Growth Zone Research Articles

Sedimentary protolith and high-P metamorphism of oxidized manganiferous quartzite from the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract. We investigated the mineral assemblage, mineral and bulk-rock chemistry, and zircon U–Pb age of a manganiferous quartzite layer in the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica. The mineral assemblage consists primarily of phengite and quartz, along with spessartine-rich garnet, Mn3+ and rare earth element–yttrium (REY)-zoned epidote-group minerals, and titanohematite. Mineral inclusions such as tephroite, rutile and pyrophanite are hosted in porphyroblasts of the latter three minerals and suggest prograde blueschist-facies to low-T eclogite-facies metamorphism (M1). Epidote-group minerals commonly exhibit multiple growth zones of piemontite and/or epidote (M1), REY-rich piemontite (M2), REY-rich epidote (M3), and epidote (M4) from core to rim. Pseudobinary fO2–X diagrams at constant P–T support the stability of an epidote-group mineral-bearing assemblage under highly oxidized conditions during prograde M2 to peak M3 metamorphism. In marked contrast, tephroite-bearing assemblages (M1) are limited to relatively reduced environments and Mn-rich, silica-deficient bulk-rock compositions. Mn nodules have such characteristics, and the contribution of this hydrogenous component is inferred from bulk-rock chemical features such as a strong positive Ce anomaly. The major-element composition of the manganiferous quartzite suggests a protolith primarily consisting of a mixture of chert and pelagic clay. The presence of rare detrital zircons supports terrigenous input from a craton and constrains the maximum time of deposition to be ca. 546 Ma. The lack of arc-derived detrital zircons in the quartzite and the predominance of siliciclastic metasedimentary rocks among the surrounding rocks suggest that the deep-sea protolith was most likely deposited in an arc/back-arc setting at a continental margin. High-P metamorphism associated with terrane accretion during the Ross orogeny took place in the middle Cambrian (ca. 506 Ma), broadly coeval with the metamorphic peak recorded in the associated high-P rocks such as mafic eclogites. Finally, it is noteworthy that the high-P manganiferous quartzite was amenable to exhumation because the paleo-position of the protolith was likely distal from the leading edge of the downgoing slab.

Tracing fluid exsolution and hydrothermal alteration signature of the Mufushan Nb–Ta–(Li–Be–Cs) deposit, South China: an apatite perspective

The appearance of hydrous magmas and the following separation of volatile-rich fluids through hydrothermal alteration are intricately linked to the formation of granitic rare-metal deposits, the principal source of worldwide Li, Be, Nb, Ta and Cs production. The lack of mineralogical information from the developing magmatic–hydrothermal system has, however, prevented a thorough comprehension of these processes. Apatite occurs as an accessory mineral in the metasedimentary (schist)–magmatic (muscovite monzogranite)–pegmatite (ore-free or ore-bearing pegmatite) rocks in the Mufushan Complex (MFSC) rare-metal ore field of northeastern Hunan, South China, potentially providing insights into Nb–Ta–(Li–Be–Cs) mineralization. To demonstrate that apatite can potentially record the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution of metasedimentary–magmatic–pegmatite systems, this study presents a combined textural and geochemical study of apatite from the MFSC granitic pegmatite-type rare-metal mineralization. The MFSC apatite textures and compositions have changed since it first crystallized (i.e. post-crystallization alteration). Apatite from the schist shows a homogeneous rim or homogeneous textures with cracks or inclusions (S-ap1) and a patchy core (S-ap2), indicative of a magmatic–hydrothermal origin. Apatite from the muscovite monzogranite (G-ap) displays altered and distinctive core–rim textures, with visible voids, mineral inclusions and cracks, suggestive of overprinting of early magmatism texture by hydrothermal fluid. However, compared with S-ap1, S-ap2 and G-ap, the pegmatite apatite shows more complicated textures; that is, P-ap1 (homogeneous bright and dark areas) and P-ap2 (replacement texture involving alteration rim, growth zonation, patchy and complex zoning patterns). P-ap1 underwent early magmatism and weaker post-hydrothermal overprinting, and P-ap2 reflects a magmatic–hydrothermal product. S-ap1 and S-ap2 yield lower intercept ages of 130.6 ± 1.8 and 128.4 ± 3.8 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with the transitional age of the magmatic–hydrothermal metallogenic environment in northeastern Hunan. G-ap and P-ap1 yield older ages of 136.3 ± 2.8 and 141.3 ± 6.7 Ma, respectively, which correspond to the age of magmatic early stage (Nb–Ta)-mineralization within uncertainty in northeastern Hunan. The Sr isotopic composition of apatite provides evidence for the provenance of the MFSC batholith in the rare-metal metallogenesis of the Lengjiaxi Group. Therefore, we hypothesize that apatite in granitic rare-metal deposits within metasedimentary–magmatic–pegmatite systems might be employed as a viable proxy to explore the textures and geochemical fingerprints of fluid exsolution and hydrothermal alteration. Supplementary material: Analytical techniques and the results for apatite grains in this investigation are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7038699

Phosphate bio-solubilization and cadmium tolerance interplay in the root-microbe interface and consequences on root P absorption in wheat

Functional soil microbial communities, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), are known for their ability to enhance P availability along with additional properties such as the immobilization of trace elements like cadmium (Cd). Bacterial P solubilization and tolerance to Cd are important biological processes that might occur simultaneously with positive influence on plant growth, thus physiological mechanisms controlling both processes need to be deciphered. This interplay was investigated in three PSB isolates (Bacillus siamensis "B. Siam", Rahnella aceris "R. Acer" and Bacillus cereus "B. Cer") and their consortium (PSBCs) with contrasting P solubilizing capacities (high-medium-low), through bacterial culture-based and plant inoculation experiments under increasing Cd concentrations and low P availability conditions (Tri-calcium P "TCP" and Rock P "RP"). Results show that PSB, particularly R. Acer and PSBCs, significantly increased P bioavailability (from TCP) under increasing Cd2+ concentrations (33 ppm “Cd33”, 67 ppm “Cd67”, 134 ppm “Cd134” and 201 ppm “Cd201”). The enhanced bioavailable P strongly correlated (B. Siam and PSBCs) with Cd bioaccumulation capacity, phosphatase enzyme activity, and organic acids (OA) production. Co-application of RP and PSB inoculation under Cd2+ stress (Cd8 and Cd16) improved wheat seedling root growth, P acquisition, and root hairs density in the piliferous zone and root cap. Moreover, inoculation with B. Cer significantly improved root inorganic P (Pi) (384 and 752%) and root acid phosphatases (176 and 131%) under Cd8 and Cd16 compared to uninoculated Cd-stressed seedlings. Such a beneficial root adaptation mechanism could be explained by the significant correlations (mainly under Cd16) between Pi content and morphological traits of wheat roots. Findings from this study demonstrate that P solubilization and Cd tolerance are likely interconnected rhizosphere processes triggered by inoculation that presumably induced the elongation of root hairs and likely the rigidity of the root cell wall to reduce Cd entrance while increasing P acquisition.

Effective development and utilization of SILAR-assisted TiO2 and CsPb2Br5 nanocomposites for photochemical and biological cleaning of environment

Recently, cesium lead halide perovskites such as CsPb2Br5 and CsPbBr3 have drawn the attention of researchers because of their unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. To improve the photo and/or chemical performance of such CsPb2Br5 (termed as CPB hereafter), we have realized multiple facile routes for its combination with UV-active TiO2 nanoparticles. Resultantly developed binary nanocomposites of TiO2, CPB perovskites and TiO2/CPB-nanocomposite (TiO2/CPB-NC) offered a meaningful photochemical contrast between pseudo-successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (p-SILAR) and electrostatic self-assembly methods for targeting photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes under solar irradiation and resulted significant performance as reactant for oxygen evolution (OER) as revealed by extensive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In parallel to extensive material-based characterization using SEM, XRD, and UV Vis. etc, the study was further extended to the theoretical investigation of the structure of CsPb2Br5, and antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). RhB degradation of TiO2 increased from 13% to 58% by deposition of CPB, in parallel to 100% inhition zone growth.

The effect of multi-scale second-phases on the microstructure evolution of a Mg–Al–Sn–Ca alloy during friction-stir processing

In the present work, the type, morphology and size of secondary phase particles in a Mg–4Al–2Sn-0.5Ca (ATX420) alloy are tailored through sub-rapid solidification (SRS) and aging treatment before friction stir processing (FSP) to systematically investigate their impact on microstructures and mechanical properties of the FSP ATX420 Mg alloy. The smaller eutectic CaMgSn phase with micro-defects in the as-cast SRS alloy is more likely to be broken during FSP, compared to the as-cast conventional solidification (CS) alloy. Additionally, nano-sized CaMgSn and Mg17Al12 particles precipitate in as-aged SRS alloy due to a high supersaturation solubility of solutes in the as-cast SRS alloy. These densely-distributed nano-sized precipitates in the as-aged SRS alloy increase the processing temperature by 60 °C during FSP, which results in less nano-sized precipitates in the stirring zone and grain growth of the α-Mg matrix. This leads to a decrease in hardness in the FSP-aged-SRS alloy (∼10 HV). Besides, the grain structure evolutions in the stirring zone and transition zone are systematically investigated for understanding the microstructure evolution during FSP in Mg alloys with eutectic phase.

Škáchaite, CaCo(CO3)2, a new member of the dolomite group, from the Brod deposit near Příbram, Czech Republic

Abstract Škáchaite (IMA2022–143) is a new mineral species discovered in samples from the hydrothermal vein B117, shaft No. 6 at the Brod deposit of the uranium and base-metal Příbram ore district, central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Škáchaite is a Co-dominant member of the dolomite group and forms anhedral grains up to 50 μm in size and as 20–100 μm thick growth zones in škáchaite–dolomite crystals as a part of carbonate (dolomite, calcite, siderite, spherocobaltite, ankerite, kutnohorite and minrecordite) gangue, associated with native silver, sulfides and arsenides. Škáchaite is pale to bright pink with vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is ca. 3½–4, similar to other members of the dolomite group. The calculated density is 3.140 g.cm–3. Škáchaite is optically uniaxial (–); the indices of refraction are ω = 1.741(3) and ɛ = 1.535(3). On the basis of electron-microprobe analyses, its empirical formula is Ca1.00(Co0.45Mg0.38Ca0.08Fe0.05Mn0.03Zn0.01)Σ1.00(CO3)2. The ideal formula is CaCo(CO3)2, which requires (in wt.%) CaO 25.60, CoO 34.21, CO2 40.19, a total of 100.00. Škáchaite is trigonal, R $\bar{3}$ , with unit-cell parameters a = 4.8177(18), c = 16.093(7) Å, V = 323.5(2) Å3 and Z = 3. The strongest reflections of the calculated powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å, (Irel, %) hkl] are: 3.704 (13) 10 $\bar{2}$ ; 2.896 (100) 104; 2.409 (15) 110; 2.019 (17) 202; 1.812 (19) 10 $\bar{8}$ ; and 1.792 (16) 11 $\bar{6}$ . According to the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (R1 = 0.0304 for 94 reflections with [I > 3σ(I)]), the crystal structure of škáchaite is isotypic with its Mg-analogue, dolomite. The Raman spectrum of škáchaite, as well as the tentative assignment of observed bands, are given in this paper. The mineral is named in honour of Pavel Škácha, a Czech mineralogist and curator of the mineralogical collection of the Mining Museum Příbram, Czech Republic.

Assessing the efficiency of the irrigation system in a horticulture field through time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography

AbstractThe characterization by means of geophysical techniques of agricultural soils subjected to continuous irrigation cycles makes it possible to study the heterogeneity of a soil and the preferential pathways of water flows without disturbing soil and plants. A better knowledge of soil heterogeneity enables optimal water resource management in terms of crop, yield, and sustainability. In this study, time-lapse monitoring using electrical resistivity tomographies (ERT) is proposed as a reliable and non-invasive technique to quantify the movement of water flows and thus the variation of soil water content during the irrigation process. ERT surveys have been conducted in melon-growing soils in southern Tuscany (Italy). Five survey campaigns have been carried out between June and August 2022, in which ERT data have been collected by taking measurements before (T0), during (T1), and after (T2) the irrigation phase. The interpretation of the ERT results provided information on the spatial and temporal distribution of water fluxes in the soil and root zone of melons during the irrigation phases. The investigation made it possible to identify the preferential pathways of infiltration of irrigation water, the points where water is absorbed by the roots, and the points where water follows a preferential pathway instead distributing itself entirely below the root growth zone. Thus, this research suggests that the ERT technique can be used to evaluate the efficiency of the irrigation system in order to achieve optimal management of the water resource, avoiding preferential flow paths that lead to less water availability for the plant.

Floating Zone Growth of Pure and Pb-Doped Bi-2201 Crystals

In this review, we summarize recent progress in crystal growth and understanding of the influence of crystal structure on superconductivity in pure and Pb-doped Bi2Sr2CuOy (Bi-2201) materials belonging to the overdoped region of high-temperature cuprate superconductors. The crystal growth of Bi-2201 superconductors faces challenges due to intricate materials chemistry and the lack of knowledge of corresponding phase diagrams. Historically, a crucible-free floating zone method emerged as the most promising growth approach for these materials, resulting in high-quality single crystals. This review outlines the described methods in the literature and the authors’ synthesis endeavors encompassing Pb-doped Bi-2201 crystals, provides a detailed structural characterization of as-grown and post-growth annealed samples, and highlights optimal growth conditions that yield large-size, single-phase, and compositionally homogeneous Bi-2201 single crystals.

Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch–zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil

The production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm−2 d−1 kPa−1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry.

Advances in high-pressure laser floating zone growth: The Laser Optical Kristallmacher II (LOKII).

The optical floating zone crystal growth technique is a well-established method for obtaining large, high-purity single crystals. While the floating zone method has been constantly evolving for over six decades, the development of high-pressure (up to 1000bar) growth systems has only recently been realized via the combination of laser-based heating sources with an all-metal chamber. While our inaugural high-pressure laser floating zone furnace design demonstrated the successful growth of new volatile and metastable phases, the furnace design faces several limitations with imaging quality, heating profile control, and chamber cooling power. Here, we present a second-generation design of the high-pressure laser floating zone furnace, "Laser Optical Kristallmacher II" (LOKII), and demonstrate that this redesign facilitates new advances in crystal growth by highlighting several exemplar materials: α-Fe2O3, β-Ga2O3, and La2CuO4+δ. Notably, for La2CuO4+δ, we demonstrate the feasibility and long-term stability of traveling solvent floating zone growth under a record pressure of 700bar.

Pemberdayaan dan Pendampingan Masyarakat Pesisir Peduli Mangrove di Kawasan Mangrove Bangko-Bangko, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Empowering and assisting coastal communities who care about mangroves is one solution in maintaining sustainable coastal ecosystems. One of them is the Bangko-Bangko mangrove area which is vegetation that supports coastal forests. This service method is carried out through a process of mentoring and community empowerment. The results of the service show that it is important to empower and assist coastal communities adjacent to the Bangko-Bangko mangrove ecosystem in Sekotong District to maintain sustainable mangrove conservation. Apart from that, assistance from people who care about mangroves in the mangrove rehabilitation process is very necessary to ensure that the type of mangrove planted is appropriate to its habitat and growth zone so that the planting program can be successful with a high probability.

Using Interactive Language Development Tools to Enhance Cognitive and Literacy Skills in K-12 Education

The incorporation of interactive language technologies, such as ChatGPT, into K-12 education has sparked interest as a way to improve language acquisition and cognitive development. This qualitative study investigates the perspectives and experiences of educators enrolled in the Advanced Teaching MEd program who have implemented ChatGPT in their language classes. The study investigates the influence of ChatGPT on language competence, cognitive skills, and literacy development using educator interviews, classroom observations, and a comprehensive literature analysis. The findings underscore ChatGPT's dynamic and interactive nature, which encourages active involvement, knowledge production, and tailored support in the zone of proximal growth. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how ChatGPT improves language proficiency by offering authentic language experiences, timely feedback, and exposure to a variety of linguistic structures. ChatGPT integration helps students become confident communicators and teachers construct dynamic classes that adapt to specific learning needs. Future research should look at the long-term impact of interactive language tools, the importance of teacher training, and the cultural and socioeconomic aspects that influence their use and efficacy. This work adds to the continuing efforts to improve language learning outcomes in K-12 education by increasing our understanding of how interactive language tools can boost cognitive development and language competency.

Antifungal evaluation of turmeric rhizome extract against Colletotrichum capsici, the causal agent of anthracnose on red-chili peppers (Capsicum annum L.)

This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal activity of the ethanolic extract of turmeric rhizome against Colletotrichum capsici Syd. and its efficacy in reducing anthracnose disease development on red chili peppers. The in vitro experiment aimed to determine the effect of the extract on inhibiting C. capsici growth in potato sucrose agar (PSA) medium incorporating the turmeric rhizome extract. The variables examined were mycelial growth, fungal sporulation, and spore germination. The in vivo experiment aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the extract in reducing disease development on red chili peppers. The treatments were conducted using a completely randomized design with five concentration treatments and three replicates. The variables examined were radial mycelial growth zone diameter, fungal sporulation, spore germination, and disease intensity. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, and the least significant difference was used for comparing means between treatments. The results of these experiments showed that ethanolic turmeric rhizome extract exhibited antifungal activity against C. capsici both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Turmeric rhizome extracts with concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% significantly inhibited mycelial growth, and even at a 4% concentration, C. capsici fungal colonies did not grow. Evaluation of the effect of the extract on fungal sporulation showed that inhibition occurred at a concentration of 3%, while inhibition of spore germination occurred at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%. Application of turmeric extract at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% effectively reduced the intensity of anthracnose on red chili.

A novel mouse model for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH1) reveals PTH-dependent and independent CaSR defects

The Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) senses extracellular calcium, regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, and has additional functions in various organs related to systemic and local calcium and mineral homeostasis. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type I (FHH1) is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the CaSR gene, and is characterized by the combination of hypercalcemia, hypocalciuria, normal to elevated PTH, and facultatively hypermagnesemia and mild bone mineralization defects. To date, only heterozygous Casr null mice have been available as model for FHH1. Here we present a novel mouse FHH1 model identified in a large ENU-screen that carries an c.2579 T > A (p.Ile859Asn) variant in the Casr gene (CasrBCH002 mice). In order to dissect direct effects of the genetic variant from PTH-dependent effects, we crossed CasrBCH002 mice with PTH deficient mice. Heterozygous CasrBCH002 mice were fertile, had normal growth and body weight, were hypercalcemic and hypermagnesemic with inappropriately normal PTH levels and urinary calcium excretion replicating some features of FHH1. Hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia were independent from PTH and correlated with higher expression of claudin 16 and 19 in kidneys. Likewise, reduced expression of the renal TRPM6 channel in CasrBCH002 mice was not dependent on PTH. In bone, mutations in Casr rescued the bone phenotype observed in Pth null mice by increasing osteoclast numbers and improving the columnar pattern of chondrocytes in the growth zone. In summary, CasrBCH002 mice represent a new model to study FHH1 and our results indicate that only a part of the phenotype is driven by PTH.

Not so hidden anymore: Advances and challenges in understanding root growth under water deficits.

Limited water availability is a major environmental factor constraining plant development and crop yields. One of the prominent adaptations of plants to water deficits is the maintenance of root growth that enables sustained access to soil water. Despite early recognition of the adaptive significance of root growth maintenance under water deficits, progress in understanding has been hampered by the inherent complexity of root systems and their interactions with the soil environment. We highlight selected milestones in the understanding of root growth responses to water deficits, with emphasis on founding studies that have shaped current knowledge and set the stage for further investigation. We revisit the concept of integrated biophysical and metabolic regulation of plant growth and use this framework to review central growth-regulatory processes occurring within root growth zones under water stress at subcellular to organ scales. Key topics include the primary processes of modifications of cell wall-yielding properties and osmotic adjustment, as well as regulatory roles of abscisic acid and its interactions with other hormones. We include consideration of long-recognized responses for which detailed mechanistic understanding has been elusive until recently, for example hydrotropism, and identify gaps in knowledge, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for future research.

Comparison of bone age assessment methods using a hand radiography in patients with active growth plate and anteromedial knee instability

Background Bone age is essential for pediatric patients with active growth zones and anteromedial instability to facilitate optimal treatment strategy and minimize postoperative complications. However, many people are unaware of various tools for determining bone age, including classical methods and modern machine learning techniques.The objective was to show and compare different methods for calculating bone age and determining surgical strategy for patients with anteromedial instability of the knee joint.Material and methods All-Inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed for 20 patients. Wrist radiographs were performed for bone age assessment using the "point scoring system" of Tanner and Whitehouse and the "atlas matching" method of Greulich and Pyle. Machine learning programs were used in addition to standard bone age assessments.Results The findings showed an average difference of 21 months (80 %) in a group of 20 individuals with bone age ahead of the passport age and an average difference of 18 months (20 %) in patients with retarded bone age.Discussion The findings showed the difference between chronological and bone age and could be encountered in scientific articles on endocrinology and pediatrics. No scientific studies on the use of the methods could be found in the specialty “trauma and orthopaedics”.Conclusion Bone age assessment, prediction of children's target height are essential for surgical treatment of patients with open growth plates.

Utilization of nanotechnology and experimental design in the development and optimization of a posaconazole‒calendula oil nanoemulgel for the treatment of mouth disorders.

Introduction: Essential oil‒based nanoemulsions (NEs) are the subjects of extensive investigation due to their potential to address a variety of oral health issues. NEs are delivery systems that improve lipid medicine solubility and distribution to intended sites. The goal of the current study was to create and enhance a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery paradigm based on calendula oil (CO) and decorated with chitosan (CS) that could deliver posaconazole (PSZ) for the treatment of gingivitis. Method: Employing a response-surface Box‒Behnken design, PSZ-CO-CS NEs were created with varying amounts of PSZ (10, 15, and 20mg), percentages of CO (6%, 12%, and 18%), and percentages of CS (0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5%). Results and conclusion: The optimized formulation resulted in a 22-mm bacterial growth suppression zone, 25-mm fungal growth inhibition zone, droplet sizes of 110nm, and a viscosity of 750 centipoise (cP). Using the appropriate design, the ideal formulation was produced; it contained 20mg of PSZ, 18% of CO, and 1.35% of CS. Furthermore, the optimal formulation had a more controlled drug release, larger inhibition zones of bacterial and fungal growth, and desirable rheologic properties. Additionally, the optimized formulation substantially lowered the ulcer index in rats when tested against other formulations. Thus, this investigation showed that PSZ-CO-CS NEs could provide efficient protection against microbially induced gingivitis.

High temperature performance of RE2Zr2O7 high-entropy ceramics designed by thermophysical performance-oriented principle

This study utilizes modulation of ionic disorder and electronegativity differences for targeted component design of high-entropy ceramic compositions. A series of novel multicomponent ceramics with the general formula (LaGdYSm)x2Ybx1Zr2O7 (x1+4x2 = 2, x1 = 0.6,0.4,0.2,0) were prepared by solid-state reaction. The evolution patterns of their microstructures were analyzed using XRD and TEM, and the anti-sintering ability and thermophysical properties were evaluated. The results confirm that the multicomponent ceramics gradually transform from the coexistence of pyrochlore/fluorite dual-phase structure to pyrochlore structure with the tuning of the size disorder degree. After 50h of exposure to air at 1500 °C, the ceramics retained excellent phase stability. Segregation of La and Yb elements with large differences in radius size occurs, forming a mixture of the La-rich pyrochlore and the Yb-rich fluorite phases. The specimen with the maximum size disorder exhibits the lowest grain growth rate and the greatest thermal insulation properties. Large lattice distortions and sluggish diffusion effects are responsible for the mutual inhibition of grain growth in the two-phase coexistence zone. The thermal insulation properties of the ceramics show well correlated with the degree of the size disorder, further validating the effectiveness of the component design. Meanwhile, the thermal expansion coefficients of prepared ceramic can reach 11.49 × ∼11.58 × 10−6 K−1 at 1000–1100 °C. The customization principles used in this work fill a gap in the compositional design methodology for multicomponent lanthanum zirconate-based high-entropy ceramics. It is essential for developing rare-earth zirconates with tunable thermophysical properties in the area of thermal barrier coatings.

Honokiol inhibits gallbladder cancer proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transformation by suppressing TMPRSS4-induced PI3K/AKT activation

Purpose: To determine the role of TMPRSS4 in gallbladder cancer (GBC).&#x0D; Methods: Quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of genes, while CCK-8 kit and foci formation assay were used to assess cell growth in GBC-SD and non-obliterative zone (NOZ) cell lines. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, while cell migration and cell invasion were determined by Transwell assay in GBCSD and NOZ cell lines.&#x0D; Results: TMPRSS4 was highly expressed in GBC cells, compared to normal cell, HIBEC. Overexpression of TMPRSS4 enhanced cell viability and 2D foci formation in GBC-SD (stratified) and NOZ; however, knockdown of TMPRSS4 reduced cell proliferation and colony formation in the cell lines (p &lt; 0.05). TMPRSS4 deficiency increased cell apoptosis but its reinforced expression decreased cell apoptosis in GBC cell lines (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, TMPRSS4 positively regulated cell invasion and migration in GBC cells by upregulating TWIST1, vimentin and N- cadherin. TMPRSS4 also regulated the activation of PI3K/AKT signal pathway. Furthermore, honokiol inhibited gallbladder cancer proliferation and migration, and induced cell apoptosis by suppressing TMPRSS4-induced PI3K/AKT activation (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: TMPRSS4 plays an important role in regulating cell growth, apoptosis and metastasis of gallbladder cancer cells (GBC). Thus, TMPRSS4 might be a new biomarker in gallbladder cancer.

Characterization And Antimicrobial Activity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Crocus Sativus Extract

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of green synthesized copper-oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) using Crocus sativus. The microorganisms were supplied from Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Using C. sativus, CuO nanoparticles were synthesized in a green manner, and their properties were assessed using UV-visible spectroscopy at the peak of 260 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the particles' size and form, and x-ray technology was used to more precisely quantify their dimensions. diffraction (XRD). The biomolecule and functional group were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Different concentrations of nanoparticles (50, 75, and 100 ?g/ml) were subjected to the well diffusion method for antibacterial activity testing. The findings indicated that the CuO-NPs had a spherical form and a 0.154 nm size. The average diameters of the AFM pictures were found to be 11.89 nm, 2.62 nm, and 24.55 nm. The following growth zone inhibition values for the various bacteria species used were revealed by the nanoparticles' antimicrobial activity results: Staphylococcus aureus 18 mm, Staphylococcus epidermidis 18 mm, Klebsiella ssp 15 mm, Candida albican 18 mm, and Escherichia coli 17mm.