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Life (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The authors were not aware of errors made in one small subsection (Section 6.17. Antidiarrheal Effect, including the data in the table of effects) of this paper [...].
The authors were not aware of errors made in one small subsection (Section 6.17. Antidiarrheal Effect, including the data in the table of effects) of this paper [...].
PubMed: 38672810
DOI: 10.3390/life14040483 -
Food Chemistry Aug 2024Oxidative stress is prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and has been associated with high meat consumption. Carob Fruit Extract (CFE) contains phenolic...
The preventive and therapeutic consumption of meat enriched with carob fruit extract, rich in phenolic compounds, improves colonic antioxidant status in late-stage T2DM rats.
Oxidative stress is prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and has been associated with high meat consumption. Carob Fruit Extract (CFE) contains phenolic compounds, making it a suitable functional ingredient. Current study aims to evaluate the effect of CFE-enriched meat (CFE-meat) consumption on the antioxidant status of proximal and distal colon, and its relationship with fecal phenolic compounds in late-stage T2DM rats. Three groups of eight rats were studied: 1) D, fed control-meat; 2) ED, fed CFE-meat since the beginning of the study; 3) DE, fed CFE-meat after confirming T2DM. CFE-meat consumption reduces colonic oxidative stress mainly in the proximal section and helps to ameliorate glutathione metabolism and antioxidant score. Difference between ED and DE groups were associated with colon homeostasis and T2DM progression suggesting greater fermentation but lower absorption in the DE group. CFE appears as a promising tool to improve the antioxidant status observed in late-stage T2DM.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Fruit; Colon; Phenols; Male; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Oxidative Stress; Meat; Humans; Rats, Wistar; Plant Gums; Galactans; Mannans
PubMed: 38657343
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139339 -
International Maritime Health 2024After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, people started to travel again. Each year, thousands of Poles travel internationally, and many travel to tropical or subtropical...
BACKGROUND
After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, people started to travel again. Each year, thousands of Poles travel internationally, and many travel to tropical or subtropical destinations in Asia, Africa or South America. The aim of this article was to describe the characteristics of Polish travellers based on the information from a retrospective 12-month review of the medical records of Polish patients seeking pre-travel advice at the largest diagnostic and treatment travel medicine centre in Poland in 2023.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The retrospective study was based on the analysis of medical records of 2,147 patients seeking pre-travel advice at the University Centre of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Poland, between January and December 2023. The study focused on the analysis of the following patients' variables: age, sex, travel details (purpose of travel, length of travel, departure month, continents and countries to be visited). It also aimed to evaluate the range of prevention measures which were either recommended or administered to patients seeking pre-travel advice at the clinic (preventive vaccinations, chemoprophylaxis). In addition, it assessed the health status of the patients presenting at the travel medicine clinic; retrospective health assessments were based on the information from the interviews with the patients.
RESULTS
Patients who sought pre-travel advice were mostly aged 36-65 years (49.5%), they were travelling for tourism purposes (78.3%), for a maximum period of 4 weeks (79.0%), mostly in November (15.2%) or in January (14.9%). Most travellers planned to visit Asia (55.5%) or Africa (29.0%); mainly Thailand (21.5%), Vietnam (8.5%), Kenya (8.3%) or India (8.2%). The most frequently administered immunoprophylaxis included vaccinations against typhoid fever and hepatitis A. Other commonly recommended/prescribed prevention measures included: insect repellents (69.3%), sunscreen (58.3%), antimalarials (35.8%), antithrombotic drugs (32.6%), and antidiarrheal drugs (25.6%). The analysis of patient interviews demonstrated that 61.8% of the travellers consulted at the clinic had no pre-existing medical conditions, while 38.2% required the use of chronic medications, mainly for allergies (14.3%), thyroid disorders (13.6%), cardiovascular diseases (9.3%), or psychiatric disorders (5.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
A large number of Polish travellers visit destinations where the risk of infectious and non-infectious diseases is high. Providing patients with professional advice during a pre-travel consultation will help protect against travel-associated health problems.
Topics: Humans; Poland; Male; Retrospective Studies; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Travel; COVID-19; Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Tropical Medicine; Travel Medicine; Naval Medicine; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38647060
DOI: 10.5603/imh.99413 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) provide potent acid inhibition, yet studies on P-CAB-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication are limited. We... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Fourteen-day vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication in an area with high clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance: a prospective randomized study (VQ-HP trial).
Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) provide potent acid inhibition, yet studies on P-CAB-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication are limited. We theorized that integrating bismuth subsalicylate into a quadruple therapy regimen could enhance eradication rates. However, data on the efficacy of vonoprazan bismuth quadruple therapy are notably scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy in areas with high clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance. This was a prospective, single-center, randomized trial conducted to compare the efficacy of 7-day and 14-day vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication between June 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Qualified patients were randomly assigned to the 7-day or 14-day regimen (1:1 ratio by computer-generated randomized list as follows: 51 patients for the 7-day regimen and 50 patients for the 14-day regimen). The regimens consisted of vonoprazan (20 mg) twice daily, bismuth subsalicylate (1024 mg) twice daily, metronidazole (400 mg) three times daily, and tetracycline (500 mg) four times daily. CYP3A4/5 genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility tests were also performed. Successful eradication was defined as negative C-UBTs 4 weeks after treatment. The primary endpoint was to compare the efficacy of 7-day and 14-day regimens as first-line treatments, which were assessed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. The secondary endpoints included adverse effects. A total of 337 dyspeptic patients who underwent gastroscopy were included; 105 patients (31.1%) were diagnosed with H. pylori infection, and 101 patients were randomly assigned to each regimen. No dropouts were detected. The antibiotic resistance rate was 33.3% for clarithromycin, 29.4% for metronidazole, and 27.7% for levofloxacin. The CYP3A4 genotype was associated with 100% rapid metabolism. The H. pylori eradication rates for the 7-day and 14-day regimens were 84.4%, 95% CI 74.3-94.2 and 94%, 95% CI 87.4-100, respectively (RR difference 0.25, 95% CI 0.03-0.53, p value = 0.11). Interestingly, the 14-day regimen led to 100% eradication in the clarithromycin-resistant group. Among the patients in the 7-day regimen group, only two exhibited resistance to clarithromycin; unfortunately, neither of them achieved a cure from H. pylori infection. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both treatment groups, occurring in 29.4% (15/51) and 28% (14/50) of patients in the 7-day and 14-day regimens, respectively. No serious adverse reactions were reported. In conclusion, 14 days of vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy is highly effective for H. pylori eradication in areas with high levels of dual clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bismuth; Clarithromycin; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Levofloxacin; Metronidazole; Organometallic Compounds; Prospective Studies; Pyrroles; Salicylates; Sulfonamides; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38637591
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59621-3 -
ACS Omega Apr 2024The suitability of biocarbons derived from blackberry seeds as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries has been assessed for the first time. Blackberry seeds have...
The suitability of biocarbons derived from blackberry seeds as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries has been assessed for the first time. Blackberry seeds have antibacterial, anticancer, antidysentery, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, and potent antioxidant properties and are generally used for herbal medical purposes. Carbon is extracted from blackberries using a straightforward carbonization technique and activated with KOH at temperatures 700, 800, and 900 °C. The physical characterization demonstrates that activated blackberry seeds-derived carbon at 900 °C (ABBSC-900 °C) have well-ordered graphene sheets with high defects compared to the ABBSC-700 °C and ABBSC-800 °C. It is discovered that an ABBSC-900 °C is mesoporous, with a notable Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 65 m g. ABBSC-900 has good electrochemical characteristics, as studied under 100 and 1000 mA g discharge conditions when used as a lithium intercalating anode. Delivered against a 500 mA g current density, a steady reversible capacity of 482 mA h g has been achieved even after 200 cycles. It is thought that disordered mesoporous carbon with a large surface area account for the improved electrochemical characteristics of the ABBSC-900 anode compared to the other ABBSC-700 and ABBSC-800 carbons. The research shows how to use a waste product, ABBSC, as the most desired anode for energy storage applications.
PubMed: 38617659
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00797 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Aluminosilicates, such as montmorillonite, kaolinite, halloysite, and diatomite, have a uniform bidimensional structure, a high surface-to-volume ratio, inherent... (Review)
Review
Aluminosilicates, such as montmorillonite, kaolinite, halloysite, and diatomite, have a uniform bidimensional structure, a high surface-to-volume ratio, inherent stiffness, a dual charge distribution, chemical inertness, biocompatibility, abundant active groups on the surface, such as silanol (Si-OH) and/or aluminol (Al-OH) groups. These compounds are on the list of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved active compounds and excipients and are used for various medicinal products, such as wound healing agents, antidiarrheals, and cosmetics. This review summarizes the wound healing mechanisms related to the material characteristics and the chemical components. Numerous wound dressings with different active components and multiple forms have been studied. Then, medicinal mineral resources for use in hemostatic materials can be developed.
PubMed: 38612205
DOI: 10.3390/ma17071691 -
Heliyon Apr 2024The purpose of the current investigation was to conduct a detailed analysis of the chemical components and medicinal properties of the methanolic crude extract derived...
The purpose of the current investigation was to conduct a detailed analysis of the chemical components and medicinal properties of the methanolic crude extract derived from the leaves of Cassia fistula. This analysis was carried out using both experimental (in vivo) and computational (in silico) methods. Eleven chemicals were chromatographically isolated using GC-MS/MS, which utilizes a library of NIST and Wiley 2020 versions. FTIR analysis of the extract was performed to identify the functional group of the compounds. The glucose-lowering capacity, analgesic, and anti-diarrheal activities of methanolic crude extract were analyzed utilizing a well-known oral glucose tolerance test, tail immersion method, writhing assay, and castor oil-induced diarrheal mice methods, respectively. After 60 min, 120 min, and 180 min of loading the drugs, a significant reduction of blood glucose levels was examined (p < 0.05) in all the extracts of this plant (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) utilized in this research at a time-dependent manner. Similarly, all the crude extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) effects against pain centrally and peripherally compared to the standard drug morphine (2 mg/kg bw) and diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg bw). Moreover, the methanol extract (400 mg/kg bw) manifested anti-diarrheal efficacy by inhibiting 72.0 % of the diarrheal episode in mice compared to the standard drug loperamide (inhibition = 80.0%). The results of the computational investigations corroborated existing in-vivo findings. Greater or close to equivalent binding affinity to the active binding sites of kappa opioid receptor, glucose transporter 3 (GLUT 3), and cyclooxygenase 2 was indicative of the potential anti-diarrheal, hypoglycemic, and analgesic characteristics of the isolated compounds (COX-2). Moreover, anticancer and antimicrobial potentiality was also found impressive through evaluation of binding affinity with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) receptors. Results from this study indicated that C. fistula might be a beneficial natural resource for treating diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and pain. However, additional research is required to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical screening and establish precise action mechanisms of the crude extract or the plant-derived compounds.
PubMed: 38590868
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28460 -
Bioresource Technology May 2024This work focuses to the value added utilization of animal sewage sludge into gases, bio-oil and char using synthetic zeolite (ZSM-5 and Y-zeolite) and natural sourced...
This work focuses to the value added utilization of animal sewage sludge into gases, bio-oil and char using synthetic zeolite (ZSM-5 and Y-zeolite) and natural sourced (diatomite, kaolin, perlite) materials as catalysts. Pyrolysis was performed in a one-stage bench-scale reactor at temperatures of 400 and 600 °C. The catalyst was mixed with the raw material before the pyrolysis. Catalysts had a significant effect on the yield of products, because the amount of volatile products was higher in their presence, than without them. In case of kaolin, due to the structural transformation occurring between 500-600 °C, a significant increase in activity was observed in terms of pyrolysis reactions resulting in volatiles. The hydrogen content of the gas products increased significantly at a temperature of 600 °C and in thermo-catalysts pyrolysis. In the presence of catalysts, bio-oil had more favourable properties.
Topics: Zeolites; Catalysis; Sewage; Pyrolysis; Biofuels; Aluminum Oxide; Kaolin; Hot Temperature; Silicon Dioxide; Temperature; Charcoal; Plant Oils; Polyphenols
PubMed: 38588783
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130676 -
Drugs - Real World Outcomes Jun 2024Multiple clinical studies have described the benefits of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) CNCM I-745 against diarrhoea, but the real-world evidence...
BACKGROUND
Multiple clinical studies have described the benefits of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) CNCM I-745 against diarrhoea, but the real-world evidence supporting its use is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effectiveness of the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 group in a real-world setting.
METHODS
This was an electronic medical record (EMR)-based, retrospective, multicentre, comparative study in Indian adult patients presenting with diarrhoea managed between January 2020 and January 2022. Data of patients at the baseline visit, with a follow-up visit within 15 days, and who were administered S. boulardii CNCM I-745 (for the test group) or any other treatment modality excluding probiotics (for the control group) were considered. Effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of number of patients who did not complain of diarrhoea at follow-up.
RESULTS
Of 30,385 adult patients with diarrhoea, 270 patients prescribed S. boulardii CNCM I-745 were included, while the control group comprised 1457 patients. The baseline median age of the test group was 47 years (range 19-86 years), while it was 44 years (range 19-100 years) for the control group. The majority of patients in both study groups were females (56.7% in the test and 51.5% in the control group). Median duration between visits was 5 days (range 1-15 days) in both study groups. In all, 77.8% patients (95% CI 72.34-82.59) in the test group did not complain of diarrhoea at follow-up, while the proportion was 15.8% (95% CI 13.95-17.76) in the control group (p < 0.05). Odds ratio (OR) for absence of diarrhoea in the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 group versus the control group was 18.7 (95% CI 13.6-25.7, p < 0.05). For subgroups on concomitant antibiotics, a significant advantage was noted again for the test versus the control group (76.8% versus 18.4%; p < 0.05; OR: 14.7 with 95% CI 8.8-24.4; p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The effect of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic in controlling diarrhoea was better than anti-diarrhoeal and/or oral rehydration therapy in real-world clinical practice. The effect was similar even with concomitant antibiotic usage.
PubMed: 38581564
DOI: 10.1007/s40801-024-00424-3 -
PloS One 2024Backfill mining is an effective way to solve environment pollute, surface subsidence, and groundwater system damage which caused by coal mining. However, the complex...
Backfill mining is an effective way to solve environment pollute, surface subsidence, and groundwater system damage which caused by coal mining. However, the complex underground environment may change the physical and mechanical properties of the backfill body, which poses a risk of strength failure. This paper analyzed the failure of gangue-based cemented backfill body which made up of gangue and fly ash. The results show that physicochemical reactions will generate quartz, kaolinite, and other high-strength substances; hydration reaction between the fine particles will generate hydrocalcium silicate and other C-S-H gels, they wrapped gangues as a whole, which provide a high strength of the cemented backfill body. Several experiments were carried out in order to find the reason for failure in samples under loads. The conclusion drawn as following: (1) When the load is large, the cracks extend from the surface of the samples to the interior, at the same time, the length and width of the cracks increasing obviously and connecting as net. Especially the external load exceeds the peak intensity. (2) The relationship between sample failure and pores is weak, but obvious with crack development, especially the cracks connected as a net. (3) The interface structure formed by gangue is an important source of crack development and, thus, will stimulate the development of cracks.
Topics: Coal Mining; Kaolin
PubMed: 38557823
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300102