L-Arginine Doped Carbon Nanodots from Cinnamon Bark for Improved Fluorescent Yeast Cell Imaging.

In this study, we present an economical and efficient synthesis method for carbon nanodots (CNDs) derived from cinnamon bark wood powder, with the incorporation of L-arginine as a dopant at varying ratios (Cinnamon : L-Arginine - 1:0.25, 1:0.5) via a hydrothermal reaction. Extensive structural and optical characterization was conducted through techniques such as FTIR, XRD, HR-TEM, DLS, UV-Vis, and PL spectra, providing a comprehensive understanding of the properties of CNDs and doped-CNDs. Quantum yields (QY) were quantified for synthesized materials, contributing to the assessment of their fluorescence efficiency. The synthesized CNDs were successfully applied for bioimaging of yeast cells, employing fluorescence microscopy to visualize their interaction. Remarkably, L-arginine-doped CNDs exhibited enhanced fluorescence, showcasing the influence of the dopant. The nature of these CNDs was rigorously investigated, confirming their biocompatibility. Notably, this work presents a novel approach to synthesizing CNDs from a renewable and sustainable source, cinnamon bark wood powder, while exploring the effects of L-arginine doping on their optical and biological properties. This work not only contributes to the synthesis and characterization of CNDs but also highlights their potential for diverse applications, emphasizing their structural, optical, and biological attributes. The findings underscore the versatility of CNDs derived from cinnamon bark wood powder and their potential for advancing biotechnological and imaging applications.

Luminous Insights: Harnessing Carbon Nanodots from Black Seed Powder via Pyrolysis for Bioimaging and Antifungal Investigations.

This study delves into the fabrication of carbon nanodots (CNDs) through a bottom-up approach, utilizing black seed powder as the precursor material and employing the pyrolysis method. CNDs were synthesized across four distinct temperature settings. The investigation encompasses an extensive characterization of the CNDs, including optical and structural attributes. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized to assess their optical properties, while FT-IR and XRD analyses confirmed their structural integrity. To elucidate size, shape, and nature, HR-TEM imaging was employed. Furthermore, the functional applications of the synthesized CNDs were explored. The material's antifungal potential was evaluated, and its viability for bioimaging was demonstrated by successfully labeling yeast cells with CNDs. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of CNDs, serving as a bridge between synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and practical applications. In summary, the investigation provides insights into the versatile applications of CNDs derived from black seed powder through pyrolysis. The study contributes to the understanding of their fundamental properties and establishes their potential for both antifungal treatments and cellular bioimaging.

Novel polymorphisms in caspase-8 are associated with breast cancer risk in the California Teachers Study.

BACKGROUND: The ability of tamoxifen and raloxifene to decrease breast cancer risk varies among different breast cancer subtypes. It is important to determine one's subtype-specific breast cancer risk when considering chemoprevention. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including one in caspase-8 (CASP8), have been previously associated with risk of developing breast cancer. Because caspase-8 is an important protein involved in receptor-mediated apoptosis whose activity is affected by estrogen, we hypothesized that additional SNPs in CASP8 could be associated with breast cancer risk, perhaps in a subtype-specific manner. METHODS: Twelve tagging SNPs of CASP8 were analyzed in a nested case control study (1,353 cases and 1,384 controls) of non-Hispanic white women participating in the California Teachers Study. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each SNP using all, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, ER-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, and HER2-negative breast cancers as separate outcomes. RESULTS: Several SNPs were associated with all, ER-positive, and HER2-positive breast cancers; however, after correcting for multiple comparisons (i.e., p < 0.0008), only rs2293554 was statistically significantly associated with HER2-positive breast cancer (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.34-2.92, uncorrected p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: While our results for CASP8 SNPs should be validated in other cohorts with subtype-specific information, we conclude that some SNPs in CASP8 are associated with subtype-specific breast cancer risk. This study contributes to our understanding of CASP8 SNPs and breast cancer risk by subtype.