We report a new theranostic device based on lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) with optical emission in the near infrared wavelength range decorated with affibodies (small 6.5 kDa protein-based antibody replacements) specific to the cancer biomarker human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and zinc(II) protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) to combine imaging, targeting and therapy within one nanostructure. Colloidal PbS QDs were synthesized in aqueous solution with a nanocrystal diameter of ∼5 nm and photoluminescence emission in the near infrared wavelength range. The ZHER2:432 affibody, mutated through the introduction of two cysteine residues at the C-terminus (Afb2C), was used as capping ligand to form Afb2C-PbS QDs that have a high binding affinity for HER2, which is overexpressed in several types of cancer including breast cancer. Afb2C-PbS QDs were further modified by conjugation with ZnPP, which acts as an anticancer agent. The biological activity of these QDs was tested against SKBR3 (HER2-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (HER2-normal) breast cancer cells, with results showing that ZnPP-Afb2C-functionalized PbS QDs were successfully targeted to the HER2-overexpressing cancer cells and induced cell apoptosis thanks to the conjugation with ZnPP. These results expand the use of the QD nanoplatform with the formulation of novel nanomaterials for targeted delivery and combined imaging and therapy via direct surface-protein interaction.
The purpose of this research work is to synthesize conjugates of some NSAIDs with sulfamethoxazole as possible mutual prodrugs to overcome the local gastric irritation of NSAID with free carboxyl group by formation of ester linkage that supposed to remain intact in stomach and may hydrolyze in intestine chemically or enzymatically; in addition to that attempting to target the synthesized derivative to the colon by formation of azo group that undergo reduction only by colonic bacterial azo reductaze enzyme to liberate the parent compound to act locally (treatment of inflammation and infections in colon)
Background: Joubert syndrome (JS) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by agenesis of cerebellar vermis, abnormal eye movements, respiratory irregularities, and delayed generalized motor development. Retinal dystrophy and cystic kidneys may also be associated with this clinical syndrome. The importance of recognizing JS is related to the outcome and its potential complications. This syndrome is difficult to diagnose clinically because of its variable phenotype. Its neuroimaging hallmarks include the characteristic molar tooth sign and bat wing-shaped fourth ventricle
Developing and researching antenna designs are analogous to excavating in an undiscovered mine. This paper proposes a multi-band antenna with a new hexagonal ring shape, theoretically designed, developed, and analyzed using a CST before being manufactured. The antenna has undergone six changes to provide the best performance. The results of the surface current distribution and the electric field distribution on the surface of the hexagonal patch were theoretically analyzed and studied. The sequential approach taken to determine the most effective design is logical, and prevents deviation from the work direction. After comparing the six theoretical results, the fifth model proved to be the best for making a prototype. Measured results rep
... Show Moreby in situ polymerization of aniline monomer, conducting polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites containing various concentrations of carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNT) were synthesized. The morphological and electrical properties of pure PANI and PANI /MWCNT nanocomposites were examined by using Fourier transform- infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) respectively. FTIR spectra shows that the carboxylic acid groups formed at the both ends of the sidewalls of the MWCNTs. The aniline monomers were polymerized on the surface of MWCNTs, depending on the -* electron interaction between aniline monomers and MWCNTs and hydrogen bonding into interaction between t
... Show MoreIn this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared with two concentrations of MWCNTs by casting method. Morphological, structural characteristics and electrical properties were investigated. The state of MWCNTs dispersion in a PVP matrix was indicated by Field Effect-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) which showed a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs within the PVP matrix. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicate strong bonding of carbonyl groups of PVP composite chains with MWCNTs. Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) studies shows characteristics of various stretching and bending vibration bands, as well as shifts in some band locations and intensity changes in others. Hall effect was studied
... Show MoreIn this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared with two concentrations of MWCNTs by casting method. Morphological, structural characteristics and electrical properties were investigated. The state of MWCNTs dispersion in a PVP matrix was indicated by Field Effect-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) which showed a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs within the PVP matrix. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicate strong bonding of carbonyl groups of PVP composite chains with MWCNTs. Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) studies shows characteristics of various stretching and bending vibration bands, as well as shifts in some band locations and intensity changes in others. Hall effect was stu
... Show MoreA pioneering idea for increasing the thermal performance of heat transfer fluids was to use ultrafine solid particles suspended in the base fluid. Nanofluids, synthesized by mixing solid nanometer sized particles at low concentrations with the base fluid, were used as a new heat transfer fluid and developed a remarkable effect on the thermophysical properties and heat transfer coefficient. For any nanofluid to be usable in heat transfer applications, the main concern is its long-term stability. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of using four different surfactants (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and gum Arabic (GA)), each with three different
... Show MoreShadow removal is crucial for robot and machine vision as the accuracy of object detection is greatly influenced by the uncertainty and ambiguity of the visual scene. In this paper, we introduce a new algorithm for shadow detection and removal based on different shapes, orientations, and spatial extents of Gaussian equations. Here, the contrast information of the visual scene is utilized for shadow detection and removal through five consecutive processing stages. In the first stage, contrast filtering is performed to obtain the contrast information of the image. The second stage involves a normalization process that suppresses noise and generates a balanced intensity at a specific position compared to the neighboring intensit
... Show MoreFree radicals are small extremely reactive species that have unpaired electrons. Free radicals include subgroups of reactive species, which are all a product of regular cellular metabolism. Oxidative stress happens when the free radicals production exceeds the capacity of the antioxidant system in the body’s cells.
The current review clarifies the prospective role of antioxidants in the inhibition and healing of diseases.
Information on oxidative stress, free radicals, reactive oxidant species, and natural and synthetic antioxidants was obta