Advances in Nanomaterials Based on Cashew Nut Shell Liquid.

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), obtained as a byproduct of the cashew industry, represents an important natural source of phenolic compounds, with important environmental benefits due to the large availability and low cost of the unique renewable starting material, that can be used as an alternative to synthetic substances in many industrial applications. The peculiarity of the functional groups of CNSL components, such as phenolic hydroxyl, the aromatic ring, acid functionality, and unsaturation(s) in the C15 alkyl side chain, permitted the design of interesting nanostructures. Cardanol (CA), anacardic acid (AA), and cardol (CD), opportunely isolated from CNSL, served as building blocks for generating an amazing class of nanomaterials with chemical, physical, and morphological properties that can be tuned in view of their applications, particularly focused on their bioactive properties.

Development and characterization of rigid packaging material using cellulose/sugarcane bagasse and natural resins.

Composites developed from cellulose and natural resins have received much attention due to their low cost and positive environmental impact. Knowledge of the mechanical and degradation characteristics of cellulose based composite boards is essential to obtain indications of the strength and degradability of the resulting rigid packaging material. The composite was prepared with sugarcane bagasse and hybrid resin (a combination of epoxy and natural resin such as dammar, pine, and cashew nut shell liquid) with the mixing ratios (Bagasse fibers: Epoxy resin: Natural resin) 1:1:1.5, 1:1:1.75, and 1:1:2 using compression moulding method. Tensile strength, young's modulus, flexural strength, soil burial weight loss, microbial degradation, and CO2 evolution was determined. Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) resin-incorporated composite boards in the mixing ratio of 1:1:2 gave maximum flexural strength (5.10 MPa), tensile strength (3.10 MPa), and tensile modulus (0.97 MPa). The maximum degradation in soil burial test and CO2 evolution between the boards made using natural resin was found in the composite boards incorporated with CNSL resin with a mixing ratio of 1:1:1.5 were 8.30 % and 12.8 % respectively. The maximum weight loss percentage (3.49) in microbial degradation analysis was found in the composite board made using dammar resin in the mixing ratio of 1:1:1.5.

Electrochemistry Study of Bio-Based Composite Biopolymer Electrolyte-Starch/Cardol.

The environmental problems generated by pollution due to polymers of petrochemical origin have led to the search for eco-friendly alternatives such as the development of biopolymers or bio-based polymers. The aim of this work was to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of a biopolymer composite made from cassava starch and cardol extracted from cashew nut shell liquid. The biopolymers were prepared using the thermochemical method, varying the synthesis pH and the cardol amounts. The biopolymers were synthesized in the form of films and characterized by cyclic voltamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biopolymers showed a rich electroactivity, with three oxidation-reduction processes evidenced in the voltamperograms. On the other hand, the equivalent circuit corresponding to the impedance behavior of biopolymers integrated the processes of electron transfer resistance, electric double layer, redox reaction process, and resistance of the biopolymeric matrix. The results allowed us to conclude that the cardol content and the synthesis pH were factors that affect the electrochemical behavior of biopolymer composite films. Electrochemical processes in biopolymers were reversible and involved two-electron transfer and were diffusion-controlled processes.

Sustained efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in central nervous system lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual data.

Background: Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) is considered an aggressive lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Studies investigating CNSL have shown that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated an effective response in limited sample sizes. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the sustained efficacy and factors associated with the sustained efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in the treatment of CNSL. Methods: We searched studies from PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials up to July 2023. Studies that included individual data on the duration of response (DoR) after receiving CAR T-cell therapy were enrolled. Pooled response rates were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Subgroup analysis was performed to analyze the heterogeneity, and a Cox regression model was performed to identify the factors associated with sustained efficacy. Results: In total, 12 studies including 69 patients were identified and included in this meta-analysis. The pooled relapse rate was 45% [95% CI 35, 56]. Subgroup analyses of relapse rates revealed that CAR T-cells using the CD28/4-1BB domain (CD28/4-1BB vs. CD28 vs. 4-1BB, p = 0.0151), parenchymal or leptomeningeal involvement (parenchymal or leptomeningeal vs. both parenchymal and leptomeningeal, p < 0.0001), and combined treatment with CAR T-cell therapy [Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) plus CAR T-cell therapy vs. CAR T cells with maintenance therapy vs. CAR T-cell therapy alone, p = 0.003] were associated with lower relapse rates in patients. Time-to-event endpoints were assessed using reconstructed individual patient survival data to explore key modulators of DoR. Partial response status at CAR-T infusion and the use of ASCT plus CAR T-cell therapy were associated with longer DoR at the multivariate level, with hazard ratios of 0.25 and 0.26, respectively. Conclusion: CAR T-cell therapy shows promising and sustained efficacy in CNSL patients. However, further prospective large-scale studies are needed to assess these effect modifiers to optimize patient selection and improve the sustained efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in the treatment of CNSL. Systematic review registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier PROSPERO CRD42023451856.

Quantitative Detection of Thitsiol and Urushiol as Markers from the Gluta usitata Lacquer Tree Using HPLC.

Lacquer sap has been traditionally used in coatings and artwork. Suitable types of lacquer are required to preserve and restore artifacts. Recently, unsuitable cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has often been mixed with lacquer sap, so it is necessary to identify the characteristics of lacquer sap by the production area. However, research is still focused on urushiol and laccol. In this study, Myanmarese lacquer sap collected from Gluta usitata, which contains thitsiol as the main component, was analyzed by HPLC to quantify thitsiol using the standards 3-(10-phenyldecyl) benzene-1,2-diol (thitsiol 16) and 3-(8Z,11Z-pentadecadienyl)-benzenediol (urushiol 15:2) as markers, and calibration curves were plotted. The coefficients of determination (R2) for thitsiol 16 and urushiol 15:2 were 0.9985 and 0.9983, respectively. In addition, a blind test was conducted to confirm that accurate quantitative analysis was possible even when Myanmarese lacquer was mixed with lacquer from another production area, which contained urushiol as the main component, and CNSL, which contained cardol, a completely different catechol. Quantitative analysis of thitsiol 16 and urushiol 15:2 in Myanmarese lacquer using HPLC can be used to evaluate the quality of lacquer sap and for more sophisticated activities such as restoration by classifying differences in lacquer sap by the production area.

Effectiveness of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) with Bait Formulation Against Iridomyrmex cordatus as a Vector of Cocoa Pod Rot Disease Caused by Phytophthora palmivora.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a biopesticide that is environment-friendly in controlling ants <i>Iridomyrmex cordatus</i> is a vector pot rot disease caused by <i>Phytophthora palmivora</i>. The research aimed to obtain the best concentration of cashew nut shell liquid formulated as smart food bait to tackle the ant population of <i>Iridomyrmex cordatus</i> due mainly to a vector of <i>Phytophthora </i>pod rot. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research was carried out in cocoa areas in South Sulawesi with a randomized block design consisting of six treatments. Feeding trials consisted of food bait formulation that was added with cashew husk, respectively 1, 10, 20% and 17.5 g carbaryl (recommended dose) and control (without cashew husk or carbaryl). Each trial was replicated five times and set near to petiole and ant tunnel nest. The research focused on the number of ant colonies established in the trees until food bait was given. <b>Results:</b> The trial with CNSL concentration had a positive effect on the ant population the higher concentration given, the lower the ant population was obtained. Meanwhile, the population of <i>I. cordatus</i> had a positive contribution to the increase of disease incidence of <i>Phytophthora</i> pod rot disease<i>.</i> Feeding trials with 1 and 5% CNSL concentrations were less effective to limit ant population and disease incidence according to the efficacy test. In contrast, the trials of 10 and 20% were able to control population density and disease incidence due to over 51.39% efficacy test. <b>Conclusion:</b> There was a positive trend of CNSL concentration to reduce the ant population of <i>I. cordatus</i>. There was the greatest association between the increase of ant population density and the increase in disease incidence of <i>Phytophthora </i>pod rot.

A phase 2 study of sorafenib combined with conventional therapies in refractory central nervous system leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with refractory central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) have a dismal prognosis and lack effective therapy. Case reports have shown that sorafenib is effective against brain metastases, including leukemia. METHODS: To explore the efficacy of sorafenib combined with conventional therapies for refractory CNSL, a phase 2 study was conducted. The primary end point was the complete remission rate (CRR) within 8 weeks of treatment. Secondary end points included the overall response rate (ORR), event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with refractory CNSL were enrolled; they included 17 with isolated CNSL, 7 with hematological relapse, and 2 with another extramedullary relapse. After 8 weeks of treatment, 21 patients achieved complete remission, 2 achieved partial remission, and 3 achieved no remission for a CRR of 80.8% (95% CI, 62.1%-91.5%) and an ORR of 88.5% (95% CI, 71.0%-96.0%). Twenty patients survived, and 6 died. The 2-year EFS and OS rates were 75.0% (95% CI, 54.5%-88.3%) and 76.9% (95% CI, 54.2%-90.4%), respectively. Six patients experienced grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AEs, including moderate chronic graft-vs-host disease (n = 3), grade 3 or 4 acute graft-vs-host disease (n = 2), and grade 3 skin rash (n = 1). No treatment-related deaths occurred during the therapy of refractory CNSL. CONCLUSIONS: Sorafenib combined with conventional therapies is effective and safe for refractory CNSL. LAY SUMMARY: Sorafenib combined with conventional therapies is effective and safe for refractory central nervous system leukemia.

CNSL, a Promising Building Blocks for Sustainable Molecular Design of Surfactants: A Critical Review.

Surfactants are crystallizing a certain focus for consumer interest, and their market is still expected to grow by 4 to 5% each year. Most of the time these surfactants are of petroleum origin and are not often biodegradable. Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a promising non-edible renewable resource, directly extracted from the shell of the cashew nut. The interesting structure of CNSL and its components (cardanol, anacardic acid and cardol) lead to the synthesis of biobased surfactants. Indeed, non-ionic, anionic, cationic and zwitterionic surfactants based on CNSL have been reported in the literature. Even now, CNSL is absent or barely mentioned in specialized review or chapters talking about synthetic biobased surfactants. Thus, this review focuses on CNSL as a building block for the synthesis of surfactants. In the first part, it describes and criticizes the synthesis of molecules and in the second part, it compares the efficiency and the properties (CMC, surface tension, kraft temperature, biodegradability) of the obtained products with each other and with commercial ones.

CXCR4-Directed PET/CT with [68Ga]Pentixafor in Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Comparison with [18F]FDG PET/CT.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the value of [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT for the detection of lesions in central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) patients before chemotherapy, during treatment and suspected CSNL recurrence, compared with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). PROCEDURES: Twenty-six patients with newly or previously diagnosed CNSL who underwent [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT were included retrospectively. Histopathological results, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and follow-up were used as the standard reference. The accuracy of lesion detection, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of tumors, and ratio of tumor-to-normal brain (T/N) with [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT were calculated and compared to those obtained with [18F]FDG PET/CT. CXCR4 expression was analyzed through immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Of 26 patients, 18 were newly diagnosed with a total of 23 lesions, 4 had recurrent with 4 lesions, and 4 underwent a mid-term treatment assessment after 4 cycles of chemotherapy (3 achieved complete response (CR), 1 experienced progressive disease (PD) with a total of 8 lesions). Thirty-five lesions were all clearly detected with favorable contrast by [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT (accuracy, 100%), consistent with the results of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI). The SUVmax of positive lesions in [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT was correlated with tumor size (r = 0.555, P = 0.001). In 21 patients, compared with [18F]FDG PET/CT, [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT showed a remarkably higher T/N ratio (21.93 ± 10.77 vs 4.29 ± 2.16, P = 0.000) and detected 5 more lesions in the mid-term treatment assessment of patients (P = 0.026). The CXCR4 expression of CNSL lesions was correlated with SUVmax of [68 Ga]Pentixafor PET/CT (r = 0.772, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: CXCR4-directed PET/CT using [68 Ga]Pentixafor, with excellent tumor-to-background contrast, might be a more promising agent for the detection of lesions in CNSL patients than [18F]FDG PET/CT.

Toxicity and effectiveness of CD19 CAR T therapy in children with high-burden central nervous system refractory B-ALL.

INTRODUCTION: Although recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for refractory or relapsed B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL), most trials exclude patients with high-burden CNS leukemia (CNSL) to avoid the risk of severe neurotoxicity. There were only sparse cases describing the effect of CAR T cells on low-burden CNSL, and the safety and effectiveness of CAR T cells in high-burden CNSL remains unknown. METHODS: Here, we retrospectively analyzed the results of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in 12 pediatric patients that had low (Blasts < 20/µL in CSF) or high-burdens (Blasts or intracranial solid mass) of CNS B-ALL, that are enrolled in three clinical trials and one pilot study at Beijing Boren Hospital RESULTS: Eleven patients (91.7%) achieved complete remission (CR) on day 30, and one patient got CR on day 90 after infusion. Most patient experienced mild cytokine-release syndrome. However, of the five patients who retained > 5/µL blasts in CSF or a solid mass before CAR T-cell expansion, four developed severe (grade 3-4) neurotoxicity featured by persistent cerebral edema and seizure, and they fully recovered after intensive managements. Sustained remission was achieved in 9 of the 12 patients, resulted in a 6-month leukemia-free survival rate of 81.8% (95% CI 59.0-100). Only one patient has CNS relapse again. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that CAR T cells are effective in clearing both low- and high-burden CNSL, but a high CNSL burden before CAR T-cell expansion may cause severe neurotoxicity requiring intense intervention.

Photodynamic effect of palladium porphyrin derived from cashew nut shell liquid against promastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), endemic mainly in low-income countries that lack adequate basic health care. The emergence of resistant parasites to pentavalent antimonials has led to the search for new treatments for CL. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive and less toxic alternative for the treatment of CL. The present work describes the synthesis, characterization and photodynamic effect against CL of a new metalloporphyrin Pd (II) meso-tetra[4-(2-(3-n-pentadecylphenoxy)ethoxy]phenylporphyrin (PdP) derived from the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The PdP complex presented a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.49, favoring a type II photochemical reaction. The results of the photodynamic experiment carried out with PdP on the promastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis indicated a mortality percentage of 70 % of the cells when compared to the control after exposure to blue light (λ = 420 nm). Besides this, the metalloporphyrin PdP did not show considerable toxicity to macrophages, indicating the cell viability of the compound. Therefore, this metalloporphyrin derived from biomass represents an interesting alternative as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of CL through PDT, especially for patients with intolerance to the chemotherapeutic drugs currently available.

Application of FTIR-ATR spectroscopy to confirm the microwave assisted synthesis and curing of Cashew nut shell liquid derived nanostructured materials.

The present work reports the development of nanostructured material from Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL, an agro byproduct of cashew industry, 87% cardanol) to evaluate their potential in antibacterial applications as a substitute of petroleum feedstock via an energy-efficient method. The nanostructured material was synthesized by coordination polymerization reaction of cardanol and divalent Mn(II) salt with the aid of microwave irradiations. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the proposed structure of the synthesized materials. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was employed to verify the curing of material by comparing the spectra of the cured samples with the frequencies of uncured samples. Magnetic moment and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to confirm the proposed structure of the material further. Morphology of the synthesized material was investigated by XRD, optical microscopy, SEM and TEM and thermal behaviour by TGA/DTG/DSC technique. Agar diffusion method was utilized to investigate the antibacterial activity of the synthesized material against bacterial strains E. coli, K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis and S. aureus. N2 adsorption-desorption was investigated to check BET specific surface area and BJH pore size distribution of the same. The results revealed that the synthesized materials were obtained as semicrystalline, porous, thermally stable and nanostructured film forming materials with moderate to good antibacterial activity against different nosocomial bacteria. They can be used as thermally stable antibacterial agents in the field of films/coatings for health care applications.

New attempts for central nervous infiltration of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The cure rate of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the commonest childhood cancer, has been sharply improved and reached almost 90% ever since the central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy proposed in the 1960s. However, relapse, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), is still a common cause of treatment failure. Up to now, the classic CNS-directed treatment for CNS leukemia (CNSL) has been aslant from cranial radiation to high-dose system chemotherapy plus intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy for the serious side effects of cranial radiation. The neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy and IT chemotherapy have been reported in recent years as well. For better prevention and treatment of CNSL, plenty of studies have tried to improve the detection sensitivity for CNSL and prevent CNSL from happening by targeting cytokines and chemokines which could be key factors for the traveling of ALL cells into the CNS. Other studies also have aimed to completely kill ALL cells (including dormant cells) in the CNS by promoting the entering of chemotherapy drugs into the CNS or targeting the components of the CNS niche which could be in favor of the survival of ALL cells in CNS. The aim of this review is to discuss the imperfection of current diagnostic methods and treatments for CNSL, as well as new attempts which could be significant for better elimination of CNSL.

Age-Related Gliosis Promotes Central Nervous System Lymphoma through CCL19-Mediated Tumor Cell Retention.

How lymphoma cells (LCs) invade the brain during the development of central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) is unclear. We found that NF-κB-induced gliosis promotes CNSL in immunocompetent mice. Gliosis elevated cell-adhesion molecules, which increased LCs in the brain but was insufficient to induce CNSL. Astrocyte-derived CCL19 was required for gliosis-induced CNSL. Deleting CCL19 in mice or CCR7 from LCs abrogated CNSL development. Two-photon microscopy revealed LCs transiently entering normal brain parenchyma. Astrocytic CCL19 enhanced parenchymal CNS retention of LCs, thereby promoting CNSL formation. Aged, gliotic wild-type mice were more susceptible to forming CNSL than young wild-type mice, and astrocytic CCL19 was observed in both human gliosis and CNSL. Therefore, CCL19-CCR7 interactions may underlie an increased age-related risk for CNSL.

Nanomaterials Based on Fe3O4 and Phthalocyanines Derived from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid.

In this work we report the synthesis of new hybrid nanomaterials in the core/shell/shell morphology, consisting of a magnetite core (Fe3O4) and two consecutive layers of oleic acid (OA) and phthalocyanine molecules, the latter derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticle was performed via co-precipitation procedure, followed by the nanoparticle coating with OA by hydrothermal method. The phthalocyanines anchorage on the Fe3O4/OA core/shell nanomaterial was performed by facile and effective sonication method. The as obtained Fe3O4/OA/phthalocyanine hybrids were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic measurements. TEM showed round-shaped nanomaterials with sizes in the range of 12-15 nm. Nanomaterials presented saturation magnetization (Ms) in the 1-16 emu/g and superparamagnetic behavior. Furthermore, it was observed that the thermal stability of the samples was directly affected by the insertion of different transition metals in the ring cavity of the phthalocyanine molecule.

The Use of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) in PP/HIPS Blends: Morphological, Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties.

Polypropylene (PP) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) are two polymers that are frequently found in disposable waste. Both of these polymers are restricted from being separated in several ways. An easier way to reuse them in new applications, without the need for separation, would require them to be less immiscible. In this work, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a sub-product of the cashew agroindustry, was added as a third component to PP-HIPS mixtures and its effect as a compatibilizing agent was investigated. Morphological results showed that CNSL acted as an emulsifier by promoting reduction in the domains of the dispersive phase, HIPS, thus stabilizing the blends morphology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis suggests that CNSL is preferably incorporated in the HIPS phase. Its plasticizing effect leads to more flexible materials, but no significant effect could be detected on impact resistance or elongation at break.

Larvicidal and pupicidal activities of eco-friendly phenolic lipid products from Anacardium occidentale nutshell against arbovirus vectors.

Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus are vectors of diseases that constitute public health problems. The discovery of products capable of inhibiting their development which are less harmful to the environment would have a huge impact on vector control. Here, natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), technical CNSL, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol were isolated from Anacardium occidentale and evaluated for larvicidal and pupicidal activity against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus under laboratory and field conditions. The activities of phenol, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and pentadecane, commercial chemicals similar in structure to nut shell derivatives, were also evaluated. All of the fractions extracted from A. occidentale oil exerted larvicidal effects against both mosquito species (LC50 5.4-22.6 mg/L), and two of the aforementioned were effective against pupae (LC50 90.8-109.7 mg/L). Of all the fractions tested, cardol demonstrated the strongest larvicidal and pupicidal effects and presented the most prolonged residual activity against the larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus under field conditions. This study suggests that A. occidentale nut shell derivatives are sustainable and promising candidates for the development of novel insecticides to overcome the problem of harmful chemical insecticides.

Molecular evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of phenolic lipid extracted from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL).

BACKGROUND: Anacardium occidentale L phenolic lipid (LDT11) is used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory, astringent, antidiarrheal, anti-asthmatic and depurative. Phenolic derivatives, such as anacardic acid, extracted from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) have demonstrated biological and pharmacological properties, and its profile makes it a candidate for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory profile of a derivative, synthesized from LDT11, on an in vitro cellular model. METHODS: Organic synthesis of the phenolic derivative of CNSL that results in the hemi-synthetic compound LDT11. The cytotoxicity of the planned compound, LDT11, was analyzed in murine macrophages cell line, RAW264.7. The cells were previously treated with LDT11, and then, the inflammation was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in intervals of 6 h and 24 h. The analysis of the gene expression of inflammatory markers (TNFα, iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, IL-1ß and IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) dosage, and cytokine IL-6 were realized. RESULTS: The results showed that the phenolic derivative, LDT11, influenced the modulatory gene expression. The relative gene transcripts quantification demonstrated that the LDT11 disclosed an immunoprotective effect against inflammation by decreasing genes expression when compared with cells stimulated with LPS in the control group. The NO and IL-6 dosages confirmed the results found in gene expression. DISCUSSION: The present study evaluated the immunoprotective effect of LDT11. In addition to a significant reduction in the expression of inflammatory genes, LDT11 also had a faster and superior anti-inflammatory action than the commercial products, and its response was already evident in the test carried out six hours after the treatment of the cells. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated LDT11 is potentially valuable as a rapid immunoprotective anti-inflammatory agent. Treatment with LDT11 decreased the gene expression of inflammatory markers, and the NO, and IL-6 production. When compared to commercial drugs, LDT11 showed a superior anti-inflammatory action.

Experiment research of focused ultrasound combined with drug and microbubble for treatment of central nervous system leukemia.

It has been shown that low frequency ultrasound in the presence of microbubble can effectively open the blood brain barrier (BBB) to allow the drugs to be delivered into the brain with an increased concentration. We aim to apply this method to increase the efficacy of Cytarabine (Ara-c) to treat central nervous system leukemia (CNSL). In the present study, we validated this ultrasound contrast agent Sonovue® targeting treatment via in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that Sonovue® combined with Cytarabine could significantly inhibit K562 cell (chronic myeloid leukemia cell line) proliferation. In the animal experiments, it has been shown that high dose Ara-c chemotherapy could prevent and cure CNSL effectively and the drug concentration in the brain was much higher compared with low dose Ara-c chemotherapy group. We certified that under ultrasound exposure Sonovue® combined with low dose Cytarabine achieved an effective drug concentration in the rat brain, and brain tissue had no significant damage. Further animal experiments will be conducted to confirm these results in a leukemia animal model, considering the blood brain barrier is destroyed at different levels by leukemia cells. We hope this method will reduce the side effects of high-dose Cytarabine and improve the clinically high recurrence and poor prognosis of the central nervous system leukemia.

New ZnO@Cardanol Porphyrin Composite Nanomaterials with Enhanced Photocatalytic Capability under Solar Light Irradiation.

This work describes the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of new composite nanomaterials based on ZnO nanostructures impregnated by lipophlilic porphyrins derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The obtained nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and steady-state photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results confirm nanostructures showing average diameter of 55 nm and an improved absorption in the visible region. Further, the FTIR analysis proved the existence of non-covalent interactions between the porphyrin molecules and ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of prepared photocatalysts was investigated by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation and natural sunlight. It was demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity increases in the presence of the porphyrins and, also, depends on the irradiation source. The development of composite photocatalysts based on porphyrins derived from CNSL provides an alternative approach to eliminate efficiently toxic wastes from water under ambient conditions.