A novel removal of Ni2+ ions from water solutions using dispersive solid-phase extraction method with nano Fe3O4/chitosan-acrylamide hydrogel.

The effluent release containing heavy metals as Ni2+ ions has drastic risks to both the natural environment and human health. In this research, the nano Fe3O4/chitosan-acrylamide hydrogel was prepared as a novel nano sorbent for dispersive solid-phase extraction of Ni2+ ions and applied to the water sample solution. The pH, amount and type of elution solvent, the extraction time, etc. were optimized to improve the efficiency of the proposed method. Analytical parameters such as concentration factor and relative standard deviation (%) were achieved as 33.3 and 1.8%, respectively. The capacity in equilibrium sorption was calculated at 22.54 mg g-1. Furthermore, to estimate the adsorption mode, Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin models were fitted with experimental isotherm data. Besides, to check the basic process of the metal adsorption mechanism, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Roginsky-Zeldovich models were investigated and the results were fitted with the pseudo-second-order model. The value of change in entropy (⊿S) obtained is -65.24 (J(mol K)-1). Negative values of change in enthalpy, ⊿H in (kJ mol-1) is -24.45 (kJ mol-1) which indicates both physical and chemical adsorptions involved in the process of adsorption. Finally, the nano Fe3O4/chitosan-acrylamide hydrogel exhibited high performance to remove the Ni2+ ions from water sample solution.

Validation of a tool for determining the clinical utility of stillbirth investigations.

BACKGROUND: Up to 20% of all stillbirths and 45% of term stillbirths are currently classified as unexplained. Many of these stillbirths do not undergo currently recommended investigations. This may leave questions unanswered and not identify stillbirths with a recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies. AIMS: To validate a new tool (Stillbirth Investigation Utility Tool) to identify the clinical utility of investigations in stillbirth and the inter-rater agreement on cause of stillbirth using the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand-Perinatal Death Classification (PSANZ-PDC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four stillbirths were randomly selected for inclusion, each assessed independently by five blinded assessors. The investigations were grouped into three categories: clinical and laboratory; placental pathology; and autopsy examination. The cause of death was assigned at the end of each group. Outcome measures were clinical utility of investigations measured by assessor rated usefulness and inter-rater agreement on the assigned cause of death. RESULTS: Comprehensive maternal history, maternal full blood count, maternal blood group and screen and placenta histopathology were useful in all cases. Clinical photographs were not performed and should have been performed in 50% of cases. The inter-rater agreement on cause of death assigned after all investigation results was 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The new Stillbirth Investigation Utility Tool showed very good agreement in assigning the cause of death using PSANZ-PDC. Four investigations were useful in all cases. Minor refinements will be made based on feedback to enhance usability for wider implementation in research studies to assess the yield of investigations in stillbirths.

Acinar Melanosis of the Bartholin Gland: A Report of 3 Cases.

Melanocytic pigmentation occurs in multiple sites in the lower female genital tract, but is rare within benign cysts of the vulva. We report 3 patients with multiloculated cystic lesions of the vulvar vestibule exhibiting prominent melanocytic pigmentation. The current cases differ from a previous report of melanosis in a Bartholin gland cyst in that the population of melanocytes occupies the acinar structures of the gland, rather than a squamous-lined surface. A similar cell population is demonstrated by immunoperoxidase methods in a fourth patient's nonpigmented gland, suggesting that melanin production may arise in a native, rather than metaplastic, cell population.

The differentiation effect of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) on human amniotic epithelial stem cells to express ectodermal lineage markers.

Stem cells are a promising tool for treatment of a variety of degenerative diseases. Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAECs) have desirable and unique characteristics that make them a proper candidate for cell therapy. In this study, we have investigated the effects of BMP-4 (bone morphogenetic protein-4) and its inhibition on differentiation of AECs into ectodermal lineages. Analysis of AEC-derived ectodermal lineages (neurons and keratinocytes) was performed by using flow cytometry technique for Map2 and ß-tubulin (as neuron markers), Olig2 and MBP (as oligodendrocyte markers), and K14 and K10 (as keratinocyte markers). The results of this study illustrated that noggin (as BMP antagonist), BMP4, and both BMP4 and heparin (together or separately) increased neural and keratinocyte marker expression, respectively. The expression of markers MAP2, olig2, and K14 in hAECs has been significantly decreased 21 days after exposure to differentiation medium (without growth factors) compared with isolation day, which supports the hypothesis that AECs can be dedifferentiated into pluripotent cells. Moreover, activation and inhibition of BMP signaling have no effects on viability of hAECs. The results of this study showed that BMP signaling and its inhibition are the key factors for ectodermal lineage differentiation of amnion-derived stem cells.

Bursting-bubble flow microextraction combined with gas chromatography to analyze organophosphorus pesticides in aqueous samples.

Bubble-bursting flow microextraction combined with gas chromatography as a green and sustainable microextraction method is used to determine some organophosphorus pesticide residues in water samples. The extraction process occurs at the surface of liquid-gas contact, where the analytes interact with the gas molecules in the bubble. The analytes are transferred to the surface of the sample solution by moving the gas bubbles upwards. The bursting of gas bubbles causes the analytes to disperse in the headspace. Eventually, they are collected for injection into the chromatography system. A one-factor-at-one-time approach was applied to optimize the independent variables in the proposed method. Validation studies were performed according to reliable guidelines. Under optimal conditions, the method indicated a dynamic linear range from 1.0 to 100.0 µg/L. The limit of detection and quantification of the method was 0.29-0.38 and 1.21-1.70 µg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully utilized to determine malathion, diazinon, profenofos, and ethion as the target analytes in various water samples with satisfactory relative recoveries ranged from 90.1 to 102.2%.

Supplementation of maturation medium with CoQ10 enhances developmental competence of ovine oocytes through improvement of mitochondrial function.

In vitro maturation (IVM) can impair the balance between antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress, and jeopardize embryo development by increasing oxidative stress, reducing energy metabolism, and causing improper meiotic segregation. Balancing the energy production and reduction of oxidative stress can be achieved by supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an electron transporter in the mitochondrial inner membrane. To improve the in vitro production of ovine embryos, we studied the effect of CoQ10 supplementation during the maturation of sheep oocytes. A minimum of 100 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in the presence of 15, 30, or 50 µM CoQ10 in three to five replicates; next, in vitro fertilization and culture in a subset of oocytes were done. Our data revealed that compared to control oocytes or other concentrations of CoQ10, supplementation with 30 µM CoQ10 resulted in a significant increase in blastocyst formation and hatching rates, improved the distribution, relative mass and potential membrane of mitochondria, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species and glutathione and lessened the percentage of oocytes with misaligned chromosomes after spindle assembly. The relative expression levels of apoptosis markers CASPASE3 and BAX were significantly reduced in CoQ10-treated oocytes and cumulus cells whereas the relative expression level of GDF9, an oocyte-specific growth factor, significantly increased. In conclusion, supplementation with CoQ10 improves the quality of COCs and the subsequent developmental competence of the embryo.

Protective effects of Nesfatin-1 peptide on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury via inhibition of neuronal cell death and enhancement of antioxidant defenses.

Nesfatin-1 is a novel peptide with anorexigenic and anti-hyperglycemic properties. According to previous studies, this multi-functional peptide protects dopaminergic cells against neurotoxicity via anti-apoptotic effects. In addition, Nesfatin-1 protects myocardial tissue after myocardial infarction via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of nesfatin-1 against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in the CA1 area of hippocampus in rats. 56 male Wistar rats (240-270 g) were randomly selected and allocated into four groups: (1) sham, (2) nesfatin-1, (3) ischemia/reperfusion, (4) ischemia/reperfusion+nesfatin-1. Cerebral ischemia induced by the occlusion of the common carotid arteries for 20 min was followed by reperfusion. Saline as a vehicle and nesfatin-1 (20 µg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally (IP) at the start of cerebral reperfusion. Apoptotic and necrotic cell death was detected by TUNEL and Nissl staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (GSH and SOD) levels were measured by the ELISA method. The results showed that cerebral ischemia increased the apoptotic and necrotic cell death in the CA1 area of hippocampus, while, treatment with nesfatin-1significantly reduced apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Moreover, the MDA levels of the hippocampus in ischemic rats were higher, whereas in nesfatin-1-treated rats the MDA levels were decreased. Furthermore, the SOD and GSH levels in the ischemic rats were decreased, whilst in ischemic rats treated with nesfatin-1, the SOD and GSH levels were increased. This study for the first time found that nesfatin-1 treatment improves CA1 hippocampus injuries after cerebral ischemia through preventing neuronal cell death and enhancement of antioxidant defenses.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves and its effect on lung pathological changes in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Ocimum species (Lamiaceae) has been traditionally used for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, coughs, sore throat, and wound healing. The Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) leaves was examined in ovalbumin sensitized animals. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided to six groups; non-sensitized, sensitized to ovalbumin, sensitized and treated with dexamethasone (1.25 µg/mL), and O. basilicum extract (0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mg/mL) in drinking water for 21 days. The levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, immunoglobulin E (IgE), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and total protein (TP) in BALF, and lung pathological changes were examined. RESULTS: A significant increase in IL-4, IgE, PLA2 and TP levels, all lung pathological indices as well as significant decrease in IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was seen in the asthmatic compared to the control rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Treatment with O. basilicum extract resulted in decreased IL-4, IgE, PLA2 and TP levels, but increased IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio compared to untreated sensitized rats (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). The plant significantly improved the pathological changes of sensitized rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). The improvement effects of higher concentrations of the O. basilicum extract were significantly more than those of dexamethasone (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The improvement effects of O. basilicum on pathological changes, immunological and inflammatory markers in sensitized rats comparable or even more potent than dexamethasone suggests the therapeutic potential of the plant in asthma.

Ocimum basilicum affects tracheal responsiveness, lung inflammatory cells and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers in sensitized rats.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) was shown previously. In the present study, the effect of O. basilicum on tracheal responsiveness (TR) to methacholine and ovalbumin (OVA), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers as well as total and differential white blood cell (WBC) in sensitized rats was examined. Six groups of rats including control (group C), sensitized rats to OVA (group S), S groups treated with three concentrations of O. basilicum (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml) and one concentration of dexamethasone (1.25 µg/ml) (n = 8 for all groups) were studied. TR to methacholine and OVA, total WBC count, percentages of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, and levels of oxidant biomarkers were significantly increased but other measured parameters were significantly decreased in group S compared to group C. TR to methacholine and OVA, percentages of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, and levels of oxidant biomarkers were significantly decreased but lymphocytes and antioxidant biomarkers were significantly increased in S groups treated with dexamethasone and at least two higher concentrations of the extract compared to group S. Total WBC count was also decreased in treated S groups with dexamethasone and high extract concentration. The effect of extract on most measured parameters was significantly lower than dexamethasone treatment. The effects of two higher concentrations of the extract on most variables were significantly higher than the effect of low extract concentration. These results showed the concentration-dependent effect of O. basilicum on tracheal responses, lung inflammatory cells, and oxidant-antioxidant parameters in sensitized rats.

The effect of intracerebroventricular administration of orexin receptor type 2 antagonist on pentylenetetrazol-induced kindled seizures and anxiety in rats.

BACKGROUND: Current antiepileptic drugs are not able to prevent recurrent seizures in all patients. Orexins are excitatory hypothalamic neuropeptides that their receptors (Orx1R and Orx2R) are found almost in all major regions of the brain. Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling is a known experimental model for epileptic seizures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Orx2 receptor antagonist (TCS OX2 29) on seizures and anxiety of PTZ-kindled rats. RESULTS: Our results revealed that similar to valproate, administration of 7 µg/rat of TCS OX2 29 increased the latency period and decreased the duration time of 3rd and 4th stages of epileptiform seizures. Besides, it significantly decreased mean of seizure scores. However, TCS OX2 29 did not modulate anxiety induced by repeated PTZ administration. CONCLUSION: This study showed that blockade of Orx2 receptor reduced seizure-related behaviors without any significant effect on PTZ-induced anxiety.

Monitoring Pb in Aqueous Samples by Using Low Density Solvent on Air-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Coupled with UV-Vis Spectrophotometry.

In this study, AA-DLLME combined with UV-Vis spectrophotometry was developed for pre-concentration, microextraction and determination of lead in aqueous samples. Optimization of the independent variables was carried out according to chemometric methods in three steps. According to the screening and optimization study, 86 µL of 1-undecanol (extracting solvent), 12 times syringe pumps, pH 2.0, 0.00% of salt and 0.1% DDTP (chelating agent) were chosen as the optimum independent variables for microextraction and determination of lead. Under the optimized conditions, R = 0.9994, and linearity range was 0.01-100 µg mL-1. LOD and LOQ were 3.4 and 11.6 ng mL-1, respectively. The method was applied for analysis of real water samples, such as tap, mineral, river and waste water.

18F-FDG PET/CT in Pediatric ALK-Positive Histiocytosis With Isolated CNS Involvement.

ABSTRACT: An 11-year-old girl presented with focal impaired awareness seizures. MRI brain demonstrated a T2 hyperintense cortical lesion in the left temporal lobe with surrounding vasogenic edema. 18F-FDG PET/CT was arranged to assess metabolic activity of the cerebral lesion, to screen the whole body for other metabolically active lesions, and to assist biopsy planning. The study demonstrated intensely increased FDG uptake within the left temporal lobe lesion without evidence of hypermetabolic lesions elsewhere on the whole-body acquisition. The brain lesion was excised, and histopathology and molecular testing were consistent with ALK-positive histiocytosis.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on autistic behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression in valproic acid-exposed rats.

Introduction: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential treatment for autism, although its effects on behavior and gene expression are not well understood. The GRIN2B gene, known for its involvement in encoding a glutamate receptor subunit crucial for neuron communication and associated with autism, was a focus of this study. Methods: Using a rat model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid, we examined the impact of HBOT on autism-like behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: control, VPA (valproic acid-exposed), VPA+HBOT [2 atmosphere absolute (ATA)], and VPA+HBOT (2.5 ATA). The rats underwent several behavioral tests to assess social behavior, anxiety, stereotype and exploratory behaviors, and learning. Following the behavioral tests, the HBOT groups received 15 sessions of HBOT at pressures of 2 and 2.5 (ATA), and their behaviors were re-evaluated. Subsequently, real-time PCR was employed to measure GRIN2B gene expression in the frontal lobe. Results: Our results indicated that HBOT significantly increased social interaction and exploratory behaviors in VPA-exposed rats, alongside elevated GRIN2B gene expression in their frontal lobe. Discussion: Our findings imply that HBOT might have a potential role in ameliorating autism-related behaviors in the VPA rat model of autism through potential modulation of GRIN2B gene expression. However, additional research is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms and refine the HBOT protocol for optimizing its effectiveness in improving autism-related symptoms.

Extraction of alprazolam in biological samples using the dispersive solid-phase method with nanographene oxide grafted with α-pyridylamine.

An effective adsorbent was synthesised from nanographene oxide for the removal of the alprazolam drug from the water sample solution. The dispersive solid-phase extraction method was used with α-pyridylamine grafted nanographene oxide to extract and analyse little amounts of alprazolam in biological materials. Before beginning the experimental analysis process, it is critical to use a simple and accessible sample preparation approach. In the current study, a technique for preconcentration and measurement of trace quantities of alprazolam in aqueous samples was introduced. The pH of extraction, the amount and type of elution solvent and the period of extraction were all tuned in the alprazolam analysis technique. Analytical parameters such as the concentration factor, the limit of detection of the technique and relative standard deviation (%) were achieved as 20, 8.0 µg L-1 and 2.4%, respectively.

Disgust-reduction evaluative conditioning (DREC) and brain stimulation in patients with contamination-based obsessive-compulsive disorder: a protocol for a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: The negative emotional valence of a stimulus can be altered if paired with a pleasant stimulus, a phenomenon referred to as evaluative conditioning. Disgust, as a central emotion in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly in the contamination subtype, may be an appropriate target for such a method. We know that disgust processing and OCD pathophysiology share in some brain areas, including the orbitofrontal cortex, as the neuromodulation techniques targeted in this area have been able to decrease OCD symptoms. We aim to conduct a randomized clinical trial to investigate the evaluative conditioning effect on disgust reduction in patients with contamination-based OCD when administered with or without neuromodulation targeted orbitofrontal cortex. METHOD: In a single-blind randomized control trial (RCT), 55 patients with contamination-based OCD will be randomly assigned to four arms. In a factorial design, they will receive 10 sessions of evaluative conditioning training (either sham or real) plus cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the orbitofrontal cortex (either sham or real). The intensity of disgust experience and clinical symptoms will be investigated as primary outcomes and quantitative electroencephalogram and cognitive functions as secondary outcomes. The data will be collected at three assessment levels: baseline, after completing intervention sessions, and 2-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: The present RCT is the first study that applies evaluative conditioning training in the OCD clinical sample. It will clarify the effect of the evaluative conditioning method alone and with tDCS on disgust reduction in patients with contamination-based OCD. It will provide initial evidence for such an emotion modulation method in the OCD population. The effect of this emotion-focused protocol on cognitive functions and electroencephalogram components is also of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05907369. Registered on 16 June 2023. Retrospectively registered.

Effect of stress on spatial working memory and EEG signal dynamics in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in young single girls.

AIM: Women undergo behavioral changes during the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol (Es) on stress and effect of stress on spatial working memory (WM) and also to investigate electroencephalogram (EEG) signal's dynamics in the early and late follicular (EF and LF) and luteal (LU) phases of unmarried girls' menstrual cycle. METHODS: Stress was induced by presentation of a short (3 min) movie clip. Simultaneous with a memory test and stress induction, EEG, serum Es levels, and galvanic skin response (GSR) were assessed. RESULTS: Serum Es concentrations were decreased in LF, LU, and EF phases. The mean GSR score decreased after stress induction in all three phases, but it increased in the LF and LU phases versus the EF phase. Spatial WM diminished after stress induction in all three phases, but it increased in the LF phase versus the two phases before and after stress induction. Average power spectrum density in all frequency bands increased after stress induction in the frontal and prefrontal channels in the spatial WM test. CONCLUSION: The results showed that stress led to spatial WM dysfunction; however, Es improved spatial WM performance in the LF phase versus the other two phases.

Behavioral and electrophysiological (ECoG) effects of haplophyllum robustum and TRPA1 antagonist in adult male wistar rats.

This article aimed to investigate the effects of Haplophyllum robustum hydroalcoholic extract on animals' behavioral and electrocorticographic changes. This plant is mainly found in Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia, and is reported to have convulsive effects. In this article, we worked on the effects of its hydroalcoholic extract on electrocorticography (ECoG), along with changes induced by intracerebroventricular administration of GABAA antagonists. Furthermore, the effects of low doses of this extract on behavioral depression were examined. Four animal sets were used to compare ECoG in Wistar rats. A group of negative control, a group of positive control (PTZ), and two groups received an injection of plant extract (500 mg/kg, ip), with or without administration of Diazepam (5 mg/kg). Also, three sets were applied to compare receiving and not receiving intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 antagonist (HC-030031) (2 µg/kg) on plant-induced seizure delay and animal death. Two groups of control and a group with plant extract together with TRPA1 antagonist were administrated. Furthermore, in the present study, the forced swimming test (FST) was used as a model of depression. The behaviors of animals in three groups of negative control and positive control (Fluoxetine) and plant extract (200 mg/kg, ip) were compared. According to the ECoG, high doses of extract of plants led to seizures similar to PTZ, which were then reduced by diazepam injection. At this dose, injection of TRPA1 antagonist did not significantly delay the onset of seizures or the death of the animals. Further, a subconvulsive dose of hydroalcoholic plant extracts was equally effective in treating depression as Fluoxetine injections.

Fabrication of superparamagnetic adsorbent based on layered double hydroxide as effective nanoadsorbent for removal of Sb (III) from water samples.

In this study, the superparamagnetic adsorbent as Fe@Mg-Al LDH was synthesised by different methods with two steps for the removal of heavy metal ions from water samples. An easy, practical, economical, and replicable method was introduced to remove water contaminants, including heavy ions from aquatic environments. Moreover, the structure of superparamagnetic adsorbent was investigated by various methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. For better separation, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ligand was used, forming a complex with antimony ions to create suitable conditions for the removal of these ions. Cadmium and antimony ions were studied by floatation in aqueous environments with this superparamagnetic adsorbent owing to effective factors such as pH, amount of superparamagnetic adsorbent, contact time, sample temperature, volume, and ligand concentration. The model of Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin isotherms was studied to qualitatively evaluate the adsorption of antimony ions by the superparamagnetic adsorbent. The value of loaded antimony metal ions with Fe@Mg-Al LDH was resulted at 160.15 mg/g. The standard deviation value in this procedure was found at 7.92%. The desorption volume of antimony metal ions by the adsorbent was found to be 25 ml. The thermodynamic parameters as well as the effect of interfering ions were investigated by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.