Rare earth 4-hydroxycinnamate compounds as carbon dioxide corrosion inhibitors for steel in sodium chloride solution

A series of rare earth 4-hydroxycinnamate compounds including Ce(4OHCin)3, La(4OHCin)3, and Pr(4OHCin)3 has been synthesized and evaluated as novel inhibitors for carbon dioxide corrosion of steel in CO2-saturated sodium chloride solutions. Electrochemical measurements and surface analysis have shown that these REM(4OHCin)3 compounds effectively inhibited CO2 corrosion by forming protective inhibiting deposits that shut down the active electrochemical corrosion sites on the steel surface. Inhibition efficiency was found to increase in the order Ce(4OHCin)3 < La(4OHCin)3 < Pr(4OHCin)3 and with increase in inhibitor concentration up to 0.63 mM. Detailed insights into corrosion inhibition mechanism of these compounds in carbon dioxide environment are also provided

Enzyme catalysis powered micro/nanomotors for biomedical applications

With recent developments in the field of autonomous motion for artificial systems, many researchers are focusing on their biomedical application for active and targeted delivery. In this context, enzyme powered motors are at the forefront since they can utilize physiologically relevant fuels as their substrate and carry out catalytic reactions to power motion under in vivo conditions. This review focuses on the design and fabrication of enzyme powered motors together with their propulsion mechanism by using fuels present in biological environments. In addition, the recent advances in the field of enzyme powered motors for biomedical applications have been discussed together with the parameters that need to be considered for designing such systems. We believe that this review will provide insights and better understanding for the development of next generation biomedical technologies based on enzyme powered motors

Perspectives on nutrient management through different farming practices for sugarcane production

India ranks second among the world’s leading producers of sugarcane and in recent decades, input usage has more than doubled to meet the growing global demand for bioenergy. This surge has contributed to climate change mitigation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. However, the long-term sustainability of sugarcane production is increasingly uncertain due to the adverse environmental impacts of intensive input use and non-optimized production methods. As the crop\u27s potential for ethanol and green energy gains prominence, it is imperative to simultaneously enhance environmental performance. Nutrient depletion in plant crops often results in yield decline in subsequent ratoons, leading to reduced productivity and economic viability. Sustainable sugarcane production can be achieved by adopting natural and organic farming systems that promote resource conservation and minimize ecological damage. Organic nutrient management offers a viable alternative to maintain soil fertility, reduce input dependency and improve produce quality by avoiding harmful residues. In this context, the adoption of optimal nutrient management practices through natural and organic system has emerged as a research priority for ensuring long-term sustainability. Organic farming systems have attracted increased interest and can address some of the problems faced by humans as well as the agriculture sector. These systems not only contribute to environmental protection and the conservation of non-renewable resources but also address concerns related to food quality, ecosystem balance and farm profitability

Comparative Evaluation of Masson's Trichrome and Picrosirius Red Staining for Digital Collagen Quantification Using ImageJ in Rabbit Wound Healing Research

The therapeutic potential of Pluronic F127 (PF127) hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (AdSVF), mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSC), and conditioned media (AdMSC-CM) for repairing full-thickness skin wounds was evaluated using a rabbit model. The rabbits were randomly divided into eight groups with six animals each and treatment was given as per the predetermined protocol (3 doses at one-week interval): Group A (Control), Group B (AdSVF), Group C (AdMSC), Group D (AdMSC-CM), Group E (PF127), Group F (AdSVF + PF127), Group G (AdMSC + PF127), and Group H (AdMSC-CM + PF127). Skin tissue samples were collected from the healing wounds on day 28 for staining and collagen quantification. Collagen density (Area %) was quantified using tissue sections stained with Masson's Trichrome (MT) and Picrosirius Red (PSR) stain using the Colour Deconvolution plugin of ImageJ and RGB stack method, respectively. These techniques function based on separating different colour channels in the stained tissue sections to isolate the collagen fibers and then quantifying them through thresholding and image analysis. Across the treatment groups, both staining methods generally showed a trend of increased collagen density compared to the control group. For most groups, PSR staining consistently indicated slightly lower collagen densities than MT staining. However, the overall trends were similar in both staining. The comparison between PSR and MT staining methods revealed that both techniques effectively assess collagen density in healing wounds. However, there were subtle differences in the absolute values obtained, with PSR staining tending to yield slightly lower collagen density measurements than MT. These differences can be attributed to the distinct mechanisms of these staining methods. Therefore, both staining methods can digitally quantify collagen density in wound healing research

Optimization of Formic Acid-Formalin-Based Decalcification Protocol for Rat Calvarial Bone Histology

Decalcification is crucial in histological processing, particularly for studying mineralized tissues like bone. The choice of decalcification method can significantly impact the quality of histological sections and the preservation of tissue morphology. This study aims to establish a standardized protocol for decalcifying rat calvarial bone using a formic acid-formalin-based decalcification solution. The protocol was systematically optimized and evaluated based on various parameters, including decalcification time, formic acid concentration, and tissue integrity preservation. The decalcification process was evaluated through comprehensive assessments, including gross physical examination, chemical analysis, and radiographic imaging techniques. Our result demonstrated that the 10% formic acid concentration proved most effective for decalcifying rat calvarial bone samples within eight days, excelling in mineral content removal while preserving specimen structural integrity. In contrast, the 5% concentration failed to complete decalcification within ten days, and the 15% compromised sample quality within eight days. Histological analyses confirmed the efficacy of the 10% formic acid concentration in maintaining tissue integrity and achieving optimal staining quality. The standardized protocol presented in this study provides an effective and reliable approach for achieving consistent and high-quality histological sections of rat calvarial bone. An ideal decalcification agent should effectively remove calcium salts, preserve structural integrity and molecular components, facilitate rapid yet minimally damaging decalcification, and ensure ease of handling for laboratory personnel. Further exploration of its applicability to different bone types or species is recommended to broaden its research utility

Experimental safety testing confirms that the NSAID nimesulide is toxic to Gyps vultures in India

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.Population declines of Gyps vultures throughout South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the NSAID diclofenac, which was subsequently banned. However, other vulture-toxic NSAIDs are available, including nimesulide, which, in experiments carried out in South Africa, was shown to be toxic to Gyps vultures. We report on safety-testing of nimesulide carried out on Himalayan Griffons G. himalayensis. We gave two vultures a dose of nimesulide by oral gavage at the maximum level of exposure, with two controls dosed with benzyl alcohol. In the two tested birds, plasma nimesulide concentrations peaked after six hours, while serum uric acid concentrations increased steadily up until 24 h post-treatment, after which both birds died, displaying severe visceral gout. The control birds showed no adverse clinical or biochemical signs. We confirm that nimesulide is toxic to Gyps vultures. Veterinary use of nimesulide should be banned in all Gyps vulture range countries in the region.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/etapam2024Paraclinical SciencesSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein