Cardiovascular diseases now have the leading position of death globally and according to the World Health Organization claims equal to 17.9 million lives each year. One of the most dangerous problems is cardiac amyloidosis caused by the formation and deposition on the myocardium of a specific protein-polysaccharide complex – amyloid. The clinically used pharmaceutical agents against amyloidosis are very limited: currently there are only two non-selective hydrophobic agents– diflunisal and tafamidis. First one, initially is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, due to its non-selective mode of the action has the wide range of side effects. Tafamidis, instead of its more therapeutic efficacy, is the most expensive drug among the cardiac medications: the yearly course costs appr. 225’000 $. One of the possible ways for the enhancing of the solubility and bioavailability, decreasing the dosage with simultaneous targeted effect is the encapsulation of the drug into polymer (biopolymer) matrixes. In contrast to the known diflunisal delivery systems, there are no any available data about the development of tafamidis delivery systems. In this study we report for the first time the encapsulation technique of tafamidis into a polymeric matrix based on the mixture of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The release profile from the polymer matrix was analyzed, and no burst character was demonstrated. The obtained polymer matrixes have a great potential as drug carriers, and after further investigations in vitro and in vivo can be recommended for the formulation of modern drug delivery systems for tafamidis and diflunisal.

Reducing waste, including waste generated through environmentally protective processes, is a primary goal of the circular economy. It is important to properly dispose of waste to promote sustainability and a cleaner environment. This article considered the disposal method for spent adsorbents using ceramic technology. The results indicate that the addition of spent adsorbent does not significantly reduce the performance characteristics of ceramic materials while providing an efficiency of over 99% for Cr (VI) retention in all experiments.

Significant attention has been directed toward the cement industry to combat escalating CO₂ emissions globally. Portland Cement (PC) production is recognized as an important contributing factor. Researchers have actively investigated geopolymers as a sustainable alternative to traditional PC production and application. Geopolymers are inorganic polymers formed by aluminosilicate precursors with an alkaline solution. This study delves into the novel approach of fabricating geopolymers by harnessing Diatomaceous Earth, a silica-rich solid waste material from the wine industry. The primary objective of this research was to examine the impact of incorporating aluminum powder as an aluminum source, aiming to attain Si/Al ratios of 2.5 and 3.5. The alkaline solution consisted of sodium hydroxide (10M and 12M) and sodium silicate (Na₂O:10.6% and SiO₂:26.5%). These materials were thoroughly blended to form a fresh geopolymer mixture, which underwent a 28-day curing process, the first four days of which were spent in a 40 ºC oven before being moved to room temperature (25 ºC). The results unveiled a crystalline aluminum oxide phase in the X-ray diffraction analysis, indicating that a portion of the alumina remained unreacted, particularly evident in samples with a Si/Al ratio of 2.5. This observation was further supported by the Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis, which revealed a spherical morphology, signifying the existence of unreacted alumina particles with a final Si/Al ratio of 3.3 These findings suggest that the alumina powder did not actively partake in the geopolymerization, preventing the desired Si/Al ratios from being achieved and, consequently, compromising the properties of the geopolymer.

In this paper, we develop a three-species food web model using interactions between diseased predator-prey models. Logistically growing prey populations are divided into two categories: susceptible and infected prey. Presumably, prey populations expand logistically in the absence of predators. In the proposed system, we investigate the effect of fear on susceptible prey through infected prey populations. In Crowley-Martin-type interactions, there is interdependence between predators, regardless of whether an individual predator is searching for prey or handling prey at the time. Infected prey consumes its susceptible prey in the form of Holling-type interactions. Also, prey harvesting of susceptible and infected prey was considered. The positive invariance, positivity, and boundedness of the model are investigated. Conditions for the existence of all biologically possible equilibrium points are established. A criterion for the local and global stability of equilibrium points in a non-delay system is investigated. Furthermore, we examine the Hopf-bifurcation analysis for the proposed model in the presence of the fear effect. Finally, we demonstrate some numerical simulation results to illustrate our main analytical findings.

The escalating global problem of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms necessitates the exploration of effective alternatives to combat multi-resistance [1]. Consumer demand for organic products has stimulated research on natural-origin matrices, such as plants, to develop antimicrobial additives [2]. Camellia japonica flowers have demonstrated remarkable biological properties, making them a potential source of bioactive molecules for use as bio-preservatives [3]. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of C. japonica flowers (var. Carolyn Tuttle) against food-related microorganisms using an agar diffusion assay. Extracts were obtained via a conventional and cost-effective maceration method (50 °C, 1 h) using 60% methanol as the solvent. Results revealed significant antimicrobial activity of C. japonica flowers (var. Carolyn Tuttle) against Staphylococcus aureus (10.29 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.24 mm), and Salmonella enteritidis (6.95 mm). However, it did not exhibit activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus cereus, unlike other varieties of C. japonica that displayed activity against these microorganisms [4]. In conclusion, C. japonica flowers (var. Carolyn Tuttle) demonstrated potential as antimicrobial agents with promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This research contributes to developing natural and organic additives to combat antimicrobial resistance and meet consumer demands for safer and more sustainable products.

Abstract

The antibacterial and anticancer capabilities of some metallic nanoparticles made from plants are the main focus of this work. Three distinct nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial and anticancer properties against four cancerous cell lines (Prostate cancer, lungs A549, HeLa and MCF-7) and five pathogenic microbes (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria, as well as one yeast (Candida albicans). Metallic nanoparticles from the plants Ajuga macrosperma (FeONPs), Leucas cephalotes (AgNPs), and Abies pindrow royle (CuONPs) were tested for their antibacterial capabilities using the agar-well diffusion method and their ability to fight cancer using the MTS and MTT assays. According to the findings, the majority of the metallic nanoparticles possessed antibacterial qualities having zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 21 mm and 19 mm, respectively, the CuONPs and AgNPs of A. pindow royle and L. cephalotes showed the strongest potential against Pseudomons aeruginosa. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) of A. pindrow royle's CuoNPs and L. cephalotes’s AgNPs was 15 mm 16 mm , 18 mm zone of inhibition respectively, indicating the highest potential against Escherichia coli., Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. It was discovered also that the CuONPs and FeONPs of A. pindrow royle and A. macrosperma were found to have the most potential against the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Prostate cancer and lung cancer (A549) cell lines were the ones that responded most favorably to the AgNPs of L. cephalotes.

Objective: to provide an overview of the current knowledge and highlights areas where further research is needed and to address the limitations and enhance the understanding of silver-based biomaterials in dental practice.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate existing research on silver-based biomaterials in dentistry. Relevant research articles were collected from electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The identified literature was critically analyzed to identify areas that require further investigation.

Results: The review revealed several research gaps in the application and use of silver-based biomaterials in dentistry. First, there is a need for long-term clinical studies to evaluate the performance and durability of silver-based biomaterials in various dental applications, including restorative materials, implant coatings, and periodontal therapies. Additionally, studies focusing on the biocompatibility and tissue response to silver-based biomaterials are required to ensure their safety and minimize potential adverse effects. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of silver-based biomaterials, including the release of silver ions and their interaction with oral microorganisms, would provide valuable insights for clinical decision-making.

Conclusions: Despite the growing interest in silver-based biomaterials in dentistry, there are several issues that need to be addressed to fully explore their capabilities and limitations. Long-term clinical trials, investigations into biocompatibility and tissue response, and understanding of mechanisms of action are necessary to expand the knowledge base and ensuring their effectiveness, safety and improved patient outcomes.

The electrochemical cell is designed with a conductive substrate (working electrode) where deposition takes place within a three-electrode cell. In order to complete the electrochemical circuit, the cell has been equipped with a counter electrode and a reference electrode. The cell additionally incorporates an AFM probe, which serves as a scanning instrument for characterizing the deposited structures as well as a localized contact for triggering the electrochemical processes. The materials used in the cell components are chosen with care to ensure compatibility with the electrolyte solution and to minimise interference or contamination.

In-situ AFM imaging and characterization methods, such as tapping mode, are utilized for tracking the deposition process in real time. The high-resolution imaging capabilities of AFM allow observation of the deposited structures' surface topography, grain structure, and growth kinetics. Correlating the AFM results with the electrochemical parameters allows for a thorough knowledge of the growth mechanism and structure-property connections.
The development of an effective electrochemical cell for in-situ AFM deposition opens up new possibilities for studying electrochemical processes at the nanoscale. The combination of precise control over deposition conditions and real-time imaging capabilities provides valuable insights into the growth mechanisms and paves the way for the design and fabrication of advanced functional materials with tailored properties for various applications.
The aim of this study is to design an electrochemical cell for in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) deposition, facilitating the controlled growth of thin films or nanostructures on a conducting substrate. The combination of AFM and electrochemical deposition allows for real-time monitoring and precise manipulation of the growth process at the nanoscale. This research focuses on the key design considerations and optimization parameters for an effective electrochemical cell that enables the in-situ characterization and control of the deposition process.
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In this study, a comparative study was conducted on the two reactor types (the plug flow and continuous stirred tank reactor) employed for the traditional esterification process to investigate their potential applications to the esterification reaction with the ethanol-rich feed. Aspen Plus software was used to conduct a sensitivity analysis on the temperature profiles in the axial and radial directions, focusing in particular on the reactor and feed stream temperatures, operating parameters, and ethyl acetate yields for the reactors. The energy analysis for esterification process with the different reactor types have also been evaluated. Compared with the continuous stirred tank reactor, the plug-flow reactor process with the ethanol-rich feed exhibited reduced hotspot temperatures. The simulation results showed that the hotspot temperatures in the continuous stirred tank reactor can be within the operating temperature range of 90-100°C. Regarding the comparison of these reactor types for the esterification process, the plug-flow reactor showed advantages in terms of efficient hotspot temperature with the operating temperature range of 45-55°C. On the other hand, the yield of ethyl acetate product from the continuous stirred tank reactor is slightly higher than from the alternative esterification process with excess ethanol feed.

Advanced composite cementitious materials with multifunctional properties can be designed and fabricated by incorporating fillers and inclusions through appropriate production, characterization, and assembly processes. These composites exhibit unique characteristics tailored for specific applications. In particular, cementitious composites with conductive particles and piezoresistive properties enable the development of structures and infrastructure with enhanced mechanical strength and amplified monitoring capabilities. They allow for the assessment of the structural integrity, as well as the monitoring of stress and strain, load variation, and the presence of incipient hazardous conditions throughout the lifespan of buildings. This enables more efficient management of maintenance, renovations, and structural modifications, ensuring improved safety and longevity of the constructed facilities. This paper describes the experimental results of the application of cement-based materials with carbon microfibers for the realization of structural beam elements. The samples are capable of self-diagnosis of internal non-uniformities due to defects or fractures, and to evaluate the variation in deformation.