Bioinspired Nanozymes as Nanodecoys for Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), common bacterial infections in communities and medical facilities, are mainly mediated by FimH. The glycan sites of the uromodulin protein play a crucial role in protecting against UTIs by interacting with FimH. A bioinspired approach using glycan-FimH interactions may effectively reduce bacteria through an antiadhesive mechanism, thereby curbing bacterial resistance. However, typical antiadhesive therapy alone fails to address the excessive reactive oxygen species and inflammatory response during UTIs. To bridge this gap, antioxidant nanozymes with antiadhesive ability were developed as nanodecoys to counter bacteria and inflammation. Specifically, ultrasmall dextran-coated ceria (DEC) was engineered to address UTIs, with dextran blocking FimH adhesion and ceria exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. DECs, metabolizable by the kidneys, reduced bacterial content in the urinary tract, mitigating inflammation and tissue damage. In murine models, DECs successfully treated acute UTIs, repeated infections, and catheter-related UTIs. This dual approach not only highlights the potential of nanozymes for UTIs but also suggests applicability to other FimH-induced infections in the lungs and bowels, marking a significant advancement in nanozyme-based clinical approaches.

Hydrous ruthenium oxide triggers template-free and spontaneous growth of metal nanostructures

Intrinsically conductive ruthenium oxide is an excellent material for energy storage and conversion. Herein, we present hydrous RuO2 (H-RuO2) as a potent reducing agent to achieve spontaneous growth of multiple noble metals at room temperature. Self-assembled gold and platinum, comprising small-sized nanoparticles, are generated on the surface of H-RuO2 without the need for additional templates. Structural analysis reveals that the disordered structure and the presence of oxygen vacancies trigger interfacial redox reactions between H-RuO2 and oxidative metal salts. The resulting integrated nanostructures, consisting of a metal oxide and different metals (H-RuO2@metal), are subsequently used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition to biomedical applications, our developed synthetic strategy, using reactive oxides to spontaneously generate multicomponent nanostructures, also holds great significance for other catalysis-based applications.

Nanoceria as an Electron Reservoir: Spontaneous Deposition of Metal Nanoparticles on Oxides and Their Anti-inflammatory Activities

Designing metal-metal oxide heteronanostructures with synergistic and superior activities (unattainable in the case of a single entity) is of great interest for a wide range of technological applications. Traditional synthetic strategies typically require reducing agents, stabilizing ligands, or high temperature reductive treatment to produce oxide-supported metals. Herein, a facile noble metal deposition strategy is developed to produce silver, gold, and platinum nanocrystals on the surface of hollow mesoporous cerium oxide nanospheres without any pretreatment. Unlike the galvanic replacement reaction, the developed protocol employs the innate reductive potential of CeO₂ to produce a high density of ultrafine noble metal nanocrystals homogeneously immobilized onto the surface of CeO₂ nanospheres. The multienzyme-like activities (i.e., superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like) of CeO₂@metal nanostructures, originating from CeO₂ and metal nanoparticles, were effectively utilized for anti-inflammatory therapies in two in vivo models. This oxygen vacancy-mediated reduction strategy can be generalized to produce diverse metal-metal oxide nanostructures for a wide range of applications.

Lead-free Mn-doped antimony halide perovskite quantum dots with bright deep-red emission

We reported the first synthesis of Mn2+ doped Cs3Sb2Clx/Br9-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 9) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) by regulating the coprecipitation of Mn2+ and Sb3+ with thiol ligands. These lead-free PQDs demonstrated bright photoluminescence emission centered at 660 nm and a high quantum yield of ∼49%, making them suitable for optical applications.

Inorganic Enzyme Mimics

Enzyme mimics (or artificial enzymes) have emerged as valuable alternatives to natural enzymes since the pioneering work of Ronald Breslow. They have numerous advantages over natural enzymes, such as high stability, low cost, and tailorable activity. Among varieties of materials explored to mimic enzymes, the inorganic ones, including inorganic complexes and nanomaterials, have attracted increasing interest over the last decade and have the potential to address the current challenges in energy, environment, health, etc.

Cell membrane enveloped polymeric nanosponge for detoxification of chlorpyrifos poison: In vitro and in vivo studies

Organophosphates are highly toxic compounds as they are involved in irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, causing various neurotoxic effects via acetylcholine accumulation throughout the nervous system. Traditional treatments for organophosphate poisoning are not effective enough to overcome all the toxic effects. There is a need for alternate treatment of life threatening poisoning of organophosphates. For this purpose a biomimetic nanosponge of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) is prepared, characterized and analysed as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning. In this nanosponge red blood cell membranes are used for coating poly lactic co-glycolic acid nanoparticles. In vitro studies are conducted to investigate the retention of acetylcholinesterase activity on the prepared nanosponge as well as to assess the scavenging ability of prepared nanosponge for model organophosphate, chlorpyrifos. In vivo studies are conducted to evaluate the detoxification potential of nanosponge in rabbit model, poisoned with chlorpyrifos. Hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity of nanosponge/chlorpyrifos complex is also studied in survived rabbits and the data is analysed statistically.

Detoxification and immobilization of chromite ore processing residue using the alkali-activated cementitious materials mixed with ascorbic acid

The existence of leachable Cr(Ⅵ) in chromite ore processing residue (COPR) makes it hazardous waste. Therefore, resourceful utilization of COPR is necessary to protect the ecosystem and living biota from hazardous effect of Cr(Ⅵ) caused by its leaching. In this study, detoxification and immobilization of COPR was carried out through introduction of ascorbic acid (AA) in alkali-activated cementitious materials. Several dosages of AA were treated with water extractable/soluble Cr(Ⅵ) to achieve the optimum dosage which could be further utilized in solidification process. While, the compressive strength was developed through utilizing different modulus of water glass, liquid to solid ratios and curing temperatures. The results showed that 0.3% of AA was enough to reduce the Cr(Ⅵ) into Cr(Ⅲ), and highest compressive strength of 120 MPa was achieved after using the modulus of 1.6, liquid to solid ratio of 0.24 and curing temperature of 30 °C. The solidified samples having AA had not exceeded the toxicity limit up to 60% addition of COPR, and samples without addition of AA were effective for solidification of 20% COPR. Regarding mechanism, the compressive strength, leaching behavior and microscopic analysis i.e. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) showed that immobilization of chromium was carried out through physical and chemical means.

Solidification of electroplating sludge with alkali-activated fly ash to prepare a non-burnt brick and its risk assessment

Electroplating sludge (ES), a byproduct of the electroplating industry, is considered as hazardous waste because of the presence of several kinds of toxic heavy metals (HMs, i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn). The improper treatment of ES has resulted in the contamination of the environment and is ultimately harmful to the living biota. Solidification/stabilization is regarded as a promising technique to deal with hazardous wastes with the use of a geopolymer, an excellent material, in this technique. In this research, ES was solidified using fly ash (FA) and ordinary Portland cement together so that non-burnt bricks (NBBs) could be prepared. The risk assessment of these bricks was carried out in a homemade experimental device by simulating rainfall. The results showed that the compressive strength of NBBs was up to 15 MPa; hence, it could be used for construction purposes. The hazard quotient (HQ) of HMs (including Zn, Ni and Cu) was much less than the limit value, while both the HQ and cancer risk of Cr were over the corresponding limit values.

Electroplating sludge was solidified in alkali activated fly ash to prepare non-burnt bricks, and their risk to humans was assessed.

Solidification/stabilization of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash using uncalcined coal gangue-based alkali-activated cementitious materials

The proper disposal of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) is necessary due to the presence of hazardous metals (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺). The solidification/stabilization through alkali-activated cementitious materials (having aluminosilicates) is regarded as one of the best methods for its disposal. In this paper, an uncalcined coal gangue-based alkali-activated cementitious material was used to solidify the MSWI FA. The compressive strength of these cementitious materials was evaluated through different contents of alkali activators, SiO₂/Na₂O molar ratios, liquid/solid ratios and curing temperatures by utilizing a single-factor experiment. The specimens with the highest compressive strength (31.37 MPa) were used for solidification of MSWI FA. The results indicated that compressive strength decreased with the addition of MSWI FA which caused the higher leaching of heavy metals. The solidification efficiencies of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were more than 95%. In addition, leaching concentrations had not surpassed the critical limit up to 20% addition of MSWI FA in solidified samples and representing the potential application of these samples for construction and landfill purposes. Heavy metals in MSWI FA were solidified through physical encapsulation and chemical bonding which was verified by speciation analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry analyses.

Effect of chemical additives on electrokinetic remediation of Cr-contaminated soil coupled with a permeable reactive barrier

Chromium (Cr) contamination in soil, especially Cr(VI), is a serious threat to the environment and human health. The electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is a promising technology to remediate the Cr(VI). Therefore, in this study, EKR coupled with a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) was used to treat the Cr(VI)-contaminated soil. The CTMAB-Z, a modified zeolite (prepared with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) alone and a mixture of CTMAB-Z and Fe(0) were used as PRB-1 and PRB-2 reactive media, respectively. The effect of chemical enhancers/additives, i.e. DL-tartaric acid and Tween 80 on EKR of Cr(VI) was also analysed in the contrasting experiments. While the effects of repair time, voltage gradient and DL-tartaric acid concentration on Cr(VI) remediation were investigated by using the multifactor orthogonal experiment which was based on contrasting experiments. The contrasting experiment results showed that the highest Cr(VI) removal rate (66.27%) and leaching efficiency (71.29%) were observed in the experimental group which had DL-tartaric acid and PRB-2. Furthermore, the multifactor orthogonal experiment results had depicted that the highest Cr(VI) removal rate (80.92%) and leaching efficiency (85.25%) were achieved after treating the samples at a voltage gradient of 2.5 V cm-1 for 8 days in the presence of 0.15 M concentration of DL-tartaric acid. This study demonstrated that Cr(VI) remediation through EKR process could be significantly enhanced by the use of PRB and additives.

Aqueous acid-based synthesis of lead-free tin halide perovskites with near-unity photoluminescence quantum efficiency

Recently, lead halide perovskites with outstanding emission performance have become new candidate materials for light-emitting devices and displays; however, the toxicity of lead and instability of halide perovskites remain significant challenges. Herein, we report the aqueous acid-based synthesis of highly emissive two-dimensional (2D) tin halide perovskites, (octylammonium)₂SnX₄ (X = Br, I, or mixtures thereof), which displayed a high absolute photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of near-unity in the solid-state, PL emission centered at 600 nm with a broad bandwidth (136 nm), a large Stokes shift (250 nm), long-lived luminescence (τ = 3.3 μs), and zero overlap between their absorption and emission spectra. Significantly, the stability study of 2D tin halide perovskites monitored by the PL quantum yield showed no changes after 240 days of storage at room temperature under ambient air and humidity conditions. The PL emission of the 2D tin halide perovskites was tuned from yellow to deep red by controlling halide composition. Furthermore, new yellow phosphors with superior optical properties are used to fabricate UV pumped white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). We expect these results to facilitate the development of new environmentally friendly and high-performance phosphors for future lighting and display technologies.

Understanding the desulphurization process in an ionic porous aromatic framework

An ionic porous aromatic framework, iPAF-1, was successfully synthesized from a designed monomer with imidazolium functional groups. The iPAF-1 exhibits the highest dibenzothiophene uptake among all reported adsorptive desulphurization adsorbents. The so-called precursor designed synthetic route provides the stoichiometric and homogeneous introduction of desired functional groups into the framework. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed to understand the structure and the desulphurization process within the amorphous iPAF-1. The insight into the key role of the moderate bonding interaction between the adsorbate and the functional groups of iPAF-1 for improved uptake is highlighted in this work.

Diagnosis of Avian Mycoplasmas: A Comparison between PCR and Culture Technique

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are the causative agents of avian mycoplasmosis in commercial poultry. Among the available tools, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture are confirmatory tools for the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis after the initial serological screening of suspected birds. Overall, 181 samples were analyzed, 152 (84%) and 103 (57%) of which were found positive by PCR and culture, respectively. Further, 54 (92%) broiler samples were found positive for general avian mycoplasma. Among the total positive samples, MS positivity was as high as 72 (47%) by PCR, while it was 45 (44%) by culture. MG positivity was 23% and 25% in PCR- and culture-positive samples. MG grows more easily compared to MS. The agreement value between the tests was 67%. Overall, flock wise prevalence was not much varied. The prevalence of mycoplasmosis was higher during winter. Our study confirmed that PCR is the most sensitive and reliable tool for the diagnosis of avian mycoplasmosis in field samples.

Electrokinetic remediation of heavy metals from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash pretreated by nitric acid

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash has a high concentration of heavy metals (HMs) which are hazardous to the environment. Moreover, it has high pH and buffering capacity which hinders the removal of HMs. Another constraining factor is the considerable fraction of HMs which exist in oxidizable and reducible states. The acid pretreatment of MSWI fly ash is a key solution to this problem. Therefore, the current experiment is carried out to evaluate the effect of acid pretreatment of MSWI fly ash and reaction/proposed time on the removal efficiency of HMs through an electrokinetic experiment. The leaching experiment results show that acid pretreatment has increased the desorption/release of heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+). It enhances the migration of HM ions in electrolytic cells which get precipitated at the cathode, thereby increasing the removal efficiency of HMs in the electrokinetic experiment. Moreover, it is found that prolonged proposed time (12 d) has significant effect on the removal efficiency of HMs. Finally, it is concluded that acid pretreatment and prolonged proposed time have enhanced the removal electrokinetic remediation of HMs which is carried out via three processes, i.e. desorption (enhanced by acidification), migration and precipitation.

Application of iron-loaded activated carbon electrodes for electrokinetic remediation of chromium-contaminated soil in a three-dimensional electrode system

Hexavalent chromium from industrial residues is highly mobile in soil and can lead to the contamination of groundwater through runoff and leaching after rainfall. This paper focuses on the three-dimensional (3D) electrokinetic remediation (EKR) of chromium-contaminated soil from an industrial site. Activated carbon particles coupled with Fe ions (AC-Fe) were used as the third electrode. The optimum dose ratio of the electrode particles and remediation time were selected on the basis of single-factor experiments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was carried out to explore the reduction of Cr(VI) on the surface of the electrode particles (AC-Fe). The results showed that AC-Fe had a positive effect on Cr(VI) reduction with a removal rate of 80.2%, which was achieved after 10 d by using a 5% dose of electrode particles. Finally, it was concluded that the removal mechanism combined the processes of electromigration, electrosorption/adsorption and reduction of Cr(VI) in the 3D EKR system.

Waste solidification/stabilization of lead–zinc slag by utilizing fly ash based geopolymers

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is recognized as an effective technology for solid waste treatment. In S/S, the application of geopolymers synthesized by industrial waste (rich in active silicon and aluminum) to immobilize hazardous waste is a research focus. In this article, a fly ash based geopolymer was used to immobilize lead–zinc slag containing Pb, Ni, Zn and Mn. A fly ash based geopolymer with good mechanical strength was obtained through single factor experiments and the compressive strength of the geopolymer reached 29.72 MPa. The effects of immobilizing lead–zinc slag in the fly ash based geopolymer were discussed by means of compressive strength, leaching test and speciation analysis. The solidification/stabilization mechanism was further investigated using XRD, FTIR and SEM. The mechanical properties of the fly ash based geopolymer were negatively affected by addition of lead–zinc slag, and compressive strength decreased to 8.67 MPa when 60% lead–zinc slag was added. The geopolymer has the ability to reduce toxicity of lead–zinc slag by immobilizing heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Zn and Mn), but the ability was not unlimited. The migration of heavy metals to residual form indicates that heavy metals may either be bonded into the geopolymer matrix via the T–O bond (T = Si, Al) or captured in framework cavities to maintain the charge balance. The NASH (Na₂O–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O) gel structure observed by XRD, FTIR and SEM can physically encapsulate the contaminants during geopolymerization. It is finally concluded that heavy metals were immobilized in the fly ash based geopolymer through a combination of chemical bonding and physical encapsulation.

The toxicity of lead–zinc slag was significantly reduced by chemical and physical ways during immobilization.

LecRK-V, an L-type lectin receptor kinase in Haynaldia villosa, plays positive role in resistance to wheat powdery mildew

Plant sense potential microbial pathogen using pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The Lectin receptor-like kinase genes (LecRKs) are involved in various cellular processes mediated by signal transduction pathways. In the present study, an L-type lectin receptor kinase gene LecRK-V was cloned from Haynaldia villosa, a diploid wheat relative which is highly resistant to powdery mildew. The expression of LecRK-V was rapidly up-regulated by Bgt inoculation and chitin treatment. Its transcript level was higher in the leaves than in roots, culms, spikes and callus. Single-cell transient overexpression of LecRK-V led to decreased haustorium index in wheat variety Yangmai158, which is powdery mildew susceptible. Stable transformation LecRK-V into Yangmai158 significantly enhanced the powdery mildew resistance at both seedling and adult stages. At seedling stage, the transgenic line was highly resistance to 18 of the tested 23 Bgt isolates, hypersensitive responses (HR) were observed for 22 Bgt isolates, and more ROS at the Bgt infection sites was accumulated. These indicated that LecRK-V confers broad-spectrum resistance to powdery mildew, and ROS and SA pathways contribute to the enhanced powdery mildew resistance in wheat.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Active Gold Nanoparticles with Enzyme-Mimicking Activities for Measuring Glucose and Lactate in Living Tissues

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with simultaneous plasmonic and biocatalytic properties provide a promising approach to developing versatile bioassays. However, the combination of AuNPs' intrinsic enzyme-mimicking properties with their surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities has yet to be explored. Here we designed a peroxidase-mimicking nanozyme by in situ growing AuNPs into a highly porous and thermally stable metal-organic framework called MIL-101. The obtained AuNPs@MIL-101 nanozymes acted as peroxidase mimics to oxidize Raman-inactive reporter leucomalachite green into the active malachite green (MG) with hydrogen peroxide and simultaneously as the SERS substrates to enhance the Raman signals of the as-produced MG. We then assembled glucose oxidase (GOx) and lactate oxidase (LOx) onto AuNPs@MIL-101 to form AuNPs@MIL-101@GOx and AuNPs@MIL-101@LOx integrative nanozymes for in vitro detection of glucose and lactate via SERS. Moreover, the integrative nanozymes were further explored for monitoring the change of glucose and lactate in living brains, which are associated with ischemic stroke. The integrative nanozymes were then used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of potential drugs (such as astaxanthin for alleviating cerebral ischemic injuries) in living rats. They were also employed to determine glucose and lactate metabolism in tumors. This study not only demonstrated the great promise of combining AuNPs' multiple functionalities for versatile bioassays but also provided an interesting approach to designing nanozymes for biomedical and catalytic applications.

Solidification/stabilization of chromite ore processing residue using alkali-activated composite cementitious materials

Chromite Ore Processing Residue (COPR) produced in chromium salt production process causes a great health and environmental risk with Cr(VI) leaching. The solidification/stabilization (S/S) of COPR using alkali-activated blast furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA) based cementitious material was investigated in this study. The optimum percentage of BFS and FA for preparing the alkali-activated BFS-FA binder had been studied. COPR was used to replace the amount of BFS-FA or ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for the preparation of the cementitious materials, respectively. The immobilization effect of the alkali-activated BFS-FA binder on COPR was much better than that of OPC based cementitious material. The potential for reusing the final treatment product as a readily available construction material was evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) analysis indicated that COPR had been effectively immobilized. The solidification mechanism is the combined effect of reduction, ion exchange, precipitation, adsorption and physical fixation in the alkali-activated composite cementitious material.

Electro-kinetic remediation of chromium-contaminated soil by a three-dimensional electrode coupled with a permeable reactive barrier

Electro-kinetic remediation of Cr-contaminated soil by three-dimensional electrode coupled with a permeable reactive barrier.

An arylboronate locked fluorescent probe for hypochlorite

An unusual arylboronate based fluorescent probeR1was synthesized for the selective and sensitive detection of ClO⁻.

The application of homemade Neosinocalamus affinis AC in electrokinetic removal technology on heavy metal removal from the MSWI fly ash

This present paper was focused on the manufacture of activated carbon (AC) and its application in the electrokinetic remediation (EKR) technology on removal of the heavy metals (HMs) from the municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. AC was produced from Neosinocalamus affinis (NF) by chemical activation with H₃PO₄ in N₂ atmosphere, the effects of activation temperatures, soaking time and impregnation ratios on the adsorption capacity of AC on HMs were examined through equilibrium adsorption experiments. The AC produced under the condition of 450 °C of activation temperature, 10 h of soaking time and 1.5 of impregnation ration was applied in the EKR experiment. The addition of AC in the S3-region of the electrolyzer could effectively improve the removal efficiencies of HMs. The technical parameters of voltage gradient, processing time and proportion were further optimized in the coupled experiments, the maximum removal of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb was 84.93%, 69.61%, 79.57%, and 78.55% respectively obtained under the optimal operating conditions of 2 V/cm of voltage gradient, 8 d of processing time and 20% of proportion.

Bleach etches nanosilver: HOCl-responsive drug delivery system to target leukemic cells

Hypochlorous acid-mediated dissolution of therapeutically active and ultrasmall (<5 nm) Ag NPs is exploited to develop an oxidant responsive combinatorial drug delivery system. Drug release findings and growth inhibition of myeloperoxidase positive leukemic cells support the role of oxidant in the dissolution of Ag NPs.

Using oxidant susceptibility of thiol stabilized nanoparticles to develop an inflammation triggered drug release system

Ultrasmall thiol passivated ZnS NPs are prepared using a newly developed synthetic protocol. Exposure to hydroxyl radicals results in oxidation of the thiol groups, thus destabilizing the ZnS nanolids to open drug encompassing pores for attaining an inflammation responsive drug delivery system.

Synthesis of oxidant prone nanosilver to develop H2O2 responsive drug delivery system

Our immune system uses toxicity of hydrogen peroxide to kill off bacterial invaders. In this contribution, we intended to integrate ROS producing capability of immune system with oxidant-sensitive nature of antibacterial silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to develop an oxidant drug delivery system. Prior to execute this strategy, we have developed an efficient one-pot synthetic protocol to produce ultrasmall (5 nm), water-stable, and oxidant-prone Ag NPs. Notably, the yield of as-synthesized Ag NPs is 10-fold higher than standard citrate reduction route. The resulting therapeutically active and well-dispersed Ag NPs are used as nanolids to cap the drug loaded nanochannels of porous silica. Upon exposing to H2O2, dissolution-accompanied aggregation of Ag nanolids unleashes the encapsulated therapeutic entities from channels of nanocarrier. Combination of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs in single nanocarriers can potentially augment the effectiveness of various therapies.

Intracellular antioxidants dissolve man-made antioxidant nanoparticles: using redox vulnerability of nanoceria to develop a responsive drug delivery system

Regeneratable antioxidant property of nanoceria has widely been explored to minimize the deleterious influences of reactive oxygen species. Limited information is, however, available regarding the biological interactions and subsequent fate of nanoceria in body fluids. This study demonstrates a surprising dissolution of stable and ultrasmall (4 nm) cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) in response to biologically prevalent antioxidant molecules (glutathione, vitamin C). Such a redox sensitive behavior of CeO2 NPs is subsequently exploited to design a redox responsive drug delivery system for transporting anticancer drug (camptothecin). Upon exposing the CeO2 capped and drug loaded nanoconstruct to vitamin c or glutathione, dissolution-accompanied aggregation of CeO2 nanolids unleashes the drug molecules from porous silica to achieve a significant anticancer activity. Besides stimuli responsive drug delivery, immobilization of nanoceria onto the surface of mesoporous silica also facilitates us to gain a basic insight into the biotransformation of CeO2 in physiological mediums.

Acid-induced release of curcumin from calcium containing nanotheranostic excipient

Poor water solubility is believed one of the most critical problems of numerous promising pharmaceutical ingredients in their successful clinical utilization. Nanomedicine holds considerable promise to address this challenge, because it extends the therapeutic window of hydrophobic drugs through nanonization approach. Recently, the integration of diagnostic agents with smart therapeutic nanocarriers is also an emerging research arena to simultaneously visualize diseased tissues, achieve site specific drug release and track the impact of therapy. In this study, we have developed a biocompatible smart theranostic nanosystem which transports a highly promising hydrophobic drug (curcumin) in response to mildly acidic environment. As calcium is a main constituent of human body, hence we exploited the reversible calcium chelate formation tendency of divalent calcium to load and unload curcumin molecules. Moreover, an emerging T1 contrast agent is also tethered onto the surface of nanocarrier to realize MRI diagnosis application. In-vitro cell experiments revealed a significantly high chemotherapeutic efficiency of curcumin nanoformulation (IC50; 1.67 μg/mL), whereas free curcumin was found ineffective at the corresponding concentration (IC50; 29.72 μg/mL). MR imaging test also validated the performance of resulting system. Our strategy can be extended for the targeted delivery of other hydrophobic pharmaceutical ingredients.

Redox-mediated dissolution of paramagnetic nanolids to achieve a smart theranostic system

Manganese oxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticles have recently emerged as a promising T1 contrast agent. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated an interaction of Mn3O4 with a biological system, and found redox sensitive behavior of these paramagnetic nanoparticles in intracellular reducing environment. Inspired by these findings, we for the first time used this interaction for some therapeutic advantages and designed a versatile mesoporous silica based nanotheranostic system to realize redox-activated enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and responsive anticancer drug delivery. Contrary to previous reports, we firstly prepared high quality amine terminated hydrophilic Mn3O4 nanolids, without using multistep ligand exchange strategies. The resulting water stable and small-sized Mn3O4 nanolids were subsequently used as nanolids to cap drug loaded nanochannels of a porous carrier. Exposure to highly prevalent intracellular reducing environment resulted in the steady-state dissolution of these nanolids and attained an intelligent drug release. Furthermore, the redox receptive dissolution of paramagnetic Mn3O4 nanolids into Mn(2+) in turn increases the T1 signal to twofold, providing an added opportunity to even track the feedback of therapy. This study, in addition to simultaneously realizing drug delivery and imaging, also provides a new insight into the fate and interaction of manganese oxide nanoparticles with components of biological systems.

Resolution of intussusception after spontaneous expulsion of an ileal lipoma per rectum: a case report and literature review

We herein report a case of spontaneous rectal expulsion of an ileal lipoma in a 65-year-old female patient who presented with recurrent attacks of subacute intestinal obstruction. During each episode, the patient developed severe abdominal pain and expelled a fleshy mass from her rectum. The fleshy mass was histopathologically diagnosed as a lipoma comprising fat cells, fibers, and blood vessels. Upon expulsion, the pain disappeared and the intussusception was immediately resolved. Colonoscopic examination revealed a 2.5-cm diameter ulcerated lesion near the ileocecal valve, which was confirmed to be inflammation by pathological examination. A subsequent barium series revealed a normal colonic tract, and the patient remained completely symptom-free for 4 months after the incident. According to the relevant literature and our clinical experience, the treatment method for a lipoma depends on the patient’s clinical manifestations and the size of the tumor. However, the various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities currently available continue to be debated; whether an asymptomatic lipoma requires treatment is controversial. When histopathological examination results allow for the exclusion of malignant lesions such as sarcoma, a lipoma can be resected surgically.

Microduplications encompassing the Sonic hedgehog limb enhancer ZRS are associated with Haas-type polysyndactyly and Laurin-Sandrow syndrome

Laurin-Sandrow syndrome (LSS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by polysyndactyly of hands and/or feet, mirror image duplication of the feet, nasal defects, and loss of identity between fibula and tibia. The genetic basis of LSS is currently unknown. LSS shows phenotypic overlap with Haas-type polysyndactyly (HTS) regarding the digital phenotype. Here we report on five unrelated families with overlapping microduplications encompassing the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) limb enhancer ZPA regulatory sequence (ZRS) on chromosome 7q36. Clinically, the patients show polysyndactyly phenotypes and various types of lower limb malformations ranging from syndactyly to mirror image polydactyly with duplications of the fibulae. We show that larger duplications of the ZRS region (>80 kb) are associated with HTS, whereas smaller duplications (<80 kb) result in the LSS phenotype. On the basis of our data, the latter can be clearly distinguished from HTS by the presence of mirror image polysyndactyly of the feet with duplication of the fibula. Our results expand the clinical phenotype of the ZRS-associated syndromes and suggest that smaller duplications (<80 kb) are associated with a more severe phenotype. In addition, we show that these small microduplications within the ZRS region are the underlying genetic cause of Laurin-Sandrow syndrome.

Cobalt-based metal organic framework as precursor to achieve superior catalytic activity for aerobic epoxidation of styrene

Novel nitrogen–cobalt catalysts are successfully prepared, and they exhibit high activity and stability in aerobic epoxidation of styrene without any initiator.

pH dictates the release of hydrophobic drug cocktail from mesoporous nanoarchitecture

Combination therapy has been a norm in clinical practice to effectively treat cancer. Besides polytherapy, nowadays, smart and nanobased drug carriers are extensively being explored to deliver drugs according to pathophysiological environment of diseases. In this regard, herein we designed intelligent mesoporous architecture, incorporating both combinational therapy with smart nanotechnology, to simultaneously deliver two highly hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs in response to extracellular and/or intracellular acidic environ of tumor. Novelty of the system lies in the employment of acid responsive ZnO QDs to clog not only the nanochannels of mesoporous silica, encapsulating one hydrophobic drug, but also exploitation of chelate forming propensity of another hydrophobic drug (curcumin) to load a significant quantity onto the surface of ZnO nanolids. Cell viability results revealed an extraordinarily high cytotoxic efficiency of that lethal drug cocktail even at a concentration as low as 3 μg/mL nanocarrier. We envision that this sophisticated nanocarrier, which utilizes both interior pore and exterior surface of nanolids for loading different hydrophobic guest molecules and their subsequent acid responsive release, will undoubtedly, illustrates its remarkable potential in targeted chemotherapy.

Effect of protein, probiotic, and symbiotic supplementation on serum biological health markers of molted layers

Dietary zinc was used to induce molt in 200 White Leghorn birds in caged housing at the age of 70 wk. The birds were equally and randomly allocated to 4 groups each of 50 birds as G1 (control; CP 16%, no supplement), G2 (CP 18%, no other supplement), G3 (CP 16%, symbiotic Perfectin: 85 mg•L(-1) in drinking water daily), and G4 (CP 16%, probiotic Protexin: 85 mg•L(-1) in drinking water daily) after the completion of molt. The sampling was conducted 3 times at 5% production, peak production, and end of production with 15 birds being killed at each sampling from each group to collect the blood for harvesting of serum. Serum health markers including total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, homocysteine concentration, and paraoxonase, arylesterase, and ceruloplasmin activity were determined by the prescribed assays. The overall total antioxidant capacity was increased, whereas total oxidant status and homocysteine concentrations were reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.01) in all the supplemented groups compared with the control. The paraoxonase and ceruloplasmin activity were enhanced (P ≤ 0.01) in the supplemented groups compared with the control, and arylesterase activity was increased (P ≤ 0.01) in only G2 compared with the other groups. Although protein supplementation significantly reduced the oxidative stress, supplementation with symbiotic and probiotic also improved the health status by decreasing the oxidative stress in the birds.

Immunohistochemical localization and morphometry of somatotrophs and lactotrophs in protein, probiotic and symbiotic supplemented molted layers

Two hundred Single Comb White Leg-Horn spent hens at the age of 70 weeks were purchased from a commercial layer farm. The birds were shifted to the Poultry Research Station, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. High dietary zinc (3 g/kg feed/day) was used to induce molting in all the birds after one week of acclimatization. Thereafter, birds were divided in groups of 50 birds each, with the following treatments: G1 [control; crude protein (CP)16%, no other supplement], G2 (CP18%, no other supplement), G3 (CP16%, Symbiotic, 85 mg/L drinking water) and G4 (CP16%, Probiotic, 85 mg/L in drinking water). Fifteen birds were slaughtered at 5% of peak of production for each group to collect their pituitary glands. Better egg production was seen in all the supplemented groups as compared to the control. Especially an earlier post molt production recovery and delayed decline was seen in G2 as compared to all other groups. The immunohistochemistry of the pituitary gland reveals the decrease (P≤0.01) in the cell and nucleus size as well as area of somatotrophs in G2 and G4 as compared to G1. The cell and nucleus size as well as area of lactotrophs decreased (P≤0.01) in G2, G3 and G4 as compared to G1. The better and earlier post molt production in G2 highlights the potential role of protein supplementation in connection with the decreased lactotroph size and area in molted birds.

Quinoacridine derivatives with one-dimensional aggregation-induced red emission property

A new series of acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) type quinoacridine derivatives (1-3) with aggregation-induced red emission properties were designed and synthesized. In these compounds, the electron-withdrawing 2-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)acetonitrile groups act as electron-accepting units, while the alkyl-substituted conjugated core acts as electron-donating units. The restriction of intramolecular rotation was responsible for the AIE behavior of compounds 1-3. All compounds were employed as building blocks to fabricate one-dimensional (1-D) organic luminescent nano- or microwires based on reprecipitation or slow evaporation approaches. Morphological transition from zero-dimensional (0-D) hollow nanospheres to 1-D nanotubes has been observed by recording SEM and TEM images of aggregated sates of compound 2 in THF/H(2)O mixtures at different aging time. It was demonstrated that the synthesized compounds with different lengths of alkyl chains displayed different wire formation properties. The single-crystal X-ray analysis of compound 2 provided reasonable explanation for the formation of 1-D nano- or microstructures.