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Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jun 2024Solar Fenton is an important and extensively used advanced oxidation process (AOP) to degrade pharmaceutical pollutants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the...
Solar Fenton is an important and extensively used advanced oxidation process (AOP) to degrade pharmaceutical pollutants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of simultaneous degradation of the mixed pollutants (amoxicillin, acetaminophen, and ciprofloxacin) for an aqueous solution using the solar Fenton process. Operating parameters such as pH, iron doses, HO doses, pollutant concentrations, and time were studied. From the experimental results, the ideal conditions were obtained for the removal of mixed pollutants such as pH 3, Fe 0.04 mM, HO 4 mM, the concentration of the mixed pollutants 5 mg/L, solar radiation 400 W/m, and time 10 min, respectively. The pseudo-first-order kinetics were utilized to investigate the degradation efficacy of the mixed pollutants. The result of the study indicates that the degradation efficiency was > 99% for the mixed pollutants. A maximum of 63% mineralization was observed, and hydroxyl radical scavenger effects were studied. The best optimal conditions were applied to assess the spiked wastewater (municipal wastewater (MWW) and hospital wastewater (HWW)). The highest elimination rates for AMX, ACET, and CIP were observed as 65%, 89%, and 85% for MWW and 76%, 92%, and 80% for HWW, respectively. The degraded by-products were detected by LC-ESI-MS in the water matrix (aqueous solution and spiked wastewater), and ECOSAR analysis was performed for the transformed products. The study concluded that the solar Fenton technique is promising and effective for the removal of mixed pollutants from the water matrix.
Topics: Water Pollutants, Chemical; Hydrogen Peroxide; Kinetics; Iron; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Sunlight; Wastewater; Oxidation-Reduction; Ciprofloxacin; Acetaminophen; Amoxicillin
PubMed: 38942963
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12837-2 -
Molecular Plant Jun 2024Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are specialized metabolites produced by hundreds of Solanum species, including important vegetable crops such as tomato, potato and...
Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are specialized metabolites produced by hundreds of Solanum species, including important vegetable crops such as tomato, potato and eggplant. Though SGAs are better known for their role in defence in plants and 'anti-nutritional' effects (e.g., toxicity and bitterness) to humans, many of these molecules have documented anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-pyretic activities. Among these, α-solasonine and α-solamargine isolated from black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), are reported to have potent anti-tumor, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities. Notably, α-solasonine and α-solamargine, along with the core steroidal aglycone solasodine are the most widespread SGAs produced among the Solanum plants. However, it is still unknown how plants synthesize these bioactive steroidal molecules. Through comparative metabolomic-transcriptome guided approach, biosynthetic logic, combinatorial expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and functional recombinant enzyme assays, here we report the discovery of 12 enzymes from S. nigrum that converts the staring cholesterol precursor to solasodine aglycone, and the downstream α-solasonine, α-solamargine and malonyl-solamargine SGA products. We further identified 6 enzymes from cultivated eggplant that catalyse the production of α-solasonine, α-solamargine and malonyl-solamargine SGAs from solasodine aglycone, via glycosylation and atypical malonylation decorations. Our work provides the gene tool box and platform for engineering the production of high value, steroidal bioactive molecules in heterologous hosts using synthetic biology.
PubMed: 38937971
DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.06.013 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive technique used to treat type B aortic dissections. Left subclavian artery (LSA) reconstruction is...
BACKGROUND
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive technique used to treat type B aortic dissections. Left subclavian artery (LSA) reconstruction is required when treating patients with involvement of LSA. The best antiplatelet therapy after LSA reconstruction is presently uncertain.
METHODS
This study retrospectively analyzed 245 type B aortic dissection patients who underwent left subclavian artery revascularization during TEVAR. Out of 245 patients, 159 (64.9%) were in the single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) group, receiving only aspirin, and 86 (35.1%) were in the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) group, receiving aspirin combined with clopidogrel. During the 6-month follow-up, primary endpoints included hemorrhagic events (general bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes), while secondary endpoints comprised ischemic events (left upper limb ischemia, ischemic stroke, and thrombotic events), as well as death and leakage events. Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on hemorrhagic and ischemic events, with the Kaplan-Meier method used to generate the survival curve.
RESULTS
During the six-month follow-up, the incidence of hemorrhagic events in the DAPT group was higher (8.2% vs. 30.2%, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in ischemic events, death, or leakage events among the different antiplatelet treatment schemes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that DAPT (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.07-4.60, P = 0.032) and previous chronic conditions (HR:3.88, 95% CI: 1.24-12.14, P = 0.020) significantly affected the occurrence of hemorrhagic events. Chronic conditions in this study encompassed depression, vitiligo, and cholecystolithiasis. Carotid subclavian bypass (CSB) group (HR:0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.68, P = 0.004) and single-branched stent graft (SBSG) group (HR:0.26, 95% CI: 0.13-0.50, P < 0.001) had a lower rate of ischemic events than fenestration TEVAR (F-TEVAR). Survival analysis over 6 months revealed a lower risk of bleeding associated with SAPT during hemorrhagic events (P = 0.043).
CONCLUSIONS
In type B aortic dissection patients undergoing LSA blood flow reconstruction after synchronous TEVAR, the bleeding risk significantly decreases with the SAPT regimen, and there is no apparent ischemic compensation within 6 months. Patients with previous chronic conditions have a higher risk of bleeding. The CSB group and SBSG group have less ischemic risk compared to F-TEVAR group.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Subclavian Artery; Middle Aged; Aortic Dissection; Endovascular Procedures; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aged; Clopidogrel; Aspirin; Aorta, Thoracic; Treatment Outcome; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Postoperative Complications; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
PubMed: 38937841
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02932-3 -
Biological Trace Element Research Jun 2024Current trends are promoting youth, beauty, health, and fitness. Individuals often seek out remedies, such as medicines or dietary supplements (DS), to achieve these...
Current trends are promoting youth, beauty, health, and fitness. Individuals often seek out remedies, such as medicines or dietary supplements (DS), to achieve these goals. However, highly processed foods, chronic stress, and environmental pollution contribute to the development of civilization diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mercury (Hg) content in medicines and DS that are available in Poland. A total of 139 preparations were tested (75 drugs, 64 DS). The medicines contained preparations belonging to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory; heart and blood vessel disease preventatives; respiratory tract infections treatment; diuretics; aiding digestion; supplements; antidiarrhoeals; anti-allergics; anti-rheumatics; antibiotics; and others. The tested dietary supplements had an effect on the following: improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails; vitamins; minerals; probiotics; weight loss; special for women; and others. The Hg content of the samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The Hg content of all the preparations varied widely (0.1-57.4 µg/kg), with a median Hg concentration of 1.2 µg/kg. The median Hg concentration for medicines was 0.8 µg/kg, prescription medicines having higher Hg concentrations (0.9 µg/kg) than over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (0.5 µg/kg). For DS, the Hg content was found to be higher than for drugs, at 2.0 µg/kg. The herbal preparations showed the highest Hg content among the individual DS groups (3.4 µg/kg). The Hg concentrations in the tested drug and DS samples did not exceed acceptable standards. However, if multiple pharmaceutical preparations are taken simultaneously over a long period of time, and there is existing environmental exposure, there is a possibility of Hg concentration accumulation and adverse health effects.
PubMed: 38935258
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04269-3 -
Pharmaceutics May 2024Acemetacin (ACM) is a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. However, the poor water solubility and...
Acemetacin (ACM) is a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. However, the poor water solubility and gastrointestinal side effects limit its use. Recently, the co-amorphous (CAM) strategy has attracted great interest to improve solubility for poorly water-soluble drugs, and basic amino acids have the potential to protect the gastrointestinal tract. In order to develop a highly efficient and low-toxic ACM formulation, we prepared ACM CAM systems, with basic amino acids (lysine, arginine, and histidine) as co-formers, using a cryo-milling method. The solid-state behaviors of the ACM CAM systems were characterized by polarizing light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking were carried out to understand the formation mechanism. Moreover, the gastro-protective effects of ACM CAM systems were evaluated in a rat gastric ulcer model. The results demonstrated that the CAM systems improved the dissolution rates of ACM compared with the neat amorphous counterpart. Furthermore, ACM CAM systems are significantly effective in mitigating the ACM-induced gastric ulcer in rats, and the ulcer inhibition rates were almost 90%. More importantly, this study provided a useful method for mitigating drug-induced gastrointestinal damage and broadened the applications of drug-amino acid CAM systems.
PubMed: 38931867
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060745 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The importance of natural plant materials in modern medicine is considerable, and raw materials with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties are... (Review)
Review
The importance of natural plant materials in modern medicine is considerable, and raw materials with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties are still sought because of microbe resistance and difficulties in anticancer therapy. This review focuses on the lemongrass (DC.) Stapf. and on the lemongrass oil properties and applications. Multiple applications of this plant were described in different latitudes and cultures, including cases of digestive disorders and anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diaphoretic, stimulating, and antispasmodic conditions. Data from the literature on the composition of essential oil and extracts from were analyzed, and the results of research on the antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects were quoted. Essential oil inhibits the growth of fungi (, , spp.) and has an antibacterial effect (, , ). It also shows antiviral activity and deters insects. Lemongrass contains active substances with potential anticancer effects. This plant has apoptosis-stimulating properties, mainly through the activity of apigenin, which is the main active flavonoid in this plant. This active substance helps inhibit cell proliferation by stopping the cell cycle and directing cancer cells toward apoptosis.
PubMed: 38931371
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060705 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI)....
The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI). polysaccharides (GLPs) exhibit hepatoprotective activity, yet the protective impact and potential mechanism of GLPs in relation to APAP-induced ALI remain ambiguous. The intention of this research was to scrutinize the effect of GLPs on APAP-induced ALI and to shed light on their potential mechanism. The results demonstrated that GLPs were capable of notably alleviating the oxidative stress triggered by APAP, as shown through a significant drop in the liver index, the activities of serum ALT and AST, and the amounts of ROS and MDA in liver tissue, along with an increase in the levels of SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px. Within these, the hepatoprotective activity at the high dose was the most conspicuous, and its therapeutic efficacy surpassed that of the positive drug (bifendate). The results of histopathological staining (HE) and apoptosis staining (TUNEL) indicated that GLPs could remarkably inhibit the necrosis of hepatocytes, the permeation of inflammatory cells, and the occurrence of apoptosis induced by APAP. Moreover, Western blot analysis manifested that GLPs enhanced the manifestation of Nrf2 and its subsequent HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1 proteins within the Nrf2 pathway. The results of qPCR also indicated that GLPs augmented the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1. The results reveal that GLPs are able to set off the Nrf2 signaling path and attenuate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis, which is a potential natural medicine for the therapy of APAP-induced liver injury.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Oxidative Stress; Apoptosis; Reishi; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Animals; Male; Polysaccharides; Signal Transduction; Liver; Mice; Fungal Polysaccharides; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38931214
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121859 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In recent years, there has been a significant interest in the advancement of electrochemical sensing platforms to detect antipyretic drugs with high sensitivity and...
In recent years, there has been a significant interest in the advancement of electrochemical sensing platforms to detect antipyretic drugs with high sensitivity and selectivity. The electrochemical determination of acetaminophen (PCT) was studied with strontium molybdate with a functionalized carbon nanotube (SrMoO@f-CNF) nanocomposite. The SrMoO@f-CNF nanocomposite was produced by a facial hydrothermal followed by sonochemical treatment, resulting in a significant enhancement in the PCT determination. The sonochemical process was applied to incorporate SrMoO nanoparticles over f-CNF, enabling a network-like structure. Moreover, the produced SrMoO@f-CNF composite structural, morphological, and spectroscopic properties were confirmed with XRD, TEM, and XPS characterizations. The synergistic effect between SrMoO and f-CNF contributes to the lowering of the charge transfer resistance (Rct=85 Ω·cm2), a redox potential of Epc=0.15 V and Epa=0.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and a significant limit of detection (1.2 nM) with a wide response range of 0.01-28.48 µM towards the PCT determination. The proposed SrMoO@f-CNF sensor was studied with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques and demonstrated remarkable electrochemical properties with a good recovery range in real-sample analysis.
PubMed: 38930256
DOI: 10.3390/ma17122887 -
Discovery Medicine Jun 2024Atypical acinar cell foci (AACF) seen in pancreatic cancer are fatal and have been studied with some causative agents. However, for the first time, the effect of...
BACKGROUND
Atypical acinar cell foci (AACF) seen in pancreatic cancer are fatal and have been studied with some causative agents. However, for the first time, the effect of acetylsalicylic acid with nitric oxide (NO-ASA) on AACF was examined in this study. Although NO-ASA has very successful inhibitory effects against some types of cancer, it has not been investigated whether they can exert their inhibition effects on AACFs.
METHODS
For experimental purposes, 21 14-day-old male Wistar albino rats were used. Azaserine (30 mg/kg) was dissolved in 0.9% NaCl solution and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into 14 rats, except for the Control group (Cont) rats, for three weeks. Rats that were injected with azaserine once a week for three weeks and those that did not receive treatment were divided into experimental groups. 15 days after the end of the azaserine injection protocol, NO-ASA was applied to azaserine with NO-ASA (Az+NO-ASA) group rats three consecutive times with an interval of 15 days by gavage. At the end of the 5-month period, pancreatic tissue was dissected and weighed. Pancreas preparations prepared from histological sections were examined for AACF burden and analyzed via a video image analyzer. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) non-parametric statistical analyses were performed to test whether there was a difference between the averages of the experimental and Control groups.
RESULTS
AACF burden in both groups injected with azaserine was found to be statistically significant in all categories compared to that of the Control group ( < 0.05). The average Calculated Estimated average AACF volume (mm) values, the Calculated estimated average AACF diameter (μm), the Estimated average number of AACF per unit volume, AACF rate as a % of Calculated Organ Volume were higher in the AzCont group rats than in the Az+NO-ASA group, when compared, and there was an important level statistical difference between the groups ( < 0.05). It was determined that for all parameters AACFs load in Az+NO-ASA group rats were significantly reduced compared to that of AzCont group rats ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
We observed that, as a result of the NO-ASA application, the experimental AACF focus ratio created by azaserine injection was significantly inhibited. The inhibitory effect of AACFs in Az+NO-ASA group rats may have resulted from the significant and independent chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic activity of NO-ASA against exocrine pancreatic AACF foci.
Topics: Animals; Male; Aspirin; Rats, Wistar; Nitric Oxide; Rats; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Acinar Cells; Pancreas, Exocrine
PubMed: 38926102
DOI: 10.24976/Discov.Med.202436185.106 -
Talanta Jun 2024Effective monitoring of acetaminophen (APAP) dosage is crucial for preventing antipyretic abuse, ensuring therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing toxic effects. However,...
Effective monitoring of acetaminophen (APAP) dosage is crucial for preventing antipyretic abuse, ensuring therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing toxic effects. However, existing self-monitoring methods are limited. In this study, we designed a plasmonic microneedle (MN) sensor for real-time nondestructive monitoring of acetaminophen levels in dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) by employing a handheld Raman spectrometer. The fabricated MN sensor incorporated a high-density plasmonic MOFs known as HDPM, which unique structure of large specific surface area, specific pore structure as well as high density gold nanospheres packing enabled the excellent performance of selective ISF drug enrichment and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The maximum electric field enhancement factor of the HDPM nanostructure could be calculated as 5.73 × 10. The developed HDPM@MNs was characterized with a core-shell type "soft on the outside and rigid on the inside" structure, which exhibited sufficient hardness and flexibility to penetrate the dermal tissue with little damage, and robust SERS enhancement effect in APAP detection without any interfering peaks. Through a hydrogel drug simulation experiment, the sensor demonstrated robust capabilities for acetaminophen enrichment and monitoring, exhibiting excellent stability and repeatability. The quantitative detection window spanned from 1 to 100 μM, with a low detection limit reaching 0.45 μM. Furthermore, by monitoring the concentration of acetaminophen in the interstitial fluid of rat skin at different doses and for different administration times, the HDPM@MNs can be used to determine the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in rats and the physiological characteristics associated with various dosage regimens. This work not only holds promise for drug monitoring but also provides a novel approach for nondestructive monitoring of other crucial low-abundance physiological markers.
PubMed: 38924988
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126463