Investigating the effect of different filaments and yarn structures on mechanical and physical properties of dual-core elastane composite yarns

Dual-core yarns, containing two filaments within the core of the yarn, have gained increasing commercial and research interest recently, especially in denim manufacturing. The use of multi-components in dual-core yarns allows for tailoring the properties of the yarn and denim fabric. The type of filaments and fibers and their surface characteristics play a role in fiber-to-fiber cohesion within yarn structure. However, little has been reported regarding the effect of different filaments on the properties of dual-core yarns. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of three different filaments, T400, polyester flat (PET flat) and polyester textured (PET textured) as well as two yarn structures, siro versus non-siro, on tensile, elastic and other properties of dual-core yarns at same twist level and linear density of the yarn. The results showed that the siro spun dual-core yarn containing T400 exhibited 25% higher tenacity compared with yarns containing other filaments. However, the plastic deformation of the yarn containing PET flat filament, having a higher initial modulus, was at a relatively lower level compared with T400 and PET textured. Overall, the siro yarn structure showed lower imperfections and higher tenacity compared with the non-siro yarn structure. The dual-core yarn containing T400 showed a higher level of moisture wicking compared with other filaments which can add to the comfort properties but a similar hairiness level. The findings of this study suggest that the use of a filament with a higher initial modulus can improve the stretch and recovery behavior of the dual-core yarns.

Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization, Biological Evaluation, In Silico and Molecular Docking Studies of Pd(II) Complexes with P, S-Donor Ligands

One homoleptic (1) and three heteroleptic (2-4) palladium(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical techniques, i.e., elemental analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, ¹H, ¹³C, and ³¹P NMR. Compound 1 was also confirmed by single crystal XRD, showing a slightly distorted square planar geometry. The antibacterial results obtained via the agar-well diffusion method for compound 1 were maximum among the screen compounds. All the compounds have shown good to significant antibacterial results against the tested bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, except 2 against Klebsiella pneumonia. Similarly, the molecular docking study of compound 3 has shown the best affinity with binding energy scores of -8.6569, -6.5716, and -7.6966 kcal/mol against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Compound 2 has exhibited the highest activity (3.67 µM), followed by compound 3 (4.57 µM), 1 (6.94 µM), and 4 (21.7 µM) against the DU145 human prostate cancer cell line using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) method as compared to cisplatin (>200 µM). The highest docking score was obtained for compounds 2 (-7.5148 kcal/mol) and 3 (-7.0343 kcal/mol). Compound 2 shows that the Cl atom of the compound acts as a chain side acceptor for the DR5 receptor residue Asp B218 and the pyridine ring is involved in interaction with the Tyr A50 residue via arene-H, while Compound 3 interacts with the Asp B218 residue via the Cl atom. The physicochemical parameters determined by the SwissADME webserver revealed that no blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation is predicted for all four compounds, while gastrointestinal absorption is low for compound 1 and high for the rest of the compounds (2-4). As concluding remarks based on the obtained in vitro biological results, the evaluated compounds after in vivo studies might be a good choice for future antibiotics and anticancer agents.

Removal of Chromium (VI) from the Steel Mill Effluents Using the Chemically Modified Leaves of Pteris vittata as Adsorbent

Chromium (Cr), a metal that is released in appreciable amounts from the steel industry into water bodies, is not only the main causative agent of lung cancer in human but also negatively affects the metabolic activities of plants. Keeping in view the hazardous effects of Cr(VI), the present study was aimed to eliminate it from industrial effluents of steel mills installed in Dargai District Malakand, Pakistan, using chemically modified Pteris vittata plant leaves as an adsorbent. The instrumental techniques such as FTIR, surface area analysis, SEM, TGA and EDX were used to evaluate surface functionality, morphology, thermal stability and elemental composition of the modified leaves. To identify the ideal conditions for the biosorption process, batch adsorption tests were carried out under varied conditions of pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, biosorbent dose, as well as temperature. Various models, such as those of Freundlich, Jovanovich, Temkin, Langmuir, and Harkins–Jura, were utilized to explain the isothermal experimental data. The high value of R2 (0.991) was exhibited by the Langmuir model. Pseudo-first-order, power function, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Natarajan–Khalaf models were employed to obtain an insight into kinetics of the process. The highest R2 value, close to unity was recorded with pseudo-second order. At pH = 2, the best elimination of Cr was observed with maximum uptake capacity qmax(66.6 mg/g) as calculated from the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic analysis, which was conducted at different temperatures, showed that the nature of this sorption process was exothermic and spontaneous. The modified leaves-based biosorbent could be used as an alternative adsorbent for effective Cr elimination from water, and its use could be extended to other heavy metals and organic pollutants as well, and further experimentation are needed in this regard.

Spectral, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pyretic, Leishmanicidal, and Molecular Docking Studies, Against Selected Protein Targets, of a New Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloid

A new bisbenzylisoquinoline named as chondrofolinol (1) and four reported compounds (2–5) were isolated and characterized from the roots of Berberis glaucocarpa Stapf. Anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and leishmanicidal studies were performed against carrageenan-induced paw edema, yeast-induced pyrexia, and the promastigotes of Leishmania tropica, respectively. The new compound significantly reduced the paw volume in carrageenan-induced paw edema and rectal temperature in yeast-induced pyrexia at 10 and 20 mg/ kg of body weight. Chondrofolinol caused almost 100% inhibition of the promastigotes of Leishmania tropica. All the compounds displayed minimal cytotoxicity against THP-1 monocytic cells. In order to ascertain the potential macromolecular targets of chondrofolinol responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory and anti-leishmanial activities, a molecular docking study was carried out on relevant protein targets of inflammation and Leishmania. Protein targets of human endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) and human matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) for inflammation and protein targets of N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), and uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) for Leishmania major were selected after thorough literature search about protein targets responsible for inflammation and Leishmania major. Chondrofolinol showed excellent docking to ERAP2 and to MMP-1. The Leishmania major protein targets with the most favorable docking scores to chondrofolinol were NMT, TyrRS, and UGPase. The study indicated that bisbenzylisoquinoline and isoquinoline alkaloids possess anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-leishmanial properties with minimal cytotoxicity and therefore, need to be further explored for their therapeutic potential.

New insights into the spread of resistance to artemisinin and its analogues

Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, has been developing resistance to several drugs worldwide for more than five decades. Initially, resistance was against drugs such as chloroquine, pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine, mefloquine and quinine. Research studies are now reporting parasites with resistance to the most effective and novel drug used against malaria infection worldwide, namely artemisinin. For this reason, the first-line treatment strategy of artemisinin-based combination therapy is becoming unsuccessful in areas where drug resistance is highly prevalent. The increase in artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum strains has threatened international efforts to eliminate malarial infections and to reduce the disease burden. Detection of several phenotypes that display artemisinin resistance, specification of basic genetic factors, the discovery of molecular pathways, and evaluation of its clinical outcome are possible by the current series of research on genomics and transcriptomic levels in Asia and Africa. In artemisinin resistance, slow parasite clearance among malaria-infected patients and enhanced in vitro survival of parasites occurs at the early ring stage. This resistance is due to single nucleotide polymorphisms within the Kelch 13 gene of the parasite and is related to significantly upregulated resistance signalling pathways; thus, the pro-oxidant action of artemisinins can be antagonised. New strategies are required to halt the spread of artemisinin-resistant malarial parasites.

Effective removal of tetracycline from water by batch method using activated carbon, magnetic carbon nanocomposite, and membrane hybrid technology

In this study two adsorbents (activated carbon; AC and magnetic activated carbon; MCN) were prepared from Dalbergia sissoo sawdust and used as potential adsorbents for the removal of tetracycline (TC) from water. Both the adsorbents were characterized by instrumental techniques like energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analyzer and thermal gravimetric/Differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The effect of antibiotic initial concentration, contact-time, pH, adsorbent-dose, and temperature were evaluated to determine optimum adsorption conditions. The optimum TC concentration for both AC and MCN was 120 mg/L while optimum time of saturation for both adsorbents was 120 min. The optimum pH determined was five while optimum adsorbent dose was 0.1 g. The adsorption isothermal data of both sets of experiments was best explained by Langmuir model. The kinetic data was well explained by pseudo-second order kinetics model. The ΔH° (enthalpy change) and ΔSo (entropy change) were; −14.989 and 25.174 kJ/mol for AC and −11.628 and 51.302 kJ/mol for MCN respectively. The values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) calculated for AC were 7.36, −7.99, −7.36, −7.61, and −8.12 kJ/mol while for MCN these were −15.02, −15.53, −16.05, −16.56, and −17.07 kJ/mol corresponding to temperatures; 298, 303, 313, 323, and 333 K. To control fouling in ultra-filtration, nano-filtration, and reverse osmosis membranes caused by TC, and both adsorbents, a continuous stirred reactor was connected in series with membrane pilot plant. The improvement brought about by both adsorbent in parameters like % retention and permeate flux was also evaluated. Comparatively, better improvement was brought about in % retention and permeates flux by MCN.

Physicochemical and instrumental characterization of rice husk and its potential use as a low cost adsorbent for mutagenic dye bromophenol blue

In this study fine powder of rice husk were used as novel adsorbent for the removal of bromophenol dye. Different conventional physicochemical analysis and instrumental techniques were used to characterize the adsorbent. The surface area of the adsorbent was found to be 160.6 m2/g with bulk density of 1.139 g/dm3. Proximate and ultimate analysis showed that the selected material is a rich source of carbon with the advantage of not having Sulphur contents. FTIR and SEM analysis confirmed the surface modification via aqua regia in comparison to parental material (that have enhanced its surface porosity). The maximum uptake capacity (0.8 mg/g) of dye was reached at pH 3, 20 ppm of adsorbate concentration, and 0.5 g of treated rice husk dosage at room temperature and 60 min of equilibrium time. The equilibrium adsorption data was best explained by Freundlich adsorption isotherm with R 2 value of 0.998. Kinetic studies revealed that adsorption follows pseudo second order kinetic model with R 2 value of 0.997, K 2 equal to 0.831 (g/mg min), and q e value of 0.97 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters (∆S° = 6.78 J/mol, ∆H° = 1501 J/mol, ∆G° −1.50, 0.5, 0.621 and 0.0787 kJ/mol corresponding to 293, 303, 313 and 333 K) pointed towards the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the process.

Chemically modified Quercus dilatata plant leaves for Pb (II), Cd (II), and Cr (VI) ions remediation from aqueous solution

The current investigation deals with the removal of Pb (II), Cd (II), and Cr (VI) ions by using chemically modified Quercus dilatata leaves (CMQDL) treated with nitric acid (HNO3), and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Batch biosorption experiments were performed to determine the optimal conditions of pH, biomass dose, temperature, contact time, and initial metal concentration for the utmost removal of heavy metals from water. The structural morphology and functionalities were explained by SEM and FTIR analysis. The maximum biosorption capacities for remediation of Pb (II), Cd (II), and Cr (VI) ions via CMQDL were 17.54, 20.408, 20.83 mg g−1, respectively at the optimal conditions. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm were applied to explore the equilibrium data however Freundlich isotherm model best evaluate the equilibrium data with high regression correlation coefficient (R2) values of 0.985, 0.826, and 0.919 for the elimination of Pb (II) Cd (II), and Cr (VI) ions, respectively. The kinetic study proposed that the remediation operation best obeyed the kinetic pseudo 2nd order model. The calculated thermodynamics functions like change in entropy (ΔS°), change in enthalpy (ΔH°) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) revealed that the removal of Pb (II) ions via the CMQDL was viable, exothermic and spontaneous, Cd (II) was endothermic and spontaneous and Cr (VI) was endothermic and non-spontaneous. The current study explored that CMQDL can be used for the remediation of Pb (II), Cd (II), and Cr (VI) ions, respectively.

Antiglycation Activity of N, N-Diethylthiobarbiturates Derivatives

Background:

Previous identification of N,N-diethylthiobarbiturates as potential α-glucosidase inhibitory potential prompted us to investigate the antiglycation activity of these synthetic compounds (1-25) in order to identify the lead candidates for their possible antidiabetic potential.

Methods:

Synthetic compounds (1-25) were evaluated for their antiglycation activity using Bovine Serum Albumin assay (BSA).

Results:

Compounds exhibited varying degree of inhibition in the range of IC50 = 61.16 ± 2.3 - 656.71 ± 2.5 µM as compared to the standard rutin (IC50 = 294.5 ± 1.50 µM). Among the twenty five synthetic molecules, seven compounds showed good activity in comparison with the standard. Compound 4 (IC50 = 61.16 ± 2.3 µM) having hydroxy substituents was the most active molecule of the library. This study revealed that compound 4 has dual acting antidibetic molecule.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the synthetic N,N-diethylthiobarbiturates can act as lead molecules. Furthermore, synthetic variations on N,N-diethylthiobarbituric acid moiety might be helpful in generating a library of potential anti diabetic agent. Especially, compound 4 has been identified as dual acting antidiabetic agent i.e. α-glucosidase inhibitor and antiglycating agent.

Green nanotechnology: a review on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles - an ecofriendly approach

Background: Nanotechnology explores a variety of promising approaches in the area of material sciences on a molecular level, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are of leading interest in the present scenario. This review is a comprehensive contribution in the field of green synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of AgNPs using different biological sources. Methods: Biosynthesis of AgNPs can be accomplished by physical, chemical, and green synthesis; however, synthesis via biological precursors has shown remarkable outcomes. In available reported data, these entities are used as reducing agents where the synthesized NPs are characterized by ultraviolet-visible and Fourier-transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Modulation of metals to a nanoscale drastically changes their chemical, physical, and optical properties, and is exploited further via antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, and cardioprotective activities. Results showed excellent growth inhibition of the microorganism. Conclusion: Novel outcomes of green synthesis in the field of nanotechnology are appreciable where the synthesis and design of NPs have proven potential outcomes in diverse fields. The study of green synthesis can be extended to conduct the in silco and in vitro research to confirm these findings.

Thermodynamic and kinetic insights into plant-mediated detoxification of lead, cadmium, and chromium from aqueous solutions by chemically modified Salvia moorcroftiana leaves

Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects for the biosorptive removal of Pb, Cd, and Cr metals from water using Chemically Modified Leaves of Salvia moorcroftiana (CMSML) were determined. Different parameters including pH, temperature, metal's initial concentration, biomass dosage, and contact time were optimized. Optimum biosorptions of Pb, Cd, and Cr were attained at pH values of 6.0, 7.0, and 3.0 respectively. Batch experiments showed maximum removal of both Pb and Cd at 40 °C and that of Cr at 30 °C. Biosorption capability of CMSML was observed to decrease with raising temperature. Optimal equilibrium times for Pb, Cd, and Cr uptake were 120, 60, and 120 min respectively. Based on the values of regression correlation coefficients (R²), the current data is explained better by applying Langmuir isotherms than the Freundlich model. Maximum biosorbent capabilities (q_max) for Pb, Cd, and Cr were approximately 270.27, 100.00, and 93.45 mg/g respectively. Thermodynamically, removal of all the three metal ions was shown to be exothermic and spontaneous.

Modeling a Fast-Slow Bitrophic Food Chain with Harvesting

In the present paper, the Rosenzweig-MacArthur predator-prey model (RM), which is a bitrophic food chain model, is considered. We develop the model by adding two assumptions. First, we assume that both species are of economic interest, that is can be harvested. Second, we assume that each specie has its own time scale which range from fast for the prey to slow for the predator. We consider that both the death rate and the catch of the predator are very small which leads to a fast-slow dynamical system. That is, the RM model is transformed into a singular perturbed system with a perturbation parameter E in the set [0,1]. The existence and stability of equilibria are discussed for E > 0. The model experiences both transcritical and Hopf bifurcations for E>0. The singular perturbation model at E = 0 is discussed by separating the system into two subsystems; fast and slow and studying them simultaneously. When 0<E<1, the model is discussed using geometric singular perturbation techniques. The solution of the model is approximated on the slow manifold and the numerical simulations give very good results for E = 0.005.

Formulation and characterization of glass-ceramics based on Na2Ca2Si3O9-Ca5(PO4)3F-Mg2SiO4-system in relation to their biological activity

Glasses having a chemical composition based on combeite [Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9)]-fluoroapatite [Ca(5)(PO(4))(3)F] and forsterite [Mg(2)SiO(4)] system were crystallized through controlled heat-treatment. Two forms of sodium calcium silicate e.g. combeite Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9) and pectolite Na(2)CaSi(3)O(8), were formed together with diopside (CaMgSi(2)O(6)) and monticellite (CaMgSiO(4)) in addition to fluoroapatite (Ca(5)(PO(4))(3)F) phases by thermal treatment of the glasses. Selected glass-ceramics were exposed to a simulated body fluid solution (SBF) which is close to human plasma for 3 weeks. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis confirmed the formation of an apatite layer which indicate bioactivity in the all crystallized sample. A decreasing of surface bioactivity with increasing Mg(2)SiO(4)/Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9) replacement was observed as indicated by the decrease in the amount of apatite layer on the surface of the crystallized specimens. The Vicker's microhardness of the studied glass-ceramic materials are between 5,047 and 6,781 MPa.

Autoerythrocyte sensitization (Gardner-Diamond) syndrome

We describe the clinical presentation and course of a patient with autoerythrocyte sensitization (Gardner-Diamond) syndrome, and review the literature for similar cases. A 37-yr-old female presented with recurrent episodes of painful ecchymotic bruising over the anterior aspect of both thighs. These episodes were precipitated by emotional stress. The diagnosis was confirmed by induction of similar lesions by intradermal injection of the patient's own washed red blood cells and hemoglobin. The lesions did not recur for 6 months after the cause of her emotional stress was relieved. Autoerythrocyte sensitization (Gardner-Diamond) syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of purpura, especially in patients with psychiatric problems.

Burn scar carcinoma. Diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

The term Marjolin ulcer is now synonymous with malignant transformation of chronic ulcers, sinus tracts, and burn scars.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the importance of incisional or excisional biopsies in cases of suspected burn scar carcinoma.

METHODS

Case report and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Multiple punch biopsies were negative while a complete excision revealed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Because of the focal nature of malignant change in burn scars, incisional or excisional biopsy should be performed.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and cutaneous carcinomas

A patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome who developed basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas on the limb affected by the vascular malformation, is reported. The nature of this association is discussed.

Nonhealing leg ulcers: a manifestation of basal cell carcinoma

Seven patients with basal cell carcinomas presenting as nonhealing ulcers are reported. The importance of considering malignancy and taking biopsy specimens of leg ulcers that fail to respond to treatment is emphasized.

The role of chemical peeling in the treatment of photodamaged skin

Management of the aging face involves evaluation of the degree of solar elastosis, rhytidosis, and the structural changes associated with senescent skin. Chemical facial exfoliation is divided into deep, medium, and superficial based upon depth of penetration of the caustic agent used. Knowledge of the appropriate indications and technique are essential in obtaining optimal clinical results.

Acrokeratoelastoidosis

Two cases of acrokeratoelastoidosis comprised of smooth shiny papules on the hands, feet and legs, are reported. Focal acral hyperkeratosis, degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands and keratoelastoidosis marginalis of the hands are three closely related conditions.

Prognostic factors in thin cutaneous malignant melanoma

A small subset of patients with thin (less than 0.76 mm thick) primary cutaneous malignant melanomas develop metastases. Features that may help differentiate higher and lower risk lesions in this thickness range are reported to include the patient's age and sex, anatomic site and diameter of the primary lesion, Clark level of invasion, development of a vertical growth phase, the mitotic index, ulceration, regression, and cellular aneuploidy. In this report, we review the literature regarding the significance of these factors on the patient's prognosis.

Lichen planopilaris: a clinicopathologic study

Three clinicopathologic variants of lichen planopilaris are described. The first is characterized clinically by individual keratotic follicular papules and histologically by a lichenoid inflammatory cell infiltrate confined to the follicular epithelium. The second variant consists of erythematous to violaceous plaques, some of which show follicular prominence; the histologic appearance is that of a lichenoid inflammatory cell infiltrate that affects both follicular and interfollicular areas. The third variant manifests as follicular papules of the scalp with concomitant or subsequent cicatricial alopecia. In this variant the histologic hallmark is a lichenoid, follicular and interfollicular inflammation, associated with or followed by scarring. Overlap among the three variants exists, and hence the concept of a disease spectrum ranging from pure follicular involvement without evidence of clinical scarring to cicatricial alopecia of the scalp is advocated.

Actinic lichen planus. A clinicopathologic study of 16 patients

The clinical and histopathologic features of actinic lichen planus in 16 patients were studied. The majority of the patients were young, and men and women were almost equally affected. The relative incidence of this condition, compared with the incidence of all forms of lichen planus, was smaller than that reported in the literature. The eruption was distributed over sun-exposed areas, with particular predilection for the face. Covered areas and mucous membranes were spared except for one patient who had involvement of the vermilion border of the lower lip. In most cases the lesions consisted of erythematous brownish plaques with an annular configuration. Less commonly, discrete and confluent papules and hypermelanotic patches, sometimes assuming a melasma-like appearance, were present. The prominent histopathologic features consisted of an interface dermatitis characterized by coarse vacuolar degeneration of the basal cell layer, a mid-dermal perivascular predominantly lymphocytic inflammatory cell infiltrate, and a significant degree of pigment incontinence. Parakeratosis, eczematous changes confined to the follicular epithelium, and a variable degree of solar elastosis were seen in some patients. Mucin deposition was noted in the reticular dermis in two cases.

Idiopathic vulvar calcinosis: the counterpart of idiopathic scrotal calcinosis

An asymptomatic nodule over the right labium majus of a 13-year-old girl is described. Examination of an excisional biopsy specimen revealed a well-circumscribed lobular mass of calcium deposits. No underlying laboratory abnormalities were detected. The lesion most likely represents the female counterpart of idiopathic scrotal calcinosis.

Actinic lichen planus mimicking melasma. A clinical and histopathologic study of three cases

Three cases of actinic lichen planus mimicking melasma are presented. Although the clinical similarity to melasma is striking, the histopathologic picture is distinctive. It is suggested that actinic lichen planus be considered in the differential diagnosis of melasma.

Eosinophilic fasciitis terminating as progressive systemic sclerosis in a child

A child with clinicopathological features of eosinophilic fasciitis terminated in progressive systemic sclerosis. The clinical and laboratory similarities and disparities between these two conditions are presented.