in Ca or Zn primarily decreased the kinetic dissolution of NPs, while a Ca deficiency also resulted in the retardation of NP transfer. The biological significance of these kinetic parameters was strongly revealed. Our model indicated that the majority of internalized AgNPs dissolved, with the resulting ions being rapidly depurated. The release of Ag ions was largely dependent on the microvesicle-mediated route. By changing the coating and size of AgNPs, the model results suggested that size influenced the transfer of NPs into the degradation process, whereas coating affected the degradation kinetics. Overall, our developed model provides a valuable tool for understanding and predicting the impacts of the physicochemical properties of NPs and the ambient environment on nanotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy.

The local mechanosensitive response of primary cardiac fibroblasts is influenced by the microenvironment mechanics

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are essential for preserving myocardial integrity and function. They can detect variations in cardiac tissue stiffness using various cellular mechanosensors, including the Ca2+ permeable mechanosensitive channel Piezo1. Nevertheless, how CFs adapt the mechanosensitive response to stiffness changes remains unclear. In this work we adopted a multimodal approach, combining the local mechanical stimulation (from 10 pN to 350 nN) with variations of culture substrate stiffness. We found that primary rat CFs cultured on stiff (GPa) substrates showed a broad Piezo1 distribution in the cell with particular accumulation at the mitochondria membrane. CFs displayed a force-dependent behavior in both calcium uptake and channel activation probability, showing a threshold at 300 nN, which involves both cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ mobilization. This trend decreases as the myofibroblast phenotype within the cell population increases, following a possible Piezo1 accumulation at focal adhesion sites. In contrast, the inhibition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts transition with soft substrates (kPa) considerably reduces both mechanically- and chemically-induced Piezo1 activation and expression. Our findings shed light on how Piezo1 function and expression are regulated by the substrate stiffness and highlight its involvement in the environment-mediated modulation of CFs mechanosensitivity.

Trust in governments, public health institutions, and other information sources as determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior in Japan

ObjectivesTrust in governments and public institutions as a determinant of public health outcomes has gained increased attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. Provided historically low confidence in vaccines in Japan, investigating the role of trust in information sources and actual COVID-19 vaccination uptake behavior will be invaluable for future vaccine promotion policymaking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and evaluate the relationship between trust in different information sources and COVID-19 vaccination behavior in Japan. MethodsFor this study, we leveraged a longitudinal series of web-based surveys of 19,174 individuals in Japan conducted between 2021 and 2022 which asked questions regarding a wide range of sociodemographic and psychographic characteristics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Determinant analysis for vaccination (at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine) was conducted via multiple logistic regression, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. ResultsAfter adjustment for sociodemographic determinants of vaccine uptake, aggregate trust in the systems and institutions of vaccine approval (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.30–1.56), and trust in information about the COVID-19 pandemic coming from government sources (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.44) were found to be consistently powerful predictors of COVID-19 vaccination. Trust in media sources including traditional media (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.36), and the internet (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66–0.89) had significant and opposing effects. ConclusionsOur findings support the broader hypothesis that trust in governments and public health institutions remains a powerful determinant for COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Japan. We also found that vaccination decision-making is a multifactorial process that includes the synthesis of trust in public institutions and media, and its interaction with psychosocial determinants such as prosociality and health literacy. We hope to apply this study's findings towards future vaccine programs for contagious diseases.

Ryegrass uptake behavior and forage risk assessment after exposing to soil with combined polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cadmium

Internalization of chemicals and the forage risks of ryegrass under the combined exposure to PAHs and Cd at environmental concentrations were studied here. The effect of soil pH was also concerned due to the widely occurred soil acidification and general alkali remediation for acidification soil. Unexpectedly, as same as the acid-treated group (pH 6.77), the alkali-treatment (pH 8.83) increased Cd uptake compared with original soil pH group (pH 7.92) for the reason of CdOH+ and CdHCO3+ formed in alkali-treated group. Co-exposure to PAHs induced more oxidative stress than Cd exposure alone due to PAHs aggregated in young root regions, such as root tips, and consequently, affecting the expression of Cd-transporters, destroying the basic structure of plant cells, inhibiting the energy supply for the transporters, even triggering programmed cell death, and finally resulting in decreased Cd uptake. Even under environmental concentrations, combined exposure caused potential risks derived from both PAHs and Cd. Especially, ryegrass grown in alkali-treated soil experienced an increased forage risks despite the soil meeting the national standards for Cd at safe levels. These comprehensive results reveal the mechanism of PAHs inhibiting Cd uptake, improve the understanding of bioavailability of Cd based on different forms, provide a theoretical basis to formulate the safety criteria, and guide the application of actual soil management.

Epi‐Endocytic Performance Engineering through Nanomaterials Co‐Challenging: A Study of Mechanism and Implication in Radiotherapy

AbstractWhile the influence of size on nanomaterial uptake has been extensively explored, it remains elusive how cells simultaneously respond to multiple, size‐varying particles due to the lack of a proper quantitative assay. In this study, a strategy named “metal‐doping engineering” is developed, and constructed a library of multi‐elemental alloys (MEAs) features precisely controlled size and dopant dosage for quantification with mass spectra. Next a comprehensive study of cellular uptake behaviors is conducted when treated with dual‐, triple‐, and quadra‐, size‐differing nanoparticles. Specifically, the exposure to triple‐, and quadra‐, size‐differing MEAs resulted in an unprecedented, enhanced uptake of counterpart in the middle size as 10/20 nm. Further efforts including RNA‐sequencing and photo‐affinity labeling‐assisted proteomics are devoted to uncovering the underlying mechanism, wherein the role of nonconical endocytic pathways in fast‐endophilin‐mediated endocytosis is uncovered. Given the capacity of MEAs as chaperones to facilitate the uptake of one featuring a predetermined size promoted to propose a straightforward, “bystander nanomaterials”‐assisted drug delivery strategy, whose superior dosage‐reduced radio‐sensitization performance and anti‐tumoral outcome are confirmed in vivo.

Steric, Synergetic, Energetic Studies on the Impact of the Type of the Hybridized Polymers (Chitosan and β-Cyclodextrin) on the Adsorption Properties of Zeolite-A for Congo Red Dye.

Zeolite-A was synthesized successfully from kaolinite and hybridized with two species of biopolymers (chitosan (CH/Z) and β-cyclodextrin (CD/Z)). The obtained hybridized forms were assessed as potential adsorbents of Congo red synthetic dye (CR) with enhanced affinities and elimination capacities. The synthesized CD/Z and CH/Z hybrids demonstrated uptake capacities of 223.6 and 208.7 mg/g, which are significantly higher than single-phase zeolite-A (140.3 mg/g). The integrated polymers change the surface area, surface reactivity, and number of free active receptors that are already present. The classic isotherm investigations validate Langmuir equilibrium behavior for ZA and Freundlich properties for CD/Z and CH/Z. The steric parameters validate a strong increase in the existing active receptors after the incorporation of CD (CD/Z) to be 98.1 mg/g as compared to 83 mg/g for CH/Z and 60.6 mg/g for ZA, which illustrate the detected uptake behaviors. Moreover, the CR dye was adsorbed as several molecules per single site, reflecting the vertical uptake of these molecules by multimolecular mechanisms. The energetic assessment, considering both Gaussian energies and adsorption energies (<40 kJ/mol), validates the dominant impact of the physical mechanism during the sequestration of CR (dipole binding interactions (2-29 kJ/mol) and hydrogen bonds (<30 kJ/mol)), in addition to the considerable effect of ion exchange processes. Based on the thermodynamic parameters, the CR molecules were adsorbed by exothermic and spontaneous reactions.

Factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Vietnam: an extended COM-B model

PurposeMany countries have a significant vaccination hesitancy rate regardless of vaccine prosperity. This study aims to identify factors restricting hesitancy and fostering vaccination intention and uptake against coronavirus in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe study has proposed an extended COM-B model based on the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore critical factors influencing vaccination intention and uptake in Vietnam. A database was collected from 1,015 suitable respondents who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and ten hypotheses were tested by the partial least squares structural equation model.FindingsThe findings showed that six factors, including knowledge, experience, resource, social influence, belief and reinforcement, have either direct or indirect positive effects on COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior. The output also indicated that personal experience positively affects vaccination intention and uptake.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior by identifying several direct and indirect factors of the extended COM-B model that include “knowledge” and “reinforcement” in shaping behavior change. The study adds to the literature on COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior and could help achieve higher vaccination rates, ultimately leading to better control of the pandemic.

Bark cloth structure and properties: A naturally occurring fabric and ancestral textile craft from Uganda

Natural fabrics from two bark trees of Uganda (“Kilundu”: Antiaris toxicaria and “Mutuba”: Ficus natalensis) are being considered today for the local footwear industry. Here, we thoroughly examined to determine their structural, biochemical and mechanical properties of the two bark cloths, in order to ascertain their potential use as locally-available, low-cost composite reinforcements and eventually for a use in textile industry as well. Fibres in both fabrics are rich in highly crystalline cellulose (76.6 ± 4.9% and 66.3 ± 0.5%) and have very cohesive cell walls with small lumen size and stiff middle lamellae. However, their low indentation modulus is due to a high microfibrillar angle, penalizing their longitudinal stiffness but making them interesting for impact or deformation performance. The two fabrics exhibit layers of preferred fibres orientations, quasi similar to unidirectional or +/-45° preforms, and hence may be used “as produced” as polymer reinforcements in technical composites but also in textile sector, in place of leather. Finally, their water uptake behaviour (21.2%-wt for Mutuba and 13.8%-wt for Kilundu) indicates opportunities for a range of environmentally-sensitive applications.

The association between COVID-19 vaccination uptake and information-seeking behaviors using the Internet: A nationwide cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

The association between COVID-19 vaccination uptake and information-seeking behaviors using the Internet: A nationwide cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

Sorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Sulfur Heterocycles (PASH) on Nylon Microplastics at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations.

Microplastics have garnered an infamous reputation as a sorbate for many concerning environmental pollutants and as a delivery vehicle for the aquatic food chain through the ingestion of these contaminated small particulates. While sorption mechanisms have been extensively studied for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs) have not been investigated, partly due to their low concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. Herein, an analytical methodology is presented for the analysis of dibenzothiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-b]thiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-b]thiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene, chryseno[4,5-bcd]thiophene and dinaphtho[1,2-b:1',2'-d]thiophene at relevant environmental concentrations based on solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. The sorption uptake behavior and the sorption kinetics of the three benzo[b]napthothiophene isomers were then investigated on nylon microplastics to provide original information on their environmental fate and avoid human contamination through the food chain. The obtained information might also prove relevant to the development of successful remediation approaches for aquatic ecosystems.

Advancement in extraction and characterization techniques of natural dyes from dye yielding plants sources: a review

Purpose Everyone is extremely concerned about environmental protection and health safety due to the rise in living standards. Plant-derived natural dyes have garnered much industrial attention in food, pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetics, etc. owing to their health and environmental benefits. The present study aims to focus on the elimination of the use of synthetic dyes and provides brief information about natural dyes, their sources, extraction procedures with characterization and various advantages and disadvantages. Design/methodology/approach In producing natural colors, extraction and purification are essential steps. Various conventional methods used till date have a low yield, as these consume a lot of solvent volume, time, labor and energy or may destroy the coloring behavior of the actual molecules. The establishment of proper characterization and certification protocols for natural dyes would improve the yielding of natural dyes and benefit both producers and users. Findings However, scientists have found modern extraction methods to obtain maximum color yield. They are also modifying the fabric surface to appraise its uptake behavior of color. Various extraction techniques such as solvent, aqueous, enzymatic and fermentation and extraction with microwave or ultrasonic energy, supercritical fluid extraction and alkaline or acid extraction are currently available for these natural dyes and are summarized in the present review article. Originality/value If natural dye availability can be increased by the different extraction measures and the cost of purified dyes can be brought down with a proper certification mechanism, there is a wide scope for the adoption of these dyes by small-scale dyeing units.

Coverage, mapping and barriers to complete vaccination for age among children under 5 years in 2021: case of Adjara-Hounvè and Ahouicodji villages in southern Benin

Vaccination is a protective measure against infectious diseases and remains one of the best investments in public health. Some African countries are still struggling to reach the required child immunization coverage. Several factors are responsible for limiting immunization coverage. Most of the factors considered to limit immunization coverage are related to the health system. In addition, inaccessibility to care, especially during the critical period of the Covid-19 pandemic, greatly reduced vaccination coverage rates. In Benin, several vaccines are included in the Expanded Programme on Immunization or are administered as part of routine immunization. However, cases of non-compliance with the vaccine and persistent flaccid paralysis are still recorded in the commune of Ouidah in southern Benin. The aim of this study was to investigate the coverage and factors associated with full immunization for age in children aged 0-5 years. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2021 in two villages (Adjara-Hounvè and Ahouicodji) in southern Benin. All the households were included. The survey regarded children under 5 for whom a vaccination record was presented. A couple child/mother was recruited after informed consent of the mother and her child. An univariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis was performed by using a logistic regression model to identify the variables that influence vaccine completeness. Spatial description of vaccine completeness was performed using the kriging method using ArcGIS 10.8 mapping software. Results. Of the 414 mothers surveyed, 57.49% had an immunization card, from which information was collected. Of the 238 children recruited, 141 were in Adjara-Hounvè and 97 in Ahouicodji. Of the 238 children with an immunization card, 20.6% were fully immunized for their age. All children received Baccille Calmette Guérin vaccine at birth. Since poliomyelitis, pentavalent, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus are three-dose vaccines, the percentage of children who received these vaccines decreased as the number of doses increased: 96.6%, 88.2%, 78.1% and 72.3% for the four doses of polio respectively. According to 53.4% of the respondents the reception at the vaccination site was poor, and according to 70.3% of them waiting time for vaccination sessions was long. Several reasons justified the absence of complete vaccination for the age of the children: vaccination site too far from the place of residence (59.54%), lack of financial means (29.78%) and the mother's ignorance (12.76%). Education level "primary" vs "none" (ORa = 3.32; CI95% 1.07-10.25), occupation "health staff" vs "housewife" (ORa = 21.18; CI95% 3.07-145.94), mothers' knowledge of Expanded Programme on Immunization diseases (ORa = 2, 20; CI95% 1.03-4.68) and children's age 0-2 months vs ≥ 16 months (ORa = 8.53; CI95% 2.52-28.85) and 9-15 months vs ≥ 16 months (ORa = 2.99; CI95% 1.24-7.23) increased complete immunization status for age. The homogeneity of behaviour related to age-complete immunization coverage in children under 5 years was evident at mapping. Age-complete immunization coverage in children under 5 years of age is very low, with a spatial homogeneity in community immunization uptake behaviour. Age-complete immunization coverage is an innovative indicator that can contribute to achieving age-specific immunization targets.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake: evidence from a vulnerable global South setting

ObjectiveStudies are paying increasing attention to complex social determinants in explaining the variation in the rates COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This study examines the influence of various individual, contextual, and vaccine-related factors on COVID-19 vaccine uptake behaviour in a resource-scarce and vulnerable setting using a quantitative research approach. Using a multi-staged cluster sampling approach, 408 individuals from 204 households in Cape Coast, Ghana’s tourism hub, were surveyed. Probit and logistic regression models were estimated to test the vaccine-related factors.ResultsA significant difference is observed between wait time and vaccination status (χ2 = 21.17; p = 0.000). Moreover, age and religion, as controlled variables, equally played significant roles in influencing the adoption of the vaccine. Other factors encompass the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, the perceived benefits of the vaccine in relation to its side effects, and the level of trust individuals have in the concern of vaccine producers for their health. These findings call for targeted campaigns by the Ministry of Health, health facilities and other institutions promoting the COVID-19 vaccine. These actors should emphasize the benefits of vaccination, prioritize trust-building initiatives, and provide clear guidance on vaccination schedules, and manage waiting time.

Macroporous, Highly Hygroscopic, and Leakage-Free Composites for Efficient Atmospheric Water Harvesting.

Hygroscopic composites based on hygroscopic salts and hydrogels are promising for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), but their relatively low water production and possible salt leakage hinder real applications. Here, we report highly hygroscopic and leakage-free composites from loading LiCl into emulsion-templated sodium alginate and poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with macroporous structures and interpenetrating polymer networks. The resulting composites exhibited an enhanced moisture uptake (up to 3.4 g g-1) and leakage-free behavior even at an extremely high relative humidity (RH) of 90%. Moreover, the composites showed accelerated adsorption, with high adsorption (0.803 g g-1 water at 25 °C and 90% RH within 1 h) and desorption due to the emulsion-templated, highly interconnected macropores. The hygroscopic composites obtained 1.12 g g-1 water per adsorption-desorption collection cycle and showed high reusability, without obvious deterioration in adsorption, desorption, and collection after 10 cycles. With the presence of carbon nanotubes, solar-driven AWH could be realized, without the requirement of additional energy. The highly hygroscopic and leakage-free composites with enhanced and accelerated adsorption and desorption are excellent candidates for efficient AWH.

Uptake behavior of 73As, 75Se, 197mHg, 212Pb and 210Po on Eichrom pre-filter resin from HCl and HNO3

Uptake behavior of 73As, 75Se, 197mHg, 212Pb and 210Po on Eichrom pre-filter resin from HCl and HNO3

ECM stiffness affects cargo sorting into MSC-EVs to regulate their secretion and uptake behaviors

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have garnered extensive attention as natural product-based nanomedicines and potential drug delivery vehicles. However, the specific mechanism for regulating MSC-EVs secretion and delivery remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness regulates the secretion and delivery of EVs by affecting MSCs' cargo sorting mechanically. Using multi-omics analysis, we found that a decrease in ECM stiffness impeded the sorting of vesicular transport-related proteins and autophagy-related lipids into MSC-EVs, impairing their secretion and subsequent uptake by macrophages. Hence, MSC-EVs with different secretion and uptake behaviors can be produced by changing the stiffness of culture substrates. This study provides new insights into MSC-EV biology and establishes a connection between MSC-EV behaviors and ECM from a biophysical perspective, providing a basis for the rational design of biomedical materials.Graphical

Rapamycin and HPPH Co-Loaded Nanodrug Delivered via Dissolvable Microneedles to Treat Port-Wine Stains

Port-wine stains are a kind of dermatological disease of congenital capillary malformation. Based on the biological characteristics of port-wine stains and the advantages of microneedle transdermal administration, we intend to construct a nanodrug co-loaded with rapamycin (RPM), an anti-angiogenesis drug, and photochlor (HPPH), a photosensitizer, and integrate the nanodrug with dissolvable microneedles (MN) to achieve anti-angiogenesis and photodynamic combination therapy for port-wine stains. First, RPM and HPPH co-loaded nanoparticles (RPM-HPPH NP) were prepared by the emulsification solvent-volatilization method, and its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated under 660 nm laser irradiation. Mouse hemangioendothelioma endothelial cells (EOMA) were used as the subjects of the study. The cellular uptake behaviors were examined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity effects of RPM-HPPH NP with or without 660 nm laser irradiation on EOMA cells were examined by MTT assays (with free RPM serving as the control). Then, hyaluronic acid (HA) dissolvable microneedles loaded with RPM-HPPH NP (RPM-HPPH NP@HA MN) were obtained by compounding the nanodrug with HA dissolvable microneedle system through the molding method. The morphological characteristics and mechanical properties of RPM-HPPH NP@HA MN were investigated by scanning electron microscope and electronic universal testing machine. The penetration ability of RPM-HPPH NP@HA MN on the skin of nude mice was evaluated by trypan blue staining and H&E staining experiment. The RPM-HPPH NP prepared in the study had a particle size of 150 nm and generated large amounts of ROS under laser irradiation. At the cellular level, RPM-HPPH NP was taken up by EOMA cells in a time-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity of RPM-HPPH NP was higher than that of free RPM with or without laser irradiation. Under laser irradiation, RPM-HPPH NP exhibited stronger cytotoxic effects and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The height of the needle tip of RPM-HPPH NP@HA MN was 600 µm and the mechanical property of a single needle was 0.75048 N. Trypan blue staining and HE staining showed that pressing on the microneedles could produce pores on the skin surface and penetration of the stratum corneum. RPM-HPPH NP@HA MN can deliver RPM-HPPH NP percutaneously to the lesion tissue and realize the synergistic treatment of port-wine stains with anti-angiogenic therapy and photodynamic therapy, providing a new strategy for the construction of nanodrug-loaded microneedle delivery system and the clinical treatment of port-wine stains.

Predicting Bioaccumulation of Nanomaterials: Modeling Approaches with Challenges.

Understanding the bioaccumulation of nanomaterials (NMs) by organisms is essential in evaluating their potential ecotoxicity. However, the experimental determination of bioaccumulation is substantially challenging, which spawned the development of prediction approaches via establishing models for various NMs. Conventional modeling approaches, such as the biotic ligand model (BLM), partition coefficients, accumulation factor models, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, were initially used in the application of NMs, aiming to provide a reliable quantitative dose in a resource-saving way. These methods, which are based on the uptake patterns of substances, probably lead to deviated results due to the different uptake behaviors of NMs. In this study, currently developed models to evaluate the bioaccumulation of NMs are critically reviewed, with their feasibilities and limitations being analyzed. In addition, the recently developed machine learning amended models have taken great efforts in realizing biological behaviors of NMs in organisms by providing in silico predictions. Though this data-driven approach has limitations in mechanism exploration, it may give different insights into the bioaccumulation model establishment and critical feature identification.

One-size fits all? Evaluating group differences in an integrated social cognition model to understand COVID-19 vaccine intention and uptake

Vaccine programs significantly reduce disease burden within a population. The COVID-19 vaccine facilitated a return to “normal”; however, vaccine coverage remains below target levels. Identifying predictors of vaccine uptake is vital for individual and community health. The present study used the Reasoned Action Approach and integrated hazard-specific risk perception, to predict COVID-19 vaccine intention and uptake behavior. Informed by the diffusion of innovations theory, differences in associations and model effects were tested by early adopter status of the seasonal influenza vaccine. We recruited participants online within the United States for a longitudinal survey study. The integrated social cognition model provided an acceptable to ideal fit for both groups but performed better among the not early adopter group with better fit statistics, mostly stronger effect sizes, and greater variance accounted for in intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Instrumental attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine predicted intention for both groups, and uptake among the non-early adopters. Capacity predicted intention among early adopters, and behavior among non-early adopters. Among non-early adopters, subjective norms had a direct effect on intention and an indirect effect on vaccine uptake behavior. Intervention research to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake focusing on the utility of vaccines, fostering self-efficacy, and providing normative information is warranted.

The effect of changes in morphology and structure of ZnS particle spheres on H2S gas release and cellular uptake behavior

Because preparation circumstances are limited, the relationship between spherical porous zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cells is rarely investigated. Thus, using the hydrothermal approach, four different types of ZnS spheres with consistent size, high dispersion, and stability were created in this research by varying the temperature, duration, solvent ratio, and pH level of the hydrothermal process. Three structures are present in the generated particle spheres: solid, hollow, and mesoporous structures. In addition to causing a significant variation in the particle spheres' specific surface area, porosity, and surface roughness, the distinct architectures also have an impact on ZnS particle spheres' capacity to produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas in an acidic environment. Experiments on hemolysis and cytotoxicity demonstrated that ZnS particle spheres with varying concentrations and shapes exhibited no cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. According to cellular uptake trials, ZnS particle spheres with a rougher surface structure and a bigger specific surface area are more likely to be absorbed by macrophages and release more H2S gas. This activity of releasing H2S gas by H+ action and MA phagocytosis by employing ZnS as a donor lays the groundwork for later particles to load medicines and carry out biological functions.