Defect-engineered dual Z-scheme core-shell MoS2/WO3-x/AgBiS2 for antibiotic and dyes degradation in photo and night catalysis: Mechanism and pathways

Water pollution caused by antibiotics and synthetic dyes and imminent energy crises due to limited fossil fuel resources are issues of contemporary decades. Herein, we address them by enabling the multifunctionality in dual Z-scheme MoS2/WO3-x/AgBiS2 across photolysis, photo Fenton-like, and night catalysis. Defect, basal, and facet-engineered WO3-x is modified with MoS2 and AgBiS2, which extended its photoresponse from the UV-NIR region, inhibited carrier recombination, and reduced carrier transfer resistance. The electric field rearrangement leads to a flow of electrons from MoS2 and AgBiS2 to WO3-x and intensifies the electron population, which is crucial for night catalysis. When MoS2/WO3-x/AgBiS2 was employed against doxycycline hydrochloride (DOXH), it removed 95.65, 81.11, and 77.92 % of DOXH in 100 min during photo-Fenton (PFR), night-Fenton (NFR), and photocatalytic (PCR) reactions, respectively. It also effectively removed 91.91, 98.17, 99.01, and 98.99 % of rhodamine B (RhB), Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), and methylene orange (MO) in Fenton reactions, respectively. ESR analysis consolidates the ROS generation feature of MoS2/WO3-x/AgBiS2 using H2O2 with and without irradiation. This work provides a strategy to eliminate the deficiencies of WO3-x and is conducive to the evolution of applications seeking to combat environmental and energy crises.

Generalized Bézier-like model and its applications to curve and surface modeling

The subject matter of surfaces in computer aided geometric design (CAGD) is the depiction and design of surfaces in the computer graphics arena. Due to their geometric features, modeling of Bézier curves and surfaces with their shape parameters is the most well-liked topic of research in CAGD/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The primary challenges in industries such as automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace are the design of complex surfaces. In order to address this issue, the continuity constraints between surfaces are utilized to generate complex surfaces. The parametric and geometric continuities are the two metrics commonly used for establishing connections among surfaces. This paper proposes continuity constraints between two generalized Bézier-like surfaces (gBS) with different shape parameters to address the issue of modeling and designing surfaces. Initially, the generalized form of C3 and G3 of generalized Bézier-like curves (gBC) are developed. To check the validity of these constraints, some numerical examples are also analyzed with graphical representations. Furthermore, for a continuous connection among these gBS, the necessary and sufficient G1 and G2 continuity constraints are also developed. It is shown through the use of several geometric designs of gBS that the recommended basis can resolve the shape and position adjustment problems associated with Bézier surfaces more effectively than any other basis. As a result, the proposed scheme not only incorporates all of the geometric features of curve design schemes but also improves upon their faults, which are typically encountered in engineering. Mainly, by changing the values of shape parameters, we can alter the shape of the curve by our choice which is not present in the standard Bézier model. This is the main drawback of traditional Bézier model.

Glomus tumor of the foot dorsum: A case report of a neglect podiatric entity

Key Clinical Message

Podiatrists and orthopedists should be vigilant for chronically evolving, hyperalgic soft lumps in the foot with vascular radiological features, prompting early detection of glomus tumor, timely mass removal, providing pain relief and improving patient's quality of life.

Abstract

Glomus tumors refers to a rare group of benign perivascular neoplasms that originate from a neuromyoarterial structure called a glomus body. These tumors are characterized by their painful nature and predominant distribution in the extremities mainly the fingers, the hands and the feet. Nonetheless, the diagnosis is usually made after several years of symptoms experience as the lesions are mostly small, not palpable, and have variable presentations. Radiological workup especially with magnetic resonance imaging is very useful for diagnosing the tumoral process, however, confirmation can only be obtained by histological analysis. The treatment is purely surgical, and it is successful in most cases. Herein, we describe a case of glomus tumor of the foot dorsal side among a middle age male patient.

Solution of time-fractional gas dynamics equation using Elzaki decomposition method with Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative

In this article, Elzaki decomposition method (EDM) has been applied to approximate the analytical solution of the time-fractional gas-dynamics equation. The time-fractional derivative is used in the Caputo-Fabrizio sense. The proposed method is implemented on homogenous and non-homogenous cases of the time-fractional gas-dynamics equation. A comparison between the exact and approximate solutions is also provided to show the validity and accuracy of the technique. A graphical representation of all the retrieved solutions is shown for different values of the fractional parameter. The time development of all solutions is also represented in 2D graphs. The obtained results may help understand the physical systems governed by the gas-dynamics equation.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Serious Illness Conversation Quality during the COVID-19 Pandemic

CONTEXT

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients. However, little is known about the quality of serious illness communication in these communities during this time.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine whether racial and ethnic disparities manifested in serious illness conversations during the pandemic.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of adult patients with a documented serious illness conversation from March 2020 to April 2021. Serious illness conversation documentation quality was assessed by counting the median number (IQR) of conversation domains and their elements included in the documentation. Domains included (1) values and goals, (2) prognosis and illness understanding, (3) end-of-life care planning, and (4) life-sustaining treatment preferences. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations between differences in serious illness documentation quality with patient race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Among 291 patients, 149 (51.2%) were non-Hispanic White; 81 (27.8%) were non-Hispanic Black; and 61 (21.0%) were Hispanic patients. Non-Hispanic Black patients were associated with fewer domains (OR 0.46 [95% CI 0.25, 0.84]; P=.01) included in their serious illness conversation documentation compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Both non-Hispanic Black (OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.20, 0.62]; P<.001) and Hispanic patients (OR 0.29 [95% CI 0.14, 0.58]; P<.001) were associated with fewer elements in the values and goals domain compared to non-Hispanic White patients in their serious illness documentation.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, serious illness conversation documentation among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients was less comprehensive compared to non-Hispanic White patients.

An efficient computational scheme for solving coupled time-fractional Schrödinger equation via cubic B-spline functions

The time fractional Schrödinger equation contributes to our understanding of complex quantum systems, anomalous diffusion processes, and the application of fractional calculus in physics and cubic B-spline is a versatile tool in numerical analysis and computer graphics. This paper introduces a numerical method for solving the time fractional Schrödinger equation using B-spline functions and the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative. The proposed method employs a finite difference scheme to discretize the fractional derivative in time, while a θ-weighted scheme is used to discretize the space directions. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated through numerical results, and error norms are examined at various values of the non-integer parameter, temporal directions, and spatial directions.

WO3-x nanorods/rGO/AgBiS2 Z-scheme heterojunction with comprehensive spectrum response and enhanced Fenton and photocatalytic activities

Tetracycline (TC) antibiotics and dyes are the prevalent water contaminants, and their removal from the water through photocatalysis is a plausible approach. However, most semiconductors in their pristine form need to be improved to be exploited in photocatalysis owing to poor photoresponse, intense carrier recombination, and inertness without irradiation. Herein, we demonstrate the modification of defective WO3-x by rGO and AgBiS2 in the form of WO3-x/rGO/AgBiS2 (R2). It exploits the superior conductivity and synergism of rGO to inhibit carrier recombination; thereby, Z-scheme heterojunction with AgBiS2 provides high redox potential. Defects in WO3-x enable electron (e-) storage in R2, which decomposes H2O2 to generate ROS without irradiation. Owing to these essences and broad-spectrum response, it removed 93.72, 82.77, and 84.82% of TC during photo-Fenton (PFR), night-Fenton (NFR), and photocatalytic (PCR) reactions, respectively. Its removal rates reached 94.74, 81.54, and 87.50% against rhodamine B (RhB) during PFR, NFR, and PCR, respectively. It is superior to memory catalysis (MC) and conventional Fenton reactions (CFR) because it can perform without and with irradiation across a broader pH range. So, this work is conducive to designing WO3-x-based catalysts to combat environmental and energy crises.

Physicochemical properties of ammonium acetate / propionic acid as a novel deep eutectic solvent and its binary mixtures with water in (298.15-353.15) K range

Emergence of deep eutectic solvents as potential replacements for volatile organic solvents has attracted interest of the scientific community in diverse fields of applications. Compared to ionic liquids, which exhibit similarity in many respects with this new class of green solvents, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) show low toxicity, and are easy to prepare from cheap and abundantly available starting materials. Knowledge of physicochemical properties of DESs is a prerequisite for their safe applications in technological fields and to understand the nature of interactions present in these systems. Although physicochemical properties of choline chloride based DESs are widely investigated, similar information on ammonium acetate based DESs is scant. In this work, a novel ammonium acetate/propionic acid deep eutectic solvent (AA/PA DES) is reported which is prepared by mixing ammonium acetate (AA) and propionic acid (PA) in the 1:3 mol ratio and characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, TGA and DSC techniques. The density (ρ), sound velocity (u), viscosity (η) and conductivity (κ) of the pure DES and its binary mixtures with water are investigated over the entire composition range and temperatures (298.15-353.15) K. The excess properties, VmE, KSE, Δη, and ΔG*E are calculated and corelated using Redlich-Kister equation (RKE). Temperature dependence of conductivity and viscosity is satisfactorily described by the Vogel - Fulcher - Tamman (VFT) equation rather than Arrhenius equation. The pure DES shows a wide electrochemical potential window ranging from - 1000 mV to + 1000 mV, which coupled with its better solubilizing characteristics, could be exploited for electrochemical work.

Predicting consequences of COVID-19 control measure de-escalation on nosocomial transmission and mortality: a modelling study in a French rehabilitation hospital

INTRODUCTION

Infection control measures are effective for nosocomial COVID-19 prevention but bear substantial health-economic costs, motivating their "de-escalation" in settings at low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Yet consequences of de-escalation are difficult to predict, particularly in light of novel variants and heterogeneous population immunity.

AIM

To estimate how infection control measure de-escalation influences nosocomial COVID-19 risk.

METHODS

An individual-based transmission model was used to simulate SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and control measure de-escalation in a French long-term care hospital with multi-modal control measures in place (testing and isolation, universal masking, single-occupant rooms). Estimates of COVID-19 case fatality rates (CFRs) from reported outbreaks were used to quantify excess COVID-19 mortality due to de-escalation.

RESULTS

In a population fully susceptible to infection, de-escalating both universal masking and single rooms resulted in hospital-wide outbreaks of 114 (95% CI: 103-125) excess infections, compared with five (three to seven) excess infections when de-escalating only universal masking or 15 (11-18) when de-escalating only single rooms. When de-escalating both measures and applying CFRs from the first wave of COVID-19, excess patient mortality ranged from 1.57 (1.41-1.71) to 9.66 (8.73-10.57) excess deaths/1000 patient-days. By contrast, when applying CFRs from subsequent pandemic waves and assuming susceptibility to infection among 40-60% of individuals, excess mortality ranged from 0 (0-0) to 0.92 (0.77-1.07) excess deaths/1000 patient-days.

CONCLUSIONS

The de-escalation of bundled COVID-19 control measures may facilitate widespread nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, excess mortality is probably limited in populations at least moderately immune to infection and given CFRs resembling those estimated during the 'post-vaccine' era.

Validation of deep amplicon sequencing of Dicrocoelium in small ruminants from Northern regions of Pakistan

Dicrocoelium lancet flukes cause significant production loss in ruminant livestock. Although co-infection with multiple Dicrocoelium species within a host is common, techniques for studying the composition of these complex parasite communities are lacking. The pathogenicity, epidemiology, and therapeutic susceptibility of different helminth species vary, and little is known about the interactions that take place between co-infecting species and their hosts. Here, we describe the first applicationof metabarcoding deep amplicon sequencing method to studythe Dicrocoelium species in sheep and goats. First, rDNA ITS-2 sequences of four Dicrocoelium species (Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Dicrocoelium hospes, Dicrocoelium orientalis, and Dicrocoelium chinensis) were extracted from the NCBI public database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed separate clades of Dicrocoelium species; hence, molecular differentiation between each species is possible in co-infections. Second, 202 flukes belonging to seventeen host populations (morphologically verified as belonging to the Dicrocoelium genus) were evaluated to determine the deep amplicon sequencing read threshold of an individual fluke for each of the four species. The accuracy of the method in proportional quantification of samples collected from single hosts was further assessed. Overall, 198 (98.01%) flukes were confirmed as D. dendriticum and 1.98% produced no reads. The comparison of genetic distances between rDNA ITS-2 revealed 86% to 98% identity between the Dicrocoelium species. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a distinct clustering of species, apart from D. orientalis and D. chinensis, which sit very close to each other in a single large clade whereas D. hospes and D. dendriticum are separated into their own clade. In conclusion each sample was identified as D. dendriticum based on the proportion of MiSeq reads and validated the presence of this group of parasites in the Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan. The metabarcoding deep amplicon sequencing technology and bioinformatics pathway have several potential applications, including species interactions during co-infections, identifying the host and geographical distribution of Dicrocoelium in livestock, drug therapy response evaluation and understanding of the emergence and spread of drug resistance.

Thoracic Duct Visualization in Esophageal Resection: A Pilot Trial

INTRODUCTION

Inadvertent thoracic duct injury is common during esophagectomy and may result in postoperative chylothorax. This study's objective was to investigate utility of patent blue injection as a modality for intraoperative thoracic duct visualization.

METHODS

A prospective, single-arm, interventional study of patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy was performed. Patients were injected with patent blue dye into both groins prior to thoracic stage of surgery and assessed for duct visualization. Control group was formed by propensity score matching using retrospectively collected data regarding patients who underwent esophagectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were included in analysis, compared to a control of 50 patients after matching. Thoracic duct was visualized in 60% of patients in the study group (15/25 patients). Significant differences were found between study and control groups (p < 0.05) with regards to median operative time (422 vs. 285 min, respectively), overall complications (16 vs. 34%, respectively), and median postoperative length of stay (13.5 vs. 10 days, respectively). There was a difference in rate of chyle leak between study and control groups; however, this was not significant (0 vs. 12%, respectively, p = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Patent blue injection represents a simple method for thoracic duct visualization during minimally invasive esophagectomy which may improve surgical outcomes.

Plackett-Burman screening of physico-chemical variables affecting Citrus peel-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity

With the growing resistance of pathogenic microbes to traditional drugs, biogenic silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have recently drawn attention as potent antimicrobial agents. In the present study, SNPs synthesized with the aid of orange (Citrus sinensis) peel were engineered by screening variables affecting their properties via Plackett-Burman design. Among the variables screened (temperature, pH, shaking speed, incubation time, peel extract concentration, AgNO3 concentration and extract/AgNO3 volume ratio), pH was the only variable with significant effect on SNPs synthesis. Therefore, SNPs properties could be enhanced to possess highly regular shape with zeta size of 11.44 nm and zeta potential of - 23.7 mV. SNPs purified, capped and stabilized by cloud point extraction technique were then checked for their antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans. The maximum antimicrobial activity of SNPs was recorded against E. coli, L. monocytogenes and C. albicans with clear zone diameter of 33.2, 31.8 and 31.7 mm, respectively. Based on minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of SNPs (300 mg/l) as well as their effect on respiratory chain dehydrogenases, cellular sugar leakage, protein leakage and lipid peroxidation of microbial cells, E. coli was the most affected. Scanning electron microscopy, protein banding and DNA fragmentation proved obvious ultrastructural and molecular alterations of E. coli treated with SNPs. Thus, biogenic SNPs with enhanced properties can be synthesized with the aid of Citrus peel; and such engineered nanoparticles can be used as potent antimicrobial drug against E. coli.

Investigation of the dynamical structures of double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model in biological sciences

The present research investigates the double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model, which is important for the transfer and retention of genetic material in biological domains. This model is composed of two lengthy uniformly elastic filaments, that stand in for a pair of polynucleotide chains of the deoxyribonucleic acid molecule joined by hydrogen bonds among the bottom combination, demonstrating the hydrogen bonds formed within the chain's base pairs. The modified extended Fan sub equation method effectively used to explain the exact travelling wave solutions for the double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model. Compared to the earlier, now in use methods, the previously described modified extended Fan sub equation method provide more innovative, comprehensive solutions and are relatively straightforward to implement. This method transforms a non-linear partial differential equation into an ODE by using a travelling wave transformation. Additionally, the study yields both single and mixed non-degenerate Jacobi elliptic function type solutions. The complexiton, kink wave, dark or anti-bell, V, anti-Z and singular wave shapes soliton solutions are a few of the creative solutions that have been constructed utilizing modified extended Fan sub equation method that can offer details on the transversal and longitudinal moves inside the DNA helix by freely chosen parameters. Solitons propagate at a consistent rate and retain their original shape. They are widely used in nonlinear models and can be found everywhere in nature. To help in understanding the physical significance of the double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model, several solutions are shown with graphics in the form of contour, 2D and 3D graphs using computer software Mathematica 13.2. All of the requisite constraint factors that are required for the completed solutions to exist appear to be met. Therefore, our method of strengthening symbolic computations offers a powerful and effective mathematical tool for resolving various moderate nonlinear wave problems. The findings demonstrate the system's potentially very rich precise wave forms with biological significance. The fundamentals of double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model diffusion and processing are demonstrated by this work, which marks a substantial development in our knowledge of double-chain deoxyribonucleic acid model movements.

Special function form solutions of multi-parameter generalized Mittag-Leffler kernel based bio-heat fractional order model subject to thermal memory shocks

The primary objective of this research is to develop a mathematical model, analyze the dynamic occurrence of thermal shock and exploration of how thermal memory with moving line impact of heat transfer within biological tissues. An extended version of the Pennes equation as its foundational framework, a new fractional modelling approach called the Prabhakar fractional operator to investigate and a novel time-fractional interpretation of Fourier's law that incorporates its historical behaviour. This fractional operator has multi parameter generalized Mittag-Leffler kernel. The fractional formulation of heat flow, achieved through a generalized fractional operator with a non-singular type kernel, enables the representation of the finite propagation speed of heat waves. Furthermore, the dynamics of thermal source continually generates a linear thermal shock at predefined locations within the tissue. Introduced the appropriate set of variables to transform the governing equations into dimensionless form. Laplace transform (LT) is operated on the fractional system of equations and results are presented in series form and also expressed the solution in the form of special functions. The article derives analytical solutions for the heat transfer phenomena of both the generalized model, in the Laplace domain, and the ordinary model in the real domain, employing Laplace inverse transformation. The pertinent parameter's influence, such as α, β, γ, a0, b0, to gain insights into the impact of the thermal memory parameter on heat transfer, is brought under consideration to reveal the interesting results with graphical representations of the findings.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with polyps in the stomach, duodenum, and small and large intestine: a case report

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare hereditary condition characterized by gastrointestinal polyps and pigmented oral lesions. The case contributes to a deeper understanding of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of a 15-year-old Afghan female patient with multiple polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract and mucocutaneous pigmentation. Despite previous medical visits and colonoscopies, her symptoms persisted. A multidisciplinary team discussed the case and recommended further investigations and interventions. A polypectomy was performed, confirming the presence of hamartomatous polyps. The patient was diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, but during the course of treatment she went through complications and was managed surgically as well.

CONCLUSION

Timely polyp removal and lifelong surveillance are crucial in managing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Further research and genetic analysis are needed to improve understanding and management of this rare disorder.

Fluoro-bridged rare-earth metal-organic frameworks

Rare-earth (RE) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties. RE metals tend to make binuclear metal nodes resulting in dense nonporous coordination networks. Three dimensional porous RE-MOFs have been reported by preparing bigger metal nodes based on metal clusters often found as hexaclusters or nonaclusters. The formation of metal clusters (>2 metal ions) generally requires the use of fluorinated organic molecules reported as modulators. However, it was recently discovered that these molecules are not modulators, rather they act as reactants and leave fluorine in the metal clusters. The formation and types of fluorinated RE metal clusters have been discussed. These fluorinated clusters offer higher connectivity which results in porous MOFs. The presence of fluorine in these metal clusters offers unique properties, such as higher thermal stability and improved fluorescence. This frontier summarizes recent progress and gives future perspective on the fluorinated metal clusters in the RE-MOFs.

Suppressing Buried Interface Nonradiative Recombination Losses Toward High-Efficiency Antimony Triselenide Solar Cells

Antimony triselenide (Sb2 Se3 ) has possessed excellent optoelectronic properties and has gained interest as a light-harvesting material for photovoltaic technology over the past several years. However, the severe interfacial and bulk recombination obviously contribute to significant carrier transport loss thus leading to the deterioration of power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, buried interface and heterojunction engineering are synergistically employed to regulate the film growth kinetic and optimize the band alignment. Through this approach, the orientation of the precursor films is successfully controlled, promoting the preferred orientational growth of the (hk1) of the Sb2 Se3 films. Besides, interfacial trap-assisted nonradiative recombination loss and heterojunction band alignment are successfully minimized and optimized. As a result, the champion device presents a PCE of 9.24% with short-circuit density (JSC ) and fill factor (FF) of 29.47 mA cm-2 and 63.65%, respectively, representing the highest efficiency in sputtered-derived Sb2 Se3 solar cells. This work provides an insightful prescription for fabricating high-quality Sb2 Se3 thin film and enhancing the performance of Sb2 Se3 solar cells.

M. Alzaidi A. A dynamical behavior of the coupled Broer-Kaup-Kupershmidt equation using two efficient analytical techniques

The aim of the present study is to identify multiple soliton solutions to the nonlinear coupled Broer-Kaup-Kupershmidt (BKK) system, including beta, conformable, local-fractional, and M-truncated derivatives. The coupled Broer-Kaup-Kupershmidt system is employed for modelling nonlinear wave evolution in mathematical models of fluid dynamics, plasmic, optical, dispersive, and nonlinear long-gravity waves. The travelling wave solutions to the above model are found using the Unified and generalised Bernoulli sub-ODE techniques. By modifying certain parameter values, we may create bright soliton, squeezed bell-shaped wave, expanded v-shaped soliton, W-shaped wave, singular soliton, and periodic solutions. The four distinct kinds of derivatives are compared quite effectively using 2D line graphs. Also, contour plots and 3D graphics are given by using Mathematica 10. Lastly, any pair of propagating wave solutions has symmetrical geometrical forms.

Lanthanide Metal-Organic Frameworks Exhibiting Fluoro-Bridged Extended Chains: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Two fluoro-bridged lanthanide-containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized using 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (BPDC), a fluorinated modulator, and a lanthanide nitrate. The syntheses of MOFs containing Gd3+ or Tb3+ and a closely related MOF structure containing Ho3+, Gd3+, or Tb3+ are presented. The presence of the fluorinated metal chains in these MOFs is shown through single crystal X-ray diffraction, energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy, 19F nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetic measurements reveal weak antiferromagnetic exchange between the Ln3+ ions mediated by fluoride anions along the zigzag ladder chains present in the crystal structures of these MOFs.

Binary and ternary complex formation and characterization of artemisinin with sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin and oleic acid

Drug-resistant malaria is a global risk to the modern world. Artremisinin (ART) is one of the drugs of choice against drug-resistant (malaria) which is practically insoluble in water. The objective of our study was to improve the solubility of artemisinin (ART) via development of binary complexes of ART with sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrins (SBE7 β-CD), sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrins (SBE7 β-CD) and oleic acid (ternary complexes). These are prepared in various drugs to excipients ratios by physical mixing (PM) and solvent evaporation (SE) methods. Characterizations were achieved by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The aqueous-solubility in binary complexes was 12-folds enhanced than ternary complexes. Dissolution of binary and ternary complexes of artemisinin in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.6) was found highest and 35 times higher for ternary SECx. The crystallinity of artemisinin was decreased in physical mixtures (PMs) while SECx exhibited displaced angles. The attenuated-intensity of SECx showed least peak numbers with more displaced-angles. SEM images of PMs and SECx showed reduced particle size in binary and ternary systems as compared to pure drug-particles. ATR-FTIR spectra of binary and ternary complexes revealed bonding interactions among artemisinin, SBE7 β-CD and oleic acid.

Advancements in chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T-cell therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: Literature review and future directions

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer that has been difficult to treat and often requires multimodal therapy consisting of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor-expressing (CAR-T) cells have been efficacious in treating hematological malignancies, resulting in several FDA-approved therapies. CAR-T cells have been more recently studied for the treatment of GBM, with some promising preclinical and clinical results. The purpose of this literature review is to highlight the commonly targeted antigens, results of clinical trials, novel modifications, and potential solutions for challenges that exist for CAR-T cells to become more widely implemented and effective in eradicating GBM.

Brownian motion of soft particles near a fluctuating lipid bilayer

The dynamics of a soft particle suspended in a viscous fluid can be changed by the presence of an elastic boundary. Understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of soft-soft surface interactions can provide valuable insights into many important research fields, including biomedical engineering, soft robotics development, and materials science. This work investigates the anomalous transport properties of a soft nanoparticle near a visco-elastic interface, where the particle consists of a polymer assembly in the form of a micelle and the interface is represented by a lipid bilayer membrane. Mesoscopic simulations using a dissipative particle dynamics model are performed to examine the impact of micelle's proximity to the membrane on its Brownian motion. Two different sizes are considered, which correspond to ≈10-20nm in physical units. The wavelengths typically seen by the largest micelle fall within the range of wavenumbers where the Helfrich model captures fairly well the bilayer mechanical properties. Several independent simulations allowed us to compute the micelle trajectories during an observation time smaller than the diffusive time scale (whose order of magnitude is similar to the membrane relaxation time of the largest wavelengths), this time scale being hardly accessible by experiments. From the probability density function of the micelle normal position with respect to the membrane, it is observed that the position remains close to the starting position during ≈0.05τd (where τd corresponds to the diffusion time), which allowed us to compare the negative excess of mean-square displacement (MSD) to existing theories. In that time range, the MSD exhibits different behaviors along parallel and perpendicular directions. When the micelle is sufficiently close to the bilayer (its initial distance from the bilayer equals approximately twice its gyration radius), the micelle motion becomes quickly subdiffusive in the normal direction. Moreover, the temporal evolution of the micelle MSD excess in the perpendicular direction follows that of a nanoparticle near an elastic membrane. However, in the parallel direction, the MSD excess is rather similar to that of a nanoparticle near a liquid interface.

Numerical investigation of the fractional diffusion wave equation with exponential kernel via cubic B-Spline approach

Splines are piecewise polynomials that are as smooth as they can be without forming a single polynomial. They are linked at specific points known as knots. Splines are useful for a variety of problems in numerical analysis and applied mathematics because they are simple to store and manipulate on a computer. These include, for example, numerical quadrature, function approximation, data fitting, etc. In this study, cubic B-spline (CBS) functions are used to numerically solve the time fractional diffusion wave equation (TFDWE) with Caputo-Fabrizio derivative. To discretize the spatial and temporal derivatives, CBS with θ-weighted scheme and the finite difference approach are utilized, respectively. Convergence analysis and stability of the presented method are analyzed. Some examples are used to validate the suggested scheme, and they show that it is feasible and fairly accurate.