Silver-coated PMMA nanoparticles-on-a-mirror substrates as high-performance SERS sensors for detecting infinitesimal molecules.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology has attracted more and more attention due to its high sensitivity, low water interference, and quick measurement. Constructing high-performance SERS substrates with high sensitivity, uniformity and reproducibility is of great importance to put the SERS technology into practical application. In this paper, we report a simple fabrication process to construct dense silver-coated PMMA nanoparticles-on-a-mirror SRES substrates.

Real-time monitoring by interferometric light microscopy of phage suspensions for personalised phage therapy.

Phage therapy uses viruses (phages) against antibiotic resistance. Tailoring treatments to specific patient strains requires stocks of various highly concentrated purified phages. It, therefore, faces challenges: titration duration and specificity to a phage/bacteria couple; purification affecting stability; and highly concentrated suspensions tending to aggregate.

Graphene metamaterial solar absorber using Al-TiN-Fe for efficient solar thermal energy conversion and optimization using machine learning.

The contributed absorber design in graphene addition with the displacement of three materials for resonator design in Aluminum (Al), the middle substrate position with Titanium nitride (TiN), and the ground layer deposition by Iron (Fe) respectively. For the absorption validation highlight, the best four absorption wavelengths (µm) of 0.29, 0.

Application of green silver nano-particles as anti-bacterial and photo-catalytic degradation of azo dye in wastewater.

Ensuring everyone enjoys healthy lifestyles and well-being at all ages, Progress has been made in increasing access to clean water and sanitation facilities and reducing the spread of epidemics and diseases. The synthesis of nano-particles (NPs) by using microalgae is a new nanobiotechnology due to the use of the biomolecular (corona) of microalgae as a capping and reducing agent for NP creation. This investigation explores the capacity of a distinct indigenous microalgal strain to synthesize silver nano-particles (AgNPs), as well as its effectiveness against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and its ability to degrade Azo dye (Methyl Red) in wastewater.

Advanced analysis via statistical physics model to study the efficiency of catechol removal from wastewater using Brazil nut shell activated carbon.

This paper presented the preparation, characterization, and adsorption properties of Brazil nut shell activated carbon for catechol removal from aqueous solutions. The equilibrium adsorption of catechol molecules on this activated was experimentally quantified at pH 6 and temperatures ranging from 25 to 55 °C, and at 25 °C and pH ranging from 6 to 10. These results were utilized to elucidate the role of surface functionalities through statistical physics calculations.

Multi-environment and multi-parameter screening of stability and coating efficiency of gold nanoparticle bioconjugates in application media.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their biocompatible conjugates find wide use as transducers in (bio)sensors and as Nano-pharmaceutics. The study of the interaction between AuNPs and proteins in representative application media helps to better understand their intrinsic behaviors. A multi-environment, multi-parameter screening strategy is proposed based on asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4)-multidetector.

ALCAM is an entry factor for severe community acquired Pneumonia-associated Human adenovirus species B.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a widely spread respiratory pathogen that can cause infections in multiple tissues and organs. Previous studies have established an association between HAdV species B (HAdV-B) infection and severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). However, the connection between SCAP-associated HAdV-B infection and host factor expression profile in patients has not been systematically investigated.

Ultrathin polymer membrane for improved hole extraction and ion blocking in perovskite solar cells.

Highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in the n-i-p structure have demonstrated limited operational lifetimes, primarily due to the layer-to-layer ion diffusion in the perovskite/doped hole-transport layer (HTL) heterojunction, leading to conductivity drop in HTL and component loss in perovskite. Herein, we introduce an ultrathin (~7 nm) p-type polymeric interlayer (D18) with excellent ion-blocking ability between perovskite and HTL to address these issues. The ultrathin D18 interlayer effectively inhibits the layer-to-layer diffusion of lithium, methylammonium, formamidium, and iodide ions.

Strontium isoscape of sub-Saharan Africa allows tracing origins of victims of the transatlantic slave trade.

Strontium isotope (Sr/Sr) analysis with reference to strontium isotope landscapes (Sr isoscapes) allows reconstructing mobility and migration in archaeology, ecology, and forensics. However, despite the vast potential of research involving Sr/Sr analysis particularly in Africa, Sr isoscapes remain unavailable for the largest parts of the continent. Here, we measure the Sr/Sr ratios in 778 environmental samples from 24 African countries and combine this data with published data to model a bioavailable Sr isoscape for sub-Saharan Africa using random forest regression.

Operando real-space imaging of a structural phase transformation in the high-voltage electrode LiNiMnO.

Discontinuous solid-solid phase transformations play a pivotal role in determining the properties of rechargeable battery electrodes. By leveraging operando Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI), we investigate the discontinuous phase transformation in LiNiMnO within an operational Li metal coin cell. Throughout Li-intercalation, we directly observe the nucleation and growth of the Li-rich phase within the initially charged Li-poor phase in a 500 nm particle.

The highly rugged yet navigable regulatory landscape of the bacterial transcription factor TetR.

Transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) are important sources of evolutionary innovations. Understanding how evolution navigates the sequence space of such sites can be achieved by mapping TFBS adaptive landscapes. In such a landscape, an individual location corresponds to a TFBS bound by a transcription factor.

Accurate stacking engineering of MOF nanosheets as membranes for precise H sieving.

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet membranes hold promise for exact molecular transfer due to their structural diversity and well-defined in-plane nanochannels. However, achieving precise regulation of stacking modes between neighboring nanosheets in membrane applications and understanding its influence on separation performance remains unrevealed and challenging. Here, we propose a strategy for accurately controlling the stacking modes of MOF nanosheets via linker polarity regulation.

A novel de novo GABRA2 gene missense variant causing developmental epileptic encephalopathy in a Chinese patient.

Background: Variants in the GABRA2 gene, which encodes the α2 subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor, have been linked to a rare form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) referred to as DEE78. Only eight patients have been reported globally. This study presents the clinical presentation and genetic analysis of a Chinese family with a child diagnosed with DEE78, due to a novel GABRA2 variant.

Tailoring Robust 2D Nanochannels by Radical Polymerization for Efficient Molecular Sieving.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanochannels have demonstrated outstanding performance for sieving specific molecules or ions, owing to their uniform molecular channel sizes and interlayer physical/chemical properties. However, controllably tuning nanochannel spaces with specific sizes and simultaneously achieving high mechanical strength remain the main challenges. In this work, the inter-sheet gallery d-spacing of graphene oxide (GO) membrane is successfully tailored with high mechanical strength via a general radical-induced polymerization strategy.

Amorphous Carbon Monolayer: A van der Waals Interface for High-Performance Metal Oxide Semiconductor Devices.

Ultrasmall-scale semiconductor devices (≤5 nm) are advancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. However, the further scaling of these devices poses critical challenges, such as interface properties and oxide quality, particularly at the high-/semiconductor interface in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices. Existing interlayer (IL) methods, typically exceeding 1 nm thickness, are unsuitable for ultrasmall-scale devices.

Expanding molecular and clinical spectrum of CPT1C-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG73)-a case series.

Autosomal-dominant variants in the CPT1C gene have been associated with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 73 (SPG73), which typically presents with slowly progressive lower limb weakness and spasticity and is therefore considered a pure form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. However, we report two unrelated males with novel CPT1C variants (NM_001199753.2: patient 1: c.

Multi-Functional Bio-HJzyme Engineered Polyetheretherketone Implant with Cascade-Amplification Therapeutic Capabilities Toward Intractable Implant-Associated Infections.

Intractable implant-associated infections (IAIs) are the primary cause of prosthetic implant failure, particularly in the context of diabetes mellitus. There is an urgent need to design and construct versatile engineered implants integrated with cascade amplification therapeutic modality to significantly improve the treatment of diabetic IAIs. To address this issue, a multi-functional MXene/AgPO@glucose oxidase bio-heterojunction enzyme (M/A@GOx bio-HJzyme) coating is developed, which is decorated with an inert sulfonated polyetheretherketone implant (SP-M/A@G) via hydrothermal treatment and layered deposition.

Torsional Structural Relaxation Caused by Pt-Pt Bond Formation in the Photoexcited Dimer of Pt(II) N ̂ C ̂ N Complex in Solution.

[Pt(NCN)MeCN] (NCN = 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene, MeCN = acetonitrile) forms oligomers in the ground state due to metallophilic interactions, and a Pt-Pt bond is formed with photoexcitation. Ultrafast excited-state dynamics of the [Pt(NCN)MeCN] dimer in acetonitrile is investigated by femtosecond time-resolved absorption (TA) and picosecond emission spectroscopy. The femtosecond TA signals exhibit 60 cm oscillations arising from the Pt-Pt stretching motion in the S dimer.

Successful Multi-Modal Laser Intervention and Histopathological Evaluation of Multiple Glomangiomas.

Objectives: Glomangiomas are benign vascular malformations that exist within the spectrum of glomuvenous malformations which consist of varying amounts of glomus cells, vascular spaces, and smooth muscle. Glomangiomas are often treated due to associated pain, particularly when located on pressure areas such as the back or extensor surfaces, which can cause difficulty with certain activities and occupational functions. Histologically glomangiomas consist of prominent dilated vascular spaces lined by glomus cells typically situated in the deep-dermis to subcutaneous fat which limits treatment to modalities capable of reaching the depth of the tumor including excision, sclerotherapy, and laser therapy.

Enhancing the efficacy of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Beta-carotene conjugation for improved anti-microbial and anti-tumor therapy for Dental Application.

The increasing prevalence of dental pathogens and oral cancer calls for new therapeutic agents. Nanoparticle (NPs) based tumor therapy enables precise targeting and controlled drug release, improving anti-cancer treatment efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Zinc oxide NPs (ZnO NPs) are notable in nanomedicine for their exceptional physicochemical and biological properties.

Hyaluronic acid-targeted topotecan liposomes improve therapeutic efficacy against lung cancer in animals.

Lung cancer, as a serious threat to human health and life, necessitating urgent treatment and intervention. In this study, we prepared hyaluronic acid (HA)-targeted topotecan liposomes for site-specific delivery to tumor cells. The encapsulation efficiency, stability, chemical structure, and morphology of HA-targeted topotecan liposomes were studied, and the release properties, cellular uptake capacity, and therapeutic efficacy of topotecan were further investigated.

Comparing the effectiveness of curcumin and papain in wound dresses based on chitosan nanoparticle.

In this study, chitosan/curcumin (CS/Cur) and chitosan/papain (CS/Pa) nanoparticles were prepared and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential light scattering (DLS). Subsequently, release rate, porosity, swelling, degradability, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cell viability tests were conducted to investigate and compare the healing potential of the nanoparticles for various types of wounds. The results of FTIR, XRD, and DLS indicated that the nanoparticles were manufactured correctly with a hydrodynamic diameter of 429 nm (CS/Cur) and 460 nm (CS/Pa), and zeta potential of 4.

Wound healing activity of green synthesized copper nanoparticles through cell proliferation-migration, antimicrobial effects, and nitric oxide triggering.

The present experimental study aimed to assess the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of green synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by the methanol extract of (Boiss), as a plant with various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, in traditional and modern medicine. The precipitation approach was used for the green synthesis of CuNPs by mixing the methanol and copper sulfate solution. Cell viability and fibroblast proliferation assay were performed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay.

Role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for the management of peri-implant diseases among habitual nicotinic product users: A systematic review.

Objective: The objective was to systematically review original studies that assessed the influence of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for managing peri-implant diseases among habitual nicotinic product (NP) users.

Methods: The research question was "Is aPDT effective for managing peri-implant diseases among NP users?" Indexed databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge) and Google Scholar were searched up to and including December 2024 without time and language barriers. Using Boolean operators, the following keywords were searched in different combinations: antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; crestal bone loss; peri-implant diseases; probing depth; nicotine; and smoking.

The cysteine protease legumain decreases glucose metabolism and enhances fatty acid uptake in human myotubes.

Skeletal muscle has an important role in whole body energy metabolism and various proteases are involved in skeletal muscle functions. We have previously identified the cysteine protease legumain in cultured human skeletal muscle cells. However, the potential role of legumain in regulation of energy metabolism remains unexplored.