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The Ocular Surface Jul 2023To determine pathological changes of meibomian glands (MGs) after transient exposure of the rat eyelid margin to alkali solution.
PURPOSE
To determine pathological changes of meibomian glands (MGs) after transient exposure of the rat eyelid margin to alkali solution.
METHODS
Filter paper infiltrated with 1 N sodium hydroxide solution was applied to the eyelid margin of Sprague-Dawley rats for 30 s under general anesthesia, without touching the conjunctiva, after which the ocular surface and eyelid margin were examined by slit-lamp microscopy. In vivo confocal microscopy and stereomicroscopy were subsequently applied to observe MG morphology on day 5, day 10 and day 30 post alkali injury. Eyelid cross-sections were processed for H&E staining, Oil red O staining and immunofluorescent staining.
RESULTS
After alkali injury, there was marked plugging of MG orifices, telangiectasia and hypertrophy of the eyelid margin, while corneal epithelium was intact at post-injury days 5 and 10. However, 30 days after alkali injury, mild corneal epithelial damage was observed. Degeneration of MG acini was observed at days 5 and became aggravated at days 10 and 30, along with MG duct dilation and acini loss. Oil red O staining showed lipid accumulation in the dilated duct. Inflammatory cell infiltration and the presence of apoptotic cells was seen in the MG loci 5 days post injury, but diminished at days 10 and 30. Cytokeratin 10 expression was increased in dilated duct, while cytokeratin 14, PPAR-γ, Ki67 and LRIG1 expression were decreased in the acini of injured loci.
CONCLUSIONS
Transitory alkali exposure of the rat eyelid margin obstructs the MG orifice and induces pathological changes of MG dysfunction.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Meibomian Glands; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; Eyelid Diseases; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Corneal Injuries; Alkalies; Tears
PubMed: 37327868
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.007 -
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... Nov 2023The sensation of thirstiness is the desire to drink water. In certain situations, the ingestion of liquid water can be restricted. As a result, thirstiness is not... (Review)
Review
The sensation of thirstiness is the desire to drink water. In certain situations, the ingestion of liquid water can be restricted. As a result, thirstiness is not relieved, resulting in an uncomfortable and distressing situation. The present review describes thirstiness and hydration, the food products and beverages that cause thirstiness, and the beverages and food products currently available to quench thirstiness in individuals with restricted access to liquid ingestion. It also discusses how to measure the effectiveness of calming thirstiness. To diminish thirstiness distress, different alternatives to liquids are proposed. Individuals with swallowing disorders are given thickened water, individuals with restricted water ingestion are given ice cubes or ice popsicles of different flavors, and sportspeople are given energy gels. However, current beverage solutions seem not to relieve thirst fully, although some stimuli like iced water, flavors (especially lemon and mint), or acids seem to work better than plain stimuli and could be added to existing products. Therefore, there is still a need to incorporate these strategies into beverage and food formulations and to test their effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Thirst; Ice; Sensation; Food; Water
PubMed: 37583300
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13229 -
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B Sep 2023DO is commonly used as a solvent instead of HO in spectroscopic studies of proteins, in particular, in infrared and nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. DO is... (Review)
Review
DO is commonly used as a solvent instead of HO in spectroscopic studies of proteins, in particular, in infrared and nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. DO is chemically equivalent to HO, and the differences, particularly in hydrogen-bond strength, are often ignored. However, replacing solvent water with DO can affect not only the kinetics but also the structure and stability of biomolecules. Recent experiments have shown that even the mesoscopic structures and the elastic properties of biomolecular assemblies, such as amyloids and protein networks, can be very different in DO and HO. We discuss these findings, which probably are just the tip of the iceberg, and which seem to call for obtaining a better understanding of the HO/DO-isotope effect on water-water and water-protein interactions. Such improved understanding may change the differences between HO and DO as biomolecular solvents from an elephant in the room to an opportunity for protein research.
Topics: Water; Proteins; Solvents; Isotopes; Deuterium Oxide
PubMed: 37722111
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c04385 -
Military Medicine Jan 2024This was an in vivo animal study designed to investigate the interaction between dexamethasone (Dex) and microRNA-204 (miR-204) in a mouse alkali burn-induced corneal...
INTRODUCTION
This was an in vivo animal study designed to investigate the interaction between dexamethasone (Dex) and microRNA-204 (miR-204) in a mouse alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) model. The function of miR-204 was then investigated in human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) in vitro.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The CNV model was induced by corneal alkali burn in BLAB/c mice. The mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (Ctrl), alkali burn-induced corneal injury (Alkali), alkali burn + Dex (Dex), alkali burn + negative control (NTC), and alkali burn + miR-204 agomir (miR-204). Subconjunctival injection of NTC, Dex, or miR-204 agomir was conducted at 0, 3, and 6 days, respectively, after alkali burn. The corneas were collected at day 7 after injury, and the CNV area was observed using immunofluorescence staining. The expression of miR-204 was analyzed with quantitative real time (qRT)-PCR. In HMECs, exogenous miR-204 agomir or antagomir was used to strengthen or inhibit the expression of miR-204. Migration assays and tube formation studies were conducted to evaluate the function of miR-204 on HMECs.
RESULTS
At 7 days post-alkali burn, CNV grew aggressively into the cornea. MicroRNA-204 expression was reduced in the Alkali group in contrast with the Ctrl group (P = .003). However, miR-204 was upregulated in the Dex group (vs. alkali group, P = .008). The CNV areas in the NTC and miR-204 groups were 59.30 ± 8.32% and 25.60 ± 2.30%, respectively (P = .002). In vitro, miR-204 agomir showed obvious inhibition on HMEC migration in contrast with NTC (P = .033) and miR-204 antagomir (P = .017). Compared with NTC, miR-204 agomir attenuated tube formation, while miR-204 antagomir accelerated HMEC tube formation (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
The role of Dex in attenuating CNV may be partly attributed to miR-204. MiR-204 may be a potential therapeutic target in alkali burn-induced CNV.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Alkalies; Antagomirs; Burns, Chemical; Cornea; Corneal Injuries; Corneal Neovascularization; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Eye Burns; MicroRNAs
PubMed: 36043264
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac260 -
Journal of Environmental Management Dec 2023Advanced high-tech applications for communication, renewable energy, and display, heavily rely on technology critical elements (TCEs) such as indium, gallium, and... (Review)
Review
Advanced high-tech applications for communication, renewable energy, and display, heavily rely on technology critical elements (TCEs) such as indium, gallium, and germanium. Ensuring their sustainable supply is a pressing concern due to their high economic value and supply risks in the European Union. Recovering these elements from end-of-life (EoL) products (electronic waste: e-waste) offers a potential solution to address TCEs shortages. The review highlights recent advances in pre-treatment and hydrometallurgical and biohydrometallurgical methods for indium, gallium, and germanium recovery from EoL products, including spent liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaics (PVs), and optical fibers (OFs). Leaching methods, including strong mineral and organic acids, and bioleaching, achieve over 95% indium recovery from spent LCDs. Recovery methods emphasize solvent extraction, chemical precipitation, and cementation. However, challenges persist in separating indium from other non-target elements like Al, Fe, Zn, and Sn. Promising purification involves solid-phase extraction, electrochemical separation, and supercritical fluid extraction. Gallium recovery from spent GaN and GaAs LEDs achieves 99% yield via leaching with HCl after annealing and HNO, respectively. Sustainable gallium purification techniques include solvent extraction, ionic liquid extraction, and nanofiltration. Indium and gallium recovery from spent CIGS PVs achieves over 90% extraction yields via HSO with citric acid-HO and alkali. Although bioleaching is slower than chemical leaching (several days versus several hours), indirect bioleaching shows potential, achieving 70% gallium extraction yield. Solvent extraction and electrolysis exhibit promise for pure gallium recovery. HF or alkali roasting leaches germanium with a high yield of 98% from spent OFs. Solvent extraction achieves over 90% germanium recovery with minimal silicon co-extraction. Solid-phase extraction offers selective germanium recovery. Advancements in optimizing and implementing these e-waste recovery protocols will enhance the circularity of these TCEs.
Topics: Electronic Waste; Germanium; Indium; Hydrogen Peroxide; Recycling; Technology; Gallium; Solvents; Alkalies
PubMed: 37776794
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119043 -
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach,... Jul 2023The defects located at the interfaces and grain boundaries (GBs) of perovskite films are detrimental to the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar...
The defects located at the interfaces and grain boundaries (GBs) of perovskite films are detrimental to the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. Manipulating the perovskite crystallization process and tailoring the interfaces with molecular passivators are the main effective strategies to mitigate performance loss and instability. Herein, a new strategy is reported to manipulate the crystallization process of FAPbI -rich perovskite by incorporating a small amount of alkali-functionalized polymers into the antisolvent solution. The synergic effects of the alkali cations and poly(acrylic acid) anion effectively passivate the defects on the surface and GBs of perovskite films. As a result, the rubidium (Rb)-functionalized poly(acrylic acid) significantly improves the power conversion efficiency of FAPbI perovskite solar cells to approaching 25% and reduces the risk of lead ion (Pb ) leakage continuously via the strong interaction between CO bonds and Pb . In addition, the unencapsulated device shows enhanced operational stability, retaining 80% of its initial efficiency after 500 h operation at maximum power point under one-sun illumination.
Topics: Lead; Alkalies; Crystallization; Polymers
PubMed: 37021402
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211619 -
International Journal of Biological... Jul 2023The industrial production of chitosan, initiated over 50 years ago, has transformed its application across diverse industries, agriculture, and medicine. To enhance its... (Review)
Review
The industrial production of chitosan, initiated over 50 years ago, has transformed its application across diverse industries, agriculture, and medicine. To enhance its properties, numerous chitosan derivatives have been synthesized. The quaternization of chitosan has proven beneficial, as it not only enhances its properties but also imparts water solubility, expanding its potential for a wider range of applications. Specifically, the utilization of quaternized chitosan-based nanofibers has leveraged the synergistic benefits of quaternized chitosan (including hydrophilicity, bioadhesiveness, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hemostatic, and antiviral activities, as well as ionic conductivity) in combination with the distinctive characteristics of nanofibers (such as a high aspect ratio and 3D architecture). This combination has permitted numerous possibilities, spanning from wound dressings, air and water filters, drug delivery scaffolds, antimicrobial textiles, to energy storage systems and alkaline fuel cells. In this comprehensive review, we examine the preparation methods, properties, and applications of various composite fibers containing quaternized chitosan. The advantages and disadvantages of each method and composition are meticulously summarized, while relevant diagrams and figures illustrate the key findings.
Topics: Chitosan; Hemostatics; Anti-Infective Agents; Nanofibers; Water; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37270121
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125136 -
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and... Dec 2023The eye is a highly protected organ from ocularly administered drugs; drug- and formulation-related factors contribute significantly to ocular bioavailability. There...
The eye is a highly protected organ from ocularly administered drugs; drug- and formulation-related factors contribute significantly to ocular bioavailability. There has been a growing interest in using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in ophthalmology for treating postoperative pain, inflammation, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. A preformulation-assisted design boosts efficacy and reduces dose requirements. This work aims to study the preformulation characteristics of ketorolac tromethamine to improve ocular performance and future formulation development through developing an high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) stability-indicating assay, forced degradation under stress conditions, solubility, as well as partition and distribution coefficient measurements. An isocratic HPLC with diode array detector method was developed and validated. Accelerated degradation under different stressors (acid, alkali, heat, and oxidative) was studied. In addition, solubility, partition, and distribution were investigated at different pHs of 3.5-7.4. The results indicated that the developed HPLC method was simple, rapid (retention time ≃3 min), sensitive, selective, robust, and stability indicating. The drug seems more chemically sensitive to acid degradation (∼30% and 40% of the drug was degraded under 0.1 M and 1 M HCl at 60°C for 24 h, respectively). Another significant degradation was recorded in the following order: Oxidative > alkali > heat (phosphate-buffered saline) > heat (distilled water). Being a weak ionizable drug, both water and lipid solubility, as measured through partition coefficients, it demonstrated pH-dependency. For the optimum balance of water and lipid solubility required for penetration through the lipophilic corneal epithelial barrier, ketorolac eye drops would be better formulated between pH 5.5 and 6.6 than being formulated at the physiological fluid pH 7.4, where the drug is extremely hydrophilic and less permeable.
Topics: Ketorolac Tromethamine; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Ketorolac; Alkalies; Water; Lipids; Ophthalmic Solutions
PubMed: 37676986
DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0066 -
Chemosphere Dec 2023The rising atmospheric CO emissions from the burning of fossil fuels remains a global concern. Mangrove forests, which are important for global biodiversity, are known...
The rising atmospheric CO emissions from the burning of fossil fuels remains a global concern. Mangrove forests, which are important for global biodiversity, are known for their high carbon fixation capacity. However, the characteristics of the pyrolysis and gasification of mangroves remain unclear. Thus, this study focused on mangroves' basic pyrolysis and steam gasification properties for use as a gasification fuel. Three mangrove species: Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Avicennia marina, were used as experimental samples. In addition, three species of land wood were used for comparison: Eucalyptus, Japanese cedar, and Japanese cypress. In addition to the raw sample, a demineralized sample was used for each sample to account for the influence of the alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) on pyrolysis and steam gasification. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to obtain thermogravimetric curves of mangroves and land wood. A laboratory-scale instrument for pyrolysis and gasification using a batch-type horizontal electric furnace was also used at 800 °C in an inert and steam atmosphere. The char yield of raw mangroves was high and independent of the Klason lignin content, suggesting that AAEMs influence char formation during the initial pyrolysis of the mangroves. The results of pyrolysis and gasification under steam atmosphere showed that the H production ratio (Steam/Inert) from mangroves was 2.52-5.33, compared to 1.76-2.35 for land woods, the addition of steam significantly enhanced the steam gasification of mangroves. Mangroves contain relatively large amounts of AAEMs, which indicates their potential as a gasification feedstock.
Topics: Steam; Pyrolysis; Biomass; Fossil Fuels; Wood
PubMed: 37816444
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140388 -
STAR Protocols Sep 2023The presence of efficient energy storage and conversion technologies is essential for the future energy infrastructure. Here, we describe crafting a heterostructure...
The presence of efficient energy storage and conversion technologies is essential for the future energy infrastructure. Here, we describe crafting a heterostructure composed of a suitably interlinked CeO and polycrystalline BiO dopant prepared on a reduced graphene oxide (Ce_BiO@rGO) surface. This material exhibits exceptional electrocatalytic hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline water (pH∼14.0) to trigger the full water-splitting cycle as a Janus catalyst. The stepwise catalyst preparation and electrochemical cell assembly for simultaneous hydrogen and oxygen evolution have been narrated. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Aziz et al. (2022)..
Topics: Cell Cycle; Hydrogen; Oxygen; Water
PubMed: 37454297
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102448