Synthesis of Copper Oxide-Based Nanoformulations of Etoricoxib and Montelukast and Their Evaluation through Analgesic,Anti-Inflammatory,Anti-Pyretic,and Acute Toxicity Activities

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized through the coprecipitation method and used as nanocarriers for etoricoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor drug) and montelukast (leukotriene product inhibitor drug) in combination therapy. The CuO NPs, free drugs, and nanoformulations were investigated through UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and DLS. SEM imaging showed agglomerated nanorods of CuO NPs of about 87 nm size. The CE1, CE2, and CE6 nanoformulations were investigated through DLS, and their particle sizes were 271, 258, and 254 nm, respectively. The nanoformulations were evaluated through in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, in vivo analgesic activity, in vivo anti-pyretic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity activity. In vivo activities were performed on albino mice. BSA denaturation was highly inhibited by CE1, CE2, and CE6 as compared to other nanoformulations in the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The in vivo bioactivities showed that low doses (5 mg/kg) of nanoformulations were more potent than high doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of free drugs in the inhibition of pain, fever, and inflammation. Lastly, CE2 was more potent than that of other nanoformulations.     

Effect of Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate on the Association Behavior of Promethazine Hydrochloride in Aqueous/Electrolyte Solutions at Different Temperatures

The interaction between the amphiphilic phenothiazine drug promethazine hydrochloride (PMT) and an anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate has been investigated using the conductometric technique in the absence and presence of an inorganic salt (50 mmol·kg^?1 NaCl) at five different compositions and temperatures. PMT is employed for the cure of allergic symptoms. Different physicochemical parameters such as critical micellar concentration (cmc), thermodynamic, and micellar composition are evaluated and discussed in detail using regular solution theory (RST). The addition of salt decreased the surface charge of micelles, lowering the cmc values of the amphiphile. The interaction parameter (β) is negative at all temperatures and compositions indicating attractive interactions. Due to the presence of NaCl in mixed systems the attractive interaction (β) was further increased (β values more negative). The negative values of Gibbs energy (\( \Delta G^{0}_{\text{m}} \)) of mixing revealed the stability of the solution. Owing to the presence of NaCl, the \( \Delta G^{0}_{\text{m}} \) values are found to be more negative suggesting that the driving force for interaction was significantly increased and micellization more thermodynamically favorable.     

Locations of implanted 19F* atoms in Si,Ge and diamond studied through their nuclear quadrupole interactions

The Hartree-Fock cluster procedure was used to obtain the associated electronic distributions for ¹⁹F^* (I = 5/2, E ^x = 197 KeV excited nuclear state of the ¹⁹F atom) at possible sites in crystalline Si, Ge and diamond and to calculate nuclear quadrupole coupling constants v _Q and the asymmetry parameter η of the electric field gradient at the modelled sites. Lattice relaxation effects have been incorporated by employing a geometry optimization method to obtain minimum energy configurations for the clusters modelling each site. The intrabond (IB), antibonding (AB) and substitutional (S) sites in the bulk and the atop site on the surface were studied. From a comparison with v _Q and η values observed in time differential perturbed angular distribution (TDPAD) measurements we were able to identify the high frequency component in Si and Ge with ¹⁹F^* at the intrabond site. In diamond two high frequency components are observed. These are identified with ¹⁹F^* at intrabond and substitutional sites. For the low frequency site in Si and Ge the assignment is made to ¹⁹F^* implants at dangling bonds in the bulk resulting from implantation damage. In diamond none of the sites studied could provide lower frequency nuclear quadrupole parameters close to the observed ones. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Evaluation of current and temperature effects on optical performance of InGaAlP thin-film SMD LED mounted on different substrate packages

The relationship between the photometric, electric, and thermal parameters of light-emitting diodes(LEDs) is important for optimizing the LED illumination design. Indium gallium aluminium phosphide(InGaAlP)-based thin-film surface-mounted device(SMD) LEDs have attracted wide attention in research and development due to their portability and miniaturization. We report the optical characterization of InGaAlP thin-film SMD LED mounted on FR4, 2 W, and 5 W aluminum(Al) packages. The optical and thermal parameters of LED are determined at different injection currents and ambient temperatures by combining the T3ster(thermal transient tester) and TeraL ED(thermal and radiometric characterization of power LEDs) systems. Analysis shows that LED on a 5 W Al substrate package obtains the highest luminous and optical efficiency.     

Dynamic Cross‐Exchange in Halophosphonium Species: Direct Observation of Stereochemical Inversion in the Course of an SN2 Process

The complex fluxional interconversions between otherwise very similar phosphonium bromides and chlorides R₃PX⁺X^? (R=Alk, Ar, X=Cl or Br) were studied by NMR techniques. Their energy barriers are typically ca. 11 kcal mol^?1, but rise rapidly as bulky groups are attached to phosphorus, revealing the importance of steric factors. In contrast, electronic effects, as measured by Hammett analysis, are modest (ρ 1.46) but still clearly indicate negative charge flow towards phosphorus in the transition state. Most significantly, detailed analysis of the exchange pathways unequivocally, and for the first time in any such process, shows that nucleophilic attack of the nucleophilic anion on the tetrahedral centre results in inversion of configuration.     

Indirect polarographic microdetermination of sulphur in organic compounds

A polarographic method for the microdetermination of sulphur in organic compounds is described; it is based on oxygen-flask combustion to yield sulphate, which is then reacted with excess of barium dichromate solution in hydrochloric acid, followed by adjustment to pH 12, collection of the combined barium chromate and sulphate precipitate, and polarographic determination of the free chromate (equivalent to the sulphate originally present).     

A comparative study on the performance of hybrid solar cells containing ZnSTe QDs in hole transporting layer and photoactive layer

In this paper, ZnSTe quantum dots-based hybrid solar cells (HSC) with two different device architectures have been investigated. The improved performance of the poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]phenyl C₇₁ butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM)-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells by the incorporation of ZnSTe quantum dots (QDs) with an average size of 2.96 nm in PEDOT:PSS layer and active layer that have been demonstrated. Although the efficiency of both types of devices is almost the same, a close comparison reveals different reasons behind their improved performance. The device prepared with QDs in the HTL has shown reduced series resistance, increased shunt resistance, and improved mobility. On the other hand, QDs in the photoactive layer demonstrates increased photo-generation leading to improved efficiency.     

Applications of Hybrid Polymers Generated from Living Anionic Ring Opening Polymerization

Increasingly precise control of polymer architectures generated by “Living” Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization (Living AROP) is leading to a broad range of commercial advanced material applications, particularly in the area of siloxane macromers. While academic reports on such materials remain sparse, a significant portion of the global population interacts with them on a daily basis—in applications including medical devices, microelectronics, food packaging, synthetic leather, release coatings, and pigment dispersions. The primary driver of this increased utilization of siloxane macromers is their ability to incorporate the properties of silicones into organic structures in a balanced manner. Compared to organic polymers, the differentiating properties of silicones—low T_g, hydrophobicity, low surface energy, and high free molal space—logically lend themselves to applications in which low modulus, release, permeability to oxygen and moisture, and tactile interaction are desired. However, their mechanical, structural and processing properties have until recently precluded practical applications. This review presents applications of “Living” AROP derived polymers from the perspective of historical technology development. Applications in which products are produced on a commercial scale—defined as not only offered for sale, but sold on a recurrent basis—are emphasized. Hybrid polymers with intriguing nanoscale morphology and potential applications in photoresist, microcontact printing, biomimetic soft materials, and liquid crystals are also discussed. Previously unreported work by the authors is provided in the context of this review.     

Inhibitory Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nitzschia palea</Emphasis> Against Curli-Mediated Biofilm of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis>

Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) are emerging beta-lactamases in Gram-negative pathogens, causing serious problems in hospitalized patients worldwide. Biofilm mode of virulence has decreased the efficiency of antibiotics used for treatment against ESBL pathogens. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative agents such as nanoparticles that can prevent and inhibit the biofilm formation. The aim of the present study was to inhibit the biofilm formed by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with fresh water diatom (Nitzschia palea). AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and XRD. AgNPs at their biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) of 300 ng ml^?1 significantly reduced the biofilm formed by E. coli. Interestingly, Congo red assay revealed the reduction of curli, essential for biofilm formation in the presence of AgNPs. Light and CLSM examination of the biofilm images also validated that in the presence of AgNPs, the biofilm architecture was disintegrated and the thickness was significantly reduced. Overall, the present study exemplifies the use of AgNPs as a plausible alternative for conventional coating agents on implant devices to prevent and control biofilm-associated urinary tract infections.     

2D Zeolite Coatings: Langmuir–Schaefer Deposition of 3 nm Thick MFI Zeolite Nanosheets

Stable suspensions of zeolite nanosheets (3 nm thick MFI layers) were prepared in ethanol following acid treatment, which partially removed the associated organic structure‐directing agent. Nanosheets from these suspensions could then be dispersed at the air–water interface and transferred to silicon wafers using Langmuir–Schaefer deposition. Using layer‐by‐layer deposition, control on coating thickness was demonstrated. In‐plane X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the deposited nanosheets contract upon calcination similar to bulk MFI crystals. Different methods for secondary growth resulted in preferentially oriented thin films of MFI, which had sub‐12‐nm thickness in certain cases. Upon calcination, there was no contraction detectable by in‐plane XRD, indicating well‐intergrown MFI films that are strongly attached to the substrate.