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Environmental Research Aug 2024The removal of formaldehyde (FA) is vital for indoor air quality management in light of its carcinogenic propensity and adverse environmental impact. A series of copper...
The removal of formaldehyde (FA) is vital for indoor air quality management in light of its carcinogenic propensity and adverse environmental impact. A series of copper manganite spinel structures (e.g., CuMnO) are prepared using the sol-gel combustion method and treated with reduction or oxidation pretreatment at 300 °C condition. Accordingly, CuMnO-O ("O" suffix for oxidation pre-treatment in air) is identified as the best performer to achieve 100% conversion (X) of FA (50 ppm) at 90 °C; its performance, if assessed in terms of reaction kinetic rate (r) at X = 10%, is 5.02E-03 mmol g h. The FA removal performance increases systematically with decreases in flow rate, FA concentration, and relative humidity (RH) or with increases in bed mass. The reaction pathways and intermediates of FA catalytic oxidation on CuMnO-A are studied with density functional theory simulations, temperature-programmed characterization experiments, and in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The synergistic combination of large quantities of adsorbed oxygen (O) species and oxidized metal species (e.g., Cu) contribute to the enhanced catalytic performance of CuMnO-O to oxidize FA into CO with the reaction intermediates of HCO (DOM), HCOO, and CO. The present study is expected to provide valuable insights into the thermocatalytic oxidation of FA over spinel CuMnO materials and their catalytic performances in relation to the key process variables.
Topics: Formaldehyde; Copper; Catalysis; Air Pollutants; Oxidation-Reduction; Temperature; Cold Temperature; Aluminum Oxide; Magnesium Oxide
PubMed: 38777297
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119186 -
Talanta Aug 2024The development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors plays a critical role in enabling timely intervention and personalized treatment for cardiac injury. Herein, a...
The development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors plays a critical role in enabling timely intervention and personalized treatment for cardiac injury. Herein, a novel approach is presented for the fabrication of highly sensitive PEC biosensor employing BiO/MgInS heterojunction for the ultrasensitive detection of heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP). The BiO/MgInS heterojunction, synthesized through in-situ growth of MgInS on BiO nanoplates, offers superior attributes including a larger specific surface area and more homogeneous distribution, leading to enhanced sensing sensitivity. The well-matched valence and conduction bands of BiO and MgInS effectively suppress the recombination of photogenerated carriers and facilitate electron transfer, resulting in a significantly improved photocurrent signal response. And the presence of the secondary antibody marker (ZnSnO) introduces steric hindrance that hinders electron transfer between ascorbic acid and the photoelectrode, leading to a reduction in photocurrent signal. Additionally, the competition between the ZnSnO marker and the BiO/MgInS heterojunction material for the excitation light source further diminishes the photocurrent signal response. After rigorous repeatability and selectivity tests, the PEC biosensor exhibited excellent performance, and the linear detection range of the biosensor was determined to be 0.05 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a remarkable detection limit of 0.029 pg/mL (S/N = 3).
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Bismuth; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Humans; Photochemical Processes; Sulfides; Limit of Detection; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Indium; Zinc Compounds; Tin Compounds
PubMed: 38776780
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126272 -
Journal of Molecular Modeling May 2024Bismuth complexes with dithiocarbamate ligands have attracted attention because of their biological applications, such as antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and anticancer...
CONTEXT
Bismuth complexes with dithiocarbamate ligands have attracted attention because of their biological applications, such as antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and anticancer properties. These complexes have high cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, being more active than the standard drugs cisplatin, doxorubicin, and tamoxifen. In the present study, we investigated the ability of some DFT methods to reproduce the geometries and NMR spectra of the Bi(III) dithiocarbamate complexes, selected based on their proven antitumor activity. Our investigation revealed that the M06-L/def2-TZVP/ECP/CPCM method presented good accuracy in predicting geometries, while the TPSSh/def2-SVP/ECP/CPCM method proved effective in analyzing the C NMR spectra of these molecules. In general, all examined methods exhibited comparable performance in predicting H NMR signals.
METHODS
Calculations were performed with the Gaussian 09 program using the def2-SVP and def2-TZVP basis sets, employing relativistic effective core potential (ECP) for Bi and using the CPCM solvent model. The exchange-correlation functionals BP86, PBE, OLYP, M06-L, B3LYP, B3LYP-D3, M06-2X, TPSSh, CAM-B3LYP, and ωB97XD were used in the study. Geometry optimizations were started from crystallographic structures available at the Cambridge Structural Database. The theoretical results were compared with experimental data using the mean root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), mean absolute deviations (MAD), and linear correlation coefficient (R).
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Thiocarbamates; Density Functional Theory; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Bismuth; Coordination Complexes; Models, Molecular; Humans
PubMed: 38775913
DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05969-2 -
PloS One 2024Swine atrophic rhinitis is a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica that affects pigs. Inactivated vaccines containing the toxins produced...
Swine atrophic rhinitis is a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica that affects pigs. Inactivated vaccines containing the toxins produced by Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica have been widely used for the prevention of swine atrophic rhinitis. The efficacy of a vaccine is correlated with the amount of antigen present; however, the protective toxin of P. multocida bound to aluminum hydroxide, which is used as an adjuvant, can hinder the monitoring of the antigen concentration in the vaccine. This study assessed the applicability of a dot immunoassay as an antigen quantification method using monoclonal antibodies. This quantification method was able to detect the antigen with high specificity and sensitivity even when the antigen was bound to the adjuvant, and its application to vaccine products revealed a correlation between the amount of antigen present in the vaccine and the neutralizing antibody titers induced in pigs. The antigen quantification method presented in this study is a simple and sensitive assay capable of quantifying the amount of antigen present in a vaccine that can be used as an alternative quality control measure.
Topics: Animals; Pasteurella multocida; Swine; Rhinitis, Atrophic; Bacterial Vaccines; Aluminum Hydroxide; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Antigens, Bacterial; Swine Diseases; Bordetella bronchiseptica; Antibodies, Bacterial; Pasteurella Infections; Antibodies, Neutralizing
PubMed: 38768145
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301688 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024The committed differentiation fate regulation has been a difficult problem in the fields of stem cell research, evidence showed that nanomaterials could promote the...
PURPOSE
The committed differentiation fate regulation has been a difficult problem in the fields of stem cell research, evidence showed that nanomaterials could promote the differentiation of stem cells into specific cell types. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles possess the regulation function of stem cell fate, while the underlying mechanism needs to be investigated. In this study, the process of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiate to neural progenitor cells (NPCs) by magnesium aluminum LDH (MgAl-LDH) was investigated.
METHODS
MgAl-LDH with diameters of 30, 50, and 100 nm were synthesized and characterized, and their effects on the cytotoxicity and differentiation of NPCs were detected in vitro. Dot blot and MeRIP-qPCR were performed to detect the level of mA RNA methylation in nanoparticles-treated cells.
RESULTS
Our work displayed that LDH nanoparticles of three different sizes were biocompatible with NPCs, and the addition of MgAl-LDH could significantly promote the process of ESCs differentiate to NPCs. 100 nm LDH has a stronger effect on promoting NPCs differentiation compared to 30 nm and 50 nm LDH. In addition, dot blot results indicated that the enhanced NPCs differentiation by MgAl-LDH was closely related to mA RNA methylation process, and the major modification enzyme in LDH controlled NPCs differentiation may be the mA RNA methyltransferase METTL3. The upregulated METTL3 by LDH increased the mA level of mRNA, enhancing its stability.
CONCLUSION
This work reveals that MgAl-LDH nanoparticles can regulate the differentiation of ESCs into NPCs by increasing mA RNA methylation modification of .
Topics: Cell Differentiation; Animals; Neural Stem Cells; Mice; Nanoparticles; Methylation; Hydroxides; Methyltransferases; Particle Size; Embryonic Stem Cells; Adenosine; Aluminum Hydroxide; Magnesium Hydroxide
PubMed: 38766656
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S463141 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology May 2024Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may affect the upper digestive tract; up to 20% of population in Western nations are affected by GERD. Antacids, histamine...
BACKGROUND
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may affect the upper digestive tract; up to 20% of population in Western nations are affected by GERD. Antacids, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are considered the referring medications for GERD. Nevertheless, PPIs must be managed carefully because their use, especially chronic, could be linked with some adverse effects. An effective and safe alternative pharmacological tool for GERD is needed. After the identification of potentially new medications to flank PPIs, it is mandatory to revise and improve good clinical practices even through a consensus process.
AIM
To optimize diagnosis and treatment guidelines for GERD through a consensus based on Delphi method.
METHODS
The availability of clinical studies describing the action of the multicomponent/multitarget medication Nux vomica-Heel, subject of the consensus, is the basic prerequisite for the consensus itself. A modified Delphi process was used to reach a consensus among a panel of Italian GERD specialists on the overlapping approach PPIs/Nux vomica-Heel as a new intervention model for the management of GERD. The Voting Consensus group was composed of 49 Italian Medical Doctors with different specializations: Gastroenterology, otolaryngology, geriatrics, and general medicine. A scientific committee analyzed the literature, determined areas that required investigation (in agreement with the multiple-choice questionnaire results), and identified two topics of interest: (1) GERD disease; and (2) GERD treatment. Statements for each of these topics were then formulated and validated. The Delphi process involved two rounds of questioning submitted to the panel experts using an online platform.
RESULTS
According to their routinary GERD practice and current clinical evidence, the panel members provided feedback to each questionnaire statement. The experts evaluated 15 statements and reached consensus on all 15. The statements regarding the GERD disease showed high levels of agreement, with consensus ranging from 70% to 92%. The statements regarding the GERD treatment also showed very high levels of agreement, with consensus ranging from 90% to 100%. This Delphi process was able to reach consensus among physicians in relevant aspects of GERD management, such as the adoption of a new approach to treat patients with GERD based on the overlapping between PPIs and Nux vomica-Heel. The consensus was unanimous among the physicians with different specializations, underlying the uniqueness of the agreement reached to identify in the overlapping approach between PPIs and Nux vomica-Heel a new intervention model for GERD management. The results support that an effective approach to deprescribe PPIs through a progressive decalage timetable (reducing PPIs administration to as-needed use), should be considered.
CONCLUSION
Nux vomica-Heel appears to be a valid opportunity for GERD treatment to favor the deprescription of PPIs and to maintain low disease activity together with the symptomatology remission.
Topics: Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Delphi Technique; Consensus; Italy; Treatment Outcome; Antacids; Drug Combinations
PubMed: 38764766
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i18.2467 -
Clinical Genitourinary Cancer Aug 2024Concomitant medications can affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The association between histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), major antacids similar...
INTRODUCTION
Concomitant medications can affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The association between histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), major antacids similar to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and the efficacy of pembrolizumab for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) treatment has been poorly evaluated. We evaluated the impact of PPIs and H2RAs on oncological outcomes in mUC patients treated with pembrolizumab.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This retrospective multicenter study included patients with mUC treated with pembrolizumab. Patients prescribed PPIs or H2RAs within 30 days before and after the initial administration were extracted. The overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rates (ORR) were assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the association between PPIs or H2RAs and survival outcomes.
RESULTS
Overall, 404 patients were eligible for this study; 121 patients (29.9%) used PPIs, and 34 (8.4%) used H2RAs. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly worse OS, CSS, and PFS in patients using PPIs compared to no PPIs (P = .010, .018, and .012, respectively). In multivariable analyses, the use of PPIs was a significant prognostic factor for worse OS (HR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87, P = .011), CSS (HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.09-1.93, P = .011), and PFS (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.05-1.73, P = .020). PPIs were not associated with ORRs. The use of H2RAs was not associated with survival or ORRs.
CONCLUSION
PPIs were significantly associated with worse survival of patients with mUC treated with pembrolizumab, and H2RAs could be an alternative during administration. Both the oncological and gastrointestinal implications should be carefully considered when switching these antacids.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Female; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Middle Aged; Histamine H2 Antagonists; Antacids; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Aged, 80 and over; Urologic Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Treatment Outcome; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Prognosis
PubMed: 38763123
DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2024.102097 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Jul 2024Living organisms form complex mineralized composite architectures that perform a variety of essential functions. These materials are commonly utilized for load-bearing...
Living organisms form complex mineralized composite architectures that perform a variety of essential functions. These materials are commonly utilized for load-bearing purposes such as structural stability and mechanical strength in combination with high toughness and deformability, which are well demonstrated in various highly mineralized molluscan shell ultrastructures. Here, the mineral components provide the general stiffness to the composites, and the organic interfaces play a key role in providing these biogenic architectures with mechanical superiority. Although numerous studies employed state-of-the-art methods to measure and/or model and/or simulate the mechanical behavior of molluscan shells, our understanding of their performance is limited. This is partially due to the lack of the most fundamental knowledge of their mechanical characteristics, particularly, the anisotropic elastic properties of the mineral components and of the tissues they form. In fact, elastic constants of biogenic calcium carbonate, one of the most common biominerals in nature, is unknown for any organism. In this work, we employ the ultrasonic pulse-echo method to report the elasticity tensor of two common ultrastructural motifs in molluscan shells: the prismatic and the nacreous architectures made of biogenic calcite and aragonite, respectively. The outcome of this research not only provides information necessary for fundamental understanding of biological materials formation and performance, but also yields textbook knowledge on biogenic calcium carbonate required for future structural/crystallographic, theoretical and computational studies.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Elasticity; Animal Shells; Animals; Materials Testing; Mollusca; Biomechanical Phenomena; Nacre
PubMed: 38762971
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106570 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jul 2024Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP), as a newly developing bioremediation technology, could redeem heavy metal contamination in diverse scenarios. In...
Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP), as a newly developing bioremediation technology, could redeem heavy metal contamination in diverse scenarios. In this study, MICP bacterium Sporosarcina ureilytica ML-2 was employed to suppress the pollution of Pb, Cd and Zn in municipal sludge nutrient soil. After MICP remediation, the exchangeable Cd and Zn in sludge nutrient soil were correspondingly reduced by 31.02 % and 6.09 %, while the carbonate-bound Pb, Cd and Zn as well as the residual fractions were increased by 16.12 %, 6.63 %, 13.09 % and 6.10 %, 45.70 %, 3.86 %, respectively. In addition, the extractable Pb, Cd and Zn either by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) or toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) in sludge nutrient soil were significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that the bio-calcite generated via MICP helped to immobilize heavy metals. Furthermore, MICP treatment improved the abundance of functional microorganisms related to urea cycle, while reduced the overall abundance of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This work confirmed the feasibility of MICP in remediation of heavy metal in sludge nutrient soil, which expanded the application field of MICP and provided a promising way for heavy metal pollution management.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Soil Pollutants; Sewage; Metals, Heavy; Sporosarcina; Biodegradation, Environmental; Soil Microbiology; Chemical Precipitation
PubMed: 38759409
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134600 -
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings May 2024Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only therapy that protects patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy by preventing systemic reactions after a new sting....
Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only therapy that protects patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy by preventing systemic reactions after a new sting. Various extracts for VIT are available and used. VIT administration consists of an induction phase and a maintenance phase. Depot preparations of Hymenoptera VIT extracts are typically used for cluster and conventional protocols, and the maintenance phase. Many patients with Hymenoptera allergy need to achieve tolerance quickly because of the high risk of re-sting and possible anaphylaxis. Our study aimed to show the safety and efficacy of an accelerated regimen with depot preparations on aluminum hydroxide by using relatively high starting doses in a heterogeneous group of patients. The research focused on a group of patients with a history of severe systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings, with the necessity of swift immunization due to high occupational risks. Aluminum hydroxide depot extracts either of Vepula species or Apis mellifera extracts were used. The induction protocol was started with the highest concentration of depot venom extract of 100,000 standard quality unit and was well tolerated by 19 of 20 patients. Onne patient presented with a mild systemic reaction during the accelerated induction schedule, which was promptly treated with intravenous steroids and intramuscular H1 antihistamine; when switched to a conventional induction protocol, he had a similar reaction but finally reached maintenance with an H1-antagonist premedication. If validated, the accelerated induction protocol by using depot aluminum adsorbed extracts with the highest concentration of venom from the beginning could offer a streamlined and accessible treatment modality for patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis from bee and wasp venoms in need of rapid desensitization.
Topics: Humans; Desensitization, Immunologic; Animals; Adult; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Hymenoptera; Aluminum Hydroxide; Insect Bites and Stings; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Allergens; Adolescent; Hypersensitivity; Arthropod Venoms; Aged; Bee Venoms
PubMed: 38755779
DOI: 10.2500/aap.2024.45.240011