Ameliorating Effect of Apium graveolens (Celery) Extracts on IL-6 Plasma Level and Expression of Caspase 3 on Liver in Animal Model of Lead Intoxication.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Lead poisoning (Pb) is a big problem because it is found in almost all objects in daily life such as vehicle fuel, water pipes, ceramics, cosmetics and others. Continuous lead exposure can increase ROS resulting in an increase in hepatic IL-6 and caspase 3 which replaces hepatic cell apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of <i>Apium graveolens</i> (celery) extract on plasma IL-6 and hepatic caspase 3 levels. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study used a post-test control group design. The research subjects were 20 Wistar rats that met the inclusion criteria and were divided into 4 groups randomly, namely (a) Sham group that had no treatment, (b) Negative control group was induced with lead acetate 200 mg kg¹ body weight/day without any treatment (c) Positive control group and (d) Treated group. On the 15th day, blood was taken to check IL-6 levels and tissue was taken for liver caspase 3 examination by immunohistochemical method. Data analysis used the one-way ANOVA test and continued with the <i>post hoc</i> LSD test. <b>Results:</b> The highest mean caspase 3 expression was in the control group 45.84±4.39 pg mL¹, while the mean of IL-6 plasma level was highest in the P1 641.33±39.72 pg mL¹ group. The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference in IL-6 levels between the study groups (p = 0.000). The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference in caspase 3 levels between the study groups (p = 0.000). <b>Conclusion:</b> Giving celery extract 300 mg kg¹ body weight/day affects plasma IL-6 and hepatic caspase 3 levels in lead acetate-induced rats.

Effect of water sulfate and dietary bismuth subsalicylate on feed and water intake, ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration, and trace-mineral status of growing beef heifers.

In the Northern Great Plains, cattle may be exposed to water with an elevated sulfate concentration resulting in ruminal hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production and risk of copper deficiency. There are currently few strategies available to help mitigate effects arising from high-sulfate water (HS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a moderate-forage diet with or without bismuth subsalicylate (BSS; 0.0% vs. 0.4% DM basis) when provided water with a low- (LS; 346 ±â€…13) or HS (4,778 ±â€…263 mg/L) concentration on feed and water intake, ruminal H2S concentration, and liver and serum trace-mineral concentrations. Twenty-four Limousin × Simmental cross beef heifers (221 ±â€…41 kg) were stratified based on initial liver Cu into a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Feed and water intake (measured weekly), ruminal H2S concentration (measured on days 42 and 91), liver (measured on days -13 and 91), and serum trace-mineral concentrations (measured on days 1, 28, 56, and 91) were evaluated. Initial liver trace-mineral concentrations were used as a covariate in the statistical model. Water intake tended to be reduced with the inclusion of BSS (P = 0.095) but was not affected by water sulfate (P = 0.40). Water sulfate and BSS did not affect dry matter intake (DMI; P ≥ 0.89). Heifers consuming HS had a ruminal H2S concentration that was 1.58 mg/L more (P < 0.001) than LS. The inclusion of BSS reduced (P = 0.035) ruminal H2S concentration by more than 44% (1.35 vs. 0.75 mg/L). Regardless of the water sulfate concentration, heifers fed BSS had lesser liver Cu concentration (average of 4.08 mg/kg) than heifers not provided BSS, and when not provided BSS, HS had lesser Cu than LS (42.2 vs. 58.3; sulfate × BSS, P = 0.019). The serum concentration of Cu did not differ over time for heifers not provided BSS; whereas, heifers provided BSS had lesser serum Cu concentration on day 91 than on days 28 and 55 (BSS × time, P < 0.001). The liver concentration of selenium was reduced (P < 0.001) with BSS inclusion but the selenium concentration in serum was not affected by sulfate, BSS, or time (P ≥ 0.16). BSS reduced ruminal H2S concentration, but depleted liver Cu and Se. Moreover, sulfate concentration in water did not appear to affect DMI, water intake, or growth, but increased ruminal H2S and reduced liver Cu concentration.

Water containing a high concentration of sulfate increases the risk of hydrogen sulfide production in the rumen and consequently of polioencephalomalacia. In addition, water with a high-sulfate concentration may induce copper deficiency indicated by depleted liver copper concentration. Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) can bind to sulfides and may reduce the risk of hydrogen sulfide production and therefore may mitigate risks associated with high-sulfate water. In this study, the effects of water sulfate concentrations (346 ±â€…13 vs. 4,778 ±â€…263 mg/L) were tested along with 0.0% vs. 0.4% of dietary BSS. Water intake tended to be reduced with the inclusion of BSS but was not affected by water sulfate. Water sulfate concentration and BSS did not affect dry matter intake (DMI). Heifers consuming high-sulfate water (HS) had a ruminal H2S concentration that was 1.58 mg/L more than low-sulfate water (LS). The inclusion of BSS reduced ruminal H2S concentration by 44% (1.35 vs. 0.75 mg/L). Regardless of the water sulfate concentration, heifers fed BSS had lesser liver Cu concentration than heifers not provided BSS, and when not provided BSS, HS had lesser Cu than LS. BSS reduced ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration but depleted liver Cu. Sulfate concentration in water did not affect DMI, water intake, or growth, but increased ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration and reduced liver Cu concentration.

A pilot study evaluating high dose esomeprazole, bismuth subcitrate and amoxicillin for eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. We evaluated two triple therapy regimens comprising esomeprazole, high dose bismuth, and different doses of amoxicillin for first-line H. pylori eradication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with dyspepsia and naive H. pylori infection were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 100). Both groups were treated for 14 days similarly with esomeprazole (40 mg, twice daily) and bismuth subcitrate (240 mg, three times daily), but the dose of amoxicillin was varied between Groups A (750 mg) and B (1000 mg) three times daily. Treatment compliance and side effect were evaluated following the therapies and after 8 weeks, a negative test of stool H. pylori antigen confirmed eradication. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with respect to sex and age. According to intention to treat analysis, eradication rates were 80% (95% CI: 77.2%-82.8%) and 90% (95% CI: 84.1%-95.9%) in A and B groups, respectively (p = 0.22). Per-protocol eradication rates were 87% (95% CI: 80.4%-93.6%) and 92.8% (95% CI: 87.7%-97.9%), respectively (p = 0.23). Severe adverse effects were 3% and 2%, respectively (p = 0.34). CONCLUSION: High dose esomeprazole, amoxicillin and bismuth achieved 92.8% cure rates per protocol in a country with a high background rate of resistance. Additional studies are needed to ascertain whether this therapy can be further improved. Until then, it can be recommended as a first-line H. pylori eradication in north of Iran.

Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of elobixibat plus sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate and split-dose 2-L polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid for bowel preparation before outpatient colonoscopy: a study protocol for the multicentre, randomised, controlled E-PLUS trial.

BACKGROUND: Sodium picosulfate (SP)/magnesium citrate (MC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus ascorbic acid are recommended by Western guidelines as laxative solutions for bowel preparation. Clinically, SP/MC has a slower post-dose defaecation response than PEG and is perceived as less cleansing; therefore, it is not currently used for major bowel cancer screening preparation. The standard formulation for bowel preparation is PEG; however, a large dose is required, and it has a distinctive flavour that is considered unpleasant. SP/MC requires a small dose and ensures fluid intake because it is administered in another beverage. Therefore, clinical trials have shown that SP/MC is superior to PEG in terms of acceptability. We aim to compare the novel bowel cleansing method (test group) comprising SP/MC with elobixibat hydrate and the standard bowel cleansing method comprising PEG plus ascorbic acid (standard group) for patients preparing for outpatient colonoscopy. METHODS: This phase III, multicentre, single-blind, noninferiority, randomised, controlled, trial has not yet been completed. Patients aged 40-69 years will be included as participants. Patients with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe organ dysfunction will be excluded. The target number of research participants is 540 (standard group, 270 cases; test group, 270 cases). The primary endpoint is the degree of bowel cleansing (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale [BBPS] score ≥ 6). The secondary endpoints are patient acceptability, adverse events, polyp/adenoma detection rate, number of polyps/adenomas detected, degree of bowel cleansing according to the BBPS (BBPS score ≥ 8), degree of bowel cleansing according to the Aronchik scale, and bowel cleansing time. DISCUSSION: This trial aims to develop a "patient-first" colon cleansing regimen without the risk of inadequate bowel preparation by using both elobixibat hydrate and SP/MC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT; no. s041210067; 9 September 2021; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/ ), protocol version 1.5 (May 1, 2023).

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of encapsulated tea polyphenols in chitosan/alginate-coated zein nanoparticles: a possible supplement against fish pathogens in aquaculture.

Regulation of antibiotic use in aquaculture calls for the emergence of more sustainable alternative treatments. Tea polyphenols (GTE), particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have various biological activities. However, tea polyphenols are susceptible to degradation. In this work, EGCG and GTE were encapsulated in zein nanoparticles (ZNP) stabilized with alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CS) to reduce the degradation effect. ALG-coated ZNP and ALG/CS-coated ZNP encapsulating EGCG or GTE were obtained with a hydrodynamic size of less than 300 nm, an absolute ζ-potential value >30 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency greater than 75%. The antioxidant capacity of the encapsulated substances, although lower than that of the free ones, maintained high levels. On the other hand, the evaluation of antimicrobial activity showed greater efficiency in terms of growth inhibition for ALG/CS-ZNP formulations, with average overall values of around 60%, reaching an inhibition of more than 90% for Photobacterium damselae. These results support encapsulation as a good strategy for tea polyphenols, as it allows maintaining significant levels of antioxidant activity and increasing the potential for antimicrobial activity, in addition to increasing protection against sources of degradation.

A Prospective Registry Study of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Incorporation Into Treatment Planning of Intracranial Meningiomas.

PURPOSE: The current standard for meningioma treatment planning involves magnetic resonance imaging-based guidance. Somatostatin receptor ligands such as 68Ga-DOTATATE are being explored for meningioma treatment planning due to near-universal expression of somatostatin receptors 1 and 2 in meningioma tissue. We hypothesized that 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET)-guided treatment management for patients with meningiomas is safe and effective and can identify which patients benefit most from adjuvant radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A single-institution prospective registry study was created for inclusion of patients with intracranial meningiomas who received a 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT to assist with radiation oncologist decision making. Patients who received a PET scan from January 1, 2018, to February 25, 2022, were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients included, 40%, 47%, and 5% had World Health Organization grades 1, 2, and 3 meningiomas, respectively, and 8% (5 patients) had no grade assigned. According to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0539 criteria, 22%, 72%, and 7% were categorized as high, intermediate, and low risk, respectively. After completing their PET scans, 48 patients, 11 patients, and 1 patient proceeded with radiation therapy, observation, and redo craniotomy, respectively. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 19.5 months. Of the 3 patients (5%) who experienced local failure between 9.2 and 28.5 months after diagnosis, 2 had PET-avid disease in their postoperative cavity and elected for observation before recurrence, and 1 high-risk patient with multifocal disease experienced local failure 2 years after a second radiation course and multiple previous recurrences. Notably, 5 patients did not have any local PET uptake and were observed; none of these patients experienced recurrence. Only 1 grade 3 toxicity was attributed to PET-guided radiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined one of the largest known populations of patients with intracranial meningiomas followed by physicians who used 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-guided therapy. Incorporating 68Ga-DOTATATE PET into future trials may assist with clinician decision making and improve patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Gadolinium, Iron, Manganese, and Phosphorus in the Brain of Healthy Rats After High-Dose Administrations of Gadodiamide and Gadobutrol.

OBJECTIVES: After the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), residual gadolinium (Gd) has been detected in a few distinct morphological structures of the central nervous system (CNS). However, a systematic, comprehensive, and quantitative analysis of the spatial Gd distribution in the entire brain is not yet available. The first aim of this study is to provide this analysis in healthy rats after administration of high GBCA doses. The second aim is to assess the spatial distributions and possible Gd colocalizations of endogenous iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and phosphorus (P). In addition, the presence of Gd in proximity to blood vessels was assessed by immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 3/group): saline (control), gadodiamide (linear GBCA), and gadobutrol (macrocyclic GBCA) with cumulative Gd doses of 14.4 mmol/kg of body mass. Five weeks after the last administration, the brains were collected and cryosectioned. The spatial distributions of Gd, Fe, Mn, and P were analyzed in a total of 130 sections, each covering the brain in 1 of the 3 perpendicular anatomical orientations, using laser ablation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Quantitative spatial element maps were generated, and the concentrations of Gd, Fe, and Mn were measured in 31 regions of interest covering various distinct CNS structures. Correlation analyses were performed to test for possible colocalization of Gd, Fe, and Mn. The spatial proximity of Gd and blood vessels was studied using metal-tagged antibodies against von Willebrand factor with laser ablation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: After administration of linear gadodiamide, high Gd concentrations were measured in many distinct structures of the gray matter. This involved structures previously reported to retain Gd after linear GBCA, such as the deep cerebellar nuclei or the globus pallidus, but also structures that had not been reported so far including the dorsal subiculum, the retrosplenial cortex, the superior olivary complex, and the inferior colliculus. The analysis in all 3 orientations allowed the localization of Gd in specific subregions and layers of certain structures, such as the hippocampus and the primary somatosensory cortex. After macrocyclic gadobutrol, the Gd tissue concentration was significantly lower than after gadodiamide. Correlation analyses of region of interest concentrations of Gd, Fe, and Mn revealed no significant colocalization of Gd with endogenous Fe or Mn in rats exposed to either GBCA. Immunohistochemistry revealed a colocalization of Gd traces with vascular endothelium in the deep cerebellar nuclei after gadobutrol, whereas the majority of Gd was found outside the vasculature after gadodiamide. CONCLUSIONS: In rats exposed to gadodiamide but not in rats exposed to gadobutrol, high Gd concentrations were measured in various distinct CNS structures, and structures not previously reported were identified to contain Gd, including specific subregions and layers with different cytoarchitecture and function. Knowledge of these distinct spatial patterns may pave the way for tailored functional neurological testing. Signs for the localization of the remaining Gd in the vascular endothelium were prominent for gadobutrol but not gadodiamide. The results also indicate that local transmetalation with endogenous Fe or Mn is unlikely to explain the spatial patterns of Gd deposition in the brain, which argues against a general role of these metals in local transmetalation and release of Gd ions in the CNS.

Anti-diarrheal effect of piperine possibly through the interaction with inflammation inducing enzymes: In vivo and in silico studies.

Piperine is a natural alkaloid that possesses a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticarcinogenic activities. The present study aims to assess the medicinal benefits of piperine as an anti-diarrheal agent in a chick model by utilizing in vivo and in silico techniques. For this, castor oil was administered orally to 2-day-old chicks to cause diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate (10 mg/kg), loperamide (3 mg/kg), and nifedipine (2.5 mg/kg) were used as positive controls, while the vehicle was utilized as a negative control. Two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.) of the test sample (piperine) were administered orally, and the highest dose was tested with standards to investigate the synergistic activity of the test sample. In our findings, piperine prolonged the latent period while reducing the number of diarrheal feces in the experimental chicks during the monitoring period (4 h). At higher doses, piperine appears to reduce diarrheal secretion while increasing latency in chicks. Throughout the combined pharmacotherapy, piperine outperformed bismuth subsalicylate and nifedipine in terms of anti-diarrheal effects with loperamide. In molecular docking, piperine exhibited higher binding affinities towards different inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 1 (-7.9 kcal/mol), cyclooxygenase 2 (-8.4 kcal/mol), nitric oxide synthases (-8.9 kcal/mol), and L-type calcium channel (-8.8 kcal/mol), indicating better interaction of PP with these proteins. In conclusion, piperine showed a potent anti-diarrheal effect in castor oil-induced diarrheal chicks by suppressing the inflammation and calcium ion influx induced by castor oil.

New Optically Active tert-Butylarylthiophosphinic Acids and Their Selenium Analogues as the Potential Synthons of Supramolecular Organometallic Complexes: Syntheses and Crystallographic Structure Determination.

The aim of the research described in this publication is two-fold. The first is a detailed description of the synthesis of a series of compounds containing a stereogenic heteroatom, namely the optically active P-stereogenic derivatives of tert-butylarylphoshinic acids bearing sulfur or selenium. The second is a detailed discussion dedicated to the determination of their structures by an X-ray analysis. Such a determination is needed when considering optically active hetero-oxophosphoric acids as new chiral solvating agents, precursors of new chiral ionic liquids, or ligands in complexes serving as novel organometallic catalysts.

Dual-Responsive Turn-On T1 Imaging-Guided Mild Photothermia for Precise Apoptotic Cancer Therapy.

Apoptosis has gained increasing attention in cancer therapy as an intrinsic signaling pathway, which leads to minimal leakage of waste products from a dying cell to neighboring normal cells. Among various stimuli to trigger apoptosis, mild hyperthermia is attractive but confronts limitations of non-specific heating and acquired resistance from elevated expression of heat shock proteins. Here, a dual-stimulation activated turn-on T1 imaging-based nanoparticulate system (DAS) is developed for mild photothermia (≈43 °C)-mediated precise apoptotic cancer therapy. In the DAS, a superparamagnetic quencher (ferroferric oxide nanoparticles, Fe3 O4 NPs) and a paramagnetic enhancer (Gd-DOTA complexes) are connected via the N6-methyladenine (m6 A)-caged, Zn2+ -dependent DNAzyme molecular device. The substrate strand of the DNAzyme contains one segment of Gd-DOTA complex-labeled sequence and another one of HSP70 antisense oligonucleotide. When the DAS is taken up by cancer cells, overexpressed fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) specifically demethylates the m6 A group, thereby activating DNAzymes to cleave the substrate strand and simultaneously releasing Gd-DOTA complex-labeled oligonucleotides. The restored T1 signal from the liberated Gd-DOTA complexes lights up the tumor to guide the location and time of deploying 808 nm laser irradiation. Afterward, locally generated mild photothermia works in concert with HSP70 antisense oligonucleotides to promote apoptosis of tumor cells. This highly integrated design provides an alternative strategy for mild hyperthermia-mediated precise apoptotic cancer therapy.

Dose-responses of zinc as zinc-methionine supplements on antioxidant status, hematological parameters, immune response and the expression of IL-4 and IL-6 genes of ewes in the hot season.

This study was implemented to evaluate the effects of different zinc doses as Zinc-Met supplement (Zinpro®) on the antioxidant status, blood immune cells, antibody titers, and the expression of IL-4 and IL-6 genes of ewes in the hot season. In a completely randomized design, 24 ewes were assigned to treatments as follow: 0, 15, 30 and 45 mg/kg zinc as Zinc-Met supplementation for 40 days in region with 40 °C and vaccinated against food-and-mouth disease as an immune challenge at day 30, and then blood samples were collected on day 40. Ewes were fed a basal diet containing 29.9 mg zinc/kg. The highest activity of the antioxidant enzyme and the lowest lipid peroxidation values were found in ewes receiving 30 and 45 mg/kg zinc following a linear trend. The highest lymphocytes count and antibody titers were found in ewes received 30 mg zinc/kg. There were no significant differences among treatments for the relative expression of genes. In overall, zinc supplementation non-significantly up-regulate interleukin-4 and down-regulate interleukin-6. It was concluded that zinc supplementation as Zinc-Met could enhance the antioxidant status and immune response of ewes under heat stress; supplementation of diet with 30 mg zinc/kg (300 mg/kg Zinpro®) appeared to be the most effective dose.

From Chemotherapy to Phototherapy - Changing the Therapeutic Action of a Metallo-Intercalating RuII -ReI Luminescent System by Switching its Sub-Cellular Location.

The synthesis of a new heterodinuclear ReI RuII metallointercalator containing RuII (dppz) and ReI (dppn) moieties is reported. Cell-free studies reveal that the complex has similar photophysical properties to its homoleptic M(dppz) analogue and it also binds to DNA with a similar affinity. However, the newly reported complex has very different in-cell properties to its parent. In complete contrast to the homoleptic system, the RuII (dppz)/ReI (dppn) complex is not intrinsically cytotoxic but displays appreciable phototoxic, despite both complexes displaying very similar quantum yields for singlet oxygen sensitization. Optical microscopy suggests that the reason for these contrasting biological effects is that whereas the homoleptic complex localises in the nuclei of cells, the RuII (dppz)/ReI (dppn) complex preferentially accumulates in mitochondria. These observations illustrate how even small structural changes in metal based therapeutic leads can modulate their mechanism of action.

The organic zinc with moderate chelation strength enhances the expression of related transporters in the jejunum and ileum of broilers.

Our previous study demonstrated that the zinc (Zn) proteinate with moderate chelation strength (Zn-Prot M) enhanced the Zn absorption in the small intestine partially via increasing the expression of some Zn and amino acid transporters in the duodenum of broilers. However, it remains unknown whether the Zn-Prot M could also regulate the expression of related transporters in the jejunum and ileum of broilers in the above enhancement of Zn absorption. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the Zn-Prot M on the expression of related transporters in the jejunum and ileum of broilers compared to the Zn sulfate (ZnS). Zinc-deficient broilers (13-d-old) were fed with the Zn-unsupplemented basal diets (control) or the basal diets supplemented with 60 mg Zn/kg as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 26 d. The results showed that in the jejunum, compared to the control, supplementation of the organic or inorganic Zn increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and protein expression of b0,+-type amino acid transporter (rBAT), Zn transporter 10 (ZnT10), and peptide-transporter 1 (PepT1) mRNA expression and Zn transporter 7 (ZnT7) protein expression on d 28, while y+L-type amino transporter 2 (y+LAT2) mRNA and protein expression, and protein expression of ZnT7 and ZnT10 on 28 d and zrt-irt-like protein 3 (ZIP3) and zrt-irt-like protein 5 (ZIP5) on d 39 were higher (P < 0.05) for Zn-Prot M than for ZnS. In the ileum, Zn addition regardless of Zn source up-regulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Zn transporter 9 (ZnT9) and ZIP3, ZIP5, and y+LAT2 protein expression on d 28, and PepT1 mRNA and protein expression, ZIP3 and y+LAT2 mRNA expression and ZnT10 protein expression on d 39. Furthermore, Zn transporter 4 (ZnT4) and ZnT9 mRNA expression and Zn transporter 1 (ZnT1) protein expression on d 28, and y+LAT2 mRNA expression and ZnT10 and PepT1 protein expression on d 39 were higher (P < 0.05) for Zn-Prot M than for ZnS. It was concluded that the Zn-Prot M enhanced the expression of the ZnT1, ZnT4, ZnT9, ZnT10, ZIP3, ZIP5, y+LAT2, and PepT1 in the jejunum or ileum of broilers compared to the ZnS.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectral characterization of antifungal activity of selenium and zinc based organometallic compounds.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is used to identify the biochemical changes associated with the antifungal activities of selenium and zinc organometallic complexes against Aspergillus niger fungus. These biochemical changes identified in the form of SERS peaks can help to understand the mechanism of action of these antifungal agents which is important for development of new antifungal drugs. The SERS spectral changes indicate the denaturation and conformational changes of proteins and fungal cell wall decomposition in complex exposed fungal samples. The SERS spectra of these organometallic complexes exposed fungi are analyzed by using statistical tools like principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). PCA is employed to differentiate the SERS spectra of fungal samples exposed to ligands and complexes. The PLS-DA discriminated different groups of spectra with 99.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 98% accuracy and 86 % area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve.

Hypokalemia Related to Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis as an Initial Presentation of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.

Hypokalemia due to loss of potassium through the kidneys can be caused by distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA). The etiology of dRTA can be primary due to genetic defects or secondary to autoimmune diseases, especially Sjogren's syndrome (SS). The occurrence of dRTA in SS patients is low, at only 5% of cases. This case was interesting because dRTA was the initial clinical manifestation that led to the diagnosis of SS in the patient. A 48-year-old woman came with complaints of recurrent weakness. The patient was routinely hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and received potassium supplementation. The diagnosis of dRTA was based on repeated weakness, normal blood pressure, severe and recurrent hypokalemia, high urinary potassium, alkaline urine, low plasma bicarbonate, and standard anion gap metabolic acidosis. The diagnosis of SS in this patient was confirmed based on dry eyes, dry mouth, positive Schirmer's test, and positive autoantibodies to SS-A and Ro-52. There was a delay in the diagnosis of SS for two years in this patient because the complaints were initially subtle and non-specific. The hypokalemia in this patient was secondary to dRTA associated with primary SS. The possibility of an underlying autoimmune disorder should be considered in a patient presenting with recurrent severe hypokalemia. dRTA, as the etiology of hypokalemia, can be a gateway to the diagnosis of SS. In this patient, complaints related to dRTA appeared before the onset of sicca symptoms, and the diagnosis of SS was established.

Substitution of Copper by Magnesium in Malachite: Insights into the Synthesis and Structural Effects.

The phase width of the copper hydroxycarbonate malachite, Cu2CO3(OH)2, upon substitution with magnesium has been studied in detail. In extension of a previous study on amorphous precursors, the introduction of a hydrothermal aging step allowed the retrieval of crystalline hydroxycarbonate samples with up to 37 atom % Mg (metal content) that are suitable candidates as precursors to Cu/MgO catalysts for CO hydrogenation. Simultaneous refinements of X-ray powder diffraction and pair distribution function (PDF) data as well as complementary spectroscopic insight (X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopy) revealed that samples with up to 18 atom % Mg are phase-pure magnesian malachites but the magnesium content can be increased beyond this threshold when mcguinnessite (CuMgCO3(OH)2) is accepted as a side phase. In a complementary study, a continuous increase of the magnesium fraction was found during aging and the corresponding structural evolution was studied by means of PDF. These findings add significant insight into the aging chemistry of crystalline Cu,Mg hydroxycarbonates. Furthermore, both phase-pure magnesian malachite and mcguinnessite-containing samples with up to 37 atom % Mg have been examined by thermogravimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and N2 physisorption and were found to be promising candidates for use as precursors for the preparation of Cu/MgO catalysts.

Trimetallic Chalcogenide Species: Synthesis, Structures, and Bonding.

In an attempt to isolate boron-containing tri-niobium polychalcogenide species, we have carried out prolonged thermolysis reactions of [Cp*NbCl4] (Cp* = ɳ5-C5Me5) with four equivalents of Li[BH2E3] (E = Se or S). In the case of the heavier chalcogen (Se), the reaction led to the isolation of the tri-niobium cubane-like cluster [(NbCp*)3(µ3-Se)3(BH)(µ-Se)3] (1) and the homocubane-like cluster [(NbCp*)3(µ3-Se)3(µ-Se)3(BH)(µ-Se)] (2). Interestingly, the tri-niobium framework of 1 stabilizes a selenaborate {Se3BH}- ligand. A selenium atom is further introduced between boron and one of the selenium atoms of 1 to yield cluster 2. On the other hand, the reaction with the sulfur-containing borate adduct [LiBH2S3] afforded the trimetallic clusters [(NbCp*)3(µ-S)4{µ-S2(BH)}] (3) and [(NbCp*)3(µ-S)4{µ-S2(S)}] (4). Both clusters 3 and 4 have an Nb3S6 core, which further stabilizes {BH} and mono-sulfur units, respectively, through bi-chalcogen coordination. All of these species were characterized by 11B{1H}, 1H, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Moreover, theoretical investigations revealed that the triangular Nb3 framework is aromatic in nature and plays a vital role in the stabilization of the borate, borane, and chalcogen units.

Efficacy and Safety of Polaprezinc-Based Therapy versus the Standard Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most prevalent etiology of gastritis worldwide. H. pylori management depends mainly on antibiotics, especially the triple therapy formed of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and proton pump inhibitors. Lately, many antibiotic-resistant strains have emerged, leading to a decrease in the eradication rates of H. pylori. Polaprezinc (PZN), a mucosal protective zinc-L-carnosine complex, may be a non-antibiotic agent to treat H. pylori without the risk of resistance. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a PZN-based regimen for the eradication of H. pylori. This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed, and Google Scholar until 25 July 2022. We used the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We registered our protocol in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022349231. We included 3 trials with a total of 396 participants who were randomized to either PZN plus triple therapy (n = 199) or triple therapy alone (control) (n = 197). Pooled OR found a statistical difference favoring the PZN arm in the intention to treat and per protocol H. pylori eradication rates (OR: 2.01 with 95% CI [1.27, 3.21], p = 0.003) and (OR: 2.65 with 95% CI [1.55, 4.54], p = 0.0004), respectively. We found no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the total adverse events (OR: 1.06 with 95% CI [0.55, 2.06], p = 0.85). PZN, when added to the triple therapy, yielded a better effect concerning the eradication rates of H. pylori with no difference in adverse event rates, and thus can be considered a valuable adjuvant for the management of H. pylori. However, the evidence is still scarce, and larger trials are needed to confirm or refute our findings.

Metal-based compounds containing selenium: An appealing approach towards novel therapeutic drugs with anticancer and antimicrobial effects.

In recent years, both metal-based complexes and selenium-containing compounds have been widely explored for their therapeutic properties due to their roles in biological processes and modulation of diverse molecular targets. However, despite their growing interest, there is no review to date that covers the potential use of the combination of these entities to design new therapeutic derivatives. This review highlights the latest achievements in this particular field, with a focus on compounds with anticancer and/or antimicrobial properties. With this aim, the formation of coordination compounds including several metals bearing selenium either with direct interaction with the metal center or as part of the organic ligand elsewhere is covered. Besides, coordination compounds with a Se(IV) center have been assessed. The biological properties of several selenium-containing organometallic complexes have also been discussed, including metallocenes, half-sandwich complexes, and compounds with N-heterocyclic carbenes, CO, and π-ligands, and other σ-bonded entities. The information compiled in this review may be helpful to design and develop novel, more potent, and safer metal-based compounds for the treatment of several pathologies.

Phthalocyanine-Based Nanoassembly with Switchable Fluorescence and Photoactivities for Tumor Imaging and Phototherapy.

Switchable theranostics are of great interest for accurate tumor imaging and targeted therapy. Here, we develop smart engineering to construct nanostructured phthalocyanines self-assembled by amphiphilic zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) and hydrophobic copper phthalocyanines (CuPcs) (ZnPc(PEG)5:CuPc-N, where ZnPc(PEG)5 is monosubstituted ZnPcs with pentaethylene glycol as the substituent). The fluorescence and reactive oxygen species generation of ZnPc(PEG)5:CuPc-N can be triggered depending on the membrane of the tumor cells for the imaging and photoactivities. Concerning the stability in blood circulation, the surface of the nanocomplex is coated with polydopamine, which responds to the tumor acidic microenvironment. ZnPc(PEG)5 and CuPc focus on photodynamic and photothermal properties, respectively, and can be stimulated by a single laser beam, endowing ZnPc(PEG)5:CuPc-N a combined antitumor effect from evaluations both in vitro and in vivo. In our study, the mechanism of switchable theranostics, the strategy of combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and the smart nanoengineering technology of phthalocyanines with poor water solubility can be applied to other phthalocyanines or phthalocyanine-like phototherapy agents.