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Environmental Research Jul 2024Microplastics, an invisible threat, are emerging as serious pollutants that continuously affect health by interrupting/contaminating the human cycle, mainly involving...
Microplastics, an invisible threat, are emerging as serious pollutants that continuously affect health by interrupting/contaminating the human cycle, mainly involving food, water, and air. Such serious scenarios raised the demand for developing efficient sensing systems to detect them at an early stage efficiently and selectively. In this direction, the proposed research reports an electrochemical hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) sensing utilizing a sensing platform fabricated using chitosan-magnesium oxide nanosheets (CHIT-MgO NS) nanocomposite. HMT is considered as a hazardous microplastic, which is used as an additive in plastic manufacturers and has been selected as a target analyte. To fabricate sensing electrodes, a facile co-precipitation technique was employed to synthesize MgO NS, which was further mixed with 1% CHIT solution to form a CHIT_MgO NS composite. Such prepared nanocomposite solution was then drop casted to an indium tin oxide (ITO) to fabricate CHIT_MgO NS/ITO sensing electrode to detect HMT electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. To determine the limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity, DPV was performed. The resulting calibrated curve for HMT, ranging from 0.5 μM to 4.0 μM, exhibited a sensitivity of 12.908 μA (μM) cm with a detection limit of 0.03 μM and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.10 μM. Further, the CHIT_MgO NS/ITO modified electrode was applied to analyze HMT in various real samples, including river water, drain water, packaged water, and tertiary processed food. The results demonstrated the method's high sensitivity and suggested its potential applications in the field of microplastic surveillance, with a focus on health management.
Topics: Chitosan; Electrochemical Techniques; Microplastics; Magnesium Oxide; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Nanostructures; Nanocomposites; Limit of Detection; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38599449
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118894 -
American Journal of Surgery Sep 2021
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Calcium Carbonate; Child; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Intraoperative Complications; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Care; Reference Values; Retrospective Studies; Thyroid Crisis; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Treatment Outcome; Triiodothyronine; Young Adult
PubMed: 33726920
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.02.018 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Feb 2021
Topics: Antacids; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bismuth; Capsules; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Medication Adherence; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 33210981
DOI: 10.1177/2050640620975357 -
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Mar 2021
Topics: Aged; Antidiarrheals; Bismuth; Chronic Disease; Colitis, Microscopic; Diagnosis, Differential; Diarrhea; Female; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Organometallic Compounds; Salicylates
PubMed: 33673924
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.07.043 -
View (Beijing, China) Jul 2022Acidosis, such as respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis, can be induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and is associated with increased mortality...
Acidosis, such as respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis, can be induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and is associated with increased mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. It remains unclear whether acidosis further promotes SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients, making virus removal difficult. For antacid therapy, sodium bicarbonate poses great risks caused by sodium overload, bicarbonate side effects, and hypocalcemia. Therefore, new antacid antidote is urgently needed. Our study showed that an acidosis-related pH of 6.8 increases SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression on the cell membrane by regulating intracellular microfilament polymerization, promoting SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection. Based on this, we synthesized polyglutamic acid-PEG materials, used complexation of calcium ions and carboxyl groups to form the core, and adopted biomineralization methods to form a calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO-NPs) nanoantidote to neutralize excess hydrogen ions (H), and restored the pH from 6.8 to approximately 7.4 (normal blood pH). CaCO-NPs effectively prevented the heightened SARS-CoV-2 infection efficiency due to pH 6.8. Our study reveals that acidosis-related pH promotes SARS-CoV-2 infection, which suggests the existence of a positive feedback loop in which SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced acidosis enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, antacid therapy for acidosis COVID-19 patients is necessary. CaCO-NPs may become an effective antacid nanoantidote superior to sodium bicarbonate.
PubMed: 35937939
DOI: 10.1002/VIW.20220004 -
HIV Medicine May 2022Comorbidities are associated with a high burden of disease in people living with HIV (PLWH). The objective was to investigate the prevalence of chronic comorbidities and...
OBJECTIVES
Comorbidities are associated with a high burden of disease in people living with HIV (PLWH). The objective was to investigate the prevalence of chronic comorbidities and use of co-medications in PLWH in Japan.
METHODS
This study retrospectively analysed clinical information from PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) between April 2009 and March 2019. Demographic characteristics, numbers and types of chronic comorbidities, and numbers and types of non-ART co-medications, were described by age groups. The source of data was the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB).
RESULTS
Overall, 28 089 PLWH (male 91.9%) who used ART were identified. Out of 28 089 PLWH, 81.5% had at least one chronic comorbidity. The numbers of AIDS-defining cancers and non-AIDS-defining cancers in this Japanese cohort were 2432 (8.7%) and 2485 (8.8%), respectively. The cumulative burden of comorbidities including non-AIDS-defining cancer increased with age. Changes in trend between 2009 and 2019 were observed, including a higher proportion of PLWH diagnosed at ≥ 70 years old [2019 (4.7%) vs. 2009 (2.4%)] and a decreasing percentage of patients with AIDS-defining cancers (down from 6.3% to 4.8% between 2009 and 2019). The most common co-medications during the most recent 3-month period were lipid-regulating/anti-atheroma preparations (11.3%), antacids, antiflatulents and anti-ulcerants (9.6%), and agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (8.1%). The three most common therapeutic categories of co-medications during the study period were antacids, antiflatulents and anti-ulcerants (35.0%), systemic antihistamines (33.7%) and psycholeptics (27.1%). More than 30% of PLWH aged > 40 years used at least one co-medication in a 3-month period, while more than half of PLWH aged > 30 years had at least one co-medication prescribed concomitantly for a total of ≥ 90 days during the study period, and the numbers of co-medications used were greater in the older age groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The burden of chronic comorbidities and co-medication were found to be greater in older, as compared to younger patients, among 28 089 PLWH in a nationwide study in Japan. This finding suggests the need to identify elderly PLWH and to appropriately manage their HIV and comorbidities.
Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Aged; Antacids; Antifoaming Agents; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; HIV Infections; Humans; Japan; Male; Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34821006
DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13206 -
Nutrients Nov 2021To explore the relationship between citrus fruit juices (oranges, grapefruits, and lemonades) and kidney stone disease (KSD). (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
To explore the relationship between citrus fruit juices (oranges, grapefruits, and lemonades) and kidney stone disease (KSD).
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using the Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases, in concordance with the PRISMA checklist for all English, French, and Spanish language studies regarding the consumption of citrus fruit juices and the relationship to urinary stone disease. The main outcome of interest was the association of citrus fruit juices with KSD.
RESULTS
Thirteen articles met the criteria for inclusion in the final review. Three large epidemiological studies found that grapefruit juice was a risk factor for stone formation, while orange juice did not increase the risk for KSD. Ten small prospective clinical studies found that orange, grapefruit, and lemon juices all increased urinary citrate levels. Only orange and grapefruit juices had an alkalinizing effect and while lemon juice has a protective effect by raising urinary citrate levels, it lacked a significant alkalinizing effect on urine pH. Orange juice and grapefruit juices significantly increased urinary oxalate levels, while orange juice also had a high carbohydrate content.
CONCLUSION
While orange juice seems to play a protective role against stone formation, grapefruit was found to raise the risk of KSD in epidemiological studies but had a protective role in smaller clinical studies. Lemon juice had a smaller protective role than orange juice. Larger amounts of, as well as more accurate, data is needed before recommendations can be made and a high carbohydrate content in these juices needs to be taken into consideration.
Topics: Antacids; Citric Acid; Citrus; Citrus paradisi; Citrus sinensis; Fruit; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Humans; Kidney Calculi; Plant Preparations; Urolithiasis
PubMed: 34836376
DOI: 10.3390/nu13114117 -
Pediatric Quality & Safety 2020Gastroesophageal reflux is a physiologic occurrence in infants. Clinicians caring for neonates use histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2As) or proton pump inhibitors...
INTRODUCTION
Gastroesophageal reflux is a physiologic occurrence in infants. Clinicians caring for neonates use histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2As) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for symptomatic reflux, apnea/bradycardia/desaturations, or irritability. Recent studies have shown that there is an increased incidence of infection, fracture, and mortality in neonates who receive antacids.
METHODS
A multidisciplinary team aimed to decrease nonindicated antacid use in the NICU by 50% by April 2019. Outcome measures include the median number of inappropriate antacid prescriptions and patient-days on acid-suppressants. Interventions include education regarding use and risks of antacids, development of a list of indications deemed "appropriate" for starting an H2A or PPI, mandatory discussion on rounds when considering antacids, documentation of treatment goal, and indication, and an automatic drop-off in the electronic medical record.
RESULTS
Baseline data (June-December 2017) showed 19 prescriptions of H2As or PPIs. Of those, 10 orders were deemed "inappropriate," according to our indicated uses. There were 407 total patient-days of medication-use (median: 51 patient-days). After the implementation of the interventions (October 2018-May 2019), there were 11 prescriptions of antacid medications, 3 of which were deemed "inappropriate." There were 206 total days of medication-use (median: 18.5 patient-days).
CONCLUSIONS
A multidisciplinary agreement on indications for antacid use in neonates stimulates discussion and creates more purposeful use. Overall, we successfully decreased nonindicated antacid prescriptions in the NICU. For the next steps, we hope to educate physicians on the risks of antacid use and reduce prescriptions in other areas of the hospital and the outpatient setting.
PubMed: 32607459
DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000303 -
Cureus Mar 2024As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and... (Review)
Review
As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and appropriate diagnosis, adequate care, and a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients. This systematic review explores the role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in IPF and answers the question, "Does proton pump inhibitor improve only the prognosis of gastroesophageal associated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or for other types of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis too?" We used PubMed (PMC) and Google Scholar for data collection for this systematic review and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for conducting this review. After in-depth literature screening and quality appraisal, 12 articles were selected for this systematic review. On the one hand, the efficacy of PPI therapy is supported by research such as the CAPACITY and ASCEND trials, a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) investigating the role of omeprazole in IPF and a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, respectively. On the other hand, a systematic review and meta-analysis on antacid and antireflux surgery in IPF negate these results and show no statistical significance. Questions regarding the efficacy of PPI therapy must be dealt with in an adequately powered multicenter and double-blinded randomized control trial. The anti-inflammatory properties of antacids can serve as the cornerstone for future trials. In the following systematic review, antacid, antireflux therapy, omeprazole, and proton pump therapy are synonymous with stomach acid suppression therapy.
PubMed: 38606271
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55980 -
Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam,... Dec 2022CaCO precipitation can occur through bacterial activity (biomineralization) but can also take place in abiotic conditions in seawater at a steel surface under cathodic... (Review)
Review
CaCO precipitation can occur through bacterial activity (biomineralization) but can also take place in abiotic conditions in seawater at a steel surface under cathodic polarization. In this work, we used two biocalcifying bacterial strains: Pseudoalteromonas sp. and Virgibacillus halodenitrificans isolated in a previous work from marine environment for their ability to induce CaCO precipitation. Motility experiments were performed to evaluate the bacterial behaviour in the absence or presence of an applied electric current of -600 µA/cm in a solid medium. As no alteration of bacterial growth or CaCO crystal formation were observed, we studied both strains in liquid cultures at different applied currents densities: -100, -200 and -600 µA/cm. The deposits formed on the cathode surface were characterized by µ-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The strain ability to biocalcify in the presence of electric current, in the liquid medium, was evaluated by monitoring bacterial growth, pH evolution, CaCO production and metabolic characterization for 7 days. Our results show that neither bacterial growth, enzymatic pathways or CaCO production were altered by the electric current. Moreover, bacterial activity modified drastically the nature of the compounds formed on the cathode surface. It favoured Mg-containing calcite, hindering the formation of both aragonite and brucite.
Topics: Bacteria; Calcium Carbonate; Electrodes; Magnesium Hydroxide; Seawater; Steel
PubMed: 36183559
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108271