Marine Antioxidants from Marine Collagen and Collagen Peptides with Nutraceuticals Applications: A Review.

Collagen peptides and marine collagen are enormous resources currently utilized. This review aims to examine the scientific literature to determine which collagen peptides derived from marine sources and which natural active antioxidants from marine collagen have significant biological effects as health-promoting nutraceuticals. Marine collagen is extracted from both vertebrate and invertebrate marine creatures. For vertebrates, this includes fish skin, bones, scales, fins, and cartilage. For invertebrates, it includes mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, and poriferans. The method used involved data analysis to organize information for isolating and identifying marine biocompounds with antioxidant properties. Specifically, amino acids with antioxidant properties were identified, enabling the use of hydrolysates and collagen peptides as natural antioxidant nutraceuticals. The methods of extraction of hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides by different treatments are systematized. The structural characteristics of collagen, collagen peptides, and amino acids in fish skin and by-products, as well as in invertebrate organisms (jellyfish, mollusks, and crustaceans), are described. The antioxidant properties of different methods of collagen hydrolysates and collagen peptides are systematized, and the results are comparatively analyzed. Their use as natural antioxidant nutraceuticals expands the range of possibilities for the exploitation of natural resources that have not been widely used until now.

Design of smart nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine to allow in field screening by law enforcement officers.

A portable and highly sensitive sensor was designed for the specific detection of 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), in a range of field-testing situations. The sensor can detect MDMA in street samples, even when other controlled substances drugs, or adulterants are present. In this work, we report for the first time a sensor using electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles computationally designed to recognize MDMA and then produced using solid phase synthesis. A composite comprising chitosan, reduced graphene oxide, and molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles synthesized for MDMA for the first time was immobilized on screen-printed carbon electrodes. The sensors displayed a satisfactory sensitivity (106.8 nA × µM-1 ), limit of detection (1.6 nM; 0.31 ng/mL), and recoveries (92-99%). The accuracy of the results was confirmed through validation using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). This technology could be used in forensic analysis and make it possible to selectively detect MDMA in street samples.

Forensic Analysis of Synthetic Cathinones on Nanomaterials-Based Platforms: Chemometric-Assisted Voltametric and UPLC-MS/MS Investigation.

Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as "legal highs" or "bath salts", being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, N-ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner. In this regard, the voltametric characterization of the SCs was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The elucidation of the SCs redox pathways was successfully achieved using liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry. For the rational identification of the ideal experimental conditions, chemometric data processing was employed, considering two critical qualitative and quantitative variables: the type of the electrochemical platform and the pH of the electrolyte. The analytical figures of merit were determined on standard working solutions using the optimized method, which exhibited wide linear ranges and LODs suitable for confiscated sample screening. Finally, the performance of the method was evaluated on real confiscated samples, the resulting validation parameters being similar to those obtained with another portable device (i.e., Raman spectrometer).

Electrochemical Rapid Detection of Methamphetamine from Confiscated Samples Using a Graphene-Based Printed Platform.

Methamphetamine (MAP) is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug that has a significant impact on the central nervous system. Its detection in biological and street samples is crucial for various organizations involved in forensic medicine, anti-drug efforts, and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of analytical sensors for MAP detection. In this study, a fast, simple, and cost-effective electrochemical sensor is presented that is used for the sensitive detection of MAP in confiscated street samples with a complex matrix. The optimized screen-printed sensor based on a carbon working electrode modified with graphene demonstrated an excellent limit of detection, good sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range (1-500 µM) for the target illicit drug both for standard solutions and real samples (seized samples, tap water, and wastewater samples). It can detect MAP at concentrations as low as 300 nM in real samples. This limit of detection is suitable for the rapid preliminary screening of suspicious samples in customs, ports, airports, and on the street. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a good recovery rate, indicating its reliability and repeatability. This quality is crucial for ensuring consistent and accurate results during screening processes.

The Use of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Testing for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study from a Single-Center Database.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multisystemic contagious disease produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria (MTBC), with a prevalence of 65:100,000 inhabitants in Romania (six times higher than the European average). The diagnosis usually relies on the detection of MTBC in culture. Although this is a sensitive method of detection and remains the "gold standard", the results are obtained after several weeks. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), being a quick and sensitive method, represent progress in the diagnosis of TB. The aim of this study is to assess the assumption that NAAT using Xpert MTB/RIF is an efficient method of TB diagnosis and has the capacity to reduce false-positive results. Pathological samples from 862 patients with TB suspicion were tested using microscopic examination, molecular testing and bacterial culture. The results show that the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test has a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96.4% compared with 54.8% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity for Ziehl-Neelsen stain microscopy, and an average of 30 days gained in the diagnosis of TB compared with bacterial culture. The implementation of molecular testing in TB laboratories leads to an important increase in early diagnostics of the disease and the prompter isolation and treatment of infected patients.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Imaging with Two Different Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographs: Normative Data for Romanian Children.

The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare pediatric normative data for the retinal nerve fiber layer of Romanian children using two different spectral domain optical coherence tomographs. Due to different scanning speeds and axial and transverse resolution, the results of the measurements of scans cannot be transposed. A total of 140 healthy children aged 4 to 18 were enrolled in the study. Overall, 140 eyes were scanned with a Spectralis SD-OCT (Heidelberg Technology), and the other 140 eyes were imaged with a Copernicus REVO SOCT (Optopol Technology (Zawiercie, Poland)). The mean global RNFL thickness and average RNFL thickness for the four quadrants were measured and compared. The average peripapillary RNFL thickness measured with the Spectralis was 104.03 ± 11.42 (range 81 to 126 µm), while the one measured with the Revo 80 was 127.05 ± 15.6 (range 111.43-158.28). The RNFL thickness measurements taken with the Spectralis in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants were 132 ±19.1, 133.5 ± 21.77, 74 ± 16.48, and 73 ± 11.95 µm, respectively, while those taken with the Revo 80 were 144.44 ± 9.25, 144.86 ±23.12, 96.49 ± 19.41, and 77 ± 11.4 µm, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the average RNFL thickness was not influenced by gender or eye laterality and was negatively correlated with age when we used the Spectralis device. This study provides normative data for SD-OCT peripapillary RNFL in healthy Romanian children for two different tomographs. These data help the clinician evaluate and interpret the results of optical coherence tomography for a child, taking into consideration all the technical and individual parameters.

Investigating the electrochemical profile of methamphetamine to enable fast on-site detection in forensic analysis.

Methamphetamine (MA) is a synthetic psychoactive drug which is consumed both licitly and illicitly. In some countries it is prescribed for attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and short-term treatment of obesity. More often though, it is abused for its psychostimulant properties. Unfortunately, the spread and abuse of this synthetic drug have increased globally, being reported as the most widely consumed synthetic psychoactive drug in the world in 2019. Attempting to overcome the shortcomings of the currently used on-site methods for MA detection in suspected cargos, the present study explores the potential of electrochemical identification of MA by means of square wave voltammetry on disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes. Hence, the analytical characterization of the method was evaluated under optimal conditions exhibiting a linear range between 50 µM and 2.5 mM MA, a LOD of 16.7 µM, a LOQ of 50.0 µM and a sensitivity of 5.3 µA mM-1. Interestingly, two zones in the potential window were identified for the detection of MA, depending on its concentration in solution. Furthermore, the oxidative pathway of MA was elucidated employing liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry to understand the change in the electrochemical profile. Thereafter, the selectivity of the method towards MA in mixtures with other drugs of abuse as well as common adulterants/cutting agents was evaluated. Finally, the described method was employed for the analysis of MA in confiscated samples and compared with forensic methods, displaying its potential as a fast and easy-to-use method for on-site analysis.

Neutropenia in Patients With Clozapine-Treated Schizophrenia: An Effect of Clozapine or a Consequence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Clozapine is the only approved antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Despite its therapeutic benefits, it is still widely underused, mainly because of its potential to cause agranulocytosis and neutropenia. Prescribing clozapine in COVID-19-positive patients became more challenging because of this potential side effect. This article is a review of literature on the risk of neutropenia associated with clozapine treatment in patients with COVID-19. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY: In clozapine-treated COVID-19-positive patients, neutropenia was reported in some cases; is it a consequence of clozapine treatment or of SARS-Co2 infection? DATA SOURCES: Data were extracted from 2 databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar. We selected all original reports, from March 2020 until May 2022, on neutropenia associated with clozapine treatment in positive COVID-19 patients. Eleven studies were selected for the final analysis. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, neutropenia in clozapine-treated patients was reported in 3.8% of cases. During the pandemic, neutropenia rates seemed to be higher. As per the cause of neutropenia, studies reported contradictory results. We aim to clarify rates and causes of neutropenia in clozapine-treated COVID-19-positive patients. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-eight articles were initially selected from the 2 databases. After excluding duplicates, unrelated articles, reviews, and guidelines, 11 studies were analyzed, all centered on clozapine treatment, COVID-19 infection, and associated neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine treatment in COVID-19-positive patients may be associated with a transient reduction of absolute neutrophils count, in some cases reaching neutropenia levels. Neutropenia rates reported in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients are higher than the prepandemic reports; therefore, we assume that the cause might be a result of the immunological interference between clozapine and SARS-CoV-2. Clozapine treatment needs to be continued whenever possible, with dose adjustments in relation to blood test results.

Electrochemical Fingerprints of Illicit Drugs on Graphene and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

Illicit drugs use and abuse remains an increasing challenge for worldwide authorities and, therefore, it is important to have accurate methods to detect them in seized samples, biological fluids and wastewaters. They are recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants as their consumption increased tremendously in recent years. Nanomaterials have gained much attention over the last decade in the development of sensors for a myriad of applications. The applicability of these nanomaterials, functionalized or not, significantly increases and it is therefore highly suitable for use in the detection of illicit drugs. We have assessed the suitability of various nanoplatforms, such as graphene (GPH), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs. GPH and MWCNTs were chosen as the most suitable platforms and cocaine, 3,4-methylendioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), 3-methylmethcathinone (MMC) and α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) were tested. Due to the hydrophobicity of the nanomaterials-based platforms which led to low signals, two strategies were followed namely, pretreatment of the electrodes in sulfuric acid by cyclic voltammetry and addition of Tween 20 to the detection buffer. Both strategies led to an increase in the oxidation signal of illicit drugs. Binary mixtures of illicit drugs with common adulterants found in street samples were also investigated. The proposed strategies allowed the sensitive detection of illicit drugs in the presence of most adulterants. The suitability of the proposed sensors for the detection of illicit drugs in spiked wastewaters was finally assessed.

Clozapine Efficacy in a Case of Severe Treatment-Resistant Postpartum Psychosis.

BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is a difficult time for mother and family. Unfortunately, in some cases, two psychiatric complications may occur: postpartum psychoses (PPP) with a prevalence of 0.2% and a very low incidence of 0.25-0.50 per 1000 deliveries, and post-natal depressions with an incidence of 10 to 20% per 1000 deliveries. The onset of postpartum psychosis is in the first 4 weeks after childbirth with symptoms such as emotional lability, cognitive disorganization, delusional beliefs and hallucinations. It requires hospitalization due to the high risk of suicide and infanticide. The studies reveal that the treatment can include FGAs (first-generation antipsychotics), such as haloperidol, and SGAs (second-generation antipsychotics), such as olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone. The literature is scarce in what resistant PPP is concerned and no such cases treated with clozapine have been reported, according to our knowledge. The present case report focuses on a female diagnosed with PPP who was treated with clozapine due to the lack of response to adequate dosage of 2 second-generation antipsychotics. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 30-year-old primiparous woman on her 3rd day after delivery, admitted in the psychiatric emergency unit for agitation, intrusive thoughts with a content frequently related to the infant, ideas of reference, disorganized speech, bizarre behavior, verbal stereotypes, insomnia and anxiety. Due to lack of response to adequate dosage of 2 second-generation antipsychotics, clozapine was initiated up to 250 mg/day. The symptoms remitted in the next 5 days and the patient was discharged. After discharge, at the patient's request, clozapine was replaced by olanzapine. Visit at 1 year revealed full remission of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although data is extremely limited, clozapine has been shown to be effective and safe in a severe case of treatment-resistant PPP.

Cytologic and histopathologic diagnosis in bronchopulmonary squamous cell carcinoma.

The classification of squamous cell carcinomas, based on cellular differentiation features, includes the poorly differentiated epidermoid carcinomas and well-differentiated epidermoid carcinomas. The histogenetic cytologic data clarify conventional cytodiagnosis of poorly differentiated epidermoid carcinomas and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and also eliminate other categories such as large cell carcinoma and small cell anaplastic carcinoma. We conducted a study for evaluating the degree of differentiation of pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in 620 patients - 551 men (88.8%) and 69 women (11.1%) who had lung cancer confirmed by cytologic, histologic and bronchoscopic examination. The cytologic examination was performed on slides with samples obtained by bronchial brushing and prints of bronchial biopsy stained with the Giemsa method. Histopathologic examination was performed on samples obtained by bronchial biopsy and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. At cytologic examination we found: poorly differentiated epidermiod carcinomas in 66 cases (33.8%), moderately differentiated epidermoid carcinomas in 22 cases (11.2%) and well differentiated epidermoid carcinomas in 107 cases (54.8%). Histological examination revealed: poorly differentiated epidermoid carcinomas in 133 cases (45.7%), moderately differentiated epidermoid carcinomas in 32 cases (10.9%), and well differentiated epidermoid carcinomas in 126 cases (43.2%). Our results suggested the importance of the association between cytologic and histopatologic examinations in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Correlations between the results of the histological and cytological examination in the diagnostic of the broncho-pulmonary cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Within the last years one discusses more and more about the association of the cytological examination with the histological one, becoming an important complementary examination. Casebook record. 163 patients were taken in the study, age between 37-79 years old, who showed clinical and radiological signs of broncho-pulmonary cancer. At all the patients a fibro-bronchoscopic examination was performed, with harvesting of material for histological and cytological examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histological examination was performed on bioptic pieces, fixed with 10% formalin and colored with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson and Van Gieson. The cytological examination was performed on material harvested by aimed bronchial brushing and/or on stamps from bioptic material, coloured Giemsa. RESULTS: By histological examination (in the 163 cases) the diagnostic of broncho-pulmonary cancer was given with the establishing of the histological type of cancer in 87.12% of the cases, at 17 patients (10.42%) dysplasia was diagnosed and in 2.45% (4 cases) the examination was negative. Out of the 163 cytologically examined cases, in 66.25% (108 patients) diagnose of broncho-pulmonary cancer could be given and the histological type could be established. In 11.66% of the patients the cytological examination was negative and in 22.08% of the cases the cytology was strongly suggestive for broncho-pulmonary cancer, but one could not determine the histological type. According to the current classification of the broncho-pulmonary cancer by histological examination, we diagnosed the NSCLC type (non small cell lung carcinoma) by 123 patients (75.41%) and by cytological examination, by 124 (76.07%); the type SCLC (small cell lung carcinoma) was identified by histological examination in 18 cases (11.04%) while the cytological examination allowed the highlighting of this type of cancer in 5 cases (3.06%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate the fact that the cytological examination on stamps from bioptic material or on that obtained by bronchial brushing offers a very high percentage of positive results, close to the histological one, but the establishing of the histological type of broncho-pulmonary cancer is more difficult by cytological examination, due to the heterogeneous structure of the NSCLC tumors. Despite this, the cytology may be extremely useful in diagnose of the small, necrotic tumors as well as in that of the carcinomas with non-small and small cells.