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Parvalbumin immunohistochemical expression in the s pectrum of perivascular epithelioid cell (PEC) lesions of the kidney. Virchows Arch 2020; 478:785-791. [PMID: 32524185 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Parvalbumin is a cytosolic calcium-binding protein expressed in the distal convoluted tubule of the renal nephron. Among epithelial renal tumors, the reactivity for parvalbumin is observed in chromophobe renal cell carcinomas and frequently in oncocytomas. On the other hand, there are no data available on parvalbumin expression in the mesenchymal tumors of the kidney. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of parvalbumin in the spectrum of PEC (perivascular epithelioid cells) lesions of the kidney. Sixty-six PEC lesions (37 classic angiomyolipomas, 10 microscopic angiomyolipomas, 7 epithelioid angiomyolipomas/pure epithelioid PEComas, 5 leiomyoma-like angiomyolipomas, 3 lipoma-like angiomyolipomas, 2 intraglomerular lesions, 1 angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts (AMLEC), and 1 sclerosing angiomyolipoma) were immunohistochemically stained with parvalbumin. Overall, parvalbumin immunostain was found in fifty-six PEC lesions (85%) and absent in the remaining ten cases (15%). Classic angiomyolipomas were positive in almost all cases (97%). Intraglomerular lesions and AMLEC showed parvalbumin immunolabeling as well. None of the 7 epithelioid angiomyolipomas/pure epithelioid PEComas or the only sclerosing angiomyolipoma expressed parvalbumin. In conclusion, we demonstrated the immunolabeling of parvalbumin in almost all PEC lesions of the kidney, but not in the epithelioid angiomyolipoma/pure epithelioid PEComa. This finding could shed light on some biological characteristics observed in the PEC lesions such as the plasticity of their cellular component. Moreover, parvalbumin may be another useful tool in the differential diagnosis among epithelioid angiomyolipoma/pure epithelioid PEComa with other renal eosinophilic tumors, such as oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.
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Adepoyibi T, Keam T, Kuma A, Haihuie T, Hapolo M, Islam S, Akumu B, Chani K, Morris L, Taune M. A pilot model of patient education and counselling for drug-resistant tuberculosis in Daru, Papua New Guinea. Public Health Action 2019; 9:S80-S82. [PMID: 31579655 PMCID: PMC6735450 DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Education and counselling for people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is recommended by the World Health Organization, given the arduous treatment journey. A model of education and counselling involving counsellors and peer counsellors, standard sessions and novel education tools was piloted in the high DR-TB burden context of Daru, Papua New Guinea. The pilot contributed to high retention in care, highlighting the need for investment in scalable models. Future models will need to be adapted as better tolerated regimens are introduced. A focus on patient-centred care requires prioritisation in order to meet the End TB Strategy targets.
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Li Q, Fu X, Ge X, Tao F, Huang P, Ge M, Jin H. Antitumor Effects and Related Mechanisms of Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Polygonum perfoliatum L. Front Oncol 2019; 9:578. [PMID: 31334112 PMCID: PMC6621420 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polygonum perfoliatum L. belongs to the genus Polygonaceae and has a long history to be used as a Chinese medicinal herb to reduce swelling, control body temperature, and promote detoxification. However, its anticancer activity and mechanisms of action have not been evaluated yet. In the present study, we used several cell lines and xenograft models from different cancers to demonstrate the broad-spectrum anticancer activity of P. perfoliatum L as well as its underlying mechanisms of action in vitro and in vivo. The ethyl acetate extract of P. perfoliatum L showed good anticancer activity and was further fractioned to obtain five active components, including PEA to PEE. Among these fractions, PEC showed the strongest cytotoxicities against various cancer cell lines. It was further observed that PEC inhibited cancer cell growth, arrested cells at G2 phase, and induced apoptosis in vitro and suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, PEC decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and micro-vascular density (MVD) in tumor tissues in vivo. It also promoted the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, increased the activities of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), enhanced the secretion of interleukin 2 (IL-2) by spleen cells, and raised the levels of IgG, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies in tumor-bearing mice in vivo, which were at least partially responsible for the anticancer activity of PEC. In summary, PEC has shown broad-spectrum anticancer activities without causing any host toxicity in vitro and in vivo and may be developed as a preventive and therapeutic agent against human cancer. Further studies are urgently needed to determine the anticancer compounds in PEC and their detailed molecular mechanisms.
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Letsinger S, Kay P. Comparison of Prioritisation Schemes for Human Pharmaceuticals in the Aquatic Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:3479-3491. [PMID: 30515684 PMCID: PMC6513794 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Only a small proportion of pharmaceuticals available for commercial use have been monitored in the aquatic environment, and even less is known about the effects on organisms. With thousands of pharmaceuticals in use, it is not feasible to monitor or assess the effects of all of these compounds. Prioritisation schemes allow the ranking of pharmaceuticals based on their potential as environmental contaminants, allowing resources to be appropriately used on those which are most likely to enter the environment and cause greatest harm. Many different types of prioritisation schemes exist in the literature and those utilising predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), the fish plasma model (FPM), critical environmental concentrations (CECs) and acute ecotoxicological data were assessed in the current study using the 50 most prescribed drugs in the UK. PECs were found to be overestimates of mean measured environmental concentrations but mainly underestimations of maximum concentrations. Acute ecological data identified different compounds of concern to the other effects assessments although the FPM and CECs methods were more conservative. These schemes highlighted antidepressants, lipid regulators, antibiotics, antihypertensive compounds and ibuprofen as priority compounds for further study and regulation.
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de Aquino ABM, Leal LA, Carvalho-Silva VH, Gargano R, Ribeiro Junior LA, da Cunha WF. Krypton-methanol s pectroscopic study: Assessment of the complexation dynamics and the role of the van der Waals interaction. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 205:179-185. [PMID: 30015023 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Kr-CH3OH (Krypton-Methanol) system has several technological applications, such as the determination of diffusivity coefficients, their use in the development of detectors and combustion techniques among others. We report an extensive theoretical study concerning the stability of such complex. A mix between molecular dynamics, electronic structure calculations and solution of the nuclear Schrodinger equation lead to investigation of spectroscopic constants, lifetime of the complex and its Quantum Theory Atom in Molecules (QTAIM) properties. The study of the Potential Energy Curves (PEC) suggested three configurations to be stable as their potential well were able to harbor 9 vibrational levels. Properties from the curves also allowed us to obtain the lifetime of the complex, whose values were >1 ps regardless of the conformation. Furthermore, topological investigations of the charge density profile of the complex, in the scope of QTAIM properties, show that van der Waals type interactions takes place between the noble gas and the methanol molecule. These features are in consonance to the experimental fact that this complex is stable.
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Conzatti G, Cavalie S, Gayet F, Torrisani J, Carrère N, Tourrette A. Elaboration of a thermosensitive smart biomaterial: From synthesis to the ex vivo bioadhesion evaluation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 175:91-97. [PMID: 30522012 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.11.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alginate and chitosan are polysaccharides that are widely used in the biomedical field, especially as wound dressings. Controlled bioadhesion is an advanced functionality that offers the potential to reduce injuries due to the stripping-off of the biomaterial. Herein, we report the efficient grafting of poly-N(isopropylacryamide) (PNIPAM), a thermosensitive polymer that exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 32 °C on the alginate/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) surface. In vitro studies did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect, and cells adhered preferentially on the LCST on PNIPAM grafted surfaces, as reported in the literature. Ex vivo investigations revealed that the adhesive behavior of the biomaterials was not the same on the liver and pancreas. The effect of the temperature on the bioadhesion to organs was unexpected, as PNIPAM surfaces exhibited higher adhesion at low temperature. The PNIPAM was therefore able to confer PEC matrix thermosensitivity, but due to the application force, interactions between PNIPAM chains and their substrate could influence bioadhesion on tissues.
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Basheva D, Moten D, Stoyanov P, Belkinova D, Mladenov R, Teneva I. Content of phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, alophycocyanin and phycoerythrocyanin in some cyanobacterial strains: Applications. Eng Life Sci 2018; 18:861-866. [PMID: 32624879 PMCID: PMC6999198 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201800035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are unique prokaryotes, which are capable to perform oxygenic photosynthesis. Within these organisms, phycobilisomes (PBS) act as an antenna of the photosynthetic pigment apparatus. Phycobilisomes contain several phycobiliproteins (PBP): phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC) and phycoerythrocyanin (PEC). The application of phycobiliproteins in the biotechnology, food industry and medicine during the last years is rapidly increasing. The aim of our study was to assess the qualitative and quantitative content of phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and phycoerythrocyanin in 14 cyanobacterial strains kept in Plovdiv Algal Culture Collection (PACC) and 4 strains purchased from the Culture Collection of Autotrophic Organisms (CCALA). Our data demonstrated that three strains of Microcoleus autumnalis (PACC 5505, PACC 5522 and PACC 5527) have high potential to produce phycoerythrins (0.132, 0.201 and 0.136 mg/mL, respectively). Similarly, one Microcoleus autumnalis strain (PACC 5522) and one strain of Leptolyngbya boryana (CCALA 084) are suitable for biotechnological production of phycocyanins (0.051 and 0.264 mg/mL, respectively) as well as allophycocyanins (0.102 and 0.171 mg/mL, respectively). In addition, the data about the pigment content could be used as a biochemical marker for taxonomic purposes within the group.
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Glutathione responsive chitosan-thiolated dextran conjugated miR-145 nanoparticles targeted with AS1411 aptamer for cancer treatment. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 201:131-140. [PMID: 30241804 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
miR-145 is a tumor suppressive miRNA which is abnormally reduced in different cancers. miR-145 overexpression reduces cancer migration, invasion, and cell adhesion. Increasing miR-145 level using suitable and efficient gene delivery systems could be valuable in cancer treatment. In this study, a redox-responsive miR-145 conjugated thiolated dextran (TD-miR) was prepared. Also, polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of TD-miR and chitosan were fabricated and decorated with anti nucleolin aptamer, AS1411 (apt-PEC). The size of the PECs was between 40-270 nm, and the zeta potential was varied according to the TD-miR to chitosan molar ratio. The outcomes of cellular studies indicated the excellence of the apt-PEC as a duel targeted delivery system and the PECs composed of chitosan 18 kDa with TD-miR to chitosan ratio of 5. TD-miR and the PECs are appropriate as the smart gene delivery systems which preserve and transfect the cargo and release it in cytoplasm.
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Nur M, Vasiljevic T. Insulin Inclusion into a Tragacanth Hydrogel: An Oral Delivery System for Insulin. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E79. [PMID: 29304023 PMCID: PMC5793577 DOI: 10.3390/ma11010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles or microparticles created by physical complexation between two polyelectrolytes may have a prospective use as an excipient for oral insulin administration. Natural polymers such as tragacanth, alginate, dextran, pullulan, hyaluronic acid, gelatin and chitosan can be potential candidates for this purpose. In this research, insulin particles were prepared by the inclusion of insulin into a tragacanth hydrogel. The effect of the pH and concentration relationship involving polyelectrolytes offering individual particle size and zeta potential was assessed by zetasizer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Insulin-tragacanth interactions at varying pH (3.7, 4.3, 4.6, or 6), and concentration (0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% w/w) were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ATR Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis. Individual and smaller particles, approximately 800 nm, were acquired at pH 4.6 with 0.5% of tragacanth. The acid gelation test indicated that insulin could be entrapped in the physical hydrogel of tragacanth. DSC thermograms of insulin-tragacanth showed shifts on the same unloaded tragacanth peaks and suggested polyelectrolyte-protein interactions at a pH close to 4.3-4.6. FTIR spectra of tragacanth-insulin complexes exhibited amide absorption bands featuring in the protein spectra and revealed the creation of a new chemical substance.
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Pulsed Eddy Current Sensing for Critical Pipe Condition Assessment. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17102208. [PMID: 28954392 PMCID: PMC5677363 DOI: 10.3390/s17102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) sensing is used for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of the structural integrity of metallic structures in the aircraft, railway, oil and gas sectors. Urban water utilities also have extensive large ferromagnetic structures in the form of critical pressure pipe systems made of grey cast iron, ductile cast iron and mild steel. The associated material properties render NDE of these pipes by means of electromagnetic sensing a necessity. In recent years PEC sensing has established itself as a state-of-the-art NDE technique in the critical water pipe sector. This paper presents advancements to PEC inspection in view of the specific information demanded from water utilities along with the challenges encountered in this sector. Operating principles of the sensor architecture suitable for application on critical pipes are presented with the associated sensor design and calibration strategy. A Gaussian process-based approach is applied to model a functional relationship between a PEC signal feature and critical pipe wall thickness. A case study demonstrates the sensor’s behaviour on a grey cast iron pipe and discusses the implications of the observed results and challenges relating to this application.
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Li K, Huang Z, Zeng X, Huang B, Gao S, Lu J. Synergetic Effect of Ti 3+ and Oxygen Doping on Enhancing Photoelectrochemical and Photocatalytic Properties of TiO 2/g-C 3N 4 Heterojunctions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:11577-11586. [PMID: 28266841 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b16191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To improve the utilization of visible light and reduce photogenerated electron/hole recombination, Ti3+ self-doped TiO2/oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Ti3+-TiO2/O-g-C3N4) heterojunctions were prepared via hydrothermal treatment of a mixture of g-C3N4 and titanium oxohydride sol obtained from the reaction of TiH2 with H2O2. In this way, exfoliated O-g-C3N4 and Ti3+-TiO2 nanoparticles were obtained. Simultaneously, strong bonding was formed between Ti3+-TiO2 nanoparticles and exfoliated O-g-C3N4 during the hydrothermal process. Charge transfer and recombination processes were characterized by transient photocurrent responses, electrochemical impedance test, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performances were investigated through rhodamine B degradation test under an irradiation source based on 30 W cold visible-light-emitting diode. The highest visible-light photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities were observed from the heterojunction with 1:2 mass ratio of Ti3+-TiO2 to O-g-C3N4. The photodegradation reaction rate constant based on this heterojuction is 0.0356 min-1, which is 3.87 and 4.56 times higher than those of pristine Ti3+-TiO2 and pure g-C3N4, respectively. The remarkably high photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performances of the heterojunctions are mainly attributed to the synergetic effect of efficient photogenerated electron-hole separation, decreased electron transfer resistance from interfacial chemical hydroxy residue bonds, and oxidizing groups originating from Ti3+-TiO2 and O-g-C3N4.
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Franquet-Griell H, Cornadó D, Caixach J, Ventura F, Lacorte S. Determination of cytostatic drugs in Besòs River (NE Spain) and comparison with predicted environmental concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:6492-6503. [PMID: 28074365 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The number of cytostatic drugs used in cancer treatments is wide and increases every year; therefore, tools have been developed to predict their concentration in the environment to prioritize those for monitoring studies. In the present study, the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were calculated according to consumption data in Catalonia (NE Spain) for 2014. According to PECs and to the most widely reported compounds, 19 cytostatics were monitored in two sampling campaigns performed along the Besòs River. A total of seven drugs were detected at levels between 0.5 and 656 ng L-1. PEC and measured environmental concentrations (MECs) were compared in order to validate PECs. The PEC/MEC ratio presented a good agreement between predicted and measured concentrations confirming the PEC estimations. Mycophenolic acid, prioritized as the compound with the highest PEC, was detected at the highest concentrations (8.5-656 ng L-1) but showed no risk for aquatic organisms (risk quotient <1) considering acute toxicity tests performed in Daphnia magna.
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Lindim C, van Gils J, Georgieva D, Mekenyan O, Cousins IT. Evaluation of human pharmaceutical emissions and concentrations in Swedish river basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:508-519. [PMID: 27552129 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An emissions inventory for top consumed human pharmaceuticals in Sweden was done based on national consumption data, human metabolic rates and wastewater treatment removal rates. Concentrations of pharmaceuticals in surface waters in Swedish river basins were predicted using estimated emissions from the inventory and river discharges. Our findings indicate that the top ten emitted pharmaceuticals in our study set of 54 substances are all emitted in amounts above 0.5ton/y to both surface waters and soils. The highest emissions to water were in decreasing order for Metformin, Furosemide, Gabapentin, Atenolol and Tramadol. Predicted emissions to soils calculated with the knowledge that in Sweden sludge is mostly disposed to soil, point to the highest emissions among the studied drugs coming from, in decreasing order, Metformin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Gabapentin and Atenolol. Surface water concentrations in Sweden's largest rivers, all located in low density population zones, were found to be below 10ng/L for all substances studied. In contrast, concentrations in surface waters in Stockholm's metropolitan area, the most populous in Sweden, surpassed 100ng/L for four substances: Atenolol, Metformin, Furosemide and Gabapentin.
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Meyer W, Reich M, Beier S, Behrendt J, Gulyas H, Otterpohl R. Measured and predicted environmental concentrations of carbamazepine, diclofenac, and metoprolol in small and medium rivers in northern Germany. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:487. [PMID: 27465046 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of secondary municipal effluent discharge on carbamazepine, diclofenac, and metoprolol concentrations in small and medium rivers in northern Germany and compared the measured environmental concentrations (MECs) to the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) calculated with four well-established models. During a 1-year sampling period, secondary effluent grab samples were collected at four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) together with grab samples from the receiving waters upstream and downstream from the wastewater discharge points. The carbamazepine, diclofenac, and metoprolol concentrations were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS) after solid phase extraction. In the secondary effluents, 84-790 ng/L carbamazepine, 395-2100 ng/L diclofenac, and 745-5000 ng/L metoprolol were detected. The carbamazepine, diclofenac, and metoprolol concentrations analyzed in the rivers downstream from the secondary effluent discharge sites ranged from <5 to 68, 370, and 520 ng/L, respectively. Most of the downstream pharmaceutical concentrations were markedly higher than the corresponding upstream concentrations. The impact of wastewater discharge on the MECs in rivers downstream from the WWTPs was clearly demonstrated, but the correlations of the MECs with dilution factors were poor. The smallest rivers exhibited the largest maximum MECs and the widest ranges of MECs downstream from the wastewater discharge point. Three of the four tested models were conservative, as they showed higher PECs than the MECs in the rivers downstream from the WWTPs. However, the most detailed model underestimated the diclofenac concentrations.
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Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical aptasensing of miR-155 using efficient and stable CH3NH3PbI3 quantum dots sensitized ZnO nanosheets as light harvester. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 85:142-150. [PMID: 27162145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor based on a novel signal amplification strategy was developed for the quantitative determination of microRNA (miR)-155. CH3NH3PbI3 quantum dots (QDs) functionalized ZnO nanosheets (NSs) were employed as the light harvester. Owing to the synergetic effect between CH3NH3PbI3 QDs and ZnO NSs, ZnO@CH3NH3PbI3 can provide an obviously increasing PEC signal by forming the heterojunction. Due to the larger steric hindrance, the sensitive decrease of the PEC signal can be achieved by the specific recognition between the primers and ssDNA of miR-155. In this sense, this developed aptasensor can achieve a high sensitivity (especially in the presence of the low concentrations of miR-155) and a wide detection range (0.01fmol/L to 20,000pmol/L). Under the optimal conditions, the proposed aptasensor offered an ultrasensitive and specific determination of miR-155 down to 0.005fmol/L. This aptassay method would open up a new promising platform at ultralow levels for early diagnose of different miRNA.
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DeAngelis AD, Kemp KC, Gaillard N, Kim KS. Antimony(III) Sulfide Thin Films as a Photoanode Material in Photocatalytic Water Splitting. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:8445-8451. [PMID: 27003726 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, we present exploratory investigations on the performance of thermally evaporated Sb2S3 thin film photoanodes for solar-assisted water-splitting applications. With a band gap of 1.72 eV, a 250 nm thick Sb2S3 photoanode showed a saturation photocurrent density of ∼600 μA cm(-2) measured at 1.0 V reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 M Na2SO4 under 1-sun illumination, with an onset potential of ∼0.25 V RHE. However, subsequent photodegradation studies revealed that the material dissolves relatively quickly with the application of both illumination and bias. Nonetheless, Sb2S3 does have the advantage of having a relatively low optimal fabrication temperature of 300 °C and thus may have utility as a top cell absorber of a tandem device where the bottom cell is temperature sensitive, if protected from corrosion. Therefore, we characterized relevant aspects of the material in an attempt to explain the large difference between the theoretical maximum and measured current density. From our characterization it is believed that the photocatalytic efficiency of this material can be improved by modifying the surface to reduce optical reflection and addressing inherent issues such as high electrical resistivity and surface defects.
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Daouk S, Chèvre N, Vernaz N, Widmer C, Daali Y, Fleury-Souverain S. Dynamics of active pharmaceutical ingredients loads in a Swiss university hospital wastewaters and prediction of the related environmental risk for the aquatic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 547:244-253. [PMID: 26789362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The wastewater contamination of a Swiss university hospital by active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) residues was evaluated with a three months monitoring campaign at the outlet of the main building. Flow-proportional samples were collected with an automatic refrigerated sampler and analyzed for 15 API, including antibiotics, analgesics, antiepileptic and anti-inflammatory drugs, by using a validated LC-MS/MS method. The metals Gd and Pt were also analyzed using ICP-MS. Measured concentrations were compared to the predicted ones calculated after the drug average consumption data obtained from the hospital pharmacy. The hospital contribution to the total urban load was calculated according to the consumption data obtained from city pharmacies. Lastly, the environmental hazard and risk quotients (RQ) related to the hospital fraction and the total urban consumption were calculated. Median concentrations of the 15 selected compounds were ranging from 0.04 to 675 μg/L, with a mean detection frequency of 84%. The ratio between predicted and measured environmental concentrations (PEC/MEC) has shown a good accuracy for 5 out of 15 compounds, revealing over- and under-estimations of the PEC model. Mean daily loads were ranging between 0.01 and 14.2g/d, with the exception of paracetamol (109.7 g/d). The hospital contribution to the total urban loads varied from 2.1 to 100% according to the compound. While taking into account dilution and removal efficiencies in wastewater treatment plant, only the hospital fraction of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole showed, respectively, a high (RQ>1) and moderate (RQ>0.1) risk for the aquatic ecosystems. Nevertheless, when considering the total urban consumption, 7 compounds showed potential deleterious effects on aquatic organisms (RQ>1): gabapentin, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and mefenamic acid. In order to reduce inputs of API residues originating from hospitals various solutions can be envisioned. With results of the present study, hospital managers can start handling this important issue.
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Minguez L, Pedelucq J, Farcy E, Ballandonne C, Budzinski H, Halm-Lemeille MP. Toxicities of 48 pharmaceuticals and their freshwater and marine environmental assessment in northwestern France. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:4992-5001. [PMID: 25292303 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
A risk assessment for freshwater and marine ecosystems is presented for 48 pharmaceutical compounds, belonging to 16 therapeutic classes, and prescribed in northwestern France. Ecotoxicity data were obtained on two freshwater organisms, i.e., crustacean Daphnia magna and the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and on two marine organisms, i.e., the crustacean Artemia salina and the diatom Skeletonema marinoi. Measured environmental concentrations (MEC), in the Orne River and sea off Merville-Franceville in the Basse-Normandie region, were compared to the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC). Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) were derived from acute data for each compound. Then, a risk assessment for each compound and the mixture was performed by calculating risk quotients (RQ as PEC or MEC/PNEC ratio). Results showed that no immediate acute toxicities were expected even if some compounds displayed strong toxicities at very low concentrations. Antibiotics, antidepressants, and antifungals would deserve attention because of their high or median ecological risk suspected on marine and freshwater ecosystems. Marine ecosystems would be more sensitive to pharmaceutical residues.
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Zhu G, Lin T, Cui H, Zhao W, Zhang H, Huang F. Gray Ta2O5 Nanowires with Greatly Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:122-127. [PMID: 26670703 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b07685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Black TiO2, with enhanced solar absorption and photocatalytic activity, has gained extensive attention, inspiring us to investigate the reduction of other wide-bandgap semiconductors for improved performance. Herein, we report the preparation of gray Ta2O5 nanowires with disordered shells and abundant defects via aluminum reduction. Its water decontamination is 2.5 times faster and hydrogen production is 2.3-fold higher over pristine Ta2O5. The reduced Ta2O5 also delivers significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance compared with the pristine Ta2O5 nanowires, including much higher carrier concentration, easier electron-hole separation and 11 times larger photocurrent. Our results demonstrate that Ta2O5 will have great potentials in photocatalysis and solar energy utilization after proper modification.
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Voelker D, Schlich K, Hohndorf L, Koch W, Kuehnen U, Polleichtner C, Kussatz C, Hund-Rinke K. Approach on environmental risk assessment of nanosilver released from textiles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:661-72. [PMID: 26073205 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Based on the increased utilization of nanosilver (silver nanomaterials=AgNM) as antibacterial agent, there is the strong need to assess the potential environmental implication associated with its new application areas. In this study an exemplary environmental risk assessment (ERA) of AgNM applied in textiles was performed. Environmental exposure scenarios (via municipal sewage treatment plant (STP)) with wastewater supply from domestic homes) were developed for three different types of textiles equipped with AgNM. Based on these scenarios predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were deduced for STPs and for the environmental compartments surface water, sediment as well as soil. These PECs were related to PNECs (predicted no effect concentrations). PNECs were deduced from results of ecotoxicity tests of a selected AgNM (NM-300K). Data on ecotoxicology were derived from various tests with activated sludge, cyanobacteria, algae, daphnids, fish, duckweed, macrophytes, chironomids, earthworms, terrestrial plants as well as soil microorganisms. Emission data for the AgNM NM-300K from textiles were derived from washing experiments. The performed ERA was based on the specifications defined in the ECHA Guidances on information requirements and chemical safety assessment. Based on the chosen scenarios and preconditions, no environmental risk of the AgNM NM-300K released from textiles was detected. Under conservative assumptions a risk quotient for surface water close to 1 indicated that the aquatic compartment may be affected by an increased emission of AgNM to the environment due to the high sensitivity of aquatic organisms to silver. Based on the successful retention of AgNM in the sewage sludge and the still ongoing continual application of sewage sludge on farmland it is recommended to introduce a threshold for total silver content in sewage sludge into the respective regulations. Regarding potential risk mitigation measures, it is emphasized to preferably directly introduce AgNM into the textile fiber since this will strongly minimize the release of AgNM during washing. If this is not possible due to technical limitations or other reasons, the introduction of a threshold level controlling the release of AgNM from textiles is suggested. It has to be noted that this study is a case study which is only valid for the investigated NM-300K and its potential application in textiles.
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Weeber F, Koudijs MJ, Hoogstraat M, Besselink NJM, VAN Lieshout S, Nijman IJ, Cuppen E, Offerhaus GJ, Voest EE. Effective Therapeutic Intervention and Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of mTOR Signaling in PEComa: A Case Report. Anticancer Res 2015; 35:3399-3403. [PMID: 26026101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms. The exact genetic alterations underlying the pathophysiology of PEComas are largely unknown, although it has been shown that activation of the Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role. Herein we describe the successful treatment of a patient with metastatic PEComa with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and a comprehensive analysis to identify mechanisms for response. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and genetic analyses were performed. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry confirmed constitutive activation of mTOR. aCGH revealed a hyperdiploid karyotype affecting large regions of the genome. Next-generation sequencing did not reveal any tumor-specific mutations in mTOR-related genes. CONCLUSION Our results show the complexity of determining causal genetic alterations that can predict responsiveness to mTOR inhibition, even for a tumor with a complete remission to this specific treatment.
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Warwick MEA, Kaunisto K, Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Bontempi E, Sada C, Ruoko TP, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G. Vapor Phase Processing of α-Fe₂O₃ Photoelectrodes for Water Splitting: An Insight into the Structure/Property Interplay. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:8667-8676. [PMID: 25853179 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Harvesting radiant energy to trigger water photoelectrolysis and produce clean hydrogen is receiving increasing attention in the search of alternative energy resources. In this regard, hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures with controlled nano-organization have been fabricated and investigated for use as anodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. The target systems have been grown on conductive substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) and subjected to eventual ex situ annealing in air to further tailor their structure and properties. A detailed multitechnique approach has enabled to elucidate the interrelations between system characteristics and the generated photocurrent. The present α-Fe2O3 systems are characterized by a high purity and hierarchical morphologies consisting of nanopyramids/organized dendrites, offering a high contact area with the electrolyte. PEC data reveal a dramatic response enhancement upon thermal treatment, related to a more efficient electron transfer. The reasons underlying such a phenomenon are elucidated and discussed by transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) studies of photogenerated charge carrier kinetics, investigated on different time scales for the first time on PE-CVD Fe2O3 nanostructures.
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Wei Y, Xia W, Ye X, Fan Y, Shi J, Wen W, Yang P, Li H. The antimicrobial protein short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1) is differentially modulated in eosinophilic and noneosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 133:420-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Daughton CG. The Matthew Effect and widely prescribed pharmaceuticals lacking environmental monitoring: case study of an exposure-assessment vulnerability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 466-467:315-25. [PMID: 23911922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Assessing ambient exposure to chemical stressors often begins with time-consuming and costly monitoring studies to establish environmental occurrence. Both human and ecological toxicology are currently challenged by the unknowns surrounding low-dose exposure/effects, compounded by the reality that exposure undoubtedly involves mixtures of multiple stressors whose identities and levels can vary over time. Long absent from the assessment process, however, is whether the full scope of the identities of the stressors is sufficiently known. The Matthew Effect (a psychosocial phenomenon sometimes informally called the "bandwagon effect" or "iceberg effect," among others) may adversely bias or corrupt the exposure assessment process. The Matthew Effect is evidenced by decisions that base the selection of stressors to target in environmental monitoring surveys on whether they have been identified in prior studies, rather than considering the possibility that additional, but previously unreported, stressors might also play important roles in an exposure scenario. The possibility that the Matthew Effect might influence the scope of environmental stressor research is explored for the first time in a comprehensive case study that examines the preponderance of "absence of data" (in contrast to positive data and "data of absence") for the environmental occurrence of a very large class of potential chemical stressors associated with ubiquitous consumer use - active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Comprehensive examination of the published data for an array of several hundred of the most frequently used drugs for whether their APIs are environmental contaminants provides a prototype example to catalyze discussion among the many disciplines involved with assessing risk. The findings could help guide the selection of those APIs that might merit targeting for environmental monitoring (based on the absence of data for environmental occurrence) as well as the prescribing of those medications that might have minimal environmental impact (based on data of absence for environmental occurrence).
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López-Roldán R, Jubany I, Martí V, González S, Cortina JL. Ecological screening indicators of stress and risk for the Llobregat river water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 263 Pt 1:239-247. [PMID: 23911059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this article is to develop and apply several simple and rough indicators for river aquatic ecosystems assessment in order to screen potential chemical stressors. Several indicators, based on toxicity (PNEC) and on legislation levels (EQS) have been developed. All these indicators are ratios that were calculated by using public and private data of concentrations of a large list of compounds during a period of five years, including metals and organic compounds in the lower part of the Llobregat river basin at the intake of the drinking water treatment plant. Additionally, new campaigns were executed for increasing the information available on the presence of compounds not routinely analyzed, such as some other pesticides and pharmaceuticals. In the case of inorganic pollutants, the indicators obtained in this river section showed significant risk especially for zinc, but also for copper, nickel and barium. For organic pollutants, the pesticides terbuthylazine, diazinon, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic (MCPA), and in a few cases, chlorpyrifos and lindane, also showed indexes above the threshold. Among the pharmaceuticals, the antibiotics clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin were the only ones with risk indicators adverse to ecosystems. The specific values of the indexes obtained rely on the quantity and quality of the data available, so their interpretation should take into account that some values can be high due to the use of too conservative toxicological information.
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