Organoclay-assisted disperse dyeing of polypropylene nanocomposite fabrics in supercritical carbon dioxide.

Dyeing using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is carried out on the polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite fabrics with model disperse dye compared with their regular fabric at various dyeing temperatures and pressures. The results are compared with those obtained in aqueous dyeing method. The PP nanocompsite fabrics dyed in SC-CO2 medium exhibited higher colour strength (K/S) values compared with their PP regular fabric. The PP nanocompsite fabrics and their regular fabric dyed in SC-CO2 medium have higher K/S values than those dyed in aqueous medium. The color coordinates of all PP fabrics dyed in SC-CO2 and aqueous medium were positive with respect to a* and b* coordinates depending on the disperse red dye uptake. The PP nanocomposite fabrics dyed in SC-CO2 and aqueous medium exhibited higher antibacterial properties than their regular fabrics. All PP fabrics dyed in SC-CO2 and aqueous medium present very good washing, perspiration and light fastness.

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Inclusion Complexes with 2-Hydroxylpropyl-ß/γ-Cyclodextrin: Molecular Dynamic Simulation and Spectroscopic Studies.

In aqueous and solid media, 2-HP-ß/γ-CD inclusion complexes with poly aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) Phenanthrene (PHN), Anthracene (ANT), Benz(a)pyrene (BaP), and Fluoranthene (FLT) were investigated for the first time. The inclusion complexes were characterized and investigated using fluorescence and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The most prevalent complexes consisting of both guests and hosts were those with a 1:1 guest-to-host ratio. The stability constants for the complexes of PHN with 2-HP-ß-CD and 2-HP-γ-CD were 85 ± 12 M-1 and 49 ± 29 M-1, respectively. Moreover, the stability constants were found to be 502 ± 46 M-1 and 289 ± 44 M-1 for the complexes of ANT with both hosts. The stability constants for the complexes of BaP with 2-HP-ß-CD and 2-HP-γ-CD were (1.5 ± 0.02) × 103 M-1 and (9.41 ± 0.03) × 103 M-1, respectively. The stability constant for the complexes of FLT with 2-HP-ß-CD was (1.06 ± 0.06) × 103 M-1. However, FLT was observed to form a weak complex with 2-HP-γ-CD. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were used to investigate the mechanism and mode of inclusion processes, and to monitor the atomic-level stability of these complexes. The analysis of MD trajectories demonstrated that all guests formed stable inclusion complexes with both hosts throughout the duration of the simulation time, confirming the experimental findings. However, the flexible Hydroxypropyl arms prevented the PAHs from being encapsulated within the cavity; however, a stable exclusion complex was observed. The main forces that influenced the complexation included van der Waals interactions, hydrophobic forces, and C-H⋯π interaction, which contribute to the stability of these complexes.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Carbon Dots for Determination of Pharmacological and Biological Samples: A Review.

Carbon dots (CDs) are a novel category of carbon-based nanomaterials characterized by their small size, often less than 10 nm. CDs physical, chemical, and optical properties can be tuned using one-pot assembly. Because of their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, chemical and physical responsiveness, photo- and chemical-bleaching resistance, and low cost, nanoparticles have become incredibly versatile. They find various applications in detecting inorganic substances, bio sensing, visualizing cells, studying biological processes in live cells, and aiding in medication delivery. Additionally, CDs exhibit versatility in electronics and energy storage, making them promising candidates for applications in solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and supercapacitors. CDs are more photo stable for hours than typical fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots. Before applying CDs, they must be characterized. Techniques such as UV-VIS spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometry, FT-IR, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and NMR are commonly used to assess their photophysical and structural properties. This article review explores the synthesis, characterization applications of CDs in analytical techniques for the determination of various analytes. The article provides a detailed analysis of the different methodologies used to make nanomaterials and devices for the characterization of CDs. It also discusses the challenges that arise when using CDs in analytical techniques for detecting different analytes. The focus of this review is on accurately determining pharmaceutical and biological samples using CDs as sensing probes.

The redox-sensitive R-loop of the carbon control protein SbtB contributes to the regulation of the cyanobacterial CCM.

SbtB is a PII-like protein that regulates the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in cyanobacteria. SbtB proteins can bind many adenyl nucleotides and possess a characteristic C-terminal redox sensitive loop (R-loop) that forms a disulfide bridge in response to the diurnal state of the cell. SbtBs also possess an ATPase/ADPase activity that is modulated by the redox-state of the R-loop. To investigate the R-loop in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, site-specific mutants, unable to form the hairpin and permanently in the reduced state, and a R-loop truncation mutant, were characterized under different inorganic carbon (Ci) and light regimes. Growth under diurnal rhythm showed a role of the R-loop as sensor for acclimation to changing light conditions. The redox-state of the R-loop was found to impact the binding of the adenyl-nucleotides to SbtB, its membrane association and thereby the CCM regulation, while these phenotypes disappeared after truncation of the R-loop. Collectively, our data imply that the redox-sensitive R-loop provides an additional regulatory layer to SbtB, linking the CO2-related signaling activity of SbtB with the redox state of cells, mainly reporting the actual light conditions. This regulation not only coordinates CCM activity in the diurnal rhythm but also affects the primary carbon metabolism.

Antibacterial activity of flavonoid extracts from Enteromorpha intestinalis and Caulerpa prolifera against multidrug-resistant foodborne bacterial isolates.

Background: Food poisoning caused by bacterial agents is a worldwide problem, usually accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and may be severe leading to death. Natural compounds from marine algae namely flavonoids may play a role in the remedy of this condition. Aim: This research aims to assess the potency of flavonoids extracted from Enteromorpha intestinalis and Caulerpa prolifera as antibacterial agents. Methods: Enteromorpha intestinalis was collected from Western Libyan Coast and C. prolifera was collected from Farwa Island. The antimicrobial activity and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of algal flavonoid-containing extracts was performed in vitro against some positive and negative Gram bacteria. Results: Crude extract containing flavonoids from E. intestinalis was more effective than C. prolifera extract against Staphylococcus aureus with antimicrobial essay (25-28 + 1 and 14.5-37.5 + 0.5-1.5), MIC (50 and 50-250 µg/ml), MBC (75 and 75-250 µg/ml). In Bacillus cereus, the antimicrobial assay (19-24.5 + 0.5-1.5: 24 + 1), MIC (50-250 + 100 µg/ml), and MBC (250 and 125 µg/ml). On the other hand, flavonoids containing extract from C. prolifera were more effective than E. intestinalis against Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 EHEC O157 (25-28 + 1: 14-18.5 + 0.5-1.5), MIC (100-250:100-500 µg/ml), and MBC (150-250 and 250-500 µg/ml). Salmonella enterica qualitatively combat by flavonoid from E. intestinalis (13.5-14 + 0.5-1: 10.5-13.5 + 0.5-1.5), MIC (100-250: 250 µg/ml), and MBC (100-250: 250 µg/ml). Flavonoids from C. prolifera (4 strains: 2 strains) were effective against S. enterica. Crude flavonoids from both algae were not effective against Bacillus pumilus. Conclusion: Data from this study could conclude that flavonoid extracts from E. intestinalis and C. prolifera could be used against foodborne bacterial agents.

Green chemometric-assisted UV-spectrophotometric methods for the determination of favipiravir, cefixime and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as an effective therapeutic combination for COVID-19; application in pharmaceutical form and spiked human plasma.

As pharmaceutical analysis progresses towards environmental sustainability, there is a growing need to enhance the safety and health conditions for analysts. Consequently, the incorporation of chemometrics into environmentally friendly analytical methods represents a promising approach. Favipiravir, cefixime, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride have been currently used in COVID-19 treatment. In this study, we develop spectrophotometric methods depending on chemometric based models to measure the levels of favipiravir, cefixime, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations and spiked human plasma. It is challenging to determine favipiravir, cefixime, and moxifloxacin simultaneously because of overlap in their UV absorption spectra. Two advanced chemometric models, partial least square (PLS) and genetic algorithm (GA), have been developed to provide better predictive abilities in spectrophotometric determination of the drugs under study. The described models were created using a five-level, three-factor experimental design. The outcomes of the models have been thoroughly assessed and interpreted, and a statistical comparison with recognized values has been taken into consideration. The analytical eco-scale and the green analytical procedure index (GAPI) evaluation methods were also utilized to determine how environmentally friendly the mentioned models were. The outcomes demonstrated how well the models described complied with the environmental requirements.

Molecular and serological prevalence of corridor disease (buffalo associated Theileria parva infection) in cattle populations at the livestock/game interface of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

Theileria parva are intracellular protozoal parasites responsible for three disease syndromes in cattle, namely East Coast fever (ECF), Corridor disease (CD) and Zimbabwean theileriosis. The increase in reports of CD outbreaks in recent years has raised questions about the probability of adaptation of buffalo-derived T. parva strains in cattle herds adjacent to game reserves. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2016 to December 2018 to investigate the extent of occurrence of T. parva infections in cattle in the CD-controlled area of KwaZulu-Natal Province. Blood samples were collected from 1137 cattle from 14 herds and analysed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the prevalence of T. parva. A total of 484 samples from 4 of the 14 herds were further tested on qPCR for the presence of T. taurotragi infections. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test was used to assess association between variables. The overall prevalence of T. parva was 1.3% (95%CI:1-2%) and 19.9% (95%CI:17-22%) on qPCR and IFAT, respectively. The qPCR positive samples were detected in March and May while IFAT positive samples were detected in all seasons sampled, with higher numbers during summer months. The Pearson Chi-squared test showed that T. parva prevalence rates based on both qPCR and IFAT were positively associated with herds with previous history of CD outbreaks (χ2 = 8.594, p = 0.003; χ2 = 69.513, p < 0.001, respectively). The overall prevalence of T. taurotragi was 39.4% (95% CI: 35-44%) with the herd-level prevalence ranging between 35.0% and 43.4%. Possible cross-reaction of T. parva IFAT to T. taurotragi was detected on few samples, however, there was no significant association between T. taurotragi infections and IFAT positivity (χ2 = 0.829, p = 0.363). Results from this study demonstrated the extent of occurrence of subclinical carriers and the level of exposure to T. parva infections in cattle populations at a livestock/game interface area of KwaZulu-Natal Province. The molecular and seroprevalence rates were low when compared with other areas where cattle-adapted T. parva infections are endemic. The adaptation of buffalo-derived T. parva in cattle population resulting in cattle-cattle transmissions seem to be unlikely under the current epidemiological state.

Right Heart Reverse Remodeling and Prosthetic Valve Function After Transcatheter vs Surgical Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about postprocedural right heart reverse remodeling and long-term prosthesis durability after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) and how these compare to surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR). OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare right heart reverse remodeling, pulmonary valve gradients, and prosthetic valve dysfunction after TPVR vs SPVR. METHODS: Patients with TPVR were matched 1:2 to patients with SPVR based on age, sex, body surface area, congenital heart lesion, and procedure year. Right heart indexes (right atrial [RA] reservoir strain, RA volume index, RA pressure, right ventricular [RV] global longitudinal strain, RV end-diastolic area, and RV systolic pressure) were assessed at baseline (preintervention), 1 year postintervention, and 3 years postintervention. Pulmonary valve gradients were assessed at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years postintervention. RESULTS: There were 64 and 128 patients in the TPVR and SPVR groups, respectively. Among patients with TPVR, 46 (72%) and 18 (28%) received Melody (Medtronic) vs SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences) valves, respectively. The TPVR group had greater postprocedural improvement in RA reservoir strain and RV global longitudinal strain at 1 and 3 years. The TPVR group had a higher risk of prosthetic valve dysfunction mostly because of a higher incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis compared to SPVR but a similar risk of pulmonary valve reintervention because some of the patients with endocarditis received medical therapy only. Both groups had similar pulmonary valve mean gradients at 9 years postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a more favorable right heart outcome after TPVR. However, the risk of prosthetic valve endocarditis and prosthetic valve dysfunction remains a major concern.

Eco-friendly novel deconvoluted synchronous spectrofluorimetric approach for the determination of favipiravir, levodropropizine and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as an effective therapeutic combination for COVID-19; application in laboratory prepared mixtures and spiked human plasma.

In this work, a green, fast, and simple synchronous spectrofluorimetric approach has been developed to simultaneously determine favipiravir, levodropropizine, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as co-administered medications for COVID-19 treatment in pure form and spiked human plasma. The synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy technique to analyze the studied drugs at Δλ = 110 nm enabled the determination of levodropropizine at 360 nm. Then, applying Fourier Self-Deconvolution to each spectra to measure favipiravir and moxifloxacin hydrochloride at peak amplitudes of 431 nm and 479 nm, respectively, without any interference. Favipiravir, levodropropizine, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride could be sensitively determined using the described approach over concentration ranges of 20-300 ng/mL, 10-600 ng/mL, and 50-500 ng/mL, respectively. The method's validation was carried out effectively in accordance with guidelines recommended by the ICH. Finally, the Eco-scale and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) techniques have been used to evaluate the greenness of the proposed method.

Metal complex as p-type dopant-based organic spiro-OMeTAD hole-transporting material for free-Li-TFSI perovskite solar cells.

Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (Li-TFSI) is an efficient p-dopant that has been used to enhance the conductivity of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the performance of the corresponding devices is still not satisfactory due to the impact of Li-TFSI on the fill factor and the short-circuit current density of these PSCs. Herein, a new Mn complex [(Mn(Me-tpen)(ClO4)2-)]2+ was introduced as a p-type dopant into spiro-OMeTAD and was successfully applied as a hole transport material (HTM) for PSCs. Analytical studies used for device characterization included scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, current-voltage (IV) characteristics, incident photon to current efficiency, power conversion efficiency (PCE), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The UV-Vis spectra displayed oxidation in the HTM by the addition of a dopant. Moreover, the movement of electrons from the higher orbital of the spiro-OMeTAD to the dopant stimulates the generation of the hole carriers in the HTM, enhancing its conductivity with outstanding long-term stability under mild conditions in a humid (RH ∼ 30%) environment. The incorporation of the Mn complex into the composite improved the material's properties and the stability of the fabricated devices. The Mn complex as a p-type dopant for spiro-OMeTAD exhibits a perceptible PCE of 16.39% with an enhanced conductivity of 98.13%. This finding may pave a rational way for developing efficient and stable PSCs in real environments.

Cardiac Reverse Remodeling and Changes in Heart Failure Indices After Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about changes in cardiac function (cardiac reverse remodeling) and heart failure indices after transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve replacement (TT-VIVR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac reverse remodeling and temporal changes in heart failure indices after TT-VIVR in adults with congenital heart disease. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of adults with congenital heart disease that underwent TT-VIVR and had >6 months of follow-up (January 1, 2011, to April 30, 2023). Echocardiographic indices of cardiac remodeling and heart failure indices (New York Heart Association class, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), glomerular filtration rate, and model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio score) were assessed preintervention and at 1-, 3-, and 5-year postintervention. RESULTS: Of 39 patients (age 39 [32-46] years), 14 (36%) and 25 (64%) received Melody valve and Sapien valve prosthesis, respectively. At 1-year post-TT-VIVR, there was a temporal improvement in right atrial reservoir strain (17±8% versus 22±8%, P<0.001), right atrial volume (81 [59-108] versus 63 [48-82] mL/m2, P<0.001), right atrial pressure (12±4% versus 6±4%, P<0.001), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (-15±7% versus -20±7%, P<0.001). Similarly, there was a temporal improvement in NT-proBNP, glomerular filtration rate, model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio score, and New York Heart Association class. The temporal improvements in heart failure indices and valve function were maintained at 3- and 5-year post-TT-VIVR. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the significant mortality risk associated with reoperations for tricuspid valve replacement, these data suggest favorable outcomes after TT-VIVR, and support TT-VIVR as a viable alternative to surgical tricuspid valve replacement, especially in high-risk patients.

Application of capillary electrophoresis with capacitively contactless conductivity detection for biomedical analysis.

The coupling of capillary electrophoresis (CE) with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4 D) has become convenient analytical method for determination of small molecules that do not possess chromogenic or fluorogenic group. The implementations of CE with C4 D in the determination of inorganic and organic ions and amino acids in biomedical field are demonstrated. Attention on background electrolyte composition, sample treatment procedures, and the utilize of multi-detection systems are described. A number of tables summarizing highly developed CE-C4 D methods and the figures of merit attained are involved. Lastly, concluding remarks and perspectives are argued.

Prognostic Markers and Trials in Penile Cancer.

New tumor biomarkers open the potential for designing personalized therapy for penile squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the initial promising results of some biomarkers, controversy remains due to contradictory studies. Further robust research work is required before incorporating biomarkers in the personalized management of penile cancer. This narrative review aims to highlight some of the most commonly and recently investigated biomarkers of penile cancer and to summarize the ongoing registered clinical trials for the management of penile cancer patients.

Design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of novel substituted 1,2,4-triazole analogues as dual human VEGFR-2 and TB-InhA inhibitors.

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and has been associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The angiogenesis-related VEGFR-2 is a common target between cancer and Mtb. Here, we aimed to synthesize and validate potent dual human VEGFR-2 inhibitors as anticancer and anti-mycobacterial agents. Two series of 1,2,4-triazole-based compounds (6a-l and 11a-e) were designed and synthesized through a molecular hybridization approach. Activities of all synthesized compounds were evaluated against human VEGFR-2 in addition to drug-sensitive, multidrug-resistant and extensive-drug resistant Mtb. Compounds 6a, 6c, 6e, 6f, 6h, 6l, 11a, 11d and 11e showed promising inhibitory effect on VEGFR-2 (IC50 = 0.15 - 0.39 µM), anti-proliferative activities against cancerous cells and low cytotoxicity against normal cells. The most potent compounds (6e and 11a) increased apoptosis percentage. Additionally, compounds 6h, 6i, 6l and 11c showed the highest activities against all Mtb strains, and thus were evaluated against enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) which is essential for Mtb cell wall synthesis. Interestingly, the compounds showed excellent InhA inhibition activities with IC50 range of 1.3 - 4.7 µM. Docking study revealed high binding affinities toward targeted enzymes; human VEGFR-2 and Mtb InhA. In conclusion, 1,2,4-triazole analogues are suggested as potent anticancer and antimycobacterial agents via inhibition of human VEGFR-2 and Mtb InhA.

Prognostic Performance of Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Measurements in Patients With Ebstein Anomaly.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the prognostic role of right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) in patients with Ebstein anomaly. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the relationship between RVGLS and mortality and to compare prognostic performance of RVGLS with conventional echocardiographic indices of right ventricular (RV) systolic function. METHODS: This study identified adults with Ebstein anomaly with echocardiographic assessment of RV systolic function (RVGLS, RV fractional area change [RVFAC], RV tissue Doppler systolic velocity [RV s'], and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]) from 2003 to 2020. For ease of presentation, RVGLS was modeled as absolute values (ie, without the negative sign). RESULTS: Of 620 patients (median age 37 years; men 261 [42%]), the mean absolute RVGLS, RVFAC, RV s', and TAPSE were 18% ± 5%, 32% ± 9%, 14 ± 6 cm/s, and 22 ± 8 mm, respectively. There were correlations between absolute RVGLS and RVFAC (r = 0.71; P < 0.001), between absolute RVGLS and RV s' (r = 0.41; P = 0.03), and between absolute RVGLS and TAPSE (r = 0.44; P = 0.002). Of 620 patients, 47 (8%) died during follow-up, and 34 of these deaths were cardiovascular. Absolute RVGLS was independently associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.96 per unit increase) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.90-0.94 per unit increase). Absolute RVGLS had superior prognostic power (ie, ability to predict mortality) as compared with RVFAC, RV s', or TAPSE. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the use of RVGLS for risk stratification in Ebstein anomaly, and further studies are required to assess how interventions may affect different patients according to risk stratification.

Targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of novel N1 -(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-N4 -arylidine compounds.

The development of novel antimycobacterial agents is an urgent challenge to eradicate the increasing emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant strains. Filamentous temperature-sensitive protein Z (FtsZ) is a crucial cell division protein. Alteration of FtsZ assembly leads to cell division inhibition and cell death. To find novel antimycobacterial agents, a series of N1 -(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-N4 -arylidine compounds 5a-o were synthesized. The activity of the compounds was evaluated against drug-sensitive, multidrug-resistant, and extensive-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Compounds 5b, 5c, 5l, 5m, and 5o showed promising antimycobacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in the range of 0.48-1.85 µg/mL and with low cytotoxicity against human nontumorigenic lung fibroblast WI-38 cells. The activity of the compounds 5b, 5c, 5l, 5m, and 5o was evaluated against bronchitis causing-bacteria. They exhibited good activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and Bordetella pertussis. Molecular dynamics simulations of Mtb FtsZ protein-ligand complexes identified the interdomain site as the binding site and key interactions. ADME prediction indicated that the synthesized compounds have drug-likeness. The density function theory studies of 5c, 5l, and 5n were performed to investigate E/Z isomerization. Compounds 5c and 5l are present as E-isomers and 5n as an E/Z mixture. Our experimental outcomes provide an auspicious lead for the design of more selective and potent antimycobacterial drugs.

Label-Free Quantification of Nanoencapsulated Piperonyl Esters in Cosmetic Hydrogels Using Raman Spectroscopy.

Raman spectroscopy is a well-established technique for the molecular characterisation of samples and does not require extensive pre-analytical processing for complex cosmetic products. As an illustration of its potential, this study investigates the quantitative performance of Raman spectroscopy coupled with partial least squares regression (PLSR) for the analysis of Alginate nanoencapsulated Piperonyl Esters (ANC-PE) incorporated into a hydrogel. A total of 96 ANC-PE samples covering a 0.4% w/w-8.3% w/w PE concentration range have been prepared and analysed. Despite the complex formulation of the sample, the spectral features of the PE can be detected and used to quantify the concentrations. Using a leave-K-out cross-validation approach, samples were divided into a training set (n = 64) and a test set, samples that were previously unknown to the PLSR model (n = 32). The root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and prediction (RMSEP) was evaluated to be 0.142% (w/w PE) and 0.148% (w/w PE), respectively. The accuracy of the prediction model was further evaluated by the percent relative error calculated from the predicted concentration compared to the true value, yielding values of 3.58% for the training set and 3.67% for the test set. The outcome of the analysis demonstrated the analytical power of Raman to obtain label-free, non-destructive quantification of the active cosmetic ingredient, presently PE, in complex formulations, holding promise for future analytical quality control (AQC) applications in the cosmetics industry with rapid and consumable-free analysis.

Comparison of nimodipine formulations and administration techniques via enteral feeding tubes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Nimodipine improves outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and current guidelines suggest that patients with aSAH receive nimodipine for 21 days. Patients with no difficulty swallowing will swallow the whole capsules or tablets; otherwise, nimodipine liquid must be drawn from capsules, tablets need to be crushed, or the commercially available liquid product be used to facilitate administration through an enteral feeding tube (FT). It is not clear whether these techniques are equivalent. The goal of the study was to determine if different nimodipine formulations and administration techniques were associated with the safety and effectiveness of nimodipine in aSAH. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter observational cohort study conducted in 21 hospitals across North America. Patients admitted with aSAH and received nimodipine by FT for ≥3 days were included. Patient demographics, disease severity, nimodipine administration, and study outcomes were collected. Safety end points included the prevalence of diarrhea and nimodipine dose reduction or discontinuation secondary to blood pressure reduction. Predictors of the study outcomes were analyzed using regression modeling. RESULTS: A total of 727 patients were included. Administration of nimodipine liquid product was independently associated with higher prevalence of diarrhea compared to other administration techniques/formulations (Odds ratio [OR] 2.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-3.67, p-value = 0.001, OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.37-5.55, p-value = 0.005, for old and new commercially available formulations, respectively). Bedside withdrawal of liquid from nimodipine capsules prior to administration was significantly associated with higher prevalence of nimodipine dose reduction or discontinuation secondary to hypotension (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.57-5.06, p-value = 0.001). Tablet crushing and bedside withdrawal of liquid from capsules prior to administration were associated with increased odds of delayed cerebral ischemia (OR 6.66, 95% CI 3.48-12.74, p-value <0.0001 and OR 3.92, 95% CI 2.05-7.52, p-value <0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that enteral nimodipine formulations and administration techniques might not be equivalent. This could be attributed to excipient differences, inconsistency and inaccuracy in medication administration, and altered nimodipine bioavailability. Further studies are needed.

The relationship between coping and distress among faculty members and students during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: The moderating effect of gender.

Objectives: Previous research has documented significant associations between the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, various mental health problems, and coping strategies. However, literature on the moderating role of gender on the relationship between distress and coping strategies during COVID-19 is almost nonexistent. Hence, the main objective of this study was two folds. To examine gender differences in distress and coping strategies, and to test the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between distress and coping among university faculty members and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional web-based study design was used to collect data from the participants. A sample of 649 participants (68.9% university students and 31.1% faculty members) was selected. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) were used to collect data from the participants. The survey was sent out during the COVID-19 lockdown from May 12th to June 30th, 2020. Results: The results showed significant gender differences in distress and the three coping strategies. Women consistently scored higher on distress (p < 0.01), task-focused (p < 0.05), emotion-focused (p < 0.001), and avoidance coping (p < 0.01) compared to men. Gender moderated the relationship between emotion-focused coping and distress (p < 0.001) but not the relationship between distress and task-focused or avoidance coping. Conclusion: Increased emotion-focused coping is associated with decreased distress among women while the use of emotion-focused coping by men predicted more distress. Workshops and programs focused on providing skills and techniques on how to cope with stressful situations induced by the COVID-19 pandemic are recommended.

Fabrication of a Novel CNT-COO-/Ag3PO4@AgIO4Composite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Natural Sunlight.

In this study, a carboxylated carbon nanotube-grafted Ag3PO4@AgIO4 (CNT-COO-/Ag3PO4@AgIO4) composite was synthesized through an in situ electrostatic deposition method. The synthesized composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The electron transfer ability of the synthesized composite was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CNT-COO-/Ag3PO4@AgIO4 composite exhibited higher activity than CNT/Ag3PO4@AgIO4, Ag3PO4@AgIO4, and bare Ag3PO4. The material characterization and the detailed study of the various parameters thataffect the photocatalytic reaction revealed that the enhanced catalytic activity is related to the good interfacial interaction between CNT-COO and Ag3PO4. The energy band structure analysis is further considered as a reason for multi-electron reaction enhancement. The results and discussion in this study provide important information for the use of the functionalized CNT-COOH in the field of photocatalysis. Moreover, providinga new way to functionalize CNT viadifferent functional groups may lead to further development in the field of photocatalysis. This work could provide a new way to use natural sunlight to facilitate the practical application of photocatalysts toenvironmental issues.