RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Telocytes are modified interstitial cells that communicate with other types of cells, including stem cells. Stemness properties render them more susceptible to environmental conditions. The current morphological investigation examined the reactions of telocytes to salt stress in relation to stem cells and myoblasts. The common carp are subjected to salinity levels of 0.2, 6, and 10 ppt. The gill samples were preserved and prepared for TEM. RESULTS: The present study observed that telocytes undergo morphological change and exhibit enhanced secretory activities in response to changes in salinity. TEM can identify typical telocytes. This research gives evidence for the communication of telocytes with stem cells, myoblasts, and skeletal muscles. Telocytes surround stem cells. Telopodes made planar contact with the cell membrane of the stem cell. Telocytes and their telopodes surrounded the skeletal myoblast. These findings show that telocytes may act as nurse cells for skeletal stem cells and myoblasts, which undergo fibrillogenesis. Not only telocytes undergo morphological alternations, but also skeletal muscles become hypertrophied, which receive telocyte secretory vesicles in intercellular compartments. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the activation of telocytes is what causes stress adaptation. They might act as important players in intercellular communication between cells. It is also possible that reciprocal interaction occurs between telocytes and other cells to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Asunto(s)
Carpas , Telocitos , Animales , Salinidad , Telocitos/metabolismo , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión/veterinaria , Músculo Esquelético , Células Madre , MioblastosRESUMEN
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) due to injury of the myelin sheath by immune cells. The clotting factor fibrinogen is involved in the pathogenesis of MS by triggering microglia and the progress of neuroinflammation. Fibrinogen level is correlated with MS severity; consequently, inhibition of the fibrinogen cascade may reduce MS neuropathology. Thus, this review aimed to clarify the potential role of fibrinogen in the pathogenesis of MS and how targeting of fibrinogen affects MS neuropathology. Accumulation of fibrinogen in the CNS may occur independently or due to disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in MS. Fibrinogen acts as transduction and increases microglia activation which induces the progression of inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal injury. Besides, brain fibrinogen impairs the remyelination process by inhibiting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. These findings proposed that fibrinogen is associated with MS neuropathology through interruption of BBB integrity, induction of neuroinflammation, and demyelination with inhibition of the remyelination process by suppressing oligodendrocytes. Therefore, targeting of fibrinogen and/or CD11b/CD18 receptors by metformin and statins might decrease MS neuropathology. In conclusion, inhibiting the expression of CD11b/CD18 receptors by metformin and statins may decrease the pro-inflammatory effect of fibrinogen on microglia which is involved in the progression of MS.
Asunto(s)
Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas , Esclerosis Múltiple , Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas , Humanos , Esclerosis Múltiple/metabolismo , Fibrinógeno/metabolismo , Fibrinógeno/farmacología , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias , Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Vaina de Mielina/metabolismo , MiedoRESUMEN
The present study was designed to investigate the microscopic features of the small intestine in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). The histochemical profile of the small intestine was investigated using periodic acid Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB, pH 2.5), and aldehyde fuchsin. The expression of SOX9 was also evaluated immunohistochemically, and the detailed morphology of intestinal mucosa was studied by using a scanning electron microscope. The intestinal wall was composed of the tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. Plica circulares and muscularis mucosa were present only in the duodenum. The jejunal villi were the tallest and the ileal villi were the shortest. From the duodenum to the ileum, the population density of goblet cells decreased significantly. The goblet cells throughout the small intestine reacted positively with PAS and AB. The expression rate of SOX9 was not statistically different between the three parts of the small intestine (p > 0.05). In conclusion, despite the general characteristics of the small intestine in this species of hedgehog, there were some differences when compared with other mammalian and rodent species. These findings provide a baseline for future detailed research on the digestive system of the hedgehog species and other mammalian species.
Asunto(s)
Electrones , Erizos , Animales , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Intestino Delgado , Mucosa Intestinal/patologíaRESUMEN
Heavy metals intoxication causes several health problems that necessitate finding new protective and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Musa sp. leaves extract (MLE) on hepato-renal toxicities induced by cadmium (Cd) in male mice. The phytochemical screening, metal chelating activity (MCA), and the median lethal dose (LD50) of MLE were determined. Fifty CD-1 male mice were used and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with MLE (1000 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt) for MLE LD50 determination. Another 50 mice were used for evaluating the effect of MLE on Cd toxicity. Blood samples were collected for hematological, liver, and kidney functions assessments. Liver tissue homogenates were used for determination of oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MLE showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities. The MCA and LD50 of the MLE were 75 µg/mL and 3000 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. MLE showed beneficial therapeutic activity against hepato-renal toxicities in Cd-intoxicated mice, evidenced by improving the hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/farmacología , Quelantes/farmacología , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/prevención & control , Enfermedades Renales/prevención & control , Musa/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Hojas de la Planta/química , Animales , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Recuento de Células Sanguíneas , Cadmio/toxicidad , Intoxicación por Cadmio/prevención & control , Quelantes/química , Quelantes/uso terapéutico , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/sangre , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/patología , Ciclooxigenasa 1/genética , Ciclooxigenasa 1/metabolismo , Enzimas/metabolismo , Enfermedades Renales/sangre , Enfermedades Renales/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Renales/patología , Dosificación Letal Mediana , Masculino , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Ratones , FN-kappa B/genética , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismoRESUMEN
A trade-off is a relationship between two life history characteristics principally reproduction and adult longevity that are fundamental in predicting the optimal life history in any given environment. Mating is indispensable for sexual reproduction, but also can impose risks to females. Nevertheless, in the majority of insects, females allow multiple mating. Dichelops furcatus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a pest of wheat and corn in Argentina and southern Brazil, but little is known about its reproduction (i.e., the characteristics of the process that results in offspring). We analyzed reproductive attributes of D. furcatus, and the effect of single mating vs. multiple matings, evaluating the trade-off between fecundity and adult female longevity. We found that mating is not required for D. furcatus to oviposit, and multiple copulations were costly in terms of reduced longevity. Although multicopulated females lived a shorter period, only the pre- and post-reproductive periods were shortened. Fecundity was not affected but fertility was incremented in multicopulated females. Females copulated only once oviposited most of the eggs in the first half of the reproductive period, while eggs oviposited in the second half were all inviable (did not hatch). Studying demographic attributes of phytophagous insects provides relevant information to better understand the population dynamics of pests.
Asunto(s)
Copulación , Heterópteros/fisiología , Longevidad , Oviparidad , Animales , Femenino , MasculinoRESUMEN
This study aims to examine the effect of zeolites in optimizing the process of food waste composting. A novel method of sequential hydrothermal was introduced to modify the natural zeolite and apply to in-vessel compost bioreactors. Raw and modified natural zeolites were applied at 10 and 15% (w/w) of the total waste and compared with un-amended control trial. Both raw and modified zeolites affected the composting process, but the notable results were observed for modified natural zeolite. The results for compost stability parameters were prominent at 15% modified natural zeolite concentration. The rapid and long-term thermophillic temperature and moisture content reduction to the optimum range was observed for modified natural zeolite. Furthermore, the total ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) concentration in modified natural zeolite were increased by 11.1 and 21.5% respectively as compared to raw zeolite. Compost stability against moisture contents (MC), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matters (OM), total carbon (TC), mineral nitrogen, nitrification index (NI) and germination index (GI) was achieved after 60 days of composting that was in accordance with the international compost quality standards. The findings of this study suggested the suitability of modified natural zeolite addition at 15% to the total waste as the optimum ratio for the composting of food waste in order to achieve a stable nutrient-rich compost.
Asunto(s)
Compostaje , Zeolitas , Nitrificación , Nitrógeno , SueloRESUMEN
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common clinical problem that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical practices in VTE prophylaxis in university and peripheral hospitals in Morocco. This is a national, cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study assessing the management of the VTE risk in selected Moroccan hospitals (four university and three peripheral). The thromboembolic risk of the selected patients was assessed according to the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines (2008). We hypothesized that interventions for VTE guideline implementation in those hospitals may improve prophylaxis use for hospitalized patients. A total of 1318 patients were analyzed: 467 (35.5%) medical and 851 (64.5%) surgical. The mean age of patients was 52.6 ± 16.5 years, and 52.7% were female. A total of 51.1% patients were considered to be at risk of VTE according to ACCP guidelines and were eligible for thromboprophylaxis (TP). Medical patients were more likely to present risk factors than surgical patients (53.6 vs. 50.7%, respectively). TP was prescribed for 53.1% of these patients, 57.4% in at-risk surgical patients and 50.3% in at-risk medical patients. TP was also prescribed for 42.9% of non-at-risk patients. The concordance between the recommended and the prescribed prophylaxis was poor for the total population (kappa = 0.110). TP did not improve sufficiently in our hospitals, even after implementation of the guidelines. New strategies are required to appropriately address TP in hospitalized patients.
Asunto(s)
Premedicación/métodos , Tromboembolia Venosa/prevención & control , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Adhesión a Directriz , Hospitales , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Marruecos , Medición de Riesgo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Visible light photocatalysts of Cr2O3/C3N4 composites (with different melamine concentrations) were prepared by high temperature calcination method. The composites samples were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-visible spectroscopy and particle size analysis, which clearly indicated the coexistence of both Cr2O3 and C3N4 in the composites. The Cr2O3/C3N4 catalysts were tested for photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol in wastewater and solubilization of sludge in anaerobic digestion process to enhance biomethane production. The co-catalytic performance of Cr2O3, with 6% of melamine (precursor of C3N4), improved the photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol (kâ¯=â¯0.0156 min-1) under visible light, where up to 94% removal was achieved at optimum pH 5.0, pollutant concentration of 60â¯mg/L, and time duration of 180â¯min. On another hand, application of Cr2O3/C3N4 for photocatalytic pretreatment of sludge released the soluble substances in solution in which sCOD was increased from 431â¯mg/L to 3666â¯mg/L after 6â¯h and VS content decrease by only 9.1%, which indicated that the short time pretreatment could avoid the further mineralization of organic to complete degradation. Thereafter, anaerobic digestion of solubilized sludge was achieved after 30 days with production of 634â¯ml kg-1VS of methane and 46% of organic matter removal efficiency (OMRE), compared with 472â¯ml kg-1VS and 402â¯ml kg-1VS of methane, 35 and 31% of OMRE respectively in photolytic and raw sludge (control) reactors. These results can provide a useful base and reference for the multi applications of visible light Cr2O3/C3N4 photocatalyst in enhancement of degradation of toxic pollutant in wastewater and sludge stabilization with bioenergy production in practice.
Asunto(s)
Aguas del Alcantarillado , Aguas Residuales , Catálisis , Luz , Fotoquímica , Difracción de Rayos XRESUMEN
In this study, carbon nitride/titania nanotubes (C3N4/TiO2 NTs) composites were synthesized for the enhanced visible light mediated photocatalytic degradation and pre-treatment of wastewater sludge for enhanced biogas production. The co-existence of C3N4 and TiO2 NTs and visible light activity was confirmed by XRD, TEM, UV-visible and PL spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of TiO2 NTs with 2% of melamine (precursor of C3N4), enhanced the degradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) (kâ¯=â¯0.0176 min-1), where 96.6% removal was achieved at optimum pH 7.0 and 2-CP concentration of 30â¯mg/L. On the other hand, the application of C3N4/TiO2 NTs for solubilization of the rigid structure of sludge by photocatalysis released the soluble organics showing an improvement in sCOD production (4587â¯mg/L). Subsequently, anaerobic digestion of solubilized sludge has improved the methane production (723.4â¯mlâ¯kg-1â¯VS) by 1.37 and 1.6 times compared to that in anaerobic digestion with photolytic and raw sludge, thus showing a promising applicability for biogas production from sludge and wastewater treatment.
Asunto(s)
Nanotubos , Aguas del Alcantarillado , Titanio , Biocombustibles , Metano , Nitrilos , AguaRESUMEN
Biogas production using waste activated sludge (WAS) is one of the most demanding technologies for sludge treatment and generating energy in sustainable manner. The present study deals with the photocatalytic pretreatment of WAS using ZnO-ZnS@polyaniline (ZnO-ZnS@PANI) nanocomposite as means for increasing its degradability for improved biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD). Photocatalysis accelerated the hydrolysis of WAS and increased the sCOD by 6.7 folds after 6 h and transform tCOD into bioavailable sCOD. After the AD of WAS, a removal of organic matter (60.6%) and tCOD (69.3%) was achieved in photocatalytic pretreated sludge. The biogas production was 1.6 folds higher in photocatalytic sludge with accumulative biogas up to 1645.1 ml L-1vs after 45 days compared with the raw sludge (1022.4 ml L-1VS). Moreover, the photocatalysis decrease the onset of methanogenesis from 25 to 12 days while achieve the maximum conversion rate of reducing sugars into organic acids at that time. These results suggested that photocatalysis is an efficient pretreatment method and ZnO-ZnS@PANI can degrade sludge efficiently for enhance biogas production in anaerobic digestion process.
Asunto(s)
Biocombustibles , Aguas del Alcantarillado , Anaerobiosis , Reactores Biológicos , Hidrólisis , Metano , Compuestos Orgánicos , Eliminación de Residuos LíquidosRESUMEN
This paper aims to examine the influence of biochar produced from lawn waste in accelerating the degradation and mineralization rates of food waste compost. Biochar produced at two different temperatures (350 and 450 °C) was applied at the rates 10 and 15% (w/w) of the total waste to an in-vessel compost bioreactor for evaluating its effects on food waste compost. The quality of compost was assessed against stabilization indices such as moisture contents (MC), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matters (OM) degradation, change in total carbon (TC) and mineral nitrogen contents such as ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-). The use of biochar significantly improved the composting process and physiochemical properties of the final compost. Results showed that in comparison to control trial, biochar amended compost mixtures rapidly achieved the thermophilic temperature, increased the OM degradation by 14.4-15.3%, concentration of NH4+ by 37.8-45.6% and NO3- by 50-62%. The most prominent effects in term of achieving rapid thermophilic temperature and a higher concentration of NH4+ and NO3- were observed at 15% (w/w) biochar. According to compost quality standard of United States (US), California, Germany, and Austria, the compost stability as a result of biochar addition was achieved in 50-60 days. Nonetheless, the biochar produced at 450 °C had similar effects as to biochar produced at 350 °C for most of the compost parameters. Therefore, it is recommended to produce biochar at 350 °C to reduce the energy requirements for resource recovery of biomass and should be added at a concentration of 15% (w/w) to the compost bioreactor for achieving a stable compost.
Asunto(s)
Carbón Orgánico , Compostaje , Austria , California , Alemania , Nitrógeno , Suelo , TemperaturaRESUMEN
Homozygous or compound heterozygous melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) mutations are rare with fewer than 10 patients described in current literature. Here we report the short- and long-term outcomes for four children ages 4.5-14 who are homozygous for loss-of-function mutations in the MC4R and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. All four patients experienced significant weight loss and improvement in, or resolution of, their comorbidities in the short term. One patient, however, has had significant weight regain in the long term. We conclude that MC4R signaling is not required for short-term weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in children. Behavior modification may be more important for long-term weight maintenance, but patients with homozygous MC4R deficiency should not be excluded from consideration for sleeve gastrectomy. However, as at least one copy of functional MC4R is necessary and sufficient to induce long-term postoperative weight loss benefits, patients with complete loss of MC4R functionality might be less likely to exhibit the same benefits resulting from bariatric surgery.
Asunto(s)
Derivación Gástrica , Laparoscopía , Obesidad Mórbida/cirugía , Receptor de Melanocortina Tipo 4/metabolismo , Aumento de Peso , Comorbilidad , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidad Mórbida/genética , Transducción de Señal/genética , Resultado del Tratamiento , Aumento de Peso/genética , Pérdida de Peso/genéticaRESUMEN
The total number, morbidity and mortality attributed to viraemic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections change over time making it difficult to compare reported estimates from different years. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viraemic population and forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2014 to 2030. With the exception of Iceland, Iran, Latvia and Pakistan, the total number of viraemic HCV infections is expected to decline from 2014 to 2030, but the associated morbidity and mortality are expected to increase in all countries except for Japan and South Korea. In the latter two countries, mortality due to an ageing population will drive down prevalence, morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, both countries have already experienced a rapid increase in HCV-related mortality and morbidity. HCV-related morbidity and mortality are projected to increase between 2014 and 2030 in all other countries as result of an ageing HCV-infected population. Thus, although the total number of HCV countries is expected to decline in most countries studied, the associated disease burden is expected to increase. The current treatment paradigm is inadequate if large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality are to be achieved.
Asunto(s)
Hepacivirus/aislamiento & purificación , Hepatitis C Crónica/epidemiología , Hepatitis C Crónica/virología , Modelos Estadísticos , Viremia/epidemiología , Viremia/virología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Costo de Enfermedad , Femenino , Salud Global , Hepatitis C Crónica/mortalidad , Hepatitis C Crónica/terapia , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Análisis de Supervivencia , Viremia/mortalidad , Viremia/terapia , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 15 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the relative impact of two scenarios was considered: increased treatment efficacy while holding the annual number of treated patients constant and increased treatment efficacy and an increased annual number of treated patients. Increasing levels of diagnosis and treatment, in combination with improved treatment efficacy, were critical for achieving substantial reductions in disease burden. A 90% reduction in total HCV infections within 15 years is feasible in most countries studied, but it required a coordinated effort to introduce harm reduction programmes to reduce new infections, screening to identify those already infected and treatment with high cure rate therapies. This suggests that increased capacity for screening and treatment will be critical in many countries. Birth cohort screening is a helpful tool for maximizing resources. Among European countries, the majority of patients were born between 1940 and 1985. A wider range of birth cohorts was seen in the Middle East and Asia (between 1925 and 1995).
Asunto(s)
Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles/métodos , Hepatitis C Crónica/epidemiología , Hepatitis C Crónica/prevención & control , Modelos Estadísticos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Asia/epidemiología , Niño , Preescolar , Pruebas Diagnósticas de Rutina/métodos , Pruebas Diagnósticas de Rutina/estadística & datos numéricos , Utilización de Medicamentos , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Femenino , Hepatitis C Crónica/diagnóstico , Hepatitis C Crónica/terapia , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Trasplante de Hígado , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Medio Oriente/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Detailed, country-specific epidemiological data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection around the world. With new treatment options available, policy makers and public health officials must reconsider national strategies for infection control. In this study of 15 countries, published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates were gathered from the literature and validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Iran and Lebanon to 4.2% in Pakistan. The largest viraemic populations were in Pakistan (7 001 000 cases) and Indonesia (3 187 000 cases). Injection drug use (IDU) and a historically unsafe blood supply were major risk factors in most countries. Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely between countries. However, comparison across countries was difficult as the number of cases changes over time. Access to reliable data on measures such as these is critical for the development of future strategies to manage the disease burden.
Asunto(s)
Hepacivirus/aislamiento & purificación , Hepatitis C Crónica/epidemiología , Hepatitis C Crónica/virología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Genotipo , Salud Global , Hepacivirus/clasificación , Hepatitis C Crónica/diagnóstico , Hepatitis C Crónica/terapia , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Trasplante de Hígado , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
InVO4/TiO2 composite was synthesized via amalgamation of InVO4 with TiO2 (Degussa P-25) powders. Application of the produced composite was evaluated as a catalyst for visible-light photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) in synthetic wastewater solutions. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray microanalyses and nitrogen physisorption. The degradation of 2-CP was affected by solution pH, light intensity, photocatalyst dosage and 2-CP initial concentration. InVO4/TiO2 showed higher photocatalytic degradation of 2-CP as compared with Degussa P-25 TiO2. Complete degradation of 2-CP was achieved with the InVO4/TiO2 catalyst under optimized conditions (1 g/L catalyst with a pollutant concentration of 50 mg/L at solution pH 5 and irradiation time of 180 min). Comparatively, 2-CP degradation efficiency of 50.5% was achieved with the TiO2 (Degussa P-25) at the same experimental conditions. The study confirmed that InVO4/TiO2 has high potential for degradation of 2-CP from wastewater under visible-light irradiation.
Asunto(s)
Clorofenoles/química , Titanio/química , Vanadatos/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Adsorción , Clorofenoles/análisis , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Fotólisis , Aguas Residuales/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
Pt nanoparticles/TiO2 catalysts were prepared and evaluated for UV-photocatalytic degradation ofphenol and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) in synthetic wastewater solutions. The catalysts were synthesized by immobilizing colloidal Pt nanoparticles onto titanium dioxide (rutile TiO2). Analytical techniques, such as standard Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherms, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, were utillized for investigating the specific surface area, structure, and particle size distribution of the catalysts and its components. The photocatalytic activities of both phenol and 2-CP solutions were studied in a 1L batch photoreactor independently, under 450 W UV irradiation. Samples were drawn at regular intervals and residual concentration of phenol and 2-CP in the samples was analysed using an UV-visible spectrophotometer. Parameters controlling the photocatalytic process, including catalyst concentration, solution pH, and initial phenol (2-CP) concentration, were investigated. The obtained results revealed that Pt/TiO2 showed higher photocatalytic degradation for both phenol and 2-CP pollutants in solution (as compared to the rutile TiO2). The degradation efficiencies of 87.7% and 100% were obtained for phenol and 2-CP, respectively, under optimized conditions (0.5 g/L catalyst with a pollutant concentration of 50 mg/L after irradiation time of 180 min).
Asunto(s)
Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Fenoles/química , Platino (Metal)/química , Titanio/química , Aguas Residuales/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Catálisis , Luz , Nanopartículas del Metal/efectos de la radiación , Fenoles/efectos de la radiación , Fotoquímica/métodos , Platino (Metal)/efectos de la radiación , Titanio/efectos de la radiación , Aguas Residuales/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/aislamiento & purificación , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/efectos de la radiaciónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Venomous marine cone snails produce unique neurotoxins called conopeptides or conotoxins, which are valuable for research and drug discovery. Characterizing Conus venom is important, especially for poorly studied species, as these tiny and steady molecules have considerable potential as research tools for detecting new pharmacological applications. In this study, a worm-hunting cone snail, Conus flavidus inhabiting the Red Sea coast were collected, dissected and the venom gland extraction was subjected to proteomic analysis to define the venom composition, and confirm the functional structure of conopeptides. RESULTS: Analysis of C. flavidus venom identified 117 peptide fragments and assorted them to conotoxin precursors and non-conotoxin proteins. In this procedure, 65 conotoxin precursors were classified and identified to 16 conotoxin precursors and hormone superfamilies. In the venom of C. flavidus, the four conotoxin superfamilies T, A, O2, and M were the most abundant peptides, accounting for 75.8% of the total conotoxin diversity. Additionally, 19 non-conotoxin proteins were specified in the venom, as well as several potentially biologically active peptides with putative applications. CONCLUSION: Our research displayed that the structure of the C. flavidus-derived proteome is similar to other Conus species and includes toxins, ionic channel inhibitors, insulin-like peptides, and hyaluronidase. This study provides a foundation for discovering new conopeptides from C. flavidus venom for pharmaceutical use.
RESUMEN
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a medical concern that is accompanied by the rapid deterioration of kidney function. It can be triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of gram-negative bacteria as it activates a complicated immune response, resulting in widespread inflammation and potential organ dysfunction. Black seed oil (BSO) is rich in beneficial constituents and has been widely used owing to its nutritional advantages. Purpose: This research is aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of BSO and its nano-formulation on AKI induced by LPS. It also aimed to compare their anti-inflammatory activity with indomethacin, a known synthetic anti-inflammatory drug. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight mice were placed randomly into 8 groups. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 2.5 mg/kg B.W. of LPS was used to trigger inflammation, and pretreatment with BSO and its nano-formulation was at 0.2 mL/kg/day for 14 consecutive days. Indomethacin was used as a reference drug and its efficacy was tested alone or in combination with BSO at lower doses. Renal function was assessed using urea, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Also, oxidative and inflammatory markers were assessed by measuring levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). Histopathological examination of the kidney tissues was also performed. Results: The study showed that BSO and its nano-formulation had anti-inflammatory effects comparable to or better than those of indomethacin. They greatly decreased the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers induced by LPS. Their protective effect against pathological alterations in kidney tissues was significantly noticed. Conclusion: BSO and its nano-formulation could be used as nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory supplements.
RESUMEN
The present work attempted to provide a comprehensive description of the morphoanatomical, histological, and ultrastructural characteristics of the tongue in the desert hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus), and to correlate lingual modifications to the feeding lifestyle. Five adult male hedgehogs were utilized in our investigation. The macroscopic observations revealed elongated, with a moderately pointed apex, tongue and the tongue dorsum lacks both lingual prominence and median sulcus. The main subdivisions of the tongue are radix linguae (root), corpus linguae (body), and apex linguae (apex). The tongue dorsum carries two types of mechanical (conical and filiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) papillae. The lingual apex is characterized by the existence of a unique encapsulated muscular structure. Additionally, the lingual glands were interposed between the muscular strands and no lingual glands were detected on the lingual apex. The dorsal surface of the lingual apex exhibited the highest level of keratinization as revealed by histochemical staining while the root showed moderate staining. The topography of the tongue was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results are important to provide basic knowledge that can contribute to better understanding of the nourishment, feeding habits and behavior in this species. Furthermore, the addition of the newly investigated species may help us to determine the evolutionary relationships among species.