金屬多酚配位奈米載體合成與多功能腫瘤治療法開發
本研究結合奈米合成技術與生物醫學， 利用表沒食子兒茶素沒食子酸酯 (Epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG) 作為載體 調控摻雜Cu2+/Cu3+與 Fe2+/Fe3+之含量 並以π-π交互作用力附載缺氧性抗癌藥物替拉扎明 (Tirapazamine, TPZ) 成功製備出多功能金屬多酚配位奈米顆粒簡稱為EFeCuTPZ。 材料經紫外-可見光譜 (UV-vis)，、動態光散射 (DLS) 及掃描式電子顯微鏡 (SEM) 確認其粒徑大小、形貌學與穩定性。利用808 nm和671 nm雷射分析其光熱轉換效率 評估光熱療法效果，。在腫瘤微酸性環境下， EFeCuTPZ可利用高濃度之H2O2行芬頓反應 (Fenton Reaction) 產生高活性之氫氧自由基 (•OH)， 展現化學動力療法 (Chemo dynamic-therapy, CDT)，。同時， 藉由材料中的Cu²⁺與腫瘤環境中的穀胱甘肽 (Glutathione, GSH)反應減少高活性物質 (Reactive oxygen species, ROS) 的消耗 增強CDT之療效。酸性條件下 TPZ顯著釋放 有助於腫瘤治療。 另外， 細胞實驗顯示EFeCuTPZ具有高生物相容性與治療效果， 成功開發出具CDT，、CT及PTT功能之奈米複合材料 為醫學新興藥物材料提供可能性。
Synthesis of fluconazole analogues with focusing on resistant strains Candida
Fungal infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains like Candida auris and Candida glabrata, pose a significant threat to global health. The widespread use of azole antifungals, such as fluconazole, has driven the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, undermining the efficacy of existing treatments. These challenges necessitate the development of novel antifungal agents with enhanced activity and reduced resistance profiles. To address resistance mechanisms, we designed and synthesized hybrid molecules combining triazole and thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZD) pharmacophores. This strategy leverages dual mechanisms of action: inhibiting fungal CYP51, a key enzyme in ergosterol biosynthesis, and disrupting fungal cell wall integrity. The structural versatility of hybrid molecules allows for targeted modifications to enhance antifungal potency, binding specificity, and pharmacokinetics. Using a stepwise synthetic approach, triazole-containing piperazine derivatives were first prepared and coupled with TZD-based carboxylic acids via optimized condensation reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed through advanced spectroscopic methods, including 1D/2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The antifungal activity of these hybrids was evaluated in vitro against clinical and reference strains of Candida spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus. Among the synthesized compounds, 6a demonstrated notable activity against Candida parapsilosis (MIC 0.06 μg/mL), comparable to voriconazole. Compound 4b exhibited moderate activity against C. parapsilosis (MIC 1–2 μg/mL) and A. fumigatus (MIC 8 μg/mL). However, most compounds showed limited efficacy against highly resistant strains such as C. albicans 8R and C. krusei. This study highlights the potential of hybrid triazole-TZD molecules in overcoming resistance and improving antifungal efficacy. While promising, further optimization is required to broaden the spectrum of activity and enhance efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens. These findings contribute to the growing field of antifungal drug development, emphasizing hybrid approaches as a viable solution for combating fungal resistance.
Nanoparticles and Aqueous Amine-Based Formulation to Develop CO2 Foam for Sequestration and Oil Recovery
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important greenhouse gas that helps trap heat in our atmosphere; without it, our planet would be inhospitably cold [1]. It is the fourth most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It is a byproduct of normal cell function when breathed out of the body, and produced when fossil fuels and organic wood compounds are burned [2]. However, an increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere can contribute to climate change and ocean acidification, and exposure to high levels of CO2 can produce a variety of health effects [3]. Human progress and economic innovation have led to increased emissions, causing climate change and affecting all living creatures. Current levels are 36.8 Gt CO2 in 2023 and are expected to reach 54-56 Gt CO2 by 2030 [4]. Figure 1 displays the current atmospheric CO2 measurements at Mauna Loa Observatory without seasonal variations [5].
探討藉由隧道奈米管(TNTs)傳遞Chromogranin-A對神經母細胞瘤細胞的影響及其相關機制
Previous research observed increased TNTs formation between hypoxic and normoxic neuroblastoma cells, aiding hypoxic cell survival. CHGA was identified as a potential factor in this process. This study compared CHGA expression and whether CHGA exists in TNTs in five cell lines, with SH-SY5Y showing the highest levels, followed by SK-N-BE(2)C, while the other three showed lower expression. Future studies will focus on the impact of CHGA on cell survival and its mechanisms.
Evaluating the Impact of the AI-Powered Interactive Journal “I Am Great Because of Me” on Reducing Impostor Syndrome Among High Performing Students
Impostor Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities despite evident achievements, can hinder personal and academic development. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the interactive journal “I am Great Because of Me”, integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), in addressing Impostor Syndrome among high-performing students. The journal features innovative tools such as the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) test accessible via QR code, self-acknowledgement pages, and virtual consultations powered by AI chatbots. These elements aim to support self-reflection, provide real-time diagnostics, and deliver actionable recommendations for users. The ADDIE model was employed for the journal's development, incorporating feedback from experts and users. Likert scales and Cohen’s D analysis were used to evaluate satisfaction, usability, and impact. Results showed that 90.1% of students expressed high satisfaction with the journal’s accessibility, interactivity, and capacity to enhance self-awareness and motivation. A pre-test and post-test conducted on the intervention group revealed a significant reduction in Impostor Syndrome by 42.5%, with an effect size of 2.84, categorized as "very large." Features such as the self-acknowledgement worksheets helped students recognize their strengths, while AI consultations offered additional psychological support. Expert validation emphasized the journal’s clarity, relevance, and objectivity, noting the absence of bias in AI-driven suggestions. The journal was praised for its accurate content, ease of use, interactivity, and the protection of user data, ensuring a safe and private environment for self-development. Students found the journal beneficial not only for addressing Impostor Syndrome but also for fostering personal growth and self-confidence. This research demonstrates the potential of combining psychological theories with AI-driven tools in education. The journal “I am Great Because of Me” effectively aids students in overcoming Impostor Syndrome and improving self-perception. It serves as a scalable solution for schools and individuals aiming to tackle similar psychological challenges. Future studies are encouraged to explore its application in broader contexts to maximize its impact.
Eradicating Cystic Fibrosis Biofilms by a Novel Non-Toxic, Multi-Pathway Salicylate Therapy
1.1. Cystic Fibrosis Biofilms Biofilms are bacterial aggregates in a matrix of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids (Donlan, 2002). They account for 80% of all chronic infections and cause over 500,000 deaths annually. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder characterized by mucus accumulation in the respiratory tracts (Morrison et al., 2020). This impairs mucociliary clearance, allowing chronic colonization by bacterial biofilms, leading to fatal respiratory failure, lung scarring, and necrosis of pulmonary epithelial tissues (Martin et al., 2021). 1.2. Obstacles in Current Treatments Three major therapies are used against CF biofilms: (1) aminoglycoside antibiotics like tobramycin, (2)non-aminoglycoside antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and vancomycin, and (3) non-antibiotic therapies including flushing, chlorination, and ultraviolet disinfection. These have two major flaws. First, they are cytotoxic; 30% of patients experience acute kidney injury after three days of intravenous aminoglycoside therapy (Joyce et al., 2017). Furthermore, non-aminoglycoside therapies can cause phospholipid buildup in lysosomes of proximal tubule epithelial cells, accounting for 10-20% of acute renal failure cases. Second, antibiotic resistance due to horizontal gene transfer and mutations has significantly reduced treatment effectiveness. Therefore, cystic fibrosis biofilms remain a critical threat with few effective treatments. 1.3. Salicylate Derivatives This project tackled this issue using an innovative non-antibiotic approach with salicylate derivatives. Salicylates, a class of benzoic acids—benzene-based carboxylic acids (Figure 1)—used in painkillers and blood thinners, were investigated for their antibiofilm potential through a 3-step process: 1. Literature review: Identified three key biofilm therapeutic targets: quorum sensing, bacterial adhesion, and cell motility. Disrupting these pathways would result in biofilm eradication. 2. Molecule Identification: Recognized key molecules in each pathway: LasR, adhesins, and flagellin. Inhibiting these molecules would disrupt the pathways. 3. Screening: Found that salicylates could inhibit the identified molecules, though they had never been tested against cystic fibrosis biofilms.
Can Quantum Mechanical Two-State Theory model Coulomb’s Force?
The quantum mechanical description of the four fundamental forces of nature is very important for the decryption of the rules which underlie our world. While Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) describes the electromagnetic force in great detail, it also uses complex mathematical techniques and advanced physical concepts. In the following, I will analyze to what extent a quantum mechanical two-state model can be used to describe the Coulomb interaction between two charged particles. To do so, I will exclusively focus on the electrostatic interaction, leaving dynamics aside. Furthermore, the analysis is nonrelativistic and does not consider the spin of the particles. Finally, using discrete state theory allows to explore the strength of the basic concepts of early quantum mechanics. In this sense, I will try to develop a simpli ed model for the quantum mechanical description of the electrostatic force. However, the analysis is not simplistic, since the traditional formalism of quantum mechanics will be used, including Dirac's Bra-ket notation, probability amplitudes, the Hamiltonian matrix as well as the Schrödinger equation. To understand the framework of my project, it may be helpful to take a look at the source of inspiration for my analysis: In Chapter 10 of the third volume of the well-known textbook series The Feynman Lectures on Physics[4], the force holding the hydrogen molecular ion together is explained in terms of a two-state system. The electron of the molecular ion can be either at the rst proton or at the second one. The exchange of the electron between both protons leads to an attractive force between them. It is known from QED that the electrostatic interaction between two charged particles is due to the exchange of a virtual photon which acts as force carrier. The idea of my work is to explore whether the electrostatic force can be described by a very similar model, replacing the electron acting as force carrier in the molecular ion by a virtual photon for the description of the electrostatic force between two charged particles. To describe a system consisting of charged particles, I will make the assumption that a charged particle can appear in two states. Either it is in state e where it can emit a photon or it is in state a which enables it to absorb a photon. Upon emission or absorption of a photon the charged particle transitions to the respective other state. This makes the approach analyzed in my work an element of discrete state theory, since two di erent states of the particle are used to store information about it. Of course such a model cannot be compared to the sophisticated theory of Quantum Electrodynamics. The point is, however, that it is interesting to explore the power of the most fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and to show that such an analysis can lead to inspiring results.