Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) has been established as a promising target in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PDE4B subtype selective inhibitors are known to reduce the dose limiting adverse effect associated with non-selective PDE4B inhibitors. This makes the development of PDE4B subtype selective inhibitors a desirable research goal. To achieve this goal, ligand based pharmacophore modeling approach is employed. Separate pharmacophore hypotheses for PDE4B and PDE4D inhibitors were generated using HypoGen algorithm and 106 PDE4 inhibitors from literature having thiopyrano [3,2-d] Pyrimidines, 2-arylpyrimidines, and triazines skeleton. Suitable training and test sets were created using the molecules as per the guidelines available for HypoGen program. Training set was used for hypothesis development while test set was used for validation purpose. Fisher validation was also used to test the significance of the developed hypothesis. The validated pharmacophore hypotheses for PDE4B and PDE4D inhibitors were used in sequential virtual screening of zinc database of drug like molecules to identify selective PDE4B inhibitors. The hits were screened for their estimated activity and fit value. The top hit was subjected to docking into the active sites of PDE4B and PDE4D to confirm its selectivity for PDE4B. The hits are proposed to be evaluated further using in-vitro assays.
This study was designed to determine the particle size distribution and develop road dust index combining source and transport factors involving road dust for dust pollution quantification in Rawang. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify possible sources of potentially toxic elements and spot major pollution areas in Rawang. The health risks (carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic) to adults and children were assessed using the hazard index and total lifetime cancer Risk, respectively. A total of 75 road dust samples were collected and particle sizes (1000, 500, 250, 160, 125 and 63 µm) were determined. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and As) in particle size of 63 µm were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the highest grain size of 250 µm has contributed almost more than 25% of atmospheric particulate pollution. The highest potentially toxic element concentration was Pb (593.3 mg/kg), whereas the lowest was Co (5.6 mg/kg). Road dust index output indicated that pollution risk fell into moderate levels in eastern and northern areas of Rawang. Similarly, PCA results revealed that potentially toxic elements (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) were linked with anthropogenic sources (urbanization process, industrial and commercial growth, urban traffic congestion) in northern and southern parts of Rawang. Cobalt and As concentrations were explained mainly from natural sources. Noncarcinogenic risk by hazard index value more than 1.0 was indicated for adults and children. Similarly, carcinogenic risk by total lifetime cancer risk value also showed carcinogenic risks among adults and children.
Effects of food irradiation on allergen and nutritional composition of giant freshwater prawn are not well documented. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on tropomyosin allergen, proximate composition, and mineral elements in Macrobrachium rosenbergii. In this study, prawn was peeled, cut into small pieces, vacuum packaged and gamma irradiated at 0, 5, 7, 10 and 15 kGy with a dose rate of 0.5 kGy/h using cobalt-60 as the source, subsequently determined the level of tropomyosin, proximate composition and mineral elements respectively. The results showed that band density of tropomyosin irradiated at 10 and 15 kGy is markedly decreased. Proximate analysis revealed that moisture, protein, and carbohydrate content were significantly different as compared with non-irradiated prawn. Meanwhile, gamma irradiated M. rosenbergii at 15 kGy was observed to be significantly higher in nickel and zinc than the non-irradiated prawn. The findings provide a new information that food irradiation may affect the tropomyosin allergen, proximate composition and mineral elements of the prawn.
Introduction: Malnutrition among cancer patients is associated with a higher risk of
gastrointestinal toxicity which develops during treatment and may affect quality of life (QOL).
Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the nutritional status and QOL of 30
oncology patients (mean age 50.0+10.7 years) prior to pelvic radiotherapy at Hospital Sultan
Ismail, Johor Bahru.
Methods: Patients were assessed for anthropometry measurements,
24-h diet recall and nutritional status using Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global
Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire while the European Organization for Research and
Treatment of Cancer Care Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to
assess QOL two weeks prior to the initiation of pelvic radiotherapy.
Results: Mean Body
Mass Index (BMI) of patients was 23.3+3.3kg/m2
and 33% of patients experienced weight
loss prior to pelvic radiotherapy. The PG-SGA rating indicated that 63% of patients were at
Stage A (well-nourished) and 37% were in Stage B (moderate malnutrition). The PG-SGA
numerical score was a significant predictor of QOL, after adjusting for socio-demographic
factors (R2
=0.861, p
Nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn) loaded on fibrous silica KCC-1 was investigated for CO2 methanation reactions. Ni/KCC-1 exhibits the highest catalyst performance with a CH4 formation rate of 33.02 × 10-2 molCH4 molmetal-1 s-1, 1.77 times higher than that of Co/KCC-1 followed by Zn/KCC-1 and finally the parent KCC-1. A pyrrole adsorption FTIR study reveals shifting of perturbed N-H stretching decreasing slightly with the addition of metal oxide, suggesting that the basic sites of catalyst were inaccessible due to metal oxide deposition. The strengths of basicity were found to follow sthe equence KCC-1, Ni/KCC-1, Zn/KCC-1, and Co/KCC-1. The data were supported by N2 adsorption desorption analysis, where Co/KCC-1 displayed the greatest reduction in total surface area whereas Ni/KCC-1 displayed the least reduction. The elucidation of difference mechanism pathways has also been studied by in situ IR spectroscopy studies to determine the role of different metal oxides in CO2 methanation. It was discovered that Ni/KCC-1 and Co/KCC-1 follow a dissociative mechanism of CO2 methanation in which the CO2 molecule was dissociated on the surface of the metal oxide before migration onto the catalyst surface. This was confirmed by the evolution of a peak corresponding to carbonyl species (COads) on a metal oxide surface in FTIR spectra. Zn/KCC-1, on the other hand, showed no such peak, indicating associative methanation pathways where a hydrogen molecule interacts with an O atom in CO2 to form COads and OH. These results offers a better understanding for catalytic studies, particularly in the field of CO2 recycling.
A combination of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) 20% v/v impregnation and carbonization method was employed to convert honeydew rind into activated carbons (ACPHDR) for Zn(II) and Cr(III) removal aqueous solution. The characterization of ACPDHR by N2 sorption, iodine number and Boehm analysis result 1272 m2/g surface area, 1174 mg/g and 1.13 mmol/g total acidic functional groups respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersed microscopy (FESEM-EDX) analysis of unloaded and metal-loaded carbon showed shifted of significance peaks and the changes of surface morphology of the sorbent. The adsorption was optimized at pH, shaking duration, initial metal concentration and mass of adsorbent of 5.5, 40 min and 500 mg/L, 0.4 g for Zn(II) and 4, 40 min, 1000 mg/L, 0.1 g for Cr(III) removal. It is concluded that the metal removal was influenced by pH solution, contact time, initial metal concentration and mass of adsorbent. The highest removal of Zn(II) and Cr(III) was observed at 84.24% and 90.10% respectively. Waste from honeydew will be benefited from this research which offer a cheaper alternative precursor to coal based activated carbons.
Zinc-air batteries are a promising technology for large-scale electricity storage. However, their practical deployment has been hindered by some issues related to corrosion and passivation of the zinc anode in an alkaline electrolyte. In this work, anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and nonionic surfactant Pluronic F-127 (P127) are examined their applicability to enhance the battery performances. Pristine zinc granules in 7 M KOH, pristine zinc granules in 0-8 mM SDS/7 M KOH, pristine zinc granules in 0-1000 ppm P127/7 M KOH, and SDS coated zinc granules in 7 M KOH were examined. Cyclic voltammograms, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that using 0.2 mM SDS or 100 ppm P127 effectively suppressed the anode corrosion and passivation. Nevertheless, direct coating SDS on the zinc anode showed adverse effects because the thick layer of SDS coating acted as a passivating film and blocked the removal of the anode oxidation product from the zinc surface. Furthermore, the performances of the zinc-air flow batteries were studied. Galvanostatic discharge results indicated that the improvement of discharge capacity and energy density could be sought by the introduction of the surfactants to the KOH electrolyte. The enhancement of specific discharge capacity for 30% and 24% was observed in the electrolyte containing 100 ppm P127 and 0.2 mM SDS, respectively.
Bacterial based remediation of environmental toxicants is a promising innovative technology
for molybdenum pollution. To date, the enzyme responsible for molybdate reduction to Moblue
from bacteria show that the Michaelis-Menten constants varies by one order of magnitude.
It is important that the constants from newer enzyme sources be characterized so that a
comparison can be made. The aim of this study is to characterize kinetically the enzyme from a
previously isolated Mo-reducing bacterium; Bacillus pumilus strain Lbna. The maximum
activity of this enzyme occurred at pH 5.5 and in between 25 and 35 oC. The Km and Vmax of
NADH were 6.646 mM and 0.057 unit/mg enzyme, while the Km and Vmax of LPPM were 3.399
mM and 0.106 unit/mg enzyme. The results showed that the enzyme activity for Bacillus
pumilus strain Lbna were inhibited by all heavy metals used. Zinc, copper, silver, chromium,
cadmium and mercury all caused more than 50% inhibition to the Mo-reducing enzyme activity
with copper being the most potent with an almost complete inhibition of enzyme activity
observed.
Enhanced red and orange fluorescence emissions of Sm3+ Rare earth (RE) ions were observed in sodium‑zinc tellurite glasses embedded with silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs). The fine distribution of NPs in the glass matrix with an average diameter ~ 11.09 nm and ~3.86 nm for Ag and Au NPs respectively were confirmed by using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The embedding of Ag and Au NPs into the glass structure caused an increasing in the transition emission intensity of Sm3+ ions, which is ascribed to the progress of the presence of the localized surface Plasmon resonance (LSPR) indicating from the characteristic absorption peaks. The luminescence and absorption spectra have been discussed using a standard hypothesis Judd-Ofelt theory for a certain absorption transitions 6P3/2, 4I11/2, 6F11/2, 6F9/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 6H15/2, 6F1/2 and emission transitions 6H5/2, H7/2, 6H9/2 and H11/2 under 409 nm excitation of the Sm3+ ions. The decay life time curve exhibited a non-exponential behavior of the studied glass samples and the results were compared with the similar reported glasses. An efficient red and orange fluorescence emission illustrate that the Sm3+-doped sodium‑zinc tellurite embedded with Ag and Au NPs are potential materials for the laser illumination.
Zinc-air flow batteries exhibit high energy density and offer several appealing advantages. However, their low efficiency of zinc utilization resulted from passivation and corrosion of the zinc anodes has limited their broad application. In this work, ethanol, which is considered as an environmentally friendly solvent, is examined as an electrolyte additive to potassium hydroxide (KOH) aqueous electrolyte to improve electrochemical performance of the batteries. Besides, the effects of adding different percentages of ethanol (0-50% v/v) to 8 M KOH aqueous electrolyte were investigated and discussed. Cyclic voltammograms revealed that the presence of 5-10% v/v ethanol is attributed to the enhancement of zinc dissolution and the hindrance of zinc anode passivation. Also, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that adding 5-10% v/v ethanol could effectively suppress the formation of passivating layers on the active surface of the zinc anodes. Though the addition of ethanol increased solution resistance and hence slightly decreased the discharge potential of the batteries, a significant enhancement of discharge capacity and energy density could be sought. Also, galvanostatic discharge results indicated that the battery using 10% v/v ethanol electrolyte exhibited the highest electrochemical performance with 30% increase in discharge capacity and 16% increase in specific energy over that of KOH electrolyte without ethanol.
Adsorption technology has led to the development of promising techniques to purify biogas, i.e., biomethane or biohydrogen. Such techniques mainly depend on the adsorbent ability and operating parameters. This research focused on adsorption technology for upgrading biogas technique by developing a novel adsorbent. The commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CAC) and two types of gases (H2S/N2 and H2S/N2/CO2) were used. CAC was modified by copper sulfate (CuSO4), zinc acetate (ZnAc2), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium iodide (KI), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) on their surface to increase the selectivity of H2S removal. Commercial H2S adsorbents were soaked in 7 wt.% of impregnated solution for 30 min before drying at 120°C for 24 h. The synthesized adsorbent's physical and chemical properties, including surface morphology, porosity, and structures, were characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and BET analyses. For real applications, the modified adsorbents were used in a real-time 0.85 L single-column adsorber unit. The operating parameters for the H2S adsorption in the adsorber unit varied in L/D ratio (0.5-2.5) and feed flow rate (1.5-5.5 L/min) where, also equivalent with a gas hourly space velocity, GHSV (212.4-780.0 hour-1) used. The performances of H2S adsorption were then compared with those of the best adsorbent that can be used for further investigation. Characterization results revealed that the impregnated solution homogeneously covered the adsorbent surface, morphology, and properties (i.e., crystallinity and surface area). BET analysis further shows that the modified adsorbents surface area decreased by up to 96%. Hence, ZnAc2-CAC clarify as the best adsorption capacity ranging within 1.3-1.7 mg H2S/g, whereby the studied extended to adsorption-desorption cycle.
We report a green synthesis of oatmeal ZnO/silver composites in the presence of L-glutamine as an electrochemical sensor for Pb2+ detection. The synthesis was performed via the direct reduction of Ag+ in the presence of L-glutamine in NaOH. X-ray diffraction indicated that the Ag+ was completely reduced to metallic Ag. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray results confirmed an oatmeal-like morphology of the ZnO with the presence of Ag. The FESEM images showed the effect of L-glutamine on the ZnO morphology. The EIS results confirmed a significant decrease in the charge transfer resistance of the modified glassy carbon electrode due to the presence of Ag. From the differential pulse voltammetry results, a linear working range for the concentration of Pb2+ between 5 and 6 nM with LOD of 0.078 nM (S/N = 3) was obtained. The sensitivity of the linear segment is 1.42 μA nM-1 cm-2. The presence of L-glutamine as the capping agent and stabilizer decreases the size of Ag nanoparticles and prevents the agglomeration of ZnO, respectively. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
In this study, the antifouling properties of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes blended with different amounts of ZnO nanoparticles and a fixed ratio of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)-acetone mixture as a solvent were investigated. The properties and performance of the fabricated membranes were examined in terms of hydrophilicity, porosity, pore size, surface and cross-section image using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness using atomic force microscopy (AFM), pure water flux, and humic acid filtration. Addition of ZnO as expected was found to improve the hydrophilicity as well as to encourage pore formation. However, the agglomeration of ZnO at a higher concentration cannot be avoided even when dissolved in a mixed solvent. The presence of highly volatile acetone contributed to the tight skin layer of the membrane which shows remarkable antifouling ability with the highest flux recovery ratio and negligible irreversible fouling. ZnO NPs in acetone/NMP mixed solvent shows an improvement in flux and rejection, but, the fouling resistance was moderate compared to the pristine membrane.
Researchers investigating cancer chemotherapy and management continue to search for agents that selectively kill malignant cells and leave healthy neighboring cells intact. Natural products provide relevant resources for anti-cancer drug discovery. However, the physicochemical properties of these compounds limit their efficient uptake and bioavailability. We introduced a nanocarrier system, namely, zinc-aluminum-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) intercalated with protocatechuic acid. In this study, the efficacy and toxicity of protocatechuic acid intercalated in zinc aluminum-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (PCA-ZnAl) against diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital (DEN/PB)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in BALB/c mice was evaluated. HCC in male mice was induced by a single-dose intraperitoneal administration of DEN and was promoted by the introduction of PB via drinking water for 12 weeks. HCC induction was confirmed after the DEN/PB introduction period by measurement of the elevated level of serum α-feto protein (AFP). The results showed that the level of α-fetoprotein was significantly reduced in PCA-ZnAl (350±43.90 ng/mL), doxorubicin (DOX) (290±20.52 ng/mL) and ZnAl-LDH (390±19.65 ng/mL) treated animals compared to HCC mice treated with normal saline (580.4± 52.04 ng/mL). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly increased, whereas the level of lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in HCC mice treated with DOX, PCA-ZnAl and ZnAl-LDH compared with those in HCC mice treated with saline. Restoration of hepatocyte morphology was observed following treatment that was comparable to that in the normal control group. Deterioration of hepatic cells and a significant increase of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed in the cancer-induced untreated group compared with that in the groups treated with nanoparticles. The histopathological features of the liver obtained from PCA-ZnAl-treated mice showed a uniform size with a similar distribution of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and nucleus centrally located in the cytoplasm, similar to the normal liver cells. The results underscored the potential of PCA-ZnAl for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
The present study reports on the fabrication of porous zinc oxide by wet chemical etching. ZnO thin films were deposited via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering on p-type silicon with (111) preferred orientation. The etchants used in the present work were 0.1% and 1.0% nitric acid (HNO3) solutions. ZnO were etched at various times and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to allow the examination of their structural and optical properties. The XRD results revealed that the intensity of ZnO(002) decreased when the thin films were etched in varying HNO3 concentrations over different periods of time. The above observation is attributed to the dissolution of the ZnO(002). The SEM images showed that the thickness of the ZnO layers decreased over the etching time, which resulted from the isotropic etching by the HNO3 solution. The PL emission intensity initially increased with increasing etching time. However, with further etching of the samples, the PL spectra showed a decreasing trend in intensity as a result of the decrease in the surface-to-volume ratio. All results lead to the conclusion that 1.0% HNO3 has the capability to change the ZnO surface significantly.
There is a growing concern in using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for medical devices as alternative options in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The commensal HAIs; Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infect patients and lead to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial action of ZnO NPs in three different shapes; nanorod, nanoflakes and nanospheres impregnated in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) against S.aureus ATCC 25923. Methods: The antibacterial efficiency of ZnO NPs was studied through two standard test methods included were based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines MO2-A11 under light conditions of 5.70 w/m2 and American standard test method (ASTM) E-2149. Results: Preliminary screening did show a significant growth inhibition against S.aureus with ZnO NPs nanorod and nanoflakes, approximately in 7 to 8 mm zones of inhibition. Further analysis using ASTM E-2149 in dynamic conditions revealed variable activity depending on incubation treatment periods. It demonstrated the ZnO NPs in nanoflakes and nanosphere shape showed better inhibition against S.aureus with maximum reduction (100%). The FESEM results strongly suggest that the structure of ZnO nanoflakes and nanosphere played an importance role in nanomaterial-bacteria interaction which consequently cause cell membrane damage. Additionally, the irradiation under light treatment also enhance the generation of ROS and free radicals which helps the bactericidal activity against S.aureus. Conclusion: This study provides new insights for the antibacterial action of ZnO NPs/LDPE thin films in future biomedical appliances to reduce HAIs risks.
Population in urban centers in Kenya is increasing rapidly due to rural urban migration in search of better paying jobs. This migration has resulted in unauthorized settlements in the various urban centers. The income per capital of these people is less than a dollar a day. The amount of money is inadequate for survival and this has resulted into cultivating on open grounds for food crops. Unfortunately, these slums have come up along rivers, which carry, wastewater from household and industries. This wastewater is rich in heavy metals and the inhabitants of these areas use this contaminated water for irrigating their crops. The food crops from such areas have very high levels of heavy metals. The present study has screened Zea mays, Commelina bengalensis and Amaranthus hybridus for their ability to bioaccumulate these metals from contaminated soils using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained showed that the C. bengalensis has high potential for removal of Cu, Pb and Cd metals as compared to the Zea mays and Amaranthus hybridus even though, results showed that C. bengalensis has a low potential for the removal of Zn as compared to Zea mays and Amaranthus hybridus.
ZnO nanowires have been synthesized using a catalyst-free carbothermal reduction approach on SiO2-coated Si substrates in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere with a mixture of ZnO and graphite as reactants. The collected ZnO nanowires have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Controlled growth of the ZnO nanowires was achieved by manipulating the reactants heating temperature from 700 to 1000 oC. It was found that the optimum temperature to synthesize high density and long ZnO nanowires was about 800 0C. The possible growth mechanism of ZnO nanowires is also proposed.
Composite archery bows have been well known and used by Asiatic societies for thousands of years. The Turkish composite bow, made of wood, horn, sinew and glue is one of the most famous and powerful bows in the world. Because of its high draw weight and mechanical efficiency, the Turkish composite bow became a powerful weapon in the Seljuk and the Ottoman empire. In addition to being a powerful weapon of war, at the same time the bow and arrow (archery) continued
to be a sport of Ottoman (sultans, state officials, janissaries) until the late Ottoman period. In this study of the Ottoman composite archery bows in the collections of Izmir Ethnography Museum, a small wood sample was investigated on the basis of its wood anatomy. The results showed that it was made of maple wood (Acer sp.) and some of its qualitative and quantitative anatomical properties are presented here. One of the key properties for the identification of maple wood is
the helical thickening throughout the body of the vessel element. Helical thickenings in vessel elements in cutting surfaces of maple-wooden core increase the bonding surface between the wood and sinew-horn. In most of the woods preferred traditionally for bow-making, helical thickenings in tracheids, vessel elements or ground tissue fibres should be taken into account at a hierarchy of cellular structures for elucidating the efficiency of Ottoman composite-wooden bow.
In the present study, capability of water hyacinth in removing heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B) in ceramic wastewater was investigated. The metal removal efficiency was identified by evaluating the translocation of metals in roots, leaves and shoot of water hyacinth. The heavy metal removal efficiency followed the order Fe>Zn>Cd>Cu>Cr>B during the treatment process. Water hyacinth had luxury consumption of those 6 elements. This study used the circulation system with 3 columns of plants which functioned as bioremediation of the sample. The concentration of metals in roots is much higher 10 times than leaves and stems. Roots give the result of metalR>metalL. The removal concentration from water hyacinth was estimated under pH of 8.21 to 8.49. This study proves water hyacinth to be a best plant for phytoremediation process