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Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Jun 2024Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles possess inherent advantages derived from their membrane structure and surface antigens, including prolonged circulation in the...
Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles possess inherent advantages derived from their membrane structure and surface antigens, including prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, specific cell recognition and targeting capabilities, and potential for immunotherapy. Herein, we introduce a cell membrane biomimetic nanodrug platform termed MPB-3BP@CM NPs. Comprising microporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (MPB NPs) serving as both a photothermal sensitizer and carrier for 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), these nanoparticles are cloaked in a genetically programmable cell membrane displaying variants of signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) with enhanced affinity to CD47. As a result, MPB-3BP@CM NPs inherit the characteristics of the original cell membrane, exhibiting an extended circulation time in the bloodstream and effectively targeting CD47 on the cytomembrane of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Notably, blocking CD47 with MPB-3BP@CM NPs enhances the phagocytosis of CRC cells by macrophages. Additionally, 3BP, an inhibitor of hexokinase II (HK), suppresses glycolysis, leading to a reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and lactate production. Besides, it promotes the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) towards an anti-tumor M1 phenotype. Furthermore, integration with MPB NPs-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) enhances the therapeutic efficacy against tumors. These advantages make MPB-3BP@CM NPs an attractive platform for the future development of innovative therapeutic approaches for CRC. Concurrently, it introduces a universal approach for engineering disease-tailored cell membranes for tumor therapy.
Topics: Colorectal Neoplasms; Nanoparticles; Humans; CD47 Antigen; Mice; Cell Membrane; Animals; Pyruvates; Hexokinase; Cell Line, Tumor; Macrophages; Ferrocyanides
PubMed: 38862461
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01859-4 -
Human & Experimental Toxicology 2024Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research has explored new approaches to improving treatment options,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research has explored new approaches to improving treatment options, which present several challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the role of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as an adjunctive therapy for acute OP intoxication. A prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients of both sexes admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Poison Control Center at Ain Shams University Hospital (PCC-ASUH) with acute OP toxicity during the period from the beginning of August 2022 to the end of July 2023. According to the Peradeniya score, Group I consisted of 48 patients (52%) with moderate OP poisoning, and Group II consisted of 44 patients (48%) with severe OP poisoning. Patients in the moderate group were assigned to receive either standard treatment (Group Ia, = 24) or standard treatment plus FFP (Group Ib, = 24). In addition, patients in the severe group were assigned to receive either standard treatment (Group IIa, = 22) or standard treatment plus FFP (Group IIb, = 22). A total of 46 patients received FFP transfusion. The authors demonstrated that the early use of a total of nine packs of FFP (250 mL each) over three consecutive days significantly reduced the total doses of atropine and oximes, the total hospitalization period, and the requirement for mechanical ventilation in patients with OP poisoning, both in the moderate and severe groups.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Plasma; Organophosphate Poisoning; Adult; Middle Aged; Single-Blind Method; Prospective Studies; Blood Component Transfusion; Young Adult; Antidotes
PubMed: 38861017
DOI: 10.1177/09603271241260655 -
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024Chlorfenapyr is used to kill insects that are resistant to organophosphorus insecticides. Chlorfenapyr poisoning has a high mortality rate and is difficult to treat.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chlorfenapyr is used to kill insects that are resistant to organophosphorus insecticides. Chlorfenapyr poisoning has a high mortality rate and is difficult to treat. This article aims to review the mechanisms, clinical presentations, and treatment strategies for chlorfenapyr poisoning.
DATA RESOURCES
We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed, Web of Science, and SpringerLink from their beginnings to the end of October 2023. The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, retrospective studies, and case reports on chlorfenapyr poisoning that focused on its mechanisms, clinical presentations, and treatment strategies. The references in the included studies were also examined to identify additional sources.
RESULTS
We included 57 studies in this review. Chlorfenapyr can be degraded into tralopyril, which is more toxic and reduces energy production by inhibiting the conversion of adenosine diphosphate to adenosine triphosphate. High fever and altered mental status are characteristic clinical presentations of chlorfenapyr poisoning. Once it occurs, respiratory failure occurs immediately, ultimately leading to cardiac arrest and death. Chlorfenapyr poisoning is difficult to treat, and there is no specific antidote.
CONCLUSION
Chlorfenapyr is a new pyrrole pesticide. Although it has been identified as a moderately toxic pesticide by the World Health Organization (WHO), the mortality rate of poisoned patients is extremely high. There is no specific antidote for chlorfenapyr poisoning. Therefore, based on the literature review, future efforts to explore rapid and effective detoxification methods, reconstitute intracellular oxidative phosphorylation couplings, identify early biomarkers of chlorfenapyr poisoning, and block the conversion of chlorfenapyr to tralopyril may be helpful for emergency physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
PubMed: 38855374
DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2024.046 -
Bioresource Technology Aug 2024This study investigated the potential of using biochar and Moringa oleifera seed proteins for sustainable greywater treatment in rural Kenya. Greywater samples from...
This study investigated the potential of using biochar and Moringa oleifera seed proteins for sustainable greywater treatment in rural Kenya. Greywater samples from washing clothes were collected from households in the Kenyan counties of Kwale and Siaya. Two treatment methods, batch stirring and filtration, were used to assess the effectiveness of using biochar and Moringa oleifera seed protein extract together to treat greywater at a household level. Both methods achieved a significant reduction in contaminants: colour was reduced by up to 43% in Kwale and 67% in Siaya, turbidity decreased by 91-98%, and surfactant levels were lowered by 89-93%. There were increases in total organic carbon and total dissolved solids post-treatment, but both methods effectively reduced levels of phosphates, nitrates and iron. This research highlights the potential of using locally available materials for greywater treatment and provides insights into sustainable water management nature-based solutions in the Global South.
Topics: Charcoal; Moringa oleifera; Seeds; Plant Proteins; Water Purification; Farms; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Filtration
PubMed: 38851598
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130935 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024The widespread utilization of plastic products ineluctably leads to the ubiquity of nanoplastics (NPs), causing potential risks for aquatic environments. Interactions of...
Heteroaggregation and deposition behaviors of carboxylated nanoplastics with different types of clay minerals in aquatic environments: Important role of calcium(II) ion-assisted bridging.
The widespread utilization of plastic products ineluctably leads to the ubiquity of nanoplastics (NPs), causing potential risks for aquatic environments. Interactions of NPs with mineral surfaces may affect NPs transport, fate and ecotoxicity. This study aims to investigate systematically the deposition and aggregation behaviors of carboxylated polystyrene nanoplastics (COOH-PSNPs) by four types of clay minerals (illite, kaolinite, Na-montmorillonite, and Ca-montmorillonite) under various solution chemistry conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength and type). Results demonstrate that the deposition process was dominated by electrostatic interactions. Divalent cations (i.e., Ca, Mg, Cd, or Pb) were more efficient for screening surface negative charges and compressing the electrical double layer (EDL). Hence, there were significant increases in deposition rates of COOH-PSNPs with clay minerals in suspension containing divalent cations, whereas only slight increases in deposition rates of COOH-PSNPs were observed in monovalent cations (Na, K). Negligible deposition occurred in the presence of anions (F, Cl, NO, CO, SO, or PO). Divalent Ca could incrementally facilitate the deposition of COOH-PSNPs through Ca-assisted bridging with increasing CaCl concentrations (0-100 mM). The weakened deposition of COOH-PSNPs with increasing pH (2.0-10.0) was primarily attributed to the reduce in positive charge density at the edges of clay minerals. In suspensions containing 2 mM CaCl, increased Na ionic strength (0-100 mM) and temperature (15-55 C) also favored the deposition of COOH-PSNPs. The ability of COOH-PSNPs deposited by four types of clay minerals followed the sequence of kaolinite > Na-montmorillonite > Ca-montmorillonite > illite, which was related to their structural and surface charge properties. This study revealed the deposition behaviors and mechanisms between NPs and clay minerals under environmentally representative conditions, which provided novel insights into the transport and fate of NPs in natural aquatic environments.
Topics: Clay; Calcium; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Osmolar Concentration; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Aluminum Silicates; Polystyrenes; Temperature; Minerals; Bentonite; Nanoparticles; Kaolin; Static Electricity
PubMed: 38850697
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116533 -
Animal : An International Journal of... Jun 2024Biochar, which is the product of biomass pyrolysis, has been suggested as a feed supplement to improve performance in livestock systems and reduce greenhouse gas...
Biochar, which is the product of biomass pyrolysis, has been suggested as a feed supplement to improve performance in livestock systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of the current study was to investigate in vitro and in vivo potential of biochar to favourably modify rumen fermentation (e.g., an increase in total Short Chained Fatty Acid (SCFA) concentration and a change in SCFA profile), reduce methane emission and increase sheep growth performance. Four concentrates were produced with biochar inclusion of 0, 10, 23 and 46 g/kg DM. The experimental diets for the in vitro experiments consisted of straw and concentrate in a 60:40 ratio and included measurements of total gas and methane (CH) production, pH, ammonia nitrogen, SCFA, and microbial assays (total bacteria and methanogenic archaea). Two in vivo experiments were performed where the animals received ad libitum forage with 0.4 kg concentrate daily. Experiment 1 investigated the daily DM intake of sheep while experiment 2 investigated daily growth rate and CH emission of lambs. The inclusion of biochar had no impact on in vitro total gas production (ml/200 mg DM substrate) (P = 0.81) and CH production (ml/200 mg DM substrate) (P = 0.93). In vitro total SCFA concentration increased (P < 0.05) while acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) tended to decrease (P = 0.05) with both doses of biochar. Total bacteria decreased with the highest biochar inclusion in vitro (P < 0.05). Sheep's DM intake (kg/d) increased when low and medium levels but not when a higher level of biochar was added to the diet (P < 0.001). The inclusion of biochar did not significantly impact the lamb's daily growth rate (g/d) (P = 0.61) or enteric CH emissions (g/kg DM) (P = 0.43). We conclude that biochar supplementation had no favourable impacts on in vitro and in vivo CH production or on lamb's growth rate. Further research with well-characterised biochar is needed to gain a better understanding of the potential of biochar as a feed additive for ruminant livestock.
Topics: Animals; Methane; Charcoal; Animal Feed; Rumen; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Sheep; Diet; Fermentation; Male; Eating; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38850574
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101195 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024It is important to ensure the nutritional quality and safe production of rice. Here, plot experiments were used to analyze the effects of three soil amendments-10 t ha...
It is important to ensure the nutritional quality and safe production of rice. Here, plot experiments were used to analyze the effects of three soil amendments-10 t ha of biochar (BC), 1.5 t ha of lime (LM), and 2.25 t ha of silicon-calcium fertilizer (SC)-on the soil characteristics, rice yield and quality of double-cropping rice grown in mildly cadmium-polluted paddy fields. Compared with the control treatment (CK), the BC and SC treatments significantly improved rice processing, appearance and nutritional quality, but reduced cooking quality. All three soil amendments significantly reduced cadmium (Cd) content in brown rice. Soil amendments could significantly increase soil pH and reduce soil available Cd content. The application of the BC and SC treatments increased the content of each nutrient index in the soil (SOM, NN, AP, AK). Correlation analysis showed that the improvement in rice processing, appearance, and nutritional quality was mainly affected by the comprehensive effects of soil SOM, NN, AP and AK; the hygiene quality was mainly affected by soil pH and available Cd. In terms of benefit analysis combined with cost, the SC treatment had the highest benefit effect. Taken together, in mildly cadmium-polluted paddy fields, the application of silicon-calcium fertilizer improved the soil quality, thereby increased the yield and quality of rice, and had the best effect on increasing income.
Topics: Oryza; Fertilizers; Silicon; Soil; Calcium; Cadmium; Soil Pollutants; Calcium Compounds; Charcoal; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Oxides
PubMed: 38849431
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63737-x -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Farmers from South Asian countries spray insecticides without protective gear, which leads to insecticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes. Acetylcholinesterase...
Oxime-functionalized anti-insecticide fabric reduces insecticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes, and prevents insecticide-induced neuromuscular-dysfunction and mortality.
Farmers from South Asian countries spray insecticides without protective gear, which leads to insecticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes. Acetylcholinesterase plays a crucial role in controlling neuromuscular function. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which leads to severe neuronal/cognitive dysfunction, breathing disorders, loss of endurance, and death. To address this issue, an Oxime-fabric is developed by covalently attaching silyl-pralidoxime to the cellulose of the fabric. The Oxime-fabric, when stitched as a bodysuit and facemask, efficiently deactivates insecticides (organophosphates and carbamates) upon contact, preventing exposure. The Oxime-fabric prevents insecticide-induced neuronal damage, neuro-muscular dysfunction, and loss of endurance. Furthermore, we observe a 100% survival rate in rats when repeatedly exposed to organophosphate-insecticide through the Oxime-fabric, while no survival is seen when organophosphate-insecticide applied directly or through normal fabric. The Oxime-fabric is washable and reusable for at least 50 cycles, providing an affordable solution to prevent insecticide-induced toxicity and lethality among farmers.
Topics: Animals; Insecticides; Rats; Oximes; Male; Pralidoxime Compounds; Textiles; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Acetylcholinesterase; Occupational Exposure; Carbamates; Organophosphates; Administration, Intranasal
PubMed: 38844466
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49167-3 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2024Organic farming is considered the most sustainable form of modern soil cultivation. Yet it often relies on the use of chemical compounds that are not necessarily...
Organic farming is considered the most sustainable form of modern soil cultivation. Yet it often relies on the use of chemical compounds that are not necessarily harmless for the surrounding wildlife. In this study, we tested the effects of realistic concentrations of copper sulphate-largely used in organic farming as a fungicide-on ecologically-relevant traits of the walking stick insect Bacillus rossius, a species commonly found in the proximity of cultivated fields across Europe. By using second-generation progeny of wild-caught parthenogenetic females bred in common gardens, we measured the impact of copper sulphate (CuSO) on both the life-history (body condition, number of eggs, and hatching success) and behavioural traits (activity and maximum vertical speed) of the individuals. We observed strong negative effects of high, realistic concentrations of copper sulphate on most traits within 12 days of exposure, while effects were less evident at lower concentrations of the pollutant. Our results reveal that realistic concentrations of copper sulphate can compromise important traits that regulate both the survival and reproduction of animals in the wild, with such effects that are, however, dose dependent. We suggest that common practices in organic farming require further consideration on their ecological and evolutionary impact on wildlife.
Topics: Animals; Copper Sulfate; Organic Agriculture; Female; Soil Pollutants; Fungicides, Industrial; Insecta; Behavior, Animal; Reproduction; Neoptera
PubMed: 38844229
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173626 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024Desorption and adsorbent regeneration are imperative factors that are required to be taken into account when designing the adsorption system. From the environmental,...
Optimization of desorption parameters using response surface methodology for enhanced recovery of arsenic from spent reclaimable activated carbon: Eco-friendly and sorbent sustainability approach.
Desorption and adsorbent regeneration are imperative factors that are required to be taken into account when designing the adsorption system. From the environmental, economic, and practical points of view, regeneration is necessary for evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of synthesized adsorbents. However, no study has investigated the optimization of arsenic species desorption from spent adsorbents and their regeneration ability for reuse as well as safe disposal. This study aims to investigate the desorption ability of arsenic ions adsorbed on hybrid granular activated carbon and the optimization of the independent factors influencing the efficient recovery of arsenic species from the spent activated carbon using central composite design of the response surface methodology. The activated carbon before the sorption process and after the adsorption-desorption of arsenic ions have been characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, and TEM. The study found that all the investigated independent desorption variables greatly influence the retrievability of arsenic ions from the spent activated carbon. Using the desirability function for the optimization of the independent factors as a function of desorption efficiency, the optimum experimental conditions were solution pH of 2.00, eluent concentration of 0.10 M, and temperature of 26.63 ℃, which gave maximum arsenic ions recovery efficiency of 91 %. The validation of the quadratic model using laboratory confirmatory experiments gave an optimum arsenic ions desorption efficiency of 97 %. Therefore, the study reveals that the application of the central composite design of the response surface methodology led to the development of an accurate and valid quadratic model, which was utilized in the enhanced optimization of arsenic ions recovery from the spent reclaimable activated carbon. More so, the desorption isotherm and kinetic data of arsenic were well correlated with the Langmuir and the pseudo-second-order models, while the thermodynamics studies indicated that arsenic ions desorption process was feasible, endothermic, and spontaneous.
Topics: Arsenic; Adsorption; Charcoal; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Water Purification; Temperature
PubMed: 38843746
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116550