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Theranostics 2018Saliva as a sample matrix is rapidly gaining interest for disease diagnosis and point-of-care assays because it is easy to collect (non-invasive) and contains many...
Saliva as a sample matrix is rapidly gaining interest for disease diagnosis and point-of-care assays because it is easy to collect (non-invasive) and contains many health-related biomarkers. However, saliva poses particular problems relative to more common urine and blood matrices, which includes low analyte concentrations, lack of understanding of biomolecule transportation and inherent viscosity variability in human samples. While several studies have sought to improve assay sensitivity, few have addressed sample viscosity specifically. The goal of this study is to minimize the effect of sample viscosity on paper-based analytical devices (PADs) for the measurement of pH and nitrite in human saliva. PADs were used to measure salivary pH from 5.0 to 10.0 with a universal indicator consisting of chlorophenol red, phenol red and phenolphthalein. Nitrite determination was performed using the Griess reaction. Artificial saliva with viscosity values between 1.54 and 5.10 mPa∙s was tested on the proposed PAD. To ensure the proposed PADs can be tailored for use in-field analysis, the devices were shipped to Australia and tested with human specimens. Initial experiments showed that viscosity had a significant impact on the calibration curve for nitrite; however, a more consistent curve could be generated when buffer was added after the sample, irrespective of sample viscosity. The linear range for nitrite detection was 0.1 to 2.4 mg/dL using the improved method. The nitrite measurement in artificial saliva also showed a good correlation with the standard spectrophotometry method (=0.8484, paired sample -test, n=20). Measured pH values from samples with varying viscosities correlated well with the results from our pH meter. The inherent variation of salivary viscosity that impacts nitrite and pH results can be addressed using a simple washing step on the PAD without the need for complex procedures.
Topics: Australia; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nitrites; Paper; Saliva; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling; Viscosity
PubMed: 30083260
DOI: 10.7150/thno.24941 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2020This paper investigates the development of the alkalinity and its impact on carbon steel reinforcement embedded in alkali-activated fly ashes (AAFA) and alkali-activated...
This paper investigates the development of the alkalinity and its impact on carbon steel reinforcement embedded in alkali-activated fly ashes (AAFA) and alkali-activated fly ashes with ten percentage mass (wt%) of blast furnace slag (AAFAS)-based materials (geopolymer-GP). The pH analysis of eluates indicates a remarkable decrease of alkalinity in AAFA and AAFAS in the first hours of the geopolymerization process. Phenolphthalein solution and pore solution tests on concretes also show a sharp decrease of alkalinity with increased content in the binder due to carbonation. Micro X-ray computer tomography (µXCT) and electrochemical techniques indicate that the changed pH in the GP systems was accompanied by a decrease in the corrosion rates of steel reinforcement when compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems. In contrast to calcite and vaterite, which were detected in OPC and AAFAS after a carbonation process, only sodium carbonate natron was determined at lower levels in AAFA by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Topics: Alkalies; Carbon; Coal Ash; Electrochemical Techniques; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Polymerization; Polymers; Steel; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 32438581
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102359 -
Polymers Aug 2023Benzoxazine resins are widely employed in a variety of applications due to their exceptional heat resistance and treatment properties. However, traditional benzoxazine...
Benzoxazine resins are widely employed in a variety of applications due to their exceptional heat resistance and treatment properties. However, traditional benzoxazine resins still confront hurdles in today's engineering applications, such as their inability to provide long-term service in high-temperature settings and their inadequate toughness. In this study, four alkyne-functionalized benzoxazines with phthalide side groups and cyano groups of varying molecular weights were produced. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-NMR) were used to characterize the resin structure, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the thermal curing kinetics at different warming rates. The apparent activation energy was 116.9 kJ/mol. In-situ FT-IR was used to investigate the cure mechanism. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to evaluate the gelation time of BOZ series resins at various temperatures, and the curing process was designed by combining the results with DSC. The Tg of the composites made using BOZ-1N21 as the matrix was 336 °C, which was much higher than the Tg of the BP-a resin made with aniline, phenolphthalein, and formaldehyde (Tg = 251 °C). As a result, the resin system is expected to be employed in applications requiring high-temperature resistance and toughness.
PubMed: 37631535
DOI: 10.3390/polym15163478 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential probiotic properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi®M15 (M15). This study examined the...
The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential probiotic properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi®M15 (M15). This study examined the effects of M15 on sucralfate-induced constipation in a mouse model. The BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: the normal group (NOR) was without any treatment, while the constipation (CON), phenolphthalein (PHE), and probiotic (PRO) treatment groups were fed with sucralfate until the appearance of constipation symptoms. Afterward, the NOR and CON groups were given 1 ml saline orally every day until the end of the experiment; the PHE and PRO groups were given phenolphthalein or M15 suspension in 1 ml orally, respectively. Compared with the CON group, the fecal water content and intestinal peristalsis improved in the PRO group. Here, intake of M15 effectively attenuated sucralfate-induced constipation, recuperated colonic epithelial integrity, and increased serum levels of gastrointestinal excitatory neurotransmitters (motilin, gastrin, substance P). Analysis of the intestinal microbiota of mice by 16S rRNA metagenomic revealed an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroides and a decrease in Sclerotinia, Verrucosa and Proteus in the PRO group. Compared with the CON group, the constipation-induced intestinal microecological changes were partially recovered in the PHE and PRO groups. These results demonstrate that M15 enhanced gastrointestinal transit and alleviated in mice with sucralfate-induced constipation.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Sucralfate; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Constipation; Probiotics; Phenolphthaleins; Substance P; Galanin
PubMed: 38212429
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51497-7 -
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Feb 2023Corrective osteotomy is an effective surgery for correcting posture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite satisfactory correction, some patients...
BACKGROUND
Corrective osteotomy is an effective surgery for correcting posture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite satisfactory correction, some patients experience re-stooping during follow-up. However, there have been no studies on re-stooping in AS. We aimed to analyze the factors that affect re-stooping.
METHODS
Fifty patients (50 cases) who underwent thoracolumbar corrective osteotomy for AS from March 2006 to April 2018 were analyzed. We defined re-stooping as global kyphosis that recurs after corrective osteotomy. The patients were divided into two groups based on the ratio of correction loss: non-re-stooping group (N group) and re-stooping group (R group). We analyzed the demographic data and radiological parameters, such as modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), sagittal vertical axis, and various angles. We also investigated the factors affecting re-stooping by analyzing the correlation between the ratio of correction loss and various factors.
RESULTS
A significant difference was seen in the change in the mSASSS from before surgery to the last follow-up between the N group (2.87 ± 3.08) and the R group (9.20 ± 5.44). In multivariate analysis, only the change in the mSASSS from before surgery to the last follow-up was significantly correlated with the ratio of correction loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Thoracolumbar corrective osteotomy seems to provide high satisfaction among patients with AS but can lead to re-stooping during follow-up. The change in mSASSS was related with re-stooping in the current study. We recommend active rehabilitative exercises and appropriate medication depending on the patient's condition, which may help delay the postoperative progression of AS.
Topics: Humans; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Treatment Outcome; Spine; Kyphosis; Osteotomy; Phenolphthalein; Lumbar Vertebrae; Thoracic Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36778985
DOI: 10.4055/cios22075 -
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology &... May 2016The enterohepatic recycling of a drug consists of its biliary excretion and intestinal reabsorption, which is sometimes accompanied by hepatic conjugation and intestinal... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The enterohepatic recycling of a drug consists of its biliary excretion and intestinal reabsorption, which is sometimes accompanied by hepatic conjugation and intestinal deconjugation reactions. β-Glucuronidase, an intestinal bacteria-produced enzyme, can break the bond between a biliary excreted drug and glucuronic acid. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin can reduce the enterohepatic recycling of glucuronide-conjugated drugs. In this study, we established an in vitro system to evaluate the β-glucuronidase-mediated deconjugation of the irinotecan metabolite SN-38-G to its active SN-38 form and the effect of ciprofloxacin thereon. SN-38 formation increased in a time-dependent manner from 5 to 30 min. in the presence of β-glucuronidase. Ciprofloxacin and phenolphthalein-β-D-glucuronide (PhePG), a typical β-glucuronidase substrate, significantly decreased SN-38-G deconjugation and, hence SN-38 formation. Similarly, the antibiotics enoxacin and gatifloxacin significantly inhibited the conversion of SN-38-G to SN-38, which was not observed for levofloxacin, streptomycin, ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Ciprofloxacin showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the β-glucuronidase-mediated conversion of SN-38-G to SN-38 with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value of 83.8 μM. PhePG and ciprofloxacin afforded the inhibition in a competitive and non-competitive manner, respectively. These findings suggest that the reduction in the serum SN-38 concentration following co-administration of ciprofloxacin during irinotecan treatment is due, at least partly, to the decreased enterohepatic circulation of SN-38 through the non-competitive inhibition of intestinal β-glucuronidase-mediated SN-38-G deconjugation.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Camptothecin; Ciprofloxacin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enterohepatic Circulation; Glucuronidase; Glucuronides; Irinotecan; Time Factors
PubMed: 26518357
DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12511 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023A new PES-C/emodin ultrafiltration membrane was prepared by blending natural emodin with phenolphthalein polyethersulfone (PES-C) and was used to purify an acanthopanax...
A new PES-C/emodin ultrafiltration membrane was prepared by blending natural emodin with phenolphthalein polyethersulfone (PES-C) and was used to purify an acanthopanax senticosus injection in this study. Regarding the purified acanthopanax senticosus injection, its color became lighter, and its clarity increased. On the contrary, for an acanthopanax senticosus injection containing macromolecules, its color deepened, and its turbidity increased. Thermal stability of the purified acanthopanax senticosus injection was the best, followed by the original solution of the acanthopanax senticosus injection, and the acanthopanax senticosus injection containing macromolecules was the worst. The fingerprint spectrum of the purified acanthopanax senticosus injection was similar to the original solution of the acanthopanax senticosus injection, the relative peak area of each single peak was greater than 0.95, and the relative peak area of the total peak was greater than 0.96. Compared with the original solution of the acanthopanax senticosus injection, the histamine release amount and cell degranulation rate of the acanthopanax senticosus injection containing macromolecules increased, while those of the purified acanthopanax senticosus injection decreased, which reduced the risk of allergic reaction to a certain extent. "Inverse proof" confirmed that the acanthopanax senticosus injection containing macromolecules had certain liver and kidney toxicity, which indirectly proved that the liver and kidney toxicity of the purified acanthopanax senticosus injection was effectively reduced.
PubMed: 37631048
DOI: 10.3390/ph16081135 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2022Corrosion is an environmental and economic global problem. "Smart" or stimuli-responsive colorimetric nanosensors for maritime coatings have been proposed as an asset to...
Corrosion is an environmental and economic global problem. "Smart" or stimuli-responsive colorimetric nanosensors for maritime coatings have been proposed as an asset to overcome the limitations of the current monitoring techniques by changing color in the presence of triggers associated with the early stages of corrosion. Layered double hydroxides (Zn-Al LDH; Mg-Al LDH) and silica mesoporous nanocapsules (SiNC) were used as precursor nanocarriers of active compounds: hexacyanoferrate ions ([Fe(CN)]) and phenolphthalein (PhPh), respectively. Additionally, the safer-by-design principles were employed to optimize the nanosensors in an eco-friendly perspective (e.g., regular vs. warm-washed SiNC-PhPh; immobilization using different carriers: Zn-Al LDH-[Fe(CN)] vs. Mg-Al LDH-[Fe(CN)]). Therefore, the present study aims to assess the environmental behavior in saltwater and the toxic effects of the nanosensors, their nanocarriers, and the active compounds on the marine microalgae Tetraselmis chuii and the crustacean Artemia salina. Briefly, tested compounds exhibited no acute toxic effects towards A. salina (NOEC = 100 mg/L), apart from SiNC-PhPh (LC = 2.96 mg/L) while tested active compounds and nanosensors caused significant growth inhibition on T. chuii (lowest IC = 0.40 mg/L for SiNC-PhPh). The effects of [Fe(CN)] were similar regardless of the nanocarrier choice. Regarding SiNC-PhPh, its toxicity can be decreased at least twice by simply reinforcing the nanocapsules washing, which contributes to the removal (at least partially) of the surfactants residues. Thus, implementing safe-by-design strategies in the early stages of research proved to be critical, although further progress is still needed towards the development of truly eco-friendly nanosensors.
Topics: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Artemia; Chlorophyta; Corrosion; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35183663
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118973 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Mar 1996
Topics: Animals; Carcinogenicity Tests; Cathartics; Female; Male; Mice; Phenolphthaleins; Rats
PubMed: 8919757
DOI: No ID Found -
Biomedicines Sep 2023Dental composites, through their structural diversity, represent the biomaterials frequently used in dental reconstructive therapy. The aim of our study was to observe...
Dental composites, through their structural diversity, represent the biomaterials frequently used in dental reconstructive therapy. The aim of our study was to observe the influence of different beverage environment conditions on seven types of obturation dental materials with different compositions. Our research focused on the surface modification analysis of the materials after the immersion in the different beverages; in this regard, we used the EDAX technique correlated with the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The pH of the drinks and that of the simulated saliva solution were determined by the titrimetric method, a sodium hydroxide solution 0.1 mol/dm was prepared and used for the titration. An amount of 5 mL of each analyzed solution was added to 15 mL of distilled water to obtain a dilution, to which 3 drops of phenolphthalein (as a color indicator-Phenolphthalein, 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, CHO Mw: 318.32, purchased from Merck) were added for each analysis. For each solution, the experiment was repeated three times in order to obtain accurate results. The results of our study materialized into a real plea for modifying the patients' behavior in terms of diet and preferences for acidic drinks, so that their quality-of-life valence can be improved by keeping the composite materials in a long-term unalterable state on the one hand; on the other hand, systemic damage can be prevented as well.
PubMed: 37761013
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092571