Development and Validation of a Method to Quantify Flavonoids in Leaves of Lithospermum officinale (Boraginaceae).

The common gromwell Lithospermum officinale L. is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. A method to quantify flavonoids in L.

Influence of dynamic load and water on energy accumulation and dissipation in sandstone.

In various engineering projects such as mineral extraction, hydropower resource utilization, railway construction, and geological hazard mitigation, rock engineering is often encountered. Furthermore, dynamic loads and moisture content exert notable influence on the energy transformation processes within rocks. Yet, the specific interplay of dynamic loading and water's impact on the energy conversion mechanism within the sandstone remains unexplored.

Screening of broad-spectrum aptamer and development of electrochemical aptasensor for simultaneous detection of penicillin antibiotics in milk.

Penicillin antibiotics (PENs) play an important role in killing pathogenic bacteria. However, the residues of various penicillin antibiotics in milk gradually accumulate in the human body with the increase of milk intake, which causes direct harm to the human body. Aptamers can be used as recognition element of sensors.

Electric field-assisted laser ablation fabrication and assembly of zinc oxide/carbon nanocomposites into hierarchical structures for supercapacitor electrodes.

One of the major challenges in the field of electrochemical energy storage device performance improvement is the development of suitable synthetic materials for electrodes that can provide high power and high energy density features combined with their long-term stability. Here, we have developed a novel two-step approach based on DC glow discharge plasma pre-treatment of a carbon cloth substrate followed by electric field-assisted laser ablation for the synthesis of ZnO/C nanocomposites in a liquid and their simultaneous assembly into hierarchically organized nanostructures onto the pre-processed carbon cloth to produce a supercapacitor electrode. To form such nanostructures, a processed carbon cloth was included in the electrical circuit as a cathode during laser ablation of zinc in water, while a zinc target served as an anode.

Structural Shifts of the Parvovirus B19 Capsid Receptor-binding Domain: A Peptide Study.

Background: Binding appropriate cellular receptors is a crucial step of a lifecycle for any virus. Structure of receptor-binding domain for a viral surface protein has to be determined before the start of future drug design projects.

Objectives: Investigation of pH-induced changes in the secondary structure for a capsid peptide with loss of function mutation can shed some light on the mechanism of entrance.

Prediction of Zn(V, Nb, Ta)N Monolayers for Optoelectronic Applications.

A new family of ternary nitride materials, Zn(V, Nb, Ta)N monolayers, is predicted. A fabrication mechanism of the Zn(V, Nb, Ta)N monolayers is proposed based on the chemical vapor deposition approach used for their bulk counterparts. The calculations show that these monolayers are thermodynamically and environmentally stable and that the ZnVN monolayer is the most stable and the easiest to synthesize.

Variability of internal standard method calibration factors estimated with a multifactorial Taguchi experiment in the analysis of alcoholic products by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.

This study compares the variability of relative response factors (RRFs) using Taguchi's multifactorial analysis for two internal standard (IS) methods in gas chromatography (GC) for quality control of alcoholic products. Methods where either ethanol or pentan-1-ol was used as an IS were compared. For ten volatile substances prescribed by legislation, the RRFs of both methods were compared under 27 different experimental conditions.

Red Blood Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Polydopamine and Bioactive Glass Composite Nanoformulation for Combined Chemo/Chemodynamic/Photothermal Therapy.

Combinations of different therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy (CT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT), are needed to effectively address evolving drug resistance and the adverse effects of traditional cancer treatment. Herein, a camouflage composite nanoformulation (TCBG@PR), an antitumor agent (tubercidin, Tub) loaded into Cu-doped bioactive glasses (CBGs) and subsequently camouflaged by polydopamine (PDA), and red blood cell membranes (RBCm), was successfully constructed for targeted and synergetic antitumor therapies by combining CT of Tub, CDT of doped copper ions, and PTT of PDA. In addition, the TCBG@PRs composite nanoformulation was camouflaged with a red blood cell membrane (RBCm) to improve biocompatibility, longer blood retention times, and excellent cellular uptake properties.

Dynamic Spectral Modulation Enabled by Conductive Polymer-Integrated Plasmonic Nanodisk-Hole Arrays.

The electrically driven optical performance modulation of the plasmonic nanostructure by conductive polymers provides a prospective technology for miniaturized and integrated active optoelectronic devices. These features of wafer-scale and flexible preparation, a wide spectrum adjustment range, and excellent electric cycling stability are critical to the practical applications of dynamic plasmonic components. Herein, we have demonstrated a large-scale and flexible active plasmonic nanostructure constructed by electrochemically synthesizing nanometric-thickness conductive polymer onto spatially mismatched Au nanodisk-hole (AuND-H) array on the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate, offering low-power electrically driven switching of reflective light in a wide wavelength range of 550-850 nm.

Characteristics of specialists treating hypothyroid patients: the "THESIS" collaborative.

Introduction: Thyroid specialists influence how hypothyroid patients are treated, including patients managed in primary care. Given that physician characteristics influence patient care, this study aimed to explore thyroid specialist profiles and associations with geo-economic factors.

Methods: Thyroid specialists from 28 countries were invited to respond to a questionnaire, Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: an International Survey (THESIS).

Multiple underlying images tuned by Mn-doped Zn-Cu-In-S quantum dots.

In this study, ZnS capped Cu-In-S (ZCIS) quantum dots doped with Mn ions are synthesized by a thermal injection method, with luminescence covering almost the entire visible area. The large Stokes shift effectively inhibits the self-absorption effect under luminescence, and the quantum yield of ZCIS quantum dots increased from 38% to 50% after ZnS capping and further to 69% after doping with Mn. First, red-, yellow-, and blue-emitting quantum dots were synthesized and then, polychromatic ensembles were obtained by mixing the trichromatic quantum dots in a different ratio.

Management of hypertensive crisis in a patient with underlying kidney disease: A case report.

Rationale: This case report elucidates the management of a hypertensive crisis in a patient with underlying kidney disease, shedding light on the intricate interplay between these conditions. This unique case contributes valuable insights to the scientific literature.

Patient Concerns: The patient exhibited severe headache, visual disturbances, and chest pain.

Investigation of NO Role in Neural Tissue in Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.

Nitric oxide (NO) production in injured and intact brain regions was compared by EPR spectroscopy in a model of brain and spinal cord injury in Wistar rats. The precentral gyrus of the brain was injured, followed by the spinal cord at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. Seven days after brain injury, a reduction in NO content of 84% in injured brain regions and 66% in intact brain regions was found.

Incorporation of Pectin into Vaterite Microparticles Prevented Effects of Adsorbed Mucin on Neutrophil Activation.

The application of vaterite microparticles for mucosal delivery depends on their interaction with mucin and immune cells. As we have shown previously, the binding of mucin onto particles enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils. The attenuation of the pro-oxidant effect of the bound mucin through the modification of vaterite could improve its biocompatibility.

Raman scattering and spectroscopic ellipsometry studies of SbS and SbSe bulk polycrystals.

Antimony sulfide (SbS) and antimony selenide (SbSe) compounds have attracted considerable attention for applications in different optoelectronic devices due to their notable optical and electrical properties, and due to the strong anisotropy of these properties along different crystallographic directions. However, the efficient use of these promising compounds still requires significant efforts in characterization of their fundamental properties. In the present study, Raman scattering and spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to investigate the vibrational and optical properties of SbSe and SbS bulk polycrystals grown by the modified Bridgman method.

Sensors Based on Tin and Indium Oxides for the Determination of Acetone in Human Breath.

The properties of planar sensors based on tin dioxide and indium oxide used for the determination of acetone vapors have been studied. Sensors based on synthesized SnO and InO nanopowders showed high sensitivity to low concentrations of acetone in a humid environment which simulates human exhalation. The addition of a small amount of Au ions to hydroxide sols significantly increases the threshold sensitivity and the sensor response in a wide range of acetone concentrations.

Comprehensive review of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Understanding pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and current treatment approaches.

ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by complete coronary artery occlusion, leading to myocardial ischemia and subsequent necrosis. Over the years, STEMI has remained a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its pathophysiology, accurate diagnostic strategies, and effective treatment approaches. This review article aims to thoroughly analyze the current knowledge surrounding STEMI, emphasizing key aspects crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Luminescence of In(III)Cl-etioporphyrin-I.

The luminescent and photophysical properties of the etioporphyrin-I complex with indium(III) chloride, InCl-EtioP-I were experimentally studied at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures in pure and mixed toluene solutions. At 77 K, in a 1:2 mixture of toluene with diethyl ether, the quantum yield of phosphorescence reaches 10.2%, while the duration of phosphorescence is 17 ms.

Thermodynamic Properties of 3- and 4-Ethoxyacetanilides between 80 and 480 K.

In this work, we present a comprehensive study of the thermodynamic properties of 3-and 4-ethoxyacetanilides. The heat capacities in crystalline, liquid, and supercooled liquid states from 80 to 475 K were obtained using adiabatic, differential scanning (DSC), and fast scanning (FSC) calorimetries. The fusion enthalpies at were combined from DSC measurement results and the literature data.

The role of primary health care in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 30 European countries: a retrospective descriptive study (Eurodata study).

Background And Aim: Primary health care (PHC) supported long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in attending COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study is to describe the role of PHC in LTCFs in Europe during the early phase of the pandemic.

Methods: Retrospective descriptive study from 30 European countries using data from September 2020 collected with an ad hoc semi-structured questionnaire.

Photostability and phototoxicity of graphene quantum dots interacting with red blood cells.

Here we discuss fluorescent properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) interacting with the membranes of red blood cells. We report the results of spectroscopic, microscopic, and photon-counting measurements of the GQDs in different surroundings for uncovering specific features of the GQD fluorescence, and describe two observed phenomena important for implementation of the GQDs as fluorescent labels and agents for drug delivery. Firstly, the GQDs can suffer from photodegradation but also can be stabilized in the presence of antioxidants (reduced glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, or 1,4-hydroquinone).

Tsuchime-like Aluminum Film to Enhance Absorption in Ultra-Thin Photovoltaic Cells.

Ultra-thin solar cells enable materials to be saved, reduce deposition time, and promote carrier collection from materials with short diffusion lengths. However, light absorption efficiency in ultra-thin solar panels remains a limiting factor. Most methods to increase light absorption in ultra-thin solar cells are either technically challenging or costly, given the thinness of the functional layers involved.

Differential induction of C6 glioma apoptosis and autophagy by 3β-hydroxysteroid-indolamine conjugates.

In a previous work, we reported the synthesis of four novel indole steroids and their effect on rat C6 glioma proliferation in vitro. The steroid derived from dehydroepiandrosterone and tryptamine (IS-1) was the most active (52 % inhibition at 10 µM), followed by one of the epimers derived from pregnenolone and tryptamine (IS-3, 36 % inhibition at 10 µM). By contrast, the steroid derived from estrone and tryptamine (IS-2) showed negligible activity at 10 µM.

Technology adoption review for ageing well: analysis of technical solutions.

While several technological solutions are available for older adults to improve their wellbeing and quality of life, little is known about the gaps between the needs, provided solutions, and their adoption from a more pragmatic perspective. This paper reports on reviewing existing technological solutions for older adults, which span the work life, life in the community, and wellbeing at home. We analyzed 50 different solutions to uncover both negative and positive features of these solutions from the perspective of the impact of technology adoption on the quality of life of older adults.