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Journal of Environmental Management Apr 2024Every year a huge amount of zinc carbon batteries is discarded as waste and the management of such waste has become a growing concern all over the world. However, from...
Every year a huge amount of zinc carbon batteries is discarded as waste and the management of such waste has become a growing concern all over the world. However, from these waste carbon batteries different kinds of valuable materials could be recovered. On the other hand, different industries discharged large volumes of dye wastewater into the environment which has a profound impact on environment and as well as human health. In this study, ZnO was recovered from the waste carbon batteries through pyrometallurgy process and utilized it for the treatment of methylene blue and methyl orange dye water. The batch adsorption process was carried out to observe the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, stirring speed and temperature. Under the obtained optimal conditions adsorption kinetics (Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order) and adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin) were analyzed. The results disclosed that 0.5 g and 0.6 g of ZnO showed maximum removal efficiency for MB and MO dye solution (50 ppm) whereas pH 13 and 6 were the optimal for MB and MO respectively. Kinetic studies indicate that both the adsorption processes were pseudo-second order. It was also revealed that based on regression coefficient R value the adsorption of MB and MO on ZnO is followed Langmuir model. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the MO adsorption on ZnO is a chemical adsorption process and MB adsorption is a physical adsorption process.
Topics: Humans; Thermodynamics; Zinc Oxide; Kinetics; Carbon; Adsorption; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Methylene Blue; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 38537458
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120461 -
Aging Mar 2024Methylene blue (MB) is a well-established antioxidant that has been shown to improve mitochondrial function in both and settings. Mitoquinone (MitoQ) is a selective...
Methylene blue (MB) is a well-established antioxidant that has been shown to improve mitochondrial function in both and settings. Mitoquinone (MitoQ) is a selective antioxidant that specifically targets mitochondria and effectively reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. To investigate the effect of long-term administration of MB on skeletal morphology, we administered MB to aged (18 months old) female C57BL/J6 mice, as well as to adult male and female mice with a genetically diverse background (UM-HET3). Additionally, we used MitoQ as an alternative approach to target mitochondrial oxidative stress during aging in adult female and male UM-HET3 mice. Although we observed some beneficial effects of MB and MitoQ , the administration of these compounds did not alter the progression of age-induced bone loss. Specifically, treating 18-month-old female mice with MB for 6 or 12 months did not have an effect on age-related bone loss. Similarly, long-term treatment with MB from 7 to 22 months or with MitoQ from 4 to 22 months of age did not affect the morphology of cortical bone at the mid-diaphysis of the femur, trabecular bone at the distal-metaphysis of the femur, or trabecular bone at the lumbar vertebra-5 in UM-HET3 mice. Based on our findings, it appears that long-term treatment with MB or MitoQ alone, as a means to reduce skeletal oxidative stress, is insufficient to inhibit age-associated bone loss. This supports the notion that interventions solely with antioxidants may not provide adequate protection against skeletal aging.
Topics: Male; Female; Mice; Animals; Antioxidants; Methylene Blue; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxidative Stress; Aging; Mitochondrial Diseases; Organophosphorus Compounds; Ubiquinone
PubMed: 38535998
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205147 -
Biosensors Feb 2024A flow-through biosensor system for the determination of uric acid was developed on the platform of flow-through electrochemical cell manufactured by 3D printing from...
A flow-through biosensor system for the determination of uric acid was developed on the platform of flow-through electrochemical cell manufactured by 3D printing from poly(lactic acid) and equipped with a modified screen-printed graphite electrode (SPE). Uricase was immobilized to the inner surface of a replaceable reactor chamber. Its working volume was reduced to 10 μL against a previously reported similar cell. SPE was modified independently of the enzyme reactor with carbon black, pillar[5]arene, poly(amidoamine) dendrimers based on the -butylthiacalix[4]arene (PAMAM-calix-dendrimers) platform and electropolymerized 3,7-bis(4-aminophenylamino) phenothiazin-5-ium chloride. Introduction of the PAMAM-calix-dendrimers into the electrode coating led to a fivefold increase in the redox currents of the electroactive polymer. It was found that higher generations of the PAMAM-calix-dendrimers led to a greater increase in the currents measured. Coatings consisted of products of the electropolymerization of the phenothiazine with implemented pillar[5]arene and PAMAM-calix-dendrimers showing high efficiency in the electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide that was formed in the enzymatic oxidation of uric acid. The presence of PAMAM-calix-dendrimer G2 in the coating increased the redox signal related to the uric acid assay by more than 1.5 times. The biosensor system was successfully applied for the enzymatic determination of uric acid in chronoamperometric mode. The following optimal parameters for the chronoamperometric determination of uric acid in flow-through conditions were established: pH 8.0, flow rate 0.2 mL·min, 5 U of uricase per reactor. Under these conditions, the biosensor system made it possible to determine from 10 nM to 20 μM of uric acid with the limit of detection (LOD) of 4 nM. Glucose (up to 1 mM), dopamine (up to 0.5 mM), and ascorbic acid (up to 50 μM) did not affect the signal of the biosensor toward uric acid. The biosensor was tested on spiked artificial urine samples, and showed 101% recovery for tenfold diluted samples. The ease of assembly of the flow cell and the low cost of the replacement parts make for a promising future application of the biosensor system in routine clinical analyses.
Topics: Dendrimers; Uric Acid; Urate Oxidase; Electrodes; Phenothiazines; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 38534227
DOI: 10.3390/bios14030120 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Apr 2024This study introduces a novel approach centered around the design and synthesis of an interfacial passivating layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This architectural...
This study introduces a novel approach centered around the design and synthesis of an interfacial passivating layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This architectural innovation is realized through the development of a specialized material, termed dithiafulvene end-capped Spiro[fluorene-9,9'-xanthene], denoted by the acronym AF32. In this design architecture, dithiafulvene is thoughtfully attached to the spiroxanthene fluorene core with phenothiazine as the spacer unit, possessing multiple alkyl chains. AF32 passivates interfacial defects by coordinating the sulfur constituents of the phenothiazine and dithiafulvene frameworks to the uncoordinated Pb cations on the surface of the perovskite film, and the alkyl chains construct a hydrophobic environment, preventing moisture from entering the hydrophilic perovskite layer and improving the long-term stability of PSCs. Furthermore, this conductive interlayer facilitates hole transport in PSCs due to its well-aligned molecular orbital levels. Such improvements translated into an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.6% for the device employing 1.5 mg/mL AF32, and it maintained 85% of its initial PCE after more than 1800 h under ambient conditions [illumination and 45 ± 5% relative humidity (RH)]. This study not only marks progress in photovoltaic technology but also expands our understanding of manipulating interfacial properties for optimized device performance and stability.
PubMed: 38528377
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19619 -
PloS One 2024The concoction known as "lean" containing codeine and promethazine, holds a prominent cultural presence and is often referenced in mass media platforms (e.g., music and...
BACKGROUND
The concoction known as "lean" containing codeine and promethazine, holds a prominent cultural presence and is often referenced in mass media platforms (e.g., music and social media). Surprisingly, there's a scarcity of national data characterizing the use of lean. Therefore, the current study investigated the use of lean using national survey data and online forum participant input, and focused on identifying concurrent substance use, exploring co-administration with other substances (e.g., alcohol, cannabis), and determining lean-related experiences.
METHODS
We analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) spanning 2007-2019, identifying persons who used lean (weighted N = 42,275). Additionally, we conducted a Reddit-based study to gather insights about lean consumtion (N = 192).
RESULTS
The NSDUH data indicated that lean use was most prevalent among teenagers and young adults (ages 13-21), accounting for 66% of the sample. This trend was more pronounced in male respondents (75%) compared to females. Additionally, the use was predominantly observed among Black/African American (29%), Hispanic (28%), and White (33%) populations, with these groups also reporting higher levels of concurrent alcohol and cannabis use. Similarly, findings from Reddit showed that individuals who used lean were predominantly male (67%) and exhibited elevated concurrent rates of alcohol (83%) and cannabis (46%) use in the past 30 days. Moreover, approximately 66% of respondents met criteria for severe lean use disorder, and 37% acknowledged driving under its influence.
CONCLUSION
The NSDUH data found that mostly young adult males reported consuming lean in the past twelve months, though the racial/ethnic breakdown of persons who used lean was diverse. The Reddit data found that most individuals in the sample met the criteria for a substance use disorder pertaining to their lean consumption. These findings underscore the clinical significance and necessity for further controlled research on lean.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Cannabis; Codeine; Health Surveys; Hispanic or Latino; Promethazine; Substance-Related Disorders; United States; White; Black or African American
PubMed: 38527052
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301024 -
Chemosphere May 2024Green synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) linked with activated charcoal (AC) (AC/FeO NCs) were exploited for methylene blue (MB) confiscation in this study. The...
Green synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) linked with activated charcoal (AC) (AC/FeO NCs) were exploited for methylene blue (MB) confiscation in this study. The AC/FeO NCs produced were characterized using TEM, FTIR, UV/Vis and XRD spectrometry. The Response-Surface-Methodology (RSM) was utilized to improve the experimental data for the MB sorption to AC/FeO NCs, with 20 experimental runs implemented through a central composite design (CCD) to assess the effect of sorption factors-initial MB concentration, pH and sorbent dosage effects on the response (removal-effectiveness). The quadratic model was discovered to ideally describe the sorption process, with an R value of 0.9857. The theoretical prediction of the experimental data using the Artificial-Neural-Network (ANN) model showed that the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) had a better performance criterion. Comparison between the modelled experimental and predicted data showed also that the LM algorithm had a high R of 0.9922, which showed NN model applicability for defining the sorption of MB to AC/FeO NCs with practical precision. The results of the non-linear fitting (NLF) of both isotherm and kinetic models, showed that the sorption of MB to AC/FeO NCs was perfectly described using the pseudo-second-order (PSOM) and Freundlich (FRHM) models. The estimated optimum sorption capacity was 455 mg g. Thermodynamically, the sorption of MB to AC/FeO NCs was shown to be non-spontaneous and endothermic.
Topics: Charcoal; Methylene Blue; Adsorption; Nanocomposites; Magnetic Phenomena; Kinetics; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38522674
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141751 -
Journal of Vascular and Interventional... Jul 2024Treatment of hypovascular tumors, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, is challenging owing to inefficient drug delivery. This report examines the potential mechanism of...
PURPOSE
Treatment of hypovascular tumors, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, is challenging owing to inefficient drug delivery. This report examines the potential mechanism of localized drug delivery via transarterial microperfusion (TAMP) using a proprietary adjustable double-balloon occlusion catheter in a porcine model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Adult Yorkshire swine (N = 21) were used in the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee-approved protocols. The RC-120 catheter (RenovoRx, Los Altos, California) was positioned into visceral, femoral, and pulmonary arteries with infusion of methylene blue dye, gemcitabine, or gold nanoparticles. Transmural delivery was compared under double-balloon occlusion with and without side-branch exclusion, single-balloon occlusion, and intravenous delivery. Intra-arterial pressure and vascular histologic changes were assessed.
RESULTS
Infusion with double-balloon occlusion and side-branch exclusion provided increased intra-arterial pressure in the isolated segment and enhanced perivascular infusate penetration with minimal vascular injury. Infusates were predominantly found in the vasa vasorum by electron microscopy.
CONCLUSIONS
TAMP enhanced transmural passage mediated by localized increase in arterial pressure via vasa vasorum.
Topics: Animals; Vasa Vasorum; Balloon Occlusion; Gemcitabine; Infusions, Intra-Arterial; Deoxycytidine; Models, Animal; Antineoplastic Agents; Methylene Blue; Swine; Metal Nanoparticles; Equipment Design; Arterial Pressure; Sus scrofa; Vascular Access Devices
PubMed: 38508449
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2024.03.016 -
European Journal of Pharmacology May 2024Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is a pathological feature of synucleinopathies, neurodegenerative disorders that include Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we explored...
Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is a pathological feature of synucleinopathies, neurodegenerative disorders that include Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we explored the efficacy of N,N,N',N'-tetraethyl-10H-phenothiazine-3,7-diamine dihydrochloride (LETC), a protein aggregation inhibitor, on α-Syn aggregation. In both cellular models and transgenic mice, α-Syn aggregation was achieved by the overexpression of full-length human α-Syn fused with a signal sequence peptide. α-Syn accumulated in transfected DH60.21 neuroblastoma cells and α-Syn aggregation was inhibited by LETC with an EC of 0.066 ± 0.047 μM. Full-length human α-Syn overexpressing Line 62 (L62) mice accumulated neuronal α-Syn that was associated with a decreased motor performance in the open field and automated home cage. LETC, administered orally for 6 weeks at 10 mg/kg significantly decreased α-Syn-positive neurons in multiple brain regions and this resulted in a rescue of movement deficits in the open field in these mice. LETC however, did not improve activity deficits of L62 mice in the home cage environment. The results suggest that LETC may provide a potential disease modification therapy in synucleinopathies through the inhibition of α-Syn aggregation.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; alpha-Synuclein; Synucleinopathies; Parkinson Disease; Mice, Transgenic; Brain
PubMed: 38503400
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176505 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Apr 2024Hypoxia is a characteristic feature of many tumors. It promotes tumor proliferation, metastasis, and invasion and can reduce the effectiveness of many types of cancer...
BACKGROUND
Hypoxia is a characteristic feature of many tumors. It promotes tumor proliferation, metastasis, and invasion and can reduce the effectiveness of many types of cancer treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of methylene blue (MB) and its impact on the tumor oxygenation level at mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model using spectroscopic methods.
APPROACH
The pharmacokinetics of MB were studied qualitatively and quantitatively using video fluorescence imaging and fluorescence spectroscopy. The degree of hemoglobin oxygenation in vivo was examined by calculating hemoglobin optical absorption from the measured diffuse reflectance spectra. The distribution of MB fluorescence and the lifetime of NADH were analyzed using laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to assess cellular metabolism.
RESULTS
After intravenous administration of MB at 10-20 mg/kg, it quickly transitioned in the tumor to a colorless leucomethylene blue, with maximum accumulation in the tumor occurring after 5-10 min. A concentration of 10 mg/kg resulted in a relative increase of the tumor oxygenation level for small tumors (volume 50-75 mm) and normal tissue 120 min after the introduction of MB. A shift in tumor metabolism towards oxidative phosphorylation (according to the lifetime of the NADH coenzyme) was measured using FLIM method after intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg of MB. Intravenous administration of MB at 20 mg/kg results in a long-term decrease in oxygenation, which persisted for at least 120 min after the administration and did not return to its initial level.
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of MB at 10 mg/kg shown to increase tumor oxygenation level, potentially leading to more effective antitumor therapy. However, at higher doses (20 mg/kg), MB may cause long-term decrease in oxygenation.
Topics: Methylene Blue; Animals; Mice; Carcinoma, Lewis Lung; Oxygen; Photosensitizing Agents; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Photochemotherapy; Cell Line, Tumor; Spectrometry, Fluorescence
PubMed: 38503388
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104047 -
RSC Advances Mar 2024This research paper unveils a fluorescent probe (PTZ-SCN) engineered for the specific detection of Cu, featuring a 10-ethyl-10-phenothiazine-3-carbaldehyde and...
This research paper unveils a fluorescent probe (PTZ-SCN) engineered for the specific detection of Cu, featuring a 10-ethyl-10-phenothiazine-3-carbaldehyde and 2-(thiophen-2-yl) acetonitrile moiety. The fluorescence sensing behavior of PTZ-SCN towards various metal cations was scrutinized in CHCN : HEPES (9 : 1) buffer aqueous solution. The UV absorbance of PTZ-SCN displayed a distinct red shift in the presence of Cu cations, whereas other metal cations did not cause any interference. Similarly, the fluorescence emission of the probe was also only quenched by Cu cations. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 1.0461 × 10 M. PTZ-SCN showed the ability to identify Cu using the colorimetric method, the fluorometric method and even through visual observation in a trilateral detection. We studied the recognition mechanism of PTZ-SCN for Cu using H-NMR, HRMS analysis, and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. Furthermore, our study encompassed the investigation of PTZ-SCN's practical applicability, bridging the gap from research to real-world implementation. This was achieved by employing test strips and water samples for the detection of Cu. Additionally, the PTZ-SCN probe's low cytotoxicity and effective imaging properties for Cu in living cells were confirmed, indicating that PTZ-SCN shows the potential to serve as a promising probe for detecting Cu.
PubMed: 38500619
DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07608c