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Alternative Therapies in Health and... Jun 2024Expectoration and wheezing are prevalent symptoms of respiratory diseases. Acupoint application and back tapping have shown effectiveness in alleviating cough, wheezing,...
BACKGROUND
Expectoration and wheezing are prevalent symptoms of respiratory diseases. Acupoint application and back tapping have shown effectiveness in alleviating cough, wheezing, and associated symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the influence of combining acupoint application with back tapping in patients experiencing expectoration and wheezing.
DESIGN
A retrospective study design was employed.
SETTING
The study was conducted at Lujiang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
PARTICIPANTS
A total of 96 patients presenting with expectoration and wheezing between January 2019 and June 2021 were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=48) and a control group (n=48).
INTERVENTIONS
The control group received an acupoint application using white mustard seed. In contrast, the observation group received additional back-tapping along meridians.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES
(1) Clinical efficacy; (2) traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores; (3) levels of inflammatory factors; (4) blood gas analysis indexes; (5) pulmonary function indexes; and (6) quality of life was assessed.
RESULTS
Following treatment, the observation group exhibited superior clinical efficacy (P < .05), reduced traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores for cough, expectoration, and wheezing (P < .05), more pronounced improvements in inflammatory factor levels (P < .05), blood gas analysis indexes (P < .05), pulmonary function indexes (P < .05), and higher quality of life (P < .05) compared to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Combining acupoint application with back tapping effectively alleviated symptoms and inflammatory responses, improved blood gas and pulmonary function, and enhanced the quality of life in patients experiencing expectoration and wheezing.
PubMed: 38940795
DOI: No ID Found -
ACS Sensors Jun 2024Exposure to mustard gas can cause damage or death to human beings, depending on the concentration and duration. Thus, developing high-performance mustard-gas sensors is...
Exposure to mustard gas can cause damage or death to human beings, depending on the concentration and duration. Thus, developing high-performance mustard-gas sensors is highly needed for early warning. Herein, ultrathin WO nanosheet-supported Pd nanoparticles hybrids (WO NSs/Pd) are prepared as chemiresistive sulfur mustard simulant (e.g., 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, 2-CEES) gas sensors. As a result, the optimal WO NSs/Pd-2 (2 wt % of Pd)-based sensor exhibits a high response of 8.5 and a rapid response/recovery time of 9/92 s toward 700 ppb 2-CEES at 260 °C. The detection limit could be as low as 15 ppb with a response of 1.4. Moreover, WO NSs/Pd-2 shows good repeatability, 30-day operating stability, and good selectivity. In WO NSs/Pd-2, ultrathin WO NSs are rich in oxygen vacancies, offer more sites to adsorb oxygen species, and make their size close to or even within the thickness of the so-called electron depletion layer, thus inducing a large resistance change (response). Moreover, strong metal-support interactions (SMSIs) between WO NSs and Pd nanoparticles enhance the catalytic redox reaction performance, thereby achieving a superior sensing performance toward 2-CEES. These findings in this work provide a new approach to optimize the sensing performance of a chemiresistive sensor by constructing SMSIs in ultrathin metal oxides.
PubMed: 38918891
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c01002 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Hydrogen peroxide (HO) is a highly effective decontaminant against chemical warfare agents (CWAs) when present both in a liquid and as a solid powder. For the latter,...
Hydrogen peroxide (HO) is a highly effective decontaminant against chemical warfare agents (CWAs) when present both in a liquid and as a solid powder. For the latter, this can be in the form of HO being complexed to a polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). While a HO-PVP complex is indeed effective at decontaminating CWAs, it is vulnerable to environmental conditions such as high relative humidities (RH), which can dissociate the HO from the complex before it is given the opportunity to react with CWAs. In this paper, we demonstrate that the cross-linked version of PVP forms a highly stable complex with HO, which can withstand both high (40 °C) and low (-20 °C) temperatures as well as maintain stability at high RH up to 90% over several days. Collectively, this lays the framework for processing the HO-PVP complex in a variety of form factors that can maintain efficacy under a wide range of real-world environmental conditions.
PubMed: 38900936
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05330 -
Polymers Jun 2024Ultraviolet (UV) curing is an efficient and environmentally friendly curing method. In this paper, UV-cured polyurethane acrylates (PUAs) were investigated as potential...
Ultraviolet (UV) curing is an efficient and environmentally friendly curing method. In this paper, UV-cured polyurethane acrylates (PUAs) were investigated as potential military coatings to serve as barriers against chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Seven UV-cured PUA coatings were formulated utilizing hydroxyethyl methacrylate-capped hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer (HEMA-Htri) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate-capped polycarbonate prepolymer (PETA-PCDL) as the PUA monomers. Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and triethyleneglycol divinyl ether (DVE-3) were employed as reactive diluents. Gas chromatography was utilized to investigate the constitutive relationships between the structures of the PUA coatings and their protective properties against simulant agents for CWAs, including dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a nerve agent simulant, and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a mustard simulant. The glass transition temperature () and crosslinking density () of PUAs were found to be crucial factors affecting their ability to serve as barriers against CWAs. The incorporation of IBOA units led to enhanced and barrier performance of the PUAs, resulting in a DMMP retention of less than 0.5% and nearly 0 retention of CEES. However, an excessive introduction of polycarbonate chains decreased the and barrier performance of the PUAs. These findings may offer valuable insights for enhancing the protection of UV-cured PU coatings against CWAs.
PubMed: 38891524
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111578 -
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Jun 2024Food and beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) is a growing industry, but some CBD products contain Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC), despite being labeled as...
Food and beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) is a growing industry, but some CBD products contain Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC), despite being labeled as "THC-free". As CBD can convert to Δ-THC under acidic conditions, a potential cause is the formation of Δ-THC during storage of acidic CBD products. In this study, we investigated if acidic products (pH ≤ 4) fortified with CBD would facilitate conversion to THC over a 2-15-month time period. Six products, three beverages (lemonade, cola, and sports drink) and three condiments (ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce), were purchased from a local grocery store and fortified with a nano-emulsified CBD isolate (verified as THC-free by testing). The concentrations of CBD and Δ-THC were measured by Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively, for up to 15 months at room temperature. Coefficients of variation (CVs) of initial CBD concentrations by GC-FID were <10% for all products except ketchup (18%), showing homogeneity in the fortification. Formation of THC was variable, with the largest amount observed after 15 months in fortified lemonade #2 (3.09 mg Δ-THC/serving) and sports drink #2 (1.18 mg Δ-THC/serving). Both beverages contain citric acid, while cola containing phosphoric acid produced 0.10 mg Δ-THC/serving after 4 months. The importance of the acid type was verified using acid solutions in water. No more than 0.01 mg Δ-THC/serving was observed with the condiments after 4 months. Conversion of CBD to THC can occur in some acidic food products when those products are stored at room temperature. Therefore, despite purchasing beverages manufactured with a THC-free nano-emulsified form of CBD, consumers might be at some risk of unknowingly ingesting small amounts of THC. The results indicate that up to 3 mg Δ-THC from conversion can be present in a serving of CBD-lemonade. Based on the previous studies, 3 mg Δ-THC might produce a positive urine sample (≥15 ng/mL THC carboxylic acid) in some individuals. Consumers must exert caution when consuming products with an acidic pH (≤4) that suggests that they are "THC-Free," because consumption might lead to positive drug tests or, in the case of multiple doses, intoxication.
PubMed: 38888614
DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0064 -
IScience Jun 2024Chemical warfare agents (CWAs), epitomized by the notoriously used mustard gas (HD), represent a class of exceptionally toxic chemicals whose airborne removal is...
Chemical warfare agents (CWAs), epitomized by the notoriously used mustard gas (HD), represent a class of exceptionally toxic chemicals whose airborne removal is paramount for battlefield safety. This study integrates high-throughput computational screening (HTCS) with advanced machine learning (ML) techniques to investigate the efficacy of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in adsorbing and capturing trace amounts of HD present in the air. Our approach commenced with a comprehensive univariate analysis, scrutinizing the impact of six distinct descriptors on the adsorption efficiency of MOFs. This analysis elucidated a pronounced correlation between MOF density and the Henry coefficient in the effective capture of HD. Then, four ML algorithms were employed to train and predict the performance of MOFs. The Random Forest (RF) algorithm demonstrates strong model learning and good generalization, achieving the best prediction result of 98.3%. In a novel exploratory stride, we incorporated a 166-bit MACCS molecular fingerprinting (MF) to identify critical functional groups within adsorbents. From the top 100 MOFs analyzed, 22 optimal functional groups were identified. Leveraging these insights, we designed three innovative substructures, grounded in these key functional groups, to enhance HD adsorption efficiency. In this work, the combination of MF and ML could provide a new direction for efficient screening of MOFs for the capture of HD in the air. The outcomes of this study offer substantial potential to revolutionize the domain of CWA capture. This represents a significant stride toward developing practical solutions that enhance both environmental protection and battlefield security.
PubMed: 38883811
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110042 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Manganese oxides with porous structure and abundant active sites show potential in degrading sulfur mustard (HD). However, there is an interface effect between the oily...
Manganese oxides with porous structure and abundant active sites show potential in degrading sulfur mustard (HD). However, there is an interface effect between the oily liquid HD and nano oxides, and the powder is prone to agglomeration, which leads to incomplete contact and limited degradation ability. Here, we demonstrate a simple hydrothermal method for preparing MnO/TiC composites to address this problem. The influence of morphology and crystal structure on performance are examined. Herein, flower-like MnO is loaded onto the surface or interlayer of TiC-MXene nanosheets during in situ formation, significantly expanding the specific surface area. It also provides abundant acid-base sites and oxygen vacancies for the degradation of simulants 2-chloro-ethyl-ethyl thioether (2-CEES) without external energy, resulting in a reaction half-life as fast as 12.5 min. The relationship between structure and performance is clearly elaborated through temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses. Based on in situ attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the proposed degradation pathway of the 2-CEES molecule is a synergistic effect of hydrolysis, elimination, and oxidation. Furthermore, the products are nontoxic or low toxic. Metal oxide/MXene composites are first illustrated for their potential use in degrading sulfur mustard, suggesting new insights into these materials as novel decontamination for decomposing chemical warfare agents.
PubMed: 38815133
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03629 -
BMJ Open May 2024People with mustard gas lung disease experience cough, sputum, breathlessness and exercise limitation. We hypothesised that pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) would be... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
People with mustard gas lung disease experience cough, sputum, breathlessness and exercise limitation. We hypothesised that pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) would be beneficial in this condition.
DESIGN
An assessor-blind, two-armed, parallel-design randomised controlled clinical trial.
SETTING
Secondary care clinics in Iran.
PARTICIPANTS
60 men with breathlessness due to respiratory disease caused by documented mustard gas exposure, mean (SD) age 52.7 (4.36) years, MRC dyspnoea score 3.5 (0.7), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) 72.3 (15.2).
INTERVENTIONS
Participants were allocated either to a 6-week course of thrice-weekly PR (n=31) or to usual care (n=29), with 6-week data for 28 and 26, respectively.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Primary endpoint was change in cycle endurance time at 70% baseline exercise capacity at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints included 6 min walk distance, quadriceps strength and bulk, body composition and health status. For logistical reasons, blood tests that had been originally planned were not performed and 12-month follow-up was available for only a small proportion.
RESULTS
At 6 weeks, cycle endurance time increased from 377 (140) s to 787 (343) s with PR vs 495 (171) s to 479 (159) s for usual care, effect size +383 (231) s (p<0.001). PR also improved 6 min walk distance+103.2 m (63.6-142.9) (p<0.001), MRC dyspnoea score -0.36 (-0.65 to -0.07) (p=0.016) and quality of life; SGRQ -8.43 (-13.38 to -3.48) p<0.001, as well as quadriceps strength+9.28 Nm (1.89 to 16.66) p=0.015.
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that PR can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in people with breathlessness due to mustard gas lung disease and support the wider provision of this form of care.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
IRCT2016051127848N1.
Topics: Humans; Male; Iran; Mustard Gas; Middle Aged; Exercise Tolerance; Quality of Life; Dyspnea; Lung Diseases; Adult; Outpatients; Treatment Outcome; Chemical Warfare Agents
PubMed: 38806414
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083085 -
Chemosphere Jul 2024Sulfur mustard (SM, dichlorodiethyl sulfide) is a potent erosive chemical poison that can cause pulmonary lung, skin and eye disease complications in humans. Currently,...
Sulfur mustard (SM, dichlorodiethyl sulfide) is a potent erosive chemical poison that can cause pulmonary lung, skin and eye disease complications in humans. Currently, there is no designated remedy for SM, and its operation's toxicological process remains unidentified. This work employed zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the toxic manifestations and mechanisms of exposure to SM, aiming to offer novel insights for preventing and treating this condition. The results showed that SM caused a decrease in the survival rate of the zebrafish larvae (LC50 = 2.47 mg/L), a reduction in the hatching rate, an increase in the pericardial area, and small head syndrome. However, T-5224 (a selective inhibitor of c-Fos/activator protein) attenuated the reduction in mortality (LC50 = 2.79 mg/L), the reduction in hatching rate, and the worsening of morphological changes. We discovered that SM causes cartilage developmental disorders in zebrafish larvae. The reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction found that SM increased the expression of inflammation-related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and significantly increased cartilage development-related gene expression (fosab, mmp9, and atf3). However, the expression of sox9a, sox9b, and Col2a1a was reduced. The protein level detection also found an increase in c-fos protein expression and a significant decrease in COL2A1 expression. However, T-5224,also and mitigated the changes in gene expression, and protein levels caused by SM exposure. The results of this study indicate that SM-induced cartilage development disorders are closely related to the c-Fos/AP-1 pathway in zebrafish.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Mustard Gas; Larva; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; Chondrogenesis; Transcription Factor AP-1; Zebrafish Proteins
PubMed: 38761826
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142299 -
Disaster Medicine and Public Health... May 2024Nuclear and chemical weapons of mass destruction share both a tragic and beneficial legacy in mankind's history and health. The horrific health effects of ionizing...
Nuclear and chemical weapons of mass destruction share both a tragic and beneficial legacy in mankind's history and health. The horrific health effects of ionizing radiation and mustard gas exposures unleashed during disasters, wars, and conflicts have been harnessed to treat human health maladies. Both agents of destruction have been transformed into therapies to treat a wide range of cancers. The discovery of therapeutic uses of radiation and sulfur mustard was largely due to observations by clinicians treating victims of radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures. Clinicians identified vulnerability of leukocytes to these agents and repurposed their use in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Given the overlap in therapeutic modalities, it goes to reason that there may be common mechanisms to target as protective strategies against their damaging effects. This commentary will highlight oxidative stress as a common mechanism shared by both radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures and discuss potential therapies targeting oxidative stress as medical countermeasures against the devastating lung diseases wrought by these agents.
Topics: Humans; Mustard Gas; Oxidative Stress; Lung Injury; Chemical Warfare Agents
PubMed: 38706344
DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.238