Synthesis and characterization of ZnGa2O4 composites and its photocatalytic properties for energy applications.

ZnGa2O4 nanocomposites have been widely used for photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes. In this work, ZnGa2O4 was synthesized from zinc sulphate heptahydrate ZnSO4.10H2O and Gallium (III) oxide (Ga2O3) by hydrothermal method. As prepared, ZnGa2O4 nanocomposites was used as a photocatalyst degradation of three organic dyes rhodamine-B, methylene blue, and methyl orange, under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The ZnGa2O4 nanocomposites structure, morphology, size and optical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). Moreover, the results explained the rate-controlling mechanisms of the dye degradation process followed by second-order kinetics. After 100 min of adsorption kinetic models, the decomposition of rhodamine-B (7.2 Ct mg/L, 5.2 Ct mg/L, and 4.1 Ct mg/L), methylene blue (42.8 qt mg/g, 44.8 qt mg/g, and 45.9 qt mg/g), and methyl orange (42.8 qe mg/g, 44.8 qe mg/g, and 45.9 qe mg/g) respectively. This investigation study offers a promising method to design more efficient ZnGa2O4 nanocomposites based photocatalytic degradation of industrial organic dyes.

Blends of gellan gum/xanthan gum/zinc oxide based nanocomposites for packaging application: Rheological and antimicrobial properties.

Gellan (G) and xanthan gum (X) based nanocomposites containing zinc oxide (Z) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated. The effect of zinc oxide on the structure, morphology, and rheological properties of GX composite films were studied. The prepared nanocomposites exhibited shear thinning behavior and a decrease in viscosity when the shear rate was increased. The storage and loss modulus of the GXZ nanocomposites increased with increased zinc oxide percentage and frequency. There was a decrease in complex viscosity at high frequency. The tensile strength (22.1-35.5 MPa), thermal stability (T5%-82.5-96.2 °C), and glass transition temperature (69.9-74.8 °C) of the nanocomposite films increased with the addition of zinc oxide NPs. The results showed that the incorporation of zinc oxide NPs increased the contact angle (54.1-60.8o) and decreased the water vapor permeability (3.83-2.31 × 10-9 g/m2 Pas) of the nanocomposites, indicating a decrease in hydrophilicity. The GXZ nanocomposite films exhibited higher ultra-violet light shielding, and superior thermal and water barrier properties than the GX composite film. Based on these results, GXZ composite films could make a beneficial contribution to food and pharmaceutical packaging applications.

JAK inhibition in the treatment of alopecia areata - a promising new dawn?

Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA) is a T-cell-mediated disease which produces circular patches of non-scarring hair loss and nail dystrophy. Current treatment options for AA are limited and often yield unsatisfactory results. Pharmacologic inhibition of the Janus kinase (JAK) enzyme family is regrowing hair and reversing nail dystrophy in a number of patients with hitherto refractory AA. The six JAK inhibitors which have been successful in treating AA are tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, baricitinib, CTP-543, PF-06651600 and PF-06700841.Areas covered: This review reports randomized-controlled trials, open-label trials, case series and case reports published in the literature to date and describes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of AA, the mechanism of action of JAK inhibitors and the adverse effects identified. Electronic searches were performed using Medline Ovid, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews.Expert opinion: The discovery of JAK inhibition represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of AA. Positive results in early phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials have enabled the commencement of phase 3 clinical trials and there is now a growing sense of optimism among patients with long-standing, treatment-refractory AA. Further work is required to determine the optimal dose and treatment duration and whether maintenance therapy is universally required.

Toddaculin, a natural coumarin from Toddalia asiatica, induces differentiation and apoptosis in U-937 leukemic cells.

Chemotherapeutics represent the main approach for the treatment of leukemia. However, the occurrence of adverse side effects and the complete lack of effectiveness in some cases make it necessary to develop new drugs. As part of our screening program to evaluate the potential chemotherapeutic effect of natural coumarins, we investigated the anti-leukemic activities of a series of six prenylated coumarins isolated from the stem bark of Toddalia asiatica (Rutaceae). Among these, 6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (toddaculin) displayed the most potent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in U-937 cells. To determine whether these effects resulted from induction of cell death or differentiation, we further evaluated the expression of several apoptosis and maturation markers. Interestingly, while toddaculin at 250 µM was able to induce apoptosis in U-937 cells, involving decreased phosphorylation levels of ERK and Akt, 50 µM toddaculin exerted differentiating effects, inducing both the capacity of U-937 cells to reduce NBT and the expression of differentiation markers CD88 and CD11b, but no change in p-Akt or p-ERK levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that toddaculin displays a dual effect as a cell differentiating agent and apoptosis inducer in U-937 cells, suggesting it may serve as a pharmacological prototype for the development of novel anti-leukemic agents.