Silver Nanoclusters Encapsulated into Metal-Organic Frameworks for Rapid Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Water.

Metal nanomaterials have been reported as effective absorbents for the removal of pollutants in the water system, but the release of ions from these nanomaterials brings another concern. Herein, silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) were encapsulated in porous metal-organic frameworks of ZIF-8 (MOF-AgNCs). Compared to AgNCs, the release of Ag+ significantly decreases from MOF-AgNCs, indicating that the product presents a lower threat to the environment. The MOF-AgNCs were employed for the rapid removal of heavy metals, such as Pb2+ and Mn2+, from water. The mechanism and removal efficiencies were investigated.

Comprehensive review of the role of acrylic acid derivative polymers in floating drug delivery system.

In the development of drug delivery systems, an oral drug delivery system is the preferred route of drug administration. Many components play an important role in developing a drug delivery system. Amongst those components, polymers have evolved with these systems. Macromolecule compounds consisting of many monomer units which are joined to each other by different bonds are known as polymers. For drugs that are absorbed primarily in the upper gastrointestinal tract, floating drug delivery systems offer an additional advantage. The purpose behind this review was to focus on different types of floating drug delivery systems and different types of polymers used in floating drug delivery systems, focusing on acrylic acid derivatives and their applications. In this review, the main emphasis is on acrylic acid derivative polymers, their formulation and grades, and various patents on these types of polymers. Based on the literature survey, mainly 2 types of polymers are used in this drug delivery system; i.e., natural and synthetic. Examples of natural polymers are xanthan gum, guar gum or chitosan, and synthetic polymers include acrylic acid derivatives and hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Eudragit and Carbopol are the most widely used acrylic acid derivatives.

Fate of thiodicarb and its metabolite methomyl in sandy loam soil under laboratory conditions.

Fate of thiodicarb and its major metabolite in sandy loam soil were studied by applying thiodicarb (Larvin 75 WP) at 500 and 1000 g a. i. ha(-1) under laboratory conditions. Samples drawn periodically were analysed on GC-FTD equipped with capillary column. The average initial deposits of total thiodicarb (thiodicarb and methomyl) were 0.025 and 0.035 mg kg(-1) at single and double dosages, respectively. Residues of thiodicarb reached below the determination level (BDL) of 0.005 mg kg(-1) after 15 days. Half-life periods for total thiodicarb were calculated to be 5.90 and 8.29 days at two doses, respectively, following first-order kinetics.

Determination of residues of fipronil and its metabolites in cauliflower by using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Fipronil is a widely used insecticide with a well-described toxicological pathway. Recently it has been widely used in India to control vegetable pests. The present study has been carried out to observe the persistence pattern of fipronil and its metabolites-fipronil sulfone, fipronil sulfide, fipronil desulfinyl in cauliflower and soil so as to know the potential risk if any to consumers and environment. Fipronil was applied @ 56 g a.i. ha(-1). Samples of cauliflower and soil were collected periodically; processed using QuEChERS method and analyzed by GCMS/MS. In cauliflower, residues of fipronil and its metabolites reached below detectable level before 30 days of application whereas in soil about 95% of total fipronil residues got degraded within same time period. Washing and washing followed by cooking or boiling was found effective in reducing residues. A safe waiting period of 15 days is therefore suggested before consuming cauliflower.

Persistence of Pendimethalin in/on Wheat, Straw, Soil and Water.

Pendimethalin, a dinitroaniline group of organic herbicide compounds used as pre emergence weed control in wheat, onion and soyabean crops in India. The experiments were designed to study the harvest time residues of pendimethalin in wheat grain and straw its dissipation behaviour in soil and water. At harvest time, the residues of pendimethalin in wheat grain and straw were found to be below determination limit of 0.001 mg kg(-1) following single application of the herbicide at the rate of 1 (T1/single dose) and 2 (T2/double dose) kg a.i. ha(-1). Soil samples from the field were collected periodically and analysed by GC-ECD system. In soil, initial deposits of 4.069 and 10.473 mg kg(-1) of pendimethalin persisted up to 90 days and dissipation followed first order kinetics with half life period of 12.03 days in T1 and 13.00 days in T2. Residues of pendimethalin studied in water under laboratory conditions at 0.5 (T1) and 1.0 (T2) mg L(-1) levels persisted up to 90 days. Dissipation kinetics followed first order kinetics with half-life values of 12.70 and 13.78 days at single and double dose, respectively. Limit of determination in grain, straw and soil were 0.001 mg kg(-1) and in water was 0.001 mg L(-1). Application of the herbicide is considered quite safe from consumer and environmental point of view.

Effect of fruit and vegetable processing on reduction of synthetic pyrethroid residues.

In this review, we emphasize that the advantages associated with applying pesticides to enhance agricultural productivity must be weighed against the possible health hazards arising from the appearance of toxic pesticide residues in food. First and foremost, pesticides should be handled and applied in compliance with good agricultural practices to minimize environmental or food commodity contamination.In developing countries, good agricultural practices are not fully abided by.When vegetables are produced in such countries, pesticides are applied or prospectively applied at each growth stage of the crop. Hence, contamination of vegetables and other food commodities occur. It is well known that processing of food derived from pesticide treated crop commodities can serve to reduce residues that reach consumers. Food safety can therefore partially be enhanced by employing suitable food processing techniques and appropriate storage periods, even in developing countries. Even common and simple household processing techniques for certain foods acquire significance as means to reduce the intake of harmful pesticide food residues.Pesticide residue levels in post-harvest raw agricultural commodities (RAC) are affected by the storage, handling and the processing steps they pass through, while being prepared for human consumption. The review of cogent literature presented in this article demonstrated differences among the pyrethroid insecticide residues present on or in foods, depending on how the RAC from which they came were processed for consumption. Peeling vegetables or fruit reduced pyrethroid residues the most (60-100% ), and juicing was nearly as effective in reducing residues (70-100% ). The least reduction occurred for foodstuffs that were only washed with tap water (I 0-70% ). Washing RACs with saline water and detergent was more effective(34-60%) in reducing residues than was simple washing under tap water. Freezing is also effective in reducing residue levels and achieved reductions between 24% and 94%. Cooking of food products eliminated 75-98% of the pesticide residues present, so was also relatively effective. When foods were cooked in oils, however,reductions in pesticide residues were less (45%).

Leaching behaviour of chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin in sandy loam soil.

The mobility of chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin in sandy loam soil was studied in soil columns under laboratory conditions at two application rates, 25 and 50 µg, with simulated rainfall of 300 mm. Residues of chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin in soil and leachate were estimated by gas-liquid chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Though maximum concentration of both the insecticides was found in the top 10-cm layer, chlorpyriphos was found distributed in the soil up to a depth of 35 cm and cypermethrin remained up to 15 cm. Results indicated the low mobility of both the insecticides under saturated moisture condition and hence may not contaminate ground water. No residues of any insecticide were detected in the leachate fractions.

Persistence of fipronil and its metabolites in soil under field conditions.

Fipronil belongs to phenylpyrazole class of chemical compounds. Degradation of fipronil in sandy loam soil was investigated under field conditions by applying fipronil (Regent 5 % SC) at 50 (T 1) and 100 g a.i. ha(-1) (T 2) in field. Samples were drawn periodically in triplicate on 0 (1 h after treatment), 1, 3, 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment and analyzed on GC-ECD system equipped with capillary column. The residues of fipronil in both the doses dissipated in the range of 93.33-100 % in 90 days. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of determination (LODe/LOQ) were 0.0003 and 0.001 mg kg(-1), respectively. Dissipation followed a biphasic first-order kinetics with half-life values of 10.81 and 9.97 days for fipronil alone and 8.14 and 13.05 days for fipronil along with metabolites in soil at (T 1) and (T 2) treatments, respectively.

Persistence and effect of processing on chlorpyriphos residues in tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum Mill.).

Persistence of chlorpyriphos in tomato was studied following applications of Action 505EC at 800 and 1600 g ha(-1) with active application of chlorpyriphos as 400 and 800 g a.i. ha(-1). The average initial deposits of chlorpyriphos were 0.155 and 0.372 mg kg(-1) on tomato fruits on application of ready-mix formulation, Action 505EC at single and double dose, respectively. The residues dissipated with half- life period of 4.43 days at single dose and 4.38 days at double dose following pseudo first order kinetics.Residues of chlorpyriphos in both the doses on 0 day were below maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.5 mg kg(-1). Processing was found very effective in reducing the residues of chlorpyriphos in tomato fruits. By washing, reduction of chlorpyriphos was in the range of 41-44 per cent. Washing followed by boiling reduced the residues from 89 to 91% whereas peeling removed residues from 62 to 64%. In soil samples, residues of chlorpyriphos reached below detectable level of 0.010 mg kg(-1) after 5 and 10 days after spray at single and double dose, respectively.

Efficacy and safety of mavacamten in treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: This meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of mavacamten in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods & materials: A search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus up to August 2022 for randomized studies reporting our pre-specified outcomes. Results: It was observed that mavacamten significantly improved New York Heart Association class (p < 0.009), Clinical Summary Score of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (p = 0.02), post-exercise left ventricular outflow tract gradient (p < 0.00001), functional end point (p = 0.05), and lowered septal reduction therapy rates (p < 0.00001). However, there were no significant differences in the ≥1 severe adverse events, ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse events, left ventricular volume index, left ventricular filling pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, and peak oxygen uptake (pVO2). Conclusion: Future large-scale trials are required to confirm our results and determine the long-term benefits and risks of mavacamten use in these patients.

Mavacamten is a recently introduced medication that relaxes the heart muscle and is indicated for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a disease in which parts of the heart become thick and stiff). To determine the effectiveness and safety of this drug, the results of clinical trials were combined in order to produce an overall estimate. Overall, it was observed that mavacamten improved most functional parameters related to the heart and demonstrated no significant increases in the number of side effects. This suggests the effectiveness and safety of mavacamten, although further trials are needed to confirm our results.

Treatment with Testosterone Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Hypogonadal Adult Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been used to treat hypogonadal males with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for a long time, despite variable results. This meta-analysis examines TRT's role in hypogonadal males with T2DM. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant RCTs and observational studies. Estimated pooled mean differences (MDs) and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the effects of TRT (CIs). When compared to the placebo, TRT improves glycemic management by significantly reducing glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) levels (WMD = -0.29 [-0.57, -0.02] p = 0.04; I2 = 89.8%). Additionally, it reduces the homeostatic model assessment levels of insulin resistance (WMD = -1.47 [-3.14, 0.19]; p = 0.08; I2 = 56.3%), fasting glucose (WMD = -0.30 [-0.75, 0.15]; p = 0.19; I2 = 84.4%), and fasting insulin (WMD = -2.95 [-8.64, 2.74]; however, these results are non-significant. On the other hand, HBA1c levels are significantly reduced with TRT; in addition, total testosterone levels significantly increase with testosterone replacement therapy (WMD = 4.51 [2.40, 6.61] p = 0.0001; I2 = 96.3%). Based on our results, we hypothesize that TRT can improve glycemic control and hormone levels, as well as lower total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels while raising HDL cholesterol in hypogonadal type 2 diabetes patients. To this end, we recommend TRT for these patients in addition to standard diabetes care.

Cyclodextrin-Based Arsenal for Anti-Cancer Treatments.

Anti-cancer drugs are mostly limited in their use due to poor physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. Their lower solubility is the most common hurdle limiting their use upto their potential. In the recent years, the cyclodextrin (CD) complexation have emerged as existing approach to overcome the problem of poor solubility. CD-based nano-technological approaches are safe, stable and showed well in vivo tolerance and greater payload for encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs for the targeted delivery. They are generally chosen due to their ability to get self-assembled to form liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles and nano-sponges etc. This review paper describes a birds-eye view of the various CD-based nano-technological approaches applied for the delivery of anti-cancer moieties to the desired target such as CD based liposomes, niosomes, niosoponges, micelles, nanoparticles, monoclonal antibody, magnetic nanoparticles, small interfering RNA, nanorods, miscellaneous formulation of anti-cancer drugs containing CD. Moreover, the author also summarizes the various shortcomings of such a system and their way ahead.

Effect of processing on reduction of λ-cyhalothrin residues in tomato fruits.

Persistence behaviour of λ-cyhalothrin in tomato fruits was studied following application with recommended (15 g a.i. ha(-1)) and double the recommended (30 g a.i. ha(-1)) dosage of λ-cyhalothrin at fruiting stage under two different temperature conditions. Samples were collected on 0 (1 h after spray), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 days after application. Effects of processing like washing, washing followed by boiling were studied to dislodge the residues of λ-cyhalothrin on tomato fruits. Residues were estimated by GC-ECD capillary system. Residues of λ-cyhalothrin persisted up to 7 days in tomato fruits. The half-life (t (1/2)) periods were observed to be 2.07 and 1.88 days at room temperature and 2.35 and 2.02 days under refrigerated condition for single and double dose, respectively. The process of washing followed by boiling reduced the residues effectively (74-84%) whereas by washing only, residues could be reduced in the range of 37-40%. In samples under refrigerated condition, residues decreased slightly less than the samples stored under room temperature. Washing followed by boiling reduced the residues from 72 to 80% whereas only washing reduced the residues from 35 to 36% In soil samples, residues of λ-cyhalothrin reached below detectable level of 0.005 mg kg(-1) on 3rd and 7th day at single and double dose, respectively.

Dissipation and decontamination of bifenthrin residues in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill).

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of CCS HAU, Hisar to study the dissipation and decontamination behavior of bifenthrin on tomato crop following the application of 25 g a.i ha(-1) (T(1)) and 50 g a.i ha(-1) (T(2)). Samples were collected periodically on the sampling days after applications. Residues were reached below detectable level of 0.005 mg kg(-1) on 10(th) day after application showing half-life period of 1.83 and 2.05 days at room temperature and 2.02 and 2.32 days under refrigerated condition for single and double dose, respectively. Processing was found effective in reducing the residues of bifenthrin in tomato fruits. Maximum reduction (42.10-45.23 %) was observed by washing + boiling followed by washing (16.66-19.04 %). Reduction was slightly less when samples were stored under refrigerated conditions as compared to room temperature conditions.

Self-Assembly Polymeric Nano Micelles for the Futuristic Treatment of Skin Cancer and Phototoxicity: Therapeutic and Clinical Advancement.

In the last few years, the polymeric micelles played a major role as a drug carrier in nano-sized drug delivery system. The polymeric micelles are designed from synthetic block co-polymers and graft copolymers. In the mixed micelles, the bilayer lipid membrane and surfactants are used. Both micelles are in nano-sized and used to enhance the drug delivery to treat different diseases. In this review, we will discuss some examples from the literature included demonstrating the polymeric micelles used as drug-carriers in skin cancer treatment by using different drugs. We also summarized mixed micelles, polymeric micelles in skin drug delivery, various polymers, and techniques of polymeric micelles. These micelles may improve delivery of drug in the skin's targeted sites in specific and dermatological diseases like skin cancer, acne, and fungal infection. In the comparison of surfactant micelles, the polymeric micelles are more stable. Polymeric micelles act as a colloidal carrier for incorporating poorly water-soluble and amphiphilic drugs.

Persistence of dicofol residues in cotton lint seed, and soil.

A supervised field trial was conducted at the CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to assess the residues of dicofol on cotton, during Kharif season, 2008. Dicofol (Kelthane 18.5EC) was applied at 500 g a.i./ha (T(1)) and 1,000 g a.i./ha T(2)) after 105 days of sowing of cotton crop (Varity Cotton/H-1226). Soil samples were collected on 0 (1 h after treatment), 3, 7, 10, 15, 30, and 60 days after spray and cotton samples were collected at harvest. Samples were processed and residues were quantified by GC-ECD system equipped with capillary column. Limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.001 and 0.010 mg kg( -1), respectively, for soil and LOQ for cotton lint and seed was 0.020 mg kg( -1). Initial residues of 0.588 and 1.182 mg kg( -1) in soil reached below detectable level (BDL) of 0.010 mg kg( -1) in T(1) and to the level of BDL (0.010 mg kg( -1)) in T(2) at harvest (60 days after treatment). In 60 days, residues dissipated almost completely (100 and >99%) in both the treatments. Half-life period was calculated as 8.57 days at single dose and 8.69 days at double dose in soil. Residues of dicofol were detected in cotton lint to the levels of 0.292 and 0.653 mg kg( -1) and in seed 0.051 and 0.090 mg kg( -1) in T(1) and T(2) doses, respectively at harvest. Residues in cotton seed were below MRL value of 0.01 mg kg( -1) in both the doses.

Persistence and effect of processing on reduction of chlorpyriphos residues in okra fruits.

Residue levels of chlorpyriphos were determined in unprocessed and processed okra fruits to evaluate the effect of different processes (washing and washing followed by boiling/cooking) on reduction of residues of this pesticide in okra. The study was carried out on okra crop (Variety, Varsha Uphar) in research farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar with application of chlorpyriphos (Radar 20 EC) at 200 g a.i./ha and 400g a.i./ha (Single Dose, T(1)) and 400 g a.i./ha (Double Dose, T(2)). Samples of okra fruits were collected on 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 days and at harvest after treatment. Residues were estimated by GC-ECD system and reached BDL of 0.010 mg kg(-1) on 7th and 15th day in case of single and double dose, respectively. The residues dissipated with half-life period of 3.15 days at lower dose and 3.46 days at higher dose following biphasic first order kinetics. Processing was found very effective in reducing the levels of chlorpyriphos residues in okra fruits. Maximum reduction (64-77%) was observed by washing + boiling followed by washing (13-35%).