A novel SpaSA based hyper-parameter optimized FCEDN with adaptive CNN classification for skin cancer detection

Skin cancer is the most prevalent kind of cancer in people. It is estimated that more than 1 million people get skin cancer every year in the world. The effectiveness of the disease's therapy is significantly impacted by early identification of this illness. Preprocessing is the initial detecting stage in enhancing the quality of skin images by removing undesired background noise and objects. This study aims is to compile preprocessing techniques for skin cancer imaging that are currently accessible. Researchers looking into automated skin cancer diagnosis might use this article as an excellent place to start. The fully convolutional encoder-decoder network and Sparrow search algorithm (FCEDN-SpaSA) are proposed in this study for the segmentation of dermoscopic images. The individual wolf method and the ensemble ghosting technique are integrated to generate a neighbour-based search strategy in SpaSA for stressing the correct balance between navigation and exploitation. The classification procedure is accomplished by using an adaptive CNN technique to discriminate between normal skin and malignant skin lesions suggestive of disease. Our method provides classification accuracies comparable to commonly used incremental learning techniques while using less energy, storage space, memory access, and training time (only network updates with new training samples, no network sharing). In a simulation, the segmentation performance of the proposed technique on the ISBI 2017, ISIC 2018, and PH2 datasets reached accuracies of 95.28%, 95.89%, 92.70%, and 98.78%, respectively, on the same dataset and assessed the classification performance. It is accurate 91.67% of the time. The efficiency of the suggested strategy is demonstrated through comparisons with cutting-edge methodologies.

Peptidomimetics for CVD screened via TRADD-TRAF2 complex interface assessments

The main aim of this study is to screen and develop Peptidomimetics to treat atherosclerosis (AS) which is a Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD). Peptidomimetics were obtained from the protein-protein interaction interface of TRADD (Tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1-associated DEATH domain protein) and TRAF2 (TNF receptor-associated factor 2) complex. TRADD-TRAF2 interaction is critical in AS pathogenesis since it assists a series of signal transducers that activate NF-κB. Conceptually, the triggered NF-κB makes an extensive amount of nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which boons the progress of AS. The examined TRADD-TRAF2 complex (PDB ID: 1F3V) and its interaction details revealed that the sequence range W11-G165 of TRADD highly interacts with TRAF2. The sequence range W11-G165 was selected for the design and preparation of the inhibitory peptide in silico. The selected sequence was mutated with the alanine scanning method to have a range of inhibitory peptides. With the help of different in silico tools, the top three, namely MIP11-25 L, MIP131-143 h, and MIP149-164 m peptides showed the best interaction with the critical residues of TRAF2. Thus, these three peptides were used for generating peptidomimetics using pepMMsMIMIC, a peptidomimetics virtual screening tool. Around 600 peptidomimetics were identified & and retrieved for further screening by employing molecular docking tools and MD (Molecular Dynamics) simulations. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and ADMET predictions were applied to validate the screened peptidomimetics druggability. In the results, peptidomimic compounds MMs03918858 and MMs03927281 with binding energy values of -9.6 kcal/mol and - 9.1 kcal/mol respectively were screened as the best and are proposed for further pre-clinical studies.

Feeding enhances fibronectin adherence of quiescent lymphocytes through non-canonical insulin signalling

Nutritional availability during fasting and refeeding affects the temporal redistribution of lymphoid and myeloid immune cells among the circulating and tissue-resident pools. Conversely, nutritional imbalance and impaired glucose metabolism are associated with chronic inflammation, aberrant immunity and anomalous leukocyte trafficking. Despite being exposed to periodic alterations in blood insulin levels upon fasting and feeding, studies exploring the physiological effects of these hormonal changes on quiescent immune cell function and trafficking are scanty. Here, we report that oral glucose load in mice and healthy men enhances the adherence of circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lymphocytes to fibronectin. Adherence to fibronectin is also observed upon regular intake of breakfast following overnight fasting in healthy subjects. This glucose load-induced phenomenon is abrogated in streptozotocin-injected mice that lack insulin. Intra-vital microscopy in mice demonstrated that oral glucose feeding enhances the homing of PBMCs to injured blood vessels in vivo. Furthermore, employing flow cytometry, Western blotting and adhesion assays for PBMCs and Jurkat-T cells, we elucidate that insulin enhances fibronectin adherence of quiescent lymphocytes through non-canonical signalling involving insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) autophosphorylation, phospholipase C gamma-1 (PLCγ-1) Tyr783 phosphorylation and inside-out activation of β-integrins respectively. Our findings uncover the physiological relevance of post-prandial insulin spikes in regulating the adherence and trafficking of circulating quiescent T-cells through fibronectin-integrin interaction.

In-silico identification of Tyr232 in AMPKα2 as a dephosphorylation site for the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to be activated by the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 12 (PTP-PEST) under hypoxic conditions. This activation is mediated by tyrosine dephosphorylation of the AMPKα subunit. However, the identity of the phosphotyrosine residues that PTP-PEST dephosphorylates remains unknown. In this study, we first predicted the structure of the complex of the AMPKα2 subunit and PTP-PEST catalytic domain using bioinformatics tools and further confirmed the stability of the complex using molecular dynamics simulations. Evaluation of the protein-protein interfaces indicated that residue Tyr232 is the most likely dephosphorylation site on AMPKα2. In addition, we explored the effect of phosphorylation of PTP-PEST residue Tyr64 on the stability of the complex. Phosphorylation of the highly conserved Tyr64, an interface residue, enhances the stability of the complex via the rearrangement of a network of electrostatic interactions in conjunction with conformational changes in the catalytic WPD loop. We generated a phosphomimetic (PTP-PEST-Y64D) mutant and used co-immunoprecipitation to study the effect of PTP-PEST phosphorylation on AMPKα2 binding. The mutant exhibited an increased affinity for AMPKα2 and corroborated the in-silico predictions. Together, our findings present a plausible structural basis of AMPK regulation by PTP-PEST and show how phosphorylation of PTP-PEST affects its interaction with AMPKα2.

Functional Properties of Grapefruit Seed Extract Embedded Blend Membranes of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Starch: Potential Application for Antiviral Activity in Food Safety to Fight Against COVID-19

The poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and starch-based polymeric films with a ratio of 2:8 were prepared using solution casting followed by a solvent evaporation method. Four types of membranes with varied concentrations of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) i.e., 2.5-10 wt% was incorporated in the films. The prepared membranes were assessed for transparency test, mechanical properties, surface morphology, permeability test for O2, and antimicrobial properties. The PVA/starch-10% GSE loaded film showed excellent mechanical properties showing highest 1344 ± 0.7% elongation at break but poor optical transparency with 53.8% to 68.61%. The Scanning Electron Microscopic study reveals the good compatibility between the PVA, Starch, and GSE. The gas permeability test reveals that the prepared films have shown good resistance to the O2 permeability 0.0326-0.316 Barrer at 20 kg/cm2 feed pressure for the prepared membranes showing excellent performance. By adding the little amount of GSE into the PVA/starch blend membranes showed promising antimicrobial efficacy against MNV-1. For 4 h. incubation, PVA/starch blend membranes containing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% GSE caused MNV-1 reductions of 0.92, 1.89, and 2.27 log PFU/ml, respectively. Similarly, after 24 h, the 5% and 10% GSE membranes reduced MNV-1 titers by 1.90 and 3.26 log PFU/ml, respectively. Antimicrobial tests have shown excellent performance to resist microorganisms. The water uptake capacity of the membrane is found 72% for the PVA/starch pristine membrane and is reduced to 32% for the 10% GSE embedded membrane. Since the current pandemic situation due to COVID-19 occurred by SARSCOV2, the prepared GSE incorporated polymeric blend films are the rays of hope in the packaging of food stuff.

LWBA: Lévy-walk bat algorithm based data prediction for precision agriculture in wireless sensor networks

Smart farming is one of the immense applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Still, most of the researches have been focusing on precision agriculture using WSNs. In general, the nodes within the wireless sensor systems are self-configured. Based on the application requirement, gadgets within the region of interest collect data, prepare it, and send it to the recipient. The biggest impediments to these sensor systems are collision, restricted battery, and transmission capacity. Due to these characteristics, the node battery depletes earlier, when it starts working. Currently, agriculture depends on rain due to the lack of water resources and irrigation services. The crop development depends totally on the factors of water, the climatic conditions of the soil, etc. In large-scale agriculture, it is exceptionally problematic to analyze all the parameters accurately throughout the growing field. In this article, high-precision architecture for large-scale agriculture has been proposed. An IoT (Internet of Things) enabled WSN has been built and installed in the respective areas to measure the physical quantities regularly. In addition, Lévy-Walk Bat (LWBA) algorithm has been proposed to optimize the collected data. The prediction accuracy of the collected data is evaluated by LWBA and then, it is compared with the existing optimization algorithms with different error solvers. It has provided the exact information regarding the whole landscape and it will help the farmers to irrigate precisely.

Crystal structure, spectral investigations, DFT and antimicrobial activity of brucinium benzilate (BBA)

The unreported brucinium benzilate (BBA) crystal and Hirshfeld surface analysis indicated the influence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding network on the crystal structure. Protonation occurs at the tertiary nitrogen as it is the most basic site. The protonated N-H⁺ proton was observed at 7.08 ppm and the benzilate carbon COO^- at 178.41 ppm. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) studies showed the electron-rich and electron-deficient sites in the molecule for understanding BBA interaction with an enzyme. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) studies indicated that BBA molecule is thermodynamically stable and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap was found to be 4.454 eV. The highest interaction has the energy (322.86 kcal/mol) between tertiary ammonium N(LP) and H⁺. Inhibition tests showed that brucinium benzilate inhibits Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria. ADMET properties indicated that BBA has drug characteristics in binding plasma protein.

Socio-economic demands and challenges for non-invasive disease diagnosis through a portable breathalyzer by the incorporation of 2D nanosheets and SMO nanocomposites

Breath analysis for non-invasive clinical diagnostics and treatment progression has penetrated the research community owing to the technological developments in novel sensing nanomaterials. The trace level selective detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath facilitates the study of physiological disorder and real-time health monitoring. This review focuses on advancements in chemiresistive gas sensor technology for biomarker detection associated with different diseases. Emphasis is placed on selective biomarker detection by semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) nanostructures, 2-dimensional nanomaterials (2DMs) and nanocomposites through various optimization strategies and sensing mechanisms. Their synergistic properties for incorporation in a portable breathalyzer have been elucidated. Furthermore, the socio-economic demands of a breathalyzer in terms of recent establishment of startups globally and challenges of a breathalyzer are critically reviewed. This initiative is aimed at highlighting the challenges and scope for improvement to realize a high performance chemiresistive gas sensor for non-invasive disease diagnosis.

Breath analysis for non-invasive clinical diagnostics and treatment progression has penetrated the research community owing to the technological developments in novel sensing nanomaterials.

Exploring the influence of varying pH on structural, electro-optical, magnetic and photo-Fenton properties of mesoporous ZnFe2O4 nanocrystals

An economically viable and superficial technique was indorsed to yield ZnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals in the system to investigate the impact of pH variation on the optical, structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of as-prepared nanocrystals. The as-synthesized ZnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals were premeditated with the application protracted to degradation of Methylene blue organic dye. The results specify that the pH plays the utmost decisive facet in photo-Fenton recital. From XRD (X-Ray diffraction) analyses, it was confirmed that as-synthesized nanocrystals belong to a cubic Fd3m crystal phase. The crystallite size was also determined by the Scherrer formula and it was noticed that as the pH rises the crystallite size also increased. FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared) analysis depicts two absorption peaks ∼ 500 and ∼600 cm^-1 that represents tetrahedral (Td) and octahedral (Oh) sites. Using TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), the morphology was observed to be spherical particles with some agglomeration. Photoluminescence and UV-visible spectral studies were performed to investigate the optical properties. The bandgap energy was seen to decrease as the pH increased. Using BET analysis, the surface area for the as-synthesized samples was found to decrease on increasing the pH. The reaction results showed that the ZnFe₂O₄ has good photocatalytic activity, which can be attributed to high surface area and pore volume, and large pore size. The ZnFe₂O₄ produced by the co-precipitation route exhibited promising photocatalytic activity for the removal of textile dye, reaching nearly 99.2% of decolorization at 100 min. Therefore, ZnFe₂O₄ particles rapidly prepared by the co-precipitation route have the potential for use in treatment of textile wastewater by the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process. With the help of VSM analysis, the coercivity and other magnetic properties were determined for the as-synthesized nanocrystal with plays a significant role in photocatalytic recyclability, which intends to premediate that the prepared nanocrystals can be used in industrial persistence.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST mediates hypoxia-induced endothelial autophagy and angiogenesis via AMPK activation

Global and endothelial loss of PTP-PEST (also known as PTPN12) is associated with impaired cardiovascular development and embryonic lethality. Although hypoxia is implicated in vascular remodelling and angiogenesis, its effect on PTP-PEST remains unexplored. Here we report that hypoxia (1% oxygen) increases protein levels and catalytic activity of PTP-PEST in primary endothelial cells. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry revealed that α subunits of AMPK (α1 and α2, encoded by PRKAA1 and PRKAA2, respectively) interact with PTP-PEST under normoxia but not in hypoxia. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed this observation and determined that AMPK α subunits interact with the catalytic domain of PTP-PEST. Knockdown of PTP-PEST abrogated hypoxia-mediated tyrosine dephosphorylation and activation of AMPK (Thr172 phosphorylation). Absence of PTP-PEST also blocked hypoxia-induced autophagy (LC3 degradation and puncta formation), which was rescued by the AMPK activator metformin (500 µM). Because endothelial autophagy is a prerequisite for angiogenesis, knockdown of PTP-PEST also attenuated endothelial cell migration and capillary tube formation, with autophagy inducer rapamycin (200 nM) rescuing angiogenesis. In conclusion, this work identifies for the first time that PTP-PEST is a regulator of hypoxia-induced AMPK activation and endothelial autophagy to promote angiogenesis.

Characterization and Performance Evaluation of the First-Proton Therapy Facility in India

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance characteristic of volumetric image-guided dedicated-nozzle pencil beam-scanning proton therapy (PT) system.

Materials and Methods:

PT system was characterized for electromechanical, image quality, and registration accuracy. Proton beam of 70.2–226.2 MeV was characterized for short- and long-term reproducibility in integrated depth dose; spot profile characteristics at different air gap and gantry angle; positioning accuracy of single and pattern of spot; dose linearity, reproducibility and consistency. All measurements were carried out using various X-ray and proton-beam specific detectors following standard protocols.

Results:

All electro-mechanical, imaging, and safety parameters performed well within the specified tolerance limit. The image registration errors along three translation and three rotational axes were ≤0.5 mm and ≤0.2° for both point-based and intensity-based auto-registration. Distal range (R₉₀) and distal dose fall-off (DDF) of 70.2–226.2 MeV proton beams were within 1 mm of calculated values based on the international commission on radiation units and measurements 49 and 0.0156× R₉₀, respectively. The R₉₀ and DDF were reproducible within a standard deviation of 0.05 g/cm² during the first 8 months. Dose were linear from 18.5 (0.011 MU/spot) to 8405 (5 MU/spot) MU, reproducible within 0.5% in 5 consecutive days and consistent within 0.8% for full rotation. The cGy/MU for 70.2–226.2MeV was consistent within 0.5%. In-air X(Y) spot-sigma at isocenter varies from 2.96 (3.00) mm to 6.68 (6.52) mm for 70.2–226.2 MeV. Maximum variation of spot-sigma with air-gap of ±20 cm was ±0.36 mm (5.28%) and ±0.82 mm (±12.5%) along X- and Y-direction and 3.56% for full rotation. Relative spot positions were accurate within ±0.6 mm. The planned and delivered spot pattern of known complex geometry agreed with (γ%≤1) for 1% @ 1 mm >98% for representative five-proton energies at four gantry angle.

Conclusion:

The PT-system performed well within the expected accuracy level and consistent over a period of 8 months. The methodology and data presented here may help upcoming modern PT center during their crucial phase of commissioning.

p-TSA.H2O mediated one-pot, multi-component synthesis of isatin derived imidazoles as dual-purpose drugs against inflammation and cancer

A novel one-pot multicomponent reaction was performed to synthesize different imidazole and benzotriazole (BTA) isatin-based medicinally important compounds using (p-TSA·H₂O) as an economical and operative acid catalyst. The yield of the products was found to be up to a maximum of 92% when using this catalyst. Antioxidant, anti-breast cancer and anti-inflammatory activities of these 13 isatin-based derivatives (named as 5a-m) were assessed. The inhibitory effects of these compounds were tested in vitro against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation) and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K, a key enzyme in breast cancer). "Among the 13 isatin-based Imidazole derivatives, five compounds (5a, 5d, 5f, 5 k and 5l) were found to exhibit anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer activity, which was validated using HRBC stabilization assay (to show anti-inflammatory activity) and cytotoxicity in MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line) to provide proof for anti-cancer property of the compounds". The molecular interactions between the two enzymes were probed using molecular docking. Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) and ADMET prediction results were also useful to screen the most effective imidazole derivatives and to establish them as putative COX-2 inhibitors/anti-inflammatory drugs. These selected compounds which showed appreciable activity against COX-2 and PI3K are promising drug candidates for the treatment of breast cancer and inflammation which is often associated with breast cancer pathophysiology.

Synthesis and discovery of triazolo-pyridazine-6-yl-substituted piperazines as effective anti-diabetic drugs; evaluated over dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition mechanism and insulinotropic activities

A family of 12 triazolo-pyridazine-6-yl-substituted piperazines (5a-l) was synthesized and evaluated for their Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition potentials in order to develop them as anti-diabetic medications. In the two-step synthesis process, 6-chloro-3-(m-tolyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine was synthesized with one-pot mode using pyridine, 3,6-dichloropyridazine 5-(3-methyl-phenyl)tetrazole in toluene. Conjugating corresponding 2° amines with 6-chloro-3-(m-tolyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine afforded the target triazolo-pyridazine-6-yl-substituted piperazines (5a-l). DPP-4 inhibition potential of these compounds was testified in silico and in nitro along with their insulinotropic activities in 832/13 INS-1 cells. H₂O₂ radical scavenging assay and MTT assay were conducted to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxicity of these compounds respectively. Molecular docking and ELISA based enzyme inhibition assay results revealed the strong inhibition potential of the target compounds. MTT assay results indicated a maximum dose of 2.5 nM (IC₅₀ 1.25 nM) could be used and above this level vital for the cells. Compounds 5a, 5c, 5g and 5i were found with excellent antioxidant and insulinotropic activity up to 99%.

Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4TbxFe2-xO4 nanospinel ferrites: Ultrasonic synthesis and physical properties

The Fe³⁺ ions were replace with Tb³⁺ ions as highly paramagnetic rare earth element within the structure of Ni_0.4Cu_0.2Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄ nano-spinel ferrites (NSFs). The structural, magnetic, spectroscopic and optic properties have been studied in details. All products have been synthesized via ultrasonic approach via Qsonica ultrasonic homogenizer, frequency: 20 kHz and power: 70 W for 60 min. No annealing or calcination process was applied for any product. The microstructural analysis of products has been done via X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) which presented the cubic spinel structure with nanosized distribution of all. The cubic morphology of all products were confirmed by both HR-TEM and FE-SEM. Optical band gap (E_g) values were assessed by applying %DR (percent diffuse reflectance) analysis and Kubelka-Munk theory. The Tauc schemes showed that E_g values are in a narrow range (1.87-1.98 eV). The quadrupole splitting, line width, hyperfine magnetic field, isomer shift values and cation distribution have been determined from ⁵⁷Fe Mossbauer analysis. The magnetic properties of various nanoparticles have been obtained from VSM (vibration sample magnetometer) measurements at 10 and 300 K (RT). The magnetic results revealed superparamagnetic and soft ferromagnetic traits at 10 and 300 K, respectively. M_s (saturation magnetization) and M_r (remanence) initially increase with increasing Tb³⁺ substituting level up to x = 0.06 then diminish for further x values. H_c (coercivity) shows an opposite variation tendency of M_s and M_r. The observed magnetic traits are deeply discussed in relation with the structure, morphology, magnetic moments and cation distributions.

Synthesis and discovery of pyrazolo-pyridine analogs as inflammation medications through pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine and COX-2 inhibition assessments

This article briefs about the efforts taken to synthesis, characterize and develop (E)-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-7-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine and their analogs. In the two-step reaction, the first step is the synthesis of (3Z,5E)-1-methyl-3,5-bis(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)piperidin-4-one derivatives (3a-l) by stirring the mixture of 1-methylpiperidin-4-one and substituted thiophene-carbaldehydes in presence of methanol. In the second and final step, compounds 3a-l were refluxed with phenyl-hydrazine to achieve the target compounds (E)-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-7-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine and their analogs (5a-l) in good yield. These compounds were used to assess their inflammation regulation properties in macrophages by executing quantitative pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory proteins such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL6, and IL-10 respectively. In silico and in vitro COX-2 inhibition studies helped to understand the molecular interaction or plausible mechanism during the inflammation regulation that showed by the compounds. In the results, among the 12-member family of pyrazolo-pyridines (5a-l), 5a, 5b, 5g, and 5j were showed excellent in silico binding affinity (1-10 nM), least binding energy (-12.45 to -14.27 kcal/mol) and in vitro COX-2 inhibition (relative percentage activity maximum 96.42%). Thus, these compounds perhaps to be future anti-inflammatory drugs.

Synthesis and Characterization of Coconut Shell Ash

Synthesizing Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) is a kind of manufacturing the powder form ash material which can be incorporated in the composite as reinforcement. This ash material used to improve the mechanical properties of metals when added in Metal Matrix Composite's (MMC's) based preparation. The fabrication of CSA powder is the preparatory functional part, because it varies its properties based on the manufacturing method. In this work, a novel method is used to manufacture the ash powder and to study the physical and chemical properties of CSA particles. CSA particles are synthesized in open fire hearth. Physical properties such as pH, ash content, moisture content, loss on ignition, density, surface area, pore volume and pore dia were studied. Chemical characterization study is carried out for chemical composition analysis, the morphology of ash particles, percentage of various elements present and various chemical functional groups present in the samples through XRF, SEM/EDS and FTIR techniques respectively. Crystallite structures, average particle size, and thermal stability of CSA were investigated by XRD and TGA methods. The result shows that the total maximum percentage of SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ (~84%) will increase the strength of MMC's. The total percentage of Ca and K is minimum than the other CSA preparation methods, so that it will reduce the corrosion. And also produce low density ash powder (1.65 gm/cc) which will reduce the weight and density of MMC's. This CSA powder can be used in MMC where maximum strength-weight ratio and wear resistance is required.

Magnetic Attributes of NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles: Influence of Dysprosium Ions (Dy3+) Substitution

This paper reports the influence of dysprosium ion (Dy³⁺) substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of NiDy_xFe_2-xO₄ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) nanoparticles (NPs) prepared using a hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized NPs were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscope (SEM, and TEM) analyses. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra were recorded to determine the Dy³⁺ content dependent variation in the line width, isomer shift, quadrupole splitting, and hyperfine magnetic fields. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the prepared NPs were also investigated by zero-field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) magnetizations and AC susceptibility measurements. The M_ZFC (T) results showed a blocking temperature (T_B). Below T_B, the products behave as ferromagnetic (FM) and act superparamagnetic (SPM) above T_B. The M_FC (T) curves indicated the existence of super-spin glass (SSG) behavior below T_s (spin-glass freezing temperature). The AC susceptibility measurements confirmed the existence of the two transition temperatures (i.e., T_B and T_s). Numerous models, e.g., Neel-Arrhenius (N-A), Vogel-Fulcher (V-F), and critical slowing down (CSD), were used to investigate the dynamics of the systems. It was found that the Dy substitution enhanced the magnetic interactions.

Enhanced Antibacterial Activity and Photo-Catalytic Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles: Pedalium Murex Plant Extract-Assisted Synthesis

Semiconductor ZnO samples with two different morphologies such as nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and nano-sheets (ZnO-NSs) was successfully prepared by microwave heating (MHM) and modified sol-gel (SGM) method, respectively using Pedalium Murex plant extract as the bio-reducing agent. Structural, purity and morphology of the samples was examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Optical property analysis and band gap calculation were carried out by UV-Visible diffuse reflectance (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy techniques. Kubelka-Munk method was used to measure band band gap of the samples and it shows 3.42 eV and 3.23 eV for ZnO-NPs and ZnO-NSs, respectively. The antibacterial activities of ZnO-NPs and ZnO-NSs against both gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) as well as gram negative bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi) were tested by modified disc diffusion method and showed important antibacterial activity against P. mirabilis and S. typhi. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nano-catalysts (ZnO-NPs and ZnO-NSs) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was studied under solar lighting and the results showed that the samples ZnO-NPs with smaller particle size considerable degradation of MB than ZnO-NSs.

Photodynamic activity and DNA binding studies of Pd@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles in vitro

Metal-semiconductor core-shell type Pd@SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by Stober's method and the product was characterized by UV-vis, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, HR-TEM and EDX techniques. In vitro Photodynamic activity and DNA binding studies of Pd@SiO₂ core shell nanoparticles were studied. Cell viability of the core-shell nanoparticles against HeLa cell line was screened by MTT assay after exposing at different light doses. The outcome of the present study indicates that the core-shell Pd@SiO₂ NPs are highly stable and exhibited strong photodynamic efficiency under LED light illumination in HeLa cells. The results indicated that SiO₂ supported on the surface of Pd NPs not only prevented the aggregation in addition exhibited remarkable photodynamic activity.

Discovery and synthesis of 2-amino-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4(5H)-ones as GPCR ligands; an approach to develop breast cancer drugs via GPCR associated PAR1 and PI3Kinase inhibition mechanism

Efforts were taken to synthesis and characterize 2-amino-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4(5H)-one derivatives (4a-u) through a four-step reaction. The achieved compounds in remarkable yield have characterized through standard analytical techniques such as FTIR, LC-MS, NMR, HRMS, and elemental analysis. Present study mainly aimed to evaluate 4a-u as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). In the mechanism, stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt (protein kinase B) is a general reaction activated by a series of membrane-bound receptors such as GPCR. Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) is a subfamily of related GPCR, which triggered by the division of fragment of its extracellular domain. Therefore, molecular docking is done to ensure the inhibition of PAR1 and PI3Kinase. PI3Kinase is a chief enzyme in the development of breast cancer via the Akt/mTOR pathway. Thus, in vitro PI3Kinase inhibition and anti-breast cancer studies has also done to screen medicinally important compounds among (4a-u). Based on the best binding affinity, in vitro relative % activity and IC₅₀ values, compounds 4a, 4g, 4i, 4n, and 4u were screened for further preclinical studies in animal model evaluations.

Impact of La3+ and Y3+ ion substitutions on structural, magnetic and microwave properties of Ni0.3Cu0.3Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanospinel ferrites synthesized via sonochemical route

In the current study, Ni_0.4Cu_0.2Zn_0.4La_xY_xFe_2−xO₄ (x = 0.00 − 0.10) nanospinel ferrites (NSFs) were fabricated via an ultrasonic irradiation route. The creation of single phase of spinel nanoferrites (NSFs) was investigated by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and selected area diffraction pattern (SAED). The cubic morphology of all samples was confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) respectively. The UV-Vis investigations provided the direct optical energy band gap values in a narrow photon energy interval of 1.87–1.92 eV. The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis explained that the hyperfine magnetic fields of Octahedral (Oh) and Tetrahedral (Td) sites decreased with substitution. The paramagnetic properties of NPs decrease with increase of content of doped ions. Investigations of magnetic properties reveal a superparamagnetic nature at 300 K and soft ferromagnetic trait at 10 K. The M_s (saturation magnetization) and M_r (remanence) decrease and the H_c (coercivity) increases slightly with La³⁺ and Y³⁺ substitution. The observed magnetic traits are deeply discussed in relation with the morphology, structure, magnetic moments and cation distributions. The microwave characterization of the prepared NSFs showed that, dissipation (i.e., absorption) of incoming microwave energy occurs at a single frequency, for each sample, lying between 7 and 10.5 GHz. The reflection losses (RL) at these frequencies range from −30 to −40 dB and the mechanism of which is explained in the framework of dipolar relaxation and spin rotation. The best microwave properties were obtained with a LaY concentration of x = 0.08 having an RL of −40 dB @ 10.5 GHz and an absorption bandwidth of 8.4 GHz @ −10 dB. With these high values of RL and absorbing bandwidth, LaY doped NiCuZn NSF products would be promising candidates for radar absorbing materials in the X-band.

The best microwave properties for the NSFs were obtained with an LaY concentration of x = 0.08, RL of −40 dB @ 10.5 GHz and absorption bandwidth of 8.4 GHz @ −10 dB. The NSF products show promise as radar absorbing materials in the X-band.

An eco-friendly catalytic system for multicomponent, one-pot synthesis of novel spiro-chromeno indoline-triones and their anti-prostate cancer potentials evaluated via alkaline phosphatase inhibition mechanism

A green and efficient straightforward tactic for the one-pot regioselective synthesis of novel 10,10-dimethyl-9,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-6H-spiro[chromeno[4,3-b]chromene-7,3'-indoline]-2',6,8 (7aH) -triones (4a-n) in one-pot modus has been established using eco-friendly p-toluenesulphonic acid as catalyst. Among the solvents that were used for synthesis, 4a-n were suitably synthesized with maximum yield (90-98%) in water. We avoided column purification and the formed by-product in the process is environmental-friendly. Hence, this reaction may consider as an astonishing piece work in this study, why because, the reaction mechanism that depends on the nature of the group attached to the isatin ring nitrogen atom. The main advantage of this protocol includes short reaction time, good yield, easy to work-up, practical simplicity, high regioselectivity and reduced pollutant, cost and avoids tedious purification. These pharmaceutically important compounds (4a-n) were recognized for their alkaline phosphatase inhibition and prostate cancer medication capabilities. The selective activity relation between alkaline phosphatase and prostate cancer was unveiled through the interaction of 4a-n to Human alkaline phosphatase (PDB ID: 1EW2).

Assimilation of NH₄Br in Polyvinyl Alcohol/Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) Polymer Blend-Based Electrolyte and Its Effect on Ionic Conductivity

Biodegradable polymer blend electrolyte based on ammonium based salt in variation composition consisting of PVA:PVP were prepared by using solution casting technique. The obtained films have been analyzed by various technical methods like as XRD, FT-IR, TG-DSC, SEM analysis and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD and FT-IR analysis exposed the amorphous nature and structural properties of the complex formation between PVA/PVP/NH4Br. Impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed the ionic conductivity and the dielectric properties of PVA/PVP/NH4Br polymer blend electrolyte films. The maximum ionic conductivity was determined to be 6.14 × 10-5 Scm-1 for the composition of 50%PVA: 50%PVP: 10% NH4Br with low activation energy 0.3457 eV at room temperature. Solid state battery is fabricated using highest ionic conducting polymer blend as electrolyte with the configuration Zn/ZnSO4 · 7H2O (anode) ∥ 50%PVA: 50%PVP: 10% NH4Br ∥ Mn2O3 (cathode). The observed open circuit voltage is 1.2 V and its performance has been studied.

Solid-State Synthesis of POPD@AgNPs Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensors

In the present work, Poly(o-phenylenediamine) (POPD) stabilized silver nanoparticles (POPD@AgNPs) nanocomposites was synthesized by solid state oxidative polymerization method using o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (oPD-HCl) as monomer and silver nitrate (AgNO3) used as metal precursor as well as oxidizing agent no other external oxidizing agent was used. POPD@AgNPs nanocomposites were characterized by various instrumental techniques to confirm their size, shape and its composition. The electrocatalytic activity of POPD and POPD@AgNPs modified electrode was investigated over the oxidation of hydrazine (N2H4) and reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) and Chronoamperometry techniques. POPD and POPD@AgNPs were characterized using HR-TEM, FE-SEM, XRD, UV-Visible, FT-IR, Micro Raman spectroscopy and those results were confirmed their chemical purity, particle size, shape and its elemental compositions. Moreover, the DPV and chronoamperometry reveals that POPD@AgNPs is a good sensor for the electrochemical gas detection of N2H4 and H2O2 because it has good stability, easy-operation, excellent reproducibility, high sensitivity and good limit of detection when compared to with pure POPD. This system shows good stability, excellent sensitivity, response and the detection limit was obtained for the detection of N2H4 and H2O2 in trace level gases, which was lower than some of the modified electrodes.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Plant Extract-Assisted Combustion Synthesis and Characterization Studies of Spinel ZnAl₂O₄ Nano-Catalysts

Spinel ZnAl2O4 nano-catalysts were synthesized by a simple, economical and eco-friendly microwave irradiation (MIM) and conventional heating methods (CHM), using metal nitrates and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant extract, which play a dual role of both oxidizing and reducing nature. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern results were confirmed that the samples have a single-phase cubic spinel structure with high crystalline nature of ZnAl2O4. Surface morphology of the samples was revealed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques and they are confirmed particle-like structure with grain size below 50 nm. The optical band gap (Eg) was measured using Kubelka-Munk model by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) and the Eg value is higher for MIM product than CHM, due to the smaller particle size of ZnAl2O4-MIM. The magnetic property of the samples was determined by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and showed a superparamagnetic behavior. Spinel ZnAl2O4 nano-catalysts are magnetically recyclable and could be reused with no significant loss in catalytic activity. Both the samples were successfully tested as catalysts for the conversion of alcohols into respective carbonyl compounds using H2O2 (as oxidant) and acetonitrile (as a solvent) system. It was found that the ZnAl2O4-MIM nanocatalysts show best performance of conversion of alcohols into a carbonyl compounds than that of ZnAl2O4-CHM, due to the smaller particle size and higher surface area of ZnAl2O4-MIM samples.

Comparative Study of Structural, Morphological, Magneto-Optical and Photo-Catalytic Properties of Magnetically Reusable Spinel MnFe₂O₄ Nano-Catalysts

Spinel MnFe2O4 nanostructures were synthesized by simple, economical and eco-friendly microwave combustion (MCM) and conventional combustion (CCM) methods using metal nitrates and glycine used as the fuel, instead of toxic inorganic/organic catalyst, template and surfactant. Powder XRD and FT-IR, EDX and SAED results were confirmed the products have a cubic phase spinel structure. EDX and SAED results confirmed purity and high crystallinity without any other secondary phase impurities. HR-SEM and HR-TEM analysis indicate that the MCM and CCM products consist of nano- and microstructures, respectively. The optical band gap (Eg) was measured using Kubelka-Munk model and it shows higher value (2.37 eV) for MnFe2O4-MCM than MnFe2O4-CCM (2.15 eV), due to the smaller particle size of MnFe2O4-MCM. VSM results showed a superparamagnetic behavior and the magnetization (Ms) value of MnFe2O4-MCM is higher i.e., 39.68 emu/g than MnFe2O4-CCM (33.59 emu/g). It was found that the sample MnFe2O4-MCM have higher surface area than MnFe2O4-CCM, which in turn leads to the improved performance towards the photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of methylene blue (MB) and it was found that the sample MnFe2O4-MCM show higher PCD efficiency (96.48%) than MnFe2O4-CCM (84.95%). Also, MnFe2O4 show higher activity with good reusability, and eco-friendly materials for industrial and technological applications.