Bargaining, Gamson’s law, Game theory, Social choice theory, Coalition formation, Formateur,
A methodology for converting terrorist networks from undirected graphs to simplified directed graphs (or digraphs), and mapping the flow of influence in them, is described. It is based on an "influence assumption"-that important persons with more links influence less important persons with fewer links. This methodology, which was previously used to analyze the structure of influence relationships in Communist-bloc countries and the international system, is illustrated by its application to two terrorist networks constructed after 9/11. In the second more complex network, the hierarchy sheds light on the leadership and likely terrorist cells embedded in the network. Refined data and alternative assumptions about influence could provide additional insights into the structure of terrorist networks.
BackgroundN-acetylcarnosine (NAC), a dipeptide with powerful antioxidant properties that is extensively used as a pharmaceutical prodrug for the treatment of cataract and acute gastric disease, was investigated by molecular dynamics with the GROMACS program in order to understand the solvent effect on peptide conformation of the peptide molecule used as a component of a drug and which presents substantial information on where drug molecules bind and how they exert their effects. Besides, molecular docking simulation was performed by using the AutoDock Vina program which identify the kind of interaction between the drug and proteins. A delivery system based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with NAC (NAC-PLGA-NPs) for the treatment of cataract was prepared for the first time in this study in order to enhance drug bioavailability and biocompatibility. The objective of this work was to prepare and evaluate the structural formulation, characterization, and cytotoxicity studies of NAC-loaded NPs based on PLGA for cataract treatment.MethodsPLGA and NAC-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared using the double emulsion (w/o/w) method, and characterizations of the NPs were carried out with UV–Vis spectrometer to determine drug concentration, the Zeta-sizer system to analyze size and zeta potential, FTIR spectrometer to determine the incorporation of drug and PLGA, and TEM analysis for morphological evaluation.ResultsNAC-loaded PLGA NPs were successfully obtained according to UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, Zeta-sizer system. And it was clearly observed from the TEM analysis that the peptide-loaded NPs had spherical and non-aggregated morphology. Also, the NPs had low toxicity at lower concentrations, and toxicity was augmented by increasing the concentration of the drug.DiscussionThe NAC molecule, which has been investigated as a drug molecule due to its antioxidant and oxidative stress-reducing properties, especially in cataract treatment, was encapsulated with a PLGA polymer in order to increase drug bioavailability. This study may contribute to the design of drugs for cataract treatment with better reactivity and stability.
Polymer scaffolds have many various applications in the field of tissue engineering, drug delivery, and implantation. They are applied as dispensing devices for bioactive molecules and as three-dimensional (3D) structures that provide stimulants that organize cells and direct desired original tissue formation. Hydrogels are preferred scaffolding material because they are structurally similar to the extracellular matrix of many tissues, often processed under mild conditions, and can be delivered in a minimally invasive manner. Hydrogel materials formed a group of polymeric materials. The hydrophilic structure allows them to hold large amounts of water in their three-dimensional backbone. As a result, hydrogels are used as scaffolding material for drug and growth factor transmission, tissue engineering modifications, and many other applications. In this chapter, we describe the physical and chemical structure of hydrogels, side groups, cross-linkings, swelling properties, types of polymers and fabrication methods, and application fields.
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