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Analytica Chimica Acta Mar 2024With the rapid growth of the demand for optically pure compounds in the fields of biology, medicine and stereospecific synthesis, it is of great importance to develop...
BACKGROUND
With the rapid growth of the demand for optically pure compounds in the fields of biology, medicine and stereospecific synthesis, it is of great importance to develop efficient, economical, simple enantioseparation and analysis methods. Open tubular capillary electrochromatography (OT-CEC) has attracted much attention in the field of chiral separation, but its column capacity and the sensitivity of common-used optical detection are relatively low. Zeolite beta nanomaterial is both enantioselective and size-selective, providing suitable chiral microenvironment for chiral recognition, and amperometric detection (AD) avoids the low sensitivity caused by the short optical path in optical detection to some extent.
RESULTS
Zeolite beta nanomaterials with different particle sizes (25, 50 and 200 nm) were synthesized, and the morphology and structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Then, a novel chiral OT column was prepared by one-step method using zeolite beta nanomaterial as chiral stationary phase, and its separation performance was characterized by miniaturized CEC with AD (mini-CEC-AD) device. Under the optimum conditions, six groups of chiral drugs achieved baseline separation. Norepinephrine enantiomers were used for evaluating the inter-day, intra-day and inter-column reproducibility of the prepared open-tubular column. The relative standard deviations of migration time, peak area, resolution and selectivity factor were within 8.7 %. The limits of detection for norepinephrine enantiomers were 0.18 μg mL (S/N = 3), and the average recoveries were in range of 96.7-105.0 %. This developed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of impurity enantiomer in potassium dichromate (+)-norepinephrine injection sample.
SIGNIFICANCE
Zeolite beta nanomaterial was used as the stationary phase to prepare chiral OT columns for the first time, and this one-step preparation method is simple and easy. The introduction of zeolite beta enriches the types of chiral stationary phase materials in electrochromatographic columns, and mini-OT-CEC-AD system provides an alternative for fast enantioseparation of chiral compounds.
PubMed: 38309852
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342242 -
Metabolites Jan 2024Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome that has been identified as a potential complication of COVID-19. There is a critical need to shed light on the...
Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome that has been identified as a potential complication of COVID-19. There is a critical need to shed light on the underlying mechanistic pathways and explore novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of essential oil (CCEO) in treating potassium dichromate (PDC)-induced ALI. The chemical profile of CCEO was created through GC-MS analysis. An in vivo study in rats was conducted to evaluate the effect of CCEO administrated via two different delivery systems (oral/inhalation) in mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) induced by intranasal instillation of PDC. Eight volatile compounds were identified, with monoterpene hydrocarbons accounting for 97.03% of the identified constituents, including 88.84% of D-limonene. CCEO at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These significant antioxidant properties were revealed through the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the restoration of reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, inflammation reduction was observed by decreasing levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and tumor growth factor-β (TNF-α and TGF-β), along with an increase in phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt overexpression in lung tissue homogenate, in both oral and inhalation routes, compared to the PDC-induced group. These results were supported by histopathological studies and immunohistochemical assessment of TGF-β levels in lung tissues. These findings revealed that CCEO plays an integral role in relieving ALI induced by intranasal PDC and suggests it as a promising remedy.
PubMed: 38276303
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010068 -
Molecular Biology Reports Jan 2024Coccidiosis is the most common and pathogenic intestinal disease caused by different species of Eimeria is chicken. In this study, we describe the prevalence, molecular...
BACKGROUND
Coccidiosis is the most common and pathogenic intestinal disease caused by different species of Eimeria is chicken. In this study, we describe the prevalence, molecular diagnosis and evolutionary insight of Eimeria tenella in chicken of Meghalaya's sub-tropical mountainous area.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Faecal samples (337 no.) and dead chicks (298 no.) were collected every month from January to July' 2023 from poultry farms (4nos.) in and around Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. The chicks were categorized into different age groups viz. < 3, 3-6 and > 6 weeks. Samples were examined by flotation techniques and post-mortem. The oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Eimeria tenella's 18 S rRNA gene genomic DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced. Fecal sample and postmortem examinations revealed 24.04% and 33.22% infections of Eimeria sp., respectively. Oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded highest and lowest in July (26,500) and February (9800), respectively. Amplification of the 18 S rRNA small subunit gene (SSU) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) revealed a 1790 bp band size. The amplicon was sequenced and deposited in the NCBI database. BLAST analyses of the SSU rRNA gene of E. tenella, Umiam, Meghalaya isolate (OR458392.1) revealed sequence similarities of more than 99% with SSU rRNA gene sequences available in the NCBI database. Pair wise alignment exhibited nucleotide homology ranging from 71.59 to 100.0% with the maximum sequence homology (100.0%) shared with the E. tenella isolate from Turkey (HQ680474.1) and the lowest homology of 95.6% with UK (HG994972.1). Umiam isolate were found to have 97.08% and 100.0% nucleotide similarities with E. tenella from both the UK (AF026388.1) and the USA (U40264.1), respectively. However, nucleotide similarities of 98.24%, 85.33%, 84.75% and 81.35% were observed with E. tenella strain Bangalore (JX312808.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-1 (JX093898.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-3 (JX093900.1) and E. tenella isolate Kerala-2 (JX093899.1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China.
CONCLUSION
Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. Distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China.
Topics: Animals; Eimeria tenella; Phylogeny; Chickens; India; Nucleotides
PubMed: 38227220
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09181-y -
Nanotechnology Jan 2024In this paper, a preparation method of superhydrophobic composites of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified by stearic acid (SA) is proposed. Hydroxylated...
In this paper, a preparation method of superhydrophobic composites of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified by stearic acid (SA) is proposed. Hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HMWCNTs) were obtained by oxidizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes with potassium dichromate to give them hydroxyl groups on the surface. Subsequently, the carboxyl group in the SA molecule was esterified with the hydroxyl group on the HMWCNTs. SA molecules were grafted onto the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. SA modified oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SMWCNT) superhydrophobic composites were obtained. The results show that the water contact angle (WCA) of superhydrophobic composites can reach up to 174°. At the same time, the modified nanocomposites have good anti-icing and corrosion resistance. After low temperature delayed freezing test, the freezing extension time of the nanocomposite film is 30 times that of the smooth surface. Under strong acid and alkali conditions, the superhydrophobic nanocomposites still maintain good superhydrophobicity. The nanocomposites may have potential applications in the preparation of large-scale superhydrophobic coatings.
PubMed: 38215490
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad1df3 -
Analytical Methods : Advancing Methods... Jan 2024Formaldehyde (FA) sensing in children's toys and water has great application prospects in the protection of home safety and the ecological environment. However, there...
Formaldehyde (FA) sensing in children's toys and water has great application prospects in the protection of home safety and the ecological environment. However, there has been no report heretofore addressing FA detection in children's toys. In this work, a fluorescent (FL) whitening agent (FWA), potassium dichromate, and sulfuric acid were proposed as an "off-on" probe (FPD) for FA sensing FL and visual FL (VFL) methods. The FL emission of the FWA at 435 nm was quenched by CrO because of the internal filtration effect. The effect was interrupted after the addition of FA because CrO was reduced to Cr, accompanying the recovery of the FL emission of the FWA. The detection limit of FPD for FA FL and VFL approaches was 2.03 and 85.5 μg L, respectively. The proposed probe was successfully utilized for FA detection in crawling mats and building blocks as well as environmental water (verified by the UV method), indicating good adaptability. The FPD-based FL method might be a potential approach for FA detection due to the merits of high selectivity, anti-interference ability, and stability.
PubMed: 38165784
DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01551c -
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal... May 2024Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. The severity of this disease varies depending on the identity of the...
Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. The severity of this disease varies depending on the identity of the infectious agents. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the Eimeria species that affect broiler chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Twenty-five faecal samples were collected from the broiler chickens in a commercial poultry farm in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Using the floatation technique, faeces were examined microscopically for the Eimeria occurrence. Identification of Eimeria species was performed based on morphological criteria and molecular tools (DNA amplification for the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. In this study, 32% (8 out of 25) of collected samples were found to be positive for coccidiosis. After sporulation in potassium dichromate (KCrO), the sporulated oocysts were observed as ovoid and measured 18.37-23.19 µm (19.87) long and 15.07-18.67 µm (16.46) wide, with the anterior location of a polar granule and absence of micropyle. These Eimeria oocysts were assumed to size and shape characteristics of Eimeria acervulina. Molecular analysis was conducted on the sequences of the polymerase chain reaction products from the three genes studied (18S rRNA, ITS-1, and COI). At the three genes, results showed that the resultant sequences clustered with E. acervulina from different regions confirming morphological description. This study highlighted the importance of molecular techniques to detect avian Eimeria species more than the traditional morphology-based tool to optimise the appropriate anticoccidial strategies for long-term control in the studied area.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Eimeria; Poultry Diseases; Coccidiosis; Phylogeny; Feces
PubMed: 38149474
DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13915 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2023Consumption of wild mushrooms has increased in recent years; however, not all of them are edible and there is no precise information on those that may cause poisoning....
Consumption of wild mushrooms has increased in recent years; however, not all of them are edible and there is no precise information on those that may cause poisoning. Therefore, studies to obtain data about their toxicity are needed. For this purpose, we used the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, a crustacean employed in toxicity tests and with wide application in the toxin detection, including mycotoxins. Mushrooms were collected in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, with which aqueous extracts were prepared. Dilutions of the stock solution of each extract were made to final concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL. Potassium dichromate (PD) was used as positive control and artificial seawater as negative control. The median lethal dose (LD50) of extracts on nauplii of A. franciscana was calculated. The aqueous extracts obtained from Amanita amerivirosa, A. muscaria, Chlorophyllum molybdites, and Leucopaxillus amarus showed a LD50 < 70 µg/mL, similar to PD (LD50 = 37 µg/mL). This is the first indication of the probable toxicity of Leucopaxillus amarus in humans. Cantharellus cibarius and Scleroderma texense caused the lower toxicity to the nauplii. The brine shrimp bioassay was effective in evaluating the toxicity of Basidiomycota. Scleroderma texense has been reported to be toxic, but it was not for this crustacean nauplii, and probably not to humans either, as recent literature has reported.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Artemia; Agaricales; Basidiomycota
PubMed: 38126634
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.275156 -
The Journal of Parasitology Dec 2023A commercial producer hatching and rearing chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in Ontario, Canada had flocks experiencing coccidiosis. Microscopic analysis of Eimeria...
A commercial producer hatching and rearing chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in Ontario, Canada had flocks experiencing coccidiosis. Microscopic analysis of Eimeria species isolated from a field sample indicated the presence of 2 distinct oocyst morphotypes; the most abundant species was determined to be Eimeria chapmani, based on oocyst morphology and sequence-based genotyping, and the less abundant, second Eimeria sp. was an undescribed parasite. Oocysts of the unknown Eimeria sp. were large and oval-shaped; dimensions averaged 27.9 μm by 17.0 μm (shape index = 1.65 μm). Oocysts contained at least 1 polar granule and 4 almond-shaped sporocysts with average dimensions measuring 12.5 μm by 6.9 μm (shape index = 1.83). Each sporocyst featured a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, and sporocyst residuum; a sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites that each possessed a small anterior refractile body and a larger posterior refractile body. Virtually all oocysts sporulated after 24 hr when suspended in potassium dichromate at room temperature (22 C) on a rotary platform. Experimental infections with various doses of oocysts demonstrated elevated parasite shedding from birds gavaged with higher challenge doses; fecundity generally decreased in heavier infections. The approximate prepatent period of the parasite was 4-5 days (unsporulated oocysts observed histologically at 90 hr postinfection and in feces by day 5) and patency lasted until day 12 postinfection. To characterize the endogenous development of the Eimeria sp., tissues were collected at 8 regions along the intestinal tract (including the ceca and rectum) every 6 hr throughout the estimated prepatent period. Parasites were observed to infect the descending and ascending duodenum, midjejunum, proximal and distal ileum, and the ceca. The endogenous stages identified included intracellular sporozoites, 3 generations of merogony, and gametogonic stages. Sequences of the mitochondrial genome (GenBank MW934555) and nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (GenBank MW934259) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification for Sanger sequencing, and these were unique from all published sequences on GenBank. Molecular data, in conjunction with the unique biology of the Eimeria sp. isolated from the chukar partridge flock, support that this coccidium is new to science.
Topics: Animals; Eimeria; Ontario; Coccidiosis; Oocysts; Sporozoites; Galliformes; Feces
PubMed: 38113274
DOI: 10.1645/23-47 -
Contact Dermatitis May 2024Gender-based differences in skin structure, physiology, and allergen exposure can influence contact dermatitis development.
BACKGROUND
Gender-based differences in skin structure, physiology, and allergen exposure can influence contact dermatitis development.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the differences and trends in contact sensitizers, focusing on the top 10 allergens and personal care product (PCP) contact allergies from a gender perspective.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 5998 patients undergoing patch testing at an occupational and contact dermatitis clinic in a Thai, university-based, tertiary referral hospital from January 2001 to December 2021. Patients' characteristics and patch test results were collected.
RESULTS
Females had a higher positive patch test rate than males (71.8% vs. 65%, p < 0.001). However, males showed a greater prevalence of occupationally related allergic contact dermatitis (15.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed associations between being female and allergies to colophonium (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-1.99, p = 0.019), formaldehyde (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.17-13.31, p = 0.010), fragrance mix I (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34-2.07, p < 0.001), MCI/MI (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.90-3.44, p < 0.001), neomycin (aOR 4.15, 95% CI 2.54-6.80, p < 0.001), and nickel (aOR 2.62, 95% CI 2.17-3.15, p < 0.001). Conversely, being male correlated with allergies to carba mix (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41-0.64, p < 0.001), epoxy resin (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.47, p < 0.001), n-isopropyl-n-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.83, p = 0.014), paraben mix (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.32-0.56, p < 0.001), and potassium dichromate (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.84, p < 0.001). Positive reactions to PCPs stood at 13% overall (males 17.1%, females 12.2%, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Gender plays a pivotal role in contact dermatitis. This work emphasises the importance of considering gender-specific factors when diagnosing and managing contact allergies.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Allergens; Sex Factors; Retrospective Studies; Nickel; Patch Tests
PubMed: 38109794
DOI: 10.1111/cod.14479 -
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic,... 2024Allergic contact dermatitis is frequently caused by metals, including multiple metals simultaneously. To assess characteristics and associations of positive and...
Allergic contact dermatitis is frequently caused by metals, including multiple metals simultaneously. To assess characteristics and associations of positive and clinically relevant patch test (PT) reactions with solitary and concurrent metal sensitization. A retrospective analysis of PT results for nickel, cobalt, and/or chromium from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018 ( = 43,522). 18.0% had a positive/allergic reaction to nickel sulfate hexahydrate, 7.3% to cobalt chloride hexahydrate, and 3.0% to potassium dichromate. 87.9% patients had a currently relevant reaction to 0, 9.4% to 1, and 2.7% to multiple metals tested. Patients with 1 versus no currently relevant reactions to metal were more likely to have a primary dermatitis site of trunk, feet, and ears; patients with currently relevant reactions to multiple metals had more dermatitis affecting the trunk and ears. Metal sources varied by co-reacting metal, especially for patients with cobalt and chromium allergy. Jewelry was the most commonly identified source of nickel and cobalt for both solitary and concurrent metal allergy. Sensitization to multiple metals occurred in 6% of patients. Allergen sources varied between patients with sensitivity to 1 metal versus those who had concurrent sensitivity to cobalt and/or chromium.
Topics: Humans; Nickel; Cobalt; Chromium; Patch Tests; Retrospective Studies; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Metals; Allergens
PubMed: 38052041
DOI: 10.1089/derm.2023.0139