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Acta Parasitologica Jun 2024Nothing is known about coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Pacific blue-tailed skink, Emoia caeruleocauda. Here, we report mensural and morphometric data on a...
PURPOSE
Nothing is known about coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Pacific blue-tailed skink, Emoia caeruleocauda. Here, we report mensural and morphometric data on a new species of Isospora from E. caeruleocauda from Guam, US Territory.
METHODS
Feces from four E. caeruleocauda collected by hand in November 2023 were placed in individual vials containing 2.5% potassium dichromate. They were examined for sporulated oocysts after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed.
RESULTS
A single (25%) E. caeruleocauda was found to be passing oocysts representing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora guamensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal to ovoidal with a bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 16.5 × 11.8 μm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.4; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent but a polar granule was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal and measure 9.4 × 6.5 μm, L/W 1.4; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present but a para-Stieda body was absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. The new species can be differentiated from all other isosporans from skinks by possessing the smallest oocysts known from this host family.
CONCLUSION
This is the first time an isosporan coccidian has been reported from E. caeruleocauda as well as the first report of a coccidian from a Guam-inhabiting skink.
PubMed: 38940982
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00860-9 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The search results offer comprehensive insights into the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, LC-MS/MS analysis, molecular docking, and...
Preliminary Investigation of subsp. : LC-MS/MS Chemical Profiling, In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Cytotoxicity, and In Silico Analysis against COX-2.
The search results offer comprehensive insights into the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, LC-MS/MS analysis, molecular docking, and MD simulation of the identified phenolic compounds in the subsp. extract (AAH). The analysis revealed substantial levels of total phenolic content (TPC), with a measured value of 191 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g DM. This high TPC was primarily attributed to two key phenolic compounds: total flavonoid content (TFC) and total tannin content (TTC), quantified at 80.82 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DM and 51.91 ± 0.01 mg CE/g DM, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 28 phenolic compounds, with gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, and others. In the DPPH scavenging assay, the IC value for the extract was determined to be 19.44 ± 0.04 μg/mL, comparable to standard antioxidants like BHA, BHT, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, the extract demonstrated a notably lower IC value compared to both diclofenac and ketoprofen, with values of 35.73 µg/mL, 63.78 µg/mL, and 164.79 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed significant cytotoxicity of the extract, with an LC value of 28.84 µg/mL, which exceeded that of potassium dichromate (15.73 µg/mL), indicating its potential as a safer alternative for various applications. Molecular docking studies have highlighted chrysin as a promising COX-2 inhibitor, with favorable binding energies and interactions. Molecular dynamic simulations further support chrysin's potential, showing stable interactions with COX-2, comparable to the reference ligand S58. Overall, the study underscores the pharmacological potential of extract, particularly chrysin, as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is warranted to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms and clinical implications of these natural compounds.
PubMed: 38929093
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060654 -
Contact Dermatitis Jun 2024Tefillin are a religious article worn by Jewish men during daily prayer. Tefillin dermatitis secondary to potassium dichromate sensitivity is recognised, but data remain...
BACKGROUND
Tefillin are a religious article worn by Jewish men during daily prayer. Tefillin dermatitis secondary to potassium dichromate sensitivity is recognised, but data remain sparse.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of tefillin dermatitis.
METHODS
Patients who underwent patch testing with the European baseline series in a tertiary dermatology clinic in 2009-2023 and were diagnosed with tefillin dermatitis were identified by file review and their clinical data recorded.
RESULTS
Of 1679 consecutive male patients tested, 25 (1.49%) were diagnosed with tefillin dermatitis, accounting for 15.34% of all potassium-dichromate-positive patients (163/1679). Mean pre-symptomatic duration of tefillin use was 38 ± 16.9 years, and mean follow-up time, 3.1 ± 2.9 years. Patients presented with an eczematous rash on body areas in direct contact with the leather box or straps of the tefillin. An id reaction was noted in 32%, and sensitivity to other leather accessories, in 44%. Fourteen patients (56%) switched to chromate-free tefillin: symptoms resolved completely in 11 (79%) and partially in 2.
LIMITATIONS
Retrospective cohort design.
CONCLUSION
This is the largest study to date of tefillin dermatitis caused by sensitivity to potassium dichromate used in leather production. Prognosis after switching to chromate-free tefillin was good-to-excellent. Tefillin dermatitis may be more prevalent than previously thought.
PubMed: 38923529
DOI: 10.1111/cod.14627 -
Marine Drugs Jun 2024Ichthyotoxic red tide is a problem that the world is facing and needs to solve. The use of antialgal compounds from marine macroalgae to suppress ichthyotoxic red tide...
Ichthyotoxic red tide is a problem that the world is facing and needs to solve. The use of antialgal compounds from marine macroalgae to suppress ichthyotoxic red tide is considered a promising biological control method. Antialgal substances were screened and isolated from , , , , , , and sp. to obtain new materials for the development of algaecides against ichthyotoxic red tide microalgae using bioactivity-guided isolation methods. The fractions of seven macroalgae exhibited selective inhibitory activities against and , of which the ethyl acetate fractions had the strongest and broadest antialgal activities for the two tested red tide microalgae. Their inhibitory effects on . and . were even stronger than that of potassium dichromate, such as ethyl acetate fractions of . , . , and sp. Thin-layer chromatography and ultraviolet spectroscopy were further carried out to screen the ethyl acetate fraction of sp. Finally, a new glycolipid derivative, 2--eicosanoyl-3--(6-amino-6-deoxy)--D-glucopyranosyl-glycerol, was isolated and identified from sp., and it was isolated for the first time from marine macroalgae. The significant antialgal effects of 2--eicosanoyl-3--(6-amino-6-deoxy)--D-glucopyranosyl-glycerol on . and . were determined.
Topics: Seaweed; Glycolipids; Harmful Algal Bloom; Microalgae; Dinoflagellida
PubMed: 38921590
DOI: 10.3390/md22060279 -
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic,... Jun 2024Construction workers (CWs) are at risk for occupational contact dermatitis (CD) owing to workplace exposures. Determine the prevalence of occupational allergic CD and...
Construction workers (CWs) are at risk for occupational contact dermatitis (CD) owing to workplace exposures. Determine the prevalence of occupational allergic CD and characterize common occupational allergens in CWs referred for patch testing in the United States and Canada. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from 2001 to 2020. Of 47,843 patch-tested patients, 681 (1.4%) were CWs. Compared with non-CWs, CWs were more likely to be male (91.0% vs 30.9%) have occupational skin disease (36.9% vs 11.4%) and have hand involvement (37.2% vs 22.5%) (all < 0.0001). Of 681 CWs, 60.1% (411) had clinically relevant positive patch test reactions, and nearly 1/3 of CWs (128) had occupationally relevant reactions. Most common occupationally relevant allergens were potassium dichromate 0.25% pet. (30.5%, 39/128), bisphenol A epoxy resin 1% pet. (28.1%, 36/128), carba mix 3% pet. (14.8%, 19/128), cobalt (ii) chloride hexahydrate 1% pet. (14.1%, 18/128), and thiuram mix 1% pet. (14.1%, 18/128). Top sources of occupationally relevant allergens were cement/concrete/mortar (20.4%, 46/225), gloves (15.1%, 34/225), and coatings (paint/lacquer/shellac/varnish/stains) (9.8%, 22/225). Occupational CD in North American CWs is common. In this group, frequently identified etiological sources of occupational allergic CD included metals, epoxy resin, and rubber.
PubMed: 38888884
DOI: 10.1089/derm.2024.0018 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa causing economic losses to various wild and domestic animals. An eimerian species infecting was...
INTRODUCTION
spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa causing economic losses to various wild and domestic animals. An eimerian species infecting was identified in this study.
METHODS
A total of 15 faecal samples were examined by floatation technique, a prevalence rate of 60% was reported. Eimerian oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution then identified using morphological and molecular (DNA amplification of the and genes) diagnostic techniques.
RESULTS
Sporulated oocysts were identified as -like, after morphometry with typical bi-layered wall with spherical to subspherical oocysts morphology. A polar granule is present, but no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongated ovoidal with stieda body. Sporocyst residuum with many granules and sporozoites with refractile bodies and nucleus. Both and sequences have been deposited in GenBank database. DNA sequences from the partial generated from the oocysts were found to be related to eimerian and isosporan parasites found in domestic pigeons. For the first time, sequences for -like were provided.
CONCLUSION
The necessity of using molecular techniques to describe pigeon intestinal coccidian parasites in conjunction with traditional morphology-based tools was emphasized in this work in order to understand the biology of such parasites.
PubMed: 38872800
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1392238 -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... May 2024Occupational and environmental exposure to chromium compounds such as potassium dichromate (PDC) (KCrO) has emerged as a potential aetiologic cause for renal disease...
Reno-protective effect of nicorandil and pentoxifylline against potassium dichromate-induced acute renal injury via modulation p38MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 and Notch1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.
BACKGROUND
Occupational and environmental exposure to chromium compounds such as potassium dichromate (PDC) (KCrO) has emerged as a potential aetiologic cause for renal disease through apoptotic, and inflammatory reactions. The known potent antioxidants such as nicorandil (NIC) and/or pentoxifylline (PTX) were studied for their possible nephroprotective effect in PDC-treated rats.
METHODS
Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; control, PDC group, NIC+PDC, PTX+PDC group, and combination+PDC group. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. Invasive blood pressure, renal function parameters urea, creatinine, uric acid and albumin, glomerular filtration rate markers Cys-C, Kim-1 and NGAL, inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, COX-II, p38MAPK, NF-κB and TLR4, oxidative stress SOD, GSH, MDA, MPO, HO-1 and Nrf2 and apoptotic mediators Notch1 and PCNA were evaluated. Besides, renal cortical histopathology was assayed as well.
RESULTS
PDC led to a considerable increase in indicators for kidney injury, renal function parameters, invasive blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. They were markedly reduced by coadministration of PDC with either/or NIC and PTX. The NIC and PTX combination regimen showed a more significant improvement than either medication used alone. Our results demonstrated the nephroprotective effect of NIC, PTX, and their combined regimen on PDC-induced kidney injury through suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response.
CONCLUSION
Renal recovery from PDC injury was achieved through enhanced MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed Notch1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. This study highlights the role of NIC and PTX as effective interventions to ameliorate nephrotoxicity in patients undergoing PDC toxicity.
PubMed: 38788404
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127474 -
JAAD International Sep 2024Psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis are 2 very common dermatoses. The relationship between them has not yet been fully understood. Contact dermatitis can be an...
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis are 2 very common dermatoses. The relationship between them has not yet been fully understood. Contact dermatitis can be an additional cause of epidermal disruption in psoriasis patients, resulting in poor management of the disease.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the tendencies of contact sensitization in a cohort of psoriasis patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
METHODS
Psoriasis patients ( = 85) with suspected contact dermatitis underwent patch testing with European Baseline allergen series S-1000 in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Centre of Dermatovenereology from August 2020 to August 2021. Their results are presented in this study.
RESULTS
The patch test was positive in 43.5% ( = 37) of patients. Contact sensitization was more prevalent in patients with mild psoriasis, as characterized by Psoriasis Area Surface Index scores ≤10, compared to those with moderate-to-severe psoriasis ( < .05). Generalized psoriasis and nail involvement were more common among nonsensitized patients ( < .05). Most common contact allergens among sensitized patients were nickel (II) sulfate, formaldehyde, and potassium dichromate.
CONCLUSION
An inverse trend was observed between psoriasis severity and contact sensitization. Extended psoriatic involvement was uncommon in sensitized patients.
PubMed: 38774342
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.02.015 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jul 2024Human exposure to chromium (Cr) is common but little is known about its adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to explore the association between Cr...
Human exposure to chromium (Cr) is common but little is known about its adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to explore the association between Cr exposure and the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the underlying mechanisms of Cr-induced NTDs. 593 controls and 408 NTD cases with placentas were included in this study. Chromium trichloride (Cr(III)) and potassium dichromate (Cr(VI)) were intragastrically administered to pregnant mice and the number of NTDs was recorded. The odds ratio for total NTDs in the highest exposure group in placenta was 4.18 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.97-8.84). The incidence of fetal NTDs in mice administered with Cr(III) showed a dose-response relationship. Cr(VI) didn't show teratogenicity of NTDs whereas increased the stillbirth rate. Prenatal exposure to Cr(III) increased levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis in fetal mice. RNA-sequencing results indicated significant enrichment of the MAPK pathway. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis revealed that Cr(III) induced increased expression of p-JNK, p-P38, and Casp3. Toxicological effects can be partly antagonized by antioxidant supplementation. High chromium exposure was associated with increased human NTD risks. Excessive Cr(III) exposure can induce NTDs in fetal mice by increasing apoptosis through upgrading oxidative stress and then activating JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Topics: Female; Neural Tube Defects; Animals; Pregnancy; Chromium; Mice; Placenta; Humans; Apoptosis; Oxidative Stress; Maternal Exposure
PubMed: 38735460
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124126 -
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Aug 2024This article was used potassium dichromate as the template molecule, silver nanoclusters as the nano matrix, acrylamide as the monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate...
This article was used potassium dichromate as the template molecule, silver nanoclusters as the nano matrix, acrylamide as the monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the crosslinking agent, and azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator to prepare a new silver nanocluster surface MIP (AgNCs@MIP) nanoprobe for chromate. Upon addition of Cr(VI), it selectively adsorbs on the surface of AgNCs@MIP nanoprobes. The dichromate ion absorption peak at 350 nm overlaps with the AgNCs@MIP RRS peak at 370 nm, resulting in strong RRS energy transfer (RRS-ET) and a decrease in the RRS intensity. The decreased RRS intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of dichromate ions in the range of 0.0025-0.015 µmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.8 nmol/L. Therefore, a simple, fast, sensitive and selective RRS method for the determination of trace Cr(VI) in mineral water has been established, with a relative standard deviation of 9.2-9.8 % and recovery of 95.20 %-103.60 %.
PubMed: 38669981
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124329