Electrochemical aptasensor based on zirconium/copper oxides embedded in mesoporous carbon derived from bimetallic metal-organic framework for ultrasensitive detection of miR-21.

A novel electrochemical aptasensor based on bimetallic zirconium and copper oxides embedded within mesoporous carbon (denoted as ZrOCuO@mC) was constructed to detect miRNA. The porous ZrOCuO@mC was created through the pyrolysis of bimetallic zirconium/copper-based metal-organic framework (ZrCu-MOF). The substantial surface area and high porosity of ZrOCuO@mC nanocomposite along with its robust affinity toward aptamer strands, facilitated the effective anchoring of aptamer strands on the ZrOCuO@mC-modified electrode surface.

Effect of curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone scaffold on Achilles tendon repair in rats.

Scaffolds play a crucial role in tendon healing by providing structural support, promoting cell infiltration, and guiding tissue regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL) has been used as a polymer in biological scaffolds for several tissue engineering studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold on Achilles tendon using a tenotomy model in rats.

Upregulated PCAT-1 predicts poor prognosis and reduced immune cell infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through the miR-145-5p / FSCN-1 axis.

Background: LncRNA PCAT-1 is known to promote cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. However, its significance in HNSCC is not fully understood. This research investigates how the PCAT-1 / miR-145-5p / FSCN-1 axis promote HNSCC.

Metal-Coordinated Histidine-Functionalized Redox-Responsive Polyethyleneimine as a Smart Gene Delivery Vector.

Despite significant advancements in gene delivery and CRISPR technology, several challenges remain. Chief among these are overcoming serum inhibition and achieving high transfection efficiency with minimal cytotoxicity. To address these issues, there is a need for novel vectors that exhibit lower toxicity, maintain stability in serum-rich environments, and effectively deliver plasmids of various sizes across diverse cell types.

Targeted co-delivery nanosystem based on methotrexate, curcumin, and PAMAM dendrimer for improvement of the therapeutic efficacy in cervical cancer.

The simultaneous administration of multiple drugs within identical nanocarriers to cancer cells or tissues can result in the effective action of drugs at reduced concentrations. In this investigation, PAMAM dendrimers (G4-PAMAM) were employed to link with methotrexate (MTX) using DCC/NHS chemistry and followed by the entrapment of curcumin (Cur) within it. The establishment of covalent bonds between MTX and the PAMAM dendrimer led to PAMAM-MTX interaction, verified and described through FT-IR.

Tartaric acid, an effective additive to improve the surface properties and bio-corrosion resistance of HA-coated magnesium-based implants.

In this research, tartaric acid was used to enhance the hydroxyapatite coating on AZ31 Mg alloy substrate through post-treatment and direct addition methods, and the corrosion resistance and biological activity of the samples were investigated. The parameters of concentration, immersion time, and pH of the coating solution were optimized by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Direct Current (DC) Polarization techniques. According to EIS results in the post-treatment method, tartaric acid with a concentration of 1 g/L, pH = 9 and immersion time of 2 min, increased the corrosion resistance of hydroxyapatite coating from 3630 to about 18,763 Ω.

Exploiting the synergistic effect of β-cyclodextrin functionalized-multi-walled carbon nanotubes and Zn-MOF for the detection of endocrine-disrupting chemical methylparaben.

Background: The buildup of methylparaben (MP), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative with endocrine-disrupting properties, in environmental sources, especially aquatic systems, has become a significant concern due to its adverse health effects, including allergic reactions, promoting the risk of developing cancer, and inducing reproductive disorders. Hence, introducing inexpensive and easy-to-use monitoring devices for rapid, selective, and sensitive detection and quantification of MP is highly desirable. In this context, electrochemical platforms have proven to be attractive options due to their remarkable features, such as ease of fabrication and use, short response time, and acceptable sensitivity, accuracy, and selectivity.

Innovative capsulation and microencapsulation of plant hormones: a strategy to combat plant pathogens.

One of the prevailing trends in contemporary agriculture is the application of biological control. Nevertheless, several reports suggest that biocontrol bacteria exhibit poor survival rates in host plants. Consequently, the concept of shielding biological control agents by encapsulating them in outer coatings has gained popularity.

Comparison of Ziziphus jujube Mill. Syrup versus polyethylene glycol in children with functional constipation: a randomized clinical trial.

Functional constipation is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in children without specific treatment. Ziziphus jujuba has been used in traditional medicine for various diseases such as constipation. A safe and inexpensive treatment with few side effects can be used as an effective alternative to current medications.

Improving quality of strawberry by novel essential oil nanoemulsions of Echinophora platyloba combined with Aloe vera gel and gum arabic.

Strawberry fruits are highly perishable and have a limited shelf life. Therefore, effective methods such as essential oils (EOs) and edible coatings are required to mitigate spoilage and maintain fruit quality during storage. In the current study, Echinophora platyloba EO was extracted and subsequently formulated into a nanoemulsion.

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan-based bionanocomposite coating reinforced with TiO nanoparticles and carbon quantum dots for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.

Polymer-based nanocomposite coatings that are enhanced with nanoparticles have gained recognition as effective materials for antibacterial purposes, providing improved durability and biocidal effectiveness. This research introduces an innovative chitosan-based polymer nanocomposite, enhanced with titanium oxide nanopowders and carbon quantum dots. The material was synthesized via the sol-gel process and applied to 316L stainless steel through dip-coating.

Flexible and lead-free polymer composites for X-ray shielding: comparison of polyvinyl chloride matrix filled with nanoparticles of tungsten oxides.

Polymer nanocomposites have been investigated as lightweight and suitable alternatives to lead-based clothing. The present study aims to fabricate flexible, lead-free, X-ray-shielding composites using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix and different nanostructures. Four different nanostructures containing impure tungsten oxide, tungsten oxide (WO), barium tungstate (BaWO), and bismuth tungstate (BiWO) were synthesized through various methods.

Fabrication of Cu@Ag core-shell/nafion/polyalizarin: Applications to simultaneous electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction of nitrite in water samples.

In this study, a Cu@Ag core-shell was synthesized using a co-precipitation method. To create a new electrochemical sensor, a Cu@Ag core-shell with conductive polymers such as polyalizarin yellow R (PA) and Nafion (Nf) was immobilized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (Cu@Ag-Nf/PA/GCE). X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were employed to characterize the Cu@Ag-Nf/PA/GCE.

Expression of cytokeratin 19 in prostatic adenocarcinoma: a systematic review.

Background: Cytokeratins are intracellular proteins known as diagnostic biomarkers or prognostic factors for certain cancers. Cytokeratin 19 (CK-19) expression has been proven to have prognostic value for some cancers, but its relationship with others, such as prostate cancer (PCa), remains unclear. This systematic review article aimed to examine the relationship between CK-19 expression and prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC).

Exploring the potential of gemcitabine-metal-organic frameworks in combating pancreatic cancer under ketogenic conditions.

Background: Inadequate treatment responses, chemotherapy resistance, significant heterogeneity, and lengthy treatment durations create an urgent need for new pancreatic cancer therapies. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of gemcitabine-loaded nanoparticles enclosed in an organo-metallic framework under ketogenic conditions in inhibiting the growth of MIA-PaCa-2 cells.

Methods: Gemcitabine was encapsulated in Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and its morphology and size distribution were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) with further characterization including FTIR analysis.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 using optically-active nanocomposite-coated melt-blown masks.

Detection of viruses, including coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), via facile, fast, and optical methods is highly important to control pandemics. In this regard, optically-active nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs) are a wise choice due to their long-term stability, ease of functionalization, and modifications. In this work, a nanocomposite based on NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) and ZIF-67 metal-organic framework (MOF) was designed and synthesized, and decorated on the surface of the melt-blown mask.

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell on poly sorbitol sebacate scaffold under shear stress in a bioreactor.

Mechanical loading plays a pivotal role in regulating bone anabolic processes. Understanding the optimal mechanical loading parameters for cellular responses is critical for advancing strategies in orthopedic bioreactor-based bone tissue engineering. This study developed a poly (sorbitol sebacate) (PSS) filmscaffold with a sorbitol-to-sebacic acid molar ratio of 1:4.

Ultra-compact quintuple-band terahertz metamaterial biosensor for enhanced blood cancer diagnostics.

Cancer and its diverse variations pose one of the most significant threats to human health and well-being. One of the most aggressive forms is blood cancer, originating from bone marrow cells and disrupting the production of normal blood cells. The incidence of blood cancer is steadily increasing, driven by both genetic and environmental factors.

Astaxanthin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles inhibit survival of MKN-45 gastric cancer cell line by modulating JAK2/STAT3/mTOR/PI3K pathway.

Background/aims: Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant global health issue with high incidence rates and poor prognoses, ranking among the top prevalent cancers worldwide. Due to undesirable side effects and drug resistance, there is a pressing need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Understanding the interconnectedness of the JAK2/STAT3/mTOR/PI3K pathway in tumorigenesis and the role of Astaxanthin (ASX), a red ketocarotenoid member of xanthophylls and potent antioxidant and anti-tumor activity, can be effective for cancer treatments.

Effect of curcumin loaded in nanoemulsion basil seed gum coating on the reduction of acrylamide and oil absorption in fried potato strips.

Frying is one of the oldest cooking methods, widely used to prepare crispy and flavorful foods. However, a significant concern with fried foods is the high amount of oil absorption. The application of edible coatings is a common approach to reducing oil absorption in fried potatoes.

Preparation, antioxidant, antibacterial, and in vivo evaluation of pomegranate flower extract nanofibers based on thiolated chitosan and thiolated gelatin for treating aphthous stomatitis.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common condition that manifests as ulcerative lesions in the oral mucosa. In this study, bilayer, mucoadhesive nanofibers loaded with pomegranate flower extract (PFE) were prepared using thiolated gelatin (TGel) and thiolated chitosan (TCS) as the active layer and drug-free polycaprolactone (PCL) as the backing layer. Gelatin (Gel) and chitosan (CS) were successfully thiolated (proven by Ellman's assay, solubility, H NMR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD) and electrospun into active nanofibrous layers with a diameter of 356.

Amide modified cellulose-g-poly acrylic acid as a supple superabsorbent for water retention and soil conditioner.

Acrylamide has high hydrophilic properties due to the presence of hydrophilic amide functional groups and is frequently used to synthesize superabsorbents. However, the toxic and carcinogenic properties of acrylamide have caused environmental concerns. The main goal of this paper is the synthesis of superabsorbent with high water absorption from biodegradable and biocompatible cellulose polymer containing amide groups in the backbone of it instead of grafting harmful acrylamide monomers to cellulose.

Chromic Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers: Preparation, Applications, and the Future.

Physical understanding and determination of different analytes without the need for advanced and additional equipment are highly important, which can be achieved by using stimuli-induced chromic materials. Physical and chemical incorporation of responsive chromophores into different polymers results in the fabrication of chromic polymers. Chromic electrospun nanofibers are prepared using the electrospinning technique, and their stimuli-responsivity is improved due to their high surface-to-volume ratio.

A New Polymeric Hybrid Auxetic Structure Additively Manufactured by Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printing: Machine Learning-Based Energy Absorption Prediction and Optimization.

The significance of this paper is an investigation into the design, development, and optimization of a new polymeric hybrid auxetic structure by additive manufacturing (AM). This work will introduce an innovative class of polymeric hybrid auxetic structure by the integration of an arrow-head unit cell into a missing rib unit cell, which will be fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique, that is, one subset of AM. The auxetic performance of the structure is validated through the measurement of its negative Poisson's ratio, confirming its potential for enhanced energy absorption.