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International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2021In the last few decades, there has been a trend involving the use of nanoscale fillers in a variety of applications. Significant improvements have been achieved in the... (Review)
Review
In the last few decades, there has been a trend involving the use of nanoscale fillers in a variety of applications. Significant improvements have been achieved in the areas of their preparation and further applications (e.g., in industry, agriculture, and medicine). One of these promising materials is magnesium oxide (MgO), the unique properties of which make it a suitable candidate for use in a wide range of applications. Generally, MgO is a white, hygroscopic solid mineral, and its lattice consists of Mg2+ ions and O2- ions. Nanostructured MgO can be prepared through different chemical (bottom-up approach) or physical (top-down approach) routes. The required resultant properties (e.g., bandgap, crystallite size, and shape) can be achieved depending on the reaction conditions, basic starting materials, or their concentrations. In addition to its unique material properties, MgO is also potentially of interest due to its nontoxicity and environmental friendliness, which allow it to be widely used in medicine and biotechnological applications.
Topics: Adsorption; Magnesium Oxide; Models, Chemical; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 34884556
DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312752 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022GeFeO, also known as brunogeierite, is a rare mineral of germanium. It has a normal spinel structure and, as with many other spinels, amazing functional properties... (Review)
Review
GeFeO, also known as brunogeierite, is a rare mineral of germanium. It has a normal spinel structure and, as with many other spinels, amazing functional properties thanks to its peculiar structural features. In the past, its spectroscopic, optical, magnetic and electronic properties were determined; then, for many years, this compound was left behind. Only recently, a renewed interest in this oxide has arisen, particularly for its application in the electrochemical field. In this review paper, the crystal structure of GeFeO will be described, as well as the synthesis methods required to obtain single crystals or polycrystalline powders. Its spectroscopic, magnetic, optical and electrical properties will be reported in detail. Then, successful applications known so far will be described: its use as anode in Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries and as electrocatalyst for urea oxidation reaction.
Topics: Germanium; Minerals; Magnesium Oxide; Aluminum Oxide
PubMed: 36500577
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238484 -
World Journal of Microbiology &... Dec 2022Microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a technique that has received a lot of attention in the field of geotechnology in the last decade. It... (Review)
Review
Microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a technique that has received a lot of attention in the field of geotechnology in the last decade. It has the potential to provide a sustainable and ecological alternative to conventional consolidation of minerals, for example by the use of cement. From a variety of microbiological metabolic pathways that can induce calcium carbonate (CaCO) precipitation, ureolysis has been established as the most commonly used method. To better understand the mechanisms of MICP and to develop new processes and optimize existing ones based on this understanding, ureolytic MICP is the subject of intensive research. The interplay of biological and civil engineering aspects shows how interdisciplinary research needs to be to advance the potential of this technology. This paper describes and critically discusses, based on current literature, the key influencing factors involved in the cementation of sand by ureolytic MICP. Due to the complexity of MICP, these factors often influence each other, making it essential for researchers from all disciplines to be aware of these factors and its interactions. Furthermore, this paper discusses the opportunities and challenges for future research in this area to provide impetus for studies that can further advance the understanding of MICP.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Urea; Chemical Precipitation; Metabolic Networks and Pathways
PubMed: 36576609
DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03499-8 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2023The therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals in the treatment of various illnesses and disorders are well documented. They show significant promise for the discovery and... (Review)
Review
The therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals in the treatment of various illnesses and disorders are well documented. They show significant promise for the discovery and creation of novel medications for treating a variety of human diseases. Numerous phytoconstituents have shown antibiotic, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects in the conventional system. Traditional medicines based on alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, terpenes, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, and phytosterols have been in use for a long time and are crucial as alternative treatments. These phytochemical elements are crucial for scavenging free radicals, capturing reactive carbonyl species, changing protein glycation sites, inactivating carbohydrate hydrolases, fighting pathological conditions, and accelerating the healing of wounds. In this review, 221 research papers have been reviewed. This research sought to provide an update on the types and methods of formation of methylglyoxal-advanced glycation end products (MGO-AGEs) and molecular pathways induced by AGEs during the progression of the chronic complications of diabetes and associated diseases as well as to discuss the role of phytoconstituents in MGO scavenging and AGEs breaking. The development and commercialization of functional foods using these natural compounds can provide potential health benefits.
Topics: Humans; Pyruvaldehyde; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Magnesium Oxide; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37108833
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087672 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with increasing prevalence worldwide characterized by chronic airway inflammation, increased mucus secretion and bronchial... (Review)
Review
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with increasing prevalence worldwide characterized by chronic airway inflammation, increased mucus secretion and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The phenotypic heterogeneity among asthmatic patients is accompanied by different endotypes, mainly Type 2 or non-Type 2. To investigate the pathomechanism of this complex disease many animal models have been developed, each trying to mimic specific aspects of the human disease. Rodents have classically been employed in animal models of asthma. The present review provides an overview of currently used Type 2 vs. non-Type 2 rodent asthma models, both acute and chronic. It further assesses the methods used to simulate disease development and exacerbations as well as to quantify allergic airway inflammation, including lung physiologic, cellular and molecular immunologic responses. Furthermore, the employment of genetically modified animals, which provide an in-depth understanding of the role of a variety of molecules, signaling pathways and receptors implicated in the development of this disease as well as humanized models of allergic inflammation, which have been recently developed to overcome differences between the rodent and human immune systems, are discussed. Nevertheless, differences between mice and humans should be carefully considered and limits of extrapolation should be wisely taken into account when translating experimental results into clinical use.
Topics: Acute Disease; Airway Remodeling; Aluminum Hydroxide; Animals; Antigens; Asthma; Bronchoconstriction; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Lung; Ovalbumin; Signal Transduction; Species Specificity
PubMed: 33101301
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575936 -
Gut and Liver Nov 2022
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter pylori; Bismuth; Clarithromycin; Helicobacter Infections; Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36379903
DOI: 10.5009/gnl220414 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the major compound belonging to reactive carbonyl species (RCS) responsible for the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Its... (Review)
Review
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the major compound belonging to reactive carbonyl species (RCS) responsible for the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Its upregulation, followed by deleterious effects at the cellular and systemic levels, is associated with metabolic disturbances (hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance/hyperlipidemia/inflammatory processes/carbonyl stress/oxidative stress/hypoxia). Therefore, it is implicated in a variety of disorders, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, an interplay between pathways leading to MGO generation and scavenging is addressed in regard to this system's impairment in pathology. The issues associated with mechanistic MGO involvement in pathological processes, as well as the discussion on its possible causative role in cardiometabolic diseases, are enclosed. Finally, the main strategies aimed at MGO and its AGEs downregulation with respect to cardiometabolic disorders treatment are addressed. Potential glycation inhibitors and MGO scavengers are discussed, as well as the mechanisms of their action.
Topics: Humans; Pyruvaldehyde; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Magnesium Oxide; Diabetes Mellitus; Hyperglycemia; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38067472
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237742 -
Communications Biology Sep 2022Cultured meat can provide a sustainable and more ethical alternative to conventional meat. Most of the research in this field has been focused on developing muscle...
Cultured meat can provide a sustainable and more ethical alternative to conventional meat. Most of the research in this field has been focused on developing muscle tissue, as it is the main component of meat products, while very few studies address cultured fat tissue, an essential component in the human diet and determinant of meat quality, flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. Here, we engineered bovine fat tissue for cultured meat and incorporated it within engineered bovine muscle tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were derived from bovine adipose tissue and exhibited the typical phenotypic profile of adipose-derived MSCs. MSC adipogenic differentiation and maturation within alginate-based three-dimensional constructs were optimized to yield a fat-rich edible engineered tissue. Subsequently, a marble-like construct, composed of engineered bovine adipose and muscle tissues, was fabricated, mimicking inter- and intra-muscular fat structures.
Topics: Adipogenesis; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Calcium Carbonate; Cattle; Humans; Meat; Mesenchymal Stem Cells
PubMed: 36071206
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03852-5 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2020Here, bismuth-based nanomaterials (Bi-based NMs) are introduced as promising theranostic agents to enhance image contrast as well as for the therapeutic gain for... (Review)
Review
Here, bismuth-based nanomaterials (Bi-based NMs) are introduced as promising theranostic agents to enhance image contrast as well as for the therapeutic gain for numerous diseases. However, understanding the interaction of such novel developed nanoparticles (NPs) within a biological environment is a requisite for the translation of any promising agent from the lab bench to the clinic. This interaction delineates the fate of NPs after circulation in the body. In an ideal setting, a nano-based therapeutic agent should be eliminated via the renal clearance pathway, meanwhile it should have specific targeting to a diseased organ to reach an effective dose and also to overcome off-targeting. Due to their clearance pathway, biodistribution patterns and pharmacokinetics (PK), Bi-based NMs have been found to play a determinative role to pass clinical approval and they have been investigated extensively in vivo to date. In this review, we expansively discuss the possible toxicity induced by Bi-based NMs on cells or organs, as well as biodistribution profiles, PK and the clearance pathways in animal models. A low cytotoxicity of Bi-based NMs has been found in vitro and in vivo, and along with their long-term biodistribution and proper renal clearance in animal models, the translation of Bi-based NMs to the clinic as a useful novel theranostic agent is promising to improve numerous medical applications.
Topics: Animals; Bismuth; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles; Nanostructures; Precision Medicine; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 33061369
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S250001 -
PloS One 2023Patients frequently use gastric acid-reducing agents (ARAs) to treat symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the risk for drug-drug interactions (DDI) is a...
INTRODUCTION
Patients frequently use gastric acid-reducing agents (ARAs) to treat symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the risk for drug-drug interactions (DDI) is a serious concern. This potentially makes the community pharmacist (CP) act as a primary intervention by providing the appropriate counseling and dispensing practice.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate CPs' counseling and dispensing practices regarding complaints of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including recommending an appropriate course of action to prevent possible DDIs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A simulated patient (SP) methodology was used in this study. The community pharmacies in Ajman and Sharjah were visited by SP who's responsible for acting as a patient, and by an observer who's responsible for focusing on the interaction between the SP and the CPs without engagement. Data were recorded using a preprepared data collection form. Performance feedback was sent to the CPs after concluding all visits. Counseling and dispensing scores were classified based on the total scores to poor, inadequate, and complete. Appropriateness of the pharmacist's decision was defined as dispensing antacid and advising of separating doses apart in time.
RESULTS
A total of 150 community pharmacies was included in the data analysis. The findings of the current study demonstrated poor counseling and dispensing for the vast majority of the participants (81.3% and 67.3% of respondents, respectively). Only 4% of the CPs advised the SP to have a time interval between antacid and cefuroxime axetil. A significant difference in counseling scores was found between pharmacies located in Ajman and Sharjah (p = 0.01). Also, there was a significant difference in dispensing scores between independent and chain pharmacies (p = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings revealed inadequate counseling and dispensing practice by CPs. This study highlighted the need for continuous professional training programs to endow the CPs with the knowledge necessary for improving the CPs' counseling and dispensing practices.
Topics: Humans; Pharmacists; Antacids; United Arab Emirates; Drug Interactions; Pharmacies; Community Pharmacy Services; Gastroesophageal Reflux
PubMed: 36607970
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279922