A unique method for synthesizing a surface modifier for metallic hydrogen permeable mem-branes based on non-classic bimetallic pentagonally structured Pd-Pt nanoparticles has been de-veloped. It was found that nanoparticles had unique hollow structure. This significantly reduces the cost of their production due to economical use of metal. According to the results of electro-chemical studies, synthesized bimetallic Pd-Pt/Pd-Ag modifier showed excellent catalytic activi-ty (up to 60.72 mA cm–2), long-term stability and resistance to COads poisoning in alkaline oxida-tion reaction of methanol. The membrane with pentagonally structured Pd-Pt/Pd-Ag modifier showed the highest hydrogen permeation flux density up to 27.3 mmol s–1 m–2. Obtained hy-drogen flux density were 2 times higher than that for membranes with classic Pdblack/Pd-Ag modifier and an order of magnitude higher than that for unmodified membrane. Since the rate of transcrystalline hydrogen transfer through a membrane increased, while the speed of transfer through defects remained unchanged, a one and a half times rise in selectivity of the developed Pd-Pt/Pd-Ag membranes was recorded and it amounted to 3514. Achieved results are due to both the synergistic effect of the combination of Pd and Pt metals in the modifier composition and the large number of available catalytically active centers, which are present as a result of non-classic morphology with high-index facets. The specific faceting, defect structure and unusual properties provide great opportunities for the application of nanoparticles in the areas of membrane reac-tors, electrocatalysis, petrochemical and hydrogen industries.

Two methods for Pd nanoparticle synthesis were explored with three different carbide-derived carbon (CDC) support materials of which one was nitrogen-doped. These materials were studied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M KOH solution. The prepared CDC/Pd catalysts were characterized using TEM, XRD and XPS. Using these methods, we can observe the influence of support materials for one-pot synthesis methods as we use the standard citrate method and polyol method with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent. Comparing the two methods N-doping of carbon material resulted in smaller nanoparticles only in the case of citrate synthesis, suggesting that the influence of support is weaker using polyol method. Citrate method on CDC1, which was predominantly microporous led to a higher degree of agglomeration and larger particle formation in comparison to CDC2 and CDC3 supports, which possessed higher degree of mesoporosity. Smaller Pd particle sizes were achieved using citrate and NaBH4 in comparison to the ethylene glycol-PVP method. CDC2 and CDC3 did not show significant difference suggesting that the N-doping did not have much of an influence on the ORR. Highest SA value was observed on CDC1/Pd_Cit, which could be attributed to formation of larger particles and agglomerates.

Background: Bacteria, among the earliest life forms on Earth, are integral to both human health and environmental ecosystems. They contribute to essential processes such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune defense, and play key roles in the biogeochemical cycles that sustain life. Objective: This paper explores the indispensable role of bacteria in human life and environmental health, emphasizing their contributions to digestion, nutrient absorption, immune protection, and ecosystem functioning. It also discusses advances in understanding the human microbiome and their implications for health and therapeutic interventions. Methods: The study reviews existing literature on the human microbiome, probiotics, and the role of bacteria in environmental nutrient cycling. It analyses experimental evidence and case studies, particularly focusing on the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a therapeutic tool. Metagenomic analysis techniques are examined to highlight the diversity and functionality of gut bacteria. Results: Bacteria are found to be essential for breaking down food, providing vital nutrients, and protecting against pathogens. They play a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system and are involved in the biogeochemical cycles necessary for ecosystem health. Metagenomic analysis reveals significant variations in bacterial populations associated with health and disease, emphasizing the importance of a balanced microbiota. FMT shows promise as an effective treatment for various diseases, including gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neurological disorders. Conclusions: Bacteria are crucial for human health and environmental stability. Maintaining a balanced microbiota is vital for overall well-being, and interventions such as probiotics and FMT can offer significant health benefits. Future research should focus on further understanding the complex interactions between bacteria and their hosts to develop targeted therapies for various health conditions.

The aim of this study was to clarify effects of 3-week work-matched high-intensity intermittent cycling training (HIICT) with different cadences on VO2max in university athletes. Eighteen university athletes performed HIICT with either 60 rpm (n = 9) or 120 rpm (n = 9). HIICT consisted of eight sets of 20-s exercise with a 10-s passive rest between each sets. The initial training intensity was set at 135% of VO2 max and was decreased by 5% every two sets. Athletes in both groups performed 9 sessions of HIICT during 3-week. The total work-load and achievement rate of the work load calculated before experiments in each group were used for analysis. VO2max was measured pre and post-training. After 3-week of training, no significant differences in the total work-load and achievement rate of the work load were found between the two groups. VO2max similarly increased in both groups from pre to post training (p = 0.016), with no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.680). These results suggest that cadence during HIICT is not training variable affecting effect of VO2max.

This research aims to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods, specifically Artificial Immune Systems (AIS), to design an optimal control strategy for a multivariable control plant. Two specific industrial control approaches are investigated: I-PD (Integral-Proportional Derivative) and PI-D (Proportional-Integral Derivative) control. The motivation for using these variations of PID controllers is that they are functionally implemented in modern industrial controllers, where they provide precise process control. The research results in a novel solution to the control synthesis problem for the industrial system. In particular, the research deals with the synthesis of I-P control for a two-loop system in the technological process of a distillation column. This synthesis is carried out using the AIS algorithm, which is the first application of this technique in this specific context. Methodological approaches are proposed to improve the performance of industrial multivariable control systems by effectively using optimization algorithms and establishing modified quality criteria. The numerical performance index ISE justifies the effectiveness of the AIS-based controllers in comparison with conventional PID controllers (ISE₁ = 1.865, ISE₂ = 1.56). The problem of synthesis of the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control system is solved, considering the interconnections due to the decoupling procedure.

Thin Pd-40%Cu films were obtained by the classical melting and rolling method, magnetron sputtering and modified with nanostructured functional coatings to intensify the process of hydrogen transport. The films were modified by electrodeposition according to the classical method of obtaining palladium black and "Pd-Au nanoflowers" with spherical and pentagonal particles, respectively. The experiment results demonstrated the highest catalytic activity (89.47 mA cm–2), good resistance to CO poisoning and long-term stability of Pd-40%Cu films with a pentagonal structured coating. The investigation of the developed membranes in the hydrogen transport processes in the temperature range of 25-300°C also demonstrated high and stable fluxes up to 475.28 mmol s–1 m–2 (deposited membranes) and 59.41 mmol s–1 m–2 (dense-metal membranes), which turned out to be up to 1.5 higher compared to membrane materials with classic niello. For all-metal modified membranes, the increase in flux was up to 7 times, compared with a smooth membrane made of pure palladium, and for deposited films, this difference was several tens of times. The membrane materials selectivity was also high up to 4419. The developed strategy for modifying membrane materials with functional coatings of a fundamentally new complex geometry can shed new light on the development and fabrication of durable and highly selective palladium-based membranes for gas steam reformers.

Novel mechanism of ccRCC progression is essential, including PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2 in histone-modifying and chromatin remodeling genes. The study aimed to investigate VHL, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2. BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 expression in ccRCC primary cancers and metastatic tissues associated with the cancer dissemination. A total of 62 patients with RCC were enrolled in the study. Investigation of mRNA level of VHL, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2. PCR in real-time performed BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 with the previous RNA isolation. Western Blotting analysis was used for detecting the p-VHL protein content in tissues. The VHL expression and p-VHL content determined the aggressive cancer behavior and elevated in disseminated tumors. The cancer dissemination was accompanied by an increase in both mRNA and VHL content. The PD-L2 prevalence in metastatic cancers is crucial in tumor progression. ccRCC progression in VHL overexpression is associated with the decrease in BAP1 gene expression. It is revealed the heterogeneity in molecular markers in primary tumors and metastases. The low mRNA level of BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 in metastases compared with primary tumors were found. We show a novel mechanism for VHL tumor progression and present a new instrument and factor targeting tumor-related pathologies with p-VHL/HIF altered function.

The goal of this research is to determine the optimal microwave-assisted sol-gel synthesis pa-rameters of TiO2 nanoparticles with the achievement of the crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles with the highest specific surface area and the lowest energy band gap. Titanium isopropoxide was used as a precursor to prepare the sol (colloidal solution) of TiO2, isopropanol as a solvent, acetylacetone for complexation, and nitric acid as a catalyst. Four samples of titanium dioxide were synthesized from the prepared colloidal solution in a microwave reactor at a temperature of 150 °C for 30 minutes and at a temperature of 200 °C for 10, 20, and 30 minutes. The phase composition of the prepared samples was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms were used to determine the spe-cific surface area and pore size distributions by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The band gap energy values of the TiO2 samples were determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). CrystallineTiO2 nanoparticles with the highest specific surface area and the lowest energy band gap were obtained for the TiO2 sample synthesized at 200 °C for 10 minutes.

The characteristics of gap plasmon formed by nanoparticle-on-mirror (NPOM) structure composed of metal nanoparticles (MNP) and metal thin films have aroused the interest of various optoelectronic devices. The resonant spectrum obtained by the internal coupling effect of gap can be flexibly controlled by the polarization of incident light and the thickness of the dielectric layer between MNP and metal thin films. We have theoretically studied the resonance spectra of polarization-dependent gold ellipsoidal nanoparticles (GENP) and gold thin films in the gap region of NPOM structures. GENP and gold thin films are separated by a dielectric layer with a refractive index of 1.36. We observe that the intensity of the local electric field resonance peak in the gap region is inversely proportional to the polarization angle. Similarly, the intensity of the local electric field resonance peak in the gap region is inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer. We have obtained more than 2200 V/m local electric field intensity (dielectric layer thickness 0.3nm). Finally, the resonant peak wavelength of the electric field in the gap region of the NPOM structure is also controlled by the polarization angle of the incident light and the thickness of the dielectric layer.

Programmed-death-1 (PD-1) receptor plays a major physiological role in maintainance of im-mune tolerance, and, by interaction with its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), prevents the develop-ment of multiple immune-mediated diseases. There is growing evidence of an important role of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in pathogenesis of psoriasis. 84 subjects with psoriasis were included into the study, together with 29 healthy subjects as a control group. 28 of psoriatic patients were treated with biologice therapy (TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-12/23 or IL-17 inhibitors). Amounts of PD1 and PD-L1 positive T-cells in peripheral blood were evaluated using flow cytometry. Significantly lower levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 were found in psoriatic patients when compared to healthy individuals, i.e. CD3/PD1, CD3/PDL1, CD4/PD1, CD4/PDL1, CD8/PDL1, CD19/PD1, CD19/PDL1 positive cells. Biologic treatment resulted in elevation of CD3/PDL1, CD8/PDL1 and decrease of CD8/PD1 posi-tive PBMCs. Our results confirm previous observations of disrupted PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in psoriasis, and that this disturbances may play an important role in development of the disease. Biologic drugs may reverse several abnormalities observed within this pathway, which may ex-plain their excellent efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis. Further research should be conducted to fully explain the results obtained.

In the past decade, targeted therapies for solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), have advanced significantly, offering tailored treatment options for patients. However, individuals without targetable mutations pose a clinical challenge, as they may not respond to standard treatments like immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and novel targeted therapies. While the mechanism of action of ICIs seems promising, the lack of a robust response limits their widespread use. Although the expression levels of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells are used to predict ICI response, identifying new biomarkers, particularly those associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME), is crucial to address this unmet need. Recently, inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) have emerged as a key area of focus and hold significant potential implications for future clinical practice. Combinatorial approaches of IL-1β inhibitors and ICIs may provide a potential therapeutic modality for NSCLC patients without targetable mutations. In this review, we discuss the role of IL-1β in NSCLC, its involvement in inflammatory pathways, and explore its potential role in the treatment of NSCLC.

Abstract: Advanced high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is a serious malignant neoplasm with a late diagnosis and high mortality rate. Even when treated with standard therapy, such as surgery followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, the prognosis remains unfavorable. Im-munotherapy is a treatment alternative that requires further study. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the expression of the immunotherapy markers: PD-1, PD-L1, CD8, MSI (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2), and p53 in the paraffin samples of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. A retrospective study of 28 southern Brazilian patients with advanced serous ovarian carcinoma (EC III or IV) was conducted between 2009 and 2020. The expression of these proteins was evaluated using im-munohistochemistry, and the results were correlated with the patients' clinicopathological data. At diagnosis, the mean age was 61 years, and the most common clinical stage (60%) was EC III. Among the cases, 84.6% exhibited p53 overexpression, 14.8% had MSI, 92.0% were sensitive to platinum, and more than 50.0% relapsed after treatment. Patients with MSI had a lower CD8/PD-1 ratio and more relapses (p=0.03). In conclusion, analysis of immunotherapeutic markers in paraf-fin-embedded samples of advanced serous ovarian carcinoma is feasible and may assist in prog-nosis.

Immune checkpoints are a set of molecules dysregulated in several human and canine cancers and aberrations of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are often correlated with a worse prognosis. To gain insight into the role of immune checkpoints in canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (cDLBCL), we investigated PD-L1, PD-1 and CD8A expression by RNAscope. Results were correlated with several clinico-pathological features, including treatment, Ki67 index and outcome. A total of 33 dogs treated with CHOP (n=12) or CHOP plus APAVAC (n= 21) were included. PD-L1 signal was diffusely distributed among neoplastic cells, whereas PD-1 and CD8A were localized in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. However, PD-1 mRNA was also retrieved in tumor cells. An association between PD-L1 and PD-1 scores was identified and a higher risk of relapse and lymphoma-related death was found in dogs treated with chemotherapy alone and dogs with higher PD-L1 and PD-1 scores. The correlation between PD-L1 and PD-1 is in line with the mechanism of immune checkpoints in cancers, where neoplastic cells overexpress PD-L1 that, in turn, binds PD-1 receptors in activated TIL. We also found that Ki67 index was significantly increased in dogs with the highest PD-L1 and PD-1 scores, indirectly suggesting a role in promoting tumor proliferation. Finally, even if the biological consequence of PD-1+ tumor cells is unknown, our findings suggest that PD-1 intrinsic expression in cDLBCL might contribute to tumor growth escaping adaptive immunity.

المستخلص تصنيع لقاح مكون من الحمض النووي الريبوزي الرسول الخاص بالبروتينات المسئولة عن انتاج البروتينات نيورامنيديز والهيم اجليوتونين لفيروسي الانفلونزا الخنازير والطيورمحاط بجزيئات دهنية بحجم النانوميتر عدوى انفلونزا الخنازير وانفلونزا الطيور مشكلة خطيرة تؤرق العالم كله هذه الايام خصوصا انها مميتة لكثير من اطفال العالم . بعد فترة التعافي من الاصابة تتكون المناعة المكتسبة ضدها لمدة عام تقريبا. هذه الانفلونزا تسبب تسمم فيروسي في الدم بالاضافة للالتهاب الرئوي وهذامن بين اكبرالاسباب للوفاة بين الاطفال قبل سن عامين عالميا بشكل مباشر. الهدف من الدراسة هو انتاج لقاح الحمض النووي الريبوزي الرسول من نوع الام بالنانوتكنولوجي لبروتينات الهيم اجليوتونين والنيورامنيديز الموجودة على سطح هذه الفيروسات التي تساعدتها في الاتصاق بالعائل الذي ستتكاثر داخل خلاياه بالجهاز التنفسي. هذه الدراسة دراسة استكشافية ومن خلالها استطاعنا تصميم هذا اللقاح باستعمال نظام توصيل للقاح بالنانوتكنولوجي حجم جزيئاته 70نانوميمتر. اللقاح الجديد اظهر فاعلية بنسبة 60% واظهر فاعلية حيوية مقاربة واثار جانبية اقل بالمقارنة باللقاحات المتوفرة حاليا بالسوق الدوائي ضد هذا النوع من الفيروسات الوبائية. ABSTRACT Background: Worldwide, Swine and Avian influenza, or the H1N1 and H5N1 serotypes of the Influenza A virus, is a highly contagious illness. In recent years, the global incidence of mortality rate has surpassed 284,000 fatalities. Aim of the study: The production of mRNA vaccine lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to combat the deadly strains of Avian and Swine influenza (H1N1 and H5N1 of the influenza A serotype). Methodology: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to clone genes of interest encoding Haemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA) of Influenza A virus strains (H5N1 and H1N1) known as Avian flu and Swine flu, respectively. The genes were then inserted using the EcoR1, BAM Hind II restriction endonuclease type II, and Ligase enzyme into the pET-21(+) transcription vector plasmid. On the other hand, the hybrid transcription vectors were mixed with T7 RNA polymerase and ribonucleotides within a test tube after being linearized using EcoR II. Following their purification via reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), the mRNAs of the HA and NA were encased in 70 nm LNPs and subjected to reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Lastly, immunogenicity studies were performed in stages 1/2 of randomized human and preclinical clinical trials. Results: The bivalent vaccination had around 63% efficacy in preclinical studies and approximately 60% efficacy in randomized human clinical trials. As shown by the ELISA test, strong neutralizing antibodies against HA were prevalent. Conclusion: The current study is a promising effort because of the development of the novel LNP-mRNA vaccine, which could lower the incidence of Avian and Swine flu infectious disorders.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using raw Whey has never been reported. Silver nanoparticle formation involves a reduction reaction of silver salt solution with Whey extract. Extract and metal salt concentrations, and temperature can control this reaction. In this work, incubation period, extract, AgNO3, and NaOH concentrations were used as the independent factors using central composite design under response surface methodology. The aim was to elucidate the influence these factors have on the measured UV-Vis absorption spectra fitted with a Voigt function, and to optimize the conditions for nanoparticle formation. The fitting parameters, peak wavelength (λ0), peak area (A), and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), were the responses. Silver nanoparticle formation was only possible in an alkaline environment (pH 10). The peak wavelength and the FWHM are influenced mainly by extract and AgNO3 concentrations. In contrast, the peak area is influenced by a total of 33.54 % from the interaction terms of AgNO3 and extract concentrations with NaOH. Metallic AgNPs were formed for the following parameter ranges: a) Whey (0.4 – 1.6 % v/v), b) AgNO3 (0.15 – 0.6 mM), c) NaOH (10 – 50 mM), and d) Time (20 – 60 min). Silver oxide nanoparticles were also observed.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment by fostering successful immune surveillance and effector cell responses against various types of cancers. However, patients with HER2+ cancers are yet to benefit from this therapeutic strategy. Precisely, several questions regarding the right combination of drugs, drug modality, and effective dose recommendations pertaining to the use of ICB-based therapy for HER2+ patients remain unanswered. In this study, we use a mathematical modeling-based approach to quantify the growth inhibition of HER2+ breast cancer (BC) cell colonies (ZR75) when treated with anti-HER2; trastuzumab (TZ) and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 (BMS-202) agents. Our data show that a combination therapy of TZ and BMS-202 can significantly reduce the viability of ZR75 cells and trigger several morphological changes. The combination decreased the cell’s invasiveness along with altering several key pathways, such as Akt/mTor and ErbB2 compared to monotherapy. In addition, BMS-202 causes dose-dependent growth inhibition of HER2+ BC cell colonies alone, while this effect is significantly improved when used in combination with TZ. Based on the in-vitro monoculture experiments conducted, we argue that BMS-202 can cause tumor growth suppression not only by mediating immune response but also by interfering with the growth signaling pathways of HER2+ BC. Nevertheless, further studies are imperative to substantiate this argument and to uncover the potential crosstalk between PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and HER2 growth signaling pathways in breast cancer.

PD-1/PD-L1 axis is one key therapeutic target against tumor cell immune escape. Structurally essential to the PD-1/PD-L1-linked immune escape is the binding interface of the PD-1/PD-L1 complex structure. Incorporating currently available PD-1/PD-L1-related experimental structures, this article unveils two sets of experimentally observed inter-molecular electrostatic interactions which stabilize the binding interface of the PD-1/PD-L1 complex structure. For the first time, this article proposes an evolutionary structural hypothesis that, as a result of natural selection, PD-1 is able to genetically mutate itself to structurally disrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 axis towards the restoration of T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity.

The main goal was to investigate the ability of non-thermal plasma reactor with gliding arc discharge to remove the diesel exhaust particulates (DEPs). A conventional knifed-shaped LTP GA reactor was utilized. Three cases were studied: 140 L/min, 70 L/min and 14 L/min of air drawn through the reactor and diesel exhaust fumes were sampled continuously. They were assayed in terms of concentration and number particle size distribution. The higher the residence time’s, the higher the energy input that may be utilized for DEPs’ removal. Reactor’s performance definitely lowered the concentration of DEPs (250 - 580 nm) and altered their number size distribution. There was no effect on the number concentration, nor on the particle size distribution, of DEP particulates of 10 – 250 nm in size. The effectiveness of DEPs’ removal: Decreasing flow rate from 140 L/min to 70 L/min somehow altered the values. Achieving the airflow of 14 L/min led to a substantial improvement (even to a fourfold increase for 300 – 480 nm particles). Non-thermal plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge may be successfully adapted in the process of DEPs’ treatment. Their performance may be optimized by adjusting the airflow at the inlet of reactor to guarantee the longest aerosol residence times and the highest removal efficiency.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which results in the destruction of the tooth’ s supporting tissues and the alveolar bone resorption. The complement becomes a major link between infection and inflammatory pathology including periodontitis. Gingipians as important virulence factors of P. gingivalis have the activity of C5 convertase, could cleave C5 into fully functional C5a to activate C5aR. The above process could be blocked by the C5aR antagonist (PMX-53) to suppress local periodontal inflammation, and then achieves the purpose of treatment of periodontitis. Nanoparticles incorporated within gelatin are promising carrier system for drug delivery in recent years. This study aimed to investigate whether gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 prevents alveolar bone resorption in miniature swines model of periodontitis. Four miniature swines were placed ligatures around the maxillary and mandibular fourth premolar and first molar on both sides for seven weeks to induce periodontitis. Then, animals were assigned randomly to four groups: minocycline-treated group, gelatin with PMX53-treated group, gelatin-treated group and a sham control group. They were treated with 1ml related drugs respectively, into gingival sulcusl for 4 times at one-week intervals. We showed that local treatments with gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 could inhibit alveolar bone loss of periodontitis. Our study revealed that gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 prevented alveolar bone resorption miniature swines model of periodontitis. In addition, provided proof-of-concept for local targeting of gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 as a powerful candidate for the treatment of periodontitis.

Background: RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a deadly condition that is present all over the world today. The infection is initially contained in the lower respiratory tract without systemic transmission. The objective of the study: Bioinformatics was used in Egypt to create an mRNA vaccine against the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Methodology: In the present screening experimental study, a lipid nanoparticles vaccine of mRNA of the surface fusion protein of Respiratory syncytial virus was manufactured. The present vaccine delivery system was lipid nanoparticles with a particle size of approximately 90 nanometres, manufactured by the hot micro-emulsion method. In stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials, the immunogenicity of the current mRNA RSV vaccine was evaluated. Results: The current vaccine demonstrated 81% immunogenicity in animal testing, but only 69% in stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials. Its side effects were manageable. The results persisted for a while. In the current trial, the vaccination proved effective as a preventative measure against RSV infection. The current vaccination lacked antibody-dependent enhancement, which causes non-protective antibodies to develop. These non-neutralizing antibodies exacerbate infection by activating cytokines and complement cascade through the formation of immune complexes or enhancement of the virus entry and replication in the host cells. On the other hand, the current RSV mRNA vaccine of the surface fusion protein consequent on the production of powerful neutralizing antibodies with prolonged immunity especially to infants and elderly candidates who received the optimal dosage regimen.

In recent years Pd-containing catalytic systems for tandem processes has drawn special attention due to the enhanced catalytic properties and possibility to perform several reactions without the necessity to separate the intermediates. In this review, recent progress in Pd-catalyzed tandem processes is considered. Three types of catalytic systems were described: homogeneous catalysts (including immobilized Pd complexes); heterogeneous catalysts supported on oxides, MOFs, COFs, etc. with particular attention to the supports containing acid/base sites; metal-enzyme catalysts for chemoenzymatic tandem processes applied in fine organic synthesis and biotechnology. For homogeneous Pd-catalyzed reactions different tandem reactions were considered, i.e. cross-coupling, cyclization, carbonylation, isomerization, alkylation, arylation, etc.

The spread of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has become a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this comprehensive scientific review, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a promising technology for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We first describe the issue of MPs and NPs and their impact on the environment and human health. Then the fundamental principles of using MNPs for the removal of these pollutants will be presented, emphasizing that MNPs enable selective binding and separation of MPs and NPs from water sources. Furthermore, we provide a short summary of various types of MNPs that have proven effective in the removal of MPs and NPs. These include ferromagnetic nanoparticles, MNPs coated with organic polymers, as well as nanocomposites and magnetic nanostructures. We also review their properties, such as magnetic saturation, size, shape, surface functionalization and stability, and their influence on removal efficiency. Next, we describe different methods of utilizing MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential for further development in detail. In the final part of the review, we provide an overview of existing studies and results demonstrating the effectiveness of using MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We also address challenges that need to be overcome, such as nanoparticle optimization, process scalability, and the removal and recycling of nanoparticles after the completion of the process. This comprehensive scientific review offers an extensive insight into the use of MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. With improved understanding and the development of advanced materials and methods, this technology can play a crucial role in addressing the issue of MPs and NPs and preserving a clean and healthy environment.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus[ RSV] is a lethal overwhelming defectiveness that influences people all over the world. The infection gets down in the lower respiratory tract and does not disperse to the remainder of the body. The objective of the study: Bioinformatics was used to create an mRNA vaccine against the Respiratory syncytial virus( RSV). Methodology: Lipid nanoparticle vaccines containing the Respiratory syncytial virus's surface fusion protein's mRNA were created for the current screening experimental investigation. Lipid nanoparticles[ LNP] with a particle size of around 90 nanometres that were created using the hot micro-emulsion process comprise the current vaccine delivery system. In stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials, the immunogenicity of the current mRNA RSV vaccine was evaluated. Results: The current vaccine demonstrated 81% immunogenicity in animal testing, but only 69% in stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials. Its side effects were manageable. The results persisted for a while. In the current trial, the vaccination proved effective as a preventative measure against RSV infection. The current immunization lacks antibody-dependent enhancement, which causes non-protective antibodies to develop. These non-neutralizing antibodies worsen infection by enhancing viral entrance and replication in the host cells, activating cytokines and the complement cascade through the production of immunological complexes, or both. However, the current LPN-RSV mRNA vaccine of the surface fusion protein resulted in the formation of potent neutralizing antibodies with persistent protection, especially for newborns and elderly individuals who get the ideal dose regimen. Conclusion: The invention of the LNP-mRNA RSV vaccine, which might prevent RSV-caused bronchiolitis and fatal pneumonia, made the current study promising

Men with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a more favorable response to immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy, while women especially benefit from ICI-chemotherapy (CHT) combinations. To elucidate such sex differences in clinical practice, we retrospectively analyzed two cohorts treated with either ICI monotherapy (n=228) or ICI-CHT combination treatment (n=80) for advanced NSCLC. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to calculate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), influencing variables were evaluated using Cox-regression analyses. No significant sex differences for PFS/OS could be detected in either cohort. Men receiving ICI monotherapy had a statistically significant independent impact on PFS by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG) ≥2 (hazard ratio (HR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.29, p=0.021), higher C-reactive protein (CRP; HR 1.06, 95%CI: 1.00-1.11, p=0.037) and negative programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status (HR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.32-3.15, p=0.001), and on OS by CRP (HR 1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.14, p=0.002). In men on ICI-CHT combinations, multivariate analyses (MVA) revealed squamous histology (HR 4.00, 95%CI: 1.41-11.2, p=0.009) significant for PFS; ECOG≥2 (HR 5.58, 95%CI: 1.88-16.5, p=0.002) and CRP (HR 1.19, 95%CI: 1.06-1.32, p=0.002) for OS. Among women undergoing ICI monotherapy, no variable proved significant for PFS, ECOG≥2 had a significant interaction with OS (HR 1.90, 95%CI 1.04-3.46, p=0.037). Women treated with ICI-CHT had significant MVA findings for CRP with both PFS (HR 1.09, 95%CI: 1.02-1.16, p=0.007) and OS (HR 1.11, 95%CI: 1.03-1.19, p=0.004). Although men and women responded similarly to both ICI mono- and ICI-CHT treatment, predictors of response differed by sex.

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science covering matters involving nanoscale level that is being developed for a great variety of applications. Nanomedicine is one of these attractive and challenging uses focused on the employment of nanomaterials in medical applications such as drug delivery. However, the uses of these nanometric systems requires specific parameters to establish the possible advantages and disadvantages in specific applications. This review presents the fundamental factors of nanoparticles and it´s microenvironment that must be considered to make an appropriate design for medical applications: (i) Interactions between nanoparticles and their biological environment, (ii) the interaction mechanisms, (iii) and the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. On the other hand, the repercussions of the control, alteration and modification of these parameters in the final applications. Additionally, we here briefly report the implications of nanoparticles in nanomedicine and provide perspectives for some particular applications which still are challenged

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles are under investigation for a wide range of applications in nanomedicine. The structural, molecular and physicochemical properties of chitosan nanoparticles have a direct bearing on their efficacy in drug conjugation and delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Herein we report on the structural, morphological and molecular properties of chitosan nanoparticles synthesized using the ionic gelation method with the intended purpose of being used for drug delivery. The chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared in the 0.25 to 1.0% w/v concentration range, whereas separate samples of the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs were also functionalized with polyethylene oxide (PEO) alone and with a diblock copolymer of PEO and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The average size of the CS-NPs was determined from TEM imaging to be in the range of 11.3 to 14.8 nm. The XRD and TEM analyses show that the CS-NPs have semi-crystalline structure with the degree of crystallinity depending upon the nature of synthesis. Our results show that functionalizing the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs with PEO increases the degree of crystallinity whereas functionalizing with the diblock copolymer PEO - PPG results in a significant increase in their degree crystallinity. The CS/TPP concentration (CS:TPP fixed at 1:1 ratio) had no apparent effect on the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs. The results from the FTIR analysis confirm incorporation of TPP with CS in the CS-NPs. Additionally, FTIR analysis shows an enhancement of hydrogen bonding that is consistent with the increase in the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs.

Macroalgae seaweeds such as Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa cause problems on the Northern Coast of the Italian Adriatic Sea because their overabundance hinders the growth of cultivated clams, Rudatapes philippinarum. This study focused on the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from U. lactuca and G. verrucosa. The biosynthesized CuO NPs were successfully characterized using FTIR, XRD, HRTEM/EDX, and zeta potential. Nanoparticles from the two different algae species are essentially identical, with the same physical characteristics and almost the same antimicrobial activities. We have not investigated the cause of this identity, but it seems likely to arise from the reaction of Cu with the same algae metabolites in both species. The study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain useful products from these macroalgae through a green synthesis approach and that they should be considered as not just a cause of environmental and economic damage but also as a potential source of income.

Tissue programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) protein is the recognized predictive immune biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment benefit in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, tissue PD-L1 protein testing can be limited by tumor heterogeneity and fraught with tissue acquisition difficulties. A plasma PD-L1 assay potentially overcomes these tissue limitations. Patients with metastatic NSCLC treated with first-line ICI-based treatment and available results of plasma cfRNA PD-L1 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and tissue PD-L1 protein PD-L1 with the Dako 22C3 monoclonal antibody were retrospectively assessed for median and landmark 3-year overall survival (OS). OS was identical whether positive plasma cfRNA PD-L1 expression or positive tissue PD-L1 protein expression (median OS 15 months; 3-year landmark OS 30%; hazard ratio (HR) 0.97; 95% CI, 0.44-2.10). Positive plasma cfRNA PD-L1 patients also demonstrated a numerically longer median and higher 3-year OS compared to patients lacking PD-L1 expression (median 15 months versus 8 months; 3-year landmark OS 30% versus 15%; HR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.27-1.17). Plasma cfRNA PD-L1 expression by RT-PCR was similarly predictive of ICI-based treatment benefit as tissue PD-L1 protein expression.

This study explores the synthesis and application of BODIPY-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the sensitive detection of biothiols via an indicator displacement assay coupled with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) techniques, alongside their efficacy for in vitro cancer cell imaging. Moreover, the assay allowed a visible colorimetric detection of biothiols under normal and ultraviolet light conditions. The BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) fluorophores were strategically conjugated to the surface of gold nanoparticles, forming a robust nanohybrid that leverages the plasmonic properties of AuNPs for enhanced spectroscopic sensitivity. The detection mechanism exploits the displacement of the BODIPY indicator upon interaction with biothiols, triggering a measurable change in fluorescence and SERS signals. This dual-mode sensing approach provides high selectivity and sensitivity for biothiol detection, with detection limits reaching nanomolar concentrations using fluorescence and femtomolar concentration for cysteine using SERS. Furthermore, the BODIPY-AuNP complexes demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and photostability, facilitating their use in fluorescence imaging of biothiol distribution within cellular environments and highlighting their potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in biomedical research.

Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol compound derived from the rhizome of the Curcuma genus, has a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological applications. Previously, curcumin nanoparticles with different stabilizers had been produced successfully in order to enhance solubility and per oral absorption. In the present study, we tested the anti-inflammatory effect of D-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles in vivo. Lambda-carrageenan (λ-carrageenan) was used to induce inflammation in rats; it was given by an intraplantar route and intrapelurally through surgery in the pleurisy test. In the λ-carrageenan-induced edema model, TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles were given orally one hour before induction and at 0.5, 4.5, and 8.5 h after induction with two different doses (1.8 and 0.9 mg/kg body weight (BW)). Sodium diclofenac with a dose of 4.5 mg/kg BW was used as a standard drug. A physical mixture of curcumin-TPGS was also used as a comparison with a higher dose of 60 mg/kg BW. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on the edema in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and by the volume of exudate as well as the number of leukocytes reduced in the pleurisy test. TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles with lower doses showed better anti-inflammatory effects, indicating the greater absorption capability through the gastrointestinal tract.

Background: The prognostic and predictive role of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) is undetermined in pleomorphic invasive lobular cancer (pILC). The same applies for the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in this rare breast cancer subtype. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression of sTILs, and analyze the PD-L1 expression levels in pILC. Methods: Archival tissues from sixty-six patients with pILC were collected. The sTIL density was scored as a percentage of tumor area, using the following cut-offs: 0%; <5%; 5-9%; and 10-50%. PD-L1 expression was analyzed using IHC on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, using the SP142 and 22C3 antibodies. Results: 82% of the sixty-six patients were hormone receptor-positive; 8% of cases were triple negative (TN), while 10% showed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification. sTILs were present in 64% (1%) of the study population. Using the SP142 antibody, 36% of tumors demonstrated a positive PD-L1 score of 1%, and 28% had a positive PD-L1 score of 1 using the 22C3 antibody. There was no correlation of sTILs or PD-L1 expression with tumor size, tumor grade, nodal status, expression of estrogen receptor (ER) or amplification of HER2. Our data did not show any difference in survival between the three molecular subtypes of pILC with respect to sTILs and PD-L1 expression. Conclusion: This study shows that pILCs show some degree of sTILs and PD-L1 expression, however this was not associated with survival benefit. Additional large trials are needed to understand the immune infiltration in lobular cancer, even more in the pleomorphic subtype.

The paper presents the development of cheap and selective Paper-based Analytical Devices (PADs) for Pd(II) determination. The PADs were obtained with an azoic ligand, (2-(tetrazolylazo)-1,8 dihydroxy naphthalene-3,6,-disulphonic acid), termed TazoC, and filter paper as the substrate. The orange TazoC-PADs interact quickly with Pd(II) solutions by forming a complex purple-blue-colored already at a very acidic pH (lower than 2). The dye complexes no other metal ions at such an acidic media, making TazoC-PADs highly selective to Pd(II) detection. Besides, at higher pH values, other cations, for example, Cu(II) and Ni(II), can interact with TazoC through the formation of stable and pink-magenta-colored complexes; however, it is possible to quantify Pd(II) also in the presence of other cations using a multivariate approach. Indeed, by applying Partial Least Square regression (PLS), the spectra of the TazoC-PADs were related to the Pd(II) concentrations both when present alone in solution and also in the presence of Cu(II) and Ni(II). The PLS models correctly predicted Pd(II) concentrations in unknown samples and tap water spiked with the metal cation.

Silver ion (Ag+) are recognized for their potent antibacterial properties; however, their utilization in food preservation is restricted by factors such as inadequate stability, a transient antibacterial impact, and the potential for human absorption. Hydrogel-based antibacterial agents are capable of exerting their antibacterial effects by establishing appropriate microenvironments, which facilitate the efficient delivery of antimicrobial molecules to the contaminated regions of food. In previous studies, we observed that chitosan (CS) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were able to reduce Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with enhanced antibacterial properties. This not only significantly extended the stability of the antibacterial agent but also demonstrated exceptional inhibitory capabilities against pathogenic bacteria, including common grape contaminants such as P. expansum, A. niger, and B. cinerea. Utilizing ultrasound-induced complexation technology, this study has successfully synthesized a chitosan-silver (CS-AgNPs) hydrogel. The efficacy of this hydrogel against the pathogenic fungus responsible for jujube black spot disease has been thoroughly investigated. The morphology structures of CS-AgNPs hydrogels were characterized by TEM, FTIR and UV-vis. The results indicated that AgNPs ranging from 80 to 110 nm were uniformly dispersed within the gel matrix and remained stable for extended periods at room temperature. In vitro antibacterial assays and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) studies revealed that the pronounced antibacterial efficacy of the CS-AgNPs hydrogel was primarily attributed to the additive antibacterial effect of CS and AgNPs. These insights underscore the significant potential of CS-AgNPs hydrogels in combating fungal diseases of jujube, offering innovative strategies and materials for the management of agricultural pathogens.

Understanding the factors which control endothelial cell (EC) function and angiogenesis is crucial for developing the horse as a disease model, but equine ECs remain poorly studied. In this study we have optimised methods for the isolation and culture of equine aortic endothelial cells (EA-oECs) and characterised their angiogenic functions in vitro. Mechanical dissociation, followed by magnetic purification using an anti-VE-cadherin antibody, resulted in EC-enriched cultures suitable for further study. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased EAoEC proliferation rate and stimulated scratch wound closure and tube formation by EAoECs on extracellular matrix. Pharmacological inhibitors of FGFR1 (SU5402) or MEK (PD184352) blocked FGF2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and functional responses, suggesting that these are dependent on FGFR1/MEK-ERK signalling. In marked contrast, VEGF-A had no effect on EAoEC proliferation, migration or tubulogenesis and did not promote ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating a lack of sensitivity to this classical pro-angiogenic growth factor. Gene expression analysis showed that, unlike human ECs, FGFR1 is expressed by EAoECs at a much higher level than both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. These results suggest a predominant role for FGF2 versus VEGF-A in controlling the angiogenic functions of equine ECs. Collectively, our novel data provide a sound basis for stud-ying angiogenic processes in the horse and lay the foundations for comparative studies of EC biology in horses versus humans.

Biological nanoparticles (NPs), such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (EMNVs) and nanoghosts (NGs), are perspective non-viral delivery vehicles for all types of therapeutic cargo. Biological NPs are renowned for their exceptional biocompatibility and safety, alongside their ease of functionalization, but a significant challenge arises when attempting to load therapeutic payloads, such as nucleic acids (NAs). One effective strategy involves fusing biological NPs with liposomes loaded with NAs, resulting in hybrid carriers that offer the benefits of both biological NPs and the capacity for high cargo loads. Despite their unique parameters, one of the major issues of virtually any nanoformulation is the ability to escape degradation in the compartment of endosomes and lysosomes which determines the overall efficiency of nanotherapeutics. In this study, we fabricated all major types of biological and hybrid NPs and studied their response to acidic environment observed in endolysosomal compartment. In this study, we show that EMNVs display increased protonation and swelling relative to EVs and NGs in an acidic environment. Furthermore, the hybrid NPs exhibit an even greater response compared to EMNVs. Short-term incubation of EMNVs in acidic pH corresponding to late endosomes and lysosomes again induces protonation and swelling, whereas hybrid NPs are ruptured, resulting in the decline of their quantities. Our findings demonstrate that in an acidic environment, there is enhanced rupture and release of vesicular cargo observed in hybrid EMNVs that are fused with liposomes compared to EMNVs alone. This was confirmed through PAGE electrophoresis analysis of mCherry protein loaded into nanoparticles. In vitro analysis of NPs colocalization with lysosomes in HepG2 cells demonstrated that EMNVs mostly avoid endolysosomal compartment whereas hybrid NPs escape it over time. To conclude, (1) hybrid biological NPs fused with liposomes appear more efficient in the endolysosomal escape via the mechanism of proton sponge associated with scavenging of protons by NPs, influx of counterions and water, and rupture of endo/lysosomes, but (2) EMNVs are much more efficient than hybrid NPs in actually avoiding endolysosomal compartment in human cells. These results reveal biochemical differences across four major types of biological and hybrid NPs, and indicate that EMNVs are more efficient in escaping or avoiding endolysosomal compartment.

This work presents the results regarding the synthesis of tungsten nanoparticles (W NPs) by magnetron sputtering combined with gas aggregation (MSGA) when H2 mixed with Ar is used as working gas, the amount of H2 being increased up to 82%. The results show that up to 40% H2 in discharge the synthesis rate increases over 60 times, rapidly decreasing for over 50% H2 in discharge. The W dust is still produced in H2 dominated discharge (82%), the deposition rate being small but not negligible (20 mg/hour). The obtained WNPs are isolated, with the diameter decreasing from 50 nm to 15 nm when the amount of H2 in discharge is smaller than 41%. Over this value, the particles tend to agglomerate, forming structures similar to film-like deposits. Also, the diameter of the deposited spots on substrates is dependent on the H2 content in discharge. This allows the efficient coating of substrates with dimensions up to 26 mm by translating them in front of the MSGA cluster source exit aperture. Supplementary, for 41% H2 in discharge, the influence of synthetic air leaks (0-5%) in discharge was investigated. The deposition rate decreases rapidly (ceasing for around 4% air in discharge) and the obtained nanoparticles tend to agglomerate (at 2% air content, the dust deposit has the aspect of a near continuous film). Chemical composition investigations show a pronounced tendency of oxidation, nitridation and oxynitride formation in the presence of air leaks.

Polyphenols are the most common organic compounds in wine. They improve both the sensory aspects of wine and human health by activating antioxidant systems. Therefore, there is a great need for a simple, fast and accessible method to determine the polyphenol content of wine. The aim of this study is to characterize polyphenolic compounds in natural wine samples using an electrochemical method and a modified carbon paste electrode with TiO2 nanoparticles. This work is motivated by the promising improvement of the sensing properties of a TiO2 nanoparticle-modified carbon paste electrode observed in the electrooxidation of different polyphenols. Since the voltammetric response of wine is largely irreversible, another motivation was the possibility of improving the processing of voltammograms to obtain data indicative of wine polyphenols, based on the approach described in the seminal work by Espinoza et al. The modified electrode studied provides an improved and reproducible voltammetric response of gallic acid in wine samples and provides a good basis for further development of an integrated sensor/data system with the possibility of wider application for the quantification of gallic acid as a flavor and visually relevant parameter in winemaking.

In this study, three paddy harvesting systems; manual harvesting of paddy (MHP), reaper harvesting of paddy (RHP), and combine harvesting of paddy (CHP) were evaluated considering field capacities, field efficiencies, time and fuel consumption, mechanization indices, greenhouse gas emissions, straw availability, and direct and indirect costs. Field experiments were conducted in North central province of Sri Lanka. The effective field capacity, field efficiency and fuel consumption of the combine harvester were 0.34 hah-1, 60.8%, and 34.1 Lha-1, respectively, and those of the paddy reaper were 0.185 hah-1, 58.2%, and 3.8 Lha-1, respectively. The total time consumed by MHP, RHP, and CHP were 76.05 hha-1, 39.76 hha-1, and 2.94 hha-1, respectively. The highest energy utilization was recorded by the CHP, at 1851.09 MJha-1, while MHP recorded the lowest at 643.20 MJha-1. The direct cost of the MHP was 1.50 and 1.52 times higher than those of the CHP and RHP, respectively. MHP recorded the lowest greenhouse gas emissions (32.94 kgCO2eqha-1), while CHP recorded the highest (176.29 kgCO2eqha-1). The RHP exhibited an intermediate level in all aspects. Although the CHP has higher field performance and direct costs, it brings higher GHG emissions and indirect costs. Therefore, an optimum level of mechanization should be introduced for the long-term sustainability of both the environment and farming.

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has shown successful clinical outcomes in multiple human cancers. In dogs, several types of tumors resemble human tumors in many respects. Therefore, several groups have developed the anti-dog programmed cell death ligand 1 (dPD-L1) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and showed efficacy in several canine tumors. To examine the abundance of dPD-L1 in canine tumors, anti-dPD-L1 diagnostic mAbs for immunohistochemistry are required. In this study, we immunized the peptide in the dPD-L1 intracellular domain, and established anti-dPD-L1 mAbs, L1Mab-352 (mouse IgG1, kappa) and L1Mab-354 (mouse IgG1, kappa). In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, L1Mab-352 and L1Mab-354 showed high binding affinity to the dPD-L1 peptide, and the dissociation constants (KD) were determined as 6.9 ×10-10 M and 7.2 ×10-10 M, respectively. Furthermore, L1Mab-352 and L1Mab-354 were applicable for the detection of dPD-L1 in immunohistochemical analysis in paraffin-embedded dPD-L1-expressed cells. These results indicated that L1Mab-352 and L1Mab-354 are useful for detecting dPD-L1 in immunohistochemical analysis.

As an option to deal with the insulin-dependent disease, a recent commuted PD control strategy is designed and carefully analyzed for different clinic diabetic patients. This controller approach is mainly conceived to stabilize the glucose blood concentration in a diabetic patient around its basal value, hence avoiding extreme situations such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This control strategy receives two inputs carefully tuned to actuate when the measured variable is out of a prescribed healthy zone. Therefore, one of these variables is invoked to decrease the glucose concentration to insulin injection, and the other is employed to increase the glucose absorption, both by using a proper PD controller. According to our numerical experiments, our controller approach performs well, even when there is an external disturbance in the controlled system.

In agriculture, soil-borne fungal pathogens, especially Fusarium oxysporum strains, are posing a serious threat to efforts to achieve global food security. In the search for safer agrochemicals, silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have recently been proposed as a new tool to alleviate pathogen damage including Fusarium wilt. Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs), a unique class of SiO2NPs, have been widely accepted as a desired pesticide carrier. However, their role in enhancing the disease resistance and the specific mechanism remain unknown. In this study, three sizes of HMSNs (19, 96 and 406 nm as HMSNs–19, HMSNs–96 and HMSNs–406, respectively) were synthesized and characterized to determine their effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseolus (FOP) suppression in cowpea roots by foliar spray using phenotypes, fresh biomass and disease progression as indicators. The results revealed that three HMSNs exhibited no adverse impacts on seed germination and tended to improve plant growth. Also, they exert their FOP suppression with a size- and concentration-dependent manner. HMSNs–406 possessed the best control effect at a concentration of 1000 mg/L showing an upto 40.00% decline in the disease severity. The Si(OH)4 control was also effective on FOP suppression at a lower concentration of 100 mg/L, whereas its higher concentrations exhibited obviously adverse impacts on FOP control, seed germination and plant growth. Moreover, we conformed that HMSNs posed their Fusarium wilt suppression in cowpea plant by activating SA (salicylic acid)-dependent SAR (systemic acquired resistance) responses rather than directly suppressing FOP. A higher level of SA content and elevated expression of its maker genes of PR-1 and PR-5 in HMSNs–406 treated cowpea roots provided substantial evidences of this mode of action. Other resistance-related genes, as well as defense-responsive enzymes, were also involved in the HMSNs-activated SAR pathway. Overall, for the first time, our results extended a new role of HMSNs as a potent elicitor to serve as a versatile alternative for plant disease protection of low cost, highly efficiency and sustainability.

The development of multidrug resistance by pathogenic bacteria and yeast is a significant medical problem that needs to be addressed. One possible answer could be the combined use of antibiotics and silver nanoparticles, which have different mechanisms of antimicrobial action. Nanoparticles can be combined with antifungal agents in the same way. Biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using environmentally friendly technology using extracts of biologically active plants are an effective nanomaterial that needs to be comprehensively investigated for implementation into medical practice. In this study, the synergistic effects arising from their combined use with antibiotics and fungicides against various bacteria and yeasts, included in the ESKAPE list, were studied. Effective concentrations of substances were established, recommendations for the studied pathogenic species were presented and the effect of destruction of the bacterial membrane was illustrated. The most significant synergistic effect was manifested in pathogenic candida and brewer's yeast.

A new two-step method for developing a nanocomposite of polypropylene (PP) decorated with photocatalytically active TiO2 nanoparticles (nTiO2) is proposed. This method involves low-temperature plasma functionalization of polypropylene followed by ultrasound-assisted anchoring of nTiO2. The nanoparticles, polymeric substrate, and resultant nanocomposite were thoroughly characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), microscopic observations (SEM, TEM, EDX), spectroscopic investigations (XPS, FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was evaluated through the degradation of methyl orange. The individual TiO2 nanoparticles ranged from 2-6 nm in size. Oxygen plasma treatment of PP generated surface functional groups (mainly -OH and -C=O), transforming the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, which facilitated efficient deposition of nTiO2. Optimized plasma treatment and sonochemical deposition parameters resulted in an active photocatalytic nTiO2/PP system, degrading 80% of methyl orange under UVA irradiation in 200 minutes. The proposed approach is considered versatile for the functionalization of polymeric materials with photoactive nanoparticles and, in a broader perspective, can be utilized for the fabrication of self-cleaning surfaces.

Recent studies have suggested significant antimicrobial properties of some metallic nanoparticles during the height of antibiotic resistance. The silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) is one of the most prominent candidates due to its noble nature and better tolerance profile in humans. The synthesis of AgNPs was carried out using silver nitrate using five different chemical reduction methods and comparing their activity with silver nitrate, also known to possess antimicrobial properties. AgNPs have been synthesized with varying combination of reducing agents, and subsequently characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Chemical reduction with both trisodium citrate and sodium borohydride provided better particle size and controlled uniformity, whereas hydrogen peroxide was used as a stabilizer to increase the stability of AgNPs. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for all AgNP formulations was determined against gram-negative E. coli, and AgNPs synthesized with only trisodium citrate were found to be the most effective. The synthesized AgNPs were tested against the resistant strains of E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus by the well diffusion method to evaluate and compare their inhibition zones and AgNPs synthesized with polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl pyrrolidine were found to be the most efficient.

In this study the processes taking place on the surfaces of nanostructurized Cu/CuO and Cu/CuO/Pd electrodes at different potential, $E$, values in the solutions of 0.1 M KOH in H$_2$O and D$_2$O (heavy water) were probed by the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and analysis of electrochemical reactions occurring under experimental conditions is presented. Bands of the SERS spectra of Cu/CuO/Pd electrode observed in the range of $E$ values from +0.3~V to 0 V~(SHE) at 1328 - 1569~cm$^{-1}$ are consistent with the existence of species which are adsorbed or weakly bound to the surface with the energy of interaction close to 15 - 21~kJ mol$^{-1}$. These bands can be attributed to the ad(ab)sorbed (H$_3$O$^+$)$\rm{_{ad}}$, (H$_2^+$)$\rm{_{ab}}$ and (H$_2^+$)$\rm{_{ad}}$ ions as intermediates in reversible HER/HOR processes taking place on Cu/CuO/Pd electrode. There was no isotopic effect observed; this is consistent with a dipole nature of electron-ion pair formation of adsorbed (H$_3$O$^+$)$\rm{_{ad}}$ and (H$_2^+$)$\rm{_{ad}}$ or (D$_3$O$^+$)$\rm{_{ad}}$ and (D$_2^+$)$\rm{_{ad}}$. In accordance with literature data SERS bands at 125-146~cm$^{-1}$ and $\sim 520-565$~cm$^{-1}$ were assigned to Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxygen species. These findings corroborate the mechanism of cascading reduction of water.

Batch and transport experiments were used to investigate the remediation of a loamy sand soil contaminated with Cr(VI) using zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) stabilized by the carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC-nZVI). The effect of pH, ionic strength (IS), and flow rate on the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) were investigated under equilibrium (uniform transport) and non-equilibrium (Two-site sorption) transport using the Hydrus-1D model. The overall removal efficiency ranged from 70 to over 90% based on the chemical characteristics of the CMC-nZVI suspension and the transport conditions. The concentration and pH of the CMC-nZVI suspension had the most significant effect on the removal efficiency and transport of Cr(VI) in the soil. The average removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was increased from 24.1 to 75.5% when the concentration of CMC-nZVI nanoparticles was increased from 10 to 250 mg L-1, mainly because of the increased total surface area at larger particle concentration. Batch experiments showed that removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was much larger under acidic conditions. The average removal efficiency of Cr(VI) reached 90.1 and 60.5 % at pH 5 and 7, respectively. The Two-site sorption model described quite well (r2 = 0.96-0.98) the transport of Cr(VI) in soil as compared to the uniform transport model (r2 = 0.81-0.98). The average retardation of Cr(VI) was 3.51 and 1.61 at pH 5 and 7, respectively, indicating earlier arrival for the breakthrough curves and shorter time to reach maximum relative concentration at lower pH. The Hydrus-1D model has proven to be an efficient tool for assessing the removal of Cr(VI) pollutants, offering innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly remediation methodologies.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles are promising candidates for various kinds of practical application. The interest of researchers and scientists in these nanoparticles is due to their unique physical and chemical properties such as density, melting point, magnetic characteristics and band gap. The need to develop high performance and low-cost technologies for obtaining Co3O4 nanoparticles is a major reason in research in this area. The widespread commercial use of Co3O4 nanoparticles will open doors for numerous novel cost effective technologies, which are mostly dependent on the type of synthesis method and raw materials. A possible solution to this problem is to use Cobalt nitrates as a cost-effective precursor using the solution combustion method. Solution combustion synthesis method is one of the best candidate methods that have the potential for high performance and is also cost-effective. This review examines recent progress in the synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles by solution combustion method and underscores their significance across various fields, highlighting the need for further research and exploration of their multifaceted applications. In addition, the most recent advancements in the applications of Co3O4 nanoparticles in sensitive sensing, catalysis, supercapacitors/batteries and water treatment/pollutants removal are reviewed and described, focusing on current trends, challenges, and future outlooks.

Biostimulants are materials that when applied in small amounts are capable of promoting plant growth. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials (NMs) can be considered as biostimulants since, in specific ranges of concentration, generally in small levels, they increase the plant growth. Pristine NPs and NMS have a high density of surface charges capable of unspecific interactions with the surface charges of the cell walls and membranes of plant cells. In the same way, the functionalized NPs and NMS, and the NPs and NMs with a corona formed after the exposition to natural fluids such as water, soil solution, or the interior of organisms, presents a high density of surface charges that interact with specific charged groups in cell surfaces. The magnitude of the interaction will depend on the materials adhered to the corona, but the high-density charges located in a small volume causes an intense interaction capable of disturbing the density of surface charges of cell walls and membranes. The electrostatic disturbance can have an impact on the electrical potentials of the outer and inner surfaces, as well as on the transmembrane electrical potential, modifying the activity of the integral proteins of the membranes. The extension of the cellular response can range from biostimulation to cell death and will depend on the concentration, size, and the characteristics of the corona.

Cross coupling reactions have changed the way complex molecules are synthesized. In particular, Suzuki-Miyaura and Buchwald-Hartwig amination reactions have given opportunities to elegantly make pharmaceutical ingredients. Indeed, these reactions are forefront at both the stages of drug development, medicinal chemistry, and process chemistry. On one hand, these reactions have given medicinal chemists a tool to derivatize the core molecule to arrive at scaffold rapidly. On the other hand, these cross couplings have offered the process chemists a smart tool to synthesize the development candidates safely, quickly, and efficiently. Generally, the application of cross coupling reactions is broad, and this review will specifically focus on their real (pharma) world applications in large scale synthesis those appeared in last two years.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) can overcome cancer treatment resistance by enhancing cell membrane permeability, facilitating drug accumulation, and promoting drug release within the tumor tissue. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as effective agents for PTT due to their unique properties and biocompatibility. Approved for the treatment of anemia, as MRI contrast agents, and as magnetic hyperthermia mediators, IONPs also offer excellent light-to-heat conversion and can be manipulated using external magnetic field for targeted accumulation in specific tissues. Optimizing parameters such as laser wavelength, power density, shape, size, iron oxidation state, functionalization, and concentration is crucial for IONPs effectiveness. In addition to PTT, IONPs enhance other cancer treatment modalities. They improve tumor oxygenation enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy. IONPs can also trigger ferroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Their magneto-mechanical effect can exert mechanical force on cancer cells to destroy tumors, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This review outlines strategies for managing photothermal performance and PTT efficiency with iron oxide nanoparticles, as well as synergies with other cancer therapies.

In breast cancer, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is positively associated with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and immune escape, and TWIST1 induces EMT and cancer metastasis. However, how TWIST1 regulates PD-L1 and immune evasion is unknown. This study analyzed TWIST1 and PD-L1 expression in breast cancers, investigated the mechanism for TWIST1 to regulate PD-L1 transcription, and assessed the effects of TWIST1 and PD-L1 in cancer cells on the cytotoxicity of CD8+ effector T cells. Interestingly, TWIST1 expression is associated with high-level PD-L1 in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Overexpression and knockdown of TWIST1 robustly upregulates and downregulate PD-L1 expression, respectively. TWIST1 binds to the PD-L1 promoter and recruits the TIP60 acetyltransferase complex in a BRD8-dependent manner to promote PD-L1 expression, which drives immune escape of breast cancer cells by accelerating the exhaustion of CD8+ T cells. Accordingly, knockdown of TWIST1 or BRD8 or blockade of PD-L1 with a PD-L1 antibody significantly enhances CD8+ T cells to inhibit breast cancer cell growth. These results demonstrate that TWIST1 directly induces PD-L1 expression in breast cancer cells to drive immune evasion. Targeting TWIST1, BRD8 or PD-L1 in TNBC should facilitate CD8+ T cell-mediated immune therapy. TWIST1 may also serve as a biomarker for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy.

Background and objective: Symptoms of most neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), usually do not occur until substantial neuronal loss occurs. This makes the process of early diagnosis very challenging. Hence, this research used variant call format (VCF) analysis to detect variants and novel genes that could be used as prognostic indicators in the early diagnosis of prodromal PD. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and we analyzed prodromal patients with gVCF data collected in the 2021 cohort. A total of 304 participants were included, including 100 healthy controls, 146 prodromal genetic individuals, 21 prodromal hyposmia individuals, and 37 prodromal RBDs. A pipeline was developed to process the samples from gVCF to reach variant annotation and pathway and disease association analysis. Results: Novel variant percentages were detected in the analyzed prodromal subgroups. The prodromal subgroup analysis revealed novel variations of 1.0%, 1.2%, 0.6%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.4% for the genetic male, genetic female, hyposmia male, hyposmia female, RBD male, and RBD female, respectively. Interestingly, 12 potentially novel loci (MTF2, PIK3CA, ADD1, SYBU, IRS2, USP8, PIGL, FASN, MYLK2, USP25, EP300 and PPP6R2) that were recently detected in PD patients were detected in the prodromal stage of PD. Conclusion: Genetic biomarkers are crucial for the early detection of Parkinson’s disease and its prodromal stage. The novel PD genes detected in prodromal patients could aid in the use of gene biomarkers for early diagnosis of the prodromal stage without relying only on phenotypic traits.

(1) Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a distinct subgroup of breast cancer presenting high level of recurrence and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial in its therapy management. Anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy improves effect of neo-adjuvant therapy in TNBC. (2) Methods: Immune-modulation and ferroptosis related R-packages were developed for integrative transcriptome to analyze transcriptome datasets: TNBC cells stimulated with ferroptosis inducers (GSE173905, GSE154425), breast tumors with clinical data (TCGA and METABRIC cohorts). Protein level validation was investigated through protein atlas proteome experiments. (3) Results: Erastin/RSL3 ferroptosis inducers up-regulate CD274 in TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and HCC38). In breast cancer, CD274 expression is associated to overall survival. Breast tumors presenting high expression of CD274 up-regulated some ferroptosis drivers associated to prognosis: IDO1, IFNG and TNFAIP3. CD274-ferroptosis-driver score computed on breast tumor transcriptome stratified patients on their prognosis: low score was observed in basal subgroup with higher level of recurrent risk scores: oncotypeDx, ggi and gene70 scores. In METABRIC cohort, CD274, IDO1, IFNG and TNFAIP3 were found overexpressed in TNBC subgroup. CD274-ferroptosis-driver score was found associated to overall survival independently of TNM classification and age diagnosis. Tumor expression of CD274, TNFAIP3, IFNG and IDO1 in biopsy of breast ductal carcinoma was confirmed at protein level (4) Conclusion: Ferroptosis inducers up-regulate PD-L1 in TNBC cells, known as effective target of immunotherapy in high risk early TNBC which received neo-adjuvant therapy. Basal and TNBC tumors highly expressed CD274 and ferroptosis drivers: IFNG, TNFAIP3 and IDO1. CD274-ferroptosis driver score is associated to prognosis and to the risk of recurrence in breast cancer. A potential synergy of ferroptosis inducers with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy is suggested in recurrent TNBC.

A new one-pot technique for preparation of polysaccharide-based Pd- and Pd-Ag nanocatalysts by sequential supporting natural polymer (2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), chitosan (Chit), pectin (Pec)) and metals on zinc oxide was developed. The nanocatalysts based on polysaccharide were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), infrared spectroscopy (IRS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and elemental analysis methods. The catalyst characterization results indicated complete adsorption of polysaccharide and metal ions on zinc oxide, forming polymer-stabilized Pd nanoparticles of ~2 nm in size, evenly distributed on the support surface. The catalysts were studied in the hydrogenation of 2-hexyn-1-ol under mild conditions (0.1 MPa, 40 °C). The catalysts demonstrated nearly the same conversion of 2-hexyn-1-ol. The selectivity to cis-hexen-1-ol of the catalysts decreases in the following order: 0.5%Pd-Ag(3:1)HEC/ZnO>0.5%Pd-Ag(3:1)Pec/ZnO>0.5%Pd-Ag(3:1)Chit/ZnO. The optimum reaction temperature and catalyst loading for the Pd-Ag catalysts modified with HEC and Chit have been determined (40 °C, 0.05 g).

This study reports the recovery of Pd(II) from acid solution by a polyethylenimine (PEI) crosslinked chitin (PEI-chitin) biosorbent. FE-SEM analysis demonstrated that there are many slot-like pores on PEI-chitin. N2 adsorption-desorption experiment revealed that the average pore size was 47.12 nm. Elemental analysis verified the successful crosslinking of PEI with raw chitin. The Langmuir model better explained the isotherm experimental data and the theoretical maximum Pd(II) uptake was 59.6 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic data was better described by pseudo-second-order model and the adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 30 min for all initial Pd(II) concentrations of 50-200 mg/L. In the fixed-bed column, the adsorption of Pd(II) on PEI-chitin showed slow breakthrough and fast saturation performance. The desorption experiments achieved a concentration factor of 8.4 ± 0.4. In addition, adsorption-desorption cycles in the fixed-bed column were performed up to 3 times, consequently confirming the good reusability of PEI-chitin for Pd(II) recovery. Therefore, the PEI-chitin can be used as a promising biosorbent for the recovery of Pd(II) in practical applications.

It has been demonstrated that a decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate (c-ATP) causes cellular dysfunction. T-cells are not an exception. One of their roles is to properly detect and eliminate cancer cells. These processes occur at the expense of ATP. Therefore, it can be concluded that a decrease in c-ATP can defect T-cell function and promote cancer evolution. In this article, we provide a hypothesis to describe the correlation between the expression of PD-1 protein on T-cells and their c-ATP levels. Moreover, we present the possible predictive factors of Anti–PD(L)-1 therapy which has not yet been determined definitely.

Neuromuscular adverse events following cancer treatment with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies are relatively rare, yet potentially fatal. Using the PRISMA approach, we performed a systematic review to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) in patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Sixty-three publications on 85 patients (mean age 66,9 years (range 34–86); male/female 2.6:1; 59% metastatic melanoma) were identified from selected indexing databases until June 2018. Forty-eight patients had received nivolumab and 39 pembrolizumab. The mean number of PD-1 inhibitor treatment cycles prior to onset of symptoms was 3,6 (range 1–28). Symptoms included oculomotor (47%); respiratory (43%), bulbar (35%), and proximal weakness (35%); as well as muscle pain (28%). Diagnoses were categorized as myasthenia gravis (27%), neuropathy (23%), myopathy (34%) and a combination of these (16%). After critical review of the data, however, evidence did not support the stated NMD diagnosis in 13% of cases, while up to 14% of patients had signs of additional NMDs. PD-1 inhibitor associated myasthenia was associated with cardiac complications in almost 30% of patients and with a more rapid clinical progression compared with idiopathic myasthenia. Mortality was high despite adequate treatment strategies including corticosteroid, IV immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis. In conclusion, clinical presentation of NMDs associated with PD-1 inhibitors is often atypical, with significant overlap between myasthenia gravis and myopathy; and cardiac/respiratory complications are common, leading to more severe disease courses than idiopathic myasthenia.

Solid polymer electrolytes and composite polymer electrolytes serve as crucial components in all-solid-state energy storage devices. Structural batteries and supercapacitors present a promising alternative for electric vehicles, integrating structural functionality with energy storage capability. However, despite their potential, these applications are hampered by various challenges, particularly in the realm of developing new solid polymer electrolytes that require more investigations. In this study, novel solid polymer electrolytes and composite polymer electrolytes were synthesized using epoxy resin blends, ionic liquid, lithium salt, and alumina nanoparticles, and subsequently characterized. Among the formulations tested, the optimal system, designated as L70P30ILE40Li1MAl2 and containing 40 wt.% of ionic liquid and 5.7 wt.% of lithium salt, exhibited exceptional mechanical properties. It displayed a remarkable storage modulus of 1.2 GPa and reached ionic conductivities of 0.085 mS/cm at 60°C. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept supercapacitor was fabricated, demonstrating the practical application of the developed electrolyte system.

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a biomarker on the surface of cells that has a role in promoting self-tolerance by suppressing the inflammatory activity of T cells. In this work, one peptide of PD-1 was used as the template in molecular imprinting. The magnetic peptide-imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) composite nanoparticles (MPIP NPs) were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) analysis. Natural killer-92 (NK-92) cells were added to these composite nanoparticles and then incubated with human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. The viability and apoptosis pathway of HepG2 were then studied using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. These nanoparticles were found significantly enhance the activity of natural killer cells toward HepG2 cells by increasing expression of NK-kB, caspase 8 and especially caspase 3.

Traditional photodynamic therapy (PDT), a clinical cancer therapeutic approach using light in killing cancer cells, is often limited by insufficient light penetration, inefficient photosensitizer energy transfer, and inadequate oxygen in hypoxic tumors. Employing X-ray to activate photosensitizer in PDT can potentially overcome these limitations. Here, we compared protocols to synthesize a novel nano-photosensitizer composed of a europium-doped yttrium oxide core with a silica shell (Y₂O₃:Eu@SiO₂) which can be utilized in such therapeutic method, i.e., X-ray activated PDT (XPDT). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dihydroethidium (DHE) were utilized to evaluate the effects of various synthesis conditions on the characteristics of Y₂O₃:Eu@SiO₂ and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The in vivo tumor suppression effects of the Y₂O₃:Eu@SiO₂ were assessed by ¹⁸F-fluorothymidine position emission tomography (¹⁸F-FLT PET) in human ovarian cancer xenografts using radiation sensitive CAOV3 and radiation resistant SKOV3 cell lines. Our data revealed a positive correlation between nanoparticle condensation time and core size as well as a negative correlation between urea concentrations and core size. Addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during core synthesis enhanced particle dispersion. Two silica coating conditions showed the greatest efficiency in the enhancement of ROS generation. Furthermore, our in vivo study revealed suppression of tumor growth by Y₂O₃:Eu@SiO₂ administration when compared to non-treated control. Silica shell provides flexibility to conjugate moieties that specifically target to cancers. This nano-photosensitizer demonstrates the significant promise for overcoming limitations of conventional PDT and combating various cancers in clinical applications.

Background; Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) are target molecules for immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. PD-L1 is expressed not only in cancer cells, but also on macrophages, and has been suggested to contribute to macrophage-mediated immune suppression. Methods; Clinical significance of PD-L1 expression on macrophages in human lung adenocarcinoma was examined. The mechanisms of PD-L1 overexpression on macrophages were investigated by means of cell culture studies. Results; High PD-L1 expression on macrophages was correlated with the presence of EGFR mutation, a lower cancer grade, and a shorter cancer-specific overall survival. In an in vitro study using lung cancer cell lines and human monocyte-derived macrophages, the conditioned medium from cancer cells was found to up-regulate PD-L1 expression on macrophages via STAT3 activation, and a cytokine array revealed that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was a candidate factor that induced PD-L1 expression. Culture studies using recombinant GM-CSF, neutralizing antibody, and inhibitors indicated that PD-L1 overexpression was induced via STAT3 activation by GM-CSF derived from cancer cells. Conclusions; PD-L1 overexpression on macrophages via the GM-CSF/STAT3 pathway was suggested to promote cancer progression in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer cell-derived GM-CSF might be a promising target for anti-cancer therapy.

The responses of inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session were compared between 7 postmenopausal (57±2 y) and 8 premenopausal females (44±3 y) during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, when estrogen and progesterone are highest, and. HIIT consisted of 10 x 1 min running intervals (90% maximum heart rate) separated by 1 min recovery intervals. Blood samples were collected at baseline (fasted), pre-exercise (postprandial), and 0, 30 and 90 min post-HIIT and analyzed for interleukin (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and BDNF. IL-6 significantly increased from pre-exercise to 0 min post-HIIT in postmenopausal (+40%, p=0.01) but 30 min post-HIIT in premenopausal females (+60%, p=0.02). IL-6 remained elevated at 90 min post-HIIT in premenopausal (+104%, p=0.05) and to a higher degree in postmenopausal (+385%, p&lt;0.001). IL-10 showed no response. TNF-α increased from pre- to 0 min post-HIIT (+10%, p=0.05), then decreased to below pre-exercise at 30 min (-10%, p=0.02) and 90 min (-5%, p=0.04) in both groups. BDNF increased immediate post-HIIT in premenopausal (+60%, p&lt;0.001) but not postmenopausal females. The differences in IL-6 and BDNF response to HIIT between pre and postmenopausal females provide evidence of the role of female reproductive hormones in the regulation of these exercise-induced responses.

Cobalt-doped alumina catalysts were prepared by different methods, applying either the conventional wet impregnation (WI) and/or the advanced spray impregnation (SI), and evaluated as novel oxidation catalysts for CO and MeOH oxidation. The spray impregnation technique aims towards the synthesis of core-shell catalytic nanostructures to secure chemical/thermal stability of the active sites on the catalyst carrier. The catalysts were further promoted with low Pd content (0.5 wt.%) applying either incipient wetness impregnation (DI) or spray impregnation. The results revealed the superior performance of spray impregnated catalysts (Co/γ-Al2O3-SI) for both reactions. The deposition of Co oxide on the outer surface of the alumina particle (SEM images) and the availability of the active Co phase, resulted in the enhancement of Co/γ-Al2O3 catalysts oxidation activity. Pd incorporation increased catalysts reducibility (TPR-H2) and improved the catalysts performance for both reactions. However, Pd incorporation method affected the catalytic performance; as with the SI method the active phase of Co3O4 was probably covered from PdO and was not available for the oxidation reactions. On the contrary, the incorporation of Pd with the DI method resulted in better dispersion of PdO all over the Co/Al catalyst surface, maintaining available Co active sites and better Pd-Co interaction. MeOH desorption studies revealed the methanol oxidation mechanism; Co/Al catalysts promote partial oxidation of MeOH to formaldehyde (HCHO) and dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME), while Pd-based Co/Al catalysts enhance the complete oxidation of methanol to CO2 and H2O.

Suzuki cross-coupling reaction has developed one of the furthermost effectual approaches for the synthesis of biaryls or substituted aromatic moieties from aryl halides and arylboronic acids with a palladium-catalyst in the past two era’s. Herein, Pd-free layered double hydroxide containing nickel catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation method under ultrasonic irradiation and N2 atmosphere with different molar ratios of Ni: Mg: Al and coded as (1NiLDHs-Dr), (1.5NiLDHs-Dr) and (2NiLDHs-Dr). A series of reduced catalysts under 5%H2/N2 at different temperatures were coded as 1NiLDHs-R200, 1.5NiLDHs-R200 and 2NiLDHs-R200. As-synthesized 2NiLDHs-Dr was the superlative catalyst when coupling different aryl halides with different boronic acids derivatives. Deep investigation of all catalysts was done using different techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) connected with energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and N2-physisorption at -196 ℃. The results attained verified that ɑ-Ni(OH)2 was fashioned for 2NiLDHs-Dr catalyst and the enclosure of nickel ions in the cationic sheet of layered structure were responsible for the fascinating catalytic efficacy rather than the basic nature of material. The Ni-containing LDHs catalysts encourage forthcoming studies in Pd-free catalyzed C-C coupling reactions.

Biomarker directed selection of targeted anti-neoplastic agents such as immune check-point inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies form an important aspect of cancer treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of the tumor tissue is the method of choice to evaluate the presence of these biomarkers. However, a significant barrier to biomarker testing on tissue is the availability of an adequate amount of tissue and need for repetitive sampling due to tumor evolution. Also, tumor tissue testing is not immune to inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. We describe the analytical and clinical validation of a Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) assay to accurately assess the presence of PD-L1 22C3 and PD-L1 28.8, ER, PR and HER2, from patients with solid tumors to guide the choice of suitable targeted therapies. Analytically, the test has high sensitivity, specificity, linearity and precision. Based on a blinded case control study, the clinical sensitivity and specificity for PD-L1 (22C3 and 28.8) was determined to be 90% and 100% respectively. The clinical sensitivity and specificity was 83% and 89% for ER; 80% and 94% for PR; 63% and 89% for HER2 (by ICC); and 100% and 92% for HER2 (by FISH), respectively. The performance characteristics of the test support its suitability and adaptability for routine clinical use.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity with a complex pathophysiology. Traditional cancer therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, limitations such as lack of specificity, cytotoxicity, and multi-drug resistance pose a substantial challenge for favorable cancer treatment. The advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized the arena of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles (1-100nm) can be used in the treatment of cancer owing to their specific advantages such as biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, more excellent stability, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. Nanoparticles are classified into several main categories. The nanoparticle drug delivery system is particular and utilizes tumor and tumor environment characteristics. Nanoparticles not only solve the limitations of conventional cancer treatment but also overcome multidrug resistance. Additionally, as new multidrug resistance mechanisms are unraveled and studied, nanoparticles are being investigated more vigorously. Various therapeutic implications of nano-formulations have created brand new perspectives for cancer treatment. However, a majority of the research is limited to in vivo and in vitro studies, and the number of nano-drugs that are approved has not much amplified over the years. In this review, we discuss numerous types of nanoparticles, targeting mechanisms along with approved nanotherapeutics for oncological implications in cancer treatment. Further, we also summarize the current perspective, advantages, and challenges in clinical translation.

In recent years, the nanoparticles applications have been well recognized in various fields. It is known that nanoparticles as an active ingredient in sunscreens are widely used. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles are common nanoparticles utilized in sunscreens. In this study, we aimed to suggest new nanoparticles for this purpose. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) were synthesized by using Musa sapientum fruit peel extract. Synthesized nanoparticles were identified through Raman, Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Energy Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX). The results showed that size of synthesized nanoparticles are in range 4-13 nm. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized nanoparticles on lung (A549) cancer cell line was performed through MTT assay. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles are non-toxicity against A549 cell line to below 500 μg/mL of nanoparticles concentration. The Sun protection factor (SPF) was estimated ~ 40 for synthesized CeO2-NPs. So, synthesized nanoparticles can be a good option for use in the cosmetics industry.

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs), among polymeric NPs, liposomes, micelles, quantum dots, dendrimers, or fullerenes, are becoming more and more important due to their potential use in the novel medical therapies. Titanium dioxide (titanium(IV) oxide, titania, TiO2) is an inorganic compound that owes its recent rise in scientific interest to photoactivity. After the illumination in aqueous media with UV light, TiO2 produces an array of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The capability to produce ROS and thus induce cell death has found application in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of a wide range of maladies, from psoriasis to cancer. Titanium dioxide NPs were studied as photosensitizing agents in the treatment of malignant tumors as well as in photodynamic inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Both TiO2 NPs themselves, as well as their composites with other molecules, can be successfully used as photosensitizers in PDT. Moreover, various organic compounds can be grafted on TiO2 NPs, leading to hybrid materials. These nanostructures can reveal increased light absorption allowing their further use in targeted therapy in medicine. In order to improve efficient anticancer therapy, many approaches utilizing titanium dioxide were tested. The most significant studies are discussed in this review.

Herein, we report about the monometallic Ni and bimetallic Pd-Ni catalysts supported on CeO2-Al2O3 binary oxide, which were investigated in oxy-steam reforming of methanol (OSRM). Monometallic and bimetallic supported catalysts were prepared by wet aqueous impregnation and subsequent impregnation method, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the catalytic systems were investigated using various methods such as: BET, XRD, TPR-H2, TPD-NH3, XPS and SEM-EDS techniques. It has been proven that the addition of palladium to the nickel catalyst facilitates its reduction. The activity tests performed for all catalysts confirmed the promotion effect of palladium on catalytic activity of nickel catalyst and selectivity towards hydrogen production. Both nickel and bimetallic palladium-nickel supported catalysts showed excellent stability during the reaction. Such catalytic systems are valuable for the advance of the field of fuel cell technology.

Water pollution is the main problem in the current scenario which is being faced by mankind due to the industrial and commercial effects. Industrial effluents contain heavy metals and inorganic ions like nitrates and phosphate ions. These ions are being included in waterways through industrial runoff. When the concentration of these hazardous pollutants increases in aquatic flora and fauna causes severe health problems. So remediation of these toxicants from water reserves is of chief importance. Conventional processes along with modern processes are being used for the treatment of industrial wastes. Photo-degradation is a modern method used for the degradation of inorganic ions due to its environmentally friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. In a recent study Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized via a green approach at different pH by using Cymbopogan citratus (lemongrass) plant extract and these nanoparticles were used for the removal of inorganic ions from wastewater. The nanoparticles of different pH showed different % degradation of the inorganic ions in acidic medium removal of inorganic waste was less, in basic media % degradation was more as compared to acidic media but maximum % degradation was observed in neutral media like that average % degradation 91% and 81% was observed for nitrate and phosphate ions. The maximum absorbance occurred at 212nm and Al2O3 nanoparticles showed absorbance from 210nm-217nm. The R2 values of pseudo1st, 2nd, and BMG models were 0.956, 0.837, 0.7007 0.95, 0.896, and 0.756 for the nitrate and phosphate ions. Characterizations of synthesized particles were investigated by using UV-visible spectroscopy and other analytical methods like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The statistical analyses were done using Simple Linear regression (SLR).

The weighted K-nearest neighbors (WKNN) algorithm has been widely used in indoor fingerprint localization, which utilizes fingerprint distance (FD) of pairwise positions to discriminate the physical distance (PD) between them. However, due to the varied states of different wireless access points (APs), their contribution to FD discrimination capability varies. In our study, we analyzed several critical causes that affect APs’ contribution, including AP’s health state, the distance, and the direction between APs and position pairs. Inspired by these insights, a threshold was set for all sample RSS to eliminate the impact of abnormal APs on FD, and a correction quantity for each RSS was provided by the distance between APs and sample positions to reduce the strong signal influence on FD. Furthermore, a priority weight was designed by RSS differences (RSSD) to further optimize FD’s capability to discriminate PD. Integrating the above policies, a new indoor fingerprint localization technique is redefined, referred to FD’s discrimination capability improvement WKNN (FDDC-WKNN), which is suitable for indoor scenes with a large number of APs that are not uniformly managed. Our simulation results show that the correlation and consistency between FD and PD are well improved, with strong correlation increasing from 0 to 76% and high consistency increasing from 26% to 99%, which confirms that the proposed policies can greatly enhance FD’s discrimination capabilities to PD, and we also found that abnormal APs can cause significant impact on FDs’ discrimination Capability. Further, by implementing the FDDC-WKNN algorithm in experiments, we obtained the optimal K value in both the simulation scene and real library scene, under which the average localization errors have been reduced from 2.2732m to 1.2183m and from 3.4295m to 2.2068m, respectively. In addition, compared to not using the FDDC-WKNN, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the localization errors curve converged faster and the errors fluctuation is smaller, which demonstrate FDDC-WKNN having stronger robustness and more stable localization performance to the state of APs in indoor environments.

With the rise of novel immunotherapies able to stimulate the antitumor immune response, increasing literature data concerning the immunogenicity of breast cancer have been published in recent years. Numerous clinical studies have been conducted in order to identify novel biomarkers that could reflect the immunogenicity of BC and predict response to immunotherapy. In this regard, TILs have emerged as an important immunological biomarker related to the antitumor immune re-sponse in BC. TILs are more frequently observed in triple-negative breast cancer and HER2+ sub-types where increased TIL levels have been linked to better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and with improved survival. PD-L1 is a type 1 transmembrane protein ligand expressed on T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells and is considered a key inhibitory checkpoint involved in cancer immune regulation. PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression in breast cancer is observed in about 10–30% of cases and is extremely variable based on tumor stage and molecular subtypes . In detail, TNBC shows the highest percentages of PD-L1 positivity, followed by HER2+ tumors. On the other hand, PD-L1 is rarely expressed (0-10% of cases) in hormone-receptor positive BC. The prognostic role of PD-L1 expression in BC is still controversial since different immunohistochemistry (IHC) clones, cut-off points and scoring systems have been utilized across published studies. In the present paper an extensive review on the current knowledge of immune landscape of BC is provided. In detail TILS and PD-L1 expression across different BC subtypes is discussed also providing a guide for their pathological assessment and reporting.

Pathogenic microorganisms can cause a range of infectious diseases and are often treated with antimicrobial agents. The rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by inappropriate use of these agents in various settings has become a global health threat. There is, therefore, a need to find new and effective agents to combat infections caused by resistant pathogens. Nanotechnology has seen significant growth and development in recent years and has a wide range of applications in various fields, including health, agriculture, and industry. This novel area offers the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The use of IONPs is a promising way to overcome antimicrobial resistance or pathogenicity because of their ability to interact with several biological molecules and to inhibit microbial growth. This review focuses on the most common green synthesis methods for producing IONPs using bacteria, fungi, plants, and organic waste, as well as the most common methods for the characterization of these IONPs. Finally, it summarizes their application as promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.

Aluminum matrix nanocomposites have been the subject of much attention due to their extraordinary mechanical properties and thermal stability. This research focuses on producing and characterizing an aluminum matrix reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) nanometric particles. The conventional powder metallurgy route was used to produce the nanocomposites, and the dispersion and mixing process was carried out by ultrasonication. The conditions of the dispersion and the volume fraction of the SiC were evaluated in the production of the nanocomposites. Microstructural characterization was carried out using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Mechanical characterization was carried out using hardness and tensile tests. The dispersion agent was investigated, and isopropanol leads to better dispersion with fewer agglomerates. Increasing the volume fraction of the reinforcement improves the hardness of the nanocomposites. However, greater agglomeration of the reinforcement is observed for larger volume fractions. The greatest increase in hardness (77% increase compared to the hardness of the Al matrix) is obtained with 1.0 vol % of SiC, corresponding to the sample with the best dispersion. The mechanical characterization through tensile tests attests to the effect of the reinforcement on the Al matrix. The main strengthening mechanisms identified were the load transfer, the texture hardening, Orowan strengthening, and the increase in the density of dislocations in the nanocomposites.

The solid-state technique was utilized to make a single phase of delafossite CuAlO2, along with 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% silver doped CuAlO2 samples in this study. The content of the samples was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) equipped with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The polycrystalline nature of all of the analyzed cases was confirmed by structural analyses utilizing an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern with a simple typical peak of CAO rhombohedral phase. Raman, FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy were used to study the structural, and optical energy band gap (Eg) of Ag doped CuAlO2 nanoparticles. The Kubelka–Munk function was used to calculate the optical band gap of ACAO alloys using diffuse reflectance spectra, and it altered as the Ag ion concentration increased. A. c. impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the dielectric characteristics of Ag doped CuAlO2 nanoparticles.

Visualization of deep biological structures in human and animal bodies is not possible through the naked eye due to the scattering of visible light by tissues in tolerable intensities. Different types of imaging modalities based on electromagnetic and pressure waves have been developed that help us image deep biological tissues with varying resolution and contrast. Some of the most widely used modalities are X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, MRI imaging, fluorescence imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. Although these techniques have significantly helped the advancement of our understanding of deep biological tissues and functions, they often require the use of exogenous contrast agents to improve their image quality for better investigation. Nanoparticle-based contrast agents have captivated scientists because of multiple advantages associated with them such as their excellent photophysical and chemical properties, ability to be precisely delivered at the target, and superlative tunability. This article is aimed to give a brief outlook on the recent state of art advances in the usage of nanoparticles for preclinical and clinical bioimaging through fluorescence, photoacoustic, and MRI imaging modalities.

Background:Boom in nanotechnology in current era has sketched unforeseen transformations in number of fields, such as medicine, health care, food, space, agriculture, etc. The synthesis of nanoparticles with different chemical compositions, sizes, shapes and controlled disparities is an important area of research in this field. Over the last decade, the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles has received considerable attention due to their unusual and fascinating properties, with various applications, over their bulk counterparts.Hypothesis: The nanoparticle can have huge application in the field of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries and thus become a major area of research. Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and promising substitute to the conventional methods of chemical synthesis. Conclusion: In the arena of nanoparticle phytosynthesis, novel materials have been produced that are eco-friendly, cost-effective and stable. In the current situation, nanotechnology inspires progress in all spheres of life, and therefore the phytosynthetic path of nanoparticle synthesis has emerged as a safe and best alternative to conventional methods. This review summarizes the recent work in the field of zinc nanoparticle phytosynthesis and critically discusses the mechanism proposed behind it.

The aim of this manuscript is to synthesize and characterize novel silylated Sm3+ and Eu3+ complexes and incorporate them into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and dense silica nanoparticles (DSNs). Sm3+ and Eu3+ ion complexes were chosen for their strong UV-visible emission, deep-red luminescence, and effective interaction with bidentate organic ligands, such as 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (tta) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Silylated ligands were employed as coupling agents to form covalent bonds between the complexes and an oxide matrix via a conventional sol-gel process. This approach aims to enhance the thermal stability and photophysical properties of the resulting hybrid material compared to free complexes. The new silylated-bidentate ligand complexes, using tta and phen as organic ligands and 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane as the silylating agent, were characterized by FTIR, luminescence spectroscopy, and luminescence decay. After incorporation into silica nanoparticles, the hybrid materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, DLS, zeta potential, SAXS, porosity, surface area measurements, luminescence spectroscopy, and MTT assay. The results confirm the successful synthesis of new luminescent silylated complexes with high luminescence intensity and their incorporation into silica nanoparticles.

Our environment has been significantly impacted by man-made pollutants, primarily due to industries make substantial use of synthetic chemicals, resulting in significant environmental consequences. In this research investigation, the co-precipitation approach was employed for the synthesis of cellulose-based ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃/cellulose) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuOx-NPs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted to determine the properties of the newly synthesised nanoparticles. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles were employed for eliminating chromium from aqueous media under various conditions, including temperature, contact time, adsorbent concentration, adsorbate concentration, and pH. Additionally, the synthesised materials were used to recover Cr(VI) ions from real samples, including tap water, seawater, and industrial water, and the adsorptive capacity of both materials evaluated under optimal conditions. The synthesis of Fe₂O₃/cellulose and CuOx-NPs proved to be effective, as indicated by the outcomes of the study.

TiO2-supported Pd-NPs based materials were prepared following two distinct approaches: for the first set of materials 1-8, modification of the TiO2 support was performed prior to Pd NPs deposition while the 2nd set (9-15) was synthesized by deposition of modifiers over pre-synthesized Pd-PPh3/TiO2. These catalysts were applied in the hydrogenation of CO2 to formate and their performance compared with that of the unmodified Pd-PPh3/TiO2. Modification of the TiO2 support by organosilanes provided a beneficial effect in catalysis compared with the catalyst containing unmodified TiO2 or TiO2 modified by organophosphonic acids. In contrast, in most cases, the deposition of modifiers over previously synthesized Pd NPs supported on TiO2 was not beneficial to the activity of the catalyst. Interestingly, upon recycling, the first set of catalysts suffered a rapid decrease in activity while the anchoring of modifiers over previously formed Pd NPs showed an improved stability (TON &gt; 500 after the 3rd recycling).

The approval of monoclonal antibodies against programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death protein (PD1), has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. To date, many Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic cancer as well as locally recurrent advanced cancer. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of ICIs highlight the need for biomarker analysis with strong predictive value. Liquid biopsy is an important tool for clinical oncologists to monitor cancer patients and administer or change appropriate therapy. CTCs frequently express PD-L1 and this constitutes a clinically useful and non-invasive method to assess PD-L1 status in real time. This review summarizes all the latest findings about the clinical significance of CTC for the management of cancer patients during administration of immunotherapy and mainly focuses on the assessment of PD-L1 expression in CTCs.

The improvement of the methane combustion activity was observed in cyclic temperature-programmed and isothermal reactions over Pd/ZrO2 catalysts by simple reduction/re-oxidation treatment. The catalytic activity increased during the initial stages of isothermal reaction, and the light-off temperature was lowered as the number of cycles increased in the cyclic temperature-programmed reaction. To reveal the origin of activation, variations in the reduction properties after the activation period were carefully investigated through CH4 temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) measurements. From the CH4-TPR results, it was confirmed that the reduction temperature decreased significantly after activation. The observation of the CH4-TPR peak at relatively low temperatures is directly proportional to the catalytic activity of CH4 combustion. It was therefore concluded that repeated reduction/re-oxidation occurred in the reactant stream, and this phenomenon allowed the combustion reaction to proceed more easily at lower temperatures.

Background: PD1 and its ligand PD-L1 are related to the prognosis in many solid tumors, whether its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Methods: Retrospective monocentric study including all patients with OSCC diagnosed and treated between 01/2020 and 05/2022. PD-L1 expression was assessed by combined positive score (CPS), considering CPS > or equal to 1 as positive (1-20 “low expression”, and ≥20 “high”). Descriptive analysis of patient cohort and tumors was performed, including tumor size, stage, lymph node involvement, recur-rence and survival. Results: 65 patients (65 tumors) were analyzed. 66.15% of tumors were ad-vanced stages (III-IV), of them, 97.67% PD-L1+ versus 71.42% within early stages (I-II). T4 tumors expressed PD-L1 in 100% of cases, compared with 54’54% in T1 tumors. 50.79 % of tumors showed lymph node involvement (pN+), 100% of them showing PD-L1+. Prevalence of pN+ was 59.38% for PD-L1 high expression versus 40.63% for low expression. Patients' follow-up ranged from 2 to 34.5 months. No significant difference was seen between overall survival (OS) and PD-L1 +/- (CPS ≥1 vs CPS <1) neither PD-L1 high (CPS ≥20) vs low CPS <20) (p 0.97 and 0.64, re-spectively). Conclusions: The method used to measure (laboratory test with Dako 22C3 an-ti-PD-L1 primary antibody) PD-L1 was reliable and accurate, with a correlation coefficient be-tween the PD-L1 expression in the biopsy and surgical piece of 0.83 (p 0.0001). CPS≥1 was ob-served in large tumors (p<0.001), and was correlated with of lymph node metastases (p<0.004). Further analysis of PD-L1 expression and its relevance in tumor biology and prognosis is needed.

The development of 3D cerebral brain organoids which accurately resemble aspects of the human brain permits a more accurate characterization of physiological processes and neurological diseases. Cerebral organoids can be grown from stem cell lines with various genetic backgrounds allowing multiple neurodegenerative diseases to be modeled. While dysfunction in neurotransmission of patients with neurodegenerative diseases is expected, the impact of chronic neurodegeneration on the response to viral infection of the CNS is poorly understood. For instance, several mosquito-borne viruses like Dengue virus and West Nile Virus cause post-viral parkinsonism. How CNS infection might impact a host with inherent CNS dysfunction such as Parkinson’s Disease in poorly understood. This preliminary, observational study aimed to understand dysfunction in intrinsic and innate expression of a patient with a neurodegenerative disease and a non-affected individual in relation to potential viral infection in the CNS. Cerebral organoids were generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells with a normal genetic background or with idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease. After differentiation and maturation, organoid size, gene expression and immunofluorescence were evaluated to assess neurotransmission and innate immunity. While there was no significant difference in size of the organoids with a normal or Parkinson’s genetic background, gene expression studies identified multiple differences in innate immunity and neurotransmission. Immunofluorescence also identified differences in protein expression related to neurotransmission and innate immunity. Of note, organoids derived from a Parkinson’s patient exhibited endogenous up-regulation of dopamine and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, GABA, glycine, and glutamate targets, and the majority of cytokines. This expression pattern suggests a chronic state of neuroexcitation and neuroinflammation in this population of organoids.

Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticle (CdS-LA hybrid nanoparticles) was synthesized here by a green approach using the precursor cadmium acetate and sodium sulphide along with the extract of a plant Lathyrus aphaca L. containing the phytochemicals which were responsible for surface modification of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle was used to evaluate their inhibition potential against species of bacteria and fungi. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD which demonstrates the hexagonal crystal structure. SEM confirms the homogenous surface appearance of the CdS-LA hybrid crystalline structure. EDX analysis confirms surface modification of nanoparticles by phytochemicals. FTIR confirmed the Cd-S linkage laterally with the related functional groups and the presence of metabolites on the surface of nanoparticles. The UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the peak at the characteristic wavelength range but a slight shift occurred in the peak of the CdS nanoparticles due to the presence of the phytochemicals. This study particularly provides an environment-friendly strategy to synthesize the CdS nanoparticles capped by Lathyrus Aphaca L. extract that are biologically active due to the mediation of the plant extract. CdS-LA hybrid nanoparticles have shown inhibition potential against various species of bacteria and fungi and realize the biological importance of the green synthesis of nanoparticles especially mediated with the plant extract.

Optical materials with a tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are of a great interest for applications in photonics and optoelectronics. In the present study we explored the potential of generating the LSPR band with an ultra-broad range of over 1000 nm in gold nanoparticles (NPs) precipitated through the thermal treatment in ZnO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass. Using the optical absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the LSPR band's position and shape can be finely controlled by varying the thermal treatment route. Comprehensive methods including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to study the glass structure, while computational approaches were used for the theoretical description of the absorption spectra. Obtained results allowed us to suggest a scenario responsible for such abnormal LSPR band broadening which includes possible interparticle plasmonic coupling effect taking place during the liquid-liquid phase separation of the heat-treated glass. The formation of gold NPs with an ultra-broad LSPR band in glasses holds promise for sensitizing rare earth ion luminescence for new photonics devices.

The Tumor Microenviroment (TME) is a complex milieu that is increasingly recognized as a key factor in multiple stages of disease progression and responses to therapy as well as escape from immune surveillance. However, the precise contribution of specific immune effector and immune suppressor components of the TME in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) remains poorly understood. In this paper, we applied the computational algorithm CIBERSORT to Gene Expression Profile (GEP) datasets of 40 BL samples to draw a map of immune and stromal components of TME. Furthermore, by VECTRA multispectral immunofluorescence (IF) and multiple immunohistochemistry (IHC), we investigated the TME of an additional series of 40 BL cases and evaluated the possible role of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis. Our results indicated that M2 polarized macrophages are the most prominent TME component in BL. In addition, we investigated the correlation between PD-L1 and latent membrane protein-2A (LMP2A) expression on tumour cells, highlighting a subgroup of BL cases characterized by a non- canonical latency program of EBV with an activated PD-L1 pathway. In conclusion, our study analysed the TME in BL and identified a tolerogenic immune signature highlighting new potential therapeutic targets.

Bimetallic Ni/Cu core-shell and Cu-Ni heterostructural micro- and nanoparticles were prepared using two simple successive reduction procedures. Monometallic Ni and Cu particles were synthesized for comparison. The phase constitutions and morphological features of the particles were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. All the obtained mono- and bimetallic particles were applied as electrocatalysts in the electrohydrogenation of p-nitrophenol (p-NPh). An additional electrochemical reduction of copper cations during the hydrogen saturation of Cu-containing particles was established. Some of the prepared particles exhibited high catalytic activity with an increase in the hydrogenation rate of p-NPh by more than 3 times compared to its electrochemical reduction on the non-activated cathode, and p-NPh conversion yielded the maximum values. The main product of p-NPh electrocatalytic hydrogenation over Ni-Cu particles is p-aminophenol, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of many drugs. p-Aminophenol formation is confirmed by UV-Vis spectra.

During the past few decades, hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) based on a magnetic material and gold have attracted interest for applications in catalysis, diagnostics and nanomedicine. In this paper, magnetic CoFe2O4/Au HNPs with an average particle size of 10–20 nm decorated with 2-nm gold clusters were prepared using methionine as a reducer and an anchor between CoFe2O4 and gold. The obtained nanoparticles were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques. The TEM images of the HNPs obtained after one, six and ten gold deposition cycles showed that the surface of cobalt ferrite was covered with gold nanoclusters, which slightly increased with an increase in the number of gold deposition cycles (from 2.12 ± 0.15 nm after one cycle to 2.46 ± 0.13 nm after ten cycles) without any change in surface density. The magnetic measurements showed that the obtained HNPs possessed typical ferrimagnetic behaviour, which corresponds to that of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The toxicity evaluation of the synthesised HNPs on Chlorella vulgaris indicated that they can be applied to biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, bioimaging and biosensing.

Vaccines are one of the most effective medical interventions, playing a pivotal role in treating infectious diseases. Although traditional vaccines comprising of killed, inactivated, or live attenuated pathogens have resulted in protective immune responses, negative consequences of their administration have been well-appreciated. Modern vaccines have evolved to contain purified antigenic proteins, epitopes, or antigen-encoding mRNAs, rendering them relatively safe. However, reduced humoral and cellular responses pose major challenges to modern vaccine platforms. Protein nanoparticle (PNP)-based vaccines have garnered substantial interest in recent years for their ability to present repetitive array of antigens for improving immunogenicity and enhancing protective responses. Discovery and characterization of naturally occurring PNPs from various living organisms such as bacteria, archaea, viruses, insects, and eukaryotes, as well as computationally designed structures and approaches to link antigens to the PNPs have paved the way for unprecedented advances in the field of vaccine technology. In this review, we focus on some of the widely used naturally occurring and optimally designed PNPs for their suitability as promising vaccine platforms for displaying native-like antigens from viral pathogens for protective immune responses. Such platforms hold great promise in combating emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and enhancing vaccine efficacy and safety.

Currently, there are many studies on the application of nanotechnology in therapy. Metallic nanoparticles are promising nanomaterials in cancer therapy, however, functionalization of these nanoparticles with biomolecules has become relevant as their effect on cancer cells is con-siderably increased by photothermal and photodynamic therapy, drug nanocarriers, and speci-ficity by antibodies, resulting in new therapies that are more specific against different types of cancer. This review describes studies on the effect of functionalized palladium, gold, silver and platinum nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract composite silver nanoparticles were synthesised using melanin broth and Arabic gum as a reducing and binding agent. The reactions are carried out with water because it is a non-hazardous solvent. The produced composites either had specified diameters (average diameter of 50 nm) with high silver loading or lower loading composites with tuneable morphologies and electrical properties. UV-IR, gamma, and conventional light are used to characterise the synthesised composite silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, measurements are carried out of the dielectric constant, refractive index, energy gap, optical and electrical conductivities, and refractive index coefficients. The silver nanoparticle formation was validated by UV-Vis measurement of the sample, which demonstrated a distinct peak at a wavelength of 420 nm. The characteristics of the composite silver nanoparticles are also quantified using several methods, including XRD, SEM, and particle size analysis.

Nanoparticles (NP), Nanoaerosols (NA), ultrafine particles (UFP), and PM0.1 (particles with a diameter ≤ 0.1 µm or 100 nm) are interchangeably used in the field of atmospheric studies. PM0.1 are emitted from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The main emission sources of PM0.1 are combustion processes, including biomass and fossil fuel. Moreover, secondary formation via atmospheric photochemical reactions can also occur depending on meteorological conditions and the suspended pollutant species. Identifying the physical and chemical characteristics and spatial and temporal variations is vital in terms of understanding the effect of NPs on the environment, the global climate, and human health risks. This review article summarizes recent research on PM0.1 in Thailand. The review involves peer-reviewed papers from Scopus and the Web of Science databases, and includes the most recently published articles in the past ten years (2013-2022). UFPs mainly come from the combustion processes such as motor vehicles. The high mass concentration of PM0.1 that occurs during the dry season in which open fires depend on the specific region of Thailand. Particulate pollution from local and cross-border countries also needs to be considered in terms of the concentrations of ambient nanoparticles. The overall conclusions reached will likely have a beneficial long-term impact on achieving a blue sky over Thailand through the development of coherent policies and managing new air pollution challenges and sharing knowledge with a broader audience.

In this paper, the far field and near field optical responses of a gold nanoparticle are studied and simulated numerically. The electromagnetic field was excited by an electric dipole located near one end of the nanorod, which is used to model the emission of a quantum dot. Another excitation method was also simulated in which an incident plane wave is used. The excitation of dark plasmon modes of the gold nanorod is presented. The Poynting equation was solved numerically to study the influence of the gold nanorod on the dipole radiative power. In addition, the extinction cross section of the gold nanoparticle illuminated by the incident plane wave was calculated to estimate the amount of the scattered and absorbed light.

Fluorophore molecules can be monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy which are highly useful and widely used techniques in cell biology, biochemistry and medicine (e.g., biomarker analysis, immunoassays, cancer diagnosis). Several fluorescent micro- and nanoparticle systems based on block copolymer micelles and cross-linked polymer networks, quantum dots, -conjugated polymers, and dendrimers have been evaluated as optical imaging systems. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the construction of fluorescent single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) which are valuable artificial soft nano-objects with tunable, small size (as small as 3 nm). In particular, the main methods currently available to endow SCNPs with fluorescent properties are discussed in detail, showing illustrative examples.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a glioma and the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a dismal average survival time, despite the standard of care. One promising alternative therapy is boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), which is a noninvasive therapy for treating locally invasive malignant tumors, including glioma. BNCT involves boron-10-released radiation directly into tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. This therapy lacks clinically approved targeted blood-brain-barrier-permeating delivery vehicles for therapeutic drug/ boron-10. Nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles (GNPs), are selective and effective drug-delivery vehicles because of their desirable properties, facile synthesis, and biocompatibility. This review discusses historical and current GNP therapeutic applications as a drug delivery vehicle for treating glioma. Furthermore, GNPs loaded with therapeutic drugs, imaging agents, and GBM-targeting antibodies/ peptides to treat GBM will be discussed. Additionally, the importance of upper and lower limits on therapeutic efficacy will be described and explored followed by highlighting their advantages, limitations, and possible toxicity. Recent research and selected important findings for GNP-mediated pharmaceutics in GBM will also be considered.

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) are highly promising for biological and biomedical applications, including bioimaging, due to their unique opltical properties (i.e. strong fluorescence and very high photostability). Their low or negligible in vitro toxicity has been reported, but in vivo toxicity and biological effects of SiNPs are still uncertain. Uncoated SiNPs were dispersed in distilled water via sonication, and their rapid aggregation was observed (319.0 ± 2.4 nm particle size). In vivo toxicity was studied using Danio rerio embryos and larvae. Rapid aggregation in their incubation medium was observed; besides that, SiNPs at 25 mg/L or higher concentration induced swim bladder malformation and/or death of the fish. The estimated LC50 value for 7-day larvae was 180 mg/L. This is the first in vivo toxicity study of uncoated and unfunctionalized SiNPs. To achieve better stability in biological media and lower toxicity, SiNPs should be covered with hydrophilic layers, but their absorption by cellular membranes may be weaker in this case.

We present a simple strategy to generate a family of carbon dot/iron oxide nanoparticles (C/Fe-NPs) that relies on the thermal decomposition of iron (III) acetylacetonate in the presence of a highly fluorescent carbon-rich precursor, while polyethylene glycol serves as the passivation agent. By varying the molar ratio of the reactants, a series of C/Fe-NPs have been synthesized with tuneable elemental composition in terms of C, H, O, N, Fe. The quantum yield is enhanced from 6% to 9% as the carbon content increases from 27% to 36%, while the room temperature saturation magnetization is improved from 4.1 emu/g to 17.7 emu/g as the iron content is enriched from 17 to 31%. In addition, the C/Fe-NPs show excellent antimicrobial properties, minimal cytotoxicity and demonstrate promising bioimaging capabilities, thus showing great potential for the development of advanced diagnostic tools.

Bimetallic nanoparticles are of interest since they lead to many interesting electrical, chemical, catalytic, and optical properties. They are particularly important in the field of catalysis since they show superior catalytic properties than their monometallic counterparts. The structures of bimetallic nanoparticles depend mainly on the synthesis conditions and the miscibility of the two components. In this work, PdPt alloyed-bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through the polyol method, and characterized using spherical aberration (Cs) corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). High-angle annular dark-field (HAADF)-STEM images of bimetallic nanoparticles were obtained. The contrast of images shows that nanoparticles have an alloy structure with an average size of 8.2 nm. Together with the characterization of nanoparticles, a systematic molecular dynamics simulations study, focused on the structural stability and atomic surface segregation trends in 923-atom PdPt alloyed-bimetallic NPs was carried out.

Nickel molybdate, NiMoO₄, nanoparticles were synthesized via calcination of an oxalate complex in static air at 500 °C. The oxalate complex was analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The as-synthesized nickel molybdate was characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and its catalytic efficiency was tested in the reduction reaction of the three-nitrophenol isomers. The nickel molybdate displays a very high activity in the catalytic reduction of the nitro functional group to an amino. The reduction progress was controlled using UV-Vis absorption.