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Melittin is the main component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It has multiple effects including antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities in various cell types. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of melittin have not been elucidated in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced keratinocyte or inflammatory skin disease animal models. In this study, we examined the effects of melittin on the production of inflammatory cytokines in heat-killed P. acnes-induced HaCaT cells. Heat-killed P. acnes-treated keratinocytes increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptor 2. However, melittin treatment significantly suppressed the expression of these cytokines through regulation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Subsequently, the living P. acnes (1 × 107 CFU) were intradermally injected into the ear of mice. Living P. acnes-injected ears showed cutaneous erythema, swelling, and granulomatous response at 24 hours after injection. However, melittin-treated ears showed markedly reduced swelling and granulomatous responses compared with ears injected with only living P. acnes. These results demonstrate the feasibility of applying melittin for the prevention of inflammatory skin diseases induced by P. acnes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The convert mold process has been investigated, focusing on preparation of shell molds using different composite binder systems. The glassification efficiency of binder systems with different SiO2 precursor structures were investigated in terms of the Si content and dipping time, and the subsequent effects on fracture strength. Two types of the SiO2 precursor were used: tetraethyl orthosilicate of the silicate type; and hexamethyl disiloxane (HMDS), octamethyl trisiloxane, and polydimethyl siloxane of the siloxane type. Use of the siloxane type precursor does not produce a hydrolysis reaction, whereas the silicate type precursor is converted into SiO2 by a hydrolysis and condensation reactions during the drying process. The samples based on the siloxane type (except HMDS) have a much higher fracture strength, nominal value of 8MPa, than that of samples based on the silicate type. This is a result of the enhancement of glassification. When the siloxane is added to the silicate the fracture strength is as high as about 6MPa, independent of the Si content and dipping time. Results indicate the importance of the reaction mechanism in achieving fracture strength with related to glassification efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low efficiency and stability problems have been major issues in the formulation of engineered monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for a variety of therapeutic uses, which may be severer for applying to encapsulation into nanoparticle (NP). In this study, the formulation and stabilizing conditions to encapsulate a potential mAb (3D8 scFv) into biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs were investigated. And the effect of stabilizers on the stability of 3D8 scFv was investigated with the 3D8 scFv that was recovered from the primary emulsion in the double emulsion process. The conformational stability of the recovered 3D8 scFv was evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The DNA binding and hydrolyzing activities of the recovered 3D8 scFv were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. The results conclude that mannitol was the most suitable stabilizer for retaining stability and activity of 3D8 scFv in the process of the PLGA NP preparation. Finally, obtained results suggest that this systematic process can provide efficient delivery system of 3D8 scFv as well as other potential mAbs or proteins for therapeutic uses, which is likely to be useful for intracellular delivery requiring sustained release. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we have developed a cure for indoor air pollution. Herein, we have fabricated CuBTC metal-organic framework MOF combined with TiO 2 nanoparticle hybrid material by solvothermal method and obtained it in powder form. The CuBTC/TiO 2 hybrid material absorbed toluene higher than TiO 2 and CuBTC. CuBTC/TiO 2 powder hinders its practical application, however, for the first time, CuBTC/TiO 2 /PS-based nanofibers were electrospun on a commercial HEPA filter using the electrospinning process in order to examine their air-filtering capabilities. This air filter exhibited 98.6% adsorption efficiency and 129.45 mg g-1 toluene gas adsorption capacity, although pristine HEPA was incapable of absorbing toluene. After the saturated point, a self-cleaning strategy was employed under UV light for regeneration purposes. In addition, the CuBTC/TiO 2 /PS nanofiber demonstrated superior PM 2.5 removal performance, with a 99.82% filtration rate. Compared to a pure HEPA filter, the CuBTC/TiO 2 /PS-C nanofiber-based HEPA filter has a very high filtration rate and negligible pressure drop when evaluated at various airflow velocities. This study gives significant insight into the design of a self-cleaning nanofiber air filter to protect public health from indoor air pollution and save lives in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are key process in the development of atherosclerosis lesions. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) initiates a multitude of biological effects that contribute to VSMC proliferation and migration. Apamin, a component of bee venom, has been known to block the Ca 2 + -activated K + channels. However, the effects of apamin in the regulation PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration has not been identified. In this study, we investigate the inhibitory effect of apamin on PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. Apamin suppressed the PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and migration with no apparent cytotoxic effect. In accordance with these findings, apamin induced the arrest of cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase. Apamin also decreased the expressions of G0/G1 specific regulatory proteins including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4, cyclin E and CDK2, as well as increased the expression of p21 Cip1 in PDGF-BB-induced VSMC. Moreover, apamin inhibited PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2. These results suggest that apamin plays an important role in prevention of vascular proliferation and migration through the G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by PDGF signaling pathway. Thus, apamin may be a promising candidate for the therapy of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a multifunctional air filter with a strong ability to trap and disinfect pathogens and absorb particulate matter (PM), the volatile organic compound (VOC), and CO 2. This study demonstrates a facile and eco-friendly synthesis of copper coordination polymer particle (Cu-CPP)-decorated non-woven fibre filters (Cu-CPP/NWF) via an in situ growth dip-coating method. Their multifunction potentials in air pollution treatment are also assessed. The Cu-CPP/NWF filter media showed a remarkable performance for air treatment, with 100% disinfection efficiency against airborne E. coli bacteria (2 × 106 CFU mL−1) in 45 min, superior PM removal efficiency (quality factor 0.299 Pa−1), excellent p-xylene adsorption capacities (1.19 mmol/g) and high potential CO 2 uptake capacities (19.81 cm3/g). A Cu-CPP can work as an antibacterial agent and an adsorbent component, thus offering many applications. The rational integration of Cu-CPP can substantially enhance the filtration efficiency via electrostatic interaction, while most commercial air purifiers rely on dense fibrous filters. This study provides valuable insight into developing a multifunctional and reusable air filter proven to be a life-saving product for public health protection. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid industrial growth and urbanization have resulted in a significant rise in environmental pollution issues, particularly indoor air pollutants. As a result, it is crucial to design and develop technologies and/or catalysts that are not only cost-effective but also promising high performance and practical applicability. However, achieving this goal has been so far remained a challenging task. Herein, a series of transition metal M − TiO 2 (M = W, Fe, Mn) nanocrystals was prepared for photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), i.e., toluene. Of the nanocomposites tested, W–TiO 2 showed significantly improved photocatalytic activity for VOC degradation under UV irradiation compared to the others. In particular, the optimized W dopant amount of 0.5 wt% resulted in the outstanding degradation performance of toluene (96%) for the obtained W–TiO 2 (0.5%) nanocomposite. Moreover, W–TiO 2 (0.5%) nanocomposite exhibited good stability for 32 h working under high toluene concentration (10 ppm) compared to the pristine TiO 2. The current work demonstrates the potential usage of M − TiO 2 nanocrystals, particularly W–TiO 2 (0.5%), as a promising photocatalyst for efficient VOCs degradation. [Display omitted] • W–TiO 2 exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. • Lifetime of W–TiO 2 increased 6.4 times compared with TiO 2. • W–TiO 2 could be regenerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving of air quality, particularly the removal of indoor-air pollutants with direct environmental and health implications, remains a significant challenge in modern society. We, herein, present a novel approach using photocatalytic eco-friendly paint to effectively eliminate indoor air pollutants and disinfect surfaces. Ultra Small Porous Nitrogen-doped Titanium dioxide (USPNT), which has been successfully incorporated into the paint by different coating techniques. The UPSNT photocatalyst was synthesized via probe sonication coupled sol-gel technique, resulting in anatase phase with a high surface area of 83 m²/g. The efficiency of the UPSNT-coated paint in removing air pollutant like p-xylene under simulated indoor illumination is considered. In additional, it showed the capability to disinfect pathogens like E. coli , remove surface dirt, such as organic dyes, confirming its self-cleaning properties. This will lead to develop a direct eco-friendly paint by formulating USPNT directly with suitable binders promotes the durability of indoor and outdoor air quality as well as reducing "sick building syndrome". [Display omitted] ● USPNT synthesized by sol-gel coupled probe sonication method and coated on paint. ● USPNT surface coated paint facilitates p -xylene destruction under 24 W daylight. ● Surface area, pore size, electron transfer are the main factors for destruction. ● Surface directing agent (CaO) with USPNT enhanced the self-cleaning activity. ● USPNT coated paint exhibited excellent E. coli disinfection performance (h+, .O 2 -). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]