-
Journal of Fluorescence Jul 2024Pedalium Murex leaf extract was used in this study to create Nickel-doped Cerium oxide (Ni-CeO) nanoparticles at 3 mol% and 5 mol% molar concentrations. The...
Pedalium Murex leaf extract was used in this study to create Nickel-doped Cerium oxide (Ni-CeO) nanoparticles at 3 mol% and 5 mol% molar concentrations. The biosynthesized process was applied for the fabrication of Ni-CeO NPs. The X-ray diffraction method was used to identify their crystal structure. The XRD measurements showed that the Ni-CeO NPs crystallized into the face-centred cubic system. Fourier transform infrared spectral study was applied to explore the molecular vibrations and chemical bonding. The surface texture and chemical ingredients of Ni-CeO NPs were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The EDX mapping spectra illustrate the uniform dispersal of Ce, Ni, and O atoms over the sample's surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted to confirm the chemical state of the Ni-CeO NPs. UV-Vis spectrum study was performed to ascertain the photon absorption, bandgap, and Urbach edge of Ni-CeO NPs. Photoluminescence (PL) research has been used to study the light-emitting characteristic of Ni-CeO NPs. The emissive intensity transition corresponding to Ni-CeO NPs was found to increase with the dopant level. The CIE 1931 chromaticity map was plotted to find the aptness of the samples for optical uses. The antifungal ability of Ni-CeO NPs was evaluated against the fungi candida albicans and candida krusein with the agar well-diffusion process. The fungicidal activity of the 3 mol% Ni doped CeO nanoparticles has shown a maximum zone of inhibition. The experimental findings illustrate the utility of Ni-CeO NPs for optical and antifungal applications.
PubMed: 38958905
DOI: 10.1007/s10895-024-03831-5 -
Current Cardiology Reports Jul 2024Long COVID affects approximately 5 million people in Africa. This disease is characterized by persistent symptoms or new onset of symptoms after an acute SARS-CoV-2... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Long COVID affects approximately 5 million people in Africa. This disease is characterized by persistent symptoms or new onset of symptoms after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specifically, the most common symptoms include a range of cardiovascular problems such as chest pain, orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, syncope, and uncontrolled hypertension. Importantly, these conditions appear to have endothelial dysfunction as the common denominator, which is often due to impaired nitric oxide (NO) mechanisms. This review discusses the role of mechanisms contributing to endothelial dysfunction in Long COVID, particularly in people living with HIV.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent studies have reported that increased inflammation and oxidative stress, frequently observed in Long COVID, may contribute to NO dysfunction, ultimately leading to decreased vascular reactivity. These mechanisms have also been reported in people living with HIV. In regions like Africa, where HIV infection is still a major public health challenge with a prevalence of approximately 26 million people in 2022. Specifically, endothelial dysfunction has been reported as a major mechanism that appears to contribute to cardiovascular diseases and the intersection with Long COVID mechanisms is of particular concern. Further, it is well established that this population is more likely to develop Long COVID following infection with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, concomitant infection with SARS-CoV-2 may lead to accelerated cardiovascular disease. We outline the details of the worsening health problems caused by Long COVID, which exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as endothelial dysfunction. The overlapping mechanisms of HIV and SARS-CoV-2, particularly the prolonged inflammatory response and chronic hypoxia, may increase susceptibility to Long COVID. Addressing these overlapping health issues is critical as it provides clinical entry points for interventions that could improve and enhance outcomes and quality of life for those affected by both HIV and Long COVID in the region.
PubMed: 38958890
DOI: 10.1007/s11886-024-02087-6 -
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Jul 2024Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol that shows promise in reducing pro-inflammatory factors and maintaining endothelial function, which hints at its potential role... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol that shows promise in reducing pro-inflammatory factors and maintaining endothelial function, which hints at its potential role in slowing atherosclerosis and preventing acute coronary events.
OBJECTIVE
To study the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol on inflammatory mediators and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
METHODS
A thorough search was conducted in databases (Cochrane Library, ProQuest, PubMed, LILACS, ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor&Francis, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu) until September 24, 2023. The vasopro-inflammatory mediators, endothelial function and outcomes related to cardiovascular events were observed. Titles and abstracts were assessed, and bias was evaluated with Cochrane RoB 2.0. Heterogeneity of results was explored by meta-regression, certainty of evidence was assessed by the GRADE system, and conclusive evidence was enhanced by trial sequence analysis.
RESULTS
Ten randomized controlled trials and 3 animal studies investigated resveratrol's impact on inflammatory mediators and endothelial function. In primary prevention studies, meta-analysis showed a significant reduction (95% CI: -0.73 to -0.20; P=0.0005) in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression with resveratrol, demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship. No significant difference was observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression with P=0.58 for primary prevention and P=0.57 for secondary prevention. Vascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was significantly increased after resveratrol pre-treatment following CAD events. Secondary prevention studies yielded no significant results; however, meta-regression identified associations between age, hypertension, and lower doses with the extent of TNF-α alterations. High certainty of evidence supported TNF-α reduction, while evidence for IL-6 reduction and eNOS elevation was deemed low.
CONCLUSION
Resveratrol reduces TNF-α in individuals at risk for CAD, specifically 15 mg per day. However, its usefulness in patients with confirmed CAD is limited due to factors such as age, high blood pressure, and insufficient dosage. Due to the small sample size, the reduction of IL-6 is inconclusive. Animal studies suggest that resveratrol enhances endothelial function by increasing eNOS. (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023465234).
PubMed: 38958883
DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3665-0 -
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in... Jul 2024Proton supply is as critical as O2 activation for artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR). However, proton release via...
Proton supply is as critical as O2 activation for artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR). However, proton release via water dissociation is frequently hindered because of the sluggish water oxidation reaction (WOR), extremely limiting the efficiency of photocatalytic H2O2 production. To tackle this challenge, carboxyl-enriched supramolecular polymer (perylene tetracarboxylic acid - PTCA) is elaborately prepared by molecular self-assembly for overall photosynthesis of H2O2. Interestingly, the interconversion between carboxyl as Brønsted acid and its conjugated base realizes rapid proton circulation. Through this efficient tandem proton transfer process, the spatial effect of photocatalytic reduction and oxidation reaction is greatly enhanced with reduced reaction barrier. This significantly facilitates 2e- photocatalytic ORR to synthesize H2O2 and in the meanwhile promotes 4e- photocatalytic WOR to evolve O2. Consequently, the as-developed PTCA exhibits a remarkable H2O2 yield of 185.6 μM h-1 in pure water and air atmosphere under visible light illumination. More impressively, an appreciable H2O2 yield of 78.6 μM h-1 can be well maintained in an anaerobic system owing to in-situ O2 generation by 4e- photocatalytic WOR. Our study presents a novel concept for artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 via constructing efficient proton transfer pathway to enable rapid proton circulation.
PubMed: 38958874
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202409328 -
Biological Trace Element Research Jul 2024Cadmium(Cd) is a toxic heavy metal widely present in the environment, capable of accumulating in the liver and causing liver damage. In this study, the mechanism of...
Cadmium(Cd) is a toxic heavy metal widely present in the environment, capable of accumulating in the liver and causing liver damage. In this study, the mechanism of cadmium-induced liver fibrosis in chickens was investigated from the perspective of hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) based on the establishment of a model of chicken cadmium toxicity and a model of cadmium-stained cells in a chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (LMH). The 7-day-old chickens were randomly divided into the regular group (C group) and cadmium poisoning group (Cd group), and the entire test cycle was 60 days. Three sampling time points of 20 days, 40 days, and 60 days were established. By testing the liver coefficient, histopathological and ultrastructural changes in chicken livers were observed. The enzyme activities of liver function and the expression changes of fibrosis markers (COL1A1, Fibronectin), epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-SMA), and the critical factors of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway (TGF-β1, SMAD 2, and SMAD 3) were detected in the liver expression changes. The results showed that at the same sampling time point, the chicken liver coefficient in group Cd was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01); the activities of the liver function enzymes ALT and AST in chickens in the Cd group were significantly higher than those in the C group (P < 0.01); liver hepatocytes degenerated and necrotic, the number of erythrocytes in the blood vessels was increased, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the sinusoidal gap; the perisinusoidal gap of the liver was enlarged, and there was an apparent aggregation of collagen fibers in the intervening period as seen by transmission electron microscopy. The results of Masson staining showed that the percentage of fiber area was significantly higher in the chickens' livers of the Cd group. The fiber area percentage was significantly higher. The results of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot showed that the expression of E-cadherin in the livers of chickens in the Cd group was significantly lower than that in the C group (P < 0.01). The expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, COL1A1, Fibronectin, TGF-β1, SMAD 2, and SMAD 3 was significantly higher than that in the C group (P < 0.01). The results of in vitro assays showed that in the LMH cell model established by adding trimethylamine N-oxide, an activator of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, and oxidized picric acid, an inhibitor of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, the expression of E-cadherin was significantly reduced in cadmium-stained LMH cells (P < 0.01). The expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, COL1A1, Fibronectin, TGF-β, SMAD 2, and SMAD 3 was significantly elevated (P < 0.01). Cadmium and Trimethylamine N-oxide, an activator of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, promoted the expression of these factors. In contrast, the inhibitor of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, Oxymatrine, a TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway inhibitor, significantly slowed down these changes. These results suggest that cadmium induces hepatic epithelial-mesenchymal transition by activating the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in chicken hepatocytes, promoting hepatic fibrosis.
PubMed: 38958867
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04294-2 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2024Virgin and environmentally aged polypropylene (PP) micropowders (V-PP and E-PP, respectively) were used as reference microplastics (MPs) in comparative photo- and...
Virgin and environmentally aged polypropylene (PP) micropowders (V-PP and E-PP, respectively) were used as reference microplastics (MPs) in comparative photo- and thermo-oxidative ageing experiments performed on their mixtures with a natural ferrous sand (NS) and with a metal-free silica sand (QS). The ferrous NS was found to catalyze the photo-oxidative degradation of V-PP after both UV and simulated solar light irradiation. The catalytic activity in the V-PP/NS mixture was highlighted by the comparatively higher fraction of photo-oxidized PP extracted in dichloromethane, and the higher carbonyl index of the bulk polymer extracted with boiling xylene, when compared with the V-PP/QS mixture. Similarly, NS showed a catalytic effect on the thermal degradation (at T = 60 °C) of E-PP. The results obtained indicate that, under suitable environmental conditions (in this case, an iron-containing sediment or soil matrix, combined with simulated solar irradiation), the degradation of some types of MPs could be much faster than anticipated. Given the widespread presence of iron minerals (including the magnetite and iron-rich serpentine found in NS) in both coastal and mainland soils and sediments, a higher than expected resilience of the environment to the contamination by this class of pollutants is anticipated, and possible routes to remediation of polluted natural environments by eco-compatible iron-based minerals are envisaged.
PubMed: 38958859
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34120-0 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2024Diesel soot is a significant contributor to air pollution. Soot particles present in diesel engine exhaust have a negative impact on the environment and human health....
Diesel soot is a significant contributor to air pollution. Soot particles present in diesel engine exhaust have a negative impact on the environment and human health. Diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) currently use noble metal-based catalysts for soot oxidation. Due to the use of noble metals in the catalyst, the cost of diesel after-treatment systems is steadily rising. As a result, diesel vehicles have become commercially less viable than gasoline vehicles and electronic vehicles. The study focuses on an alternative diesel oxidation catalyst with efficiency similar to that of a noble metal catalyst but with a much lower cost. CeO-AlO catalysts are known for their oxygen storage capacity and high redox activity, making them suitable for soot oxidation. Adding Zr to these catalysts has been shown to influence their structural and chemical properties, significantly affecting their catalytic behavior. Therefore, the current study is focused on using Zr/CeO-AlO as a substitute for noble metal-based catalysts to enhance its performance for diesel soot oxidation in automotive exhaust. Evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) was used to prepare 1, 3, and 5 weight (wt) % Zr supported mesoporous CeO-AlO catalysts. Morphological, structural, and physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalysts were examined using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) absolute isotherm, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and Temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH-TPD). XRD, BET, and SEM data confirmed that the catalysts were mesoporous and low-crystalline with a high surface area. The soot oxidation activity of the catalysts was evaluated using a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. The loose contacts soot oxidation activity test suggested that 50% oxidation of soot occurred at 390 °C in the absence of a catalyst. T of CeO-AlO catalyzed soot oxidation was 296 °C. Adding Zr to the catalyst significantly improved catalytic activity for diesel soot oxidation. We observed a further drastic change in T of soot over 1, 3, and 5% Zr/CeO-AlO, which were 220 °C, 210 °C, and 193 °C, respectively. According to these results, incorporating Zr into the CeO-AlO catalyst significantly improved the oxidation process of soot.
PubMed: 38958858
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34052-9 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2024Nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, have garnered significant attention in various scientific disciplines, including materials science,...
Green-synthesized CuO and ZnO nanoparticles derived from Calotropis gigantea (Apple of Sodom): enhancing plant growth, efficient dye removal, and potent antibacterial applications.
Nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, have garnered significant attention in various scientific disciplines, including materials science, chemistry, biology, and environmental engineering. In recent years, the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as NiO, FeO, ZnO, SnO, and CuO via green routes, has gained attraction due to their diverse applications in fields ranging from catalysis and electronics to medicine and environmental remediation. This study focuses on the green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using Calotropis gigantea (Apple of Sodom) leaf extract as a reducing agent and stabilizer, with zinc nitrate (ZnNO.6HO) and copper nitrate (CuNO.3HO) as precursors. The hexagonal phase of ZnO and monoclinic plan structure of CuO with high crystallinity was confirmed by XRD and elemental composition by EDX analysis. With the help of an SEM image, particle size measured for CuO and ZnO using ImageJ software was found to be 56.08 nm and 46.49 nm, respectively. This study investigates the efficacy of nanoparticles in wastewater treatment, particularly focusing on methylene blue dye decolorization using the statistical processing of response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box-Behnken method. Additionally, it explores the impact of synthesized nanoparticles on seed growth enhancement, using Vigna radiata (green gram) seeds immersed in various doses of nanoparticles (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 mg/30 mL). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria is evaluated. The results confirm the effectiveness of the materials for methylene blue dye removal, achieving 80.53% with CuO and 78.25% with ZnO. Significant seed growth was observed with a low nanoparticle dosage of 1.5 mg/30 mL, resulting in the highest seedling vigour index and germination percentage. This reduces the need for fertilizers and lessens environmental impact.
PubMed: 38958855
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34053-8 -
Odontology Jul 2024Hyaluronic acid (HA), known for diverse properties, was investigated for its potential in dental pulp therapy. This study investigated the potential of HA in dental pulp...
Hyaluronic acid (HA), known for diverse properties, was investigated for its potential in dental pulp therapy. This study investigated the potential of HA in dental pulp therapy by examining the physical properties and effects of zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) pulpotomy materials containing varying HA concentrations on rat molar teeth. In vitro tests assessed compressive strength and hardness of ZOE materials blended with HA (0.5%, 1%, 3%) and HA gels (0.54%, 0.8%). 120 samples, encompassing the control group, underwent compressive strength testing, while 60 samples were designated for hardness assessment. In vivo experiments on rat molars studied histological effects of HA-containing ZOE on dental pulp over 1 week and 1 month. Gels with HA concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 0.54% were used in pulpotomy on 22 rats. Each rat underwent the procedure on four teeth, with one tooth serving as a control, totaling 88 teeth subjected to the intervention. In the analyses, SPSS 22.0 was used and the significance level was set at P = 0.05. Findings showed that HA at 0.5% maintained compressive strength, but higher concentrations decreased mechanical properties significantly (P = 0.001). Histological assessments indicated better outcomes with lower HA concentrations in terms of odontoblast layer continuity (P = 0.005 at 1 month) and pulp vitality (P = 0.001 at 1 week and P = 0.018 at 1 month). The study suggests HA holds promise for pulpotomy and regenerative endodontic treatments, but further research is needed to understand long-term clinical implications.
PubMed: 38958828
DOI: 10.1007/s10266-024-00973-7 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jul 2024Fluvial sediment analysis and water quality assessment are useful to identify anthropic and natural sources of pollution in rivers. Currently, there is a lack of...
Fluvial sediment analysis and water quality assessment are useful to identify anthropic and natural sources of pollution in rivers. Currently, there is a lack of information about water quality in the Pixquiac basin (Veracruz state, Mexico), and this scarcity of data prevents authorities to take adequate measures to protect water resources. The basin is a crucial territory for Xalapa, the capital city of Veracruz state, as it gets 39% of its drinkable water from it. This research analyzed 10 physicochemical parameters and 12 metal concentrations in various rivers and sources during two seasons. Dissolved metals presented average concentrations (µg/L): Al (456.25) > Fe (199.4) > Mn (16.86) > Ba (13.8) > Zn (7.6) > Cu (1.03) > Pb (0.27) > As (0.12) > Ni (0.118) (Cd, Cr and Hg undetectable). Metals in sediment recorded average concentrations (ppm): Fe (38575) > Al (38425) > Mn (460) > Ba (206.2) > Zn (65.1) > Cr (29.8) > Ni (20.9) > Cu (16.4) > Pb (4.8) > As (2.1) (Cd and Hg undetectable). During the rainy season, Water Quality Index (WAWQI) classified stations P17 and P18's water as "unsuitable for drinking" with values of 110.4 and 117.6. Enrichment factor (EF) recorded a "moderate enrichment" of Pb in sediment in P24. Pollution was mainly explained by wastewater discharges in rivers but also because of erosion and rainfall events. Statistical analysis presented strong relationships between trace and major metals which could explain a common natural origin for metals in water and sediment: rock lixiviation.
Topics: Mexico; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Water Quality; Drinking Water; Water Supply; Rivers; Metals, Heavy; Metals
PubMed: 38958826
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12841-6