Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible hydroxyapatite coated ferrite

Ferrite particles coated with biocompatible phases can be used for hyperthermia treatment of cancer. We have synthesized substituted calcium hexaferrite, which is not stable on its own but is stabilized with small substitution of La. Hexaferrite of chemical composition (CaO)_0.75(La₂0₃)_0.20(Fe₂O₃)₆ was prepared using citrate gel method. Hydroxyapatite was prepared by precipitating it from aqueous solution of Ca(NO₃)₂ and (NH₄)₂HPO₄ maintaining pH above 11. Four different methods were used for coating of hydroxyapatite on ferrite particles. SEM with EDX and X-ray diffraction analysis shows clear evidence of coating of hydroxyapatite on ferrite particles. These coated ferrite particles exhibited coercive field up to 2 kOe, which could be made useful for hysteresis heating in hyperthermia. Studies by culturing BHK-21 cells and WBC over the samples show evidence of biocompatibility. SEM micrographs and cell counts give clear indication of cell growth on the surface of the sample. Finally coated ferrite particle was implanted in Kasaulli mouse to test its biocompatibility. The magnetic properties and biocompatibility studies show that these hydroxyapatite coated ferrites could be useful for hyperthermia.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of low concentration 2,4-D solution with new TiO2 fiber catalyst in a continuous flow reactor.

Environmental pollution by low concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a concern these days due to ever increasingly stringent regulations. Photocatalysis with immobilized TiO2 fiber is a promising oxidation method. Laboratory experiments on photocatalytic degradation of 0.045 mmol l(-1) 2,4-D with the world's first high-strength TiO2 fiber catalyst were carried out in a continuous flow reactor in which the degradations were, in general, similar to those with high 2,4-D concentrations investigated elsewhere. Degradation and mineralization of 2,4-D were significantly enhanced with no initial pH adjustments. The rate constants for total organic carbon (TOC) without pH adjustment were about two-fold bigger than the pH adjustment cases. CO2 gas measurement and carbon mass-balance were carried out for the first time, where about 34% organic carbon converted into CO2 gas during four-hour oxidation. 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), phenol, benzyl alcohol and two unknowns (RT = 2.65 and 3.78 min.) were detected as aromatic intermediates while Phenol was the new aromatic in HPLC analysis. Dechlorination efficiencies were high (> 70%) in all the cases, and more than 90% efficiencies were observed in chloride mass balance. Bigger flow rates and solution temperature fixed at 20 degrees C without pH adjustment greatly enhanced 2,4-D mineralization. These results can be an important basis in applying the treatment method for dioxin-contaminated water and wastewater.     

Structure and mechanical properties of polyethylene-fullerene composites

The microhardness of films of fullerene-polyethylene composites prepared by gelation from semidilute solution, using ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (PE) (6×10⁶), has been determined. The composite materials were characterized by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The microhardness of the films is shown to increase notably with the concentration of fullerene particles within the films. In addition, a substantial hardening of the composites is obtained after annealing the materials at high temperatures (T _a=130 °C) and long annealing times (t _a=10⁵s). The hardening of the composites with annealing temperature has been identified with the thickening of the PE crystalline lamellae. Comparison of X-ray scattering data and the microhardness values upon annealing leads to the conclusion of phase separation of C₆₀ molecules from the polyethylene crystals within the material. The temperature dependence is discussed in terms of the independent contribution of the PE matrix of the C₆₀ aggregates to the hardness value.     

Discrete-time spare ordering policy with randomized lead times and discounting

The paper considers a generalized discrete‐time order‐replacement model for a single unit system, which is subject to random failure when in operation. Two types of discrete randomized lead times are considered for a spare unit; one is for regular (preventive) order and another is for expedited (emergency) order. The model is formulated based on the discounted cost criterion. The underlying two‐dimensional optimization problem is reduced to a simple one‐dimensional one and then the optimal ordering policy for the spare unit is characterized under two extreme conditions: (i) unlimited inventory time and (ii) zero inventory time for the spare unit. A numerical example is used to determine the optimal spare‐ordering policy numerically and to examine the sensitivity of the model parameters.     

Novel aspects of the microstructure of PP/PA blends prepared by reactive compounding as studied by microhardness

The microhardness of injection-moulded i-polypropylene/polyamide (iPP/PA) blends prepared by reactive compounding was determined. The formulation rules and processing technology for the preparation of these alloys was reported previously. iPP/PA compositions between 100/0 and 50/50 using functionalized PP with various degrees of mainchain grafting, were investigated. It is shown that the deviation of microhardness from the additivity law of the single components is mainly due to a decrease in the crystallinity of the iPP phase. The results are discussed in the light of the microstructural variations as revealed by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Dose-related effects of Ampligen (poly(I).poly(C12U)), a mismatched double-stranded RNA, in a bleomycin-mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis

The antifibrotic effect of the mismatched double-stranded RNA, Ampligen (poly(I).poly(C12U)), was evaluated in a bleomycin-mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. Mice received a single intratracheal dose of bleomycin (0.125 U/mouse) or saline (50 microL) at the beginning of the experiment, followed by 5 or 6 intraperitoneal injections of Ampligen (1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, or 25.0 mg/kg) or saline at regular intervals for 2 weeks. Ampligen did not produce increased mortality or weight loss by itself. However, it produced varying degrees of mortality in combination with bleomycin. Five injections of 10 mg/kg Ampligen or three injections of 25 mg/kg Ampligen plus three injections of 10 mg/kg Ampligen in combination with bleomycin .produced significant reductions in lung collagen accumulation as indicated by lung hydroxyproline content compared to the bleomycin control group. Animals receiving bleomycin plus Ampligen at all dosages had significantly reduced prolyl hydroxylase activity compared to the bleomycin control group. Lipid peroxidation and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)-supernatant protein content for the groups receiving bleomycin plus Ampligen were not reduced compared to the bleomycin control group. In the BALF-supernatant, the activity of acid phosphatase, a lysosomal enzyme produced by neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, was significantly decreased in the group receiving bleomycin plus 10 mg/kg Ampligen. Also, selected BALF differential immune cell counts were reduced in some of the groups receiving bleomycin plus Ampligen, but not in a consistent or dose-dependent manner. The results of this study indicate that Ampligen can significantly reduce the bleomycin-induced increased collagen accumulation and may be therapeutically useful in the management of lung fibrosis in humans.     

Dynamic proteome in enigmatic preeclampsia: an account of molecular mechanisms and biomarker discovery

The coevolution of genomics and proteomics has led to advancements in the field of diagnosis and molecular mechanisms of disease. Proteomics is now stepping into the field of obstetrics, where early diagnosis of pregnancy complication such as preeclampsia (PE) is imperative. PE is a multifactorial disease characterized by hypertension with proteinuria, which is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality occurring in 5-7% of pregnancies worldwide. This review discusses the probable molecular mechanisms that lead to PE and summarizes the proteomics research carried out in understanding the pathogenicity of PE, and for identifying the candidate biomarker for diagnosis of the disease.     

Overview of microneedle system: a third generation transdermal drug delivery approach

Transdermal drug delivery has given cardinal contribution to medical practices. First-generation transdermal delivery of small, lipophilic, low-dose drugs and second-generation delivery systems using chemical enhancers, non-cavitational ultrasound and iontophoresis have also resulted in various clinical products provides added functionality. Third-generation delivery systems using microneedles, thermal ablation, microdermabrasion, electroporation and cavitational ultrasound targeting skin’s barrier layer of stratum corneum. Microneedles acquire pronounced intrigue in recent days. Currently, microneedles are advancing through clinical trials for delivery of macromolecules and vaccines, such as insulin, parathyroid hormone and influenza vaccine. The review explains about the concept of transdermal drug microneedle system comprising of microreservoir, micropumps, flow sensors, types of microneedles. Various researches carried out on these components of microneedle system is elaborately discussed in this review.     

Glycated proteome: From reaction to intervention

Glycation, a nonenzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and proteins, is a proteome wide phenomenon, predominantly observed in diabetes due to hyperglycemia. Glycated proteome of plasma, kidney, lens, and brain are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including diabetic complications, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. This review discusses the strategies to characterize protein glycation, its functional implications in different diseases, and intervention strategies to protect the deleterious effects of protein glycation.     

Water matrix effect on UV photodegradation of perfluorooctanoic acid

The widespread detection of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the water environment has been a concern for the last several years, while effluents from wastewater treatment facilities are the major sources of these compounds. Even advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) are not useful for mineralization of the compounds due to their very high stability. Photochemical techniques using particularly vacuum UV (VUV) have been found to be very promising in this regard. But the use of VUV in UV-based AOTs has still not progressed much. Moreover, the impact of water quality on PFCs photomineralization is unknown. This investigation aimed to assess photomineralization potentials of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in ultrapure water (UPW), tap water (TW), surface water and treated wastewater effluent using a reactor setup enabling maximum utilization of VUV emission of low pressure lamp in laboratory batch experiments. Neya River water (NRW) and the Nakahama Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent (NWWTPE) represented surface water and treated wastewater effluent respectively. Also, tests were carried out in 50% diluted NRW and NWWTPE. PFOA photomineralization in terms of PFOA removal, defluorination and total organic carbon (TOC) removal are discussed. The usefulness of the method for PFOA mineralization in organic-rich wastewaters, and further research needs are also highlighted.