UV Light Exposure Research Articles

Corn Stover-derived nanocellulose and lignin-modified particles: Pickering emulsion stabilizers and potential quercetin sustained-release carriers.

Pickering emulsions (PEs) have wide applications in delivering nutraceuticals. However, the impact of extracting nanocellulose from corn stover on stabilizing PEs and delivering nutraceuticals remains unclear. In this study, four types of nanocellulose, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (LCNC), and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers (LCNF) were successfully prepared from corn stover, an agricultural waste. Among them, LCNC and LCNF exhibited stable reticulated microstructures, lower crystallinity, and excellent thermal stability. Besides, lignin enhanced the nanoparticles' hydrophobicity, promoting the formation of more ideally amphiphilic particles, resulting in denser emulsions at the oil-water interface. Furthermore, emulsions stabilized by LCNC and LCNF demonstrated remarkable resistance to quercetin degradation under UV light exposure (with residual level exceeding 90%) and improved quercetin's bioaccessibility during the in vitro digestion tests, achieving the highest bioaccessibility of 48.3%. This study provided an innovative perspective on utilizing stover-derived materials for stabilizing PEs and delivering lipophilic nutrients.

PH-responsive poly(acrylic acid) coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled abamectin release: Synthesis, characterization, and agricultural application

BackgroundSmart pesticides, capable of responding to environmental stimuli, hold promise for achieving precise and on-demand release of pesticides, thereby reducing environmental risks and optimizing pesticide utilization. MethodsHerein, we prepared a novel composite nanoparticle with a core-shell structure of poly(acrylic acid)-coated mesoporous silica by distillation precipitation polymerization method, which is simple and efficient. Then, abamectin was successfully loaded by impregnation adsorption, and a novel pH-responsive controlled-release pesticide formulation, Abamectin-MSN@PAA, was prepared. SignificantFindings In this work, Abamectin-MSN@PAA exhibited a loading content of 23.79 % and an average particle size of approximately 272.1 nm. Notably, the formulation demonstrated acid-responsive release kinetics, with cumulative release percentages of 85.91 %, 69.03 %, and 53.44 % observed at pH values of 5, 7, and 9, respectively, after 96 h. Moreover, Abamectin-MSN@PAA effectively preserved abamectin from degradation under UV light exposure. In comparison with abamectin suspension, Abamectin-MSN@PAA exhibited superior adhesion to radish leaves and demonstrated increased aphid mortality in bioassay experiments. Following 7 days of drug spraying, the aphid survival rate was 26.67 % for Abamectin (40 mg L−1) and only 18.3 % for Abamectin-MSN@PAA (40 mg L−1). These findings underscore the potential of pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a versatile platform for controlled pesticide delivery, thereby enhancing pesticide bioavailability and efficacy in agriculture.

Thermally Induced FeII Spin Crossover Hybrid Complex incorporating para‐sulfocinnamic acid

Anion‐Driven Light‐Induced Spin Change (AD‐LISC) enables multifunctional materials to switch magnetic states with light, enhancing potential applications in data storage, sensors, and molecular electronics, by improving spin state control by integrating photoactive anions. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of new mononuclear FeII coordination complexes, [Fe(3‐bpp)2](psca)2∙solvent (1∙solvent), which includes para‐sulfocinnamic acid (psca) as a non‐coordinated anion. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements (SQUID) reveals a mixture of high‐spin and low‐spin states in 1 and 1∙2.5H2O, with a predominance of low‐spin sites at room temperature. The desolvated form 1 shows a gradual spin crossover behaviour centred around the room temperature region. Additionally, single crystal X‐ray diffraction, evaluated according to Schmidt's criteria for [2 + 2] photodimerization, revealed that 1∙X does not satisfy the spatial requirements for photodimerization; accordingly, no colour change was noticed upon UV light exposure.

Oriented Molecular Dipole-Enabled Modulation of NiOx/Perovskite Interface for Pb-Sn Mixed Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells.

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is considered as a potential hole transport material in the fabrication of lead-tin (Pb-Sn) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for tandem applications. However, the energy level mismatch and unfavorable redox reactions between Ni≥3+ species and Sn2+ at the NiOx/perovskite interface pose challenges. Herein, high-performance Pb-Sn-based inorganic PSCs are demonstrated by modulating the NiOx/perovskite interface with a multifunctional 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (4-ABSA) interlayer. The 4-ABSA interlayer induces the formation of an oriented dipole moment directed from NiOx to perovskite, effectively elevating the valance band maximum of the NiOx film, thus balancing the energy level difference and promoting charge carrier extraction of the device. Moreover, the 4-ABSA molecules interact with both NiOx and perovskite, suppressing the reaction of highly active Ni≥3+ species with perovskites while regulating perovskite crystallization. This results in perovskite films with reduced defect density and enlarged grains. Consequently, a remarkable device efficiency of 17.4% is obtained, representing the highest reported value for Pb-Sn-based inorganic PSCs thus far. Furthermore, the 4-ABSA interlayer enhances the UV-radiation and operational stability of the resulting devices, maintaining over 80% and 90% of the initial efficiency after 240h of UV-light exposure and 480h of 1 sun illumination, respectively.

UV Light Exposure Induces a Type I Interferon Dependent Activation and Migration of Inflammatory Dendritic Cells to Local Lymph Nodes.

Photosensitivity occurs in ~75% of lupus patients. Although ultraviolet light radiation (UVR) stimulates Type I interferon (IFN-I) in the skin, how UVR induced skin inflammation leads to downstream effects is poorly understood. Tissue inflammation causes DC to migrate from organs to draining lymph nodes (dLN) including a recently identified inflammatory DC subset (inf cDC2) that are potent antigen presenting cells. To explore links between UVR and the early immune response, we examined DC and lymphocyte subset migration to dLNs in normal and a lupus prone mouse strains as well as the role of IFN-I. Mice received a single dose of UV (500 mJ/cm2) on the dorsal skin. Brachial and axillary dLN were harvested at 1- or 2-days post UVR. Flow cytometry using the Symphony A3 cytometer and 15 color staining identified myeloid and lymphoid subsets. Statistical significance was determined by Student's t-test. Higher numbers of CD64+ myeloid cells as well as inf cDC2 were detected in the dLN after UVR in B6 mice but not in Ifnar KO mice. In contrast, Trex1 mutant mice had an exaggerated IFN-I response in the skin and a higher proportion of inf cDC2 in the dLN. These findings reveal a previously unknown relationship between skin UVR and the migration inf cDC2 population to dLN. They highlight the role of IFN-I in this process and the differences between Trex1 mutant and normal mice suggest this may be of relevance to lupus.

Cancer-targeted pro-theranostic bi-metallic organo-coordination nanoparticles.

Rationale: Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, with aggressive, treatment-resistant tumors posing significant challenges. Current combination therapies and imaging approaches often fail due to disparate pharmacokinetics and difficulties correlating drug delivery with therapeutic response. Methods: In this study, we developed radionuclide-activatable theranostic nanoparticles (NPs) comprising folate receptor-targeted bimetallic organo-nanoparticles (Gd-Ti-FA-TA NPs). Polyvalent tannic acid was used to coordinate titanium (Ti), a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating catalyst, gadolinium (Gd), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, and cypate, a near-infrared fluorescent dye. Results: The NPs exhibited higher magnetic field-dependent relaxivities (r 1 = 20.8 mM⁻¹s⁻¹, r 2 = 72.1 mM⁻¹s⁻¹) than Gd-DTPA (r 1 = 4.8 mM⁻¹s⁻¹, r 2 = 4.9 mM⁻¹s⁻¹) on a 3 T MRI scanner. Tannic acid coordination reduced the Ti band gap from 3.3 eV in TiO₂ NPs to 2.0 eV, tripling ROS generation under UV light exposure. In breast cancer models (4T1 and PyMT-Bo1), Cerenkov radiating radiopharmaceuticals activated Gd-Ti-FA-TA NPs in vitro and in vivo, generating cytotoxic ROS to inhibit tumor cell viability and prevent tumor progression. In vivo, the NPs selectively accumulated in 4T1 tumors and enhanced both T1 and T2 MRI contrast, highlighting a strategy to locally activate cytotoxic ROS generation with radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment, utilizing cross-modality PET/MRI and optical imaging for shallow and deep tissue visualization. Conclusion: The integrated nanoplatform allows direct imaging of drug delivery, providing guidance for the optimal timeline to activate therapeutic effects of pro-theranostic NPs via external triggers such as radionuclide-stimulated dynamic treatment.

Soft matter 3D printed drug‐loaded subconjunctival inserts for post‐surgical anti‐inflammatory drug delivery

Aims/Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop 3D printed drug‐loaded subconjunctival inserts to reduce inflammation post‐trabeculectomy by delivering antifibrotic therapies in a controlled and targeted manner.Methods: Different gelatin derivatives were functionalized with methacrylate anhydride to create printable hydrogels. Methacrylation was confirmed by FT‐IR and quantified by 1H NMR, identifying optimal functionalization methods. Various water‐soluble co‐polymers, were incorporated to enhance the mechanical properties, stability, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels as well as a photo‐initiator. The stability of the formulations was assessed by immersing them in PBS at 37°C for up to three months. Extrusion and printability tests were conducted to select the best‐performing blends, which were then used to print different models under UV light exposure to cross‐link the blends and control drug release based on surface contact.Results: The incorporation of polymers improved the stability of the gelatin hydrogels, with controlled degradation possible between 2 and 12 weeks depending on polymer blend. Extrusion and printability tests identified lead candidates. Optimal candidates exhibited controlled drug release over a three‐month period, meeting the therapeutic goal for post‐surgical inflammation management.Conclusions: The development of 3D printed drug‐loaded subconjunctival inserts shows promise in providing targeted antifibrotic therapy post‐trabeculectomy. The optimized hydrogels exhibit improved stability and controlled drug release, potentially enhancing post‐operative outcomes and reducing intraocular pressure effectively. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the ex vivo biodistribution, the in vitro performance in cell culture and long‐term benefits of these customized drug delivery systems.

From ozone depletion to the lens: effects of climate change on cataract progression

The incidence of cataract is expected to increase, primarily due to an aging population. However, human-induced environmental changes may also contribute. In this narrative review, we explore the connection between climate change, the depletion of the ozone layer, and modifiable risk factors for cataract development such as UV light exposure and pollution-related factors. Finally, we discuss preventative measures at both the individual and the societal level, including strategies to improve cataract care and reduce the carbon footprint of cataract surgery.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Particles using Banana Peels and Tea Leaves Extracts for Rhodamine B Photodegradation

Rhodamine B is a widely used dye in the textile sector. However, the wastewater produced during the dyeing process presents a notable source of pollution, contaminating water and posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems due to its presence in liquid waste. Photocatalysis is a technique for breaking down toxic textile dye waste a semiconductor as a catalyst, valued for its high sensitivity and eco-friendly nature. In this research, zinc oxide particles were synthesized via a green synthesis approach using precipitation, employing natural capping agents from banana peel and tea leaf to degrade the synthetic dye of rhodamine B. The catalyst material was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance (UV-DRS). The photodegradation performance of rhodamine B was determined under UV light exposure for 3 hours. The XRD spectra of ZnO show the specific peaks of 2θ at 31.8°, 34.5°, and 36.3° with a crystallinity value of around 79.50%. The SEM result shows that the morphology of ZnO is in cotton-like form with a minimum band gap of 3.17 eV. The cotton-like ZnO particles demonstrated superior photodegradation efficiency for Rhodamine B, achieving 61.8%, compared to 47.9% with pure ZnO. It suggests that synthesizing ZnO particles with banana peels and tea leaf extracts boosts photodegradation efficiency by up to 20% compared to pure ZnO. This research highlights the potential of utilizing eco-friendly and sustainable methods as a greener approach for reducing waste in environmental applications.

Association between non-melanoma skin cancer, psoriasis, and immunomodulatory therapy: a national epidemiologic study.

The association between psoriasis and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) remains inconsistent despite biologic plausibility. Immunosuppressive effects of systemic psoriasis treatments have also been hypothesized to contribute to the development of NMSC as well. However, data assessing the risk of NMSC associated with immunomodulatory psoriasis medications, particularly newer biologic therapies, are limited.Our objective was to quantify the association between psoriasis, systemic psoriasis therapy, and NMSC accounting for other relevant factors such as smoking status and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.We performed a cross-sectional, case-control study of 413,457 adults containing 7,478 psoriasis and 9,756 NMSC cases taken from the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program database (queried July 2024). NMSC, psoriasis, UV-light exposure, and drug exposures were defined using disease or drug classification codes. Smoking exposure was defined using survey data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess relationships, providing adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (aOR with 95% CI).After adjustment for UV-light exposure, coal tar exposure, smoking status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, income, and insurance status, psoriasis history was a significant predictor for NMSC (aOR 1.37 95% CI 1.22-1.52). Psoriasis patients exposed to immunomodulatory medications were also at higher odds of NMSC compared to psoriasis patients who were never exposed (aOR 1.26 95% CI 1.01-1.57). Of these drugs, IL-23 inhibitors (aOR 2.47 95% CI 1.17-5.18), Janus kinase inhibitors (aOR 2.32 95% CI 1.09-4.92), and azathioprine (aOR 2.16 95% CI 1.18-3.96) were the only classes that significantly contributed to increased NMSC risk in psoriasis patients.Psoriasis is independently associated with NMSC. While treatment with some classes of systemic medications is also associated with increased NMSC risk, therapeutic benefits are significant and should be weighed against this risk. NMSC is treatable and high-risk patients may benefit from increased surveillance or preventative counseling. Further prospective studies that assess medication dose and length of exposure should validate our findings.

How long do bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses retain their replication capacity on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review examining environmental resilience versus healthcare-associated infection risk by "fomite-borne risk assessment".

SUMMARYIn healthcare settings, contaminated surfaces play an important role in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens potentially resulting in healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Pathogens can be transmitted directly from frequent hand-touch surfaces close to patients or indirectly by staff and visitors. HAI risk depends on exposure, extent of contamination, infectious dose (ID), virulence, hygiene practices, and patient vulnerability. This review attempts to close a gap in previous reviews on persistence/tenacity by only including articles (n = 171) providing quantitative data on re-cultivable pathogens from fomites for a better translation into clinical settings. We have therefore introduced the new term "replication capacity" (RC). The RC is affected by the degree of contamination, surface material, temperature, relative humidity, protein load, organic soil, UV-light (sunlight) exposure, and pH value. In general, investigations into surface RC are mainly performed in vitro using reference strains with high inocula. In vitro data from studies on 14 Gram-positive, 26 Gram-negative bacteria, 18 fungi, 4 protozoa, and 37 viruses. It should be regarded as a worst-case scenario indicating the upper bounds of risks when using such data for clinical decision-making. Information on RC after surface contamination could be seen as an opportunity to choose the most appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. To help with decision-making, pathogens characterized by an increased nosocomial risk for transmission from inanimate surfaces ("fomite-borne") are presented and discussed in this systematic review. Thus, the review offers a theoretical basis to support local risk assessments and IPC recommendations.

Role of vegetable oil as UV light protector for Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae in management of Bactrocera zonata

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, are used in the field against different insect pests because they are best candidates to include in integrated pest management. But the efficacy of these EPF is limited in the field conditions because different environmental conditions like; sunlight, UV light, visible light, temperature and humidity affects the conidial viability, shelf life and pathogenicity of EPF. The solution to this problem is the use of vegetable oils as liquid carriers to coat and shield the conidia. In the present study three different oils were used like, Sesame oil, sunflower oil and corn oil. The conidia of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were exposed to three different intervals of UV light 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Conidia exposed to UV light after the addition of oil and making oil water emulsion with fungus. The germination percentage and pathogenicity of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana against adult and pupae (through immersion method) of Bactrocera zonata were recorded after exposure to UV light. Sesame oil showed highest conidia germination, adult mortality for M. anisopliae and B. bassiana after UV light exposure. In case of M. anisopliae germination rate reached up to 79.5% (48–51 h) and mortality 84.4% (7th day), lower rates in aqueous suspensions (germination: 43.3%; mortality: 35.6%). In case of B. bassiana germination rate reached up to 69.17% (48–51 h) and mortality 64.4% (7th day), lower rates in aqueous suspensions (germination: 33.3%; mortality: 35.6%). Adult emergence was highest in the aqueous suspensions and lowest in the sesame oil based formulation. Overall, M. anisopliae performed better than B. bassiana with sesame oil recommended to protect conidia from UV radiation.

Characterizing persistent organic pollutants in seawater at a multifunctional international harbor influenced by industrial riverbank activities.

The objective of this study is to comprehensively characterize persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seawater at Kaohsiung Harbor, focusing on their concentrations, partitioning behaviors, and profiles in both particle and liquid phases. We analyzed 100L seawater for each sample, finding total dioxin-like toxicity (PCDD/Fs+PCBs + PBDD/Fs) ranging from 0.00936 to 0.167pg WHO-TEQ/L, with PCDD/Fs accounting for 68% of total toxicity. POPs predominantly appeared in the particle phase, observed in over 80% of samples, except for PCBs. The observed correlations between particulate matter (PM) and chlorinated POPs at sites receiving river effluents suggest shared pollution sources. The liquid partition of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in the seawater shows an inverse relationship with log Kow and a direct proportionality with solubility, particularly above 0.1μg/L. Furthermore, PBDEs in seawater can transform into PBDD/Fs upon UV light exposure, highlighting another potential pathway for the persistence and spread of these harmful contaminants in the environment. These findings emphasize the need for field-based investigations to assess PBDF formation in aquatic environments and underscore the importance of stronger mitigation strategies, including better wastewater treatment and stricter discharge regulations to reduce POPs in marine ecosystems.

Transparent TiO2/MoO3 Heterojunction-Based Photovoltaic Self-Powered Triethylamine Gas Sensor with IoT-Enabled Smartphone Interface.

Conventional gas sensors encounter a significant obstacle in terms of power consumption, making them unsuitable for integration with the next generation of smartphones, wireless platforms, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Energy-efficient gas sensors, particularly self-powered gas sensors, can effectively tackle this problem. The researchers are making significant strides in advancing photovoltaic self-powered gas sensors by employing diverse materials and their compositions. Unfortunately, several of these sensors seem complex in fabrication and mainly target oxidizing species detection. To address these issues, we have successfully employed a transparent, cost-efficient solution processed bilayer TiO2/MoO3 heterojunction-based photovoltaic self-powered gas sensor with superior VOC sensing capabilities, marking a significant milestone in this field. The scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) measurement reveals the remarkable change in contact potential difference (-23 mV/kPa) of the TiO2/MoO3 bilayered film after UV light exposure in a triethylamine (TEA) atmosphere, indicating the highest reactivity between TEA molecules and TiO2/MoO3. Under photovoltaic mode, the sensor further demonstrates exceptional sensitivity (∼2.35 × 10-3 ppm-1) to TEA compared to other studied VOCs, with an admirable limit of detection (22 ppm) and signal-to-noise ratio (1540). Additionally, the sensor shows the ability to recognize TEA and estimate its composition in a binary mixture of VOCs from a similar class. The strongest affinity of TiO2/MoO3 toward the TEA molecule, the lowest covalent bond energy, and the highest electron-donating nature of TEA may be mainly attributed to the highest adsorption between TiO2/MoO3 and TEA. We further demonstrate the practical applicability of the TEA sensor with a prototype device connected to a smartphone via the IoT, enabling continuous surveillance of TEA.

Novel thermally conductive coating for cotton fabrics based on reduced graphene oxide decorated with in situ synthesized silver nanoparticles

The application of thermally conductive materials as coating on fiber surfaces represents an innovative technology solution for conveying heat dissipation capability to IR-opaque textiles. In this work, a sustainable and scalable approach to manufacture a hybrid nanocomposite coating for cotton, formed by Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) sheets functionalized by histidine (His) and decorated by Ag nanoparticles (NPs), is reported for increasing thermal conductivity of cotton fabrics. Tens nm in size Ag NPs were synthesized, in situ, at the coordinating sites of the His-RGO modified cotton impregnated by H2O/CH3OH solutions of the AgNO3 precursor, under UV-light exposure, without using chemical reductants. The physical chemical properties of the nanocomposite modified fabrics were comprehensively investigated, integrating chemical, structural and morphological analysis, with characterizations of their thermal, electrical, oxygen permeability, surface wettability and mechanical properties. Thermal conductivity of cotton was measured by Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique, which was here validated by Transient Plane Source (TPS) method, assessing the effectiveness of DSC in measuring thermal conductivity of textiles. The resulting coating exhibits a thermal conductivity, which was twice as high as untreated cotton, maintaining its breathability, increasing its flexibility, while simultaneously reducing its wettability. This notable enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the conductive Ag nanostructures formed among the His-RGO sheets within the nanocomposite, and it matches the thermal conductivity achieved by current state-of-the-art methods, while offering additional advantages of being more eco-friendly, scalable, and sustainable. The reported characterization of the structural properties of the achieved coating opens the venue to interesting perspectives towards its application in passive conducting cooling textiles for personal thermal comfort management.

Environmental microplastic and phthalate esters co-contamination, interrelationships, co-toxicity and mechanisms. A review.

Plastics have been pervasive in society for decades, causing extensive environmental contamination. The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs) in the environment has significant implications for the global population. This review focuses on the simultaneous presence of MPs and PAEs, exploring co-pollution, leaching, adsorption, correlation, and co-toxicity. Both MPs and PAEs are found in various environmental compartments, including water, sediments, aquatic organisms, pig feed, masks, gloves, and liquid waste from garbage infiltration. Factors such as time, temperature, UV light exposure, and the type of MPs can influence the leaching and adsorption of PAEs onto MPs. The correlation between MPs and PAEs allows for the use of PAEs as indicators for the presence of MPs. However, current constraints, like limited data availability and regional coverage, impede the feasibility of comprehensive tracking. Additionally, the combined effects of MPs and PAEs demonstrate synergistic toxicity, leading to adverse health effects such as reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and other toxicities, primarily mediated by oxidative stress processes. Consequently, the findings provide valuable insights for future researchers and regulatory bodies, enabling the development of more effective strategies to address the simultaneous presence of microplastics and PAEs and mitigate their harmful impacts on human health.

Keratinocytes - Amplifiers of Immune Responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Epithelial cells have been acknowledged as important players in autoimmune diseases by directing and enhancing inflammatory responses. Here, we summarize recent publications that examine keratinocyte (KC) dysfunction and its contribution to cutaneous and systemic disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Chronic upregulation of type I interferon (IFN) in KCs is a feature of both lesional and nonlesional lupus skin. This IFN rich environment modulates epidermal cell death responses and promotes inflammatory responses to UV light exposure. In addition, newer technologies such as single cell RNA-seq are informing our understanding of lupus-specific intercellular crosstalk and how this contributes to disease. Recent discoveries in KC dysfunction in lupus skin include aberrant IFN responses to environmental stress, enhanced cytokine and chemokine secretion and epigenetic changes leading to increased cell death. Further research will enable precision therapies for lupus treatment.

Green Synthesis of Al-ZnO Nanoparticles Using Cucumis maderaspatanus Plant Extracts: Analysis of Structural, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities.

Nanoparticles derived from biological sources are currently garnering significant interest due to their diverse range of potential applications. The purpose of the study was to synthesize Al-doped nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) from leaf extracts of Cucumis maderaspatanus and assess their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity using some bacterial and fungal strains. These nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The average crystalline size was determined to be 25 nm, as evidenced by the XRD analysis. In the UV-vis spectrum, the absorption band was observed around 351 nm. It was discovered that the Al-ZnO nanoparticles had a bandgap of 3.25 eV using the Tauc relation. Furthermore, by FTIR measurement, the presence of the OH group, C=C bending of the alkene group, and C=O stretching was confirmed. The SEM analysis revealed that the nanoparticles were distributed uniformly throughout the sample. The EDAX spectrum clearly confirmed the presence of Zn, Al, and O elements in the Al-ZnO nanoparticles. The TEM results also indicated that the green synthesized Al-ZnO nanoparticles displayed hexagonal shapes with an average size of 25 nm. The doping of aluminum may enhance the thermal stability of the ZnO by altering the crystal structure or phase composition. The observed changes in TG, DTA, and DTG curves reflect the impact of aluminum doping on the structural and thermal properties of ZnO nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the Al-ZnO nanoparticles using the agar diffusion method showed that the maximum zone of inhibition has been noticed against organisms of Gram-positive S. aureus compared with Gram-negative E. coli. Moreover, antifungal activity using the agar cup method showed that the maximum zone of inhibition was observed on Aspergilus flavus, followed by Candida albicans. Al-doping nanoparticles increases the number of charge carriers, which can enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under UV light exposure. These ROS are known to possess strong antimicrobial properties. Al-doping can improve the crystallinity of ZnO, resulting in a larger surface area that facilitates more interaction with microbial cells. The structural and biological characteristics of Al-ZnO nanoparticles might be responsible for the enhanced antibacterial activity exhibited in the antibacterial studies. Al-ZnO nanoparticles with Cucumis maderaspatanus leaf extract produced via the green synthesis methods have remarkable antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals against DPPH radicals, according to these results.

Light-Activated Gene Expression System Using a Caging-Group-Free Photoactivatable Dye.

Optical regulation of transcription using chemical compounds is an effective strategy to manipulate gene expression spatiotemporally. Conventional caging approaches with photoremovable protecting groups may require intense UV-light exposure and release potentially toxic byproducts. To address these problems, here we developed a light-mediated transcriptional regulation system by combining a caging-group-free photoactivatable dye PaX560 and a multidrug-binding transcriptional regulator QacR. The cationic dye generated from PaX560 through traceless photoconversion bound QacR and reduced its repressor function, resulting in transcriptional activation. Importantly, this system allowed transcriptional activation with a large dynamic range under mild visible light exposure and simultaneous detection of the state of the photoactivated effector. This module was integrated into the T7 RNA polymerase expression system to demonstrate light-activated transcription in vitro and in living cells.

Genomic Landscape of Superficial Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor

Superficial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (SF-MPNSTs) are rare cancers and can be difficult to distinguish from spindle cell (SCM) or desmoplastic (DM) melanomas. Their biology is poorly understood. We performed whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on SF-MPNST (n = 8) and compared them with cases of SCM (n = 7), DM (n = 8), and deep MPNST (D-MPNST, n = 8). Immunohistochemical staining for H3K27me3 and PRAME was also performed. SF-MPNST demonstrated intermediate features between D-MPNST and melanoma. Patients were younger than those with melanoma and older than those with D-MPNST; the outcome was worse and better, respectively. SF-MPNST tumor mutational burden (TMB) was higher than D-MPNST and lower than melanoma; differences were significant only between SF-MPNST and SCM (P = .0454) and between D-MPNST and SCM (P = .001, Dunn’s Kruskal-Wallis post hoc test). Despite having an overlapping mutational profile in some common cancer-associated genes, the COSMIC mutational signatures clustered DM and SCM together with UV light exposure signatures (SBS7a, 7b), and SF- and D-MPNST together with defective DNA base excision repair (SBS30, 36). RNA-seq revealed differentially expressed genes between SF-MPNST and SCM (1670 genes), DM (831 genes), and D-MPNST (614 genes), some of which hold promise for development as immunohistochemical markers (SOX8 and PLCH1) or aids (MLPH, CALB2, SOX11, and TBX4). H3K27me3 immunoreactivity was diffusely lost in most D-MPNSTs (7/8, 88%) but showed variable and patchy loss in SF-MPNSTs (2/8, 25%). PRAME was entirely negative in the majority (0+ in 20/31, 65%), including 11/15 melanomas, and showed no significant difference between groups (P = .105, Kruskal–Wallis test). Expression of immune cell transcripts was upregulated in melanomas relative to MPNSTs. Next-generation sequencing revealed multiple differential features between SF- MPNST, D-MPNST, SCM, and DM, including tumor mutation burden, mutational signatures, and differentially expressed genes. These findings help advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and improve diagnostic modalities.