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1.
RSC Adv ; 13(8): 5013-5026, 2023 Feb 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36777948

ABSTRACT

For the last several decades, semiconducting materials and nanocomposites have received a lot of interest in generating highly efficient photocatalysts to destroy organic pollutants and eradicate bacteria. This study uses a simple deposition and precipitation approach at ambient temperature to create a unique and efficient AgI-CdO heterojunction. DRS, IR, SEM, EDS, XRD, EIS, and TEM were utilized to identify the material. SEM and TEM investigation depict the completely spherical, hexagonal forms and zigzag cubes for synthesized AgI-CdO. The EDX spectra reveal the presence of Ag, I, Cd, and O elements without impurity peaks showing that the prepared samples are highly pure. The activity of the synthesized materials was tested by degrading two different chromophoric dyes and a drug derivative (paracetamol) in an aqueous suspension under visible light. In addition, the activity of the most active catalyst was compared with Degussa P25, Fenton's reagent, and under sunlight for degradation of MB and RhB under similar conditions. Photolysis of paracetamol was also looked at using HPLC to identify intermediates formed in the photo-oxidation process. In addition, antibacterial activity was also investigated with the synthesized CdO-AgI nanocomposite in vitro against human pathogenic bacterial strains and compared with that of pure materials like AgI and standard ampicillin. The results showed excellent activity with the composite material, which could be due to the higher surface areas and the interactions between AgI and CdO nanoparticles. Quenching investigations revealed O2˙- and holes are principal reactive species. A viable photocatalytic degradation mechanism for organic pollutant elimination over the AgI-CdO nanocomposite has been sketched out based on the obtained results.

2.
Chemosphere ; 322: 138219, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36828108

ABSTRACT

Decorating nanomaterials on graphene oxide (GO) can enhance its adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of water pollutants. In this study, for the first time, nano-sized polylactic acid (PLA) has been successfully decorated on the surface of GO through a facile synthesis approach. The adsorptive efficiency of GO-PLA for removing methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) from an aqueous solution was examined. The characterization confirmed the successful decoration of PLA on GO nanosheets with the nano size of PLA. It was hypothesized that the PLA was decorated on the surface of GO through covalent bonding between oxygen-containing functional groups and lactide molecules. The optimum adsorption parameters determined were at the adsorbent dose of 0.5 g L-1, pH 4, contact time of 120 min, and temperature of 318 K. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the contaminants' adsorption behaviour, and the intraparticle diffusion model revealed that both surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion controlled the adsorption process. Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption behaviour of the pollutants on GO-PLA and demonstrated the maximum monolayer uptake capacities of MB (332.5 mg g-1) and TC (223.7 mg g-1). The adsorption results indicated that the uptake capacities of GO-PLA in comparison to GO have increased by approximately 70% and 110% for MB and TC, respectively. These observations reflect the remarkable role of nano-sized PLA that enhanced the adsorption capacity due to its additional functional group and larger surface area.


Subject(s)
Graphite , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Methylene Blue/chemistry , Adsorption , Tetracycline/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Polyesters , Graphite/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry , Kinetics
3.
Cureus ; 14(11): e31019, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36475157

ABSTRACT

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, or hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) type IV, is an exceedingly rare neurogenetic disorder. Reported causes are homozygous or compound heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase 1 gene (NTRK1). Characteristically, patients with this disorder exhibit a complete diminution of pain and temperature sensations over the body disrupted sweat gland functioning, and variable degrees of sensation and cognitive impairments. We hereby present the clinical and neurophysiologic features of a 15-month-old boy with a homozygous frameshift mutation in c.1860_186insT. (p.Pro621Serfs*12) in the NRTK1 gene, consistent with the diagnosis of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis.

4.
Heliyon ; 8(9): e10385, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36060472

ABSTRACT

This study reviews Islamic FinTech research development from 2017 to 2022. The study adopts a hybrid approach combining bibliometric and content analysis to reveal the current research trend of Islamic FinTech research. Using the Scopus database, we retrieve 85 documents and analyze them using RStudio and VOSviewer. The content analysis categorizes the research output in Islamic FinTech into four distinct streams. The study finds potential for cointegrating FinTech into Islamic finance to benefit the unbanked and small-medium-size businesses, the adoption of FinTech in Islamic finance will also help the government improve financial inclusion, conquer financial crises, such as COVID-19, and achieve SDGs for a sustainable nation. However, the lack of legal regulation and the lower financial literacy becomes the primary obstacle to the development of FinTech in Islamic finance.

5.
Ann Oper Res ; : 1-37, 2022 Aug 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36042920

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted the global economy and caused substantial financial losses. The energy sector was heavily affected and resulted in energy prices massively tumbling. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has fueled the energy maker more volatile. In such uncertain contexts, an Early Warning System (EWS) would efficiently contribute to stabilizing market swings. It will leverage the ability to control operating costs and pave the way for smooth economic recovery. Within this framework, we deploy Machine Learning (ML) models to forecast energy equity prices by employing uncertainty indices as a proxy for predicting energy market volatility. We empirically examine the comparative effectiveness of prevalent ML models and conventional approaches (regression) to forecast the energy equity prices by utilizing the daily data from 1/6/2011 to 18/1/2022 for four US uncertainty and eight energy equity indices. Results show that the Nonlinear Autoregressive with External (Exogenous) parameters (NARX) of Neural Networks (NN) scored significantly better accuracy than all other (25) ML models and conventional approaches. The study outcomes are beneficial for policymakers, governments, market regulators, investors, hedge and mutual funds, and corporations. They improve stakeholders' resilience to exogenous shocks, blaze the recovery path, and provide evidence-based for assets allocation strategies.

6.
Saudi J Biol Sci ; 29(8): 103346, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35784613

ABSTRACT

The present study examined the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and molecular docking of different solvents extracts (methanol and water) of two medicinal plants, namely, Capparis spinosa L (CS) and Rumex nervosus (RN). Phytochemical analysis showed that total phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamin C were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in the methanolic extract of both plants than in other solvents. However, tannin content was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) high in the water extract for both plants. Chloroform and acetone extracts were significantly lower in phytochemicals than other solvents, therefore excluded in this study. GC-MS analysis showed one dominant compound in CS (isopropyl isothiocyanate) and two in RN (pyrogallol and palmitic acid). The antioxidant methods applied (DPPH, ABTS, ß-Carotene/linoleic acid assay, and reducing the power) showed that the methanolic extract of CS exerted higher activity in methanolic extract but lower than that of BHA standard. The methanolic extract of both plants inhibited the bacterial pathogens when a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was applied, compared to water extract with RN-methanolic extract had a lower inhibition concentration than CS-methanolic extract. The molecular interactions study revealed that the palmitic acid and pyrogallol interacted with the receptors' active site. This work concluded that CS and RN showed a remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial effect with the high antimicrobial activity of RN extract.

7.
Sci Prog ; 105(2): 368504221102751, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35619568

ABSTRACT

This study tested the protective effect of Rumex nervous (R. nervosus) methanol extract against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-induced nephropathy in rats and examined if this protection involves activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2). Rats were divided into control, R. nervous (300 mg), STZ (T1DM), STZ + R. nervosus (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg), and STZ + R. nervosus (300 mg/kg) + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor). With no effect on fasting glucose and insulin levels, R. nervosus methanol extract preserved kidney histological structure and alterations kidney function markers (e.g. albumin, creatinine, and urine volume) in the STZ-diabetic rats. R. nervosus also reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukine-6 (IL-6), nuclear levels of the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and mRNA of caspase-3 and Bax in the kidneys of these diabetic rats. Concomitantly, it stimulated renal mRNA levels of Bcl2 and Nrf2, cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2, and levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). All these effects were dose-dependent, with the maximum effect seen with the 300 mg/kg dose, all prevented by brusatol. Also, these effects occurred without any alteration in the transcription of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap-1). Similar effects on levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, and NF-κB, as well as expression of Nrf2, were also observed in the kidney of control + R. nervous-treated rats. In conclusion, R. nervosus prevents diabetic nephropathy in rats by upregulating and activating Nrf2.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Diabetic Nephropathies , Plant Extracts , Rumex , Animals , Rats , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy , Glutathione , Methanol , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics , NF-kappa B/genetics , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , RNA, Messenger , Rumex/chemistry , Streptozocin/toxicity , Superoxide Dismutase
8.
Life (Basel) ; 12(2)2022 Feb 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35207571

ABSTRACT

Pectinase enzymes are important industrial enzymes having considerable applications in several industries, especially in food processing. Pectinases contribute 25% of global food enzyme sales. Therefore, the demand for a commercial enzyme with desirable characteristics and low production costs has become one of the great targets. Hence, this study aims to produce exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) using local fungal isolate Penicillium oxalicum AUMC 4153 by utilizing sugar beet manufacturing waste (sugar beet pulp) as a sole raw carbon source under shaken submerged fermentation, which is purified and characterized to optimize enzyme biochemical properties for industrial application. The purity of the obtained exo-PG was increased by about 28-fold, and the final enzyme yield was 57%. The partially purified enzyme was active at a broad range of temperatures (30-60 °C). The optimum temperature and pH for the purified exo-PG activity were 50 °C and pH 5. The enzyme was stable at a range of pH 3 to 6 and temperature 30-50 °C for 210 min. The values for Km and Vmax were 0.67 mg/mL, with polygalacturonic acid as substrate and 6.13 µmole galacturonic acid/min/mg protein, respectively. It can be concluded that purified exo-PG production by P. oxalicum grown on sugar beet waste is a promising effective method for useful applications.

9.
Saudi J Biol Sci ; 29(2): 963-969, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35197764

ABSTRACT

The pectinase enzymes are involved in several industrial applications, and industrial waste is one of the largest environmental pollutants, so this study aims to Endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG) producing using Aspergillus niger AUMC 4156, Penicillium oxalicum AUMC 4153 and P. variotii AUMC 4149 by using some agro-industrial wastes (dried orange peel and sugar beet pulp) as a sole raw carbon source for degradation these waste in the process of urban wastes disposal. The fermentation process was carried out as a submerged culture technique under both shaken and static culture conditions. A. niger AUMC 4156 was the most promising producer of endo-PG under static conditions while P. oxalicum AUMC 4153 was the highest producer of endo-PG under shaken conditions. Sugar beet pulp proved to be the most preferable to orange peel as the only source of carbon in both shaken and static cultures. The medium that encompassing orange peel as a single carbon source afforded the highest protein content with all tested fungal strains in stirred and static cultures in comparison with sugar beet pulp. The highest activity of endo-polygalacuronase that produced using A. niger AUMC 4156 and P. oxalicum AUMC 4153 was achieved by using sugar beet pulp at 3% concentration under static cultures, meanwhile maximal enzyme activity produced by both fungal strains required 2% sugar beet pulp under shaken cultures. Sugar beet pulp showed promised potential as a good inducer for endo-polygalacturoase production, and enzymes production depended on fungal strains, culture medium, and submerged fermentation conditions.

10.
Saudi J Biol Sci ; 29(1): 640-649, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35002461

ABSTRACT

Shrimp is a prevalent food in the Arabian Gulf that is known for its good sensory properties and high nutritional value. The aim of the present work was to assess the effects of diverse processing methods on the nutritional composition of shrimp and the antioxidant activity of shrimp powder. Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) flesh was treated using four processes (salting, frying, grilling, and boiling), following which its macronutrient content, fatty acid profile, vitamins and mineral contents were measured. Also, the antioxidant activity of all shrimp powder extracts was assessed using the 2, 2 diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), linoleic acid oxidation inhibition, and reducing power methods. The results revealed that the fresh and processed shrimp flesh had significant nutritional value and the fresh and treated shrimp powders have high antioxidant activity, but the cooking processes have significant effects on the nutritional value and antioxidant activity of shrimp flesh. These effects were greater significantly in grilled shrimp followed by boiled shrimp and then fried shrimp. It is concluded that the high nutritional value and antioxidant activity of shrimp flesh make it an important food for nutritional health promotion for the community.

11.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol ; 42(9): 1610-1614, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34244131

ABSTRACT

Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition with numerous etiologies. In this retrospective case series, we report a cohort of patients with a rarely described entity, absence of Meckel cave, and propose this as a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia. A search of the electronic medical record was performed between 2000 and 2020 to identify MR imaging reports with terms including "Meckel's cave" and "hypoplasia," "atresia," "collapse," or "asymmetry." Images were reviewed by 2 blinded, board-certified neuroradiologists. Seven cases of the absence of Meckel cave were identified. Seven patients (100%) had ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia and ipsilateral trigeminal nerve atrophy, suggesting an association between absence of Meckel cave and trigeminal neuralgia. Absence of Meckel cave is a rare entity of unknown etiology, with few existing reports that suggest the possibility of an association with trigeminal neuralgia. Its recognition may have important implications in patient management. Future studies and longitudinal data are needed to assess treatment outcomes and added risks from surgical intervention in these patients.


Subject(s)
Trigeminal Neuralgia , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Trigeminal Nerve/diagnostic imaging , Trigeminal Neuralgia/diagnostic imaging , Trigeminal Neuralgia/etiology
12.
Educ Inf Technol (Dordr) ; 26(6): 7205-7224, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34025204

ABSTRACT

Research on information systems has identified a variety of factors across a range of adoption models that determine their acceptance. In this research, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), which integrates determinants across eight models, was utilised to analyse students' intentions to use and their actual usage of Moodle, an e-learning system at Hashemite University, a public university in Jordan, one of developing countries. Four principal determinants of intention and usage were explored: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Data were collected from 370 undergraduate students and analysed using structural equation modelling techniques. The results indicated that performance expectancy and effort expectancy affected behavioural intentions to use Moodle whereas social influence did not. In addition, the results confirmed the direct impact of behavioural intentions and facilitating conditions on students' use of Moodle. UTAUT thus provides a valuable tool that enables university decision makers, faculty members, and designers to understand the factors driving e-learning system acceptance and thus facilitate the adoption of the system by students. The study will help educational institutions prepare e-learning systems, which is especially important during a state of emergency such as that caused by COVID-19.

13.
Saudi J Biol Sci ; 27(3): 925-934, 2020 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32127772

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome distinguished with glucose increasing in blood, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. It results in decease of millions of people yearly. Duvalia corderoyi is a traditional diabetes and hypertension medicine from the Arabian region. D. corderoyi extract was administered to diabetes rats for estimate its anti-diabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in Wistar rats were induced using (60 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic receiving glibenclamide, and two diabetic D. corderoyi-treatment groups. Rats were weighted weekly, and the biochemical analysis were carried out in serum, and liver homogenate samples. Body weight of diabetic rats was lessening significantly D. corderoyi improved body weight, glucose concentration, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, urea, creatinine, insulin, and HDL-C. These results are the first to indicate the potential antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of D. corderoyi.

14.
Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc ; 2019: 2921-2924, 2019 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31946502

ABSTRACT

Many biological tissues inside the human body exhibit highly anisotropic diffusion properties; for example, tissues of the nervous system and white matter in the brain. Here, we present an improved stochastic molecular communication framework to model interaction between bionanomachines in three-dimensional (3D) anisotropic brain micro-environment. The results obtained using stochastic particle-based simulation model are validated with analytical expressions. We also derive expressions for peak amplitude and peak time for the received molecular signal. The results demonstrate that the channel impulse response in anisotropic biological media depends significantly on the diffusion tensor as well as on the locations of the nanomachines.


Subject(s)
Brain/physiology , Diffusion Tensor Imaging , White Matter/physiology , Anisotropy , Diffusion , Humans , Models, Theoretical
15.
Infect Prev Pract ; 1(3-4): 100027, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34368684

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial infections has led to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are recognised for rapidly developing drug resistance. Despite Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the second most common GNB isolated from healthcare associated infections, the magnitude of MDR P. aeruginosa (MDR-PA) has not been evaluated in Qatar. AIM: To assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of MDR-PA from 5 major hospitals in Qatar. METHODS: A total of 2533 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected over a one-year period. MDR-PA was defined as resistance to at least one agent of ≥ 3 antibiotic classes. Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively. FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of MDR-PA isolates was 8.1% (205/2533); the majority of isolates were from patients exposed to antibiotics during 90 days prior to isolation (85.4 %, 177/205), and the infections were mainly hospital-acquired (95.1%, 195/205) with only 4.9% from the community. The majority of MDR-PA isolates were resistant to cefepime (96.6%, 198/205), ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam (91%, 186/205), and meropenem (90%, 184/205). Patient comorbidities with MDR-PA were diabetes mellitus (47.3%, n=97), malignancy (17.1%, n=35), end-stage renal disease (13.7%, n=28) and heart failure (10.7%, n=22). CONCLUSION: There was a significant prevalence of MDR-PA in Qatar, primarily from healthcare facilities and associated with prior antibiotic treatment. There was an alarming level of antimicrobial resistance to carbapenems. Our results are part of a national surveillance of MDR to establish effective containment plans.

16.
Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc ; 2018: 4468-4471, 2018 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30441343

ABSTRACT

Molecular communication is an emerging technology for communication between bio-nanomachines in an aqueous environment. In this paper, we examine the effect of a reactive obstacle, which is placed in the diffusive molecular communication channel, on the expected number of the received molecules at the receiver. We develop a particle-based simulator that can predict the number of the received molecules for both passive and absorptive receivers by considering the impact of the reactive obstacle within the communication channel. The impacts of the reaction probability and radius of the obstacle on the received signal are examined and compared with the case of absence of the obstacle. The results show significant impact for the obstacle on the received signal, particularly, for obstacle with high reaction probability and large size.


Subject(s)
Computers, Molecular , Nanotechnology , Communication
17.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 20(6): 4538-4545, 2018 Feb 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29376154

ABSTRACT

The photocatalytic performance of MoO3 is limited due to its weak visible light absorption ability and quick recombination of charge carriers. In the present work, we report the facile synthesis of Fe(iii)-grafted MoO3 nanorods using a hydrothermal method followed by an impregnation technique with the aim of enhancing the light harvesting ability and photocatalytic efficiency of MoO3. The prepared samples were characterized through the standard analytical techniques of XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, XPS, UV-Vis-DRS, FT-IR, TG-DTA and PL spectrophotometry. XPS and TEM analyses reveal that Fe(iii) ions are successfully grafted onto the surface of the MoO3 nanorod with intimate interfacial contact. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared samples were investigated by studying the degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) under visible light irradiation. The surface-modified MoO3 with Fe(iii) ions showed excellent photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of the above-mentioned pollutants, where Fe(iii) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites to produce hydroxyl radicals through multi-electron reduction of oxygen molecules. The improved photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the effective separation of charge carriers and efficient production of hydroxyl radicals via the rapid capture of electrons by Fe(iii) through a well-known photoinduced interfacial charge transfer mechanism. Based on scavenger analysis study, a mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity has been discussed and proposed. The concept of surface grafting onto large bandgap semiconductors with ubiquitous elements opens up a new avenue for the development of visible-light-responsive photocatalysts with excellent photocatalytic activity.

18.
J Colloid Interface Sci ; 509: 68-72, 2018 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28886370

ABSTRACT

Design of visible-light-responsive photocatalyst employing simple and cost-effective method is of great importance from commercial point of view. Herein, we report the synthesis of visible-light-sensitive ubiquitous nanoclusters of Fe3+/Cu2+-grafted ZnO nanorod using impregnation technique, which showed excellent photocatalytic activity towards the decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and paracetamol in aqueous suspension under atmospheric oxygen. Fe-grafted ZnO nanorod exhibited pronounced effect for the degradation of the above-mentioned pollutants compared to pure ZnO and Cu-grafted ZnO nanorod. The better activity could be due to the more positive redox potential of surface grafted Fe3+ species resulting in the generation of more hydroxyl radicals thereby, leading to higher photodegradation rate.

19.
RSC Adv ; 8(31): 17582-17594, 2018 May 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35539270

ABSTRACT

Rare earth metal doping into semiconductor oxides is considered to be an effective approach to enhance photocatalytic activity due to its ability to retard the electron-hole pair recombination upon excitation. Herein, we report the synthesis of different rare earth metal (La, Nd, Sm and Dy)-doped ZnO nanoparticles using a facile sol-gel route followed by evaluation of their photocatalytic activity by studying the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV-light irradiation. Different standard analytical techniques were employed to investigate the microscopic structure and physiochemical properties of the prepared samples. The formation of the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO was established by XRD and TEM analyses. In addition, the incorporation of rare earth metal into ZnO is confirmed by the shift of XRD planes towards lower theta values. All metal doped ZnO showed improved photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of MB, of which, Nd-doped ZnO showed the best activity with 98% degradation efficiency. In addition, mineralization of the dye was also observed, indicating 68% TOC removal in 180 min with Nd-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The influence of different operational parameters on the photodegradation of MB was also investigated and discussed in detail. Additionally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism for degradation of MB over Nd-doped ZnO nanoparticles has been proposed and involvement of hydroxyl radicals as reactive species is elucidated by radical trapping experiments.

20.
Clin Cancer Res ; 24(2): 306-315, 2018 01 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29113986

ABSTRACT

Purpose: MuscadinePlus (MPX), a commercial preparation of pulverized muscadine grape skin, was evaluated as a therapeutic option for men with biochemically recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer wishing to defer androgen deprivation therapy.Experimental Design: This was a 12-month, multicenter, placebo-controlled, two-dose, double-blinded trial of MPX in 125 men with BCR prostate cancer, powered to detect a PSA doubling time (PSADT) difference of 6 months (low dose) and 12 months (high dose) relative to placebo. Participants were stratified (baseline PSADT, Gleason score) and randomly assigned 1:2:2 to receive placebo, 500 mg MPX (low), or 4,000 mg MPX (high) daily. Correlates included superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2) genotype, lipid peroxidation, and polyphenol pharmacokinetics.Results: The evaluable population included 112 patients, all treated for at least 6 months and 62% treated for 12 months. No significant difference was found in PSADT change between control and treatment arms (P = 0.81): control 0.9 months (n = 20; range, 6.7-83.1), low dose 1.5 months (n = 52; range, 10.3-87.2), high dose 0.9 months (n = 40; range, 27.3-88.1). One high-dose patient experienced objective response. No drug-related CTCAE grade 3-4 adverse events were seen. In a preplanned exploratory analysis, PSADT pre-to-post increase was significant in the 27 (26%) genotyped patients with SOD2 Alanine/Alanine genotype (rs4880 T>C polymorphism) on MPX (pooled treatment arms; 6.4 months, P = 0.02), but not in control (1.8 months, P = 0.25).Conclusions: Compared with placebo, MPX did not significantly prolong PSADT in BCR patients over two different doses. Exploratory analysis revealed a patient population with potential benefit that would require further study. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 306-15. ©2017 AACR.


Subject(s)
Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Vitis/chemistry , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers , Case-Control Studies , Genotype , Humans , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Recurrence , Superoxide Dismutase/genetics
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