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Scientific Reports May 2024Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on...
Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs from Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV-Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates that G. glabra synthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.
Topics: Oryza; Seeds; Glycyrrhiza; Biofortification; Plant Extracts; Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles; Green Chemistry Technology; Iron; Ferric Compounds; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38811671
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62907-1 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024This meta-analysis aims to pool the results of existing studies to obtain more precise estimates on the diagnostic efficiency of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aims to pool the results of existing studies to obtain more precise estimates on the diagnostic efficiency of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in detecting CRC using blood-based samples.
METHODS
A comprehensive database search identified 4,931 studies that were screened for eligibility. Relevant data were then extracted and collated and analyzed using Meta-DiSc 1.4 to measure the pooled diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio and presented in forest plots.
RESULTS
The pooled sensitivity across all six data entries was 86.10% (p = 0.20), and the specificity was 91.2% (p < 0.001). The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 9.84 (p < 0.001), indicating a strongly moderate diagnostic value, while the negative likelihood ratio was 0.16 (0.12), suggesting moderately decreased efficacy of FTIR spectroscopy in ruling out the disease. The pooled AUC was found to be at 0.94 which indicate excellent discriminating potential of FTIR of the method.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the study suggests that FTIR spectroscopy has potential as minimally invasive diagnostic method for CRC using plasma samples.
Topics: Humans; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Colorectal Neoplasms; Prognosis; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 38809620
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1487 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Field-derived metrics are critical for effective control of malaria, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over half a million people yearly. One...
Field-derived metrics are critical for effective control of malaria, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over half a million people yearly. One key metric is entomological inoculation rate, a direct measure of transmission intensities, computed as a product of human biting rates and prevalence of Plasmodium sporozoites in mosquitoes. Unfortunately, current methods for identifying infectious mosquitoes are laborious, time-consuming, and may require expensive reagents that are not always readily available. Here, we demonstrate the first field-application of mid-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning (MIRS-ML) to swiftly and accurately detect Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites in wild-caught Anopheles funestus, a major Afro-tropical malaria vector, without requiring any laboratory reagents. We collected 7178 female An. funestus from rural Tanzanian households using CDC-light traps, then desiccated and scanned their heads and thoraces using an FT-IR spectrometer. The sporozoite infections were confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to establish references for training supervised algorithms. The XGBoost model was used to detect sporozoite-infectious specimen, accurately predicting ELISA and PCR outcomes with 92% and 93% accuracies respectively. These findings suggest that MIRS-ML can rapidly detect P. falciparum in field-collected mosquitoes, with potential for enhancing surveillance in malaria-endemic regions. The technique is both fast, scanning 60-100 mosquitoes per hour, and cost-efficient, requiring no biochemical reactions and therefore no reagents. Given its previously proven capability in monitoring key entomological indicators like mosquito age, human blood index, and identities of vector species, we conclude that MIRS-ML could constitute a low-cost multi-functional toolkit for monitoring malaria risk and evaluating interventions.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Machine Learning; Mosquito Vectors; Female; Humans; Tanzania; Sporozoites; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38802488
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63082-z -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Researchers are increasingly favouring the use of biological resources in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. This synthesis process is quick and affordable. The...
INTRODUCTION
Researchers are increasingly favouring the use of biological resources in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. This synthesis process is quick and affordable. The current study examined the antibacterial and anticancer effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from the plant. Biomolecules derived from natural sources can be used to coat AgNPs to make them biocompatible.
METHODS
UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to verify the synthesis of AgNPs from plant extract, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize their morphology, crystalline structure, stability, and coating.
RESULTS
UV-visible spectrum of AgNPs shows an absorption peak at 422 nm, indicating the isotropic nature of these nanoparticles. As a result of the emergence of a transmission peak at 804.53 and 615.95 cm in the spectrum of the infrared light emitted by atoms in a sample, FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that the Ag stretching vibration mode is metal-oxygen (M-O). Electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectral analysis shows that elementary silver has a peak at 3 keV. Irradiating the silver surface with electrons, photons, or laser beams triggers the illumination. The emission peak locations have been found between 300 and 550 nm. As a result of DLS analysis, suspended particles showed a bimodal size distribution, with their Z-average particle size being 93.38 nm.
CONCLUSION
The findings showed that the antibacterial action of AgNPs was substantially (≤0.05) more evident against than . The biosynthesis of AgNPs is an environmentally friendly method for making nanostructures that have antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
Topics: Silver; Metal Nanoparticles; Green Chemistry Technology; Humans; Theranostic Nanomedicine; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plant Extracts; Antineoplastic Agents; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Particle Size; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Cell Line, Tumor; Neoplasms; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 38799694
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S440847 -
ACS Omega May 20242 in. bulk β-GaO single crystals are successfully grown by the edge-defined film-fed growth method with a homemade furnace system. By considering the significance of...
2 in. bulk β-GaO single crystals are successfully grown by the edge-defined film-fed growth method with a homemade furnace system. By considering the significance of wafer quality in future mass manufacture, a nine-point characterization method is developed to evaluate the full-scale quality of the processed 2 in. (100)-orientated β-GaO single-crystal wafers. Crystalline and structural characteristics were evaluated using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, revealing decent crystalline quality with a mean full width at half-maximum value of 60.8 arcsec and homogeneous bonding structures. The statistical root-mean-square surface roughness, determined from nine scanning areas, was found to be only 0.196 nm, indicating superior surface quality. Linear optical properties and defect levels were further investigated using UV-visible spectrophotometry and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The high wafer-scale quality of the processed β-GaO wafers meets the requirements for homoepitaxial growth substrates in electronic and photonic devices with vertical configurations.
PubMed: 38799343
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00405 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Jun 2024Calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs), referred to as nanobacteria (NB), are recognized to be associated with ectopic calcification. This study aims to isolate and culture...
OBJECTIVES
Calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs), referred to as nanobacteria (NB), are recognized to be associated with ectopic calcification. This study aims to isolate and culture CNPs from the dental plaque of patients with periodontal disease and investigate their possible role in unravelling the aetiology of periodontal disease.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Supragingival and subgingival plaques were sampled from 30 periodontitis patients for CNPs isolation and culture. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) content changes were tracked over time. Positive samples underwent thorough morphological identification via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Alizarin red S (ARS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chemical composition of CNPs analysis involved calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content determination, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
RESULTS
The subgingival plaque dental group exhibited a higher CNPs isolation rate at 36.67% (11/30) compared to the supragingival dental plaque group at 66.67% (20/30). ALP activity varied among the positive, negative and control groups. Morphological observation characterized the CNPs as round, oval, and ellipsoid particles with Ca deposits. Chemical analysis revealed the Ca/P ratio was 0.6753. Hydroxyl, methyl, carbonate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, and dihydrogen phosphate were detected by FTIR; the main chemical components detected by XRD were hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate.
CONCLUSION
CNPs were found in periodontitis-related dental plaque and exhibited the potential to develop calcified structures resembling dental calculus. However, the potential involvement of ALP in CNPs formation requires deeper exploration, as does the precise nature of its role and the interrelation with periodontitis demand a further comprehensive investigation.
Topics: Humans; Calcifying Nanoparticles; Dental Plaque; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; X-Ray Diffraction; Alkaline Phosphatase; Phosphorus; Periodontitis; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Female; Adult; Calcium; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38798048
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.885 -
Plant Science : An International... May 2024Although Boraginaceae have been classified as good sources of nectar for many insects, little is still known about their nectar and nectaries. Thus, in the present...
Although Boraginaceae have been classified as good sources of nectar for many insects, little is still known about their nectar and nectaries. Thus, in the present contribution, we investigated the nectar production dynamics and chemistry in Borago officinalis L. (borage or starflower), together with its potential interaction capacity with pollinators. A peak of nectar secretion (∼5.1 µL per flower) was recorded at anthesis, to decrease linearly during the following 9 days. In addition, TEM and SEM analyses were performed to understand ultrastructure and morphological changes occurring in borage nectary before and after anthesis, but also after its secretory phase. Evidence suggested that nectar was transported by the apoplastic route (mainly from parenchyma to epidermis) and then released essentially by exocytotic processes, that is a granulocrine secretion. This theory was corroborated by monitoring the signal of complex polysaccharides and calcium, respectively, via Thiéry staining and ESI/EELS technique. After the secretory phase, nectary underwent degeneration, probably through autophagic events and/or senescence induction. Furthermore, nectar (Nec) and other flower structures (i.e., sepals, gynoecia with nectaries, and petals) from borage were characterized by spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, in terms of plant secondary metabolites, both at early (E-) and late (L-) phase from anthesis. The content of phytochemicals was quantified and discussed for all samples, highlighting potential biological roles of these compounds in the borage flower (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, staining effects). Surprisingly, a high significant accumulation of flavonoids was registered in L-Nec, with respect to E-Nec, indicating that this phenomenon might be functional and able to hide molecular (e.g., defence against pathogens) and/or ecological (e.g., last call for pollinators) purposes. Indeed, it is known that these plant metabolites influence nectar palatability, encouraging the approach of specialist pollinators, deterring nectar robbers, and altering the behaviour of insects.
PubMed: 38797382
DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112135 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The biology underlying proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is not fully understood. Here we aim to elucidate the biological effects of pMBRT using Fourier...
The biology underlying proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is not fully understood. Here we aim to elucidate the biological effects of pMBRT using Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (FTIRM). In vitro (CTX-TNA2 astrocytes and F98 glioma rat cell lines) and in vivo (healthy and F98-bearing Fischer rats) irradiations were conducted, with conventional proton radiotherapy and pMBRT. FTIRM measurements were performed at ALBA Synchrotron, and multivariate data analysis methods were employed to assess spectral differences between irradiation configurations and doses. For astrocytes, the spectral regions related to proteins and nucleic acids were highly affected by conventional irradiations and the high-dose regions of pMBRT, suggesting important modifications on these biomolecules. For glioma, pMBRT had a great effect on the nucleic acids and carbohydrates. In animals, conventional radiotherapy had a remarkable impact on the proteins and nucleic acids of healthy rats; analysis of tumour regions in glioma-bearing rats suggested major nucleic acid modifications due to pMBRT.
Topics: Animals; Synchrotrons; Rats; Glioma; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Proton Therapy; Rats, Inbred F344; Cell Line, Tumor; Astrocytes; Nucleic Acids; Brain Neoplasms
PubMed: 38796617
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62373-9 -
Polymers May 2024In this study, we investigated the impact of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporation on the optical properties and oxygen detection performance of a titanium...
The Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol Addition on the Optical Properties and Oxygen Detection Performance of Titanium Dioxide and Methylene Blue Nanocomposite Colorimetric Indicators.
In this study, we investigated the impact of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporation on the optical properties and oxygen detection performance of a titanium dioxide/methylene blue (TiO/MB) nanocomposite colorimetric indicator for packaging applications. The nanocomposite was synthesized via mechanical milling of TiO nanoparticles with MB and citric acid. PVA, at varying concentrations (0, 3, 9, and 14 wt%), was introduced during the wet milling process to produce a homogeneous composite film. Spin coating was employed to fabricate TiO/MB nanocomposite films for oxygen detection evaluation. The influence of PVA loading on the films' chemical functionalities and surface morphologies was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The indicator's activation process, involving a color change between bleached and colored states, and its recovery time were monitored via optical imaging and UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry. The results revealed that a PVA content of 9 wt% yielded well-defined films with enhanced stability of the TiO/MB nanocomposite's oxygen detection performance.
PubMed: 38794593
DOI: 10.3390/polym16101400 -
Polymers May 2024Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting...
Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting procedure. Initially, the synthesis and structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes were performed, and subsequently, their properties as a potential semiconductor material were explored. Hence hybrid films in ruthenium complexes were deposited using PMMA as a polymeric matrix. The hybrid films were characterized by infrared spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of the ruthenium complexes enhanced the mechanical properties in addition to increasing the transmittance, favoring the determination of their optical parameters. Both hybrid films exhibited a maximum stress around 10.5 MPa and a Knoop hardness between 2.1 and 18.4. Regarding the optical parameters, the maximum transparency was obtained at wavelengths greater than 590 nm, the optical band gap was in the range of 1.73-2.24 eV, while the Tauc band gap was in the range of 1.68-2.17 eV, and the Urbach energy was between 0.29 and 0.50 eV. Consequently, the above comments are indicative of an adequate semiconductor behavior; hence, the target polymeric hybrid films must be welcomed as convenient candidates as active layers or transparent electrodes in organic electronics.
PubMed: 38794531
DOI: 10.3390/polym16101338