Recent Advanced Methods for Extracting and Analyzing Cannabinoids from Cannabis-Infused Edibles and Detecting Hemp-Derived Contaminants in Food (2013-2023): A Comprehensive Review.

Cannabis-infused edibles are food products infused with a cannabis extract. These edibles include baked goods, candies, and beverages, offering an alternative way to consume cannabis instead of smoking or vaporizing it. Ensuring the accurate detection of cannabis-infused edibles and identification of any contaminants is crucial for public health and safety. This is particularly important for compliance with legal regulations as these substances can have significant psychoactive effects, especially on unsuspecting consumers such as children or individuals with certain medical conditions. Using efficient extraction methods can greatly improve detection accuracy, ensuring that the concentration of cannabinoids in edibles is measured correctly and adheres to dosage guidelines and legal limits. This review comprehensively examines the preparation and extraction techniques for cannabinoid edibles. It covers methods such as solid-phase extraction, enhanced matrix removal-lipid, QuEChERS, dissolution and dispersion techniques, liquid-phase extraction, and other emerging methodologies along with analytical techniques for cannabinoid analysis. The main analytical techniques employed for the determination of cannabinoids include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), direct analysis in real time (DART), and mass spectrometry (MS). The application of these extraction and analytical techniques is further demonstrated through their use in analyzing specific edible samples, including oils, candies, beverages, solid coffee and tea, snacks, pet food, and contaminated products.

How safe are wild-caught salmons exposed to various industrial chemicals? First ever in silico models for salmon toxicity data gaps filling.

Salmons are crucial to ecosystems and economic activities like commercial fishing and aquaculture, while also serving as an important source of nutrients, underscoring their ecological significance and the need for sustainable management. To better understand the toxicity and biological interactions between the salmon and industrial chemicals in the aquatic environment, we utilized the ToxValDB database to develop first ever computational toxicity models for six salmon subspecies (covering Atlantic and Pacific salmon) across two genera, employing Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) and quantitative Read-Across Structure-Activity Relationship (q-RASAR) methods. For three smaller datasets (Oncorhynchus nerka, Oncorhynchus keta, and Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), we created mathematical models using the entire datasets where QSAR models demonstrated superior statistical quality compared to q-RASAR. Conversely, the three larger datasets (Oncorhynchus kisutch, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and Salmon salar) were divided into training and test sets, the q-RASAR models yielded better results compared to QSAR models. Mechanistic interpretations of these models revealed that descriptors such as Burden eigenvalues (BCUT), autocorrelation of topological structure (ATSC), and molecular polarizability were significant predictors of toxicity. For instance, higher polarizability and certain topological features were associated with increased toxicity as per the developed models. Statistically superior models for each subspecies were used to predict the aquatic toxicity of 1085 untested organic chemicals for toxicity data gap filling and risk assessment considering the applicability domain (AD). These insights are pivotal for designing safer chemicals and emphasize the need for sustainable management of salmon populations.

Protracted molecular dynamics and secondary structure introspection to identify dual-target inhibitors of Nipah virus exerting approved small molecules repurposing.

Nipah virus (NiV), with its significantly higher mortality rate compared to COVID-19, presents a looming threat as a potential next pandemic, particularly if constant mutations of NiV increase its transmissibility and transmission. Considering the importance of preventing the facilitation of the virus entry into host cells averting the process of assembly forming the viral envelope, and encapsulating the nucleocapsid, it is crucial to take the Nipah attachment glycoprotein-human ephrin-B2 and matrix protein as dual targets. Repurposing approved small molecules in drug development is a strategic choice, as it leverages molecules with known safety profiles, accelerating the path to finding effective treatments against NiV. The approved small molecules from DrugBank were used for repurposing and were subjected to extra precision docking followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiling. The 4 best molecules were selected for 500 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation followed by Molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA). Further, the free energy landscape, the principal component analysis followed by the defined secondary structure of proteins analysis were introspected. The inclusive analysis proposed that Iotrolan (DB09487) and Iodixanol (DB01249) are effective dual inhibitors, while Rutin (DB01698) and Lactitol (DB12942) were found to actively target the matrix protein only.

Adrenaline in pulp capping treatment of reversible pulpitis.

BACKGROUND: The role of epinephrine in the treatment of pulp capping in patients with reversible pulpitis is not clear. AIM: To explore the role of epinephrine in the treatment of pulp capping in patients with reversible pulpitis. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with reversible pulpitis who were treated in Anhui Jieshou People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were included in the study. They were categorized into an observation group (n = 50; treatment with adrenaline) and a control group (n = 50; treatment with zinc oxide eugenol paste). The 24-h postoperative pain, regression time of gingival congestion and redness, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the groups. Patients were further categorized into the ineffective and effective treatment groups based on clinical efficacy. Logistic multiple regression analysis explored factors affecting the efficacy of pulp capping treatment. RESULTS: A significant difference in 24-h postoperative pain was observed between the groups (P < 0.05), with a higher proportion of grade I pain noted in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The regression time of gingival congestion and swelling was lower in the observation group (2.61 ± 1.44 d and 2.73 ± 1.36 d, respectively) than in the control group (3.85 ± 1.47 d and 4.28 ± 1.61 d, respectively) (P < 0.05). The 2-wk postoperative total effective rate was lower in the control group (80.00%) than in the observation group (94.00%) (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was not significantly different between the control (14.00%) and observation (12.00%) groups (P > 0.05). The proportion of adrenaline usage was lower (P < 0.05) and that of anaerobic digestion by Streptococcus and Fusobacterium nucleatum was higher in the ineffective treatment group than in the effective treatment group (P < 0.05). Logistic multiple regression analysis revealed adrenaline as a protective factor (P < 0.05) and anaerobic digestion by Streptococcus and F. nucleatum as risk factors for pulp capping in reversible pulpitis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adrenaline demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in pulp capping treatment for reversible pulpitis, reducing pain and improving clinical symptoms safely. It is a protective factor for pulp capping, whereas Streptococcus and F. nucleatum are risk factors. Targeted measures can be implemented to improve clinical efficacy.

Exploring the mechanism of action of Shuangyang houbitong granules in the treatment of acute pharyngitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Acute pharyngitis (AP) refers to the acute inflammation of the pharynx, characterized by swelling and pain in the throat. Shuangyang houbitong granules (SHG), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, have been found to be effective in providing relief from symptoms associated with AP. METHODS: The chemical components of SHG were screened using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, HERB database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The targets of the granules were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction database. A network was constructed based on the targets of AP obtained from Genecards database, and protein-protein interaction analysis was performed on the intersection targets using STRING database. Key targets were screened for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, and the binding activity of components and targets was predicted using AutoDockTools-1.5.7. RESULTS: A total of 65 components of SHG that met the screening criteria were retrieved, resulting in 867 corresponding targets. Additionally, 1086 AP target genes were retrieved, and 272 gene targets were obtained from the intersection as potential targets for SHG in the treatment of AP. Molecular docking results showed that the core components genkwanin, acacetin, apigenin, quercetin can stably bind to the core targets glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, serine/threonine protein kinase, tumor protein 53, and epidermal growth factor receptor. CONCLUSION: The research results preliminarily predict and verify the mechanism of action of SHG in the treatment of AP, providing insights for further in-depth research.

Effectiveness of Bairui granules in the treatment of respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are characterized by a high mortality rate and clinical incidence. Bairui granules (BG), which employ a method of heat elimination and detoxification, have demonstrated benefits in the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases. METHODS: A computerized search of 6 databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relevant to the treatment of RTIs with BG up to November 30, 2023. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and grading analysis. To evaluate the stability of the results, trial sequential analysis was employed. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 31 RCTs with a total of 4073 patients and demonstrated that the use of BG in the treatment of RTIs was associated with enhanced treatment efficacy (relative risk = 1.19, 95% credible interval: 1.16-1.22, P < .001). It also indicated a faster resolution of symptoms including pulmonary rales, cough, and fever, as well as a reduction in serological index factors, compared to the use of Western medicine treatment (WT) alone. Additionally, the duration of hospitalization for patients was significantly reduced (relative risk = -1.36, 95% credible interval: -1.55 to -1.17, P < .001). Trial sequential analysis confirmed the stability and conclusive evidence of the study results. The efficacy of treating RTIs with BG, either alone or in combination with WT, was found to be superior to WT alone. However, further high-quality RCTs are necessary to validate these outcomes. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of treating RTIs using BG alone or in combination with WT was determined to be superior to using WT alone, with no serious adverse effects observed. However, additional RCTs are essential to further confirm the findings of this study.

Investigation on the efficiency of lentinan for injection combining cisplatin on treating malignant pleural effusion based on systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a frequently observed complication in advanced malignant tumors. Clinical studies have shown that lentinan for injection (LNT) is beneficial for improving patients' quality of life and prolonging their survival. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LNT combining cisplatin in the treatment of MPE. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LNT combining cisplatin in the treatment of MPE were searched in 6 literature databases from the establishment time of each database by 2 researchers. According to the inclusion criteria, 2 researchers independently screened studies, assessed the risk of bias and conducted subgroup analyses for different outcome indicators according to the specific characteristics of the included literature. Analyzing the data by Revman software, and evaluating the stability of the results by Stata software. RESULTS: A total of 52 RCTs were included. The results showed that combined use of LNT and cisplatin could improve the treatment effect, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (RR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.33 ~ 1.46, P < .001). And the combined use of LNT could increase the quality of life (RR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.35 ~ 1.56, P < .001). The using of LNT could significantly decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal reactions (RR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.78 ~ 0.94, P < .001). Sensitivity analysis results showed that there were no qualitative changes in the indicator, and suggested the possibility of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggested the combined use of LNT and cisplatin showed better efficacy in treating MPE without increasing ADR incidence than using cisplatin alone. LNT is an ideal treatment for MPE, which has high clinical application value.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of Injectable Lentinan combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study employed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive treatment with injectable Lentinan (LNT) in combination with chemotherapy for gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Computer-based searches of 6 databases were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relevant to the treatment of GC with LNT through mid-March 2023. Two independent researchers performed risk of bias assessment and trial sequential analysis(TSA), extracted the data and used Revman 5.3 software for data analysis. The certainty of evidence was graded based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. RESULTS: A total of 31 RCTs with 2729 patients were included in the analysis. The results revealed that adjunctive therapy with LNT was associated with improved treatment efficacy (RR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.36 ∼ 1.61, p < 0.00001), improvement in clusters of differentiation (CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+), natural killer (NK) cells, and quality of life assessment (RR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.20 ∼ 1.45, p < 0.00001) compared to using chemotherapy alone. In addition, there was a reduction in CD8+ levels, incidence of white blood cell decline, gastrointestinal reactions, and platelet decline. TSA results indicated that there was sufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions about these outcomes, and the GRADE scores showed 'high' or 'moderate' quality of evidence for these outcomes. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of treatment of GC with LNT in combination with chemotherapy was found to be better than chemotherapy alone. And no serious adverse effects were observed. However, further RCTs are needed to further validate the results of this study.