Ammonia hydroxide and citric acid modified wheat straw-biochars: Preparation, characterization, and environmental applications

This study presents an assessment of inorganic and organic modification of biochar on physicochemical properties, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release, sorption efficiency towards enrofloxacin (E) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), as well as an evaluation of addition of prepared materials on hydro-physical properties and adsorption capacity of montmorillonite (M). The biochar was derived from wheat straw at 650 °C. An inorganic modification was performed using ammonia hydroxide, whereas an organic modification, using citric acid. The ammonia hydroxide and citric acid changed the biochar nature and surface chemistry by introducing amino and ester groups. The lowest DOC release was from ammonia-biochar (BCN) and the highest, from citric acid-biochar (BCC). The adsorption data were better described by pseudo-II order equation and Marczewski-Jaroniec isotherm. Results showed that BCN exhibited the highest efficiency in adsorption of E and Ag-NPs. It also improved the adsorptive abilities and saturated hydraulic conductivity of M. This provides the chemically modified biochars have an excellent potential to improve pollution removal from aqueous media and hydro-physical/sorption properties of soil sorption complex. They can be used with advantageous in environmental applications.

MicroRNA Associations with Preterm Labor-A Systematic Review

This systematic review delves into the connections between microRNAs and preterm labor, with a focus on identifying diagnostic and prognostic markers for this crucial pregnancy complication. Covering studies disseminated from 2018 to 2023, the review integrates discoveries from diverse pregnancy-related scenarios, encompassing gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders and pregnancy loss. Through meticulous search strategies and rigorous quality assessments, 47 relevant studies were incorporated. The synthesis highlights the transformative potential of microRNAs as valuable diagnostic tools, offering promising avenues for early intervention. Notably, specific miRNAs demonstrate robust predictive capabilities. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis lays the foundation for subsequent research, intervention strategies and improved outcomes in the realm of preterm labor.

Complex, high-risk, and indicated percutaneous coronary angioplasty in essentially calcified stented coronary lesions using excimer laser coronary atherectomy with contrast mix injection

Introduction

Complex, coronary stenosis remains a technical challenge that may be responsible for in-stent restenosis and vessel thrombosis. Here we investigated the efficacy and safety of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) with contrast mix injection for improving vessel wall stent apposition in undilatable, mostly calcified lesions.

Aim

To assess ELCA with contrast mix injection in complex, stented, calcified coronary lesions.

Material and methods

This prospective single-center observational study enrolled 52 consecutive patients (73 lesions), with suboptimal stents implanted in de novo lesions and lesions requiring in-stent restenosis (ISR) due to stent underexpansion using all available means to achieve an optimal result. Patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were excluded. All patients underwent coronary angiography 6 months after ELCA with intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography study. We used contrast media mixed with saline (25-75%) to supply maximum laser energy output when a standard approach was unsuccessful. Procedural success was defined as relative stent expansion of > 80% minimal stent area (MSA) divided by average reference lumen area.

Results

Procedural success was achieved in all cases. The cross-sectional area measured in treated segment improved significantly from 2.9 (0.72) mm2 to 7.3 (0.79) mm2 after ELCA. The in-hospital device-oriented major adverse cardiac event (DOCE) rate was 9.6%. No vessel perforation occurred during ELCA. After 6 months, the DOCE rate was 13.4%, while the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR) was 8.2%.

Conclusions

This registry confirms the efficacy and safety of ELCA with contrast mix injection as a possible approach for stent expansion/ISR in failed PCI.

Expression of microRNA (miR126*, miR155, miR21, miR29a) in breast milk cell fraction in women with hypertension: a comparative analysis with women without hypertension

OBJECTIVES

The ideal option of food for a newborn's nourishment has traditionally been human breast milk (HBM). Previous studies have demonstrated a connection between the length of exclusively breastfeeding and its preventive effects on several conditions in neonates. Considering the significance of HBM, the study aimed at detecting the expression of microRNA (miR126*, miR155, miR21, and miR29a) in the breast milk cell fraction of women with hypertension. This was a cohort study of 35 postpartum women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five ml of milk was collected into a sterile container from patients in the morning on the second and third days after the labor. The collected milk has been centrifuged, total cellular RNA has been isolated from cell fraction from the collected milk, isolated RNA has been subject to qualitative and quantitative analysis, next reverse transcription has been conducted, followed by that, evaluation of the expression of the selected microRNA has been conducted using the synthesized cDNA. Finally, the tested microRNA's relative expression level has been calculated.

RESULTS

Among patients with hypertension, the analysis of cell fraction of breast milk reported lower mean expression of miR126*, miR155, miR21, and miR29a as compared to patients without hypertension. Strong and very strong positive correlation between the expression of miR126* and miR155, miR126* and miR21, miR155 and miR21, miR 155 and miR29a, and miR 21 and miR29a have been noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing patients with and without hypertension, it has been noted that patients with hypertension had lower mean expression of miR126*, miR155, miR21, and miR29a.

Scavenging of copper(II) ions, phosphate(V) ions, and diuron from aqueous media by goethite modified with chitosan or poly(acrylic acid)

Goethite was modified by chitosan (CS) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) to improve its adsorptive abilities toward components of agrochemicals, i.e., copper ions (Cu), phosphate ions (P), and diuron. The pristine goethite effectively bound Cu (7.68 mg/g, 63.71%) and P (6.31 mg/g, 50.46%) only in their mixed systems. In the one adsorbate solutions, the adsorption levels accounted for 3.82 mg/g (30.57%) for Cu, 3.22 mg/g (25.74%) for P, and 0.15 mg/g (12.15%) for diuron. Goethite modification with CS or PAA did not yield spectacular results in adsorption. The maximum increase in adsorbed amount was noted for Cu ions (8.28%) after PAA modification as well as for P (6.02%) and diuron (24.04%) after CS modification. Both goethite modifications contributed to clear reduction in desorption of pollutants (even by 20.26% for Cu after PAA coating), which was mainly dictated by electrostatic attractive forces and hydrogen bonds formation occurring between macromolecules and impurities. The only exception in this phenomenon was Cu desorption from CS-modified solid-the polymer made it higher (to 95.00%). The Cu adsorption on PAA-modified goethite enhanced solid aggregation and thus facilitated metal cation separation from aqueous media. Consequently, the goethite modification with PAA was considered more promising for environmental remediation.

Diagnostic potential of microRNAs Mi 517 and Mi 526 as biomarkers in the detection of hypertension and preeclampsia in the first trimester

OBJECTIVES

MicroRNAs have been observed to play a major role in various physiological processes, for instance, programmed cell death, cell division, pregnancy development, and proliferation. With the help of profiling of microRNAs in the serum of pregnant women, it is possible to link alterations in their concentration to the emergence of gestational problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of MicroRNAs Mi 517 and Mi 526 as biomarkers in the detection of hypertension and preeclampsia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study considered 53 patients who are in their first trimester of a singleton pregnancy. Participants have been divided into two study groups, one group with normal pregnancy and another group having the risk of developing preeclampsia or who developed hypertension or preeclampsia during follow-up constitute the study group. In order to collect data associated with circulating miRNAs in serum, blood samples have been collected from the participants of the study.

RESULTS

Based on the univariate regression model, increased expression of Mi 517 and 526 and parity status (primapara/multipara) has been obtained. The multivariate logistic analysis shows that independent risk factors for hypertension or preeclampsia are the presence of an R527 and being a primipara.

CONCLUSIONS

The study's findings have revealed that R517s and R526s act as major indicative biomarkers in the first trimester for the detection of hypertension and preeclampsia. The circulating C19MC MicroRNA was examined as a potential early indicator of preeclampsia and hypertension in pregnant individuals.

Occurrence, Role, and Challenges of MicroRNA in Human Breast Milk: A Scoping Review

MicroRNAs are non-coding segments of RNA involved in the epigenetic modulation of various biological processes. Their occurrence in biological fluids, such as blood, saliva, tears, and breast milk, has drawn attention to their potential influence on health and disease development. Hundreds of microRNAs have been isolated from breast milk, yet the evidence on their function remains inconsistent and inconclusive. The rationale for the current scoping review is to map the evidence on the occurrence, characterization techniques, and functional roles of microRNAs in breast milk. The review of the sources of this evidence highlights the need to address methodological challenges to achieve future advances in understanding microRNAs in breast milk, particularly their role in conditions such as neoplasms. Nonetheless, remarkable progress has been made in characterizing the microRNA profiles of human breast milk.

Chemical modification of biochars as a method to improve its surface properties and efficiency in removing xenobiotics from aqueous media

Biochar (BC) is a carbonaceous material produced by pyrolysis of biomass, applied in various areas such as water purification, fuel production, soil amendment, etc. Many types of BC are characterized by insufficient textural parameters or poor surface chemistry, and hence by low adsorption capacity. This makes innovative chemical methods increasing BC ability to remove xenobiotics from aquatic environments highly needed. Many of them have already been described in the literature. This review presents them in detail and evaluates their effectiveness in improving textural parameters, surface chemistry, and adsorption capacity of BC.

Analysis of Circulating C19MC MicroRNA as an Early Marker of Hypertension and Preeclampsia in Pregnant Patients: A Systematic Review

Preeclampsia and hypertension complicate several pregnancies. Identifying women at risk of developing these conditions is essential to establish potential treatment modalities. Biomarkers such as C19MC microRNA in pregnant patients wopuld assist in defining pregnancy surveillance and implementing interventions. This study sought to analyze circulating C19MC microRNA as an early marker of hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnant patients. A systematic review was undertaken using the following registers: disease registries, pregnancy registries, and pregnancy exposure registries, and the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane technique. From the 45 publications retrieved from the registers and databases, only 21 were included in the review after the removal of duplicates, screening, and eligibility evaluation. All 210 publications had a low risk of bias and illuminated the potential use of circulating C19MC microRNA as an early marker of hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnant patients. Therefore, it was concluded that C19MC microRNA can be used as an early marker of gestational preeclampsia and hypertension.

Uric acid as a link between renal dysfunction and both pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic state in patients with metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricaemia has long been known to be associated with cardiovascular disease, and it is particularly common in patients with kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Metabolic syndrome is associated with pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic state.

AIM

To examine the association between renal function, serum uric acid and markers of both pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic state in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 91 patients (58 men, 33 women) aged 57.6 ± 10.3 years with metabolic syndrome and type 2 DM. Patients were selected from a large group of patients scheduled for routine coronary angiography between 2006 and 2009. The patients were evaluated for the common risk factors for atherosclerosis: smoking, hypertension, DM, family history and hyperlipidaemia. Laboratory tests included complete blood counts, serum urea and creatinine, aminotransferases, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, uric acid, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary protein. We also measured body mass, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and calculated body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

RESULTS

The following significant correlations were observed: body mass vs serum creatinine (r = 0.291; p = 0.009), WHR vs serum creatinine (r = 0.672; p < 0.001), WHR vs GFR (r = -0.706; p < 0.001), WHR vs uric acid (r = -0.341; p = 0.001), WHR vs uric acid (r = 0.295; p = 0.05), BMI vs CRP (r = 0.231; p = 0.031), WHR vs CRP (r = 0.236; p = 0.024), serum creatinine vs uric acid (r = 0.362; p < 0.001), GFR vs uric acid (r = -0.341; p = 0.001), uric acid vs CRP (r = 0.251; p = 0.016), CRP vs fibrinogen (r = 0.470; p < 0.001), CRP vs platelet count (r = 0.282; p = 0.04) and HbA(1c) vs platelet count (r = 0.263; p = 0.0112). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that uric acid level was independently associated with WHR, GFR and CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ischaemic heart disease, DM and metabolic syndrome, obesity, particularly visceral obesity, is associated with renal dysfunction and elevated markers of pro-inflammatory state. Renal dysfunction co-exists with elevated serum uric acid. Elevated serum uric acid is associated with markers of pro-inflammatory state. Markers of pro-inflammatory state correlate with prothrombotic markers such as serum fibrinogen and platelet count. Uric acid should be taken into consideration as a link between renal dysfunction and both pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic state in patients with metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease.