Degradation kinetics and mechanism of pentoxifylline by ultraviolet activated peroxydisulfate

Degradation of pentoxifylline (PTX) by sodium peroxydisulfate (SPDS) assisted by UV irradiation has been investigated in deionized water. The treatment was more favorable over direct photolysis or peroxydisulfate oxidation alone. The effects of various parameters, including different dosage of oxidant agent, PTX concentration, initial solution pH levels, and the presence of inorganic ions like chloride, nitrate and carbonate have been evaluated. The rate of PTX decomposition depends on the oxidant agent dose. The highest degradation was determined at pH 10.5, which can be explained by the generation of additional hydroxyl radicals (HO˙) in the reaction between sulfate radicals and hydroxide ions. The presence of inorganic ions, especially the carbonate ions quench valuable sulfate radicals and have successfully retarded the PTX decomposition. Six PTX oxidation products were identified using UPLC-QTOF-MS for trials in a basic environment. The main degradation product (3,7-dimethyl-6-(5-oxohexyloxy)-3,7-dihydro-2H-purin-2-one) was isolated by column chromatography and identified by ¹HNMR and LC MS analyzes.

Degradation of pentoxifylline (PTX) by sodium peroxydisulfate (SPDS) assisted by UV irradiation has been investigated in deionized water.

The effect of diet supplementation with propolis and bee pollen on the physicochemical properties and strength of tibial bones in broiler chickens

Abstract. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of diet supplementation with propolis and bee pollen on selected physical, biomechanical and chemical properties of tibial bones in broiler chickens. The experimental materials comprised 384 Ross 308 chickens (four groups, three replications), divided into groups of males and females, and raised to 35 days of age. Control group 1 birds were fed a commercial diet throughout the experiment. Birds of three other experimental groups received for the first two weeks of rearing standard diets with a different content of propolis and/or bee pollen: group 2 – 0.025 % propolis, group 3 – 0.5 % bee pollen, group 4 – 0.5 % bee pollen and 0.025 % propolis. The following parameters of the tibia were determined: weight, length, mid-shaft circumference, vertical and horizontal external diameters, vertical and horizontal internal diameters. The geometric characteristics of the bones were determined based on the above measurements. Mid-shaft shear strength was measured using an Instron universal testing machine 4301 (Instron, Norwood, MA, USA). The crude ash, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content of the tibia was also determined. Higher values of geometric parameters were noted in the tibial bones of broilers fed a diet supplemented with a combination of propolis and bee pollen, in comparison with birds fed diets containing propolis or bee pollen administered alone. The shear strength values and physical properties of bones were similar in all groups.

Bone mineral density, chemical composition and biomechanical properties of the tibia of female rats exposed to cadmium since weaning up to skeletal maturity

The influence of exposure to cadmium (Cd) during skeletal development on the risk of bone fractures at the stage of skeletal maturity was investigated on a female rat model of human exposure. The tibias of rats treated with 1, 5 or 50 mg Cd/l in drinking water for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months (since weaning) were used. The exposure to Cd dose- and time-dependently influenced the tibia bone mineral density (BMD) and chemical composition. In skeletally matured animals, at each level of the exposure to Cd, the BMD at the whole tibia and its diaphysis as well as the percentage of minerals content in the bone, including the content of zinc, copper and iron, were decreased compared to control. Moreover, in the 50 mg Cd/l group, the percentage of organic components content increased. The Cd-induced changes, at all levels of exposure, resulted in weakening in the yield strength and fracture strength of the tibia (a three-point bending test of the diaphysis and compression test with vertical loading) of the skeletally matured females. A very important and clinically useful finding of this study is that a decrease (even by several percent) in the tibia BMD results in weakness in the bone biomechanical properties and that the BMD may predict the risk of its fracture at the exposure to Cd. Moreover, the results together with our previous findings seem to suggest that tibia, due to higher vulnerability of its diaphysis, compared to the femoral diaphysis, to damage by Cd may be more useful than femur to investigate the effect of Cd on the cortical bone. The present study revealed that a low exposure to Cd (1 mg Cd/l), corresponding to low human environmental exposure, during the skeletal development affects the tibia mineral status leading to weakening in its mechanical properties at the skeletal maturity. The findings allow for the conclusion that environmental exposure to Cd during childhood and adolescence may enhance the risk of low BMD and fractures at adulthood.

Mechanical properties of femoral diaphysis and femoral neck of female rats chronically exposed to various levels of cadmium

The effect of chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd) on the mechanical properties of femoral diaphysis and femoral neck was investigated on a rat model of human exposure. Three-week-old female Wistar rats were exposed to Cd in drinking water at concentrations of 1, 5, 50, or 100 mg/L for 12 months. Biomechanical properties of the femoral diaphysis were evaluated in a three-point bending test and those of the femoral neck in a bending test with vertical loading of the head. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) at the whole femur, and BMD at the diaphysis and proximal femur (head and neck region) of the Cd-treated rats decreased in a dose-dependent manner, except for the diaphyseal BMD at a Cd concentration of 1 mg/L. Exposure to Cd concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/L had only little effect on the diaphyseal mechanical properties (decreased yield load with unchanged bending strength, stiffness, yield stress, ultimate stress, and Young modulus), whereas the bending strength and stiffness of the neck decreased and the yield load clearly tended to decline or declined. The effect of Cd at the two locations was more marked in the 50 and 100 mg/L groups, and changes in the bone geometry were observed in these animals. The results clearly revealed that chronic, even low-level, exposure to Cd results in demineralization and weakening of the femur. The femoral neck seems to be more vulnerable than the diaphysis to failure from Cd. We conclude that environmental exposure to Cd may be an important risk factor for femoral neck fracture.

Mineral status and mechanical properties of lumbar spine of female rats chronically exposed to various levels of cadmium

The effects of chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd) on the mineral status, mechanical properties and incidence of deformities and fractures of the lumbar spine (L1-L5) were studied in a rat model of human exposure. Young female Wistar rats were exposed to 1, 5, 50 or 100 mg Cd/l for 12 months. Cd, dose and time dependently, disturbed the mineral status of the lumbar vertebrae as reflected in decreased bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) at the L1-L5 (DEXA technique) and ash weight (AW) of the fourth lumbar vertebral body (L4). However, the changes were too small to be evident radiographically. Cd had no effect on the ratio of nonorganic to organic component content, except for its decrease at the 100 mg Cd/l. Weakness in the mechanical properties (compression test; Instron machine) of the L4 was noted. At the 1 mg Cd/l, a decrease was observed in the deformation at the yield point, with a simultaneous increase in the L4 stiffness, but not in strength (defined by load at yield or ultimate load). In the 5 mg Cd/l group, similar changes took place and a decrease in the ultimate load was evident as well. At the 50 and 100 mg Cd/l, Cd more seriously affected the L4 mechanical properties. At all levels of Cd exposure, the L4 deformities and/or fractures took place. Intact L4 was noted only in the 1 and 5 mg Cd/l groups. The study clearly revealed that chronic exposure to Cd disturbs the L1-L5 mineral status resulting in weakness in its mechanical properties and in turn in vertebral body (cancellous bone) deformities and fractures. The results allow us to conclude that the critical Cd concentration for these effects is very low [about 0.06-0.09 microg/g dry defatted weight (DW)] and seem to indicate an osteoporotic character of changes. A very important finding of the study is that Cd affects cancellous bone even at low-level intoxication corresponding to the general population exposure. Thus, we hypothesize that environmental exposure to Cd may be a risk factor for the lumbar spine demineralization and increased incidence of vertebral deformities and fractures.

Effect of addition of grit made of crude and expanded amaranth seeds on the quality of canned meat

Grit made of crude and expanded amaranth seeds was added to meat-fat batter in order to determine its effect on its quality. Amaranthus cruentus seeds were expanded by the nonpressure method and graded by density (degree of expansion) into three fractions: 341, 208 and 135 kg/m3; crude seed density was 800 kg/m3. Then the seeds were ground to a homogeneous mass with granulation of 0.8 mm. The water-holding capacity and viscosity of grit made of crude and expanded seeds were determined. Class II pork was used for the production of meat-fat batter. Cooking losses were determined in model meat-fat batter, pasteurized and sterilized cans. The texture and color parameters of canned meat were also determined, and a taste-panel evaluation was made. It was found that expanded seed grit was characterized by worse hydration and gelling properties than crude seed grit. Grit made of crude amaranth seeds had a positive effect on the water-holding capacity of stuffing and allowed to reduce the cooking losses in cans. Better water-holding capacity resulted in an improvement in the tenderness, juiciness and taste of canned meat. Its quality deteriorated when large amounts of highly-expanded seed grit were used.

[Dynamic of IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in patients after surgery treated with total parenteral nutrition]

Exaggerated cytokines productions and development of systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) is the most common cause of postoperative complications and death after major abdominal surgery. The present study was conducted to investigate alterations in systemic production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) after total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in surgical patients. Plasma concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in 22 patients (10 treated with TPN and 12 without TPN) before major surgery and on the days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14-16 after, by ELISA test (indications for surgery: stomach, pancreatic and colon carcinoma, complications of IBD and acute pancreatitis). There were no differences between preoperative levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the examined groups of patients. The highest (on the days 1, 3, 7, 10: 268.3 (p = 0.002), 41.9 (p = 0.03), 122.6 (p = 0.009), 29.3 (p = 0.03) pg/ml respectively) and longer lasting significantly elevated level of IL-6 was observed in the group of patients after major surgery without TPN. In the group of patients received TPN (with glutamine) there was a significantly increased but in comparison with group of patients without TPN, significantly lower level of IL-6 on days 1 and 7 (103.4 and 34.7 pg/ml respectively, p = 0.01). There was no significant change in postoperative concentration of IL-8 after major surgery in the group of patients treated with TPN. The level of IL-8 was significantly elevated (p = 0.01) in the group of patients without TPN on day 1 and 3 following surgery. The IL-8 level in the TPN group vs. group of patients without TPN was significantly lower on day 1 after surgery. After TPN concentration of cholesterol was significantly higher and CRP level significantly lower. We conclude that TPN improved immunological response to major surgical trauma by reduction of the inflammatory response.

[Clinical evaluation of amino acid solution]

Glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid, is important for immune function. It is now being formulated for incorporation in to total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The aims of this study were to examine the effect of glutamine administration on clinical status, body composition, protein synthesis and immune function in critically ill patients with sepsis. Eleven patients were included into the study. Seven of them have been on conventional TPN for 8-63 days without significant clinical and nutritional improvement. Glutamine supplemented TPN was implemented for 10 subsequent days. Before, during and after the study venous blood samples were taken for the cellular immunity examination, and for the measurement of plasma albumin, transferrin and triglycerides levels. Nitrogen balance was calculated every day during the study. No side effects were noted. Patients receiving amino acid solution revealed improved nitrogen balance, body composition and body water distribution. Plasma proteins concentrations and immunological indices significantly increased during ten days TPN with Glamin. We confirm the beneficial effects of amino acid solution-supplemented TPN on nitrogen balance, plasma proteins, and immune status of critically ill patients.

[Parenteral nutrition in postoperative period]

Results of surgical procedures in malnutrished patients are worse than in well-nutrished patients. Perioperative nutritional treatment lead to diminished percentage of postoperative complications and mortality. Authors presents the influence of early postoperative enteral nutrition in 35 malnutrished patients on body composition and anthropometrical and biochemical parameters of their nutritional status. Results shows that enteral nutrition in postoperative phase can decrease catabolic effect of surgical treatment.

[Iatrogenic hepatitis B, non-A non-B, and C virus infections acquired in health service institutions of the Gdansk province in 1986-1995]

The aim of this study is estimation of the frequency of nosocomial infections caused by HBV, NANB virus, HCV in health service institutions of Gdańsk province. Relationship between medical procedures and acute viral hepatitis was examined among 4268 patients hospitalized in Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Gdańsk, from 1986 to 1995. The analysis of results showed that 1915 (44.9%) cases of viral hepatitis caused by HBV, NANB virus, HCV were probably connected with diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Within ten years number of HBV, NANB, HCV infections decreased but at the same time relative increase of nosocomial infections caused by those pathogens was observed. Transfusion anamnesis was noted among 129 patients (8.5% of all persons with acute viral hepatitis probably infected in hospitals).

[Serologic cross reactions between strains of Proteus mirabilis belonging to serogroup O43 I O10]

In this work an epitope has been determined on lipopolysaccharide of Proteus mirabilis O43. This epitope is recognized by specific antibodies.

[Parenteral nutrition at home]

Development of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) allowed for long term survival for patients with chronic intestinal failure, followed mainly total or near total small bowel resection. Own 11 years long experience with 49 HPN patients treated for 98 patients years with a HPN model adapted to polish conditions is presented. Long term survival (4 patients over 10 years) and low complications rate, comparable to reported from West European countries and USA, shows HPN possible in Poland and developed HPN model is efficient and safe method of life-restoring therapy with long term survival of patients with severe disturbances of absorption otherwise leading to death by starvation.

[Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of some indazole derivatives. 36. Azoles]

The synthesis of water soluble hydrochlorides of indazole derivatives 1b, 8 and 9 is described. By treating of 2,5-dinitroindazole with thiomorpholine 3-thiomorpholino-5-nitroindazole (10) and 3,5-dinitroindazole (11) in the form of the molecular compound 11a are obtained. The known indazole derivatives 1 and 7 as well as the newly synthesized hydrochlorides of 1b, 8 and 9 are, except of 8.HCl, less toxic than benzydamine hydrochloric (BZD). The same compounds show with some excepts a comparable or greater antiinflammatory effect than BZD in the carrageenin induced oedema test.

A new family of dispersed, highly repetitive sequences in bovine genome

A new family of highly repetitive sequences which are dispersed in bovine genome is described. The members of the family are visible on agarose or polyacrylamide gels as a diffused band about 510 bp in length arising after digestion with PstI restriction nuclease. This family of fragments comprises the 160 bp bovine Bsu family and is linked with bovine Alu-like sequences.