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Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jun 2024In the current work, Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-a statistical method-is used to optimize procedures like photocatalysis with the least amount of laboratory...
In the current work, Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-a statistical method-is used to optimize procedures like photocatalysis with the least amount of laboratory testing. However, to determine the most effective model for achieving the maximum rate of removal efficiency, the Response Surface Methodology was employed. The Ba-doped BiFeO photocatalyst was synthesized by the co-precipitation method, and its intrinsic properties were investigated by utilizing a range of spectroscopic techniques, such as FESEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and UV-vis. Herein, four independent factors such as, pH, contact time, pollutant concentration, and catalyst dosage were chosen. The results revealed that under acidic conditions with a contact duration of 2 min, a moderate catalyst dosage, and higher pollutant concentration, a degradation rate of 89.8% was achieved. The regression coefficient (R) and probability value (P) were determined to be 0.99551 and 0.0301, respectively, therefore confirming the excellent fit of the RSM model. Furthermore, this research investigated the potential photocatalytic degradation mechanisms of cefixime, demonstrating that the removal efficiency of cefixime is greatly influenced by the functional parameters.
Topics: Catalysis; Nanostructures; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Cefixime; Bismuth; Photolysis; Photochemical Processes; Ferric Compounds
PubMed: 38884667
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12781-1 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy sometimes present with comorbid conditions or co-infections. This could lead to an increased risk of drug...
INTRODUCTION
people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy sometimes present with comorbid conditions or co-infections. This could lead to an increased risk of drug interactions due to the concomitant use of drugs. The aim of the study was to explore the overall impact of dolutegravir on such comorbidities and the effect of concomitant medication on the safety and efficacy of dolutegravir.
METHODS
data was collected using a survey questionnaire and a retrospective review of medical records of a prospective study sample. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for up to 12 months after dolutegravir initiation. Concomitantly used drugs and supplements that were identified to have a potential interaction with dolutegravir were further characterized. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe the data, t-tests were performed on blood glucose levels and cross-tabulations were done on some variables.
RESULTS
of the 461 participants enrolled into the study, 172 (37.3%) and 54 (11.7%) experienced comorbidity and coinfection respectively. More than 50% of the participants used concomitant medicines. Metformin use led to increased blood glucose levels (p=0.009); participants on rifampicin (n=8) received an additional daily dose of dolutegravir. Virological outcomes in participants on sodium valproate (n=2) and St John´s wort (n=1) did not show safety concerns, whilst 3 dolutegravir discontinuations were observed in participants using supplements and antacids containing divalent cations.
CONCLUSION
even though dolutegravir was safe and effective in the study population, with possible drug interactions leading to treatment discontinuations in only 3(0.7%) participants, further investigation into dolutegravir-induced hyperglycemia needs investigation.
Topics: Humans; Pyridones; Oxazines; HIV Infections; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Piperazines; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Drug Interactions; HIV Integrase Inhibitors; Prospective Studies; Comorbidity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Blood Glucose; Anti-HIV Agents
PubMed: 38881766
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.137.40726 -
Biosensors & Bioelectronics Oct 2024A drop-casting method for the scalable construction of a solar cell-type light-addressable photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor on commercial phenol resin (PR) plates is...
A drop-casting method for the scalable construction of a solar cell-type light-addressable photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor on commercial phenol resin (PR) plates is reported. The sensor was fabricated by laser writing of addressable laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrode arrays on PR plates with ring-disc dual-electrode cell configurations using a 405 nm laser machine. Beneficial from the good hydrophilicity of PR-based LIG and the excellent film formation of bismuth sulfide nanorods (BiS NRs), uniform BiS photovoltaic films can be reproducibly deposited onto the LIG disc photoanode array via drop casting modification, which show a sensitive photocurrent response toward thiocholine (TCl) when the ring cathode array was coated with Ag/AgCl. An acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-based PEC biosensor was therefore constructed by a similar drop-casting modification method. The resulting biosensor exhibits good sensitivity toward an AChE inhibitor, i.e., galantamine hydrobromide (GH), with a calibration range of 10-300 μM and a detection limit of 7.33 μM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the biosensor possesses good storage stability, which can achieve the high-throughput screening of AChE inhibitor drugs from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). The present work thus demonstrates the promising application of LIG technology in constructing light-addressable PEC sensing devices with high performance and low cost.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Graphite; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Bismuth; Lasers; Limit of Detection; Acetylcholinesterase; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Sulfides; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Nanotubes; Light; Equipment Design
PubMed: 38878700
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116497 -
Carbohydrate Polymers Oct 2024While the extensive utilization of disposable plastic straws has resulted in significant environmental issues such as microplastics and soil and ocean pollution, the...
While the extensive utilization of disposable plastic straws has resulted in significant environmental issues such as microplastics and soil and ocean pollution, the quest for alternative straws for versatile use remains a formidable challenge. Here, drawing inspiration from naturally water-resistant materials such as bones and sea urchins, we have developed seaweed-based straws with significantly improved water resistance and mechanical strength via in-situ mineralization of CaCO on their surfaces. Specifically, the COO groups on the G (α-L-guluronate) blocks of alginate were employed to establish a robust cross-linked network, while the COO groups on the M (β-D-mannuronate) blocks attracted free Ca through electrostatic forces, thereby promoting CaCO nucleation. This effectively prevents COOH groups from hydrating, reducing swelling, and results in the fabrication of nano- to micron-sized CaCO particles that reinforce the structure without compromising the cross-linked network. Compared with the control group, the S5% sample (prepared with 5 % NaCO solution) exhibited a 102 % increase in water contact angle, a 35 % decrease in swelling degree, and a 35.5 % and 37.5 % increase in ultimate flexural and tensile stress, respectively. Furthermore, the potential use of these straws as a waste for heavy metal adsorption was investigated, addressing environmental concerns while demonstrating economic feasibility.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Seaweed; Tensile Strength; Alginates; Surface Properties; Water
PubMed: 38876717
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122347 -
Helicobacter 2024The optimal dosage of tetracycline remains unclear for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Frequent dosing requirements may decrease patient adherence and increase the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of Tetracycline Three Times Daily was Comparable to That of Four Times Daily for Helicobacter pylori Rescue Treatment: A Multicenter, Noninferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
The optimal dosage of tetracycline remains unclear for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Frequent dosing requirements may decrease patient adherence and increase the incidence of adverse events, potentially reducing treatment efficacy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different tetracycline dosages in rescue treatment for H. pylori infection.
METHODS
A total of 406 patients needing H. pylori rescue treatment were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups and received bismuth-containing quadruple therapies as follows: esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily, bismuth 220 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily, and tetracycline 500 mg either three (TET-T group) or four (TET-F group) times daily. At least 6 weeks after treatment completion, a C-urea breath test was performed to evaluate H. pylori eradication.
RESULTS
The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 91.13% (185/203) and 90.15% (183/203) (p = 0.733), the modified ITT (MITT) eradication rates were 94.87% (185/195) and 95.31% (183/192) (p = 0.841), and the per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 94.79% (182/192) and 95.21% (179/188) (p = 0.851) in the TET-T group and TET-F group, respectively. The eradication rates for the TET-T group were not inferior to those of the TET-F group in ITT, MITT, and PP analyses. The incidence of adverse effects was significantly lower in the TET-T group than in the TET-F group (23.65% vs. 33.50%, p = 0.028). No significant differences were observed in treatment compliance between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The dose of tetracycline administered three times daily showed comparable efficacy to that administered four times daily, while significantly reducing the incidence of adverse events. The combination of tetracycline and amoxicillin in bismuth-containing quadruple therapy achieved a high eradication rate in H. pylori rescue treatment.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter Infections; Tetracycline; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Helicobacter pylori; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Drug Therapy, Combination; Amoxicillin; Drug Administration Schedule; Esomeprazole; Breath Tests; Bismuth
PubMed: 38873902
DOI: 10.1111/hel.13102 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Caudofoveata are molluscs that protect their vermiform body with a scleritome, a mosaic of unconnected blade/lanceolate-shaped aragonite sclerites. For the species...
Caudofoveata are molluscs that protect their vermiform body with a scleritome, a mosaic of unconnected blade/lanceolate-shaped aragonite sclerites. For the species Falcidens gutturosus and Scutopus ventrolineatus we studied the crystallographic constitution and crystal orientation texture of the sclerites and the scleritome with electron-backscatter-diffraction (EBSD), laser-confocal-microscopy (LCM) and field-emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM) imaging. Each sclerite is an aragonite single crystal that is completely enveloped by an organic sheath. Adjacent sclerites overlap laterally and vertically are, however, not connected to each other. Sclerites are thickened in their central portion, relative to their periphery. Thickening increases also from sclerite tip towards its base. Accordingly, cross-sections through a sclerite are straight at its tip, curved and bent towards the sclerite base. Irrespective of curved sclerite morphologies, the aragonite lattice within the sclerite is coherent. Sclerite aragonite is not twinned. For each sclerite the crystallographic c-axis is parallel to the morphological long axis of the sclerite, the a-axis is perpendicular to its width and the b-axis is within the width of the sclerite. The single-crystalinity of the sclerites and their mode of organization in the scleritome is outstanding. Sclerite and aragonite arrangement in the scleritome is not given by a specific crystal growth mode, it is inherent to the secreting cells. We discuss that morphological characteristics of the sclerites and crystallographic preferred orientation (texture) of sclerite aragonite is not the result of competitive growth selection. It is generated by the templating effect of the organic substance of the secreting cells and associated extracellular biopolymers.
Topics: Animals; Animal Shells; Mollusca; Calcium Carbonate; Crystallography; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 38866846
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63042-7 -
Soft Matter Jun 2024Biogenic CaCO formation is regulated by crystallization proteins during crystal growth. Interactions of proteins with nascent mineral surfaces trigger proteins to be...
Biogenic CaCO formation is regulated by crystallization proteins during crystal growth. Interactions of proteins with nascent mineral surfaces trigger proteins to be incorporated into the crystal lattice. As a result of incorporation, these intracrystalline proteins are protected in the lattice, an example of which is ancient eggshell proteins that have persisted in CaCO for thousands of years even under harsh environmental conditions. OC17 is an eggshell protein known to interact with CaCO during eggshell formation during which OC17 becomes incorporated into the lattice. Understanding protein incorporation into CaCO could offer insights into protein stability inside crystals. Here, we study the protection of OC17 in the CaCO lattice. Using thermogravimetric analysis we show that the effect of temperature on intracrystalline proteins of eggshells is negligible below 250 °C. Next, we show that lattice incorporation protects the OC17 structure despite a heat-treatment step that is shown to denature the protein. Because incorporated proteins need to be released from crystals, we verify metal chelation as a safe crystal dissolution method to avoid protein denaturation during reconstitution. Finally, we optimize the recombinant expression of OC17 which could allow engineering OC17 for engineered intracrystalline entrapment studies.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Egg Proteins; Crystallization; Animals; Temperature
PubMed: 38860646
DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00371c -
Microbial Cell Factories Jun 2024Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation has been extensively researched for geoengineering applications as well as diverse uses within the built environment....
BACKGROUND
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation has been extensively researched for geoengineering applications as well as diverse uses within the built environment. Bacteria play a crucial role in producing calcium carbonate minerals, via enzymes including carbonic anhydrase-an enzyme with the capability to hydrolyse CO, commonly employed in carbon capture systems. This study describes previously uncharacterised carbonic anhydrase enzyme sequences capable of sequestering CO2 and subsequentially generating CaCO biominerals and suggests a route to produce carbon negative cementitious materials for the construction industry.
RESULTS
Here, Bacillus subtilis was engineered to recombinantly express previously uncharacterised carbonic anhydrase enzymes from Bacillus megaterium and used as a whole cell catalyst allowing this novel bacterium to sequester CO and convert it to calcium carbonate. A significant decrease in CO was observed from 3800 PPM to 820 PPM upon induction of carbonic anhydrase and minerals recovered from these experiments were identified as calcite and vaterite using X-ray diffraction. Further experiments mixed the use of this enzyme (as a cell free extract) with Sporosarcina pasteurii to increase mineral production whilst maintaining a comparable level of CO sequestration.
CONCLUSION
Recombinantly produced carbonic anhydrase successfully sequestered CO and converted it into calcium carbonate minerals using an engineered microbial system. Through this approach, a process to manufacture cementitious materials with carbon sequestration ability could be developed.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Bacillus subtilis; Carbon Dioxide; Carbonic Anhydrases; Sporosarcina; Bacillus megaterium; Carbon Sequestration; Chemical Precipitation; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38858761
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02437-7 -
Mikrochimica Acta Jun 2024Nanosized sodium bismuth perovskite titanate (NBT) was synthesized and first used as the electrochemical immune sensing platform for the sensitive detection of...
Nanosized sodium bismuth perovskite titanate (NBT) was synthesized and first used as the electrochemical immune sensing platform for the sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) grew on the surface of NBT through forming Au-N bond to obtain Au@NBT, and a label-free electrochemical immunosensor was proposed using Au@NBT as an immunosensing recognizer towards CEA. The well-ordered crystal structure of NBT was not changed at all after the modification of Au NPs outside, but significantly improved the conductivity, catalytic activity, and biocompatibility of the Au@NBT-modified electrode. The unique cubic crystal nanostructure of NBT offered a large active area for both Au NP modification and the subsequent immobilization of biomolecules over the electrode surface, triggering the effective generation of promising properties of the proposed Au@NBT-based electrochemical immunosensor. As expected, favorable detection performances were achieved using this immunosensor towards CEA detection, where a good linear relationship between the current response and CEA concentration was obtained in the concentration range 10 fg mL to 100 ng mL with a low detection limit (LOD) of 13.17 fg mL. Also, the significantly enhanced selectivity, and stability guaranteed the promising electrochemical properties of this immunosensor. Furthermore, the analysis of real serum samples verified the high feasibility of this new method in clinical CEA detection. This work opens a new window for the application of nanoperovskite in the early detection of CEA.
Topics: Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Titanium; Electrochemical Techniques; Humans; Limit of Detection; Immunoassay; Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Bismuth; Biosensing Techniques; Oxides; Antibodies, Immobilized; Calcium Compounds; Electrodes
PubMed: 38858277
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06451-9 -
Biomedical Materials (Bristol, England) Jun 2024Chemotherapeutic agents hold significant clinical potential in combating tumors. However, delivering these drugs to the tumor site for controlled release remains a...
Chemotherapeutic agents hold significant clinical potential in combating tumors. However, delivering these drugs to the tumor site for controlled release remains a crucial challenge. In this study, we synthesize and construct a glutathione (GSH) and acid dual-responsive bismuth-based nano-delivery platform (BOD), aiming for sonodynamic enhancement of docetaxel (DTX)-mediated tumor therapy. The bismuth nanomaterial can generate multiple reactive oxygen species under ultrasound stimulation. Furthermore, the loading of DTX to form BOD effectively reduces the toxicity of DTX in the bloodstream, ensuring its cytotoxic effect is predominantly exerted at the tumor site. DTX can be well released in high expression of GSH and acidic tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, ultrasound can also promote the release of DTX. Results from bothandexperiments substantiate that the synergistic therapy involving chemotherapy and sonodynamic therapy significantly inhibits the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. This study provides a favorable paradigm for developing a synergistic tumor treatment platform for tumor microenvironment response and ultrasound-promoted drug release.
Topics: Bismuth; Animals; Glutathione; Docetaxel; Mice; Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Ultrasonic Therapy; Tumor Microenvironment; Reactive Oxygen Species; Neoplasms; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Drug Liberation; Nanoparticles; Female
PubMed: 38857606
DOI: 10.1088/1748-605X/ad565c