Banana pseudo-stem biochar derived from slow and fast pyrolysis process

This study evaluated the properties of banana pseudo-stem (BPS) biochar derived from two different types of pyrolysis. The fast pyrolysis experiment was performed using a worktable-scale fluidized-bed reactor, while a bench-scale fixed-bed reactor was used in the slow pyrolysis experiment. The preliminary analysis shows that the feedstock contains 80.6 db wt% of volatile matter, 12.5 db wt% of ash and 33.6% of carbon content. Biochar yield reduces as the pyrolysis temperature elevates for both pyrolysis experiments. Fast pyrolysis yields a higher percentage of biochar (40.3%) than biochar yield obtained from the slow pyrolysis experiment (34.9 wt%) at a similar temperature of 500 °C. The evaluation of biochar derived at 500 °C shows that the biochar obtained from the slow pyrolysis process has higher carbon content, heating value, and surface area with lower ash content. Meanwhile, FESEM images show significant differences in surface morphology and the number of pores for biochar derived from fast and slow pyrolysis. These findings indicate the potential and suitability of BPS biochar derived from the slow pyrolysis process in applications such as soil amelioration and solid biofuel.

In situ bone regeneration with sequential delivery of aptamer and BMP2 from an ECM-based scaffold fabricated by cryogenic free-form extrusion

In situ tissue engineering is a powerful strategy for the treatment of bone defects. It could overcome the limitations of traditional bone tissue engineering, which typically involves extensive cell expansion steps, low cell survival rates upon transplantation, and a risk of immuno-rejection. Here, a porous scaffold polycaprolactone (PCL)/decellularized small intestine submucosa (SIS) was fabricated via cryogenic free-form extrusion, followed by surface modification with aptamer and PlGF-2123-144*-fused BMP2 (pBMP2). The two bioactive molecules were delivered sequentially. The aptamer Apt19s, which exhibited binding affinity to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), was quickly released, facilitating the mobilization and recruitment of host BMSCs. BMP2 fused with a PlGF-2123-144 peptide, which showed "super-affinity" to the ECM matrix, was released in a slow and sustained manner, inducing BMSC osteogenic differentiation. In vitro results showed that the sequential release of PCL/SIS-pBMP2-Apt19s promoted cell migration, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mRNA expression of osteogenesis-related genes. The in vivo results demonstrated that the sequential release system of PCL/SIS-pBMP2-Apt19s evidently increased bone formation in rat calvarial critical-sized defects compared to the sequential release system of PCL/SIS-BMP2-Apt19s. Thus, the novel delivery system shows potential as an ideal alternative for achieving cell-free scaffold-based bone regeneration in situ.

Cryptic amyloidogenic regions in intrinsically disordered proteins: Function and disease association

The amyloid conformation is considered a fundamental state of proteins and the propensity to populate it a generic property of polypeptides. Multiple proteome-wide analyses addressed the presence of amyloidogenic regions in proteins, nurturing our understanding of their nature and biological implications. However, these analyses focused on highly aggregation-prone and hydrophobic stretches that are only marginally found in intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Here, we explore the prevalence of cryptic amyloidogenic regions (CARs) of polar nature in IDRs. CARs are widespread in IDRs and associated with IDPs function, with particular involvement in protein–protein interactions, but their presence is also connected to a risk of malfunction. By exploring this function/malfunction dichotomy, we speculate that ancestral CARs might have evolved into functional interacting regions playing a significant role in protein evolution at the origins of life.

Effects of risedronate, alendronate, and minodronate alone or in combination with eldecalcitol on bone mineral density, quality, and strength in ovariectomized rats

Combination therapy of active vitamin D₃ with some bisphosphonates (BPs) has been reported to be clinically beneficial. However, combination therapy of eldecalcitol (ELD) with BP has to date not been validated as to whether it is beneficial in the clinical setting. Preclinical studies suggested that simultaneous treatment with ELD and some BPs is more effective than monotherapy. However, the relative potency of various BPs, when used in combination with ELD, is completely unknown. In this study, we examined and compared the effects of risedronate (RIS), alendronate (ALN), and minodronate (MIN) alone or in combination with ELD on bone mass, microarchitecture, strength, and material properties in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats aged 13 weeks. RIS, ALN, MIN, and ELD were administered five times weekly for 16 weeks. Micro-computed tomography analysis, compression test, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging analysis were performed 16 weeks after treatment initiation. Trabecular and cortical bone mineral density (BMD) in the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) significantly increased in the RIS + ELD, ALN + ELD, and MIN + ELD groups compared with the vehicle group. Moreover, the bone microarchitecture of L4 in all the BP + ELD groups also significantly improved. On mechanical testing of L4, the maximum load was significantly increased in the RIS + ELD and ALN + ELD groups. FTIR analysis revealed that the mineral-to-collagen ratio of trabecular bone in L3 of all the BP + ELD groups was significantly increased compared with the vehicle group. By contrast, the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, a parameter of mineral immaturity, was significantly decreased in the RIS + ELD and ALN + ELD groups. BP + ELD improved the BMD and structural properties of the bone to a similar extent. RIS + ELD and ALN + ELD also improved bone strength. Furthermore, treatment with BP + ELD improved the bone material. These results suggest that the combination therapy of BP and ELD is beneficial and warrants further clinical trials.

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Combination of bisphosphonates and eldecalcitol was superior to either monotherapy.

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Bone quality on FTIR imaging analysis correlated with bone strength.

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Combined bisphosphonate and eldecalcitol may be useful in the clinical setting.

Concentration dependent cholesteryl-ester and wax-ester structural relationships and meibomian gland dysfunction

Background

With dry eye, the ratio of cholesteryl ester (CE) to wax ester (WE) decreases substantially in meibum, but the functional and structural consequences of this change are speculative. The aim of this study is to confirm this finding and to bridge this gap in knowledge by investigating the effect of varying CE/WE ratios on lipid structure and thermodynamics.

Methods

Infrared spectroscopy was use to quantify CE and WE in human meibum and to measure hydrocarbon chain conformation and thermodynamics in a cholesteryl behenate, stearyl stearate model system.

Results

The CE/WE molar ratio was 36% lower for meibum from donors with dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction compared with meibum from donors without dry eye. CE (5 mol %) dramatically increased the phase transition temperature of pure WE from -0.12 °C to 63 °C in the mixture. Above 5 mol % CB, the phase transition temperature increased linearly, from 68.5 °C to 85 °C. In the ordered state, CE caused an increase in lipid order from about 72% trans rotamers to about 86% trans rotamers. Above 10% CE, the hydrocarbon chains were arranged in a monoclinic geometry.

Conclusions

The CE/WE is lower in meibum from donors with dry eye due to meibomian-gland dysfunction. Major conformational changes in the hydrocarbon chains of wax and cholesteryl ester mixtures begin to occur with just 5% CB and above.

General significance

CE-WE interactions may be important for in understanding lipid layer structure and functional relationships on the surface of tears, skin and plants.

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The CE/WE is lower in meibum from donors with meibomian-gland dysfunction.

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CE may be important for the tear film lipid layer structure and function.

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CE-WE interactions may be important on the surface of tears, skin and plants.

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Conformational changes in WE and CE mixtures begin to occur with just 5% CE.

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CE, cholesteryl ester; WE, wax ester.

Spatial distribution of functional components in the starchy endosperm of wheat grains

The starchy endosperm of the mature wheat grain comprises three major cell types, namely sub-aleurone cells, prismatic cells and central cells, which differ in their contents of functional components: gluten proteins, starch, cell wall polysaccharides (dietary fibre) and lipids. Gradients are established during grain development but may be modified during grain maturation and are affected by plant nutrition, particularly nitrogen application, and environmental factors. Although the molecular controls of their formation are unknown, the high content of protein and low content of starch of sub-aleurone cells, compared to the other starchy endosperm cells types, may result from differences in developmental programming related to the cells having a separate origin (from anticlinal division of the aleurone cells). The gradients within the grain may be reflected in differences in the compositions of mill streams, particularly those streams enriched in the central and outer cells of the starchy endosperm, respectively, allowing the production of specialist flours for specific end uses.

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The mature starchy endosperm of wheat comprises three cell types.

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These differ in their contents of functional components.

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These differences are reflected in the compositions of mill streams.

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These differences may affect functionality.

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Hence innovative milling can be used to prepare flours for special uses.

Binding analysis of antioxidant polyphenols with PAMAM nanoparticles

Dietary polyphenols are abundant micronutrients in our diet and paly major role in prevention of degenerative diseases. The binding efficacy of antioxidant polyphenols resveratrol, genistein, and curcumin with PAMAM-G3 and PAMAM-G4 nanoparticles was investigated in aqueous solution at physiological conditions, using multiple spectroscopic methods, TEM images, and docking studies. The polyphenol bindings are via hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and H-bonding contacts with resveratrol forming more stable conjugates. As PAMAM size increased the loading efficacy and the stability of polyphenol-polymer conjugates were increased. Polyphenol binding induced major alterations of dendrimer morphology. PAMAM nanoparticles are capable of delivery of polyphenols in vitro.

Amino-functionalized poloxamer 407 with both mucoadhesive and thermosensitive properties: preparation, characterization and application in a vaginal drug delivery system

Lack of mucoadhesive properties is the major drawback to poloxamer 407 (F127)-based in situ hydrogels for mucosal administration. The objective of the present study was to construct a novel mucoadhesive and thermosensitive in situ hydrogel drug delivery system based on an amino-functionalized poloxamer for vaginal administration. First, amino-functionalized poloxamer 407 (F127-NH2) was synthesized and characterized with respect to its micellization behavior and interaction with mucin. Then using acetate gossypol (AG) as model drug, AG-loaded F127-NH2-based in situ hydrogels (NFGs) were evaluated with respect to rheology, drug release, ex vivo vaginal mucosal adhesion, in vivo intravaginal retention and local irritation after vaginal administration to healthy female mice. The results show that F127-NH2 is capable of forming a thermosensitive in situ hydrogel with sustained drug release properties. An interaction between positively charged F127-NH2 and negatively charged mucin was revealed by changes in the particle size and zeta potential of mucin particles as well as an increase in the complex modulus of NFG caused by mucin. Ex vivo and in vivo fluorescence imaging and quantitative analysis of the amount of AG remaining in mouse vaginal lavage all demonstrated greater intravaginal retention of NFG than that of an unmodified F127-based in situ hydrogel. In conclusion, amino group functionalization confers valuable mucoadhesive properties on poloxamer 407.

Efficiency of calcium phosphate composite nanoparticles in targeting Ehrlich carcinoma cells transplanted in mice

The present study aimed to investigate the mode of action of nano-CaPs in vivo as a therapy for solid tumor in mice. To achieve this goal, Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) was transplanted into 85 Swiss male albino mice. After nine days, the mice were divided into 9 groups. Groups 1 and 2 were allocated as the EAC control. Groups 3 and 4 were injected once intratumorally (IT) by nano-calcium phosphate (nano-CaP). Groups 5 and 6 received once intraperitoneal injection (IP) of nano-CaP. Groups 7, 8, and 9 received nano-CaP (IP) weekly. Blood samples and thigh skeletal muscle were collected after three weeks from groups 1, 3, 5, and 7 and after four weeks from groups 2, 4, 6, and 8. On the other hand, group 9 received nano-CaP (IP) for four weeks and lasted for three months to follow up the recurrence of tumor and to ensure the safety of muscle by histopathological analysis. Tumor growth was monitored twice a week throughout the experiment. DNA fragmentation of tumor cells was evaluated. In thigh tissue, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin (5HT), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured. In serum, 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analyzed. Histopathological and biochemical results showed a significant therapeutic effect of nano-CaP on implanted solid tumor and this effect was more pronounced in the animals treated IP for four weeks. This improvement was evident from the repair of fragmented DNA, the significant decrease of caspase-3, 8-OHDG, myosin, and VEGF, and the significant increase of neurotransmitters (NA, DA, 5HT, and GABA). Additionally, histopathological examination showed complete recovery of cancer cells in the thigh muscle after three months.

Transmission FTIR derivative spectroscopy for estimation of furosemide in raw material and tablet dosage form

A Fourier transform infrared derivative spectroscopy (FTIR-DS) method has been developed for determining furosemide (FUR) in pharmaceutical solid dosage form. The method involves the extraction of FUR from tablets with N,N-dimethylformamide by sonication and direct measurement in liquid phase mode using a reduced path length cell. In general, the spectra were measured in transmission mode and the equipment was configured to collect a spectrum at 4 cm⁻¹ resolution and a 13 s collection time (10 scans co-added). The spectra were collected between 1400 cm⁻¹ and 450 cm⁻¹. Derivative spectroscopy was used for data processing and quantitative measurement using the peak area of the second order spectrum of the major spectral band found at 1165 cm⁻¹ (SO₂ stretching of FUR) with baseline correction. The method fulfilled most validation requirements in the 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL range, with a 0.9998 coefficient of determination obtained by simple calibration model, and a general coefficient of variation <2%. The mean recovery for the proposed assay method resulted within the (100±3)% over the 80%–120% range of the target concentration. The results agree with a pharmacopoeial method and, therefore, could be considered interchangeable.