Neuronal life or death linked to depression treatment: the interplay between drugs and their stress-related outcomes relate to single or combined drug therapies.

Depression is a serious medical condition, typically treated by antidepressants. Conventional monotherapy can be effective only in 60-80% of patients, thus modern psychiatry deals with the challenge of new methods development. At the same moment, interactions between antidepressants and the occurrence of potential side effects raise serious concerns, which are even more exacerbated by the lack of relevant data on exact molecular mechanisms. Therefore, the aims of the study were to provide up-to-date information on the relative mechanisms of action of single antidepressants and their combinations. In this study, we evaluated the effect of single and combined antidepressants administration on mouse hippocampal neurons after 48 and 96 h in terms of cellular and biochemical features in vitro. We show for the first time that co-treatment with amitriptyline/imipramine + fluoxetine initiates in cells adaptation mechanisms which allow cells to adjust to stress and finally exerts less toxic events than in cells treated with single antidepressants. Antidepressants treatment induces in neuronal cells oxidative and nitrosative stress, which leads to micronuclei and double-strand DNA brakes formation. At this point, two different mechanistic events are initiated in cells treated with single and combined antidepressants. Single antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine or fluoxetine) activate cell cycle arrest resulting in proliferation inhibition. On the other hand, treatment with combined antidepressants (amitriptyline/imipramine + fluoxetine) initiates p16-dependent cell cycle arrest, overexpression of telomere maintenance proteins and finally restoration of proliferation. In conclusion, our findings may pave the way to better understanding of the stress-related effects on neurons associated with mono- and combined therapy with antidepressants.

Fast and Simple Analytical Method for Direct Determination of Total Chlorine Content in Polyglycerol by ICP-MS.

The fast and simple method for total chlorine determination in polyglycerols using low resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) without the need for additional equipment and time-consuming sample decomposition was evaluated. Linear calibration curve for 35Cl isotope in the concentration range 20-800 µg/L was observed. Limits of detection and quantification equaled to 15 µg/L and 44 µg/L, respectively. This corresponds to possibility of detection 3 µg/g and determination 9 µg/g of chlorine in polyglycerol using studied conditions (0.5% matrix-polyglycerol samples diluted or dissolved with water to an overall concentration of 0.5%). Matrix effects as well as the effect of chlorine origin have been evaluated. The presence of 0.5% (m/m) of matrix species similar to polyglycerol (polyethylene glycol-PEG) did not influence the chlorine determination for PEGs with average molecular weights (MW) up to 2000 Da. Good precision and accuracy of the chlorine content determination was achieved regardless on its origin (inorganic/organic). High analyte recovery level and low relative standard deviation values were observed for real polyglycerol samples spiked with chloride. Additionally, the Combustion Ion Chromatography System was used as a reference method. The results confirmed high accuracy and precision of the tested method.

Zinc Ion Removal on Hybrid Pectin-Based Beads Containing Modified Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Waste.

A new hybrid sorbent in the form of round beads containing modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) waste immobilized in pectin and crosslinked with calcium ions was prepared. A previously obtained and characterized powdered poly(methyl methacrylate)-based sorbent was used. Batch and column studies on the new material's sorption-desorption properties were performed. Two kinetic models (pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order) and three isotherms (Langmuir, Langmuir bisite and Freundlich) were used to describe the results. Breakthrough and elution curves were also obtained. Nitric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid of various concentrations were used in the desorption studies. Higher sorption affinity of zinc(II) ions to hybrid sorbent than to pectin alone, reflected by higher values of the Langmuir and Freundlich model parameters, was observed. The maximum sorption capacities, calculated based on the best-fitted models, were 50.2 mg/g (Langmuir bisite) and 42.2 mg/g (Langmuir) for hybrid and only pectin beads, respectively. The stripping of Zn ions using 0.1 M solutions of mineral acids was similarly effective in the case of both sorbents. The mass balance calculated for the column studies showed about 100% recovery of zinc in a sorption-desorption cycle. By applying the hybrid sorbent under the studied conditions it is possible to purify Zn in water to the level permitted by law and concentrate Zn(II) ions by about 60 times.

From dots to tubes - the reversed scenario of bottom-up external-catalyst-free synthesis of N-doped carbon nanotubes.

We present a novel external-catalyst-free route for the synthesis of N-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) from amino-acid-derived carbon dots (CDs) as sustainable resources. N-CNTs (∼4-26 at% of N) were comprehensively characterized by complementary techniques while the synthetic strategy emerges as an important alternative and, simultaneously, a simply-scalable approach.

First in Poland Simultaneous Liver-Lung Transplantation With Liver-First Approach for Recipient Due to Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Report.

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal progressive disease affecting the lung, pancreas, and liver. Some patients develop end-stage respiratory and liver failure. For such patients, combined lung-liver transplantation remains the only therapeutic option. In this article we present the first simultaneous lung-liver transplantation in Poland, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe, with detailed clinical history, surgical aspects, and postoperative course.

Hybrid Pectin-Based Sorbents for Cesium Ion Removal.

In this paper, beads-shaped hybrid sorbents composed of pectin and Prussian blue were prepared. Various ratios of pectin and Prussian blue in hybrid sorbents were tested. Obtained sorbents had high and roughly constant sorption capacity in a broad pH range (4-10), in which also the swelling index and stability of sorbents were satisfactory. The preliminary sorption studies proved that almost 100% of cesium removal efficiency may be achieved by using the proper sorbent dose. The sorption capacity of the hybrid sorbent with a 1:1 ratio of pectin to Prussian blue equaled q = 36.5 ± 0.8 mg/g (dose 3 g/L, pH = 6, temp. = 22 ± 1 °C, t = 24 h). The obtained results showed that the prepared hybrid pectin-based sorbents are promising for cesium ions removal.

Long Term and Large-Scale Continuous Studies on Zinc(II) Sorption and Desorption on Hybrid Pectin-Guar Gum Biosorbent.

Pectin-guar gum biosorbent was tested for zinc(II) ions removal in column process. Sorption⁻desorption experiments were performed in laboratory and at larger scale. The breakthrough and elution curves were obtained for various conditions. The Bed Depth Service Time model was tested for utility in data estimation. Possibility of sorbent reuse and its lifetime was examined in 20 repeated sorption⁻desorption cycles. Finally, tests were repeated for real wastewater from galvanizing plant, giving satisfactory results. The effectiveness of Zn(II) sorption happened to be dependent on process parameters; tests have proved that it increased with increasing bed height and with decreasing flow rate or grain size. For an initial zinc concentration of 30 mg/L, even 2096 mL of zinc solution could be purified in small scale experiment (2 g of fine grain sorbent and flow rate 60 mL/h) or 5900 L in large-scale (16 kg of large grain sorbent and flow rate 45 L/h). This allowed for 40-fold or 49-fold zinc increases in concentration in one sorption⁻desorption cycle. The most successful results are meant that at least 20 sorption⁻desorption cycles could be performed on one portion of biosorbent without loss of its effectiveness, large-scale tests for real wastewater from galvanizing plant gave satisfactory results, and that the form and mechanical stability of our sorbent is suitable for column usage with flow rates applicable in industry.

Type 1 diabetic patients have better endothelial function after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation than after kidney transplantation with continued insulin therapy.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of simultaneous pancreas-kidney or kidney transplantation on endothelial function and systemic inflammation in type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease. In 39 simultaneous pancreas-kidney, 39 type 1 diabetic kidney and 52 non-diabetic kidney recipients, flow-mediated dilatation was measured. Additionally, blood glycated haemoglobin, serum creatinine and lipids, plasma nitrites [Formula: see text] and nitrates, asymmetric dimethylarginine, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1ß and interleukin 6 concentrations were assessed. During 58 ± 31 months follow-up period, flow-mediated dilatation and [Formula: see text] were greater in simultaneous pancreas-kidney than in type 1 diabetic kidney recipients [10.4% ± 4.7% vs 7.7% ± 4.2%, p < 0.05 and 0.94 (0.74-1.34) vs 0.24 (0.20-0.43) µmol/L, p < 0.01, respectively]. In type 1 diabetic patients after simultaneous pancreas-kidney or kidney transplantation, [Formula: see text] correlated with flow-mediated dilatation (r = 0.306, p < 0.05) and with blood glycated haemoglobin (r = -0.570, p < 0.001). The difference in [Formula: see text] was linked to blood glycated haemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate, whereas the difference in flow-mediated dilatation was linked to [Formula: see text]. The levels of inflammatory markers (except soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) were similar in simultaneous pancreas-kidney and type 1 diabetic kidney recipients. Improved endothelial function in type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease after simultaneous pancreas-kidney compared to kidney transplantation is associated with normalisation of glucose metabolism but not with improvement in plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Zinc Sorption Studies on Pectin-Based Biosorbents.

The previously-obtained and characterized hybrid pectin-based beads containing agar-agar and guar gum, as well as sole pectin beads (P, for comparison) were examined for zinc ions sorption and desorption properties. The sorption kinetics and equilibrium in the studied system was described by two kinetic models (pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order) and two isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich), respectively. The desorption kinetics and equilibrium was also investigated by applying various inorganic acids (nitric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid) of various concentrations. In the case of guar gum additive, no significant change in sorption capacity compared to sole pectin beads was observed (q: 37.0 ± 2.6 and 34.7 ± 2.0 mg/g, respectively). Addition of agar-agar significantly decreased the sorption capacity to 22.3 ± 1.0 mg/g, but stripping of zinc(II) ions from this biosorbent was complete even with very diluted acids (0.01 M). Total desorption of zinc from sole pectin and pectin-guar gum beads required acid solution of higher concentration (0.1 M). Sorption rates for all biosorbents are roughly the same and maximum sorption is achieved after 4-5 h. Obtained results and the advantage of our sorbent's shape formation ability, make the pectin-based biosorbents interesting alternative for zinc(II) ions removal.

Hybrid pectin-based biosorbents for zinc ions removal.

In this paper, a set of the hybrid biosorbents, made of pectin and polysaccharide additives (arabic, tragacanth, guar, karaya, xanthan, gellan, carob gums, agar-agar) or lecithin (phospholipid), was investigated and tested for zinc ions removal. The immobilization of the polysaccharides into the pectin matrix was proved by the IR spectroscopy. The structure of the working biosorbents was observed in SEM micrographs. The influence of the additive type and pH on the sorption properties and swelling index was investigated. The maximum sorption capacities were achieved in pH above 4 and ranged from 17.7 to 25.4mg/g for lecithin and xanthan gum as additives, respectively. The results show that the hybrid pectin-based beads are promising biosorbents for zinc removal from aqueous solutions.

Zinc Sorption on Modified Waste Poly(methyl methacrylate).

The new one-pot hydrolysis-crosslinking reaction was used to synthesize a new, waste poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based material for zinc(II) ions removal. The alkaline hydrolysis of PMMA in diethylene glycol diethyl ether was used to obtain polymer matrix and it was then crosslinked with Ca and Mg ions to obtain the sorbent. As a result, the macroporous materials were obtained with a yield of 87% when waste PMMA was used, and about 95% when the commercial PMMAs were used. The degree of hydrolysis was similar, from 32% to 35%. New materials were then tested for their affinity towards zinc(II) ions. Two kinetic models (pseudo-first and pseudo-second order), as well as two isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich), were used to describe the kinetics and equilibrium of zinc(II) ion sorption on the studied materials, respectively. All the prepared PMMA-based sorbents showed similar or higher sorption capacity (q up to 87.7 mg/g) compared to commercially available materials in a broad pH range (4-7). The study shows sorption was fast-above 80% of equilibrium capacity was achieved after ca. 0.5 h. Presented results show that waste PMMA may be an interesting raw material for the preparation of sorbents for zinc(II) ions removal.

New, hybrid pectin-based biosorbents.

In this work hybrid pectin-based biosorbents with secondary polysaccharide additives (gellan, carob and xanthan gum, ratio to pectin 1:1, 1:1 and 1:3, respectively) were obtained at two temperatures. The presence of these additives in prepared beads was confirmed by Raman spectra. The SEM micrographs show better homogeneity of blends and grater differences between structures of beads with various additives obtained at higher temperature. The sorption capacity of our hybrid biosorbents as well as sole pectin sorbent is rather the same, and equals 0.85 and 0.70 mmol/g for lead and cadmium, respectively, in pH 4-6.

Left-hemihepatectomy as a method of treatment of locally limited Caroli disease.

The study introduces a case of a 51-year old patient with Caroli's disease of left liver lobe. In 2011 the patient was admitted to Clinic of General, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery. She was after first in her life incident of an acute pancreatitis and subsequent ERCP procedure with left hepatic biliary tract drainage. The lady was qualified to left-hemihepatoctomy, which was successfully conducted in our clinic. The only complication of the procedure was surgical site infection which was properly treated with typical antibiotics. One-year observation occurred no other complications and liver function was fine.